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Whispered Promises

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Kenzie Brooks needs to vanish.

All she has ever known is a string of misconceptions, including her name. Upon her mother’s passing, Kenzie is left with no other choice but to disappear without a trace from all she has ever known which is The Society.

She must vanish.

Will Kenzie be able to fool The Society into thinking she’s dead? Or will they put the pieces together and discover she’s learned the truth about where she came from?

362 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 21, 2015

26 people are currently reading
181 people want to read

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Kristin Mayer

34 books765 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
Profile Image for AC Book Blog .
1,003 reviews137 followers
January 5, 2017
*** Well, I say this was a good start to a New Year’s read. I don’t go out of my normal genres that much but I am glad I did with this book. This is sort of a mystery romance read for me. Sarah’s life was going pretty status quo for her in The Society until her mother abruptly died. She found out shortly after the funeral that her mother left a very important letter that would eventually change the course of her life forever. Who is the real Sarah and why did her mother join The Society? Has her life has been one big lie? One thing Sarah knows for sure is that she has a whole life outside this rigid cult that she has been in for over a decade. She needs to escape, and fast.

This book is one big mystery unfolding. Once Sarah escapes the Society, she tries to settle into a new life but she always feels like she has to look over her shoulder so that the Society won’t find her. And she is right! It is difficult for Sarah to adapt to a new society since she was home schooled and sheltered for so long. She has to learn slowly how to survive in this free world. She befriends her roommate Brooklyn and her brother Aiden who are both so sweet and loving to Sarah. God knows she needs them both. I love the relationship between Sarah and Aiden – the attraction is instant but Aiden is respectful of Sarah’s circumstances. He is patient and kind to her. Their relationship grows from friendship to something quite beautiful at the end. My heart broke for Matthew though – he was such a good friend and confidant to Sarah for so many years. This book is more than a romance – it is about a journey of a young woman who escapes her past and struggles to find herself again. It’s about friendship and of course HEA love story.

If you are looking for a unique story that encompasses sweet romance, friendship with a few twists and turns and drama (bad guy/good guy) this is the book for you. I felt it was a bit unresolved with the ending in regards to the Society but other than that it was a good read - the suspense kept me going the whole time.
Profile Image for ReadAlongWithSue ★⋆. ࿐࿔catching up.
2,909 reviews443 followers
February 9, 2017


This was an absolutely enthralling read for me.

Kenzie Brooks [known as Sarah to start with] has been living at an early young age with her Mother in a religious sect. She knows nothing else, she can remember not much about her old life as she was so young.

The people in this sect had heavy rules to go by and there were Watchers who made sure of this, and other high up ones in the sect.

They were not allowed to be involved in the 'outside wicked world' as it was unhealthy, they had almost all they needed.

Her Mother used to teach her 'schooling' as she wanted better for her daughter, however, this could not be found out by anyone, not anyone within this organization. It was all hush hush, her Mother for example used to teach her maths was cooking, and they would write in the flour spread on the area of baking. No one would find or discover this. Her Mother was very wise.

When her Mother was dying she wanted to let her daughter know that this life was not what she approved of, that her name was NOT Sarah and it was infact Kenzie.

She has to mock her disappearance with a note saying that she could not go on without her Mother.

In all intense and purposes hoping they won't find her.

Outside of this confines of what she knew she is lead of a discovery not only about herself but her family, her Father, her discoveries in the 'outside world'

Will she survive with all that her Mother has taught her?
Or will she stand out in a crowd?
What does she find out about her family on the outside and how did her mother become so entangled within this sect?

The young lad she left behind who she thought she loved, would she find him again or find a new romance?


You know, there is a lot in this book that kept me as captured and embroiled in it as much as Kenzie in her sect. It was a very powerful read, it was a read that I thought much about as these kind of things do go on and you read about them.
This book has my nose constantly glued to it until I got to the end.

Kristin Mayer has been known to me as an author for a while now due to a group I run with my book mate and I have to say, although this book is not her usual style, I do hope she writes more powerful topics just as this as I will be on her waiting list for more.

Thank you Kristin Mayer for a wonderful read.
Profile Image for Juanita.
781 reviews26 followers
January 24, 2017
We meet Kenzie, also known as Sarah, who was raised in a community (cult) called The Society. Right before her mother dies from a mysterious illness, she tells her where to find a letter that will disclose their true identities and how she came about to this community.

After discovering everything she believed is a lie and hearing a conversation....The Keeper wanted me wed to his son in order to bear children....She decides to save herself and make a run for it.

This new world she is about to enter will change her life.

Computers were my savior and the bane of my existence. We had a love-hate relationship.

Along her journey we meet Brooklyn, who is her roommate and oh sweet Aiden. I absolutely adored him.

"I'm going to make sure you know how much you mean to me every day."

Kenzie wants The Society exposed for there wrong doings...but will she able to prove it without any evidence??

I enjoyed the mystery, friendship and the love shown in different ways.


**ARC Generously Provided by Author**
Profile Image for Rohina .
588 reviews138 followers
January 28, 2017
descriptionOnce a person joins The Society, they don’t leave. Ever. It’s a commitment—an until death do you part commitment. What happens when someone wants out? No one knows because no one has ever left until …



I do tend to go out of my comfort zone time to time and read books from genres that I am not heavily invested in and have been hesitant to pick up books by authors who are new to me and Kristin Mayer was no exception.

Whispered Promises is the story of Sarah. Sarah has always led a sheltered life living in The Society, that is until her mother died. A letter let by her mother, turned Sarah's lie upside in such a way she had never thought to be possible.

After reading the letter what I couldn't stop questioning was: What is The Society? And why did Sarah's mother join The Society in the first place? Why didn't she leave?

After reading the letter, the one thing that I knew was that up until now, Sarah's whole life and her identity, which was revealed, has been one big lie and the only thing left for her to do is run as far away from The Society and never look back. You see, Sarah's real name is Kenzie Brooks and her mother joined The Society in the hopes of having a support system after her husband died.

Once Kenzie leaves The Society she tries to settle into her new life, in a world that co-existed with The Society but she never knew anything about. Even though it is difficult for her to adapt to her new surroundings, she learns to survive and finds an amazing support system in siblings, Brooklyn and Aiden.

I loved the relationship Kenzie formed with Brooklyn and especially between Kenzie and Aiden. They are attracted to each other from the get -go and Aiden has to be the most patient boyfriend in the history of fictional boyfriends. He gives Kenzie her space and understands that she is a bit trepidacious of her surrounding and it will take time for her to completely adjust and that quality is one that I loved the most.

Whispered Promises is not just a Romantic Suspense. It is a journey of a young girl who escaped her past and struggled to find a future in the new world. It is about finding oneself. It is about finding friends and acquaintances in the most unlikely of places. It is about falling in love and finding a Happy-Ever-After even after the pain and struggle.

Though this book does not make my Top Favourite list it is definitely an enjoyable read. My only complaint with the book is the way it ended. It left me unresolved but other than that Whispered Promises is one giant mystery waiting to be unraveled page after page.

4 Stars!

Buy Whispered Promises (Kindle)
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*ARC gifted by author in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Diane Holtry.
676 reviews53 followers
January 28, 2017
I love a good suspense story, throw in a little romance and what Kristin Mayer has given us is simply spectacular.
This book had suspense, romance, heat between Aiden and Kenzie, a secret society, name changes, investigative journalism, murders, cover-ups, corruption and sacrificed lives - and oh so much more. I simply could not put this book down. I loved the twists and turns as well as the discoveries and revelations. I particularly enjoyed reading about how Kenzie experienced things we take for granted, simply because "The Society" sheltered her from all things.
Profile Image for Nancy Metsch.
1,368 reviews3 followers
January 4, 2017
Kenzie Brooks is my hero :-)
Loosing her Mom at 19 was the hardest thing too ever happen too Sarah. But then a letter that her mother wrote to her sends her into a twister. She finds out that the life she and her mother lived was all a lie. Taking the bus too another state and Kenzie learns a whole new way of life.
She discovers school, friends and falling in love. In short this book left me with a huge book hangover. This book is why Kristin Mayer is a best selling Author...
Profile Image for Mick C.
1,716 reviews
December 31, 2016
Wow this book takes you so far out of the norm. Such a unique and intriguing story-line. It was really hard to put down, because you just HAD to keep reading it to find out how it all ends.
Profile Image for Angela Cramer.
183 reviews4 followers
June 8, 2015
Review:

