Spin-off Saturdays: On Saturdays, I will review a series that is a spin-off series. It is recommended that you read the original series first in order to get the most out of the spin-off series. Here is this week’s offering:
Promises We Meant to Keep is a spin-off of Things I Wanted to Say but Never Did
SERIESous’ Top Picks: Favourite Author
Series: Lancaster Universe
This is a spinoff of the standalone Things I Wanted to Say (But Never Did).
Author: Monica Murphy
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Second Chance
Heat Rating: Toasty
Point of View: First Person, Alternating
Publication Date: September 22, 2022
Source & Format: Author—ARC
WARNING: If you have not finished the original novel, this review may have spoilers!
My Expectations?
I always enjoy a good redemption story and I was eager to get inside the head of the complex Sylvie Lancaster we met in Things I Wanted to Say but Never Did. I honestly don’t remember if Spencer was mentioned much in that book because I was totally consumed with Whit and Summer’s angsty love, but I do remember finishing it and wanting Sylvie’s story one day. We ended up getting A Million Kisses in Your Lifetime before this one (no complaints!) so I was really excited to dive into this one when it was officially announced.
How Does It Compare To The Original?
–Not As Angsty–
I missed the angst though there is plenty of steam between the two leads. I just craved a little more drama to their second chance romance. While I always enjoy romances where the characters actually chat about their issues, everything here just felt too easy. Perhaps I put this expectation of their romance being a little more forbidden than it actually is given the fact that Spencer is Sylvie’s brother’s best friend?
–More A Redemption Story–
While I enjoyed the arrogance that is Whit Lancaster, this story is really about Sylvie’s redemption story. In that way, it definitely succeeds. It was great to understand her character and her motives. And it was also great to watch her grow and become her own person as she learned from her past.
Anything I Didn’t Like?
–Need a Little More Plot in the Middle–
The course of true love never did run smooth but I think in this case, it might have. Since it lacked the angst of the romance, it just needed a little something more to keep the story going. Some more obstacles or tension would have helped to move the story’s pacing.
Series Rating: 3/5
It wasn’t nearly as addicting to read as Whit’s book though I think fans will still enjoy this one! Especially those who wanted to know more about the infamous Sylvie!
Read if You Like: redemption stories, second chance romances
Avoid if You: want more angst
- Always Been You by Beverley Kendall (Unforgettable You Series #3)
- PS I Miss You by Winter Renshaw (P.S. Series #2)
- Twisted Love by Ana Huang (Twisted Series #1)
Synopsis for Promises We Meant to Keep (from Goodreads):
Spencer Donato.
My brother’s best friend.
My dirty little secret.
We fell for each other at Lancaster Prep. Sneaking around. Not wanting anyone to find out. He was my first love, my protector, my knight in shining armor. We were made for each other, and I truly believed he was my forever.
But then I did the unthinkable, and betrayed him in the worst possible way. I thought I lost him for good…
Until I saw him at my brother’s wedding. Now he’s older. Crueler. Unbearably handsome. We’re drawn to each other still, but will Spencer be there for me when I need him the most? Or did I ruin us once again?
