Release Day Review: Three Broken Promises by Monica Murphy

Three Broken Promises by Monica Murphy

Three Broken Promises by Monica Murphy
Series: One Week Girlfriend #3 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: December 31st 2013
Purchase: Ebook • Paperback
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher (Bantam) in exchange for an honest review

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.

I really, really wanted to like Colin and Jen’s story, but it was just… okay. I didn’t love it but I didn’t hate it either. Colin and Jen didn’t suck me in like Drew and Fable did, and I didn’t connect as much with them. I was super excited for Jen and Colin after reading Second Chance Boyfriend, because they seemed like great characters. But… this is one of those cases where I’m sad to say had a great potential, but just fell a bit flat.

Jen is Fable’s friend and co-worker at the restaurant that Colin owns. It turns out that Jen and Colin go way back–Jen is the little sister of Colin’s best friend who died in Iraq. It’s been two years since his death, and Jen has grieved and moved on, but Colin has not. He constantly has nightmares about his best friend’s death, and every time, Jen goes to his bed to console him. Jen has been living with Colin since he took her in when she was at a very low point in her life, and he pretty much saved her. Jen’s always had a crush on Colin, and her love for him has bloomed even more so ever since he saved her, but he doesn’t return her feelings. At least, she doesn’t think he does. And so Jen has nothing left for her in the city where she lives except for bad memories, and she wants to leave. But will Colin let her?

Colin’s going to be angry that I’m leaving, but maybe, the tattoo will give me strength. Will remind me that what I’m doing is the right thing. I need to go. I need to really learn how to live my life on my own, not this childish running-away shit and living out of my car like I did last time. I’m older now. Smarter. Wiser.
I need to fly and be free.

I had a hard time liking Colin. He’s a very commanding person, and he know what he wants and likes, which is mostly Jen, but he’s terrified of ruining their friendship. Actually, both of them are, but Colin even more so, because he relies on Jen emotionally, as Jen relies on him physically (materialistic-wise). She’s the only thing keeping him sane after his best friend’s death. But it was like he wanted to keep a leash on Jen, which was exactly how she felt, and the reason she wanted to leave. He doesn’t want to have a relationship with her, and yet he doesn’t want to let her go. His indecision really didn’t endear him to me, but I will admit that I really liked that he had been falling for Jen for years, and not just when he saw her again recently. Usually the guy in this trope will start falling for the girl when he sees her again after a few years, but Colin has loved Jen for ages.

Fuck it all, I want to kiss her. Forget the past, forget the present, forget the scary-as-hell future–I just want to lean over the center console and press my lips to hers. Steal her breath, steal her thoughts, steal her heart.
Like she’s done to me.

But then of-freaking-course they’d do the whole friends-with-benefits thing, which I ended up not really liking. Because… there might have been way too much sex. It’s not that I don’t like reading sex in books, but for some reason, I just didn’t feel anything for the two of them. I couldn’t feel the emotion and connection and intensity between them. It was the whole sexual relationship that didn’t work for me. It was like they took a step backward, or at least not a step forward at all, because even though Jen and Colin still have feelings for each other, they’re still not letting each other know. Frustrating!

But still, it was mainly their sexual relationship that I didn’t like. Everything else was pretty good. There was the right amount of angst, which Monica Murphy didn’t overdo, and Colin and Jen are very sweet with each other. Colin grew on me later on, with his protectiveness and sweet words. I loved seeing some of Fable and Drew, and really enjoyed the story once Jen and Colin stopped holding back from each other. Three Broken Promises isn’t a favorite in this series, but I was glad that we finally got Jen and Colin’s story.

3 hearts
lacey

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

Reading Order: One Week Girlfriend series

One Week Girlfriend new Second Chance Boyfriend new Three Broken Promises by Monica Murphy
Drew + Fable Forever by Monica Murphy
Four Years Later by Monica Murphy Five Days Until You by Monica Murphy

#1 ~ One Week Girlfriend: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Second Chance Boyfriend: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Three Broken Promises: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3.5 ~ Drew + Fable Forever: Ebook • Goodreads
#4 ~ Four Years Later: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#4.5 ~ Five Days Until You: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

Review: Second Chance Boyfriend by Monica Murphy

Second Chance Boyfriend by Monica Murphy

Second Chance Boyfriend by Monica Murphy
Series: One Week Girlfriend #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: April 6th 2013
Purchase: Ebook • Paperback

Lost. That one single word best describes my life at this very moment. I lost the last games of the season and both my team and my coach blame me. I lost the last two months because I drowned in my own despair like a complete loser. And I lost the only girl who ever mattered because I was afraid being with me would destroy her.