***In exchange for an honest review, I received an ARC of Dissipate from Kristin Mayer and InkSlinger PR***

First off, this was a deja vue book for me. Not the names, necessarily, but the concept. At least the first few chapters. Whether it was similar to a movie, or a dream, Kristin Mayer put it into words.


Kenzie Brooks, aka Sarah, was raised in what we would call a cult. Daily life was restrictive and as a woman demeaning to today’s standards, and she is expected to obey without question. When her mother passes away from a mysterious illness, she learns the awful truth. Sarah is who she was at the moment, but she had always been Kenzie.

Literally running for her life, Kenzie enters into a brave new world following her mother’s last words. What I loved most about the characters is that they seemed real. Knowing people who have escaped the clutches of someone like the Keeper, Kristin brought Kenzie’s journey to life. Entering the college world of the Razorbacks, Kristin doesn’t diminish, or dwell on the good and bad of what can happen in a fraternity/sorority, but she doesn’t skip over it either. It was refreshing for her to put it out there in a way that didn’t judge.

The main characters Kenzie, Aiden, Brooklyn, Mike and Matthew are believable and give one hope for a happily ever after. Of course, the bad guy has to make an appearance, but in this case, he is a really, really bad guy with a gun. I absolutely love the twists and turns within the story and though I found a few editing errors, wish Kristin Kelley had expanded the novel to full length and given us more. Oh, and you can get your copy today to find out whether Kenzie or Sarah - Dissipates.
Profile Image for Pam.
1,738 reviews17 followers
May 21, 2015
4.5 of 5 Stars
http://ripeforreader.blogspot.com/201...

Kenzie was not what I expected at all. In the beginning she seemed so timid and shy. When she realized the truth about her life as she knew it, she had a choice to make. Picking the difficult path, one of loneliness and unknowns. Watching Kenzie discover herself and all that life had to offer. Sure I felt sorry for her at times in her journey but she never let things get her down completely. She strives to survive and live life, which is all any of us can do.

Luckily she meets Brooklyn and eventually Aiden. Realizing very quickly that Kenzie was special and different than any other girls he had met before. Aiden takes his time and friends her first. Slowly she opens up to him and her feelings.

Aiden is a wonderful loving man who listens to the sign a woman gives. He openly shows his feelings and his need to take care of Kenzie. Anyone else would have run for the hills when discovering her secrets. But Aiden stuck by her trying to help her any way he could.

The constant worry of something happening while you read is what makes the pages turn so quickly. This is definitely one of those, I am just gonna read one more chapter and now I am at the end kind of books. Congrats on anther great read Kristin.

**Advanced copy provided in exchange for honest review**
Profile Image for MegL.
922 reviews6 followers
May 20, 2015
ARC received for honest review

Kenzie is a 19 year old whose world gets turned upside down after her mother suddenly passes away. The one thing she knows for sure is that she needs to disappear. Kenzie faces many obstacles as she learns to co-exist in a new world. She has this undeniable inner strength that helps her persevere through the challenges that she's faced with as her journey unfolds.

