“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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“She’s bad waiting to happen and I’m not about to find myself in that kind of situation, least of all with my dead girlfriends baby sister.”
The Vow is a steamy, student/teacher romance that is sure to leave you quivering for more!
Sebastian has been recently given the title of DEAN OF NORTH WOOD UNIVERSITY. He’s the boss. He’s in charge. But he’s broken. He’s living day by day and that about all he does. He does his job well, but his life is bland without her. Until one day, SHE walks into his office.
“To my body there is no difference. My heart yearns for me to be near her, and it’s earth shattering to my brain.”
Lily has come to North Wood University to Love our her sisters wishes. She needs to do something with her life and when she walks into his office, her heart stirs up something it shouldn’t. He’s her dead sisters boyfriend. She can’t feel this way.
“Not only is he the dean of the university but he’s also everything I shouldn’t want or need.”
Josi and Cassy really swept me off my feet with this story. I love this series and the characters, but The Vow was FLAWLESS. Going in, The Dare was my favorite story in this series, but now? The Vow has my vote!
Check out this delicious, forbidden story of Sebastian and Lily! Everybody loves an alpha-hole and Sebastian is the dirty talking alpha we all need! But he’s mine! You can’t have him. You can look but no touching!
Easiest five stars I’ve ever given.
I absolutely loved Sebastian and Lily’s story. It was a very intriguing storyline that kept me captivated and turning pages. I couldn’t put it down until I finished it. I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a an awesome read
3.5 rating for me. I enjoyed reading Sebastian and Lily’s story, although I would have like more angst (yes, I like lots of drama, lol). I also liked Rem and Jules popping into the story and we definitely need to Lex’s story, too.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was waiting patiently for this one since reading the last one. This one is the forbidden love. The love that shouldn’t happen but it is love that cannot be controlled. I have loved every single book in this series but this one is my favorite. There is just something about this one. Sebastian is the dean of the college. He has lost the one of his life and has not really dealt with it. Until one day when someone who looks just like her walks into his office. The thing is the reason she looks just like her is because she is her sister. The only one that survived the accident that took everyone in her family. She is dealing with her own demons and not dealing with them any better than Sebastian is. Put these two together and hold on because they have some hot sexy chemistry but it is forbidden because he is the dean and she is a student. But will that stop them? Will they work past their history and see what is right in front of them? Will he lose her like he lost her sister? A gripping emotional storyline with two amazing characters who hook you right from the beginning. I absolutely love this one and cant wait to read more from all these characters
The Vow is another thrilling story in the North Woods University Series. So excited that Sebastian got to have his own story. Sebastian is the new Dean at the college and has been struggling for years with the loss of his girlfriend Amy, as he has vowed to never love again, until Lily enters his life . Lily who has been tormented with the loss of her family, lives with guilt and remorse of feeling unwanted and unloved. When these two are reunited after 10 years, Seb is floored when he sees Lily and the uncanny resemblance to her sister . He starts out being rude to her and tries to push her away as he finds that he is feeling things he shouldn’t have. Now they both are trying to hide their feelings, but circumstances are pushing them together. The emotions that is brought up by the loss they share was beautifuly written and will pull at your heart. When Lily is kicked out of the dorm, Seb comes to her rescue and decides to have her live with him. Seb is trying to deny his feelings for her but Lily is determined to have him. Now they give into their desires and find the need to hide their forbidden relationship that is intense and fragile. Lily is having doubts as she doesn’t want Seb to lose his job, as well as needing to be reassured that Seb wants only her. OMG! When these two come together, the passion and chemistry between them will blow you away!
While relishing the time they are spending building a life together, they will soon discover someone is out to put an end to this relationship. When Lily is finally given the opportunity with the help from Seb to devote her time and passion to her art, their happiness will be put to the test. When Lily finds herself in a dire situation, will Seb save her in time? Will these two have the life they deserve as Seb has now vowed to love and protect Lily for the rest of his life? With all of the drama, emotion, passion and twists and turns, you will be mesmerized from beginning to end. This is a must read and I highly recommend this story. J.L. Beck and C. Hallman has once again done a tremendous job with this series. Can’t wait for the next book about Seb and Rem’s brother Lex. I voluntairly reviewed an advanced copy of this book
This is Sebastian’s story the newly appointed dean of North Woods University and Remington Miller’s brother . I have been waiting for this book for a while and I was not disappointed . I really liked this story and the twist of him falling in love with his girlfriend that died little sister it was an emotional roller coaster of a story and one that I truly enjoyed! This forbidden romance story gave me all the feels and the chemistry between Sebastian and Lily was hot , I felt sorry for Lily and thought it was truly heartbreaking how she felt she had absolutely no one there for her or in her corner . My heart literally hurt for her so I am so glad that she got her HEA ! And Sebastian he deserves to be able to move on from the tragic loss of his high school sweet heart who just so happens to be Lily’s big sister, he is always there for everyone else and always helping with everybody else’s problems in life I’m glad he got the peace and his HEA that he deserves too! This is a heartwarming forbidden romance story that I truly enjoyed. I definitely recommend and I give it 5 stars too!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced complimentary copy of this book
This book is amazing, as I read about how the characters are acting, reacting, and thinking about their lives, I feel their pain/happiness. This book made me cry in many places as they heal their broko hearts. I love a book that can pull strong emotions from me. I absolutely love this author’s books and her book series. They can be read alone, but if read in order, you get to read about the characters as they interact with others prior to their stories. A must read series.
