Promise Me the Sunrise

by Kristi Ayers, BZ Hercules (Editor)

Genres: Slow Burn

283 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 28, 2026

About the author

Kristi Ayers is the author of One Petal Flower, Nev, Irresistible (a novella), Strings of the Muse, and Falling in the Blue Hour. She lives in Oklahoma with her husband, kids, and pets. When she isn't writing she is working as a Registered Nurse in the NICU or traveling.

Reviews

[Amanda Hopwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so great to read Ledgers story! To see his change and growth.

If you are into coastal town romance this is def done you should snag up

[Tamren Haggith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC copy of Promise Me The Sunrise!

This is my first book by Kristi Ayers and certainly won’t be the last. I loved this story without having read the first 2 in this series, which I will definitely need to go back and read! Ledger and Sloane, I loved their chemistry and banter. Sloane’s personality was so fun to read about, I loved her seemingly carefree attitude and split second decision making while also touching on panic/anxiety disorders. This was a fun read!

[Anca A · Rating 5 out of 5]

#Review: *Promise Me the Sunrise* - Kristi Ayers [18+]
4.6/5✨
2/5🌶️

After having his heart broken, Ledger has decided to take some time for himself, by leaving on a journey on the sailboat (you know the reasons, if you read the previous book from this series). But during this time away he had the chance of getting more than he expected. How so? Well one redheaded girl simply jumped on his sailboat, to escape her overprotective father, and that has completely changed Ledger's plans. From being two complete strangers Ledger and "Raider"(aka Sloane), the way he nicknamed her, they started to become more accustomed to each other while trying to find a proper place, where she could start a new life, away from her over demanding father. But this journey won't come without some risks, because Sloane's father was determined to find her and accomplish everything he has planned for her. How will everything turn out for Ledger and Raider in the end?

I was anxiously waiting for this book since I finished reading "Every Wave After", wanting to know if and how Ledger will be able to overcome the heartbreak he's been through and to overcome the tragic loss of his father. "Raider" was a nice addition to this story, making Ledger rethink some things. I liked that he was able to heal a bit while helping someone who was in a similar situation as he was once himself when it came to his own father. I liked seeing them relax in those wonderful moments together, but they have also been through some things which made them a bit scared and which have tested them in moments of crisis. It was super sweet to see how protective was Ledger of a stranger and how a cute connection was growing there. Of course that it was inevitable to not be affected by the emotional side of this story, each of them having to overcome a couple of stuff in order to be at peace and to be able to move forward with finding their happiness. There was something in the end which, from my point of view, I believe that it was resolved and passed by a little too fast, thinking that it could have been a more difficult problem to pass than what it actually happened... But that's how the author chose to resolve it and I won't punish this whole story only because of this one little thing.

I truly had a great time reading this story, having the right vibes for a perfect summer read, loving to be on the sea with Ledger and Sloane! It also made me feel so many emotions while discovering these wonderful characters and their journey to being at peace with themselves.

Super happy to be part of Kristi's ARC team, for being able to spread the love about this book and about her previous releases. Thank you for offering me this e-ARC!🤗

✨Tropes
▫️One Bed
▫️Strangers To Lovers
▫️Slow Burn
▫️Forced Proximity
▫️Fake Dating
▫️Trauma Bonding
▫️Protective Over Her
▫️Open Door Spice

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was easily my favorite book in the series! After a tumultuous few years, Ledger sets off on a solo sailing trip, hoping to escape, recharge, and rediscover himself. But from the moment he sets sail, things don’t go quite as planned…because he’s not as alone as he thinks.

I was completely intrigued from beginning to end. The beach setting created the perfect atmosphere, and I loved watching the relationship between the MMC and FMC develop so naturally over the course of the story. Their connection felt authentic, heartfelt, and kept me invested every step of the way.

The ending was absolutely beautiful and tied everything together in such a satisfying way. It wrapped up the story perfectly and left me closing the book with a full heart. Without a doubt, this was my favorite installment of the series.

[Kaitlyn Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart. This series… it’s incredible. Honestly i think this may have been my fav of the series

Absolutely loved Ledger so much… and Raider. She’s perfect.

[Clair’s library · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


Promise Me the Sunrise was everything I hoped it would be and more. After Arc reading the first two books in this series and everything we experienced, I was so excited to finally get Ledger’s story, and it did not disappoint.

