Cybil Roe gave her heart away thirteen years ago only to have it wind up shattered. With painstaking determination, she has rebuilt her life into something to be proud of today. Yet all her future plans are upended when the only man she has ever loved returns to Echo Springs. Nor does it help that he seems bound and determined to draw her back into his life. Cybil vows to stay away from him, no matter what seeing him all the time does to her resolve.
Miles Keaton wiped the dust of his hometown off his shoes years ago, never expecting that life would lead him back to the place where he had begun. Coming home to Echo Springs, to Cybil, to start a new law practice and a new life is a risk he never thought he’d take. She hates him – with good reason. Years ago, he walked away when she needed him the most. But now is he back, and intends to argue the case of his life, one more important than any he has debated in a courtroom, because she is the one woman he cannot live without.
Can Miles convince Cybil to take a second chance on him, or will a secret she has kept all these years destroy any future they might have?
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Maggie grew up listening to Cardinals baseball and reading anything she could get her hands on. She remembers her mother saying if only she would read the right type of books instead binging her way through the romance aisles at the bookstore, she’d have been a doctor. While Maggie never did get that doctorate, she graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with an M.A. in History.
Maggie is a bestselling and award-winning author published in multiple fiction genres. She also writes erotic romance under the name Anya Summers. A total geek at her core, when she is not writing, she adores attending the latest comic con or spending time with her family. She currently lives in the Midwest with her two furry felines.
I have to say I decided to read this book based on the cover. How freaking cute is it?
Its a novel of second chances. I really like these types of stories, especially if they are done right. I was a little concerned at first because it felt like Miles had pined for Cybil for 13 years and that kind of thing usually is a deal breaker for me, but it worked here, especially since they didn't hop right into bed together as soon as they encountered each other. Though there was a point where I thought it was traveling down that highway.
There was a learning curve with both of them, but they had great chemistry. These two were definitely soulmates.
I really loved these characters and how very real they felt. If you are the type of person that loves a steamy novel, these two characters will definitely appeal.
The promise that Cybil made is a little contrived, and kind of expected as you learn about the couple's history through flashbacks and the conflict that results between her, Miles and his mom was a bit over the top.
The ending will have you chewing on your nails for the two of them even though you know that this is a romance and you will get a happily ever after.
I wish I could have read the first book in the series, just to get to know Cybil's friend Abby better.
The Promise Kept by Maggie Mae Gallagher is book two in the Echo Springs series and it’s also a second chance romance, which happens to be my second favorite romance trope (after friends to lovers). So The Promise Kept has a lot going for it in my eyes.
Before I get into the romance, I want to talk about the relationship between Cybil, her sister, Tessa, and their friend, Abby… it was wonderful. I wish every woman had a group of friends like this. And the geek/nerd in me loved that Tessa is involved with comics and conventions. I’ll be looking forward to Tessa’s love story when it comes out. Miles with his guy friends was a great dynamic too. I felt like Gallagher really shone with these friendships.
And the dates that Cybil went on were great… funny and horrific at the same time. I wish more date scenarios would have been included and some of the repetition of not telling Miles about the promise she made as a teen, over 13 years ago, would have been taken away. Then I feel like the book would have been pretty perfect. The other reason why the promise was too much for me, besides the repetition, was when it did finally come out, people got angry, something happened, and then the book was over. For me, I would rather have had the fall out from the promise last longer, at least there would have been more reason for the repetition with Cybil trying to get back into Miles' good graces.
And speaking of trying to get in good, all the things that Miles did to try and woo Cybil were wonderful. That’s what I want to read about in a romance book, all the sweet and funny things that happen between a couple.
Even with all the repetition, don’t let that keep you from reading The Promise Kept. There were a lot of great moments in the book along with the touching friendships, and some very steamy scenes!
And sweetly sexy story about Cybil and Miles. A second chance story that has heartache and warm, great things and love. There’s even a right hook to shake things up! No worries, the jerk deserves it. Enjoyed this book two. Can’t wait for book three...
This is book two of the Echo Springs series and centres around two main characters, Cybil Roe and Miles Keaton. Cybil has finally starting to get what she wanted from life, having just opened up her own yoga studio in town a couple of months ago, but still works doing shifts at the local bar each week. It wasn’t what she thought she might be doing when she was in her final year of high school and couldn’t wait to get out of the small town as soon as she graduated. An accident changed everything for her back then and she was left to look after her younger sister. Miles was brought up in Echo Springs and left to go to college. He met someone during his first year of college, back in town, on the day of his father’s funeral, and they became very close, that summer. She broke up with him some months later, after events in her life changed dramatically and he always regrets not having stuck around to try and help her more.
Now he has his chance, as he takes over the office of the small law firm in town, when the owner retires and also buys out the rest of the building as part of the deal. He has three rented apartments on the top floor and a yoga studio on the floor above his office. He has had enough of working ninety hour weeks and burning himself out in a big law firm, and now his mother has retired, he wants to be closer to home. There is another important reason and that is the woman he has loved fro over thirteen years. He has never forgotten her and seeing her each time he came back to town has made his decision to return even easier. What he doesn’t know is that she made a promise to someone, back then, and still hasn’t broken it. She acts as if she hates him every time they pass each other, but he is the only man she has ever loved. She vows to keep clear of him and not let him back into her heart, but he is determined to give their relationship another go. She can’t, because of the promise she made all those years ago.
A story of a young couple who fell in love and something happened. Maybe they were too young to stick together at the time, but one of them was persuaded to follow a different path, so they’ll never know! He has to win her back and will do everything he can to get her back, even paying for a date with her in the local charity auction. They have sizzling chemistry together still, but one of them can’t commit to a future, when their past is still holding them back. A lovely love story of both young and more mature love, where distance and time haven’t dimmed their feelings for each other. Friends and family will have to help them realise that the past is the past and they need to live for the here and now! Lovely story and well told. It was a quick, easy read, as the characters kept you involved the whole way through. I really enjoyed it. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review. As I’ve said before, I always give honest reviews whether people appreciate them or not.
This is the second story of the Echo Springs series by Maggie Mae Gallagher. Hopefully you all have read the first book, The Fixer Upper, before you began this one. This story begins with Cybil Roe having a super hot dream when she’s actually being awakened by Gus, her sister’s cat. Cybil is a yoga instructor in Echo Springs. When she gets to work, her landlord tells her he’s sold the building, his law practice and is retiring. Who did he sell to? Miles Keaton! Talk about being thrown for a loop! Miles is Cybil’s ex from way back and she’s completely dismayed with the situation. Miles had been working as an attorney in Denver and decided he was tired of the hours, etc. He was also quietly hoping to have a chance to get back together with Cybil.
Cybil has been signed up for online dating site. She’s now desperate to find a man that might actually make her forget about Miles… Can I just say that her dating life through that site is horrible? Not only that, but she’s working tons of hours, not just at her business but at a local bar as well. Oh! I forgot to mention that this book is set in November, just before Thanksgiving and all the different holidays. That means snow storms in Colorado, celebrations with family and all the other things that come with that time of year. In case you were wondering, Abby and Nate from the Fixer Upper are featured somewhat in this story and we certainly see Cybil’s sister Tessa as well.
As with the first book, many chapters begin with a quote from Old Man Turner. We somewhat alternate with present day and then thirteen years before. This story is intense and emotional. Okay, it also has some very funny moments too, so don’t think this is a downer. As I’m certain Old Man Turner said something like this, second chances at love aren’t very easy or smooth. Cybil is a straight shooter so when the dating site men lied to her about their looks or ages she sure wasn’t going to just accept that. When she makes promises, she keeps them, even if they hurt her more than anything. Miles has no idea Cybil made some kind of promise that is keeping her from accepting him, but he’s willing to work for her. Yes, this is a HEA story, but Ms. Gallagher gives us the whole story, past and present. Wow! I loved the first story so much that I pre-ordered this one when it came up on Amazon. Totally worth it!
Cybil was having an amazing massage on the beach, Pablo’s talented hands getting out all the aches and pains. When she thought he might kiss her, she heard a loud purr in her ear! Opening her eyes, the determined cat was pleased at his pre-dawn wake-up call to be fed. Just to be sure, he let out a loud meow. This was not the man she had intended to kiss! Her sister, Tessa, had adopted the cat 3 weeks ago, but he chose Cybil as the one to wake each morning to get his breakfast. Cybil chose to walk the 8 blocks to work today since it was such a brisk, beautiful day. Opening her own business, Roe Yoga and Fitness, kept her busy, along with her side job at Smitty’s Bar owned by a high school friend and her volunteer work teaching classes at the community center for the elderly. She had worked and saved for years to open her studio, and it was doing well. If she got lucky, she might even find a guy through the matchmaker site she just joined to take away some of the loneliness.
Her first client arrived for a private lesson. He made it known he would like to date her, but she felt nothing toward him. He had the personality of a turnip. As they started up the stairs, Clark Biddle, her landlord came out and asked her to come meet the new owner. She sent Alex up to warm up and followed Clark into his office – only to stare at Miles Keaton, whom she hadn’t seen for 13 years since they split up, the only man she has ever loved! Guilt over the things she’d said to him and the way she’d treated him flooded over her, regret that she had ended their relationship and the real reasons behind the break almost choking her.
With Miles back in Echo Springs starting his new law practice, he wants Cybil in his life again. But Cybil has secrets which may tear them apart forever. But how will she be able to keep him away?
The author is exceptional at giving the right amount of detail in a pleasant way that lets the reader envision everything surrounding them without being bored by too much detail. It’s a perfect blend and really enhances the story line. What is the secret that Cybil is hiding? Is their love strong enough to endure as they figure things out and struggle through the turmoil?
The Promise Kept is the second book in the Echo Springs series, but could be read alone. Cybil and Miles have an intense and tragic past, but now Miles is back in Echo Springs, with his eyes and heart set on winning back Cybil into his life. She’s not as easy to win as he anticipated, so he needs to patiently win her trust and love again. But Cybil is keeping secrets. Will these secrets be enough to tear these soul mates apart again, forever?
I think one of my favorite parts of reading books written by Ms. Gallagher is how easily I can visualize everything that she writes. The emotions, I feel like I’m the one experiencing them. All of the details that she provides just paints a picture in my mind that makes me feel like I’m right there, BFFs with the main characters, living them as they do in the story! This book weaves a tale that sucked me in right from the very beginning! There’s secrets and so much longing between Cybil and Myles and you are dying to learn everything while being completely drawn to the romance that slowly starts to build and escalate. I loved having Old Man Turner’s journal back in this book, too! Cybil tries so hard to prove herself and is so lonely at times, but I loved her inner strength, her integrity, and her big heart. She had to make some really tough decisions, then and now, that effected more than just her. Myles is so determined, patient, and understanding, and I loved that he was able to adjust his plans and thinking to fit what Cybil needed. I loved them together. Their enemies vibe quickly turned to friendship and love and I never wanted to finish reading this book! This was such a fabulous addition to this series and I am looking forward to more!
Echo Spring's Colorado was where Cybil's family moved just before her senior year in high school. Her father was a deputy who moved the family from Kansas for a change of scene for his family. She met Miles who was a college student when she was out exploring the town. He was tall, built and had a wicked smile...and they began an affair since he was back from school for his father's funeral and the summer, then returning to classes in Boulder. But thirteen years have passed and now Cybil runs her own Yoga studio, teaches a class at the senior center and waits tables at a local bar in her spare time...she never left town to see the world as she hoped to in her younger days, as when she was just about eighteen, her parents were killed in a car accident, so she became her younger sister's guardian...Now a successful attorney, Miles returned to town from Denver because his mother now retired and he had gotten glimpses of Cybil when her visited over the years, so he bought a retiring attorney's business and the building housing the office, a realtor, a yoga studio and three apartments...not realizing Cybil's studio was in his building...but she really didn't want to renew their acquaintance, although they had mutual friends in the sheriff, Nate and his fiancé Abby, so seeing Miles was in the cards...but you will need to read the story to see what tore them apart and who was the person she promised to break up with him for...I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series and couldn't wait for the second. The author has been very lucky with her cover choices. They are always so cute. Makes you want to read the stories within. At least that's how I got started on her.
I'm not always a fan of second chance romance because I feel like, been there done that, but sometimes they work. I think what helps this one is that they've both grown so much since they were together. The author does a great job of not rushing them back into a relationship.
It might have taken them a bit to get over their past but that's what I liked about the story. People grow and change and sometimes it takes a while to learn new things about someone.
Cybil has great friends and family that help her figure out how she feels and will stand behind her whatever she choices. I liked their friendships.
I really also liked Miles too. He had his reasons for doing what he did and how he ended things with Cybil. I might now have totally agreed with them but understood his feels. I did like how even though he went on with his life he could never stop caring about her or forget her. She was his one and only.
This is a sweet romance with so many likable characters. I think you'll really enjoy this fun town. I know I'm looking forward to more books in this series.
Having not read the first story in the series, I was hoping not having met Miles and Cybil before, wouldn’t mean I was a little lost in this book. I am pleased to say that you can easily read this book as a standalone. However, I would recommend reading book 1 first, purely because this one was so good, you will enjoy having two of Maggie’s books to enjoy. Trust me on this one!
If you are a lover of well-written and exciting romance, you should dive right in to this one. It has secrets that float over the story, causing our main characters to be a bit edgy (for good reason) and a past that makes their anger and standoff-is nature completely understandable.
The characters, as a whole, are very well written. They are very enjoyable to get to know, and to see where they are in life, after their previous encounters. The author did a lot to create depth and personality, and blended it into a detailed and exciting world. It really meant I was fully engaged in the story, and felt as though I was present in what was taking place. On another note, this also made it very very hard to put the book down!
Overall, this story has everything you hope for in a good romance, and is so hard to put down. It is written well and wholly enjoyable. I definitely recommend it!
Cybil needs a date. Desperately. There's a man shortage in Echo Springs. But oh hell no - anyone but Miles. He just bought a law practice and building, and her yoga studio is on the second floor. They have history. Boy, do they have history! And he wants her back. It's gonna be a long and bumpy road. Cybil made a promise years ago, and keeps it. Until it threatens her happiness with Miles. I read this book in one day, unable to put it down for a moment. After I was finished, I felt like my heart had been ripped out, stomped on, then pieced back together - need tissues for this one. Cybil and Miles' past was so tough, but I never saw some of the twists in their story coming. But for every sad moment, there were happy times between these friends and their families.
Much like the first book, I love the quotes from Old Man Turner's Journal. Each quote is just perfect for the chapter, and for life in general. My favorites... "If you leave your past unresolved, be prepared to have it wallop you when you least expect it." "Life can rip holes in your heart, but don't let that be a reason to love." "In the end, it's the love we've forsaken, and the chances not taken that we regret."
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved it! The history between Cybil and Miles added so much depth to an already interesting couple. And the way Gallagher slowly revealed their past secrets had me flying through the pages. It was done so well, I didn't mind being on the edge of my seat for the whole book. I had an idea of where things were heading, but the wonderful writing still had my heart breaking when all of the pieces came together. These two have gone through a lot, and this story dragged my emotions around as if I was actually a part of it. In fact, that is one of the things I adore about Gallagher's books. They can be heart-wrenching and joyful and passionate. They can run the whole gamut of feelings, and leave me wrecked, but I feel like my world is a little bit bigger when I finish one of them. And I must not forget to mention that the sparks flying between these two are HOT HOT HOT. I'm a big fan of this series. It's on my "must buy" list and I am constantly recommending it. If you love complex characters and sizzling chemistry, check this book out!
4.5 Stars This is the second book in the series and one I've been waiting for since the first book. This book is just as great as the first. I could hardly put this book down. I'm a sucker for a good second chance romance. Miles and Cybil's back story is one to break your heart. My heart bled for them and I'm not gonna lie they had tears in my eyes. You can feel the connection Cybil and Miles still have. The inner struggle for Cybil can also be felt through the pages. This book had me laughing as well. This book also has plenty of feels that just made my heart happy. The epilogue is the cherry on top of this book sundae. I couldn't have asked for this book to end any other way. Plus, I mean this book has a cat on the cover always a win for me. I enjoyed Gus in this book. An added bonus to this series there have been animals in both books. You can't go wrong for me putting animals with great personalities. This is a book you don't want to miss out on!
This book kept its promise of what you expect in a romance. There was action, troubles, a wonderful second chance romance between Miles and Cybil, a peek at the couple from the previous book in the series, and some awesome supporting characters who you hope get their own love story in future books. It was refreshing to read in a second chance romance a couple who do not instantly fall back into it. They had things to figure out, let go of, and work through together and separately. Old Man Turner's journal gives sage advice, as always. I liked the pace and the epilogue was the perfect way to end it. I really recommend you read the book, and go back and read the first one of the series as well-you won't regret it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cybil is content with the life she has created but her world is about to be turned upside down when her first love returns to town. When life and circumstances tore them apart they did not end on good terms and now he is her landlord and holds the fate of her business in his hands so avoiding him is not an option.
It’s been over a decade since Miles left Cybil and his hometown and he has gone on to forge a successful career as a lawyer. He has now relocated his practice to his hometown to not only be near his family but to prove to Cybil that they have always belonged together.
The chemistry and connection between them hasn’t diminished over time however if they are to have a future together they must first deal with the past. The characters draw you in and have you invested in their happy ever after.
This is book two in The Echo Springs Series and it is Cybil and Miles story. Cybil and Miles have history and years ago they were in love but Miles walked away and broke Cybil's heart and now he has returned and wants to win Cybil back but things have changed and she is not going to have her heart broken again. There are twists and turns that makes this a great read and it is so well written but will it be enough for Cybil and Miles to have a second chance to be together or will the secrets that have been kept destroy everything. I definitely recommend you read this book as it keeps you turning the page's to see what happens next and you will not be disappointed. I Voluntarily Reviewed an ARC Copy of this book.
There are plenty of feels in this book as we learn of the story between Cybil and Miles, we slowly learn they were way more than just a fling but there are still secrets that need to come out. Cybil and Miles dance around each other a bit although Miles is determined to let Cybil know how he feels so between that and the banter between friends has plenty of laughs, head shaking, anger and heartache along with hope and happiness. There were a couple of times where I did skim read due to some pages not really being needed and wanting to get to the good stuff, however that doesn't detract from the great read it is and I can't wait for the next book!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is my first time reading something by this author and it won't be my last. It's a charming and touching second chance romance. It's the second book of the Echo Springs series. Cybil and Miles were together years ago and then he walked out of her life and broke her heart. He's back in town now and wants to win her back, but Cybil is understandably hesitant to trust him. Despite their pain and hurt they are soulmates and their love for each other is beautiful. There were some interesting twists that kept me turning the pages and made for an intriguing story. I enjoyed this book very much and look forward to reading more by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cybil and Miles were teenage sweethearts. But tragedies kept happening to them and they broke up. Thirteen years later, Cybil is still in the same town. She has recently started her own yoga studio, but still waitresses at night until her business is doing well. Miles left town to become an attorney. He comes home because he still loves Cybil and wants another chance. When they meet, they both realize they never stopped loving each . But is that enough for them to start again? I enjoyed this book. There is no power exchange, but it is a sweet story. They do have their HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Book 2 in the Echo Springs series is easily read and enjoyed as a standalone story. This book takes place both in the present, but also 13 years in the past as Miles & Cybil try to repair their broken relationship into something workable. I normally don't like books that use the flashback method when telling a story and at first it did really annoy me. However, I kept reading and found that this couple were coming from such an emotionally charged background that the style works. This story deals with some really heartbreaking things but at no time did I find it too heavy. Loved it and waiting for more.
