You Promised Me Forever

Forever Yours #1

by Monica Murphy

From New York Times bestselling author Monica Murphy comes a new, sexy stand alone novel featuring a second chance romance.

I've got it all, they say. I'm the starting quarterback for the best NFL team in the league. I'm rich. I'm famous. I can have any woman I want, any time I want.

Yeah, I've got everything--except for the one who got away. How do you move on from loving the same girl since you were in the seventh grade? She promised me forever. Until forever got too hard and at nineteen, she dumped me.

By text message.

Now she's walked back into my life. Just as beautiful. Just as sweet. Just as smart. More grown up and incredibly sexy...
We're older now. Supposedly wiser. This time, I'm going to fight for what I want, no matter how hard it gets.

This time, I'm going to make her mine.

Forever.

Genres: Second Chance, Romance, Sports, Sports Romance, New Adult, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

334 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 29, 2018

About the author

New York Times, USA Today and international bestselling author. A believer in kissing. A believer of love.

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Reviews

[Tasha Mahoney · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were some things that I really liked about You Promised Me Forever, and some aspects that I was less taken with.

I liked Jordan and the fact that despite his success and resentment he is at heart a decent guy.

I really liked the writing style and the way that the dual Point of view was separated into paragraphs and there was never any doubt about who we were with in any particular moment.

The writing quality was excellent and the chapters were just the right size for my taste.

I wasn’t over keen on Amanda, though I cannot identify why. I just did not warm to her, though I didn’t particularly dislike her. For a character to have a strong impact on me I have to like or really dislike them.

I think that the sports star, high school romance, second chance trope is a popular one so to stand out, a story needs be amazing and while You Promised me Forever was really good, it didn’t stand out from some others.

Ok, having said that, I should make the point of saying that the quality of writing of the books that I have read within this area has been extremely high and Monica Murphy’s talent is, in my opinion and based on this one book, right up there. This story just didn’t hit the spot for me.

I would not hesitate to read more work by Monica Murphy as her writing style is incredibly reader friendly and You Promised Me Forever was beautifully paced and had a pleasingly natural flow.

Thank you to Monica Murphy and Social Butterfly PR for providing me with an advance copy of You Promised Me Forever. These are my honest thoughts.

[Monica Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revealed the blurb for YOU PROMISED ME FOREVER today! Here it is:

I’ve got it all, they say. I’m the starting quarterback for the best NFL team in the league. I’m rich. I’m famous. I can have any woman I want, any time I want.

Yeah, I’ve got everything—except for the one who got away. How do you move on from loving the same girl since you were in the seventh grade? She promised me forever until forever got too hard and at nineteen, she dumped me.

By text message.

Now she’s walked back into my life. Just as beautiful. Just as sweet. Just as smart. More grown up and incredibly sexy…

We’re older now. Supposedly wiser. This time, I’m going to fight for what I want, no matter how hard it gets.

This time, I’m going to make her mine.

Forever.

Preorder YOU PROMISED ME FOREVER here:

Amazon➜ https://amzn.to/2xABtM9
iBooks➜ https://apple.co/2Gu9z4l
Kobo➜ http://bit.ly/2LqiKou
(more preorder links coming soon!)

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another H, that is wasted by being put with a vapid, immature, self absorbed h, who blew so hot and cold I genuinely don't know why he fought to maintain the relationship by the end.

Well written though, because if it wasn't I would have DNF it very early on.

[Mizz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did not finish because the h was suuuuppppeeerrr annoying. Her best friend spoke the truth:

"Lena turns, her eyes blazing. “If you don’t want him, you should let him know. Not lead him on.”

I take a step back. “I’m not leading Cade on.”

“You so are. You’re being incredibly selfish right now, Amanda. Cade’s already halfway in love with you, but some other guy is sending you expensive flowers. It’s making you look…” She clamps her lips shut and shakes her head.

“It’s making me look what?”

Lena’s upper lip curls. “Trashy.”"

[Christie«SHBBblogger» · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Melanie (mells_view) · Rating 4 out of 5]

So fun to read adult versions of Amanda & Tuttle. While I’m sad they broke up, I’m also sort of happy, because we ended up with this story! They are dealing with some of the same issues from high school, but on a much higher level now, and with more adult decision making skills. It’s an enjoyable read, and it gets pretty steamy at points too. Hope we get to see more from some past characters that showed up in this book!

