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The 'Burg #5
The Promise
Librarian's note: See alternate cover edition with this ASIN here.
Since his brother’s death, Benny Bianchi has been nursing his grudge against the woman he thinks led to his brother’s downfall. He does this to bury the feelings he has for Francesca Concetti, his brother’s girl. But when Frankie takes a bullet while on the run with Benny’s cousin’s woman, Benny has to face those feelings.
The problem is Frankie has decided she’s paid her penance. Penance she didn’t deserve to pay. She’s done with Benny and the Bianchi family. She’s starting a new life away from Chicago and her heartbreaking history.
Benny has decided differently.
But Frankie has more demons she’s battling. Demons Benny wants to help her face. But life has landed so many hard knocks on Frankie she’s terrified of believing in the promise of Benny Bianchi and the good life he’s offering.
Frankie’s new life leads her to The ‘Burg, where Benny has ties, and she finds she not only hasn’t succeeded in getting away, she’s doesn’t want to.
Since his brother’s death, Benny Bianchi has been nursing his grudge against the woman he thinks led to his brother’s downfall. He does this to bury the feelings he has for Francesca Concetti, his brother’s girl. But when Frankie takes a bullet while on the run with Benny’s cousin’s woman, Benny has to face those feelings.
The problem is Frankie has decided she’s paid her penance. Penance she didn’t deserve to pay. She’s done with Benny and the Bianchi family. She’s starting a new life away from Chicago and her heartbreaking history.
Benny has decided differently.
But Frankie has more demons she’s battling. Demons Benny wants to help her face. But life has landed so many hard knocks on Frankie she’s terrified of believing in the promise of Benny Bianchi and the good life he’s offering.
Frankie’s new life leads her to The ‘Burg, where Benny has ties, and she finds she not only hasn’t succeeded in getting away, she’s doesn’t want to.
518 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 26, 2014
About the author
Kristen Ashley
129 books39.1k followersKristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn't taken her first breath!).
Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.
Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).
Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.
And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.
Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.
Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).
Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.
And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,364 reviews
July 10, 2014
Let's put it this way...had this been my first...or even my tenth Kristen Ashley book, I might have been thrilled to read it and soaked up every last word of the story. However, I've read more than twice that amount, and I just can't bring myself to invest more of my valuable reading time on one again for quite some time.
As everyone was, I was over the moon excited about reading Benny and Frankie's story. Unrequited love, a heated and dramatic past, a truly worthy separation (for once) had me clamoring for their HEA. And of course, we get the HEA. But I'd say that roughly 75% of this book was filler, worthless internal dialogue, and the back and forth bickering between protagonists that KA has become so well known for. Now, that leaves the other 25% as being some really good shit. That small percentage was so wonderful, so heartfelt, so emotional, and it sort of makes it sad to note that the rest of it bored me to tears.
I haven't read a single review for this book as of yet. I didn't want to color my own perception if everyone loved it. I didn't want raised expectations because that always ends up going bad for me. I wanted to know nothing about the book/plot/story. So I won't even do a recap here. I'll just say my likes and dislikes and move on.
Dislikes:
NO PLOT!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes, there is a romantic storyline here. For the first 250 pages, that was the focal point of the book. But even there, it read just like every other KA couple. The small amount of real emotion that I felt for Frankie's situation could have been magnified tremendously had Ashley delved more into the Bianchi family's apologies and feelings for Frankie. As it was, there was no apology at all...just a few dramatic puppy dog looks, and Frankie was all about healing the seven year betrayal that she received from the entire family. Not good enough. We never got any real emotion from the Bianchis...why did they love Frankie? Why did they want her for Benny? DID they want her for Benny? Stop making effing dinner and have a damned conversation with the young girl who meant so much to you before you blamed her for your son's death and then left her alone to deal with the aftermath!!
During the second half, there is a half assed attempt at bringing a plot into the storyline regarding Frankie's job. At that point, however, it felt odd to introduce all of these characters and intrigue to the story. I had no interest in it whatsoever. Not to mention, when the action sort of starts happening, it was constantly interrupted by sex and those ever-present back and forth arguments between Frankie and Benny. Annoying, at best.
Too much filler text
I enjoy some down time in a book. It's a good way to segue into a new direction for the plot or to give some gravity to a budding relationship. But there was way too much pointless interaction and silly conversation here. If a scene doesn't move the story forward, it's just filler. And more than half of this book could easily been deleted altogether, the only difference being that the page numbers are smaller, and I would have been more interested.
Recycled characters
Don't get me wrong, Benny and Frankie were great characters. Good people. But remember those other nearly three dozen Kristen Ashley books I've read? I could substitute any other KA hero/heroine names in this book and it could easily been called the "Lee and Indy" or "Chace and Faye"...minus maybe five of her books, the characterization is interchangable.
One more tiny gripe...I wish the title to this book had simply been "Frankie and Benny" instead of The Promise. I feel like they deserved it, and fans did too. It would have made a big statement, and as it is, The Promise did nothing for me, not even when it was all kinds of cleverly inserted into the story.
Likes:
Cameo appearances by beloved characters
My absolute favorite part about this book was getting so many of the other characters from the 'Burg series AND the Rock Chick series. We get to have a conversation with Lee Nightingale, and we get a lot of Luke Stark in all his epic swooniness. He gets to be badass as well as a sweetheart commando to protect Frankie.
"I have a question." Stark looked to me. "Can you kick Chuck Norris' ass?"
Luke Stark smiled, white and lazy.
My heart thumped.
"I strive to be Chuck Norris," he replied.
More so than either of those, we get a whole lot more of Joe Cal and Vi from At Peace. Kate and Kiera round out the family, and we get to witness Joe's introduction to fatherhood again and the wedding of the series between on of my all time favorite couples EVER. And we get to see him happy...can't beat that!
"You wanna give me my daughter back?" Call butted into the conversation.
"No," Sal answered.
"That wasn't really a question," Cal pointed out.
"Take this beauty from me, I'll cut off your hand," Sal shot back."
Blurry good/evil lines:
I loved how Sal's characters is portrayed and I loved all the varying reactions to him. Of course, the Bianchi family is not a fan of his. Not only is he the head of a crime family (and obviously does some very bad things) but their son was killed while working for him. On the other hand, Frankie still loves Sal and his wife...they're more family than her blood family ever was. Still, Sal cheats on his wife and there is this obvious rage in his eyes when someone contradicts him. But he sure loves Frankie.
The SEX!!!
Holy hot blow jobs, batman!!! Benny sure knows how to boss his woman in between the sheets. The first time he put her on her knees and grabbed her hair, I broke out into a sweat, I swear!! Ahem...go Benny! And yay for Frankie!
"Finish your donut. I'm in the mood to fuck you again."
"So annoying"
He grinned. "You want me to fuck you."
She glared and snapped, "Annoying!"
His hand tightened on the back of her neck and he dipped his face close to hers. "You want it."
"Benny, you're making it impossible to eat my donut," she shared.
He put his mouth to hers and whispered, "Finish it quick, baby. I want you to drop right here and take my cock in your mouth."
Welp! Alrighty then!!
In conclusion, I really think that if the Burg series is maybe one of two series by this author that you've read, or if you're just really a die hard fangirl of KA you'll enjoy this book. As it is, I feel like some of the magic has definitely worn off for me. Her Fantasyland series stands out for me as being wildly different, but her contemporaries/romantic suspense are becoming too repetitive. And to be honest, I can't even say that with complete sincerity because there are hidden gems in there too, such as At Peace, Sweet Dreams,Motorcycle Man and Rock Chick Reckoning, which I'm partial to, mainly because they are dissimilar enough to stand out.
As everyone was, I was over the moon excited about reading Benny and Frankie's story. Unrequited love, a heated and dramatic past, a truly worthy separation (for once) had me clamoring for their HEA. And of course, we get the HEA. But I'd say that roughly 75% of this book was filler, worthless internal dialogue, and the back and forth bickering between protagonists that KA has become so well known for. Now, that leaves the other 25% as being some really good shit. That small percentage was so wonderful, so heartfelt, so emotional, and it sort of makes it sad to note that the rest of it bored me to tears.
I haven't read a single review for this book as of yet. I didn't want to color my own perception if everyone loved it. I didn't want raised expectations because that always ends up going bad for me. I wanted to know nothing about the book/plot/story. So I won't even do a recap here. I'll just say my likes and dislikes and move on.
Dislikes:
NO PLOT!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes, there is a romantic storyline here. For the first 250 pages, that was the focal point of the book. But even there, it read just like every other KA couple. The small amount of real emotion that I felt for Frankie's situation could have been magnified tremendously had Ashley delved more into the Bianchi family's apologies and feelings for Frankie. As it was, there was no apology at all...just a few dramatic puppy dog looks, and Frankie was all about healing the seven year betrayal that she received from the entire family. Not good enough. We never got any real emotion from the Bianchis...why did they love Frankie? Why did they want her for Benny? DID they want her for Benny? Stop making effing dinner and have a damned conversation with the young girl who meant so much to you before you blamed her for your son's death and then left her alone to deal with the aftermath!!
During the second half, there is a half assed attempt at bringing a plot into the storyline regarding Frankie's job. At that point, however, it felt odd to introduce all of these characters and intrigue to the story. I had no interest in it whatsoever. Not to mention, when the action sort of starts happening, it was constantly interrupted by sex and those ever-present back and forth arguments between Frankie and Benny. Annoying, at best.
Too much filler text
I enjoy some down time in a book. It's a good way to segue into a new direction for the plot or to give some gravity to a budding relationship. But there was way too much pointless interaction and silly conversation here. If a scene doesn't move the story forward, it's just filler. And more than half of this book could easily been deleted altogether, the only difference being that the page numbers are smaller, and I would have been more interested.
Recycled characters
Don't get me wrong, Benny and Frankie were great characters. Good people. But remember those other nearly three dozen Kristen Ashley books I've read? I could substitute any other KA hero/heroine names in this book and it could easily been called the "Lee and Indy" or "Chace and Faye"...minus maybe five of her books, the characterization is interchangable.
One more tiny gripe...I wish the title to this book had simply been "Frankie and Benny" instead of The Promise. I feel like they deserved it, and fans did too. It would have made a big statement, and as it is, The Promise did nothing for me, not even when it was all kinds of cleverly inserted into the story.
Likes:
Cameo appearances by beloved characters
My absolute favorite part about this book was getting so many of the other characters from the 'Burg series AND the Rock Chick series. We get to have a conversation with Lee Nightingale, and we get a lot of Luke Stark in all his epic swooniness. He gets to be badass as well as a sweetheart commando to protect Frankie.
"I have a question." Stark looked to me. "Can you kick Chuck Norris' ass?"
Luke Stark smiled, white and lazy.
My heart thumped.
"I strive to be Chuck Norris," he replied.
More so than either of those, we get a whole lot more of Joe Cal and Vi from At Peace. Kate and Kiera round out the family, and we get to witness Joe's introduction to fatherhood again and the wedding of the series between on of my all time favorite couples EVER. And we get to see him happy...can't beat that!
"You wanna give me my daughter back?" Call butted into the conversation.
"No," Sal answered.
"That wasn't really a question," Cal pointed out.
"Take this beauty from me, I'll cut off your hand," Sal shot back."
Blurry good/evil lines:
I loved how Sal's characters is portrayed and I loved all the varying reactions to him. Of course, the Bianchi family is not a fan of his. Not only is he the head of a crime family (and obviously does some very bad things) but their son was killed while working for him. On the other hand, Frankie still loves Sal and his wife...they're more family than her blood family ever was. Still, Sal cheats on his wife and there is this obvious rage in his eyes when someone contradicts him. But he sure loves Frankie.
The SEX!!!
Holy hot blow jobs, batman!!! Benny sure knows how to boss his woman in between the sheets. The first time he put her on her knees and grabbed her hair, I broke out into a sweat, I swear!! Ahem...go Benny! And yay for Frankie!
"Finish your donut. I'm in the mood to fuck you again."
"So annoying"
He grinned. "You want me to fuck you."
She glared and snapped, "Annoying!"
His hand tightened on the back of her neck and he dipped his face close to hers. "You want it."
"Benny, you're making it impossible to eat my donut," she shared.
He put his mouth to hers and whispered, "Finish it quick, baby. I want you to drop right here and take my cock in your mouth."
Welp! Alrighty then!!
In conclusion, I really think that if the Burg series is maybe one of two series by this author that you've read, or if you're just really a die hard fangirl of KA you'll enjoy this book. As it is, I feel like some of the magic has definitely worn off for me. Her Fantasyland series stands out for me as being wildly different, but her contemporaries/romantic suspense are becoming too repetitive. And to be honest, I can't even say that with complete sincerity because there are hidden gems in there too, such as At Peace, Sweet Dreams,Motorcycle Man and Rock Chick Reckoning, which I'm partial to, mainly because they are dissimilar enough to stand out.
