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Chastity Falls #4.5

Penance and Promises

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Seven years ago, Ana Parry walked into Chastity Falls Academy and changed the lives of Jackson Pierce and Braiden Donohue. Her arrival set into motion a series of events that none of them could have ever predicted.

But they got out.

Escaping Chastity Falls, they left behind a life built on lies and secrets, danger and fear.

… Didn’t they?

Penance will be served, promises will be made.
Welcome to the end of Chastity Falls.

104 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 30, 2017

44 people are currently reading
374 people want to read

About the author

L.A. Cotton

120 books3,129 followers
Reckless Love. Wild Hearts.

L A COTTON is USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of over forty mature young adult and new adult novels, LA COTTON is happiest writing the kind of books she loves to read: addictive stories full of teenage angst, tension, twists and turns.

Home is a small town in the middle of England where she currently juggles being a full-time writer with being a mother/referee to two little people. In her spare time (and when she’s not camped out in front of the laptop) you’ll most likely find LA immersed in a book, escaping the chaos that is life.

L A loves connecting with readers, and you can find her at:

Official Website
www.lacotton.com

Social Media
www.facebook.com/authorlacotton
www.instagram.com/authorlacotton

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5 stars
135 (48%)
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105 (38%)
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31 (11%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Profile Image for Jan .
2,156 reviews45 followers
February 6, 2017
I'd been afforded redemption once, but maybe i'd be forever paying penance.

Seven years ago, Ana Parry walked into Chastity Falls Academy and changed the lives of Jackson Pierce and Braiden Donohue. Her arrival set into motion a series of events that none of them could have ever predicted.

But they got out.

Escaping Chastity Falls, they left behind a life built on lies and secrets, danger and fear.

… Didn’t they?

I loved this series and I loved L.A Cotton's delivery of this exciting,thrilling and beautiful finale

Braiden and Cara, Jackson and Ana now living lives away from the mafia involvement their families had been a part of but when an old enemy comes knocking, wanting and eye for an eye, Jackson and Braiden do what they can to keep their girls safe.

I loved that Dennis was in this and I'm hoping, fingers crossed for a Dennis and Cassie book.

Brilliant series, I've been on a roller coaster ride with these characters the whole plot throughout leading from one book to the other is well written, I really enjoyed the angst,suspense,the characters and couldn't of asked for a better ending to it all.

This book is told from each persons pov and I loved that.

I would recommend the chastity falls series, what I thought at first was a college romance turned out to be so much more and I loved the journey.

Arc gratefully recieved for review purposes
http://www.bbbf-sizzlereads-bestbookb...
Profile Image for Melissa Mendoza.
2,598 reviews54 followers
January 30, 2017
5 Promise filled stars!!! Great addition to the series!

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This book has it all… passion, love, action and heat! It’s an addition to the series, but it’s a novella so it’s a quick read. And while it was a quick read it wasn’t missing anything, it’s filled with so much story that it doesn’t seem like a short book! I loved the story and the direction it took, I was highly entertained!


*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest bitchin’ review.
Reviewed by The Sarcastic Bitch from Bitches N’ Books
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Profile Image for Sarah Dale.
3,172 reviews77 followers
January 30, 2017
I have been so excited since I received this ARC for this secret Project of LA Cottons. It's been so hard to keep my excitement quiet but I don't want to spoil her special surprise.

I have totally missed Jackson and Anna, I've even missed Braiden after his reform. This was a brilliant quick read that gave me a dose of my favourites. It's full of love, passion, danger and violence. Told from multiple POV between the main characters.

I would read the rest of the books in the series as you will not understand the background on them.

Amazing ending to a brilliant series, even though I could definitely read more of them. I will miss them lots.

⭐️I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of his book in exchange for an honest review from the author ⭐️

https://facebook.com/Bookloversreview/
Profile Image for Pamela.
136 reviews5 followers
February 23, 2017
I'll start by saying that you really must read book 1-4 before diving into this one. It's the only way you'll fully understand why certain events went on. In this book we meet up with several characters from the prior books but most importantly Jackson, Ana, Braiden and Cara. Ana is less than thrilled that Braiden is here since she has never forgiven him for things that have happened in the past and the fact that danger follows him. Braiden receives a few threatening notes and has asked Jackson to help him deal with this so they can all move on. What kind of danger could be waiting? You'll have your read to find out plenty more. In this book you will find violence but also love. I hope there will be a book 5 but even if there isn't this was a great ending. I really enjoyed reading this book.
I received an Arc in exchange for a review which I did voluntarily
Profile Image for C. Erani Kole.
1,709 reviews51 followers
February 7, 2017
*voluntarily and honestly reviewed this ARC I received from IndieSagePR*

This was a great fast paced read that ended a series the way it sounded like it started: fast, tense, and exciting. I signed up for this loving the author and I wasn't disappointed. I love her writing style and how she can bring you into the story like you aren't reading. Sometimes i's hard for me to read anything that isn't (urban) fantasy, but this was totally something I devoured in a single sitting.

For Chastity Falls fans, you'll go crazy over the last-second danger and consequences that Braiden has brought to his friends and loved ones. But even if he doesn't feel he deserves it, they will never let him go alone to face his past. Definitely something to check out if you love the action and suspense. A fun ending to the series that brought Ana, Jackson, Cara and Braiden all together.
Profile Image for Hopelessly Addicted To Books .
3,624 reviews151 followers
February 7, 2017
Jackson and Ana are finally free living the life they always wanted together but with Braiden back Ana is scared and unsettled she doesn't trust him and you can't blame her Ana is pregnant and vunerable when trouble comes back into their lives. Jackson does what he always does and try's to protect Ana even if it puts him in danger. Braiden and Cara are in the thick of the action although their love is fresh and new it's strong and I'm so happy he's found his one.
This is a series I would definately recommend it may have started as a college romance but it evolved into so much more and I'm so glad I read them all.
I'm really hoping we get a book for Dennis and Cassie I think that will it be an emotional twisty story if we get it.

**** Reviewed For Sweet Spot Sisterhood Blog****
Profile Image for Colleen.
694 reviews8 followers
February 10, 2018
This was a great read and gave us the chance to catch up with Ana and Jackson, not to mention Braiden, roughly four years after leaving Chastity Falls.
I really love these characters.
Profile Image for Lady Living  In Bookland.
481 reviews19 followers
February 5, 2017
Awwwww, this little surprise by LA Cotton made me grin no end when I heard about it. Getting back to a series that has gotten so far under my skin was such a comfort. I never want it to end!

Ana and Jackson are awaiting the arrival of their daughters arrival but with Braiden still in their lives, Anna feels beyond cautious of what the future holds. Of Braiden's past and what he did to her, and whether she could ever forgive him...

Excerpt:
But something had changed. It was like the more Jackson let him into our lives, the more I closed down. Maybe it was my motherly instinct kicking in. But something felt ... wrong. Like I was waiting for the other shoe to drop or for the storm to arrive.

Jackson undoubtedly, still wanted Braiden in his life. He was family, and despite everything, at times holds things from Anna. It was a ticking time bomb that was bound to explode on them all at some point...

Excerpt:
Maybe a guy with a track record like mine was never supposed to live out a quiet life. I’d been afforded redemption once, but maybe I’d be forever paying penance.

Braiden wanted nothing more than acceptance and a life like Anna and Jacksons. Could he have that with Cara?

Excerpt:
she didn’t like me around, and I couldn’t blame her. What I’d done to her—to Jackson—back in Chastity Falls was inexcusable. But I hoped that one day she’d be able to forgive—even if she never forgot.

This short novella, ticked so many boxes for me. Seeing Anna and Jackson grow into a family, but the usual elements of fear and danger, secrets and victory, with help along the way from those who helped them in the past. But with the women in their lives in danger, could Jackson and Braiden ever get the quiet and happy life they both wishes or would their past always have a hold over them?

Excerpt:
What I’d done to him and Ana back in Chastity Falls was unforgivable, but Jackson’s loyalty was unwavering. Maybe it shouldn’t have been.

I don't know what I expected from this novella, but it was twists and turns, and for me, almost perfect. I guess I wanted more from Braiden and Anna? I wanted to see some kind of alliance by the end. Some kind of forgiveness. But all in all, a fantastic read, and an essential read for those who love the Chastity Falls series.
Profile Image for M.B..
Author 41 books286 followers
February 6, 2017
Well, it's finally over. I have left Chastity Falls for the last time and it's a bit bittersweet.

While it was great to have another book, it was only a novella and let's face it. That's not enough to revisit these characters. It'll never be enough.

Jackson and Ana are happily settled, until Braiden and Cara show up. While Ana loves Cara, but she's still unsure and wary about Braiden - who can blame her after everything he did back in college? Even if he is trying to change his ways because of his feelings for and new relationship with Cara.

But, naturally, Braiden's past catches up with him - and Jackson. Althought Jackson still has his reservations about Braiden and how much he has 'really' changed, he still has the loyalty to their long-standing relationship as brothers and best friends, so he helps Braiden in protecting Cara.

Reading more about these characters and being invited back into their lives is like meeting up with a friend you haven't met up with for a while and talking as if no time had passed at all between you. Cotton knows and loves these characters so much it's clear in her writing that she cares about how they're presented to the reader, even when they're being total assholes. She wants us to love them, and make it hard for us to say goodbye.

Chastity Falls has ended, but so many readers I've spoken to have ideas as to what is happening to them after the book has closed. We care about them and want them to live on, even if there are no more books about them.

A great ending to what has been a fabulous series, one that I will re-read more than once.
Profile Image for Louise Roach.
999 reviews42 followers
February 6, 2017
What an amazing novella to complete the Chastity Falls series. This is a short story, but my word it's crammed packed full of excitement and action, you could be forgiven for thinking it was full length. Even though it's short yet contains a lot, it still covers all the characters and all of then drama without feeling rushed.

So in this novella we are back with all of the characters and get a glimpse into Jackson and Braiden's lives now. Things have changed a lot for everyone, with new challenges ahead in Jackson and Ana's life, they need things to be much calmer and controlled now. Braiden on the other hand, is still trying to escape his past, but is it finally going to come back and haunt him all over again. With threats to the safety of all the characters, Jackson and Braiden need to ask for help.

I loved how the characters are in this book. I also really enjoyed Ana and Braiden's interaction - I feel this was an important aspect, and very true. So quickly in books everyone just makes friends and it's all happily ever after, but this wasn't the case here and was exactly how things needed to be. LA Cotton did a great job of developing this aspect of the story, whilst still allowing for loyalties, friendships and family to all be tested to their limits!

A really lovely and action packed ending to the Chastity Falls series! This author really knows how to write some fantastic suspense and heart in the mouth moments. A brilliant page turner!

And yes I'm going to say it.... I REALLY need more of Dennis though!!!!

**** 4.5 Stars ****

Lou
4TLOReading Blog
Profile Image for Kelly O'Connor.
928 reviews23 followers
February 8, 2017
4.5 stars
Well I thought it was over with Redemption and Regrets but the Chastity Falls gang are back in what L.A promises to be the last book, although I'm holding out for Dennis to get his own book !!!
The past was never going to go away completely and when the past catches up with them will they all make it out safely ????
I really enjoyed this book, this has to be one of my favourite series, reading this felt like coming home and spending time with family I'm really sad to see them go but glad I got to spend a bit more time with these fantastic characters !
Profile Image for Scarlett Ian.
342 reviews5 followers
February 7, 2017
This is a novella, so it is a quick read - but there is a lot packed into this quick read. There's sweet love, some dirty love, some danger & violence, and a little bit of suspense. This book follows up with Ana & Jackson, as well as Braiden & Cara; we meet both of these couples in the previous Chastity Falls books. I loved how the author switched the POV between all of them. It really helped the reader to delve deeper into the characters thoughts, so we can better understand their actions.

If you haven't read the previous books in the series you might be a little lost to begin with, but I think the author does a great job of catching us up without retelling the entire story. I had only read the first book, Loyalty and Lies, but I was able to follow the story line well enough in this book. However, now that they're being released as a boxed set.. I might have to check that out so I can read all of them!
Profile Image for Robin Martin.
68 reviews
January 30, 2017
I went into this book with the knowledge that anything involving the Chastity Falls crew, especially Jackson and Ana, was just going to grab ahold of me and drag me along for the ride.....and I was so right! These are some of my all time favorite characters to read about and I have the same reaction to every story I read about them. I just get hooked and can't put it down! I feel so connected to every character in this book...even the one I would have never thought I would connect with in the beginning of this series! You know an author is amazing when they have you cheering on a character you once despised! After I thought I really knew all of these characters, this story shows us yet another side to them...a vulnerability mixed in with the toughness we now know they all possess. It couldn't be a better ending to such a diverse and lovable group of characters!! Five amazing stars!!
Profile Image for Nikki Levy.
69 reviews5 followers
January 31, 2017
CF is my favourite series by LA Cotton and I for one was jumping with excitement when I received an ARC of the final installment from a fantastic series ...it certainly didn't let me down it actually made me want even more ... (I've actually asked for more lol)
brilliantly written had me yet again on the edge of my seat wondering where LA would take it each time I thought I knew where it was going bang a twist appeared friendships yet again were put to a test relationships were put to the test .. at one stage I actually said out loud ... nooooooooooo what are you doing Jackson but once I started i couldn't stop reading absolutely brilliant end to a brilliant series just gutted it's the end another 5stars from me LA Cotton
Profile Image for Sam.
Author 46 books185 followers
January 31, 2017
I have to admit that I've been with the Chastity Falls group right from the beginning, because Jackson and Ana just drew me in. I loved the series and after book three wanted more... I mean... How can we not? So L.A. Cotton gave us more and we're once again back with Ana and Jackson, as well as Braiden and his girl. Though this is already a long novella, I kinda didn't want it to end. There were some minor issues with how the mains acted, IMO, which is why I didn't rate it with five stars. However, I am not ready to let that universe go yet, so I'll be sitting here, hoping for Dennis' book...

It was a suspenseful and sweet ending to an amazing series. Bring us more guys like Jackson, please, Miss Cotton!
Profile Image for Sheila Schoenauer.
1,090 reviews12 followers
January 30, 2017
A great ending to a great series. I have to admit, after reading the ending of Braiden's book I was curious about how the gang was doing. I'm glad that LA Cotton brought them back into our lives and we are able to finally read their HEA. Braiden will never be my favorite character but I'm glad he's got a strong woman in Cara and a good friend in Jackson. You can feel the love that Jackson has for Ana radiating right off of the pages. After everything those two went through I'm grateful that they made it out together and that they are finally complete. LOVED seeing Dennis again and getting his little insight. That was definitely an added bonus. I now feel like the Chasity Falls series is complete.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews257 followers
February 9, 2017
This is a novella, therefore, it is a quick read, but does not take away from the fact that this story is action packed. This story takes up 7 years after the ending of the previous book. I enjoyed how the author used POV’s of all the characters. This story is a sweet read, but has danger, violence, suspense, as well as loads of love.
This is a beautiful and flawlessly written ending for this awesome series. I would advise reading the previous books in this series before this one, as you will be totally lost!
I recommend this authors work for all readers, as she never disappoints her readers with her work, and I cannot wait to read more from her.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book for the author!
Profile Image for Shelly Wygant.
1,328 reviews24 followers
February 7, 2017
I was so excited to read more about Jackson, Anna, Braiden and Cara. Even though they have moved on from their past is their past going to catch up with them? Through out this whole story I was biting my nails wondering who and when Jackson and Braiden's past was going to catch up with them. These are the characters that you don't want to give up. As the story went on I kept turning the pages slower and slower because I didn't want it to end and leave these four behind. A great novella to wrap up the future of four people who deserve to leave the past behind and have happiness in the future.

