Promised by Jodi Ellen Malpas

Promised by Jodi Ellen Malpas

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I reviewed my personal copy of this book on behalf of Wicked Reads.

So I have been patiently biding my time for Ms. Malpas to complete this series before I began it. Having read and loved her This Man trilogy, I wanted to be able to read the One Night trilogy back-to-back. The upside to this is that I managed to snag the first two books on sale. The downside is that it feels like I’ve had to wait forever – but that’s just me being whiny because it hasn’t taken that long. Having just finished reading Promised, I am soooooooooooo glad I waited because as soon as I finish writing this review, I will start Denied.

Because Promised is the first book in the trilogy, there is a lot that I don’t want to say because of the potential for spoilers, even spoilers that I may not know are spoilers. That said, the author does a great job of building the foundation for the series. Even though Livy and Miller are the focus, I found several of the side characters absolutely endearing. Livy’s grandmother Nan is a spunky, spitfire of a lady who reminds me of my own grandmother in many ways. Because of that, I could empathize with Livy’s desire to both hug her nan tight and throttle her. Livy’s best friend Gregory is perfect. Their easy flowing banter and affection insults speak of a well-established bond. And while Gregory is the source of many a laughs, it was the “semi and lingerie scene” that had me laughing so hard my stomach hurt … he did say he was 80% gay. But it is the chemistry between Livy and Miller that is the driving force behind the book. Their connection is instant, electric, frustrating, overwhelming, moth-to-a-flame hot, and oh so erotic. Let me clarify that by an instant connection, I am not saying insta-love but rather that instant attraction that leaves one mesmerized in the other’s presence. Ms. Malpas once again brings her “A-game” and treats the reader to seriously intoxicating sex scenes. Good grief!

With Livy and Miller, Ms. Malpas has created a rather fascinating set of characters that are made even more so as their pasts and secrets are revealed over the course of the novel. Because of the prologue, we have a foreshadowing of Livy’s secrets about her mother’s past and how it affected her choices in life. Although we don’t learn as many specifics about Miller – which only adds to his mystique – his OCD screams loudly of a troubled mind. Even knowing Ms. Malpas’s penchant for revealing the unexpected, Livy’s secret surprised me but Miller’s secret left me with my mouth hanging open – literally. It wasn’t even an OMG moment because I was just as stunned as Livy was. And in true Malpas style, Promised ended on a cliffhanger that left me screaming “NOOOOOOOOO!” while relieved that I waited to read the series all at once and chomping at the bit to begin Denied. Off to book two to spend more time with Livy and Miller.

Check out the One Night: Unveiled by Jodi Ellen Malpas Blog Tour post on Wicked Reads.


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