Arms of Promise

by Crystal Walton

A dancer who won't back down. A soldier indebted to a promise. The only thing more dangerous than the threat pitting them together is the secret keeping them apart.

Contemporary dancer Anna Madison is determined to honor her mom's memory. With the life she's built in downtown Chicago hinging on an upcoming audition, now's the worst time for her childhood best friend - and the only man she's ever loved - to reenter her world. Her dad's current DA case instigates enough danger without adding on the risk of losing her heart. Again.

Army Ranger Evan O'Riley has always known his place in Anna's life. Letting his feelings compromise her safety simply isn't an option. Especially when his promise to protect her drives him off the sidelines and into the one place even his special ops training can't save him from. Anna's arms.

Keeping her from uncovering the real reason Evan returns is one thing. Trying to hide the reason he left to begin with could destroy them both. But when the past they've both tried to outrun launches them down a heart-pounding road of threats, secrets, and attraction, resisting love may turn into the greatest risk they face.

The perfect blend of sweet romance and action, this inspirational romantic suspense will leave you incapable of putting down a heart melting tale of love, friendship, and second chances.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Clean Romance, Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Contemporary Romance, Christian Fiction

Audible Audio

Published January 26, 2017

About the author

Crystal writes sweet romances with humor, broken characters, and emotional plots full of grace and hope. When her hands aren’t full with her very active, little blue-eyed heroes, she's delving into the wonder of words, supporting her Starbucks habit, or laughing over movie quotes with her husband.

Join her on Facebook at facebook.com/crystalwaltonwrites for fun giveaways, chats, and more.

Reviews

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna and Evan have a past and when he suddenly comes back to town after years away, she is ecstatic. Each have an experience from their joined past that they have internalized in a different way, which has shaped who they are today. Anna's dream of being independent, along with her desire to dance professionally, overshadow everything else. Evan is now an Army Ranger and tougher than ever, yet she still has a sweet spot for Anna and will protect her at all costs.

I found this book to be well-written. The way this author portrays tangible emotions, nail-biting suspense, and wonderfully melt-your-heart romance is spectacular! The characters came alive and their sparky chemistry made me swoon. I believe that timing is key in relationships and love it when a couple gets a second shot at love. Sometimes I got frustrated when they acted a little gun-shy, but I would probably be the exact same way. Their reactions felt real.

Anna is a little clueless, but she is determined and selfless, and that combination makes her a daring, putting her into dangerous and scary situations. Evan is a protector, sacrificing many things for the sake of safety. There were times when he sacrificed a little too much, in my opinion. But wowza--that guy is loyal. The peak of the suspense and the resulting conclusion were perfect and satisfying. I think that Crystal Walton's books just keep getting better and better and I'm looking forward to her next release.

Content: mild, swoony romance (clean); mild violence.

*I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own--I received no compensation.*

[Aimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading Crystal Walton's books from the beginning and I swear she just keeps getting better and better. This book was my favorite so far, I think. Do I say that every time? Maybe. But I really loved this book and if I'm telling someone else about Crystal's books, I'm going to say that this one is my favorite. :) If you haven't ever read anything by Crystal Walton, this is a great place to start!

I'm sort of a sucker for second chance at first love kind of books and that is what this one is. Then, throw in a bit of suspense and you have the perfect recipe for a great book.

Anna and Evan are both characters full of life and depth. They are so human with strengths and weaknesses. It was easy to settle into their story and feel right along with them. Crystal has a gift for writing emotion. It's one of the things I love best about her books.

So, it's love from me! Pick up this book. Read it. Love it.

Content: Clean, some mild violence

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Kathy Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna has always dreamed of being a professional dancer. Her mom and her best friend, Evan, have always been her biggest supporters. But when her mom dies in a tragic accident and Evan leaves to join the army without so much as a goodbye, she is lost and doesn't know how to move forward. It's been 5 years and she thinks she's finally back on track to achieving her dreams. Just when things start going right, her world is about to be turned upside down... again. The only thing that is bringing light into her darkness is Evan. Now that he's back will she finally have the guts to tell him she loves him? Will they be able to move forward and build a future together or will they forever be "just friends"?