Received ARC From Author for Honest Review.
I Give this book a 4.5/5 Star Rating, Listing as 4.
I LOVE This Book!
Completely enjoyed this book and completely recommend.
This is my favorite out of the series, as soon as I opened the book I got completely sucked in.
I will be purchasing this book! No doubt about that!
I Will Give No Spoilers! 😀
Heat: 4/5
Romance: 4.5/5
Drama: 4.5/5
Suspense: 3/5
HEA(?): Absolutely!
The Vow is Sebastian’s story.
When he lost is true love he made a vow to never love again.
He finally gets his dream job and is living a safe quiet life.
All that is disrupted when Lily re-enters his life.
Lily has lost a lot in her short life.
When she joins NWU and reconnects with Sebastian.
She thinks things may start to get better for her.
But old feelings and insecurities are a driving factor in their lives.
They can’t shake off or ignore the chemistry and feelings that swirl around them for one another.
But another chance at finding love will require Seb to take a chance.
And will require that Lily believe in herself and trust that Sebastian is seeing her and not a ghost of a lost love.
I liked both Sebastian and Lily.
I liked how their characters grew and developed with their circumstances and situations.
The Vow
A spectacular continuation of the North Woods University series by J.L. Beck and Cassandra Hallman.
Sebastian and Lily’s story comes from one of tragedy that began ten years prior when Lily’s sister Amy and her parents were killed in a car accident. Amy was Sebastian girlfriend and his whole world so when she died he closed down and vowed to never love another. He tried to move on with life even landed his dream job as the dean of North Woods University but he wasn’t really living just existing.
Lily just nine at the time moved in with her grandparents but never felt welcomed or loved. They constantly reminded her that she wasn’t as smart as her mother was or your mother would’ve never done that. They’re alway made her feel like a burder,inconvence,and a reminder of the daughter that they lost. Now at nineteen she is trying to live up to what her family would of wished and go to college and live her life to the fullest.
In one of the heartbreaking moments in the book there is a quote where you can really feel her pain. Sebastian ask her:
“I need you to stop doing this shit. Stop putting yourself in danger. One of these times, I won’t be there to rescue you, and then what? What happens then? Do you want to get hurt? Is that it?”
Her answer as she breaks down “I want to hurt because I deserve to suffer. I’m alive, and they’re all dead. All of them. They left me here….”
Their journey isn’t easy it’s messy,full of strife,misunderstandings,undeniable chemistry, blackmail,danger,forgiveness and love.
One more quote to leave you with ….
“I don’t want to be your dirty little secret. Something your forced to hide. I won’t be that girl,Sebastian.”
“You aren’t a secret, Lily. You’re the sun,and the moon,your the goddamn stars in my galaxy. You’re happiness and sadness. You’re perfection and chaos. You’re mine.”
Lord have mercy be still my heart if that doesn’t make you feel warm all over nothing will.
Five glorious
JL Beck and Cassandra Hallman are amazing authors! Their stories get better and better! The Vow was an amazing read! I could not put it down. The story follows Sebastian and Lily’s story. Sebastian lost the love of his life ten years ago. He vowed he would never love again but boy was he wrong. Lily lost her sister and parents ten years ago. They haven’t seen each other in ten years since experiencing the loss of Amy (Sebastian’s girlfriend and Lily’s sister). He is the dean of the university Lily is attending. The spark between them is inevitable. It draws them into a forbidden and taboo romance. Can Sebastian get past the age difference and the fact that he is not suppose to be with a student? Can Lily get past the fact that she is betraying her sister because she is in love with her boyfriend? Will they be accepted by their loved ones?
A great read. Read it in one sitting. I enjoyed the slightly taboo of their relationship and how the struggle to be together was just too much. And of course I love the sexiness!!
