Book Review: Pages of Promise (Coastal Hope #1) by Jessica Ashley

About the Book:

When Eliza’s life is threatened, she turns to a handsome veteran for help.

I left everything I’d ever known behind. And that decision may cost me my life.

The moving truck hadn’t even been unpacked when my fresh start went up in flames.

A frightening letter left in my mailbox and signed Always Yours sends me running to the only man in town who can help me.

Driven by his protective nature and a mission he believes comes from God, ex-Army Ranger Lance Knight agrees, despite the fact that I’ve made it no secret I want nothing to do with him–or anyone for that matter.

The longer we’re together, the more I begin to realize that Lance is more than I gave him credit for. Something that troubles me nearly as much as the fact that an unknown man seems to have already claimed me as his.

Trouble is, my admirer has a jealous side, and it’s not long before Lance is pulled into the crosshairs right alongside me…

| Goodreads |

My Review:

Pages of Promise by Jessica Ashley
Pages: 299
Published: February 5, 2024
Series: Coastal Hope

I started this one not really knowing what to expect. Starting a new author is always a bit tricky anyway, plus it being a new series, and a genre she hasn’t written before? I admit I’m a picky reader, but I do like to at least give authors a chance, and with this one it took a month or so, but I’m so glad I finally read this one!

There were some good points, and some that I wasn’t the biggest fan of, but overall this turned out to be a fun story! Lance and Eliza were both interesting characters, and while I felt a bit of their relationship and some of their interactions were more happenstance than anything, I enjoyed the banter that came along with their unique situation! I would have liked to see a bit more character growth and maturity in their story, especially since Eliza was so dead-set against liking Lance, and yet practically falls into his ‘arms’ (protection) when she realizes that she is in over her head. She never really asks him for help, or even asks if he has any ideas or other options. She does ask for help…reluctantly, but still…

While I loved meeting Elijah, Michael, and Jaxson, I also would have liked a bit more communication on this point between Lance and Eliza directly, I felt at times the friends were almost a hinderance, or at least a ‘buffer’ that allowed Lance to take control of the situation ‘well, at least he attempted to…’ without actually having to win Eliza over first, and close proximity and a deadly stalker tend to do the rest… (Plus that pillow wall…yeah, not a good idea. A valiant attempt, but still, playing with fire.) So, of course she would be forced to see what a great guy he is…I mean he literally, SPOILER__{TAKESABULLETFORHER}_/SPOILER  and goes out of his way, but then again…that’s HIS JOB! I know, I’m just being nit-picky here, but what a few others said is valid. I would have loved to see this done better.

I also didn’t care for the villain, reveal, and ending. Well, the ending itself was okay, but the parts where loose ends are being tied up? It just came of as random and a bit messy at times. The suspense/thriller elements were good, and I enjoyed this as a Romantic Suspense, I even liked the faith moments, but overall there were some places where it felt a little choppier and seemed to jump over any real explanation a couple of times. It wasn’t enough to prevent me from enjoying the story, but did end up costing that fifth star.

What I liked? The humor was funny, and I adored seeing Lance with his friends as they razzed him a bit for his sudden fascination with the new lady in town. I also liked his strong faith and committed nature.

The diner was another fun part! I loved meeting Lilly and Alex, and getting to see Lilly interact with some of the townspeople as she served. I’m finding that diner scenes in small town stories hold a special place, and I love getting to see a bit of that here.

I also adored Elijah’s humor and personality, and from early on I knew him and Jaxson would likely be two of my favorites in this series! I’m so excited to see them each getting their own books in the series!

Pages of Promise by Jessica Ashley is a fast-paced, action-filled romantic suspense with a wonderful balance of swoon and suspense without the spice. I loved meeting the citizens of Hope Springs, and getting to see a bit of their day-to-day life in-between the action and danger that seems to always be following Eliza’s heels. I’m excited to read more of their stories as the series continues!

Other books in the series:
(Below is a list of the other books I’ve read & reviewed for this series)

_{…will be added after I read and review them…}

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