“We’re a match made in heaven but forbidden as sin.”After tragedy struck, I vowed never to fall in love again. For the last ten years, I kept that promise, never staying with a woman longer than it took to screw them. Then she walked in… Back then she was nothing but a little girl, but now she’s all grown up, with curves, and a smile that reminds me of everything I’ve spent the last ten years … everything I’ve spent the last ten years trying to forget.
My attraction to her is instant, and wrong, on so many levels. I’ll do anything I can, even make her hate me if I have too, to stop it.
She’s here to study, and I’m the newly appointed Dean.
I shouldn’t be tempted by a student, especially one who’s ten years younger than me.
And I definitely shouldn’t be developing feelings for her.
But I am…
Because as badly as I don’t want to admit it Lily might just be the one person to make me fall in love again.
That is if I can let go of the hold her dead sister’s memory has on my heart first.
This is book four in the North Woods University Series. It can be read as a complete standalone and contains NO cliffhanger, NO cheating, and a HEA. Please be advised this series contains material not suitable for all readers. This is NOT a YA series.
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This was hands down my favorite of the series!!! Sebastian and Lily are dealing with a tremendous amount of grief that neither can really overcome but cause of that they share a common bond. This is definitely one I would recommend totally!!
I voluntarily reviewed a advanced readers copy of this book
Sebastian lost his girlfriend in an accident 10 years ago and haven’t been able to move forward. He has his dream job, but no lovelife.
Lily is the little sister that was left of the family after the car accident.
They meet each other as a Dean and a Student. They shouldn’t be a couple for so many reasons, but…
As always in this serie you are sucked in, in the story from the beginning.
There is still one brother left, and his story. Can’t wait to read that one too.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this story.
They are the ultimate forbidden fruit.
Shes the sister of his dead girlfriend, and hes the Dean of North Woods University where she is a student.
The rules and regulations scream no, as well as their inner voices that fight so hard to be heard over the rythem of their hearts.
But is it enough to ignore what they truly want and desire?
What a delicious emotional illicit read!
They are both still in a world of pain, and it’s so heartbreaking to see what they went through.
I had tears in my eyes as they came together. They both deserved to open their hearts again, but I also understood the fear that surrounded them.
Sebastian is the kind of character you cant help but love. Hes the guy who helps everyone but has little to no time for himself.
Lily is the girl that was no ones first choice and that alone is devastating.
It’s easy to want a happy ending for these two, they deserve it, they need it, gosh even I needed it and that’s not something you will catch me saying often!
J.L Beck and C.Hallman have done a fantastic job with this interconnecting series.
I thought the last book “The secret” was my favourite but now this has definetly claimed that title.
I cant wait to see what they come up with next!!
3.5 STARS
This is not my favorite of the series but still it was entertaining. We know Sebastian but we really don’t know or get to know Lily. We just know that she is the sister of Sebastian’s dead girlfriend. A girlfriend who died 10 years ago. He vowed never to love again. That lasted for 10 years and within in a few days of seeing Lily all grown up, the vow was crumbling. I liked that the story had a bit of forbidden love. there are the student/teacher, age difference and the sister elements. It is a quick read so it seemed a little rushed. The danger came out of nowhere and was definitely a surprise. I loved the epilogue and seeing into the near future for the cou
Even though this is the fourth book in this series
you don’t have to read the ones before this one because
each book is a standalone.
This one is the relationship between Sebastian and Lily.
The plot covers how they know each other and how the relationship started
and evolve.
The chemistry between the characters is one that is very believable.
Sometimes there’s trouble coming there way and sometimes it really hot
and heavy.
I definitely recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
5 Amazing Stars!!! This whole series…and this book in particular is absolutely amazing. Full of angst, suspense, heartbreak, twists & turns, and heat ! SO GOOD!!! It grabs your attention and interest from the first page. The characters and storyline was fascinating. Bravo!
Wow where do I begin? I’ll begin by saying that Josi and Cassie have done it once again, these to talented authors I proven over and over again what a fabulous team they make writing together! I’ve yet to read a book by them that I didn’t absolutely love and this one was no different. Sebastian and Lily take us on a journey sorrow grief heartache and love. I’ve always had a soft spot for Sebastian he was always the one to care for everybody around him when deep down he was really hurting all this time in silence. Losing the love of his life 10 years ago changed him so much so they felt it was better off alone. And then Here Comes Lily his once love of his life’s baby-sister. When they first bump into each other they don’t know how to act around each other it brings up a lot of old memories that they both forgotten about and a lot of pain especially as Sebastian battles with himself now everything is feeling is wrong but feels so right. Lily on the other hand does feel this way also but she is willing to push forward. The story definitely grabs you’re heart and twist but you’ll have to read it this book by yourself to find out everything that happens and how the ending turns out I don’t want to give away everything. I will say that I love everything about this book and everything about these two authors is amazing. I can’t wait to see what they come out with next it’s never a disappointment
A little taboo, a whole lot of sweetness this newest release does not disappoint. I loved Sebastian and Lily’s story, it was steamy, sweet and all the feels I enjoy in a good taboo read. Their chemistry sizzles and their loving is hot as they embark on a relationship with all the feels. An enjoyable add to the North Woods University series that is a must read!
As a big fan of the forbidden romance trope I was very excited to read this book. As much as I enjoyed reading it, I am left with some complicated feelings about it. To start I really liked Sebastian and Lily and all the forbidden elements of their romnce. I thought that their chemistry sizzled and I found their intamate scenes scorching. The storyline was well written and offered lots of intense emotions, drama, tension, poignancy and an air of angst to it. That being said, there were two things though that greatly took away from my enjoyment of this book and both of them related to Lily. I’m in a very difficuilt spot because I do not want to give spoilers so I’m going to try to dance around my answers. The first issue is one I’ve seen multiple times before in various books and I always want to shout at the authors, “Don’t! It is a trap you might not be able to escape from” and alas, for me that was the case in this story. I think authors use this plot device as a easy excuse not only for a instant attraction with a built in side of animosity. Unfortunately, it can also lead readers to lots of doubts about the genuineness of feelings that the characters are feeling and once that taint is there it is super hard to get rid of. Secondly, Lily’s let’s just say problem. This leads to very big questions about her judgement and I would have those same questions with the same problem with any character, female OR male. Situations like that are known for encouraging bad, often disastrous behavior and poor decisions. That left me with even more questions and concerns over the real feelings of the characters and the actual viability of their relationship. So see…. In the end complicated feelings. A very good book but for me it was no easy “A”. I am electing to post a sincere review.
Age gap stories are one of my favorite tropes, so when I saw that The Vow was an age gap i couldn’t wait to read it. These two authors didn’t disappoint!!
This is Sebastian and Lily’s story. Their’s is a story of overcoming a shared tragedy and finding love. Ten years prior Lily lost her parents and sister, Sebastian’s girl friend, in a car accident. Neither one of them have truly moved on from it. They experience guilt and pain. Sebastian has vowed to never love again. Seeing each other all these years later brings all of these feelings closer to the surface but also there is an intense chemistry between the two. Sure, they try to fight it but the heart wants what the heart wants. J. L. Beck and C. Hallman brought all the feels to this story and I found myself tearing up more than once. I was so happy with their HEA!
I absolutely loved this story!
I loved Sebastian and Lily! They were perfect for each other!
I think The Vow is my new favorite North Woods University Book! It was a captivating story with wonderful characters. It captured me from the first page and held me until the end. I couldn’t put it down! There’s some twists you won’t see coming that make for an enjoyable read. Josi and Cassy never disappoint! They write fantastic books! I can’t wait for the next one!
These gifted authors’ never fail to amaze me with their attention to detail and intricate stories. This is the 4th book in this series, but can be read as a standalone. Sebastian is the new dean of the university, and when Lily walks in he is stunned. These two are both broken by a tragic event, and they both need to heal. No spoilers; this is a must read, you will not be disappointed! This is a well written emotional roller coaster, which has angst, heartbreak, and is a steamy read, which had me totally captivated throughout this addictive page turner. I highly recommend these talented authors’ work for all.
Book 4 in North Woods University series by JL Beck and C Hallman was great. Each book in this series can be read as a standalone. This is a forbidden romance and usually it’s not my favourite trope by I feel the authors did a great job making it enjoyable for me as. The chemistry between Sebastian and Lily was evident even though both fought their feelings because of their positions at the school as well as their history. It was nice to see past characters make an appearance. The authors did a great job with this teacher-student trope. I definitely recommend it.
This is my favorite book of the Northwoods series! Sebastian and Lily are perfect. I live the storyline. I NEVER expected the twist at the end. Totally blindsided and shocked when I read it. Loved seeing characters from the previous books. I had to read this book in one sitting. I could not put it down. Read this book right now!
I want so much more! I loved this story and I want more. I hope we get Lex’s story next. Lilly and Sebastian may have felt like their relationship was doomed from the beginning but I knew it was only a matter of time. Their connection was undeniable and it was like magnets gravitating towards each other. I couldn’t put it down. I was engrossed in their story and had to find out what happened.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
OMG!!! This whole series is everything. I get sucked into each one I read. Though they are standalone and follow a new couple, you can get more since they are connected and you see characters from the previous books.
Sebastian is the newly appointed dean of North Woods. Ten years ago he swore he would never fall in love again. Then, one day, his past comes through the door. When he first sees Lily he has a mixture of emotions flow through him. He doesn’t want to feel what he’s feeling.
Lily hasn’t seen Sebastian since she lost her family ten years ago. She has never felt loved by her grandparents and is now confused about her feelings towards Sebastian.
Sebastian and Lily are both broken by the loss of those they loved. Lily is guilty for not being in the car and of her feelings. The same goes for Sebastian.
I was sucked in right from the beginning and couldn’t put it down. I loved the storyline and all the characters. I laughed and cried a little. There were times when I wanted to shake the hell out of Sebastian and ask him what the hell is he thinking? There is a little suspense and some drama. There is also love and healing. Pick this one up right away. I recommend the whole series. Enjoy and happy reading.
One of my favorites:
“I don’t want to be your dirty little secret. Something you’re forced to hide. I won’t be that girl, Sebastian.”
“You aren’t a secret, Lily. You’re the sun, and the moon, you’re the goddamn stars in my galaxy. You’re happiness and sadness. You’re perfection and chaos. You’re mine.”
The Secret, the third book in the North Woods University series, ended with a deliciously dirty moment involving Sebastian Miller who is the dean of North Woods University. So after waiting, wondering, and really just waiting to find out more about the fall from grace of ‘Dean’ Miller, I was thrilled to have a chance to read ‘The Vow’ and find out more about Sebastian.
It seems that Sebastian Miller has it all. He is the new dean at North Woods University and has a family who he is really close to, but when a new student walks into his office, he sees his past coming back to haunt him. Lily Kline looks identical to his girlfriend Amy who died ten years ago. She also happens to be Amy’s sister.
I have to say that I absolutely love the North Woods University series. Every story is different and filled with characters that you will either hate or love or eventually learn to love. Now Sebastian is a character that I loved immediately. He loves with his whole heart, even though it’s been broken for years. He sees that Lily is struggling to make it through college and wants to help her, but his past and the present always get in the way.
Speaking of broken, Lily is definitely a lost soul. Unwanted and unloved, she clings to her past connection with Sebastian even though it feels forbidden and wrong. Together, Lily and Sebastian definitely turn an age gap, student-teacher romance into a scorching hot read!
4.5 stars
Tragic but Sweet Love Story!
This is a tragic but very sweet love story that will captivate you and take you on an emotion journey. Sebastian and Lily are not meant to be together but their souls are tethered and keep pulling them to where they are meant to be. They both have very heartbreaking pasts but without heartbreak how can they find the love that was right there waiting for them. This story will entertain you and wow you in the end with it’s little twists and turns. It’s fantastic!
Favorite quote: “You’re the sun, and the moon, you’re the goddam stars in my galaxy. You’re happiness and sadness. You’re perfection and Chaos. You’re mine.”
This was another fantastic story from two amazing authors who know how to write stories that captivate and fully entertain us. Highly recommend anything they write.
Sebastian and Lily’s story is book 4 of the North Woods Series and can easily be read as a standalone book.
It had tragic beginnings with such heartache that only seemed to continue when the younger sister of sebastian’s lost love enrolls at the college that he now works as the dean.
Imagine Sebastian reaction to seeing lily suddenly enrolled and all grown up looking a lot like her older sister. Poor Sebastian struggles with the guilt of seeing lily and missing her dead sister Amy.
Lily is trying to move forward from the tragic death of her family 10 years ago to start to live her life and finally move forward.
I loved their stories past shared interactions, and the way Sebastian’s family welcomed lily. The sexual chemistry was intense and the story was creative and so well written.
The characters are complex the storyline captivating. The emotional attachment to the past was heartbreaking and both lily and Sebastian have such hurdles to overcome with them both having a emotional connection they know should continue it all seems forbidden. I highly recommend this book and series.
The Vow is a fabulously transformative journey of learning that love can heal as well as hurt. There is nothing more powerful or beautiful as loving another person and having them love you in return. However, nothing hurts worse than to have love forcibly removed from your life after having it invade every part of your being. When life deals you such a low blow, there are no good ways to deal with it. You have to find a way to continue breathing, continue moving, and continue surviving.
Sebastian is convinced that he is ok. He has a job that he enjoys, and he makes a point of spending time with his family that he loves dearly. Keeping his concentration away from his heart is the only way that he can keep moving forward. After losing his reason for living, he has closed himself off to the possibility of more. Lily is desperate to land on her feet after life twisted and shattered her heart at an early age. She knows she isn’t truly wanted, and she is ok with that as long as she make her goals work out. Above all she is realistic, and she knows she has no right to more. She just wants to keep moving forward. What happens when two battered souls meet in a collision course? Can love not only meld two hearts into one, but can it also heal those hearts in the process? What happens when strict boundaries are crossed by a love that will not be denied?
Sebastian is a character who deeply touched my heart in The Bet. He is one who loves deeply and without restraint. His devotion to those he loves is something too magnificent to behold without being affected by it enormously. That makes his story so phenomenal and unforgettable! He never saw Lily coming, and when he finally did it was way too late to walk away from her. Lily was a ray of hope that could not be ignored. I loved her fighting spirit in spite of everything that she endured in her past and the struggles of her present. She is every woman who hopes for something better after being touched by a bitter darkness.
JL Beck and C Hallman have blown me away with this extraordinary story! They have proven just how tremendous their talent as a writing duo is and can become in the future. They have no creative limits, and I am loving what they create. This books proves to me that they are the perfect writing team who knows how to capture your heart, steal it when you aren’t paying attention, and make you long for so much more then you find in any other book. Their stories are the ones that I want to read. I recommend that you give them a chance because you will never go back once you experience what they have to offer. They are the best and the gold standard of romance!