Scan barcode
lateresita27's review
3.0
I'm a sucker for a soapy series. Took me a while to get it too but will continue
mswocreader's review against another edition
3.0
Youngest daughter India Robidoux has returned just as her brother Byron is kicking off his campaign for senate. She's in between jobs and visiting her family for the first time in awhile. Papa Robidoux is the patriarch dead set on controlling the family image and running his children's lives. It's business before everything else and he wants India to stick around and help make her brother's image look good. The only problem is India will have to work with her brother's best friend Travis who also happens to be her sister's ex husband and her first love.
As someone who used to watch soap operas on and off from age 11 or 12 up until a few years ago you can tell how much Synithia is a fan. I gave up on soaps because I got tired of the lack of diversity and I ran out of couples to root for. And ironically dove further into romance books to give me what I needed. But I was always more invested in individual couples vs family dynamics. If you watched soaps for the complicated family drama than you'll love this one.
This one is set in The South and Grant Robidoux was giving me Black JR while this book was giving me Dallas vibes remake vibes(the original was before my time but I did see some of it in reruns). Between Grant's constant meddling in his children's love lives and his mistress' presence, Byron getting engaged to strengthen his image for the election, Elaina's drinking problem and trouble at their family's tobacco company, and Travis' complicated relationship with his parents; there's no lack of drama.
It's not uncommon at all for couples to get together after being related through marriage or even sharing half siblings. That type of set up isn't really something I've read in books so I was curious to see how she'd tackle it.
This was actually a very slow burn second chance romance. India and Travis tip-toed around each other for much of the book fighting the pull to be together because they didn't want to hurt her sister Elaina. At first I wasn't rooting for them to be together. It was clear Elaina hadn't emotionally moved on from the marriage even though she and Travis constantly stated they never loved each other. And there still seemed to be a bit of spark between them. It also didn't help that they were married for five years. I felt more could've been explored with why they stayed together for so long.
But then closer towards the end of the story after an out of town getaway they finally clicked for me. I felt the chemistry while they bonded doing fun activities and started to believe in their love and friendship.
I did listen to some of this via audiobook so I could listen on work breaks and the narration was killing me softly. Those "Southern" accents especially for the men weren't it! She would do this deep raspy gravely voice.
All in all this kept me entertained with the constant moving pieces and was a fairly quick read.
https://womenofcolorreadtoo.blogspot.com/2021/04/forbidden-promises-by-synithia-williams.html
As someone who used to watch soap operas on and off from age 11 or 12 up until a few years ago you can tell how much Synithia is a fan. I gave up on soaps because I got tired of the lack of diversity and I ran out of couples to root for. And ironically dove further into romance books to give me what I needed. But I was always more invested in individual couples vs family dynamics. If you watched soaps for the complicated family drama than you'll love this one.
This one is set in The South and Grant Robidoux was giving me Black JR while this book was giving me Dallas vibes remake vibes(the original was before my time but I did see some of it in reruns). Between Grant's constant meddling in his children's love lives and his mistress' presence, Byron getting engaged to strengthen his image for the election, Elaina's drinking problem and trouble at their family's tobacco company, and Travis' complicated relationship with his parents; there's no lack of drama.
It's not uncommon at all for couples to get together after being related through marriage or even sharing half siblings. That type of set up isn't really something I've read in books so I was curious to see how she'd tackle it.
This was actually a very slow burn second chance romance. India and Travis tip-toed around each other for much of the book fighting the pull to be together because they didn't want to hurt her sister Elaina. At first I wasn't rooting for them to be together. It was clear Elaina hadn't emotionally moved on from the marriage even though she and Travis constantly stated they never loved each other. And there still seemed to be a bit of spark between them. It also didn't help that they were married for five years. I felt more could've been explored with why they stayed together for so long.
But then closer towards the end of the story after an out of town getaway they finally clicked for me. I felt the chemistry while they bonded doing fun activities and started to believe in their love and friendship.
I did listen to some of this via audiobook so I could listen on work breaks and the narration was killing me softly. Those "Southern" accents especially for the men weren't it! She would do this deep raspy gravely voice.
All in all this kept me entertained with the constant moving pieces and was a fairly quick read.
https://womenofcolorreadtoo.blogspot.com/2021/04/forbidden-promises-by-synithia-williams.html
stephsromancebooktalk's review
4.0
3.5 Stars / 2 Steam Fans
If you are looking for a story with black main characters, then this is the story for you! India is the baby of the family. She is also an accomplished violinist that comes back to town for a visit. Upon India's return, she has to deal with family secrets, forbidden secret love, and deciding if she is willing to blow up her family for the things she wants. Travis is divorced from India's sister and has been a family friend for years; however, there are also some secrets that he has been hiding from those that he calls friends. There is so much drama from the very start of this story that it became a little overwhelming. I did like the connection between India and Travis, but there were so many times I wanted to throw my Kindle and reach into the story to shake some sense into all of the characters. I am also looking forward to reading future books about some of the secondary characters that we met.
Video review available in Week 1 Dec 29 – Jan 4 weekly book reviews.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
If you are looking for a story with black main characters, then this is the story for you! India is the baby of the family. She is also an accomplished violinist that comes back to town for a visit. Upon India's return, she has to deal with family secrets, forbidden secret love, and deciding if she is willing to blow up her family for the things she wants. Travis is divorced from India's sister and has been a family friend for years; however, there are also some secrets that he has been hiding from those that he calls friends. There is so much drama from the very start of this story that it became a little overwhelming. I did like the connection between India and Travis, but there were so many times I wanted to throw my Kindle and reach into the story to shake some sense into all of the characters. I am also looking forward to reading future books about some of the secondary characters that we met.
Video review available in Week 1 Dec 29 – Jan 4 weekly book reviews.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
_geminigenres's review against another edition
3.0
It's more of a 3.75. A very cute story. Wild plot lines. I think I'll continue to the series
deidra_shadetreereads's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
bailey's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book. It honestly reads like a dramatic show more than a romance novel. There is family drama, love drama, even some light political drama. I will admit there are times that the family drama, in particular, the patriarch. Grant can be a lot and annoying at times, but I think he also serves a purpose in the story. I do have to say that although there is drama, I did't find it to be ridiculous or completely unbelievable.
I love the relationship and feelings between India and Travis.
Overall, this is a great book. I actually ordered the next book, which is about the main character's brother, as soon as I finished this one. If you are looking for a cute romance, then I definitely recommend picking this book up.
I love the relationship and feelings between India and Travis.
Spoiler
The only thing I could complain about is that I want more of them. Like once they get together, I wanted to see more of their relationship and interactions. I feel like we got a lot of build up to the relationship and I just feel like one they got together the story was necessarily about them.Overall, this is a great book. I actually ordered the next book, which is about the main character's brother, as soon as I finished this one. If you are looking for a cute romance, then I definitely recommend picking this book up.
karentje's review against another edition
5.0
A forbidden love story with all the emotional anxiety and guilt trips that entails, but happily also with a love so strong and true that it’s worth risking it all. My favorite Synithia Williams romance to date, no question about it. This is a beautifully written story, the pacing spot on and the characters, main and secondary, three-dimensional and nuanced.
India is a wonderful character, with the biggest heart, and I think that’s what made her an excellent choice for starting the series with. Getting to know her siblings through her eyes was a great way to get to see below the surface with Elaina and Byron and see glimpses of who they are, if not just an aloof career-driven businesswoman and a savvy politician on the rise. India is completely torn about her feelings for Travis, but their connection is incredible, seemingly effortless and yet undeniable. I loved them together. Her reservations about their relationship are real though, and not easily overcome. I love India for her dedication to her family, even if she’s a bit too willing to sacrifice her own happiness at times.
I’m completely in love with Travis, he’s such a wonderful character! A bit oblivious at first to India’s true feelings for him, but he redeems himself quickly and I just adore him for doing what is right, even when the fall-out hurts him deeply or leads him into danger. He is so fair and understanding, a good friend, a good son even when his parents treat him shabbily, a good ex… and utterly swoon-worthy in his determination to fight for India and the love they share.
I loved Forbidden Promises! And I’m so invested in all three siblings now, and even their cousin, Ashiya, so if this could be the first in a series of four that would be awesome. I’m especially rooting for Elaina, she needs someone to see how deeply she feels under all that armor she wears. Fingers crossed!
