caffeinereadreview's review
4.0
I cannot stop looking at this cover (or any of the covers in the Hermosa Beach series) . It's just so pretty! I was so excited to start this series and whew this first book did not disappoint. Hannah’s story was heartbreaking and I really wanted her to get the happily ever after she deserves. Wyatt wasn't without fault and he certainly could have handled some situations better but the way he saw and loved Hannah was just perfection. This was emotional and sweet and a perfect summer read. I can't wait to continue through the rest of the series.
Hannah & Wyatt
Different sides of the tracks
New girl in town
Long lost family
Childhood trauma
Family secrets
Synopsis:
Wyatt Calloway isn’t a good idea.
I didn’t pick up my life and move to this urban beach city to spend my days swooning over a rich bad boy who rides a motorcycle and seems to know every girl in town. I’m here to get to know the brother I’ve never met. To try and create a family when I’ve gone so long without one. Maybe find a place where I belong. So why can’t I seem to get him off my mind?
Hannah Morrison isn’t a good idea.
I’m back in town just for the summer, and my priorities are to spend time with my little sister, check in with my family, and make sure things aren’t really as bad as they seem. But somehow, the new girl becomes my focus. She’s got a heaping ton of baggage, and she doesn’t understand why she’s really here. But I’ll do anything to make her feel like she belongs. Even give her promises I’m not sure I can keep.
So grateful to have been gifted this series by Jillian!
Hannah & Wyatt
Different sides of the tracks
New girl in town
Long lost family
Childhood trauma
Family secrets
Synopsis:
Wyatt Calloway isn’t a good idea.
I didn’t pick up my life and move to this urban beach city to spend my days swooning over a rich bad boy who rides a motorcycle and seems to know every girl in town. I’m here to get to know the brother I’ve never met. To try and create a family when I’ve gone so long without one. Maybe find a place where I belong. So why can’t I seem to get him off my mind?
Hannah Morrison isn’t a good idea.
I’m back in town just for the summer, and my priorities are to spend time with my little sister, check in with my family, and make sure things aren’t really as bad as they seem. But somehow, the new girl becomes my focus. She’s got a heaping ton of baggage, and she doesn’t understand why she’s really here. But I’ll do anything to make her feel like she belongs. Even give her promises I’m not sure I can keep.
So grateful to have been gifted this series by Jillian!
2elexis's review
4.0
This book was a nice read, the story really took us on a ride through the development of the characters and get to know the characters. That being said the pacing of the story was kind of weird, it was slow but at the same time it was not so slow that you fall asleep. This book took me a bit longer to read because of that. I have to say as nice of a story it was it was kind of boring in parts wherea i stuggled to get through the book.
theoriginal_b00k_nerd's review
5.0
Promise Me Nothing -Hermosa Beach Book 1-Review
Couple: Hannah Morrison and Wyatt Calloway
Author: Jil Liota
Tropes: Bad Boy. Rich Boy. Elite Club. Orphan girl. Foster child. Half-sister. All in a single summer romance read!
Review: Hannah is witty, strong, quiet and funny but struggles to find a place among the Hermosa Elite. Wile mostly she struggles internally, she soon finds solace in the town bad-boy Wyatt. Leery and hesitant at first, Hannah rejects him and plays hard to get. Worried she will loose the trust she places on him she asks one thing: “Don’t make me any promises.”
Wyatt, town bad-boy and black sheep of the Calloway dynasty is rebelling from his family when he is called back home to save his sister. Struggling to keep his head above water and keep his friends sister at a distance, he soon finds out the quirky, shy girl he met on the pier is his best-friends half-sister. The one he promised to stay away from.
While Hannah slowly puts more trust and faith in her friendship and slow relationship with Wyatt, he struggles to be honest with her about why she is here. And what he wants from her.
This book was a great read for readers wanting something angsty and heart-breaking. Wyatt who is not a bad guy but a guy in a bad situation and Hannah who feels like she is adrift in her place in life come together explosively. While I wanted to shake Wyatt and curse him, I also loved his character and how his POV shed light on the conflict of the book. This book was a great first dive into the series and left me wanting more from this couple. SO many things left unanswered and conflicts not yet put to bed.
I loved this story. Hannah becoming strong with her forgiveness and making Wyatt see reason and earn her back. It was also a heart-warming and breaking story of a sister who finds a brother and family after being alone all her life. Lucas and Hannah are two halves of a coin that shows how differently they grew up but how similarly they are innately.
Hopefully we see an extended epilogue where we hear what happens to them when Wyatt has to decide to move or not.
Rating: 11+/10, we all love a good innocent girl and bad boy read (:
Couple: Hannah Morrison and Wyatt Calloway
Author: Jil Liota
Tropes: Bad Boy. Rich Boy. Elite Club. Orphan girl. Foster child. Half-sister. All in a single summer romance read!
Review: Hannah is witty, strong, quiet and funny but struggles to find a place among the Hermosa Elite. Wile mostly she struggles internally, she soon finds solace in the town bad-boy Wyatt. Leery and hesitant at first, Hannah rejects him and plays hard to get. Worried she will loose the trust she places on him she asks one thing: “Don’t make me any promises.”
Wyatt, town bad-boy and black sheep of the Calloway dynasty is rebelling from his family when he is called back home to save his sister. Struggling to keep his head above water and keep his friends sister at a distance, he soon finds out the quirky, shy girl he met on the pier is his best-friends half-sister. The one he promised to stay away from.
While Hannah slowly puts more trust and faith in her friendship and slow relationship with Wyatt, he struggles to be honest with her about why she is here. And what he wants from her.
This book was a great read for readers wanting something angsty and heart-breaking. Wyatt who is not a bad guy but a guy in a bad situation and Hannah who feels like she is adrift in her place in life come together explosively. While I wanted to shake Wyatt and curse him, I also loved his character and how his POV shed light on the conflict of the book. This book was a great first dive into the series and left me wanting more from this couple. SO many things left unanswered and conflicts not yet put to bed.
I loved this story. Hannah becoming strong with her forgiveness and making Wyatt see reason and earn her back. It was also a heart-warming and breaking story of a sister who finds a brother and family after being alone all her life. Lucas and Hannah are two halves of a coin that shows how differently they grew up but how similarly they are innately.
Hopefully we see an extended epilogue where we hear what happens to them when Wyatt has to decide to move or not.
Rating: 11+/10, we all love a good innocent girl and bad boy read (:
breeze_books's review
5.0
I’m going to be honest...I didn’t read the blurb going into this one. And I wasn’t sure what to expect. But I fell in love with this story.
Hannah has a very humbling outlook on life. Her backstory leading up to this time in her life wasn’t easy to read but it was absolutely necessary to make her the person she is. I love her realistic but compassionate attitude.
Lucas almost broke my heart. When the truth came out about who Hannah was, I was so worried for her that this was a big scheme. And while it wasn’t a fairytale, I’m glad it wasn’t what I thought. He’s so genuine and lovable. The perfect big brother for Hannah!
& then there’s Wyatt...oh what a beautiful man. He isn’t a saint by any means but the way he sees Hannah and respects her...he’s perfect for her. He was always so aware of her feelings and her boundaries.
Ivy isn’t going to be forgotten either. I love her! She is wise beyond her years and makes the most of her situation.
I just love everything about this book!
All the characters were well developed. The setting could be pictured so easily. Makes me wanna take a trip to California!
I don’t want to say my expectations weren’t high going into this one, I just didn’t really have any. But WOW. It would’ve blown them out of the water. This story tugged at my heartstrings. Sad tears, happy tears, a lot of swoon that just made me smile. I cannot wait to start Lucas’ story!
Hannah has a very humbling outlook on life. Her backstory leading up to this time in her life wasn’t easy to read but it was absolutely necessary to make her the person she is. I love her realistic but compassionate attitude.
Lucas almost broke my heart. When the truth came out about who Hannah was, I was so worried for her that this was a big scheme. And while it wasn’t a fairytale, I’m glad it wasn’t what I thought. He’s so genuine and lovable. The perfect big brother for Hannah!
& then there’s Wyatt...oh what a beautiful man. He isn’t a saint by any means but the way he sees Hannah and respects her...he’s perfect for her. He was always so aware of her feelings and her boundaries.
Ivy isn’t going to be forgotten either. I love her! She is wise beyond her years and makes the most of her situation.
I just love everything about this book!
All the characters were well developed. The setting could be pictured so easily. Makes me wanna take a trip to California!
I don’t want to say my expectations weren’t high going into this one, I just didn’t really have any. But WOW. It would’ve blown them out of the water. This story tugged at my heartstrings. Sad tears, happy tears, a lot of swoon that just made me smile. I cannot wait to start Lucas’ story!
eelto055's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
alwaysreadingreview's review
5.0
This is Book #1 in the Hermosa Beach series Hannah finds out she has a half brother, Lucas, who wants her to go visit him. Hannah makes the trip and her world isn’t like his. She meets Wyatt and they have some things in common. She’s feeling comfortable with being there. Then everything changes.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Read more from this author? Yes!
Happy Reading!
Melissa
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Read more from this author? Yes!
Happy Reading!
