Saying “I Promise” is the easiest thing to do, its just two tiny words. No one warned me of the weight they hold, that they not only have the power to make something, to give hope, or show devotion. They can destroy everything, cause so much hurt, ruin lives.
Every promise holds a toll, if I had known what mine would cost me, I would have walked away. Now I have to pay the price, watch the consequences of my actions unfold. Witnessing someone I love crumble after breaking my oath isn’t the hardest thing I’ve endured, it's being forgotten by the one person that I could never forget.
I'm a little neurotic; I function on a tiny amount of sleep and a huge amount of caffeine. I love green skittles and have an irrational fear of stormy weather. When I’m not writing about super hot college guys, you can generally find me googling them...All in the name of research of course. I can be persuaded to do just about anything with the promise of a good book or a bottle of bubbles. Oh, and I also love to write.
I can breathe again. Whew! Elle, you had me worried there. Seriously, I was so apprehensive about reading this next installment of Blair and Ethan's journey. But I needed to know what happened after the last book. I'm glad I got to read it early. I loved it so much! So much heart and soul was put into this book, as was in the first one. You exceeded my expectations and I thank you for introducing us to Ethan and Blair. I loved them. And I loved the other characters too. Well, most of them. Very excited for others to read it!
*full review coming soon*
ARC kindly provided by the author for honest review
Yesssssssssss! I'm so excited to get more Ethan and Blair, after the tragic ending that is Promises Hurt. I. Can't. Wait.!!! Thank you Elle. <3
Even more drama in this, the second part to Ethan and Blair's story. Actually, after that killer cliffhanger at the end of book one, we seemed to lurch from drama to drama with alarming frequency in this. It felt a bit like a soap in story form. Not quite my thing if I'm honest, but at least this one brought closure to their story and there were a few poignant moments and good smut in between the long angsty waits in the hospital's relative room.
If there is one debut author you need to read this year, it is Elle Brooks. Promises Hurt was a compelling and beautiful love story with a deeply profound message. It touches upon real life tragedies, heartbreak, love and forgiveness.
Forgotten Promises continues pretty much where Promises Hurt left off and for those who have read it knows how that played out. I was scared to open my ARC and with good reason... that prologue has you literally breaking. I was mortified but at the same time compelled to continue because if there is one thing this author is good at, it is springing the element of surprise; she can weave a tale that leaves you breathless, awed and guessing until the very end.
Blair and Ethan are like family to me now, every obstacle they have faced, they have overcome together. And even when the mind forgets, the heart will always remember, for a love like this is unforgettable.
This series touches upon some upsetting subject matters and that epilogue had me reaching for the tissues but not necessarily in the way you might think, my goodness, it was so empowering it made my heart stutter from the sheer force of its words.
Elle Brooks is an incredible talent, and I loved every word. Promises Hurt and Forgotten Promises has hit my BEST READS of 2014 shelf. I implore you to read this series, because it has everything. It touches upon every emotion; from happiness and passion to fear and heartache. It's poignancy is palpable; emotionally charged but sympathetic in its deliverance. The Perfect read...I promise! <3
Breath….just breath. I’m still reeling….I just finished Forgotten Promises by Elle Brooks about 20 minutes ago and I just had to start getting my feelings down NOW! This is book # 2 in the Promises Series and is the follow up to Promises Hurt. I will warn you now that you MUST read book 1 before reading this review, it will contain spoilers to that story <3
First, let me start at the beginning with the prologue. Holy ugly crying from the get go. We start off on the edge of our seats wondering just what this whole book will bring. Last chance to run before I start talking….
Chapter 1 brings us right back to the crash….that gut wrenching moment of screaming and crying and kindle throwing. All of my feelings came rushing back to me in that moment, remembering everything that Blair and Ethan had already been to leading up to this point. In the wake of the accident people are hurt, physically and emotionally. Blair and Ethan will have so much to overcome, in a sense they are starting over.
Blair is hurting but keeps it together for those around her. She takes on so much for a young woman, she should not have had to bear the burdens that others placed upon her. She is the type of character that you just want to take in your arms and hug her until it’s all better.
“Why do all the promises I make end up hurting?”
As Ethan works on his recovery he is also dealing with am immense amount of stress, lies of omission and secrets in his life. We see a much more emotional side of him through this story. As he tries to make sense of what his life is I was so happy that he had Blair there with him.
“There’s no wonder I made this girl mine; I fell like I could kiss her forever.”
