Broken Promise

Beyond Series, Book 1

By: Andrea Smith

Narrated by: Amanda Stribling, David Black

Length: 7 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's Summary

Previously published as Silent Whisper.

What does a mob capo want with a girl from the sticks?

Everything...

For 27 years, I've flitted through life clueless to the God-given abilities that lay dormant inside of me. In the blink of an eye, everything changed more than I ever could've anticipated.

She changed it.

Now I know that nothing is as it seems. I will never be the same again...but this isn't my story.

It's hers.

I'm just being forced to live it, resolve it, and ultimately try to move on after learning that our lives are going to be tangled far more than I would've ever imagined.

My name is Parrish Locke. And I can see the dead.

Adult content

©2014 Andrea Smith (P)2020 Andrea Smith

Bewitching!

In Chester, West Virginia, Parrish Locke is on a modeling assignment for Mountain-Step Ski-Wear, but the shoot's over early because of a possible incoming snow storm. As she navigates her SUV back to the Mountaineer Inn, she takes her eyes off the road for only a second and looks up just in time to see an eighteen-wheeler bearing down on her. Nothing could prevent the slippery, fish-tailing, out of control collision that sent her vehicle skidding almost into a cemetery.  As Parrish staggers out of the SUV, she spots a young lady standing alone in the cemetery, motioning to the headstone beside her. The ghostly being is trying to say something..."Let Dominic know, tell him everything." Suddenly, she doesn't see the ethereal spirit, but she feels its warmth as it merges with hers. Now it's time to find this Dominic person and tell him that the lady from the grave that read "Karlie Lynn Masterson" has a message for him. The story of Dominic Castellano and Karlie Lynn Masterson is a beautiful, bittersweet, mystical story of a good-hearted mafioso (yes, there is such a thing) and the lady of the evening he wants to make his own. Karlie Masterson's  parents were killed in a fire that was set on purpose to drive them out of their home. They wouldn't sell the land that a mob family had been trying for years to acquire. Karlie made it out alive, but only because a good man who saw the fire, refused to let her die inside. Dominic, who goes by Nick now, returns to that area of West Virginia to check on that same young lady. When he finds her in the brothel, he has to keep her for himself. But he's a member of the feared Castellano mob family and his dangerous life can be deadly for those close to him. Dominic realizes there's something different about the way he feels about her and comes to understand that he has never been in love...until now. He helps her turn her love of fashion design and creation into the successful DBK - Designs by Karlie business and she's never been so happy. But somehow, her design business becomes the focal point of an international investigation and Karlie knows she has to go on the run. She doesn't think she'll ever see Nick again, let alone be able to tell him she's pregnant with his baby. A series of miscommunications and lies keep Dominic from knowing he has a baby girl named Parrish, but a special power within a young woman who lived through a car accident brought them back together. Let me warn you that a full box of tissues is needed for the ending of ugly tears and tears of pure happiness! I didn't know how this was going to have a happy ending, but Andrea Smith more than managed to do it. She made me want to hug her!
I both read and listened to this book and the narration of Amanda Stribling and David Black is perfection! I didn't have to think while I listened, I just relaxed right into their voices. Beautiful story, excellent voices! 

Not One, But Two Good Stories

I don't know where to start with this review because I don't want to give spoilers. But almost everything I want to say about this book is a spoiler of sorts. This book is well-written and has a plot which features not one, but two well-developed storylines. It drew me in and kept me listening long after I had planned to stop. It's a love story but not a traditional one, but one which touched a part of me and made me have to know how it would all end.

The characters are well-drawn, they have depth and as the story unfolds you can't help but become invested, particularly in Dominic. There was just something about him which made it impossible not to become intrigued and invested in his love story, my heart broke for him at times seeing a man so strong being so vulnerable.

Parrish Locke has a gift, a gift which has been buried deep within her, unused and ignored her entire life. Then she's involved in a car accident and wonders into a graveyard of all places looking for help, who or what she finds there is what the rest of the book is based on. It's a unique and original storyline, full of surprises surrounding the love story of Karlie and Dominic.

So if you think you might like a love story like no other involving the mob, a model, and a ghost - I think I'll stop there but you get the picture - then give this one a try. I'm very glad I did and I do hope that the next book Brocken Dreams makes it to audio.

The narration of this book by Amanda Stribling and David Black is excellently done.

I was given this audiobook at my request by StoryOrigin and am voluntarily writing my review.

Intensely heart-wrenching, touching story!!

Broken Promise an Audiobook by Andrea Smith is a fascinating ‘ghost’ story following the romance of Karlie and Dominic. Parrish is in an accident and suddenly she can speak to the dead. She is transported back in time to learn the story of Karlie and Dominic. This is a fascinating and unexpected story of redemption, truth, and timeless love. So much happens, I can’t really explain it all here. Suffice to say, this was an INCREDIBLY absorbing, heart-breaking story that sucks you in immediately and never releases you until the very end!!!!