Ledger and Sloane completely stole my heart. Their banter, chemistry, and the way they slowly helped each other heal made this such a beautiful, emotional read. They both grew together as they heal from past/present traumas.

Kristi has such a beautiful way of writing characters who are carrying so much pain while still finding hope, healing, and love.

This series has become one of my favorites, and I already know I’ll be thinking about Ledger and Sloane for a long time.

Thank you so much for this Arc. 🫶🏻✨

[Ashley Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The friendship and protective vibes that form in this book between the MMC and FMC were amazing. I could not imagine how she had to be feeling to just hop in a random boat. I loved his mom and was amazing. His they incorporated books into this book was great.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so good! I finished it in one day, it’s a cute little love story! I love the nickname Raider that Legder has for Sloane! Sloane and Ledger are the perfect couple

[Leanne Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a little slow to start but once it started it was great, that little bit of suspense, the banter and the sprinkle of spice was the perfect combination. Ledger and Sloane, were exactly what each other needed when they finally voiced their feelings. And the ending with the treasure hunt was my favourite part.

[Gabrielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Getting a book for ledger is so bittersweet for me. We saw him grow and evolve in falling in the blue hour and in every wave after. Now we get to see how he can move forward with his life.

In true ledger fashion, he takes off sailing the east coast, alone. That is until Sloane jumps onto his boat to escape her family, forcing them to be on the run.

Sloane is the perfect person for ledger. She’s patient, kind, and understands his past like no one else can.

This book provided the perfect ending to these 3 stories and I’m so glad that I was able to read them!

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the Embrace the Wave series. It can be read as a standalone but it will hit so much better if you read the first two first.
This is Ledger’s story. We get to embark on his journey after Sam. His plan to sail alone and really find himself gets turned upside down by a beautiful red headed stranger. She comes into his life like a wrecking ball and changes everything! She’s quirky, drives him nuts, but also in her own way helps him heal. She’s everything he needed that he didn’t know he needed. In return, he helps her escape a situation that felt suffocating and dangerous and they really grow together.
Kristi does a phenomenal job telling yet another beautiful love story.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Promise Me The Sunrise is the perfect book for everyone’s Summer TBR this year!!

Not only did Kristi create such a beautiful chaotic romance but she added enough action and danger into this one that honestly had my heart pounding at times!!

When I found out this one was about Ledger I knew I just had to read it! I first fell in love with Ledger in Kristi’s other books Falling In The Blue Hour and Every Wave After! I loved watching his character development through out them books so I just knew this one was going to be so dang good! And Kristi did not disappoint! You can read Promise Me The Sunrise as a standalone!
But when I tell you this whole series is great I mean it! And this one honestly was such a great edition to the series!

Kristi honestly wrote one of the best female lead character in this one! And let me tell you she (Sloane) definitely gave Ledger a run for his money! And I loved every single second of it! From her pink Christmas pjs, to her love of all peach desserts. She honestly made me giggle so much! Especially when she was being a pain in the butt to Ledger! 🤣

Ledger who is definitely one of my favorite MMC. He is guarded, grumpy and has a heart of gold (if you can tear down his walls). The way he was so guarded with Sloane and you could literally see she was tearing down his walls a little at time was honestly one of my favorite moments in this book!
Sloane and Ledger honestly have such a good connection even when they were trying to fight it. Kitchen Utensils is all I have to say 🤣
Both of these characters have had to go through so much in the past and they are just trying to find a new road, where they can each be their person. They definitely bonded over their own personal trauma and honestly they healed each other a little at time throughout this story. And I loved watching them both grow personally and together. And the Spice in this one was perfection! It wasn’t too much or to underwhelming it was perfectly balanced to the plot of this story!

Not only did Kristi write great Main Characters but there was one side character that I’m hoping he has his own book in the future. Because let me tell you that man yeah he has a story and I need to know what it is asap!! 🤣 I also loved the fact that Kristi brought back some of the characters from the past books into this one. It definitely gave me a sense of wholeness and healing from their past experiences. This book definitely was wholesome and pulled at my heartstrings!!


I honestly can’t wait to see what Kristi writes next!! Because you know I’ll be reading it!!

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Kristi Ayers for giving me an ARC of her book in exchange for an honest review!

4.5 stars!

I loved this one! If you loved Ledger in the first two books, you will absolutely adore this book.

Ledger was so much more bearable in this book now that he wasn’t trying to go for Sam! I was team Noah through and through, so I was only slightly nervous to see how I would like this book. I had no issues with Ledger’s point of view at all!

There was some drama, but honestly it wasn’t as intense as “Every Wave After” which I appreciated.

I thought Ledger and Raider’s relationship built in the perfect way. It was a slow burn, but it wasn’t painfully slow. We still saw a lot of them actually being together. And when they were it was so sweet! It was all very natural.

I am glad Ledger didn’t jump to conclusions when one of the main conflicts came up. It was reassuring to see him trust Raider.

There were a couple of spicy scenes, but it was written pretty well in my opinion! Usually I don’t care for spice in books, but this wasn’t too over the top and I was invested in the couple enough that it was nice to finally see them together in that way.

I also liked the cameos we got! I honestly could have used a little bit more, but I understand their story is pretty much over. I wasn’t expecting to see anyone from the previous two books, so that was a nice surprise.

I wish we got a little more at the end. Just a little more of a closing line. I thought what happened was a good way to end the story! The last sentence was just kind of abrupt. But that is such a small part of the book.

The rest of the story was just so good!

It is the perfect summer read. Especially by the water.

I hope this isn’t the last we see of these beloved characters!

[Alanna Starkovich · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far my favorite Kristi Ayers book I have read so far! Ledger has had a sweet spot in my heart since book one regardless of actions he has done and it was so nice to see him get the redemption arc he deserves with the girl better suited for him!

Promise me the Sunrise is not only a thrilling adventure but the romance was slow and hot.. especially in comparison to Kristi's other YA/ New adult books. We start with Sloane needing an escape from her controlling father and jumping straight onto Ledgers sail boat. He then becomes obsessed with the idea of helping her settle in one of the port towns and starting a new life. however, the more time that is spent together the harder it is for Sloane to decide. We are then faced with bounty hunters.... yes you heard that right... bounty hunters?! who are trying to bring her back to her Dad.

You will not be disappointed in this exciting journey (more boozy moms) and whirl wind romance between Raider and L. I will definitely be rereading this one.

[Brianne Yeager · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️. I received an ARC of Promise Me the Sunrise by Kristi Ayers, and I was so excited to dive back into this world. I absolutely loved the first two books, so getting Ledger’s story felt like such a treat.
Overall, I really enjoyed this installment. The emotional depth and character connections that I’ve come to love in this series were definitely still there, and Ledger’s journey was one I had been looking forward to for a while. He so deserved his happy ending.
That said, there was one plot point involving Raider’s dad that I just couldn’t quite reconcile. It pulled me out of the story a bit, which was disappointing because everything else worked so well for me.
Even with that hiccup, I genuinely loved returning to these characters and this world. Fans of the series will definitely want to pick this one up.
I’m so appreciative that Kristi let me read this early. She is extremely talented and I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next. Many times I forget a book shortly after reading, but this series will stick with me always!

[Salima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely freaking loved this book. Loved reading Ledgers story. Ledger and Sloane are amazing. Love their connection and chemistry.

Love this series. Kristi Ayers is an amazing author that I just started reading her books last year. I’m just loving her writing style. Can’t wait for her next book!!!!

[Susan Ballain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading about Ledger’s journey and to actually see a HEA for him! With this being the third installment in this series Kristi what do you have up your writing sleeve??? 😂
This was an excellent slow burn romance for Ledger and Sloane! I really loved the scavenger hunt!!
Highly recommend!!!

[Joanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars for me.

Two people meet by accident,traveling together and avoiding area; life issues brings them close,but soon both need to face what they running from.After everything will they get a chance to really be together?

A sweet and fun at times slow burn romance.Little bit of drama and little mystery,romance and friendship,a good summer read.

Thank you author for arc,my review is honest and my own.

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 3 of the series but can be read as a standalone. This is Ledger's story.

This was a beautiful and wonderful ending to this book series. Ledger has stolen my heart and I could not ask for anything more. He is a sweet and caring gentleman who finds himself along the coast with his boat. He finds the perfect girl for him and explores what is important to them. They build trust and friendship throughout the book and Kristi writes it beautifully.