But now I realize how truly lost I am without her. She has become my story…and even though she acts like she’s moved on, I know she still thinks about me just as much as I think about her. She’s beautiful, sweet—and so damn vulnerable, all I want to do is help her. Be there for her.

Love her…

If only I could convince Fable to give me a second chance. Then I wouldn’t feel so lost anymore, and neither would she. We could be found together.

Forever.

*There will be SPOILERS for those who haven’t read book one, One Week Girlfriend!*

I love reading about Drew and Fable! I swear, I won’t ever get tired of their story. They’re such real, relatable characters, and Monica Murphy manages to make me care for them so much and root for them to get their happily ever after. I think I might have even liked reading about them even more this second time around. In Second Chance Boyfriend, Drew and Fable finally get the chance to be a real-life couple, but of course, not without a few bumps along the way.

But the beginning of the book is filled with angst! Which I love. Drew left Fable, it’s been two months since they’ve seen each other, and Fable is hurt and pissed. Drew has been seeing a therapist to deal with his past, and he’s feeling empty without Fable, and I was going, Drew, just man up and go to her! You two belong together! But nope, he doesn’t go see Fable, because he truly believes he’s not worthy of her. Drew makes my heart melt, really.

Fable is getting back on her feet without Drew, and she’s even found a new job, a better one at a classier restaurant with a higher pay. But who does she see when she starts working? None other than Drew Callahan. And oh my gosh, the emotions. My heart was hurting so bad for Drew and Fable, because they’re perfect together, but they’re still not together.

“Typical. I feel like a doll. Like a stupid, pretty doll no one cares about, forgotten on a shelf. Every once in a while, you or whoever else wants to take me down from the shelf and play with me for a bit. Just enough to get my hopes up and make me believe someone really cares about me. Then I’m forgotten again. Like I don’t even exist.” She tosses her head back and gazes up at the dark sky. “My mom was pretty dead on when she named me Fable, wasn’t she? I don’t feel real to anyone.”
“You’re real to me,” I whisper. So damn real, it hurts not to touch her.
I want her so bad it’s killing me.

But Drew and Fable slowly work their way through their problems, and they slowly make their way towards each other. They’re both flawed people, but together, they can do anything. They can overcome their pasts, shame, and secrets, support each other, and love each other. In between dealing with Fable’s deadbeat mother and Drew’s nasty bitch of a step-mother, and caring for Owen, Fable’s younger brother, Drew and Fable form a beautiful relationship full of love, sweetness, and passion.

“I’ve always run in the past. But you, Fable. You make me want to stay.”

Did you know Drew writes poems about Fable? Yeah, you can hear me sighing right about now.

The best part about Drew and Fable is that they’re just so real. Sure, they have messed up problems (Drew especially–like holy shit crazy problems), but the way they deal with them is honest and real. Their thoughts and Monica Murphy’s writing make these two characters come right off the pages and make me melt for their romance. And thank goodness it’s not over! Drew and Fable have more to come, and then even OWEN gets his own book!!

If you’re a fan of romance, you should definitely check out Monica Murphy’s Drew + Fable series. You’ll laugh, tear up, and your heart will feel so much for the characters. I love Drew and Fable, and I highly recommend giving them a try!

Our relationship is not perfect. Drew Callahan isn’t perfect either.
But I wouldn’t have him any other way.

4 hearts
lacey

Reading Order: One Week Girlfriend series

One Week Girlfriend new Second Chance Boyfriend new Three Broken Promises by Monica Murphy
Drew + Fable Forever by Monica Murphy
Four Years Later by Monica Murphy Five Days Until You by Monica Murphy

#1 ~ One Week Girlfriend: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Second Chance Boyfriend: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Three Broken Promises: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3.5 ~ Drew + Fable Forever: Ebook • Goodreads
#4 ~ Four Years Later: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#4.5 ~ Five Days Until You: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

Release Day Launch + Excerpt & Giveaway: Three Broken Promises by Monica Murphy

Three Broken Promises Release Day Launch Banner

Three Broken Promises by Monica Murphy

Three Broken Promises by Monica Murphy
Series: One Week Girlfriend #3 (full reading order below)
Release Date: December 31st 2013
Add to Goodreads

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.

