Rowan Byrne When my parents died two years ago, leaving me to finish raising my five younger brothers, and run the Irish Crime Organization; I thought it'd take me down. It didn't. At just twenty-seven I'm one of the most feared and ruthless men on the coast. With the help of my brothers, we make sure no one will ever get the jump on us again. Well, that was until Clara waltzed into my life. Broken, skittish, and holding the hand of a little boy with curly brown hair that makes him look more like a bear cub than a boy. He looked at me with those hazel eyes and that was all he wrote. One look at her and I knew I was in trouble. One conversation and she invaded my head. One taste and I was addicted. The problem with addictions? Once you're addicted your life is no longer your own. Now I have to find a way to keep my word, the organization running, and everyone safe. I have to, I promised.
'Safe, Promise.' is the first book in the 'Let it Byrne' series. Content This book contains dark themes and reader discretion should be applied.
Так-так, в этом романе явно не достаёт количество страниц, чтобы получилась по-настоящему хорошая история, но из-за развязки я накинула ей пол бала. Адекватные персонажи, красивая любовная линия и мафия, которая такая приукрашенная, что в пору на потолок лезть, но зато она идеально вписывается в любовный роман, так что претензий не имею.
Клара вместе с сыном сбежала от мужа-абьюзера и устроилась на работу. Она не привыкла выделяться и не хочет, чтобы её кто-то заметил. Героиня слишком травмирована и боится, что бывший найдёт её, опять превратив жизнь в психологический хоррор. Именно на работе она встречает Роуэна. Он богатый, явно опасный и почему-то обратил на неё внимание. Героиня считает его успешным бизнесменом, но всё куда хуже. Роуэн действительно владеет некоторыми бизнесами, но основная его работа – управление мафиозной группировкой. Вместе с младшими братьями, он занимается незаконной деятельностью.
В этой серии есть некоторые значительные плюсы, которые позволяют закрыть глаза на минусы и если честно, то оценка выставлена не совсем объективно. Как уже сказала, любовная линия красивая, но появляется слишком внезапно. Вот они видятся в кабинете начальника героини и уже заинтересованы друг другом. Вот она пишет ему, что не собирается идти с ним на свидание, а на следующей странице у них полноценный секс по переписке. И это, конечно, огромный минус, но дело в том, что персонажи-то приятные и ты закрываешь глаза на внезапную влюблённость.
Клара разбита и сломлена. Она живёт только ради сына и никому не позволит вновь причинить ему боль. Авторка отлично прописала сцены, где героиня ведёт себя, как жертва насилия и видеть, как она страдает, действительно тяжело. Но как бы я не любила женских персонажей, внимание в серии больше заслуживают мужские. Роуэну пришлось рано повзрослеть. После жестокого убийства родителей, он стал отцом для своих братьев и одновременно старшим братом, на которого они всегда могут положиться. Его не интересовали отношения с женщинами, потому что на нём лежала забота о братьях, а после встречи с героиней, легла забота и о ней. Видеть в таких романах по истине взрослых персонажей одно наслаждение и это касается всех братьев, ведь они по-настоящему прекрасные мужчины.
На самом деле где-то до середины книги я думала поставить ей не больше трёх с половиной как раз из-за романтической линии, но потом в сюжет вмешалось предательство и роман превратился в полноценный детектив. Я строила догадки, кто же предатель и, наверное, впервые в романе о мафии, не угадала. Это как раз тот финальный плот-твист, дважды разбивший моё сердце. Сначала, когда я поставила не на того человека и ошиблась, а потом, когда герои узнали, кто именно предатель. Одним словом – это было слишком жестоко для меня лично, так как этот персонаж понравился мне с первого появления и его поступок морального меня уничтожил.
Почала читати цю книгу завдяки одному інтерактиву в тг каналі і я дуже вражена. Дарк роман, мафія, знайдена сім'я, головний герой з багатьма братами, глухоніма дитина, йобнутий колишній, який переслідує. Це було вау(чого я навіть не очікувала). Звісно тут банальщина: він побачив її вперше і закохався по всі вуха і назавжди. АЛЕ Роуен мене вразив. Він прям 🟢. Не без 🔴, але для мене зелений. Те, як він ставився до неї, та до її дитини, заслуговує поваги до нього. Він такий грізний мафіозі зі всіма окрім неї та дитини, і дома з братами він просто нереальний нєженка. Мені таке подобається. Ну мужик мужиком, мені нравиться.
Клара канєшно під питанням, вся моя увага була до Роуена і його братів. Кінцівка була швидка дуже, все зімято в кучу, того мінус бал. Він її знайшов, її чуть не згвалтували, но він якраз вчасно прибіг і спас.
На рахунок секс сцен......Я читала повноцінно тільки дві, далі пролистувала. Вони були таке собі. Типу прикольні, але я не відчула якогось вау ефекту від них, тому далі і не читала. В сцена де вони в гамаку єбуться, а за пару метрів її глухонімий син з його братами і басейні тусуються, взагалі крінж.
Також є питання до того, як швидко вони всі вивчили мову жестів, чого вони так швидко полюбили всі Клару і її дитину. Ну вот по цьому якраз і мінус бал. Книга на один раз, але це було добре.
Чи буду я радити її прочитати? Так Чи буду я перечитувати її? Ні Чи попала ця книга в мої улюблені? Поки ні Чи буду я наступні частини серії? Так
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
When I first began looking into Nora Thomas’ debut novel, i was immediately reminded of Toby Neal and Emily Kimelman’s “Scorch” series which I absolutely loved. So I was excited to give this new series a try also.
Rowan Byrne is a strong, powerful, and connected young man, who learned about life, business, and love from a healthy and united mother and father.
Clara Sanders is a resilient, yet traumatized DA runaway that learned about life, love, and her worth from all of the wrong places. Her son, Rhett, brave, cautious, and longing for healthy connection.
The balance Thomas creates between chaos and intimacy is thoughtful, fresh, and engaging. Her characters are multifaceted; the attraction to Byrne is created through his power on the outside, and his gentleness with what he holds dear. Likewise, the attraction of Sanders is created through both her frailty, and her courage in spite of all that’s against her.
The story takes multiple twists and turns, leaving readers engaged and wanting more. The adrenaline from thriller and romance, make this book hard to put down. The dual POV allows for further understanding and depth of the characters.
The ending, while feeling a bit rushed, did allow for more of their story to evolve in subsequent novels. By not solidifying details, it allows Thomas to have better control of future events that may arise as the other brothers’ stories unfold. I am waiting in anticipation to catch up with the Byrne brothers on the next one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is my first Nora Thomas book and I couldn't put it down!!! This has to be on of my top reads of the year. Rowan is the MMC and he is the definition of "if he wanted to, he would". Rowan is the head of the Irish mob, ruthless where work is concerned, but loving and protective where family is concerned. Clara is the FMC and she is a protective mama bear who is on the run with her son from her abusive ex. Clara and Rowan cross paths and while she tried to keep him at a distance, there was definitely insta love. From the minute they got together, the way he treated Clara and her son Rhett was the most sweetest thing. The sincerity he had where Rhett was concerned had me crying through most of the book. The fact that he not only learned sign language in order to communicate with Rhett, but his entire household, all his brothers, guards... everyone, had to learn sign language in order to be able to communicate with him so as to make him feel safe.... it had me teary eyed... The little nicknames, Pretty Girl and Little Bear, man.. Rowan gets the trophy for book boyfriend!!! This story was very well written, the characters were amazing! All of them.. the whole family dynamic made it that more lovable... I couldn't get enough. I can't wait for the next in the series. I highly recommend giving this book a read... if I could have given this over 5 stars, I would!!!
This is a single mom, possessive hero, mob romance.
I personally really like mafia/mob romances and have read quite a bit of them.
The heroine in this book is a badass DV survivor and she is a great mom to her son. There was also great representation here since her son is deaf and i feel like i don’t see that in books often. Her son is first to her and she made it very clear when interacting with the hero and i loved her for it.
The hero is your good looking, alpha, possessive hero which i LOVE especially in mafia romance books. He’s a great mafia boss and is amazing with his brothers. **Small spoiler, he immediately gets a tutor to learn ASL when he finds out her son is deaf and sees him as his son. MY HEART 🥹♥️
Overall i enjoyed it but as far as mafia romances go, the romance in this book was a little too sweet and fluffy for me. I love when the woman can bring a powerful man to his knees but it just felt like a little too much. If it would have been like 25% less it would have been perfect. Also, i felt like it was a little too insta-love for me. I totally get instant attraction, we’re human and it’s biologically proven, however it was a little much after only one interaction. It would have been more believable after getting to know each other a little more.
I think if you are new to mafia romance this is a great place to start though! Also, check triggers because of the mafia elements in the book 😁
Safe, Promise is a thrilling debut novel that brilliantly combines action, romance, and heartwarming family dynamics. As someone who doesn’t typically dive into romance, I found myself giggling and blushing through this delightful story!
Clara, a single mom navigating life after escaping her abusive ex, Preston, is incredibly relatable and resilient. Her four-year-old son, Rhett, adds a sweet layer to the narrative. Enter Rowan, the charming Irish crime boss, who sweeps in to offer the love and support they desperately need. Their chemistry is electric, and the moments of spice had me blushing more than I expected! The tension ramps up when Preston attempts to kidnap Clara, leading to a gripping rescue that showcases the strength of their newfound family. With a perfect blend of thrills and tender moments, "Safe,Promise" is a fun, engaging read that had me rooting for these characters every step of the way. If you’re looking for a story filled with heart and excitement, this one’s a must-read! Very much looking forward to more Byrne brothers adventures.
It's a good mafia romance book but too sweet for my taste. I loved how the story took a turn and the suspense / mystery was amazing.
Book Review: What happens when you escape your abusive fiancée and move to a different city to start a new life? What happens when your life is going smoothly but then you come across your boss's best friend? What happens when he asks you out on a lunch? Will you accept the offer after going through the trauma your ex-fiancée put you through? Do you think your son will be able to face another men? Will he be any different?
Tropes & T/Ws: >> Dark mafia romance >> Single mom >> Stalker >> Abusive ex >> Mom on run >> Violence / murder >> Parental loss >> Instant love >> Kidn@pping >> Tr@uma >> HEA
If you love a single mom and a MMC with 5 brothers and lots of mystery, do read this book.
Nora Thomas crafted an engaging story in Safe, Promise, centered around the formidable Rowan Byrne, who is fiercely dedicated to protecting his family. The dynamic between the characters and their responsibilities to each other adds a compelling layer to the narrative. I especially enjoyed the unexpected twist toward the end, which kept me on my toes. Rowan’s unwavering commitment to Clara is beautifully portrayed and brings an emotional depth to the story. However, I felt the conclusion was somewhat rushed, lacking the thorough resolution that could have elevated the ending. A bit more editing and development in those final chapters would enhance the overall experience. Despite these minor shortcomings, Safe, Promise is a captivating read that held my interest from start to finish. I’m eager to see what Nora Thomas will deliver next!
Safe, Promise is Nora Thomas' debut novel. And she is off to a great start. A good read that is both action-packed but also heart-warming and cute at the same time.
Rowan has been the head of his family and siblings since his parents passed years ago. Becoming a hardened man so that nobody can touch them. However, one look at Clara and her son Rhett, and he is enamoured.
Clara and her son have had a tough life before escaping from her ab*sive ex. Her resilience to ensure her son is her top priority is admirable, and she makes this clear to Rowan from the very start. The effort that Rowan puts in to communicate with 'his son' is so heartwarming to see. And the fact that his family quickly accepts them both.
The book had a good plotline and character development. Can't wait to read Nora Thomas comes out with next.
My first read by this author has definitely got off the ground running. Safe Promise is book 1 in the Let It Byrne series and is absolutely fantastic! I do suggest reading the trigger warnings before starting this. There's topics that can be very sensitive to some readers. This is a very intense, emotional, gritty, beautiful story. Clara is such a survivor in the face of all that she's lived through with her ex. Rowan is exactly what she and Rhett needs and he comes at the very best time. Deceit, lies, betrayal, unmerciful abuse and finally love all play pivotal roles in this story and every single one of them is felt in a huge way. I loved Safe Promise and I can't wait for Kieran and Britt's story !
Safe, Promise - Nora Thomas absolutely wrecked my heart. I was tearing up and crying the entire book. Clara and her son have endured way too much heartache in their lives before Rowan finally comes along and completely settles himself in. The love that she finds for herself and child within Rowan is incredible! Rowan has such a boisterous and inviting family, it was super fun to see Clara and Little Bear get to be part of that. Such an amazing love story! It proves that there CAN be a happily ever after even when passed trauma makes it feel unattainable! 💕
⭐5/5 🌶️4/5
⭐"What happened to you, Clara Sanders? And how can I fix it?"⭐
Safe, Promise is a mafia, love-at-first sight romance. I don’t typically seek out mafia romance books, but I enjoyed this one since it was an element of the story but not the predominant aspect of the story.
Clara, a single mom to a young, deaf boy meets mafia boss Rowan while at work. Through unexpected circumstances Rowan meets Clara’s son very early in their interactions and that’s immediately when Rowan captured my heart. He did everything in his power to learn about and love on Clara’s son and my heart melted at their interactions.
Safe, Promise has a little bit of spice, a little bit of danger and a whole lot of love.
I got this book this past weekend at a book fair where I met the author. She sold me on the who series with her description of the Byrne brothers and I demolished this first book in one sitting!!
I can see where the other commentors are coming from with saying that the ending was rushed but I was 4 hours into reading and was rushing right along with them. I will say that the names Killian/Kellum got confusing at the end... mainly because Kellum was mainly referred to as "Mr. O'Brien" for most of the book and I totally spaced on his first name.
I'm very excited to see where this family's story goes and will be starting the next ones in the series today!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is my first time reading a book by Nora Thomas and all I can say is WOW!!!! My rating of 5 stars is nowhere near enough stars...I would give it 10 stars without hesitation. This book was so awesome and hated when it came to an end. Rowan is my pick for best book boyfriend for the year. I love that it took one look at Clara, and he knew she was the one and then to love Rhett as his own. This was a beautiful story and I can't wait to read the next book in the series. Nora is my new favorite author. BRAVO NORA!!!!!
This is the first time reading a book by Nora and I must admit I’m blown away. This story line was amazing, and I can’t wait to read the next book. Rowan has just become my favorite book boyfriend. That man fell for Clara at first sight and the things he did to prove his love for her, I’m all swoony. Clara may not be the sassy, bad ass FMC I normally love but she has overcome so much and is so strong that way. Please read the triggers because there are a lot of topics in this book.
Safe, Promise had everything you could wish for in a mafia romance: the smut, the mafia related violence, the super tough and badass golden retriever men, everything! This book had my heartstrings pulled so tight I thought they’d snap! I absolutely adored the full grown men in this book and how fiercely protective they all became of the sweetest little boy. The sign language tutor?! Oh my gosh I had the biggest smile on my face when reading. Please do yourself a favor and read!! I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
*please read the TW’s before reading any book!* I DEVOURED this book! the spice, character development (mostly the FMC) and the desire the MMC had to ensure he could communicate with Rhett was swoon worthy! also, can i just say, the insta love, support and desire to also be able to communicate with Rhett from the Bryne brothers made my heart soar! The chemistry between the MC’s was electric, fast paced and again swoon worthy! can’t wait to find out which brother is next, but I have a feeling I know which one it will be LOL!
Debut novels are always a gamble. The inexperience can be detrimental to a good story. But let me assure you that that was NOT the case for this author and her first published work! This story kept me on the edge of my seat and constantly wanting more from this sweet couple. I loved the family's dynamics, whether it was between the brothers or the love portrayed between Rowan and Rhett once they really got to know each other. I'm completely obsessed with this group of characters and cannot wait to read book 2!
A beautiful love story about a woman escaping a DV marriage with her son and falling in love with an Irish mafia leader. My favorite thing about this book was that Rowan was such a devoting father figure from the second he laid eyes on Rhett. Not only did he know Clara was going to be his but Rhett too.
I thought that the instant love trope was done really well in Safe, Promise. While I’m all for a good slow burn sometimes you need that love at first sight and this book truly delivered. Rowan knows he’s in love with Clara the moment he sees her in his friend’s office.
This was a really well written debut novel the only thing I wished was that it was longer! I think the books of each brother are going to get better and better.
Tropes: -found family -fmc on the run -single mom -touch her and die vibes -mafia leader -he falls first -instant love
Now I'm going to be honest, it's not a book meant for everyone. I absolutely hated Clara, she was whiney, annoying, and a total 13-year-old's image of an adult with the emotional maturity of someone in middle school. That same thing follows for Rowan, he could very well be switched out with Harry Styles in a wattpad and I would have no idea otherwise. These characters, being the main characters, made the book so terrible and cringy to read. However, it was so cringy that it gave wattpad vibes, but that's my guilty pleasure. I ate this book up and left no crumbs. I had to get over wanting to DNF it during some scenes, but every other part was amazing.
I loved this book! I wish there was a more in depth relationship development with the main characters, but overall, it was a very well written book and I wish there was more! I feel in love with the MMC, like head over heels, and the drama plot, wow! I want so much more with these characters, but I can’t wait to see what’s next in this series!
Who doesn’t love a good mafia romance? And when the MMC is basically a father figure to his siblings and falls immediately for a beautiful woman that has a kid, AND takes time to learn how to communicate with him. I mean come on. He’d do anything to protect her and be around her while she wants him at arms length.
Make sure to check your triggers. This book is dark mafia romance and definitely has some heavy subjects. I devoured it in one sitting though. Rowan is the big bad mob boss who goes through women. Clara is scared and on the run with her son from her abusive ex. She’s terrified of men but Rowan shows up and proves not all men are the same.
Wowwwww okayyyyy I finished this book in one sitting and i absolutely loved it! It was an amazing story and Nora did not disappoint! My heart was broken at times and other times I was giggling and kicking my feet.
This story was absolutely amazing. Roman words, one look at her and I new I was in trouble, oh boy! Clara was everything you expect. Just read it, you won’t be disappointed.