Bunny's Reviews: Crimson Promises Review Spotlight

Welcome to the tour for Jocelyn Bleu’s Crimson Promises. Read on for more details!

Crimson Promises is Jocelyn Bleu's debut novel, and the first in what promises to be a truly gripping series.

The first thing that you notice about Crimson Promises is the gorgeous vibrant colors that quickly catch your eye. You're going to simply want to take a minute to study and admire this cover before you delve into the blurb to learn more about this book. For readers who enjoy books about angels, demons, and secrets then this is a book that you're going to want to check out.

Crimson Promises begins with a prologue that is going to build the intrigue as to what is going on. What has truly transpired that brings us characters lingering in the rain? A promise extracted with another promise of a better tomorrow, a release from a bond? Tasked with a mission that will either mean Bennett's salvation...or his doom should he fail. 21 years...he has to just hold out for 21 years.

The story shifts forward to Aurora, the main character of this story, and Bennett's ward. Told from the first-person perspective, you get the sense immediately that Aurora is a loner. Not necessarily by choice, but it suits her. As you read the book you'll come to understand exactly why. So, quell your disappointment as you learn that Aurora isn't the most interesting character. Give her some time though, once the story really gains traction things will begin to get more interesting.

Crimson Promises alternates POV between Aurora and Bennett when he comes out of the shadows. When you read this book you'll see where he's told to stay out of sight, but the closer she gets to that "magic number" age-wise, it seems that the darkness is stepping up its game to claim her. So, what's a guy to do other than move ahead and step out of the shadows to better protect her? Too bad it's going to make things more complicated...for both of them.

Author Bleu's story has a slow, but steady pacing for the first half of this book. This is going to cue an exercise in patience. There is going to be a lot of back and forth between Aurora and Bennett. She wants to pursue things, but he knows the risk that he'll be taking. However, God forbid another guy shows interest in Aurora because then cue "caveman" behavior. LOL! Honestly, these moments bring some spark and a touch of spice to the story to liven things up. So, that's definitely a plus.

Wondering if there is some serious spice in this book? Unfortunately, there isn't. There is some heat and a touch of steamy scenes, but the "steamy" scenes aren't really that steamy. If we had to rate the scenes on a steamy meter it'd be about "3 out of 5"...maybe "2.5 out of 5." The lead-ups are where the steam really builds in a couple of scenes, but when it comes to the real action...those who like it spicy will find that lacking.

When this book hits the halfway point, the action really begins to kick in. This is fantastic because the book needs it to breathe life into it. The drama picks up, and the tension really begins to build. Brace yourself for some major secrets to come to the forefront as well. Wondering if your jaw is going to be on the floor? The simple answer? Yes. LOL! Seriously though, prepare for it, because it's coming.

From the way that this book draws to a close, it's safe to say that there will be more to come. There is no way that the story can just end there and be done. Nope. So, keep an eye out for another book to come, because this? This is just the beginning.

4.25 out of 5 stars

Thank you to the author, Jocelyn Bleu, and R&R Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book. I look forward to what comes next!

Crimson Promises

Publication Date: December 27, 2023

Genre: Romantic Fantasy/ Paranormal Romance

Secrets untold. A stranger’s allure. A choice that could ignite a war of worlds.

🖤Enemies-to-lovers
🖤Morally Gray
🖤Dual POVs
🖤Forced Proximity
🖤Touch Her & Di3
🖤Secrets

To escape her dangerous secret, Aurora James flees to Arch Cape University. When she meets Bennett Caelum, her life takes an electrifying and terrifying turn. Bennett is alluring and aloof. As a fallen angel with his sights set on revenge, Bennett has managed to keep a safe distance while guarding Aurora’s angelic gifts and protecting secrets of his own.

Aurora doesn’t know that the very past she is running from is Bennett’s sworn duty to protect.

A fiery attraction ignites between the two, threatening to sway Bennett from his path of vengeance. Aurora is forced to decide between two worlds as she discovers more about her abilities.

Linked by a prophecy as old as time, unexpected truths could spell downfall for all. But sinister forces lurk in the shadows, intent on claiming Aurora, as decisions kindle the flames of war.

All is fair in a battle of secrets and betrayal. The only way to survive is freedom or death.

Available on Amazon

About the Author

Jocelyn Bleu is a tea, matcha latte, notebook collecting kind of girl. She can be found binging
Grey’s Anatomy, One Tree Hill, or Friends. When she’s not reading or writing, she is with her
family or friends or walking (most likely to get some source of caffeine).
She has a master’s degree in creative writing and a bachelor’s degree in history. She is
obsessed with all things supernatural, and anything JRR Tolkien related.

Jocelyn Bleu