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North Woods University #4
The Vow
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…
Ten years ago 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'm trying to forget. My attraction to her is wrong, on so many levels and 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 having 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 sisters memory has, on my heart.
**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.**
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…
Ten years ago 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'm trying to forget. My attraction to her is wrong, on so many levels and 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 having 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 sisters memory has, on my heart.
**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.**
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2019
About the author
J.L. Beck
207 books6,094 followersJ.L. Beck is the USA Today Best Selling author of unapologetic romance. She lives in WI with her husband, two kids, and four dogs. She enjoys writing and recently starting a literary agency to help represent authors in the industry.
To learn more about her books or interact with her go here: https://linktr.ee/jlbeckbooks
J.L. Beck xoxoxo
To learn more about her books or interact with her go here: https://linktr.ee/jlbeckbooks
J.L. Beck xoxoxo
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 294 reviews
Shelved as 'never-no-way'
July 9, 2020I love forbidden romance but there is no romance in that for me!
The heroine looks like her dead sister, who the hero was in love with once. Her sister died in a car crash along with her parents.
After 10 years, seeing her little sister all grown up and resembling her is what makes the hero dearest feel like he can fall in love again!
Nope. Hard pass for me!
Age difference:
He is 10 years older. She is the student at the school where he is the dean. She is a virgin, of course.
"Ten years ago 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'm trying to forget. My attraction to her is wrong, on so many levels..."
***
"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."
***
"I'm just a reminder to him, a reminder of my sister, of what could have been."
The heroine looks like her dead sister, who the hero was in love with once. Her sister died in a car crash along with her parents.
After 10 years, seeing her little sister all grown up and resembling her is what makes the hero dearest feel like he can fall in love again!
Nope. Hard pass for me!
Age difference:
He is 10 years older. She is the student at the school where he is the dean. She is a virgin, of course.
"Ten years ago 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'm trying to forget. My attraction to her is wrong, on so many levels..."
***
"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."
***
"I'm just a reminder to him, a reminder of my sister, of what could have been."
September 29, 2019
No matter how many times it's been done, forbidden romance never gets old. The good ol saying of wanting something you can’t have is a permanent fixture in the storyline and you know that regardless of the outcome, you’re going to be taken on a hot passionate tempting journey that give you one question: Is it worth it?
It’s been ten years since Sebastian suffered a tragic loss and from that moment, he made a vow to himself. Never fall in love again. Pretty simple right? Being a newly appointed Dean at Norwood University, his life is extremely busy which leaves little room in the romance department. Focusing on his new position for the upcoming school year, Sebastian is about to come face to face with someone who reminds him of everything that he’s lost.
Lily has been trying her best to move on from a tragedy that has ripped her family apart and attending the University is the first step. Most students wouldn’t have an issue being introduced to the Dean but when that man is the same person who was your sister's boyfriend, it gets complicated. Can two people who’s past have been shattered, find love with each other?
This is my first time reading any of the book in the North Woods Series and even though some of the characters from the previous books were a part of this story, I had no problem following along and I loved that every book is considered a standalone. Lily and Sebastian's story was messy from the start and I knew that their journey was not going to be easy and I was prepared for that. I had a hard time in the beginning connecting with them as a couple but once they found their footing and got over the past, the evolution of their relationship was a good thing to see.
If you're looking for a sexy forbidden student/teacher(Dean) romance, then you should give this one a try.
October 8, 2019
He's the newly appointed dean.
I'm the forbidden fruit dangling right before his eyes.
It was a mistake for me to hold onto my v-card as long as I did for him.
But like always Sebastian Miller was hard to forget, and even harder to not love.
You ready for this forbidden tell?
Preorder today, and pay on release day!
AMAZON US: https://amzn.to/2K0y1hW
AMAZON UK: https://amzn.to/311iy6Q
AMAZON CA: https://amzn.to/2Zhsjxd
AMAZON AU: https://amzn.to/2K1fulL
I'm the forbidden fruit dangling right before his eyes.
It was a mistake for me to hold onto my v-card as long as I did for him.
But like always Sebastian Miller was hard to forget, and even harder to not love.
You ready for this forbidden tell?
Preorder today, and pay on release day!
AMAZON US: https://amzn.to/2K0y1hW
AMAZON UK: https://amzn.to/311iy6Q
AMAZON CA: https://amzn.to/2Zhsjxd
AMAZON AU: https://amzn.to/2K1fulL
October 9, 2019
I hated this book to say the least
SPOILERS AHEAD
The story was so bad. And don’t even get me started on that ending. Someone is s black mailing Sebastian because they say him with a student I don’t even remember her name and so he tries to pay them of with 10k and they keep asking for more money so then they kidnap her as ransom and the kidnaper turns out to be some woman he went out to dinner with once and she got jealous of them. WHAT?! When would this actually happen. And get this before she gets kidnapped she finds out she’s PREGNANT don’t even get me started on the fact that she’s shocked because out of all the times they had sex Sebastian never once used a condom and she wasn’t on birth control. All he said was shit I didn’t use a condom promise I’ll use one next time. NEXT TIME??! And she was fine with it and then she’s crying when she finds out she’s pregnant?? This book is all over the place I would suggest you save your time and skip out on this book
SPOILERS AHEAD
The story was so bad. And don’t even get me started on that ending. Someone is s black mailing Sebastian because they say him with a student I don’t even remember her name and so he tries to pay them of with 10k and they keep asking for more money so then they kidnap her as ransom and the kidnaper turns out to be some woman he went out to dinner with once and she got jealous of them. WHAT?! When would this actually happen. And get this before she gets kidnapped she finds out she’s PREGNANT don’t even get me started on the fact that she’s shocked because out of all the times they had sex Sebastian never once used a condom and she wasn’t on birth control. All he said was shit I didn’t use a condom promise I’ll use one next time. NEXT TIME??! And she was fine with it and then she’s crying when she finds out she’s pregnant?? This book is all over the place I would suggest you save your time and skip out on this book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2019
This book had me on the edge of my seat! this series just blows me away!
