I laughed and cried so hard as I read this wonderful book. There is so much going on that I never had a chance to get bored. What a fantastic ending!!!

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

Sullivan’s Promise, a second chance contemporary romance tells the story of Victoria “Vick” Grayhawk, the youngest of the King’s Brats. Years ago, she made a huge mistake giving up her son Cody. Now, she wants him back. First, she must persuade Ryan Sullivan, who is determined to keep Vick at arm’s length, that leaving their son behind was something she regrets.

In the foregone conclusion to the Bitter Creek series written by Joan Johnston. Just wasn’t what I hoped for. The story dragged, and the chemistry between Ryan and Vick just wasn’t there. I was more interested in the wrapping up of Matt and Jennie storyline than the two main characters. Being a mother myself, I just couldn’t see how Vick could give birth and then hand her child over. Then five years later, after the baby can almost take care of himself, she regrets giving up that child. I just didn’t by it. I think this may be the reason I find this story rates only 3/5 stars.

I thought this book was really well written. I enjoyed the level of detail and the interactions among the main and secondary characters. I think this is just a personal reaction but I had such a hard time warming up to Victoria. As a mother, I couldn't relate to her just walking away from her baby. Then she shows up six months later and she's all pushy about visitation and wanting to be in Cody's life. The book then jumps five years to the opening chapter where it is mentioned that she's voluntarily lived out-of-state for five years and only seen Cody one weekend per month. I had a really hard time getting past all that. If that sort of thing doesn't bother you, I think you'll really enjoy this book.

Sullivan's Promise tells the story of Montana rancher Ryan Sullivan & the mother of his 5-yr old son, Victoria "Vick" Grayhawk, a conservation expert in the grizzly bear. This is the first book by Joan Johnson that I have read and I'm finding myself eager to go back and read the previous books in The Bitter Creek series about the battling Flynn and Grayhawk families.

Certain in her decision to avoid parenthood to the baby conceived during a chance encounter with a stranger, Vick gave up custody of her infant son to his father only to regret her impulsive decision. Now 5 yrs later, she has made the best of the one weekend a month visit Ryan must allow her according to the terms of the custody agreement. Ryan doesn't trust her.

These are 2 people who love each other and must learn to trust each other when a bear attack throws Ryan's carefully ordered world into chaos. I enjoyed Ryan and Vick's emotional Journey back to each other through revelation of decades old family secrets. Their story was beautiful. It got a little bit confusing, however, when we got updates on two other of her siblings and there problematic love affairs with their significant others. Ryan & Vick's story got I interrupted for her brother Matt & his lady & for her sister Leah & her husband Aiden. 

Despite that, I recommend  Sullivan's Promise and give it a solid 4-star rating.

Update after reading Surrender I'm upping my rating to a 5. I thoroughly enjoyed Sullivan's Promise.

Arc provided by Net Galley.

I was lucky to receive an ARC from one of my favorite romance authors through Netgalley. I have been a huge fan of the Bitter Creek novels. Sullivan’s Promise is high up on my favorites as the story of the family and those around them continue. Victoria Grayhawk and Ryan Sullivan share a son from a one-night stand. Victoria, scared, made a bad choice and has had to suffer the consequences of not being able to see her son as much as she’d like. Rye has not let her forget her bad choice either. Due to unforeseen circumstances they are thrown together, really close. Is Rye who he thought he was ‘it’s a small world’ is all I can say. I love Joan’s characters. Even when they make stupid decisions, somehow, I still like them, that is a gift that Joan has. There is so much going on in this book. I don’t think any of Joan’s books have just one love story…it’s like getting a bonus. You can read this as a stand alone but give yourself a gift and get the whole shebang…you won’t regret it! I hate to tell you how many times I have re-read some of these books, I might start over until the next book comes out! Mike Sullivan has GOT to have his story! PLEASE JOAN!

Too little, too late. Where has she been for six months?

In five years, they apparently have never changed the custody arrangements. Sad.

Holy crapper. What a time to find this stuff out!

Buh-bye, Sherry.

Heck, staying over at his mom's house must be like going to a day spa for Cody. But it's nice that their parenting styles complement each other.

Where did you go, Matt?

Grow some balls, Leah.

Dying in the tub would be tragic. But isn't she dirty now, since she hugged him?

Aw come on, man!

Sorry, Pete.

I don't know why he should tell her every little thing he does for Cody. Shouldn't she ask?

Nate is still wonderful.

Poor Robin.

I'm sorry you had to do that, Lexie.

Leah needs therapy.

I'm glad she was finally able to get Ryan's trust. But she's not psychic, man!

It's Mike's turn.

I have been waiting a long time for this book, and it was worth it. Sullivan's Promise wraps up a long time series by Joan Johnston. This book answers a long of questions I had from reading previous books in the series. It is one again well researched, and gives some background on the behaviors of grizzly bears and humans. This book was set in Montana, Wyoming, and Texas. Family, love, love lost are all through this book and at the end it all comes together in a way that makes the reader very happy. Throughout this book, I laughed, cried, was angry, and ended being very very happy. I will miss the families in this series, but will be reading it again.

SULLIVAN'S PROMISE by Joan Johnston was a sweet read on a second chance romance! Joan Johnston is a wonderful storyteller and she makes you feel as though you're right there with the families she writes about! I really felt for Mike and want a happy ending for him (hint).