Buy Links:
AmazonBarnes & Noble

Excerpt

“You’re going to turn me away yet again, aren’t you?” she asks when I don’t say anything. The irritation in her voice rings clear as her entire body goes tense. “I can’t believe it. I offer myself up to you with no strings attached and you’re trying to figure out how to let me down easy. God, I am such a moron.”

Unable to hold myself back, I rush toward her, angry that she would insult herself. Panicked that she really is going to walk away and I’m going to lose my chance. Thinking too much sucks. I need to just let it happen. Take this opportunity that she’s presenting me.

And let her go when our time is up.

“You’re not a moron,” I murmur, reaching for her. I cup her face in my hands and position her so she has no choice but to meet my gaze. I skim my thumbs across her cheeks, feel her shudder at my touch. “You make an offer like that and a man needs to process it first.”

The unshed tears still glimmer in her eyes and one escapes, leaving a damp trail across her skin. Leaning in, I stop its descent with my lips, tasting the salt, hearing the catch in her breath. “We do this and it’s not going to be some half-assed thing, you know,” I whisper.

She closes her eyes, her tears tangled in her long, thick lashes. “What’s it going to be, then?”

“A discovery.” I nuzzle her nose with my own, breathing in her scent, her very essence. God, I could devour her! It’s taking everything within me to keep calm and not unleash all over her. “An exploration.”

“That sounds like . . . research.” Her breath hitches in her throat when I drop a tender kiss on the tip of her nose.

Chuckling, I shake my head. “It’s the farthest thing from research.” I drift my lips across her cheek, blazing a hot path on her petal-soft skin. “You’re right when you said I don’t do commitment. The closest thing I’ve ever been to commitment is . . . what I share with you.”

She tentatively places her hands on my hips, her fingers curling into the waistband of my jeans. Having her hands on me sends little darts of fire throughout my insides, making me harden in an instant. She has no idea what sort of effect she has on me. How much restraint I’m using at this very moment not to throw her over my shoulder like an oversexed caveman and cart her off to my bedroom.

“But it can be no more than friendship with added . . . benefits.” I lift my head so I can look into her troubled gaze. She doesn’t like what I have to say and I don’t like it either, but I have to be honest. Stringing her along and making her believe this is something more is a mistake.

The two of us together would never work. I’m too damn selfish. I’d disappoint her. I’d hold her back when she needs her freedom. I’m not worthy of her. She’s everything sweet and good in my life, where there’s little sweet and good remaining.

I’ve kept her—and our relationship—as pure as possible even after all of these years. With the realization that she’s leaving me, that we’ll never be together again, I need to take my opportunities where I can.

Jen bites her lip and drops her gaze. “I can handle that.”

Her body language is more than telling me she doesn’t really want to handle that, but I can’t worry about it now.

I want her too damn much.

Reading Order: One Week Girlfriend series

One Week Girlfriend new Second Chance Boyfriend new Three Broken Promises by Monica Murphy
Drew + Fable Forever by Monica Murphy
Four Years Later by Monica Murphy

#1 ~ One Week Girlfriend: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Second Chance Boyfriend: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Three Broken Promises: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3.5 ~ Drew + Fable Forever: Ebook • Goodreads
#4 ~ Four Years Later: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

about the author

Monica MurphyNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy is a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite. A wife and mother of three, she writes New Adult and contemporary romance for Bantam and Avon. She is the author of One Week Girlfriend and Second Chance Boyfriend.

Website • Blog • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads • Amazon Page

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–a SIGNED set of One Week Girlfriend, Second Chance Boyfriend, and Three Broken Promises

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Review: One Week Girlfriend by Monica Murphy

One Week Girlfriend by Monica Murphy

One Week Girlfriend by Monica Murphy
Series: One Week Girlfriend #1 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: January 10th 2013
Purchase: Ebook • Paperback

Temporary. That one single word best describes my life these last few years. I’m working at a temporary job until I can finally break free. I’m my little brother’s temporary mother since our mom doesn’t give a crap about either of us. And I’m that temporary girl all the guys want to get with because I give it up so easily. According to the rumors, at least.

But now I’m the temporary girlfriend of Drew Callahan, college football legend and all around golden guy. He’s beautiful, sweet—and he’s hiding way more secrets than I am. He’s brought me into this fake life where everyone seems to hate me. And everyone seems to want something from him. The only thing he seems to want though is…

Me.

I don’t know what to believe anymore. All I know is, I think Drew needs me. And I want to be there for him.

Forever.

I’ve been meaning to read this book for a while–it’s one of those new adult books that you just have to read, you know? And besides, the blurb for One Week Girlfriend totally hooked me in. I really enjoyed Drew and Fable’s romance. They were believable characters, and I loved how Monica Murphy made me feel the angst, the hurt, and the frustration the main characters go through.

The title of the book says it all–Fable agrees to be Drew’s fake girlfriend for one week during Thanksgiving break. She’s doing this for money, which she needs to support herself, her younger brother, and their mother who doesn’t give two craps about them. And Drew… well, it’s a mystery why he needs Fable to be his girlfriend. But it most definitely has to do with his parents. When the two of them meet, they don’t like each other at all. But they’re crazy attracted to each other, meaning there’s some intense tension between the two.

Over the course of their fake relationship, Fable and Drew grow closer together. They learn each other’s thoughts and secrets. Well, except for Drew’s. Drew’s secret is always hanging over their heads, because it’s just so there. He won’t tell Fable what it is, but she slowly figures it out on her own. It was fairly obvious to me throughout the whole book what exactly happened with Drew. But it was still absolutely heartbreaking to read how much his secret has affected him for years, and still affects him today.

I loved reading how Drew and Fable slowly fell for each other. They learn who the other is, what their faults are, and accept them anyway.

Drew…

“I want this with you, Fable.”
I say her name to ground me. To remind me this is happening with Fable. The girl who’s become my life source in a laughingly short amount of time. The girl I’m falling for.

and Fable…

I’m falling apart. I don’t want to become dependent on Drew, yet it’s too late. I am. Slowly but surely I am and if I don’t stop it soon, my heart will become so entwined with his, I know I will literally bleed if we’re ever separated.

are absolutely perfect for each other! They compliment each other, they relate to each other, they accept one another, and they’re always there for each other. Drew has a harder time though, because he feels his secret makes him unworthy of Fable. But this sweet, lovable man is just so good to Fable! And he is so freaking sexy when he wants to be, which is all the time around Fable. 😉

I really enjoyed Monica Murphy’s writing! The characters felt real, I could connect with them, and I adored reading their dual POVs. I’m a huge fan of dual POVs between the main characters, and Monica Murphy delivers perfectly. One Week Girlfriend is a fairly quick read, and the majority of the book is about that one week where Drew and Fable fake their relationship. The romance sucked me in and made me feel both the highs and the lows. And there are plenty of both.

Monica Murphy is definitely a new adult author to give a try. And I’m so excited for more from this series!

Loved this quote!

“I want you to be mine, Fable.” Loosening his hold on my wrists, he dips his head, nuzzling my cheek, my nose. It’s the sweetest, sexiest gesture and I moan as I circle my arms around his neck and cradle him close.
“I want to be yours” I answer in a breathy whisper. “I want to belong to you, Drew. Only you.”

4 hearts
lacey

Reading Order: One Week Girlfriend series

One Week Girlfriend new Second Chance Boyfriend new Three Broken Promises by Monica Murphy
Drew + Fable Forever by Monica Murphy
Four Years Later by Monica Murphy Five Days Until You by Monica Murphy

#1 ~ One Week Girlfriend: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Second Chance Boyfriend: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Three Broken Promises: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3.5 ~ Drew + Fable Forever: Ebook • Goodreads
#4 ~ Four Years Later: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#4.5 ~ Five Days Until You: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

Cover Reveal + Excerpt: Savor by Monica Murphy

We are thrilled to share the cover for Monica Murphy’s SAVOR. SAVOR is a sexy Contemporary Romance novel in Monica’s The Billionaire Bachelors Series. Check out the hot cover then read on to learn more about SAVOR and read an excerpt!

Savor by Monica Murphy

Savor by Monica Murphy
Series: Billionaire Bachelors Club #3 (full reading order below)
Release Date: January 21st 2014
Add to Goodreads

New York Times bestselling author Monica Murphy concludes her sexy Billionaire Bachelors Club series with a fiery romance that refuses to be left at the office…

Bryn James can’t take much more. Smart, sexy Matthew DeLuca is everything she wants in a man, but he’s also her boss—the youngest, hottest vineyard owner in the Napa Valley—and he doesn’t see her as anything more than his shy assistant. That’s all about to change. Armed with a hot new look and an attitude to match, Bryn is determined to catch Matt’s eye… professionalism be damned.

