The Vows We Break

Unconditional #2

by Briana Cole

The divorce was just the beginning. . .
 
Kimera Davis had a plan to jump start her life and land on easy street. But a disastrous marriage has her making amends and picking up the pieces. It’s a struggle to balance her new responsibilities and her ex, who keeps pressuring her for another chance. All of this has her family scandalized, and with her minister father’s health suffering, trying to do the right thing is pulling Kimera and the only man she’s ever really loved further and further apart . . .
 
But as Kimera’s bad luck piles up, she senses there’s something more than faulty decisions at play. Someone’s playing a desperate, dangerous game with her life . . . and she’ll have to win if she wants to survive.

Genres: Romance, African American, Drama

247 pages, Paperback

Published July 30, 2019

About the author

Known as "The Literary Drama Queen," Briana Cole is a multi-talented entertainment mogul in both the book and film industries. Authoring six novels, including the critically-acclaimed Unconditional series, Briana has also published two novels under Carl Weber with her pseudonym Brielle Montgomery. Briana is the co-Screenwriter and Associate Producer for two urban films, and she has written, executive produced, and co-starred in her own feature film, Pseudo, which was recently acquired by Damon Dash. She has been recognized in a number of popular blogs and magazines, the most prominent being Sophisticate's Hair Magazine, Publisher's Weekly, Popsugar, and Sheen. In addition to this, Briana is a motivational speaker, mother of three, and active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Reviews

[Kameel · Rating 2 out of 5]

OK...the plot twist is definitely the highlight of the story....BUT, ***SPOILER ALERT** The Lover didn't have to kill the pastor...that murder was totally unnecessary! What collateral purpose did killing the father serve? That wasn't well thought out! Throughout this entire 8+ hour audiobook, this main character Kimmy continued to say "I lied" she lied throughout books 1 & 2....Lies that effected her entire family...which was more detrimental to them....She's suppose to be milking the situation for the money...why on earth was she not sensible and having protected sex....knowing she was have sex with 2 different people....This story too was underdeveloped....how on earth did her business burn down inside the mall and it was the only business effected? If there's a fire then it stands to reason the entire mall just might burn down...not one store.....Perhaps it would have been a bit more believable if the pipes burst in the store.....The storyline with Jamad wasn't well thought out or developed well at all....I glad I didn't waste credits with these books....I will not waste my time with book 3....

[Kelsie Maxwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Vows We Break is book two in Briana Cole’s Unconditional series. Ms. Cole is still approaching familial and romantic relationships from a fresh viewpoint and does not disappoint in this continuation of her urban romance series.

Kimera Davis is still up to her old tricks, lying and deceiving, in order to make a fast dollar. Her manipulations are putting a strain on all her relationships. Her games are proving to have serious, dangerous consequences.

Cole continues to test the bonds of love and family in this second novel of her Unconditional series. Once again presenting the dual sides of human nature and giving plenty of drama with unexpected plot twists. I give The Vows We Break 4 out of 5 stars. I almost dropped my rating to 3 stars because I don’t like the main character. She’s well-developed and her story is well-written. She’s just not likeable. It’s a sure sign of literary excellence when the characters can extract real emotions from the reader, good or bad. The ending leaves you wanting more and is a perfect lead-in to book three in the series, The Hearts We Burn, which I will definitely be reading.

My thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.

[Moony (Captain Mischief) MeowPoff · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a DNF for me, at 40%.
I just didn`t like much of the book and then stopped at 40% because i could`nt go on anymore.

[tre be · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let’s be clear, I don’t like Kimera, since book 1 she’s been one of my least favorite characters. But where Kimera goes, drama follows, heats up and boils over. Unfortunately, the people she loves most always bear the brunt of Kimera’s crazy decisions. Some really surprising secrets were revealed that made my mouth drop!

[Shannan Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the Sequel to The Wives we Play, Kimera is still messy. There are still secrets, lies and mayhem. Kimera still hasn't learn her lesson, and someone close to her unfortunately will pay the ultimate price for that. I truly felt sorry for some of the other characters that have to come in contact with her. The ending left with a lot of questions, the sad part is that the next book won't be released until Feburary of 2020, and I hate it when it happens like that.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Paula Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Vows We Break is a book that explores the consequences of Kimera Davis's lies and schemes. She is in love with two men, Jahmad and Leo, but her actions put them and her family in danger. She is not a bad person, but she makes a lot of bad choices. She feels guilty, but she does not take responsibility.

The book is a fast and entertaining read, but it has some flaws in the plot. Cole writes well and creates realistic dialogue and twists. The book is a sequel to The Wives We Play in her Unconditional series. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Danielle Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am new to this author. I love her content this is my second purchase and was just as good as the previous

[Michelle Watson Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book draaaaaaagged. Kimera is the worst. She keeps lying for no reason and it gets her further and further into mess. The Kimera and Jamhad storyline was so repetitive. I got tired of them saying “we need to talk but later.” There are some plot holes in the story but I will say that Briana Cole knows how to keep readers invested. It was a sh*t show but I couldn’t put it down. However, after reading 2 books back to back I am tired of Kimera, Leo, and all their antics. It feels like it’s never gonna end. I want to read the 3rd book but I think I need a break.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book of Kimera’s story and it shows how all the decisions she made in book one has not only affected her, but all the people around her.
This girl is a habitual liar. She lies to EVERY 👏🏾PERSON👏🏾she 👏🏾meets👏🏾. Yes I just did the black girl clap. She is very selfish, immature and has not learned anything from her mistakes. In book 1 and I quote “ I must be really stupid”. Welp she is still stupid & I think that it’s funny that the author notes that Kimera think she is stupid in both stories lol. Brianna is still lying and digging deeper holes around her that are completely unnecessary. All the while she is trying to point out her boyfriends faults which are really her own faults. Girl bye.
She should have been honest with Jamad because it was always obvious he knew more than what she was telling and he kept giving her opportunity to be honest. I was glad Jahmad found out the truth because he deserved better.

*****spoilers👇🏾
This part of the review will contain spoilers on Book One
Although this is an entertaining story there are some holes in this plot. At the end of book 1 Kimera is on the phone with her lawyer when she encounters the whole dangerous situation with Tina and the doctor. (Also don’t forget that Leo showed up as well) . The lawyer records the whole conversation that exonerates her, so why is Tina roaming the streets freely in book 2? And...why didn’t Kimera call the police the first time she saw her even if Tina did not approach Kimera she still confessed to murder and attempted murder.

[Ella Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unbelievable chaos

This book took me longer to read than the first one. It took longer because I had to make myself continue through the unbelievable chaos. I can't believe this character Kimmy was created so stupid!! She has single handedly sit back and watched her entire family, friends and relationships get destroyed by her lies and selfish actions. She has NO strengths she's weak and just stupid. Leo, Tina and the marriage is still rotting inside her. All the reasons she needs to involve the police is staring her in the face yet she refuses to get help. Her baby is almost killed she refuses to go to police, her best friend warns her to seek help right before the ultimate and possibly final deadly mistake happens. Jahmaad didn't the most simple and smartest thing in this book and that was leave her stupid self behind it he'd be dead too. The baby could have had a safe two parent home if his lying mommas had the decency to put someone else first. At this point I don't care what happens to Kimmy as long as her best friend and the baby escapes unharmed. I hate that her character started out fun loving but risky go getter to end up stupid and just a dummy. I can't take anymore of her.

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Briana Cole’s The Vows We Break drew me in from the very beginning. I did not realize that this was the second book in a series, but that did not stand in the way of me continuing this read. I am now in the process of reading the first book in the series, by the way. Let me tell you, this book will definitely keep you on your toes. And the ending? Well, it will catch you by surprise. Kimera Davis has made some questionable decisions in her life. In the end, though, all she wants is to be with the man that she loves. However, trust is a necessary element for a relationship, and it is causing some problems. Needless, to say, this lends itself to making life interesting between these two as they work to have a relationship. You know that there always has to be something, or someone to make things just a tad more difficult. In this case, it is both. Kimera just can’t seem to catch a break not to mention those around her continue to suffer consequences because of her choices. Pick this book up and dive in. I guarantee you won’t regret it. Thank you to NetGalley, Briana Cole, and Dafina Books for the opportunity to review this book.

[Erica (The Literary Apothecary) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Affectionately known as Kimmy, Kimera Davis thought her divorce from Leo Owusu sealed the vault holding a past she so wanted to forget. Riddled with faked deaths, lies, debauchery, and family scandals, each memory of what that vault contained seared through her very soul. But...the vault was never sealed.

Intersecting with the plot and ending of The Wives We Play (book 1), The Vows We Break explored the demise of Kimmy's 'love partner' relationship with Leo Owusu, while dangling the possible resurrection of another long-awaited love affair. Narrated by Kimmy, the narrative forced me to see the world through her eyes. Emotionally strangled by her own web of lies, she bares it all to the reader.

Darn near impossible to put down, the pages of The Vows We Break turned themselves. Fast-paced, yet smooth, engaging, and titillating, the plot was tightly woven. Each chapter, cleverly leading into the next, featured crisp prose, authentic dialogue, and dramatic twist. (Now, I saw it coming. But, I found sheer pleasure in watching it unfold.)

I cannot wait to read book 3 - The Hearts We Burn.

[Leslie McIntyre · Rating 4 out of 5]

And the soap opera continues..........

I read this book really fast. It definitely held my interest. But the plot is getting more and more implausible. If you can toss your logic and reason out the window you’ll enjoy this book. What can I say about Kimera? She’s not a mean or malicious person but she’s also not that bright. If there’s a bad, wrong, or naive decision to make, she’s sure going to make it. And everyone in her circle has suffered horribly for her stupidity. Sorry to say this, but everyone in the series would have a quiet and peaceful life if it wasn’t for this foolish woman and her nonsense. She alternates between an utter lack of accountability for her own actions and consequences and feeling soul crushing guilt for the damage she has caused. But read the book. Kimera will frustrate you to no end but she’ll never bore you.