Evan has returned to Chicago for one reason and one reason only. To protect Anna from all the dangers lurking around her. But he knows all too well how she feels about her father's hired "secret service wannabes" and he can't let her find out. He would do anything to protect her... even lie about why he's back. In his mind, he has already failed her once, he cannot afford to do it again. But how can he stay focused and on his toes if her sweet, sassy, adorable attitude has him thinking about how much he loves her and how much he wishes he was good enough for her.

Between secrets, stubbornness and fear, Anna and Evan definitely have their work cut out for them. But will they see that they belong together before it's too late? Will their love for each other heal all past hurts and help them move forward to finally get their HEA? If anyone deserves a HEA it's definitely them!

I thoroughly enjoyed Arms of Promise and had a hard time putting it down! I stayed up way too late and woke up even earlier than normal just to read it. I got frustrated... I laughed... I got teary eyed... I let out dreamy sighs... it was just what I needed!

This is my 2nd book by Crystal Walton and I have to say it will not be my last! I can't wait to read more by her! :)

And of course my review wouldn't be complete without my casting! I love these two! What do you think?! ;o)

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun weekend read. I liked the idea behind this book and was given a chance to read it for an honest review. The ballerina who is left years ago by the highschool sweet heart has been done to death, but I liked the twist in this that he joined the military and worked his way up. I liked that you got fed the real meat of the story a piece at a time and everything is not told up front. I liked but wanted to smack the heroine upside the head a couple times. She had a Lois Lane complex that started to get old. The leading man was the strong, hurt type that works so well in a book like this. I loved the ending, the kiss had some real build up tension behind it, I was very glad it was not interrupted one more time, that was a little overdone. This is a Sweet clean, non-religious love story.

[Melody Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!

[Lisa (Bookworm Lisa) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contains some of my favorite elements to read. This is a story about a second chances, independent characters, and suspense. This book is so nicely put together that it is hard to put down.

The two main characters have history. They grew up as best friends that turned into something more for both of them. The problem is that they didn't want to mess up the friendship by letting the other know of their feelings. Their time together ends in confusion for both of them.

This book takes place five years later. She is a struggling ballerina an he is a Ranger. Both have had events and disappointments shape them during their time apart. Once again, seeing each other brings out the feelings of confusion and both believe that they could never find more with each other. It complicates matters that he is there to protect her while her father works on a case that will put a bad man in jail.

The hardest part of this book for me is to see the main characters struggling to find what I knew as a reader that they needed. That is the beauty of reading a situation rather than living it. I enjoyed the romance part of the story, but I was more impressed at the level of respect that they had for each other. They truly had each others best interests at heart.

This is a great romantic suspense novel. This is the first time that I have read one of Crystal Walton's books and it won't be the last.

[Cynthia Marcano · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found a new author to add to my list of good ones.

Arms of Promise is a clean and intriguing read. Lots of angst and longing. Anna & Evan are just so wonderfully complicated.

Intrigue, action and yearning between two characters who I wholeheartedly routed for, kept me turning pages.

My actual rating is more than 4 but less than 5...I know that's weird.

Although this is a clean read and not a Christian Fiction, I felt like if Jesus was the reason for all of the redemption taking place, it would have been a 5.

I just kept waiting for it and it didn't come. Admittedly the book doesn't describe itself as C.F. ANF the disappointment I felt is solely because I was expecting something I had by cause to it. I just can't shake the feeling of falling short of something good that to could have been great had it met MY personal preference.

Having said that, if you aren't looking for Christian Fiction or don't mind the lack of Christianity in it, this is one to read.

[Joleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Angst, secretive characters, too many interrupted near kisses, incomplete past detail, resistance to protection when one's life is in danger, eye-rolling dialog, poorly read by narrator...
Not my cup of tea.

