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The Gather Series #2
Promise: Book 2: A Second Chance Cowboy Romance
What if the love you thought was gone forever showed up at your door, burning brighter than ever?
Months after Jade disappeared without a word, Fire Chief Akil Mitchell has tried to rebuild his life. But no sleepless night, no bottle, and no fire has been able to erase the memory of the woman who once set his world ablaze and left him in the ruins.
Jade wasn’t just running from heartbreak. She lost her job, lost herself, and vanished in an attempt to survive the unraveling of everything she knew. Now, after months of silence, she’s ready to return and face the life she left behind.
When Jade and Akil cross paths again in their small Southern town of Westonberry, old sparks ignite and buried pain comes rushing back. Surrounded by tradition, rooted in faith, and held together by the hope of second chances, they must decide whether love can still grow in the ashes of what was lost.
Promise 2 is a heartfelt, sensual, and emotionally rich story about redemption, healing, and the kind of love that refuses to fade. In a world where some promises are broken and others are made new, this is a journey back to the heart of what it means to be whole.
Months after Jade disappeared without a word, Fire Chief Akil Mitchell has tried to rebuild his life. But no sleepless night, no bottle, and no fire has been able to erase the memory of the woman who once set his world ablaze and left him in the ruins.
Jade wasn’t just running from heartbreak. She lost her job, lost herself, and vanished in an attempt to survive the unraveling of everything she knew. Now, after months of silence, she’s ready to return and face the life she left behind.
When Jade and Akil cross paths again in their small Southern town of Westonberry, old sparks ignite and buried pain comes rushing back. Surrounded by tradition, rooted in faith, and held together by the hope of second chances, they must decide whether love can still grow in the ashes of what was lost.
Promise 2 is a heartfelt, sensual, and emotionally rich story about redemption, healing, and the kind of love that refuses to fade. In a world where some promises are broken and others are made new, this is a journey back to the heart of what it means to be whole.
- GenresRomance
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 21, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 25, 2025
The author is extremely talented a phenomenal story teller and I really look forward to more of her work. I just didn’t like Jade this novel, while I could empathize with her for many reasons I’m just not a fan of uneven love at all. Akil was fighting for Jade the entire novel and she was just spiraling on made up worse case scenarios and conflicts that didn’t exist. She went to therapy but she needed meds BAD. It just felt like Akil spent more time begging to be trusted and loved back vs just being in love. Jades desire to misinterpret everything cus her mamas shortcomings really scuffed my timbs lmao. I wish we would’ve saw her do more of the work cus it just felt like Akil had to guide her while she never seemed thankful or appreciative. If you can accuse him of tryna keep you barefoot and dependent LOUDLY then you should express that love and trust you claim to have just as loud. I’m intrigued by Saints story but at the same time not really cus I hate when it’s just envy driving a character. All in all the book was good but it needed more balance, love seeing black women love and be loved out loud but I also think seeing people own up to their shortcomings and work through them and APOLOGIZE is important too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2025
🐴🐎🌿🌾🌻
This was a great read although it was a bit lengthy. I love how the MMCs were "middle-aged" and not our normal ages seen in romance novels. Also, I love how you incorporated faith throughout this book💛. Now what I didn't like was the constant self-sabotaging and insecurity. However this does show the reality of transitions like this in life. This was an ode to Black women all over to just be and do what makes you happy. Because at the end of the day we have to live for ourselves and not try to achieve everything on the societal timeline. We are more than our degrees, jobs, and titles! P.S. we all need and deserve an Akil!💛💛 And he's coming in God's timing and will!💛🌻
This was a great read although it was a bit lengthy. I love how the MMCs were "middle-aged" and not our normal ages seen in romance novels. Also, I love how you incorporated faith throughout this book💛. Now what I didn't like was the constant self-sabotaging and insecurity. However this does show the reality of transitions like this in life. This was an ode to Black women all over to just be and do what makes you happy. Because at the end of the day we have to live for ourselves and not try to achieve everything on the societal timeline. We are more than our degrees, jobs, and titles! P.S. we all need and deserve an Akil!💛💛 And he's coming in God's timing and will!💛🌻
November 19, 2025
There are some books that I read that make me wish that I did video reviews because I don’t know if I can adequately write a GR review about how much I enjoyed it. I love books that make me laugh, swoon, tear up, and have to make notes of stuff to unpack with my therapist about.
The imagery. Humor. Banter. Pacing. Character depth & development. The vibes. The culture. Plus Akil…Big Smoke….that’s man, my man, my man.