India is a wonderful character, with the biggest heart, and I think that’s what made her an excellent choice for starting the series with. Getting to know her siblings through her eyes was a great way to get to see below the surface with Elaina and Byron and see glimpses of who they are, if not just an aloof career-driven businesswoman and a savvy politician on the rise. India is completely torn about her feelings for Travis, but their connection is incredible, seemingly effortless and yet undeniable. I loved them together. Her reservations about their relationship are real though, and not easily overcome. I love India for her dedication to her family, even if she’s a bit too willing to sacrifice her own happiness at times.
I’m completely in love with Travis, he’s such a wonderful character! A bit oblivious at first to India’s true feelings for him, but he redeems himself quickly and I just adore him for doing what is right, even when the fall-out hurts him deeply or leads him into danger. He is so fair and understanding, a good friend, a good son even when his parents treat him shabbily, a good ex… and utterly swoon-worthy in his determination to fight for India and the love they share.
I loved Forbidden Promises! And I’m so invested in all three siblings now, and even their cousin, Ashiya, so if this could be the first in a series of four that would be awesome. I’m especially rooting for Elaina, she needs someone to see how deeply she feels under all that armor she wears. Fingers crossed!
bandherbooks's review against another edition
3.0
Absolutely soapy and over the top second chance, brother's best friend romance that wasn't my to my personal reading taste, but was a fantastic and angst filled romance that will be right for many many readers from from an author who has penned many category romance titles for Kimani Romance (RIP).
A young India spent a wild night under the stars kissing her brother's best friend and her sister's on again, off again hookup, a birthday to remember, but is devastated when he announces his engagement to her sister just two weeks later.
India leaves her home, her family, and strikes off on her own path against her imperious father's wishes. Cut to ten years later and India is now a successful concert violinist, but is being called home to help her brother's election team. A team that also includes Travis.
Travis has been divorced from India's sister for two years but still seems off limits. Her sister is family, no matter what India's heart wants. But Travis is out to get India for himself, consequences be damned.
There is SO MUCH going on in this story. It was hard to recap in a short blurb. I personally wanted way more of India and Travis on the page together, but the story often veered into many different paths and is clearly setting up a series for many of the other characters. I also am, in 2019, having a difficult time reading about rich people in politics, as I find it hard to believe billionaires are not Republicans. Also, for a story that involves politics so heavily it felt weird to not have any party names mentioned or political affiliation. One is left to guess.
I received a free copy from Library Journal to review. I will try to remember to post a link to that review when it is live!
CW for miscarriage (off page), cheating (not between the main couple), India's family is wealthy because of their large Tobacco business, gun violence, a shooting, alcohol use.
A young India spent a wild night under the stars kissing her brother's best friend and her sister's on again, off again hookup, a birthday to remember, but is devastated when he announces his engagement to her sister just two weeks later.
India leaves her home, her family, and strikes off on her own path against her imperious father's wishes. Cut to ten years later and India is now a successful concert violinist, but is being called home to help her brother's election team. A team that also includes Travis.
Travis has been divorced from India's sister for two years but still seems off limits. Her sister is family, no matter what India's heart wants. But Travis is out to get India for himself, consequences be damned.
There is SO MUCH going on in this story. It was hard to recap in a short blurb. I personally wanted way more of India and Travis on the page together, but the story often veered into many different paths and is clearly setting up a series for many of the other characters. I also am, in 2019, having a difficult time reading about rich people in politics, as I find it hard to believe billionaires are not Republicans. Also, for a story that involves politics so heavily it felt weird to not have any party names mentioned or political affiliation. One is left to guess.
I received a free copy from Library Journal to review. I will try to remember to post a link to that review when it is live!
CW for miscarriage (off page), cheating (not between the main couple), India's family is wealthy because of their large Tobacco business, gun violence, a shooting, alcohol use.
melonreads's review against another edition
4.0
Soapy and dramatic, I really enjoyed this, my first book by this author and have already snapped up the next two books in the series. I love a good romance full of longing and pining and this one had spades of it. India has been in love with Travis for most of her life, the problem being that he is her older sister’s ex husband. WHOOPSIES. When her brother’s senatorial campaign brings her back to her hometown, all of her old feelings and heartbreak rise to the surface. It’s soapy and romantic and really over the top in the best ways. Can’t wait to dive into the rest of the series.
CW: gun violence, off page miscarriage
CW: gun violence, off page miscarriage
heyanci's review against another edition
4.0
Loved this book so much! Forbidden love, family drama and a love story ✔️sign me up