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Shattered Promises

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In a perfect world, Lani Foster had it all; wonderful, supportive parents, two adorable little boys, an amazing husband whom she loved fiercely, and an unbreakable bond with her best friend, Parker, no one can tear apart.

But Lani never realized being happy would cost her years of pain, until tragedy strikes the Foster family, leaving her left hanging by a thread, questioning everything around her.
Lies are exposed and secrets are brought to surface, destroying the one person who just wanted to feel loved- to be happy.

What do you do when you find out your marriage was nothing but a lie? Do you stand by the one person who abolishes your world? Or do you let go, and leave everything behind to start all over again?


Shattered Promises is about learning how to survive after the storm pulls you away. Everyone deserves a second chance to be happy, it's finding the special one to stand by your side and hold you in the rain.

ebook

First published May 1, 2014

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About the author

J.R. Grant

7 books161 followers
JR Grant is an avid reader, a fictional writer, a photography junkie, and the mom to three amazing munchkins who complete her world. When she's not plotting her next story, you can catch her on the beach with her kindle in hand, soaking up the sun.

For more information, visit her social media sites posted below.

"Shattered Promises"
Available Now on Amazon
Lani & Parker's Story
A second chance romance novel

Until You Series: A new romantic suspense series full of angst, heartbreak, deception, and second chance love.

1.Lost Until You
Available Now on Amazon!
Brax & Jazz's Story

2.Broken Until You
Available Now on Amazon!
Blue & Stone's Story

2.5 Always With You
Sequel to Stone & Blue's Story
Coming Soon!

3. Hopeless Until You
Coming 2016!
Brix Sorrentino's Story

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5 stars
144 (34%)
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134 (32%)
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90 (21%)
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31 (7%)
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15 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
Profile Image for Jamie ♡♡ submits to books ♡♡.
462 reviews159 followers
July 29, 2015
***** 5 There Is No Such Thing as Perfect Stars *****

I absolutely loved this story. JR Grant did an amazing job writing this one. Everything about this story is real. Nothing is far fetched and unbelievable. The characters, you will will fall in love with them and their flaws.

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Lani, living the life she wants to believe is perfect. The faithful stay at home mom to two boys and loving wife to Kade. She lives her life for these men. They are everything to her.

What no one knows, even her best friend Parker, she is living with lies to hide the abuse she lives with at the hands of her husband.

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Kade, the husband with so many secrets. Living two lives to hide the mistakes he has made he is successful so far with hiding the truth from Lani. That all comes crashing around them when Kade is in a horrible car accident, leaving him in a coma for several months.

As Lani figures out how to survive the accident, secrets start surfacing. With the help of her best friend Parker, her once perfect life is shattered and the truth of her life appears before those she has tried to protect.

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Always standing by his princess' side, Parker never leaves Lani alone to fight the battle of lies she faces. He has loved Lani since they were children. He has hidden his feelings about her for so long. Watching her life fall apart is painful. He has to fix this for her. She deserves to be happy. He has stood by for to long, watching Kade abuse the one person in Parker's life that means everything to him.

As Kade recovers from his accident, the lies can no longer stay hidden. Lani finally stands up for herself and fights for the happiness she and her two sons deserve.

This story becomes one of self discovery and finding out that one does deserve to have happiness. I fell in love with everything about this story. Watching Lani learn to accept how her life turned out and learning to love the one person in her life that was always there.....PURE BEAUTY!

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Profile Image for Three Chicks.
2,610 reviews420 followers
May 6, 2014
Parker and Lani have been best friends since they were 5 years old and she came outside wearing a princess costume and plastic shoes. He called her “princess” and the name has stuck for all these years. She will always be his princess and she has no idea that he has loved her for all that time. Kade became the third wheel at the age of 12. Initially he and Lani weren’t very good friends, but that all changed one day when Parker was absent from school. This was the turning point in all 3 of their lives as from there on out, Lani and Kade were inseparable.