[Fiction Aficionado · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crystal Walton is one of those authors whose new releases are automatically on my ‘must read’ list. Her stories have emotional depth, character growth, clean but swoon-worthy romance, and writing that leaps off the page with life and vitality. This one is no exception. It’s everything that is beautiful (and awkward) about falling in love with your best friend, with some great suspense thrown in!

I loved these characters. Evan O’Riley is a modern-day knight in shining armour. He’s highly trained, chivalrous, and has that magnetic combination of fierce protectiveness and endearing tenderness when it comes to Anna. But Anna is NOT a damsel in distress. She’s compassionate, level-headed, generous to a fault, and she’s always felt caged in by her father’s protective measures. And that’s why she’s perfectly happy living on her own, even if she is struggling to afford food, clothing, and rent. Her independence is hard won, but sweet.

But Anna’s father is about to prosecute Michelli – the biggest black market trafficker in Chicago. Evan knows how Anna feels about having bodyguards, but he’s also more realistic about the threat Michelli poses; because it’s not the first time her father has prosecuted Michelli. Evan still carries the guilt of what happened last time, and he’s spent the last five years training to make sure he’s worthy of the promise he made back then. Now he's the one person who can be right beside Anna, guarding her without her realising that's what he's doing. Now if only he could work out how to guard his heart at the same time!

As is always the case with Crystal’s stories, this isn’t just about the characters coming together or staying alive; it’s also about them growing as individuals and in their understanding of everything genuine love encompasses: honesty, sacrifice, grace, forgiveness. They have misread situations in the past, and those misapprehensions continue to guide their choices now. But through this story they are forced to confront those misapprehensions, and it is this aspect, woven so naturally into the story, that gives Crystal’s stories that added depth that perfectly balances the romance and suspense.

Anna and Evan are absolutely beautiful together and, OH MY, the romantic tension between these two! Totally delicious! If you love contemporary romance with a side of suspense, do yourself a favour and pick up a copy of this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the author in exchange for my honest review.

[Samantha · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5/5 stars

I got an ARC of this book from Impact Editions, LLC (thank you!) and this is my honest review of it.

"He'd led ambushes in Iraq, assisted Special Forces in Afghanistan, and conducted dozens of raids against Islamic terrorists. Yet, the most dangerous place he'd ever been in was right here in Anna's arms."

This book was just... all over the place, to be honest. I went into it thinking that I was gonna like it, because of the reviews I've seen, but it was such a mess.

First of all, the story (that reminded me of the 2004 film The First Daughter) pulls you straight in to the present, which would've been fine, if half of the plot didn't revolve around the past. In this book, the past is often mentioned, but there's no backstory whatsoever for the plot. I think the author was aiming to throw in details bit by bit to keep the readers guessing, but here, it didn't really work because it only got me more frustrated with the lack of information. I felt like I had to keep going back to the parts I've already read because I had a hard time connecting the dots. I even thought that this book was a sequel to another book, because it genuinely felt like I was missing out on a huge chunk of the story.

In the book, the main characters kept talking about their feelings toward each other and how they can never get together. That really got on my nerves because they kept talking about it but there was no backstory and I had no clue as to why they couldn't do it. Also, speaking about their relationship, I found the confrontation scenes quite awkward. Like, there was no build up to their fights and someone will just suddenly start yelling and I'll be left cringing at the poorly-written scene. Ech.

One more thing I disliked about the writing are the repeated phrases strewn throughout the book. Don't know about you guys but that really turns me off.

I'll give the writer props for the action scenes though. The scenes were adrenaline-pumping and kept me at the edge of my seat.

"She always knew how to make it better. Art was supposed to do that. But without her, the colours had turned gray."

[Julie Jobe · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s crazy the things we can come to believe through tragedies that happen in our lives or through someone telling us the same thing over and over to the point that we believe it whether it’s true or not. In Arms of Promise, both Anna and Evan have some events take place in their pasts that have affected who they are today and even some of the things they believe, though some of those things are not what they appeared to be. This is the story of Anna and Evan finally facing the things they have thought to be true, but are not, or at least not true in the way they thought. The amount of mystery, action, and romance is perfect in this novel. The romance had me melting and the mystery had me intrigued while the action certainly kept things interesting. I loved both Anna’s and Evan’s characters and seeing them finally break free from some of the things they’d believed. It was a pleasure to read this book and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a sweet, clean romance with some intrigue thrown in.

**I received a copy of this book from the author and have chosen to review it. My opinions are my own.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this suspense-filled romance. Anna and Evan, lifelong friends reunited unexpectedly...or not.
Anna wants to be independent and do things her own way. Her father, a powerful DA wants her protected. A high profile case is getting ready to go to court. Anna is not concerned about the danger. Evan (the Army Ranger) just happens to be there to protect her multiple times.
They both want to be more than friends but there are secrets and hurts from the past that are keeping them apart.
I liked Evan as the hero, he's a big tough guy with a tender heart. I liked that Anna wanted to honor her mother's memory but felt she was a bit too ditzy when it came to her own safety.

I own the Kindle edition of this book but based this review on the Audible version. The narration is very well done.

[Coco.V]

FREE on Amazon today (9/19/2017)!

[Carolynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book in return for my review, and frankly, I would have bet money I had already reviewed it, but evidently not. Anna is a dancer, or was, who is like a fly in amber since the death of her mother several years ago, but especially since her childhood friend and the love of her life suddenly left one night shortly after her mother's death. There was no explanation, no goodbye, he just left. and she still hadn't gotten over it. That hurts almost as much, perhaps, as her mother's death. Then she runs into him in a restaurant, and old feelings flood through her and she doesn't quite know what to do. Could Evan still have any feelings for her? Should she ask what happened to cause him to leave without any explanation? These are two damaged people trying to work towards a whole life with each other, and unfortunately, without honesty between them, it really doesn't have much chance of working. It turns out that Anna's father is the District Attorney and another layer to the story was introduced, along with large helpings of fear and terror. This is definitely more than a quiet little romance! Because of the working of different layers into the story (some I haven't mentioned) and a number of different characters in the story, I give it a 5-star rating, which is unusual for me to give for this kind of a story. Yay, Crystal!

[Heather Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful perfection

Awwww. A swoon worthy hero and a stubborn, irresistible best friend. Clean, humorous, tension, suspenseful. Beautiful in so many ways from healing and helping humanity to arts to friendship, promises and devotion. So sweet and deep. Couldn't get enough of their friendship. Excellent and faithful secondary characters. Some violence. I will read this one again and can't wait for more from this author!

[Rebekah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute read overall

This one was cute but there was a lot of repetition in the story. Also the interruptions building up to the romance seemed to happen one too many times. However, I still enjoyed the overall story.
Content: clean
Religious: Not really. Good principles but doesn't really talk about religion.
Language: Completely clean

Happy reading!

[C bond · Rating 4 out of 5]

via netgalley

enjoyed the book. will read more from this author

[Cara · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Larissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Catch it in full at ♀ Bookworm

This book is packed with a promise taken to a whole new level, a very old friend, unspoken love, and 50% of those criminal novels (it lacked a lot) but the suspense and mystery kept me entertained and crying a bit (or maybe it’s PMSing), but at times this book reminded me of that movie with that gal from Dawson’s Creek, where she’s the presidents daughter and she gets involved with her undercover bodyguard/love interest. Anna, our main character ain’t the daughter’s president, but the DA’s. And the big case her father is working on threatens Anna’s life, even though, she’s putting some distance from everyone in her family because she feels like she’s in a cage, and often used by dates to get to her father. We all have seen this plot somewhere, not shocking.
Evan is the guy next door, who’s made a promise to Anna’s mother and his undercover work will prove to put his restraint to the test. His worry and protective nature might either scare Annabelle away or show her what he’s really after. There are going to be other stories too that will make your heart flutter and maybe cry a bit. The whole book is about family, love, second chances.

[Beccie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow, I need to take a break from fluff books and read something intelligent again. Possibly time for a Georgette Heyer re-read :) . This book was clean, fun and romantic, but it had to have the 2 most stupid protagonists ever written. The girl has a whole mob family after her and she refuses to be careful or to have any protection? And the guy is a Ranger and yet sends the girl off on her own so he can stay behind and take on everyone by himself? Seriously, I just couldn't handle their combined stupidity. And, really? How many times can a kiss get interrupted? Such a coincidence! And they each thought the other only thought of them as friends, blah, blah, blah. Been there, done that, and it is usually fun, but this should have been figured out by about Chapter 2 instead of being dragged on forever. So yes, if you are in the mood for mindless entertainment, this is the one for you.

[Joan Arning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dancer Anna Madison does not realize her life is in danger because of a case her DA father is working on. Her childhood friend, Ranger Evan O'Reilly is in Chicago to protect her. Will they figure out that they have loved each other for years? This romance by Crystal Walton includes lots of action and suspense. The main characters are well-written. I recommend this contemporary story to others. I received my e-book copy from the author. This is my honest opinion.

[Brenda Poulos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good book with believable characters. It was a bit of a stretch, at times, to buy into their reasoning, but made for an exciting story. The romantic tension between the characters kept me reading. I think the author did a good job with her plot points and keeping the drama going. I don't know what she has planned, next. Maybe if the epilogue had been omitted, I would have felt more of an urgency to read the next book and discover what happens in the lives of Evan and Anna.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew this book would be right up my alley from the description, and I enjoyed just as much as I expected. Friends to lovers, protective military hero, ballerina, and a dash of suspense--some of my favorite elements! I really liked the plot, and I connected with the characters right away. There was so much push and pull, and I do wish the characters had gotten together a tiny bit earlier, but overall it was still very enjoyable! 4.5 stars!

[Rosalyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this Christian romance. It has just enough suspense I was hooked from the first page. Anna and Evan had been best friends their entire life, neither one wanting to compromise their friendship, yet secretly in life with the other. Now Evan must protect her against her wishes of independence.
Crystal Walton is a new to me author, and I will definitely be reading her other books!!

[Lillie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was billed as inspirational romantic suspense, and it is even a bestseller in Christian mystery & suspense, so I was surprised that it wasn't Christian fiction. It is, however, clean and sweet. It's a great story, and there is forgiveness and redemption. But there is no faith element, so I think categorizing it as Christian is misleading.

[Sue Ferryman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great combination of romance and suspense!

A favorite read. This author weaved a story about childhood best friends that has
Looked out for one another throughout their lives. Found themselves in serious life threatening situation, yet had time to make a difference children's lives. I will be reading more of Crystal Walton's work!

[Sarita · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a well written, well developed book. This was a new author for me but I will be reading more of her books. I loved both of the main characters even though they frustrated me to no end at times. I also fell in love with the secondary characters which made me wonder, what ends up happening to some of them, especially the kids. Definitely a five star read.

[Jeanie Olson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Going nowhere slowly

I hate to give a low rating on this book but it was boring. I read a lot of books and this one just dragged on. The romance took the whole book to get there and it seemed quite repetitious. Girl likes boy, boy likes girl but they don’t think the other likes them and on and on and on.

[Andrea Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

Just so enjoyed reading this story. Was really sad when it came to an end. Held me spellbound from start to finish. Love Evan and Anna ... just got a bit frustrated that they couldn’t see the truth in one another sooner - but then we wouldn’t have had such a brilliant story!,

[Susana Graça · Rating 4 out of 5]

😉🥰

Ok, first of all I got this for free, so I'm not going to b*tch about it (just for the hell off it)...

Is it the best book I've ever read? No
Is it the worst? No
Did it make me smile? Yes
Laugh? Yes
Cry? Yes, tears were rolling down my face
Did it annoy me? Hell yeah, but it kept me on my toes too
If I knew what it was like first-hand, would I read it? Yes! Definitely