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Promise Kept
In this stunning sequel to Promise Broken , K'wan spins a pulse-pounding story about surviving, thriving, and the consequences of love. Promise and her best friend Mouse have fled Newark and are hiding out in New York City, wanted by the police -- and the streets -- for the death of B-Stone, leader of the Bloods. In the city, Promise has found work as a waitress at a hole-in-the-wall strip club. But one fateful night, she is forced to face her past when an up-and-coming rapper draws several shady characters into her orbit. Meanwhile, Asher has maneuvered himself into a position of great importance after B-Stone's death, albeit with some help. But his ambition may cost him when he must make the ultimate his best friend's life, or his own. Promise and Asher have each come into their own, but will they ever be able to come together? Bestselling author K'wan weaves a tangled web of complex relationships and power struggles in Promise Kept , a tale peopled with gangstas, drug dealers, dreamers, and schemers from both sides of the Hudson.
372 pages, Paperback
Published March 19, 2024
33 people are currently reading
3830 people want to read
About the author
K'wan
84 books1,520 followersIn 2002 K'wan hit the scene with his debut novel Gangsta, under Triple Crown Publications. It was the first novel released by the budding house and would eventually become the building block for what is now a multimillion dollar company. What started as a therapeutic release went on to become a part of urban-lit history and an Essence bestseller, as well as drawing rave reviews overseas.
After penning his second novel, Road Dawgz (2003), K'wan drew the attention of St. Martins press. The literary powerhouse quickly signed K'wan to a multi-book deal, the first of which being Street Dreams (2004). In 2008 he received the Black Author of the year award from Black Press Radio for the novella Blow.
Since his insertion into the publishing world K'wan has been featured in Vibe, Pages, King, Felon, Big News, The Library Journal, Entertainment Weekly, The New York Press, Clutch and most notably Time Magazine, to name a few. He was also interviewed by MTV News for a feature on Hip-Hop fiction, and a guest on Power 105s morning show as well as NPR (national public radio). In addition to being an accomplished author, K'wan is also a motivational speaker, mentor to at risk children and the C.E.O of Black Dawn, Inc.
K'wan currently resides in New Jersey where he is working on his next novel.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/kwan
After penning his second novel, Road Dawgz (2003), K'wan drew the attention of St. Martins press. The literary powerhouse quickly signed K'wan to a multi-book deal, the first of which being Street Dreams (2004). In 2008 he received the Black Author of the year award from Black Press Radio for the novella Blow.
Since his insertion into the publishing world K'wan has been featured in Vibe, Pages, King, Felon, Big News, The Library Journal, Entertainment Weekly, The New York Press, Clutch and most notably Time Magazine, to name a few. He was also interviewed by MTV News for a feature on Hip-Hop fiction, and a guest on Power 105s morning show as well as NPR (national public radio). In addition to being an accomplished author, K'wan is also a motivational speaker, mentor to at risk children and the C.E.O of Black Dawn, Inc.
K'wan currently resides in New Jersey where he is working on his next novel.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/kwan
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 14, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
March 27, 2024
🎢😮💨
Promise Kept had me on my heels, I read this book so fast and I would have taken another 50+ pages. This book was good. There was so much suspense and unexpected chaos that I didn’t know who to trust!! I hope there is more from this crew because I know Asher has more moves to make. I feel like Mouse didn’t get as much page time but I do feel like I know more about Promise. I was lowkey hoping Sin was a good one. So good!
Promise Kept had me on my heels, I read this book so fast and I would have taken another 50+ pages. This book was good. There was so much suspense and unexpected chaos that I didn’t know who to trust!! I hope there is more from this crew because I know Asher has more moves to make. I feel like Mouse didn’t get as much page time but I do feel like I know more about Promise. I was lowkey hoping Sin was a good one. So good!
May 1, 2024
One thing I love about urban fiction you already know what you’re in store for. You’ll get some violence, drugs, money, sex, betrayal, a little romance and some. No matter how many times these same themes are thrown into the mix the stories are never the same. I live for the drama, the messiness, and the overly exaggerated narratives.
K’wan delivered with Promise Kept it was grimy and street in the best way. Literally gotta go back and read book 1 to know what broke Promise in the first place cause I need answers.
Book 2 opens with Promise working as a waitress at a hole-in-the-wall strip club Dirty Wine. It was def giving Players Club with a twist of P-Valley and Power‼️ After the murder of B-Stone, Promise and her bestie Mouse fled to New York City to hide out. But what Promise has to understand is you can’t outrun your past. Trouble will always follow. Asher on the other hand finally put himself in place to be a boss after the death of B-Stone. But his struggle for power will put him in a tough spot left to choose between killing his best friend or sacrificing himself.
This was a twisted tale of mess sooooo much was happening I couldn’t keep up. Action-packed and drama filled doesn’t begin to describe this book. My biggest takeaway was there were way too many characters. Promise, Ruby, Asher, Cal, Sin, Mouse, Unique, Trap . . . .etc I could literally keep going 😂.
Overall, the book was lit very fast-paced and will have you hooked from beginning to end. The character development was okay quite a few of them are memorable. Definitely would recommend if you’re looking for some ratchet urban drama. Special thanks to the author & @blackstonepublishing for my gifted copy‼️
K’wan delivered with Promise Kept it was grimy and street in the best way. Literally gotta go back and read book 1 to know what broke Promise in the first place cause I need answers.
Book 2 opens with Promise working as a waitress at a hole-in-the-wall strip club Dirty Wine. It was def giving Players Club with a twist of P-Valley and Power‼️ After the murder of B-Stone, Promise and her bestie Mouse fled to New York City to hide out. But what Promise has to understand is you can’t outrun your past. Trouble will always follow. Asher on the other hand finally put himself in place to be a boss after the death of B-Stone. But his struggle for power will put him in a tough spot left to choose between killing his best friend or sacrificing himself.
This was a twisted tale of mess sooooo much was happening I couldn’t keep up. Action-packed and drama filled doesn’t begin to describe this book. My biggest takeaway was there were way too many characters. Promise, Ruby, Asher, Cal, Sin, Mouse, Unique, Trap . . . .etc I could literally keep going 😂.
Overall, the book was lit very fast-paced and will have you hooked from beginning to end. The character development was okay quite a few of them are memorable. Definitely would recommend if you’re looking for some ratchet urban drama. Special thanks to the author & @blackstonepublishing for my gifted copy‼️
April 14, 2024
This is a world beyond my reality. Is the stuff Hollywood likes to depict, except even Hollywood does it, we usually miss out on the subtleties of why urban gangster life is what it is today, how multigenerational trauma is passed down (and especially why), and what it means to survive, even at the cost of big chunks of your soul. But because Promise is more of a secondary character in this one, I leave it at the stars.
March 28, 2024
Really 4.9 because of the Don (iykyk) 😩
Promise still being green irked me but i love to see her transcend into street mode. New characters have entered and they all played a part in an even bigger plot.
I don’t know who to root for. I just know the story is just getting started. I will gladly stay on this roller coaster ride.
Promise still being green irked me but i love to see her transcend into street mode. New characters have entered and they all played a part in an even bigger plot.
I don’t know who to root for. I just know the story is just getting started. I will gladly stay on this roller coaster ride.
March 21, 2024
Everytime I read a K'wan book I'm reminded why he's my favorite author. We dive back into K'wan universe with characters we love and some we hate but I was so happy to see some of my favorite people make an appearance. K'wan's story telling abilities is like none that I ever seen before and he really makes you feel like you watching an episode of your favorite tv show. I loved everything about this book but I really don't expect anything different from him.
May 17, 2024
Not good as the first
It started out slow but started to pick up and get good once Asher and Promise bumped into each other at the club. Although good the book left alot of unanswered questuons; I hope there wld be a part 3 because it was a lot
It started out slow but started to pick up and get good once Asher and Promise bumped into each other at the club. Although good the book left alot of unanswered questuons; I hope there wld be a part 3 because it was a lot
June 10, 2024
Broken Promise (Kept’s prequel) made me fall in love w/ st. lit. It was my first run-in and since I’ve read at least 50 novellas & audiobooks in the genre! Read this right after the first or you’re gonna be confused, not remembering who hurt Promise if not B Stone, or who the other killer was (I suspect Asher but will save judgment).
We have an unclear time jump (a yearish?), to where Promise is working as a waitress at a NY strip club with shabby chic character. There, she meets a smooth guy called Sincere, who keeps her from getting fired—unlike his hothead brother—for spilling drinks.
Sometimes characters’ motives/emotions are over explained but not in relation to the last book. I do like that Asher’s sidekick has the duality to still attend night school and juggle girls, feigning sweet and innocent, while running blocks. I remember Asher being a two-timer last book after looking conflicted if not remorseful, but in this book he’s straight up annoying, trying to act so hard when he’s insecure. “That’s obvious to a duck” took me out, how cute and silly.
It’s interesting the concepts raised like how girls at the club might walk over Promise to later force her into a domme/dyke relationship. It’s endearing how she’s just a touch naive and shy. Her parental backstory is good, touching. The main problem is the abundance of side characters and cliches that make me skim.
Also, it seems to follow Promise way less than the guys this volume. Despite that huge let-down, the moments of violence are super memorable, and anyone who read Purple Reign would be happy for the cameos.
I just wanted this book to be much more about Promise and her actually dealing with her attack and lack of family and more genuine if still seedy side hustle. Instead, it was practically a dif series about rappers. Not enough lady troubles from the guys even.
We have an unclear time jump (a yearish?), to where Promise is working as a waitress at a NY strip club with shabby chic character. There, she meets a smooth guy called Sincere, who keeps her from getting fired—unlike his hothead brother—for spilling drinks.
Sometimes characters’ motives/emotions are over explained but not in relation to the last book. I do like that Asher’s sidekick has the duality to still attend night school and juggle girls, feigning sweet and innocent, while running blocks. I remember Asher being a two-timer last book after looking conflicted if not remorseful, but in this book he’s straight up annoying, trying to act so hard when he’s insecure. “That’s obvious to a duck” took me out, how cute and silly.
It’s interesting the concepts raised like how girls at the club might walk over Promise to later force her into a domme/dyke relationship. It’s endearing how she’s just a touch naive and shy. Her parental backstory is good, touching. The main problem is the abundance of side characters and cliches that make me skim.
Also, it seems to follow Promise way less than the guys this volume. Despite that huge let-down, the moments of violence are super memorable, and anyone who read Purple Reign would be happy for the cameos.
I just wanted this book to be much more about Promise and her actually dealing with her attack and lack of family and more genuine if still seedy side hustle. Instead, it was practically a dif series about rappers. Not enough lady troubles from the guys even.
May 21, 2024
'Promise Kept' by K'wan Foye is a riveting sequel that I found impossible to put down. As a fan of urban fiction, I've always admired K'wan's storytelling prowess, and this book is no exception. His writing continues to be as engaging and fast-paced as ever.
The story picks up with Promise and Mouse, two Jersey natives who have fled to New York after a suspected murder. The suspense in this book is palpable, keeping me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The cunning nature of one of the protagonists, Asher, and his operations in running his 'inherited' empire, adds a layer of intrigue that makes this book more suspenseful than previous K'wan books I've read. The antagonists remain a mystery until the very end, adding to the suspense and making the story all the more gripping.
What I particularly appreciate about K'wan's books is his exploration of different home turfs of the protagonists, which showcases his growth as a writer. His earlier books were set in his hometown Harlem, but he has gradually expanded his canvas to include neighbouring boroughs like Brooklyn and then out to New Orleans, Miami, and LA. This latest book flits back and forth from Newark, New Jersey, and New York City, adding a fresh perspective to his narrative.
In conclusion, 'Promise Kept' is a thrilling read that offers a perfect blend of suspense, action, and character development. It's a testament to K'wan's skill as a writer and his ability to keep readers hooked from cover to cover. If you're a fan of urban fiction, this is a must-read. K'wan Foye has once again delivered a book that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. I eagerly look forward to his next work.
The story picks up with Promise and Mouse, two Jersey natives who have fled to New York after a suspected murder. The suspense in this book is palpable, keeping me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The cunning nature of one of the protagonists, Asher, and his operations in running his 'inherited' empire, adds a layer of intrigue that makes this book more suspenseful than previous K'wan books I've read. The antagonists remain a mystery until the very end, adding to the suspense and making the story all the more gripping.
What I particularly appreciate about K'wan's books is his exploration of different home turfs of the protagonists, which showcases his growth as a writer. His earlier books were set in his hometown Harlem, but he has gradually expanded his canvas to include neighbouring boroughs like Brooklyn and then out to New Orleans, Miami, and LA. This latest book flits back and forth from Newark, New Jersey, and New York City, adding a fresh perspective to his narrative.
In conclusion, 'Promise Kept' is a thrilling read that offers a perfect blend of suspense, action, and character development. It's a testament to K'wan's skill as a writer and his ability to keep readers hooked from cover to cover. If you're a fan of urban fiction, this is a must-read. K'wan Foye has once again delivered a book that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. I eagerly look forward to his next work.
March 20, 2024
ARC —-Promise Kept wasn’t the story I was expecting but it was an amazing nonetheless. If you are a diehard K’wan fan, you will enjoy this story. There is so much information given about some of your favorite characters from other stories, that it will have your mind spinning (I won’t give anything away just yet).
Promise, Mouse and Asher are back. Promise and Mouse are trying to survive the streets of New York after B-Stones death and the role they think they played in his demise. Afraid of being spotted and having to face those consequences, they both are doing jobs that put them in positions they have never imagined themselves being in.
Asher is in a world of chaos. When you tell one lie, you have to tell a million more to keep it going and Asher finds out just how true that is. In the midst of all of his scheming and scamming, everyone becomes expendable. Asher gives you anxiety as you wait to see how he is going to get out of some of the situations he has placed himself in.
K’wan sprinkled so much blood in the water, and every shark responded. There was so much poured into this story that it hooks you from beginning to end and leaves you wondering, what could possible happen next. There is no time to take a deep breath or have a sigh of relief because the drama is consistent and none of these characters can catch a break. Bodies are dropping left and right and you have no clue who will be left standing.
Take a ride through the K’wan universe, you won’t be disappointed.
Promise, Mouse and Asher are back. Promise and Mouse are trying to survive the streets of New York after B-Stones death and the role they think they played in his demise. Afraid of being spotted and having to face those consequences, they both are doing jobs that put them in positions they have never imagined themselves being in.
Asher is in a world of chaos. When you tell one lie, you have to tell a million more to keep it going and Asher finds out just how true that is. In the midst of all of his scheming and scamming, everyone becomes expendable. Asher gives you anxiety as you wait to see how he is going to get out of some of the situations he has placed himself in.
K’wan sprinkled so much blood in the water, and every shark responded. There was so much poured into this story that it hooks you from beginning to end and leaves you wondering, what could possible happen next. There is no time to take a deep breath or have a sigh of relief because the drama is consistent and none of these characters can catch a break. Bodies are dropping left and right and you have no clue who will be left standing.
Take a ride through the K’wan universe, you won’t be disappointed.
June 11, 2024
Promise is trying to adjust to life in NYC, but things don't really seem to be working that well for her. Seems like she can't keep a job to save her life. And to keep a roof over her head, she gotta have some money coming in. She finally gets a lil rhythm going with a patron of the club & things are going ok to she runs into more than one familiar face & gets spooked.
Meanwhile, Asher is basically running things back in Jersey, but he's still not the top dog, so he's back to his sneaky ways, trying to claw his way to the very top. The only thing is, he is not really as smart as he thinks. One thing about him though, he's always got a trick up his sleeve.
Some things don't go as planned, but also some people aren't really who you think they are. There are quite a few surprises here that you aren't really expecting. I had to read it twice to make sure I was reading what I thought I was reading! The author never ceases to amaze.
Meanwhile, Asher is basically running things back in Jersey, but he's still not the top dog, so he's back to his sneaky ways, trying to claw his way to the very top. The only thing is, he is not really as smart as he thinks. One thing about him though, he's always got a trick up his sleeve.
Some things don't go as planned, but also some people aren't really who you think they are. There are quite a few surprises here that you aren't really expecting. I had to read it twice to make sure I was reading what I thought I was reading! The author never ceases to amaze.
March 26, 2024
I read the first Promises book a while back. I was waiting and anticipating this one and pre ordered first chance I got.
Two things you're always going to get in a K'wan book:
A well written, descriptive and detailed engaging story.
Fully fleshed out characters.
He's a master storyteller and one of the reasons Urban lit shouldn't get the rap it does.
This second in the series doesn't just follow up on Promise and Mouse, but also a few characters from the first book. As well as introducing us to a few new ones.
As usual there was an explosive ending and, the promise of another.
Hopefully we don't have to wait long!
4.5 stars
Two things you're always going to get in a K'wan book:
A well written, descriptive and detailed engaging story.
Fully fleshed out characters.
He's a master storyteller and one of the reasons Urban lit shouldn't get the rap it does.
This second in the series doesn't just follow up on Promise and Mouse, but also a few characters from the first book. As well as introducing us to a few new ones.
As usual there was an explosive ending and, the promise of another.
Hopefully we don't have to wait long!
4.5 stars
September 7, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
My first thought is that there were A LOT of characters to keep up with in this book, very different from the set up of Promise Kept. Most of the characters didn’t contribute to the plot, and the main protagonists from the first book had much less of a storyline. Most of the writing was dedicated to Asher, but Promises development really took a back seat. I still loved the story telling and was drawn in by the plot, even though it was a little difficult to connect the new characters back to their parts.
My first thought is that there were A LOT of characters to keep up with in this book, very different from the set up of Promise Kept. Most of the characters didn’t contribute to the plot, and the main protagonists from the first book had much less of a storyline. Most of the writing was dedicated to Asher, but Promises development really took a back seat. I still loved the story telling and was drawn in by the plot, even though it was a little difficult to connect the new characters back to their parts.
January 3, 2025
Come through Ash
Was hoping this wouldn't be a series and I'd have to wait again but not mad at the same time. Kwan is one of my top 5 favorite authors and although he definitely has a predictable writing style you just never know how it's going to end. I am a hopeless hood romantic and hopefully the next promise book Asher will make things right with Promise.
Was hoping this wouldn't be a series and I'd have to wait again but not mad at the same time. Kwan is one of my top 5 favorite authors and although he definitely has a predictable writing style you just never know how it's going to end. I am a hopeless hood romantic and hopefully the next promise book Asher will make things right with Promise.
January 17, 2025
Another great book from one of my favorite authors! This is the 2nd book of the Promise series. Promise and Mouse left Newark, NJ and hid out in New York. Promise probably thought she would never see Asher again but he wasn't the only one of her past coming back around. Read this action packed book.
March 23, 2024
Wonderful
This was different but excellent. That ending makes me think there will be a sequel to this. I want to know what happened to Promise and Mouse after they found out about Sin. Good story
This was different but excellent. That ending makes me think there will be a sequel to this. I want to know what happened to Promise and Mouse after they found out about Sin. Good story
June 24, 2024
Keep it Going
I save when K'wan's books come out as I have to take my time to understand the genuis with the pen! I'm ready for or all now. This was even better than I could hope! THANK YOU!!
I save when K'wan's books come out as I have to take my time to understand the genuis with the pen! I'm ready for or all now. This was even better than I could hope! THANK YOU!!
April 3, 2024
!!!!!!
Worth every dime, hooked with every word and every page !!!! That book was amazing !!!!!! Like def a must read !
Worth every dime, hooked with every word and every page !!!! That book was amazing !!!!!! Like def a must read !
April 9, 2024
Another Kwan classic
Kwan is a wonderful author and I ALWAYS look forward to reading his novels. They keep my attention all day he way through!
Kwan is a wonderful author and I ALWAYS look forward to reading his novels. They keep my attention all day he way through!
June 22, 2024
Dope, as always!
K'wan has done it again! Love how he introduced us to new characters but always found a way to keep the og's in play. Can't wait for the next book.
K'wan has done it again! Love how he introduced us to new characters but always found a way to keep the og's in play. Can't wait for the next book.
August 12, 2024
This book was much better than the first one, however there were a few things I got tired of hearing.
1. Jumped off the porch
2. All about a dollar/making a dollar
3. Bout that life
4. Gangsta
1. Jumped off the porch
2. All about a dollar/making a dollar
3. Bout that life
4. Gangsta
October 18, 2024
K'wan never disappoint
February 1, 2025
K'wan never disappoints...☺️🫣🫡
July 25, 2024
It started off promising but it lost me and got boring however I wouldn't read it again but if you want to be my guest
December 20, 2024
This was a great book. However, I wished more of it was focused on promise. This felt like a great book about Asher.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews