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Redemption Hills #4
Promise Me Always
I should know better than to let Tessa McDaniels pretend to be my fiancée.
I’m a dark, dangerous disaster who leaves destruction in his wake.
But when she offers to pretend to marry me to help me get my kids back, I can’t refuse. They are the one thing I have left to fight for.
Milo Hendricks found me at my lowest.
Battered and broken by my ex with no place to call home. When he insists I stay at his cabin with him, he sparks the feelings I’ve tried to suppress.
He’s only supposed to be my friend, but every time he comes in the room, he makes my knees weak.
This gorgeous, tatted, mountain-of-a-man who’s riddled with secrets.
Tessa is everything I crave but can’t have.
I shouldn’t touch her.
Shouldn’t make it real.
But she’s a red-headed flame I can’t resist, and I can’t help but take her to my bed.
Now we’re falling into an abyss of passion and need.
Loving her is easy.
Only we’re tied in ways we don’t know.
I’ll do anything to protect her, but it’s my past that might destroy her in the end…
I’m a dark, dangerous disaster who leaves destruction in his wake.
But when she offers to pretend to marry me to help me get my kids back, I can’t refuse. They are the one thing I have left to fight for.
Milo Hendricks found me at my lowest.
Battered and broken by my ex with no place to call home. When he insists I stay at his cabin with him, he sparks the feelings I’ve tried to suppress.
He’s only supposed to be my friend, but every time he comes in the room, he makes my knees weak.
This gorgeous, tatted, mountain-of-a-man who’s riddled with secrets.
Tessa is everything I crave but can’t have.
I shouldn’t touch her.
Shouldn’t make it real.
But she’s a red-headed flame I can’t resist, and I can’t help but take her to my bed.
Now we’re falling into an abyss of passion and need.
Loving her is easy.
Only we’re tied in ways we don’t know.
I’ll do anything to protect her, but it’s my past that might destroy her in the end…
364 pages, Paperback
First published January 30, 2023
1626 people are currently reading
12644 people want to read
About the author
A.L. Jackson
95 books14.6k followersA.L. Jackson is the New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance. She writes emotional, sexy, heart-filled stories about boys who usually like to be a little bit bad.
Her bestselling series include THE REGRET SERIES, CLOSER TO YOU, BLEEDING STARS, FIGHT FOR ME, CONFESSIONS OF THE HEART, FALLING STARS, REDEMPTION HILLS, TIME RIVER, and MOONLIT RIDGE novels. Start your binge with the first book in her latest series, From Here to Eternity! A broody single dad, a heroine on the run, and all the steam and suspense!
If she’s not writing, you can find her hanging out by the pool with her family, sipping cocktails with her friends, or of course with her nose buried in a book.
GET TO KNOW ME EVERYWHERE
Website: www.aljacksonauthor.com
Facebook: facebook.com/aljacksonauthor
Twitter: @aljacksonauthor
Instagram: @aljacksonauthor
Snapchat: aljacksonauthor
Newsletter: http://smarturl.it/NewsFromALJackson
Reader Group: http://smarturl.it/AmysAngelsRock
Text "aljackson" to 33222 for special updates!
Want to know what music inspires my books?
I have book specific playlists on Spotify!
https://open.spotify.com/user/1255231879
Represent by Brower Literary & Management
subrights@browerliterary.com
Her bestselling series include THE REGRET SERIES, CLOSER TO YOU, BLEEDING STARS, FIGHT FOR ME, CONFESSIONS OF THE HEART, FALLING STARS, REDEMPTION HILLS, TIME RIVER, and MOONLIT RIDGE novels. Start your binge with the first book in her latest series, From Here to Eternity! A broody single dad, a heroine on the run, and all the steam and suspense!
If she’s not writing, you can find her hanging out by the pool with her family, sipping cocktails with her friends, or of course with her nose buried in a book.
GET TO KNOW ME EVERYWHERE
Website: www.aljacksonauthor.com
Facebook: facebook.com/aljacksonauthor
Twitter: @aljacksonauthor
Instagram: @aljacksonauthor
Snapchat: aljacksonauthor
Newsletter: http://smarturl.it/NewsFromALJackson
Reader Group: http://smarturl.it/AmysAngelsRock
Text "aljackson" to 33222 for special updates!
Want to know what music inspires my books?
I have book specific playlists on Spotify!
https://open.spotify.com/user/1255231879
Represent by Brower Literary & Management
subrights@browerliterary.com
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January 30, 2023🖤 PROMISE ME ALWAYS IS LIVE 🖤
A Single Dad, Fake Fiancée Romance
Free with Kindle Unlimited
Amazon & Kindle Unlimited: https://geni.us/PMAAmznOP
Audio - Narrated by Connor Crais and Samantha Brentmoor: https://geni.us/PMAAudioOP
Signed Paperbacks & Hardbacks: https://geni.us/PMAPaperbackOP
A Single Dad, Fake Fiancée Romance
Free with Kindle Unlimited
Amazon & Kindle Unlimited: https://geni.us/PMAAmznOP
Audio - Narrated by Connor Crais and Samantha Brentmoor: https://geni.us/PMAAudioOP
Signed Paperbacks & Hardbacks: https://geni.us/PMAPaperbackOP
February 10, 2023
"But sometimes, we have to make it through the ugliness to find the beauty on the other side."
It’s really hard to say goodbye to this series, but this book was the perfect way to wrap it up. I knew I would fall for Milo, but I didn’t expect to fall quite this hard. It was hard to put this book down so I could adult.
"You’re the light, Tessa. The goodness I’d never expected. You have any idea what I see when I look at you?"
I didn’t really like Tessa in the previous books. She seemed too carefree, too chipper, and too involved in everyone else’s business, to the point where I wanted to slap her silly. But that was until I knew what was at the core of all that, the reasons why she does what she does, and the wonderful, giving, loving person she is.
"All except for the undercurrent of darkness that curled around him like a building storm. The ghosts that haunted him in the night. But the truth was, I’d gladly take those on, too."
Milo was everything I wanted and then some. The gruff, tattooed, imposing club bouncer is so much more than you know. Underneath it all, he is probably the best of the four men in the series, and he’s been through hell. He’s definitely in need of some sunshine in his life.
"Um, no, have you seen me? I’m a total catch."
"Have I seen you? I can’t look away, Little Dove."
Tessa’s boyfriend is a complete asshole—we already knew that from previous books too. But she stuck around with him for reasons this book finally uncovers. Until one night, when he hits her, she’s had enough. And Milo is there for her, as unlikely as it may be.
"That’s exactly what you are, Little Dove. A perfect distraction, and I’m afraid I’m gonna lose sight."
"And what if I can help you see?"
He takes her home, offering shelter and safety. Offering friendship. The problem is that she wants more, but she doesn’t think he’s interested, and he wants more, but there’s stuff he needs to overcome first, things in his past that just won’t stay buried, and family he needs to recover. And a world of hurt that needs to be healed.
"I can’t stand the idea of you getting hurt for me."
"Would die for you, Tessa. Kill for you. Destroy what threatens you."
Milo is a single dad who lost custody of his kids, so when Tessa offers to fake a relationship with him to get them back, it sounds perfect. Too perfect. Simply two friends supporting and being there for each other. However, as it so happens, there’s nothing fake about the feelings they have. There never has been.
"And whoever you are in the darkest places in here? Whatever you’ve done? Whatever you’re prepared to do? I’ll stand by him, too."
It’s going to take a lot to convince Milo that he deserves happiness. That he deserves the world and all the love Tessa is willing to give him. He deserves her. It was heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time, but the tension and the buildup? Oh, it’s so good. So, so good. The two of them are absolute fire.
"I’m not afraid, Milo. You’re worth the risk. What you have to ask yourself is if I am. Am I worth the risk?"
"You’re worth it, Tessa. You’re worth everything. Every. Fucking. Thing."
Theirs is one hell of a journey. It gets dark and ugly, but there’s so much light in it too. The way they feel about each other, Milo’s kids, the characters from the other books in the series, and the feeling of found family. All of it was absolutely worth it, even though it was a hard-earned HEA.
"Miss me?"
"If you’re not with me, that means I’m missing you, Tessa."
This is a book about healing and loving. Healing from the past and from the bad things that have happened to you. Healing from wasted time and bad memories. Healing from within. And loving yourself, loving someone else with everything you are, and allowing yourself to be loved back just as hard.
Mad, mad love for this book.
It’s really hard to say goodbye to this series, but this book was the perfect way to wrap it up. I knew I would fall for Milo, but I didn’t expect to fall quite this hard. It was hard to put this book down so I could adult.
"You’re the light, Tessa. The goodness I’d never expected. You have any idea what I see when I look at you?"
I didn’t really like Tessa in the previous books. She seemed too carefree, too chipper, and too involved in everyone else’s business, to the point where I wanted to slap her silly. But that was until I knew what was at the core of all that, the reasons why she does what she does, and the wonderful, giving, loving person she is.
"All except for the undercurrent of darkness that curled around him like a building storm. The ghosts that haunted him in the night. But the truth was, I’d gladly take those on, too."
Milo was everything I wanted and then some. The gruff, tattooed, imposing club bouncer is so much more than you know. Underneath it all, he is probably the best of the four men in the series, and he’s been through hell. He’s definitely in need of some sunshine in his life.
"Um, no, have you seen me? I’m a total catch."
"Have I seen you? I can’t look away, Little Dove."
Tessa’s boyfriend is a complete asshole—we already knew that from previous books too. But she stuck around with him for reasons this book finally uncovers. Until one night, when he hits her, she’s had enough. And Milo is there for her, as unlikely as it may be.
"That’s exactly what you are, Little Dove. A perfect distraction, and I’m afraid I’m gonna lose sight."
"And what if I can help you see?"
He takes her home, offering shelter and safety. Offering friendship. The problem is that she wants more, but she doesn’t think he’s interested, and he wants more, but there’s stuff he needs to overcome first, things in his past that just won’t stay buried, and family he needs to recover. And a world of hurt that needs to be healed.
"I can’t stand the idea of you getting hurt for me."
"Would die for you, Tessa. Kill for you. Destroy what threatens you."
Milo is a single dad who lost custody of his kids, so when Tessa offers to fake a relationship with him to get them back, it sounds perfect. Too perfect. Simply two friends supporting and being there for each other. However, as it so happens, there’s nothing fake about the feelings they have. There never has been.
"And whoever you are in the darkest places in here? Whatever you’ve done? Whatever you’re prepared to do? I’ll stand by him, too."
It’s going to take a lot to convince Milo that he deserves happiness. That he deserves the world and all the love Tessa is willing to give him. He deserves her. It was heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time, but the tension and the buildup? Oh, it’s so good. So, so good. The two of them are absolute fire.
"I’m not afraid, Milo. You’re worth the risk. What you have to ask yourself is if I am. Am I worth the risk?"
"You’re worth it, Tessa. You’re worth everything. Every. Fucking. Thing."
Theirs is one hell of a journey. It gets dark and ugly, but there’s so much light in it too. The way they feel about each other, Milo’s kids, the characters from the other books in the series, and the feeling of found family. All of it was absolutely worth it, even though it was a hard-earned HEA.
"Miss me?"
"If you’re not with me, that means I’m missing you, Tessa."
This is a book about healing and loving. Healing from the past and from the bad things that have happened to you. Healing from wasted time and bad memories. Healing from within. And loving yourself, loving someone else with everything you are, and allowing yourself to be loved back just as hard.
Mad, mad love for this book.
January 29, 2023
5 'The very best team' Stars!
ARC provided via Valentine PR in exchange for an honest review.
A.L. Jackson is one of those authors to me that, when I just finished one of her books, I realize I have highlighted almost the whole thing. Her Redemtption Hills series made me fall in love with her writing right after finishing the first book and now we are already in the last one (I think..). And of course, Jackson ended it up with a bang: a fake-fiancée, single-dad romance with two broken main characters that heal together, as a couple and as a new family (together with Milo's kids and the whole crew we all know and love).
Promise Me Always is the fourth (and final?) installment in Jackson's Redemption Hills series and it focuses on Tessa McDaniels (Eden's BFF) and Milo Hendricks (Trent's best friend and Absolution's head bouncer). Tessa is just done with her last boyfriend, a man who did not deserve her and left her with nothing to take care of herself and her ailing big brother. Milo is fighting to have a good life and he needs help to get his two kids back. What if he finds himself a fake-fiancée to reach that goal? And what if that happens to be his new roommate / the woman he has wanted since he meet her at Absolution?
How in God’s name could I know something was so damned wrong, so at odds with every promise I had made, and crave it like it might be the only thing that could sustain my next breath?
I am just going to say it. This is one of the best books in the series. To me, the second best after Give Me a Reason. This love story just blew me away. I do love the "I want you but cannot let myself have you" troupe and Promise Me Always is one heck of an example. Difficult and past circumstances surround the lives of these main characters, is not easy to come back from them but the connection between Tessa and Milo is too strong to ignore. Yes, it does start as a friendly fake relationship but that turns into so much more. I just loved this couple together, I loved their chemistry, I loved that they made me FEEL and I loved them as a family together with Milo's kids (Remy and Scout). This is definitely the ending Tessa and Milo deserved!
“It’s always you. How could I live without the sun?”
“I love you,” I whispered at his lips.
“Mad, mad love.”
Therefore, I am rating Promise Me Always with 5 STARS because this fake-fiancée / single-dad romance just took it to the next level. I loved the Beautiful Beast and his Little Dove. I loved that friendship turning into a lifetime together. I loved this book and I do believe this is the last installment in the series. I don't want to say goodbye to this amazing crew that made me fall in love with A.L. Jackson but I am sure she will give us other characters to fall in love with in the future. Still, if you haven't read the Redemption Hills series, what are you waiting for? You don't want to miss this wonderful series, trust me!
ARC provided via Valentine PR in exchange for an honest review.
A.L. Jackson is one of those authors to me that, when I just finished one of her books, I realize I have highlighted almost the whole thing. Her Redemtption Hills series made me fall in love with her writing right after finishing the first book and now we are already in the last one (I think..). And of course, Jackson ended it up with a bang: a fake-fiancée, single-dad romance with two broken main characters that heal together, as a couple and as a new family (together with Milo's kids and the whole crew we all know and love).
Promise Me Always is the fourth (and final?) installment in Jackson's Redemption Hills series and it focuses on Tessa McDaniels (Eden's BFF) and Milo Hendricks (Trent's best friend and Absolution's head bouncer). Tessa is just done with her last boyfriend, a man who did not deserve her and left her with nothing to take care of herself and her ailing big brother. Milo is fighting to have a good life and he needs help to get his two kids back. What if he finds himself a fake-fiancée to reach that goal? And what if that happens to be his new roommate / the woman he has wanted since he meet her at Absolution?
How in God’s name could I know something was so damned wrong, so at odds with every promise I had made, and crave it like it might be the only thing that could sustain my next breath?
I am just going to say it. This is one of the best books in the series. To me, the second best after Give Me a Reason. This love story just blew me away. I do love the "I want you but cannot let myself have you" troupe and Promise Me Always is one heck of an example. Difficult and past circumstances surround the lives of these main characters, is not easy to come back from them but the connection between Tessa and Milo is too strong to ignore. Yes, it does start as a friendly fake relationship but that turns into so much more. I just loved this couple together, I loved their chemistry, I loved that they made me FEEL and I loved them as a family together with Milo's kids (Remy and Scout). This is definitely the ending Tessa and Milo deserved!
“It’s always you. How could I live without the sun?”
“I love you,” I whispered at his lips.
“Mad, mad love.”
Therefore, I am rating Promise Me Always with 5 STARS because this fake-fiancée / single-dad romance just took it to the next level. I loved the Beautiful Beast and his Little Dove. I loved that friendship turning into a lifetime together. I loved this book and I do believe this is the last installment in the series. I don't want to say goodbye to this amazing crew that made me fall in love with A.L. Jackson but I am sure she will give us other characters to fall in love with in the future. Still, if you haven't read the Redemption Hills series, what are you waiting for? You don't want to miss this wonderful series, trust me!
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January 29, 2023A spicy, suspenseful, small town romance that grabs hold on the first page and won't let you go. Promise Me Always is a must-read. There is no one who writes angsty, twisty, suspenseful romance like AL Jackson.
February 1, 2023
**Audio Review**
Shine bright, Little Dove! Promise Me Always by A.L. Jackson was a riveting and emotional single dad fake fiance romance that tugged at my heartstrings from start to finish. I love that with every trip back to Redemption Hills, I get to experience another couple's journey through heartache, healing, hope, and love to find their memorable and forever HEA that melts my heart every single time. No one rips my heart out and puts it back together quite like A.L. Jackson, so Tessa and Milo’s love story did not disappoint!
Connor Crais and Samantha Brentmoor narrate this audiobook, and both were simply absolute perfection as Milo and Tessa! Samantha’s ability to capture Tessa’s spirited, passionate, and loving persona was portrayed beautifully in a powerful performance that at multiple times gave me chills. (Yes, lady!) Connor’s performance hit a new level of growly depth making me feel all of Milo’s pain, protective nature, and desires for Tessa and his family! (Swoon!) Both narrators also voiced two adorable kids so well! Plus, wow, you could feel the heat in their performances of Milo and Tessa’s blazing HOT chemistry! (Grab a fan!)
Overall, I LOVED this book. If you are a fan of a single-dad romance with a hot loyal mountain man, a fierce sassy tiny tease, helping out a friend, a threatening ex, a fake engagement, a supportive mother, two adorable kids, dependable besties, bonding in the lake, a tree house, danger, healing from the past, passionate steamy times, despair, a gut-wrenching plot twist, a jaw-dropping climax, and a HEA that will promise to always leave a lasting impression on your heart, then you will love Milo and Tessa’s story. I always look forward to more from A.L. Jackson!
Shine bright, Little Dove! Promise Me Always by A.L. Jackson was a riveting and emotional single dad fake fiance romance that tugged at my heartstrings from start to finish. I love that with every trip back to Redemption Hills, I get to experience another couple's journey through heartache, healing, hope, and love to find their memorable and forever HEA that melts my heart every single time. No one rips my heart out and puts it back together quite like A.L. Jackson, so Tessa and Milo’s love story did not disappoint!
