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Madaris Family Saga #2
Whispered Promises
Even a once-in-a-lifetime love...
When Halston Parker calls his daughter Caitlin to his deathbed, she's shocked to discover that her ex-husband, Dex Madaris, has been summoned as well. It's been four years since Caitlin felt the heat of Dex's touch, the urgency of his kisses and the promise of an everlasting love that never was. As a flood of bittersweet memories warms a cold and lonely night, Halston's real motive for the unexpected reunion comes to light. As does the daughter Dex never knew existed, a secret Caitlin has kept too long from the only man she's ever loved. A secret she fears Dex will never forgive.
...Deserves a second chance
Despite the past, Caitlin and Dex cannot resist the attraction, or fight their hunger to renew a once-in-a-lifetime passion they thought they'd lost forever. As each learns a lesson in faith and trust, they discover that no heartache, no betrayal, is strong enough to withstand the enduring power of true love.
When Halston Parker calls his daughter Caitlin to his deathbed, she's shocked to discover that her ex-husband, Dex Madaris, has been summoned as well. It's been four years since Caitlin felt the heat of Dex's touch, the urgency of his kisses and the promise of an everlasting love that never was. As a flood of bittersweet memories warms a cold and lonely night, Halston's real motive for the unexpected reunion comes to light. As does the daughter Dex never knew existed, a secret Caitlin has kept too long from the only man she's ever loved. A secret she fears Dex will never forgive.
...Deserves a second chance
Despite the past, Caitlin and Dex cannot resist the attraction, or fight their hunger to renew a once-in-a-lifetime passion they thought they'd lost forever. As each learns a lesson in faith and trust, they discover that no heartache, no betrayal, is strong enough to withstand the enduring power of true love.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 1996
96 people are currently reading
575 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Jackson
898 books3,593 followersIn 1994, Brenda Jackson’s first novel, Tonight and Forever, was released. Since then she has had more than 100 novels and novellas published (the first African-American author to accomplish such a feat) and has over 3 million books in print.
A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda is the first African-American author to have a book published by Harlequin Desire and the first African-American romance author to make the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists within the series romance genre.
In 2012, Brenda received the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest literary awards a romance author can receive. In 2013, she was recognized by the mayor and the city of Jacksonville as being a Trailblazer in the literary field.
In 2010, she collaborated with Five Alive Films to turn her Truly Everlasting title into a feature film. Brenda’s 2011 novel A Silken Thread is scheduled to be filmed with Debbie Allen attached as director in 2015.
Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.
A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda is the first African-American author to have a book published by Harlequin Desire and the first African-American romance author to make the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists within the series romance genre.
In 2012, Brenda received the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest literary awards a romance author can receive. In 2013, she was recognized by the mayor and the city of Jacksonville as being a Trailblazer in the literary field.
In 2010, she collaborated with Five Alive Films to turn her Truly Everlasting title into a feature film. Brenda’s 2011 novel A Silken Thread is scheduled to be filmed with Debbie Allen attached as director in 2015.
Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
January 21, 2012
Another one Bites the dust..Great read indeed.
I have to say though when you don't like a book it is a complete waist of time to write a 2 page review about how you disliked the book,especially out of 200 reviews if you are the only one who disliked it; also spoiling it for everyone else who hasn't read the book, by telling the book in it's entirety. Brenda Jackson writes ROMANCE NOVELS, there will be no shooting, thugs, the hood, or drugs involved, so if this is what you are looking for when reading from Brenda, she is not the author for you! I read so many negative comments from readers declaring they are tired of reading the same old things in romance novels, that is why it is called a romance novel, there will not be much violence or drama involved. You may want to read Noire, Nikki Turner or Wahida Clark, which are all great authors.
For those of you who enjoys romance The Madaris Family Series is a great romance series to read. You will grow to love and enjoy this group of family and friends, they make you want to become a part of this family...:-))
I have to say though when you don't like a book it is a complete waist of time to write a 2 page review about how you disliked the book,especially out of 200 reviews if you are the only one who disliked it; also spoiling it for everyone else who hasn't read the book, by telling the book in it's entirety. Brenda Jackson writes ROMANCE NOVELS, there will be no shooting, thugs, the hood, or drugs involved, so if this is what you are looking for when reading from Brenda, she is not the author for you! I read so many negative comments from readers declaring they are tired of reading the same old things in romance novels, that is why it is called a romance novel, there will not be much violence or drama involved. You may want to read Noire, Nikki Turner or Wahida Clark, which are all great authors.
For those of you who enjoys romance The Madaris Family Series is a great romance series to read. You will grow to love and enjoy this group of family and friends, they make you want to become a part of this family...:-))
April 25, 2023
Sweet, surprising read. (Read again today fourth time!)
Dex hasn't seen or talked to Caitlin, his ex-wife, in four years. Now, they have just received some shocking news from her father right before he dies! Mr. Parker never filed their divorce papers and Dex and Caitlin are still married.
On top of that, there are some dangerous men who are angry over a land deal and are threatening to harm Caitlin if she doesn't sell the land to them. Will Dex be able to protect Caitlin as well as resolve the issues in their troubled marriage?
Read: 4/12/2016 - 6/20/2019 - 3/31/ 2020
May 6, 2011
I enjoyed this book a lot !
July 21, 2019
I just saw this book was published in 1996, which may explain SOME of my questions, but not many. Caitlin found out she was PG and WRITES the hero ONE LETTER? She doesn't call, doesn't contact his family, just sends ONE LETTER, like it's the 1800s, and that's it. And this man was her HUSBAND, not some ONS. I can't/don't forgive or even like this dumb heroine. And she knew he was close with his family. She met all his siblings and mother, she knew he came from a large, loving, close-knit family and she deliberately denied her own daughter a relationship with not only her father but also a large, loving extended family. She had NO reason to ever think he wouldn't want to know he had a child. She was just stupid and selfish and she chose to raise her daughter alone, with only one grandparent. Dex is way too good for her. This is going down as a DNF at 29%. Unless Dex goes through with the divorce, gets full custody and marries a deserving woman, I don't want to read any more. Caitlin doesn't deserve a HEA.
April 15, 2023
Just finished listening to this book a second time. By the time I realized that I had already listened to it, I was enjoying it too much to stop. Lol. I love the Madaris books! Each character and situation is so unique.
August 8, 2008
From what I gather, this book is a Silhouette reissue - so somewhere, somehow, this family series was popular, and probably launched this writer into some sort of stardom. I ask, how?
So, Caitlin and Dex were married four years ago. The marriage was fraught with challenges. First, Caitlin was 21, Dex 10 years her senior, 2nd, it was a 'whirlwind romance'. Caitlin's father decided to play the guilt card (the book never says how, but I'm thinking Fred from Sanford and Son, hand over heart, face in paroxysms of agony saying, "Elizabet', I'm coming home").
Flash forward 4 years to now, and Caitlin's father summons her and Dex by his side, only for Dex to find out that oh, ho! They are still married (through some chicanery by Caitlin's dad). Oh, and Dex finds out that he has a daughter and that Caitlin is in danger (through a letter left to Dex by his father in law) in the first 50 pages.
*sighs*
Ms Jackson suffers from something that 95 percent of what AA romances/writers suffer from: the inability to allow the reader to pause, to savour. Penelope Truck speaks about people not wanting to pause when speaking because they think that in the spaces, people will find out how bad their ideas/pitches are. The same might be true for the writers. They probably think if we throw in everything but the kitchen sink, the reader won't notice how short on emotion this book is, and might miss a plot hole or two.
Really, it's important to pause, because that's when people reflect. It's the same in writing romance. The reader needs time to 'pause' in the narrative to appreciate how the characters feel, especially in light of revelation upon revelation. I felt cheated out of Dex's righteous anger, because there were so many things coming out, all at once and you'd think that it would have taken him time to adjust, but he just got angry and then got over it.
In addition, Ms Jackson's writing style is adequate, at best. There's a part in the book when Dexter is (supposedly) so shaken by emotion that it's robbed his voice of all power, right? The writer goes, "he said in a whispered voice."
ORLY?
Then, it doesn't help that Caitlin, the protagonist is annoying. Four years ago, she's bullied/guilt tripped by her dad to renounce her marriage vows - and chooses to do so when Dex has left the country. Then, she holds Dex responsible for not coming back to the States to save their marriage because she 'sent him a letter' (that conveniently got lost in the post to Australia). Huh? Okay.
Caitlin forgets that she had the guy's kid and he didn't even know that he left her in that way, but that's nothing because he didn't come back for her. After she broke up with him - and sent her papers and wedding ring in the post (that arrived in Australia - but not the letter saying that she was having his baby and wanted him back). Things that make you go, hmm...
But she's still in love with Dex, and that makes everything okay. Because she has to believe that "love draws love." Ew?
The narrator then goes on to say how Dex is a Scorpio and can carry a grudge, blah blah blah hooey. Never mind that it's Dex who makes overtures to stay in the marriage, to have a relationship with the mother for the child's sake, to protect her at the behest of his father in law...on his own initiative. I just don't see what Caitlin brought to the relationship at all.
I must say that children are cute in theory, but difficult to write, so I'll give the writer a pass here.
Oh and for the love of holy - no epilogues. It really doesn't add anything to the story, because it's either something to do with having a kid, or just about to have a kid. It's like gilding the lily, so to speak, and doesn't add to the book. But I hear that readers like it, who knew?
I give the book 1.5 stars, not because I like it ¬_¬ - but because there were flashes of humour with some background characters that broke up the WTFness of this book.
So, Caitlin and Dex were married four years ago. The marriage was fraught with challenges. First, Caitlin was 21, Dex 10 years her senior, 2nd, it was a 'whirlwind romance'. Caitlin's father decided to play the guilt card (the book never says how, but I'm thinking Fred from Sanford and Son, hand over heart, face in paroxysms of agony saying, "Elizabet', I'm coming home").
Flash forward 4 years to now, and Caitlin's father summons her and Dex by his side, only for Dex to find out that oh, ho! They are still married (through some chicanery by Caitlin's dad). Oh, and Dex finds out that he has a daughter and that Caitlin is in danger (through a letter left to Dex by his father in law) in the first 50 pages.
*sighs*
Ms Jackson suffers from something that 95 percent of what AA romances/writers suffer from: the inability to allow the reader to pause, to savour. Penelope Truck speaks about people not wanting to pause when speaking because they think that in the spaces, people will find out how bad their ideas/pitches are. The same might be true for the writers. They probably think if we throw in everything but the kitchen sink, the reader won't notice how short on emotion this book is, and might miss a plot hole or two.
Really, it's important to pause, because that's when people reflect. It's the same in writing romance. The reader needs time to 'pause' in the narrative to appreciate how the characters feel, especially in light of revelation upon revelation. I felt cheated out of Dex's righteous anger, because there were so many things coming out, all at once and you'd think that it would have taken him time to adjust, but he just got angry and then got over it.
In addition, Ms Jackson's writing style is adequate, at best. There's a part in the book when Dexter is (supposedly) so shaken by emotion that it's robbed his voice of all power, right? The writer goes, "he said in a whispered voice."
ORLY?
Then, it doesn't help that Caitlin, the protagonist is annoying. Four years ago, she's bullied/guilt tripped by her dad to renounce her marriage vows - and chooses to do so when Dex has left the country. Then, she holds Dex responsible for not coming back to the States to save their marriage because she 'sent him a letter' (that conveniently got lost in the post to Australia). Huh? Okay.
Caitlin forgets that she had the guy's kid and he didn't even know that he left her in that way, but that's nothing because he didn't come back for her. After she broke up with him - and sent her papers and wedding ring in the post (that arrived in Australia - but not the letter saying that she was having his baby and wanted him back). Things that make you go, hmm...
But she's still in love with Dex, and that makes everything okay. Because she has to believe that "love draws love." Ew?
The narrator then goes on to say how Dex is a Scorpio and can carry a grudge, blah blah blah hooey. Never mind that it's Dex who makes overtures to stay in the marriage, to have a relationship with the mother for the child's sake, to protect her at the behest of his father in law...on his own initiative. I just don't see what Caitlin brought to the relationship at all.
I must say that children are cute in theory, but difficult to write, so I'll give the writer a pass here.
Oh and for the love of holy - no epilogues. It really doesn't add anything to the story, because it's either something to do with having a kid, or just about to have a kid. It's like gilding the lily, so to speak, and doesn't add to the book. But I hear that readers like it, who knew?
I give the book 1.5 stars, not because I like it ¬_¬ - but because there were flashes of humour with some background characters that broke up the WTFness of this book.
August 10, 2016
Read this book over 18 years ago and the re-read was well worth it. Didn't remember somethings like Corinthians in this book didn't remember that she and Trevor met in Whispered Promises.
Great love story between Dex and Caitlin. They both fell in love with each the moment they met and it did not hurt that baby brother Clayton was insinuating that he was going to go after Caitlin if is brother Dex did bust a move.
Wow the lengths that a father would take to keep Dex and Caitlin apart. Makes me wonder what happened to the letter that Caitlin wrote to Dex informing him that she was pregnant and wanting him to take her back. Did Halston Caitlin's father some how intercept the letter.
Glad that everything worked out for the best for Dex, Caitlin and Jordan.
Great love story between Dex and Caitlin. They both fell in love with each the moment they met and it did not hurt that baby brother Clayton was insinuating that he was going to go after Caitlin if is brother Dex did bust a move.
Wow the lengths that a father would take to keep Dex and Caitlin apart. Makes me wonder what happened to the letter that Caitlin wrote to Dex informing him that she was pregnant and wanting him to take her back. Did Halston Caitlin's father some how intercept the letter.
Glad that everything worked out for the best for Dex, Caitlin and Jordan.
September 9, 2013
This book turned out to be rather nice. I did not like the way Caitlin handled Dexter in the beginning and I did not like the way Dexter handled Caitlin either. I was like why even try to be together but they have a common bond. And to me that bond is worth fighting for. Jordan is their common link and as a woman now I see two parents are needed. A WOMAN & A MAN are needed to foster the development of a GREAT individual.
September 10, 2013
HHHHhhh... It's so beautiful to see another Madaris brother find love again. Caitlin was able to melt the heart of bitter Dex! Interesting to see how one mistake ruined the relationship of these two individuals and in the same breath that same mistake reunited them. I truly enjoyed this story and I can't wait to see Clayton turn in his player card!
December 15, 2014
Forgiveness is essential for growth
Caitlin and Dexter story is one where you come to understand the importance of forgiveness and sacrifice. Love truly does not insist in its own way . The story takes you on a journey of what it means to honor and cherish and to forsake all others. What God brings together let no person tear apart
Caitlin and Dexter story is one where you come to understand the importance of forgiveness and sacrifice. Love truly does not insist in its own way . The story takes you on a journey of what it means to honor and cherish and to forsake all others. What God brings together let no person tear apart
August 19, 2013
So far I am definitely enjoying the Madaris Family series. I was so grateful that Dex come to his senses and realized the error of his ways so that him and his true love Caitlin could finally live together in total and blissful matrimony. Awesome read!
Read
December 28, 2010Right now I am on about chapter 7. I read some of the review and I completely disagree. I think it is wonderful so far. The little girl Jordan is adorable.
June 26, 2011
WoW I love this story great romance. She was way young but who cares I love their love. KEEPER KEEPER.
March 19, 2011
Brenda Jackson has done it again. Dex and I share the same zodiac symbol. So far, Brenda has not let be down. Keep it coming! Her love stories are totally awesome.
Read
August 17, 2011loved it
October 5, 2012
Love the Madaris series
December 16, 2012
I don't really know where to start..... this book was amazing, like all of BRENDA JACKSON novels. Her characters to me are as real as if they were standing before me.
April 22, 2013
I am listening to it now and will edit my review when I am done. to be continued with my review. but don't' worry I will give one. :)
June 4, 2014
I was so wanting to read about good old Dex and what his problem was. I couldn't believe what Caitlin was hiding from him. Loved it and read it non stop.
January 24, 2012
This is my favorite book by Ms. Jackson! I have read it 100 times!
July 30, 2021
Whispered Promises. This book was great! I am read it for the second time and still loved it. Dex Madaris is blown away when he is called in to see Caitlin's father on his death bed and finds out he isn't divorced from his wife. He asks Dex to take care of Caitlin and keep her safe. Dex does just that, but discovers more to the story of taking care of Caitlin and more. Being this close brings up the past and all the feelings he still has for Caitlin. They rekindle their love they thought they lost and become the family Dex has always wanted. The characters are believable and great! I am going to continue the series.
August 21, 2021
Dex didn't act like a 36 years old man.
If my parents told me to choose, I would side with them without blinking, what bothers me is that if Dex had to choose between someone in his family over Catlin at that time would have picked someone of his family, so I didn't get where he was really coming from.
Dex was more hurt that she ended things than that he didn't knew about his daughter for 4 years.
Catlin should have contacted his family, I mean is letter it could have not been delivered so she should have at least sent 3 letters.
It was a good book nonetheless.
If my parents told me to choose, I would side with them without blinking, what bothers me is that if Dex had to choose between someone in his family over Catlin at that time would have picked someone of his family, so I didn't get where he was really coming from.
Dex was more hurt that she ended things than that he didn't knew about his daughter for 4 years.
Catlin should have contacted his family, I mean is letter it could have not been delivered so she should have at least sent 3 letters.
It was a good book nonetheless.
March 11, 2018
Simply Delightful...
This is my second book from this author and I find her writing style and the stories simply delightful. It's refreshing to read love stories that portray strong,dependable, caring men as well as women. I look forward to reading everything she's written up to date.
This is my second book from this author and I find her writing style and the stories simply delightful. It's refreshing to read love stories that portray strong,dependable, caring men as well as women. I look forward to reading everything she's written up to date.
September 30, 2020
Brenda Jackson always knows how to keep her readers wanting for more. From page one to the last page, her stories make you want to actually fall in love. Caitlin and Dexter fell out of touch and if it wasn't for her father, they would have never reunited. Dex had to let go of his stubborn ways and Caitlin had to believe that Dex truly loved her even though she was young.
January 11, 2023
I first reads Whispered Promises in 2014 and reading it again now feels like coming home. Of all the Madaris brothers Dex’s story has always been my favorite. Everything about this book always makes me smile.
July 3, 2017
Wow
Amazing and really good read.This o just keeps on moving and getting better with each page.Romance,suspense and thrills it never slows down.
Amazing and really good read.This o just keeps on moving and getting better with each page.Romance,suspense and thrills it never slows down.
October 24, 2018
Dex and Caitlin--a romantic couple in a simple and loving story. Ms. Jackson is a consummate story-teller.
July 18, 2021
Very good, brought tears to my eyes.
July 12, 2022
This story surprised me. Didn't expect the progression of the story from the start. Loved it till the end.
March 31, 2024
Secret baby and second chance romance. I really enjoyed this book. It took a lot for Dex to get over his hurt. He held onto that grudge. Caitlin was patient and it paid off.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews