Giving Her Promise

Claire Bronstad is a high school biology teacher who avoids home at all cost. But when her brother surprises her with an invitation to his whirlwind wedding, Claire has no choice but to leave her comfort zone and buy a plane ticket. Before she leaves, her longtime best friend and roommate, Greyson, kisses her, suggesting they start a relationship. Confused and frazzled, Claire arrives home to find that her father has Alzheimer’s, old wounds run deep, and her brother’s best friend Jessie is a hunk she cannot resist. Jessie Morland has known Claire since she was a little girl, but when he sees her as a woman, he cannot deny the instant attraction. Sparks fly and love builds, but baggage from the past, along with trouble from the present, continue to get in the way of their budding relationship. 

“Giving Her Promise” is a pleasant combination of love, humor, steam, and depth. Claire has a broken past, and those wounds are clearly portrayed in her thoughts and actions. It is refreshing to see a romance that focuses on real-life issues such as loss and illness. Though the connection between Jessie and Claire sizzles, too much attention is put on the physical, leaving the reader unsure of a true emotional connection. Jessie is less than chivalrous at times, being overly focused on sex and pushing his advantage at times. Too many misunderstandings continue to pull Jessie and Claire apart and the antagonist’s motives seem to change frequently. Overall, the story flows well and makes for an entertaining read! 

Dahlia Gosney