RATING: ⭐⭐⭐
SPICE: 🔥🔥.5
The bar has been set so high by this book's predecessors, so when the book does not deliver relatable, charming characters with meaningful arcs, it falls flat for me.
Addison did not expect her one-night stand from a few years ago to appear at her friend's wedding -- and the first event she got to plan as a wedding coordinator. Yet, in walked Stefano with his girlfriend in tow. What she had hoped to be a dream event has now become a nightmare when Stefano comes face-to-face with her young daughter, who is a splitting image of him.
Stefano was the non-committal type. Heck, he isn't quite sure why his current girlfriend is even here at his cousin's wedding with him. When a blast from his past turns out to be the wedding planner, Stefano is brought back to that one night they shared. Much to his surprise, it turns out that the evening resulted in more than fond memories for the two of them.
I wanted to love this story. The Southern Wedding series has been on point for me until this read. The previous books had so much depth and complexity with each love story, but this one seemed to lack the layered nuance that I have come to love. Stefano's 180 personality turn was so out of character and cheapened the relationship in my opinion. I felt that most of the book centered around their co-parenting and very little about re-establishing their relationship, so when the spice finally hit, I didn't feel quite engaged.
Even the characters from the previous books that I have loved so dearly seem one-dimensional in this read.
** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. Thank you to Natasha Madison and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for providing an ARC. **
ABOUT THE BOOK
Addison
I never thought I would see him again.
Especially while I was planning someone else’s wedding—yet there he was holding hands with his girlfriend.
Our one night was wild and passionate; I could never forget him because it changed my life.
Now he’s here—and the result of our one night is twirling in a princess dress at our feet.
Stefano
I didn’t make mistakes.
I was the one you called in when you needed answers.
I was cutthroat but they didn’t pay me to be nice.
I was in control every single second.
The only time I let my guard down was five years ago.
If I thought seeing the woman I could never forget again would throw me off—it’s nothing like seeing our daughter for the first time.
➡️
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https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/124945034-mine-to-promise
