Series: Drew + Fable #3
Category/Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Bantam
Publication Date: 12/31/13
Format: eARC
Pages: 304
Source: Publisher
Rating: 3 stars
Format: eARC
Pages: 304
Source: Publisher
Rating: 3 stars
Breakout New Adult sensation Monica Murphy returns with a hot new contemporary romance—a heartfelt story of second chances, forgiveness, and redemption.
Commitment. That’s what I really want from Colin. Ever since my brother, Danny, died in Iraq, Colin’s done so much to help me, including giving me a job at his popular restaurant so I can leave my crappy waitressing job at the strip joint. But lying in bed with him every night to comfort him from his horrible nightmares isn’t enough anymore. I know he feels guilty about Danny’s death, about not going to Iraq, but I can’t keep living this double life.
I love him desperately, but he’s got so many demons, and if he can’t open up to me now, then he’ll never be the real partner I need him to be. I gave him a month, and now I’m out of here. If he truly loves me like he says, he knows where to find me.
First Impression .... Colin and Jen! I don't know them very well, but I'm excited. (And I hope Drew and Fable show up!)
The Story... Colin and Jen are tight, but no one knows the whole story. It seems Jen is in love with Colin, and after a lifetime of friendship, wants more. After her brother's death in Iraq, Jen fell on bad times. Baaaaaad times. Colin came to her rescue, but still holds her at arms length. He made promises to Jen's brother, his best friend. He's failed them all, in his eyes. Jen's ready to leave. Colin doesn't want her to go, but won't ask her to stay.
The Characters ... I went into Three Broken Promises with big expectations. Why? Because I love the Drew + Fable series. Colin and Jen both seemed to have an interesting story to tell. Their story was interesting, but I didn't feel an overwhelming attachment to either of them. Colin was a good guy, and I loved his devotion to caring for Jen. I was a bit confused over his turmoil. Not because I didn't understand his pain over losing a friend, but why he assigned so much blame to himself. Jen was a likeable girl, but wow, reeeaaally frustrating. I was the queen of irresponsible and naive when I was around her age, but Jen made me feel as if I really had my shit together in comparison.
I was really excited to have so much Fable in this story. As usual, that girl is a tiny, adorable badass. I love how she just steps in a lays the truth on the table. And yes, Drew shows up too!
The Writing .... Per typical for Monica Murphy's books, I enjoyed the writing. Her style always seems to suit my taste. But, as much as I enjoy the writing, I didn't feel as if I was reading anything new. What I loved about Drew + Fable was that their story, specifically Drew's, was so unique.
Three Broken Promises had a slower, introspective pace, with the story consisting of back-and-forth between Colin and Jen. I get that this was the sort of story they needed to tell, but I did get frustrated by them. The last half definitely picked up steam, and I loved the ending.
In the End... Three Broken Promises had big shoes to fill. The first two books in this series were books that completely blew me away and are at the top of my list of recommended New Adult books. I didn't love Three Broken Promises, but I did like it. I'm still very anxious to read Owen's book, Four Years Later.
Favorite Quote:
A deep, dark secret part of me wishes there were strings. Plenty of strings that tie me to him, bind us together until we're so connected that we'd become one long word. Not just Jen. Not just Colin. JenandColin. ~eARC, 4%
Drew + Fable Series
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My Reviews
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This series is new to me. I'm so glad you were able to enjoy this book and too bad you didn't love it as much as previous ones. Great review, Andrea :)
ReplyDeleteThe slower introspective pace sounds good, and I need to read about the first characters
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this book. Granted, I have yet to read the first two books (I know!) so I cannot compare. I enjoyed the two main characters and their relationship, as well as the glimpses of Fable and Drew, so I will be going back and reading One Week Girlfriend and the sequel. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteOh shit. The girl MC. I can deal with a little bit naive, but as naive as you describe her? Oh, lord have mercy, I say. I'd be very frustrated. "Per typical for Monica Murphy's books, I enjoyed the writing. Her style always seems to suit my taste. But, as much as I enjoy the writing, I didn't feel as if I was reading anything new. "--I agree, Ms. Murphy has a great, flowing, smooth and very likable writing style, but I guess it can be hard to greate something original all the time. That's why I'm so tired of NA right now. Like.. most of them at least. As you said, big shoes to fill--I know how much you adore Drew and Fable and I'm glad that this book managed to entertain you to some lengths, but I'm sorry it wasn't all what you expected it to be. Better luck next time, I hope!