October 11, 2020
4 1/2 stars!
Read
May 30, 2020Hero was the boyfriend of heroine’s deceased sister. Heroine looks alot like sister.
His inner thoughts make it very clear he was madly in love with the sister. He calls her his soulmate, the love of his life so clearly heroine will be second best and had sister not died he would be with her. Dead love tropes are majority of the time a miss
His inner thoughts make it very clear he was madly in love with the sister. He calls her his soulmate, the love of his life so clearly heroine will be second best and had sister not died he would be with her. Dead love tropes are majority of the time a miss
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2021
3.75
I really liked the characters and the store luckily I did not feel that the sister was the kind of condolence award that was important!
Unfortunately there was an unresolved issue and it really disappointed me because it is a very important issue that deserves to be handle
I really liked the characters and the store luckily I did not feel that the sister was the kind of condolence award that was important!
Unfortunately there was an unresolved issue and it really disappointed me because it is a very important issue that deserves to be handle
September 24, 2019
I've really been enjoying the "North Woods" series, but I'm sorry to say this particularly volume didn't work for me, for reasons I'll put below under a spoiler alert.
SPOILERS:
1. Verisimilitude issues. Sebastian is way to young to been a dean of a college. I'm academic-adjacent, and this was just too much to get over. Deans, particularly on the administrative level are the 'gray eminences' of the college. Sebastian would be around 28-29 years old, and likely only be 3-4 years out of college with a PhD (which he'd definitely require to a be a dean). Sebastian might, very much *might* be a division head/head of a department, but not enough character background is covered here to know what exactly Sebastian's academic background is and if he were some kind of teen prodigy who graduated from college at 13 or something. Yes, I'm going into the weeds with this, but the credibility of the story went out the window with this issue, particularly since there was no real reason within the plot itself that this character *needed* to be the dean of North Woods when he would have easily and more plausibly just been a professor.
2. Character development: I'm not sure what went on with this volume but that element just wasn't there this time. I'm not even sure what the attraction was for Sebastian to Lily other than the fact that she looked like her sister. Did Sebastian even know who Lily was, personality-wise, before he feel in love (lust, check!) with her? May be an unpopular opinion, but that (lack of element) made the story tread a bit too much into the creepy for me.
3. Age/experience: Ten years isn't that much, tbh. My partner is ten years older than me, so it's not that that squicked me here, but why make Lily a virgin? There we're getting into the life experience gap, which IS a bigger problem for me at the 18/19 year old with 28/29 year old partner. In addition, having Lily have other emotional issues, including a drinking problem, takes the plot into discomfort territory given the age/experience/power differential and the younger partner's emotional vulnerabilities.
END SPOILERS!
Do any of these criticism make me less likely to continue reading these authors and this series?
Oh, gd no. Again, "The Vow" didn't quite speak to me but I'm still a big fan and look forward to the next volume.
SPOILERS:
1. Verisimilitude issues. Sebastian is way to young to been a dean of a college. I'm academic-adjacent, and this was just too much to get over. Deans, particularly on the administrative level are the 'gray eminences' of the college. Sebastian would be around 28-29 years old, and likely only be 3-4 years out of college with a PhD (which he'd definitely require to a be a dean). Sebastian might, very much *might* be a division head/head of a department, but not enough character background is covered here to know what exactly Sebastian's academic background is and if he were some kind of teen prodigy who graduated from college at 13 or something. Yes, I'm going into the weeds with this, but the credibility of the story went out the window with this issue, particularly since there was no real reason within the plot itself that this character *needed* to be the dean of North Woods when he would have easily and more plausibly just been a professor.
2. Character development: I'm not sure what went on with this volume but that element just wasn't there this time. I'm not even sure what the attraction was for Sebastian to Lily other than the fact that she looked like her sister. Did Sebastian even know who Lily was, personality-wise, before he feel in love (lust, check!) with her? May be an unpopular opinion, but that (lack of element) made the story tread a bit too much into the creepy for me.
3. Age/experience: Ten years isn't that much, tbh. My partner is ten years older than me, so it's not that that squicked me here, but why make Lily a virgin? There we're getting into the life experience gap, which IS a bigger problem for me at the 18/19 year old with 28/29 year old partner. In addition, having Lily have other emotional issues, including a drinking problem, takes the plot into discomfort territory given the age/experience/power differential and the younger partner's emotional vulnerabilities.
END SPOILERS!
Do any of these criticism make me less likely to continue reading these authors and this series?
Oh, gd no. Again, "The Vow" didn't quite speak to me but I'm still a big fan and look forward to the next volume.
October 7, 2019
*
Read more of my reviews at Whoo Gives A Hoot
*
The Vow is a sexy and forbidden student/teacher(aka Dean) romance that spoke to the taboo lover deep in my soul. This dynamite duo took me on a rollercoaster ride full of feels that had my heart completely swooning in overdrive. The authors beautifully captivating storytelling ability wholeheartedly captivated every part of me and I absolutely adored every moment of Sebastian and Lily's story. If you have read the other books in the North Woods University series, then you have probably been eagerly waiting for Sebastian's story like me. I mean come on, who wouldn't want his story?! I know I FREAKING did...that is FOR SURE!