This is Miles and Cybil's story. A story of true, deep love ithat was almost lost years ago. One secret broke the relationship but not the love. Now Miles has returned home and Cybil does not want to see him. Too much water has gone under that bridge and it hurts just to know he's in town much less to see him and have to talk to him. Unfortunately, her best friend is married to his best friend and more importantly Miles came home for Cybil. He needs to figure out how to fix whatever is going on in her head so they can have their love once more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Loved this second chance romance with Cybil and Miles who were sweethearts when she was a high school senior and he a second year college student. They share one hot summer together which ended in a tragic way and they parted ways. Thirteen years later he moved back to Echo Springs to set up a law practice and buys the building the same building where Cybil has her yoga studio. As they continue to run into each other it is hard to deny the feelings they have for each other even when she tries to turn him away. This has some heartbreak but some really sweet moments and I love the characters. Hope the next book is Tessa and Jacob's story.
I loved this book.....it has all the feels...sweet, angst, love, anger, regret...just to name a few! Miles and Cybil were young and loved one another deeply. Anger, selfish promises asked and promises made and regret drove them apart for 13 years. Neither one forming lasting, meaningful relationships with anyone. When Miles moves back to Echo Falls from Denver, he is determined to get Cybil back into his life, but Cybil isn't ready to share the hard facts and promises kept.
I also loved the excerpts from Old Man Turner's Journal.....his story and his advice were amazing...a story on its own with a mirror image.....
Thirteen years of hating someone, only to have them move back into the area, is hard. The characters were fantastic and the locale was perfect. Love series that include bits and pieces of books behind and ahead, so it all blends. The hatred, then on talking terms, then... Good flow and nice surprises, while the backstories come out to deepen the scenario. Blessings do happen when you root for the underdog. Will definitely be reading more of this series shortly.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There's so much about this book you'll love. The characters are wonderful, realistic and easy to like. The story line is captivating, heartwarming, well written and has surprises, twists and turns. The location in this story is described so well, you feel like you're there and easily becomes the type of place you want to visit. A great romantic read you won't want to miss out on so grab your copy today, open the cover and escape your everyday life for a bit.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Emotional rollercoaster. From the first page I was stuck to my chair. Putting down this book is very painful option. The anxiety, the expectation and the promise. The love they have and never lost. After thirteen years apart is time to face each other again. Between this we have some laughter thrown to the mix. Gus, the cat and Great Dane who thinks that he is a lapdog . It’s a delightful romance with scorching heat. Enjoy!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I liked this story but it seemed longer than it needed to be. Cybil and Miles have a history and he wants to rekindle their relationship but she has a secret promise that she can’t share with him. Both characters are relatable and interesting. The story is interesting but there are some people whose exclusion would have made the book better. Not too much sex, especially in the beginning with a few light-hearted moments made this book an enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
The bones of this story are perfectly fine, but I thought the execution of the plot and the characters fell flat. The author had an angsty present storyline with a deep and twisty backstory—which I usually love—but parts of this simply jarred me because they didn't seem to go with each other. At the very start of the book, the heroine is very forthright about her sensual interests and lack of real-world intimacy with varying explicit thoughts and mental discussion of her “girly bits.” That might have been okay once or twice, but I felt it got old pretty fast. The way she describes the hero when she first sees him again just seems so shallow, and I never like a heroine who is shallow. It seemed a very strange juxtaposition with the sad and at times heartbreaking story. Perhaps the author was trying to liven up a sad story, I think there are better ways to have done so. All in all, I found a book a little off-putting because of this.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
This is a lovely second chance romance that at times makes you smile, at times makes you cry and the epilogue will make you melt. Thirteen years is a long time to hold a candle for another but when the other is also holding a candle they deserve a second chance and that is what Cybil and Miles finally get. It is not an easy journey for either of them and it nearly gets derailed but this is a romance and love wins. A really lovely feel good book.
When Cybil was much younger, a devastating series of events crushed young love and destroyed her family
Now that Miles is back, will he learn the truths behind their breakup?
Sometimes people make well intentioned promises that exclude some truths that should be told. Except some truths are too late to make a positive difference
Will Miles and Cybil let past heartbreak keep them from gambling on a future?