[Dani (Dani Reviews Things) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This... did not work for me. And it was only after I finished the book that I understood why. And yes, I did finish it; it was like that urge to watch a car crash in slow motion, and I couldn't look away. I had to know how it ended.

But here's why. You see, a lot of people have rated this book highly on Goodreads, and I noticed a trend with the reviews I read. A lot of these reviewers had read the author's books before, notably her YA romance, More Than Friends . Well, dear readers, it turns out that You Promised Me Forever is a revisiting of the relationship that develops in that book. But nowhere does it say that in the blurb. Maybe the author was banking on this second-chance story standing on its own?

Well, it didn't, and that's for a few interconnected reasons that can be summed up by saying this read like fanfiction for the previous book.

First of all, by the end of the book, I still didn't really know who the hero and heroine were. They said certain things about each other – Jordan called Amanda smart, for example – but this was never demonstrated. In fact, the only thing that indicated she was smart was her job, not her actions. Maybe if I had read their first story, I would have known who they were better. But I'm also scared of going back to read it because I get the feeling Amanda hasn't really changed in the six years since her senior year of high school.

This wasn't helped by the fact that things were just rushed along, like the author had a list of things that had to happen to get to the conclusion without any real connection between them. There was no time to really experience the story and what was going on in each character's head. I find, in romance more than any other genre, that readers need to be given a deep tour of the characters' hearts and minds to connect with and root for them.

A final big reason for why this didn't work for me was that none of their issues were really addressed. There were no discussions or resolutions about how Jordan would make more time for Amanda now, since that was a big reason they split after high school. One public declaration on one day does not a mature, adult relationship make.

Minor call-outs to the casual slut-shaming between friends, and the weird twist in a hotel room that, honestly, was really contrived. Amanda could have easily sorted that out. She was in London, and she could have nipped out to the closest pharmacy for an over-the-counter emergency contraceptive if she was so worried. The UK is pretty good with contraception. OH YEAH, and I'm pretty sure elite/professional athletes do have to watch what they eat a lot of the time, especially before a game.

So if you read their previous book, here's your HEA. But if you have no idea who Jordan and Amanda are, then I'd say skip this and come talk to me about sports romances.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Elle G. Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Release Date: August 29, 2018
Genre: Contemporary Romance. Sports Romance.
Actual Rating: 4 stars

This book was a really fun read for me because it was nice to catch up with Amanda and Tuttle from Monica's YA series, Friends (https://bit.ly/2NajuiV). In this one, everyone is grown up. Amanda and Tuttle aren't exactly as close as they used to be, but watching their relationship pick back up again was interesting. The pacing was pretty fast- almost too fast for my tastes- but it worked for the couple because they had such a passionate history. I very much recommend reading the Friends series if you want to see what I mean. Plus, it's a fantastic series anyways and one of my favorites of the author!

If you like you romances that are quick, easy, flirty, fun, and sports filled, then I recommend this one to you. It's an easy read, one that can easily be read in one sitting, and hits the spot for those looking to get lost in a good book.

[Robin Bielman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this sexy, second chance romance! Tuttle and Amanda had so much chemistry their attraction leaped off the page. Reunited lovers is one of my favorite themes and this one was super fun and heartwarming.

[Luisa Rivas · Rating 3 out of 5]

A second chance romance with an NFL football player? My type of book! Jason Tuttle is the starting quarterback in the San Francisco team, enjoying his third season. Amanda is a hard-working assistant physical therapist. They were childhood friends, then high school sweethearts. They were dating during their senior year and part of Jason’s first year in University, on a football scholarship. He was so busy with his new life that he ignored Amanda, until she dumped him via text.

Amanda used to have many insecurities as a teenager. Even while Jason reassured her that he wanted only her and professed his love, she always felt inferior, like she didn’t deserve such a hot and popular guy as Jason. When Jason was in University and he cancelled so many dates, wouldn’t answer the phone, and generally ignored her, her insecurities flared up high and she dumped him.

Six years later, she has to live, watching him in TV ads, gossip magazines, game commentaries, etc. She wavers between feeling like she did what was necessary or if it was the dumbest decision she ever took. Until one day in a TV interview he affirms he thinks about the girl who got away every single day.

She contacts him through social media and they connect again, but they still have many obstacles. Even though Amanda is now a professional, has matured some and conquered her insecurities (mostly), she still feels not enough. Jason is afraid of being dumped again, so he proceeds cautiously. The differences in their world, in their finances, and his team’s hectic schedule stand in the way of their reunion.