July 8, 2014
My casting for Benny since he wears white tees.... ;)
**** FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED ****
Absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!! I finished this book with happy tears in my eyes and the most content feeling you can imagine. It was pure Vintage KA awesomeness. Frankie & Benny's story truly delivered everything I'd hoped for and more!
Before anything, please note that you must read At Peace at some point before this book. You don't have to re-read it per se but The Promise starts about a week after At Peace ends and is strongly tied in with that storyline so you do have to be aware of what happened in that book in order to fully appreciate the events in this one. I will say though that I hadn't read At Peace since 2012 (!!) and it really speaks volumes for KA's writing skill that she made me emotional to the point of tears in the scenes that tied in with At Peace even though it had been 2.5 years since I'd read it. Now that is freaking fantastic writing!!!
I can also say in all honesty that At Peace was one of the very best books I've ever read but interestingly, I'd always felt like it was a complete story (and I'm referring to the Joe/Vi storyline) but after having read The Promise, I realize that now it's complete. The sheer beauty of the additional Joe/Vi scenes in this book was breathtaking. Absolutely breathtaking.
Ok... I should really start talking about Frankie and Benny now ;)
You can always count on a KA book to have you laughing and feeling with all your heart right from the start and this book took off with a bang with Frankie just getting out of the hospital after a gunshot wound.
It was a messy situation and I don't want to explain it in too much depth because it's best to just experience it for yourself but I'll just say that seven years ago, Frankie's boyfriend was shot and killed. This was after he'd joined the Mafia. His brother Benny had loved Frankie from afar for years though and even though his family had blamed her in some ways for his brother's demise, he wasn't going to let anything get in the way of showing her how really he felt about her. This was his chance, and he was taking it.
"No boy who looks like that comes to the hospital every day for a girl who looks like you 'cause he's keepin' an eye on his seven-years-dead brother's girlfriend."
Trouble was, Frankie was having none of it. Sure, he made her heart race but to her, he was off limits in so many ways. She felt he deserved better than her and Benny had a long road ahead of him to convince her of how much she meant to him.
"I get you're scared and I know why… I haven't earned it, baby. I don't even fuckin' deserve it. But I gotta ask you to trust me anyways."
Benny was the kind of guy who was open, honest, and in control. No games, no bullshit, no holding back. He didn't complicate anything, didn't beat around the bush, but was patient, kind, and strongly protective.
"You done being a hotheaded, protective, Italian guy?"
"I'm never done with that."
I will say though that so many of their scenes with them butting head-to-head had me laughing out loud ;)
“I’m not takin’ you home. I’m takin’ you to MY home,” he clarified…
“So, what you’re saying is, you actually HAVE kidnapped me.”
“You wanna look at it that way, go ahead.”
Teehee!!
See, Frankie was self described as "hotheaded, impatient, dramatic, and crazy-stubborn" and she had no problem seeing her own flaws. But what she needed to learn was that in Benny's eyes, she was perfect just as she was. In his words, she was "Sweet and spicy. What more could a man want."
This book embodies everything we love most from KA's writing. It's smart, sassy, emotional, witty, deep, and written in that delightful KA writing style that makes all her fans' hearts' race.
I think she just has this way of highlighting these little things that give the story this added depth and weight that is so special and powerful. Like, for example, her description of Benny's voice....
"I got warm just hearing his voice. It was deep and easy. The kind of voice that could talk you out of being in a snit because something went bad at work. The kind of voice that could make your heart get tight as you listened to him talk to a little kid. The kind of voice that would make you feel at peace with the world before you closed your eyes to sleep after he whispered good night in your ear."
*dreamy sigh*
I loved how realistically-paced their relationship was. They had a history to be sure, a messy one at that, but it was also filled with a lot of goodness. Despite their history, I loved that they didn't just rush into anything. By the time they became a couple, you really believed in it and in them.
“What makes you happy? What do you want outta life?”
“I…. Why do you ask?”
“‘Cause I wanna know if it’s in me to give it to you.”
Family love, relationship love, friend love -- this book had everything. It was beautiful, powerful and heartfelt. There were moments of quiet (where you were just experiencing life along with the characters you loved), moments of action (where my heart would race as the crazy plot began to unfold), and so many gorgeous moments of romance that showed the true depth of Frankie and Benny's love for each other.
"Been waitin' years for this, baby. Thanks for makin' it worth the wait."
This was about so much more than just a romance too. It was about letting go of the past in order to build a better future, about embracing each other with their pasts and accepting that they'd live in the now and stop allowing their pasts to dictate their future. The message about never giving up on love, never letting go of family, and following your heart came through so strongly.
Oh gosh and there was this one scene in the middle of the book that was SO beautiful that tears were just pouring down my face from happiness. The sheer beauty of what was said in those two pages will stay with me forever. Just WOW.
The story is told in dual POV but it's done in a way where the heroine's side is in first person, but the hero's side is third person so we definitely get to see both sides of the story. I love the way KA shows us the issues from both perspectives. Yes, stupid stuff does come up but the truth is that real people do sometimes make bad choices. But I love that we're shown the reason behind these choices so that even if you can't empathize, then you can at least sympathize and hopefully feel invested enough in the characters to want to see them work through the issues that led to those problems in the first place. It's a beautiful process.
"Know one thing…. love is NEVER wrong."
I also loved that this book retained the exact same "feeling" as the first books in this series. It totally matched up to them but at the same time, it delivered something new and unique.
I'm being asked 2 questions a lot, so I'm going to answer them here:
✦ Do I have to read the whole series before I read this book? -- Technically, no. The only one that you have to read first is At Peace. However, all the characters from those books do play some sort of role in this one and also the actual crime-solving part of the story is an issue that ties in with some of the other books so my personal recommendation is to read all the books in this series in order. I loved them all and you'll get a much deeper understanding of the story that way.
✦ Should I re-read the other books right before starting this? -- It's up to you. I didn't have time to and just jumped in and I was fine so I think it's just a matter of personal preference. You won't be lost if you don't re-read though because you're reminded of the important stuff as you read.
Oh.... and by the way, the epilogue is gorgeous !!!!!! :)
The stories in Kristen Ashley's books reach right into your heart and soul. These powerful stories of love and family are the kind that stay with you forever. Every single romance reader owes it to themselves to experience a KA novel at some point and this would be a wonderful series to start with.
**** SERIES READING ORDER ****
1) For You (Colt & Feb)
2) At Peace (Joe & Vi)
3) Golden Trail (Layne & Rocky)
4) Games Of The Heart (Mike & Dusty)
5) The Promise (Benny & Frankie)
****************************
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July 14, 2014
2.5 I'm still crying in disappointment stars
First of all, I'm still processing the shock that I just rated a self-pub KA anything less than 4 stars
Now before you start throwing things, allow me to explain....
And fair warning, you're about to read a slight rant, so if you're easily offended, I'd suggest you look away right about now. Can't say I didn't warn you.
2 years. That's 730 days. That's 17531 painfully long hours since I first read At Peace. That's also how long I've been waiting for Frankie and Benny's book. To say that I was excited to finally get my hands on this would be a gross understatement. Now perhaps if I haven't read most of KA's backlist, I may have enjoyed this book more...then again maybe not since I did see a lot of my GR friends enjoyed this one and have been long time KA fans. But for me? It didn't just fall flat. It flat-lined. Let me take you on a journey through gifs of my experience with this book.
I saw The Promise got a release date after 2 years of waiting
The book finally lands on my kindle after I pre-ordered it months ago
I begin reading the first 20%
I get to 40%
I force myself to continue to 80%
Remember this quote?
7 years Frankie has been atoning. All because she fell in love with Vinnie, Vinnie died and his family blamed her for it, Benny included.
Remember this quote?
or how about this one
Now I dunno about you, but as for me? I was expecting the mother of all grovels in The Promise. I'm talking the beg and crawl on your knees grovels. I'm talking
grovels.
Instead I got
Now I understand that Frankie is extremely loving and forgiving and that's fine and dandy. But c'mon. The Bianchis didn't even have to work for it. 7 years of treating her like shit, and I don't recall even one 'I'm sorry' being uttered. As for Benny? Well Benny pulled a 180 so quick it made my head spin. In the time it takes him to utter "Babe" he goes from "bitch" to "I pulled my head out of my ass and we should be together."
I wanted him to really work for it. But instead I get a relationship that is for over half the book. Le sigh.
Right around the time of Frankie's freak out at 35% my interest began to quickly fizzle out. The last time I was this bored reading a KA book was during Kaleidoscope. I literary had to force myself to read because I simply couldn't bring myself to DNF a book by KA.
There was NOTHING that stood out for me. And I mean nothing. Frankie and Benny, the 2 characters who I was dying to read about could have been interchangeable with any other KA MCs. There was nothing unique about them at all. It was been there, read that, got the "babe" t-shirt.
The major plot conflict at the end?
I was pretty much skimming from 40% until the end.
I did love the first 20%, and the cameos were awesome (Luke and Joe. It just doesn't get any better than those two). And of course the epilogue was the typical KA greatness that even managed to have me tearing up a bit. But sadly that just didn't make the rest of the snooze fest that was this book better for me.
Don't let my review deter you from reading it. There's plenty of people that did truly love it. I just sadly wasn't one of them. It really breaks my heart to rate this book low because I've been looking forward to it for so long. But when I finished and all I thought was
Well....yeah.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to wallow in my own misery about this.
For more reviews visit
First of all, I'm still processing the shock that I just rated a self-pub KA anything less than 4 stars
Now before you start throwing things, allow me to explain....
And fair warning, you're about to read a slight rant, so if you're easily offended, I'd suggest you look away right about now. Can't say I didn't warn you.
2 years. That's 730 days. That's 17531 painfully long hours since I first read At Peace. That's also how long I've been waiting for Frankie and Benny's book. To say that I was excited to finally get my hands on this would be a gross understatement. Now perhaps if I haven't read most of KA's backlist, I may have enjoyed this book more...then again maybe not since I did see a lot of my GR friends enjoyed this one and have been long time KA fans. But for me? It didn't just fall flat. It flat-lined. Let me take you on a journey through gifs of my experience with this book.
I saw The Promise got a release date after 2 years of waiting
The book finally lands on my kindle after I pre-ordered it months ago
I begin reading the first 20%
I get to 40%
I force myself to continue to 80%
Remember this quote?
I took my hit for your family today. I atoned. It's done. All I did was fall in love with Vinnie but you took your penance from me like I did wrong and I loved you all once, so I gave it. I bled for you today. This is good this happened. It gave me my chance to do what you needed me to do. But you aren't getting anything more.
7 years Frankie has been atoning. All because she fell in love with Vinnie, Vinnie died and his family blamed her for it, Benny included.
Remember this quote?
or how about this one
Now I dunno about you, but as for me? I was expecting the mother of all grovels in The Promise. I'm talking the beg and crawl on your knees grovels. I'm talking
grovels.
Instead I got
Now I understand that Frankie is extremely loving and forgiving and that's fine and dandy. But c'mon. The Bianchis didn't even have to work for it. 7 years of treating her like shit, and I don't recall even one 'I'm sorry' being uttered. As for Benny? Well Benny pulled a 180 so quick it made my head spin. In the time it takes him to utter "Babe" he goes from "bitch" to "I pulled my head out of my ass and we should be together."
I wanted him to really work for it. But instead I get a relationship that is for over half the book. Le sigh.
Right around the time of Frankie's freak out at 35% my interest began to quickly fizzle out. The last time I was this bored reading a KA book was during Kaleidoscope. I literary had to force myself to read because I simply couldn't bring myself to DNF a book by KA.
There was NOTHING that stood out for me. And I mean nothing. Frankie and Benny, the 2 characters who I was dying to read about could have been interchangeable with any other KA MCs. There was nothing unique about them at all. It was been there, read that, got the "babe" t-shirt.
The major plot conflict at the end?
I was pretty much skimming from 40% until the end.
I did love the first 20%, and the cameos were awesome (Luke and Joe. It just doesn't get any better than those two). And of course the epilogue was the typical KA greatness that even managed to have me tearing up a bit. But sadly that just didn't make the rest of the snooze fest that was this book better for me.
Don't let my review deter you from reading it. There's plenty of people that did truly love it. I just sadly wasn't one of them. It really breaks my heart to rate this book low because I've been looking forward to it for so long. But when I finished and all I thought was
Well....yeah.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to wallow in my own misery about this.
For more reviews visit
July 21, 2014
2.5 to 3 Stars.....
Le Sigh... I, like hundreds of other KA fans have been waiting and waiting and waiting... and waiting for Benny and Frankie's story. It seemed like it would never get here. Unfortunately, once it got here I didn't think it would ever end.
This story could EASILY been cut in half.. and in my opinion it should have. In the past, I have really loved KA's long books.. she has the ability to really fill a lot of pages with some good dialogue and plot. But this time it was just too much.. The story was there.. but there was a lot of filler that just was not necessary to the story and I caught myself skimming often.
That being said, the chemistry between Benny and Frankie was awesome... they were explosive together and I loved both characters. Had this book been shorter, it could have easily been 4 stars. But I was bored half way through and if this had been any other author I may not have finished the book. But I knew Frankie and Benny's history from At Peace, which is one of my all time favorite KA books, and I had been looking forward to this one for so long there was no way I wasn't going to finish it. I guess the length is why it took so freaking long for her to finish writing it!
Oh well, I'm still a huge KA fan so I'll still buy whatever she puts out there because she still has the ability to really hit it out of the park... and seriously, not many can write as fantastic of an epilogue and KA can. Truth!
Benny and Frankie
Le Sigh... I, like hundreds of other KA fans have been waiting and waiting and waiting... and waiting for Benny and Frankie's story. It seemed like it would never get here. Unfortunately, once it got here I didn't think it would ever end.
This story could EASILY been cut in half.. and in my opinion it should have. In the past, I have really loved KA's long books.. she has the ability to really fill a lot of pages with some good dialogue and plot. But this time it was just too much.. The story was there.. but there was a lot of filler that just was not necessary to the story and I caught myself skimming often.
That being said, the chemistry between Benny and Frankie was awesome... they were explosive together and I loved both characters. Had this book been shorter, it could have easily been 4 stars. But I was bored half way through and if this had been any other author I may not have finished the book. But I knew Frankie and Benny's history from At Peace, which is one of my all time favorite KA books, and I had been looking forward to this one for so long there was no way I wasn't going to finish it. I guess the length is why it took so freaking long for her to finish writing it!
Oh well, I'm still a huge KA fan so I'll still buy whatever she puts out there because she still has the ability to really hit it out of the park... and seriously, not many can write as fantastic of an epilogue and KA can. Truth!
Benny and Frankie
July 14, 2014
4 Crazy-Beautiful stars!
Frankie and Benny! I have been amped up to read this book since it was first announced. At Peace is one of my all time favorite KA books, and we were introduced to this couple there. This story picks up almost immediately after At Peace ends…
Frankie has been through a lot in the last 7 years. 7 years of heartache, pain and losing not only her man, but the only real family she’s ever known. After putting herself out there big time and risking her life, her ‘family’ has finally realized the error of their ways. They want back into Frankie's life, want her forgiveness.
Frankie’s had feelings for Benny for a while, but being her dead boyfriends brother, she never thought she could go there. Now Benny is insistent on taking care of her. And he’s showing her a whole different side than he’s been showing her.
I am a total Kristen Ashley fan girl. I can’t help it. I’m addicted to her stuff. So for me to give this 4 stars… ugh. It hurts. But really, the first half was slow for me. There were moments I was really nervous if it would turn around and pick up the pace. Thankfully, for me it did. The thing about Kristen Ashley books is that they’re long, but most of the time they’re so damn good, they don’t feel long. The first half of this felt loonnnngggg. It dragged some for me. That’s the main reason this one wasn’t a 5 star read. For me, the last 30% was 5 star material, but the bulk of the book was more of a 3.5-4. I did like a lot of things in the beginning/middle, I just wish it wouldn’t have dragged for me.
The best part of this story for me, hands down was Benny Binachi.
My very favorite line in the book… I swear when I read this I cracked up!
To sum up Benny:
In every KA book, we got a ton of fabulous secondary characters. This was no exception. I loved the old lady neighbor and I was shocked with how much I loved Sal. I’m embarrassed to say there was a scene with him that actually brought me to tears. Lots of Benny’s family (including JOE CAL). I love how KA always incorporates these fun side characters in her books. And there is a really awesome cameo I was not expecting towards the end!!! <3
Emotional, sexy and funny. The perfect Kristen Ashley formula. It seemed to lack some of the drama that the other Burg books had, but there was still some relationship conflict and a little side story about Frankie’s work. The epilogue was the shit. One thing I especially loved is that we didn’t just get Frankie and Benny’s story, we also got more of a conclusion to Vi and Joe’s story. At Peace is one of my favorite books, so I was happy to see so much of these secondary characters. Although the Burg books can mostly be read as standalones, you really should read At Peace before this. I’m excited that the ‘Burg series will have one more book! Bring on Merry and Cheryl’s story!!!
Frankie and Benny! I have been amped up to read this book since it was first announced. At Peace is one of my all time favorite KA books, and we were introduced to this couple there. This story picks up almost immediately after At Peace ends…
Frankie has been through a lot in the last 7 years. 7 years of heartache, pain and losing not only her man, but the only real family she’s ever known. After putting herself out there big time and risking her life, her ‘family’ has finally realized the error of their ways. They want back into Frankie's life, want her forgiveness.
Frankie’s had feelings for Benny for a while, but being her dead boyfriends brother, she never thought she could go there. Now Benny is insistent on taking care of her. And he’s showing her a whole different side than he’s been showing her.
“You’re crazy-brave, babe. You proved that a week and a half ago. You’re crazy-beautiful and I ‘spect you’ve been that way all your life. You’re crazy-funny. You’re crazy-sweet.”
He was my dead boyfriends brother, he was Italian America, and last, he was hot in the sense that Death Valley was hot. He so topped the scale on hotness, he reinvented the scale.Benny is willing to do whatever it takes to show Frankie that he’s serious. He wants to take care of her, get her back to normal, then he wants her. He’s wanted her a while, but it’s taken him a while to get to a place where he could accept that an move on from there. Even though Frankie was with Benny’s brother for a while, she was always his girl. He’s just gotta get her to see that too.
I am a total Kristen Ashley fan girl. I can’t help it. I’m addicted to her stuff. So for me to give this 4 stars… ugh. It hurts. But really, the first half was slow for me. There were moments I was really nervous if it would turn around and pick up the pace. Thankfully, for me it did. The thing about Kristen Ashley books is that they’re long, but most of the time they’re so damn good, they don’t feel long. The first half of this felt loonnnngggg. It dragged some for me. That’s the main reason this one wasn’t a 5 star read. For me, the last 30% was 5 star material, but the bulk of the book was more of a 3.5-4. I did like a lot of things in the beginning/middle, I just wish it wouldn’t have dragged for me.
The best part of this story for me, hands down was Benny Binachi.
“So it boils down to this: I don’t want easy, Frankie. I had my shot at that. I wanna work at gettin’ the sweet, enjoyin’ my time with the spicy along the way ‘cause the sweet’s a fuckuva lot sweeter when you gotta earn it.”Benny put himself out there from the very beginning and made his intentions known. Benny might not be a cop, or a commando, or a PI, biker or anything like that, but he was still your traditional KA alpha in the sense that he was a badass, he had that possessive/protective streak, and he was crazy hot. I actually loved that he was a family man and worked in the pizzeria. It didn't take away from his 'alphaness' at all.
“While you’re here, we’ll talk, we’ll fuck, we’ll sort things out and make a plan. And, heads up, Frankie, we’ll be fuckin’ a lot ‘cause I only had you once, but we clearly already got that shit down. And my guess is, we fuck enough, shit will sort itself out.”
My very favorite line in the book… I swear when I read this I cracked up!
“Finish your donut. In the mood to fuck you again.”
To sum up Benny:
“I’m awesome all the time, babe.”Now to Frankie… I didn’t love her all the time, but she grew on me. By the end of the story, I loved Frankie. I loved Frankie and Benny together.
In every KA book, we got a ton of fabulous secondary characters. This was no exception. I loved the old lady neighbor and I was shocked with how much I loved Sal. I’m embarrassed to say there was a scene with him that actually brought me to tears. Lots of Benny’s family (including JOE CAL). I love how KA always incorporates these fun side characters in her books. And there is a really awesome cameo I was not expecting towards the end!!! <3
Emotional, sexy and funny. The perfect Kristen Ashley formula. It seemed to lack some of the drama that the other Burg books had, but there was still some relationship conflict and a little side story about Frankie’s work. The epilogue was the shit. One thing I especially loved is that we didn’t just get Frankie and Benny’s story, we also got more of a conclusion to Vi and Joe’s story. At Peace is one of my favorite books, so I was happy to see so much of these secondary characters. Although the Burg books can mostly be read as standalones, you really should read At Peace before this. I’m excited that the ‘Burg series will have one more book! Bring on Merry and Cheryl’s story!!!
“Never loved another woman. Not in my life. Waited till I got it right. I got it right.”
July 10, 2014
2.5 'maybe my expectations were too high' stars!
Sorry, you guys but I'm bummed. My expectations for Frankie and Benny's story were sky-high, and that's on me.
I wanted to like this book. I really do. And had this been any other KA book, I would have given this a four but this was Frankie and Benny! I've been waiting for their story ever since At Peace. I thought their story was going to be epic, so I was disheartened when I actually started skimming around 48%.
The Story
After taking the blame for the death of their son and Frankie's boyfriend, Vinnie Jr., Frankie decided she has had enough of the Bianchi family and planned to move to Indiana. For seven long years, the Bianchi family treated her horribly and as penance, Frankie went as far as to take a bullet meant for one of their own. The situation gets even more complicated with the lingering attraction that Frankie felt towards Vinnie's brother Benny.
Benny, along with the rest of his family, hated Frankie. They thought she was the reason why Vinnie went to work for his mob boss uncle, Sal. They had cut her out and wanted nothing to do with her. They were downright cruel to her. This was especially hurtful because they were the only normal family that Frankie has ever known. Frankie's own biological family are a bunch of selfish people who were out for themselves. So when the Bianchi family cut her out, she was devastated.
Before I picked up the book, I re-read parts of At Peace where it was explained why the Bianchi's hated Frankie. That was very clear in At Peace. In fact, Benny called her a bitch to her face in that book. He even thought of her as a 'greedy slut.' The names he called her were horrible. So I was looking forward to how that part was going to be dealt with.
Umm, well, it wasn't really dealt with at all. I may have read some 'I'm sorry' in there but after that, nada. Seven years of Frankie taking all those shit and not even 20% into the book all are forgiven? Benny basically railroaded her into forgiving him and his family. And Frankie just rolled over and let them walk all over her. Again.
She did this with Benny's family and with her own family. The girl has no backbone whatsoever. I felt sorry for her. I wasn't mad at her. I just felt sorry for her. Basically, the whole book was about Frankie bending over backwards to accommodate shitty people in her life. I'm sorry but I don't want to read about a heroine like that. She was a totally different person from the one we met in At Peace.
Another part which I didn't like about this book was the they had going. It was boring. I could have understood if that part happened before they got together and Benny doing everything in his power to make her his. But nope. Instead, I have to read about them doing the 70% of the book. The thought behind it was great but again, it was boring to read.
Benny was okay. I kinda expected him to be like any other KA alpha male.He had his sweet moments but because he didn't really had a chance to fight for Frankie, which is probably why his declarations sounded woefully insincere and inadequate to me.
I did like the glimpses we have of Joe, Vi and the girls along with I enjoyed that. Safe to say, I enjoyed the cameos more than the story itself, which pretty much says it all.
Still, don't let my personal opinion deter you from reading this book. Even a boring KA book still offers a lot compared to a lot of other books out there. That said, my rating was influenced by my own expectations which weren't met. And as I've said, that's on me.
Sorry, you guys but I'm bummed. My expectations for Frankie and Benny's story were sky-high, and that's on me.
I wanted to like this book. I really do. And had this been any other KA book, I would have given this a four but this was Frankie and Benny! I've been waiting for their story ever since At Peace. I thought their story was going to be epic, so I was disheartened when I actually started skimming around 48%.
The Story
After taking the blame for the death of their son and Frankie's boyfriend, Vinnie Jr., Frankie decided she has had enough of the Bianchi family and planned to move to Indiana. For seven long years, the Bianchi family treated her horribly and as penance, Frankie went as far as to take a bullet meant for one of their own. The situation gets even more complicated with the lingering attraction that Frankie felt towards Vinnie's brother Benny.
Benny, along with the rest of his family, hated Frankie. They thought she was the reason why Vinnie went to work for his mob boss uncle, Sal. They had cut her out and wanted nothing to do with her. They were downright cruel to her. This was especially hurtful because they were the only normal family that Frankie has ever known. Frankie's own biological family are a bunch of selfish people who were out for themselves. So when the Bianchi family cut her out, she was devastated.
Before I picked up the book, I re-read parts of At Peace where it was explained why the Bianchi's hated Frankie. That was very clear in At Peace. In fact, Benny called her a bitch to her face in that book. He even thought of her as a 'greedy slut.' The names he called her were horrible. So I was looking forward to how that part was going to be dealt with.
Umm, well, it wasn't really dealt with at all. I may have read some 'I'm sorry' in there but after that, nada. Seven years of Frankie taking all those shit and not even 20% into the book all are forgiven? Benny basically railroaded her into forgiving him and his family. And Frankie just rolled over and let them walk all over her. Again.
She did this with Benny's family and with her own family. The girl has no backbone whatsoever. I felt sorry for her. I wasn't mad at her. I just felt sorry for her. Basically, the whole book was about Frankie bending over backwards to accommodate shitty people in her life. I'm sorry but I don't want to read about a heroine like that. She was a totally different person from the one we met in At Peace.
Another part which I didn't like about this book was the they had going. It was boring. I could have understood if that part happened before they got together and Benny doing everything in his power to make her his. But nope. Instead, I have to read about them doing the 70% of the book. The thought behind it was great but again, it was boring to read.
Benny was okay. I kinda expected him to be like any other KA alpha male.He had his sweet moments but because he didn't really had a chance to fight for Frankie, which is probably why his declarations sounded woefully insincere and inadequate to me.
I did like the glimpses we have of Joe, Vi and the girls along with I enjoyed that. Safe to say, I enjoyed the cameos more than the story itself, which pretty much says it all.
Still, don't let my personal opinion deter you from reading this book. Even a boring KA book still offers a lot compared to a lot of other books out there. That said, my rating was influenced by my own expectations which weren't met. And as I've said, that's on me.
July 10, 2014
Full review now posted........
5++++++++++++ 'be still my heart' stars!!!
Before I share my review...
I have to thank my fellow escapism reading friends on Goodreads who introduced me to the world of Kristen Ashley’s stories. If I could hug you, I would, and some of you I have. Thank you, thank you, and thank you! From the bottom of my heart... I can't imagine not having the beauty of Kristen Ashley's stories in my life.
My review...
If you’re like me and
Do. Not. Judge me - yes, I said painful – and sadly, that’s where I’ve often found myself lately. So when I heard my iPad ‘ding’ with a ‘you’ve got mail’ notification and I saw that my blog had been approved for an ARC of The Promise, I nearly wept with joy because reading a Kristen Ashley story is one of the most exciting, comforting, beautiful things I can think of.
And The Promise has given me exactly that. Excitement, comfort, and beauty. Start to finish, first word to the last, I fell in love with Frankie and Benny.
An added benefit, as if any Kristen Ashley book needs something more to make it shine, spending time with Joe, Vi, and the girls... the icing on top of the icing on this already scrumptious cake!
Blithely Bookish Reviews was given an eARC of The Promise, and in return I'm giving the author an honest review... honestly, it is wonderful!
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If you're already a Kristen Ashley addict, or interested in checking out her books, be sure to stop by our Kristen Ashley Addict's Support Group here on Goodreads!
May 25, 2017
Re-read Attempt 1 10/17/14...with same results!
Original Review:
3 Stars...Barely
Let me first say that I am a HUGE Kristen Ashley fan. HUGE. She is one of my all-time favorite authors and I have read all of her stories multiple times, some over 10 times. I will (and have) read everything she has written (except for that Mathilda thing...).
Seriously, if she crapped on a piece of paper, I'd read that too.
With that said, I'm not gonna lie, I hold her to a different standard than I do other authors. A 3/4 star KA is like the equivalent of a 5 star by almost any other author. So any KA book I rate is kind of on it's own KA scale.
Fair? Nope. But it is what it is and that's how I choose to roll on this subject.
So on to the review...I'm gonna keep this as short as possible. I (and every other KA fan) have been waiting for Frankie and Benny's story for A REALLY LONG TIME. The glimpse we got of them during At Peace was so awesome, I just knew their book was going to be awesome.
I don't know if it was a case of the "too high expectations" or what, but for a lot of the story I found myself...waiting...for something to happen.
A lot of things from At Peace that I expected to be addressed just weren't...or they were really glossed over.
Also, the fact that a lot of the book centered around . Kind of slow and tres frustrating.
Don't get me wrong, Frankie and Benny were both great, but the majority of the book's "conflict?"
And the other main conflict? Don't stone me, but frankly?
It. Was. LAME.
However, per usual, there were awesome "cameos" from other books' characters. Can I please f*&k you, Joe Callahan??...as well as the EPIC KA epilogue.
In fact, if not for these two aspects I would have probably rated this only 2 Stars. *gasp* .
Color me sad.
Anyway, as I have said before I will take a 3 star KA over almost anything else any day of the week, but this one just seemed to be missing a lot of the ooomph I have come to expect from her.
Original Review:
3 Stars...Barely
Let me first say that I am a HUGE Kristen Ashley fan. HUGE. She is one of my all-time favorite authors and I have read all of her stories multiple times, some over 10 times. I will (and have) read everything she has written (except for that Mathilda thing...).
Seriously, if she crapped on a piece of paper, I'd read that too.
With that said, I'm not gonna lie, I hold her to a different standard than I do other authors. A 3/4 star KA is like the equivalent of a 5 star by almost any other author. So any KA book I rate is kind of on it's own KA scale.
Fair? Nope. But it is what it is and that's how I choose to roll on this subject.
So on to the review...I'm gonna keep this as short as possible. I (and every other KA fan) have been waiting for Frankie and Benny's story for A REALLY LONG TIME. The glimpse we got of them during At Peace was so awesome, I just knew their book was going to be awesome.
I don't know if it was a case of the "too high expectations" or what, but for a lot of the story I found myself...waiting...for something to happen.
A lot of things from At Peace that I expected to be addressed just weren't...or they were really glossed over.
Also, the fact that a lot of the book centered around . Kind of slow and tres frustrating.
Don't get me wrong, Frankie and Benny were both great, but the majority of the book's "conflict?"
And the other main conflict? Don't stone me, but frankly?
It. Was. LAME.
However, per usual, there were awesome "cameos" from other books' characters. Can I please f*&k you, Joe Callahan??...as well as the EPIC KA epilogue.
In fact, if not for these two aspects I would have probably rated this only 2 Stars. *gasp* .
Color me sad.
Anyway, as I have said before I will take a 3 star KA over almost anything else any day of the week, but this one just seemed to be missing a lot of the ooomph I have come to expect from her.
July 13, 2014
2.5 Underwhelming Stars
”Babe, you cannot plan life, You can pull out all the stops to plan for everything and life will find a way to fuck with those plans, sock you right in the gut, send you scrambling. Through that, you either have the balls not to look back down and the strength to know what’s important and hold on with everything you got, or you don’t have that and you give up, ‘cause you’re weak. Know two things for certain: I’m not fuckin’ weak and you aren’t either.”
How to start this review is my conundrum. On the one hand, I’ve been waiting for this book for YEARS! Yep, my first ever KA book was At Peace and I’ve been anxiously anticipating the story of Frankie and Benny the entire time since that magical reading. To say I’m disappointed by this book is an understatement. On the other hand, I haven't taken KA off my authors of interest list quite yet so I don’t know where to go from here as far as her future books go.
I’m not going to go into the details of the background between these two characters because all sorts of reviewers have already done that and accomplished it better than I ever could. What I will say in my own unabashedly loud way is that I NEEDED A GROVEL OF EPIC PROPORTIONS! Not just a “Hey, I’m sorry I blamed you for my Brother becoming a made man and then getting whacked” kind of apology. Oh no, I needed some tears and begging to make that shit right in my eyes. Not only did that not happen but Frankie decided it would be easier not to have those conversations and unilaterally decided to forgive each and every member of the Bianchi family. I’m not down with any of that! I needed this gal to step up to the plate and make folks accountable for the crap they gave her for the past 7 YEARS!
My other big gripe is the fact that this book felt like half a book the entire time I was reading it, as odd as that sounds, and the characters seem to be recycled from previous KA works. Lots of monosyllabic "Babe, you hear me?", "Babe, you with me" type stuff. Not enough time spent between the main characters and them not living apart from one another, not enough of anything besides some okay sex scenes and the business of figuring out how they were going to make their relationship work long distance. And filler. Lots and lots of “…it was sweet and beautiful…” but not a whole lot of plot enhancement going on. The actual conflict of the story came in at around the 75% mark but by that time it was too little, too late for me.
Am I giving up on Kristen Ashley entirely at this point? Not quite, but she’s most definitely seen the last of my pre-orders of her new releases. The next KA book I read is going to have to include a loud and resounding “Fuck yes! This rocks!” vote from my Goodreads ladies. If you’re a huge KA fan, please take my review with a grain of salt and go forth and read. On the other hand, I was once a huge KA fan and this highly anticipated little ditty just didn’t work for me.
”Babe, you cannot plan life, You can pull out all the stops to plan for everything and life will find a way to fuck with those plans, sock you right in the gut, send you scrambling. Through that, you either have the balls not to look back down and the strength to know what’s important and hold on with everything you got, or you don’t have that and you give up, ‘cause you’re weak. Know two things for certain: I’m not fuckin’ weak and you aren’t either.”
How to start this review is my conundrum. On the one hand, I’ve been waiting for this book for YEARS! Yep, my first ever KA book was At Peace and I’ve been anxiously anticipating the story of Frankie and Benny the entire time since that magical reading. To say I’m disappointed by this book is an understatement. On the other hand, I haven't taken KA off my authors of interest list quite yet so I don’t know where to go from here as far as her future books go.
I’m not going to go into the details of the background between these two characters because all sorts of reviewers have already done that and accomplished it better than I ever could. What I will say in my own unabashedly loud way is that I NEEDED A GROVEL OF EPIC PROPORTIONS! Not just a “Hey, I’m sorry I blamed you for my Brother becoming a made man and then getting whacked” kind of apology. Oh no, I needed some tears and begging to make that shit right in my eyes. Not only did that not happen but Frankie decided it would be easier not to have those conversations and unilaterally decided to forgive each and every member of the Bianchi family. I’m not down with any of that! I needed this gal to step up to the plate and make folks accountable for the crap they gave her for the past 7 YEARS!
My other big gripe is the fact that this book felt like half a book the entire time I was reading it, as odd as that sounds, and the characters seem to be recycled from previous KA works. Lots of monosyllabic "Babe, you hear me?", "Babe, you with me" type stuff. Not enough time spent between the main characters and them not living apart from one another, not enough of anything besides some okay sex scenes and the business of figuring out how they were going to make their relationship work long distance. And filler. Lots and lots of “…it was sweet and beautiful…” but not a whole lot of plot enhancement going on. The actual conflict of the story came in at around the 75% mark but by that time it was too little, too late for me.
Am I giving up on Kristen Ashley entirely at this point? Not quite, but she’s most definitely seen the last of my pre-orders of her new releases. The next KA book I read is going to have to include a loud and resounding “Fuck yes! This rocks!” vote from my Goodreads ladies. If you’re a huge KA fan, please take my review with a grain of salt and go forth and read. On the other hand, I was once a huge KA fan and this highly anticipated little ditty just didn’t work for me.
July 29, 2016
Review to be posted during blog tour on July 10th at tSCB.
If you are a true fan of Kristen's work, then I have no doubt in my mind this book is on your list of 'the most anticipated releases of 2014' and if it isn't, then you can't really call yourself a true fan ...
'The 'Burg' is my favorite series of Kristen Ashley's and book two of the series, 'At Peace', is my ultimate favorite read of hers and one of the most reread books on my Kindle. 'The Promise' felt like 'At Peace - Part II' and that made me super happy!
The story picks up pretty much exactly where it left off in 'At Peace' *** ... Benny is trying hard to win Frankie back after all that went down between her and his family. Benny, as expected, is a character worthy of oohing and aahing over. From his tenderness and understanding of all things Frankie goes through to his many talents, including those in the kitchen and the bedroom ... the man is an ultimate alpha. KA alpha. And they just don't get any better than those!
I have to be honest ... I read this book twice before I decided to write a review because the first time I read it, I wasn't exactly feeling Frankie and it almost got to the point that I started to dislike her (in the first half of the book). A little. Even though I ended up loving the book, I decided to reread it a couple of weeks later to see what it was exactly that bothered me about Frankie. I tried to 'get' where her insecurities and fears came from but it was hard for me because, when we first met her in 'At Peace', she never did come across as having any of those issues. Granted, we never did see much of her to know her well enough but my first impression of her was anything but. My heart did break for her, especially when we finally got to see how different Concetti family is compared to Bianchi family. I 'get' it now ... but still a bit pissed at her for trying to test Ben's limits as hard as she did a few times.
Benny ... I absolutely loved how larger than life his character is. He is so full of passion. He loves hard. He hurts hard and isn't afraid to show it. He wants to protect what's his with everything he's got. He is understanding and patient. He is ALL about family. And family, once again, was the theme of this book. And, once again, Kristen showed how blood [sometimes] means nothing when it comes to family. Three families play a huge part in this story and Fankie is lucky enough to be loved and appreciated by two out of three.
