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Promises
Brought up by an abusive father, he left his old life a long time ago. He’s worked hard to be a decent man, to be in control, to make a good life for himself. Then he meets his neighbour who has her own past, and suddenly he’s very much afraid that he isn’t in as much control as he believed.
Can he promise her forever…or will his fears get in the way?
Can he promise her forever…or will his fears get in the way?
ebook
First published April 1, 2016
9 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
About the author
Angela Verdenius
66 books678 followersI am a mixture of things - full-time worker, cat owner, writer, bookworm, supernatural horror movie buff, mystery series fan, and daydreamer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 8, 2017
I was searching for some reads with a hero who is kinda rescuing the heroine from an abusive ( emotional or physical) past relationship or history. A guy who is super protective and completely in from the start.
This hero was absolutely perfect and I loved him so much . Although the heroine had no abuse in her past aside from a selfish sibling it really was an enjoyable story. Jason was actually the one with the abuse in his past and he rescued his own mom. He was so protective and I loved him
The romance really didn't start till past 40% but I still felt satisfied in the love story.
I'm very curious now about this author and hope her other books are #SafeRead approved.
Thanks Maayan for the rec. Can't wait till I can read some more of these recs
This hero was absolutely perfect and I loved him so much . Although the heroine had no abuse in her past aside from a selfish sibling it really was an enjoyable story. Jason was actually the one with the abuse in his past and he rescued his own mom. He was so protective and I loved him
The romance really didn't start till past 40% but I still felt satisfied in the love story.
I'm very curious now about this author and hope her other books are #SafeRead approved.
Thanks Maayan for the rec. Can't wait till I can read some more of these recs
April 2, 2016
This was me when I knew Jason Dawson was coming to my Kindle:
Jason was previously introduced to readers in the Gully's Fall series. He was a rough, ne'er do well, along with his brother. Abused, stuck in Gully's Fall working the farm, his future looked bleak. But when Jason's brother, Brand, took up their father's mantle as their mother's abuser, Jason decided take his mother and run. Jason started off seeming like a scary sort, but by
, we got to see Jason as someone who, underneath the hard exterior, had deep feelings and hero potential.
Fast forward six years and Jason and his mother have made a nice life for themselves. Jason works for his uncle, has bought a new fixer-upper and has an extended family who we need to see more of.
Enter Izzy, the curvy neighbor who, along with her escape-artist cat, completely steal his heart. Izzy and Jason both have family issues that come to a head and it brings them even closer.
This book has all the signature A.V. goodness: funny banter, pets full of personality, blue-collar, salt of the earth characters and great steamy scenes.
The lack of the 5th star really is due to my hope or expectation of more. I really wanted A.V. to dig in and give us a little bit of angsty, meaty drama. That's not how she rolls, not how she writes, so it's really my fault for hoping for something outside of the box.
Also toward the end, which is of course, an HEA, there's a odd lack of big declarations or even a climactic episode. The epilogue is great, I loved it, but the last chapter left me feeling like there should have been more.
All in all, I liked it very much.
Jason was previously introduced to readers in the Gully's Fall series. He was a rough, ne'er do well, along with his brother. Abused, stuck in Gully's Fall working the farm, his future looked bleak. But when Jason's brother, Brand, took up their father's mantle as their mother's abuser, Jason decided take his mother and run. Jason started off seeming like a scary sort, but by
, we got to see Jason as someone who, underneath the hard exterior, had deep feelings and hero potential.Fast forward six years and Jason and his mother have made a nice life for themselves. Jason works for his uncle, has bought a new fixer-upper and has an extended family who we need to see more of.
Enter Izzy, the curvy neighbor who, along with her escape-artist cat, completely steal his heart. Izzy and Jason both have family issues that come to a head and it brings them even closer.
This book has all the signature A.V. goodness: funny banter, pets full of personality, blue-collar, salt of the earth characters and great steamy scenes.
The lack of the 5th star really is due to my hope or expectation of more. I really wanted A.V. to dig in and give us a little bit of angsty, meaty drama. That's not how she rolls, not how she writes, so it's really my fault for hoping for something outside of the box.
Also toward the end, which is of course, an HEA, there's a odd lack of big declarations or even a climactic episode. The epilogue is great, I loved it, but the last chapter left me feeling like there should have been more.
All in all, I liked it very much.
August 22, 2016
DNF'd at 30%
•I liked that they were both normal working class people
•Aaron is intriguing
•Started to get a bit bored (20%)…maybe I do love drama in romances?!
•I liked that they were both normal working class people
•Aaron is intriguing
•Started to get a bit bored (20%)…maybe I do love drama in romances?!
April 14, 2016
4.25 Stars
April 2, 2016
5 stars
I loved the fact that we got Jason's story, the proverbial bad boy turned good guy. I really enjoyed this story and it was a little different to the Gully's Fall series because we saw Izzy (the heroine) have some serious issues with her size verbalised (quite negatively) on different occasions - this is something that we have seen in previous books by Angela Verdenius though - which was not something the women in the Gully's Fall series really did. While this isn't something unusual for this author I just noticed it because in the series it is connected to it wasn't prevalent. I loved both Jason and Izzy as characters although I think I would have liked to see a little more of Izzy (maybe with her best friend Mikki) so I could get to know her personality a little better. I also love the little Houdini cat called Arnie because he meant we got some hilarious scenes due to his ability as an escape artist. I loved the interaction between Luke and Mikki and I am 99% sure their book is next, I can't wait!
I loved the fact that we got Jason's story, the proverbial bad boy turned good guy. I really enjoyed this story and it was a little different to the Gully's Fall series because we saw Izzy (the heroine) have some serious issues with her size verbalised (quite negatively) on different occasions - this is something that we have seen in previous books by Angela Verdenius though - which was not something the women in the Gully's Fall series really did. While this isn't something unusual for this author I just noticed it because in the series it is connected to it wasn't prevalent. I loved both Jason and Izzy as characters although I think I would have liked to see a little more of Izzy (maybe with her best friend Mikki) so I could get to know her personality a little better. I also love the little Houdini cat called Arnie because he meant we got some hilarious scenes due to his ability as an escape artist. I loved the interaction between Luke and Mikki and I am 99% sure their book is next, I can't wait!
July 7, 2017
3.5 Stars.
Sweet romance.
Sweet romance.
August 18, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this novel. I've read a couple of other novels written by Angela Verdenius, some great and some not so great. I thought
Promises
was a good read. Our hero is Jason, good-looking, kind-hearted and totally straight-laced, doesn't drink alcohol, doesn't break the rules and treats women with the upmost respect, a kind individual. Jason was always afraid that he would turn into his father and brother, two physically and mentally abusive people. It's one night when Jason's brother crosses the line that Jason (still a teenager) and his mother leave the house for good and start a new life far away from them. Jason considers himself very lucky to have been guided by his uncle who only wanted the best for him. Talk about a well-developed character, one you can't help but love. Then there's Izzy, who I liked. I couldn`t believe how awful her family was, namely her sister and brother-in-law. Talk about two horrible people who treat Izzy like crap every chance they get, lie about everything, cheat her out of her own inheritance, and con her, etc., etc., etc. Once more they`ve come for a handout and if they don`t get it, they`ll spread vicious lies about her. At this point Izzy has had enough (about time). Anyways, while I understand not wanting others to know your business, I really didn't think that her problem with her family was that big of a deal. Threatening to expose her life with lies; sorry but who cares? I mean, the people who know her would never believe the lies so why even bother trying to hide it? Maybe it's just me or do others feel the same way?
I'm so not a cat liker or lover, but I have to say that Izzy's cat, Arnie, was quite entertaining as both Izzy and Jason scratch their heads trying to figure out how he ends up inside his place. I do love when authors include some humour as AV has done here. There was one event that took place but since I don't want to ruin it for you, I'll just leave it at that. Even Jason's cousins, Luke and Aaron added humour to the mix.
In the end, I truly enjoyed reading Promises. Too bad there were no in depth sexcapades as that would've made the story even better and definitely hotter. One more thing and this is to the author, thank you for a story that had no "angst." Unlike so many other authors that throw "angst" into the mix (that are just ridiculous and asinine), we have a couple who talk and support each other through whatever life throws at them.
I'm so not a cat liker or lover, but I have to say that Izzy's cat, Arnie, was quite entertaining as both Izzy and Jason scratch their heads trying to figure out how he ends up inside his place. I do love when authors include some humour as AV has done here. There was one event that took place but since I don't want to ruin it for you, I'll just leave it at that. Even Jason's cousins, Luke and Aaron added humour to the mix.
In the end, I truly enjoyed reading Promises. Too bad there were no in depth sexcapades as that would've made the story even better and definitely hotter. One more thing and this is to the author, thank you for a story that had no "angst." Unlike so many other authors that throw "angst" into the mix (that are just ridiculous and asinine), we have a couple who talk and support each other through whatever life throws at them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2016
Don't get me wrong, the book was good.. it had all the makings of an AV BBW I've enjoyed in the past. However because I had high expectations for Jason (which I tried not to have, but couldn't successfully lower), I did feel disappointed. Jason is the ultimate bad boy hero and there was just so much potential for greatness that were left untapped.
Izzy was just OK for me and I honestly thought that her family problem was a no brainer and therefore would not even be an issue for a practical person. Especially since her sister and BIL were written a bit one dimensional that to consider their POV and helping them out was absolutely not even an option!
My favorite parts were, not surprisingly,, the interaction with Jason and his mom, Uncle Harris, and his cousins. Adorable!
Izzy was just OK for me and I honestly thought that her family problem was a no brainer and therefore would not even be an issue for a practical person. Especially since her sister and BIL were written a bit one dimensional that to consider their POV and helping them out was absolutely not even an option!
My favorite parts were, not surprisingly,, the interaction with Jason and his mom, Uncle Harris, and his cousins. Adorable!
February 1, 2018
I tried three times to get into this book, but had to DNF in the end. It was boring. Maybe it would have been better to stick to one POV. I knew what everyone was thinking at all times. It may work for you. Reading is subjective. It could have been so good, but it just did not work for me. I found the inner dialogue too much. Example: there was so much inner dialogue about her weight. (Loc 7%, 10%, 20%)
Regret paying $3.99 for it. I think I will ask Amazon for my money back on this one.
Regret paying $3.99 for it. I think I will ask Amazon for my money back on this one.
February 10, 2024
A fabulous conclusion to the Gully's Fall series. With giving a prologue Ms. V. explains the background without the need to read all previous books (although I encourage everyone to do so). Teasing, sorrow, angst and steaminess are greatly balanced as always. I'm so looking forward to the next books (Aaron!!!). Ms. V., please don't keep us waiting too long, pretty please!
June 25, 2016
I loooove Jason! He's a bit timid to my liking, since I got used to Angela's annoying-but-protective Heroes. But still.. Hubba hubba. I adore Izzy and Jason's interaction. Gahhh I want to read moooooreee!
March 26, 2018
Such a truly pleasant change from the romance books trend today of billionaires, bad boys and 'ripped' handsome heroes. I loved this story of an everyday blokes who is just a good man who falls in love. Finding love is every girl's fantasy but it should not be unattainable and Promises reminds us that good men could be handyman and a good woman could work in a grocery check out. Thanks Ms. Verdenius.
June 15, 2020
Great story
I would put 6 stars if I could. Jason intrigued me a lot while reading about him in previous books. I really wanted to know what happened to him after that fight with his brother. So I was not disappointed at all. Great book.
I would put 6 stars if I could. Jason intrigued me a lot while reading about him in previous books. I really wanted to know what happened to him after that fight with his brother. So I was not disappointed at all. Great book.
August 17, 2020
cute lil story without a real intense problem. glad to see the positive change for lora and her son.
February 28, 2017
Jason from Gullys Fall gets his long overdue HEA. Verdenius does a great job making us care for and care about a character who didn't seem to be redeemable. Jason leaves with his Mum to escape the abuse of his father and older brother. Mum goes to live with her brother and slowly, cautiously comes to life and even starts dating again. Jason works hard, lives honestly and honorably and tries to better his life. All the time being afraid his bad "blood" will tell. Lucky for him he meets Izzy who proceeds to interest, intrigue and inflame him. Great story.
August 15, 2016
An amazing story of abuse survivors, how their past and history affect them now, how the fact that those who are supposed to love and support you are the ones to do most damage has shaped them, and made them the person they are today.
This is the 19th story from Angela Verdenius I have read, my Kindle knew to tell me. I have loved each one of them, laughed and shed some tears, fell in love with the characters and just couldn't get enough of them and their crazy world. They have the funniest friends and families, they have joy in life in the little things, and the curve girls learn to love their mates, as well as themselves, making me swoon and sigh.
Yet this story made me nervous. Because Jason was a 'villain' in a few stories before. He was the troublemaker, the one whom everyone looked for if something was wrong. He showed some signs of redemption in the last book, but I was still nervous, maybe I couldn't learn to love him after all the history, maybe I wouldn't like this story as much as the previous ones. I was wrong. I think this is my new favorite. Jason, oh Jason, he had me at the prologue. It broke my heart, but gave me hope, the abuse was so devastating, so brutal, yet he made it, he survived, he saved his mom, and they both survived.
Izzy and Jason are so perfect together. The immediate connection is sizzling, but more than the physical, they have a mental connection as well. They understand each other, support each other, protect each other, and I loved reading their story and witness them both finding the mate they deserved.
