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Promise Me Always
Gabrielle Wells was everything Danny Anderson shouldn’t want. She was his opposite in every way, but he couldn’t keep his distance, and fate seemed to push them together at every turn. She consumed him, and the more he learned about her, the more he realized she was exactly what he didn’t know he needed. But then past mistakes forced him to walk away and never look back, breaking Gabrielle’s heart in the process.
Fast forward six years, and it seems as if fate is intervening again. Danny, now a best-selling rap artist, returns to his hometown, and is reunited with the only girl he’s ever loved.
Gabrielle isn’t the girl he left behind, though, and Danny realizes life has thrown her quite a few curves. But he will stop at nothing to get her back, refusing to let his true desires—love and family—continue to elude him. However, when Danny’s past crashes into his present, threatening everyone he loves and everything he’s fought for, he must decide if his promise to Gabrielle of “always” is worth the risk.
WARNING: Scenes of violence and attempted rape.
Fast forward six years, and it seems as if fate is intervening again. Danny, now a best-selling rap artist, returns to his hometown, and is reunited with the only girl he’s ever loved.
Gabrielle isn’t the girl he left behind, though, and Danny realizes life has thrown her quite a few curves. But he will stop at nothing to get her back, refusing to let his true desires—love and family—continue to elude him. However, when Danny’s past crashes into his present, threatening everyone he loves and everything he’s fought for, he must decide if his promise to Gabrielle of “always” is worth the risk.
WARNING: Scenes of violence and attempted rape.
- GenresRomance
Kindle Edition
Published February 26, 2018
About the author
Rhonda Shaw
4 books29 followersRhonda owes her love of reading to her mother who would read to her each night before bed and sometimes give into her pleads for more than one chapter. These days, if Rhonda doesn't have a book in her hands, it feels like something is missing. While romance is her true passion, Rhonda enjoys reading multiple genres.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 2, 2018
I received a free copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
'I'm gonna be watching you. Very closely. And when you finally have something you can't live without, something you want more than f##### life itself, I'm gonna be there and I'm gonna take it'
This threat will be the key in Danny and Gabrielle's love story. A really, really, REALLY fantastic story. I loved this book.I couldn't put it down. And when I was forced to stop reading, I couldn't think about anything else.
I love the characters, the relationship they have and the way the story is told. I was fascinated.
This book has been a wonderful surprise!
'I'm gonna be watching you. Very closely. And when you finally have something you can't live without, something you want more than f##### life itself, I'm gonna be there and I'm gonna take it'
This threat will be the key in Danny and Gabrielle's love story. A really, really, REALLY fantastic story. I loved this book.I couldn't put it down. And when I was forced to stop reading, I couldn't think about anything else.
I love the characters, the relationship they have and the way the story is told. I was fascinated.
This book has been a wonderful surprise!
February 5, 2018
Wow. What an emotional story this was!
Your heart will hurt, soar and hope for the best for these amazing characters..... they are dealt with a bunch of heartache... and so much more than a normal couple should endure. But can it work out in the end?
I loved and adored D and Gabrielle. They were intense and no matter how long it's been they are still in love..... I adored D as a father and loved the story from start to finish!!!
4 stars from me.
Recv'd a copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Your heart will hurt, soar and hope for the best for these amazing characters..... they are dealt with a bunch of heartache... and so much more than a normal couple should endure. But can it work out in the end?
I loved and adored D and Gabrielle. They were intense and no matter how long it's been they are still in love..... I adored D as a father and loved the story from start to finish!!!
4 stars from me.
Recv'd a copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 27, 2018
I tried but I just couldn't get into this story.
I DNF so I'm encouraging the author to have more editing. The going back and forth in time and between POV was confusing.
I DNF so I'm encouraging the author to have more editing. The going back and forth in time and between POV was confusing.
March 23, 2018
Eh....this book was just okay.
I found Gabrielle to be incredible immature; actually I thought her character as a teenager was more mature than her older character was. The constant whining, complaining and apologizing was incredibly annoying. Danny was trying over and over again to do the right thing for both her and Dani (having them both by the same name was annoying as hell too), but all Gabrielle did was see fault in what he did. She complained about the world he was now in yet had no problem using his credit card to pay for things, driving the new car or taking her daughter to the dance classes he paid for.
The constant back and forth not only between POVs but between the years was annoying. It was hard to keep track of who was talking and in what "world" they were in.
I found Gabrielle to be incredible immature; actually I thought her character as a teenager was more mature than her older character was. The constant whining, complaining and apologizing was incredibly annoying. Danny was trying over and over again to do the right thing for both her and Dani (having them both by the same name was annoying as hell too), but all Gabrielle did was see fault in what he did. She complained about the world he was now in yet had no problem using his credit card to pay for things, driving the new car or taking her daughter to the dance classes he paid for.
The constant back and forth not only between POVs but between the years was annoying. It was hard to keep track of who was talking and in what "world" they were in.
February 11, 2018
Gabrielle and Danny met six years prior to present day when Gabrielle moved to a new neighborhood and new high school. During their relationship previously, they started out as, well, basically nothing. After a while a friendship developed, which quickly turned into something more. This is a classic story of boy from the wrong side of the tracks meets good girl and the two fall in love. The story would have been good if it ended there.
Six years later we get bits and pieces of what caused the two of them to fall apart and the story is very involved. Danny has become a world famous rapper and Gabrielle has become a single mom with a child - Danny's child, Dani, a little girl the spitting image of her father. The story is told from the viewpoint of both characters six years ago and present day.
This was a great read with an interesting story line. I am definitely not into rapping but I enjoyed learning about Danny and his passion. I loved the fact that six years later he can't forget Gabrielle and has put her in every one of his songs. His interactions with Dani were priceless.
I would have rated the story higher except for a felt like the ending could have been a little more thorough. I felt like it just dropped off and there were things I wanted to know! I am one of those people that like a happy ending and while the ending was happy, there were a couple of things I would have liked to have happen.
All in all, this was a great book and I would definitely read another book from this author.
** I received a free ARC of this book in review for an honest review. **
Six years later we get bits and pieces of what caused the two of them to fall apart and the story is very involved. Danny has become a world famous rapper and Gabrielle has become a single mom with a child - Danny's child, Dani, a little girl the spitting image of her father. The story is told from the viewpoint of both characters six years ago and present day.
This was a great read with an interesting story line. I am definitely not into rapping but I enjoyed learning about Danny and his passion. I loved the fact that six years later he can't forget Gabrielle and has put her in every one of his songs. His interactions with Dani were priceless.
I would have rated the story higher except for a felt like the ending could have been a little more thorough. I felt like it just dropped off and there were things I wanted to know! I am one of those people that like a happy ending and while the ending was happy, there were a couple of things I would have liked to have happen.
All in all, this was a great book and I would definitely read another book from this author.
** I received a free ARC of this book in review for an honest review. **
February 27, 2018
I just read my first five-star rating book for this year.
There are stories I skip words, phrases, sentences, or an entire paragraph; not this one. I read every word in this book and went back to some a couple of times. I even re-read the entire book the night after. I have other books on my list that needs to be read but I’m thinking of re-reading it again tonight hahaha
Chapters of the book alternate on the present day and the past. In each chapter, sections are divided between Gabrielle and Danny’s perspective. A present-day chapter is continued in a related flashback chapter. I have read books with flashbacks, I appreciate this writing style in this one because of the seamless flow of each chapter to the next, each chapter is relevant from the chapter it followed.
It has a common storyline similar to most romance books, the couple getting separated and a child suddenly joining the picture. Despite that, the story which evolves surrounding this plot is an uncommon occurrence in this genre. It is not afraid to show a dark side of life’s realities. Plus, we are presented with a couple who’s not rich, thank goodness. Some books have this rags-to-riches characters but they always start when the characters are already rich and just mentions their roots in passing. Here, we experience Gabrielle and Danny’s lives from six years ago to now.
Without fail, I think highly of stories who has relevant sub-characters, sub-characters who has reasonable screen time. It goes without saying, I only have praises for this book. I recommend this to everyone who likes reading contemporary. Just contemporary. It does not matter if you’re a non-romance reader because it is more than that.
There are stories I skip words, phrases, sentences, or an entire paragraph; not this one. I read every word in this book and went back to some a couple of times. I even re-read the entire book the night after. I have other books on my list that needs to be read but I’m thinking of re-reading it again tonight hahaha
Chapters of the book alternate on the present day and the past. In each chapter, sections are divided between Gabrielle and Danny’s perspective. A present-day chapter is continued in a related flashback chapter. I have read books with flashbacks, I appreciate this writing style in this one because of the seamless flow of each chapter to the next, each chapter is relevant from the chapter it followed.
It has a common storyline similar to most romance books, the couple getting separated and a child suddenly joining the picture. Despite that, the story which evolves surrounding this plot is an uncommon occurrence in this genre. It is not afraid to show a dark side of life’s realities. Plus, we are presented with a couple who’s not rich, thank goodness. Some books have this rags-to-riches characters but they always start when the characters are already rich and just mentions their roots in passing. Here, we experience Gabrielle and Danny’s lives from six years ago to now.
Without fail, I think highly of stories who has relevant sub-characters, sub-characters who has reasonable screen time. It goes without saying, I only have praises for this book. I recommend this to everyone who likes reading contemporary. Just contemporary. It does not matter if you’re a non-romance reader because it is more than that.
February 28, 2018
Danny’s nickname was D and his rap persona was DOA. He was famous rap star now. But as a young man he had accepted help from Terrell and thought of joining his gang but he would have to kill a rival gang member and Danny wouldn’t do it. Terrell let him walk away but told him he would be watching real close and one day when Danny really cared about something he couldn’t live without Terrell would be there and take it. Danny was now in rehab he had almost died when he OD'd on Xanax. And Dollar who was his manager/best friend had found him. Danny wanted to change for himself but more he wanted to change for her - Gabrielle - be someone she could be proud of. She wouldn’t understand the need to use drugs to get through the day. It had been six days since the horrible night at Sanctuary when he had shattered her heart.Gabrielle- just thinking of her name caused Danny’s chest to ache and his heart to pound. Often Danny wanted to find her but then he also remembered what Terrell had said and Danny couldn’t /wouldn’t chance it. Danny remembered Gabrielle’s big green eyes and smile- it took one look and he was hers even though Danny knew she was out of his league. But Danny couldn’t resist even though it was the last thing he wanted. Gabrielle had just moved into the neighborhood and Danny stuck up for her a couple of time one time he had saved her from Terrell and his gang then he walked her to dance class every night so she was safe. Danny had reached LA with his boys Dollar and Big T and somehow he had made it big. Big T was head of danny’s security now as well as his personal assistant. Danny still had the journal Gabrielle had given him on their first Christmas together with the embossed D he had filled the journal many times and refilled it with paper and the wear and tear shown but Danny but Danny was determined to have the journal with him until he died. He wrote his lyrics in it. All Danny’s dreams had come true but he wasn’t happy as he had never gotten over or forgotten Gabrielle not in six long years. Dollar had pushed Danny every step of the way every since that first night he had heard Danny in a freestyle rap battle at Sanctuary club in their old stomping grounds. Dollar became dedicated to doing whatever he could to make Danny a star and keep him that way. Gabrielle had moved in with Brad after dating him for six months and that helped relieve the financial burden of being a single parent to her daughter Dani who was Danny’s child that he didn’t know about and she had tried to tell him but Dollar had deleted her messages and danny had never seen them. Dani shared her mother’s passion for ballet- at one time Gabrielle’s dream had been to be a famous ballerina but then she got pregnant for Dani and dropped out of school. Being with Brad allowed Gabrielle to work at home and be there for Dani. One night several cars were at Brad’s apartment it turned out to be Danny as Brad’s company was suppose to work with him if Danny signed the contract but then danny was stunned with Brad called her out and then had her bring dani out. Danny knew the mirror image before him was his daughter and he was furious Gabrielle had never ;let him know about her. Gabrielle had went to school with Kat and then they were in ballet together and now Kat was Gabrielle’s best friend when gabrielle left Brad’s because she realized all he really cared about was himself and his big ego she went to stay with Kay she had nowhere else close to go. Then Danny found out and demanded she and Danny come to live with him where they could be safe and have what they need. He also wanted Gabrielle back and to become a family.
I loved this story. It was an easy quick very enjoyable read. I finished it in one day but then I had problems putting it down also. This book had my interest from beginning until the end. I loved Danny and Gabrielle together. Dani just added to the whole story. There was a lot of emotion in this romance and drama but it all just fit together. I loved the plot and the pace. I don’t usually like going back and forth between the past and the present but the author did this in such a way that i didn’t mind at all. I did choke up at times while reading this book. I couldn’t find anything to criticize in this book and that was great. I loved the character and the ins and outs of this book and I highly recommend.
I loved this story. It was an easy quick very enjoyable read. I finished it in one day but then I had problems putting it down also. This book had my interest from beginning until the end. I loved Danny and Gabrielle together. Dani just added to the whole story. There was a lot of emotion in this romance and drama but it all just fit together. I loved the plot and the pace. I don’t usually like going back and forth between the past and the present but the author did this in such a way that i didn’t mind at all. I did choke up at times while reading this book. I couldn’t find anything to criticize in this book and that was great. I loved the character and the ins and outs of this book and I highly recommend.
March 2, 2018
This first love and second chance romance is spellbinding and an emotional rollercoaster.
Danny lives with his father in undesirable conditions. He has the talent to become a hip hop artist and lives for that dream.
Gabrielle had a good life until there was a drastic change in the family. She is quiet and dresses conservatively. She has a dream too!
After being forced to uproot, Gabrielle finds herself in an unpleasant surrounding and sticks out in the crowd. Her first day at her new school starts off rather badly, but Danny comes to her rescue. Trouble follows her and he feels compelled to protect her. Despite their different backgrounds, they are drawn to each other. They develop a strong bond until Gabrielle is subjected to an atrocious attack. He makes the rash decision of leaving even though he knows that both their hearts will be broken.
Six years later, Danny returns to his hometown and their paths cross once again. They are no longer the teenagers who broke up and Danny is faced with a big surprise. It would appear that there have been some misunderstandings. After everything that's happened, Gabrielle is sceptical, but Danny wants to pick up where they left off. More than ever!
Unfortunately, his past catches up with him and danger looms on the horizon. I admire Gabrielle for standing up for her loved ones even when she does the unthinkable. In the process Danny finds out that he has been betrayed in the worse possible way. I would have liked to have learnt a bit more about Dollar even though what is divulged is not a complete surprise. It's not a bad thing that the readers are left to their own imaginations, but it would have been nice to learn a little more about his involvement. Otherwise, the story kept me turning the pages and the conclusion is more than gratifying. A beautifully portrayed romance.
I was kindly issued with ARC and the views expressed are my personal opinion.
Danny lives with his father in undesirable conditions. He has the talent to become a hip hop artist and lives for that dream.
Gabrielle had a good life until there was a drastic change in the family. She is quiet and dresses conservatively. She has a dream too!
After being forced to uproot, Gabrielle finds herself in an unpleasant surrounding and sticks out in the crowd. Her first day at her new school starts off rather badly, but Danny comes to her rescue. Trouble follows her and he feels compelled to protect her. Despite their different backgrounds, they are drawn to each other. They develop a strong bond until Gabrielle is subjected to an atrocious attack. He makes the rash decision of leaving even though he knows that both their hearts will be broken.
Six years later, Danny returns to his hometown and their paths cross once again. They are no longer the teenagers who broke up and Danny is faced with a big surprise. It would appear that there have been some misunderstandings. After everything that's happened, Gabrielle is sceptical, but Danny wants to pick up where they left off. More than ever!
Unfortunately, his past catches up with him and danger looms on the horizon. I admire Gabrielle for standing up for her loved ones even when she does the unthinkable. In the process Danny finds out that he has been betrayed in the worse possible way. I would have liked to have learnt a bit more about Dollar even though what is divulged is not a complete surprise. It's not a bad thing that the readers are left to their own imaginations, but it would have been nice to learn a little more about his involvement. Otherwise, the story kept me turning the pages and the conclusion is more than gratifying. A beautifully portrayed romance.
I was kindly issued with ARC and the views expressed are my personal opinion.
February 21, 2018
Danny lives in the hood and has never had a home life because his mother left when he was little and his father is a junkie and alcoholic . All he's trying to do is avoid joining a gang because he wants to make it big as a rapper. Gabrielle's from the rich side of town until her father commits suicide because he has wracked up all kinds of debt, so then with her mother and sister, they move into Danny's neighborhood. All Gabrielle wants to do is go to Julliard to study ballet. It doesn't take long for Danny and Gabrielle's friendship to turn into more, but in the end Danny breaks her heart. Six years later they meet by chance ... and this time Danny will do everything he can to keep them together.
This book is a raw and gritty story about gangs, hip hop and all the complications of living on the wrong side of the tracks. I have to give Danny credit for avoiding the gangs and in doing so, left him as a target. This story will continually break your heart ... so have the Kleenex ready. I love how Gabrielle was a fierce mother protecting her little girl with everything she had. I would have given 5 stars, but the book just seemed to stop ... I think that there were things left up in the air (like what happened to Dollar). But I would still recommend this emotional read.
I received an ARC courtesy of the author through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
This book is a raw and gritty story about gangs, hip hop and all the complications of living on the wrong side of the tracks. I have to give Danny credit for avoiding the gangs and in doing so, left him as a target. This story will continually break your heart ... so have the Kleenex ready. I love how Gabrielle was a fierce mother protecting her little girl with everything she had. I would have given 5 stars, but the book just seemed to stop ... I think that there were things left up in the air (like what happened to Dollar). But I would still recommend this emotional read.
I received an ARC courtesy of the author through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
March 14, 2018
I recieved a copy of this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was an ok book, but there are a lot of ok romance books out there. I don't want just ok.
I want an intriguing plot
I want complex characters who develop and learn from their mistakes
I want some emotion
I want to be entertained
I don't want plot holes
I don't want repetitive writing
I don't want author wish fullfillment
I do not want a Twilight / 8 Mile love child
It's not terrible, but the relationship was so freaking unhealthy. Gabrielle apologises constantly for everything. She got bashed and apologised for it, she is put in all these situations that are not her fault and she keeps apologising to Danny. These events are out of her control, but she doesn't stop apologising. She doesn't stop, her character doesn't grow. Why!!
And then there is Danny who is rude to Gabrielle because he likes her and doesn't want to get involved with anyone, but its ok, because she can see behind the mask. (i'm so sick of this trope)They fall in love, their relationship is unhealthy, until it's over.
Look i get its a book, its meant to be some light entertainment, and sometimes i can look past an unhealthy relationship and get wrapped up in the passion and fun. But for me to be able to do that, the writing has got to be solid and this just isn't. It's mediocre and feels like Twilight / 8 mile fanfic.
This was an ok book, but there are a lot of ok romance books out there. I don't want just ok.
I want an intriguing plot
I want complex characters who develop and learn from their mistakes
I want some emotion
I want to be entertained
I don't want plot holes
I don't want repetitive writing
I don't want author wish fullfillment
I do not want a Twilight / 8 Mile love child
It's not terrible, but the relationship was so freaking unhealthy. Gabrielle apologises constantly for everything. She got bashed and apologised for it, she is put in all these situations that are not her fault and she keeps apologising to Danny. These events are out of her control, but she doesn't stop apologising. She doesn't stop, her character doesn't grow. Why!!
And then there is Danny who is rude to Gabrielle because he likes her and doesn't want to get involved with anyone, but its ok, because she can see behind the mask. (i'm so sick of this trope)They fall in love, their relationship is unhealthy, until it's over.
Look i get its a book, its meant to be some light entertainment, and sometimes i can look past an unhealthy relationship and get wrapped up in the passion and fun. But for me to be able to do that, the writing has got to be solid and this just isn't. It's mediocre and feels like Twilight / 8 mile fanfic.
March 2, 2018
Danny has big dreams of being a famous rapper. The new girl at school - no matter how intriguingly beautiful - shouldn't be on his radar, except she is. Now, Danny wants both the girl and the dream, but his past keeps interfering. Can he really have the best of both worlds?
This is a sweet second chance romance. Danny & Gabrielle's story is an emotional ride, though you'll find yourself hoping throughout that they sort out their issues and get back together in spite of every obstacle thrown in their path.
I was looking forward to all the loose ends being tied up. I still have questions! But this sweet story with its dramatic subplots will certainly thrill you.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.
This is a sweet second chance romance. Danny & Gabrielle's story is an emotional ride, though you'll find yourself hoping throughout that they sort out their issues and get back together in spite of every obstacle thrown in their path.
I was looking forward to all the loose ends being tied up. I still have questions! But this sweet story with its dramatic subplots will certainly thrill you.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.
February 5, 2018
A beautiful second chance romance that may just leave you a little misty eyed. Promise Me Always is an amazing read. It takes you on a journey of Gabrielle and D "Danny". Young love can sometimes lead to stupid things. And that is what happens with Danny listening to his friends. The love they share is evident that you can't help but see that he was just trying to protect Gabrielle. A chance meeting brings this young love back together years later. It is so beautiful to see the changes in Danny once he meets his daughter. He is such an amazing dad. I love how they fit as a family and find their way back. Truly moving.
February 27, 2018
Well where do I begin this book was absolutely flawless
The characters all went well together and I was hooked from the first page
The things that people will do to get there own way is unbelievable especially when you get into a bad crowd like Danny did he had a rough upbringing with his mother not being around and his dad making him feel worthless all the time he wanted to fit in so he got into a gang but to be in this “ family” he had to show that he was loyal to them and do something that he didn’t want to do. Danny was always looking over his shoulder due to his betrayal of the family he left he wanted the ones he loved to be safe but sometimes things don’t turn out that way and sometimes you have to pay the consequences in one way or another.
Gabriella she was quiet a ballet dancer she had her whole future ahead of her through dance until she moved to another neighbourhood after her dad had killed himself a coward as she called him but after being picked on at her school she found herself falling for Danny she wanted him to open up but he wouldn’t the walls were firmly up and they weren’t coming down no matter how she tried to tear them down.
There’s a lot to this book emotions anger tears laughing but there’s a lot of what’s going to happen next
I am giving this book 5/5 absolutely amazing read
The characters all went well together and I was hooked from the first page
The things that people will do to get there own way is unbelievable especially when you get into a bad crowd like Danny did he had a rough upbringing with his mother not being around and his dad making him feel worthless all the time he wanted to fit in so he got into a gang but to be in this “ family” he had to show that he was loyal to them and do something that he didn’t want to do. Danny was always looking over his shoulder due to his betrayal of the family he left he wanted the ones he loved to be safe but sometimes things don’t turn out that way and sometimes you have to pay the consequences in one way or another.
Gabriella she was quiet a ballet dancer she had her whole future ahead of her through dance until she moved to another neighbourhood after her dad had killed himself a coward as she called him but after being picked on at her school she found herself falling for Danny she wanted him to open up but he wouldn’t the walls were firmly up and they weren’t coming down no matter how she tried to tear them down.
There’s a lot to this book emotions anger tears laughing but there’s a lot of what’s going to happen next
I am giving this book 5/5 absolutely amazing read
February 23, 2018
Wow! Let me start by saying this is my 1st read by Ms. Shaw. I read the blurb and said ok lets see what she's got and I did not regret it one bit. I would recommend her books to my friends any day, I actually have already this one. PMA was an emotional book it wasn't your typical book where it shows the prologue at the beginning no she reverts back thru out the book and I think that is great. You also get an in depth view of both Gabby and Danny's POV. In PMA you will see what its like to live in the hood, deal with gangs, heartache, forgiveness and happiness. So many emotions but you will love it.
March 24, 2018
Let me be honest, the first few chapters were a struggle to get through... not sure if it was me getting to know and understand the writers style, or if it just didn't flow too well... but stick with it people... because from the moment Danny met Dani I couldn't put the book down, I was hooked & loved every minute from that point on. I felt the love and agony, the pushing & pulling of emotions as D & G found their way back to one another. This was my first Rhonda Shaw novel, but it won't be the last.
March 2, 2018
This was a decent story. And although it hit most of the expected points for a story in this trope, the delivery was well handled.
The characters were strong and three dimensional and I particularly liked the simmering thread of attraction between Gabrielle and Danny which ratchets up as the story goes on.
The threat is palpable too, and the climax is satisfyingly dramatic.
Some loose ends for me, but overall, a good read.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
The characters were strong and three dimensional and I particularly liked the simmering thread of attraction between Gabrielle and Danny which ratchets up as the story goes on.
The threat is palpable too, and the climax is satisfyingly dramatic.
Some loose ends for me, but overall, a good read.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
August 3, 2018
Okay, you are going to need the tissues for this one it had me bawling like a baby. This is a really good yet emotional second chance romance. Once I started reading I was just hooked on this one and ended up reading it one sitting. I just loved the characters you just cannot help but like them and want them to get their HEA a really great read and I highly recommend it
February 3, 2018
Second chance romance. He's a successful rap music artist. Some potential triggers: scenes of violence and attempted rape.
This review is based on the ARC received from the author and/ or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.
This review is based on the ARC received from the author and/ or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.
February 27, 2018
Rhonda is a new author for me, but as this book is in the music genre I am glad that I chose to read the ARC. It was an incredible story which will stay with me for a while. The characters were so realistic it was like seeing their lives unfold on the pages. This is a gritty story of life on the bad side of town.
Due to a tragedy in her family Gabrielle is living in a rough area of town where being bullied by gangs is part of life. She dreams of being a dancer and going to Juilliard and is thrilled to be accepted at the local ballet school where she can continue to practice. Danny is the bad boy with a "don't care attitude" from the wrong side of the tracks. He associates with gang members but finally refuses to join a gang which has future consequences for both Danny and Gabrielle when the gang leader comes looking for payback. All Danny cares about is his rap music, making it big and getting out of town and building a new life.
Opposites attract and Danny and Gabrielle become a couple but their happiness is shattered when the gang leader puts Gabrielle in the hospital. To try and protect Gabrielle Danny breaks up with her in the most humiliating way and leaves her behind as he shoots to stardom.
The depth of the pain and regrets these two characters have made me run for the tissue box. Would the bad things ever end so they could find happiness? Wow what a story! and what an explosive ending. I would give more than 5 stars if I could this is absolutely a must read!
Due to a tragedy in her family Gabrielle is living in a rough area of town where being bullied by gangs is part of life. She dreams of being a dancer and going to Juilliard and is thrilled to be accepted at the local ballet school where she can continue to practice. Danny is the bad boy with a "don't care attitude" from the wrong side of the tracks. He associates with gang members but finally refuses to join a gang which has future consequences for both Danny and Gabrielle when the gang leader comes looking for payback. All Danny cares about is his rap music, making it big and getting out of town and building a new life.
Opposites attract and Danny and Gabrielle become a couple but their happiness is shattered when the gang leader puts Gabrielle in the hospital. To try and protect Gabrielle Danny breaks up with her in the most humiliating way and leaves her behind as he shoots to stardom.
The depth of the pain and regrets these two characters have made me run for the tissue box. Would the bad things ever end so they could find happiness? Wow what a story! and what an explosive ending. I would give more than 5 stars if I could this is absolutely a must read!
March 5, 2018
Received from Expresso Book Tours
Promise Me Always is love story of Gabrielle and Danny. It's told from two perspective (Gabrielle's and Danny's) and in two different times, present and six years ago. In story line set six years ago, we see how they meet and fall in love, it goes from good to bad, when they part ways in horrible way. In the present time it's exact opposite, they meet again, under very different circumstances and slowly grew close again (it goes from bad to amazing, with few unexpected twists in the way).
I really like the way the story was told, I loved the characters, with all their faults. It's one of those book that pulls you in immediately and you can't stop reading, till the end. Ultimately, it's about true love, but the path to happiness is not light. Both have very hard lives and have to overcome many obstacles, to end up together.
I loved reading it!
Promise Me Always is love story of Gabrielle and Danny. It's told from two perspective (Gabrielle's and Danny's) and in two different times, present and six years ago. In story line set six years ago, we see how they meet and fall in love, it goes from good to bad, when they part ways in horrible way. In the present time it's exact opposite, they meet again, under very different circumstances and slowly grew close again (it goes from bad to amazing, with few unexpected twists in the way).
I really like the way the story was told, I loved the characters, with all their faults. It's one of those book that pulls you in immediately and you can't stop reading, till the end. Ultimately, it's about true love, but the path to happiness is not light. Both have very hard lives and have to overcome many obstacles, to end up together.
I loved reading it!
February 27, 2018
This was a great bad boy meets good girl and they fall in love, but it didn't start out that simple. Gabrielle and Danny met 6 years ago but nothing become of it, now they develop a friendship first and soon more but life threw them into different directions only to bring them together 6 years later and people change , things happen but one thing that didn't was the feelings between these two but will they or can they move from the past to work on the future?
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