Instead of soaking up the SoCal sunshine while housesitting for my aunt, I’m dealing with a Pomeranian who thinks she’s a Pitbull, two half-sisters who would happily prune me off the family tree, and him. Vaughn Shaughnessy. Hot model about to go nuclear, dangerously sexy flirt whose perceptive green eyes promise he’s more than just a pretty face. He’s the kind of walking, talking temptation I should avoid, but that’s impossible because he also happens to be my extremely lickable—I mean likeable—neighbor.

He’s turning me into a hot mess.

Thing is, I can’t handle more messes in my life. I’m still trying to come to terms with the monumental ones in my past, and getting involved with Vaughn—even for temporary summer fun—is guaranteed to get messy. I don’t dare risk it, but I’m not sure I can resist…

*********************************************************************************************************************

REVIEW

This is a book that's themed with loss and even though it had that in it - I at no time felt like it was so drama filled that I needed to put it down and walk away. This book centered around Vaughn and Kendall and they pretty much are the perfect everything. Rising star and model...sounds pretty perfect doesn't it? Things though aren't what they always seem. This is one of those books that I think everyone should read. These two authors are quick becoming my one-quick reads.

When I saw that Robin Bielman and Samanthe Beck, two of my favorite authors, had teamed up to co write a sexy new romance I wanted to do backflips. Since I'm sure I can't pull that off any longer I just gave a loud "Oh heck yeah!!" Trust me when I say they did not disappoint! This story has all the fun and flirty parts that I expect from Ms Bielman and well as all the heat I know Ms Beck will always deliver. Their combo made for one fantastic story that will be a favorite beach read this year. Kendall and Vaughn's story will have you laughing out loud as Kendall tries to deal with a crazy dog, her equally crazy stepsisters, and worst of all her drop dead gorgeous neighbor. House sitting for her aunt was suppose to be relaxing.....yeah right!

Don't miss this one. I highly recommend it.

4.5 stars

Promise Me by Robin Bielman & Samanthe Beck drew me in from the first page and held my interest until the last.
A great read, loveable characters and a great Sunday afternoon read.

*Thank you to the publisher via Netgalley for the advance copy.*

I did enjoy the book however I didn't agree with the majority of people or the amount of stars it got, just saying. So we meet Kendall who is at her aunt's house to house sit while her aunt was on vacation and to have a place to think about her future and what she wants to do with it. She was tricked by her aunt along with her half sisters in thinking they were the only one who was going to house sit, but her aunt had tricked them so that they could spend some quality time and to have a relationship since they never got along. While their she meets and is instantly attracted to her neighbor Vaughn a gorgeous underwear model and this is the part that bugged me, I get that she had gone thru a tragedy and it was difficult to carry on but the back and forth drove me crazy, I want you but I can't, I love you but I can't, kiss me but dont, come on! So I had some trouble liking her for a little bit I tried to remind myself that she was young and she had guilt but still, and I found it a little slow at times, anyhoo all that being said I am nosy and want to know what happens with her sisters and his roomates..

The story of Vaughn and Kendall is a slow burn. A chance meeting, or was it fate? Kendall and Vaughn both on different life trajectories suddenly find themselves in each other's orbit.

Kendall, learning to live with her past and hoping for forge a better future finds Vaughn the bad boy who can break down her walls and defenses. Can Vaughn earn her trust?

Vaughn, on the rise to be a Hollywood star is looking for some control of his life, including who he wants to spend his time with. After being "saved" Kendall finds herself in Vaughn's spotlight. Can Kendall accept being in the public eye?

There re so many "moments" and feels in this book and you can't help but root for their HEA. Vaughn is a swoon-worthy book boyfriend and Kendall comes across as being sweet and genuine. This was a really good read.

"You're the most beautiful thing I've ever touched." ~ Vaughn

This amazing story grabs your attention from start to finish. Vaughn and Kendall have commanding presence in this story. Kendall is trying to pull her life back together and goes to her aunt to house sit. Vaughn is the next door neighbor who has Kendall rethinking about past mistakes and whether he is a risk worth taking. I voluntarily agreed to receive an ARC of this book for an honest review.

I struggled to read and finish Promise Me. In my opinion, it was unbalanced. The first half was too focused on introducing us on other people namely Kendall's sisters and Vaughn's roommates and it's frustrating that we don't know how Dixie (?, Kendall's sister, not Amber though) celebrated her win. I sure hope it wasn't with Dylan because that dude is set on menages with 2 women and I am not sure how that would work with them. The authors have left plenty of hints and room for some followup books and I would like to give them a chance, even though this book didn't leave me with the best impressions. First of all, when I think of it, the first thing that pops into my mind is that it was dragging. For the first half of the book, we don't see much happening in the romance department. Kendall's past is making her judge Vaughn and she has to fix her relationship with her sisters, which I cannot say that it happened. Things appeared somewhat fixed though and if you ask me, it only happened because the plot needed it to happen. I would have love to have them spend a girls night or something and that maybe can happen in another book because we all know that they are coming. The weird thing is that Kendall's father seemed like a nice person and I don't understand why Dixie hates Kendall so much. Overall, I have to say that this duo did not work for me as much as I would have liked since I am a fan of Samanthe Beck's books. Still, I am willing to give it another chance.

There are at least three underlying drama type themes running through this storyline, folks. The first obvious one is the dysfunctional relationship Kendall, the heroine, has with her two half sister siblings, all who wind up living under the same roof over the summer. I think it is safe to say this was added for those who enjoy a sisterhood mending/bonding type scenario. Also, I’m pretty sure you’ll see these ladies paired off with other sub-characters in future books.

The second is Kendall’s own personal turmoil of a past, horrific teenage mistake that wrecked the life of someone she loved and hers all at the same time. It’s made her an emotional, hand wringing damsel in distress, emotional mess.

Thirdly is “too gorgeous for his own good” Vaughn, the hero, who upon meeting Kendall seems to switch from a partier, playboy bunny model, wanna be reality TV host, to wanting to know and be only with her. His baggage is juggling his career with an over controlling daddy manager. Both of whom also are grieving the loss of someone they loved.

I feel a tad bit guilty to admit it all became rather exhausting. I promise you I tried really hard to fall in love with this book. The sweet book cover definitely lured me in. Maybe it was simply just too much personal drama resulting in too many over analyzed feelings floating around. Kendall’s closure session was quite the tear jerker though, which made me feel even guiltier for my mixed luke warm feelings for this book.

More than likely it was the slow pace of the book and the mechanic at times writing. At halfway through, this main couple still really wasn’t in a relationship yet. When several lusty, smexy scenes set in, I found myself skimming over them waiting for the inevitable wrap up.

Here’s to hoping others really enjoy this book. Despite it’s pulling at the heart strings theme, I just came off as a stereotypical rather predictable read for me.

Title: Promise Me, Author: Samanthe Beck/Robin Bielman, Pages: 278, stand-alone, VERY graphic smexy scenes starting a little past mid-way, gorgeous top model hero, hand wringing emotional mess heroine,

(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review, nor is there any affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)

The romance is fun, sexy and the witty dialogue keeps a smile plastered on my face from start to finish. Amazing!! A fantastic well written read with a great storyline that holds your attention as you get caught up in the fierce curveballs and hot chemistry of the characters. Plenty of excitement and heartfelt story! Another must read by Robin Bielman and Samanthe Beck. Definitely recommend

Beautiful

The characters were interesting and perfect for each other


I loved the ending

I give this book a 5 stars

This was a first for me for both authors. And I have to say when I was done I was looking them both up and wanting to read all their words! This was a fun, sexy, and surprisingly emotional read which is my favorite ingredients for a great story. Vaughn and Kendall will hook you from the beginning and not let go. This is definitely a must read and I look forward to more from both of these authors!

I can't quite place when I become so engrossed in this story, all I know is that I am invested all the way. Truly an enigmatic read for any fans of New Adult romance out there. It is a heartfelt story between star-crossed lovers who fight their way to be together. It is tender and sweet. A story to touch all of your hearts.


After saving a handsome, albeit drunk 'boy-next-door' from a frightful accident. Kendall Hewitt learns that the said neighbor turns out to be the infamous model; Vaughn Shaughnessy. What she didn't expect is the immediate attraction to this green-eyed boy and his to hers. But she got too much on her plate at the moment; two half-sisters under the same roof, a troubled past, and an indecisive future to juggle with. Certainly romance can't come into play.