5⭐️. No notes.
The imagery. Humor. Banter. Pacing. Character depth & development. The vibes. The culture. Plus Akil…Big Smoke….that’s man, my man, my man.
5⭐️. No notes.
April 17, 2026
I know this book is fiction, but THIS IS JUST MY OPINION. Maybe what I’m about to say isn’t that deep, but when I read books, I like to analyze them and relate them to my real life.
I really saw parts of myself in Jade—an independent, driven woman who got fired and had to tuck her tail and move back home. I resonated with her anxiety, especially performance anxiety, and that constant need to please your family. When your mood and emotions are driven by your family’s approval, it can be overwhelming. Overall, I thought the book was sweet, funny, entertaining, and spicy.
My main issue with this book is Akil. Essentially, he “saves” Jade and gives her a life of growth and peace, which I think all Black women deserve—especially the hyper-independent, go-getter types. It’s hard for us to slow down when our lives and careers are in full force.
But what I got from this book is the idea that a man is coming to save you. He’ll have this life planned out for you and ultimately fuck you into submission. He’ll make all the plans, have all the money, and suddenly you’ll be at peace. Hate to break it to you, but no one is coming to save anybody. Most of us have to pivot, make a way, and sometimes tuck our tail and move back home.
I wish Jade had come to the realization that she is more than enough and worthy outside of her accolades, work ethic, and go-getter mentality—on her own. I wanted even a glimpse of that growth in her therapy sessions, where she learned something outside of Akil. Instead, when she finally seemed to recognize her worth, it felt like Akil was essentially fucking her into “healing.” I’m sorry, but no dick is going to erase negative thoughts and self-doubt—you have to come to that realization on your own. It’s not your partner’s job to fix you; you have to want that for yourself. NO ONE IS COMING TO SAVE ANYONE. It’s rare, and even then, it usually comes with constraints.
I still loved the book, but I finished it feeling indifferent—honestly, a bit sad for Jade, and for women who might walk away thinking a man will fix all our problems with good sex and a bank account.
I really saw parts of myself in Jade—an independent, driven woman who got fired and had to tuck her tail and move back home. I resonated with her anxiety, especially performance anxiety, and that constant need to please your family. When your mood and emotions are driven by your family’s approval, it can be overwhelming. Overall, I thought the book was sweet, funny, entertaining, and spicy.
My main issue with this book is Akil. Essentially, he “saves” Jade and gives her a life of growth and peace, which I think all Black women deserve—especially the hyper-independent, go-getter types. It’s hard for us to slow down when our lives and careers are in full force.
But what I got from this book is the idea that a man is coming to save you. He’ll have this life planned out for you and ultimately fuck you into submission. He’ll make all the plans, have all the money, and suddenly you’ll be at peace. Hate to break it to you, but no one is coming to save anybody. Most of us have to pivot, make a way, and sometimes tuck our tail and move back home.
I wish Jade had come to the realization that she is more than enough and worthy outside of her accolades, work ethic, and go-getter mentality—on her own. I wanted even a glimpse of that growth in her therapy sessions, where she learned something outside of Akil. Instead, when she finally seemed to recognize her worth, it felt like Akil was essentially fucking her into “healing.” I’m sorry, but no dick is going to erase negative thoughts and self-doubt—you have to come to that realization on your own. It’s not your partner’s job to fix you; you have to want that for yourself. NO ONE IS COMING TO SAVE ANYONE. It’s rare, and even then, it usually comes with constraints.
I still loved the book, but I finished it feeling indifferent—honestly, a bit sad for Jade, and for women who might walk away thinking a man will fix all our problems with good sex and a bank account.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2026
Welcome to Roena County Baby!
Ms. Jhéanell Westonberry is a new to me author and after Promise I and Promise II, I am definitely keeping her art in rotation. Promise II continues the story of Jade and Akil aka Sugar and Smoke. It beautifully depicts the pressures black women experience on the corporate climb, expectations ( real or assumed), sacrifice identity, and the impact to our mental health. It shows a mature love that “ain’t got time” for games because when a man knows, he knows. Akil provides a love, encouragement, and safety to just be that was so refreshing to read. The way that man reframed every doubt into a possibility and held enough faith as Jade made her way through the wilderness was beautiful. This books brings laugh out loud humor and pure black joy. The whole squad was hilarious. The Dior box used as a casket… hehe still has me rolling. Ms. Westonberry didn’t come half stepping with heat either cause them folks was hunching! I can’t wait for more!
Ms. Jhéanell Westonberry is a new to me author and after Promise I and Promise II, I am definitely keeping her art in rotation. Promise II continues the story of Jade and Akil aka Sugar and Smoke. It beautifully depicts the pressures black women experience on the corporate climb, expectations ( real or assumed), sacrifice identity, and the impact to our mental health. It shows a mature love that “ain’t got time” for games because when a man knows, he knows. Akil provides a love, encouragement, and safety to just be that was so refreshing to read. The way that man reframed every doubt into a possibility and held enough faith as Jade made her way through the wilderness was beautiful. This books brings laugh out loud humor and pure black joy. The whole squad was hilarious. The Dior box used as a casket… hehe still has me rolling. Ms. Westonberry didn’t come half stepping with heat either cause them folks was hunching! I can’t wait for more!
March 27, 2026
Soft Life, Strong Love
1st off Happy retirement Rose-Ann! Secondly, to all the Black woman this past few years in particular have taken down through there, this one’s for you! When Black authors write love letters to Black women it’s never anything short of amazing. The comedic relief in this story was timed so well it’s unreal. The battle that Jade was fighting was too real. When I read the words “chronic emotional criticism and conditional love. And difficulty asserting needs or… receiving care.” I almost put the book down cause why you in my business?!? I stayed because I need the healing and I wanted to see a man about a horse. This did get a touch long winded at the end, and that sneak peek ran my pressure up. This was heavy emotionally and not an easy read but it’s worth it.
1st off Happy retirement Rose-Ann! Secondly, to all the Black woman this past few years in particular have taken down through there, this one’s for you! When Black authors write love letters to Black women it’s never anything short of amazing. The comedic relief in this story was timed so well it’s unreal. The battle that Jade was fighting was too real. When I read the words “chronic emotional criticism and conditional love. And difficulty asserting needs or… receiving care.” I almost put the book down cause why you in my business?!? I stayed because I need the healing and I wanted to see a man about a horse. This did get a touch long winded at the end, and that sneak peek ran my pressure up. This was heavy emotionally and not an easy read but it’s worth it.
December 3, 2025
This author KNOWS how to write a damn good story. I finished so fast! I really enjoyed this second instillment. I adoredddd the hero so much I’m just a sucker for a cinnamon roll hero. Our heroine Jade was a darling as well, annoying at times but still a darling. I can’t wait to read more of Jheanell work!
November 16, 2025
The best romance I have read. I never want Jade and Akil’s story to end🥹
November 10, 2025
lil lengthy
but I still LOVED this book I feel like there were several points where I was content and like okay stories over and then it felt like fluff but it would draw me back in as I read.
but I still LOVED this book I feel like there were several points where I was content and like okay stories over and then it felt like fluff but it would draw me back in as I read.
April 11, 2026
Akil & Jade
This story was okay! It was wordy, repetitive, & had a lot of filler. I don’t mind the FMC having doubts, worries, & being resistant toward the MMCs advances. However, the way it was written with Jade made reading it sooooooo exhausting! The most interesting part was Sully’s rant at the end. I feel like he should have been incorporated more in the story. Sully was introduced & we heard nothing else about him, not even a back story of him and Akil. Either way, it was a decent read.
This story was okay! It was wordy, repetitive, & had a lot of filler. I don’t mind the FMC having doubts, worries, & being resistant toward the MMCs advances. However, the way it was written with Jade made reading it sooooooo exhausting! The most interesting part was Sully’s rant at the end. I feel like he should have been incorporated more in the story. Sully was introduced & we heard nothing else about him, not even a back story of him and Akil. Either way, it was a decent read.
December 5, 2025
This is a beautiful romance novel between our FMC Jade and MMC Akil, but what I related to most in the book was Jade’s struggle to let go of the idea of who she thought she was supposed to be, and accept who she actually was. After being let go from her tech job, and unable to find work, Jade has a hard time accepting help, especially financial help, from Akil. As someone in a similar position (minus the man, I haven’t been blessed with one if those yet LOL) Jade’s storyline rang so true.
The grief and mourning that come with letting go of one idea of self and reluctantly accepting a new image, is tough, especially when family, in Jade’s case her mother, refuse to let go of the old. That’s where the romance in the story shined. “If he wanted to, he would,” and Akil did. He was there for Jade every step of the way. The highs and the lows, Akil was Jade’s soft place to land through it all, refusing to let her struggle or give into dark thoughts about herself.
The grief and mourning that come with letting go of one idea of self and reluctantly accepting a new image, is tough, especially when family, in Jade’s case her mother, refuse to let go of the old. That’s where the romance in the story shined. “If he wanted to, he would,” and Akil did. He was there for Jade every step of the way. The highs and the lows, Akil was Jade’s soft place to land through it all, refusing to let her struggle or give into dark thoughts about herself.
April 21, 2026
Refreshing!!
This is my first read from this author and this book gave me all the feels, it was so relatable and just so yessssss. My now favorite book husband is Big Smoke💪🏾He was so patient, so understanding and just BDE all over the place. This book took me through all the feels, I cried, I laughed, I was in awweeee. I love the touch on Mental Health and how real it is and how it can make or break you. I loved how grown and sexy this book was and I want more.
I loved all the side characters especially Marquise and Shamar they were hilarious. Everytime Roger started with the "statistically speaking" I cackled. The RoseAnn funeral was a trip 😂😂
I'm on the lookout for Saint cause this ain't looking too good👀
This is my first read from this author and this book gave me all the feels, it was so relatable and just so yessssss. My now favorite book husband is Big Smoke💪🏾He was so patient, so understanding and just BDE all over the place. This book took me through all the feels, I cried, I laughed, I was in awweeee. I love the touch on Mental Health and how real it is and how it can make or break you. I loved how grown and sexy this book was and I want more.
I loved all the side characters especially Marquise and Shamar they were hilarious. Everytime Roger started with the "statistically speaking" I cackled. The RoseAnn funeral was a trip 😂😂
I'm on the lookout for Saint cause this ain't looking too good👀
Read
April 25, 2026I believe this is the author’s first full length novel so congratulations to her! I think it was good for a first novel.
I do think the banter and jokes were too corny and cheesy for my taste, especially during the intimacy scenes. It almost made me want to stop reading but it was easy to keep going.
Bohdi and Darlene were HILARIOUS to me as were Jade and Akil’s friends (Shamar was a bit overkill for me). I know Saint was introduced for the purpose of a future book but for him to be in one scene and that’s it was odd.
Def a cute read!
I do think the banter and jokes were too corny and cheesy for my taste, especially during the intimacy scenes. It almost made me want to stop reading but it was easy to keep going.
Bohdi and Darlene were HILARIOUS to me as were Jade and Akil’s friends (Shamar was a bit overkill for me). I know Saint was introduced for the purpose of a future book but for him to be in one scene and that’s it was odd.
Def a cute read!
May 1, 2026
Whew!
This was so beautifully written. The way Chief loved Jade should be experienced by everyone. He literally poured into her without making her shrink! I have never cried reading but, this was something I’ve lived and know personally how it feels to be loved unconditionally through the good and the bad. It was banter, comedy,lessons and most of all LOVE. Thank you for this series. I hope we get to see more of the friends cause baby the way Marx had me cackling!!! Great read.
This was so beautifully written. The way Chief loved Jade should be experienced by everyone. He literally poured into her without making her shrink! I have never cried reading but, this was something I’ve lived and know personally how it feels to be loved unconditionally through the good and the bad. It was banter, comedy,lessons and most of all LOVE. Thank you for this series. I hope we get to see more of the friends cause baby the way Marx had me cackling!!! Great read.
December 31, 2025
IDK if I’mma be able to express how much I love this book. Jheanell said book 1 was the appetizer and this was the entree. No lie told!
The book was well written, funny, full of wisdom, and romantic!
Shemar is a trip and I think he and Bryelle are messing around.
I stan Akil aka Big Smoke so much. A MAN! I love how intentional, steady, considerate, and gentle he was with Jade, especially through her anxiety. He was prepared to be a husband—I love that! That is so attractive. Let a man show me he got so I can live my dream? It’s over!
Jade maneuvered being laid off, and tried to make her way back to employment, to no avail. Her anxiety and panic was well written and felt! I’m happy she accepted the love Akil was showing her. Also happy for her growth!
Jheanell is probably writes the best settings I’ve ever read. All my senses were captivated. I can see, smell, and taste everything. Very warm—fits her brand.
Plus, that oral love scene in the beginning was the best one I’ve ever read. Akil did that for his pleasure and Jade’s was a bonus 😍
But seriously, where are the real Akils at? 👀
The book was well written, funny, full of wisdom, and romantic!
Shemar is a trip and I think he and Bryelle are messing around.
I stan Akil aka Big Smoke so much. A MAN! I love how intentional, steady, considerate, and gentle he was with Jade, especially through her anxiety. He was prepared to be a husband—I love that! That is so attractive. Let a man show me he got so I can live my dream? It’s over!
Jade maneuvered being laid off, and tried to make her way back to employment, to no avail. Her anxiety and panic was well written and felt! I’m happy she accepted the love Akil was showing her. Also happy for her growth!
Jheanell is probably writes the best settings I’ve ever read. All my senses were captivated. I can see, smell, and taste everything. Very warm—fits her brand.
Plus, that oral love scene in the beginning was the best one I’ve ever read. Akil did that for his pleasure and Jade’s was a bonus 😍
But seriously, where are the real Akils at? 👀
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2026
A soft place to land
Listen, we love an affirming king who speaks life into his woman when she’s down. Jade carries a heavy load, most of it stemming from the pressures her Jamaican mother put on her to be successful & independent. But Akil was strong enough to take it over and carry it. He was her soft place to land, her solid foundation for her to leap and sour.
Some of my favorite chapters are when Akil & Jade have disagreements and they healthily reach a conflict resolution. Especially at their big age of late 30s-40s, it’s refreshing to see two adults in love fight for their relationship and for a solution.
I loved reading this romance. It’s my first Black small town cowboy romance, it’s my first read by this author & it won’t be my last.
Listen, we love an affirming king who speaks life into his woman when she’s down. Jade carries a heavy load, most of it stemming from the pressures her Jamaican mother put on her to be successful & independent. But Akil was strong enough to take it over and carry it. He was her soft place to land, her solid foundation for her to leap and sour.
Some of my favorite chapters are when Akil & Jade have disagreements and they healthily reach a conflict resolution. Especially at their big age of late 30s-40s, it’s refreshing to see two adults in love fight for their relationship and for a solution.
I loved reading this romance. It’s my first Black small town cowboy romance, it’s my first read by this author & it won’t be my last.
April 5, 2026
I understood Jade more than I should...big sigh. I was in tears at her birthday party scene because girl...my mama the same way and im employed smh.
RIP to Ms Rose!!
Loved how Akil stood ten toes down for his WIFE
All the charavters were lovable and I loved the balance of scripture throughout the book as well
RIP to Ms Rose!!
Loved how Akil stood ten toes down for his WIFE
All the charavters were lovable and I loved the balance of scripture throughout the book as well
May 10, 2026
Wow
The way this man poured words, love, affection, confirmation and everything in between to Jade. This is the kind of man you dream of, the love he had for this woman was so beautiful it is beyond words to explain. This was my first read by this author, I can't wait to read more.
The way this man poured words, love, affection, confirmation and everything in between to Jade. This is the kind of man you dream of, the love he had for this woman was so beautiful it is beyond words to explain. This was my first read by this author, I can't wait to read more.
October 23, 2025
Not disappointed
Jheanell has done it again... this book took me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and I loved every bit of it. Happy for Akil and Jade and can't wait to see what next in Roena County🖤
Jheanell has done it again... this book took me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and I loved every bit of it. Happy for Akil and Jade and can't wait to see what next in Roena County🖤
January 30, 2026
Happy i finished it
I'm glad I finished this book, it gave grace, persistence, love at first sight. There were funny scenes like the funeral of Roseanne. Can't wait for the next part.
I'm glad I finished this book, it gave grace, persistence, love at first sight. There were funny scenes like the funeral of Roseanne. Can't wait for the next part.
May 3, 2026
Beautiful
They way Smoke love on Sugar was a very beautiful and healthy way. He made sure she knew who she was, why she was, and how she was. They had a beautiful story full of love, some pain and a Lil drama. But lov
e in the end.
They way Smoke love on Sugar was a very beautiful and healthy way. He made sure she knew who she was, why she was, and how she was. They had a beautiful story full of love, some pain and a Lil drama. But lov
e in the end.
October 25, 2025
This was so cute!!! I loved Jade & Akil before but them finding each other again? 10s.
November 3, 2025
Book 2 was better than the first. It was flushing out the other characters. Let me see what book 3 brings.
February 19, 2026
Loved part 2!!
January 21, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I can’t get enough of the MMC. The ending was set up for a third book so I’m intrigued.
I can’t get enough of the MMC. The ending was set up for a third book so I’m intrigued.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews