Promise You Forever

by Celeste Grande

*Can be read as a standalone.* Brayden Callahan has loved Casey Grant his whole life. And Casey has only ever had eyes for Brayden. From puppy love to undying passion, their love is timeless, both of them secure in the fact that they are meant to be. Until she leaves for college. Brayden finds himself swirling in a bundle of nerves. Realizing how much he hates being separated only solidifies his devotion to her. When Casey comes home for Christmas break, he knows he wants to seal the deal of their fate and promise her forever. But, in a nervous panic to make it the perfect evening, Brayden succeeds in doing only one Making a mess of everything. Can he pull it together long enough to officially ask her? And will she say yes? Promise You Forever is a short story which was previously included in the Hot for the Holidays Anthology and features a cameo from Blake Turner in Live Me available now.

Genres: New Adult, Contemporary Romance, Romance

58 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 18, 2016

About the author

Celeste Grande grew up loving words. From an early age, it was easy for her to open her heart through pen and paper and come away with something poetic. She never thought anything more than releasing her emotions would come of it though. A workaholic that can’t keep still, in her ‘real’ life, she’s a Certified Public Accountant who dreams of writing sexy books all day long. When she isn’t working, she’s reading, writing, mommying and being a wifey to the love of her life. She’s newly relocated to the state of Florida, but don’t worry, she has taken her pen with her.

Celeste is best known for her debut novel, Live Me—a steamy, angsty, New Adult romance with a bit of laughter coating its dark side.

Reviews

[Porch Swing Pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first experience with Celeste Grande's writing and it won't be my last. Promise You Forever is a short Christmas novella, but it packs the same effect of a full length story. There is plenty of steam and romance within these 60 pages to make it a satisfying quick read!

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brayden Callahan and Casey Grant have been in love since they were children. The pair have always thought they were meant to be and seemed that they always would, that is until Casey leaves for college. Brayden finds himself hating to be separated from Casey and decides that when Casey comes home for break he wants to finally make their relationship forever but can he do that without making a mess of things and will she say yes?

Promise You Forever was a bit deceptive with the synopsis, cover and title. I was honestly expecting a sweet love story from this short little read but the book is a bit more erotic than everything pointed to it being. This isn't necessarily a bad thing but readers should be given a bit of a hint at that in case they don't like that type of read.

The writing and story were all alright in this one. I would say it does just seem to fly by since it's such a short read and thought maybe the author should've just concentrated on romance or erotic instead of both to make it feel it had a bit more depth one way or the other.

Overall, 3.5 stars. Very quick read that does deal with more explicit sexual situations even though it didn't seem it would.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved, loved, loved this sweet, short, steamy little holiday novella! There are certain tropes I just adore, and childhood friends-to-lovers is one of them, and Promise You Forever fit that bill perfectly!
Brayden's known since he was 8 years old that he and Casey were meant to be together, forever, and now that Casey's home from college for Christmas, he's going to make sure she knows exactly what she means to him. Brayden is completely adorable, wanting everything to be so perfect for Casey when he promises her forever.

This story so just so sweet, and funny, and hot, and just everything you could want in a novella.

[Esther Haddie's Haven · Rating 5 out of 5]

DISCLAIMER: I received an e-ARC of this book (via the author ♥) in exchange for honest review.

Celeste Grande comes forth with what might be considered an older work of art, but it comes as a new story to me, because this is the first time I am reading it. *WINKS* Brayden Callahan is your average young man with heart and eyes for only one girl. His girl. He wants Casey to be forever, and with that, there are some doubts, which EVERY young man (and woman) gets when they are nervous about taking such steps in a relationship. What is amazing about this short story is how sweet (and steamy) it is, and the author's writing is spot on. What can I say about it without giving too much away . . . if its meant to be, everything will work out, right? ♥

Brayden and Casey are adorable together. Their relationship is so sweet and sexy and just . . . utterly perfect. Celeste does a great job bringing in the doubtful moments in Brayden's mind, as well as his conflicting thoughts. Its a quick read, but it was throughly enjoyable. Celeste gave some of us a glimpse of Brayden's appearance, and I thought I would show you as well. Swoon worthy, is he not?


My Blog

[Tonya Pegram Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brayden has loved Casey since they were kids. She goes off to college and returns on Christmas and he wants to show her just how serious he is about their future. Not an official engagement, but with a promise to love her forever. This was a really cute and funny short novella. Nothing goes as planned for Brayden's plans to ask Casey what he wants. You also get to meet his brothers who Celeste has promised their own books. And I cannot wait! I loved the brothers. The banter was so cute between them. I loved this story also because I'm a sucker for childhood best friends turned lovers, maybe because my own husband was my childhood best friend turned loved. Just want to mention if you have read Live Me by Celeste and loved Blake, he makes a small appearance in this one too! I loved this book. If you are looking for a short weekend read that's romantic, hot and funny then you will enjoy this book.


*i was I've an ARC copy in return for my honest opinion**

[Kaitie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may have been shorter than Live Me but I could feel the love in this story just as much!! And poor Brayden, nothing was going that poor kids way... But Casey, she really doesn't care, all she wanted was Brayden and you could just tell how much they loved each other... And it's Christmas so I mean things never go the way you want them too but always turn out exactly how they should!!! Love and your family and the people you love are what is most important during the holidays and I think Brayden and Casey learned exactly that!

[Melissa Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super sweet book about trying to make a promise to the one you love. Brayden has loved Casey since he first saw her when they were 8. With changes coming into their lives it's time to decide if they are ready to Promise forever. Great short story.

[Ray Charles · Rating 2 out of 5]

I paid $8 for 52 pages. Insane. And in those 52 pages they had explicit sex 3 times. I guess I was just looking for more substance.

[Angel Hatfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brayden and Casey have been in love since they were kids. Brayden has known Casey since he was eight. Casey goes away to college and leaves Brayden home waiting for her. When Casey comes home for Christmas vacation Brayden wants to make sure Casey has no doubts about how he feels and wants for them as a couple. Brayden wants to be there forever for Casey. But when Casey comes home on Christmas break all Brayden’s plans seem to just fall apart. But Casey just cares that Brayden will wait for her and be true.
This was a novella that was funny and sweet. It had a great plot and writing. The story had everything it needed even though it was short and I loved it. I loved the characters and the ins and outs and I highly recommend.

[Alie | Bookscape Away · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Netgalley copy generously provided in exchange for an honest review*

REVIEW: 3 stars
Promise you forever was a fun holiday novella to read. I wish I could have known the main characters a bit more and that their love story was a bit more expanded but it was enjoyable.
.........................................................................................
*** Follow my boards on my Pinterest Book Blog @ https://www.pinterest.com/bookscapes/*** :)

[Soul Sista · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this short story. Love that Brayden knows exactly how he feels about Casey and isn't afraid of showing it. Guys have real fears too of losing their girlfriends when it comes to long distance relationships. It's not just the girls who fear their men being away from them, for long periods of time. Great job, Celeste!

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Promise You Forever was a sweet, short story. Brayden has loved Casey from the minute he saw her when he was a boy and with all the changes in their lives, he wants her to know that he promises to be there til the end. Poor Brayden plans everything and it falls apart but Casey doesn't care she just wants him.

[Helen King · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story

U can hardly wait to read your full body of works as you complete them. I am really eager for to read the Callahan family story. I loved every second of reading this short story and it let me wanting a lot more!

[C bond · Rating 4 out of 5]

a good read

[poppy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just love this author and this book is great if you get the chance grab it

[Sascha · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not much story. Not much substance. Meh.

[Heather Kirchhoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Promise You Forever. It's a sweet story. I look forward to reading the Callahan Family series.