I liked the book, but was sometimes tired of Amanda’s self-doubts. The book had a very narrow focus, only addressing their second chance reunion, and I felt that it lacked the richness of stories when the characters’ world, family and friends are included in the plot.

[Travelogged Blogs · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I always love reading Monica Murphy's books and I enjoyed reading this one too. It was a second chance romance which follows Amada & Jordan's relationship. They were highschool sweethearts but Amanda left him because their lives had become worlds apart when Jordan was going off to college for football. Six years pass but neither of them are truly over each other, so when they come face to face, old sparks are reignited but this time, Amanda has to make the first move to make up for the past. Jordan was a good guy, I loved his cheesiness. Amanda on the other hand over thinked too hard for my liking. Her constant doubts were giving me whiplash tbh. Also I didn't like her "best friend " Lena, the way Amanda quickly forgave her was annoying. I am curious to know what's the deal between Susannah and Cannon though, they were just so cute together! Overall it was a good read. It's just that there should have been more development in the relationships between the main characters and side characters. For example, it was stated that Lena is Amanda's bestfriend but their interactions didn't feel like they always had each other backs like bestfriends usually do. The epilogue was cute though. Looking forward to read the next book in the series.

[HMS · Rating 2 out of 5]

This thin, banality filled plot with a heroine as deep as a puddle was just not for me and sadly, I skimmed.

[Three Chicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!
Review by Lisa Kane

I loved Amanda and Tuttle's romance from the Friends series. Two complete opposites, she shy and unassuming, he popular and confidant. I thought when I read the last chapter that was it for them. But nope-it seems they broke up in college and he went on to be a big time NFL star.

She gave up on me. I gave up on her too. And that's hard to admit.

Six years have gone by since Amanda Winters broke Jordan Tuttle's heart by breaking up with him. Both have gone on with their lives, but haven't really moved on with their lives. When Amanda sees an interview on live TV with Jordan he talks about "the one who got away" and how he still thinks about her. Amanda friends him on Instagram and he responds in a flash. They message, he asks her if she wants to come to one of his games and it's game on!

Amanda is casually dating a coworker and Jordan has dated some of the most famous women in the world. All of Amanda's old insecurities rise to the surface. The same fears that led to her breaking up with him in the first place are coming back. With his glamorous life style, who wouldn't be intimidated?

They were both kids straight out of high school when Jordan was just about to break out into football stardom. The pressure was too much and they both suffered for it.

I didn't have time for any of them. Worse, I didn't have time for Amanda-the supposed most important person in my life. College consumed me. Football consumed me. So many things were happening and I let them take me away from her.
So I felt like shit. After some time and distance, I realized I'm just as much to blame for the break up as she is.

I think that right there sums up everything that happened. Amanda was back at home going to community college and Jordan, well he had so much going on that their relationship drowned in the sea of change.

It's obvious they are both still attracted to each other, but is it just physical or is that love still there? Neither one could get serious with anyone else. They've dated others, slept with others, but their hearts, oh those beat only for each other.

How'd I get so lucky that she wasn't snapped up by another guy and engaged to him by now? Or worse, married? I thought about it over the years. What if she met the man of her dreams? What if she married that guy and had his children?
Those thoughts were like a punch to the gut.

I loved this book! I loved their story when they were teenagers, but they have both grown and matured and both are willing to expose themselves to hurt. That's what I loved the most-they admit they screwed up, take responsibility and try like hell to get back together!

"Yeah, well, I love you so goddamned much, I want everyone to know it."

[Sofia Lazaridou · Rating 4 out of 5]

You promised me forever is a second chance book, but at the same time, it didn't feel like it. Jordan and Amanda have a history together, they were in love with each other once upon a time, they broke up, moved on with their lives and after a documentary, they got the chance to talk and see each other again. Both of them have mostly got their break up behind them and accepted it. We don't get to see a ton of bitterness from either and at the same time there is a part of them and mostly from Jordan's part, that hasn't moved on and is not ok with how things ended. The story is mostly told from Amanda's point of view, so it wasn't as easy to see what Jordan's motives and thoughts were. He is completely honest with Amanda though and that helped me understand what was on his mind.

The book felt like the usual romance where the hero and heroine meet each other after the story begins and have 0 history together. It could have simply been a new relationship that was moving on very quickly. It doesn't have any angst and it was one of the easiest second chance books to read in my opinion. I am dying to see Jordan and Amanda's friend getting a story with Sussana. That pair had a spark and I want to see if they will get a happy end. After Amanda and Jordan's story ended, the author mentioned that there is another story about them happening when they together six years ago, so you might wanna check that out too.

[Anne OK · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy quick sports-related read with, of course, the star quarterback and a second chance with his high school sweetheart. A little bit of a different quirk in this one -- and I liked it! Tuttle was what all book boyfriends and especially star quarterbacks are -- gorgeous and built and every girl's dream. Amanda was an overload of self-doubts and iffy on the second chance. The love was strong -- even if the problems seemed to be swept under the rug in the insta fashion.

Yeah, I enjoyed it, but it needed more development. Basically the story was just Tuttle and Mandy. It lacked a back up -- and that could have something to do with this is a sequel to an earlier series where these two met as children. They've been apart for six years -- both 25 now. Other than settling into the new relationship, there wasn't much enrichment to the story from their lives. No multi-layering which left it a bit cold and questionable.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!!!
God, I couldn't wait to #CuddleWithTuttle again!! I am a huge fan of the Forever series and when Monica Murphy announced she'd be writing another book, I was so EXCITED!! She did not disappoint!! I can't wait for more!!!

[Callixta · Rating 2 out of 5]

Il y avait longtemps que je n’avais pas lu Monica Murphy. Elle a été une des premières à se lancer dans le NA il y a quelques années et avait signé alors une romance jolie et efficace alors lorsque j’ai vu ce résumé mettant en scène un joueur de football et son ex, je me suis dit que cela risquait d’être intéressant et de voir l’évolution de l’auteure dans le NA.

Et c’est là que j’ai été très déçue car cette histoire, totalement insipide semble très datée et vise un public qui n’a lu aucune romance NA et va découvrir ce genre. Amanda sortait donc lors de sa dernière année de lycée avec LE bon coup du son école : Jordan Tuttle. Beau, sportif, il avait un avenir formidable devant lui. Tellement qu’Amanda qui se trouvait bien ordinaire a été un peu effrayée par ce qui l’attendait. C’est le seul élément intéressant de cette histoire car on peut imaginer une ado pas très sûre d’elle, complètement éblouie par un garçon dont elle ne comprend pas ce qu’il lui trouve. Ça sonne finalement assez juste. Donc Amanda a rompu avec Jordan et la vie a fait le reste. des années plus tard, ils ont vingt-cinq ans tous les deux et ont fait leur vie. Jordan est devenu le sportif qu’on attend et Amanda travaille comme kiné. Elle suit de loin la vie de Jordan et ils vont se reparler par l’intermédiaire des réseaux sociaux après une émission de télé où Jordan semble encore regretter leur séparation.

Le début est convenable, l’idée jolie. Après tout, cela fait rêver ce sportif séduisant qui, des années après continue à se languir de son ex-petite amie. Mais l’intérêt s’éteint très vite. Il ne se passe pas grand-chose. Amanda se demande si finalement, elle ne s’est pas trompée en larguant Jordan (euh, si…) et elle s’interroge longtemps sur l’opportunité de renouer (mais… pourquoi???)

Jordan est parfait et semble toujours amoureux. En dehors du fait que cela le met sous les feux de la presse et des projecteurs, son statut de sportif n’apporte rien à l’histoire. Tout se déroule simplement, sans aucun problème, avec tous les clichés énormes de la romance.

Bref, c’est sans aucune imagination, lu et relu déjà maintes fois et en mieux. L’auteure présente deux personnages secondaires qui seront probablement les héros du livre suivant. Cela sera sans moi, fort probablement. Dommage, Monica Murphy a une jolie plume mais là elle m’a ennuyée et je pense qu’il y a beaucoup mieux à lire que cette romance NA très, très classique.

http://romance-bluemoon.com/2018/09/y...

[Ryan - Sweet Red Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

So y'all know that Second Chance Romance is my jam, add in Sports Romance and I'm in heaven. That being said, while enjoyed You Promised Me Forever, I think I would've enjoyed it more had I known that it was the continuation of a relationship established in a previous series (Friends) - then I would've read it first and been more familiar with Tuttle and Amanda and the scope and breadth of their relationship. This was also a case where I had lopsided feelings towards the characters (I liked him WAY more than I liked her) and perhaps that would've leveled out had I known their history and full story. I do plan on going back and reading the Friends series because I truly did enjoy the author's story telling and writing style. Maybe then I'll revisit this book with fresh eyes. 3 out of 5 wine glasses.