There's laughter, smiles, jesting, and banter, one wicked cat, a big family of heart, and a beautiful story of love, life and growing up to be the person we are meant to be. This story left me in awe and smiling through tears, marvellous indeed.
~ Five Spoons!
This is the 19th story from Angela Verdenius I have read, my Kindle knew to tell me. I have loved each one of them, laughed and shed some tears, fell in love with the characters and just couldn't get enough of them and their crazy world. They have the funniest friends and families, they have joy in life in the little things, and the curve girls learn to love their mates, as well as themselves, making me swoon and sigh.
Yet this story made me nervous. Because Jason was a 'villain' in a few stories before. He was the troublemaker, the one whom everyone looked for if something was wrong. He showed some signs of redemption in the last book, but I was still nervous, maybe I couldn't learn to love him after all the history, maybe I wouldn't like this story as much as the previous ones. I was wrong. I think this is my new favorite. Jason, oh Jason, he had me at the prologue. It broke my heart, but gave me hope, the abuse was so devastating, so brutal, yet he made it, he survived, he saved his mom, and they both survived.
Izzy and Jason are so perfect together. The immediate connection is sizzling, but more than the physical, they have a mental connection as well. They understand each other, support each other, protect each other, and I loved reading their story and witness them both finding the mate they deserved.
There's laughter, smiles, jesting, and banter, one wicked cat, a big family of heart, and a beautiful story of love, life and growing up to be the person we are meant to be. This story left me in awe and smiling through tears, marvellous indeed.
~ Five Spoons!
April 10, 2016
Wow!!! Loved this one so much! I think this is my fav from Angela! I really wanted Jason's story but I had no idea that Promises is his story and imagine my total happiness when I realized who this book is about!!! I love the Gully's Fall series and I must say that Jason intrigued me since his first appearance in GF.
This book is sweet and light, but it has action and it deals with different types of issues so no you don't get bored. I adored the lack of drama, too much drama is so tiring and passé and yeah the lack of it in here just made me so happy.
The characters are wonderful but that is always a given with Angela's works so yeah this book is another great, 5 golden stars work!!
You should definitely read this one!! It's a standalone, even if the hero was introduced in another series, so you can read it even if you didn't read any of Gully's Falls series books.
I really hope this will be a series because I want Jason's cousins story!!! Pretty please!
****this took me so long to read only because I got really sick in the meantime so you don't need to worry about the length or the flow of the book because those are perfect!
This book is sweet and light, but it has action and it deals with different types of issues so no you don't get bored. I adored the lack of drama, too much drama is so tiring and passé and yeah the lack of it in here just made me so happy.
The characters are wonderful but that is always a given with Angela's works so yeah this book is another great, 5 golden stars work!!
You should definitely read this one!! It's a standalone, even if the hero was introduced in another series, so you can read it even if you didn't read any of Gully's Falls series books.
I really hope this will be a series because I want Jason's cousins story!!! Pretty please!
****this took me so long to read only because I got really sick in the meantime so you don't need to worry about the length or the flow of the book because those are perfect!
October 1, 2016
A sequel of sorts I'd been waiting for a while; I always wanted to know what had happened to sweet-in-the-core Jason Dawson, a man hurt and hardened by life. I found this book better written than some of the others and I also found nice that Ms. Verdenius changed some patters on her stencils for her novels. Still, I got the feeling that something was missing, can't put my finger on it but I didn't have that full circle sensation I got with her other books (maybe because she skipped the "Will you marry me?" part? I don't know). I liked the epilogue, though, and I liked the way Jason was written, with the weight of his former life still on his shoulder, with his fear of turning out like his abusive father but with the hopes his new life and found family gave him. It all made him real to my eyes, more like taken out of our every day life than the average hero from a romance novel. Izzy was fine, although her description as a character (as opposed to the heroines from other books) I found quit shallow, there are other things I felt wanted to know about her.
Nice book, Angela. I loved the fact that finally, Jason Dawson had his HEA.
Nice book, Angela. I loved the fact that finally, Jason Dawson had his HEA.
July 18, 2016
In Promises, Jason Dawson makes a better life for himself and his mother after the abusive life they lived. Now he has a great job, his own home and his mom is happy. Then he meets Izzy and his whole world changes. He wants but doesn't think he deserves her or happiness.
But Izzy's cat has other ideas, he keeps bringing them together.
Now Jason is going to do whatever it takes to have her in his life. For good.
Promises was a sweet and sexy with some heartbreaking moments. I absolutely loved it. I am very happy Jason got his own book. I can't wait to read the next book.
But Izzy's cat has other ideas, he keeps bringing them together.
Now Jason is going to do whatever it takes to have her in his life. For good.
Promises was a sweet and sexy with some heartbreaking moments. I absolutely loved it. I am very happy Jason got his own book. I can't wait to read the next book.
March 6, 2023
Jason was a character I was very intrigued with, the highlight of Ryder and Dee’s story, and I was thrilled to see he got his own book! A lovely story of someone trying to turn his life around and the power of redemption. The cat is also great fun. These are just regular people with normal jobs (which is what I love so much about the Gully’s Fall books) and even Jason’s mum gets some happiness. I still think of Jason and Izzy out of all the Gully’s Fall characters and wonder how they are doing. It won’t disappoint, get it read!
February 3, 2022
Jason Dawson's story!!!!! Yay!!!! I loved him, and Izzy, who had some great family angst in addition to being insecure (I LOVE her misinterpretation of his reaction to their first kiss - that kind of thing is RIGHT UP MY ALLEY). Jason was a wounded hero who stepped up to the plate when it because clear that Izzy needed protection and healing - just my type. Excited for the new series! I hope Luke and Mikki are next! :)
April 15, 2016
Bravo Angela! You did justice to Jason’s story. The bad boy from Gully’s Fall turned good. You showed his sensitive side, his insecurities. Izzy is perfect for him. She had some issues herself and with Jason’s help was able to get over her insecurities. I am glad that you included his mum in the story and for the reader to be able to see how she healed and is able to go on. I can’t wait for the new series to start and to read his cousin’s stories.
April 2, 2016
Love this story!!
I love Angela's stories..I was thrilled that she wrote a story for Jason. I knew he was deep down a good guy even in the Gully's Falls stories. If you loved or even liked the Gully's Falls stories you will love Promises. I can't wait for the next book. This stories I was able to read in one day because I couldn't put it down. Great job Angela!!!!!
I love Angela's stories..I was thrilled that she wrote a story for Jason. I knew he was deep down a good guy even in the Gully's Falls stories. If you loved or even liked the Gully's Falls stories you will love Promises. I can't wait for the next book. This stories I was able to read in one day because I couldn't put it down. Great job Angela!!!!!
April 5, 2016
Jason and Izzy.
I so love this series even though its not based in Gully's Fall. This was a beautiful romance story and I'm so glad that Jason and his mum both got their HEA! Love how Jason and Izzy were a match made in
heaven. Can't wait for the next book and hopefully it will be about Luke and Mikky.
I so love this series even though its not based in Gully's Fall. This was a beautiful romance story and I'm so glad that Jason and his mum both got their HEA! Love how Jason and Izzy were a match made in
heaven. Can't wait for the next book and hopefully it will be about Luke and Mikky.
August 14, 2016
Fantastic
I absolutely loved this story. After reading Gully's Fall series, I was glad Jason got a book of his own. I loved the concept of the bad boy turned good. Izzy was perfect for him. I also liked the fact that both had troubled families, and how they each dealt worth it. The humor was also laugh out loud funny. I am looking forward to reading more by this author.
I absolutely loved this story. After reading Gully's Fall series, I was glad Jason got a book of his own. I loved the concept of the bad boy turned good. Izzy was perfect for him. I also liked the fact that both had troubled families, and how they each dealt worth it. The humor was also laugh out loud funny. I am looking forward to reading more by this author.
April 1, 2016
I have been waiting for Jason's story for a loooong time and thanks Angela for writing it. It was beautiful, funny and sweet.
But now, I have a huge question...
Are you planning on writing about Luke, Mikki, Aaron and maybe even Blue ??
Anyway, thank you Angela for another dreamy story !!
But now, I have a huge question...
Are you planning on writing about Luke, Mikki, Aaron and maybe even Blue ??
Anyway, thank you Angela for another dreamy story !!
June 14, 2016
Might be my favorite from this author
This is a sweet romance. I love that this book is about Jason, who was a minor character in the Gully Fall's series. Verdenius is very talented at bringing humor, friendship, and sentiment to life in her novels.
This is a sweet romance. I love that this book is about Jason, who was a minor character in the Gully Fall's series. Verdenius is very talented at bringing humor, friendship, and sentiment to life in her novels.
April 3, 2016
I loved this book!!!!!
April 19, 2016
Promises
Another five star book from the fabulous Angela V.! This book was a great mix of sweet and hot! And the antics of the cat were great!
Another five star book from the fabulous Angela V.! This book was a great mix of sweet and hot! And the antics of the cat were great!
April 3, 2016
I'm so glad Jason got a story and what a read
Brilliant could not put it down.
Brilliant could not put it down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews