Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
Tragedy struck Claire McKenna when she was approaching the top of her tennis game. Not only did it shatter her dreams of a professional career, it shattered the way she moved, the way she walked, and her self-confidence.

Cocooning herself in Sanctuary Sound, she's made a comfortable life for herself. Until one of her best friends steals her boyfriend and once again made her the object of pity.

Then Logan Prescott returns to town along with his boyfriend-stealing sister. He's always admired Claire and now wants nothing more to resolve the pain of betrayal between Claire and his sister. However, once he gets to know Claire again, he likes the woman she's become and he is now determined to break Claire out of her shell.

I really enjoyed this book, the way Claire's feelings were so heartfelt and real leaving the reader knowing exactly what she was going through.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series – and I would recommend that you read them in order, as you will meet Claire and her troubles in that book too. It will help you understand just how traumatic the split in the friendship between her and Peyton was, and the difficulties faced by Steffi as she is close to them both. Small town life means that she lives in a gold fish bowl but has no prospect of leaving. As the story progresses, it is easy to see how she has been trapped, and how her loving parents have increased the strength of her fears.

Logan, Peyton's brother, has brought Peyton back to their family home to recover from her breast cancer treatment. He has known Claire all her life due to her friendship with Peyton, and he's well aware of her childhood crush on him. But right now, everything is broken and he is doing all he can to make Peyton happy. So it is inevitable that he will have to work on restoring some of the threads that held the friends together. Finding that he finds Claire to be beautiful, talented, and yet clearly closed off from life, he has a second mission – to make her break out of her prison.

You may surmise from this that Logan is driven and determined. He really is, and yet he does it out of love, even if he hasn't worked that bit out yet! It is moving, and also fun watching the two of them come to a position of unexpected mutual happiness. Amazing how both bending a little can make such a positive contribution to a relationship!

I enjoyed how there are some fascinating real issues of ethics and morals balanced with real life and love – how do you hate someone who stole your boyfriend, yet is suffering from cancer, and he left her as soon as he found out? Having been shot in a freak accident, how do you ignore the facts about the danger of guns, crowds and traffic, and manage to enjoy yourself in spite of the possibility of another injury? When is place a home – when beautifully decorated or when the person you love is there too?

I am looking forward to the next installment in this lovely series.

Jamie Becks latest book The Promise of Us is the second book on the series but never fear, it can be enjoyed ad a stand alone. Ms Beck is a new favorite author for me. I love the style of her writing and the way she draws me into the characters lives. This story is fulll of emotion and you are glad to be along for the ride. I recommend this story

This story had a plot that was fraught with relationship drama. I admit it was a book that I kept putting down as I was easily distracted from the story! I am usually one that can't put a book down. Once I got into the main storyline I enjoyed the book. Takes a little time to grab you, but a decent read!

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my open and honest review!

This was a wonderful story about second chances, forgiveness, healing and over coming your fears.

This is the 2nd book in the Sanctuary Sound series, however, it can be read as a stand alone book.
Claire is working on starting up her own company with her best friend Steffi. Just when she thinks things couldn't get worse, her ex-best friend, Peyton, and Peyton's brother, Logan, move back to town and flip Claire's whole world upside down. 

I genuinely enjoyed Claire and Logan's story. I found the characters very relatable. I was genuinely invested in both if the characters and was eager to see how their lives played out!

I was given an ARC of this book and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

<b>DNF @ 13%</b>

In the first chapter we learn:
- Claire was involved in a mass shooting as a teen, ending a promising tennis career and leaving her with a limp and cane but don't worry about her living off junk food in her 30s because <i>"her body still melted calories like butter in a frying pan."</i>
- one of Claire's besties stole her boyfriend, but then the boyfriend left the Peyton after learning she had breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy.
- the third bestie in their group was the victim of a brutal assault.

The drama continued in chapter two when we learn Claire's parents <i>"had suffered two miscarriages before they had Claire, and one after, which explained why they'd always treated her like she was made of spun glass. Things got worse after the shooting."</i>

I had my heart set on a fun second-chance contemporary, but I couldn't stop the eye-rolling. Everyone so far had to one-up the other with their sob stories.

I Loved Claire’s story. Watching her face her fears and see where she is holding herself back from moving forward. A emotional journey with a great ending. Logan is searching for the next big story but sees the bigger picture in life when he gets to know Claire again.
Love, laughter, friendship and rebuilding of life and friendship. A must read.
I received a advanced copy in exchange for a honest review.

The Promise of Us continues the storyline started in the first book, The Memory of You, but focuses on Claire McKenna. Like Steffi in the first book, Claire is struggling to cope with a really traumatic experience, after being shot when she was 15. Effectively ending the life she had imagined for herself. As an adult, Claire clearly still struggles with the mental and physical aftermath of the shooting, she walks with a cane and has debilitating anxiety and PTSD. On top of all that, she feels betrayed by one of her best friends after her boyfriend leaves her for her friend. And who happens to move back to their small coastal Connecticut town than Claire’s former friend, Peyton, who brings her brother, and Claire’s former childhood crush, with her.

I enjoyed this one quite a bit, but I don’t know if I loved it as much as I did the first book. I’m a sucker for a second-chance love story like the one in the first book, I don’t know if I felt as connected to Claire and Logan’s characters. I found Claire to be a tad frustrating and stubborn at times. I found myself saying “does NO ONE in this town go to therapy?!” Both Claire and her parents have clear PTSD from her being shot over a decade ago. The social worker in me was mildly horrified these characters were still deeply affected by the trauma, yet didn’t seek help. I can understand why Claire didn’t (my dad lives with PTSD from Vietnam and it took him decades), but her parents not seeking help for their trauma really bothered me for some reason.

Overall I still recommend The Promise of Us, it was a 3.75 star
read for me (upgraded to 4 on NG and GR)! I am very excited the next book will focus on Peyton, she’s been the character I’m most interested in throughout the first two books.

I have found another author to add to my list of must read writers: Jamie Beck. The Promise of Us tells the story of Claire, who, as a teenager, was shot in a mall shooting. Not only was Claire’s life irrevocably changed but so were the lives of her parents and friends. The girl who was once known for living the life to its fullest is now a woman who takes very few risks.

When Logan Prescott, the brother of Claire’s former best friend, returns home with his ailing sister, Claire realizes that the crush she’s always had on him still exists. Logan, always a playboy, finds himself attracted to Claire and wants to help her really live her life again.

I enjoyed reading this book. It’s quiet, thoughtful, and the characters react realistically.

Logan might not be the standard male in a romance novel. He’s a bit selfish and manipulative, traits that he acknowledges. In some ways, it was refreshing to see this different type of character as long as, you know, I didn’t have to live with him. On the flipside, he tries to photograph dire humanitarian situations so he is giving back to society and he genuinely cares about his sister and friends, Claire included.

For some readers who can’t put themselves in the shoes of a shooting victim, Claire’s behavior could be hard to tolerate. She lives in physical pain and fear and suffers from anxiety attacks when she’s removed from her comfort zone.

One complaint I have about this novel is that I think Beck waited too long to show us how smothering Claire’s parents are. Now, I completely understand their behavior. When you almost lose a daughter, you do tend to want to shelter them to the extent possible. It seemed that their behavior wasn’t shared with the reader until half-way through or more which felt too late because it gave me a whiplash kind of reaction.

If you are a fan of Susan Wiggs’ stories, you might enjoy The Promise of Us.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Jamie Beck writes a book that contains true and raw emotions that pours from the characters as they try to navigate their stories. In The Promise of Us are three once close friends, one of whom was horribly and painfully hurt by another. Claire was deeply hurt by her friend, Peyton’s, actions and now Peyton is trying to make amends. Peyton’s brother, Logan, is working to ease the way for Peyton with Claire and finds himself enamored by Claire to his surprise. But, can Logan alone crush the impenetrable wall around Claire’s heart when it comes to Peyton?

I was so excited to read The Promise of Us and return to Sanctuary Sound and the friends that we started getting to know in The Memory of You, this time focusing on Claire’s storyline. I thought this was the perfect follow up and really enjoyed just about every last bit of it.

I loved coming alongside Claire as she began overcoming and moving past some of the struggles she faced due to a past tragedy. It was so great watching her grow through the course of the story and I found myself cheering for her every step of the way. And while I had a particularly difficult time with our other main character Logan who was just so vain, selfish, and flat out unlikable for most of the story, instead of diminishing my overall appreciation for the book, for me it actually added to the depth and realness (especially by way of character growth) that make these the wonderful reads that they are.

Just as with the first book, this isn’t a totally light and fluffy read, as it deals with tough topics like gun violence and cancer. Basically I’ve learned to be prepared for all the emotions with this series. I’d consider this (and the first book) a blend of women’s fiction and romance... all rolled into one touching, heartfelt, and beautifully written story. So if that sounds like something you’d be interested in, I’d definitely recommend giving this series a go!

Thank you NetGalley and Montlake Romance for the free copy in exchange for my honest review.

I didn’t think I could love Claire’s story as much as I loved Steffi’s, but of course, I did! I’m loving this Sanctuary Sound series and can’t wait to read Peyton’s story, next!! Beck has such a wonderful way of making these beloved characters authentic and likable, while going through real-life issues. I’m grateful to NetGalley and Jamie Beck for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

It is to appear on the Romance Reviews Today website and am currently checking to see when that will happen. When it does, the review can be found here:
http://romrevtoday.com/Author%20Pages/Beck,%20Jamie/Beck,%20Jamie.htm
There is already a promo blog post on our blog:
http://romrevtoday.blogspot.com/2019/04/promo-promise-of-us-by-jamie-beck.html

THE PROMISE OF US – Jamie Beck
Sanctuary Sound, Book 2
Montlake Romance
ISBN: 978-1503905245
April 9, 2019
Contemporary Romance

Sanctuary Sound, Connecticut – Present Day

Claire McKenna was a survivor of a shooting years ago which then ended her promising tennis career. Not only do the lingering injuries remain with her, but she suffers from PTSD that has her unable to leave the sanctuary of her hometown. A couple of years ago, Claire also lost her boyfriend—not to death, but due to his leaving her for her then best friend, Peyton Prescott. The breakup also destroyed the long-time friendship and Claire has been unable to forgive her former friend. Peyton is now recovering from breast cancer and has returned to Sanctuary Sound—as has Peyton’s brother, Logan, whom Claire has secretly been attracted to all these years. Logan is determined to bring Claire and Peyton back together. Will it also provide Claire and Logan a way to get to know one another better?

Logan is a worldwide journalist who would rather be writing books but his wealthy parents disdain his dreams. Right now, Logan’s first priority is helping Peyton recover, and one of the things they’re doing is working on a journal that they hope will get published. Claire is an interior designer and Logan is looking to get his New York City condo redecorated. She would be the perfect person to hire for the job, but will her being unable to leave Sanctuary Sound hinder the plans? Logan approaches Claire and soon discovers that he likes being around her and wants to get closer to her. Will the wanderlust bachelor find love with Claire?

In THE PROMISE OF US by Jamie Beck, Claire once had it all: the friendship of Peyton and Steffi (another close friend), a promising career in tennis, and an idyllic life. Then, it all was shattered when she got injured in a mall shooting in another city. As Claire has slowly built her life back together, she has been unable to get past the flashbacks and fears of that shooting. This has left her unable to leave her hometown, which is heightened further by her parents overprotectiveness. She once thought she’d found love, but he abandoned her for the (then) vivacious Peyton. But after Peyton was diagnosed with cancer, he abandoned her. Everyone around Claire wants her to forgive Peyton—but can she?

Logan sees the good in Claire and wants to help her, even though she doesn’t want people to feel sorry for her. He uses the redecoration of his condo as an excuse to woo her into forgiving Peyton. But soon, he develops feelings for her that he wants to explore. She continues to resist him, though she doesn’t turn down a chance at a job. Will he be able to convince her to get past her PTSD and see the world beyond Sanctuary Sound? It’s a big task, yet there are serious sparks between them.

THE PROMISE OF US is an emotional tale about recovery and new beginnings as Claire and Logan explore their mutual attraction. But first, there has to be forgiveness and putting the past behind. Will they find a way to a happily-ever-after? While THE PROMISE OF US is related to THE MEMORY OF YOU (Steffi’s story in the first book in the Sanctuary Sound series), this tale can easily be read as a standalone. Don’t miss this absorbing and enjoyable book.

Patti Fischer

4 1/2 Stars! An emotional journey that will break your heart.

When Claire was at the start of her tennis career, she was the victim of a random shooting and it ended her career and life as she knew it. She is still living in her hometown, barely leaving it because of the fear it will happen again. When her boyfriend Todd leaves her, with one of her best friends Peyton, she decides she will never trust anyone again! Less than a year later, Peyton is back in town and recovering from a double mastectomy. And her brother Logan is with her ... the guy that Claire has had a crush on since they met when they were young. Logan is a carefree globe trotting photographer, but right now he is only interested in helping his sister recover from cancer and help mend Peyton's relationship with Claire. But before Logan can get Peyton and Claire back on speaking terms, he has to get Claire to be friend with him ... again.

This book has 2 very sensitive stories ... 1-Claire's fear of leaving the safety of her hometown and 2-Peyton's realization of real life after getting cancer. I so wanted them to become friends again, but yet I understood why Claire didn't want to forgive Peyton. And Logan ... what a good guy ... he just wanted to see his sister happy and in trying to make that happen by trying to mend Peyton and Claire's relationship, he ends up seeing Claire in a whole new light. Even though this book is an emotional journey that will break your heart ... it will make you feel good as well. I can't wait for the next book ... Peyton's book! Not only do I highly recommend this book ... but also the first book "Memory of You". You don't have to read it first, but doing so would make this book much more enjoyable.

I received an early copy courtesy of Montlake Romance through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

A sweet, second chance romance. Clare and Logan are a very sweet couple and I was cheering for them for the whole book.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

Well, this was lovely.

Here, we have Claire and Logan, they’ve met in the past and are now reuniting again just when Claire’s life is not just the best.

Anyway, the main things are said in the blurb of this book, so I won’t repeat that. I just say that it’s everything in between that makes this story lovely. All these characters are flawed and I loved them for it, nothing was black and white here and the journey to forgiveness (give it or accept it) is tricky and might be filled with lots of tears.

The characters were realistic to me, their doubts, their fears; all of that attracted me to them and kept me wanting to read more of this.

In the end, much like the previous book, you end up thinking about this story long after is over.

*Thank you to the author for providing a copy for which I’m giving my honest opinion*

A wonderful emotional read that I had a hard time putting down. A story of forgiveness and moving forward in your life. Claire was shot with a bullet that ended her promising tennis career. She has now lived a sheltered life, afraid of her shadow at times. Plus she has lived with the betrayal of her best girlfriend dating her boyfriend. Now her high school crush, Logan has returned home, who so happens to be her girlfriend's brother. Logan wants to make things better for his sister and Claire, but also develops feelings for Claire. Can Claire move forward in life?

A well written story , Loved Claire but had a harder time with Logan. I felt Logan was very arrogant and self centered, I will say he grew on me towards the end. I think Claire was smothered by her parents, and not given the chance to enjoy life again without fear. I highly recommend this book. I read through my kindle unlimited.

The Promise of Us is a well written romance. I enjoyed the plot, characters and the setting. I highly recommend this book. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley. This is an unbiased review.

I liked that Jamie Beck immediately caught me up with the characters from the previous book, although you can read this book without having read the previous one. This book is amazing and wonderful with the characters, who are so realistic. The touching story of Claire still trying to overcome the tragedy that changed her life when she was 16. The warm cocoon she has built for herself along with her parents help.
Then there is Logan, who longs to have a home and feel loved. He's afraid of commitment and cannot see what is right in front of him. Perhaps that is the photographer in him. Seeing what Peyton, Logan's sister is going through with her cancer just touches your heart as it seems so candid and real.
My heart went out to all of the characters and how their lives were woven together. We all have choices to make with what happens to us but what happens to us does not have to define us unless we want it too. I really liked Claire trying to emerge as a butterfly from her cocoon. I liked how Logan and Claire brought out the best in each other and I liked how Claire made Logan feel and want things he never thought he would. I also liked that he brought his sister and Claire back together and Claire is trying to forgive Peyton, Very touching and very moving. I received an advanced copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

The Promise of Us was an emotional and touching story. Claire McKenna has had a lot of pain and suffering in her life. She lost a man she loved to her best friend and then was hit by a bullet not intended for her. Suddenly her promising career is put aside, and she becomes anxious and fearful of being hurt, in more ways than one. When her business is hit with a hitch, an unexpected opportunity falls on her lap, but does she take the risk?

Logan Prescott was her crush when she was younger. Now he is offering just the break she needs for her business. But with him comes the traitorous best friend that hurt and betrayed her. Logan wants to help his sister find peace, but how far will he take it? Claire is torn between taking a chance on Logan or playing it safe. She was a cautious and fearful, but really, she just needed someone to support and push her. Logan was a playboy but loved his sister and wanted to help her.

The Promise of Us was emotional and heartwarming. There was angst that will captivate you and a story of loss, hope, and second chances.

THE PROMISE OF US (Sanctuary Sound Book 2) by Jamie Beck is a contemporary romance with characters I know I will be thinking about well beyond “The End” of this book. Ms. Beck’s characters in The Sanctuary Sound series are realistically written and fully fleshed enough to walk right off the page. Even knowing my HEA will arrive, the journey is never easy or cookie-cutter in Ms. Beck’s Sanctuary Sound books.

Claire McKenna is the artistic design half of the fledgling company she started with one of her closest childhood friends in her hometown. She has rebuilt her life since losing her promising career as a professional tennis player to a random bullet to the hip in the local mall and her boyfriend who dumped her and left town with her other best friend. Claire was focused on her career and travelled the country, but now she allows her fear to build a wall around her hometown and never takes any risks.

Logan Prescott lives every day trying to live up to his famous grandfather’s legacy. He is a photographer who travels the world trying to find the job that will give him fame and recognition. When his sister is diagnosed with breast cancer, he comes home to be by her side. They have returned to the family home to document Peyton’s cancer fight and Logan would like to get Claire’s forgiveness for his sister, who is the one who stole Claire’s boyfriend.

Logan offers Claire the job of remodeling and decorating his NY condo for enough money to get the store front she wants for the business. He turns on his charm to get Claire to take the job, but he soon finds that Claire has changed and he wants to help her get over her fears as much as he wants forgiveness for his sister. Claire has had a crush on Logan since they were young. Can taking risks with Logan free her or break her all over again?

Get the tissues ready. Claire and Logan are opposites that attract and in the end fill the empty spaces in each other, but not without a lot of emotional growth. Claire’s fears after the shooting and her parents’ over-protectiveness, Peyton’s breast cancer journey and Logan’s emptiness were realistically written and intertwined into a beautiful story. They are imperfect characters that are all changing and on a journey to forgiveness and understanding. The sex scenes are behind closed doors or PG rated. This book can standalone, but Claire’s partner, Steffi has a great story in book 1 of this series that you will not want to miss.

I highly recommend this romance, series and author!