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Hunter & Violet: Promise Me
From Wall Street Journal Best Selling Author, Willow Winters comes a steamy, second chance romance.
"Promise me you'll love me after this?" Those were the words I asked my first love on a high school date.
"Always, Vi," he told me before crushing his lips against mine.
I gave him a part of me I can never get back that night. Even worse, I gave him my heart.
That was four years ago. Back when I was young and naive. Back when I thought we’d always be together.
He dumped me right after graduation and left me to join the military. He said I shouldn’t wait for him; it didn’t matter that I wanted to. I would have waited for him forever, but he threw me away and left me here in this small town.
Now he’s home and says he wants me back. Second chances don’t work in love. No matter how much I wish I could erase what’s happened since he’s been gone... no matter how much I think of falling back into his arms…
"Promise me you'll love me after this?" Those were the words I asked my first love on a high school date.
"Always, Vi," he told me before crushing his lips against mine.
I gave him a part of me I can never get back that night. Even worse, I gave him my heart.
That was four years ago. Back when I was young and naive. Back when I thought we’d always be together.
He dumped me right after graduation and left me to join the military. He said I shouldn’t wait for him; it didn’t matter that I wanted to. I would have waited for him forever, but he threw me away and left me here in this small town.
Now he’s home and says he wants me back. Second chances don’t work in love. No matter how much I wish I could erase what’s happened since he’s been gone... no matter how much I think of falling back into his arms…
300 pages, Paperback
First published November 18, 2016
1069 people are currently reading
3834 people want to read
About the author
Willow Winters
156 books21.2k followersWillow Winters is so happy to be a USA Today, Wall Street Journal and #1 Contemporary Best Selling Author!
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Willow started writing after having her little girl, Evie, December 2015. All during her pregnancy with Evie she continued to read and she only wanted to read romance. She was reading a book a day — sometimes two.
In January 2016 Willow was staying up late with Evie and just thinking of all these stories. They came to her constantly so she finally sat down and just started writing. She always wanted to do it so she figured, why not? Today Willow cannot be happier for making that decision!
Want to know how to read Willow's books? Get a FREE PDF download from Willow here: https://www.willowwinterswrites.com/o...
Stay up to date!
Want a text alert? Text "Willow" to (302) 205-3701
Sign up to my newsletter + get EXCLUSIVE content, sneak peeks, and FREE books monthly: https://willowwinterswrites.com
All the other details you need to know: https://geni.us/3B53kF
Willow started writing after having her little girl, Evie, December 2015. All during her pregnancy with Evie she continued to read and she only wanted to read romance. She was reading a book a day — sometimes two.
In January 2016 Willow was staying up late with Evie and just thinking of all these stories. They came to her constantly so she finally sat down and just started writing. She always wanted to do it so she figured, why not? Today Willow cannot be happier for making that decision!
Want to know how to read Willow's books? Get a FREE PDF download from Willow here: https://www.willowwinterswrites.com/o...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 340 reviews
November 24, 2016
Promise Me
by Vivian Wood Willow Winters
I've never read a Vivian Wood book. But I’ll read anything with Willow winters name on it
This a second chance romances
Hunter & Violet have known & loved each other ever since they can remember. So it was heartbreaking when Hunter broke it off before leaving for the navy
Hunter is back after 4 long years away from Violet.. He was hoping to start up where they left off when he joined the Navy. Since they live in small town you know there is small town gossip that had surrounding Hunter leaving Vi behind.. Violet was strong smart women who ran her own bakery. I know that she was only trying to protect herself from getting her heartbroken again by Hunter, but lord the girl got on my last nerve few times… I am use to Lil more steamy sex scenes from Willow.
Highly recommended THIS BOOK & Authors
.**" "An ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review"..**
by Vivian Wood Willow Winters
I've never read a Vivian Wood book. But I’ll read anything with Willow winters name on it
This a second chance romances
Hunter & Violet have known & loved each other ever since they can remember. So it was heartbreaking when Hunter broke it off before leaving for the navy
Hunter is back after 4 long years away from Violet.. He was hoping to start up where they left off when he joined the Navy. Since they live in small town you know there is small town gossip that had surrounding Hunter leaving Vi behind.. Violet was strong smart women who ran her own bakery. I know that she was only trying to protect herself from getting her heartbroken again by Hunter, but lord the girl got on my last nerve few times… I am use to Lil more steamy sex scenes from Willow.
Highly recommended THIS BOOK & Authors
.**" "An ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review"..**
May 12, 2022
SP0ILERS AHEAD-
💘DUAL VIRGINS
💘SEPARATION OF A FEW YEARS
💘BOTH CELIBATE DURING SEPARATION.
💘NO-CHEATING
💘Small OW/OM drama, nothing too heavy.
💘HEA.
🔥ANGST LEVEL-Now her, i'd like to say a few words.....i don't understand the way WW writes her books.... the angst is the size of a wheat grain, but when you'll start reading the book it'll feel like......something VERY bad is about to happen...VERY VERY bad is about to happen...but in reality that DOES NOT happen.... there is this......anticipation in us that is built in our minds.......
The cover, the writing style of EVERY book makes it look like a dark and gritty romance,.....but they aren't THAT dark....in fact the angst, plot and everything is like...any other normal book you come across,....but the WAY she writes....makes us think that the angst is VERY heavy. 🙄🙄
Her books can EASILY be reduced to 150 pages, the way she writes her books make them long ass, it's not that there's unnecessary detailing or anything.....Infact, the EMOTIONS that EACH book , each character portrays are captured SO BEAUTIFULLY by this author...that it makes me speechless.....but sometimes it feels dragged...
Anyways, still....i love her books, because she DEFINITELY has a way with words. ..... but i skim through the plot.
🤢THERE IS LOTS OF UNNECESSARY EMOTIONAL DRAMA B/W CHARACTERS. IT WAS NYET NEEDED, but WW had to gain audience, so she wrote the plot in such a way, so that people find it captivating.
💘DUAL VIRGINS
💘SEPARATION OF A FEW YEARS
💘BOTH CELIBATE DURING SEPARATION.
💘NO-CHEATING
💘Small OW/OM drama, nothing too heavy.
💘HEA.
🔥ANGST LEVEL-Now her, i'd like to say a few words.....i don't understand the way WW writes her books.... the angst is the size of a wheat grain, but when you'll start reading the book it'll feel like......something VERY bad is about to happen...VERY VERY bad is about to happen...but in reality that DOES NOT happen.... there is this......anticipation in us that is built in our minds.......
The cover, the writing style of EVERY book makes it look like a dark and gritty romance,.....but they aren't THAT dark....in fact the angst, plot and everything is like...any other normal book you come across,....but the WAY she writes....makes us think that the angst is VERY heavy. 🙄🙄
Her books can EASILY be reduced to 150 pages, the way she writes her books make them long ass, it's not that there's unnecessary detailing or anything.....Infact, the EMOTIONS that EACH book , each character portrays are captured SO BEAUTIFULLY by this author...that it makes me speechless.....but sometimes it feels dragged...
Anyways, still....i love her books, because she DEFINITELY has a way with words. ..... but i skim through the plot.
🤢THERE IS LOTS OF UNNECESSARY EMOTIONAL DRAMA B/W CHARACTERS. IT WAS NYET NEEDED, but WW had to gain audience, so she wrote the plot in such a way, so that people find it captivating.
February 7, 2017
So I read this book a couple days ago and when I tried to recall my memory I remembered...
Get it.. I remembered Jack... basically I remembered nothing.
Anyways I don't really review book unless they evoke a strong sense of feeling in me. I just like to keep a tally of what I have read and so forth for future reference. Basically this book was about a bitch that whined and a another bitch that just wanted to stick it in because "thats where it belongs"... if you get what I just said congratulations! If you didn't, well that's precisely how I felt about this book.
Cherio
Get it.. I remembered Jack... basically I remembered nothing.
Anyways I don't really review book unless they evoke a strong sense of feeling in me. I just like to keep a tally of what I have read and so forth for future reference. Basically this book was about a bitch that whined and a another bitch that just wanted to stick it in because "thats where it belongs"... if you get what I just said congratulations! If you didn't, well that's precisely how I felt about this book.
Cherio
November 23, 2016
Violet & Hunter were high school sweethearts but when Hunter joins the U.S. Navy upon graduation, he ended their relationship. Being from a small town, everyone talked about Violet after he left. Four years later, Hunter returns home wanting Violet back. But Violet's hurt, loss & humiliation over his departure makes it hard for her to forgive him. Hunter struggles with the things that happened during his time in the Navy & blames himself for the loss of his unit & brother-in-law Chris. Hunter doesn't know what to do with himself but he does know that he still loves Violet & will fight to get her back. Violet has her own struggles trying to make a go of her own business while emotionally supporting her ailing mother. The last thing her mom tells her is "to follow her heart." She is hurt still be Hunter having left all those years ago but she knows she still loves him. Will Violet Listen to her mom's advice? Will she be able to forgive Hunter? Do Violet & Hunter have a future together?
This second chance short story is about learning to forgive & trust your heart. Both lead characters have to look past their respective pain in order to take a chance & move forward. When they finally open up about their pain the healing begins. This is a cute story about love being stronger than pain. It was an enjoyable read. This book is meant for mature readers.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Read Copy of this book.
This second chance short story is about learning to forgive & trust your heart. Both lead characters have to look past their respective pain in order to take a chance & move forward. When they finally open up about their pain the healing begins. This is a cute story about love being stronger than pain. It was an enjoyable read. This book is meant for mature readers.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Read Copy of this book.
December 5, 2016
A weak heroine and an even weaker hero, not my kind of romance.
A heroine that lives in a small town and let's a douche bag guy treat her badly but does nothing about it yet she is too quick to be feisty with the hero.Violet never stood up for herself throughout this book, she was in a career she did not like and she was failing at it. There was nothing to Violet that would want me to be friends with her, well in the book she had none, so that says a lot.
Violet's constant resistance to Hunter was getting old fast. 1 or 2 times okay but after that not so cute anymore. Hunter wasn't the strong bad boy Alpha hero I like and he just never got to there.
The romance was lacking, too much was played upon with their childhood romance but now as adults there was nothing. Hunter's dad says let Violet go and he does, end of story. Hunter never
made an impact on me and neither did Violet.
A heroine that lives in a small town and let's a douche bag guy treat her badly but does nothing about it yet she is too quick to be feisty with the hero.Violet never stood up for herself throughout this book, she was in a career she did not like and she was failing at it. There was nothing to Violet that would want me to be friends with her, well in the book she had none, so that says a lot.
Violet's constant resistance to Hunter was getting old fast. 1 or 2 times okay but after that not so cute anymore. Hunter wasn't the strong bad boy Alpha hero I like and he just never got to there.
The romance was lacking, too much was played upon with their childhood romance but now as adults there was nothing. Hunter's dad says let Violet go and he does, end of story. Hunter never
made an impact on me and neither did Violet.
April 27, 2017
4 Stars to Promise Me by authors Vivian Wood and Willow Winters.
Hunter and Violet.......
Promise Me is my first book by either Vivian Wood or Willow Winters and I really liked it! Needless to say that I will definitely read more from both these authors.
Sometimes in a collaborative book I wonder if I'll be able to tell which author wrote which part. Well obviously that wasn't the case for me since I've yet to read anything by either of these talented authors. That said, every page flowed with heart and soul. After only a few pages in, I wasn't even thinking of two authors. Promise Me was a story that pulled many different emotions out of me. I had moments of anger and fear and frustration. In addition, my heart broke for Hunter and Violet and what they dealt with.
This is a story of second chance love however it is more. Vi made it near impossible for Hunter to prove his love to her. I don't blame her for her mistrust, or even holding a grudge; though it was frustrating at times the way she treated him. What truly touched my heart the most was Hunter and his persistence. He loved Violet so much; nothing else but her mattered. He knew he made a huge mistake with her but he loved her too much to just give up. He would prove his love to her for the rest of his life if necessary.
So yes this is a love story but not an easy one. There are other circumstances happening that are troubling; many trails are thrown at them. There were times I worried about their happy ending. If they would even have one. I promise you they did!
I also want to say this second chance romance is dark at times. There are other characters that get in the way and there are heartbreaking moments as well. All of these things added depth and complexity only to make Promise Me and even better read.
I look forward to reading more from these authors as collaborators and separately.
Hunter and Violet.......
Promise Me is my first book by either Vivian Wood or Willow Winters and I really liked it! Needless to say that I will definitely read more from both these authors.
Sometimes in a collaborative book I wonder if I'll be able to tell which author wrote which part. Well obviously that wasn't the case for me since I've yet to read anything by either of these talented authors. That said, every page flowed with heart and soul. After only a few pages in, I wasn't even thinking of two authors. Promise Me was a story that pulled many different emotions out of me. I had moments of anger and fear and frustration. In addition, my heart broke for Hunter and Violet and what they dealt with.
This is a story of second chance love however it is more. Vi made it near impossible for Hunter to prove his love to her. I don't blame her for her mistrust, or even holding a grudge; though it was frustrating at times the way she treated him. What truly touched my heart the most was Hunter and his persistence. He loved Violet so much; nothing else but her mattered. He knew he made a huge mistake with her but he loved her too much to just give up. He would prove his love to her for the rest of his life if necessary.
So yes this is a love story but not an easy one. There are other circumstances happening that are troubling; many trails are thrown at them. There were times I worried about their happy ending. If they would even have one. I promise you they did!
I also want to say this second chance romance is dark at times. There are other characters that get in the way and there are heartbreaking moments as well. All of these things added depth and complexity only to make Promise Me and even better read.
I look forward to reading more from these authors as collaborators and separately.
February 2, 2017
3 ~ Second Chance Romance ~ Stars
I liked Hunter – even if at times he was a little too self-sacrificing. Once he got over his guilt and self doubt, I loved that he was all or nothing for his woman. He was so protective of Vi when she needed him but also understanding and tender with her. He was definitely the pursuer in the relationship.
I liked Vi (eventually) – I thought she took too long to get over the past. I get that she was hurt and felt lingering resentment for him leaving her when they were younger but come on! It’s been four years since their break up and the fact that she agonizes over what the town gossips think or will think of her was so lame. Not to mention, she makes this huge deal about how his leaving trashed her reputation, yet no one treats her that way. Where was all the judgement and isolation she supposedly suffered from? I felt for her, sure, but I felt she dragged this old hurt way too long.
Although sweet and a quick read, the push/pull between the MCs made the story drag a bit. There was a few loose ends that never got tied up or were left open ended (maybe for a future story?) it made it feel rushed and incomplete. Overall an okay read but not something I think I’ll be re-reading any time soon.
Safety: Both H and h are 24-25 years old. I am going to assume the H was faithful since we don’t get any confirmation he was or wasn’t. The h was for sure. They lost their v-cards to each other in a sweet prologue. There is slight OM drama and ends with a HEA 3 years later and with a baby on the way.
I liked Hunter – even if at times he was a little too self-sacrificing. Once he got over his guilt and self doubt, I loved that he was all or nothing for his woman. He was so protective of Vi when she needed him but also understanding and tender with her. He was definitely the pursuer in the relationship.
I liked Vi (eventually) – I thought she took too long to get over the past. I get that she was hurt and felt lingering resentment for him leaving her when they were younger but come on! It’s been four years since their break up and the fact that she agonizes over what the town gossips think or will think of her was so lame. Not to mention, she makes this huge deal about how his leaving trashed her reputation, yet no one treats her that way. Where was all the judgement and isolation she supposedly suffered from? I felt for her, sure, but I felt she dragged this old hurt way too long.