I am sad to leave this wonderful beach town and all the characters. I can't wait to see what Kristi writes next.

[Monica Stiles · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Promise Me the Sunrise by Kristi Ayers

There is something so magical about a story set on the water, and Promise Me the Sunrise completely swept me away. 🌅⛵ What starts as two strangers crossing paths quickly turns into a heartfelt journey of healing, freedom, and learning that sometimes the people we least expect become the ones who help us find ourselves.

Ledger’s quiet, introspective personality balanced perfectly with Raider’s fearless spirit. Watching their walls slowly come down while danger loomed in the background made it impossible not to root for them. Their chemistry felt natural, and I loved that their relationship was built on trust before anything else.

One of my favorite quotes:

“Waking up to a sunrise on a sailboat resets something deep inside the soul.”

✨ Tropes:
♡ Forced proximity
♡ Strangers to lovers
♡ Fake dating
♡ One bed
♡ She falls first/He falls harder
♡ Slow burn romance

This story is equal parts adventure and romance, with beautiful descriptions of life at sea and emotional character growth that kept me invested from beginning to end. If you enjoy character-driven romances with heartfelt healing, high stakes, and a dreamy coastal setting, this one is definitely worth picking up.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a great story. This was my first time reading this author, and it didn’t take long for me to get pulled in and absolutely fall in love with Ledger and Sloan. Both of them were such wonderful characters. I lives that she jumped on good boar to escape her family, and off they went. The nicknames were a great idea in this story and I loved the reasoning for them. The dual POV was excellent and I envied that it brought both of their thoughts together so beautifully. I enjoyed this so much. And note I’m going to go back to read the first two lol.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Getting back into this world felt like the ultimate summer treat, and Promise Me the Sunrise completely swept me away. I’ll be honest: I was Team Noah through and through in the first two books, so I was a little nervous going into Ledger’s point of view—but he completely redeemed himself! Ledger is so much more bearable now that he isn't pining for Sam, and watching his grumpy-sunshine, slow-burn romance unfold with Raider was absolute perfection. 🥺❤️

Raider is such a sweet, bubbly, fearless heroine (who loves peach desserts and sharing everything 😂), and she is Ledger's exact match in every way. What I loved most about their dynamic was how their relationship was built on genuine trust and communication—no unnecessary jumping to conclusions! It was a slow burn that felt so natural, sweet, and comforting, with just the right amount of well-written spice to show how deeply invested they were in each other. Plus, the cameos from our favorite previous characters had me kicking my feet!

While there was one minor plot point involving Raider's dad that felt a little off, and the ending felt just a tiny bit abrupt on the very last line, those were such small hiccups in a truly captivating, emotional 5-star read. It gave me all the feels—I laughed, I cried, and I couldn't put it down (even with summer school homework calling my name! 🤣).

If you’re looking for the ultimate beach read full of emotional healing, gorgeous water vibes, trust, and a hero who finally gets his happy ending, you need to pick this up immediately!

[Rebeccah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book Ledger Holloway completely redeemed himself in my eyes and I love him again. This book is so beautiful and gave me all the feels I laughed I cried I laughed some more and felt these characters pain. I want to say so much but I don’t want to give anything away in my review so I’ll just say this if you’re looking for a good summer beach read this is it Kristi poured her heart and soul into this book and it’s incredibly beautiful 🥰 you are going to love Sloan “Aka” “Raider” she loves peach deserts and shopping and sharing items 😂 she is sweet and bubbly and funny her and ledger are more alike than ever and she is his match in every way!! We also get to see the grumpy sunshine part of ledger in this book 🤣 he had me cracking up and the best father figure award goes out to Murphy for taking care of our boy and helping him through everything he went through! This book is a treasure and definitely worth the 5⭐️ rating… I couldn’t put it down I was doing summer school homework and I immediately wanted to get back to this story it’s captivating and reels you in!! We got the brothers back I’m so excited about that and how much ledger grew in this book🥰

[Teri Herron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Promise Me The Sunrise delivers an emotional slow burn romance with a coastal, small town/sailing setting. Tropes include one bed/forced proximity/small town romance/bodyguard/arranged marriage/emotional scars and many more.