Dissipate is different but in a good way!! I love Kristin's writing style. The story flowed very well and wasn't rushed or predictable. I love how she brought the world of The Society to life. Kristin had me hooked from the first chapter and I did not want to put this book down. For me, there was never a dull moment.
Profile Image for Philomena Callan Cheekypee.
4,036 reviews434 followers
June 2, 2015
There's no doubt in my mind about the talent of this author. Every book I've read by her has been brilliant. This book is just as good, no it's better than the others.

When Kenzies mum dies she reads a letter that changes her whole life. She realises that everything she believed has been a lie. To save herself she needs to get away. She does that my disappearing. There's so much more going on but really do you think I'm gonna spill everything??

I couldn't read this book fast enough. I n ended to see how Kenzie was gonna cope with life away from The Society. As an avid reader I crave unique storylines. Kristin Mayer dropped a wonderful unique read into my kindle.
Looking forward to reading more from this author. Loved it.
Profile Image for Belinda.
147 reviews
January 24, 2017
Love discovering new authors. This book is normally not in my genres of books I read and Im so glad I step out and read this. My first Kristin Mayer book and I was not disappointed.

A story of a young girl who lost her world, her mother, and discovering the way she had been brought up was nothing more than lies all in the space of a day. Heartbreaking yet truly inspirational.

This is a very sweet romance between two people who were made for each other. I read this in one sitting as I had to make sure Aiden and Kenzie got their HEA and I was far from disappointed...
Profile Image for Emily Goodman.
1,070 reviews39 followers
May 11, 2015
By far, Dissipate is my favorite book by Kristin Mayer. I absolutely loved this book! This book had everything- characters you root for, thought invoking storyline, sweet love story and exciting plot twists that leave you begging for more! Kristin has always delivered wonderful well written stories, but this book is by far my most favorite! I can’t wait for you all to read Dissipate!
Profile Image for Brandy Rivers.
Author 59 books661 followers
May 22, 2015
Loved this book. It's a departure from her usual books, but still pulls you in and keeps you turning pages.
When Kenzie's mother dies she learns the truth about the place she calls home. Nothing is what she believed.
At her Mothers urging she sets out on her own and learns there's so much more to the world. She makes a life for herself.
What are the consequences when the Society finds her?
155 reviews4 followers
January 23, 2017
This was the first book I have read by Kristin and I'm in love with her words!

This book was amazing! I loved every word and the story had me enthralled from start to end I couldn't put it down! Kenzie's story was emotionally heartbreaking and beautiful all mixed into one true HEA love story.

I'm looking forward to reading more of her work and highly recommend this book to everyone!
Profile Image for Jackie.
239 reviews10 followers
August 19, 2015
Really liked this story. Actually cried a little! To think this is most probably really happening out there. Love Kristin Mayer! ♥
Profile Image for Kaitie.
1,149 reviews36 followers
December 29, 2016
Wow! I'll be honest here, it's not very often I go out of my comfort zone and would pick up a book that's "different" per we. I just usually read what I like to read and be done with it. Well holy crap, if this is what I'm missing then I'm an idiot because this book was everything and then some! I was hooked from the absolute beginning and didn't want to put it down!

Kenzie has had a very different way of life then what most of us has had. She just doesn't know any different. And what she is about to find out will turn her entire world upside down. Along her journey she meets two people who will change her life forever, in a good way. Brooklyn and Aiden, brother and sister, and also lifesavers. Brooklyn is the first person Kenzie really talks to as her new life starts. And they instantly hit it off. And Aiden, well they literally run into each other. I don't want to dive too much into the details and give anything away so I'll stop but just goodness!

This story shows love in many different ways. The way a mother and father love a child, the way friends love each other, and then the way two people can love each other. It shows no matter what love can win. It also shows the immense strength of a young woman. Yes she has one of the most amazing men in Aiden by her side and an amazing best friend in Brooklyn but the way Kenzie adapted to life and just kicked butt proves the kind of person she is. I only wish I could meet these three characters in real life. It'd be a friendship right from the start and surly to the very end! It pays to go out of what I considered my "comfort zone" and I can't wait to continue to do that!
Profile Image for Babbling Chatter  Reads.
962 reviews32 followers
February 2, 2017
★★★✩ 3.5 lost stars read!