When things come crashing down around them Blair and Ethan still have each other. The strength of their young relationship is one that I don’t think many people will ever experience. They way they just know how the other is feeling, or hiding how they feel…the little ways that they banter back and forth and how they don’t take crap from the other all make them so right for each other.
“I don’t know what she sees in me, or why she want to be with someone so broken, but I couldn’t be more grateful.” ~Ethan~
“I’m drowning, and he’s my lifeline. I give him all of me, every ounce of passion, every fragment of my heart. He owns me body and soul.” ~Blair~
This story is full of love, heartbreak, sweet moments, and tragedy and of course second chances. Blair, Ethan, and their families have many struggles to overcome. Tears will be shed, I’m warning you now just as much as I am urging you to not miss out on their story. The Promises Series is moving to my Top 5 must read list ASAP!!!
5 amazing stars!!!! I promise!!! So much I want to say about this book... I need to think clearly and write something worthy... Review to follow.... Can wait for you all to read this!!!!!!!
Um... WOW! I am totally speechless! How can I possibly do this amazing author & book any justice???
I have sat here staring at this screen for I don't know how long trying to summarise my thoughts, can I get away with JUST. READ. THE. BOOKS! Probably not, so here goes...
When I read Promises Hurt, (Book 1) I was BLOWN AWAY by Elle's talent & especially given it was her first EVER novel! She has done it again with Forgotten Promises. this is something that I had no doubts would happen.
Before you start to imagine where this story will go, STOP! Elle has written such a rollercoaster of events & emotions that you constantly doubt your ideas. Just try to sit back & enjoy the ride, believe me it is worth it.
I have laughed, gasped, sobbed & ugly cried but it does not detract from the beauty of the story & writing, in fact it enhances it, I do not cry easily while reading.
You can't help but love the shy & nerdy Blair with her quirky slogan T-shirts but when she opens up it is amazing how confident & funny she can be.
Who doesn't love the cocky bad boy? Ethan is no exception but he is not your everyday arrogant 'I'm sexy & I know it' jock/musician, he is so down to earth which makes you love him even more.
The playful banter between these two is great fun to read, when you add in their friends, the group as a whole are hilarious but you know they all have each others back if needed.
As always this will be a spoiler free review so I will try to wrap this up.
Book 1 has stayed with me in the months since I read it & I have no doubt this one will too. This is a series I will cherish & read countless times over the years.
How do you follow up the best book of the year? By writing the second one of course...!
I did Beta reading for this book and constantly nagged Elle for hints .. a constant page turner - I defy anyone not to read this in one sitting..... my heart raced, I was almost scared to read the next page at points in the manuscript and when I was finished and finally remembered to breathe I sent Elle the most unintelligible voice mail ever...how she ever understood me I will never know - I was sobbing so much.
An amazing rollercoaster of a ride in this the conclusion to Blair & Ethan's story. So beautifully written and I am still amazed to this day this is only Elle's second book. I for one cannot wait to see what she comes up with next.
i don't usually read high school set books but i picked up this 2 part series on a whim and i am so so glad i did! it read more like a NA book but our two leads were 18 and in their senior year of high school.
the writing, the emotional depth, the angst, the chemistry, it was all perfect. i devoured this and the first book within 2 days, i couldn't put them down (especially with that book #1 cliffhanger, god damn!)
ethan and blair's love story is compelling, heartbreaking and yet so beautiful. the story touches on some very real, true life subjects and handles it beautifully while remaining light and flirty at the best of times.
if there's room for one more 2014 debut author on your reading list this year, make it elle brooks.
I am a mother of teenage girls but I love the stories about teens and their struggles and their complicated lives. High school is a time when life should be carefree. Sometimes people are dealt a bad hand a they must find a way to get through it. Ethan and Blair had things to deal with that you shouldn't have to deal with at an early age. They were able to find their way by finding strength from people in their lives. This story had me from going from tears to laughter.
Please note if you did not read the first book in this series Promises Hurt this review will have spoilers so you may want to look away now. Forgotten Promises picks up right where the first one ended. Blair, Ethan and Ethan’s father are badly hurt in a car accident. I want to say this author did an INCREDIBLE job with this second book. You can feel and see every emotion from each character in this book. I felt every single bit of pain, love, anger, remorse and frustration the author put in this book, and I loved it. I fell in love with Ethan and Blair while I had the pleasure of reading and reviewing the first one so I was very anxious to find out what was going to happen with their story.
