I received this book without asking for it as an apology for not having a copy of another title I should've had. As a result, it really wasn't for me.

I had never read the first book and therefore it made absolutely no sense. It was darker than I was in the mood for at the time

DNF at 26%

*Promise Kept* by K'wan delivers an engaging urban drama filled with complex characters and gritty storytelling. K'wan's mastery in weaving street lore with raw emotional depth shines throughout the novel, capturing the harsh realities and the loyalty among characters.

The narrative drives forward with intense momentum, propelled by sharp dialogue and vivid scenes that paint a realistic picture of life's challenges and the bonds that hold people together. However, some may find the plot occasionally predictable, yet the strong character development and authentic settings largely compensate for any storyline familiarity.

*Promise Kept* is recommended for readers who appreciate urban fiction with strong, nuanced characters and a compelling, fast-paced plot. K'wan fans will not be disappointed, and newcomers will find this a solid introduction to his work.

Amazing sequel to Promise Broken. K'wan never disappoints. I love his style of writing, and the way he makes the story seem true. I could not put this book down.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC of the book.

Broken Promise (Kept’s prequel) made me fall in love w/ st. lit. It was my first run-in and since I’ve read at least 50 novellas & audiobooks in the genre! Read this right after the first or you’re gonna be confused, not remembering who hurt Promise if not B Stone, or who the other killer was (I suspect Asher but will save judgment). We have an unclear time jump (a yearish?), to where Promise is working as a waitress at a NY strip club with shabby chic character. There, she meets a smooth guy called Sincere, who keeps her from getting fired—unlike his hothead brother—for spilling drinks.

Sometimes character’s motives/emotions are over explained but not in relation to the last book. I do like that Asher’s sidekick has the duality to still attend night school and juggle girls, feigning sweet and innocent, while running blocks. I remember Asher being a two-timer last book after looking conflicted if not remorseful, but in this book he’s straight up annoying, trying to act so hard when he’s insecure. “That’s obvious to a duck” took me out, how cute and silly.

It’s interesting the concepts raised like how girls at the club might walk over Promise to later force her into a domme/ dyke relationship. It’s endearing how she’s just a touch naive and shy. Her parental back story is good, touching. The main problem is the abundance of side characters and cliches that make me skim. Also, it seems to follow Promise way less than the guys this volume. Despite that big let-down the moments of violence are super memorable, and anyone who read Purple Reign would be happy for the cameos. I just wanted this book to be much more about Promise and her actually dealing with her attack and lack of family and more genuine if still seedy side hustle. Instead it was practically a dif series about rappers. Not enough lady troubles from the guys even.

Perfect urban fiction I loved the storyline and the characters were well developed. I’m interested to read more from this author

One thing I love about urban fiction you already know what you’re in store for. You’ll get some violence, drugs, money, sex, betrayal, a little romance and some. No matter how many times these same themes are thrown into the mix the stories are never the same. I live for the drama, the messiness, and the overly exaggerated narratives.

K’wan delivered with Promise Kept it was grimy and street in the best way. Literally gotta go back and read book 1 to know what broke Promise in the first place cause I need answers.

Book 2 opens with Promise working as a waitress at a hole-in-the-wall strip club Dirty Wine. It was def giving Players Club with a twist of P-Valley and Power‼️ After the murder of B-Stone, Promise and her bestie Mouse fled to New York City to hide out. But what Promise has to understand is you can’t outrun your past. Trouble will always follow. Asher on the other hand finally put himself in place to be a boss after the death of B-Stone. But his struggle for power will put him in a tough spot left to choose between killing his best friend or sacrificing himself.

This was a twisted tale of mess sooooo much was happening I couldn’t keep up. Action-packed and drama filled doesn’t begin to describe this book. My biggest takeaway was there were way too many characters. Promise, Ruby, Asher, Cal, Sin, Mouse, Unique, Trap . . . .etc I could literally keep going 😂.

Overall, the book was lit very fast-paced and will have you hooked from beginning to end. The character development was okay quite a few of them are memorable. Definitely would recommend if you’re looking for some ratchet urban drama. Special thanks to the author & @blackstonepublishing for my gifted copy‼️

Promise and her best friend Mouse have escaped Newark and are now hiding out in New York City. Although they are working to establish a new life, being wanted by the police and the streets for the murder of B-Stone is weighing heavily on their minds. Promise is a waitress at a seedy strip club and tries to keep a low profile. But her past may come back to haunt her when someone from her past walks into the club. Mouse is making moves of her own. But one night may change Mouse’s life forever. Will Promise and Mouse ever escape their past? Asher is now running the streets after B-Stone’s death. But what sacrifice will he make to remain at the top spot?

Promise Kept is a solid sequel to Promise Broken. You see the growth in Promise as she tries to make it on her own in New York. Readers will also be interested to know what Asher is up to. There are also some new players in the game that keeps the story moving. K’wan gives readers good character development, plot twists , and wordplay with Promise Kept.

There was so much suspense and unexpected chaos that I didn’t know who to trust!! I hope there is more from this crew because I know Asher has more moves to make. I feel like Mouse didn’t get as much page time but I do feel like I know more about Promise. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time and even though I didn't read the first book, I was still able to keep track of what was going on

K’wan has been the undisputed king of urban, contemporary fiction for the greater part of 15 years. Promise Kept is the latest notch in his legacy. A thrilling story, fast moving plot and sexy romance on the side, I couldn’t put it down!

This book picks up where part one left off and boy was it another page-turner. Nobody tells a story the way K'wan does. I loved the friendship that Promise and Mouse had throughout the series. Both characters had a lot going on in their lives and it caused them to form an unbreakable sisterhood. This book kept me intrigued from the first page until the last and I would highly recommend it.

so this book was a wild ride for me of emothions. thank you netgalley for the arc copy. this is the story of promise a mixed race girl living in newark newj ersey ,and trying to find her place in the world.mouse is promise friend .this follow the story of promise after she spiral into alife of crime and drug. and on her journey to find love in a man named asher who adrug dealer.

Promise Kept K'Wan was an amazing and thought-provoking read.
I enjoyed this story a lot more than I originally thought I would.
The writing sucked me in and kept me turning the pages.
His writing is amazing. He captures his readers from beginning to end, and then leaves you wanting more.

Thank You NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!