When I first read the synopsis of this book admittedly it was something I typically would not read but took a chance on something different and out of the norm for me.

The first part was a little bit challenging for me to read getting to know who is who in this clan lifestyle of living but as familiarity of the outside world come into play it became easier to follow the storyline and a book that had me intrigued.

Kenzie Brooks (a.k.a. Sarah) life was filled with one lie after another thanks to The Society that she was brought up in. Before the passing of her mom she whispered last words that throws her daughter off guard which in turn shortly after is faced with a do it now or regret it later decision.

Following the letter she enters into a world that was a huge eye opener for Kenzie. Not knowing anything other what she was taught she had to adjust and do it quickly without making her look naive and lost that she really is. Unexpectedly she meets people that would become more than she had expected; however, will her lies change the way they think of her when the truth finally comes out?

This is my first book by Kristin Mayer and regardless of the theme of this read (entailing life in a cult) the author did not disappoint. She has written it in a way to open our eyes to other lifestyles of living that can possibly exist that we may not be aware of and because of that factor I am open to reading more of her books and see what else she has up her sleeves. This may not be a favorite theme of mine to read but the feels she gave me had me turning the pages and seeing how everything will play out in the end.
Profile Image for Heather.
53 reviews1 follower
January 24, 2017
Wow, Whispered Promises was my first book by Kristin Mayer and definitely won't be my last! I was hooked from the beginning to the end. We met Kenzie whom at the beginning of the book is dealt a huge tragedy. This is what sets in motion the story. When we are first introduced to Kenzie, she is Sarah and has been living secluded in a cult called the Society with her mom since she was younger. Of course she doesn't know it is what it is. When tragedy strikes, Sarah finds out she is really Kenzie. She makes an escape to outside the Society and quickly starts to realize most of what she knows is all a lie. We follow her in her new freedom as she learns everything for the first time. She learns what technology is, good food, good people and friends, college, life, and love. She discovers the world is so much more than she was ever told and she loves it! She meets Aiden by chance, but then she finds out he is the brother of her roommate. I love the banter between Aiden and Kenzie. I love how we get to see their relationship blossom from a new friendship to so much more. Will they be able to keep the love they have or will the Society find her and end it all? Go one click now to find our for yourself!
1,519 reviews7 followers
January 24, 2017
This book has an interesting premise that you don’t see in contemporary romances. This is an updated version of a previous work. This is my first Kristin Mayer novel and I have a feeling that her stories will continue to intrigue me.

Kenzie Brooks who has thought her name was Sarah for her entire life finds out that her life with The Society is not what it seems. This is a soul crushing realization on top of her mother’s sudden death. Kenzie must break away from everything she’s known and find her way in the outside world.

I thought the author did a good job with the research aspect of learning her way in her new surroundings. Modern technology is completely foreign to her, but it helps her immensely in learning how to cope and succeed in her new life.

Kenzie is extremely fortunate to run into Brooklyn who becomes her best friend and roommate and to literally be run over by Aiden who becomes so much more. Aiden is almost too good to be true. Their slow budding romance was incredibly sweet as it developed. “This would be the moment I came back to when things got tough.”

The only part that didn’t ring true for me was that as the suspense and danger increased – for no one ever truly leaves The Society – Kenzie’s actions didn’t adjust to the danger factor. I thought she was a little too cavalier about her safety. And Aiden was honestly a little TOO understanding about her past.

However, this was a fresh storyline and the simple graphics which you don���t usually get added to the story and broke up the words on the page.

Overall – a fascinating read with an incredibly sweet romance laced throughout.
Profile Image for Lola Bell.
2 reviews
September 23, 2017
This book would have been a great story if it wasn't for Aiden.