*Spoiler Alert*
If you’ve read any of the books in this series especially The Vow then you’ll have met Sebastian before because hes Remington’s brother. In this book Sebastian has just been promoted to Dean of North Woods University. His dream job but it comes with its own complications. Namely from the new student Lily. Who is the little sister of his late girlfriend. So not only is her presence a reminder of what hes lost but shes the spitting image of her so its like her still being there. Things get more difficult when there’s a spark between them. This book definitely tugs at your heartstrings with love & loss. Its just a beautiful bittersweet story of two souls who loved the same person in different ways & how they try to move on together. Loved It
4*
Sebastian is shocked to see Lily at Norwood Academy she’s all grown up. He vowed never to love again after her sister Amy died but are his feelings real? Lily has always felt like she’s a disappointment or an inconvenience.
I loved how their personalities and fears were expressed with care.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Loved it.
This series just keeps getting better and better!
Sebastian is the new Dean at North Woods University he’s settled and is as happy as he can be after loosing “the love of his life” AMY 10 years ago. And then SHE walked into his office. Lily is Amy’s younger sister and he hasn’t seen her since she was a kid, fresh off the loss of her sister and parents. He never expected to see her again. He never expected that she would look so much like Amy. He never expected to be slammed with unwanted feelings. He never expected to find a new love of his life. As with all North Woods University books there is drama and even a taste of danger and oh so much emotion. So great to see Remington and Jules and watch how their story continues to play out. Cannot wait for more from North Woods.
I read a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
J. Beck and C. Hallman are two authors on my rather small list of favorites. Their collaborations are quite simply wonderful to read. I get started on one of their books and then myself rooted in place until the book ends. They capture my attention and spark my imagination in stories so well written that I forget I’m reading and not watching a movie play out in my mind.
I’ve read every book in the Northwoods series and this one, The Vow, measures up nicely to the previous books. I’ve always liked Sebastian in the other books but this time I got to know him. He’s such an honorable and loving man and OMG his hotness factor is off the charts. I also liked and cared for Lily, a strong yet vulnerable young woman. They have both suffered a terrible tragedy and both need each other to heal from it, while self doubt and other obstacles stand in their way. Not to mention a crazy, blackmailing stalker…
This story drew me in and held me close until its conclusion. I really enjoy entering and experiencing this world and each of its characters, so skillfully created by these two talented writers. Like I’ve said before in reference to their books, I loved every page. Highly recommended.
“We’re a match made in heaven but forbidden as sin.”
~Sebastian~
This is a bit of an age gap / taboo book. Not hugely so in either way. Ten years in age, and the dean, and student type of taboo. So no. Not hugely so. Sexy af though.
Sebastian is young to be the dean of a college, but it’s his dream job, and he’s there. When Lily shows up, looking so much like her dead sister, and Sebastian’s ex, it throws him for a bit of a loop. Ok, maybe a big one. Because you’re not supposed to want your dead girlfriends sister right? Especially when she’s a student.
They have something instant and strong. Undeniable to anyone. That doesn’t mean it’s easy for them. Not by a long shot. They have their issues. Their shared past, her being a student, him the dean of the college, their age difference. It’s a bit to overcome to say the least.
“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.”
~Sebastian~
This book is everything you love in the forbidden trope. Just the right amount of angst, heat, suspense and of course your HEA. I love the North Woods series, and this book did not disappoint the least. Loved every single word of it.
“There is no life after Lily. There is only her. Only us.”
~Sebastian~
The Vow has all the angsty goodness. Beck & Hallman bring us a story that is so heartbreakingly beautiful. Two broken souls destined to be together through tragedy.
I LOVED Lily and Sebs story. Beck and Hallman were able to make me feel all the emotions in this read. I can’t wait to read what’s next!
10 years ago he swore to never love again but when a blast from the past walks through his office door it shocks him to his core. He tries to fight every emotion that courses through him. In the end he can’t fight it any longer so when he starts getting blackmailed he will stop at nothing to protect what is his.
BEAUTIFUL BROKEN Rollercoaster Ride!
Sab and Lily’s story kept me captivated and blurry eyed. Every time I thought the story was headed in the right direction for Sab and Lily the story would take a painful turn and I would get all choked up and blurry eyed feeling the pain and sadness seep from the words start to my heart. The chemistry was hot passionate and undeniable with an endless supply of emotions. The storyline is engaging and well written and at times I couldn’t put it down as the shocking unexpected twists sent my heart racing with a fierce intensity to pick up the pace as the story spins out of control pushing me to the edge riddled with fear and excitement. A beautiful broken rollercoaster ride is the best way to describe this read. It’s beautiful then is broken then it’s sweet then it’s raw then it ends with an awe and I’m so happy I got to read this amazing story.