Review: "Promise Me This" by Christina Lee

Note: This ARC was provided by Penguin Group via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

"We all have darkness and brightness inside of us. You won't know exactly what you're made of until you embrace all of it, feel it, live it."

Promise Me This is the fourth book in the Between Breaths series by Christina Lee. I've been a fan of the series from the beginning and fall in love even more with each book that's been published. The trend continues with this fourth installment and may I just point out that this is now my favorite among the currently available books. Seriously, the stories just get better and better with every new one that comes out. ♥

"It was like she was the light to my darkness."

Jessie Walters is used to working hard for what she wants. She's a receptionist at Raw Ink and goes to college part-time, hoping to get her Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art and become a photographer like her late father. Her family may not be rich but she's always felt loved by her parents and brother. She has tattoos but each one has a special meaning. She goes out with certain types of guys and her friend Square (aka Nate) does not fall into that particular category...or so she thinks.

"I wanted him. God, I wanted him. But at what cost?"

Nate Connors looks like the boy next door with family money to burn. He's following his dream and studying to be an engineer. He's clean-cut, funny, is comfortable to be around, and is an all-around nice guy. But Nate has been hiding a family secret that he's afraid may begin manifesting within him. He's got a stranglehold on what he believes is his dark side. Even though he's attracted to his friend Blue (aka Jessie), he keeps things safe but maintaining some distance...until he no longer can.

"I clutched her hand and interlaced our fingers--

our thing, which always made me feel connected to her."

Fans of the series will recall that both Nate and Jessie were introduced to readers in the very first book, with Nate being included as a supporting character in the next two books and Jessie made an appearance again in the third book. I was glad that they finally have their opportunity to get their story told. We see that underneath the easygoing persona he presents to people, Nate fights a regular battle with himself, believing that he may become like his father. There's a lot of anguish and darkness, but when Jessie allows him to be who he truly is and to take what he needs and wants from her, you begin to see that there's a glimmer of hope that begins to shine through all that bleakness.

The idea of two opposites that are attracted to each other isn't a new concept but the manner in which it's presented in this particular book is what makes it a worthy read. This was a beautifully written story with two very memorable lead characters. The transition from casual friends to intimate lovers also transformed Square and Blue, who were used to light bantering and teasing, into Nate and Jessie, who shared each other's secrets, both good and bad.

Suffice it to say that I LOVED Promise Me This and author Christina Lee surpassed my expectations. There was simply no putting this book down once I started reading it. When I received approval by the publisher to read the ARC, the smile on my face made my cheeks ache. I was THAT happy to get my hands on it. ^.^ I highly recommend you read the entire series in order but pay special attention to this fourth book. It's one of my favorite reads for 2014 and I'm giving it five-plus stars. ♥♥♥

Release Date: 07 October 2014

Date read: 01 October 2014

Check out my reviews for the other books in the Between Breaths series: 

Book 1 - All of Me (five stars)

Book 2 - Before You Break (five stars)

Book 3 - Whisper to Me (five stars)

Learn more about the brilliant Christina Lee here.

You can buy Promise Me This and Ms. Lee's other books on Amazon | Barnes & Noble.