Although sweet and a quick read, the push/pull between the MCs made the story drag a bit. There was a few loose ends that never got tied up or were left open ended (maybe for a future story?) it made it feel rushed and incomplete. Overall an okay read but not something I think I’ll be re-reading any time soon.
Safety: Both H and h are 24-25 years old. I am going to assume the H was faithful since we don’t get any confirmation he was or wasn’t. The h was for sure. They lost their v-cards to each other in a sweet prologue. There is slight OM drama and ends with a HEA 3 years later and with a baby on the way.
January 4, 2019
2 ⭐⭐ - Meh!
December 1, 2016
It could have been so good, but it lost me. The verbiage was awkward at times. "He touches my pussy and growls when he finds me drenched." (loc 28%)
Writing issues
The switch in POVs were too quick. Just when I started getting into the story with one POV, the POV switched.
You may love this, but it did not work for me. Reading is subjective. This is my opinion.
Hunter returns from the military after 4 years. Before he left to become a SEAL, he broke up with his girlfriend who he claims that he still loves after all these years. He wants her back, but she is not willing to give her heart back to him.
Writing issues
The switch in POVs were too quick. Just when I started getting into the story with one POV, the POV switched.
You may love this, but it did not work for me. Reading is subjective. This is my opinion.
Hunter returns from the military after 4 years. Before he left to become a SEAL, he broke up with his girlfriend who he claims that he still loves after all these years. He wants her back, but she is not willing to give her heart back to him.
November 27, 2016
I don't understand the high reviews for this book at all. I couldn't connect with the characters. It made no sense how the entire town thought the way they did about the main female character. The writing wasn't that great either. Totally wasted my time reading this.
February 8, 2025
A super sweet second chance romance, this was an emotional roller coaster and at times even a little heartbreaking ❤️
Want to read
March 21, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/21/2020)! 🎁
December 17, 2020
I give it 2 stars because I am in the mood for grovel fest and second chance. Or so I hope. Otherwise maybe dnf.
Actually it is not so bad if the repetition is not happening for entire book. And give more plot or character development. The writing style is not so my fav and I just feel flat the whole story.
And how about that 'My Vi' or 'Vi' that repeatedly mention how special it is like everytime I turn the page. For real, her name is VIolet .. Maybe it will be more special if you called her Red or something and add more story about that. Idk.
Actually it is not so bad if the repetition is not happening for entire book. And give more plot or character development. The writing style is not so my fav and I just feel flat the whole story.
And how about that 'My Vi' or 'Vi' that repeatedly mention how special it is like everytime I turn the page. For real, her name is VIolet .. Maybe it will be more special if you called her Red or something and add more story about that. Idk.
May 6, 2024
Mushy romance? A little, but oh it was so emotional! I won’t even say predictable because I know for sure I did not know that this book was going to have me crying in so many places and yes 200 pages but holy crap you could feel the love and the absolute heartache in every single page which is leaving me a puddle. I really didn’t think I was going to enjoy it as much as I did. No, not just fluff.
September 11, 2025
1.5 ⭐️
one word: vulgar
i wish i could keep that as the review, but there’s so much more to say.
this book is one of those small, thick unheard of romance books you find in every book aisle ever crossed with self-published author.
during the sex scenes, the writing devolved. it came across as crude and immature. i actually despise the word choice. 😐
i find it important to mention that i’m a fan of romance, not smut. if it’s done good, it’s done good. if it’s done meh, it’s terrible. this falls into the latter.
therefore, i cannot give an accurate 🌶️ score.
if this ain’t a damn good reason for violet to stay tf away 👀
imagine punching the girl you are trying to woo when she tries to get between you beating up her sexual assault-er. the whiplash 🤦♀️
ok but her mom’s death came out of nowhere. imagine her abrupt death being what pulled the two incredibly horny love interests together officially, even after all the shit hunter did. literally a home run out of left field 🫣
and hallow fall is this universe’s version of a fucked up star’s hollow.
the pacing is overall okay. not amazing, but it’s what i expected from a romance-centric book.
which leads me into consumablity. it’s weirdly addictive. i read nearly 60 pages in 30 minutes. there isn’t that many books I can zoom through, so props to the author for at least a little bit digestible writing, no matter how much i dislike the content. must be a skill learned through reading fanfics at lightning speed…
format wise, i found a few errors, mostly in indentation, something that could have been easily caught with a beta reader or something…
yes, i bought this book.
yes, deep in my mind i knew i wasn’t going to like the spice.
yes, i read it anyway.
bottom line: out of solidarity, 1.5 ⭐️
i don’t know if i’ll be keeping this on my shelf or not.
like hunter to the navy, i’ll send it off to sit on someone else’s bookshelf where i can be loved.
one word: vulgar
i wish i could keep that as the review, but there’s so much more to say.
this book is one of those small, thick unheard of romance books you find in every book aisle ever crossed with self-published author.
during the sex scenes, the writing devolved. it came across as crude and immature. i actually despise the word choice. 😐
i find it important to mention that i’m a fan of romance, not smut. if it’s done good, it’s done good. if it’s done meh, it’s terrible. this falls into the latter.
therefore, i cannot give an accurate 🌶️ score.
”Well, she doesn’t want Slade, and I’m going to make damn sure she wants me.”
if this ain’t a damn good reason for violet to stay tf away 👀
imagine punching the girl you are trying to woo when she tries to get between you beating up her sexual assault-er. the whiplash 🤦♀️
ok but her mom’s death came out of nowhere. imagine her abrupt death being what pulled the two incredibly horny love interests together officially, even after all the shit hunter did. literally a home run out of left field 🫣
and hallow fall is this universe’s version of a fucked up star’s hollow.
the pacing is overall okay. not amazing, but it’s what i expected from a romance-centric book.
which leads me into consumablity. it’s weirdly addictive. i read nearly 60 pages in 30 minutes. there isn’t that many books I can zoom through, so props to the author for at least a little bit digestible writing, no matter how much i dislike the content. must be a skill learned through reading fanfics at lightning speed…
format wise, i found a few errors, mostly in indentation, something that could have been easily caught with a beta reader or something…
yes, i bought this book.
yes, deep in my mind i knew i wasn’t going to like the spice.
yes, i read it anyway.
bottom line: out of solidarity, 1.5 ⭐️
i don’t know if i’ll be keeping this on my shelf or not.
like hunter to the navy, i’ll send it off to sit on someone else’s bookshelf where i can be loved.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2016
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of Promise Me. It is a second-chance romance based on Hinter and Violet's love story. High school sweethearts, promising to love each other for ever, but Hunter breaks his promise and Vi's heart when he leaves and joins the Navy. He becomes a SEAL and an excellent sniper, saw and lived through horrible things, losing his best friend, with guilt consuming his soul. After 4 years he returns to his hometown and to the woman he has always loved. She is bitter and hurt and wants nothing to do with him. He tries to get her to listen to his explanation, but she refuses! The story is full of twists and turns, and your emotions goes on a roller coaster ride and your heart breaks a little at a time. I loved the story because it is so relatable. A beautiful HEA and a definite must- read.
November 22, 2016
Hunter and Violet were high school sweethearts he promised never to break her heart and would love her forever...But, that all changed when he broke her heart before leaving for the navy. Violet was heartbroken her heart shaddered as Hunter broke his promise. Four years have gone by and Hunter comes home to find his Vi. The only problem is Violet is still heartbroken from Hunter. All Hunter wants is another chance with his Vi but she is not letting him get that chance. This book is definately captivating and exciting to read I would definately recommend this book. I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 20, 2016
Did I read what everyone else read. Where is the rest of the story? It ends at 28%. And just skipped parts. Boom they sleep together and now she lives with him. WTF..... I really wish authors would stop adding other books.
Really......you slept with your boyfriend and the town shuns you. What year was it? 1950!! I just couldn't get into these characters. Vivian is too whiney and not sure how I felt about Hunter, since the book ends at 28%. Argh!!!!
Really......you slept with your boyfriend and the town shuns you. What year was it? 1950!! I just couldn't get into these characters. Vivian is too whiney and not sure how I felt about Hunter, since the book ends at 28%. Argh!!!!
December 19, 2016
I ONE CLICKED THE FUCK OUTTA THIS ONE PEOPLE!
I read the synopsis and was sold!
It was a done deal!
Apart from the fact that two of my faves were collaborating on this one there was just no way I wasn't reading this! NO WAY!
And this did not disappoint!
Vi and Hunter and a love that they thought would last forever but one stupid decision by Hunter derailed their course!
Back in town and as soon as Hunter sees Violet again it's all over! The feels they shared when they were younger are still there and stronger than ever!
But Violet isn't having a bar of it! Hunter destroyed her when she gave herself to him when she was younger and the devastation that came in the wake of his departure has left her jaded and scarred!
Hunter is not known for giving up though and the way this man works to win back the love of his life is so heartfelt and endearing and written so fucking beautifully!
I loved this story and the characters and push pull they have going on between them...
oh and it's hot! SO SO HOT!!!!!
Above all else this book for me was beauty in the pain... and there is pain - don't think this is one for the fairytales!
There's angst and pain and a hurt that has grown over long period of time that Violet couldn't hide even if she wanted to!!
This book is fire and passion and a second chance love story that could melt the hardest of hearts!
5 stars for this beautiful tale of two souls bound together with no regard for time!
I read the synopsis and was sold!
It was a done deal!
Apart from the fact that two of my faves were collaborating on this one there was just no way I wasn't reading this! NO WAY!
And this did not disappoint!
Vi and Hunter and a love that they thought would last forever but one stupid decision by Hunter derailed their course!
Back in town and as soon as Hunter sees Violet again it's all over! The feels they shared when they were younger are still there and stronger than ever!
But Violet isn't having a bar of it! Hunter destroyed her when she gave herself to him when she was younger and the devastation that came in the wake of his departure has left her jaded and scarred!
Hunter is not known for giving up though and the way this man works to win back the love of his life is so heartfelt and endearing and written so fucking beautifully!
I loved this story and the characters and push pull they have going on between them...
oh and it's hot! SO SO HOT!!!!!
Above all else this book for me was beauty in the pain... and there is pain - don't think this is one for the fairytales!
There's angst and pain and a hurt that has grown over long period of time that Violet couldn't hide even if she wanted to!!
This book is fire and passion and a second chance love story that could melt the hardest of hearts!
5 stars for this beautiful tale of two souls bound together with no regard for time!
May 20, 2017
https://celebrityreaders.wordpress.co...
2.5 stars
I don’t see what this cover has to do with the story. And frankly, it irritates me now. He has tattoos, so what? That is not indicative of anything really. And why is the woman not represented? And why is he shirtless? Not the reason I chose the book and a strike against it after reading it and knowing it has nothing to do with the characters.
The book was ok. I really did not like how much his leaving affected her. It was like she put too much value on what everyone else thought and allowed it to color her own view of herself. While I don’t mind a weak female lead, I do expect there to be some kind of growth in regards to that.
But there didn’t seem to be. She seemed to care even more about what everyone else thought. And instead of standing up for herself, she retreated almost every time. The only one she did stand up to was the male. I can’t even remember his name. He chased her and she repeatedly turned him down. It got old pretty fast.
I did’t really feel their connection or chemistry. And I found him a bit overbearing in his pursuit of her. Plus his backstory was wholly unbelievable. It just wasn’t my cup of tea.
2.5 stars
I don’t see what this cover has to do with the story. And frankly, it irritates me now. He has tattoos, so what? That is not indicative of anything really. And why is the woman not represented? And why is he shirtless? Not the reason I chose the book and a strike against it after reading it and knowing it has nothing to do with the characters.
The book was ok. I really did not like how much his leaving affected her. It was like she put too much value on what everyone else thought and allowed it to color her own view of herself. While I don’t mind a weak female lead, I do expect there to be some kind of growth in regards to that.
But there didn’t seem to be. She seemed to care even more about what everyone else thought. And instead of standing up for herself, she retreated almost every time. The only one she did stand up to was the male. I can’t even remember his name. He chased her and she repeatedly turned him down. It got old pretty fast.
I did’t really feel their connection or chemistry. And I found him a bit overbearing in his pursuit of her. Plus his backstory was wholly unbelievable. It just wasn’t my cup of tea.
March 1, 2017
The synopsis of Promise Me sounded good, but that was the best thing about the book. It didn't hold my interest; I felt no emotional connection to either main character and didn't feel one between them, either. A few of the secondary characters were one dimensional and practically caricatures. Some parts of the plot just didn't make any sense--in modern day America, is there anyplace where an entire town would react with shock and disapproval to the idea that two people in a long-term relationship had a physical relationship as well? (No, this wasn't a deeply religious community where that might be understandable.) To add to my overall negative feelings about Promise Me, the main book ended at 29% on my Kindle without that being disclosed on the Amazon or Goodreads summaries. Promise Me is listed as being a full-length standalone, and maybe it technically is. But I randomly opened a few other books on my Kindle to see how long they were, and all were significantly longer than Promise Me.
November 28, 2016
Alternate opinion don't judge me
I read all three stories and I hated them all. Awful H's, disgusting sex, and zero romance. I know that a lot of people loved them and I think I don't because I don't like the NA genre. So why do I read it? I just keep hoping.
I read all three stories and I hated them all. Awful H's, disgusting sex, and zero romance. I know that a lot of people loved them and I think I don't because I don't like the NA genre. So why do I read it? I just keep hoping.
August 28, 2024
Extremely hallmark, I couldn’t get behind the obsession with virginity and all the slut shaming…. Disappointing
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2025
I am not normally a contemporary romance girly but I found Willow packing mystery boxes of her books on Facebook and had to get one! I’m so glad I did!
I loved this small town second chance romance and will definitely be reading more of Willow’s books! I already ordered a second mystery box 😉.
I loved this small town second chance romance and will definitely be reading more of Willow’s books! I already ordered a second mystery box 😉.
September 24, 2023
Rating this book is a little hard. Objectively it’s not good and deserves 2 stars but I was also never annoyed or mad at the book and will definitely read more by this author. It’s good for a quick read.
dnf
May 9, 2020dnf at 20% ... yikes
December 4, 2025
Meh… it was a 2nd chance romance. It should have been more detailed.
January 4, 2017
Although I loved Violet and Hunter, they allowed other people, his father, and her sleazy loan officer, to make extremely important decisions for them, which caused a huge amount of heartache. Can Violet and Hunter work through the pain to grab their happy ending?
September 15, 2023
This. Was. Horrible.
One of the worst romance novels I have ever read.
Hunter is a walking red flag and spent 85% of this book stalking Violet and breaking her boundaries.
Hunter took advantage of Vi while she was actively grieving. Which I thought was weird.
While of course Slade was worse, Hunter wasn’t much of a catch.
I hated it so much when I got to the happier/better parts at the end (the last 2-3 chapters) I skimmed it. Even skimming it I didn’t miss much and knew exactly what was going on.
2 stars for Vi’s portions of the book. They were okay.
One of the worst romance novels I have ever read.
Hunter is a walking red flag and spent 85% of this book stalking Violet and breaking her boundaries.
Hunter took advantage of Vi while she was actively grieving. Which I thought was weird.
While of course Slade was worse, Hunter wasn’t much of a catch.
I hated it so much when I got to the happier/better parts at the end (the last 2-3 chapters) I skimmed it. Even skimming it I didn’t miss much and knew exactly what was going on.
2 stars for Vi’s portions of the book. They were okay.
August 22, 2023
Hunter and Violet
4 years ago Violet have Hunter a piece of herself and her heart, and after graduation he broke up with her and left for the seals. She knew he was going but he wasn’t supposed to cut them off. He was supposed to write and make things work. They were supposed to be in love. So 4 years later when she sees him at the grocery store she tells him to stay the hell away from her. We know he’s not going to do that. We also know Hunter has ptsd. Violet hasn’t been with anyone but Hunter. The town labeled her a slut. She’s finally picking up her pieces and is somewhat stable. She owns the sweet treats bakery. Slade from the bank has been persistent about a date and she agrees because she really needs her loan approved. Little does she expect to see Hunter at the bar. Slade drags her over to say hey and she tries to get away. Hunter is upset to see her with Slade but when she sneaks outside he follows her. He tells her he wants to talk but ends up kissing her until she pushes him away and leaves. Hunter keeps getting stuck with his neice Abby. His sister Hayley keeps going on dates. He calls her out on it and she says maybe he shouldn’t have brought her husband home dead. Hunter had introduced Hayley to Chris. He brought him home for his first holiday and they hit it off and the next time they came home they got engaged. Chris was the leader of hunters unit. They went out without him and the entire unit died without having their sniper. Hunter was seen unfit from that point on and sent home. He’s felt guilty ever since. He takes abbi to the bakery and sees Violet there where she tells him she owns it. He gives her an extra $20 for 5 minutes of her time but slades dad comes in and interrupts. But she seems hopeful like she wants to see Hunter again. Mr white makes a direct comment that her shop itself won’t get the loan but they make exceptions for people his son is fond of, basicallt trapping her with Slade so she can keep her business. Hunter realizes he could start a garage in town, he wasn’t sure what career path he was going to follow but he thinks he could be happy. He mentions it to his dad and his dad brings up he needs to quit giving Violet a bad name in town. He tells his dad he never should have listened to his dad and left things the way he did. He had wanted to make it work and his dad told him not to let her wait for him like that and now he’s lost her. Hunter finds her at the school dropping off cookies and waits at her car to ask her on a date. She tells him no until he kisses her and then she agrees to 7 pm. She goes out with him and he takes her to their secluded spot. He gives her all the letters he wrote her but never sent. There’s over 200. He kisses her and tries to turn it into more but she pushes him away and tells him she doesn’t want him and cries herself to sleep. Slade shows up at her bakery the next day wanting to take her out to lunch. At lunch he orders her drink and meal for her and tells her she needs to watch her weight. She gets upset and says she’d like to leave. He tells her to sit down and not cause a scene but then he grabs her arm and drags her outside. He tells her he’s going to train her into a good wife and then tries to push himself onto her even though she’s trying to get away. She knees him in the balls and takes off running. Hunter is at the bar with Jared when they spot Violet running outside and he goes out and she runs into his arms. Slade comes up behind them and Hunter attacks him. Violet gets in the middle of it and gets elbowed and then she runs home. She realizes she needs to leave. She goes and tells her momma she can’t stay here anymore. The bakery is going under and she can’t get a loan and she can’t deal with the gossip and Slade and Hunter. She’s only stayed because her mom. She went to school to be a teacher. When she gets home Hunter is waiting for her. She tells him she’s going to be leaving and he tries to comfort her and she gets a phone call, her mom died 😭😭😭violet pushes Hunter away she is in so much pain and if she loses herself in him and he leaves again she won’t be able to handle the pain. She is sorting recycling at her dads when Mr graves comes out and tells her he’s sorry, for splitting up something real. Hunter sees her light on and goes to her apartment she invites him inside. She tells him her mom told her to follow her heart. She tells Hunter she loves him and they have sex. There’s a knock on her door and she goes to open it to find Slade. Drunk. He pushes his way in and tries undoing her robe and fondling her. She keeps telling him to stop and that he needs to leave but he puts his hands around her neck and slams her against the wall. Hunter punches Slade one time and knocks him out. Hunter tells her she needs to call the police and tell them everything. She does. She goes and files a report against everything Slade did to her and there were enough witnesses he was found guilty. Hunter takes her to his lake house. She loves it. She gets a call and is accepted for the art teacher position so she’s going to be selling the bakery. Hunter just signed the papers on the garage. They have dinner with their family’s that night where she announces the teaching position and selling the bakery and her dad gives a toast for her mom. Tears!!! In the epilogue they are married and have a little boy on the way. They’re close with krissy and Jared the town sweethearts. Krissy is also a teacher and helped Violet get the art position. They are pregnant at the same time although krissy and Jared already have two. Violet is emotional that her mom won’t be here for this and that it’s not a girl but Hunter is so good and is there for her. Haley bought the bakery and is running it well: which is really good. Hunter had been really worried about her and had called her out on all her dates after chris passed and it helped her get her priorities straight. I really liked this one. It had a lot of key points. PTSD. First loves. Forgiveness. Losing your mom. Grieving. Him losing Chris and grieving. Abbi and Hayley losing Chris and grieving and coping. The trauma Slade caused. Rekindle of love between Violet and Hunter. And then their happy ever after and chasing their dreams. Lots of key points and an all around good book! And the title works really good. She made him promise her he was here to stay and wouldn’t break her heart again. She needed that promise to let her walls down and be vulnerable to him again.
4 years ago Violet have Hunter a piece of herself and her heart, and after graduation he broke up with her and left for the seals. She knew he was going but he wasn’t supposed to cut them off. He was supposed to write and make things work. They were supposed to be in love. So 4 years later when she sees him at the grocery store she tells him to stay the hell away from her. We know he’s not going to do that. We also know Hunter has ptsd. Violet hasn’t been with anyone but Hunter. The town labeled her a slut. She’s finally picking up her pieces and is somewhat stable. She owns the sweet treats bakery. Slade from the bank has been persistent about a date and she agrees because she really needs her loan approved. Little does she expect to see Hunter at the bar. Slade drags her over to say hey and she tries to get away. Hunter is upset to see her with Slade but when she sneaks outside he follows her. He tells her he wants to talk but ends up kissing her until she pushes him away and leaves. Hunter keeps getting stuck with his neice Abby. His sister Hayley keeps going on dates. He calls her out on it and she says maybe he shouldn’t have brought her husband home dead. Hunter had introduced Hayley to Chris. He brought him home for his first holiday and they hit it off and the next time they came home they got engaged. Chris was the leader of hunters unit. They went out without him and the entire unit died without having their sniper. Hunter was seen unfit from that point on and sent home. He’s felt guilty ever since. He takes abbi to the bakery and sees Violet there where she tells him she owns it. He gives her an extra $20 for 5 minutes of her time but slades dad comes in and interrupts. But she seems hopeful like she wants to see Hunter again. Mr white makes a direct comment that her shop itself won’t get the loan but they make exceptions for people his son is fond of, basicallt trapping her with Slade so she can keep her business. Hunter realizes he could start a garage in town, he wasn’t sure what career path he was going to follow but he thinks he could be happy. He mentions it to his dad and his dad brings up he needs to quit giving Violet a bad name in town. He tells his dad he never should have listened to his dad and left things the way he did. He had wanted to make it work and his dad told him not to let her wait for him like that and now he’s lost her. Hunter finds her at the school dropping off cookies and waits at her car to ask her on a date. She tells him no until he kisses her and then she agrees to 7 pm. She goes out with him and he takes her to their secluded spot. He gives her all the letters he wrote her but never sent. There’s over 200. He kisses her and tries to turn it into more but she pushes him away and tells him she doesn’t want him and cries herself to sleep. Slade shows up at her bakery the next day wanting to take her out to lunch. At lunch he orders her drink and meal for her and tells her she needs to watch her weight. She gets upset and says she’d like to leave. He tells her to sit down and not cause a scene but then he grabs her arm and drags her outside. He tells her he’s going to train her into a good wife and then tries to push himself onto her even though she’s trying to get away. She knees him in the balls and takes off running. Hunter is at the bar with Jared when they spot Violet running outside and he goes out and she runs into his arms. Slade comes up behind them and Hunter attacks him. Violet gets in the middle of it and gets elbowed and then she runs home. She realizes she needs to leave. She goes and tells her momma she can’t stay here anymore. The bakery is going under and she can’t get a loan and she can’t deal with the gossip and Slade and Hunter. She’s only stayed because her mom. She went to school to be a teacher. When she gets home Hunter is waiting for her. She tells him she’s going to be leaving and he tries to comfort her and she gets a phone call, her mom died 😭😭😭violet pushes Hunter away she is in so much pain and if she loses herself in him and he leaves again she won’t be able to handle the pain. She is sorting recycling at her dads when Mr graves comes out and tells her he’s sorry, for splitting up something real. Hunter sees her light on and goes to her apartment she invites him inside. She tells him her mom told her to follow her heart. She tells Hunter she loves him and they have sex. There’s a knock on her door and she goes to open it to find Slade. Drunk. He pushes his way in and tries undoing her robe and fondling her. She keeps telling him to stop and that he needs to leave but he puts his hands around her neck and slams her against the wall. Hunter punches Slade one time and knocks him out. Hunter tells her she needs to call the police and tell them everything. She does. She goes and files a report against everything Slade did to her and there were enough witnesses he was found guilty. Hunter takes her to his lake house. She loves it. She gets a call and is accepted for the art teacher position so she’s going to be selling the bakery. Hunter just signed the papers on the garage. They have dinner with their family’s that night where she announces the teaching position and selling the bakery and her dad gives a toast for her mom. Tears!!! In the epilogue they are married and have a little boy on the way. They’re close with krissy and Jared the town sweethearts. Krissy is also a teacher and helped Violet get the art position. They are pregnant at the same time although krissy and Jared already have two. Violet is emotional that her mom won’t be here for this and that it’s not a girl but Hunter is so good and is there for her. Haley bought the bakery and is running it well: which is really good. Hunter had been really worried about her and had called her out on all her dates after chris passed and it helped her get her priorities straight. I really liked this one. It had a lot of key points. PTSD. First loves. Forgiveness. Losing your mom. Grieving. Him losing Chris and grieving. Abbi and Hayley losing Chris and grieving and coping. The trauma Slade caused. Rekindle of love between Violet and Hunter. And then their happy ever after and chasing their dreams. Lots of key points and an all around good book! And the title works really good. She made him promise her he was here to stay and wouldn’t break her heart again. She needed that promise to let her walls down and be vulnerable to him again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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