Blair and Ethan’s relationship is strong and intense. You can really feel how much they truly love each other. They are both suffering after the accident and are in for another fight. Ethan wakes up from his coma with amnesia. He does not remember the past few months of his life. Which means he does not remember who Blair is. Blair has suffered from a broken spleen but is healing. Her concern and focus is on Ethan. She wants to see him and to know he is ok. When Ethan cannot remember her she is devastated, but being the tough girl that she is, she does not walk away from the love of her life.
I would say this book is more of Ethan’s story because he goes through so much in this book. Although he can’t remember who Blair is he can feel their connection and knows their relationship is special. The inner dialogue Ethan has with himself shows how much Blair’s presence affects him and for him that is the only thing that is pulling him through his nightmare.
“I kiss her like she should be kissed. The only message I intend to send is that I need this, just like I have to breathe. It’s not a question of wanting, it’s a necessity.”
“I may as well hand her my man car along with my balls, because she just breezed into the room looking like a goddamn porn star, and I can think is how much I want to cuddle. Just give me a moment please. I’m having an internal freak out. The “me” I thought I knew I should be trying to initiate getting back into your pants, but I seem to have grown a vagina and really just want to ask you for a hug!”
Ethan learns that his father was gravely hurt in the accident. In the first book we know that Ethan’s father physically abused him for years and the role he played in the accident. Ethan knows that he should feel sad about his father’s situation but he cannot seem to bring himself to feel sorrow. Ethan is still healing and there are things his mother Moira and doctors do not want Ethan to know. They don’t want him to suffer more stress. Against her better judgment, Blair agrees not to mention the truth Moira told Ethan days before the accident. Together Blair and Ethan find peace and understanding. They try to make sense of everything and move on despite the turmoil going on in Ethan’s life. For Ethan Blair’s presence is the only thing soothes him and makes him happy.
“Princess, you need to tell me to stop.”
“Please don’t stop.”
“I need to take care of you.”
“I need you inside me now, Ethan.”
I want you to promise that we are perfect, that what we have is real, and you feel it too; because I haven’t allowed anyone or anything into my life for so long, I’m kind of terrified that I’ll lose the way I’m feeling right now.”
“I promise.”
I love Ethan. My heart broke for him but I was happy he found love, acceptance and something worth holding on to with Blair. While reading this book my love for him just intensified. Even though he did not remember Blair, he loved her fiercely. He goes through an internal battle dealing with his father. Accepting that the abuse was not his fault. The author touches on domestic abuse and its damaging effects. It is raw but depicted wonderfully. Your heart will break but it will also rejoice when Ethan stands up to his father.
This was beautifully written and intense. You will cry, laugh and get angry but it was perfectly written. Will Ethan regain his memory? Will Ethan forgive Blair for keeping the truth from him or is their love strong enough to overcome the odds? Will Ethan forgive his father for years of abuse? I was excited to learn that Ethan and Blair will be getting another book in 2015. I can’t wait to see more of them and what is next for their future.
Elle Brooks just about gave me a heart attack with the prologue of Forgotten Promises. I was sitting there reading in horror, saying no no no! You can’t do this to me in the first few sentences.
I kept going.
I just jumped right into that didn’t I? Let me backtrack a bit. I absolutely loved Promises Hurt. It was an amazing read and I have been waiting and waiting and waiting (yes, patience is not my best virtue and a week feels like forever when I’m anticipating something) for Forgotten Promises to release.
I jumped right into Forgotten Promises when Elle sent it over, shoving a couple of books off the top of my must read list, and got going. I wanted to know what was going to happen to Blair and Ethan after we left them in Promises Hurt. I didn’t want to see this couple go through any more pain.
I don’t feel like I can even go into the story line, saying I liked this or that because there is so much in there that you won’t get from the synopsis.
I am just going to say this was an absolutely amazing read, totally worth the weight, and is a perfect example of why Elle Brooks is on my favorite author list. Strongly written characters and even though some of them are in high school still, they don’t feel immature at all. Especially Blair. Blair has gone through a horrible loss that I think makes her wise beyond her years. Honestly I think she was already wise before going through Emily’s treatment and then her passing, I think that made her grow up a little quicker though.
Filled with beautiful story telling, I think both Promises Hurt and Forgotten Promises would be the perfect books for anyone who loves coming of age stories. I’m saying it again, amazing. I loved it.
5 stars.
Thank you so much for my copy of Forgotten Promises!
Forgotten Promises is a captivating and heartbreaking read that will surely move you emotionally. I found myself yet again caught up in Blaire and Ethan's journey. I must say that Elle Brooks has some serious writing skills. Forgotten Promises is flawless and holds you captive. The story continues to explore tough topics and situations. But what I loved was that it's also funny and wity.
Forgotten Promises is book #2 in the Promises series and should be read only after completing Promises Hurt (Promises #1). Since Promises Hurt ended in a cliffhanger, Forgotten Promises picked up right where the first book ended. I was quite apprehensive and excited about continuing this story. Mainly because my heart is still in recovery mode. I knew this would be a roller coaster ride.
If you thought the first book was emotional then prepare yourself! I totally adore Blaire and Ethan. Their journey is heart-wrenching. These two young people have to deal with so many emotional issues. But the way they endure it together is touching. Although the life around them is pure chaos at times, the love and affection for each other is what keeps them going.
This continues to be a highly emotional read that leaves a weight on your chest. You will cry tears of hurt for Ethan and his pain, but also cry tears of happiness. It's an empowering story of survival, trust, love and healing. Elle Brooks is definitely on my list of go to authors. I love her writing. It's makes me feel and crave for more.
Author Elle Brooks has delivered an amazing story, Forgotten Promises will touch your heart in so many ways.
As Blair recovers from the injuries sustain from the car accident she suffered with Ethan and his father. She can only think of him, Ethan is her everything and she can't imagine her life without him.
Ethan has finally woken up from his coma but can't remember a lot and one of the things he remember he had a girlfriend. Yet when he saw her and felt her arms around his body he felt save with her. And the only think he wishes it was instead of forgetting about Blair he wished it was the memories of his father. The monster that had abused his physically and mentally.
Little by little Ethan's memories come back and his demons are back and stronger than ever. Yet he knows that the only time he feels safe and love is when Blair is with him.
Can Ethan put his demons to rest once and for all or will they win the battle and consume his sanity?
Forgetting Promises is one of my favorite books by far. This story takes you to an emotional struggle between Ethan and Blair against their issues.
I love this series and I can't wait to read book 3. I recommend for you to read this incredible book.
Please read Promises Hurt prior to Forgotten Promises.
***ARC provided in exchange for an honest review - Sanne / Scandalous Book Blog***
Where do you even start with a story like this... I just finished and I still have tears in my eyes!
I mean I really liked Promises Hurt but this one was just epic, it was beyond good. I had barely finished reading the prologue and I was already crying my eyeballs out and telling that for that alone it was a five star plus read.
The first book left us with a massive cliffhanger and book two, well let's just say it starts with a bang! ;) I was like NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooo you are kidding me.... After reading some more I was like allright maybe not but then at the end it came back and I was like NO NONONNOONO this CANNOT be happening and there I was sobbing like a crybaby again...
Just read it people read it! Not only is the writing impecable but above all it is a story that is real and could be happening to each and every one of us.
Warning: Make sure you have plenty of tissues available and do NOT read in public unless you want people asking you why on earth you are crying so much!
It's a massive five star plus from me and I would highly recommend it to each and every one of you.
Forgotten Promises is book two in the Promises series. You must read Promises Hurt first. I had to do a quick review of Promises Hurt to catch up to where Forgotten Promises starts. Forgotten Promises picks up where the cliffhanger in Promises Hurt left us.
The prologue threw me for a loop and I thought the book might be going in a different direction. After reading the prologue, I couldn't put the book down, I had to know what happened. Elle Brooks definitely keeps you guessing what will happen next.
Blair and Ethan have some major obstacles to overcome in this one. I didn't think it was possible but I loved Ethan even more in this one. Ethan and Blair's story is an emotional read but it well worth the ride.
4.5 stars! A great conclusion to Promises Hurt, which left us with a doozy of a cliffhanger. I'm glad that we were able to see what happens next for Ethan and Blair. This is the type of story that will give you the feels in all kinds of way. There were warm and fuzzy times, times where Ethan made my heart pound and times where my heart broke for both of them. I hated the abuse Ethan suffered from his dad. A tough thing to make peace with and to move on from in order to become a decent and productive person. It was a very well written story full of emotions. I liked the first book a little better. It took me several tries to get into to this one at the beginning but once it picked up it was fantastic! A good read!
The cliffhanger in book 1 had me thinking the worst and the prologue did nothing to refute that.
Ethan & Blair's story continue after the crash and its a journey for both of them.
I am happy that the 2nd book grabbed me just as much as the 1st and I once again read it one sitting.
Just as the first, there were some teary moments in this & a particularly heart stopping moment towards the end but I was very happy with the conclusion.
Looking forward to future releases to come from the author.
Glad this book was already out because after the cliffhanger from the first book I wouldn't have been able to take having to wait.
It took me awhile to get into this book because it was leaning in a directions I wasn't happy with. I kept thinking that there was no way one of the main characters would be killed off, so I would push myself to go on.
I did enjoy this book. I wish the ending would have been different. It wasn't bad, but I wanted to know more about what happen to Blair and Ethan.
Overall, it wasn't as tense as the first book, but still a good read.
Loved it! I knew there was something wrong!!! I hate Moira for making Blair promise she won't tell Ethan she is not his mother. Well I loved the fact that even if Ethan didn't remember Blair at first he knew he loved her. By the way I hate Ethan's dad as well, he's an asshole. Maybe promises being made isn't the worst thing. Even if they hurt, even if you forget then they never go away and maybe that's for the best!
Thank the heavens!!!!! I can finally breath! 2 times, no on more the 2 occasions my heart stopped! I'm so glad that Ethan and Blair pulled through! Loved this series, brilliant quick read with throughly likeable characters and beautiful and emotional story! Though I could do another book for the two love birds. I feel like there is more to their story and they have more to share with us. HINT HINT ELLE BROOKS ;)
Where do I even begin. This story (and series) was just so good. Amazing even. My heart hurt a lot during this story, for Ethan and Blair. All they went through but they still stayed right by each other till the end. This story also made me tear up a lot because some of it hit close to home with my dad dying of pneumonia/cancer. I just really loved this story and the ending was perfect. That speech was amazing too.
I thought this book was even better than the first. There were quite a few twists and turns in the story, but in a good way. The ending was a little sappy, but a good ending to a book with a lot of heavy circumstances and emotions.
OMG Elle Brooks, you had me hyperventilating from the minute I read the prologue. I kept repeating to myself…. It can’t be, it better not be…. With tears in my eyes I really wasn’t sure I wanted to read on….. But thank God I kept reading. What a remarkable, heart pounding, emotional and intense rollercoaster it was.
Blair I don’t hear any words through the sound of the blood rushing in my ears. I can’t do this. I’m not ready. I blink and let my first tear fall, no doubt carving the way for more to follow. I had agreed to come for Moira. I felt bad that she would have to face this alone. I look blankly towards the front but I can’t see anything past my pain.
Elle – you truly are a genius at working your words magically in such a way that you captivate and reel in your audience – and me especially who didn’t want to let go.
I absolutely loved it. It kept me captivated from beginning to end and as I read it in one go. I just could not put it down.
This story is absolutely moving. It picks up from where Promises Hurt leaves you with a cliffhanger of that awful car accident. (You really need to read both of these books – I can’t recommend it highly enough).
It takes you from heart wrenching to heartwarming from cover to cover.
I don’t want to give too much away. So I’ll try just giving you a bit of why I loved it so much.
The pain of Ethan’s past slowly catches up with him. How he deals with it is really quite extraordinary for his age. He is so grown up and mature - but he still has his cocky, cheeky, sexy, outgoing personality as always.
Blair is heartbroken at first, but Ethan has a way of making her feel better.
Blair really is a beautiful soul. So kind, loving, selfless and unquestioning. Her love for Ethan was unconditional. She was always there for him. Even when she thought she was doing the wrong thing by keeping promises she knew she couldn’t.
They truly belong to each other. Even though the circumstances of what was happening and how Ethan was dealing with things, he always had that feeling of love and trust and just knowing that Blair was someone special. He felt their connection – the electricity between them was so strong that you just could not miss it.
He could feel it – he just knew. The feelings and emotions between these two were so strong that they really felt so real to the reader.
Their circumstances are traumatic. So much to re-live, so much to remember and understand. For some time you think they just may not trust each other enough to work through it. But the author has you on the edge of you seat, biting your nails as these characters hash it out and eventually work through it together with such faith and trust that they really show how much they are meant for each other.
What will the future hold for Ethan and Blair?
Will they be able to survive what lies ahead?
I loved every minute of the unknown, the angst, the hurt, the love and anticipating what was coming next. Mind you every time I thought I knew what was going to happen, I was wrong and pleasantly surprised with every single turn.
It felt so real and true. It made me feel for them. The emotions I experienced throughout this book were dramatic to the point where I thought one thing and was relieved when the author took it to another place. She literally had me on the edge of my seat – with my heart pounding in my chest just wanting to jump into the story with them.
Thank you, thank you, thank you Miss Elle Brooks for an absolutely fabulous story.
A story of two young souls healing each other and never giving up on each other.