Kade and Lani married when they were fresh out of high school and shortly after Lani gave birth to their first of two sons. Kade insisted that the mother of his children would not work. Lani has always been a stay at home mom and Kade has always taken care of their financial management. A middle of the night knock on the door begins to set in motion secrets being revealed that Kade has kept hidden from everybody.

The first one to uncover a possible discrepancy is Parker. Parker is taking care of the financial burdens the family is enduring and while digging into their financial institutions he comes across the first sign that something is amiss in Kade’s story.

How will Lani ever want to live again, knowing the lies her husband exemplified, is beyond me. But right now, I’ve got to do the best I can to keep my composure strong.

Kade is not a nice husband or a friend. He has changed throughout the course of their marriage and has turned into a verbal, physical and emotional abuser. It was easy to read the words and actions that Lani was enduring and wonder, “why don’t you just leave” but Lani said it in very simple words…"unless you’ve been personally afraid of a man who’s ten times stronger than you, don’t judge me. You have no right if you don’t know what it’s like.”


Parker is Lani’s rock throughout the entire discovery process. Parker has had his own story of love gone wrong. He had been biding his time waiting for Kade to mess up, but once they became married he thought his time had come and gone all because he never spoke up about his true feelings. He is not going to let Lani slip through his fingers again this time. He will do whatever it takes to protect her from Kade.

Kade is a horrible man. I felt absolutely nothing towards him except hatred. We are given flashbacks into their lives and even from the age of 16 I despised how he treated Lani. I can see how Parker was just bidding his time, knowing that Kade was going to mess up. Unfortunately Lani forgave him time after time.

But now that the truth is revealed, Lani is past the point of forgiveness; in fact she has no fight left in her. The discovery of his secret has emotionally killed her. Anxiety, panic attacks and depression have claimed the once vibrant Lani. Her family and Parker have stayed close by her side making certain that Lani can pull through this.

He wrecked me; Kade Foster ruined me. And from here on out, I’ll have to live with the sins of my husband’s destruction for the rest of my life.

Now let’s talk Parker…what a great guy. He had a sucky love life, but has never given up the concept that love exists if given the right person. He knows that the person for him is Lani; it always has been. He is the one holding the pieces together for Lani’s boys. It is him that is there for them when their father isn’t. He is generous of his time and love and is one of the nicest, sweetest guys you will meet. He spoke the wisest words as a 5 year old: “One day you’ll be my queen, and I’ll be your king. We’ll have lots of babies, and they’ll be our prince and princesses.”

Parker’s beautiful words in the epilogue will have you wiping your eyes: “I’ve waited forever for you, my little princess. I promise I’ll never let you down.”


This was a story that held my attention throughout and had me sitting on pins and needles waiting for the bomb to drop with his secret. It was emotionally charged also as I wanted Parker and Lani to finally be together. How I could feel hatred on one page and pure love on the other is a gift that the author gave. I wanted to scratch Kade’s eyes out and hug Parker with only a few sentences separating the two. It’s not a long story, but just the right length to become invested in all their lives. Truthfully if I had to read any more about Kade and the terrible way he was treating his wife, it would have been too much. The author kept it a good balance giving us just enough to let us despise Kade and more reasons to love Parker.
Profile Image for Rebeka Perales.
515 reviews16 followers
May 13, 2014
4 stars for THIS SUPER ANGSTY STORY!!

What a ride!!!!

Lani....well I didn't know what to feel about her at first.
After a while I started hating her.
She ignored so much.
I thought she was so weak.
BUT then.... I realized she was just so blind to ALL things around her. As the story progressed I got to know her better. I understood how her mind worked. She needed to go through all these thing with her husband Kade to become strong.

Now Kade.... Oh lawd I wanted to junk punch him pretty the whole book!!! haha
He's the one who brought the angst on for Lani.
Kade made her go through so much I'm surprised she didn't hurt him in his sleep or something. lol

Parker Parker Parker.... Now that's the kind of man we all need in our lives. He was an AMAZING best friend to Lani. Always there for his Princess no matter what.

The only thing I disliked about this book was some things confused me. Like maybe I forgot to read a section or something was missing. Time was also another factor. I couldn't tell if it was the next day or 1 year later when another chapter would start.
I got the hang of it after a while.

Very few steamy scenes. But like I said the ANGST was awesome and what I really wanted to read this story for.

I kinda wish there was a prequel for Kade Lani and Parker. I feel like I need a little bit more of there back story.
Profile Image for Athena Daugherty.
33 reviews3 followers
August 9, 2016
Shattered Promises is the debut novel of JR Grant and it was amazing!! I was hooked from the beginning and I couldn't turn the pages quick enough. J.R. really knows how to put emotion into her words. It was pouring off the pages. My emotions were all over the place.

Shattered Promises is told in dual POV and in past and present tense. Which I really enjoyed. I love flashback's in books. It gives you a better idea of who the character was before and who they are now. Lani has loved Kade since she was 12. She is a stay at home mom with two kids and from the outside she has a perfect life. But as the story goes on, we find out that its the opposite.

"I’m the one who fixes everything in our home. I’m the wife, the mom, the healer, the protector"

One night Lani receives devastating news about her husband and her whole world shifts. The lies of the past start to come out and she comes to realize that she may not even know who her husband really is.

"The hurt in me was so visible. My crushed soul was extremely evident. And each day that I wake up, the perpetual pain continues sucking me dry. I just want to be happy. I just want to be free"

Parker and Lani have been best friends since before they could walk or talk. They are each other's rock, its obvious that they love and care for one another. After the accident, Parker helps Lani in every way he can. And soon he starts to realize that he doesn't know anything about his best friend. He is the one that discovers Kade's secret.

"For once in my life, I just want to be loved. I thought my husband loved me, I thought I was his one and only, his pride and joy. But I was wrong, dead wrong. And now because of my stupidity and blindness, every ounce of hope I had left within me is demolished"

This is when my heart starting to ache for Lani. She has been through hell and back and it doesn't seem to get any easier. She starts to think that nothing will get better for her. And her poor boys. He didn't understand why their daddy, their hero was acting the way that he was.

After everything was out in the open, the emotions running through my mind were intense. It felt like I had become Lani and I was experiencing her pain right along with her. I was reading through tears and I just wanted to jump into the book and just hug Lani and her boys. And Parker has been with her every step of the way. Gosh, I LOVED him. Its so clear that him and Lani belong together. They way he treats her and the boys is how every woman deserves to be treated.

"I know it hurts, Princess. I feel like I’ve just been stabbed in the chest myself. But we’ve got each other now, I know you’re all I need. Just hold onto me, Lani. I’ll catch your every fall"

There were also so many times I wanted to slap Kade. I won't lie, at first I did like him. But that was because I didn't really know him. And once I knew him I just felt sorry for him. He made the mess of things and it could have been prevented but it wasn't.

There is NO cliffhanger. But brace yourself for an emotional journey!

This was a beautiful and amazing debut novel. I would recommend this book to anyone! If you haven't one clicked yet- do it now! This may have been her debut novel but she has a natural talent. I can not wait for her next book!
Profile Image for Lexi Buchanan.
Author 127 books1,362 followers
April 18, 2014
I couldn't put this down--from start to finish I just wanted to read, read and read to find out what eventually happens to Lani.

This is the authors first book and she writes as though she's been writing for years. The book flows smoothly and you're constantly wanting even desperate for Lani to fight her way to happiness.

The story of Lani, Kade and Lani's best friend, Parker, spans four years and is an emotional read, with the unexpected happening at every turn--sometimes shockingly so.

There are parts in the book which found tears in my eyes, and the last few chapters and the epilogue - wow - have tissues close by.

This was an amazing read and I feel honoured to have been given an early copy of the book.

Keep writing JR Grant because you have a natural talent.
Profile Image for Kristy & Kayla - My Person's Books.
597 reviews33 followers
September 7, 2014
Shattered Promises is the debut novel of JR Grant, and what a debut. Shattered Promises is told in dual POV and in past and present tense, This book pulls at your heart, our emotions were in all over the place. We really felt for Lani and just wanted hug her.


