Book Review: The Promise (The `Burg #5) by Kristen Ashley

This was an excellent addition to The `Burg Series. I loved getting lost in this world with all the great characters, passion, and emotion. Frankie and Benny have a seriously awesome HEA!

The Promise (The `Burg #5) by Kristen Ashley

Since his brother’s death, Benny Bianchi has been nursing his grudge against the woman he thinks led to his brother’s downfall. He does this to bury the feelings he has for Francesca Concetti, his brother’s girl. But when Frankie takes a bullet while on the run with Benny’s cousin’s woman, Benny has to face those feelings.

The problem is Frankie has decided she’s paid her penance. Penance she didn’t deserve to pay. She’s done with Benny and the Bianchi family. She’s starting a new life away from Chicago and her heartbreaking history.

Benny has decided differently.

But Frankie has more demons she’s battling. Demons Benny wants to help her face. But life has landed so many hard knocks on Frankie she’s terrified of believing in the promise of Benny Bianchi and the good life he’s offering.

Frankie’s new life leads her to The ‘Burg, where Benny has ties, and she finds she not only hasn’t succeeded in getting away, she’s doesn’t want to.

4 out of 5 stars

Excellent story! I loved the depth of the characters and how they came together. There were so many ups and downs between Frankie and Benny, I was rooting for them the entire time. It was a truly wonderful read!

Frankie and Benny were fantastic. It was great learning about Frankie and understanding why she thought the things she did. She was stubborn and had a temper so it took a bit for me to warm up to her but when she starts to get there and when things start to click, it was awesome. I loved Benny! This guy was everything. Protective, patient, sweet, loving. Hot! He had a nice bit of dirty talking happening too! These two had a lot of history to work through and I really liked their journey. It was emotional, passionate, and tension-filled.

This was an incredibly detailed story with elaborate descriptions and layers. I loved getting lost in this world, pulled in because of all that detail. That being said, the front half felt slightly drawn out as Frankie and Benny work things out and I was longing for the suspense element to come into play. There was a nice bit of intrigue happening at the end which I really liked, and honestly wanted more of. I liked what I got though. I loved the element of family that was involved and all the different dynamics from the good to the bad. I loved the character connections to other books and how everything intertwined.

This was a great addition to The `Burg series and I loved Frankie and Benny getting their HEA as well as others expanding on theirs. The epilogue was epic, it was filled with so many great moments that filled me up and made me happy. I'm looking forward to the final book but I will be sorry when it ends. I like the hints given for Cheryl and Merry. Can't wait for their story next!