This book is full of feel good moments and cameos by some of KA's best ... And for those of you who loved and couldn't get enough of Joe Callahan, you are in for a treat! Joe managed to steal every scene he was in. You'll laugh and cry and smile along as you share those moments with the Callahan clan. One other person I couldn't get enough of in this story (other than Joe) was Sal ... I love that man!
I hope you enjoy reading 'The Promise' as much as I did. I also hope you'd be as ecstatic as I am to find out that there WILL be book 6 in this series. You'll never guess who the stars of that book will be but, after having recently reread The 'Burg series in it's entirety, I honestly can NOT wait!!
Favorite part: *swooning even now thinking about it*
Cheers!
*** I know that pretty much every single book of Kristen's can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend that you read 'At Peace' before you read 'The Promise' to better understand the dynamic between all involved in this story.
April 24, 2014
I LOVE the 'official' title!!!!!
Feb. 5, 2014
BEST! NEWS! EVER!!!!!
As of this morning, according to The Queen of The 'Burg herself, 'Frankie and Benny' should be landing on our e-readers sometime this summer!
*** Thank you to my wonderful GR friends for sharing this info!!
May 9, 2013
This book needs to be out IMMEDIATELY! I simply can not wait any longer.
Any news on the release date??? Dying over here ...
June 24, 2016
4 “Crazy-beautiful.” stars
For seven years Frankie's been living in a daze, going through the motions, but then one day she got a wild hair and took a bullet for her ex-boyfriends family and considered it her final penance. She's done. Time to finally move on, or as soon as she's all healed that is. But the bullet triggered something else, it got a certain someone to pull his head out of his ass and finally did something he's been dying to do.
Benny has one goal, to give Frankie a life worth living, a life so full of life, nothing but good. The time for bad has passed and it's his duty as a hot blooded protective Italian to give it to her.
The Promise was one story I've waited for since At Peace, but at the same time it was one I have been dreading just the same. Weird I know, but I gotta tell you in At Peace, the hospital scene between Frankie and Benny, it just about gutted me, for years it's stayed with me. There was so much there it was crazy, especially since they weren't even the main, and for them to distract me from all the is Joe & Vi (at least until Joe came back on the page) that says plenty!
So what did I really think about their story, well I have to say I am beyond pleased that Benny is who he is, because if he didn't pull out all the stops like her did, we'd definitely have words. Did it bother me who he was to her, nope, after all love is love. This was a bit anti-climactic, the story revolved around them and getting their shit together, which totally worked for the romantic in me but I wanted a little something more. I'm glad I finally made the plunge and put their story to rest, because it was the promise of them that made it all worth it in the end. <3
For seven years Frankie's been living in a daze, going through the motions, but then one day she got a wild hair and took a bullet for her ex-boyfriends family and considered it her final penance. She's done. Time to finally move on, or as soon as she's all healed that is. But the bullet triggered something else, it got a certain someone to pull his head out of his ass and finally did something he's been dying to do.
"I don’t want easy, Frankie. I had my shot at that. I wanna work at gettin’ the sweet, enjoyin’ my time with the spicy along the way, ’cause the sweet’s a fuckuva lot sweeter when you gotta earn it.”
Benny has one goal, to give Frankie a life worth living, a life so full of life, nothing but good. The time for bad has passed and it's his duty as a hot blooded protective Italian to give it to her.
“Now go to sleep with the promise of me, and tomorrow I’ll make certain I do somethin’ to fulfill it.”
The Promise was one story I've waited for since At Peace, but at the same time it was one I have been dreading just the same. Weird I know, but I gotta tell you in At Peace, the hospital scene between Frankie and Benny, it just about gutted me, for years it's stayed with me. There was so much there it was crazy, especially since they weren't even the main, and for them to distract me from all the is Joe & Vi (at least until Joe came back on the page) that says plenty!
So what did I really think about their story, well I have to say I am beyond pleased that Benny is who he is, because if he didn't pull out all the stops like her did, we'd definitely have words. Did it bother me who he was to her, nope, after all love is love. This was a bit anti-climactic, the story revolved around them and getting their shit together, which totally worked for the romantic in me but I wanted a little something more. I'm glad I finally made the plunge and put their story to rest, because it was the promise of them that made it all worth it in the end. <3
October 16, 2016
3 Stars
Overall, I enjoyed this book. That said, I didn't enjoy the long distance relationship or how quickly Frankie forgave Benny and his family for how cruelly they treated her for years. To be honest, I think this is a case of waiting so long for a particular story that my expectation were probably set to high for this one. It happens. Moving on to the next book in the series.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. That said, I didn't enjoy the long distance relationship or how quickly Frankie forgave Benny and his family for how cruelly they treated her for years. To be honest, I think this is a case of waiting so long for a particular story that my expectation were probably set to high for this one. It happens. Moving on to the next book in the series.
November 21, 2014
Me. before I read the book: I haven't been over the moon about KA's last few works. The Will was decent. However, just the thought of Frankie and Bennie (a glimpse of Joe and Vi...)
Should I refrain from being super excited about going back to the 'Burg?
Update: Should I have refrained? Answer: YES!
Me. after I read the book:
The answer is I don't know how. Through the back and forth with Frankie, lulling plot of endless..."what's the point?" exposition, and lack of unique characterization besides "Benny is beautiful", Frankie wears tight dresses, spiked heels and big hair all the time and dialogue/conflict that is not grabbing enough, I just came down, no...CRASHED down from my OMG-Frankie & Benny expectation with only the added comfort that the cameos of Joe and his family were awesome (they might have eclipsed the main couple AND plot, altogether).
Benny had a couple of great moments when I felt like he had such a big heart, but other than that, it was too listless, too sappy and definitely too long-winded.
Now I usually like when a KA book is long, but this time? Nope.
Everything was just bland and I felt like Frankie and Benny did not get a unique story. Their story just wrapped around plot points that we have already known: Kiera wanting and getting with Jasper, Vi and Joe having babies, Frankie's stint in the Burg that brought her into contact with the usuals, and the saga of Frankie going from one brother to the other. This couple was originally introduced with big personalities. They should have had better material, sparks and conflict.
Bummer.
Should I refrain from being super excited about going back to the 'Burg?
Update: Should I have refrained? Answer: YES!
Me. after I read the book:
How could one of my favorite authors, the author who penned the likes of Tate, Tack and Joe, drop the ball on Benny Bianchi, Italian American, Chicagoan pizza maker, badass cousin to super badass Joe?
The answer is I don't know how. Through the back and forth with Frankie, lulling plot of endless..."what's the point?" exposition, and lack of unique characterization besides "Benny is beautiful", Frankie wears tight dresses, spiked heels and big hair all the time and dialogue/conflict that is not grabbing enough, I just came down, no...CRASHED down from my OMG-Frankie & Benny expectation with only the added comfort that the cameos of Joe and his family were awesome (they might have eclipsed the main couple AND plot, altogether).
Benny had a couple of great moments when I felt like he had such a big heart, but other than that, it was too listless, too sappy and definitely too long-winded.
Now I usually like when a KA book is long, but this time? Nope.
Everything was just bland and I felt like Frankie and Benny did not get a unique story. Their story just wrapped around plot points that we have already known: Kiera wanting and getting with Jasper, Vi and Joe having babies, Frankie's stint in the Burg that brought her into contact with the usuals, and the saga of Frankie going from one brother to the other. This couple was originally introduced with big personalities. They should have had better material, sparks and conflict.
Bummer.
December 28, 2023
2023
Needing some space to regroup, I took a ride back to re-discover books and authors that touched me and wouldn't let go. Kristen Ashley has always been my calming go to. She has this way of writing that once you get her mindset and understand how she weaves a tale, it can be addicting, especially with her "Vintage OG series. These books are always something I come back to.
2014
4 Guilty Pleasure Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free
There are things we do... knowing we really shouldn't indulge... like have one and a half more bites of that creamy, delicious New York Cheesecake... or maybe the desire to have another drink or two with your friends when you have an early morning meeting scheduled. It can also happen when something is so good in a story... repetition can sneak in and dilute some of the power of the words or situations.
I liked the idea of Frankie and Benny... there was banter and sass; lots of affection between all of the characters, not just the hot steamy sexy ones with our couple. It covered real issues about trusting, loving fully... understanding who you are separate from your parents and siblings....and not running when things get tough in relationships... to dig in; share the pain and confront it ... no matter what.
All of these things were handled... and handled well.
We learned all we needed about Frankie and Benny; we were able to experience their coming together and see if they could make a go of it.
Benny was a wonder... really a man any woman would want... Frankie was a challenge... trying to come to terms with her past life... the family's loss and treatment of her... and how it would all come together...
So all of the elements were there for us who had been wanting this story for so long. For me, although it had the real KA touch... after a certain point... there were times I felt it was like one of my very rich, delicious guilty pleasures... so good while I was reading most but then there was a moment where I felt an overload... All of the things I love about KA's books were there but sometimes just too much, for me. There was some repetition causing slow parts. Now the key is this was my personal reaction... so possibly, how I felt these things would not be a concern for another reader.
Overall, there were beautiful moments that were signature KA and also lessons presented to us in only the way she can. I think most will like this long-awaited book and that is a great thing... because we all need guilty pleasures every now and then.
For You (The 'Burg, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
At Peace (The 'Burg, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Golden Trail (The 'Burg, #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Games of the Heart (The 'Burg, #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Promise (The 'Burg, #5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Hold On (The 'Burg, #6)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
Needing some space to regroup, I took a ride back to re-discover books and authors that touched me and wouldn't let go. Kristen Ashley has always been my calming go to. She has this way of writing that once you get her mindset and understand how she weaves a tale, it can be addicting, especially with her "Vintage OG series. These books are always something I come back to.
2014
4 Guilty Pleasure Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free
There are things we do... knowing we really shouldn't indulge... like have one and a half more bites of that creamy, delicious New York Cheesecake... or maybe the desire to have another drink or two with your friends when you have an early morning meeting scheduled. It can also happen when something is so good in a story... repetition can sneak in and dilute some of the power of the words or situations.
I liked the idea of Frankie and Benny... there was banter and sass; lots of affection between all of the characters, not just the hot steamy sexy ones with our couple. It covered real issues about trusting, loving fully... understanding who you are separate from your parents and siblings....and not running when things get tough in relationships... to dig in; share the pain and confront it ... no matter what.
All of these things were handled... and handled well.
We learned all we needed about Frankie and Benny; we were able to experience their coming together and see if they could make a go of it.
Benny was a wonder... really a man any woman would want... Frankie was a challenge... trying to come to terms with her past life... the family's loss and treatment of her... and how it would all come together...
So all of the elements were there for us who had been wanting this story for so long. For me, although it had the real KA touch... after a certain point... there were times I felt it was like one of my very rich, delicious guilty pleasures... so good while I was reading most but then there was a moment where I felt an overload... All of the things I love about KA's books were there but sometimes just too much, for me. There was some repetition causing slow parts. Now the key is this was my personal reaction... so possibly, how I felt these things would not be a concern for another reader.
Overall, there were beautiful moments that were signature KA and also lessons presented to us in only the way she can. I think most will like this long-awaited book and that is a great thing... because we all need guilty pleasures every now and then.
For You (The 'Burg, #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
At Peace (The 'Burg, #2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Golden Trail (The 'Burg, #3)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Games of the Heart (The 'Burg, #4)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Promise (The 'Burg, #5)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Hold On (The 'Burg, #6)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
July 30, 2024
“You were mine, even when you were his.”
Kristen Ashley truly has one of the most recognisable and inimitable voices of today, and while her books carry her signature prose in every single sentence, each one of her series has a different kind of ‘feel’, a different type of ‘undercurrent’ tying the stories together, and creating a unique, addictive reality to immerse and lose ourselves in for as long as we can. I have adored every book I have ever read by this author, but this series gets to me like no other because of its inspiring themes, because of the way it focuses on families, old and new, on what constitutes a family, and on what people are willing to do for the ones they love. A story of second chances, of forgiveness, of seizing the opportunity to correct past mistakes and ‘make it right’, of having the courage to capture one’s happy ending even when you don’t believe you deserve one—this is a story that stole my heart from the get-go and made me incapable of walking away from these characters for weeks after I first read it.
“Benny Bianchi was always going to be a promise at the same time Benny Bianchi was the prize at the end of a crazy life.”
We met Frankie and Benny at the end of At Peace, and have been anxiously waiting for their story to be told ever since. Once the girlfriend of Benny’s late brother Vinnie, Frankie has been shunned by the Bianchi family for seven long years. Wrongly blamed for all of Vinnie’s mistakes shortly before and leading to his death, she has endured and carried her penance in silence, punishing herself for something that was never her fault. She has missed the Bianchis every single day, needed and longed for their love and acceptance since her own family is one she could never depend on, but it is Benny Bianchi’s loathing that has stung the most. Frankie has had a soft spot for the younger Bianchi brother ever since they were kids, but after years of being ignored and hated by him and his family, she has had enough. Once her penance is paid, Frankie is ready to start over, far away from her memories, far away from everyone who has ever made her feel inadequate and unworthy, but that is the very moment when Benny finally realises what has been in front of him all along and what he stands to lose if he lets her go.
“We’re talkin’. You don’t like that, I don’t give a f*ck. Seven years I’ve been f*cking up. Right now, that shit ends.”
Benny is not a man accustomed to women not being receptive to his advances, having successfully ‘played the field’ ever since he was a teenager. But he has also never wanted a woman the way he wants Frankie, nor has he been willing to fight for one the same way. Frankie is unlike any woman Benny has ever met or bedded, her feistiness making her irresistible in his eyes, but the beauty of her heart making her impossible to walk away from. Determined to heal the breach and give her everything she has ever wished for in life, he pursues her relentlessly but patiently.
“Honest to Christ, Frankie, you think I’d wait since high school to get my shot at makin’ you mine and then I’d let a four-hour drive and a f*ckin’ year lease beat me?”
However, as desperately as she’s always wanted the kind of life Benny is now offering her, she is terrified even more of losing him and his family once again. Her feelings for him grow stronger every day, and yet she keeps succumbing to her fears and pushing him away, convinced that she would only end up being a source of heartbreak for the man she always cared for, even if letting him go would mean breaking her own heart.
“Benny should have a good woman. Which meant he had no business being with me.”
Aware of all of Frankie’s misplaced hang-ups due to her family’s emotional fickleness, Benny’s patience has no limits as he remains confident that with the right kind of love and nurturing she would eventually see herself as everyone around her sees her. The unmistakeable pace of the story allows us to get the full effect of Benny’s gentle persistence, the best kind of example of a man in love who is willing to give the woman of his dreams all the time her mind needs to catch up with what her heart has known all along. Their chemistry is explosive, making our skin tingle every time they exchange a simple touch, but it is the everlasting nature of their feelings for another that have our own hearts clenching and bursting at the seams. There are scenes that literally have our pulses racing and our knees weakening from the way they are so deliciously erotic and heart-warmingly sweet all at once. Sometimes it’s an entire scene, sometimes all it takes is a simple word, but even the simplest of moments between the characters can be so emotionally charged, we are constantly fighting to catch a breath.
“Never loved another woman. Not in my life. Waited until I got it right. I got it right.”
The love and support of a good man can be all it takes to erase a lifetime of self-doubts, and Benny and Frankie’s story shows us how much true love can empower a person. And how much beauty can be found when one loves patiently but persistently. By the end of this book, I felt like I knew every facet of these characters’ complex personalities, they felt real to me, familiar. It’s a story that warms your heart from the inside out, and leaves you with a deep sigh of contentment. I kept flipping back the pages, hoping to make that feeling last as long as I could, hopelessly addicted to a high that only a Kristen Ashley book has ever been able to give me. And I’m still flipping’…
“Minute by minute, honey.”
“Minute by minute, baby.”
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April 15, 2021
2 stars
no, thank you.
nothing outrageous. i was just bored out of my skull, so naturally i skipped. got tired of Frankies shit and her i dont knows. please choke on Bennys pie and die. that would probably be better. plus, whats with the LDR?!
i expected something more from Benny, the guy who made the best, most delicious and orgasmic Italian pizzas, but he was just fine, which was okay. it was the material that he was working with that was lame.
lame plot, lame romance, lame heroine—though cameos from other KA characters wasnt at all lame. also, the narrator wasnt bad, but she should probably consider quitting and pick another career path.
(read as an audiobook)
no, thank you.
nothing outrageous. i was just bored out of my skull, so naturally i skipped. got tired of Frankies shit and her i dont knows. please choke on Bennys pie and die. that would probably be better. plus, whats with the LDR?!
i expected something more from Benny, the guy who made the best, most delicious and orgasmic Italian pizzas, but he was just fine, which was okay. it was the material that he was working with that was lame.
lame plot, lame romance, lame heroine—though cameos from other KA characters wasnt at all lame. also, the narrator wasnt bad, but she should probably consider quitting and pick another career path.
(read as an audiobook)
August 13, 2014
2.5 I Can't Believe It Happened Stars
Sweet mother of God.... I am in shock.
I am sorry, I am despaired, I almost DNFed a KA book.
You know me. I am a huge KA fan. I devour her every book, I quote her, I breathe and live to read her stories. And this why I couldn't enjoy this one. Because I have dreamt and swooned over her previous books, this one fell short and kinda disappointed me...
I digged Frankie and Benny. I anticipated their story since At Peace, when we first met them. I wanted remorse, action, love, hot sex, apologies and grovel. And what did I get? Just some extremely good hot sex to kept me going in between ABSOLUTELY nothing else!
And this my major issue... For most of the book nothing happens. There is no plot to keep us going, every issue between the heroes is resolved really quickly and aside some highly emotional and humorous cameos, I was totally bored.
Benny's family gets away to easily for treating Frankie like garbage, she gives in too quickly (understandable, because Benny is one-to-die-for alpha male hero) and the issues with her work just come out of the blue and perplexed me.
Another point is that this story didn't have this unique feeling that KA stories spark inside me. I felt like I have read it before and I just couldn't bring myself to enjoy it again. I just had high expectations and I crashed... HARD!
This, I feel, is a great book for a KA rookie. Tons of fun, sexiness and sassiness. For a KA veteran like me, sorry but I needed more... But, of course I am sticking with KA! Even a not good KA book, is better than most, so don't let my personal feelings keep you away! See for yourself and I really hope it was just me.
Sweet mother of God.... I am in shock.
I am sorry, I am despaired, I almost DNFed a KA book.
You know me. I am a huge KA fan. I devour her every book, I quote her, I breathe and live to read her stories. And this why I couldn't enjoy this one. Because I have dreamt and swooned over her previous books, this one fell short and kinda disappointed me...
I digged Frankie and Benny. I anticipated their story since At Peace, when we first met them. I wanted remorse, action, love, hot sex, apologies and grovel. And what did I get? Just some extremely good hot sex to kept me going in between ABSOLUTELY nothing else!
And this my major issue... For most of the book nothing happens. There is no plot to keep us going, every issue between the heroes is resolved really quickly and aside some highly emotional and humorous cameos, I was totally bored.
Benny's family gets away to easily for treating Frankie like garbage, she gives in too quickly (understandable, because Benny is one-to-die-for alpha male hero) and the issues with her work just come out of the blue and perplexed me.
Another point is that this story didn't have this unique feeling that KA stories spark inside me. I felt like I have read it before and I just couldn't bring myself to enjoy it again. I just had high expectations and I crashed... HARD!
This, I feel, is a great book for a KA rookie. Tons of fun, sexiness and sassiness. For a KA veteran like me, sorry but I needed more... But, of course I am sticking with KA! Even a not good KA book, is better than most, so don't let my personal feelings keep you away! See for yourself and I really hope it was just me.
Read
February 4, 2016DNF at 51 %
I just can't take any more of this.
Maybe it's me, but this book was so boring. I could also just be in a slump.
I still love you Ms. Ashley!!!!!
I just can't take any more of this.
Maybe it's me, but this book was so boring. I could also just be in a slump.
I still love you Ms. Ashley!!!!!
July 11, 2014
3-3 ½ stars – Contemporary Romance
Like many KA fans, I’ve been eagerly awaiting the continuation of Frankie and Benny’s story since their electric and dramatic connection in At Peace. I read that book all the way back in March of 2012, so that’s more than two years of keen anticipation.
I wish I could say The Promise fully delivered and satisfied my high expectations, but sadly, I was really disappointed. I liked but didn’t love it, and honestly, I found myself rather bored at times. For me, this is definitely not a KA favorite/winner. I hope other KA fans enjoy it more.
Quibbles:
*I hated and wanted to bitch slap Frankie for the first 50% of the book. She was annoying, melodramatic, wishy-washy and sometimes acted like an insecure, spineless doormat and martyr and other times like a sassy, irrational, overly temperamental spitfire. I liked her more in the second half of the book, but I still never fully warmed up to her after feeling so much aggravation.
Some possible/minor spoilers:
*All the stuff with Frankie’s crazy, dramatic, Jerry Springer Show-worthy family was irritating.
*The story dragged at times and had way too much repetition and dull filler.
What I Loved:
*Benny Bianchi – He’s a hot, possessive, intense Italian alpha and also besotted, giving, and caring. Another yummy, unforgettable KA hero!
*All the scenes with Joe/Cal, Vi, and their daughters from At Peace were fantastic and heartwarming. I loved getting more of their story and continued HEA.
*The appearance of .
Like many KA fans, I’ve been eagerly awaiting the continuation of Frankie and Benny’s story since their electric and dramatic connection in At Peace. I read that book all the way back in March of 2012, so that’s more than two years of keen anticipation.
I wish I could say The Promise fully delivered and satisfied my high expectations, but sadly, I was really disappointed. I liked but didn’t love it, and honestly, I found myself rather bored at times. For me, this is definitely not a KA favorite/winner. I hope other KA fans enjoy it more.
Quibbles:
*I hated and wanted to bitch slap Frankie for the first 50% of the book. She was annoying, melodramatic, wishy-washy and sometimes acted like an insecure, spineless doormat and martyr and other times like a sassy, irrational, overly temperamental spitfire. I liked her more in the second half of the book, but I still never fully warmed up to her after feeling so much aggravation.
Some possible/minor spoilers:
*All the stuff with Frankie’s crazy, dramatic, Jerry Springer Show-worthy family was irritating.
*The story dragged at times and had way too much repetition and dull filler.
What I Loved:
*Benny Bianchi – He’s a hot, possessive, intense Italian alpha and also besotted, giving, and caring. Another yummy, unforgettable KA hero!
*All the scenes with Joe/Cal, Vi, and their daughters from At Peace were fantastic and heartwarming. I loved getting more of their story and continued HEA.
*The appearance of .
September 3, 2016
3.5 stars.
I don't know what to say.
It was less than I hoped.
The second half saved it from being 3 stars.
The Epilogue was great but not special.
However I will read book 6 of the series happily, because I loved the hint we got here :)
I don't know what to say.
It was less than I hoped.
The second half saved it from being 3 stars.
The Epilogue was great but not special.
However I will read book 6 of the series happily, because I loved the hint we got here :)
March 7, 2015
With the exception of "Knight" I find reading KA books a peculiar experience. I always read them while I read another book otherwise I loose all sense of time. In regards to her characters she immerses you in ALL aspects of their lives, which personally for me can be distracting from the main plot BUT when I get to the point where I think i've had enough, I cant help but miss them and their little quirks.
February 27, 2019
Review posted at: www.SweptAwayByRomance.com
5 Sexy Italian Alpha Stars!!!
I went into this book thinking that like with most Kristen Ashley books I was going to really, really like it. I was not sure if I was going to love it, mostly because I didn't feel a connection with Frankie when we met her in At Peace. I did like her, obviously because of what she did for Cal & Vi....boy was I was wrong, I LOVED THE PROMISE!! I fell in love with Frankie once I understood her and all that she endured, where she came from, what she had found with Vinny Jr. and the Bianchi clan...and what losing all of them did to her.
The Promise picks up where At Peace ends, Frankie is still in the hospital and Benny is doing all he can to get her to connect again, not only with him, but the whole family. So upon her release from the hospital Benny essentially kidnaps her to finish her recovery in his house, under his watchful stubborn alpha way and slowly getting her back in the Bianchi fold.
Benny is definitely a KA Alpha, but he's also very patient, kind, and compassionate. He's a straight talker, he tells you like it is, and not what he thinks you want to hear. He's a man who knows what he wants and isn't afraid to put himself out there emotionally to get it. There is absolutely no game playing on his part and for these reasons I loved Benny.
We get plenty of Cal, Vi, the girls, Benny's delightful busybody neighbor Mrs. Zambino (who I loved!), Mob Boss Uncle Sal...who I know is a bad guy, but I can't help but love him because of his love and loyalty to Frankie. Plus we get a bonus, we get a couple of the "Hot Bunch" guys from Nightingale Investigations...and yes, I confess I let out an embarrassing fangirl squeeee when my favorite hot bunch guy showed!!! I absolutely love when KA's characters cross over into other series!!
I don't want to give too much away so, I'm not going to gush about every wonderful thing in this book, but I will say Benny and Frankie definitely had a rocky start, a lot of healing & coming to terms with things in the past that needed to be put to rest. It was a beautiful journey and I loved every minute of it. There was a side story involving murder & intrigue however I wanted my review to concentrate on F&B and their bumpy road to love.
Lastly I have to mention my favorite scene when Cal, Vi, and the girls came to see Frankie during her recovery so Katy and Keirry could finally meet her. Very emotional and touching, it had me in tears both times I read this book.
Sigh....this was another fantastic Kristen Ashley read and I'm thrilled that there will be one more 'Burg book featuring Merry and Cheryl. Cheryl needs and deserves her very own HEA!
5 Sexy Italian Alpha Stars!!!
I went into this book thinking that like with most Kristen Ashley books I was going to really, really like it. I was not sure if I was going to love it, mostly because I didn't feel a connection with Frankie when we met her in At Peace. I did like her, obviously because of what she did for Cal & Vi....boy was I was wrong, I LOVED THE PROMISE!! I fell in love with Frankie once I understood her and all that she endured, where she came from, what she had found with Vinny Jr. and the Bianchi clan...and what losing all of them did to her.
The Promise picks up where At Peace ends, Frankie is still in the hospital and Benny is doing all he can to get her to connect again, not only with him, but the whole family. So upon her release from the hospital Benny essentially kidnaps her to finish her recovery in his house, under his watchful stubborn alpha way and slowly getting her back in the Bianchi fold.
Benny is definitely a KA Alpha, but he's also very patient, kind, and compassionate. He's a straight talker, he tells you like it is, and not what he thinks you want to hear. He's a man who knows what he wants and isn't afraid to put himself out there emotionally to get it. There is absolutely no game playing on his part and for these reasons I loved Benny.
We get plenty of Cal, Vi, the girls, Benny's delightful busybody neighbor Mrs. Zambino (who I loved!), Mob Boss Uncle Sal...who I know is a bad guy, but I can't help but love him because of his love and loyalty to Frankie. Plus we get a bonus, we get a couple of the "Hot Bunch" guys from Nightingale Investigations...and yes, I confess I let out an embarrassing fangirl squeeee when my favorite hot bunch guy showed!!! I absolutely love when KA's characters cross over into other series!!
I don't want to give too much away so, I'm not going to gush about every wonderful thing in this book, but I will say Benny and Frankie definitely had a rocky start, a lot of healing & coming to terms with things in the past that needed to be put to rest. It was a beautiful journey and I loved every minute of it. There was a side story involving murder & intrigue however I wanted my review to concentrate on F&B and their bumpy road to love.
Lastly I have to mention my favorite scene when Cal, Vi, and the girls came to see Frankie during her recovery so Katy and Keirry could finally meet her. Very emotional and touching, it had me in tears both times I read this book.
"Kate got there first. Vi let me go so she could give me a light hug and say close to my ear, "Cool to meet you." When she would have let go, I held tighter and said "Same here honey." She turned her head, looked into my eyes and her lip quivered, but she held it together and smiled. I let her go and Keira came forward. Her hug was just as light, but I knew things were going to go bad when she said in my ear "Thanks for taking care of Momalicious." Then her arms spasmed and I knew she'd lost it."
Sigh....this was another fantastic Kristen Ashley read and I'm thrilled that there will be one more 'Burg book featuring Merry and Cheryl. Cheryl needs and deserves her very own HEA!
February 23, 2015
I wasn't disappointed with this book simply because I knew what I would get. I had no expectations for some plot, except how he will "woo" her back in his life, after 7 years of being a prick to her.
Honestly, for feeling like she did, I wouldn't have caved so easy and so fast. I think I would hold my grudge till death... But I am not Frankie.
Also him giving up, after she did what she did, was prickish, escpecially because he expected from her to forgive him next day his 7 years of being asshole.
But I enjoyed Benny, can't say I didn't, and he scored a big plus with me with Churchill/Gus :)
I would have rated this book 3 stars... but seriously Cal was in it and there is no way I can not love Cal! He was so adorable here and so sweet, I just wanted to cover him in chocolate and eat him.
So the 4th star goes because of my undying love to my precious, one and only CAL, because those parts I loved the most in this book. Especially because I had a feeling like the whole Benny/Frankie thing is just one big dragged scene....
buddy read with Glam & Dani <3
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July 11, 2014
07/11/2014
Overall Rating = 2 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb / Book Title = 3 / 3 / 3 = 3 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 2 Stars
Character Development = 4 Stars
Story Appreciation = 2.5 Stars
Ending = 3 Star
Worth the Chili = 3 Stars -- [$3.99 on Amazon]
Smexy [HEAT] Rating = Moderate
518 pages
Hmm... Was there a story here? Really? Well, you may not think so if you gave up on the book at 60% or so. A pseudo story developed, but I almost wish it hadn't.
An epiphany for me reading this one. I've given up wishing that Kristen Ashley would write a book I enjoyed as much as her earlier books. I just have. Regardless of the comments about the editing on those earlier books, they had great characters, a story and a unique voice. We still have the unique voice, but I'm not sure what she's saying half the time. However, saying this, only she can say it like she says it -- make sense? When I like a character she's created, I really like them. This was the case with Benny and Frankie. I really liked them both. The story? Well, I've given up expecting much of a story out of her. And, you know what? I'm okay with that as long as she is okay knowing she won't garner 5 Stars from me again.
There is one more 'burg book coming out. I'll read that one, but think that will be it for me. I haven't read the last few and don't plan to.
The Promise ... what did I like?
1 -- I liked Benny and Frankie. It's a good thing because they are dripping from these pages. If you looked at individual characteristics, we've seen these characters over and over again by this author. They did have enough distinguishing features so we know they aren't another character in a different book, but hey! I liked them here and that counts.
2 -- I liked visiting some of my favorite characters from one of my all time favorite books - At Peace. I did a re-read of it before I read this one. So Joe [Cal], Violet, the girls and the 'burg was pretty fresh. I think this added to my enjoyment. I was already there and wanting more.
3 -- The cover was nice. It is pure Kristen Ashley. Saying this, it reminded me more of an antebellum entry than something I'd see in the 'hood that the author painted. So, maybe this isn't a like.
4 -- In the beginning, first 100 pages or so, I enjoyed all the "in your head" rambling of Frankie and the "over the top" dialogue of Benny.
Okay, so let me tell you why this is a less than 3 Star book for me:
1 -- Like I said before, the first 100 pages of Frankie and Benny were good. Then it was tedious. I'm proud of myself though, I didn't skim. Much. The over the top, in your head dialogue. This book is really about the relationship between these two. It wasn't until the last 1/3 of the book that you had much more to the story. You really have to be okay with that to enjoy this book.
2 -- You can tell a huge difference between her storytelling in At Peace and this one. She doesn't spend any time on character depth, story development, development of a secondary cast or anything. Saying this, the book was too long. I L O V E a long book. Love them. When. They. Work. This one? I think we could have cut out 200 pages and provided a bit more focus and we'd been okay. Go in knowing you may be bored.
3 -- The epilogue. People will be glad to know she gives us a lengthy epilogue. Do you like those stories that jump ahead a month or a year from paragraph to paragraph? I don't. I think this is taking a short cut and almost like it's cheating. This is the epilogue you get here. You could, if you wanted to, read the epilogue of this book and have the whole story. Seriously. You could do this!
4 -- Very little character set up for #6.
5 -- Overpriced given the level of enjoyment I received.
Once I start reading a Kristen Ashley character I like, it's like a drug. I devour the book. Why? I really don't know. I liked Benny. I liked Frankie. I liked them as a couple. I wanted to read their story through to the end. They deserved a much better story.
I hope you enjoy reading this story. I was disappointed, but shouldn't have been. She lost her mojo for me a few books back. I have one more to go and then I'll take her off my "buy" list.
Happy Reading - maybe!
Overall Rating = 2 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb / Book Title = 3 / 3 / 3 = 3 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 2 Stars
Character Development = 4 Stars
Story Appreciation = 2.5 Stars
Ending = 3 Star
Worth the Chili = 3 Stars -- [$3.99 on Amazon]
Smexy [HEAT] Rating = Moderate
518 pages
Hmm... Was there a story here? Really? Well, you may not think so if you gave up on the book at 60% or so. A pseudo story developed, but I almost wish it hadn't.
An epiphany for me reading this one. I've given up wishing that Kristen Ashley would write a book I enjoyed as much as her earlier books. I just have. Regardless of the comments about the editing on those earlier books, they had great characters, a story and a unique voice. We still have the unique voice, but I'm not sure what she's saying half the time. However, saying this, only she can say it like she says it -- make sense? When I like a character she's created, I really like them. This was the case with Benny and Frankie. I really liked them both. The story? Well, I've given up expecting much of a story out of her. And, you know what? I'm okay with that as long as she is okay knowing she won't garner 5 Stars from me again.
There is one more 'burg book coming out. I'll read that one, but think that will be it for me. I haven't read the last few and don't plan to.
The Promise ... what did I like?
1 -- I liked Benny and Frankie. It's a good thing because they are dripping from these pages. If you looked at individual characteristics, we've seen these characters over and over again by this author. They did have enough distinguishing features so we know they aren't another character in a different book, but hey! I liked them here and that counts.
2 -- I liked visiting some of my favorite characters from one of my all time favorite books - At Peace. I did a re-read of it before I read this one. So Joe [Cal], Violet, the girls and the 'burg was pretty fresh. I think this added to my enjoyment. I was already there and wanting more.
3 -- The cover was nice. It is pure Kristen Ashley. Saying this, it reminded me more of an antebellum entry than something I'd see in the 'hood that the author painted. So, maybe this isn't a like.
4 -- In the beginning, first 100 pages or so, I enjoyed all the "in your head" rambling of Frankie and the "over the top" dialogue of Benny.
Okay, so let me tell you why this is a less than 3 Star book for me:
1 -- Like I said before, the first 100 pages of Frankie and Benny were good. Then it was tedious. I'm proud of myself though, I didn't skim. Much. The over the top, in your head dialogue. This book is really about the relationship between these two. It wasn't until the last 1/3 of the book that you had much more to the story. You really have to be okay with that to enjoy this book.
2 -- You can tell a huge difference between her storytelling in At Peace and this one. She doesn't spend any time on character depth, story development, development of a secondary cast or anything. Saying this, the book was too long. I L O V E a long book. Love them. When. They. Work. This one? I think we could have cut out 200 pages and provided a bit more focus and we'd been okay. Go in knowing you may be bored.
3 -- The epilogue. People will be glad to know she gives us a lengthy epilogue. Do you like those stories that jump ahead a month or a year from paragraph to paragraph? I don't. I think this is taking a short cut and almost like it's cheating. This is the epilogue you get here. You could, if you wanted to, read the epilogue of this book and have the whole story. Seriously. You could do this!
4 -- Very little character set up for #6.
5 -- Overpriced given the level of enjoyment I received.
Once I start reading a Kristen Ashley character I like, it's like a drug. I devour the book. Why? I really don't know. I liked Benny. I liked Frankie. I liked them as a couple. I wanted to read their story through to the end. They deserved a much better story.
I hope you enjoy reading this story. I was disappointed, but shouldn't have been. She lost her mojo for me a few books back. I have one more to go and then I'll take her off my "buy" list.
Happy Reading - maybe!
July 10, 2014
I feel a little let down :( I liked it. I just wished it evoked more feelings from me.
You know, I don't even call this book by its title. I call it Frankie and Benny. I loved the idea of them. My heart fluttered when I reread their scenes in At Peace, and I've read that book countless times. Funny, I still cry at certain scenes in that book. This one? Nada. No tears. No wailing with feels. Zero.
I didn't hate it, but I guess I expected more. I loved the idea of an angry Frankie and a wooing Benny realizing his monumental fuck up. It could have been a Ty and Lexie beach scene part two, or something even more intense. But no, Frankie turned out to be a softie. I wish she was a harder girl - more Sylvie than Rock Chick, you know?
Their conflict was short lived and while there were some relationship drama, nothing really rocked the boat. Plot wise, it took time for something to actually happen. There's a lot of dialogue, lots of "we-have-to-talk" and "stop-being-insert-adjective-here." And then there were scenes that gradually build up intensity and suddenly there would be a silly comment or awkwardly inserted comedic retort that would kill my moment.
I loved Frankie and Benny. I just wish they were given stronger characters and stories, that's all :( I wanted more drama. Maybe even a visit to Vinnie's grave. I guess now would be a good time to write fan fiction. *sigh*
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
☑ At Peace reread
☑ Nap
☑ Food for the next few meals
☑ Fiancé's promise to leave me alone
Benny Bianchi,
You know, I don't even call this book by its title. I call it Frankie and Benny. I loved the idea of them. My heart fluttered when I reread their scenes in At Peace, and I've read that book countless times. Funny, I still cry at certain scenes in that book. This one? Nada. No tears. No wailing with feels. Zero.
I didn't hate it, but I guess I expected more. I loved the idea of an angry Frankie and a wooing Benny realizing his monumental fuck up. It could have been a Ty and Lexie beach scene part two, or something even more intense. But no, Frankie turned out to be a softie. I wish she was a harder girl - more Sylvie than Rock Chick, you know?
Their conflict was short lived and while there were some relationship drama, nothing really rocked the boat. Plot wise, it took time for something to actually happen. There's a lot of dialogue, lots of "we-have-to-talk" and "stop-being-insert-adjective-here." And then there were scenes that gradually build up intensity and suddenly there would be a silly comment or awkwardly inserted comedic retort that would kill my moment.
I loved Frankie and Benny. I just wish they were given stronger characters and stories, that's all :( I wanted more drama. Maybe even a visit to Vinnie's grave. I guess now would be a good time to write fan fiction. *sigh*
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
☑ At Peace reread
☑ Nap
☑ Food for the next few meals
☑ Fiancé's promise to leave me alone
Benny Bianchi,
November 16, 2015
♦ 4.5 "Love is never wrong" Stars! ♦
I've been waiting to have the last book in this series by Kristen Ashley because I wanted to read the last two books together. So, first I started (obviously) with The Promise. As always, no exception, this was fantastic! KA is my queen!
This is the story of Benny Bianchi (the hot Italian owner of the family's pizzeria) and Francesca "Frankie" Concetti (the woman who protected Vi Callahan from being shot at, and the last girlfriend of Benny's dead brother).
“Baby,” he called, and I again focused on his eyes. “That picture.”
I dropped my chin and pressed my forehead to his chest, saying, “Don’t.”
“You were mine, even when you were his.”
He was right. It was whacked. It didn’t even make sense.
But I’d always loved Benny. We were tight. We got along. Of all Vinnie’s family, I was closest with Benny. It made me happy being around him.
Of course, the topic of this book is little bit taboo but not so much LOL I think Benny and Frankie are the cutest together. At the beggining, it is difficult for them (especially for her) to understand their feelings for each other but when they finally get together, it is beautiful! Their chemistry is off-the-charts hot, how could it not be with this hot Italian man? ;)
Another thing that I really like about KA's books is her secondary characters. I loved Benny's family, all the other couples in the Burg series and even Sal! Moreover, as you may know, this series have more suspense than any other of KA's books. So, again, I love how everyone gets together and support the others when things are difficult.
“Never loved another woman. Not in my life,” he said quietly, and my breath went funny. “Waited until I got it right,” he went on. His hand squeezed mine, he moved so the tip of his nose skimmed mine, and he finished, “I got it right.”
God.
Benny.
“Honey,” I whispered.
“Love you, Frankie,” he whispered back.
“Love you too, Benny.”
I watched his eyes smile, then this time, he kissed me.
So, my rating is 4.5 STARS because this was fabulous, as always Kristen Ashley gives me everything that I want in a book! Still, it is not my 5/6 stars rating (as I had with Games of the Heart) because the fourth book and its characters stole my heart! However, I highly highly recommend this!
CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:
I've been waiting to have the last book in this series by Kristen Ashley because I wanted to read the last two books together. So, first I started (obviously) with The Promise. As always, no exception, this was fantastic! KA is my queen!
This is the story of Benny Bianchi (the hot Italian owner of the family's pizzeria) and Francesca "Frankie" Concetti (the woman who protected Vi Callahan from being shot at, and the last girlfriend of Benny's dead brother).
“Baby,” he called, and I again focused on his eyes. “That picture.”
I dropped my chin and pressed my forehead to his chest, saying, “Don’t.”
“You were mine, even when you were his.”
He was right. It was whacked. It didn’t even make sense.
But I’d always loved Benny. We were tight. We got along. Of all Vinnie’s family, I was closest with Benny. It made me happy being around him.
Of course, the topic of this book is little bit taboo but not so much LOL I think Benny and Frankie are the cutest together. At the beggining, it is difficult for them (especially for her) to understand their feelings for each other but when they finally get together, it is beautiful! Their chemistry is off-the-charts hot, how could it not be with this hot Italian man? ;)
Another thing that I really like about KA's books is her secondary characters. I loved Benny's family, all the other couples in the Burg series and even Sal! Moreover, as you may know, this series have more suspense than any other of KA's books. So, again, I love how everyone gets together and support the others when things are difficult.
“Never loved another woman. Not in my life,” he said quietly, and my breath went funny. “Waited until I got it right,” he went on. His hand squeezed mine, he moved so the tip of his nose skimmed mine, and he finished, “I got it right.”
God.
Benny.
“Honey,” I whispered.
“Love you, Frankie,” he whispered back.
“Love you too, Benny.”
I watched his eyes smile, then this time, he kissed me.
So, my rating is 4.5 STARS because this was fabulous, as always Kristen Ashley gives me everything that I want in a book! Still, it is not my 5/6 stars rating (as I had with Games of the Heart) because the fourth book and its characters stole my heart! However, I highly highly recommend this!
CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:
October 19, 2014
So here is the deal...I flipping love KA. I love her writing style, her dominant alpha men and the crazy-beautiful women they love. I also love the cray-cray emotional rollercoaster rides of love stories that is the basis of most of her plots. Obviously I am a fan!
Putting that out there, I will admit that this tale was not unique. Benny and Frankie could easily been Feb and Colt, Dusty and Mike, Lee and Indy...who cares! Didn't matter because they were Benny and Frankie...and I loved them and their story!
I love the struggle to "get there," to "dig out" the bad, to realize "the promise" of something new.
Frankie has not lived easy. She had shit for family, her boyfriend died and his family cut her off. suffering a GSW at the hands of a mad man made her a hero and brought the Bianchi family back into her world...and quite fast!
Benny Bianchi
He has always wanted Frankie...even when she was his brothers. 7 years have passed and the time is over for waiting. He just needs to convince her that "this is a good thing." In typical KA fashion there is bullying, up in your face sexual tension, and lots of "you get me babe" moments!
Reading KA always leaves me with the warm fuzzies as she makes her characters find strength in one another. I love the internal dialogue and all those "aha" moments when Frankie realizes that life is sweet with Benny Bianchi...straight up goodness, he truly is the big prize! I also feel hot and bothered by the amazing way her men bring the heat with their sassy sex talk and then back that up with their actions! Let me just say that Benny is a pure slice of Italian heaven! No amount of crazy shit that got in the way of living or the distance that put them apart could break the bond of Frankie and Benny...they just fit...
Putting that out there, I will admit that this tale was not unique. Benny and Frankie could easily been Feb and Colt, Dusty and Mike, Lee and Indy...who cares! Didn't matter because they were Benny and Frankie...and I loved them and their story!
I love the struggle to "get there," to "dig out" the bad, to realize "the promise" of something new.
Frankie has not lived easy. She had shit for family, her boyfriend died and his family cut her off. suffering a GSW at the hands of a mad man made her a hero and brought the Bianchi family back into her world...and quite fast!
Benny Bianchi
He has always wanted Frankie...even when she was his brothers. 7 years have passed and the time is over for waiting. He just needs to convince her that "this is a good thing." In typical KA fashion there is bullying, up in your face sexual tension, and lots of "you get me babe" moments!
Reading KA always leaves me with the warm fuzzies as she makes her characters find strength in one another. I love the internal dialogue and all those "aha" moments when Frankie realizes that life is sweet with Benny Bianchi...straight up goodness, he truly is the big prize! I also feel hot and bothered by the amazing way her men bring the heat with their sassy sex talk and then back that up with their actions! Let me just say that Benny is a pure slice of Italian heaven! No amount of crazy shit that got in the way of living or the distance that put them apart could break the bond of Frankie and Benny...they just fit...
November 17, 2014
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 2.5 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Meet my Benny...
And Frankie...
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Meet my Benny...
And Frankie...
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
July 11, 2014
Title:The Promise
Series:The 'Burg #5
Author: Kristen Ashley
Release Date: July 8 , 2014
Rating:3.5 stars
Cliffhanger:No
HEA:
3.5 Sweet and Spicy stars
"You've got nothin' but good comin' your way, Frankie, I can promise you that," he said softly.
This has to be the most highly anticipated Kristen Ashley novel, for me, in a very long time. We were introduced to Frankie and Benny in At Peace, one of my ALL TIME favorite books. Frankie with his charming smile and movie star looks, and Frankie-pushing through years of pain and rejection from the family that she always wanted to be a part of was tough, brave, and loyal. Somewhere between that book and this one, the story went on a different path than I had been expecting and I'm not sure I was too thrilled about that. Being a long time KA addict, I will continue to read her books searching for that magic that she can pull out and transfer into her stories. While there were many things I loved about this book, there were also several things I could have done without. The plot lagged in spots for me but in other areas picked up and drew my attention back in. It wasn't a smooth read through, but still enjoyable in parts.
Frankie is a tough heroine to completely fall in love with. What I thought I was going to get was a woman who was confident, brave, blunt, strong, and loyal. Loyal...yes she was. To a fault. Years of neglect in her childhood from both selfish parents caused her to desperately cling to people even when they didn't treat her well. It's caused her to fear being left with no family, blood or otherwise and in turn causes her to make some really screwed up choices. She also quite insecure and unsure of herself. I could understand that she was that way because of her past loss and rejection, but at the same time it bothered me and it was very frustrating to read.
From page one, Benny has made his mind up that not only has Frankie been mistreated by the whole family for years, but he's ready to admit that she belongs to him.
"You were mine, even when you were his."
He begins to infiltrate her life-surrounding her with support, love, and attempts to make amends for the past.
The beginning of their relationship was a huge struggle. They're both stubborn as hell. They're both opinionated and trying to accept this new place in each other's lives after being connected through Vinny who has passed away. It's left some ghosts that still haunt them and they have to come to terms with the past in order to move on. And my least favorite conflict....Frankie's insecurities and her fear of commitment because she doesn't want to lose this special family all over again if something goes wrong. Then they get hit with a major problem: if they want to stay together they have to attempt a long distance relationship.
I have absolutely no complaints about Benny. I loved him just as much as I thought I would. He's your typical KA hero. Everything you would expect and so perfect. He's protective, decent, strong, sexy, nurturing towards his woman, and has a soft spot for family.
"What makes you happy? What do you want outta life?"
"I..." I started, then changed what I was going to say. "Why do you ask?"
"'Cause I wanna know if it's in me to give it to you."
When Frankie finally "gets her head outta her ass" and grows confident in herself and their relationship, things really improved for me. She was sweet, affectionate, and giving. She's grateful for her place in the Bianchi clan. I loved the addition of some of the past characters- Joe and Vi of course, and some of the Rock Chick characters made an appearance as well.
I can't say I was too crazy about the drama with the murder/crime at her job. I started to skim a bit through that because it wasn't doing it for me. I would have liked to have seen more one on one time with Frankie and Benny and seeing them grow as a couple, see their bantering, and see more of Frankie's strength build and shine through. I decided on 3.5 stars because there was a lot to love and also a lot I wish could have been left out-so I met in the middle somewhere. I wish I could have rated it higher, but it wasn't a smooth and easy read for me despite my excitement over several factors. I've followed this series from the beginning-it's given me many laughs, tears, and shivers and I'll be sad when the last installment is completed with the next book. While this wasn't my favorite, it has a lot to offer and enjoy.
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Shelved as 'dnf'
February 22, 2024DNF @ 56%
I hate doing this, I really do. I was feeling nostalgic or something. I thought going back to something old of KA's that I never had read would help me out of this funk. Sadly, not so much. I was cautiously optimistic with this one because it had mediocre reviews, but I also thought why not? I was bored. Like mega bored. I'm limited on my reading time lately but this was a struggle to get this far. I guess in terms of pages, I probably would've finished any other book because this was listed as 700 pages! I got to the point where she added a dramatic element to keep the story going. It could've easily been finished with where it was but we had to have some stupid work drama thrown in. It was fun seeing the At Peace characters again, but not for another ~350 pages worth. Overall, a disappointment for sure.
I hate doing this, I really do. I was feeling nostalgic or something. I thought going back to something old of KA's that I never had read would help me out of this funk. Sadly, not so much. I was cautiously optimistic with this one because it had mediocre reviews, but I also thought why not? I was bored. Like mega bored. I'm limited on my reading time lately but this was a struggle to get this far. I guess in terms of pages, I probably would've finished any other book because this was listed as 700 pages! I got to the point where she added a dramatic element to keep the story going. It could've easily been finished with where it was but we had to have some stupid work drama thrown in. It was fun seeing the At Peace characters again, but not for another ~350 pages worth. Overall, a disappointment for sure.
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