5 ‘you can run, but you can't hide’ freaking awesome stars

This series is just blowing my mind time and time again. It's one of those that suck you in and you just need the next installment asap so you know what's going to happen next with everyone involved.

Katee Robert created an amazing mafia series that has me emotionally involved with every character, loving or hating them. She even made it possible that my feelings for my fav man Teague changed in this one and I wanna smack him so badly!

Sloan O’Malley might be the sweet innocent virgin that everybody's thinking. But once she gained her freedom she's not afraid to fight for what she wants…her freedom, her job, the man next door.  Being protected by your mafia family might be good in some ways, but there are more sacrifices than not to survive and help the family.

Jude MacNamara has no intention to get distracted from his mission. Especially not by the cutie who just moved in next door. But even he can't deny their attraction. Jude is a typical alpha male who takes what he wants without compromises. Even with his past it is very easy to fall for him. And he way he treats Sloan in bed? Holy freaking hotness! Yes, please, Sir!

While Sloan and Jude seem so totally opposite, they fit together just perfectly. Katee Robert was able to show that good and bad can be the same side of the coin and don't have to exclude each other. This whole series is building up to a big blowout I’m afraid that I won't be able to get over soon. It gets more and more intense and the way previous characters still play a huge part and how their lifes went til now and which role they have now…leaves me totally speechless and in awe of Katee Robert’s writing talent.

This is definitely a must read series if you like bad boys, mafia families and hot stuff.

*******ARC received for an honest review*********

This is book 4 in The Forbidden Promises series and it features Sloan O'Malley and Jude MacNamera. WOW! A quarter of the way into the book and my mouth was already hanging open because I couldn't believe what was happening. I think I sat on the edge of my seat throughout the entire book. It was exciting and you never knew what was around each corner. And as I have said before, this author has a way of writing that keeps you aware of what's happening with all the characters at all times. 

Bravo Katee Robert! Another excellent story in a fantastic series!

Forbidden Promises is a suspenseful, well written Mafia romance. Sloan O'Malley has left her family behind in Boston, and moved to Callaway Rock for a fresh start. Spoiled Mafia princess that she is, though, she's never had to work for a living, so starting off anew means doing something she's never had to do: work. So, work she does, at a local diner, and she lives the life of the rest of us. Coming home at the end of the day, tired from a long day, knowing you have to go and do the same thing tomorrow. But, she's free, free of the Irish Mafia lifestyle, with only contact with her brother Teague. Teague, the one who helped her start over.

Then there's Jude, her mysterious, unapproachable neighbor. Her hot, sexy with a man bun neighbor, who has secrets she doesn't know about. Secrets like he's a hit man with little to no morals. A hit man with only one goal in mind: vengeance. Vengeance upon the people to killed his family. And Sloan plays into that quest for vengeance. So, he sets out to seduce her. And seduce her, he does, and their relationship is initially just physical. After all, he's just using her and he happens to be attracted to her. But, something changes his plans and he'll have to face the biggest choice of his life: love or vengeance? Which will win out?

I love Forbidden Promises. Although I haven't read the other stories in this series, I was able to quickly pick up on what was going on, so I'd say Forbidden Promises is a standalone. I am curious about the previous stories, though, and plan on reading them all. If you like your Mafia romances with intrigue, action, suspense, and steamy, passionate love then I highly recommend you pick up Forbidden Promises!

I was really excited to read this book after getting a teaser from An Indecent Proposal #3 book and wow I really loved the chemistry with Jude and Sloan, I mean intense heat. Our favorite O'Malley characters are back with some dark ones too. This series just keeps getting better with each book, can't wait to read Aiden story in the next installment.

Likes: I must admit books like this are my guilty pleasure. Usually big alpha males are a turn off for me. But Jude, while being alpha, was more concerned about Sloan and her pleasure and safety. That was refreshing. He let her find her feet and the strength she had buried deep down. I like that even though it’s part of a series you don’t have to read the other books to know what is going on. The characters from the other novels make appearances but aren’t essential. The sex scenes were tasteful and red hot in my opinion.

 

Dislikes: I was trying to figure out what the Russian mob boss’s fascination with Sloan’s younger sister had to do with the overall story. Unless that will be the set up for a future novel in the series, it seemed unnecessary, even if it did all tie together in the end. There were a few instances that were very unbelievable to me as well. For instance having both a condom break and the plan b pill fail, while possible, is highly unlikely and seemed a little far-fetched to me.

Title: Forbidden Promises
Author: Katee Robert

4 unexpected stars 

Having read some of Katee Robert's novels in the past, some part of the O'Malley Family Saga, i was excited to catch up with them once again through Jude and Sloan's story. I'll admit, it's been quite some time since I've last read this series, so it took me some time to situate myself in the timeline, even remembering who and what all the players are, but once i did, i don't think i could have read this book any faster. 

4 breath taking dreams 

In true Katee Robert fashion, this book had it all - drama, suspense, romance and angst aplenty. I enjoyed reading Jude and Sloan's book to find out what i missed in the previous instalments and getting lost in this adventure that kept me guessing from start to finish. The O'Malleys are, and i have a feeling, always will be a family full of secrets and i know that i'll always want to read more from them. For certain, i'll be recommending this series in the future many times over!



*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Kathleen, The Small Girl from A small girl, her man and her books

This book is a continuation of the fabulous and dangerous O'Malley family. She has left the family behind but she may be in more danger than ever before. 

This is a great novel that explores what happens when you try to escape the mob. It also did a great job setting up the next books in the series. It gives me anticipation for what comes next with Aiden and Kiera and just what dangerous games they are all playing to survive.

This book is the 4th in The O'Malleys series. This book can be read as a standalone novel. For reader understanding and enjoyment, I recommend reading this series in order.

Jude has sinister plans for someone near Sloan. His past is full of secrets and lies. What could he ever hope to offer someone as innocent as she?

Sloan has her own past full of secrets. She has her own lies she needs to tell. Jude is just eye candy until her curiosity cannot resist. 

This series just leaves me breathless! Just when I think nothing can surprise me.... well, I am not a spoiler so you will have to read it to find out. Know that this author never leaves you wanting. The characters are very rich and compelling in all sorts of ways. 


***This ARC copy was given in exchange by Netgalley and its publisher for an honest review.

I'm obsessed with The O’Malley series by Katee Robert. Seriously. OBSESSED. I’ve read numerous books by this author but, with its seamless blend of pulse-racing action, blush-inducing romance, and edge-of-your-seat suspense, The O’Malley series is a particular favorite. With the latest book in the series, Forbidden Promises, we are four books in and, it never ceases to amaze me that each book is as amazing, if not more so, than the last. Forbidden Promises is a story packed with mystery, danger, and, of course, romance, which kept me engrossed from start to finish.

After getting to know Teague, Carrigan, and Cillian in previous books in the series, I was anxious to learn more about Sloan. In comparison to her siblings, she’s the quietest, most unassuming of the O’Malleys, craving normalcy amidst a world of crime and chaos. When she escapes Boston, and seeks refuge in a small town, however, she gets more than she bargained for in the form of her tall, dark, and brooding neighbor, Jude. I don’t want to say too much about the plot (because: spoilers) but suffice it to say, there are enough twists, turns, and complications to keep you hanging on every word.

What I will talk about? The romance. Because it needs to be discussed. At length and in detail. Because ho-ly hotness, this book is STEAMY. As in, fan-your-face, jaw-droppingly steamy. Sloan is a good girl, innocent and inexperienced, whereas Jude has bad written all over him. The dichotomy is deliciously naughty, with Jude taking on the role of a confident, demanding teacher as Sloan assumes control of her sexuality. Did I mention that Jude is a dirty-talker? He likes to go into explicit, painstaking detail, noting all the ways he wants to give Sloan pleasure. So. Much. Detail. He certainly isn't shy about stating exactly what he wants and following through on his promises.

Although the narrative primarily follows Jude and Sloan, we do get updates from a few familiar faces, which set up the next couple books in the series. Each and every character in the narrative is formidable in his or her own right, which makes for a number of tension-filled, ominous exchanges as everything comes to a head. Forbidden Promises is a book that'll keep you guessing, because you never quite know who to trust or what will happen next. That's part of the fun, though, isn't it? There's nothing more thrilling than the feeling of getting towards the end of a book, knowing time is running out yet there's more to unfold. All you can do is settle in for the ride and trust that the author will make it a good one (which she does).

*complimentary copy provided by publisher for an honest review

The relationship between Sloan and Jude was interesting and I loved reading it. All of the mafia/family intrigue went mostly over my head, as it seemed to have been dealt with more extensively in previous books in the series. Sloan was well-written as she came out of her shell and into her own, and Jude had a lot of learning to do about love.

I've been excited for this book for a while, ever since Sloan ran away in the last book. I was curious to find out who this neighbor was. All I can say is, Wow! I couldn't have dreamed up a better story. Mousy timid Sloan ends up with the big rude bully Jude next door. You might think this is the worst thing that could ever happen to her, but it turns out just the opposite. Jude's selfish rude behavior actually flips a switch somewhere in Sloan, and suddenly she's angry. She's tired of being controlled and treated as though she doesn't matter. She lets loose, and oddly enough, Jude likes it. He doesn't want to, but he does.

Jude is only in town to complete a job, and his job may bring danger to Sloan. It leaves him strangely conflicted. The feeling gets worse the closer he gets to Sloan. Of course once they each discover the other's true identity, their fate is pretty much sealed. There is nothing to do but prepare for the danger that is surely coming from multiple fronts.

I definitely don't recommend taking this as a standalone. It's possible, but there are so many family dynamics you really need to understand first. The other series books are amazing anyway, so why skip them. I did love this one. Jude was a very bad guy, and his only soft spot was the one Sloan carved for herself. He was bossy and domineering, but he knew exactly what Sloan needed and provided it. Their chemistry was so sexy and consuming, and I really loved them both as characters. I can't wait to see what happens next in this family!

I received an ARC from Net Galley for honest review.

Forbidden Promises is the fourth book in The O'Malley's series. While this book can technically be read as a stand-a-lone, there are a lot of continuing plot from the previous 3 books that continue into this one, it might be hard for some to connect all the dots and line the families together. I can't say it takes away from this book's sole plot, but it may slow down your reading overall trying to put things together.

This book is probably my least favorite so far in the series. I rated it at 4 because the book was intense and the overall drama and mystery continued on, but I felt there was more of a focus on the sexual relationship between Jude and Sloan that was necessary. Don't get me wrong - I enjoy some great sex scenes, but I just felt that overpowered that plot of the book and this series. 

Sloan is the mousy and obedient one of the O'Malley's. She finally had enough of her family's business that she left without anyone knowing where she was headed. She found herself living across the country and next door to Jude - a man who seems to want to be left alone.

Jude - I am not even sure where to start with him. He leaves me confused and with some contradictions. He doesn't get himself involved with other people because his job forces him to leave immediately after everything is done - he doesn't set roots anywhere. So when Sloan makes him take notice more than he ever has in anyone, that leaves him feeling out of sorts. With that being said - as rugged and dominating as he comes across, I had a hard time believing his actions were real. Near the end, they became more believable, but in the beginning it was difficult.

My only gripe was the relationship between Sloan and Jude - it just seemed too forced. I like that Katee did address the whole first relationship part and Sloan trying to decipher is it love or lust - that did help things. But again, it just didn't seem believable the whole time.

I have to say that the redeeming parts of this book are the action and drama in this book. It's what I have come to love and expect from this series. The O'Malley's are involved in the Boston Mafia along with the Sheridan's and their shared enemy - Dimitri. There's a lot of suspense and action and I absolutely love it. And the overall plot just keeps getting better!!!

As you can tell, I didn't really tell you much about this book itself or how things transpire. This is one of those books where you really can't say one thing without giving the good stuff away. So it's best just left unsaid and let the reader find out everything for themselves.

Overall, it's a different take on how the other books played out, but it's still good. I have my own issues with it which may not bother others. It's a good read.

If you’re not reading Katee Robert’s The O’Malley series, you’re missing out, because the O’Malley family is downright enthralling. They’re one of the most powerful families in Boston, and they’ve unapologetically built an empire that often skirts the law. Corruption and danger infiltrate every aspect of their lives, but Sloan O’Malley is the innocent of the family, choosing to stay away from the illegal pursuits and turf wars. She’s decided to permanently exorcise herself, so she flees Boston for the West Coast without leaving a trace. She borrows a house from a friend of a friend and is starting over, but she’s inadvertently landed back into the gritty, violent world she just escaped.

Jude MacNamara is a hit man, and he’s living next door to Sloan and looking for the owner of her borrowed house. He doesn’t know who Sloan is or if she’s connected to his target, and he gets closer to her to scope out the situation. His assignment becomes much more personal when they meet. The chemistry between this bad boy and good girl is electric and intense, and Jude can’t prevent himself from wanting Sloan, even knowing there is a chance he might have to hurt her. They are drawn to each other like moths to a flame, but their situation is treacherously complicated and appears unsolvable. Secrets, lies, revenge and family loyalty could tear them apart. Buckle up and hold on, because Forbidden Promises is breathtaking romance with heart-stopping action and unexpected twists and turns.

Each book in this series just keeps building up in intensity and suspense. I honestly haven't decided if I hate the villain. Katee Roberts writes him so realistically that I can see all the evil he's done, but I just have this feeling that there is so much more to him. I saw it in An Indecent Proposal and I saw it in this book. Sure, he's ruthless but I have a feeling he'll gives readers a run for their money by the end of the series. 

Sloan and Jude are a match no one saw coming. It was a bit wistful and sweet but all consuming and then Sloan's past had to collide with Jude's and there at so many more characters at play against their fates. 

Sloan just wants away from the life she's been raised in. She's too kind and innocent to truly hold her own amongst the rest of her family and a way out is all she wants. But she learns that sometimes you can't ever truly be out. 

Jude is set on revenge. He has spent his whole life preparing to get his payback for what was done to his family but Sloan put a wrench in all of his plans. He's torn between a promise he made and a possible future he never knew he wanted. 

The characters were both intense in their own ways. Sloan may come across as mousy, but as she learns to stand on her own two feet away from the shadow her family casts, she find her strength. And as Jude watches her transformation, it only makes him want her more. Their explosive when their passionate, and even when their angry which leads to more explosions in the bedroom or any surface nearby. 

And what I love about the O'Malley siblings is that their bonds may be tested based on their standing within their family and the other families they're now aligned with, but they still show that the love they share for each other is just as strong and formidable.

Each book is woven so perfectly. We get the story of the male and female characters spotlighted but we're also given a glimpse of what's to come for the next couple. It totally keeps me hooked. I look forward to Aiden's story next.

Forbidden promises is the fourth book in the O'Malleys series by Katee Robert. I liked it more than the third book, but I still had a couple of problems with it. 

It seems I was right and each O'Malley will marry a person from a rival family. Jude is the last MacNamara. If the name doesn't ring a bell, I will remind you how he is connected with the other families. The Sheridans aka Callie's family killed every single member of Jude's family and he is alive to live the tale because they didn't know his mother was pregnant with him. See? Our hero in this novel wants to kill the heroine of the first book. I cannot say that I don't understand why he wants to do that, but it wasn't the most pleasant situation for me to be in. I wanted him to get his revenge, but I love Callie. Speaking of rival families can you tell me how Dmitri will be redeemed? He is the biggest threat and not one of the nice guys, so I am wondering how much he can redeem himself in order to be with Kiera. I cannot believe I am rooting for them, but I do. They have a lot of chemistry and I don't like the idea of having to wait for their story. Aiden's story better be good.

I feel like the more we get into the lives of the O'Malleys the more we see them falling apart. They are a united family. Instead, they fight and give ultimatums that separate them more and forget what made them a family. I am hoping to see them unite again because it saddens me to see them like that. 

Jude and Sloan are a nice couple. Their relationship doesn't involve a lot of drama which is nice and they are a good match. Honestly, with everything else that went on, my focus wasn't exactly on them. I liked seeing how Sloan was slowly coming out of her shell. She is no longer the sheltered girl we knew her and is trying to live her life hiding. I didn't like that her job and everything else was forgotten after they stopped being used as a plot device.  The side characters at the dinner were completely forgotten. 

June on the other hand, needs to let go his revenge if he wants to be with Sloan. The question is will he choose her or the revenge?

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Katee Robert delivers the next book in her sizzling O’Malleys family series, hailed as “The Godfather meets Romeo & Juliet.” FORBIDDEN PROMISES features Sloan O’Malley and her mysterious new next-door neighbor, Jude MacNamara.

Forbidden Promises is the fourth book in the contemporary romance series, called The O’Malleys by author Katee Robert. I have read several of Katee’s books in the past and really enjoyed the steamy romance, including book one in The O’Malleys.The Marriage Contract,  so I couldn’t wait to continue this series. I enjoyed getting to know some of the O’Malleys, and this is a series that I really want to go back and read books 2 and 3, which I missed. This series follows the three powerful Boston families- the O’Malleys, the Hallorans, and the Sheridans.

Forbidden Promises follows Sloan and Jude. Sloan is an O’Malley, and Jude is out for Sheridan blood. If I thought The Marriage Pact was intense, the stakes were notched up even higher in this book. While, I was able to figure out what was going on, I feel like I would have had a much better idea and insight into the characters, if I had read this series in order. I think I would recommend new reads stick to the reading order of the series. YOu will get to know the characters better that way. Either way, I love the intense mafia-esque drama that Katee Robert has created. These books are so addictive.

Bottom Line: Forbidden Promises is great for fans of steamy political/mafia-esque romances. If you like family dynamics and drama galore, with great characters this is the book for you. Plus the romance is really excellent! And I totally loved Sloan and Jude. I thought they were both excellent characters.

It was a interesting romance book.  The mob relationships/background is not really my thing.

This is a voluntary review,  I do not get paid for this,

***ARC Provided by the Author and the Publisher***

3.5 Stars 

I struggled with this one a little bit, and it took me some time to figure out why.  The other books in the series are in Boston, and they take place in the underground/Crime setting.  This one, for obvious reasons, moves the action to another location, so the switch from Oregon to events in Boston seems a little jarring at times.  I understand the reasoning for the way it was written, and overall it does work, but it took me a second to switch from Oregon to Boston as I was reading.  It's possible this is just me, but I think the juxtaposition of Boston events and how hard Sloan was working to get away from Boston conflicted a bit for me, if that makes sense.

That said, I really enjoyed the parts that were Sloan and Jude, and I think we can all relate to wanting to make our own lives away from our families and on our own, although most of us don't have reasons that are as compelling as hers.

I liked the evolution not only of the story but of the attachment with Jude and Sloan, and I believed their reactions to the events that took place.  Again, I have a book in which to totally discuss the events, I will have to spoil a plot point, so I am going to have to be vague and just say that I believed both of them, and their reactions.

I do recommend this book overall.

I did not read the first 3 books in the series and to get the most out of this series I recommend reading them in order.  This was an intriguing story-line with strong, engaging characters & is well-written. I now have to go back & read the beginning of the series.