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The Kings World #2
Promised Love
Getting stuck sharing a honeymoon suite with a hot, ex-NAVY Seal sounds like it should be a good time. Except Lukas is my husband and we haven't spoken in years.
Until today, we were living separate lives, waiting to get out of this arranged marriage. But my family's meddling has pushed us together. And now he's here filling out his t-shirt just a little too well and staring at me just a little too intensely.
Don't even get me started on the cleft on his chin that pops up every time he smiles. The man has temptation written all over him.
We manage to stay out of each other's way–mostly. Until the tension boils over one night in a car.
I straddle his lap. I press my lips to his. I feel his body against mine. And that one hot moment has me offering something I never thought I would.
What happens in the honeymoon suite, stays in the honeymoon suite.
But what Lukas and I share in that room is so much more than just physical. With every kiss, every caress, every touch, I start forgetting our reality, and wonder if we've got it all wrong.
We planned our divorce four years ago. But what if our plans have changed?
Until today, we were living separate lives, waiting to get out of this arranged marriage. But my family's meddling has pushed us together. And now he's here filling out his t-shirt just a little too well and staring at me just a little too intensely.
Don't even get me started on the cleft on his chin that pops up every time he smiles. The man has temptation written all over him.
We manage to stay out of each other's way–mostly. Until the tension boils over one night in a car.
I straddle his lap. I press my lips to his. I feel his body against mine. And that one hot moment has me offering something I never thought I would.
What happens in the honeymoon suite, stays in the honeymoon suite.
But what Lukas and I share in that room is so much more than just physical. With every kiss, every caress, every touch, I start forgetting our reality, and wonder if we've got it all wrong.
We planned our divorce four years ago. But what if our plans have changed?
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 21, 2022
About the author
Vikki Jay
12 books95 followersI am a small town romance author and write about beautiful coincidences, finding love in unexpected places and times, and fighting hard to get that happily ever after.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
November 21, 2022
Age-gap romance is one of my favourite tropes and I love those kinds of stories.
Lucas and Autumn's story was quite interesting and cute. They were both good characters, even though Lucas has been through lots of stuff I'm his life. Autumn was very cute and lovable.
There was enough smut and passion between both of them and that was enough for me. Overall, I liked this story, but I did got trouble finishing it at the end. The ending definately felt really really rushed and Lucas could have put more efforts of showing his love toward Autumn.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and this is my voluntary review.
Lucas and Autumn's story was quite interesting and cute. They were both good characters, even though Lucas has been through lots of stuff I'm his life. Autumn was very cute and lovable.
There was enough smut and passion between both of them and that was enough for me. Overall, I liked this story, but I did got trouble finishing it at the end. The ending definately felt really really rushed and Lucas could have put more efforts of showing his love toward Autumn.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and this is my voluntary review.
January 10, 2023
ARC REVIEW
thank you to greys promotions for sending me this ARC!
this was my first time reading something by vikki jay! the narrative was interesting and definitely made me want to keep reading however i just didn’t feel connected to the characters or the story at points :(
the idea of the pen-pals and emails was super cute and i love a good letter exchange between people however the arranged marriage part made me a bit uncomfy because of how young she was and how that fact was mentioned.
autumn was a cute character and lukas was fine? i just didn’t feel connected to either of them and their individual journeys we went on throughout the book. this book just wasn’t it for me unfortunately.
tropes:
arranged marriage
forced proximity
age gap
small town
one bed
thank you to greys promotions for sending me this ARC!
this was my first time reading something by vikki jay! the narrative was interesting and definitely made me want to keep reading however i just didn’t feel connected to the characters or the story at points :(
the idea of the pen-pals and emails was super cute and i love a good letter exchange between people however the arranged marriage part made me a bit uncomfy because of how young she was and how that fact was mentioned.
autumn was a cute character and lukas was fine? i just didn’t feel connected to either of them and their individual journeys we went on throughout the book. this book just wasn’t it for me unfortunately.
tropes:
arranged marriage
forced proximity
age gap
small town
one bed
November 16, 2022
This was a good pen-pal/arranged marriage novel but somehow this was not as good as I was expecting it to be.
November 22, 2022
As seen on my blog (Jessie's Reading Corner):
DISCLAIMER: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Promised Love by Vikki Jay is hands down my favorite book of hers that I’ve read yet. This book reminded me of some of the books I used to read growing up where a couple fell in love after they were married.
Lukas Spencer and Autumn Smith are in an arranged marriage, created by their grandparents. I loved the flashbacks that Vikki gave us in the form of their emails back and forth to each other during the time in between when they first got married, and when this story begins.
I was completely immersed in this story and do not regret that I will likely be a walking zombie at work later today! I loved watching Lukas and Autumn fall for each other (though I do think they were falling for each other during their correspondence while they were separated) and I loved watching them grow as individuals as the story progressed. Lukas Spencer has ruined me for all other book boyfriends! It sounds diabolical, but I love how conflicted he was! What is it about a tortured bad boy that is willing to risk his own happiness for the sake of the girl?
If you like small town romance, age gap romance, a good slow burn, virgin heroine, forced proximity, arranged marriage or marriage of convenience, I highly recommend you check out this book! I do think this can be read as a standalone, but if you really want to get to know the characters in this story, it’s best to read this series from the beginning, with Beautiful Rose from Vikki’s Teager Family series as well as Second True Love (the first book in the King’s Security series.)
Thank you Vikki for writing such an incredible love story, and for giving me the opportunity to read an advance copy.
DISCLAIMER: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Promised Love by Vikki Jay is hands down my favorite book of hers that I’ve read yet. This book reminded me of some of the books I used to read growing up where a couple fell in love after they were married.
Lukas Spencer and Autumn Smith are in an arranged marriage, created by their grandparents. I loved the flashbacks that Vikki gave us in the form of their emails back and forth to each other during the time in between when they first got married, and when this story begins.
I was completely immersed in this story and do not regret that I will likely be a walking zombie at work later today! I loved watching Lukas and Autumn fall for each other (though I do think they were falling for each other during their correspondence while they were separated) and I loved watching them grow as individuals as the story progressed. Lukas Spencer has ruined me for all other book boyfriends! It sounds diabolical, but I love how conflicted he was! What is it about a tortured bad boy that is willing to risk his own happiness for the sake of the girl?
If you like small town romance, age gap romance, a good slow burn, virgin heroine, forced proximity, arranged marriage or marriage of convenience, I highly recommend you check out this book! I do think this can be read as a standalone, but if you really want to get to know the characters in this story, it’s best to read this series from the beginning, with Beautiful Rose from Vikki’s Teager Family series as well as Second True Love (the first book in the King’s Security series.)
Thank you Vikki for writing such an incredible love story, and for giving me the opportunity to read an advance copy.
November 21, 2022
Promised Love has an interesting premise.
It's an arranged marriage plot but the reason behind the arranged marriage between Lukas and Autumn is unusual and perhaps unbelievable at times. They do have an agreement amongst themselves that the marriage will end in four years so this is also a bit of a marriage of convenience story too. The characters being married did create a reason for the characters to become pen pals while Lukas was away. I did enjoy reading Lukas and Autumn becoming friends and connecting on a deeper level. It made me really anticipate their inevitable reunion.
When they do reunite, it is a bit awkward. After all they are married in name only, haven't seen each other in years and have basically been living separate lives. It takes some time for the romance between the two to develop but I found it to be really heartwarming. They truly bonded.
There are a few things that I didn't like about the story (like Lukas being hung up on the age gap between them and the confusing reason for the arranged marriage) but overall I thought the romance between these two was lovely. My rating is 3.5/5 but rounded up for Goodreads.
Would recommend for those who enjoy: strangers to friends to lovers, pen pal romances, one bed trope, marriage of convenience/arranged marriage, age gap romances and heartwarming love stories.
*Thank you to Greys Promotions & the author for an e-ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed this. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
It's an arranged marriage plot but the reason behind the arranged marriage between Lukas and Autumn is unusual and perhaps unbelievable at times. They do have an agreement amongst themselves that the marriage will end in four years so this is also a bit of a marriage of convenience story too. The characters being married did create a reason for the characters to become pen pals while Lukas was away. I did enjoy reading Lukas and Autumn becoming friends and connecting on a deeper level. It made me really anticipate their inevitable reunion.
When they do reunite, it is a bit awkward. After all they are married in name only, haven't seen each other in years and have basically been living separate lives. It takes some time for the romance between the two to develop but I found it to be really heartwarming. They truly bonded.
There are a few things that I didn't like about the story (like Lukas being hung up on the age gap between them and the confusing reason for the arranged marriage) but overall I thought the romance between these two was lovely. My rating is 3.5/5 but rounded up for Goodreads.
Would recommend for those who enjoy: strangers to friends to lovers, pen pal romances, one bed trope, marriage of convenience/arranged marriage, age gap romances and heartwarming love stories.
*Thank you to Greys Promotions & the author for an e-ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed this. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
November 21, 2022
Having read Ms.Jay's work many times before i always look so forward to picking up more of her books. As soon as i found out about this one while on social media i knew i had to read it next. I picked it up and got right into it. I enjoyed this story so much!
Autumn and Lukas's journey was quick to pull me in! What happens when the fate of your love life is decided for you? Autumn and Lukas were brought together by Autumn's family for an arranged marriage. Will these two go their separate ways? Or will they take a chance and open their hearts?
I really liked how both Autumn and Lukas had my attention quickly. The connection and chemistry between these two was so wonderful. I wasn't sure how Autumn and Lukas would tackle certain things in their lives, especially when it came to their marriage and feelings which got me even more into their story. I was so glad that i got to dig deeper with them. Both Lukas and Autumn had me feeling so much all throughout!
I could this story clearly in my mind. The saying that things happen for a reason shined through Autumn and Lukas's journey.
With Promised Love, Ms.Jay has created such a good read that brought so many feels to this heart of mine! If you haven't checked out her work yet, you so need to! I can't wait to read what she comes up with next!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Grey's Promotions / the author*
Autumn and Lukas's journey was quick to pull me in! What happens when the fate of your love life is decided for you? Autumn and Lukas were brought together by Autumn's family for an arranged marriage. Will these two go their separate ways? Or will they take a chance and open their hearts?
I really liked how both Autumn and Lukas had my attention quickly. The connection and chemistry between these two was so wonderful. I wasn't sure how Autumn and Lukas would tackle certain things in their lives, especially when it came to their marriage and feelings which got me even more into their story. I was so glad that i got to dig deeper with them. Both Lukas and Autumn had me feeling so much all throughout!
I could this story clearly in my mind. The saying that things happen for a reason shined through Autumn and Lukas's journey.
With Promised Love, Ms.Jay has created such a good read that brought so many feels to this heart of mine! If you haven't checked out her work yet, you so need to! I can't wait to read what she comes up with next!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Grey's Promotions / the author*
November 21, 2022
Lukas & Autumn's have an arranged marriage with an expiration date of four years. Throughout that time, they became pen pals, which was original in the telling, but I didn't feel quite the connection to them for whatever reason. I loved how they became very close friends, and I believe that's why when she goes to him due to something happening after a long period of time, they start to develop into something more. I can't quite pinpoint why Promised Love wasn't the perfect read (maybe I was confused about a thing or two), but I did really enjoy it because of the originality, not to mention Lukas & Autumn were very good people so I'm chalking it up to life being what it has been this year for me, so I'll definitely reread it again because I know for me, there are times that real life can cause some issues in my happy place of reading. So please don't go by my opinion, hit those one click buttons to experience it for yourselves since Vikki Jay is a very addictive author, and since I didn't put it down until all pages were devoured, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
November 21, 2022
I’ve been waiting not so patiently for Lukas’ story because the shocker we got the previous book had me dying to know what was going on, so I was blown away when I dived into this story. Lukas is a man that is loyal, works hard, and is willing to do anything for hose he cares for, but he has insecurities that hinder his relationships. Lukas and Autumn’s beginning isn’t traditional because of a promise made years ago between their families they are forced together to appease this promise. Autumn is young and has her life ahead of her and Lukas feels as if he will only hold her back and Autumn just slowly falls in love with him. I loved these two as Autumn showed Lukas how amazing he truly is and deserves to be loved while Lukas showed Autumn how to claim what she wants in life. This story was beautiful with characters who steal your heart and more I want to read about (Gavin).
November 21, 2022
Lukas and Autumn gave me all the feels. If your looking for a small town, age gap, and military romance and more this is the one for you.
Autumn first learned about Lukas when she was 16 years old. And so it began, she started writing emails, sending letters and sending our care packages. You see the span at how they relationship began and then it progressed to something more. With out giving to much away, I love how Autumn came into her own. How both there friendship turned into something more. Especially when Lukas was forced to lay low after an injury. I love how much we learned more about Lukas and his childhood. And that we still got to see The Teager family.
This world that Vikki has created is absolutely incredible. I can’t wait to go back to Cherrywood and St. Peppers. I’ve enjoyed all these amazing stories and characters
ARC provided for honest review.
Autumn first learned about Lukas when she was 16 years old. And so it began, she started writing emails, sending letters and sending our care packages. You see the span at how they relationship began and then it progressed to something more. With out giving to much away, I love how Autumn came into her own. How both there friendship turned into something more. Especially when Lukas was forced to lay low after an injury. I love how much we learned more about Lukas and his childhood. And that we still got to see The Teager family.
This world that Vikki has created is absolutely incredible. I can’t wait to go back to Cherrywood and St. Peppers. I’ve enjoyed all these amazing stories and characters
ARC provided for honest review.
November 20, 2022
The story was really cute.
This is my first book by this author and I liked the premise of her story. The secondary characters were interesting and the main ones were adorable (even though it took me a while to connect with their them and their love story).
I liked the whole pen-pal idea. It was sweet and fitted Lukas and Autumn. I really enjoyed how they cared about each other even before becoming a factual couple.
On the other hand, her family really pissed me off. They were controlling over the smallest things (everything, actually) and there were moments when I wanted Autumn to throw everything in the air and abandon them all (including Lukas). She deserved to live a life on and of her own.
That being said, I'm really excited about Gavin and Minnie's story. They have me intrigued already.
This is my first book by this author and I liked the premise of her story. The secondary characters were interesting and the main ones were adorable (even though it took me a while to connect with their them and their love story).
I liked the whole pen-pal idea. It was sweet and fitted Lukas and Autumn. I really enjoyed how they cared about each other even before becoming a factual couple.
On the other hand, her family really pissed me off. They were controlling over the smallest things (everything, actually) and there were moments when I wanted Autumn to throw everything in the air and abandon them all (including Lukas). She deserved to live a life on and of her own.
That being said, I'm really excited about Gavin and Minnie's story. They have me intrigued already.
November 22, 2022
This is my second book by Vikki Jay and this story I'm not sure even how to describe it.
I feel like I've read stories like this before and yet I feel like I've never read anything like it before. It feels new and different. And I was really happy with it from beginning to end, I couldn't get enough. Autumn and Lukas I think are one of my new favorite couples this year. Despite all their difference and there are many, there is no denying how their souls speak to each other. And with that I felt like the book really spoke to me.
I have voluntarily left this review.
I feel like I've read stories like this before and yet I feel like I've never read anything like it before. It feels new and different. And I was really happy with it from beginning to end, I couldn't get enough. Autumn and Lukas I think are one of my new favorite couples this year. Despite all their difference and there are many, there is no denying how their souls speak to each other. And with that I felt like the book really spoke to me.
I have voluntarily left this review.
November 15, 2022
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I liked this book, but I didn’t love it. I enjoyed the relationship that was built between the main characters. The reason behind the marriage felt unbelievable to me. I also got a bit annoyed with the constant mention of the age difference. I liked the family dynamics that Autumn with her family, even though I felt there controlled her decisions too much.
I felt like it might have been helpful to have read previous books of this authors since characters where mentioned with a bit of a backstory attached, but they were talked about enough that it was almost like I should know who they were.
Overall it was an enjoyable read.
I liked this book, but I didn’t love it. I enjoyed the relationship that was built between the main characters. The reason behind the marriage felt unbelievable to me. I also got a bit annoyed with the constant mention of the age difference. I liked the family dynamics that Autumn with her family, even though I felt there controlled her decisions too much.
I felt like it might have been helpful to have read previous books of this authors since characters where mentioned with a bit of a backstory attached, but they were talked about enough that it was almost like I should know who they were.
Overall it was an enjoyable read.
November 19, 2022
Oh wow. This book was amazing. Have a box of tissue near by. Lukas and Autumn’s story is so unique. A promise to marry from their great grandparents turns into reality when Autumn thinks her grandfather might die. This is a age gap, force proximity, love finding away book. The way this story was written you could feel the emotion. I can't wait for the next book. I recommend reading the Teager Family and the first book in the Kings world to get the best reading pleasure.
November 23, 2022
Amazing, Refreshing and oh so Romantic
This book was amazing. I totally love this story, it was refreshing, new, so romantic and perfect. This Cherrywood place is a really nice one. I love all the emotions in here, Lukas is a very conflicted men and Autumn brings all the good in him, all the worth he has. Their relationship isn’t the most conventional but oh my, I love how they fall in love here. Autumn so fierce and amazing, she’s definitely home. Knowing Luka’s story makes my heart so happy. Can’t wait for the next story in The Kings World.
This book was amazing. I totally love this story, it was refreshing, new, so romantic and perfect. This Cherrywood place is a really nice one. I love all the emotions in here, Lukas is a very conflicted men and Autumn brings all the good in him, all the worth he has. Their relationship isn’t the most conventional but oh my, I love how they fall in love here. Autumn so fierce and amazing, she’s definitely home. Knowing Luka’s story makes my heart so happy. Can’t wait for the next story in The Kings World.
November 10, 2022
This was my first book by Vikki, and I am so hooked!! I can't wait to read the next in the series. This was such a amazing love story and I loved the characters.
November 25, 2022
This was a really enjoyable solid read.
"My loner heart found its twin flame in the one I've promised to set free."
Autumn Smith was 16 when she found out that she had been promised in marriage to a complete stranger. Lukas Spencer is a Navy SEAL and 12 years older than her. What starts off as a hotheaded angry email to Lukas turns into a long-lasting pen-friendship. When Autumn is 18, she and Lukas meet for the first time to go through with their marriage to appease her grandparents. She doesn't see him again until four years later, when she finds out that he's been wounded. With some meddling by her grandparents, she finds herself sharing her living quarters with a man who is at the same time a stranger, yet her friend. They'd agreed from the outset that they would eventually divorce, but the more time they spend together, the more they start to wonder if that's what they really want.
"I want to be more important for his existence than oxygen. I want to be bigger than any need, any desire. I want to be enough for him."
The main thing I loved about this story was how their friendship developed over the years through their correspondence. They were there for each other through every major event in their lives, even if it was in a virtual sense. My heart went out to Lukas who was a loner and, deep down, just wanted to belong somewhere and to somebody. Autumn wasn't a typical 22YO - she was mature and had a good head on her shoulders. I loved the way she made Lukas feel seen and cherished, and the fact that she was determined to fight for him. I melted at their heartfelt words of love and what they meant to each other. The two of them together were sexy, connected, and just perfect!
Blog: https://readingwillingable.blogspot.c...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/review/RTWO7UO...
"My loner heart found its twin flame in the one I've promised to set free."
Autumn Smith was 16 when she found out that she had been promised in marriage to a complete stranger. Lukas Spencer is a Navy SEAL and 12 years older than her. What starts off as a hotheaded angry email to Lukas turns into a long-lasting pen-friendship. When Autumn is 18, she and Lukas meet for the first time to go through with their marriage to appease her grandparents. She doesn't see him again until four years later, when she finds out that he's been wounded. With some meddling by her grandparents, she finds herself sharing her living quarters with a man who is at the same time a stranger, yet her friend. They'd agreed from the outset that they would eventually divorce, but the more time they spend together, the more they start to wonder if that's what they really want.
"I want to be more important for his existence than oxygen. I want to be bigger than any need, any desire. I want to be enough for him."
The main thing I loved about this story was how their friendship developed over the years through their correspondence. They were there for each other through every major event in their lives, even if it was in a virtual sense. My heart went out to Lukas who was a loner and, deep down, just wanted to belong somewhere and to somebody. Autumn wasn't a typical 22YO - she was mature and had a good head on her shoulders. I loved the way she made Lukas feel seen and cherished, and the fact that she was determined to fight for him. I melted at their heartfelt words of love and what they meant to each other. The two of them together were sexy, connected, and just perfect!
Blog: https://readingwillingable.blogspot.c...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/review/RTWO7UO...
November 14, 2022
Four years after they promised to love each other in their arranged marriage, Lukas & Autumn find themselves together again, and maybe, just maybe they took their vows to love more seriously than either of them thought. This age-gap romance had me rooting for the pair from the very beginning. I loved the use of duel POV as it allowed me to gain a better understand of how both Lukas & Autumn felt throughout the process of building a new type of relationship together. Lastly, the found family aspect is *chefs kiss* as there was SO much love from the friends in this novel. This book is perfect for fans of small town contemporary romance with a bit of slow burn spice!
Thank you Grey’s Promotions & Vikki Jay for the ARC to review.
P.S. I need 🐭 & 👑 ’s story ASAP!
Thank you Grey’s Promotions & Vikki Jay for the ARC to review.
P.S. I need 🐭 & 👑 ’s story ASAP!
February 28, 2024
1.5 ⭐
My ramblings perfectly captures how I feel about this book. I had to write these down or else I would've had to scream🥲🥲🥲
[Progress: 34%]
Okay. First of all, to clarify, I LOVED Vikki Jay's Teager family series. So when I saw that there was another series set in the same universe of St. Peppers-Cherrywood, I couldn't stop myself. I HAD to read it.
Now? I am second guessing myself.
The first, Keith and Clementine's book, lived up to my expectations. But this one is turning out to be disappointing among many more other things.
I've read countless forced marriages. In fact, marriage of convenience is one of my most favorite tropes in romance.
However, this book?
It's infuriating! I have brown asian parents and it's especially triggering for me with all this emotional blackmailing and guilt tripping happening here.
I was taught to respect elders since toddler days. But I'd have to say this...
F U to Autumn's grandma and grandpa. Respectfully. If possible.
I am literally seething at how easily Autumn accepted this whole bullshit of a promise of marriage. And I refuse to believe that there wouldn't be any type of JUSTIFIED rebellious hurt and angry feelings in her about this "arranged" marriage.
Her grandparents literally took advantage of their eighteen year old granddaughter's love for them. There's tough love and then there's rigidity in the veil of love. Oh, they know what's good for their granddaughter. They would NEVER do anything wrong for her right? Right??
I am angry crying rn. I didn't even know I could be this triggered. I feel awful.
And honestly, if the author doesn't resolve this knot for me (which I do not have much hope for), it's going to become one of my most hated book for 2024.
I do not give a fork at how much Lukas feels for Autumn or how good of a couple they would be. If they broke up at the end just to show how wrong this whole situation of forcing two strangers together when an eighteen year old girl was completely vulnerable and sheltered is, I'd die happy.
[Progress: 40%]
All this flashbacks seem redundant at this point. Like, both of them met twice or thrice under grim circumstances. And, BAM! They can't keep their hands off of each other.
I also don't get why it took FOUR years for both Lukas and Autumn to start divorce proceedings. Now, all of a sudden, Lukas is concerned about Autumn's non-existent love life because she's pretty much bound to him. He also hid her from everyone when he didn't even prepare for divorce. Like, what's the point?!🙄🙄🙄
[Progress: 44%]
I don't know if I should find it this funny or it is just downright sad.
Autumn is thinking about taking "control" of her own life by demanding to have sex with Lukas as he is her husband and all.
It is obvious that she's a doormat to her own family and friends. And now, she is doing this as if everyone is not pushing her to do the same thing for awhile🙂🙂🙂
It doesn't make sense to me. That's all.
I also don't know if both were celibate during the four years of this marriage. We already know that Autumn is a virgin. What about Lukas though?🤔🤔🤔
[❗️SPOILER❗️ He WAS celibate!]
[Progress: 53%]
What the hell?
I mean, I get that the age-gap of twelve years can be a slight cause for concern.
But is it the main issue here though?
IS IT?
Everyone seems to forget how young and vulnerable Autumn was when she got married off to Luke and now all of a sudden, EVERYBODY wants these two to continue this bullshit!
Oh, Lukas is so sooo handsome. He doesn't even look that old. And he obviously cares for you right? So why should you divorce him?
Maybe, because she didn't marry him VOLUNTARILY? When she was barely of age?! After being the victim of guilt tripping and emotional manipulation?! From her own family members?!
[Progress: 60%]
Can these family members be any less pushy? Like, let Autumn sort her own life out. She's an adult for God's sake!
[Progress: 64%]
I don't get why these two are acting like Romeo and Juliet?! Like, what exactly is stopping them from getting together all of a sudden when they didn't get divorced for FOUR. FREAKING. YEARS! For. Absolutely. No. Freaking. Reason.
[Progress: 69%]
“I’m proud of you, Autumn. I know we can be overbearing, but that’s only because we love you so much and want the best for you.” (that's why you emotionally blackmail your offspring when they're barely an adult into marrying a stranger?😒😒😒)
[Progress: 75%]
OH. MY. GOD! STOP!!!
Stop discussing your sex life with your bestfriend. Isn't it embarrassing? Geez!
I get the curiosity of your bestfriend's love life but their sex life? Fuck no. I would literally vomit. TMI. Girl, TMI!
[Progress: 87%]
Okay. Lukas is being a big freaking baby right now. Like, THIS is the reason that he refused to stay with Autumn? Are you kidding me? What the hell is this? What type of anticlimactic insecurity is this?!
I am completely confused and bewildered with this mess rn.
I mean, we could've explored the psyche of a victim of DV throughout the book and how Lukas overcomes it when he realizes how much Autumn means to him. Instead we get this shit all of a sudden. It's giving last-ditch-effort-to-introduce-third-act-break-up🥲🥲🥲
[Progress: 90%]
At this point, I am doubting how much Lukas ACTUALLY loves Autumn. It feels like he loves himself more than he loves Autumn. Because where's the effort?!
I. Don't. See. It.
I only see Autumn fully committed to this (no matter how cheesy and cringey and cliché the romance have become). Whereas Lukas is sulking in self-pity which is totally becoming annoying rn.
[Progress: 92%]
This IS Lukas's effort, author? Because it's corny as fork. I did not like how this epiphany of realization came about in Lukas. It's giving desperate-last-ditch-effort🙂🙂🙂
[Progress: 93%]
Oh my God, author! No. You didn't!
It's getting worse😭😭😭
The betrayal of trust here is insane. If someone ever pulls this stunt on me, I don't know if I'll ever be able to trust that person again! It's embarrassing and hurtful to the extreme. I can't with this. I am unable to stomach a happily-ever-after after this mess that Autumn created😫😫😫
[Progress: 100%]
I liked the last part the most because it finally ended!
As much as I loved the other books of this author, I hated this particular book that much.
Honestly, if the setting was so that Autumn did not grow up completely sheltered like a caged bird and made the decision to go into a marriage of convenience in her twenties without any type of emotional blackmailing or guilt tripping from her grandparents and parents, I may have liked this book. But the whole thing was truly doomed from the start. The pushy side characters added fuel to the fire, in addition. Lukas's suddenly revealed issues with this sham of a marriage and his continuous sulking along with his inconsistent behavior only brought down the book for me. Even the last climax part was such a shitshow that I couldn't just get over this like the characters did. It felt immoral and immature playing with someone's emotions like that.
I went into this book with the expectations of a cute small town marriage of convenience romance. Instead I got an unhinged mix of all things cringey and cliché and not even in a good way.
The only highlight of this book is Gavin and Minnie. I am excited to read their story after this major disappointment. Maybe it would heal me from the trauma revisit Lukas and Autumn made me go through.
My ramblings perfectly captures how I feel about this book. I had to write these down or else I would've had to scream🥲🥲🥲
[Progress: 34%]
Okay. First of all, to clarify, I LOVED Vikki Jay's Teager family series. So when I saw that there was another series set in the same universe of St. Peppers-Cherrywood, I couldn't stop myself. I HAD to read it.
Now? I am second guessing myself.
The first, Keith and Clementine's book, lived up to my expectations. But this one is turning out to be disappointing among many more other things.
I've read countless forced marriages. In fact, marriage of convenience is one of my most favorite tropes in romance.
However, this book?
It's infuriating! I have brown asian parents and it's especially triggering for me with all this emotional blackmailing and guilt tripping happening here.
I was taught to respect elders since toddler days. But I'd have to say this...
F U to Autumn's grandma and grandpa. Respectfully. If possible.
I am literally seething at how easily Autumn accepted this whole bullshit of a promise of marriage. And I refuse to believe that there wouldn't be any type of JUSTIFIED rebellious hurt and angry feelings in her about this "arranged" marriage.
Her grandparents literally took advantage of their eighteen year old granddaughter's love for them. There's tough love and then there's rigidity in the veil of love. Oh, they know what's good for their granddaughter. They would NEVER do anything wrong for her right? Right??
I am angry crying rn. I didn't even know I could be this triggered. I feel awful.
And honestly, if the author doesn't resolve this knot for me (which I do not have much hope for), it's going to become one of my most hated book for 2024.
I do not give a fork at how much Lukas feels for Autumn or how good of a couple they would be. If they broke up at the end just to show how wrong this whole situation of forcing two strangers together when an eighteen year old girl was completely vulnerable and sheltered is, I'd die happy.
[Progress: 40%]
All this flashbacks seem redundant at this point. Like, both of them met twice or thrice under grim circumstances. And, BAM! They can't keep their hands off of each other.
I also don't get why it took FOUR years for both Lukas and Autumn to start divorce proceedings. Now, all of a sudden, Lukas is concerned about Autumn's non-existent love life because she's pretty much bound to him. He also hid her from everyone when he didn't even prepare for divorce. Like, what's the point?!🙄🙄🙄
[Progress: 44%]
I don't know if I should find it this funny or it is just downright sad.
Autumn is thinking about taking "control" of her own life by demanding to have sex with Lukas as he is her husband and all.
It is obvious that she's a doormat to her own family and friends. And now, she is doing this as if everyone is not pushing her to do the same thing for awhile🙂🙂🙂
It doesn't make sense to me. That's all.
I also don't know if both were celibate during the four years of this marriage. We already know that Autumn is a virgin. What about Lukas though?🤔🤔🤔
[❗️SPOILER❗️ He WAS celibate!]
[Progress: 53%]
What the hell?
I mean, I get that the age-gap of twelve years can be a slight cause for concern.
But is it the main issue here though?
IS IT?
Everyone seems to forget how young and vulnerable Autumn was when she got married off to Luke and now all of a sudden, EVERYBODY wants these two to continue this bullshit!
Oh, Lukas is so sooo handsome. He doesn't even look that old. And he obviously cares for you right? So why should you divorce him?
Maybe, because she didn't marry him VOLUNTARILY? When she was barely of age?! After being the victim of guilt tripping and emotional manipulation?! From her own family members?!
[Progress: 60%]
Can these family members be any less pushy? Like, let Autumn sort her own life out. She's an adult for God's sake!
[Progress: 64%]
I don't get why these two are acting like Romeo and Juliet?! Like, what exactly is stopping them from getting together all of a sudden when they didn't get divorced for FOUR. FREAKING. YEARS! For. Absolutely. No. Freaking. Reason.
[Progress: 69%]
“I’m proud of you, Autumn. I know we can be overbearing, but that’s only because we love you so much and want the best for you.” (that's why you emotionally blackmail your offspring when they're barely an adult into marrying a stranger?😒😒😒)
[Progress: 75%]
OH. MY. GOD! STOP!!!
Stop discussing your sex life with your bestfriend. Isn't it embarrassing? Geez!
I get the curiosity of your bestfriend's love life but their sex life? Fuck no. I would literally vomit. TMI. Girl, TMI!
[Progress: 87%]
Okay. Lukas is being a big freaking baby right now. Like, THIS is the reason that he refused to stay with Autumn? Are you kidding me? What the hell is this? What type of anticlimactic insecurity is this?!
I am completely confused and bewildered with this mess rn.
I mean, we could've explored the psyche of a victim of DV throughout the book and how Lukas overcomes it when he realizes how much Autumn means to him. Instead we get this shit all of a sudden. It's giving last-ditch-effort-to-introduce-third-act-break-up🥲🥲🥲
[Progress: 90%]
At this point, I am doubting how much Lukas ACTUALLY loves Autumn. It feels like he loves himself more than he loves Autumn. Because where's the effort?!
I. Don't. See. It.
I only see Autumn fully committed to this (no matter how cheesy and cringey and cliché the romance have become). Whereas Lukas is sulking in self-pity which is totally becoming annoying rn.
[Progress: 92%]
This IS Lukas's effort, author? Because it's corny as fork. I did not like how this epiphany of realization came about in Lukas. It's giving desperate-last-ditch-effort🙂🙂🙂
[Progress: 93%]
Oh my God, author! No. You didn't!
It's getting worse😭😭😭
The betrayal of trust here is insane. If someone ever pulls this stunt on me, I don't know if I'll ever be able to trust that person again! It's embarrassing and hurtful to the extreme. I can't with this. I am unable to stomach a happily-ever-after after this mess that Autumn created😫😫😫
[Progress: 100%]
I liked the last part the most because it finally ended!
As much as I loved the other books of this author, I hated this particular book that much.
Honestly, if the setting was so that Autumn did not grow up completely sheltered like a caged bird and made the decision to go into a marriage of convenience in her twenties without any type of emotional blackmailing or guilt tripping from her grandparents and parents, I may have liked this book. But the whole thing was truly doomed from the start. The pushy side characters added fuel to the fire, in addition. Lukas's suddenly revealed issues with this sham of a marriage and his continuous sulking along with his inconsistent behavior only brought down the book for me. Even the last climax part was such a shitshow that I couldn't just get over this like the characters did. It felt immoral and immature playing with someone's emotions like that.
I went into this book with the expectations of a cute small town marriage of convenience romance. Instead I got an unhinged mix of all things cringey and cliché and not even in a good way.
The only highlight of this book is Gavin and Minnie. I am excited to read their story after this major disappointment. Maybe it would heal me from the trauma revisit Lukas and Autumn made me go through.
January 21, 2023
:･ﾟ✧:･.☽˚｡･ﾟ✧:･.: ARC
Uhh wow that all I can really say after finishing this book Like it was good the beginning was very and I mean extremely confusing but eventually you start to understand what's going on. I liked how this book went like the plot and everything oh and don't even get me started on the side characters in this story like I already know that Gavin and Minnie's book would be my absolute favorite!!! but moving on we talking about Lucas and Autumn's lucas is hot a extremely hot man and the age gap in this book!! although he was hot he needed to get his head out of this ass like dude didn't really understood that he was in love with her until she was in a burning and at the end things just started to get really cling like some of the lines and act but other than those things I enjoyed the book a lot
Uhh wow that all I can really say after finishing this book Like it was good the beginning was very and I mean extremely confusing but eventually you start to understand what's going on. I liked how this book went like the plot and everything oh and don't even get me started on the side characters in this story like I already know that Gavin and Minnie's book would be my absolute favorite!!! but moving on we talking about Lucas and Autumn's lucas is hot a extremely hot man and the age gap in this book!! although he was hot he needed to get his head out of this ass like dude didn't really understood that he was in love with her until she was in a burning and at the end things just started to get really cling like some of the lines and act but other than those things I enjoyed the book a lot
June 17, 2023
Autumn has been born into a family brought up with a lot of traditions and superstitions. She was also raised with a lot of manipulation disguised as love. Autumn allowed her family to be intrusive in far, too many ways. They guilted her with her grandfather’s illness into marrying, Lukas. Not that there was anything wrong with him or anything. But, their grandparents had made a pact that the first child from each family would marry. She only finds this out because for the first time, ever she decided to be rebellious and sneak out to go to a local indie band concert. Only to come home to the police chief, and all the available officers searching.
That's when the angry skies open to allow them to reveal their ugly truth. The warning promise is revealed, to her in anger. Yet, it is for normal teen behavior. Why because they thought she was becoming a fallen woman (yup, we are in the years of the 2000s), and a first-time offense. The four of them have gone cray-cray while she was at the concert. They all promised her to, Lukas Spencer before she was even born. And, he agreed. Boy, is he going to get a piece of her mind! And he does, via email. She takes her grounding from her parents. Although she tells them all, she is not marrying anyone, they picked out for her. Before she was even born.
Her parents tell, Autumn they didn't tell her because they do not believe in the omen or, the promise. Her grandma send her, via her father, Lukas's email address in case she would like to get to know her future husband. Oh, she wanted it alrighty, her first she was pissed at him for agreeing, to the promise. She called him all kinds of names and but once the anger subsidies they become pen pals. She is sixteen at this time. When she is eighteen her world is turning upside down. She needs him when she calls him he comes. And they are married. Four years go by and her husband's been shot. She drops everything to be there for him.
Except, this is when she finds out, Lukas has been keeping secrets. He had been back in the States for four years. Seeing all his friends waiting at the hospital, she realizes she knows nothing about his life. With their shocked looks, they knew nothing about her. This book is filled with so much apprehension, love, and a great deal of meddling from her family, to the point of being downright anal intrusive. It's always on their terms. Not even sure that the grandfather was even ill. Her family had an agenda and they went all in. They are very lucky she loved the inn so much or she might have bailed. A must-read. Can’t wait for, Carter, and, Mere’s story.
That's when the angry skies open to allow them to reveal their ugly truth. The warning promise is revealed, to her in anger. Yet, it is for normal teen behavior. Why because they thought she was becoming a fallen woman (yup, we are in the years of the 2000s), and a first-time offense. The four of them have gone cray-cray while she was at the concert. They all promised her to, Lukas Spencer before she was even born. And, he agreed. Boy, is he going to get a piece of her mind! And he does, via email. She takes her grounding from her parents. Although she tells them all, she is not marrying anyone, they picked out for her. Before she was even born.
Her parents tell, Autumn they didn't tell her because they do not believe in the omen or, the promise. Her grandma send her, via her father, Lukas's email address in case she would like to get to know her future husband. Oh, she wanted it alrighty, her first she was pissed at him for agreeing, to the promise. She called him all kinds of names and but once the anger subsidies they become pen pals. She is sixteen at this time. When she is eighteen her world is turning upside down. She needs him when she calls him he comes. And they are married. Four years go by and her husband's been shot. She drops everything to be there for him.
Except, this is when she finds out, Lukas has been keeping secrets. He had been back in the States for four years. Seeing all his friends waiting at the hospital, she realizes she knows nothing about his life. With their shocked looks, they knew nothing about her. This book is filled with so much apprehension, love, and a great deal of meddling from her family, to the point of being downright anal intrusive. It's always on their terms. Not even sure that the grandfather was even ill. Her family had an agenda and they went all in. They are very lucky she loved the inn so much or she might have bailed. A must-read. Can’t wait for, Carter, and, Mere’s story.
November 21, 2022
Promised Love
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Stand-alone: Yes*
Author: Vikki Jay
Rating:5/5 ⭐️
Spiciness Rating:3/5 🌶
POV: First Person Dual Perspective
Main Couple: Autumn and Lukas
Trope(s): Protector, Arranged Marriage, Age-Gap, Forced Proximity
….”I give myself permission for to wrap my arms around the only person in this whole fucking world I can call mine.
Other than her, there’s no one.
My loaner heart found its twin flame in the one I’ve promised to set free.”
Promised Love is the second book in the interconnected standalone series The Kings World. And, if you have kept up with Vikki, The Teager Family is ever present too. I have been with Vikki from the beginning as an ARC reader and I have to say this is my favorite book so far. Lukas and Autumn were a complete joy to read. Their story had my attention from the start. This is a low angst read with much more spice than we have seen, but bossy Lukas has my complete support.
Years ago Autumn’s great-grandmother and her best friend made a marriage pact for their future children. And, now years later it has fallen on Autumn and Lukas to fulfill. So, as Autumn’s grandfather’s health is failing, an 18 year old Autumn and a 30 year old Lukas marry.
Now 4 years later, Autumn receives an emergency call that her husband is injured and in the hospital. Much to all of Lukas friends and colleagues surprise.
We alternate from the present to the past as we fall into friendship with these two.
But, the circumstances of their marriage weigh on Lukas. As much as he is attracted to his now adult wife- he wants to set her free from their marriage as was their arrangement years ago.
Autumn proposes another type of arrangement. One that Lukas cannot say no to.
Despite the easy way they fall into each other, Lukas past holds him back. Autumn is determined to make him see just what they could have.
And…. Vikki gives us our next couple. Gah- the grumpy men of The Kings World have definitely met their matches and I am here for all of it.
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Stand-alone: Yes*
Author: Vikki Jay
Rating:5/5 ⭐️
Spiciness Rating:3/5 🌶
POV: First Person Dual Perspective
Main Couple: Autumn and Lukas
Trope(s): Protector, Arranged Marriage, Age-Gap, Forced Proximity
….”I give myself permission for to wrap my arms around the only person in this whole fucking world I can call mine.
Other than her, there’s no one.
My loaner heart found its twin flame in the one I’ve promised to set free.”
Promised Love is the second book in the interconnected standalone series The Kings World. And, if you have kept up with Vikki, The Teager Family is ever present too. I have been with Vikki from the beginning as an ARC reader and I have to say this is my favorite book so far. Lukas and Autumn were a complete joy to read. Their story had my attention from the start. This is a low angst read with much more spice than we have seen, but bossy Lukas has my complete support.
Years ago Autumn’s great-grandmother and her best friend made a marriage pact for their future children. And, now years later it has fallen on Autumn and Lukas to fulfill. So, as Autumn’s grandfather’s health is failing, an 18 year old Autumn and a 30 year old Lukas marry.
Now 4 years later, Autumn receives an emergency call that her husband is injured and in the hospital. Much to all of Lukas friends and colleagues surprise.
We alternate from the present to the past as we fall into friendship with these two.
But, the circumstances of their marriage weigh on Lukas. As much as he is attracted to his now adult wife- he wants to set her free from their marriage as was their arrangement years ago.
Autumn proposes another type of arrangement. One that Lukas cannot say no to.
Despite the easy way they fall into each other, Lukas past holds him back. Autumn is determined to make him see just what they could have.
And…. Vikki gives us our next couple. Gah- the grumpy men of The Kings World have definitely met their matches and I am here for all of it.
November 16, 2022
When Autumn gets the call that her husband has been injured and needs her help, she is a little reluctant to get involved. as they haven't see one another in years. They maybe married, but they have never lived or acted like a normal married couple, as their marriage is just a ruse for the sake of their families dealings. But with their own personal deal in mind she can't very well just leave him there, so she heads to the hospital to get him and sort out a plan for his healing. Never imagining his healing would bring them closer than they have ever been...
The pages of Promised Love take us into the lives of two people who made vows and may share the same last name, but have never really been in love with one another. Their faux marriage has worked well for them for the last few years, especially since they live separate lives, but that is all about to change. When Lukas gets shot and needs Autumns help she brings him home with her so she can keep an eye on him and tend to his needs. It's supposed to be strictly a friend looking out for another, but the more time they share the more they start to realize that maybe they have been looking at their marriage all wrong these past few years... maybe they were truly meant to be.
This heartfelt page-turner had me utterly transfixed, the moment my eyes found the words I couldn't pry them away, I had to see what fate had in store for these two. Their unconventional love story hit all the right notes, it had just a bit of angst to torture, and some sweeter moments that put a nice little squeeze on the heart. Highly recommend you take a chance on this one, it'll keep you thoroughly entertained and leave your heart happy!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
The pages of Promised Love take us into the lives of two people who made vows and may share the same last name, but have never really been in love with one another. Their faux marriage has worked well for them for the last few years, especially since they live separate lives, but that is all about to change. When Lukas gets shot and needs Autumns help she brings him home with her so she can keep an eye on him and tend to his needs. It's supposed to be strictly a friend looking out for another, but the more time they share the more they start to realize that maybe they have been looking at their marriage all wrong these past few years... maybe they were truly meant to be.
This heartfelt page-turner had me utterly transfixed, the moment my eyes found the words I couldn't pry them away, I had to see what fate had in store for these two. Their unconventional love story hit all the right notes, it had just a bit of angst to torture, and some sweeter moments that put a nice little squeeze on the heart. Highly recommend you take a chance on this one, it'll keep you thoroughly entertained and leave your heart happy!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
November 19, 2022
🦋ARC Review🦋
ARC provided by the author. I happily give my honest opinion.
Promised Love by @vikkijayauthor
Autumn gets the shock of her life when she finds out at 16 that she has been “promised” to the son of an old family friend. When her grandfather’s dying wish is that they get married she can’t refuse (she’s 18) and asks Lukas to go through with the wedding. They both think they will be able to end it quickly but her grandfather makes a miraculous recovery and although they don’t live together, they are still married. I found this a bit confusing, why didn’t the grandparents question why they didn’t live together? They both carry on with the lives as before but stay in touch through emails & letters.
When Autumn gets a call to say her husband has been shot this is the first she knows he is nearby, she assumed he was still the the Navy Seals. It turns out he now co-owns a security company and none of his friends knew anything about her. He agrees to back with her to recuperate and the more time they spend together the closer they become. They know that their fake relationship will have to end soon but agree to make the most of the time they do have together and that time is hot & loving. I understood Lukas initial reluctance to be intimate as he is 12 years older than her but watching her run her family’s Inn he sees that she is a strong, caring, independent and passionate woman. She sees how caring, strong, protective he is and as she gets to know him she also realizes he is a little lost. He doesn’t see that amazing man he has become. The closer they become the more scared he becomes that his past will effect her and he does the only thing he thinks he can, he leaves. My heart broke to see Lukas walk away from the best thing in his life because of his insecurity. I loved how determined Autumn was to show him he really was the man for her (it was a bit extreme) and that eventually he realises where he is meant to be.
I liked the little insight in to the next couple in the series and I am looking forward to reading their book.
ARC provided by the author. I happily give my honest opinion.
Promised Love by @vikkijayauthor
Autumn gets the shock of her life when she finds out at 16 that she has been “promised” to the son of an old family friend. When her grandfather’s dying wish is that they get married she can’t refuse (she’s 18) and asks Lukas to go through with the wedding. They both think they will be able to end it quickly but her grandfather makes a miraculous recovery and although they don’t live together, they are still married. I found this a bit confusing, why didn’t the grandparents question why they didn’t live together? They both carry on with the lives as before but stay in touch through emails & letters.
When Autumn gets a call to say her husband has been shot this is the first she knows he is nearby, she assumed he was still the the Navy Seals. It turns out he now co-owns a security company and none of his friends knew anything about her. He agrees to back with her to recuperate and the more time they spend together the closer they become. They know that their fake relationship will have to end soon but agree to make the most of the time they do have together and that time is hot & loving. I understood Lukas initial reluctance to be intimate as he is 12 years older than her but watching her run her family’s Inn he sees that she is a strong, caring, independent and passionate woman. She sees how caring, strong, protective he is and as she gets to know him she also realizes he is a little lost. He doesn’t see that amazing man he has become. The closer they become the more scared he becomes that his past will effect her and he does the only thing he thinks he can, he leaves. My heart broke to see Lukas walk away from the best thing in his life because of his insecurity. I loved how determined Autumn was to show him he really was the man for her (it was a bit extreme) and that eventually he realises where he is meant to be.
I liked the little insight in to the next couple in the series and I am looking forward to reading their book.
November 24, 2022
• ARC Review •
Promised Love by Vikki Jay
Ratings:
⭐️: 4/5
🌶: 2.75/5
Quote: “You’re all of my past, present, and future, Lukas. You don’t need my permission for anything. I’m as much yours as you are mine.”
Tropes: arranged marriage, age, grumpy/sunshine, superstitious promises, friends to lovers
——————————————————
An arranged marriage featuring Lukas and Autumn. This was an interesting arranged marriage romance. This marriage was arranged based on a promise made decades ago. Neither Lukas and Autumn want to be married, but they agree that for the sake of their families and to get everyone off their backs, they’ll get married and then divorced after a few years. But, one night shows them that they have a connection. One that’s hard to ignore.
I really liked Autumn, but there were times where I thought she was kind of a pushover. Mostly when it had to do with her grandparents. I get wanting to listen to them and do right by them, but I felt like seriously emotionally manipulated her. Her parents weren’t completely innocent either because her mom even started pushing her about Lukas. So I guess my issue was more with them than her. I loved that she ran a successful inn and never questioned her ability to do her job and do it well.
Lukas was an interesting hero. We knew he was reluctant about starting a relationship with Autumn, but we didn’t discover his reason until Autumn did. Even when we were reading from his perspective. I loved how protective he was, and how much he cared about Autumn. He was a growly bear that easily won me over.
If you’re looking for a romance that involves an arranged marriage based on superstitious promises, this is a book for you.
Promised Love by Vikki Jay
Ratings:
⭐️: 4/5
🌶: 2.75/5
Quote: “You’re all of my past, present, and future, Lukas. You don’t need my permission for anything. I’m as much yours as you are mine.”
Tropes: arranged marriage, age, grumpy/sunshine, superstitious promises, friends to lovers
——————————————————
An arranged marriage featuring Lukas and Autumn. This was an interesting arranged marriage romance. This marriage was arranged based on a promise made decades ago. Neither Lukas and Autumn want to be married, but they agree that for the sake of their families and to get everyone off their backs, they’ll get married and then divorced after a few years. But, one night shows them that they have a connection. One that’s hard to ignore.
I really liked Autumn, but there were times where I thought she was kind of a pushover. Mostly when it had to do with her grandparents. I get wanting to listen to them and do right by them, but I felt like seriously emotionally manipulated her. Her parents weren’t completely innocent either because her mom even started pushing her about Lukas. So I guess my issue was more with them than her. I loved that she ran a successful inn and never questioned her ability to do her job and do it well.
Lukas was an interesting hero. We knew he was reluctant about starting a relationship with Autumn, but we didn’t discover his reason until Autumn did. Even when we were reading from his perspective. I loved how protective he was, and how much he cared about Autumn. He was a growly bear that easily won me over.
If you’re looking for a romance that involves an arranged marriage based on superstitious promises, this is a book for you.
November 14, 2022
3-3.5 stars. Autumn and Lukas were pledged to be married long before they even knew each other so when the time came, they made it official. Even though they lived apart, they were friends at best, who wrote to each other frequently. But now that Lukas is in Autumn's town and staying at her inn while he recovers from an injury, they are in each other's space on a regular basis. The story behind the reason for their betrothal is a little odd, but important for the plot. Lukas remembers Autumn as a youthful teenager, but now sees a grown woman who runs a business independently and successfully. While the plan was to always get a divorce, both of them are rethinking that option given the strong attraction between them and how much they enjoy each other's company. I really liked Autumn and her business instincts, along with how intuitive she could be about other people's feelings. Lukas is a stand up guy overall, but his reasons for not wanting to be with Autumn long term were a bit weak. Autumn's family is entertaining and supportive and the other secondary characters do play a critical role, likely for future books. Watching Autumn and Lukas grow closer together and discover that they might actually have what it takes to make a marriage survive seemed to prove that fate knew what it was doing by putting them together. While Lukas was a bit slow to come around, he does eventually grasp the big picture of where his happiness is intertwined with Autumn's. It's an entertaining read with mild angst and some steam, but most of all about two people who didn't know they belonged together discover it firsthand.
November 16, 2022
I received this free eARC novel from the author. This is my honest review.
Vikki Jay honestly creates the best small town romance novels. I fall for every one of her characters and the small, homey town she creates with the nosy, but loving neighbors and family members.
Lukas and Autumn had an interesting start to their relationship. Arranged marriages in the 21st century shouldn't be a thing since we are all very capable of making our own decisions, but at least nothing was forced beyond a mutual understanding that the marriage would be over soon. Though that's not exactly what happened, I think what did happen was better. They got to know each other well throughout the years. And they got to grow into themselves to help them understand what they really want in life.
I think Lukas focusing so much on their age was a bit much, but then again, getting engaged to a 16 year old is a bit much, so it is a huge part of their story. If they didn't meet until Autumn was 20, I don't think it would have been such a big deal.
But seeing Autumn flourish and really stand up for herself? The best part of this book. She grew from her first meeting with Lukas, but she grew even more during this story when she was finally with Lukas in person. And Lukas is a big part of that because he helped her grow her confidence, but also showed Autumn what she really wants in life.
I'm so glad I got the chance to read this novel and I'm DEFINITELY looking forward to the next book cause those two characters? Complete opposites and that will be a fantastic story to see unfold!!
Vikki Jay honestly creates the best small town romance novels. I fall for every one of her characters and the small, homey town she creates with the nosy, but loving neighbors and family members.
Lukas and Autumn had an interesting start to their relationship. Arranged marriages in the 21st century shouldn't be a thing since we are all very capable of making our own decisions, but at least nothing was forced beyond a mutual understanding that the marriage would be over soon. Though that's not exactly what happened, I think what did happen was better. They got to know each other well throughout the years. And they got to grow into themselves to help them understand what they really want in life.
I think Lukas focusing so much on their age was a bit much, but then again, getting engaged to a 16 year old is a bit much, so it is a huge part of their story. If they didn't meet until Autumn was 20, I don't think it would have been such a big deal.
But seeing Autumn flourish and really stand up for herself? The best part of this book. She grew from her first meeting with Lukas, but she grew even more during this story when she was finally with Lukas in person. And Lukas is a big part of that because he helped her grow her confidence, but also showed Autumn what she really wants in life.
I'm so glad I got the chance to read this novel and I'm DEFINITELY looking forward to the next book cause those two characters? Complete opposites and that will be a fantastic story to see unfold!!
November 18, 2022
More reviews posted at Tales of Love, Life, and Murder
Autumn and Lukas were supposed to be married per a superstitious agreement between their two families. The former Navy SEAL is twelve years older and has no interest in being married to some teenager, but agrees because they’ll live separate lives. Autumn is livid about the arrangement and immediately finds contact information for Lukas so she can get to know her future husband. She’s spitting mad at first but once she’s become resigned to their situation, the two form an unlikely friendship and remain pen pals throughout his tours in the desert.
He's since ended his military career and embarked on a new one in San Diego. She’s been throwing herself into the inn completely, determined to do a great job. They managed to ignore their marriage for four whole years, but when Lukas is injured at work, Autumn runs to him. Her meddling family sets them up to share a suite because the inn is booked solid. There’s an undeniable attraction simmering between these two but as they get to know one another better, it becomes impossible to resist. Watching their friendship develop was cute and they clearly care about one another. I liked these characters right away but couldn’t really connect with them as much as I wanted to, for some reason. I’m not even sure why but I still enjoyed their story.
November 9, 2022
ARC review.
Story follows Autumn and Lukas, who through their great grandmothers superstitions are forced to marry. They remain penpals for 4 years. After being shot Lucas comes to Autumns hotel to recuperate.
I really enjoyed the pen pal, e-mail aspects of the story. But it really did show Autumn and Lukas’ age difference (she’s 22 and he’s 34- when they married he’s 30 and she’s 18)
A modern time arranged marriage for no other reason besides superstition seemed very implausible. Autumns parents were shown heavily in the story and were very over bearing- but had no problem marrying off their daughter to stranger who was 12 years older than her? Kind of gross.
They’re basically in love when they meet but Lucas doesn’t want to deprive her of living her life due to the age difference. Autumn doesn’t care she wants him and that’s that.
From the description story is meant to be a standalone but is book 2 of a series and characters from previous book and a prior series and featured somewhat heavily throughout.
I had earlier mentioned that Lukas was shot the beginning of book, and it’s read that we’re supposed to know who did it? I guess that happened in the previous book? But, he was shot twice by “someone” in an attempted kidnapping and then it’s never brought up again.
While I enjoyed book I dont think I would continue with the series as there was a lot going on with no closure.
Story follows Autumn and Lukas, who through their great grandmothers superstitions are forced to marry. They remain penpals for 4 years. After being shot Lucas comes to Autumns hotel to recuperate.
I really enjoyed the pen pal, e-mail aspects of the story. But it really did show Autumn and Lukas’ age difference (she’s 22 and he’s 34- when they married he’s 30 and she’s 18)
A modern time arranged marriage for no other reason besides superstition seemed very implausible. Autumns parents were shown heavily in the story and were very over bearing- but had no problem marrying off their daughter to stranger who was 12 years older than her? Kind of gross.
They’re basically in love when they meet but Lucas doesn’t want to deprive her of living her life due to the age difference. Autumn doesn’t care she wants him and that’s that.
From the description story is meant to be a standalone but is book 2 of a series and characters from previous book and a prior series and featured somewhat heavily throughout.
I had earlier mentioned that Lukas was shot the beginning of book, and it’s read that we’re supposed to know who did it? I guess that happened in the previous book? But, he was shot twice by “someone” in an attempted kidnapping and then it’s never brought up again.
While I enjoyed book I dont think I would continue with the series as there was a lot going on with no closure.
November 20, 2022
Getting stuck sharing a honeymoon suite with a hot, ex-NAVY Seal sounds like it should be a good time. Except Lukas is my husband and we haven't spoken in years.
Until today, we were living separate lives, waiting to get out of this arranged marriage. But my family's meddling has pushed us together. And now he's here filling out his t-shirt just a little too well and staring at me just a little too intensely.
Don't even get me started on the cleft on his chin that pops up every time he smiles. The man has temptation written all over him.
We manage to stay out of each other's way–mostly. Until the tension boils over one night in a car.
I straddle his lap. I press my lips to his. I feel his body against mine. And that one hot moment has me offering something I never thought I would.
What happens in the honeymoon suite, stays in the honeymoon suite.
But what Lukas and I share in that room is so much more than just physical. With every kiss, every caress, every touch, I start forgetting our reality, and wonder if we've got it all wrong.
We planned our divorce four years ago. But what if our plans have changed?
I enjoyed Lukas & Auumn's story! If you enjoy an age back and a faux marriage this book is for you. Their journey wasn't an easy one. This heartfelt page turner had me hooked within the first few pages. Highly recommend you take a chance on this one, it'll keep you thoroughly entertained and happy!
Until today, we were living separate lives, waiting to get out of this arranged marriage. But my family's meddling has pushed us together. And now he's here filling out his t-shirt just a little too well and staring at me just a little too intensely.
Don't even get me started on the cleft on his chin that pops up every time he smiles. The man has temptation written all over him.
We manage to stay out of each other's way–mostly. Until the tension boils over one night in a car.
I straddle his lap. I press my lips to his. I feel his body against mine. And that one hot moment has me offering something I never thought I would.
What happens in the honeymoon suite, stays in the honeymoon suite.
But what Lukas and I share in that room is so much more than just physical. With every kiss, every caress, every touch, I start forgetting our reality, and wonder if we've got it all wrong.
We planned our divorce four years ago. But what if our plans have changed?
I enjoyed Lukas & Auumn's story! If you enjoy an age back and a faux marriage this book is for you. Their journey wasn't an easy one. This heartfelt page turner had me hooked within the first few pages. Highly recommend you take a chance on this one, it'll keep you thoroughly entertained and happy!
November 9, 2022
ARC REVIEW
Promised Love was my first contact with Vikki Jay's writing. Despite having failed in the fluidity of her writing, she presented a cohesive writing, staying true to the narrative she created from the beginning.
Promised Love is a second chance that had everything to be amazing, and despite trying hard, the author was unable to create a sweeping second chance that made you think about the story even after you had finished reading it a few days ago.
Despite that, she did show a parallel between the past and present of Lukas and Autumn's story, something that was very interesting to read. However, I feel that it still lacked a better touch.
Autumn was an interesting character, but she had very little individual development. Vikki could have talked a little more about her individual story, her fears and dreams and etc, allowing the reader to get to know the character more deeply.
Lukas was an interesting character too, but Vikki made the same mistake with him that she made with Autumn: lack of individual development. I wish I had access to his thoughts and feelings in more depth way, in a way where I could understand his actions and decisions better.
Tropes:
✓ Second Chance
✓ Enemies to Lovers
Promised Love was my first contact with Vikki Jay's writing. Despite having failed in the fluidity of her writing, she presented a cohesive writing, staying true to the narrative she created from the beginning.
Promised Love is a second chance that had everything to be amazing, and despite trying hard, the author was unable to create a sweeping second chance that made you think about the story even after you had finished reading it a few days ago.
Despite that, she did show a parallel between the past and present of Lukas and Autumn's story, something that was very interesting to read. However, I feel that it still lacked a better touch.
Autumn was an interesting character, but she had very little individual development. Vikki could have talked a little more about her individual story, her fears and dreams and etc, allowing the reader to get to know the character more deeply.
Lukas was an interesting character too, but Vikki made the same mistake with him that she made with Autumn: lack of individual development. I wish I had access to his thoughts and feelings in more depth way, in a way where I could understand his actions and decisions better.
Tropes:
✓ Second Chance
✓ Enemies to Lovers
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