With his winery’s grand reopening approaching, Matt is trying to stay focused, but Bryn is suddenly making it very difficult. He’s always thought her prim demeanor effortlessly sexy, but Matt can’t deny that her transformation is jaw-dropping …and going to make it very difficult to keep his hands to himself.

But when one thing leads to another and suddenly Matt is stripping Bryn bare, he’ll be faced with the biggest risk of his career—and his heart. Can he convince her—and himself—that this might just be more than a no-strings office affair?

Buy Links:
Amazon US
 • Amazon CAN • Amazon UK • Barnes and Noble • iTunes

Excerpt

“Don’t be so cranky. It’s okay to admit you have a thing for Bryn.” Ivy leans forward in her chair, a secretive smile curling her lips. “I have a feeling she has a thing for you too, you know.”

I do know. And I can’t act on it. Bryn James works for me. She’s my assistant. She’s by my side constantly; we spend more time with each other than probably anyone else in our lives, especially lately what with the winery’s grand reopening approaching. She’s a representative of my business. If I were to fuck around with the help and the relationship fell apart, I’d be in huge trouble. She could screw me over financially every which way by suing me for sexual harassment and I’d be left with a limp dick in my hand and a ruined business.

Yeah. Not going to take the chance. Saw it happen with my father. Not going to let it happen to me.

“It doesn’t matter. Nothing can happen.” I send Ivy a stern look. “And this conversation can never leave this office.” Glancing over her shoulder, I try to see if Bryn is at her desk but the chair is empty.

Thank Christ.

Ivy’s expression goes solemn and she holds up three fingers. “This conversation stays here. Scout’s honor.”

“You were never a scout,” I mutter, afraid she’s making a promise on an untruth. She’ll probably just blab to everyone. Or specifically Archer and Gage. I don’t need to hear their shit.

And I am worrying way too much over this.

She laughs again. “I won’t say a word, I promise. But I need to tell you something, Matt.” She leans in close, her voice dropping. “She’s got a major crush on you. You might not see it but it’s there—sounding in her voice, shining in her eyes, every time she looks at you, talks about you. The way her body turns into yours every time the two of you are together . . . it’s pretty obvious. A body language expert would have a field day with you two.”

Body language expert? What the hell is Ivy talking about? “I have no idea what you’re referring to, but office crushes are just that. Crushes. Harmless attractions no one ever acts on. Period. End of story.”

This is what I keep telling myself. I can’t pursue anything with Bryn, no matter how much I’m tempted to. Not only would it be wildly inappropriate, dating my assistant, but we come from two different worlds. She seems nice and normal, quiet and unobtrusive, and I am anything but. My life has been a circus sideshow for years.

“I get it. You’re trying to do the right thing, and I admire that. So, of course you don’t see anything beyond an efficient assistant in Miss James.”

Well. Ivy’s not too far off the mark. When I first met Bryn, she hardly said two words, kept her head bent when I spoke to her and offered lots of yessir and nosir answers. She had this way of almost blending in with the walls, like she didn’t want anyone to notice her.

So I didn’t.

As we got comfortable working together though, something happened. I’m thinking Ivy had a hand in Bryn’s slow transformation. She actually makes eye contact when she speaks to me, and she’s become somewhat animated. Started to wear bolder colors as well, drawing my attention to her chest though I keep my eyes averted as best I can.

These subtle changes made me notice all of the little things—like the color of her eyes (blue), how her hair looks (like silk and I want to touch it), and the tempting fullness of her lips (they’re spectacular).

Her gaze lingers when she looks at me and sometimes so does mine. Her smile softens, her voice drops lower when she speaks, sparking my imagination. Would she sound like that right before I kissed her? Took off her clothes? Took her to my bed?

Yeah. All of those are dangerous thoughts. I almost prefer the old Miss James. The one who was like the wallpaper—boring and nondescript. Mean to say, but hell, the last thing I need is a distraction.

And she’s become the biggest distraction I’m currently facing. The very last one I need.

Reading Order: Billionaire Bachelors Club series

Crave by Monica Murphy Torn by Monica Murphy Savor by Monica Murphy

#1 ~ Crave: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Torn: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Savor: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

about the author

Monica MurphyNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy is a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite. A wife and mother of three, she writes New Adult and contemporary romance for Bantam and Avon. She is the author of One Week Girlfriend and Second Chance Boyfriend.

Website • Blog • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads • Amazon Page

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