The FMC literally jumps on the MMC sailboat as he’s pulling away from the dock to escape her father and the life he has prearranged for her. The MMC is sailing in an attempt to heal his emotional scars. While his world has been turned upside down with an unexpected guest, he’s determined to help her. With only kitchen utensils to divide the one shared bed the tension slowly builds. Their budding romance is interrupted by the FMC being chased by her father’s hired hands. Will she escape with her knight in shining armor or will she be forced to return to a life created for her?

Thank you for the ARC of Promise Me the Sunrise in exchange for my honest review!

[Katerina Kuhlmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

Ledger is sailing away from his demons when Sloane jumps into his boat trying to run away from a life she has no control over.

This book for me was the PERFECT example of a Grumpy x sunshine. Ledger is very closed off due to his trauma. Sloane while running from her troubles still carries a very bubbly personality. The amount that Sloane would annoy Ledger in the beginning had me cracking at! But as they slowly started to open up to eachother and let their feelings develop it became clear they were soulmates.

The twist had me in KNOTS not knowing what was going to happen. I don’t want to spoil what came of it, but I will say I love how Kristi resolved it. Both characters came out stronger in the end in such a healing way.

Over all I loved this book and didn’t want to put it down!

[Ange Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ledger had a mission to sail from one place to another. His plans got changed when "Raider" went on his boat. Raider went on his boat to change her life and to get away from her overbearing father. Ledger knows how she feels and helps her but lets her know he's going to drop her off somewhere and it's temporary. For that reason, he nicknames her and doesn't tell her his name. Over time, they get to know each other and help each other grow.
I love how they explore different areas as they sail and have an adventure. I love how they take care of each other and comfort each other's issues in a way.
I just realize this is the 3rd book of the series, so if you want more of Ledger's back story, you should read the first 2. I read this but wasn't that confused so it could be a standalone.

[Cassandra Mays · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I really enjoyed Promise Me the Sunrise! It was such a sweet, emotional read with characters I found myself rooting for from the start.
I loved seeing them grow individually while building a relationship that felt natural and believable. There were definitely a few moments that pulled at my heartstrings, but the story never felt too heavy—it balanced the emotional moments with hope really well.

The only reason this wasn't a full five stars for me is that I wanted just a little more from a few scenes. Overall, though, it was a beautiful story about healing, love, and second chances, and I'm so glad I had the chance to read it. I'd definitely recommend it if you're looking for a heartfelt romance!

[Charlotte Kane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Promise Me The Sunrise is the third book in the Embrace The Wave series, and follows Ledger as he takes off on a new adventure on a boat. What he doesn't expect is Sloane, who escapes her family by jumping onto his boat. They decide to use other names for each other, with Ledger not wanting to get close to another person so he cannot be hurt anymore. Their relationship grows as the story develops and with the dual POV, you can see how these feelings grow for one another. This was a really great story, and I loved that it's primarily set on a boat. I loved seeing Noah and Sam back in the story as well. A great ending and a really sweet book.

[Taylor Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Embrace the Wave" will always be one of my favorite series. It holds a special place in my heart. Kristi Ayers always knows how to invoke emotions in her readers.

Ledger is on a journey of self-discovery after dealing with the complicated emotions of his father's passing. He's trying to escape and deal with past trauma. He is struggling to understand his feelings, so he decides to sail the ocean in hopes of restarting.

Raider interrupts his plans by jumping onto Ledger's boat. She's trying to escape her overbearing father.

Ledger reluctantly agrees to help Raider find a nice town where she can restart. However, he sets a few rules: they aren't allowed to share names or personal details in order to prevent developing feelings.

Of course, Raider is determined to peel back all of Ledger's layers. Their connection quickly becomes undeniable. After spending days with each other on a boat, they start to notice each other's quirks. Ledger notices all the little things, which immediately shouts green flag in my book!

I'm thankful Ledger got his redemption arc and found someone who truly makes him happy! It's a beautiful and sweet journey that I'll gladly recommend to anyone that listens!

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Build your own life. Not based on what people think you should be doing but on what pleases you and makes your soul happy and complete. Take chances in life. Make that jump, that leap that might be the beginning of a greater life.

I loved how courageous Sloane. She stood up for what she desired more in life and it was to live. Not how her father wanted but how she wanted.

Ledger, I loved how he gave love another chance. Such a protective man for a woman he just met.

I loved everything about this book. The slow burn was truly slow but so worth the wait. The chemistry between these two characters and the similarities. ❤️