Promises, Promises by Janice Baker

Promises, Promises (Alluring Promises #1)
by: Janice Baker

  My rating: 4 out of 5 Sizzling Stars

This book has been on my TBR list for awhile, and I'm so glad I finally took the time to read it.  Izzy had a troubled childhood growing up - although making it to college on her own, she became best friends with Mel.  Once they graduated, she felt alone again, Mel had a new boyfriend, she was working and then Izzy became involved with HIM, and he isolated her from any previous relationships and totally dominated her life.

Two years later she finally breaks free from HIM.  Alone with no where to call she gets in touch with Mel.  Mel remains the true friend and even after two years of no contact, takes her in with no questions asked.  Mel and her friends help Izzy start her new life - and all the challenges she faces trying to get past how HE controlled her. 

Z becomes her boss and the attraction between them is immediate - but they both don't want to be the rebound person, and Z knows Izzy has issues she's dealing with, but she hasn't told him about.  My heart broke for Izzy as she finally told Z what HE did to her.

I loved the relationship between Z and Izzy, he really was a sweetheart - even though he had his jealousy issues.  He truly cared about her and wanted to help her get over what HE did to her and protect her.  This book had the added benefit of a really great friendship between the group of friends - Mel, Izzy, Clark, Flynn and Z.  They had so much fun together, you will laugh with the stories they tell of their college days - yet all the friends are loyal to the bone.  Glad I moved this up the list and took the time to read it.  I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series.