It was narrated by Amanda Stribling and David Black. I like that both captured the essence of the characters. But, her tone seemed bored or blasé at times, but overall it was great. There were some mispronunciations by both narrators that bothered me….but, overall I really liked this Audiobook!

I am volunteering to leave a review for an Advance Copy of this Audio book.

Loved it!

This was a different type f book then I'm used to but I enjoyed it.

Broken Promise

A-MAZ-ING!! I love absolutely everything about this book. So much happens and the twists keep you trapped to you earphones to the point that you can’t do anything else until the book is over. I need more! A perfect story in every way with amazing narration.

Fun twists with a HEA ending

What a new and interesting book with a fun twists for an ending, make sure you checking out!

Great Story from Start to Finish

This book was a wonderful surprise! I wasn’t sure about the story when it began. It didn’t make much sense to me, but once the story started to roll, there was no stopping it! The story was engaging and hot. The paranormal aspect wasn’t too far out there at all. For someone who loves paranormal, it really didn’t have that feeling at all--which is OK. The duel narration was a fun twist also! Both narrators did an amazing job bringing these characters to life. My biggest complaint is that I wish there was more from Dominic’s point-of-view. I know it doesn’t necessarily fit the story, but I would have liked it all the same.

I received an audio copy from the author for an honest review.

This is going on my Favorites list!

OMG! I am literally bawling right now! The LOVE of these two! It’s an amazingly heartfelt story and feels so real! About 5-7 min ago I was so so ANGRY at Nick! Now though I really feel the anguish and tremendous love from these two. GAH! This book is killing me! I think it’s been a while since I have flitted through so many intense emotions while listening to a story.
I really didn’t want this story to end. I realize there is nothing that can be done but the heart aches for more.

I listened to this on audio. Amanda Stribling and David Black are the narrators. Again they both did a wonderful job. David really had me with all his sexy guttural Italian words. Tesoro and Bambino etc. Wow just excellent!
Another outstanding story by Andrea Smith!

Fantastic Story & Listen🎧 Captivating & Heartfelt!

This book is awesome, Andrea Smith is one of my favorite authors and I love everything she does. I enjoy her writing style and the characters and storylines she creates. It is great to see another side of her creative mind a paranormal side. This book swept me right in and it captivated my mind from start to end. This is the type of book that is hard to put down, you need to know what happens next. The writing and descriptive details brings the reader and/or listener right along side the characters, allowing you to experience what they do first hand. The characters are complex and well developed, they likable and easy to relate to. Parrish Locke, a 27 year old model has a car accident and she crashes into a cemetery. She suffered a head injury, one so bad she is seeing a ghost, one with a message. What happens next is fascinating, there are amazing twists and turns in this book, some you do not even see coming. I do not want to say much more about what happens in this book, do not want to give anything away I will saw a lot goes on in this book, there are several different storylines and almost like a story within a story, one of which is a romance, a forever love of two people who were made for each other but could never be. There is never a dull moment in this book with plenty of drama, a bit of angst, action, some thrilling and suspenseful moments, heartfelt ones, and some hot romance. Andrea Smith, thank you for wowing me with another amazing book.

Amanda Stribling and David Black are fantastic narrators and voice artists. They did an amazing job portraying the characters and bringing them to life giving each their own voice and personality. You could hear how much heart they put into their performance as they capture the characters emotions and project it into their performance. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another awesome listen🎧

Love transcends all!

Andrea Smith surprised me with the direction that Karlie and Dominic’s story veered. Karlie was sensitive, headstrong and forgiving while Dominic was chivalrous , courageous, handsome and generous. Although unforeseen events were the catalyst for the truth being revealed, they triumphed in the end! Their love transcends everything, including betrayal, lies, foolhardy actions and even death! Amanda Stribling and David Black did a great job narrating too!

didn't buy it

Well, logically, I understand the narrative of the story, but in actuality - it was strange. The HEV ending felt forced and unnatural (double entendre is intentional).
There was an effort to portray the female lead as a strong independent woman, but there were just too many holes in this attempt (she chose to become a prostitute. really???)
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

A story within the story

This book reminded me a lot of the Ghost Whisperer TV show. In Broken Promises, Parish finds out she can see and talk to the dead. Parish's first story to tell is very close to her. As she discovers the ghost's story, she finds out more about herself. This story tugged at my heart strings as I followed Parish through her storytelling of the ghost. Without giving away too much, Parish discovers what she has been searching for through helping the ghost. I cannot wait for the next story.

Amanda Stribling and David Black are the perfect narrating team. They bring their characters to life. I was able to get lost in the narration and feel as if I was a part of the story myself. I hope Amanda and David continue this series and look forward to more from them.

Engrossing, Emotional & Unique Rollercoaster Ride

I don't know where to start with this review because I don't want to give spoilers. But almost everything I want to say about this book is a spoiler of sorts. This book is well-written and has a plot which features not one, but two well-developed storylines. It drew me in and kept me listening long after I had planned to stop. It's a love story but not a traditional one, but one which touched a part of me and made me have to know how it would all end.

The characters are well-drawn, they have depth and as the story unfolds you can't help but become invested, particularly in Dominic. There was just something about him which made it impossible not to become intrigued and invested in his love story, my heart broke for him at times seeing a man so strong being so vulnerable.

Parrish Locke has a gift, a gift which has been buried deep within her, unused and ignored her entire life. Then she's involved in a car accident and wonders into a graveyard of all places looking for help, who or what she finds there is what the rest of the book is based on. It's a unique and original storyline, full of surprises surrounding the love story of Karlie and Dominic.

So if you think you might like a love story like no other involving the mob, a model, and a ghost - I think I'll stop there but you get the picture - then give this one a try. I'm very glad I did and I do hope that the next book Brocken Dreams makes it to audio.

The narration of this book by Amanda Stribling and David Black is excellently done.

Star crossed love

Had no idea what to expect going into this book. Author gifted and when Andrea offers, I take, she never fails to keep my attention, this story is not an exception. Storyline has a unique paranormal vibe, but also a love story that resulted in unresolved circumstances that need to be put to rest.
This story is one I have not experienced before and recommend. It can be read as a stand-alone, but I’m looking forward to more.
Amanda and David did a great job narrating.

Book 1 HEA

Oh wow what a roller coaster! A story in a story. A young lady overcoming a hard childhood. I enjoyed the characters and I thought I knew what was going to happen but I did not lol. I cried happy/sad tears at the end. This book sets you up for the next one but is a standalone. The narration is great. I recommend this book.

🎧Audiobook Obsession

A different but great listen

This was a little different to what I usually read. More paranormal, which I didn't realise looking at the cover.

They say a ghost can't pass over until they settle their unfinished business, Parrish Locke is about to find out that she has a skill set uniquely designed to help. She just needs to embrace it.

It’s difficult to talk about this book without giving anything away. It feels like two separate stories that are told in a way to make them interconnect so well. They are interwoven wonderfully and leave you wanting more. If you like mafia stories, books with a bit of suspense and a romantic thread, with a little ghostly effect thrown in, this is the book for you.

The audiobook is performed in duet by David Black and Amanda Stribling. The majority of the story is told from the female POV with only a handful of male POV chapters, but fear not, because this is duet, you hear plenty from David Black and thank goodness as it would have been a mighty shame not to have heard his deep, growly voice throughout the story. He was perfect as Dominick. The Italian was done to a wonderful, convincing standard. I think we’re going to be seeing his name a lot in the future. Amanda Stribling did a great job of switch between Parrish and Karlee. It took me a little while to get used to her performance but once I did, it was enjoyable. The production was done well, chapter 13 did cut off early.

Boken Promise

I so enjoyed listening to Amanda Stribling and David Black, They made the listening experience a joy.

Parrish is uncertain as to what direction to take her career and a car accident changes all of that.
This story involves events that happened before Parrish was born and as she starts her journey of discovery ,eventually the past and present collide. This story has twists. Highly recommend.

Such a unique storyline

This is a great storyline. I’ve not read/listened to anything like it before. I’m looking forward to the next book to see where this is going. Written well and a fantastic performance from both Amanda and David.

Wow

This book should be compulsory listening for everyone. It is intense and powerful. The characters will linger in your mind after listening to this one and leave you wondering what the characters are doing in their everyday life. Absolutely fantastic

I lived it, I loved it, I didn’t want it to end

Wow! So many emotions. To be honest I’m a bit of a wreck at the moment, So many tears. What a love story. A love story that’s stretched beyond this lifetime. How to review without sharing spoilers, so, so difficult. A love that was destined to last no matter what. Do you believe in ghosts? I sure do, and it would appear that Parrish Locke can experience them. I don’t know where to start. Do I start with Dominic and Karlie, do I start with the love they shared? Or do I talk about the love between a mother and a daughter, or even a father and a daughter? What a tangled webb this is. Love, loss, lies, deceit, family. Whatever I say wouldn’t do this story justice, just know I lived it, I loved it, and I didn’t want it to end. Narrated by Amanda Stribling and David Black, both were a credit to the story and the characters. Perfect. Thank you Andrea Smith.