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Broken Promise

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A weekend getaway, filled with curvy steam, changes everything for this English footballer.

James Hawkes

Being Britain’s newest football hero has its perks.
By most people’s standards, I’m living the high life. I get paid to play the game that I love. Not only that, but it’s for one of the best soccer clubs in London; the best city in the world.
But when I decide to take a weekend break to get some time to myself, never did I expect my sister’s plus-sized best friend to be shacking up at my luxurious beachside apartment. Victoria’s luscious curves had always done things to me that I couldn’t explain, but I’d sworn off her years ago, promising my sister I’d never go there.
I can’t bear to see her so down in the dumps, and I make it my mission to make her believe she’s desirable, even to England’s favourite footballer.
One kiss is all it takes, and one steamy night later, everything has changed. Now I have to face my sister and put it all on the line for love.

Curvy Girl Getaway Series is a collection of One Hour Short Reads. If you like instalove novellas filled with strong curvy girls, a guaranteed HEA & the sexiest book boyfriends, this series is for you.

88 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 31, 2022

39 people are currently reading
96 people want to read

About the author

C.H. James

99 books80 followers

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5 stars
77 (40%)
4 stars
57 (29%)
3 stars
46 (23%)
2 stars
9 (4%)
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3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Profile Image for Lisa.
88 reviews3 followers
April 19, 2022
This novella is the perfect spicy read for evenings by yourself. From the first page the attraction between Victoria and James is clear, making it the perfect build-up to the expected climax (pun intended).
The only downside would be that it is very short. The character's backstory would be interesting to read more about, the tension could be dragged a little bit further with more pages. But as it is a novella, it's the perfect length to finish in just one evening, an afternoon at the beach, or any other time you have a few hours to spare!
Profile Image for Laura Bartrum.
253 reviews1 follower
April 3, 2022
Sweet and Spicy.

This was my first book by this author and I was pleasently surprised. I was pulled straight into the story and the characters were real. The chemistry was on point and the spice was hot. Will definitely pick up more of the series. .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
34 reviews1 follower
April 4, 2022
Loved! Brought nice to have a quick read!

Such a charming quick story! 😍 being a curvy girl myself it wasn't hard to relate to how Victoria was feeling! But reading on you get to meet James and he is just so unexpected! And over all just loved the whole book! ❤️
Profile Image for Mia.
338 reviews
September 6, 2022
“She’s beautiful. Curvy like me, only bustier. She has good genes because everyone in her family is gorgeous… lucky bitch.”

And this ladies and gents is how you spot a bff…


“We decided when we were fourteen that our friendship was the best friendship planet earth had ever had the pleasure of witnessing. We were the funniest duo in history. No contest.
So brothers were ruled out-of-bounds.”


Victoria and Sophie made a pact when they’re only 14 years old. That their friendship was more important than anything in the world. So as per usual, their respective brothers were deemed off limits.
Only Victoria has always had a huge crush on James - Sophie’s older brother. Granted she always thought of it as a silly teenage crush, but as she got older, her feelings never really went away and she was left pinning for the impossible.

“I know my sister well enough to approach this in the right way: all guns blazing.”

Luckily for her, James feels the same, and is willing to go against his sister to finally have the woman of his dreams.

“Sophie!” I yell, my impatience causing my hands to ball into fists. “Are you OK with this? I’m not letting her get away from me. Not anymore.”

This was a very quick read.
It was ok and very predictable… but still enjoyable.
Profile Image for Hollie.
782 reviews37 followers
June 19, 2023
Insta love stories are always one of my favorites. Victoria and James were SO good together. I was cheering for them from the beginning and my heart dropped when Sophie showed up and I was a bit worried how it would go, but it turned out to be better than I thought and I’m so glad they both got the ending they deserved. I already can’t wait for the next book in the series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Natty.
39 reviews2 followers
April 20, 2022
I really enjoyed this novella. It was cute, short and simple! I am not the biggest fan of each chapter switching between the two characters. It's probably one of my least favorite things about reading books. All in all, this was a fun read. I loved the story between James and Victoria. I can kind of relate to Victoria being that I am a curvy girl myself. I connected with her character a lot. I would recommend it for sure!

I got a copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
Profile Image for Katie Goodson.
135 reviews9 followers
August 18, 2022
Best Friend's Brother / Plus Size MC / InstaLove

James Hawkes, Britain's football star, has always been obsessed with his sister's curvy best friend, Victoria. But he never acted on it, promising his sister he would never touch Victoria.

But when Victoria shows up at his family's beach house, alone, he can't find a reason to deny his feelings. They are adults, and surely his sister would be happy as long as he is happy...right?

Victoria has always admired James from afar, but based on a promise she made to her best friend when they were kids, she never allowed herself to show any feelings towards James. So, when she finds out that he is at the beach house that her best friend said would be EMPTY, she knows she is in trouble. She knows that her best friend won't forgive her if she acts on her feelings, but she is having a hard time keeping her walls up when James is so determined to bulldoze through them.


Notes:
I am not a huge fan of like, "oh I haven't seen you since we were kids, but I love you and want to marry you right now." That is the only reason I didn't give it a higher rating!
Profile Image for Amanda Cagle.
226 reviews5 followers
March 21, 2022
I'm a total sucker for a sports romance. Like the only thing in my opinion that would make a sports romance better is if it was a college sports romance. Even though this book did not take place in college they had known each other for the majority of their lives which is equally as cute. Who doesn't love a childhood friends/best friends brother to lover trope? James is professional European Football Player and Victoria works in a French Restaurant. An unlikely pair with really good chemistry.

This was probably one of my first INSTALOVE reads and I was definitely a fan. I love when we get to the heart of a story sooner rather than later. This was also probably the shortest book I've ever read so it only took my like 45 minutes to read it. If you are looking for a fast-paced book to read in one sitting this is for sure the book for you!

I was a big fan of the writing style so I will be reading more by this author!


I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Hannah Stead.
4 reviews
April 19, 2022
This book is the first I've ever read from this author and I will be reading more.

A short 9 chapter story based on Victoria needing to get away for some time alone, so she gets the keys to the beachside holiday home belonging to the family of her best friend (Sophie). Having to share the house unexpectedly with James (Sophie's brother), the tension mounts between them, both thinking and knowing nothing could happen. A very happy ending to finish their journey off nicely.

This story had my interest hooked from the very beginning. I only needed about an hour to read, however, the story goes at the perfect pace. The chemistry between the two main characters is what I hoped it would be upon seeing them interact with each other. The mature content is very well written and detailed without being too much at the same time.

I would most definitely recommend this book to people that I know love stories like this and I will be reading this again many times in the future.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Char (1RadReader59).
3,176 reviews19 followers
June 18, 2022
Broken Promise is a book you can find pleasure, in reading. A story, you find yourself, smiling at, as you’re reading. This is a story about, an unrequited love. Although, you can’t return something if, no one knows anything about it.

You have this case with, James and Victoria. Each fell in love with the other, but due to a pack, Victoria and Sophia made, at the first of their friendship, there is to be, no brother-swapping romance. What makes it worse, James is a huge deal in, England’s footballing world. Where Victoria only sees herself, as a curvy girl, who could never stand a chance with him, especially now.

But, when a quiet Valentine's getaway weekend alone, at Sophia’s family’s beach house, goes awry. Victoria is surprised that, James doesn't leave running from the house, or send her packing. When she invades his time, at the beach house. When she sees a different side to James than the hype she is pleased.

See what Victoria now sees. And, experience what, James showers on her during, this weekend. It will make you want, to get in line, for your own, James.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews357 followers
March 29, 2022
James and Victoria's Weekend Getaway . . .

James Hawkes is Britain’s newest “football” hero (or soccer to some of us). He decides to take a weekend break and head to the beachside apartment to relax. But his sister Sophie gave her keys to the family’s beachside condo to her best friend Victoria who had a rough time at work with the nasty Head Chef cursing at her. No one would be using it, and Victoria definitely needed to relax!

So when James arrived, he finds Victoria unexpectedly there. He had promised his sister years ago he would not make a move on her best friend. But he sees her so “down” and discouraged that he decides to convince her that she truly is desirable. Since she had always had a crush on him, it only took one kiss that led to even more. Will he be able to walk away and give her up now? Or is he willing to face his sister and tell her that Victoria is his?
Profile Image for Bobbi Wagner.
4,958 reviews59 followers
March 31, 2022
This is my first book by this author which I loved reading. I can't wait to see what is next for this author. I enjoyed her writing style and her attention to details that made the story realistic. I was pulled into the story from the first word by the characters. They are connectable, steamy characters that just bring the story to life. They are strong, supportive and just made the story for me. I enjoyed their chemistry as well as their growth throughout the story. I found this book to be fast paced and engaging. This is a story about what happens with one kiss and one steamy night. What happens when you risk everything for love? This is a great story that I truly enjoyed reading and made my afternoon hot and steamy. This was a hard to put down story that you don't want to miss. I highly recommend this book and this author.
Profile Image for Chey.
1,492 reviews50 followers
April 8, 2022
Super Sweet Romance

Victoria needs a get away from her life. When she heads out on a small getaway, she runs into James, her best friends brother and the sparks fly.

If you're looking for a sweet romance that emphasizes love that doesn't care about size, you need this book. I absolutely loved Victoria and the way she handles herself. She's plus size, and it causes insecurities for her. I am so glad to have a plus size FMC that is insecure, but shows it's OK to be that way. James never once mentioned anything negative about her, despite her small jokes about herself, and I adored him for that. The author did a great in giving us a happy, sweet romance.

The only downside to this story is it is a little wordy and overly descriptive at times. Most of this happened in the beginning, and did get better as the story progressed.
Profile Image for Nikki.
646 reviews17 followers
April 11, 2022
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I need more short stories now! Such a quick read.

Victoria is a chef working 70 hrs a week needing a vacation pronto. James is one of Londons best Football players looking to take time for himself at his beach apartment. Quite a surprise they end up there together. But Victoria swore to her best friend she’s never involved with her brother and James swore to his sister he’s never get involved with her best friend. Until one kiss later and a steamy night! But what happens when they get caught? Will James be able to redeem himself when he says some pretty mean things to his sister? Will Victoria forgive him or keep running?

So much chemistry between these two. Full of humor, steam, chemistry and an amazing curvy girl! Can’t wait to read more!

I received this arc and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Tabitha.
35 reviews5 followers
April 4, 2022
If there is one thing I love it’s a super-fast read, especially when I’m in a slump with my reading. I’m also a sucker for all sports romance, whether it’s football (American or European), hockey or racing, it being instalove was just a bonus. This was a super fun story that showcased characters who had known each other for most of their lives, when all of a sudden, they are thrown together when no one else is there… yet.

This was my first read from this author, but with her writing style, I will be back for more! I read it in less than an hour, so it’s perfect for your lunch break.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mira.
2 reviews
April 11, 2022
Give me a curvy girl Heroine, a flusterd Jock and a kiss in the Rain and i´m sold.

This Novella had it all.

It was the perfect size to read during nap time. It´s short but sweet and you get a little break from daily life while reading it. She is a unsecure plus size Female Main Charakter with a lot of feelings and he is her best friends brother, on his way to soccer stardom.

If your looking for a quick escape from life, this is the book for you. It isn´t to deep and the charakters are exactly what you expect them to be.
But that´s what makes it the perfect escape.
You don´t have to think, you just can enjoy.

So go and enjoy this sweet novella with a heartwarming Happy ever after <3
Profile Image for Amanda.
734 reviews7 followers
March 27, 2022
What a fun, instalove short read. I love that it has the getaway aspect and a sports romance, what's not to love. This story was so sweet, they knew each other most of their lives and no one acted on their feelings, for different reasons. However now that they are stuck together, things change. It was interesting to see that Victoria thought he could never see her because she is curvy, but that was far from the truth. I highly recommend you read this quick sweet romance. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
312 reviews2 followers
April 3, 2022
James is England's hottest Pro footballer and Victoria is a curvy, red-headed chef who seems to have given up on the prospect of love. Fate intervenes and they both end up at James' family getaway house during a rainy weekend where they discover secrets that they've both been holding onto since they met.

Instalove, HEA, bonus epilogues had me on the edge of my seat! Broken Promise is a standalone novella in a series, and is perfect for a quick steamy afternoon read! I wish it could have been a full length novel though, so we could've had a slow burn with more detail and angst!
Profile Image for Charlee.
43 reviews2 followers
April 4, 2022
Oh my gooooodneeesss! What a fun, adorable short story! James & Victoria have been in love with eachother since their early teens & it takes a weekend away on Valentine’s days to have them realize what’s in front of them. I have to say, this book was super cute! I smiled throughout the entire story & I absolutely loved James internal monologue. The guy is a perfect book boyfriend! I am looking forward to Sophia’s story next!!!

** I received an advance review copy for free & I am leaving this review voluntarily **
Profile Image for Momof3.
244 reviews6 followers
April 4, 2022
This is a really good book even though it's short. It packs in a lot of information about characters in a short period of time. I loved how both James and Victoria had feelings for each other but never acted on them due to different reasons but in one weekend realized that it didn't matter why not anymore. This book would be a great read if you are looking for something short but really good. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book with Sophie.
4 reviews
April 7, 2022
Oh my Valentine

If you are looking for the perfect hallmark read with a little bit of spice then this is the book for you! Its fast pace and sweet and has everything you need for a quick romance pick me up. From beginning to end it had me captivated to find out what could possibly come of a girl and her best friends brother… .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Victoria.
4,572 reviews
March 31, 2022
This short story moves along quickly and is full of likeable characters, connection, chemistry, promises, shared history and romantic gestures. I liked the love and respect in this and I am looking forward to finding out how Soohie and Diego meet and where things go for them next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for FictionalFlings.
296 reviews9 followers
April 11, 2022
I loved this short read. Curvy girl lusts after the hot guy not knowing he has wanted her since high school. This book has all of the elements. Suspense, romance, conflict and the best part….the warm fuzzy ending. I look forward to more curvy girl stories! I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Linette Trampedach.
9 reviews
April 18, 2022
I Got The book via booksprout AS arc Reader.

it was damn good we easily read some more definitely recommended to someone who likes a naughty fast book with love smut good story and idea of ​​how the guy looks like henry cavill, and a self as the main character.

I only spend 30 minutes on almost the whole book.
Profile Image for Jude.
146 reviews40 followers
May 1, 2022
This is the first book in the curvy girl getaway series and is James and Victoria's story. It is a sweet friends to lovers story. On the whole I enjoyed it, but the Americanisms in an English setting with British characters were jarring. A good edit would greatly improve this promising story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
465 reviews
May 17, 2022
ALWAYS HAVE BEEN
Wonderful story about best friends and family that is full of romance and true love.
Victoria just needs a break. A Valentine's weekend alone at her friends house is perfect. She certainly didn't expect Sophia's brother to be there. James is taking a break before getting back to the game. Will they resist the pull between them?
Profile Image for Amanda.
44 reviews12 followers
March 26, 2022
I was lucky enough to receive this arc from the author and I really enjoyed it! Plus-sized fmc, bestfriend's brother, childhood friends to lovers... James and Victoria's story was super sweet with just the right amount of spice. The perfect quick-read palette cleanser 🥰
Profile Image for Ashley.
286 reviews5 followers
April 4, 2022
This novella was good, for a novella. I wanted more. I wanted a relationship between the meet up and the hea. To me that us a sign of a good novella. I liked the characters and their back story. Very nice.
Profile Image for Vella Naylor.
46 reviews
April 4, 2022
I absolutely loved this book. From the first page I was hooked and finished it within a couple hours. The characters were relatable and easy to love. The story line was amazing and I loved how everything played out. This is a book I’d read again. I’m excited to read more from C.H. James!
Profile Image for Samantha Hill.
36 reviews1 follower
April 4, 2022
This was such an adorable read. It combines two of my current favorite tropes, best friend's brother and curvey girl. The connection between Victoria and James is intense and oh so sweet. And that ending! 🤌 This was my first read of this author, but I think I found a new go to author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews

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