Never have I hated a book boyfriend so much. Kenzie escapes from a cult who controlled her life & falls straight away for a guy he insists she belongs to him after a week?? I cringed every time he called her sweetheart. What 20 year old guy does that?! The terms love of my life, forever, always were thrown around too easily. Poor Matthew, knew her all her life but it was the guy she'd known a few months who talked in riddles & statements of ownership & forevers, that she loves more?

And the WORST part ever?? Brooklyn dragging Kenzie to check out her brothers hot bod & then buying sex clothes for Kenzie to wear for her BROTHER!!!!

I wish this has been more of a story of a girl escaping a cult, asserting her independence & building her life of her own instead it was girl escapes cult, meets guy, life complete.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Natasha.
648 reviews4 followers
January 13, 2017
5 AMAZING STARS!!!

Holy crap what did I just read. My heart was racing as I read each page. Kenzie Brooks aka Sarah, thought she knew her life in the "Society", this all changed when her mother died. She left in the middle of the night to find herself. Not only did she find herself she found out the "Society" was not all as it seemed. Kenzie is beyond my hero, she is a saint. To overcome what she thought was her life, others would fall, no her she rose to the occasion.

Aiden... I just love his patience and love he has. He helps Kenzie in learning simple things that others take for granted. Once he knows her past he steps up to be more than her friend, but someone she loves. This book will leave you in shock and awe. So worth it too!
179 reviews3 followers
January 24, 2017
I loved the story line in this book A girl Sarah that finds out the truth about her name being Kenzie and starts her journey into the world with little knowledge to what's out there. Coming from the society it has taught her minimum about life. To finding love and a new way of life from computers to phones to urban language and deal with her mother's death it's a very intriguing book from beginning to end. In this book you will read about her looking over her shoulder to make sure this is it isn't coming to the truly amazing love story and journey with Kenzie and Aiden. This is my first book by Kristen Mayer I can't read I can't wait to read more of her books I highly recommend this book
18 reviews
January 24, 2017
Sarah and her mother live in The Society. The Society is a group that is closed off from the rest of the word. Sarah has been home schooled by her mom and has been taught how to cook and clean. Sarah's mom contracts some deadly disease and shares things with Sarah on her dead bed that totally turns her life upside down.
Kristin literally kept me on the edge of my seats with this book. It was one of those "Oh crap it's 3am but I can't put it down" type of books! Loved it!!!
Profile Image for Maari.
479 reviews
January 25, 2017
There is no pause in reading this book
I am having a difficult time coming up with words for an appropriate review. How about you just take my word for it. It is worth at least 5 stars. ;) This story seems so real. As if the Author knows of someone who has been in Kenzie's place, and perhaps she does!! This story has just the right mix of suspense, romance, and love. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys any and/or all of that.
Profile Image for LS Kralicek.
1,158 reviews7 followers
January 6, 2019
Unbelievable

Unbelievably gripping book that Kristin Mayer has written in Whispered Promises. Truly shows the life of someone escaping from a cult environment and stepping out into the world and finding love along the way. I have to say this is different from her normal writing style but you will not want to put this book down! Mayer out did herself and I can wait to she where she goes next.
Profile Image for Jill.
704 reviews6 followers
July 6, 2022
I really liked the ideas for the plot in this book and I really tried to like it but unfortunately the way it was executed for me just didn’t work . The dialogue felt disjointed and I know she was learning everything anew but I didn’t find her descriptions of things realistic and felt no emotion
Come through at all it was - really
Hard to connect to the character .
Profile Image for Heather Peterson.
219 reviews
January 23, 2017
I received this book as an ARC it was slow at first but then it stole my heart. Kenzie's thrust for knowledge and the love she found with Aiden was amazingly beautiful. This book was so beautifully written. I ended up enjoying g this book.
Profile Image for Tersia Eloff.
579 reviews2 followers
January 4, 2019
Whispered Promises

I loved Kenzie story, parts of it made me giggle, the way she described things she knew nothing about. I love that Kristin Mayer's books has enough of a story that the predictable break up never happens. An all round 5 star read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews