Forbidden Promises is the fourth book in The O’Malley’s series. I’ve only read one other book in the series. I initially thought I screwed up with not reading the other novels as this one confused the heck out of me at the start. So many families. So much hatred. MacNamara? Revenge? Huh? What’s going on? But that initial confusion didn’t last too long. I actually enjoyed the trying to disentangle all the lies and secrets. 

Sloan was pretty awesome. She started off not having a clue about basically anything. But she escaped her family and she was going to be normal – even going so far as to get a cliché waitressing job. A backbone appeared at some point. Go Sloan!

Jude was your typical way too hot brooding alpha male. He was pushy and dominant until it came to making up his mind about Sloan. Naturally, then he turned wishy washy. *Rolls eyes* But then a few unexpected happenings converge into one moment and Jude has to decide whether to man up or not. Let the action begin!

Forbidden Promises is full of action, intrigue, and heat. The sex scenes are hot but luckily are interspersed throughout the novel so that the story is not only a romance with lots of sex but also a suspenseful novel that keeps the reader turning the pages. I recommend giving it a try.

***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***

Forbidden Promises by Katee Robert
Book Four of the O'Malleys series
Publisher: Forever
Publication Date: May 30, 2017
Rating: 4 stars
Source: ARC sent by the publisher

Summary (from Goodreads):

All Sloan O’Malley ever wanted was a simple life—and now she’s finally got it. She’s left everything behind in Boston—her family, her money, even her name—and set herself up in a tiny seaside town in Oregon. What she doesn’t plan for? Her mysterious and painfully attractive neighbor, Jude.

Jude MacNamara has been many things in his life—pampered son of a prestigious family, only surviving heir to a lost legacy, hit man—but now he’s out for revenge on the man responsible for the death of his father and brothers—Colm Sheridan. He’s tracking Colm’s sister when he encounters Sloan living with her in her beach house. He’s a patient hunter and he’s willing to sit back and wait for his prey...he just doesn’t expect for this woman to give rise to emotions he hasn’t felt in years.

He doesn’t want to see Sloan hurt, but in order to protect her, he will have to turn his back on the one thing he’s spent his life pursuing—revenge. Even then, there’s no guarantee either one of them will make it out alive.

What I Liked:

From the start, I knew that this would be a very different book compared to the previous three. I loved The Marriage Contract, and enjoyed The Wedding Pact and An Indecent Proposal. The books have been incredibly engrossing, entertaining, and sexy. This book was all of those things, and yet it is distinct when compared to its predecessors. I loved Jude and Sloan's story - I think theirs is my second-favorite of the series now!

Sloan O'Malley, the fifth O'Malley child in a brood of seven, has finally gotten out. With the help of her older brother Teague, she has fled Boston and is neatly ensconced in a small seaside town in Oregon with an old woman - Sorcha Sheridan. Everything is new and interesting to her... especially her next-door neighbor. Little does she know, Jude MacNamara has been watching her new house. He has been tracking Colm Sheridan's sister for a long time, for revenge. And now he has found her, but he didn't expect Sloan O'Malley to appear. Sloan doesn't know at first who Jude really is, but it doesn't matter: one looks is all it takes. Jude and Sloan can't keep away from each other. But it's not long before the dangers of Boston catch up with Sloan, and Jude's own deals catch up with him. Jude will have to choose between his plans of revenge and his growing feelings for Sloan, and Sloan will have to decide if Jude is worth it.

This book had a bit of a different tone, compared to the others. Maybe because most of the book is far-removed from Boston, and all of the crime stuff in Boston? Not that the crime stuff doesn't come up - remember, Jude is very much involved in all of that (not that Sloan knows, at first). But the crime and the Russian mafia and all that aren't physically present in most of this book. Which makes the story a little more about our couple, especially in the first half.

I always felt bad for Sloan in the previous books, but I didn't love her, necessarily. She seemed a bit bland to me, and not outwardly strong as her older sister Carrigan, or her sister-in-law Callie. She isn't as stubborn and rebellious as her younger sister Keira. She's just Sloan. young and innocent and desperate to get out of the crime that surrounds her life. Right? Well. Sloan is much tougher than she outwardly appears, and she is her own brand of strong.

Jude is a rough, gruff, no-nonsense hardened man who is the last of a dynasty - the MacNamara's. He is bent on revenge and wants nothing in his way, so he isn't quite sure what to do with his instant attraction to Sloan, at first. But he is also a man of action, and he likes to have all of the control. Jude has made himself believe that he is a cold, merciless, heartless man who isn't worth more than his revenge, but that isn't true at all. This book is as much about Jude's self-worth as it is about Sloan's.

The two of them together are incredibly hot! The attraction and lust are there from the start. The sex starts off very early, which I don't always love, but I was fine with it in this book. The first half of the book is very focused on Jude and Sloan's physical attraction to each other, and there is a loooot of sex. The second half of the book deals more with their growing emotional connection, and the growing threat of Dmitri Romanov. But back to June and Sloan's chemistry - so hot. Jude is 100% alpha, and Sloan is... well, she isn't a meek and submissive innocent, but she is innocent and she likes it Jude being controlling and demanding, when it comes to sex. The two of them fit perfectly together and in so many ways.

So the physical attraction started off very quickly, but the emotional connection took longer. I liked seeing Jude and Sloan slowly trust each other and lean on each other. They don't know each other for very long before they have to make several decisions about Sloan's safety. But they begin to trust in their feelings for each other, which was sweet to see.

There is one trope that appears in this book that I usually hate - but I found that I did not mind it at all, in this book. The presence of this trope makes sense to me, and its purpose is something I understand. I love how the author switches up romances and relationships and keeps things original or at least on shuffle. 

Don't think that this is purely a romance novel! It's dark romance, and the crime aspect of this series does not disappear at all, don't worry. The second half of the book really picks up speed with several crime-related plots, both back in Boston and in Oregon. The ending is pretty explosive! In terms of crime, and in terms of Jude and Sloan's relationship. Not in a bad way!

I love how we don't just get Jude and Sloan's POV. Occasionally (very rarely), we read from Aiden's, and Dmitri's. While Aiden has definitely grown on me, it is Dmitri who I have really gotten to like. I can't wait to read his and Keira's book (O'Malleys #6)! The snippets in this book between him and Keira are downright tantalizing.

I'm going to wrap this up and end with saying that I really enjoyed this book. It's my second-favorite, or possibly my favorite, tied with The Marriage Contract (I don't know that any of these books will touch Teague's - though maybe #6 will!). This book was different compared to the rest of the series, and so, so good.

What I Did Not Like:

Nothing specific that I can think of! Though this book is not getting a five-star rating. 

Would I Recommend It:

I highly recommend this book, especially since it's one of my favorites of the series! I've not read a series like this one, but I can say with confidence that no one writes crime/dark romance like Katee Robert. In my opinion. I highly recommend this series in general!

Rating:

4.5 stars -> rounded down to 4 stars. I am looking forward to reading Undercover Attraction (Aiden and Charlie's story)! But more so, Dmitri and Keira's, which publishes in February 2018. This series is easily one of my favorite adult romance series of all time!

I've only read one other book by Ms. Robert before and it wasn't from this series, so I was glad this story could be read as a stand-alone, even though it would have been nice to read the previous books encompassing the heroine's siblings. However, in saying that, the way this story started had me sympathizing with the heroine due to the dilemma Sloan is facing with what she's going to do with her life now that she's finally free of her family's hold over her, and I liked how she's moving forward to take care of herself. Will she thrive in the small town she's found herself in?

As for the dialogue, it was riveting and intense due to the main characters back stories, especially that of the hero. He wants revenge for what happened to his entire family, and he'll stop at nothing to get it. Can Sloan convince Jude that revenge is no longer the right solution to what happened to his family? That if he continues on the path he is on, his revenge could have consequences, especially with the knowledge she has about who he's targeting. However, there was also another side to the dialogue I enjoyed and that was the hero and his dirty talk. It's hot, sinful and certainly ups the sexual tension between this couple until their intense chemistry spills over onto the pages in sizzling sex scenes that illustrated Sloan needed a man like Jude to show her just how good physical intimacy can be. 

Sloan was a wonderful heroine and I could understand why she needed to escape her family, because she doesn't want to be used as a pawn to cement the family's power. Moreover, Sloan is resilient and courageous and I liked all she's done to get to where she is in her life; a life she'll actually be able to enjoy without having to worry what her family will expect of her. Even if she does miss them and may have to worry that someone may discover her whereabouts someday. While Jude, he was an intriguing hero that  I thought definitely deserved his vengeance for what happened to his family. I also loved how protective he was of the heroine once he discovered who she was and that he wouldn't give in to the demands of someone trying to use him to suit their own agenda. 

Overall, this was a really good read encompassing the forbidden romance trope, secondary characters that have me wanting to read the previous books and the next in this series and an ending that had me wanting to know what Sloan's family would do once they discovered who she was involved with. Would they let her go for good? Would they try to keep her away from Jude? Would Jude be able to keep Sloan safe, especially with what's going on with her? I would recommend Forbidden Promises by Katee Robert, if you enjoy the forbidden relationship trope, the sexy protector trope or books by authors Samanthe Beck, Lauren Blakely or Kaylea Cross.

This was a great book! I love this series, and I was so looking forward to this book. It did not disappoint!

Sloan O'Malley just left everything behind and ran. She's from a Boston mob family and she wanted out. The only thing her future would have held was a political marriage, arranged by her father, and she wanted no part of it. Her older sister Carrigan, the heroine from book 2, had already ventured out on her own, in a different way, and Sloan decided to get out too, and for good. Her older brother Teague, the hero from book 1, offered to help her disappear, and she took him up on it. He sent her to Oregon to a house owned by his wife's aunt, with whom his wife, Callie Sheridan, has never had contact before now. Sloan thought she would be safe. But, are any of us ever really safe? Especially someone like Sloan, who comes from a family of criminals. A family with many enemies. 

Jude MacNamara is a hit man. He's the last surviving member of his family. The rest of them having been taken out by the head of the Sheridan family, another of the 3 major Boston mob families. He swore revenge for his family, and he's spent his whole life going about getting it. He's biding his time in Oregon, waiting for his next target to finally show up. He bought the house next door in order to lie low and wait for her to arrive. His target is the sister of the man who killed his family. But, who shows up to stay in the house but Sloan, with no idea about anything going on behind the scenes. Jude is taken with her from the first, but he has no intention of letting her, or anyone, disrupt his plans. Best laid plans, however...

Jude is a huge guy, and thanks to the authors dedication, I have to assume his resemblance to Brock O'Hurn is to be insinuated. Yes, please. He's dark, and broody, and he catches Sloan's attention right away. But, he was rude to her the first night she hit town, and now she's a bit wary. She has no idea how wary she should be! Jude is drawn to Sloan's innocence, and her strength. She doesn't see strength in herself, but he sees beneath the surface, and he likes what he sees. Much more than he should. It leads him to thinking about a different kind of life, for the first time ever. I absolutely loved the dynamic between them.

Neither Sloan, nor Jude, nor any of the main characters in this series are true innocents, or heroes. They have all seen and done very bad things. Sometimes to survive, sometimes for power. Even Sloan, though she was a virgin, and had never been directly involved in her family's business, has witnessed things that could put her family members in jail, but she would never dream of going to the police. Nothing is black and white. It's all about shades of gray in this world, and the gray is so intriguing. The author makes you love them all, against all odds. 

Sloan and Jude had chemistry like whoa. They were combustible from the start, and the filthy mouth on Jude was sexy as all get out. They had to take a long winding journey in order to truly be together, and I loved every second of it. They really had to struggle, and they both put themselves in harm's way, to fight for their life together. The pacing was quick and exciting, and you never knew what new obstacle would pop up. I love the excitement of the world in this series.

One of the great things about this series is how the romance plots are HEA, while the ongoing issues in the mob war continue throughout. I'm really looking forward to the last 2 books, to see how everything ends up. There is so much brewing for the oldest O'Malley brother, Aiden's, book, which is next in the series. It will be followed by the final book, youngest sister Keira, and their NYC enemy, Dmitri Romanov. Fireworks will abound, and I can't wait to see them. Another great story!!

Love, Love, Love!

I was a little worried when the scenery changed to the west coast, but I didn't need to be. Forbidden Promises was both fast paced and sweet and I read it all in one sitting. I found Sloane to be very relate-able, which in a book that features a crime family I wasn't expecting. I really enjoyed that previous characters were brought back and that the story is starting to get deeper and more puzzle pieces are falling in to place. I can't wait for the next one!

I was excluded from the tour for this book.should I read and post a review or not?

Katee Robert is at her best with her The O'Malleys series. I haven't been this invested in a mob family series in a long time, and these books hit all the right note for me. I have loved all the books in this series, so evidently I could not wait until I could get my hands on Forbidden Promises. Katee Robert certainly didn't make the wait easier as she shared ridiculously sexy teasers that made me want to meet Jude ASAP. I'm thrilled that this book was just as good as the previous books for me, but now I'm left wanting even more!

Even though these books tell the story of one sibling at a time, I do think it's a series better experienced if you read them in order, because you see everyone in each book. I have been fascinated by Sloan ever since we met her, but especially after the rift she has with her sister. At the end of the last book, she runs away from home, and that's where Forbidden Promises starts off. Compared to her siblings, Sloan was a little more reserved and withdrawn, but here we get to see her character shine. She learns to become independent, and her inner strength emerges in small but substantial ways. I especially loved when she started putting her foot down, because she was tired of being tossed around. Her growth was one of the best elements of the book. There was a hidden sadness to her that broke my heart a little, but I was thrilled that she found her happiness in Forbidden Promises.

She finds that with Jude McNamara, a cold killer hell bent on avenging the murder of his family. I know it feels weird to swoon over a killer like Jude, but I did. There was an intensity to him that made him very appealing as a book character, and despite being this rough-around-the-edges, manly man, he was nothing but gentle with Sloan. His treatment of her, was what had me giddy. He slowly started to show his more emotional side as the story progressed, so I was a goner by the end. His chemistry and romance with Sloan was sweltering. It was sexy, passionate and gave me goosebumps. Like I said, he was gentle, patient and absolutely head-over-heels for her, and I found that to be very attractive. After all that they had gone through in their lives, they deserved to find happiness, and they could not have complemented each other better.

There was a lot more family drama in Forbidden Promises, and though I love the O'Malleys fiercely, they also drive me bonkers with how meddlesome they can be. But these siblings still love each other, and would do anything to protect one another. We see more progress with Aiden's character too here, and I AM DYING to read his book, which is out in November. Then there's my favorite bastard, Dmitri, pretty much the villain in this series, but I am completely obsessed with how ruthless this guy is. He's going to be paired up with Keira, and we see some of their first interactions in Forbidden Promises, and they certainly look promising (pun intended!).

Forbidden Promises was another sexy, and dark installment in The O'Malleys series. I highly recommend these books, especially if you're a fan of tpe-curling forbidden romances, with a heavy focus on family drama.

I love this book, she weaves a world you can instantly get lost into and I have to say that I am so glad I read her words.

4 stars

Forbbidden Promises is the fourth installment in the O Malley Family series. This is Sloane’s book. And I have been wanting Sloane’s book for quite a while, because I know that she is one of the siblings that is more secretive. I always knew that she is one of those characters we don’t see who she is and now we do in this wonderful book. This sibling is the more reserved of them all, she is shy and quiet and does what is asked of her. But when her brother Teagan offers to give her freedom and peace away from Boston, she agrees and she finds herself in the small town on the coast of Oregon. She gets her first job at a diner, starts doing yoga on the beach and then she stumbles across her growly and formidable neighbor, Jude. Jude is part of the MacNamara family. The only last living one, when his family was killed and he wants revenge. But his revenge will compromise his relationship with Sloane. At first Sloane, wants Jude but he also makes her stronger and makes her realize her strengths, strengths she has hidden from even herself. She becomes very spirited and outspoken when she is around Jude. But now she is in danger from an enemy that is out to destroy the Boston families, and destroying them will destroy her family.
I had quite a fun time with this book, and it was slightly different than the others. I really liked both of these characters for the most part. The first half of the book, was pretty high in the sex scenes. In fact, I was skipping a bit more since it felt like overkill especially compared to the previous books. But once these two start to get to real issues and get the heart of the matter of what they feel for each other, is where the story really gets interesting. Especially when there is a surprise that both of them have to face, and the plot really increases with drama from her family and their enemy Dimitri. This story was intense, and suspenseful but I really enjoyed the dynamics between Sloane and Jude find a way together. Forbidden Promises is an intense ride of passion, danger and a fight for true love.

There is nothing better than diving into Katee Roberts' mafia world. Her books are intense and filled with sexy scenes that feel electrified thanks to her character's personalities and their drama. I'm freaking addicted to it.

The fourth installment, Forbidden Promises is Sloan O'Malley's adventure. She is really struggling at the start of the book - she is heartbroken over a tragedy her family endured as well as a betrayal she thought her sister committed. So her method of coping is to run away.

Her time away from her family becomes this journey of self discovery and romance. Her neighbor, Jude has all kinds of secrets but these two connect on this level where they can't hide anymore. Together they discover who they truly are and what they want from their lives all while running from the bad guys.

Real life and the mob eventually catches up to this duo.  Then they have the normal mafia type hurtles to get past. Being born to the warring families. Crazy Russians after them. Vendettas. But it doesn't matter if you've read 1 million mafia type romances - Forbidden Promises will have you on the edge of your seat completely captivated.

This book was crazy good. I devoured Forbidden Promises in one afternoon and I was truly bummed when I reached the last page. I wanted more and I wished I had Aiden and Kiera's stories.

So if you are already a fan of this series you will love this latest chapter. It's entertaining and fun. If you haven't met this group of characters, I highly suggest you stop what you're doing and you go balls to the wall and get all of the books. I promise you won't be disappointed.

5 Stars & 2 Holy Shites! 

Yup, I just created a new rating system for books that are so fluffin' awesome they deserve more than 5 stars.  Had the author made me bawl uncontrollably those HS's would've been hearts. While Robert did make me tear up, this was strictly a super sexxy, heart-pounding, edge-of-your-seat, need-to-know-what's gonna happen but don't-want-it-to-end story.  One that is so incredibly good it comes along only in a rare while.

Sloan O'Malley had been so overshadowed by the strong personalities of her siblings she was almost invisible.  Quiet as a church mouse, she was the good daughter, more comfortable in church than in the family business. I must admit her timid and virtuous nature made me overlook her in the first three books.  I underestimated her, as did her family. Our mistake.  After all, O'Malley blood runs through her veins as well.  And while she wasn't actively part of the family business, she grew up in the middle of it–quiet but watchful.  When pushed to her limits, her true strengths emerge.  I wasn't able to look away, let alone overlook.

Karma delivered Jude MacNamara to me on a platter, making me eat recent words to another author about heroes I would NEVER read. Well, it's hard going down, but after the first few bites, crow doesn't taste so bad.  Katee Robert has done this to me twice, which shows how wicked-talented she is at creating realistic, flawed characters that should make you run away rather than toward. They have a magnetic pull that just sucks you in. 

I must admit that Jude isn't one of Robert's heroes I lusted after, even though 99% of readers will.  Jude is a little too alpha for me the first part of the book.  Sloan handles him much better than I, and it's a true pleasure to watch and cheer on. But, for all his sins, Jude is a man who lives by a code of honor and goes to any lengths to protect those he loves. I fought him hard in the beginning, yet ended up wholly liking and respecting him by the end. 

The author laid a firm foundation in the previous books, but she built an even more complex story with this installment. As in the others, there is a lot happening at a very fast pace.  There are now four families– O'Malley, Sheridan, Halloran, and Romanov– and they are all present here.  It was challenging at times for me to keep all the players straight and keep up with the multiple, intense storyline threads.  I'm in awe of the author’s ability to do so.

Robert did an exceptional job of creating a story specifically for Sloan and Jude while seamlessly weaving in the setup of the last two books to advance the plot of the entire series.  If Forbidden Promises is any indication, Aiden and Dmitri's books should be superb. But fair warning: Dmitri is MINE, so don't get any ideas. Back tf off. ;)

The first three books in The O'Malley's series were fantastic, but this one surpasses them all. Praise to Katee Robert for creating a remarkable, flawless story.  To date, it’s my favorite read of 2017.  If you haven't read this series yet, start RIGHT NOW!!  Grab them all and binge read, starting with book one, The Marriage Contract.

An ARC was provided through NetGalley and I chose to write a review.

Holy hotness batman. I loved everything about this book. Let me start by saying if you haven't read any of the other books in this series you may be lost reading this first. I recommend reading it from the start to get to know the players. Now as for this book. Jude and Sloans chemistry rocked. It's almost like they were made to bring out each other's dormant qualities. Sloan is meak and sheltered when she escapes her family with the help of her brother. But the minute she enters Jude's atmosphere she finds her backbone her voice. She becomes a pillar of strength. She amazed me through the entire book. Now Jude could be called cold hearted with good reason. He is avenging the deaths or more accurately the murders of his entire family. But there's also a tenderness to him that he only shows Sloan. Now don't get me wrong, some may not think its tenderness but even though he is still gruff about it it's there none the less. The one thing that did surprise me was how the brother I thought would have her back wasn't. It was the brother I didn't expect to that did. I loved that we also got to see a family reunion albeit a short one. And we got a taste of what to expect from the final two books. If it wasn't for being sleep deprived and having to play adult and go to work I would not have been able to put this down. Can't wait for Aidens book.

Having read/reviewed/thoroughly enjoyed the previous books in this series, I must admit this one had a completely different feel. Looking back, I think a big reason was though Jude, the hero, wasn’t a mafioso made man, he came across with an even more hardened heart set on revenge, regardless of the consequences, than the previous characters. That for quite awhile transferred itself to him being rather cruel/harsh with Sloan, the heroine, who was about as sweet and unthreatening as a soft, furry, little, lovable, baby kitten just looking for someone to take her home and love her unconditionally. Therefore, it took me quite a while to warm up to him. Sure, we are told about his tragic past and and need to take that into account, but, he was more heartless towards her than I expected. 

The numerous dirty talking/lengthy smexy encounters reflected that vibe so at times came across harsh, crass, mechanical, and overly frenzied, instead of consistently romantic. To put it bluntly, Jude was enough of a jerk, especially in the beginning, I found it difficult to warm up to him. His decision to use Sloan for his own selfish reasons hardly set the stage for a hero you want to root for.  For me, that didn’t happen until much later in the book. 

For someone who claimed to have turned over a new leaf and was no longer going to take orders from anyone, Sloan, the sweet heroine, sure seemed to take them from Jude. Honestly, it made me question her commitment to this new, improved, tough girl persona she was claiming to now possess.  After what I just mentioned, I thought for certain she would belt him a good one, likely below the beltline. No, the few times she did strive to “show him” felt weak and nowhere near as assertive as she now claimed to be. At 52%, her self-respect flew out the window, when instead of pushing him away and making him become the man he needed to me, she initiated a smexy scene that felt clumsy and too frenzied. 

What did I like? Well, the underlying theme of the story was great. I liked how Sloan was determined to set her too controlling family, pampered life on a brand new course, even if it meant working at a low paying job, because she refused to be used as her father’s pawn. I was impressed a girl used to having it all was quickly adapting to living with less. I absolutely loved how protective her brothers were of her, so naturally I really enjoyed their cameo appearances, along with other brief scenes featuring characters from previous books. Seeing Jude finally start to question what he had planned was a huge relief. Yet, I wasn’t overly thrilled about his original callous attitude on a particular loved one of Sloan’s winding up dead/becoming collateral damage, like it was no big deal. 

Where’s the next and what is rumored to be the final installment headed? That, my fellow romance book loving friends, remains to be officially announced.  I'm fairly certain it will be Aiden O'Malley and a heroine named Charlotte. Keira O’Malley and Dimitri (the head Russian mobster still set on getting revenge against the O’Malleys) are also two characters I hope to see become a couple. Well, that’s what I’m keeping my mafioso romance booking loving fingers crossed for anyway. Ms. Robert did such a great job creating so many interesting sub-characters in each book maybe we will get lucky and they will all get their own HEA.

As for this book, I was thrilled to receive an ARC in exchange for an unbiased opinion. Since I'm a huge fan of this series, I'm certainly glad I read it. The author/publisher deserves a huge pat on the back for their excellent choices in such classy book covers. Though the smexy scenes and likability of the hero in this one wasn't on the same par for me as the other books, I was still happy to see this main couple get their HEA. I'm looking forward to Undercover Attraction, book 5, which will be released in November 2017. 

Title: Forbidden Promises, Series: The O’Malley’s (Book 4), Author: Katee Robert, Pages: 336, 5/30/17, revenge theme, virgin heroine, 11 years older hero, for hire hitman hero who wants revenge, VERY detailed/graphic smexy scenes with lusty language, talks tough but isn’t heroine, no cheating, no OW/OM drama, no love triangle, smexy scenes not as well-written as the other books.

Book 1 - The Marriage Contract (Teague & Callista), 6/2/15, Pages: 368
Book 2 – The Wedding Pact, Pages: 352 (James & Carrigan), 4/26/16
Book 3 – An Indecent Proposal, Pages: 352 (Cillian & Olivia), 8/30/16
Book 4 - Forbidden Promises, Pages: 336 (Sloan & Jude), 5/30/17
Book 5 - Undercover Attraction, 11/28/17, (Aiden and Charlotte)

(This review is based on an advanced reader copy distributed via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased, fair opinion. No compensation was provided to this reviewer, nor is there any affiliation between the reviewer and author/publisher/NetGalley.)

You're more dangerous than any drug I've ever heard of."

"This might not be forever, sunshine, but you're mine for the duration. And I take care of what's mine."

"There's nowhere you could run that I wouldn't find you."...."And that gets you off like nothing else. Knowing that I'd rip myself apart to hunt you down, that I wouldn't rest, wouldn't eat, wouldn't eat, would go mad with wanting you until you were with me again. To know that you're fucking irreplaceable."

Oh, man! What a great and exciting read from Katee Robert. Forbidden Promises is the fourth, thrilling addition to the O'Malley's Series. While this is the fourth book in this series, I do believe that this book can be read and enjoyed as a stand-alone novel. Just be warned, there may be spoilers for the previous stories in this book.

Told from dual points of view, Forbidden Promises sucks you in from the very first page. Sloan has disappeared from the life she once knew, desperate for a fresh start. She wants to forget her past, but knows that there is a chance that she'll always be looking over her shoulder. What she didn't plan on was her mysterious neighbor Jude. Jude just oozes trouble. Known to the town as a broody writer, there is more to Jude than meets the eye. The closer Sloan gets to Jude, the more in danger she finds herself. Will Sloan's past catch up to her before her future even gets started? Will Jude be able to walk away from his dark past? You'll just have to read this book for yourself to find out.....

I'm just gonna keep this review short and sweet. Forbidden Promises was one entertaining read. I couldn't turn the pages quickly enough to find out what would happen next. I loved the mystery and danger to the story. I enjoyed watching Sloan try to create a new life for herself all while waiting for the other shoe to drop. I honestly wasn't too sure what to think of Jude in the beginning. He was hard and harsh. His body language just screamed trouble, but boy oh boy did Jude have one filthy, dirty mouth. Despite the facade that Jude was trying to put out, he had more in common with Sloan than he wanted to admit. These two were the perfect match. His wildness balancing her innocence. Together, they made one explosive couple. Sure, their relationship was a case of insta-love, but I think it lended itself really well to this story. I found their chemistry and their overall relationship to be exciting and I couldn't wait to see how it would all play out.

Overall, Forbidden Promises was a terrific read. It was sexy and thrilling and kept me on the edge of my seat.

I would like to thank Katee Robert, Forever and Netgalley for giving me this book for my honest review.
Review by Stephanie
Previous books in the O'Malley series: 
THE MARRIAGE CONTRACT
THE WEDDING PACT
AN INDECENT PROPOSOL
I listed the three previous books in the O’Malley series because I really feel like you need to read them all and in order. I am sure these can be read as stand alones but they are awesome so why would you want to.
Sloan O’Malley wants a simple life and she is finally getting it. She moved to a seaside town in Oregon which is so far away from her family back in Boston. This is just what she wants!
Jude MacNamara is out for revenge! He is the only surviving heir who is out for blood. His father and brothers were killed by the hands of Colm Sheridan. Jude tracks down Colm’s sister living in a beach house in a seaside town…but what he isn’t expecting is meeting Sloan O’Malley. He is waiting for the perfect time to get revenge but while waiting Sloan triggers some emotions her has pushed away for years.

This is another installment in the amazing O’Malley series! I love this series and I love Katee Robert’s writing! I cannot wait for the next book in this series!!!

I enjoyed Forbidden Promises, I loved the dirty talking hero and the heroine who started as a timid caterpillar and evolved into a fierce butterfly. I also loved that it was not only action packed, filled with hot sex but that it also focused on the politics between the ruling families. I'm going to liken what went down to a game of chess because lots of pieces were moved back and fort on the board forming strategic alliances that changed the dynamics between the them so much so that it's anyone's guess what the endgame will be. I for one cannot wait to see what happens next.

I definitely recommend this book and series to not only lovers of mafia themed books but also to lovers of Contemporary romance that has a Romantic Suspense feel to it.

Still Waters Run Deep Stars
* * * * *Spoiler Free
Never assume the quiet woman in the background is all as she appears. It may seem she is quiet, dutiful and would never rock the boat….But if that was your take on Sloan from the past books, then you would be wrong. In this entry, Forbidden Promises (The O'Malleys, #4), Sloan learns all about Sloan… and so do we.

Sloan saw the writing on the wall and knew she was to be the next sacrificed woman to wed in order for the Family to remain in a power position. The Irish Mafia made up of the three Families which have run Boston, now have another player encroaching in their territories...and they aren't Irish, they are The Russians.

With the help of one of her brothers and his wife...Sloan makes her escape to Washington State...to a small town to hunker down and start fresh. Here she is a clean slate...She may be educated but in many ways she has so many things she has never done...

And working for a living is one of them. Sloan is a woman who is learning all about life as others know it. It is a crash course on blisters, fear of being fired and the joy of being told "You Did Good Today" from a boss. All of this is happening because Sloan applied to a diner and got the try out for the waitress position. It was a first step for her...and as exhausted as she was from those first days...She had never been happier.

She also had never been more curious about her handsome, mysterious neighbor, too. She lived in a borrowed cottage arranged by her brother. It belonged to an aunt and was on the water. There was another cottage not too far away and when Sloan first arrived... she went there, thinking it was her new home.

Well, that did not go over well...The man was mean, cold and had no interest in hearing why she made the mistake. He was also the town's curiosity...He didn't mix with anyone...went to the store when no one would be around and the only thing anyone knew was that he said was a writer.

As Sloan walked home after surviving a whole week at the diner, she happened to look at the door of her neighbor's cottage...she was drawn like a magnet...

And there he stood...leaning up against the door jam, drinking his coffee and looking straight at her...Sloan was mesmerized by this vision of Man...Broad Shoulders, Bare Chest, a perfect V to his hips all perfectly displayed with no shirt and loose...very loose cargo shorts slung low on his hips...
His eyes catching her flushed face...his man bun, cut cheeks and chiseled jaw all looking straight at her. She was like a deer caught in headlights with the only thing breaking the connection was Him lifting his mug to her...then turning and closing the door.

What the Hell was that!

Jude MacNamara had no time or interest in an Innocent....and he knew that was what this woman was...Jude had a singular purpose for being here in this cottage, in this waterfront town. His whole life had lead up to this...and no little Innocent was going to ruin his perfectly planned revenge...

For that was what had driven Jude his entire life. He was a product of love and then death. He learned from his mother's words to him what others did to his father and brothers...She didn't sing him lullaby's of little lambs...instead she sang of retribution in his ear...and it became his mantra. He was here to finally achieve his goal and the aunt was his target. He had waited over the years...he could wait a little longer...He would just have to fight the feelings he had for this woman...

Katee Robert created this dynamic saga of three Irish Mafia families who for generations have ruled the underworld of Boston and the East Coast. Each family has their own way of doing things...and the decedents have continued on the same path over the years. Now, though, things have shifted and families have merged through marriage. There are new factors to consider and segments of these families are either trying to move away from the criminal to the legal...and others are adjusting to new leadership thrust upon them due to family members being locked up.

And all of this has the additional element of The Russia Mob's emergence to power.

This is the setting Robert devised for these intricate love stories involving these characters. It is compelling, impossible to put down and addictive as hell....and this latest entry is one of the best so far.

Sloan is a woman who is not silly or blind to what she grew up in...She is very aware of what her family is and does. She wanted no part of it and never felt she was confident or strong...But in reality she is one of the strongest women in the family.

She takes the leap to leave everything behind....everyone she loves and cares for...She isolates herself and start new with no real world experience to fall back on...She forces herself to fight for a job she hasn't a clue how to do...but is willing to prove to the owner she can....

And when the situation presents itself to her...She is willing to be brave and go after a man she knows she has no future with...She is willing to push her boundaries and be brave... time and time again.

Jude watches this woman and although he knows he should stay clear of her...he cannot...and when he realizes how dangerous he is for her and she for him...He rises up and becomes a better man...one that would do anything for her. What is captivating about these two is both are equals...Sloan may have started out as seemingly innocent...yet with this clear idea of what is right, wrapped up in the understanding of her world...and then His world...She stands strong.

These two together are magnificent. Everything works...their times together...their fights and their commitment to each other.

This book has every element to keep you locked and loaded for the series. We have the continuing story of intrigue and power with the Families and Russians. We have specific characters who are important players ...brothers and sisters who cause more chaos... there are attractions between people which should never happen but we are thrilled that it does...All of this continues our devotion to follow this series.

I was one of the lucky ones who found this series very early... Katee Robert has not let me down...she has only made this series better and better with every entry. There seems to be only one more book left ... I will be front and center waiting on it... I can only imagine how amazing it is going to be.

The Marriage Contract (The O'Malleys, #1)
The Marriage Contract (The O'Malleys, #1) by Katee Robert
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Wedding Pact (The O'Malleys, #2)
The Wedding Pact (The O'Malleys, #2) by Katee Robert
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
An Indecent Proposal (The O'Malleys, #3) by Katee Robert (The O'Malleys, #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/edit...

~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Katee Robert created this world and it lives on her pages. I cannot wait to see the next installment with Sloan...for the the tease I read was perfect:

Some lines should never be crossed . . . not even for love.

Sloan O'Malley just left her entire world behind-her family, her wealth, and even her real name. For the first time in her life, she's free. She can live the "normal" life she's always wanted. A life without fear. But there's nothing safe about her intensely sexy next-door neighbor.

Jude MacNamara has no room for innocence in his life. Only revenge. Still, he's never been able to walk away from the forbidden, and Sloan-who is every inch of pure, mouthwatering temptation-has forbidden written all over her. Only after it's way too late does he discover the real danger: claiming Sloan as his puts a target on her back. To protect her, Jude is willing risk everything . . . and to hell with the consequences.


A gifted copy was provided by Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via NetGalley for an honest review.

The book opens with Sloan O’Malley successfully hiding from her family and learning to be self-sufficient.  She’s led a protected life, she’s never worked, paid bills, been alone.  A family friend had allowed her to stay at their place but she’s still got to learn to make her own way.  She’s determined to prove her worth to the woman at the local diner who hires her. Sloan is settling in and finding she enjoys small town life.

Her neighbor, Jude MacNamara is an unpleasant as he is hot.  It’s obvious he’s not looking to make friends.  But, of course, Jude can’t stay away.  He’s drawn to the new girl.  It doesn’t take him long to figure out who she is and then he’s ever more determine to learn more about her.  It’s not really surprising that Sloan’s past has accidently caught up with her.  Jude’s vendetta against the family of her absent host is part of the intertwined family stories.

Can Sloan find love with a notorious hit man?  Can Jude keep her safe from the many who would harm her?  The two are soon on the run.  What ensues is a series of near misses with mobsters intent on killing one or both of them.

Forbidden Promises is a fast paced, intense thriller laced with sexy interactions and romance.  The characters are all well developed, the story believable and the reader is left wondering to the end how these two will make their happily ever after and find the peace they need to raise their child.  Robert had again written a very interesting story.

Though this book worked well without having read the others in the series, I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read books 1-3.  The history among these families is obviously quite complex.

reviewed by Jem Stone

To escape the past it must be faced head on. Forbidden Promises begins with revenge and ends in redemption. Though not for the faint of heart, Ms. Robert packs heat. Forbidden Promises provides a feast for the senses. Sloan and Jude are nuclear together. Like a spark to a flame, there is danger around every corner, that feeds the sparks into a combustible flame. A spine tingling story of intrigue that keeps readers on the edge throughout.