Sebastian Miller just landed his dream job as the newly appointed Dean of North Woods University and things are going well until a blast from his past arrives suddenly out of nowhere. Lily Kline is the reminder of all that he has lost and she is the LAST person he should want, but he does. Their love is beyond forbidden and with so many obstacles standing in their way things are about to get tricky. Their story will take you on a ride full of twists and turns that will have you on the edge of your seat until the very end!
Sebastian and Lily's story was hands down my favorite in the series (although it can certainly be read as a standalone)! There was so much to love and if you are a fan of this trope then you will LOVE their story too!
The Vow is a sexy and forbidden student/teacher(aka Dean) romance that spoke to the taboo lover deep in my soul. This dynamite duo took me on a rollercoaster ride full of feels that had my heart completely swooning in overdrive. The authors beautifully captivating storytelling ability wholeheartedly captivated every part of me and I absolutely adored every moment of Sebastian and Lily's story. If you have read the other books in the North Woods University series, then you have probably been eagerly waiting for Sebastian's story like me. I mean come on, who wouldn't want his story?! I know I FREAKING did...that is FOR SURE!
Sebastian Miller just landed his dream job as the newly appointed Dean of North Woods University and things are going well until a blast from his past arrives suddenly out of nowhere. Lily Kline is the reminder of all that he has lost and she is the LAST person he should want, but he does. Their love is beyond forbidden and with so many obstacles standing in their way things are about to get tricky. Their story will take you on a ride full of twists and turns that will have you on the edge of your seat until the very end!
Sebastian and Lily's story was hands down my favorite in the series (although it can certainly be read as a standalone)! There was so much to love and if you are a fan of this trope then you will LOVE their story too!
Shelved as 'dnf-nope'
July 8, 2020ok i gave up at 50%
I liked some other authors story's about similar plots, where the ex get's with a relative sister and they were truly good together,the circumstances were good and i could connect with them.
In this book...i couldn't get past the fact that she is literally looking like her DEAD SISTER! and obviously he is attracted to her cuz her sister was his soulmate bla bla... end well they kind of fall for each other instantly and i didn't like that, ok 10 years passed but still,i would prefer seeing some plot you know? not like that, the story could be better if she was the sister but at least not looking like her you know?they could fall for their attraction and could be more genuine...lol...
i dunno, i just couldn't get past that. not like this, if you want to describe her looking like the sister at least give me more build up story,more twists , attraction, just meh,
also use freaking condoms if you guys don't intentionally want a pregnancy.
i agree with the other 1-2 stars reviews about this one.
I liked some other authors story's about similar plots, where the ex get's with a relative sister and they were truly good together,the circumstances were good and i could connect with them.
In this book...i couldn't get past the fact that she is literally looking like her DEAD SISTER! and obviously he is attracted to her cuz her sister was his soulmate bla bla... end well they kind of fall for each other instantly and i didn't like that, ok 10 years passed but still,i would prefer seeing some plot you know? not like that, the story could be better if she was the sister but at least not looking like her you know?they could fall for their attraction and could be more genuine...lol...
i dunno, i just couldn't get past that. not like this, if you want to describe her looking like the sister at least give me more build up story,more twists , attraction, just meh,
also use freaking condoms if you guys don't intentionally want a pregnancy.
i agree with the other 1-2 stars reviews about this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2019
The Vow by J. L. Beck and C. Hallman
⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 STARS
The Vow is the fourth book in the North Wood University series by the authors J.L. Beck and C. Hallman.
It's written in dual POV and can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend that you read the first three books first.
The Bet, The Dare, The Secret and after that to start with The Vow. The books are very well written, and their stories are very beautiful. Each one of them having a different couple.
The Vow tells the story of Sebastian and Lily. Sebastian is Remington's brother from the first book, The Bet.
Being the newly appointed Dean of North Wood University at such a young age means that Sebastian worked very hard for the spot that he is in right now. After the tragic event that changed his life, Sebastian drowned himself in work. Only now, he has to work harder to keep his place and his reputation intact, especially with Lily being a student at his University.
Lily is not the kid Sebastian remembers. She is now a beautiful young woman who turns his life upside down. She wakes in him feelings that he didn't know he had them anymore. His heart started to beat again when he saw her.
The tragic event that changed Sebastian life, changed Lily's too. The love between Sebastian and Lily was forbidden for so many reasons. In my opinion, Lily lost much more than Sebastian.
They heal each other. Sebastian was so stubborn, but after he realizes that he can love again and be loved again, he became so possessive and so intense and passionate.
The North Wood University is a series you don't want to miss.
The Vow is a very well written book, steamy and easy to read, with a student/teacher kink and age gape kink.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 STARS
The Vow is the fourth book in the North Wood University series by the authors J.L. Beck and C. Hallman.
It's written in dual POV and can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend that you read the first three books first.
The Bet, The Dare, The Secret and after that to start with The Vow. The books are very well written, and their stories are very beautiful. Each one of them having a different couple.
The Vow tells the story of Sebastian and Lily. Sebastian is Remington's brother from the first book, The Bet.
Being the newly appointed Dean of North Wood University at such a young age means that Sebastian worked very hard for the spot that he is in right now. After the tragic event that changed his life, Sebastian drowned himself in work. Only now, he has to work harder to keep his place and his reputation intact, especially with Lily being a student at his University.
Lily is not the kid Sebastian remembers. She is now a beautiful young woman who turns his life upside down. She wakes in him feelings that he didn't know he had them anymore. His heart started to beat again when he saw her.
The tragic event that changed Sebastian life, changed Lily's too. The love between Sebastian and Lily was forbidden for so many reasons. In my opinion, Lily lost much more than Sebastian.
They heal each other. Sebastian was so stubborn, but after he realizes that he can love again and be loved again, he became so possessive and so intense and passionate.
The North Wood University is a series you don't want to miss.
The Vow is a very well written book, steamy and easy to read, with a student/teacher kink and age gape kink.
March 31, 2021
3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️
Style: Forbidden/Taboo/Age Gap Romance (College)
Story: 3/5
Enjoyment: 3.5/5
Dark Level: 0/5
Sexual Level: GOOD
Triggers: Yes
Violence: No
Male: Authoritative Figure & Sexy
Series: Book 4
Pages: 218
Audio: GuyV:GOOD & GirlV: GOOD
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
STORY:
I love these authors, but this series, I am not feeling as connected to it as I want to. That butterfly feeling isn’t there. Because I am not in love with it, doesn’t mean I don’t like it as I want to read the other books.
Sebastian was everything. I like his character. In book 1, with his brother Rem, he seemed different in a good way. In his own story, who knew he was struggling inside while adjusting to his new position of Dean at North Woods Uni. Lily, to be honest, it was hard seeing her emotional state in the beginning of the book. She has lost a lot and that was heartbreaking to see.
CHEMISTRY:
Physically, they connected, and it was good to see when they finally throw caution to the wind. Physically chemistry I was satisfied with.
SECONDARY CHARACTERS:
It was good seeing Rem and Jules again from book 1, as Rem is Seb’s brother. I thought I would see a lot of Jules and Lily together when they reconnected as they were friends when they were younger. Either way, I am looking forward to Lex’s story, their other brother.
Overall, a likable read, good audio and likable characters. Did feel blown away, but still felt very connected.
**Trigger: Alcohol abuse
***I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read and hope this review was helpful.
Shelved as 'dnf'
February 26, 2020DNF @ 64% I was all on board for this train a forbiddeness, it started off strong my heart hurt for both the hero and the heroine of the story and the loss that they had suffered more into the book it just became to much of a push and pull but i kept pushing through kept skimming through pages and over all I just got bored side note it might just be me but I seem to struggle with books that are written by two authors Kennedy Fox is a good example a struggle with those books so I had to dnf this book at 64% due to the fact of just I was bored and I don't really even care to find out how the book ends.
December 20, 2020
This book is SO contradictory???? First of all, I was already bothered by the fact that he was completely affected by her when they first met. I feel that the couple didn't have much development. Second, Lily is the most contradictory mc I've ever read IN MY LIFE. She was like "I don't want to be your dirty little secret." Ten pages later she said “let’s keep it a secret, I don’t want you to lose your job”. AND THEN SHE FOUND OUT HE WAS PAYING A BLACKMAILER TO KEEP THEM AS A SECRET AND SHE WENT MAD?????? Oh, and the author wrote a alcoholism plot and simply abandoned it as if mc was miraculously cured. I only gave two stars because Sebastian has very cute statements and because the scenes with Rem and Jules were funny.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2023
Eh. Not the best/sexiest/dirtiest/angst filled/forbidden I’ve ever read but it for the job did.
I love me some JL beck but this sort of fell short for me. I think I needed more angst. Idk. More build up maybe. Idk.
I love me some JL beck but this sort of fell short for me. I think I needed more angst. Idk. More build up maybe. Idk.
June 23, 2021
“My goddess, my world. She is the sun, the sky, the moon, and I’m caught in her orbit, forever stuck. She is my reason for breathing. My existence.”
The Vow, book four in the North Woods University series, is a forbidden, sexy, and sweet college romance. To be honest, the 'falling for my dead past love's little sister' trope is one that kinda scares me. However, it's been done well before and I've been enjoying this series so I was willing to brave it.
The book immediately got off to a strong start (like all the books I've read from these authors) and I was pulled in right away. Sebastian and Lily had an immediate connection. And it wasn't all because of Amy. I got the sense that Sebastian came to see Lily for who she was and love her for it too. The story covers some issues of loss, emotional neglect, and depression.
I loved that despite the multitude of reasons and circumstances Sebastian should stay away, he knew that he didn't want to miss out on something with her and that it was past time someone show Lily how special and loved she is.
I wasn't expecting this one to have a thriller element to it, but it did and with it upped the intensity. This book turned out to be so cute and the epilogue fucked me up! And of course I loved seeing the other happy couples throughout the story.
The Vow, book four in the North Woods University series, is a forbidden, sexy, and sweet college romance. To be honest, the 'falling for my dead past love's little sister' trope is one that kinda scares me. However, it's been done well before and I've been enjoying this series so I was willing to brave it.
The book immediately got off to a strong start (like all the books I've read from these authors) and I was pulled in right away. Sebastian and Lily had an immediate connection. And it wasn't all because of Amy. I got the sense that Sebastian came to see Lily for who she was and love her for it too. The story covers some issues of loss, emotional neglect, and depression.
I loved that despite the multitude of reasons and circumstances Sebastian should stay away, he knew that he didn't want to miss out on something with her and that it was past time someone show Lily how special and loved she is.