[Happily Mary After · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interview and recommendation appeared on USA Today’s Happy Ever After on August 29, 2018.

You Promised Me Forever is one of the best second-chance romances that I’ve ever read. Monica Murphy captures all of the tumultuous, exhilarating and sometimes overwhelming feelings of two people who once loved each other desperately reuniting and trying again. My eyes were glued to the page, my heart was beating loudly, and I was near-giddy with anticipation from the moment Jordan and Amanda exchanged their first direct messages after six years without communicating. I felt absolutely everything along the way and loved every minute of this engrossing, feel-good, steamy and thoroughly satisfying tale of second chances. Romance doesn’t get any more romantic than You Promised Me Forever.

[Peggy M · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 stars

When I started this book I didn’t know that there was already a YA book (Friends series) out about this couple. I didn’t read that series so it was my first encounter with Amanda Winter and Jordan Tuttle. For reading this book, it didn’t matter that I haven’t read the ‘Friend’ series but for myself, personally, I would have like to know before starting this book. Because then maybe I would have read that series first. But like I said you don’t have to read that series to read this book. The story is told from both POV’s, something that I liked very much in this story.

I was really looking forward to reading this book because it contains two things that I love to read at the moment football and second chance romance. And I’m very happy that I decided to read this book! I really felt for Jordan and Amanda, both were very wonderful characters, but they were young when they fell in love and life can something be very overwhelming and confusing.
Amanda is more shy and insecure but she has a big heart and she’s a loyal friend. Jordan is confident and charming. One thing that I really appreciated about Jordan was that he was honest. Amanda may have been the one to break things off between them in the past but he could commit (to himself at least) that he was at fault too. I loved the pace of the story, how they restarted their relationship and the fact that we got an epilogue. Although I felt that the end was a little rushed. I would have liked more of an explanation how they solved or worked on the reason why they broke up in the first place. Because that reason was still there! Jordan said so many times in the story. I missed that a bit in the end.

‘You promised me forever’ is an easy and sweet read and I loved it.

[Caitlin Audet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Monica Murphy has severely spoiled us with You Promised Me Forever, book one in the new Forever Yours series. Jordan Tuttle is back in all his glory and more perfect than before, as impossible as that sounds. I highly advise starting the previous Friends series first to get all the history of Jordan and Amanda as to fully understand these two and how everything came to be.

Who says social media is just to post silly things or read fake news? One message from Amanda Winters is all it takes to bring Jordan back into the picture six years after ending their relationship when he was in college and she was still at home. Insecurities and self doubt hit real strong, causing Amanda to make a heartbreaking decision that stayed with her ever since. Now adults and leading two very different lives, the high school lovebirds are back for either a second chance on something real or closure for good on a very historic past.

I love that this story was honest and straight to the point, no matter how brutal it had to be. Jordan and Amanda have gone through so much together with not only each other but on their own as well. Past and present collide big time creating one raw but passionate storyline. I also love how in between all the angst is some fun, flirtatious moments that had me smiling big time. I'm very curious to see where Monica Murphy goes with this series and whatever comes next I will be more than happy to read.

[hugsandcookies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tuttle and Amanda 💖

I've loved Jordan Tuttle and Amanda, their love story was complicated to which it shouldn't but it brought back so many memories from their high school to adulthood. This time around they reconnected when Amanda made the first move. I love how adorable Jordan is and although he was complicated one thing I love about his was he was loyal and true to Amanda. But, I'm so glad that they finally have their HEA.

[Michelle Krystel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Jordan from the friends series and I Remeber how Amanda and him ended. But always wondered what happened when they were older. This one was great to see them all grown up I loved it.

[Rejane]

Like I said many times a heroine can make or break a book for me it doesn't matter how wonderful other characters or story line are. Hence,NOT reading this book
Read 1 and 2 stars reviews

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

You Promised Me Forever was a very well written second chance romance. I really love this authors writing style!

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE Monica Murphy and I always get sucked into her books.

I did not read The Friends Series where I would have met Tuttle and Amanda... but that didn't take away from the book for me and this book can totally be read as a standalone.

From the start, I loved Tuttle and how he wasn't going to allow Amanda to slip away from him once again. Jordan was committed and sexy and sweet and so so swoony. I wanted to shake Amanda at times, but I could totally see where her doubt was coming from. I see that this is labeled Forever Yours #1 so I am praying we get more of Amanda and Jordan in the future! I think I love them just as much as Drew and Fable - and that's saying a lot! LOL

[acourtofbooksandchocolate II Giulia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was fully prepared to give this book an high rating, i love Monica Murphy’s books and her writing but when i got around 20% of this book everything went to shit.

Let me start saying that the writing was not the problem. I will continue reading her books and this probably is a case of it’s not you it’s me? Anyway feel free to ignore my review.

The hero and the heroine were so childish , i was confused because we knew nothing about them and nothing was explained. ( i found out that they were secondary characters in a previous YA book so perhaps read that before this? So you won’t be as confused as me)


The heroine started “dating” this Cade dude and strung him along ( even if for 2 dates ) even after finding out that her allegedly best friend Lena liked him?! All this to make the Hero jealous.

She got mad when the friend called her out even if she was right. The best friend ( even if she was right) was a terrible person in my opinion.

After the H and the h got together again everything happened SO fast. And they never actually sat down and talked through WHY and WHAT led to their break up. Communication is the key guys! All we know about the breakup is through their inner molonogue and again it wasn’t very detailed .

The thing that really pissed me off tho was at this point

*WARNING SPOILERS*

the h realizes that they didn’t use a condom and she’s like well i hope i don’t get pregnant because it could be a problem. She does absolutely nothing!! Like she know that there’s a pill( plan B) in the U.K too right?

She is supposed to be so smart but how?! 🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️

[Angie Crabtree-Liezel and Angie's Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I loved Amanda and Tuttle in “A Friend’s Novel Series” but I fell deeply, madly head over heels in with them in “You Promised Me Forever”.

Amanda and Tuttle’s story is heartbreaking. It’s real. It’s honest. Makes you feel everything from your head to your toes. It’s angsty and loving. Everything you wanted and more.

I didn’t know if I wanted to read this book at first. I loved them in Forever and I didn’t want to tarnish those feelings but I gave in. Curiosity killed the cat.

In this book they’re both living separate lives. Dating random people but never truly falling in love. When Amanda sees an interview with Jordan on tv all this changes when he says he let her get away. Amanda automatically contacts him on Instagram and the rest of the story.. well you’ll have to read that for yourself.

Their characters have grown so much. You still get a glimpse of who they used to be but they’re maturer. Grown up and that’s kinda bittersweet. I was proud of who they’ve become but a part of me was missing their teenage selves. I almost always do that though. Especially when I’ve been with them from the beginning and have such strong emotions for them.

I’m so glad I read this book though. It just fortified the love I had for them and multiplied it. Monica never seizes to amaze me. Her writing is perfect and makes you giddy thinking of what she’s writing next.

[Anna K · Rating 5 out of 5]

And I’m all in for Amanda and Tuttle!! I just can’t get enough of them! #cuddlewithTuttle

At first I was scared to start reading You Promised Me Forever because I’ve been so in love with Amanda and Tuttle (Jordan) in “More Than Friends” and “Forever” that I wasn’t sure if they would still hold my heart in this book, but as soon as I started I couldn’t put it down. Amanda and Jordan stole my heart immediately. Their story as adults is just as heartbreakingly beautiful as their love story as teenagers. I loved every second of it.

You Promised Me Forever can definitely be read as a standalone but I’d still recommend you read “More Than Friends” and “Forever” before that – it just gets better if you already know them. And I loved how I could still recognize Amanda and Jordan from their younger days but also got to know the new, adult versions of them. It was so sweet and lovely to read about their feelings and their actions. Both afraid to get hurt again after their “break-up” and repeat their mistakes from their past, yet still so in love with each other.

You Promised Me Forever is a beautifully written love story and it made me fall in love with Monica Murphy’s writing all over again. Amanda and Jordan will forever be in my heart! I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I honestly think I only managed to finish this book purely because I felt like I had to give it a chance. Let’s just say that it never got there. The heroine in this book pissed me off to no end. She was like an unstable seesaw. She just kept going back and forth between being in love with him/wanting to make thing right and being an insecure and self centered whinny little pushover.
I feel like the author had potential, but completely missed the mark. There were multiple concerns and plot points that were brought up, but they never really addressed them. The whole story felt poorly paced and just confusing.

Lastly (heads up for the spoiler), I absolutely hated the ending. The hero had been nothing but loving and constantly trying to make their relationship work, but the h couldn’t get past her insecurities. She pushed him away and for some reason, the H was the one who had to make the big gesture to “win her back”. He gave her no reason to doubt him, yet he’s somehow the one at fault. It’s honestly been a while since I hated an h this much.