coffee addict books: Review: The Promise (The 'Burg #5) by Kristen Ashley

Title: The Promise
Author: Kristen Ashley
Series: The 'Burg #5
Genre: conetmporary romance, romantic suspense

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.

Amazon US | Amazon UK

MY REVIEW

The Promise by Kristen Ashley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 **sweet & spicy** STARS

“You were mine, even when you were his.”

Unpopular opinion...I loved this book.

The Promise was a very interesting read for me. For starters I was looking forward to read Benny & Frankie's story for a long time and on the other hand I had seen so many mixed ratings for this book and I was worried it wouldn't live up to my expectations. Well, I loved it.

Frankie and Benny are two characters we already met in the second book of the 'Burg series - At Peace and their story picks up right where we left them after the big showdown.

Frankie is in the hospital after being shot, trying to rescue Violet and Benny is coming to terms with the way he treated his dead brother's girlfriend over the last seven years.

Francesca 'Frankie' Concetti has lost almost everything dear to her heart. Seven years ago her boyfriend Vinnie Bianchi was killed after he decided to work for Sal, the lovable Mob boss. Unfortunately his death also meant losing his family who still to this day hold her responsible for Vinni's actions. That is until she put herself on the line protecting one of their own. The ultimate wake-up call.

Frankie is a tough chick. Over the years she developed a very thick skin. Her own family is no good and causes her more heartache and trouble than she should have to endure and after losing the Bianchi's she is left on her own. So it comes with no surprise that she has an almost irrational fear of losing people she loves.

The thing is, she might have to get over it. Because Benny is insistent and the crush she had on him for a long time doesn't help matters.

Benny Bianchi is a pizza baker, he is italian and he is so very yummy on the eye. *sigh* Yes, sometimes it is perfectly acceptable to be straight up superficial. But I can appease the minds. Benny is also a very good human being, who loves his family and who is loyal to no end. The loyalty to his brother is what made him lose the girl he always wanted. Because his other superpower is holding a grudge for a very long time.

And when he finally manages to get his head out of his arse it is almost too late.

Frankie and Benny's love story is not exactly a smooth ride. There is a lot of back and forth. Trust is a bit hard to come by at first, but Benny's persistence prevails. But then there is the matter of Frankie having a new job and trying to run away as fast as possible.

As always we have a whole cast of amazing side characters. Old and wise next door neighbours, a fatherly but still scary Mob boss, lots of family and friends from previous books and maybe even a cameo or two right out of the Rock Chick series. You have to read the book to find out more.

After finishing the book I actually read a few old reviews and I understand exactly why a fair few readers had problems. I'm pleading wilful ignorance and I'm not sorry at all. I just read it for what it was and didn't much care if everyone grovelled enough at Frankie's feet or if the change of heart towards her was appropriate or if she gave in far too easily. I just went with the flow and I enjoyed it.

I'm starting to think Ms. Ashley can do no wrong for me and I’m keeping my fingers crossed it stays that way.

The Promise is as all of her books very long, heavy on the detail and funny enough considering the whole series, it is very light on the action. Especially the first part burns slowly, but I don't mind that at all. Once I'm sucked into a KA book I just get lost for days, crazy twists or not.

Yes, I'm 100% addicted and there is no shame in admitting that. Thank you for your time...the review for Hold On is right around the corner.