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she_is_2_fond_of_books's review against another edition
3.5
This was drama drama drama. Miscommunication and secrets where very frustrating, but I totally shipped our main couple. Loved the small town setting. Definitely want to read on in the series.
Side note: their Dad is the WORST. I don’t think he can redeem himself.
Side note: their Dad is the WORST. I don’t think he can redeem himself.
brandece1's review against another edition
3.0
What an enjoyable read. This book is full of family drama, love sex, and lies. It really reads like it could be soap opera. It was a quick read, I loved the premise and it really kept me invested throughout the story. I wasn't sure how I'd feel about India and Travis being together as Travis was once married to India's sister, but with all the twist and turns, and so many secrets between family members it wasn't bad at all. You can really see the chemistry between both MC. There are some parts that were a little too much for me (it really is like a soap opea), but ultimately I really enjoyed spending time in this world and I will definitely be picking up the other books in this series.
barbistull's review
4.0
This was my first book from Synithia Williams. I really enjoyed how this was very soap opera-esque. Forbidden Promises had quite the cast of characters and I loved how each one of them were developed as went through the story. India was a strong an intriguing character. She travels home for the first time in several years for a quick trip, and was thrust in the middle of her brother Byron's political announcement. Though she wishes to get out quickly, her past shows up in the form of her brother's best friend, Travis. This is where the fun begins. There is a quite a bit of pulling your heartstrings in this book! I can't wait to see more from the Robidoux clan! :)
lanidacey's review against another edition
3.0
I didn't love this couple but I loved the family dramatics! I'm v. excited for Elaina's story!
mindfullibrarian's review
4.0
DRAMA! This is one of those “rich people living on a family estate problems” book that I can allow myself to be entertained by on an occasional basis. Ended kind of in a cliffhanger so of COURSE I’ll have to read the next one in the series
readingwithhippos's review against another edition
4.0
This is one that I had to read just to see how the author was going to get these two people together. Travis was married to India’s older sister Elaina, but before the wedding he had one magical night with India that left them always wondering what might have been. Now Travis and Elaina are divorced and he’s back among the family to support his best friend, their brother Byron, as he runs for office. He and India spend a lot of time together working on the campaign, and sparks fly even though they’re both worried about how the fallout will affect the family.
If that setup sounds totally bonkers to you, it is, and that’s why it’s great! The author’s note at the beginning specifically mentions her love of soap operas, and if you read this as if you’re watching Days of Our Lives, you will be right on board. I can’t wait to see what Williams rolls out in future books--will there be a secret baby? An evil twin? Will someone come back from the dead? I’m in for all of it.
If that setup sounds totally bonkers to you, it is, and that’s why it’s great! The author’s note at the beginning specifically mentions her love of soap operas, and if you read this as if you’re watching Days of Our Lives, you will be right on board. I can’t wait to see what Williams rolls out in future books--will there be a secret baby? An evil twin? Will someone come back from the dead? I’m in for all of it.
red_steele's review against another edition
2.0
1. The voice actor Andenrele Ojo provided a four star performance.
2. True book rating is 2.5 stars. This is the first book I read by Synithia Williams, and there was too much soap opera drama. There was a lack of character development and there were several dead end storylines.
3. The prominent themes illustrated in this book were family loyalty, betrayal and forgiveness.
4. Grant Robidoux is the family patriarch and is a wealthy, selfish and controlling man with a compromised moral compass. Throughout the book Grant preached about family loyalty to his children, yet he betrayed his wife by having an affair with a mistress while she was dying from cancer. He is my third least favorite character.
5. India Robidoux is portrayed in the book as a loving sister and the heart of the family. Ironically, India’s selfishly crossed the line and pursued her sister Elaina’s boyfriend at a young age. This act lead to the ultimate betrayal of starting a clandestine relationship with Elaina’s ex-husband Travis.
Pitting sisters against each other because of a man is such a tired storyline, and I cannot think of a time when it would ever be appropriate. India was wrong, and love for her sister should have prevented the pursuit of the relationship with Travis. I was not surprised that there was a parallel storyline of betrayal with India, she followed in her father’s footsteps.
6. Elaina Robidoux is portrayed as a beautiful, astute business woman who would one day control her family’s tobacco empire. However, emotionally Elaina is cold and lacks emotional intelligence. Apparently she is a mirror image of her mother. Elaina’s character is a great illustration of people who have power and wealth; but they are empty, isolated, and lack joy because there is no spiritual foundation or true purpose in life.
7. Travis is Elaina’s ex-husband and protégée of Grant Robidoux. He is a rags to riches story which is commendable. Unfortunately he was from a family who trafficked in crime, and he never learned about the love of family. Because of his background, Travis selfishly pursued India and he did not care about the impact to Elaina, Byron (his best friend), or the damage to the Robidoux family’s reputation.
8. Travis and India are my least favorite characters, and I was not invested in their well-being.
9. The best part of the book was Elaina’s ability to forgive India, and I look forward to reading her book. All other aspects of the book were not enjoyable.
2. True book rating is 2.5 stars. This is the first book I read by Synithia Williams, and there was too much soap opera drama. There was a lack of character development and there were several dead end storylines.
3. The prominent themes illustrated in this book were family loyalty, betrayal and forgiveness.
4. Grant Robidoux is the family patriarch and is a wealthy, selfish and controlling man with a compromised moral compass. Throughout the book Grant preached about family loyalty to his children, yet he betrayed his wife by having an affair with a mistress while she was dying from cancer. He is my third least favorite character.
5. India Robidoux is portrayed in the book as a loving sister and the heart of the family. Ironically, India’s selfishly crossed the line and pursued her sister Elaina’s boyfriend at a young age. This act lead to the ultimate betrayal of starting a clandestine relationship with Elaina’s ex-husband Travis.
Pitting sisters against each other because of a man is such a tired storyline, and I cannot think of a time when it would ever be appropriate. India was wrong, and love for her sister should have prevented the pursuit of the relationship with Travis. I was not surprised that there was a parallel storyline of betrayal with India, she followed in her father’s footsteps.
6. Elaina Robidoux is portrayed as a beautiful, astute business woman who would one day control her family’s tobacco empire. However, emotionally Elaina is cold and lacks emotional intelligence. Apparently she is a mirror image of her mother. Elaina’s character is a great illustration of people who have power and wealth; but they are empty, isolated, and lack joy because there is no spiritual foundation or true purpose in life.
7. Travis is Elaina’s ex-husband and protégée of Grant Robidoux. He is a rags to riches story which is commendable. Unfortunately he was from a family who trafficked in crime, and he never learned about the love of family. Because of his background, Travis selfishly pursued India and he did not care about the impact to Elaina, Byron (his best friend), or the damage to the Robidoux family’s reputation.
8. Travis and India are my least favorite characters, and I was not invested in their well-being.
9. The best part of the book was Elaina’s ability to forgive India, and I look forward to reading her book. All other aspects of the book were not enjoyable.
amakaazie's review against another edition
4.0
Family drama romance. A nice read which gradually builds to a nice peak. India and Travis have a sweet connection, although I am not a fan of two sisters wanting the same man. Nice and satisfactory end.
Reads like a soap opera.
Reads like a soap opera.
abkinlaw's review against another edition
Didn’t hold my interest. Neither main character was compelling.
hannahollihan's review against another edition
Nothing wrong with this one, just not feeling the dynamics of the relationship. Soap opera level drama is not for me