I wasn't expecting this one to have a thriller element to it, but it did and with it upped the intensity. This book turned out to be so cute and the epilogue fucked me up! And of course I loved seeing the other happy couples throughout the story.
October 15, 2021
🎨 sisters ex
🎨 student teacher
🎨 intense love
🎨 Forbidden
I have read this story such a long time ago, but I still think of it often. This is the story of Sebastian and Lily.
Sebastian who is now The Dean of student at the college Lily attends, as well as Lily’s dead sisters boyfriend. (Are you with me?) The plot is one I haven’t really seen before, and I loved that the authors took the typical tropes and spinner them a bit.
Lily and Sebastian’s love is intense from the first page. Sebastian is fighting a losing battle within himself. Wanting to be with Lily, but due to his status and his past, is struggling to give into his feelings. But I doesn’t take very long when he finally does.
Sebastian is the grumpy, over protective hero that I often look for in this trope. Lily is the free spirit, artist of the family, wanting to do things her own way, and get out from the control of her grandparent.
There is a bit of a thrilling mystery aspect that I didn’t see coming from a book like this, but it made for some on the edge of my seat moments.
I honestly love this book as much as when I first read it. I recommend it to everyone I can. This is a 5 star read for me!
🎨 student teacher
🎨 intense love
🎨 Forbidden
I have read this story such a long time ago, but I still think of it often. This is the story of Sebastian and Lily.
Sebastian who is now The Dean of student at the college Lily attends, as well as Lily’s dead sisters boyfriend. (Are you with me?) The plot is one I haven’t really seen before, and I loved that the authors took the typical tropes and spinner them a bit.
Lily and Sebastian’s love is intense from the first page. Sebastian is fighting a losing battle within himself. Wanting to be with Lily, but due to his status and his past, is struggling to give into his feelings. But I doesn’t take very long when he finally does.
Sebastian is the grumpy, over protective hero that I often look for in this trope. Lily is the free spirit, artist of the family, wanting to do things her own way, and get out from the control of her grandparent.
There is a bit of a thrilling mystery aspect that I didn’t see coming from a book like this, but it made for some on the edge of my seat moments.
I honestly love this book as much as when I first read it. I recommend it to everyone I can. This is a 5 star read for me!
October 13, 2019
What J.L and Cassandra wrote in The Vow is why we read romance. Yes, there is an age gap in this book but it just makes the story that much better. Sebastian and Lily's story is one of the best stories of the year.
Sebastian has been in the other books and has always been the brother/father figure in those stories. Such a great guy that you just want to be around. But we never knew the pain, loss, and love that he was hiding in his past. Not until Lily shows up at North Woods.
Lily is in college and ready to start fresh. Seeing Sebastian after all this time she didn't think it would be so hard for either of them. But they have to get through that history if they are ever going to have their own future.
The Vow is a must-read story!
January 5, 2020
Reading this book felt like I was watching a tv show that needed to be wrapped up within 30 minutes. One second, the Heroine and Hero are meeting again the next they’re in love? There was no plot. No angst. No story. No building love - it was b o r I n g. This had so much potential. The storyline could’ve been something truly amazing but it never happened. Disappointing. In giving it a 2 instead of a 1 because I did enjoy reading it when I pretended it was a 180 words novella; that’s why it didn’t have a full story.
October 5, 2019
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
I voluntarily reviewed a advanced readers copy of this book
February 8, 2020
This was an amazing read. The story involves the new Dean of North Woods University, Sebastian Miller and one of the students, Lily Kline. Lily Kline is Sebastian’s dead girlfriend’s sister and to me, she was a fantastic character. I felt the pain that she went through and I thought she was smart, and beautiful. Sebastian is a loving guy who vowed to himself that he would never fall in love again after the death of his girlfriend, Amy Kline. It was Lily that brought who made Sebastian feel alive and from loving each other is when they discovered what they wanted. My favourite part was the last few chapters. They had me on the edge of my seat and I was wondering how it would turn out. The ending was beautiful. I am glad that they got their happily ever after. I will read the other books in this series to see what happens with Sebastian’s brothers and other characters in the series. Overall, an incredible read.
Read
March 7, 2023🚫 N O T A 🚫
Que decepción, C. Hallman.
Nunca me ha gustado J.L. Beck en solitario porque no soporto leer a sus "vírgenes" chupa pollas, que nos repiten hasta el cansancio lo puras e inocentes que son. Señores/as HIPÓCRITAS, el sexo implica cualquier practica sexual, incluidas las felaciones, entre otras cosas.
Hasta día de hoy pensaba que cuando J.L. Beck co-escribía con C. Hallman nos ahorraba esas mierdas. Pero después de leer "The Vow" y de leer a nuestra inmaculada heroina Lily, asegurando que ha tonteado y dado mamadas antes, que nunca antes a fallado en una mamada y que puede hacer correrse con facilidad... pero que es muy "virgen"... 🙄
En serio, C. Hallman, que decepción. O me equivoqué contigo o se te ha contagiado la hipocresía de J.L. Beck. 🤷
May 13, 2020
I loved Sebastian from the moment he made his appearance at "The Bet and that's the main reason I went ahead and read this book. I'm not a fan of student-dean/ professor tropes, but Sebastian and Lily's story was pleasant and easy to read. It was softer than the previous book with less drama and minor twists and turns.
P.S. I'm so happy that the book was way better than the cover!
P.S. I'm so happy that the book was way better than the cover!