Connor Crais and Samantha Brentmoor narrate this audiobook, and both were simply absolute perfection as Milo and Tessa! Samantha’s ability to capture Tessa’s spirited, passionate, and loving persona was portrayed beautifully in a powerful performance that at multiple times gave me chills. (Yes, lady!) Connor’s performance hit a new level of growly depth making me feel all of Milo’s pain, protective nature, and desires for Tessa and his family! (Swoon!) Both narrators also voiced two adorable kids so well! Plus, wow, you could feel the heat in their performances of Milo and Tessa’s blazing HOT chemistry! (Grab a fan!)
Overall, I LOVED this book. If you are a fan of a single-dad romance with a hot loyal mountain man, a fierce sassy tiny tease, helping out a friend, a threatening ex, a fake engagement, a supportive mother, two adorable kids, dependable besties, bonding in the lake, a tree house, danger, healing from the past, passionate steamy times, despair, a gut-wrenching plot twist, a jaw-dropping climax, and a HEA that will promise to always leave a lasting impression on your heart, then you will love Milo and Tessa’s story. I always look forward to more from A.L. Jackson!
June 20, 2023
every single book in this series was a fucking five season long soap opera but I’m not complaining 😜🤸♂️
January 18, 2023
tessa and milo 😭🤍 MY LOVES!! IM LITERALLY IN TEARS FINISHING THIS INFINITY STAR READ. tessa and milo are everything good and more. these two are perfect for each other in every way that matters. i want to actually CRY at how much i love these two. i almost read this book all in one day but had to FORCE MYSELF to not read it all in one day because i wanted more time with them 🥲🤍. if you’re looking for your next 5 star read, do yourself a favor and read promise me always. this book is now a new all time favorite 🤍.
February 2, 2023
Well Tessa was marginally less insufferable in her own book. Thank fuck. Incase that opening statement didn’t say enough. I absolutely could NOT stand her in the past three books. I felt she was just way too much and not in the way the author intended. The way she was portrayed in the last three books felt as if the author was jamming her down my throat trying enforce that she was this, friendly, extroverted, endearing and compassionate firecracker. But instead to me she just came across as someone who was emotionally, sexually, and mentally immature and stunted, absolutely did not respect people’s boundaries and lacked any understanding of body language (there were characters in the last two books with trauma from abuse and violence and felt uncomfortable with physical touch, yet she would throw herself and cling to them despite their obvious discomfort), and could not read the room let alone an individual person to save her life, which is truly hilarious to me, because the author literally makes it a significant personality trait in this book that she allegedly can in fact read people is so in tune with her ability to “sense auras and what people need”. yeah… I’m still calling bullshit on that.
To me she just comes across as the type of person who lacks empathy and has the mindset of “it works for me so it will work for you”.
It very much felt like the romantic connection between her and Milo was forced. He was obviously still very much in love with his wife who passed away. I hate the widow/widower trope to begin with, and I think the way this was dealt with in book one was done the best way it could’ve been done. But in this book it made me so angry and uncomfortable. Tessa kept pushing Milo to essentially give into her and forced herself on him multiple times, which is just another way how she displayed her inability to have any compassion or empathy for anyone and disproves her “I’m so in tune with people I can sense and feel their pain”…
There was literally a part in the book where she says “you’re still in love with her” to Milo in reference to his dead wife after he essentially rejects her advances… my jaw was on the floor, I was so horribly disgusted with her in that moment. It was glaringly obvious he was Definitley still in love with his wife and still needed to process the trauma and grief before even considering moving on to a new relationship, especially a zero to sixty type relationship like he and Tessa had where they literally went from fake engaged to a real relationship immediately engaged in what like 2/3 weeks?! (It was probably longer than that but sure didn’t feel like it). Another thing that had me giving Tessa the side eye was that she had the ex-boyfriend literally shelling out $180,000 a year for her brothers care (he was in his assisted living home for what 4 years?) and felt it was justified because he treated her like shit? What would she have done if she wasn’t dating him? She had no way to bankroll that herself so the whole “I’m sacrificing and being such a selfless saint putting up with so much crap and awful treatment solely for my brother” had me cringing, because she went from the ex paying to then just transferring the bill to Milo. Which brings me to the bigger issue which was the fact that he was planning to pay for it with his dead wife’s insurance policy.. come on what the hell was that bullshit?! If you have no desire to spend it on yourself for anything put it into trusts and college funds for the kids- he did mention his plans for this but still why not set it all aside then… To spend it on your new woman whether it was for a good cause or not absolutely does not sit well with me, uhh uhh no way. Milo I genuinely loved you but that shit is unforgivable. I feel like the author could have come up with something better, why couldn’t it have been his fight money instead? She easily could have incorporated that as a way to fund his life/ Tessa’s brothers care.
Apart from that though, there literally felt like there was zero connection between them, at most they had sexual attraction and sexual chemistry, but anything beyond that? Nope did not feel it at all.
Especially when we were given flashback scenes between Milo and Autumn, I could genuinely sense the love and connection between them in those scenes to the point where it felt like we were robbed on Milos true love story, I honestly wish that Tessa was the dead wife and Autumn was the new love interest who brought the family back together. But unfortunately that was not the case.
Also I will never get over how authors love to enforce the whole “I met the kids one time for a whole 2hrs but I love them as if they were my own and they’ve accepted me as their missing parent figure” just another thing similar to the widow/widower trope I absolutely despise.
All that said things I think the author did well with this book… The kids in this book were a major improvement from how the author portrayed the kids in her last three books of the series, they actually talked the way kids their age would, none of the jarjar binks shit we had to suffer through between Gage and Juni.
The in laws, ex-boyfriend, and “bad guy” were shit, exactly what you would expect them to be. Awful people absolutely, but they served their purpose and the author wrote them well, I will say though I would’ve liked it if the grandmother had a character redemption moment but oh well. And although I wasn’t the biggest fan of the trope or FMC, the storyline itself specifically the last 25% was great, I liked how she pulled everything together, I did predict the twist but I enjoyed watching it unfold nonetheless.
All in all I would have rated this book much higher if I didn’t hate the FMC so much, and if we could’ve avoided the widower storyline, but unfortunately those are two pretty major things which obviously caused a low rating.
To me she just comes across as the type of person who lacks empathy and has the mindset of “it works for me so it will work for you”.
It very much felt like the romantic connection between her and Milo was forced. He was obviously still very much in love with his wife who passed away. I hate the widow/widower trope to begin with, and I think the way this was dealt with in book one was done the best way it could’ve been done. But in this book it made me so angry and uncomfortable. Tessa kept pushing Milo to essentially give into her and forced herself on him multiple times, which is just another way how she displayed her inability to have any compassion or empathy for anyone and disproves her “I’m so in tune with people I can sense and feel their pain”…
There was literally a part in the book where she says “you’re still in love with her” to Milo in reference to his dead wife after he essentially rejects her advances… my jaw was on the floor, I was so horribly disgusted with her in that moment. It was glaringly obvious he was Definitley still in love with his wife and still needed to process the trauma and grief before even considering moving on to a new relationship, especially a zero to sixty type relationship like he and Tessa had where they literally went from fake engaged to a real relationship immediately engaged in what like 2/3 weeks?! (It was probably longer than that but sure didn’t feel like it). Another thing that had me giving Tessa the side eye was that she had the ex-boyfriend literally shelling out $180,000 a year for her brothers care (he was in his assisted living home for what 4 years?) and felt it was justified because he treated her like shit? What would she have done if she wasn’t dating him? She had no way to bankroll that herself so the whole “I’m sacrificing and being such a selfless saint putting up with so much crap and awful treatment solely for my brother” had me cringing, because she went from the ex paying to then just transferring the bill to Milo. Which brings me to the bigger issue which was the fact that he was planning to pay for it with his dead wife’s insurance policy.. come on what the hell was that bullshit?! If you have no desire to spend it on yourself for anything put it into trusts and college funds for the kids- he did mention his plans for this but still why not set it all aside then… To spend it on your new woman whether it was for a good cause or not absolutely does not sit well with me, uhh uhh no way. Milo I genuinely loved you but that shit is unforgivable. I feel like the author could have come up with something better, why couldn’t it have been his fight money instead? She easily could have incorporated that as a way to fund his life/ Tessa’s brothers care.
Apart from that though, there literally felt like there was zero connection between them, at most they had sexual attraction and sexual chemistry, but anything beyond that? Nope did not feel it at all.
Especially when we were given flashback scenes between Milo and Autumn, I could genuinely sense the love and connection between them in those scenes to the point where it felt like we were robbed on Milos true love story, I honestly wish that Tessa was the dead wife and Autumn was the new love interest who brought the family back together. But unfortunately that was not the case.
Also I will never get over how authors love to enforce the whole “I met the kids one time for a whole 2hrs but I love them as if they were my own and they’ve accepted me as their missing parent figure” just another thing similar to the widow/widower trope I absolutely despise.
All that said things I think the author did well with this book… The kids in this book were a major improvement from how the author portrayed the kids in her last three books of the series, they actually talked the way kids their age would, none of the jarjar binks shit we had to suffer through between Gage and Juni.
The in laws, ex-boyfriend, and “bad guy” were shit, exactly what you would expect them to be. Awful people absolutely, but they served their purpose and the author wrote them well, I will say though I would’ve liked it if the grandmother had a character redemption moment but oh well. And although I wasn’t the biggest fan of the trope or FMC, the storyline itself specifically the last 25% was great, I liked how she pulled everything together, I did predict the twist but I enjoyed watching it unfold nonetheless.
All in all I would have rated this book much higher if I didn’t hate the FMC so much, and if we could’ve avoided the widower storyline, but unfortunately those are two pretty major things which obviously caused a low rating.
January 12, 2023
Mad, mad love for this book!!
I have been looking forward to Tessa’s story since her character was first introduced! She seems like the kind of friend, the kind of person, who just exudes joy, happiness, love. Her friendship with Eden is so precious and reminds me of the very best parts of my relationships with my favorite girlfriends. I also always loved how good Tessa was with everyone, especially Gage and Junie. I always hated the scum she settled for and always knew she deserved so much better!! I wondered what made her stay with him, had to know the story there. That was easily cleared up in this book as we got to learn so much more of Tessa’s story and the life she’s lived, and the person she’s become because of it.
Enter, Milo. I was so not prepared for him!! Wow. His story is one I did not expect but could not stop reading about. My heart broke for the things he had to go through, both when he was a child and an adult. How could anyone not struggle after the things he went through? His struggles made him love hard though, when/if he allowed himself to love.
The chemistry in this book is off the charts! The love in this book is mad. The family in this book is everything. There is angst and drama, love and loss, hope and fear. So many emotions were felt throughout this book and I couldn’t put it down!! This book could be read as a standalone, but I highly, highly recommend reading the series in order for the full emotional, amazing experience! For now, I’m just going to sit in my post Redemption Hills bliss and day dream about this whole rowdy family I’ve fallen in love with! 🖤
I have been looking forward to Tessa’s story since her character was first introduced! She seems like the kind of friend, the kind of person, who just exudes joy, happiness, love. Her friendship with Eden is so precious and reminds me of the very best parts of my relationships with my favorite girlfriends. I also always loved how good Tessa was with everyone, especially Gage and Junie. I always hated the scum she settled for and always knew she deserved so much better!! I wondered what made her stay with him, had to know the story there. That was easily cleared up in this book as we got to learn so much more of Tessa’s story and the life she’s lived, and the person she’s become because of it.
Enter, Milo. I was so not prepared for him!! Wow. His story is one I did not expect but could not stop reading about. My heart broke for the things he had to go through, both when he was a child and an adult. How could anyone not struggle after the things he went through? His struggles made him love hard though, when/if he allowed himself to love.
The chemistry in this book is off the charts! The love in this book is mad. The family in this book is everything. There is angst and drama, love and loss, hope and fear. So many emotions were felt throughout this book and I couldn’t put it down!! This book could be read as a standalone, but I highly, highly recommend reading the series in order for the full emotional, amazing experience! For now, I’m just going to sit in my post Redemption Hills bliss and day dream about this whole rowdy family I’ve fallen in love with! 🖤
January 25, 2023
✮ ✮ ✮ 4.5 "Mad, mad love" STARS ✮ ✮ ✮
My first new-to-me author for the year and it is an epic #win!! I have mad, mad love for this author now!!
🎧🎧 AUDIO REVIEW 🎧🎧
PERFORMANCE REVIEW & RATING: 5++ STARS
Connor Crais and Samantha Brentmoor where absolutely the perfect duo for this story. Both their voices have extremely powerful range and they matched each other’s very well. Connor captured Milo’s deep angst and growl perfectly for me and Samantha captured Tessa’s passion and vibrancy ridiculously well. It was an absolute joy to have them bring Milo & Tessa’s story to life. Well done!
STORY REVIEW & RATING: 4.5 STARS
There is a lot to love about not just this story, but also the mechanics behind its unfolding. Jackson is a new-to-me author so I went in blind but I’m not blind anymore. Now I see very clear and she’s one to watch out for. Her prose can be a bit … hmmmm … flowery? Or maybe a better term would be, descriptive, but to the extreme. For me, that can become tedious, especially with inner monologues that go on and on and on without saying anything different. Sometimes, less is more and stating the same thing in different words is just #twitchy after a while. This wasn’t overwhelming for me, but it was a tick for sure. And don’t even get me started on the double descriptors … Alas, that is the only reason I could not give this story a perfect score.
I found the journey of Milo and Tessa to have spark which matched their personalities perfectly. Their chemistry was fire from the get-go and their journey came full circle in a kismet kind of way that left me with a huge smile on my face. I really loved how the puzzle pieces from the different plot-points came together in the end. The storyline is well distributed between the suspense, romance, and angst that the plot carries. I didn’t feel like any one thing overshadowed another.
I can’t say that I’m a huge fan of the extra conflict towards the end between Milo & Tessa. The plot point that brought on the conflict could have gone either way and because the storyline was conflict driven already, it just felt like over the top to me. However, not enough to make me twitch, so there’s that LOL I’m looking forward to going back to the beginning of Redemption Hills and getting to know this group of friends / family. The snippets of them that I got from this story have me very intrigued!
Promise Me Always, a Single Dad, Fake Fiancée Romance by bestselling author A.L. Jackson is releasing January 30th! Reserve your copy today!
Pre-Order the Audio: https://geni.us/PMAAudioOP
(narrated by Connor Crais and Samantha Brentmoor)
Amazon Pre-Order: https://geni.us/PMAAmznC
My first new-to-me author for the year and it is an epic #win!! I have mad, mad love for this author now!!
🎧🎧 AUDIO REVIEW 🎧🎧
PERFORMANCE REVIEW & RATING: 5++ STARS
Connor Crais and Samantha Brentmoor where absolutely the perfect duo for this story. Both their voices have extremely powerful range and they matched each other’s very well. Connor captured Milo’s deep angst and growl perfectly for me and Samantha captured Tessa’s passion and vibrancy ridiculously well. It was an absolute joy to have them bring Milo & Tessa’s story to life. Well done!
STORY REVIEW & RATING: 4.5 STARS
There is a lot to love about not just this story, but also the mechanics behind its unfolding. Jackson is a new-to-me author so I went in blind but I’m not blind anymore. Now I see very clear and she’s one to watch out for. Her prose can be a bit … hmmmm … flowery? Or maybe a better term would be, descriptive, but to the extreme. For me, that can become tedious, especially with inner monologues that go on and on and on without saying anything different. Sometimes, less is more and stating the same thing in different words is just #twitchy after a while. This wasn’t overwhelming for me, but it was a tick for sure. And don’t even get me started on the double descriptors … Alas, that is the only reason I could not give this story a perfect score.
I found the journey of Milo and Tessa to have spark which matched their personalities perfectly. Their chemistry was fire from the get-go and their journey came full circle in a kismet kind of way that left me with a huge smile on my face. I really loved how the puzzle pieces from the different plot-points came together in the end. The storyline is well distributed between the suspense, romance, and angst that the plot carries. I didn’t feel like any one thing overshadowed another.
I can’t say that I’m a huge fan of the extra conflict towards the end between Milo & Tessa. The plot point that brought on the conflict could have gone either way and because the storyline was conflict driven already, it just felt like over the top to me. However, not enough to make me twitch, so there’s that LOL I’m looking forward to going back to the beginning of Redemption Hills and getting to know this group of friends / family. The snippets of them that I got from this story have me very intrigued!
Promise Me Always, a Single Dad, Fake Fiancée Romance by bestselling author A.L. Jackson is releasing January 30th! Reserve your copy today!
Pre-Order the Audio: https://geni.us/PMAAudioOP
(narrated by Connor Crais and Samantha Brentmoor)
Amazon Pre-Order: https://geni.us/PMAAmznC
February 1, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Redemption Hills book 4: Tessa & Milo
I cannot get over how beautifully written this series is. Amy has absolutely mastered making us feel all the raw angst, devotion and devastation her characters in this series experience.
Tessa is the ultimate red headed spitfire. The fun aunt and lovable, outgoing friend with the biggest heart that everyone adores. But she has experienced so much loss and has stayed with her terrible boyfriend for far longer than she should because he has control over the most precious thing in her life.
Milo is fighting. Fighting his feelings for the gorgeous redhead. Fighting the need to destroy her pos ex. Fighting his demons. Fighting for the most important people in his life. Fighting his past that might be coming back to haunt him. Fighting for her. Fighting for them.
When Milo finds Tessa a broken mess in the parking lot of the club he is the head bouncer of at closing time, he takes her in. When she finds out Milo, the big mountain of a man, has a sweet side and the biggest heart for his children, she offers to be his fake fiance in the fight to get custody of his kids back from his late wife's parents.
But just when they think there is hope, the past comes back to put everything they have in jeopardy. There is nothing like your found family to pull you through the darkness to the other side.
I loved this book! I loved this whole series!
The angst and tension is EVERYTHING. My only wish is that there was more spice (because we need more Milo in the bedroom 🥵) and a little bit more from the story line with Tessa's dick head ex. However, there were so many other important storylines and angles this story had going on, I understand why Amy didn't include more about it beyond the initial encounters.
Huge thank you and shout out to A.L. Jackson and her team at Valentine PR for sending me a advanced digital copy of Promise Me Always in exchange for an honest review.
Tropes: who did this to you, touch her and die, fake fiance, friends to lovers, single dad, small town, found family.
Redemption Hills book 4: Tessa & Milo
I cannot get over how beautifully written this series is. Amy has absolutely mastered making us feel all the raw angst, devotion and devastation her characters in this series experience.
Tessa is the ultimate red headed spitfire. The fun aunt and lovable, outgoing friend with the biggest heart that everyone adores. But she has experienced so much loss and has stayed with her terrible boyfriend for far longer than she should because he has control over the most precious thing in her life.
Milo is fighting. Fighting his feelings for the gorgeous redhead. Fighting the need to destroy her pos ex. Fighting his demons. Fighting for the most important people in his life. Fighting his past that might be coming back to haunt him. Fighting for her. Fighting for them.
When Milo finds Tessa a broken mess in the parking lot of the club he is the head bouncer of at closing time, he takes her in. When she finds out Milo, the big mountain of a man, has a sweet side and the biggest heart for his children, she offers to be his fake fiance in the fight to get custody of his kids back from his late wife's parents.
But just when they think there is hope, the past comes back to put everything they have in jeopardy. There is nothing like your found family to pull you through the darkness to the other side.
I loved this book! I loved this whole series!
The angst and tension is EVERYTHING. My only wish is that there was more spice (because we need more Milo in the bedroom 🥵) and a little bit more from the story line with Tessa's dick head ex. However, there were so many other important storylines and angles this story had going on, I understand why Amy didn't include more about it beyond the initial encounters.
Huge thank you and shout out to A.L. Jackson and her team at Valentine PR for sending me a advanced digital copy of Promise Me Always in exchange for an honest review.
Tropes: who did this to you, touch her and die, fake fiance, friends to lovers, single dad, small town, found family.
February 1, 2023
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: fake relationship, opposites attract
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥.5
Promise Me Always is everything Tessa's story deserved to be - absolute perfection! Tessa and Milo have always had a deep attraction to each other that they tried to ignore while Tessa was involved with another man who had her financially tethered to him. Until Milo found her one night. Lip split and no where to go. He offers her protection and she offers him hope. A willingness to play his fake fiancé to finally get his kids where they are supposed to be. At home. With him. The attraction between them is just too much, but there are so many secrets between them, it may just be too much for him to promise her always.
Good gravy! I laughed. I cried. Totally left me with all the feels. The storytelling is absolutely superb and is written in that special, AL Jackson way that seems almost lyrical. Tons of action and twists you totally can't see coming. The character development is off the chain. So much depth and their backstories will just wring your heart out. There's just no way you aren't going to fall in love with the gruff, mountain of a man who only wants to protect the ones he loves. Tessa is just fabulous. A person who pushes through life with a smile on her face because she knows that happiness is a choice and the alternative isn't acceptable. Absolutely wonderful and definitely one of my favorite reads for 2023! So sad to see the Redemption Hills series come to a close, but can't wait to see what AL Jackson has for us next!
⛔️ My bookshelves can sometimes be spoilers
Trope: fake relationship, opposites attract
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥.5
Promise Me Always is everything Tessa's story deserved to be - absolute perfection! Tessa and Milo have always had a deep attraction to each other that they tried to ignore while Tessa was involved with another man who had her financially tethered to him. Until Milo found her one night. Lip split and no where to go. He offers her protection and she offers him hope. A willingness to play his fake fiancé to finally get his kids where they are supposed to be. At home. With him. The attraction between them is just too much, but there are so many secrets between them, it may just be too much for him to promise her always.
Good gravy! I laughed. I cried. Totally left me with all the feels. The storytelling is absolutely superb and is written in that special, AL Jackson way that seems almost lyrical. Tons of action and twists you totally can't see coming. The character development is off the chain. So much depth and their backstories will just wring your heart out. There's just no way you aren't going to fall in love with the gruff, mountain of a man who only wants to protect the ones he loves. Tessa is just fabulous. A person who pushes through life with a smile on her face because she knows that happiness is a choice and the alternative isn't acceptable. Absolutely wonderful and definitely one of my favorite reads for 2023! So sad to see the Redemption Hills series come to a close, but can't wait to see what AL Jackson has for us next!
⛔️ My bookshelves can sometimes be spoilers
January 30, 2023
5, Little Dove, Stars!
“Life is made of messes. I’d be more than glad to clean this one up for you.”
“I felt her. I felt the shift in the air and the tremble of the ground the warm energy that infiltrated the space. I needed to guard myself against it. Ignore the pull that tugged and whispered and coaxed a gravity I’d do best to resist. I never should have asked her to stay here because there wasn’t a single piece of me that could handle her presence.”
“We fight for the ones we love, Milo. It’s who we are. It’s in our blood. And we fight to the end.”
“I think I’d break any rule for you, Milo Hendricks”
Seeing a new book hit my kindle from A.L. Jackson makes me as giddy as a kid in a candy store. I know I’m in for a treat, that I’m about to be taken on a rare and special journey. And when it comes to Promise Me Always, A.L. Jackson pulls out all the stops, tugs on my heartstrings, and delivers in every possible way…
Promise Me Always is the fourth book in the Redemption Hills series and follows the story of Milo and Tessa. Tessa will do anything for those she loves, even if it means putting herself in a terrible situation. Milo finds Tessa at her lowest and offers her a salvation she never knew existed. Together these two forged an instant and unforgettable bond. A friendship that would be put to the test and blossom into something truly amazing. The odds might be stacked against them, but wild horses couldn’t keep these two apart.
Promise Me Always hooked me from the very first page. Tessa and Milo were two broken and battered souls. Like recognized like and drew these two together like a moth to a flame. Their chemistry was instant and intense and led to a delicious slow burn that left me salivating for more. All that being said, the road to happily ever after was not a simple one for these two. There were lots of obstacles and ghosts from the past that had to be laid to rest, but I can promise you, the journey was so worth it in the end.
Promise Me Always was everything I had hoped it would be. It was a beautiful story of second chances, hope, forgiveness, and redemption. A story of letting go of the past and discovering that sometimes, bad things happen to good people. That sometimes when you’re back is against the wall, you’d do the unthinkable to protect the ones you love.
A.L. Jackson has once again blown me away with this unforgettable love story and her lyrical storytelling. Promise Me Always made me feel and experience so many incredible things. And I honestly can’t say enough about how incredible this book is. I hope you’ll pick up Milo and Tessa’s story and fall head over heels for it as I did.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
“Life is made of messes. I’d be more than glad to clean this one up for you.”
“I felt her. I felt the shift in the air and the tremble of the ground the warm energy that infiltrated the space. I needed to guard myself against it. Ignore the pull that tugged and whispered and coaxed a gravity I’d do best to resist. I never should have asked her to stay here because there wasn’t a single piece of me that could handle her presence.”
“We fight for the ones we love, Milo. It’s who we are. It’s in our blood. And we fight to the end.”
“I think I’d break any rule for you, Milo Hendricks”
Seeing a new book hit my kindle from A.L. Jackson makes me as giddy as a kid in a candy store. I know I’m in for a treat, that I’m about to be taken on a rare and special journey. And when it comes to Promise Me Always, A.L. Jackson pulls out all the stops, tugs on my heartstrings, and delivers in every possible way…
Promise Me Always is the fourth book in the Redemption Hills series and follows the story of Milo and Tessa. Tessa will do anything for those she loves, even if it means putting herself in a terrible situation. Milo finds Tessa at her lowest and offers her a salvation she never knew existed. Together these two forged an instant and unforgettable bond. A friendship that would be put to the test and blossom into something truly amazing. The odds might be stacked against them, but wild horses couldn’t keep these two apart.
Promise Me Always hooked me from the very first page. Tessa and Milo were two broken and battered souls. Like recognized like and drew these two together like a moth to a flame. Their chemistry was instant and intense and led to a delicious slow burn that left me salivating for more. All that being said, the road to happily ever after was not a simple one for these two. There were lots of obstacles and ghosts from the past that had to be laid to rest, but I can promise you, the journey was so worth it in the end.
Promise Me Always was everything I had hoped it would be. It was a beautiful story of second chances, hope, forgiveness, and redemption. A story of letting go of the past and discovering that sometimes, bad things happen to good people. That sometimes when you’re back is against the wall, you’d do the unthinkable to protect the ones you love.
A.L. Jackson has once again blown me away with this unforgettable love story and her lyrical storytelling. Promise Me Always made me feel and experience so many incredible things. And I honestly can’t say enough about how incredible this book is. I hope you’ll pick up Milo and Tessa’s story and fall head over heels for it as I did.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
February 3, 2023
Loved it!
Al Jackson writes little kids so well, and the story line was so good! Kept me entertained the whole way through.
Al Jackson writes little kids so well, and the story line was so good! Kept me entertained the whole way through.
January 14, 2023
Story: 4.5 ⭐️
Steam: 4.5 🔥
Audio: 5 🎧
Tessa and Milo are so cute! 😭 I’ve been rooting for both of them to get their HEAs since book one of this series and seeing it finally unfold was amazing! I absolutely adore Tessa’s kind heart and her ability to just love everyone. Milo is so strong and is just the perfect grumbly protector. I think this book is the perfect mix of sweet romance and that rip your heart out longing. It was full of twists and surprises. I definitely recommend this whole series!
Steam: 4.5 🔥
Audio: 5 🎧
Tessa and Milo are so cute! 😭 I’ve been rooting for both of them to get their HEAs since book one of this series and seeing it finally unfold was amazing! I absolutely adore Tessa’s kind heart and her ability to just love everyone. Milo is so strong and is just the perfect grumbly protector. I think this book is the perfect mix of sweet romance and that rip your heart out longing. It was full of twists and surprises. I definitely recommend this whole series!
January 11, 2023
Like decadent dark chocolate cake ~ I would never get enough!
Promise me always is book 4 in the redemption hills series & another 5 star read. To say I was excited to return to Redemption hill’s is an understatement.
I absolutely love this series & have 'Mad love' for Tessa & Milo.
I’m so happy that Tessa got her book & finally got her ‘Ace’
Tessa is fun, loyal & sassy with a head full of bright auburn hair. She is best friends with Eden, aster & Salem. The ‘Fab 4’ she lives vicariously through her friends, teasing them about their love lives, her light is slowly being diminished by her abusive ex.
She fears that she'll never feel that all consuming love, to be adored. To feel that same connection.
Milo offers her a safe place to stay. Friendship blossoms & neither can fight the scorching chemistry between them.
Her light shines brightly when she's with Milo; their bond & friendship burned into something more. The chemistry crackled between them. Milo is her damaged beautiful beast.
Milo- He's fierce, whilst being soft & gentle to the ones he loves. When he loves he does with his whole heart.
He's filled with so much guilt & feels unworthy of love. He wears his fear like a dark cloak but Tessa is a spark of light in his darkness, he can’t give her up. Danger & secrets are hiding in the shadows but he’ll burn the world down to protect her. His little Dove.
I have absolutely loved this series, I’ve fallen in love with all A.L Jackson’s characters. They speak to my heart & soul. The emotion’s poured down my face at times, there was nothing I could do to stop them.
Finding the perfect words to justify how amazing this book is was so hard, I got completely lost.
This is story of friendships that have formed a family; who support & fight for each other. connections that can be felt with every turn of the page.
Thank you to A.L Jackson & Devyn for my ARC ~ All the stars Amy, I have mad,mad love for you 😘
Promise me always is book 4 in the redemption hills series & another 5 star read. To say I was excited to return to Redemption hill’s is an understatement.
I absolutely love this series & have 'Mad love' for Tessa & Milo.
I’m so happy that Tessa got her book & finally got her ‘Ace’
Tessa is fun, loyal & sassy with a head full of bright auburn hair. She is best friends with Eden, aster & Salem. The ‘Fab 4’ she lives vicariously through her friends, teasing them about their love lives, her light is slowly being diminished by her abusive ex.
She fears that she'll never feel that all consuming love, to be adored. To feel that same connection.
Milo offers her a safe place to stay. Friendship blossoms & neither can fight the scorching chemistry between them.
Her light shines brightly when she's with Milo; their bond & friendship burned into something more. The chemistry crackled between them. Milo is her damaged beautiful beast.
Milo- He's fierce, whilst being soft & gentle to the ones he loves. When he loves he does with his whole heart.
He's filled with so much guilt & feels unworthy of love. He wears his fear like a dark cloak but Tessa is a spark of light in his darkness, he can’t give her up. Danger & secrets are hiding in the shadows but he’ll burn the world down to protect her. His little Dove.
I have absolutely loved this series, I’ve fallen in love with all A.L Jackson’s characters. They speak to my heart & soul. The emotion’s poured down my face at times, there was nothing I could do to stop them.
Finding the perfect words to justify how amazing this book is was so hard, I got completely lost.
This is story of friendships that have formed a family; who support & fight for each other. connections that can be felt with every turn of the page.
Thank you to A.L Jackson & Devyn for my ARC ~ All the stars Amy, I have mad,mad love for you 😘
January 28, 2023
“Love is the most painful of all emotions . The most beautiful and most wonderful and the most painful.”
I don't even know where to start with this review! This story was such an emotional ride and I refused to let go. I don't think I've ever read a book so slow because I didn't want to let the characters go or the series come to an end, I'm so attached.....ughhh Amy you've ruined me!!
"Felt her like chaos at my side. Like one of those summer storms that were really fucking gorgeous to look at but could cause outright annihilation."
"This battered man who looked like chaos. A perfect disorder. A flawless tragedy. My Beautiful Beast."
The Redemption Hills series quickly became a favorite of mine and Tessa Daniels has had me intrigued since Give Me A Reason, so needless to say I've been dying to read her story and damn what a story we were given! The emotional ride I took page after page had me crying, laughing and desperately hoping for a beautiful ending to the unthinkable turmoil both characters faced throughout this book. The heartwrenching pain both Tessa and Milo suffered was unimaginable, the malevolent evil that lurked at every turn trying destroy the life they built had me on the edge of my seat but nothing can outweigh the absolutely beautiful journey these two shared to find their happily ever after!
"You and I can remind each other that we have love. That we deserve it. That no one is allowed to take that away from us."
“You can have anything you want, Little Dove. Just as long as you promise me always.”
I don't know how Amy does it time after time but she weaves the most amazing poetic words into an UNPUTDOWNABLE masterpiece and Promise Me Always was just that!! Without a doubt this book is a Top Read for me and one I will absolutely recommend again and again!
“Mad love, Tessa. Mad, mad love. Energy thrummed and danced. And that was exactly what it was. Mad, mad love."
I don't even know where to start with this review! This story was such an emotional ride and I refused to let go. I don't think I've ever read a book so slow because I didn't want to let the characters go or the series come to an end, I'm so attached.....ughhh Amy you've ruined me!!
"Felt her like chaos at my side. Like one of those summer storms that were really fucking gorgeous to look at but could cause outright annihilation."
"This battered man who looked like chaos. A perfect disorder. A flawless tragedy. My Beautiful Beast."
The Redemption Hills series quickly became a favorite of mine and Tessa Daniels has had me intrigued since Give Me A Reason, so needless to say I've been dying to read her story and damn what a story we were given! The emotional ride I took page after page had me crying, laughing and desperately hoping for a beautiful ending to the unthinkable turmoil both characters faced throughout this book. The heartwrenching pain both Tessa and Milo suffered was unimaginable, the malevolent evil that lurked at every turn trying destroy the life they built had me on the edge of my seat but nothing can outweigh the absolutely beautiful journey these two shared to find their happily ever after!
"You and I can remind each other that we have love. That we deserve it. That no one is allowed to take that away from us."
“You can have anything you want, Little Dove. Just as long as you promise me always.”
I don't know how Amy does it time after time but she weaves the most amazing poetic words into an UNPUTDOWNABLE masterpiece and Promise Me Always was just that!! Without a doubt this book is a Top Read for me and one I will absolutely recommend again and again!
“Mad love, Tessa. Mad, mad love. Energy thrummed and danced. And that was exactly what it was. Mad, mad love."
May 17, 2025
This was such a beautiful written series. I’ve enjoyed each one for sure! Love how these men are such fire protectors of their women!
January 30, 2023
I seriously cannot tell you how much I loved this book. I know that this review won't give it justice but I'll try. Milo who thinks he doesn't deserve love breaks my heart with everything he's been through. There's more behind his sadness but he has such a huge heart. I seriously wanted to just hug this man and not let go.
Tessa is the friend of friends. She's the life of the party, funny with a sunny outlook on life. She's someone who people gravitate to because of how truly nice she is. She's had heartbreak but she hasn't let it break her.
These two together are ah-mazing! I love all the men in Redemption Hills but I think Milo is the one that broke my heart the most. This author ALWAYS breaks my heart and then puts my heart back together to make it sing. This one broke my heart into a million pieces. I'm going to remember this one for a long, long time. I highlighted quite a bit in this book I don't highlight often but man I was a highlight fiend on this one. LOL
The one highlight makes me want to cry when I read it. "You've got love dad." Man that gets me every time.
I love how she calls him Beautiful Beast and he calls her Little Dove. Makes your heart melt!
Mad, mad love *sigh*
Tessa is the friend of friends. She's the life of the party, funny with a sunny outlook on life. She's someone who people gravitate to because of how truly nice she is. She's had heartbreak but she hasn't let it break her.
These two together are ah-mazing! I love all the men in Redemption Hills but I think Milo is the one that broke my heart the most. This author ALWAYS breaks my heart and then puts my heart back together to make it sing. This one broke my heart into a million pieces. I'm going to remember this one for a long, long time. I highlighted quite a bit in this book I don't highlight often but man I was a highlight fiend on this one. LOL
The one highlight makes me want to cry when I read it. "You've got love dad." Man that gets me every time.
I love how she calls him Beautiful Beast and he calls her Little Dove. Makes your heart melt!
Mad, mad love *sigh*
January 14, 2023
Oh Milo, you were something else...in the best possible way.
I've been eagerly waiting for Milo & Tessa's story since Never Look Back.
Tessa has finally had enough and leaves Karl, it is revealed why she stayed with him for so long. Milo happens to be at the right place at the right time and takes Tessa home with him to keep her safe. Slowly Milo opens up to Tessa about his past and it's discovered Milo has two children, who currently live with his in-laws.
They come up with the ultimate plan to get Milo full custody of his kids...it just involves Tessa pretending to be his fiancée. But it becomes clear quickly that there is underlying chemistry and sparks between Tessa and Milo. Milo tries to resist the pull but ultimately gives in however he instantly runs away...it leaves Tessa feeling confused. She can sense their connection and she can't understand why Milo what accept her affection.
Connor and Samantha were amazing at articulating AL's words. They conveyed the story with so much emotion, it was perfect.
This story has so many ups and downs and twist and turns. It all comes down to whether or not Milo feels he is worthy of love...its quite the journey and you can tell he deserves everything and more but he can't accept it. Will Tessa wait for him or try to find her HEA without him?
I've been eagerly waiting for Milo & Tessa's story since Never Look Back.
Tessa has finally had enough and leaves Karl, it is revealed why she stayed with him for so long. Milo happens to be at the right place at the right time and takes Tessa home with him to keep her safe. Slowly Milo opens up to Tessa about his past and it's discovered Milo has two children, who currently live with his in-laws.
They come up with the ultimate plan to get Milo full custody of his kids...it just involves Tessa pretending to be his fiancée. But it becomes clear quickly that there is underlying chemistry and sparks between Tessa and Milo. Milo tries to resist the pull but ultimately gives in however he instantly runs away...it leaves Tessa feeling confused. She can sense their connection and she can't understand why Milo what accept her affection.
Connor and Samantha were amazing at articulating AL's words. They conveyed the story with so much emotion, it was perfect.
This story has so many ups and downs and twist and turns. It all comes down to whether or not Milo feels he is worthy of love...its quite the journey and you can tell he deserves everything and more but he can't accept it. Will Tessa wait for him or try to find her HEA without him?
May 12, 2024
pinterest board 📌:
https://pin.it/1l78neCGd
February 5, 2023
(audiobook) Damn this book took me by the gut and didn’t let me go until the end. It was dark, but with light at the end of the tunnel.
Though I was a bit surprised by the way the attraction between Milo, the big broody type, and Tessa, the typical good girl, changed into love, I can’t deny that I loved it. They kind of were meant for each other, Milo protecting Tessa from various threats–physical, emotional and more trivial–while she’s determined to help him because that’s what she does. That the best way to accomplish both endeavors is to fake a relationship is just a bonus, and help them fall into bed a lot sooner.
This book is dark and angsty. While Milo is struggling with a terrible past that deprived him of his kids, Tessa is sort of selling herself in order to take care of her brother. Neither has a happy past, and their future doesn’t look much brighter at the beginning of their story. But, as Tessa often says herself, they make a good team, and they’ll need each other to find their happy place. But the road to happiness sure is bumpy.
I said before that their love came as a surprise, but it’s more complicated. They have a lot of meaningful conversations; they see each other in new situations and discover sides of each other they never suspected. That they care for each other, and become friends, is perfectly understandable. The attraction is already there when the book starts, so it’s no surprise either. But I felt the forever love they talk about happened quite fast. Especially with Milo’s past–that I won’t spoil here.
Their attraction at least leads to scorching hot scenes. The passion is undeniable.
The suspense element was quite well done, though the villain was a bit too much. Again, without spoiling anything, let’s just say that it’s gruesome, and needs a content warning. But it also creates some unexpected twists that keep the reader interested until the end.
The narrators worked well together. Though they had separated chapters–it’s dual narration–their energy was similar. However they were able to express all the nuances of their characters, as well as offer a believable rendition of the other’s character too. Definitely a top listen.
Quickie
- Series: Redemption Hills #4 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #romantic suspense #fake relationship #friends to lovers #single dad #opposites attract
- Triggers: violence, death, mention of domestic abuse
- Main couple: Tessa McDaniels & Milo Hendricks
- Hotness: 5/5
- Romance: 3/5
- + Tessa and Milo were explosive!
- – such a convenient coincidence
Though I was a bit surprised by the way the attraction between Milo, the big broody type, and Tessa, the typical good girl, changed into love, I can’t deny that I loved it. They kind of were meant for each other, Milo protecting Tessa from various threats–physical, emotional and more trivial–while she’s determined to help him because that’s what she does. That the best way to accomplish both endeavors is to fake a relationship is just a bonus, and help them fall into bed a lot sooner.
This book is dark and angsty. While Milo is struggling with a terrible past that deprived him of his kids, Tessa is sort of selling herself in order to take care of her brother. Neither has a happy past, and their future doesn’t look much brighter at the beginning of their story. But, as Tessa often says herself, they make a good team, and they’ll need each other to find their happy place. But the road to happiness sure is bumpy.
I said before that their love came as a surprise, but it’s more complicated. They have a lot of meaningful conversations; they see each other in new situations and discover sides of each other they never suspected. That they care for each other, and become friends, is perfectly understandable. The attraction is already there when the book starts, so it’s no surprise either. But I felt the forever love they talk about happened quite fast. Especially with Milo’s past–that I won’t spoil here.
Their attraction at least leads to scorching hot scenes. The passion is undeniable.
The suspense element was quite well done, though the villain was a bit too much. Again, without spoiling anything, let’s just say that it’s gruesome, and needs a content warning. But it also creates some unexpected twists that keep the reader interested until the end.
The narrators worked well together. Though they had separated chapters–it’s dual narration–their energy was similar. However they were able to express all the nuances of their characters, as well as offer a believable rendition of the other’s character too. Definitely a top listen.
Quickie
- Series: Redemption Hills #4 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #romantic suspense #fake relationship #friends to lovers #single dad #opposites attract
- Triggers: violence, death, mention of domestic abuse
- Main couple: Tessa McDaniels & Milo Hendricks
- Hotness: 5/5
- Romance: 3/5
- + Tessa and Milo were explosive!
- – such a convenient coincidence
February 4, 2023
“But when I was in her space, I couldn’t stop the sense that I was standing in the light.”
“A Beautiful Beast, with that broken Halo tipped to the side.”
“You claimin’ me, little dove?”
The Redemption Hills Series is one of the most incredible, beautiful and special series I have ever read. It’s about family, love, protection and Justice. This series has been everything and Promise Me Always was the cherry on top! I have so much mad love for Milo and Tessa, I think I might explode! You guys it was everything and more.
Tessa has been the best friend through out the series. The crazy, amazing best friend that is literally the life of the party. So when I found out she was getting her own love story I was so stinking excited! Milo is the bouncer from Trent’s club Absolution and secretly they’ve always had a thing for each other, but this beautiful beast has demons and a rough past that he never wanted anyone else sucked into. And that’s all I’ll say because y’all need to read this! I cried and highlighted so much through out the entire book. Their chemistry and pain literally knocked the wind out of me! I can’t believe the series is over, but it is literally tattooed on my soul. Every book, every couple, every character is so beyond incredible and AL Jackson is a queen 🙌
“A Beautiful Beast, with that broken Halo tipped to the side.”
“You claimin’ me, little dove?”
The Redemption Hills Series is one of the most incredible, beautiful and special series I have ever read. It’s about family, love, protection and Justice. This series has been everything and Promise Me Always was the cherry on top! I have so much mad love for Milo and Tessa, I think I might explode! You guys it was everything and more.
Tessa has been the best friend through out the series. The crazy, amazing best friend that is literally the life of the party. So when I found out she was getting her own love story I was so stinking excited! Milo is the bouncer from Trent’s club Absolution and secretly they’ve always had a thing for each other, but this beautiful beast has demons and a rough past that he never wanted anyone else sucked into. And that’s all I’ll say because y’all need to read this! I cried and highlighted so much through out the entire book. Their chemistry and pain literally knocked the wind out of me! I can’t believe the series is over, but it is literally tattooed on my soul. Every book, every couple, every character is so beyond incredible and AL Jackson is a queen 🙌
December 3, 2024
I LOVEDDDDD THEM
January 26, 2023
are u kidding me?!??!!? Tessa and Milo are so BEAUTIFULLY written 😭😭 they literally have my heart and i’m not even kidding.
Milo is very kind of secretive and closed off about his past and essentially doesn’t want to let anyone in because of it. In a way he feels like he’s not worthy of love because of how he’s haunted by his past. Milo and Tessa always had a pull to one another if you will, but it would never be pursued because of his past and Tessa being in a relationship as well. Her boyfriend is horrible to her, like a sorry excuse of a man tbh!!! He never deserved someone like her in the first place. She’s overcome so much in her life and is even still going through things. Despite that, she still manages to put on a smile for her friends and the world. Everything she does for her brother is also admirable, yet it broke my heart. I def shed a few tears ( a lot) for Bobby.
On the other hand, Milo is fighting his past while also fighting for his kids. His children live with his late wife’s parents and he sees them once a week. This of course has to do with his past that continuously haunts him. Regardless, he’s still an amazing father to his kids and is trying so hard to fight for them. Their moments together as a family were adorable and I love how Tessa just fit in perfectly !!!!
The last 20% of the book had me up all night😭! I stayed up til early morning to finish this book because I could not fall asleep until I knew what happened and how everything turned out!! I loved every bit of Milo and Tessa’s ending. This was definitely my favorite A.L Jackson book and I highly recommend it!!! Solid 4 stars.
Also,
Thank you A.L Jackson for sending me this🤍 Mad, mad, love.!
