Reviewed by Becca
TITLE: Promise
SERIES: Single Dads #3
AUTHOR: RJ Scott
PUBLISHER: Love Lane Books Ltd
LENGTH: 207 pages
RELEASE DATE: November 2, 2019
BLURB:
Leo Byrne is a cop, Jason Banks is an ex-con. Even after one stolen kiss, something has to give before Leo can convince Jason that falling in love is even an option.
Adopted at a young age, Leo is part of the sprawling Byrnes family. With his dog Cap, three siblings and a whole mess of nieces and nephews, he is never lonely, and his life is full. Love is the last item on his to-do list, but seeing his best friends Sean and Eric happy and making new families makes him want things he doesn’t think is possible. Kissing Jason at an event to honor his bravery was one thing, but anything other than that is off limits. Until Jason has no one left to turn to, and it’s Leo who helps him at his lowest. Taking Jason and his daughter into his home is one thing, but falling for the ex-con is something else altogether.
Jason made a deal to keep his daughter safe and spent years behind bars as a result. Volunteering as a convict firefighter was as much about helping the community as saving his sanity, but now that he’s out, he doesn’t even have that. He’s lost his future, his self-respect, and has no friends or a place to call home. Worst of all, even after rescuing his daughter he still can’t keep her safe from the man who wants to use her as a bargaining chip for money. Meeting Leo might give Jason a way to keep Daisy safe, but falling for the stubborn cop means the truth has to be revealed, and he could lose everything all over again.
REVIEW:
Reading books like this are hard sometimes, because I’m a mom. And like Jason, in this story, I would do anything to protect her. Even die, if need be. Although I pray that never happens. But it’s hard when we see children stuck in situations they have no business being in. And when someone tries to save them, the bad people keep showing up to make it worse. But in this one, there’s hope. Even if he had to find it in someone who he thought found him disgusting. Little did Jason know, he had it all wrong.
After that kiss in the hospital, Leo hasn’t gotten over Jason. He’s looked high and low for that man, but can’t find him. Until one day, Jason shows up battered and beaten down, with a little girl gripped tightly in his arms, begging for Eric, for help. Leo is prepared to do anything to get Jason to stay so he can help, but Jason doesn’t trust Leo right now because of that kiss and what was said. He just knows he has to get to Eric for help. But Eric is gone and Sean and Leo are doing everything possible to keep Jason calm for Daisy and himself and to know he’s safe. But Jason knows he’s not fully safe yet. Not after what he just ran from. And everyone seems to want something from him, and it’s not turning out good. All he wants is a safe home for him and Daisy, and with how it’s looking, he’s going to actually have to let his walls down and trust that Leo has their best interests at heart and will take care of them and keep them safe. But that’s what scares him even more.
Be warned, this book deals with drugs, abuse and attempted murder on several counts. If it’s a trigger, be careful. It is a good book. It’s just hard, like I said earlier, because there’s a kid involved. And she’s just one that melts even the hardest of hearts. Well, unless their assholes. Between Jason and Daisy and even Leo, it’s a toss up who your heart breaks more for. Daisy for hearing or seeing a bit of what was happening, Jason for having to go through it all, and Leo for his past and for what’s going on, bringing it back to light. It’s hard on all of them. Many sleepless nights for the boys. I really love these guys. They need each other so much, it’s insane. But miscommunication always seems to be a factor. And foot in mouth seems to be a contagious disease 😉 . But one thing they had with each other, was hope. When they finally gave in and let their guards down. It doesn’t mean the bad goes away. It doesn’t mean life isn’t hard. Leo is a cop after all, and all of them have had hard lives. And they all have to have their version of therapy when it gets too much. But they hope. And strive to keep going another day. And that’s what matters.
They don’t give up. It’s been a really good series. I’m happy to see these three goofballs have found their happiness and are growing in their lives. It’s hard work and there are always uphill moments, but they take it a day at a time, say a little prayer, cross some fingers, and encourage each other they have so much to live for and fight for another day.
RATING: 
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