Say what you will about how New Adult romance should be steamy and playful at best. But I love soft-core romance more than anything, and this story completely covered that aspect. I love how tender and soft they are with each other. Their relationship is based on mutual respect, understanding, and intimate shared secrets.

Not only that, but the story itself offers a different view of family. I wouldn't spoil anyone because I want you to find out for yourself. I love the growth of Kendall relationship with her half sisters. They have a somewhat weird dynamic but it works. Honestly, I just want to see how they turn out if the authors would grace us with another books! Because Hells yeah, I would read it!

The plot unravel itself slowly as their relationship progress with time. It reached its peak at the perfect time. I couldn't have asked for more better pacing in romance story. I didn't just read this story, I devour it word by word. And when I finally reached its end I felt truly at peace and settled.

4.5 Breathtaking Stars!
I loved Vaughn and Kendall in this opposites attract romance. Vaughn is a model, rising Hollywood star, and Kendall is laying low trying to decide where her life is going. She has a heartbreaking past that she is trying to overcome. She is attracted to her sexy neighbor but doesn't want the attention his famous status would attract. But Vaughn likes that she doesn't want him for his fame or money and he can't stop thinking of the sexy neighbor who keeps his secrets. Vaughn is taking control of his career and life and he will do whatever it takes to have Kendall with him. This fun, steamy and heartfelt story grabbed me right from the start and wouldn't let go. Vaughn and Kendall's story had several twists and turns that had me laughing one minute, then was heartbreaking and taking my breath away the next. I also loved Vaughn's roommates along with Kendall's sisters who made this story even more fun and intriguing. I would definitely love to read more about all of them! These authors are new to me and I really loved this world that they created and all the emotions they made me feel. I can't wait to read more from them.

4 Stars

What a great read! Promise Me was a heartfelt, emotional journey. The authors of Beilman and Beck were a dynamic duo!

Vaughn was a hero full of heart and loyalty and Kendall was a beautifully complex heroine; together they were fantastic! I also really enjoyed the growth we saw in the relationships between the sisters! Love isn't always about romance! Great read!

AnnMarie - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog

This standalone read is a must for fans of Robin Bielman and Samanthe Beck. I couldn't tell where one author started and the other picked up.

This story left me wanting more, not because it had a cliff-hanger ending but because I LOVED the other characters and wanted more.

Two unlikely characters meet and must tackle secrets from their past, family expectations and their own desires. Who will they put first?

The romance is hot, the plot pulls you in and the pace is fast and binge worthy.

There's so much to love about this wonderfully written romance. The beautiful relationships and characters are fabulous. The sisters and their complex, convoluted relationship was emotional, funny and almost overshadowed the romance. I loved them all and can't wait for Dixie and Amber's stories. Likewise, the guys are all fantastic and so individual and sexy in their own way. Kendall is special and I knew her story was going to be tragic and emotional as it slowly unfolded but Vaughn stole the story for me. The sexy, dirty talking, beautiful AF hunk is everything you could want in a hero as he falls for Kendall and is there for her at her most vulnerable. I loved the story as Kendall and Vaughn built their relationship, Kendall discovered her true calling and Vaughn fought to move his career forward. When the story ramped up into the emotional, angsty, heartbreaking portion with Kendall's devastating past coming front and center it moved fast and wasn't my favorite part of the story. Really angsty stories aren't my thing but this did bring a few tears to my eyes. The maneuvering at the end was a little far fetched but gave us a good ending to this sizzling romance with a couple that's TDF. The storyline was a little on the nose with the current cultural elements and even the names. I had to chuckle and shake my head a couple of times. I did like the cautionary tale portion of the story in regards to social media. Great writing duo and terrific first story in a new series. Bring on the wild child and the cop! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.

I am a Samanthe Beck fan from way back particularly the earlier novels. I was unfamiliar with Robin Bielman. But their collaboration doesn’t incline me to read any of her novels as this one just didn’t gel with me.

Kendall and Vaughn meet un-cute and in a way that makes her distrust him immediately. He, however is instantly attracted. There are a lot of scenes of him being charming and her pushing him away. OK. She has a dark past that haunts her ability to trust herself. He, on the other hand, has daddy issues—you don’t see that a lot in heroes. Now, she’s 22 and he’s 24 but they both seemed like teenagers to me. Much of the novel is slow-moving, in a way that some readers will find “slow burn” and others, “ big yawn.” Put me down for the latter.

She’s got two tragic sisters and he has two hot roommates, and can you spell “S-E-R-I-E-S”?

The best character is the dog, and I trust she’ll be in the sequels. If so, I just might read on!

ARC received for an honest review.

PROMISE ME is a contemporary, romance stand-alone co-authored by Robin Bielman and Samanthe Beck. This is twenty-four year old, model Vaughn Shaughnessy, and twenty-two year old, grad student Kendall Hewitt’s story line.

Told from dual first person points of view (Vaughn and Kendall) PROMISE ME follows the building relationship between twenty-four year old, model Vaughn Shaughnessy, and twenty-two year old, grad student Kendall Hewitt. Kendall, along with her two step-sisters are spending the summer in Hollywood, California house sitting for their Aunt Sally. When a near accident finds Kendall rescuing an intoxicated Vaughn, our heroine discovers that life as she knows it is about to change when Vaughn Shaughnessy pursues his ‘guardian angel’. What ensues is the building relationship and love between Vaughn and Kendall, and the potential fall-out as Kendall is unable to let go of the past, and Vaughn’s career hopes spiral out of control.

Kendall Hewitt has been estranged from her older step-siblings, step-siblings who grew up without their dad. When Aunt Sally secretly requested each sister look after her house and babysit the dog, Kendall had no idea how close the sisters were about to become but sins of the past continue to haunt our story line heroine, sins for which she is unable to forgive or let go. Vaughn Shaughnessy’s star is on the rise but not everything goes according to plans when a video goes viral destroying his chances at something new.

The relationship between Vaughn and Kendall is one of immediate attraction but Kendall struggles with sins of the past, and Vaughn battles demons of his own. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Kendall’s half-sisters: Dixie and Amber, as well as Kendall’s parents, her best friend Brit; Vaughn’s friends and room mates Dylan and Matt, model Rebecca Bismark, as well as Vaughn’s father and manager , and producer Nigel Cowie. Here’s hoping the authors are developing future story lines for Kendall’s sisters, and Vaughn’s room mates.

PROMISE ME is a story of family, friendship, betrayal and love. The premise is engaging, energetic and emotional; the characters are colorful, dynamic and flirty; the romance is spirited and moving. PROMISE ME is a story about secrets and forgiveness in a world that covets gossip and lies.

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4.5 Stars for Promise Me
I’m relatively new to both these authors so I when I found out they were teaming up I was excited to get my hands on Promise Me and let me tell you they did not disappoint, this book has it all !!!!!
Vaughan and Kendall are perfect, they are kind, funny and just a little bit complicated and everything about this adorable couple with have you falling in love with them and their story.
This beautifully written love story will leave you with all the feels you expect in a great read, it’s witty, it’s emotional, it’s has plenty of witty banter and did I mention it has a hero who is oh so swoon worthy. But this book is not just about Vaughan and Kendall ‘s romance it also covers Kendall’s relationship and love of her sister’s which adds to the depth of this story. Characters I fell in love with, a story I believed in all made this the book I didn’t want to end. Well done to this duo.

Kendall is still reeling from what has happened to her and needs a break so she agrees to housesit for her aunt over the summer. The last thing she expected to do was fall in love with megastar model and next door neighbor Vaughn. Shy, introverted Kendall doesn't know what he sees in her but maybe a casual fling is exactly what she needs. Her two half-sisters seem to think so but the more she's around Vaughn, the harder she's falling for him. Can she be the girlfriend of a celebrity and still be herself? All she asks him is to. . . Promise Me.

Wow, just wow! I've never read anything by Samanthe Beck (yet) and I've only read one book by Robin Bielman but these two women know how to write romance. The characters leap off the page, complete with their own demons, insecurities and hopes for love. The sister dynamic between the three half-sisters added just the right amount of angst while not detracting from the romance. The romance is a swoonfest and the way Vaughn intuitively knows what to say and do to show his feelings to Kendall sealed the deal for me. Once I started reading, I couldn't stop!

It's the must-have book everyone needs to read this summer!

Disclaimer: I received a copy from Entangled Publishing via Netgalley in the hopes I'd review it.

My Rating: 5+ stars