I adore this series. Each and every installment gets better.

At the end of the 3rd books, I was so happy that Sloan O'Malley had gotten out.

And just as I was hoping for her to start a new life, she is dragged right back into it all, when she meets her sexy next door neighbour Jude.

There is more the Jude than meets the eye. As we learn more about him and his past and what he is up to, I was conflicted between loving and loathing him. However as the story progresses, he grows into a man that I couldn't help but adore.

The story of the O'Malley crime family is more in the background of this story. Sure, the O'Malley/Sheridan/Halloran players are all still there and are involved in Sloan and Jude's story, but this time they are the bit players, tugging at the threads of our lovelies lives.

Sloan has always been the quiet one in this series. The rule follower, toeing the family line. I freaking LOVED that she did what she had to do for HER. Breaking all the family rules - and maybe some family ties along the way.

I liked getting bits and pieces of the leads from the other books, seeing where they are are since we last read about them.

There is still so much more to happen with this family, and I can't wait to see where Ms Robert takes us next.

Forbidden Promises is the fourth book in Katee Robert’s O’Malley series, although it works perfectly fine as a standalone novel. I read it as a standalone novel, and now have the intense desire to go and read the rest of the series. Part of this is to fill in a few of the knowledge blanks I have (although it’s nothing so major as to ruin the individual story, it was little things that seem to play in with the overall storyline of the series), but mostly this desire exists because I want to know more about the world I entered. I came to enjoy our main characters so much, and the side characters left me more than interested to see how their stories played out.

From the start, Forbidden Promises pulled me in. I was addicted from the get-go, unable to put the book down for any period of time. In fact, a few snippy comments were sent my way when people at work noticed my head buried in the book. It really does grip you hard, leaving you curious as to how things will play out. The action and the romance addictive in equal measures, both pulling you deeper and deeper into the world. Usually I can point my finger and say whether I enjoyed the action or the romance more, yet such is not possible with this one. Both had me hooked for very different reasons, both were amazing.

Although the story mainly follows our leading couple, there are undertones of a much deeper story. This is the overall storyline I referred to earlier, and these were the only parts I found hard to get into. The more I read, the more I enjoyed these elements, yet they didn’t make as much sense as they would have if I’d read the prior book. Thus, whilst I say it’s possible to enjoy this as a standalone novel, I would suggest reading the series in order. Moreover, if like me you read this and then plan to go back and read the prior books, reading Forbidden Promises will result in some pretty big spoilers for the rest of the series.

Focusing solely upon the leading characters, without focusing upon the elements of the story relevant to the overall series arc, I can honestly say I adored them. I fell in love with both of the characters, and watching them develop throughout the book was wonderful. Although I wasn’t overjoyed about everything that played out – some things felt a bit too predictable for my liking – the majority of their story left me with a stupid grin on my face. It really is a book filled with emotions, taking you on a wild journey. You’re never quite sure what emotion you will experience next, and everything you’re made to experience will leave you loving the story even more. Whether it’s happiness at the romantic scenes or worry during the action scenes, this story is constantly pulling some kind of emotion from you.

Without a doubt, my introduction to Katee Robert has left me wanting more. I’m positive any fan of the series will love this story.

If you've read this series from the start, then it won't be news when I tell you that the O'Malleys are a crime family in Boston. However, unlike the rest of the series, the world doesn't figure predominantly in the story-line. It's more of a backdrop. The story of Sloan O'Malley moves away from the crime family element the series has been carrying and really focuses on her romantic journey and self-growth.

It's always the quiet ones .... Sloan O'Malley is one of my favorite fictional people. She was the quiet one. The rule follower. The one who never made a fuss. Until she wasn't ... Sloan knew the only way her life was ever going to be her own was if she ran far and fast. And so she did, right smack into Jude MacNamara :)

Jude MacNamara is the last in his family line. He's a man who's sole purpose in life is revenge. He lives and breaths it and nothing or no one is going to get in his way. Or are they? :)

You guys ... these two were explosive. I didn't see this story coming. I've known Sloan from the start and nothing prepared me for her story. It is captivating and passionate and just plain thrilling! It was a fight for love story. It was amazing!

Copy provided for blog tour review

If Peaky Blinders was set in modern day America it would take the form of Katee Robert's Forbidden Promises! From mob families to whirlwind romance, this story is part of a complex web that only seems to grow strand by strand.

I learned that Katee Robert was an exceptional writer when I read The Devil's Daughter earlier this year. Deciding to jump into the increasingly popular O'Malley's series was the next logical choice, so for my readers out there who haven't taken the plunge, go for it!

Sloan O'Malley is living on her own for the first time and she's determined to keep the distance from her family. While keeping her distance from her family is hard, keeping her distance from her new neighbor, Jude MacNamara, is even harder. Jude is out for revenge and it starts with the innocent woman who moved next door. Jude and Sloan are an inevitable couple and their story is hotter than most romances. If you liked Justice and Fallon's whirlwind romance, from Lori Foster's Hard Justice, you'll die for Sloan and Jude.

Forbidden Promises is very much driven by Sloan and Jude's romance, but they're also a small part of a big plot. Even if you haven't read previous O'Malley books, the story is written so enticingly that you will want to read backward to shed more light on some plot points. I am definitely intrigued, so I'll be sitting a little impatiently for the next installment, Undercover Attraction!
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*

Forbidden Promises is the fourth book in the O'Malleys series. I have been following this series from the beginning and though its not like I love this series to bits and pieces, I do enjoy it from time to time. Some books have definitely been more likable for me than others. I think I'm gonna have to put Forbidden Promises in the less liked category. It was a slightly above average read for me.

This is Jude and Sloan's story. We'd met Sloan in the previous books and she has always been the timid and shy sister amongst the O'Malleys. At first, I thought I would like Sloan and I did but not as much as I thought I would. It was because as soon as she met Jude its like she had a total personality change. At the rate at which these changes happened were so damn quick that it was very unbelievable for me.

Then we have Jude. Jude is actually a hit man. His quest in life has been for revenge against the Sheridans because they practically destroyed his family. When Jude meets Sloan he knows she's hiding things. Soon he finds what her connection is to the Boston families but by then its too late. He's already fallen for her. I liked that Jude was protective of Sloan but other than that I didn't find anything super special about him.

Sloan and Jude made for an unlikely pair. They were complete opposites on paper and their personalities. I usually love that but I didn't see the connection between these two here. There is no friends to lovers or taking their time. Everything happens within a week and soon they are on the run from their enemies. I found this really hard to believe and that decreased my enjoyment of the book.

We also get glimpses of the remaining O'Malley siblings and I'm looking forward to Aiden's book next. Dmitri Romanov is an interesting character and there is definitely something brewing between Keira and him. I have a feeling they'll get a book sooner or later. Forbidden Promises has action and people trying to get their own way but somehow it didn't really click for me. This was an okay read.

*Note: A copy of this book was provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review. We thank them.

4.5 stars!! My favorite of the series.

Love this O'Malley series and Sloan and Jude are my new favorite couple.

Sloan is innocent in many ways and Jude is not! While he is out for revenge...she is learning how to live life on her own. Jude knows he should stay away from her, but he just can't seem to. Katee definitely writes good scene!

Part of the joy of this series is the interconnection with all the characters. We get to see a little of almost everyone. Sloan has to learn to stand on her own two feet and Jude learns that there is more to life than his life long vendetta.

This is one of the most enjoyable mob families and great story telling!

I voluntarily reviewed an uncorrected advance reader copy of this book from the Publisher via Net Galley.

This is a great read with lots of suspense and drama. I loved the chemistry between Sloan and Jude. The story is a fast-paced roller coaster ride that I just could put down. Sloan and Jude are on the run together and even though Jude is all alpha I love the way Sloan knows how to handle him. I great read!

while a standalone, forbidden promises, is probably a book best read in its proper series order. i hadn't read the earlier books in this series and i found myself having to stop and make sense of the family connections and problems. daughter of an irish mob family, sloan o'malley has fled to avoid an arranged marriage that would secure her family's future.

she's always been the one to do what was expected of her. so the fact that she fled, that she's trying to stand on her own two feet, it's a big deal. life outside of her family is pure freedom compared to the danger of living amidst her family's enemies. but she is still an o'malley. and while her brother who has joined up with the sheridan family might be protecting her, he's also more concerned about his own interests. and there's the hallorans to worry about. and the russian, dmitri romanov. (keeping all the mob family dynamics straight is part of the reason why i think this series is best read in order.)

but really everyone should be worrying about jude mcnamara. he didn't seek sloan out. he wasn't watching for her, even though he knows exactly who she is. he was actually watching for her landlady, sorcha o'connor. but as much as he wanted to repel her interest, he can't help himself. he's crazy attracted to her. she's crazy attracted to him. and the intensity of that attraction as well as how quickly the stakes rise as their relationship deepens makes every moment they're together a crazy adrenaline rush.

they have to go on the run, and the situation between siblings, between families grows precarious, and none of that matters as long as they can stick together. before they've fully accepted their feelings jude and sloan are a unit. they were meant to find each other. they should have never, ever met. jude is the last of the mcnamara's for a reason. but he becomes sloan's. and sloan is his. and she gets it now, why her sister chose some guy over her family. jude is her heart, her future, her everything.

somehow he manages to get them out of the immediate mess they are in, but you can see where things remain up in the air. the next novel in this series looks like it will focus on aiden, the eldest o'malley brother. but i am most intrigued by keira's story. the dance she is currently playing with romanov seems to indicate that everything will come to a head in her story. the attraction between them feels so wrong, and so right.

anyway, i need to do some catch up with this series, but the taste i got with forbidden promises makes me think that it will be worth it.

All Sloan O’Malley ever wanted was a normal life. She fled Boston and her left family far behind only to try to start over in the little town of Callaway Rock. Now able to spread her wings and find out who she really is, she can never really be free from the danger of being an O’Malley. And she’s about to learn that lesson the hard way from her far too gorgeous and highly secretive next-door neighbor.

“You shouldn’t say things like that.”
“It’s the fucking truth, sunshine.” He stroked her bottom lip with his thumb, his hand gentle yet holding her in place easily. “You’re a good girl. I don’t have to spend any time with you to know that. You deserve better than the likes of me, even for a fuck. But that’s the difference between us. I’m not good. I might as well be the goddamn devil as far as you’re concerned, but I’ve never been good at walking away when I have my mind set on something. And, sunshine, I have my mind set on you.”

Jude MacNamara knows the business of death. It’s something that has followed him most of his life. His family was destroyed by the Sheridans and now he’s on the verge of having the revenge that has so patiently waited for. But when a wide-eyed girl unexpectedly appears, she steals far more than just his best chance at vengeance. She steals his heart as well.

Can they leave their past behind or will the age-old mob family vendetta finally tear them apart?

“You’re more dangerous than any drug I’ve heard of.”

We have been waiting for Sloan’s story and Katee delivers it with one seriously sensual punch! She perfectly penned an innocent (but far from naïve) heroine who only gets stronger as the pages unfold. It’s gritty, dangerous and wildly sexy – and the series just keeps getting better…

Seeking to cut off all ties with the crime family Sloan O'Malley has grown up with she goes into hiding with the help of her brother and his Crime Boss wife. Jude MacNamara lives to exact revenge on the man who killed his entire family. As their attraction grows can their personal secrets prove to be more powerful then their newfound love?

In Forbidden Promises book four in the O'Malley series Katee Robert's joined two lost souls and gave them hope. Jude MacNamara's almost feral persona exuded menace and danger as he at first pushed away and then literally stalked Sloan like the hits he was hired to eliminate. The seemingly timid and fragile Sloan, who easily flinched and acted skittish in his presence, piqued Jude's curiosity when he detected flashes of spirit she could not contain. As this couple drew together, each soothing the other's painful longings, a unique romance broke through. Jude offered Sloan a chance at the freedom she always dreamed of and Sloan stepped in and offered Jude a reprieve from the isolation his upbringing and his relentless goal of revenge placed him in. Ms. Robert's translation of feelings to words was true to her characters and felt personal in her story's telling. A great suspense component kept this work lively even as this author's characters explored their high intensity chemistry. Katee Roberts took her story and ran right into a happily ever after with Forbidden Promises sure to make it a guaranteed hit with readers!

Forbidden Promises combines passion with intrigue and danger in a fast paced and entertaining story set in the Irish mob underworld. The addictive plot captivated me and I read this book almost in one sitting! It is well-written with great characterization and a perfect pace. The story starts off like a small town romance. The heroine, Sloan O’Malley, has chosen to leave her pampered life of Mafia princess behind. Against her father's wishes, she wants the freedom to make her own choices and has escaped her Boston mob family with the help of one of her brothers. She has relocated to a small town on the West Coast, and has started a new life, working at a local diner and trying to remain under the radar.

She is intrigued by her surly neighbor, Jude. He is mysterious, overbearing, high handed, and yet Sloan is attracted to him. As it happens, Jude is the last surviving member of a rival mob family. He is a lone wolf, dangerous and cold, who falls for sweet and sassy Sloan. Their chemistry sets the pages on fire! Jude is not a protector, but rather a hit man with a hidden agenda. He has no idea how much his life will change after meeting Sloan, though. He is close to seeing his endgame realized, but he could lose her in the process, and it changes everything. He doesn’t want her to be a casualty in the war he has started to avenge his family. He knows they won’t be allowed to ride off in the sunset, their future is uncertain, but he is prepared to fight for Sloan and deal with mob politics.

The characters were the strength of this book for me. I loved how they both grew as the story unfolded. Not to mention that there was enough action and drama to keep me invested in this gripping mafia romance! The author surprised me at some point, mainly because I expected the story to progress in a different way, and I really liked that. Forbidden Promises is the fourth installment in the O’Malley series, but it can be read as a standalone, in my opinion. I will read the other books in the series, I want to know more about the intriguing O’Malley siblings. I’m definitely hooked!

An advanced copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher, via NetGalley.

I freaking love, love, LOVE this series! It's an elaborate and intense world filled with twists and turns. Seriously exciting! It's a tangled web of deceit, drama, love, and family. Excellent characters and details. This was so, so good. Loved every second of Jude and Sloan’s story.

Sloan and Jude were awesome. I loved their connection, their feistiness and sparing. That bit of animosity in the beginning that draws them together as well as the attraction was fantastic. I've always been curious about Sloan, this quiet seemingly naïve girl and I loved getting to really know her. I thought she had an amazing transformation. I loved watching her come into her own, find her place and and become such a force of strength. And Jude, talk about a changed man. He seemed to be breed for vengeance and then here comes Sloan, knocking him off his axes. It made it so much fun to read. I loved that Jude was commanding and sexy and oh my with the dirty talking mouth. They both of so many wonderful changes taking place as they grow and come together. I loved their journey.

Besides the love story, I loved the crime family drama that was happening, it kept me on the edge of my seat. Alliances, and backstabbing, and people thinking they know what's right and all these back door deals. Holy wow! The betrayal. The power dynamic between families and men and women. There was a lot going on but I love how it was presented. I’m seriously hooked. This is book four in the series so it was great to see how all the couples from past books and different connections associated to them have come into play. I love the continuing storylines.

I love the multiple POV’s and getting a glimpse into everyone's head to see where they're. I was excited to get more Aidan and get some foreshadowing for his love interest and getting more details on Dimitri Romanov too. This wicked man totally fascinates me and I loved getting to see a different side of him. I will be beside myself when it comes time for his story.

This story, just like the others in the series, is filled with emotion and heat, action packed moments, drama, an excellent love story and sexy times. It really has it all. The writing is excellent. Everything is just so well thought out and detailed. I loved the build and pace. It’s just all so exciting and awesome! A must read for sure!

Complimentary copy received for honest review.

See my blog post.....

Every book in the O'Malley series has been suspenseful and fraught with danger as well as sexy but this book just took it to another level. Sloan O'Malley has escaped from Boston and her family with the help of her brother Teague. But her other brothers and sisters don't know where she is or if their enemies have her so they are searching for her. Sloan meets Jude who is mysterious and also very dominant as well as secretive. They start to get together and within a week when both their identities come out, they make a choice to run together. Aiden is looking for Sloan but also found out information out about his brother which angers and devestates him at the same time. We also see Dmitri their enemy start to show interest in the self destructive Keira. All in all it's a great love story for Sloan and Jude bug also sets up future stories for the O'Malleys. This series gets better and is never repetitive.
I voluntarily was given a copy by publisher and this is my honest unbiased review.

Review to follow shortly.

Oh, this series.

Ms. Robert gives us the most impossible scenarios--makes us want to see couple together that are made up of the last two people on earth who should ever be together, makes us think that an HEA is going to be impossible, and then somehow still manages to deliver one. I have no clue how she does it, but OMG, does she ever have me hooked.

Jude and Sloan's story is no exception. These two are all wrong for each other--never should work--but yep, they totally do. I mean, I knew she'd get them together somehow in the end, but even at 85% still wasn't sure how she'd ever manage it...which is exactly how she keeps me turning the pages like an addict.

I see what you did there, Ms. Roberts. And yes, your not-so-subtle hints about who the last two single O'Malleys are going to be hooking up with is going to have me hitting that "to-read" button oh-so-fast...

Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

5 There's A New Player In Town Stars!!!

This is Book Four in this addictive series and we're finally getting Slone's story....and what a story it is! Slone has always known what's expected of her and she's somewhat sat in the background and been the quiet one of the family. When the Russians enter their Mafia fed world and before Slone is forced to fulfill her familial obligation, she's given the opportunity to "escape" the family obligation thanks to her brother and her world opens wide!

Slone is living in this small Oregon town, working at a diner. Which given her upbringing I found a little humorous since she's never worked a day in her life. But one of the things I loved most about this book is seeing her become her own woman and understanding that finding satisfaction from doing a good job really does brighten your day. She's also taken up yoga and apparently taking on her neighbor Jude!

Let's talk about Jude for a minute...he's hot, he's sexy and he's mysterious! Is there a better combo out there? I think not!! Jude is in this same small town to seek revenge and finding an innocent like Slone was not on his agenda. However, he just can't seem to help himself by being drawn to her and what she has to offer and she's got a LOT to offer, so these two take some steps that change both their lives!

This story moves at a pace that is perfect for this storyline and series. For me, it's a book that drew me in, grabbed me by the throat and wouldn't' let go. There's action, love, sex, angst and drama. We get to see other members of the O'Malley family which made me smile and we to see what happens when what a man is looking for changes when he meets a woman that makes him re-think everything he thought he knew and wanted prior to her bursting into his life.

While technically this could be a standalone, IMO it can't be read without reading the previous three books as you'd miss out on a lot of the machinations of the families that got them to the point they're at now.

Everyone always says it's the quiet girls you have to watch out for...Sloane epitomises that in spades!!

Sloan managed to get away from her Irish Mob family. She is sick of being sheltered from their dealings and wants a clean break. She finally gets far away from their influence. Now in Washington State, she is as far as she could get from life in Boston. She scrapes a living in a diner and rents a small house from a relative of her sister in law. The only blip on her humdrum but oh so safe life...the grumpy hottie next door!

Jude has other thongs on his mind than the little mouse who moved next door. He's a skilled hitman and she is messing with his assignment! His revenge has been stewing for decades and he can feel it in his grasp. Colm will feel his wrath and he'll be rid of the spectre's of his past. He does not need Sloane complicating matters.

This was not my usual read and not something I'd generally consider. But I cannot deny it was a finely crafted piece of work. The characters leap off the page and whilst they are from the murkier side of life, they all have some characteristics you can admire; loyalty, resilience, etc. The tangled web of the 3 Irish Mob families and the lurking menace of the Russian Mob give a great sense of danger and a great backdrop on which to play out this every emotion driven story.

My only main quibble was that the bookcover model didn't gel with the description of Jude. Where was my manbun wearing "Brock"? But other than that a great story.

Forbidden Promises by Katee Robert is another sexy and emotional addition to the O'Malley series. With fantastic writing and an incredible plot, it kept me hooked from the first words to the very end.
Jude and Sloane were such great characters and were even better together as a couple. Their every interaction was filled with chemistry and an undeniable connection. I loved the way the author brought them together: the innocent mob princess and the ruthless killer. They were so different yet so destined for each other. I loved the way the author wrote the progression of their relationship, as it made be believe in their love and their growth as a couple.
As with the other books in this series, it was well-balanced with sensual romance and heart-pounding action. I love that the author's books don't have any unnecessary drama in them, leaving the reader with a story with pure substance. The POVs we were given from the other O'Malley siblings was just an added bonus to this book. I absolutely cannot wait for Aiden and Keira's books, which will be coming next. Katee Robert has created an amazing series with the O'Malley books, and I am looking forward to reading what she has in store for us next.

The O'Malley family saga continues with the fourth book and the fourth sibling to have her own story. Sloan O'Malley has run away from home, refusing to become the next pawn in her father's plan for dominating the Boston Mafia scene. Little does she know, she's not running away from the old life, but directly to it. Jude Macnamara has dreamt of vengeance for his family. The Sheridans need to pay for the lives that were lost. But then he encounters Sloane, innocent but somehow connected to the treacherous Sheridans. The attraction between them is unmistakable but can their past get in the way of their present?
Ms. Roberts has managed to craft a tale about siblings trying to escape the life that they were born to but cannot seem to escape. The O'Malley series is violent, sexual and sometimes does have that veneer of hopelessness. Each story is unique but quite connected (therefore it really is helpful if the series is started from the start) and Forbidden Promises is no exception. The romance between Jude and Sloane still has that air of futility at first but it's really wonderful how the story just continuously expands and develops from there. It does have violence and the sex is raw but the story and the series itself is definitely compelling. Looking forward to how the series ends.