June 30, 2020
Once again, another sweet romance. We get Sebastian’s love story. Of course, he said he’d never love again. Until his dead girlfriend’s baby sister shows up. But Lily is all grown up now. And she’s just as hung up on Seb as he is her now. This gave me all the feels as Seb’s always been a favorite in this series. You’ll love the build up and the final piece of the puzzle being placed for these two lovebirds.
September 5, 2023
It wasn't the age gap or the fact that he was the Dean and she was student. It was that she was the younger sister of the girl he used to love - who is dead now. Now this is in itself isn't a terrible concept or something that I haven't read before - I've read other books where this worked. Idk something about this one just didn't work as well for me.
I liked this character less than some of the others in this series as well. Probably won't directly recommend, but wouldn't tell anyone not to read.
I liked this character less than some of the others in this series as well. Probably won't directly recommend, but wouldn't tell anyone not to read.
April 17, 2020
There is a lot to unpack with this one. I got about half way and then and skim read most of the rest.
I’ve read reviews regarding the first book in this series being real problematic, but the age-gap and student teacher tropes had me intrigued for this one. I didn’t have high expectations but this was honestly just real fucking bad.
Safe to say these authors aren’t for me.
Spoilers Ahead
THE BASICS: Our hero (Seb) was with our heroine’s (Lily) sister until 10 years ago when said sister died in a car accident (not a spoiler). Now Seb is the dean at this university and Lily is a student on a scholarship. Seb is also 10 years older than Lily.
FIRST OFF we get some pretty wicked insta-lust, which is whatever. I’m okay with this sometimes but when the story reads like two horny teenagers I’m out. If I wasn’t told that Seb is a dean and we are at a University I would have believed this is about a couple kids in high school. The only real tension was because they are both cut up about the fact that the hero dated the sister first and she died. To be fair, the hero doesn’t pine for his dead love the whole time so that’s a plus I guess?
NOW LILY DEAR, she’s at university on a scholarship to do her dead parents and sister proud and you want to know what her main focus is? How hot the dean is, how it’s so forbidden. Oh poor me he’s not into me and keeps rejecting me so I’m going to act like a spoiled brat, get drunk multiple times, get kicked out of dorm housing (because of said drinking) - I can’t sympathise/empathise, I can’t anything with this heroine.
MOVING ON without any real tension, or angst, or chemistry at all really, we get to head to bone town. On multiple occasions. Without protection. Oops? Can you see what’s going to happen here? Here are a few quotes regarding these real ‘adult’ situations.
——
First time:
“It’s okay… I mean, I-I should be okay. I just had my period. So, it’s unlikely that I would get… you know…” I stumble over the words before trailing off, unable to even say the word pregnant.
Sebastian shakes his head, “It’s not okay. It was a reckless choice. One that could end up hurting both of us.”
YA THINK? Let me just mention that this is the extent of the conversation. They are both too busy focusing on the fact that they “shouldn’t be together”. Yeah okay, priorities right?
Second time:
“Shit, I’m sorry. I forgot a condom again.” He whispers against my skin. “I’ll be sure to be more careful next time.”
RIGHTO. Once again, this is the extent of the conversation because they are far too happy to acknowledge they want to be together now. Important right?
——
Basically they just keep screwing without protection (as far as I could tell, skim reading after 50%) and not once use a condom or any other kind of birth control. Imagine my UTTER SHOCK when our heroine ends up pregnant.
Ugh. I don’t really mind when an accidental pregnancy happens in books but this was so obviously set up from the first time they had sex (which was very early on). Add to the fact that this reads like a bunch of lusty horny kids, about to have a kid ... I just can’t. There’s also some other real crazy far-fetched stuff happening but it’s late, and you get the idea.
This was just not enjoyable for me. At all.
I’ve read reviews regarding the first book in this series being real problematic, but the age-gap and student teacher tropes had me intrigued for this one. I didn’t have high expectations but this was honestly just real fucking bad.
Safe to say these authors aren’t for me.
Spoilers Ahead
THE BASICS: Our hero (Seb) was with our heroine’s (Lily) sister until 10 years ago when said sister died in a car accident (not a spoiler). Now Seb is the dean at this university and Lily is a student on a scholarship. Seb is also 10 years older than Lily.
FIRST OFF we get some pretty wicked insta-lust, which is whatever. I’m okay with this sometimes but when the story reads like two horny teenagers I’m out. If I wasn’t told that Seb is a dean and we are at a University I would have believed this is about a couple kids in high school. The only real tension was because they are both cut up about the fact that the hero dated the sister first and she died. To be fair, the hero doesn’t pine for his dead love the whole time so that’s a plus I guess?
NOW LILY DEAR, she’s at university on a scholarship to do her dead parents and sister proud and you want to know what her main focus is? How hot the dean is, how it’s so forbidden. Oh poor me he’s not into me and keeps rejecting me so I’m going to act like a spoiled brat, get drunk multiple times, get kicked out of dorm housing (because of said drinking) - I can’t sympathise/empathise, I can’t anything with this heroine.
MOVING ON without any real tension, or angst, or chemistry at all really, we get to head to bone town. On multiple occasions. Without protection. Oops? Can you see what’s going to happen here? Here are a few quotes regarding these real ‘adult’ situations.
——
First time:
“It’s okay… I mean, I-I should be okay. I just had my period. So, it’s unlikely that I would get… you know…” I stumble over the words before trailing off, unable to even say the word pregnant.
Sebastian shakes his head, “It’s not okay. It was a reckless choice. One that could end up hurting both of us.”
YA THINK? Let me just mention that this is the extent of the conversation. They are both too busy focusing on the fact that they “shouldn’t be together”. Yeah okay, priorities right?
Second time:
“Shit, I’m sorry. I forgot a condom again.” He whispers against my skin. “I’ll be sure to be more careful next time.”
RIGHTO. Once again, this is the extent of the conversation because they are far too happy to acknowledge they want to be together now. Important right?
——
Basically they just keep screwing without protection (as far as I could tell, skim reading after 50%) and not once use a condom or any other kind of birth control. Imagine my UTTER SHOCK when our heroine ends up pregnant.
Ugh. I don’t really mind when an accidental pregnancy happens in books but this was so obviously set up from the first time they had sex (which was very early on). Add to the fact that this reads like a bunch of lusty horny kids, about to have a kid ... I just can’t. There’s also some other real crazy far-fetched stuff happening but it’s late, and you get the idea.
This was just not enjoyable for me. At all.
October 4, 2019
With each new book in this series, I find myself loving J.L. Beck &C.Hallman's writing more and more. The Vow was a great read. I finished reading it within one day, because I had such a hard time putting it down. It demonstrated the reality behind grief, survivor's guilt, and just how hard it can be for someone to feel okay with finding love, after their significant other passes away.
It also showed that it is OK to move forward in life. That just because you love someone new does not mean that you love the person you lost any less.
You meet Sebastian in the very first book of this series of interconnected stand alone's, called The Bet. Remington is Sebastian's younger brother. Sebastian has just received the job of a lifetime, and is North Woods University's brand new dean. Things seem to be falling into place perfectly, when one day Sebastian gets the surprise of a lifetime.
Lily, Sebastian's dead girlfriend's younger sister, is now attending her first year at North Woods University. She is there on scholarship, studying art.
Sebastian's immediate reaction is shock, because the moment he saw Lily, he thought that she was Amy, his girlfriend that had passed away in an accident 10 years prior. He quickly came to the realization that the woman he is staring at is in fact the little girl he remembered, all grown up.
The situation is a strange one, & they soon find that they have feelings for one another, but their past's make it really hard for them to ever accept that their relationship could be a successful one.
The book is filled with moment's of confusion and questioning, angst, heartbreak, love, and even suspense. Between Sebastian trying to make sure that he can keep his job as dean of the college, and Lily wanting to make sure that she can keep her scholarship and make sure that her grandparents are proud...their relationship, friends or lovers, is going to be tough.
Make sure to get your copy of The Vow ASAP. Get yourself wrapped up in another one of JL Beck & C.Hallman's amazing love stories! They haven't spared any detail, and you will experience all of what the characters endure, right along with them.
I absolutely recommend this story to anyone who loves a story with depth, great characters, some amazing steam, and lots of love.
It also showed that it is OK to move forward in life. That just because you love someone new does not mean that you love the person you lost any less.
You meet Sebastian in the very first book of this series of interconnected stand alone's, called The Bet. Remington is Sebastian's younger brother. Sebastian has just received the job of a lifetime, and is North Woods University's brand new dean. Things seem to be falling into place perfectly, when one day Sebastian gets the surprise of a lifetime.
Lily, Sebastian's dead girlfriend's younger sister, is now attending her first year at North Woods University. She is there on scholarship, studying art.
Sebastian's immediate reaction is shock, because the moment he saw Lily, he thought that she was Amy, his girlfriend that had passed away in an accident 10 years prior. He quickly came to the realization that the woman he is staring at is in fact the little girl he remembered, all grown up.
The situation is a strange one, & they soon find that they have feelings for one another, but their past's make it really hard for them to ever accept that their relationship could be a successful one.
The book is filled with moment's of confusion and questioning, angst, heartbreak, love, and even suspense. Between Sebastian trying to make sure that he can keep his job as dean of the college, and Lily wanting to make sure that she can keep her scholarship and make sure that her grandparents are proud...their relationship, friends or lovers, is going to be tough.
Make sure to get your copy of The Vow ASAP. Get yourself wrapped up in another one of JL Beck & C.Hallman's amazing love stories! They haven't spared any detail, and you will experience all of what the characters endure, right along with them.
I absolutely recommend this story to anyone who loves a story with depth, great characters, some amazing steam, and lots of love.
October 17, 2019
“Lily was a reminder of everything I had lost, and everything I would never have.”
Sebastian has reason to celebrate. Although young, he got his dream job and is now the new dean of North Woods University. Finally it seems that his life is getting in the way. Until the arrival of a new student will bring dormant feelings to the surface. After all, she is the faithful copy of his ex. His late ex.
Lily remembers Sebastian, but many years have passed since the last meeting. Now a young woman, she hopes that college will provide a fresh start. After all, her life has not been easy at all. But coming across him will provoke new and unexpected sensations.
Sebastian will be in hell. Trapped by his ex's memories and the improper feelings her very young sister arouses, he won't know how to act. And keeping her away will be the only solution. But Lily will be on a self-destructive path, and he won't be able to not get involved. After all, helping and protecting her will become his priority. Even if he does not admit the reason.
With the two close together, the dean / student line will be in danger, and together with all the emotional baggage of the past, these two will not have an easy path. Tension, desire and guilt will manifest. Until one of them succumbs.
But an unknown threat can endanger his career and her college fund situation. As well as undermine this fragile new relationship.
With a more dramatic, heavier narrative, The Vow is more adult than its predecessors. Sebastian is a great character and the soul of the book. All his conflict, his uncertainties make him an honorable and right man. Even if he makes some mistakes on the way.
Lily represents the impulsiveness of youth. With a tragic past, she suffered alone, with no one to lean on. Some of her actions throughout the story are questionable, even if one can understand that she is lost. I found her a little immature.
The characters from previous books appear in the plot, and some news is presented. A good book with a bit of drama that focuses on fresh starts and second chances.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest Review *
https://avidezliteraria.wordpress.com/
Sebastian has reason to celebrate. Although young, he got his dream job and is now the new dean of North Woods University. Finally it seems that his life is getting in the way. Until the arrival of a new student will bring dormant feelings to the surface. After all, she is the faithful copy of his ex. His late ex.
Lily remembers Sebastian, but many years have passed since the last meeting. Now a young woman, she hopes that college will provide a fresh start. After all, her life has not been easy at all. But coming across him will provoke new and unexpected sensations.
Sebastian will be in hell. Trapped by his ex's memories and the improper feelings her very young sister arouses, he won't know how to act. And keeping her away will be the only solution. But Lily will be on a self-destructive path, and he won't be able to not get involved. After all, helping and protecting her will become his priority. Even if he does not admit the reason.
With the two close together, the dean / student line will be in danger, and together with all the emotional baggage of the past, these two will not have an easy path. Tension, desire and guilt will manifest. Until one of them succumbs.
But an unknown threat can endanger his career and her college fund situation. As well as undermine this fragile new relationship.
With a more dramatic, heavier narrative, The Vow is more adult than its predecessors. Sebastian is a great character and the soul of the book. All his conflict, his uncertainties make him an honorable and right man. Even if he makes some mistakes on the way.
Lily represents the impulsiveness of youth. With a tragic past, she suffered alone, with no one to lean on. Some of her actions throughout the story are questionable, even if one can understand that she is lost. I found her a little immature.
The characters from previous books appear in the plot, and some news is presented. A good book with a bit of drama that focuses on fresh starts and second chances.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest Review *
https://avidezliteraria.wordpress.com/
September 24, 2019
THE VOW: Student/Teacher Romance (North Woods University #4)
J.L.Beck & C.Hallman
Releases 9th October
#arc #arcreader #amreading #currentlyreading #taboo #studentteacher #northwoodsuniversityseries #agegap #standalone
Sebastian & Lily
POV:Dual
We met Sebastian in The Bet. He's Remmy's brother. And the newly appointed Dean of North Woods University.
He's closed himself off from love. After losing the love of his life, Amy, 10 years ago.
Until Lily comes back to North Woods to attend the University.
She's Amy's little sister. It also doesn't help Sebastian that she looks like Amy, and it pains him to look at her. Reminding him of what he's lost and won't ever get back.
She stirs emotions in Sebastian that he can't shake off. But he must. There's the age gap. It's wrong, unprofessional. She's a student and he's the Dean.
Lily lost her her sister Amy and her parents 10 years ago in a car accident. So she had to move away to live with her Grandparents. Now she's attending North Woods and when she sees Sebastian again after all these years she can't help but want him. But again there's the age difference, he's her dead sister's boyfriend. And the way he looks at her, she knows that he's seeing Amy, not her. Everyone sees Amy when they look at Lily. She's been getting compared to her sister for years, and she hates it. She wishes that they could swap places.
"I'm just a reminder to him, a reminder of my sister, of what could have been." ~ Lily
They've got to fight their attraction for each other. They feel like they're betraying Amy.
So, the best thing for the two of them is to stay away from each other, put some distance between them.
Until Lily gets kicked out of the dorms and Sebastian offers her to move in with him.
Can they be friends?
Housemates?
There was a twist I did not see coming.
There is need for tissues while reading.
That epilogue! WOW!
Will Lex get a book?
*I received an Arc copy in exchange for an honest review.*
J.L.Beck & C.Hallman
Releases 9th October
#arc #arcreader #amreading #currentlyreading #taboo #studentteacher #northwoodsuniversityseries #agegap #standalone
Sebastian & Lily
POV:Dual
We met Sebastian in The Bet. He's Remmy's brother. And the newly appointed Dean of North Woods University.
He's closed himself off from love. After losing the love of his life, Amy, 10 years ago.
Until Lily comes back to North Woods to attend the University.
She's Amy's little sister. It also doesn't help Sebastian that she looks like Amy, and it pains him to look at her. Reminding him of what he's lost and won't ever get back.
She stirs emotions in Sebastian that he can't shake off. But he must. There's the age gap. It's wrong, unprofessional. She's a student and he's the Dean.
Lily lost her her sister Amy and her parents 10 years ago in a car accident. So she had to move away to live with her Grandparents. Now she's attending North Woods and when she sees Sebastian again after all these years she can't help but want him. But again there's the age difference, he's her dead sister's boyfriend. And the way he looks at her, she knows that he's seeing Amy, not her. Everyone sees Amy when they look at Lily. She's been getting compared to her sister for years, and she hates it. She wishes that they could swap places.
"I'm just a reminder to him, a reminder of my sister, of what could have been." ~ Lily
They've got to fight their attraction for each other. They feel like they're betraying Amy.
So, the best thing for the two of them is to stay away from each other, put some distance between them.
Until Lily gets kicked out of the dorms and Sebastian offers her to move in with him.
Can they be friends?
Housemates?
There was a twist I did not see coming.
There is need for tissues while reading.
That epilogue! WOW!
Will Lex get a book?
*I received an Arc copy in exchange for an honest review.*
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