I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book.
Profile Image for Louise McKie .
279 reviews16 followers
January 30, 2017
As someone that actually cried when the chastity falls series ended, I could not have been happier when it transpired we were getting more!!!

Here we get to see Ana and Jackson living out their happily ever after. Braiden and Cara have joined them much to Ana's dislike. She just can't seem to forgive Braiden for his past antics.

Happy ever after's don't last long when a blast from the past threatens their happy existence.

Can Jackson and Braiden keep promises while paying penance for sins?

Read it and find out.
Profile Image for Ginelle Blanch.
932 reviews26 followers
January 31, 2017
Nice wrap up to the series. I LOVED more of Braiden. This character has intrigued me from the beginning of the series and just got better and better by the end. It was great seeing all the characters again.

Lots of action and danger in this, as with the others in the series. Lots of new beginnings and new life. But, getting there will not be easy. This really shows that, however much we try to bury the past, it never truly goes away. All we can do is learn from it and try to make our lives better based on it.

Forgiving isn't easy...forgetting, even harder. Loyalty runs deep.
Profile Image for Crystal Wilke.
1,598 reviews3 followers
January 30, 2017
The last instalment in the Chasity Falls series. I am happy but sad to send it end. The book is told in Jax, Ana, Braiden and Cara's POV. Penance & Promises is a quick read and L.A. did it justice. I loved this series! It was worth losing sleep over. Chasity Falls is a must read.

What happens when your past collides with your future and you thought you were safe.

#addictedtochasityfalls #jaxforlife #jaxandana #braidenandcara

Twist N Turns, Suspense, Mystery, Past, Future
Profile Image for Sara.
1,404 reviews166 followers
January 31, 2017
4 Stars!

Penance & Promises was a surprise release by L. A. Cotton. A great novella in the Chastity Falls series.

I won’t discuss the plot at all, because it is something you have to discover on your own, but suffice it to say…You. Want. To. Read. This.

Cotton is a clever thing with this new addition to the already great Chastity Falls Series.
Profile Image for Thai Holman.
504 reviews5 followers
January 30, 2017
Fast read but with a lot packed in. Was a great story with amazing characters. I was lost a little in the beginning finding it hard to grab myself in but once that pasted I enjoyed this. And already recommended it to friends I know will love it.
I enjoyed it.
Profile Image for evieo17 .
5,078 reviews51 followers
January 30, 2017
Love the conclusion to Jax and Ana's story. I love that we really got I see how much Braiden has changed. I'm hoping we might get to see Dennis story in the future. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it. The opinions and views on it are my own
Profile Image for Sammi Sweetsz.
45 reviews
February 1, 2017
A great conclusion to a great series. Although things get rocky once braiden comes to town it all works out in the end.
Profile Image for Caz.
878 reviews19 followers
December 16, 2017
This would have to be one of my favourite novellas , it had such an amazing story i loved everything about it.

We not only got to see how Braiden and Cara were going and what happens at the end of there book but we also got to see how Ana and Jackson were going. I loved both their stories and to see how it all finished up was exciting.

Not only did we get there happily ever after we also got to see them fight for thier happy ending, nothing ever comes easy for either couple and it this novella was packed full of suspense, love and anticipation.

I loved everything about this, i was happy, emotional and just really excited by this whole story.

If you have read this series this is must read loved all of it and written amazingly couldn’t have asked for a better novella.

Massive 5 Stars for this baby
Profile Image for Ann (Literary Lust).
1,617 reviews25 followers
May 19, 2024
Once again, the title for this story is absolutely perfect. Penance and Promises is a story about forgiveness, love and moving forward. However, throughout this intense story, uncertainty plays a big part of this storyline as threats cause worry and strain. I found the author penned the emotions of each character incredibly well. I completely understood their hurt, anger, fear and protectiveness.

This narrative is told perfectly via the use of multi POVs. It has been fabulous to catch up with all that is happening. Penance and Promises is a fabulous addition to this must-read series and I highly recommend it to you to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews

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