ReplyDeleteSorry this one wasn't as interesting as the first two, but that's great you still really like the series and want to continue! Contemporary stories like these often do need great characters!
ReplyDeleteI was planning on starting this tonight. I have the first two books, which I haven't read yet, so I'll be reading it out of sequence. I appreciate your honest review.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I wanted to like it so much more and it was Jen that frustrated me. Great review. I still can't wait for Owen's story!!!
ReplyDeleteI have been wanting to start this series for a while now. It sounds so good! hate it when a sequel doesn't live up to expectations but I'm glad you were still able to enjoy this one. Great review
ReplyDeleteI just finished OWG and I'm curious about how the next one goes. I'll come back and read you review when I do! :)
ReplyDeleteI loved the Drew + Fable stories, too, Andrea, but I've been hesitant to pick this one up because I've heard similar things that you bring up here and it sounds frustrating. The back and forth is what worries me the most. Excellent review, Andrea. I just will have to speed read through the annoying stuff. Lol. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad it wasn't a total bust, Andrea. I know how much you like Drew + Fable, so you're right...this one did have awfully big shoes to fill. I know I was excited about the story when you did the cover reveal (?). Thanks for sharing your thoughts - lovely review, as always! :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this author yet, but I am curious about this series. Great review.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year.
Even though this didn't blow you away as much as the first two, I'm glad you still enjoyed it overall. I hope the next book lives up to your expectations. Great review as always. :)
ReplyDeleteHm, sounds like a series worth reading even if you had some quibbles with this one. Thanks for the rec, Andrea!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I see you launched a tour service? That's awesome! Kate and I are launching a spinoff adult romance blog sometime early next year, so we may have to chat. :)
Wendy @ The Midnight Garden
The characters in this definitely sound frustrating! I don't know that I could handle that aspect but it's goo to know the previous books are great, I'll still plan to hopefully pick them up!
ReplyDeleteGreat Review friend! I just posted my review on this one, and Monica did an awesome guest post! I hope you'll check it out :) I agree that OWG was amazing, and TBP wasn't as good. I enjoyed Colin and Jen's story, but the back and forth with Colin, and Jen's stupid decision making did get frustrating at times. However, I did enjoy the story, how real the characters were, and how they overcame their obstacles.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!!!!!
While this wasn't your favorite you have piqued my interest in the series and I actually have book one on my wishlist.
ReplyDeleteI keep hearing that this one doesn't quite live up to the Drew/Fable hype, but I am glad you were able to still enjoy it for the most part. That stinks that you didn't quite feel that connection between Jen and Colin, but I am glad to know this going in, as I plan on reading it in the next week or two myself. You did a great job of breaking it down for us and explaining what it is you didn't care for. Thanks Andrea!
ReplyDeleteI saw Iraq and I immediately think of heartbreaking army stories that I like. Too bad it fell short of your expectations. Hopefully the next one will be better.
ReplyDeletedamn it another series I am apparently missing out on, got to stop that ugh. I know what you mean about frustration when it feels like the character being frustrating the age you feel they should have it together. Either way, glad that you at least enjoyed it! sorry it wasn't as good.
ReplyDeleteI just reviewed this one on the blog today and I have to say I'm with you. This just wasn't as good as the Drew+Fable books to me. One of my biggest problems was how naive and really dumb Jen could be. Some of the things she did were baffling honestly. Also, did you feel like their relationship lacked that emotional intensity that Drew and Fable had? I thought Jen and Colin's relationship focused too much on the physical aspect than the emotional one.
ReplyDeleteAnyways, I'm still glad you enjoyed this overall, Andrea. Lovely review!
I had pretty much the same thoughts on this one. I liked it, but I didn't connect with Jen and Colin like I have with D+F.
ReplyDelete