Milo is very kind of secretive and closed off about his past and essentially doesn’t want to let anyone in because of it. In a way he feels like he’s not worthy of love because of how he’s haunted by his past. Milo and Tessa always had a pull to one another if you will, but it would never be pursued because of his past and Tessa being in a relationship as well. Her boyfriend is horrible to her, like a sorry excuse of a man tbh!!! He never deserved someone like her in the first place. She’s overcome so much in her life and is even still going through things. Despite that, she still manages to put on a smile for her friends and the world. Everything she does for her brother is also admirable, yet it broke my heart. I def shed a few tears ( a lot) for Bobby.
On the other hand, Milo is fighting his past while also fighting for his kids. His children live with his late wife’s parents and he sees them once a week. This of course has to do with his past that continuously haunts him. Regardless, he’s still an amazing father to his kids and is trying so hard to fight for them. Their moments together as a family were adorable and I love how Tessa just fit in perfectly !!!!
The last 20% of the book had me up all night😭! I stayed up til early morning to finish this book because I could not fall asleep until I knew what happened and how everything turned out!! I loved every bit of Milo and Tessa’s ending. This was definitely my favorite A.L Jackson book and I highly recommend it!!! Solid 4 stars.
Also,
Thank you A.L Jackson for sending me this🤍 Mad, mad, love.!
January 30, 2023
Tessa and Milo were AMAZING!!!! The angst! The "I don't deserve her"! The love they couldn't deny that grew from friendship! Watching these two broken souls find happiness left me with a smile. I'm so glad Tessa got her happily ever after :)
January 16, 2023
“What if we were supposed to become something brand new together?”
Intensely emotional and heartbreakingly beautiful, Promise Me Always was a captivating story of love and redemption and second chances. Milo and Tessa were absolute perfection and their journey was inspiring, heartwrenching and full of so much passion and love. I loved it!!
“You are the one who filled up a place inside me that I never thought would be filled.”
We already knew that Tessa was a firecracker. She’s so feisty and fights with her entire heart and soul for those she loves. She longs to find her person and to be loved for herself. Her heart is HUGE and her generous soul lights up a room.
“You might be battered, but you’re not broken.”
And Milo, sigh, he’s a gruff, protective teddy bear that will fight to the death, literally, for those that he loves. His spirit is overcome with guilt and grief yet he powers through it to be a better man for his kids. He believes he’s doomed to live in the dark, but Tessa brings a light that he’s powerless to resist. Milo’s kids are his world and how Tessa immediately falls in love with them was so beautiful.
“Sometimes, we have to make it through the ugliness to find the beauty on the other side.”
The slow push and pull between Milo and Tessa is palpable and their chemistry is electric. Milo is so tender and gentle with Tessa and I loved how he took care of her and gave her a safe place to land. Tessa innately seems to understand Milo and soothes him. Their journey is difficult and painful and absolutely heartbreakingly emotional, but it was so worth it in the end.
“Even when you were terrified to do it, you showed me what it was like to be cherished, just in the way you looked at me.”
Promise Me Always was a highly addictive read that I couldn’t put down and I think this is my favorite book in this series. All of the angst was beautifully done so I was lost in the story and the relationship between Milo and Tessa had me in my feels. Full of so much heart-stopping passion, second chances, thrilling twists and turns, and gut-wrenching angst, this entire series has been so emotional and is definitely a must read.
Intensely emotional and heartbreakingly beautiful, Promise Me Always was a captivating story of love and redemption and second chances. Milo and Tessa were absolute perfection and their journey was inspiring, heartwrenching and full of so much passion and love. I loved it!!
“You are the one who filled up a place inside me that I never thought would be filled.”
We already knew that Tessa was a firecracker. She’s so feisty and fights with her entire heart and soul for those she loves. She longs to find her person and to be loved for herself. Her heart is HUGE and her generous soul lights up a room.
“You might be battered, but you’re not broken.”
And Milo, sigh, he’s a gruff, protective teddy bear that will fight to the death, literally, for those that he loves. His spirit is overcome with guilt and grief yet he powers through it to be a better man for his kids. He believes he’s doomed to live in the dark, but Tessa brings a light that he’s powerless to resist. Milo’s kids are his world and how Tessa immediately falls in love with them was so beautiful.
“Sometimes, we have to make it through the ugliness to find the beauty on the other side.”
The slow push and pull between Milo and Tessa is palpable and their chemistry is electric. Milo is so tender and gentle with Tessa and I loved how he took care of her and gave her a safe place to land. Tessa innately seems to understand Milo and soothes him. Their journey is difficult and painful and absolutely heartbreakingly emotional, but it was so worth it in the end.
“Even when you were terrified to do it, you showed me what it was like to be cherished, just in the way you looked at me.”
Promise Me Always was a highly addictive read that I couldn’t put down and I think this is my favorite book in this series. All of the angst was beautifully done so I was lost in the story and the relationship between Milo and Tessa had me in my feels. Full of so much heart-stopping passion, second chances, thrilling twists and turns, and gut-wrenching angst, this entire series has been so emotional and is definitely a must read.
January 30, 2023
SNAP. CRACKLE. BOOM!
When it comes to Milo and Tessa, these three words say it all!! Their slow burn romance pulses and crackles, a chemistry that ultimately explodes in a kaleidoscope of colors like fireworks bursting in the sky. The boom—the bang—startlingly unexpected, yet inevitable all the same.
Tessa is all sunshine and light, with ocean eyes, freckles and fiery locks of hair. "A girl with the ability to barely brush into someone’s atmosphere and know the state of their heart.”
Milo is a tatted hunk-of-a-man with a haunted past and honey-dipped eyes. "A beautiful beast with that broken halo tipped to the side.”
Together, they are nothing less than combustible! All heat, and fire, and flame!!
Yet their story is as complicated as it is simple. Because it starts and ends with family. It starts and ends with love. A love worth fighting for. A love worth risking it all.
“Promise Me Always” is the highly-anticipated 4th and final book in A.L. Jackson’s Redemption Hills series, and it doesn't disappoint! Like many other fans of this series, I was clamoring for Tessa's story to be told, and A.L. Jackson listened. Yet, not only did she listen, but she delivered this couple's story with a huge, resounding bang...
SNAP. CRACKLE. BOOM!
When it comes to Milo and Tessa, these three words say it all!! Their slow burn romance pulses and crackles, a chemistry that ultimately explodes in a kaleidoscope of colors like fireworks bursting in the sky. The boom—the bang—startlingly unexpected, yet inevitable all the same.
Tessa is all sunshine and light, with ocean eyes, freckles and fiery locks of hair. "A girl with the ability to barely brush into someone’s atmosphere and know the state of their heart.”
Milo is a tatted hunk-of-a-man with a haunted past and honey-dipped eyes. "A beautiful beast with that broken halo tipped to the side.”
Together, they are nothing less than combustible! All heat, and fire, and flame!!
Yet their story is as complicated as it is simple. Because it starts and ends with family. It starts and ends with love. A love worth fighting for. A love worth risking it all.
“Promise Me Always” is the highly-anticipated 4th and final book in A.L. Jackson’s Redemption Hills series, and it doesn't disappoint! Like many other fans of this series, I was clamoring for Tessa's story to be told, and A.L. Jackson listened. Yet, not only did she listen, but she delivered this couple's story with a huge, resounding bang...
SNAP. CRACKLE. BOOM!
February 23, 2023
4.5! Loove love love this book! It was the first one I’ve read by Al Jackson and I ended up loving it! I felt like the story really drew me in every time I picked it up and there were a few moments that I really didn’t see coming.
Fake dating, single dad and forced proximity- all the tropes that are * chefs kiss * 😙🤌🏼 And what a dad this man was! 🥹 I loved this couple together, it really felt like a perfect fit and I also just love the whole family dynamics with his kids Remy & Scout! They started out as a fake relationship so he could custody of his kids back and it grew into something bigger.
Tessa as a character was so sweet - she’s the type of person that would do anything for those she loves, including putting herself in situations that may not be the best. She was just so passionate and loving!
Overall this was just amazing! Full of angst, chemistry, hurt and healing, drama, love and loss! It’s the last part of the redemption hills series but I it can be read as a stand-alone which I did and now I want to read the rest of the series too 🤭
I’m honestly not really sure why it doesn’t get the full 5/5 for me but I just didn’t get that full 5 star feel for me even though it may sound like it in my review but I did love it
Fake dating, single dad and forced proximity- all the tropes that are * chefs kiss * 😙🤌🏼 And what a dad this man was! 🥹 I loved this couple together, it really felt like a perfect fit and I also just love the whole family dynamics with his kids Remy & Scout! They started out as a fake relationship so he could custody of his kids back and it grew into something bigger.
Tessa as a character was so sweet - she’s the type of person that would do anything for those she loves, including putting herself in situations that may not be the best. She was just so passionate and loving!
Overall this was just amazing! Full of angst, chemistry, hurt and healing, drama, love and loss! It’s the last part of the redemption hills series but I it can be read as a stand-alone which I did and now I want to read the rest of the series too 🤭
I’m honestly not really sure why it doesn’t get the full 5/5 for me but I just didn’t get that full 5 star feel for me even though it may sound like it in my review but I did love it
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