[ROSA MICKENS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow we, Lies, lies and more lies. This girl, kimera just doesn't learn from her mistakes or should I say situations she places herself in just to avoid the truth about anything. All the devastation she has caused from her lies are a direst result of her decision to tell lies.
She had all the opportunity in the world to rectify her situation, by just telling the truth. Maybe if she had, maybe some of the horror that happened to her and the people around her, might not have happened.
I enjoyed this book, but the details of what occurred is really horrendous.
This author really captured me as a reader, because her book came to life on the page for me. I couldn't put the book down until the conclusion of this chapter, now onto the next one, yikes!!!!!
I must also add that although, I loved reading these books, i do not like kimera. She could not be friend of mine. I hate liars!!!

[reading.withree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kimera Davis had a plan to start from a completely clean slate, but her divorce has her making amends and trying to pick up the pieces. Struggling to find her footing in her new responsibilities, Kimera has a persistent ex who is wanting another chance. Her family scandalized, those close to her with compromised health and the constant grapple to do what’s right, Kimera finds herself being pulled further away from the only man she’s ever loved. As the odds begin to work in her favor, Kimera soon realizes that someone is playing a dangerous game with her life and she will have to win if she wants to survive.
•••••
I wasn’t aware that the book was part of a 3 book series until I was already in too deep. This is the second book. Kimera is literally the worse. That is all. 🙃

[Felicia Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Drama is getting High

Wow part 2 is .what can happen next . Kimora just cant stop with the lies . She forgets it's not just her that is getting hurt though her lies and secrets. Alot went on in this book and trust me it's more to come the drama dont stop but it will all come to lo right. Like they say what happens in the dark will show in the light or in due time . Briana Cole you are getting my attention in each book I read in this series bi want more ,so let me end this review and start book 3 . Thank you .

[Denise Gilliam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg this book was so good. All the twist and turns in this was phenomenal. Kimmy and her family her friend her son all were phenomenal characters. Then to find out that crazy ass Leo ad Tina had reappeared. That was crazy then all of a sudden a new character should a through a monkey wrench into the game. All the trials and tribulations in this book was super fantastic. The ending was crazy really crazy if you ask me. Boy ole boy the things you do to keep you family ad friends safe a d most of all your kid. Can’t wait to read the next part. Great job Briana

[Michelle Lindo-Rice · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first read by Briana Cole. I didn't realize when I started The Vows We Break that it was a part of a series, so it can be read as a standalone. This was a different read for me. What a twisted tale. I was not prepared for that ending. All I can say is be prepared to go around the roller coaster ride several times.
Thank you #NetGalley for this read.

[Tip Mack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I didn't even know there was a first book but I read this one first. This book was so good. Full of drama, lies and deceit. This book was really a page turner. Kimera is messy as hell and it is affecting everyone in her life including her child. What will she do to set the record straight in order to protect the ones she truly loves? You gotta read this to find out.

[Courtneyprettimamcita Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kimmy, kimmy, kimmy giiiirl what kind of mess have you really got yourself into?!! I mean I am really at a loss for words right now. So much happened in this second installment and I'm blown away. Just when I thought I figured certain things out I've been thrown for a loop again. Briana has done it again! I cannot wait to read the final installment of this series.

[Kanese · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found myself getting so mad at Kimmy. The constant lying almost drove me mad. However in the end I started to feel bad for her because her connections in the previous book still continue to haunt her. To find out that Leo had another paramount secret and that she had to suffer for it, made me really change my feelings toward her. I look forward to finding out what happens in the next book.

[reading mom · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of an 3.5 than a 3


I cannot believe the lengths Tina went to for a freaking man! Like girl please find some self love and respect for yourself.

Kimmeria should have been real from the jump and she wouldn’t have had such a hard time with Jamon. She definitely found out the hard way and that’s good for her!

[Lizzie Winns · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the second book in the series...the story continues with kimera and all her lies...I wanted to like this girl but everything she does shows me that she is a selfish, gold digger, lying heffer. Well on to the next book in the series. Lol.

[Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

It did take me a little while to get into this book and I didn't like the start of it as much as I liked the 1st one. However, once I got to the middle it sucked me in and the ending was amazing. I'm immediately reading the 3rd one now.

[Z'Andrea Va'Shonti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to go back and count the number of times she admitted lying to herself because all of this could have been prevented if Kimmy was just honest about her mess. I'm so mad I'm immediately starting the next book. Briana Cole is an evil genius.

[Tanisha Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing!! Twist that you least expect. You have to sacrifice at times!!! It should be a part three!!! I enjoyed it

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went straight into this from book 1. Kimera still got on my nerves and for some reason this one didn't hold me like the 1st. Not sure if I will continue to book 3.

[Alisha COCO Chanel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written 👌🏾
Romance , heartbreak and suspense .....

[Charity C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kimmy still lying like crazy! The ending plot twist was good though! Off to the finale I go!

[Christina Mages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book. Definitely a must read