Melissa
rotellareads's review
5.0
I'm still struggling to put into words how this book made me feel. If I could give it more than 5 stars, I would! Talk about a twisted, convoluted, heart breaking journey for the heroine Hannah. Her entire life story broke my heart. The difficult situations that she dealt with at such a young age. The loss and loneliness she felt. Her strong and relentless desire to grasp onto anything that could ground her. I adored everything about this independent, selfless, courageous young woman.
Hermosa Beach was suppose to be an opportunity to get away from her drab reality, get to know a family she didn't know existed, have a carefree summer at the beach. But once she stepped foot off that Greyhound bus, nothing would ever be the same. Lucas, her half brother from another mother was a hot shot surfer who lived a life of luxury (a far cry from her foster care upbringing). He had a mansion on the beach, model physique friends, more money than he knew what to do with and not a care in the world. He had everything but the sibling relationship with a little sister he'd never met.
This romance read had my full attention from cover to cover. I was so engrossed in Hannah's story, her navigation of a whole world she didn't feel a part of, her discovery of the secrets her father kept. And then in walks Pier Boy Wyatt and knocks her off her feet and she took me down with her! I was invested in this duo like you wouldn't believe. I wanted so badly for Hannah to finally catch a break. Let the knight on a white horse save her from herself. But Wyatt was not a savior, he was a wolf in in sheep's designer clothing.
Ivy, oh Ivy. You sweet little angel. I adored every scene she was in. Something about her brave little soul had her holding my heart in her hands. Jillian did an incredible job highlighting the struggles Ivy faced, her want for acceptance and inclusion, her love for her family. Gah! She was probably my favorite character in the entire book.
I didn't want to believe the plot of this story. I just didn't want to accept that this was the way the story would end. I literally had to pick my jaw up off the floor and stop to blink a few times. So many secrets, so many lies and so much deceit. I didn't think Hannah, Lucas and Wyatt could recover after a bomb detonated between them.
The ending held me captive. I didn't know if Hannah could recover. If she even wanted to try. The way the author wrapped up the ending of this story was nothing short of amazing. I closed this book with a smile on my face and giddy feelings for what was to come. Let's not forget that this was a love story and it sure had it's hot and steamy moments! The slow burn between Hannah and Wyatt was to die for. The ups and downs were worth the wait.
Hermosa Beach was suppose to be an opportunity to get away from her drab reality, get to know a family she didn't know existed, have a carefree summer at the beach. But once she stepped foot off that Greyhound bus, nothing would ever be the same. Lucas, her half brother from another mother was a hot shot surfer who lived a life of luxury (a far cry from her foster care upbringing). He had a mansion on the beach, model physique friends, more money than he knew what to do with and not a care in the world. He had everything but the sibling relationship with a little sister he'd never met.
This romance read had my full attention from cover to cover. I was so engrossed in Hannah's story, her navigation of a whole world she didn't feel a part of, her discovery of the secrets her father kept. And then in walks Pier Boy Wyatt and knocks her off her feet and she took me down with her! I was invested in this duo like you wouldn't believe. I wanted so badly for Hannah to finally catch a break. Let the knight on a white horse save her from herself. But Wyatt was not a savior, he was a wolf in in sheep's designer clothing.
Ivy, oh Ivy. You sweet little angel. I adored every scene she was in. Something about her brave little soul had her holding my heart in her hands. Jillian did an incredible job highlighting the struggles Ivy faced, her want for acceptance and inclusion, her love for her family. Gah! She was probably my favorite character in the entire book.
I didn't want to believe the plot of this story. I just didn't want to accept that this was the way the story would end. I literally had to pick my jaw up off the floor and stop to blink a few times. So many secrets, so many lies and so much deceit. I didn't think Hannah, Lucas and Wyatt could recover after a bomb detonated between them.
The ending held me captive. I didn't know if Hannah could recover. If she even wanted to try. The way the author wrapped up the ending of this story was nothing short of amazing. I closed this book with a smile on my face and giddy feelings for what was to come. Let's not forget that this was a love story and it sure had it's hot and steamy moments! The slow burn between Hannah and Wyatt was to die for. The ups and downs were worth the wait.
bookaddictreviews's review
4.0
Hannah was alone, she had lost all of her family or so she thought. One little notification forever changed her life, but was it for the best? Will she be able to make a new life for herself?
This story had secrets galore and was a tangled web.
Hannah has experienced a lot in her young life. Given her experiences her fears are normal and felt real. She didn’t feel like she belonged anywhere. She was always seen as the outcast no matter where she was living.
Wyatt, I still don’t know how I feel about him. I honestly couldn’t connect with him as a character and there was something about him that just always felt off to me. Though, I did love what he did for Hannah at the end, it was super sweet and touching. His love for Ivy was also another thing about him I did enjoy. He was the protective and loving big brother and would do ANYTHING for his baby sister.
Hannah and Wyatt together had chemistry and their relationship had a SLOW start. Of course, Wyatt wasn’t sure if he she get involved his Hannah knowing what he knew about her past and the things that he was keeping from her.
I LOVED Ivy, Paige and Eleanor and honestly would just love to spend time with them. They seemed so real and genuine compared to several other of the secondary characters. They really made the story for me and added so much for me.
Jillian painted such a vivid picture of the town, of Lucas’s house and pretty much every scene. It was so easy to visual the entire town of Hermosa Beach and feel like you were right there in the story.
Overall, this story was enjoyable and is a great summer read!
This story had secrets galore and was a tangled web.
Hannah has experienced a lot in her young life. Given her experiences her fears are normal and felt real. She didn’t feel like she belonged anywhere. She was always seen as the outcast no matter where she was living.
Wyatt, I still don’t know how I feel about him. I honestly couldn’t connect with him as a character and there was something about him that just always felt off to me. Though, I did love what he did for Hannah at the end, it was super sweet and touching. His love for Ivy was also another thing about him I did enjoy. He was the protective and loving big brother and would do ANYTHING for his baby sister.
Hannah and Wyatt together had chemistry and their relationship had a SLOW start. Of course, Wyatt wasn’t sure if he she get involved his Hannah knowing what he knew about her past and the things that he was keeping from her.
I LOVED Ivy, Paige and Eleanor and honestly would just love to spend time with them. They seemed so real and genuine compared to several other of the secondary characters. They really made the story for me and added so much for me.
Jillian painted such a vivid picture of the town, of Lucas’s house and pretty much every scene. It was so easy to visual the entire town of Hermosa Beach and feel like you were right there in the story.
Overall, this story was enjoyable and is a great summer read!
thebookishren's review
4.0
Omgoodness, this book was so beautiful.
4.5 stars. I couldn't 5 star it because I was SO pissed that Lucas and Wyatt didn't just come out and tell Hannah the truth. SHE even said if they had told her the truth from the beginning things would have been different. That ticked me off.
But damn. It was SO sweet watching Wyatt fall for Hannah. It was so amazing watching Hannah learn to be herself and let people in. I loved the secondary characters, had a few laughs, and my heart ached, ACHED at some points.
Such a well-developed, emotional read.
4.5 stars. I couldn't 5 star it because I was SO pissed that Lucas and Wyatt didn't just come out and tell Hannah the truth. SHE even said if they had told her the truth from the beginning things would have been different. That ticked me off.
But damn. It was SO sweet watching Wyatt fall for Hannah. It was so amazing watching Hannah learn to be herself and let people in. I loved the secondary characters, had a few laughs, and my heart ached, ACHED at some points.
Such a well-developed, emotional read.
briewhale's review
5.0
From the very first sentence, I was enthralled by “Promise Me Nothing.” It drew me in and never let go. Hannah is super relatable. She is quiet, somewhat awkward and easily embarrassed, and a bit of a mess. She is also incredibly thoughtful and kind. I adored her immediately. And Wyatt! Motorcycles are totally my weakness, so of course I was a fan. The connection between the two of them was strong from the beginning. And it only gets hotter as things progress. Like, on fire! I mean, talk about steamy!
While the book was definitely a romance, it wasn’t the whole story. Hannah’s relationship with Lucas is also a major theme, as well as with Ivy and some of her other friends. We also see Wyatt’s family drama. Often times, characters outside of the main couple can feel like side characters, but here they were a big part of the story. Characters were very well developed.
Having all this take place at the beach was so perfect, too. The book really transported me. I could practically see and hear and even smell the ocean. It was a place I didn’t ever want to leave. In fact, the whole book was hard to let go of. It took me a couple days to get over it enough to be able to start reading another one.
Highly recommend to anyone looking for a super steamy, drama-filled beach read with all the feels.
While the book was definitely a romance, it wasn’t the whole story. Hannah’s relationship with Lucas is also a major theme, as well as with Ivy and some of her other friends. We also see Wyatt’s family drama. Often times, characters outside of the main couple can feel like side characters, but here they were a big part of the story. Characters were very well developed.
Having all this take place at the beach was so perfect, too. The book really transported me. I could practically see and hear and even smell the ocean. It was a place I didn’t ever want to leave. In fact, the whole book was hard to let go of. It took me a couple days to get over it enough to be able to start reading another one.
Highly recommend to anyone looking for a super steamy, drama-filled beach read with all the feels.