Lani Williams has loved Kade Foster since she was 12. She is a stay at home mum with two kids and from the outside she has a perfect life. Things aren't always what they seem and life is never perfect...


"I’m the one who fixes everything in our home. I’m the wife, the mom, the healer, the protector"


One night her best friend Parker knocks on her door with some devastating news. Rushing off to be by Kade's side not knowing what she is going to see or have to deal with, Lani breaks down.
If life wasn't bad enough dealing with Kade in hospital it's about to get a whole lot worse. Slowly she starts finding this out that she never k new. Is Kade the husband she thought he was? Sureley he couldn’t or wouldn't have done these things.

Lani's life is about to be shattered when all Kade's secrets are starting to be exposed.


"The hurt in me was so visible. My crushed soul was extremely evident. And each day that I wake up, the perpetual pain continues sucking me dry. I just want to be happy. I just want to be free"


Parker and Lani have been best friends since before they could walk or talk. Growing up as neighbours they have gotten older and their friendship has only become stronger. The one girl he has always truly loved was right in front of him all his life, but she was too blind to see it and was in love with another man. Not game enough to speak up as kids he lost the one girl he loved to his other best friend. Over the years Parker has moved on but has been through hell and back with the women he loved and made a life with. Unfortunately Parker has had his share of the shit stick thanks to his ex.


Parker and Lani have been each other's rock over the last few years even more so over the last few months. Looking after things while Lani looks after Kade he starts discovering Kade's secrets, these secrets are going to break Lani and that's one thing he can't bear to see, Lani is his whole life. Does he tell her and risk breaking her even more? Or does he continue to search and find out what Kade is really hiding?

Shits about to get real when Kade's secrets start unravelling. The man Lani was once so sickly in love with is no longer that man, how can a man treat her this way if he loved her? When actions and words finally hit home it's now or never, she needs to do what is right for not only her but her kids as well. Making these decisions is not exactly easy, when Lani's anxiety and depression become to much she is hanging on by a thread.


"For once in my life, I just want to be loved. I thought my husband loved me, I thought I was his one and only, his pride and joy. But I was wrong, dead wrong. And now because of my stupidity and blindness, every ounce of hope I had left within me is demolished"


Parker has always been there for Lani, throughout her whole life and now when she is broken and in pieces is when she really needs him the most. What Lani doesn't know is Parker would do anything to protect her, he loves her with everything he has telling her is far from easy when they've had a life long friendship...


"I know it hurts, Princess. I feel like I’ve just been stabbed in the chest myself. But we’ve got each other now, I know you’re all I need. Just hold onto me, Lani. I’ll catch your every fall"


Can Lani pull herself together and put the pieces of her life back? Could Lani open herself up to love again? could she have a HEA or are the secrets she's learnt to much and leave her heart shattered?

Bravo JR Grant on your debut novel. What and amazingly beautiful story. One that took us on a journey of love, loss, hope and wanting more. We can’t wait to see what you have up next.
Profile Image for Megpie.
452 reviews78 followers
November 4, 2014
I hate writing bad reviews cause I don't want to come across as rude or mean- but I have to be honest.

I'm just truly honestly flabbergasted how this story has so many high reviews. The story had a great plot idea but it wasn't executed well and this was probably due to the bad writing. The story didn't flow well and the characters were very flat. Where the story was supposed to draw emotion- I felt nothing. I skimmed and skipped paragraphs and pages cause I was so bored and I hated being in the characters minds.

The main character was also unlikable. Her husband treats her like shit- constantly abusing her, cheating on her, and even hurting their son and she doesn't leave. I could understand being a victim of domestic abuse (though technically all his abuse is just emotional with cheating, name calling, snapping at her, ect. except for the last time where he chocks her and throws their son)-but there was no excuse for her staying except she was hoping he would change. I'm sorry but after years of him cheating on you- he's clearly never going to change- and you staying just makes you his doormat. It's pathetic when her very young little boy has to talk some sense into her for her to leave her POS husband. It all felt a little ridiculous and unrealistic- her little boy talked like a grown man half the time.

As far as the love story went between her and the Bestfriend it felt just as flat as the rest of the story.

I wanted to like it but I just couldn't. I think with some practice, time, and a good editor this author has the potential to write a good book but with this one. . . I just feel like I wasted my time.
Profile Image for J.R. Grant.
Author 7 books161 followers
February 27, 2015
This was one of the hardest, most draining stories I have ever written.
Lani Foster is a walking survivor of physical and mental abuse. From the hands of her very own husband, she has been through so much, and yet was afraid to open herself up and tell her family. In fear of something bad happening to the man she's loved since she was a child, Lani continues on in a marriage she think is worth saving. Regretfully, her husband, Kade, was doing more behind Lani's back other than what she thought.
If you enjoy reading stories where the heroine has to go through many trials in order to move forward, Shattered Promises, is the book for you.
Now I can't guarantee you won't want to throw your reading device and ask what in the world Lani was thinking. However I will say.... Everyone has a story. Everyone walks through life a little different than others. Some have it easy, some have it tough. And some live a life full of secrets because of fear. Anxiety and depression are serious issues. Domestic abuse is also an issue that is hard to talk about. But like Lani said, "You don't know what it feels like unless you've walked in my shoes."
Thank you to those who read my debut novel. It means the absolute world to me.
~J
Profile Image for Leanne Martin.
67 reviews
April 25, 2014
This book was an emotional read with many ups and downs, twists and turns, heart shattering and happily ever afters.
Lani thinks she has it all. A loving husband, 2 wonderful sons and a best friend who stands by her side through everything.
When her husband Kade is in a major car accident she thinks she's going to lose it all. Having to sell the house they lived in and loved to pay the bills and looking after the boys her world starts crumbling around her.
Kade finally pulls through but he's woken up a hateful man taking it out on Lani.
After years of abuse and heartache, Lani has had enough and leaves Kade. Along the way she finds out about the lies and deceit behind her marriage.
With the help of her best friend Parker (swoons), Lani gets back on her feet. Parker can finally let Lani know about his feelings and hope she feels the same way.
I won't say anymore other than this book is amazing.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
315 reviews
May 14, 2014
Ok, I finished this story and had to sit back and think about this review before I wrote it. The reason...I liked the plot...a lot!! But the writing style of this story screwed with my very simple brain!

There is a LOT of information crammed into this story and that's what threw me off a little. I felt pushed around too much and just couldn't truly connect with the characters, like I wanted. But, as I said before, the plot is great. Don't let my craziness deter you from reading this story, because obviously I am one of the only readers who felt this way. And even though I felt like I had been caught up in a tornado at times, I still couldn't put it down, I needed to know how things worked out for these characters :)
Profile Image for Megan Wasko.
159 reviews6 followers
March 12, 2015
This was A Great book for a first time author. I was truly blown away by the story and how she truly told a story about a hard subject with such compassion, truth, heart and redemption. This author brought out SO very much in the female lead character, Lani has been through so very much in her marriage, something that NO women should half to endure. When you hear her story and see how she progress you go from heartbroken and a sobbing mess to captivated, hopeful and amazed at how wonderful, strong and courageous Lani is.

I STRONGLY suggest you read this book. It truly was written so wonderfully and has such a powerful message behind it.
Profile Image for Beth Slone .
317 reviews10 followers
March 29, 2015
Wow what a book. This book is the first book I have read from this author and I instantly fell in love with this book. I did not want to put this book down until I finished it. This book was absolutely amazing and such a powerful story. I loved all of the characters in this book. JR Grant really knows how to suck you in. I can't wait to read more book by this author. There some things in this book I could relate to and it made me cry. Lani is an amazing woman in this story who I loved so much. Amazing story everyone should read it.
Profile Image for Jenn.
287 reviews
January 16, 2015
So raw and full of emotion...

Considering I read the book in less than 30 hours, I would have to say I LOVED Shattered Promises. I honestly think I experienced every emotion possible while reading the book. Anticipation after the accident, butterflies in my stomach every time Parker was around, anger for Kade, sadness for Lani and the boys. So much emotion. There were a few section that I thought were choppy or would have liked a little more of the story-line but the story itself...AMAZING!
Profile Image for Tracy Lundy-Munn.
1,483 reviews
January 17, 2015
Shattered Promises was a heartwrenching but fabulous read by JR Grant. This storyline had me from beginning to end. At times I was in tears reading what Lani was going through. At other times I was screaming mad at her with how she was being so blind to her husband's actions. Parker was the highlight of this book and the way he treasured Lani as a friend then lover. Absolutely loved this book and would highly recommend!!
Profile Image for Readingwhore.
113 reviews6 followers
April 9, 2015
This book was fabulous!! Emotional damn roller coaster but a very good read! Lani thought she had it all husband and kids best friends and family! But when her husband is in a car accident well her world turns upside down!! Will her and husband make it or will she find happiness in the one place that she wasn't expecting
Profile Image for Tammy Moody hall.
931 reviews1 follower
June 16, 2015
oh my wow I loved this book as for kade he is a piece of crap for doing lani the way he did but if had not she would not had found her happy after now as for parker I just love him he was made for lani and the boys lani is sweet and loving and would do anything for her family and friends and well he is sweet ad sexy and loving GREAT BOOK
6 reviews
December 28, 2014
I loved this story. I felt every emotion the author poured into the characters.
6 reviews
January 16, 2015
Amazing story.

I didn't stop reading until I finished the book. Loved the characters and the writing. Very well written and the story will capture your heart.
Profile Image for Linda.
72 reviews
July 7, 2017
I'm not sure if I read the same book as everyone who gave this 4 or 5 stars... While the overall plot was a good one, it wasn't executed very well. The book itself could benefit from a nice run through spellcheck and a really good editor. There were many times where it was hard to tell what point in the characters lives we were at because the story jumped around a lot. In fact, I think even the author may have not been able to keep track as well, because I think there were several times where things that were said or done contradicted something from earlier in the story. Also, sometimes the dialogue/vocabulary choices were questionable. I could never tell how old the two sons were, and in my mind, they were maybe seven or eight? So when they started saying something like, "I'm sorry I disappointed you. That was never my intention." it just took me by surprise and confused me because I'd lose focus and start wondering just how old these kids were!

And finally, yeah, the heroine was a little too weak-willed for my liking and the ending seemed a little rushed. I was hoping that Kade would truly regret losing Lani & his kids, and sure, it seems like he does a little, but then he just goes back to his other family, which apparently is better somehow & that just irritated me too much. So, read it if you must, but if anything I've mentioned might bother you as well, I'd skip this one...
Profile Image for Megan Noelle.
Author 6 books275 followers
June 8, 2014
From the Prologue we see that a whole lot of shit must have gone down before the story starts up and right away I was drawn in. I wanted to know what could have gone wrong between our leading lady, Lani and her soon-to-be EX husband Kade Foster.

"I thought my husband genuinely loved me, I thought I was his one and only, his pride and joy. Little did I know I was wrong, dead wrong, and now because of my stupidity and my blindness, every ounce of hope I had left within me had been demolished."

Chapter One takes place 4 years prior to the prologue when a tragic accident took place (putting Kade into a coma). Immediately, I was hooked. JR's writing filled me with adrenaline and anxiety as I turned page after page to figure out what happened. During the time while we wait to see what has happened the readers receives bits and pieces about the past and current roles. It's a good time for the reader to learn more but one thing I wanted was to know more about the current situation.

This is one thing I noticed throughout the entire story is there are long periods of times that pass. In the beginning during one instance when reading Parker's POV (A friend of Kade's and best friend of Lani) he begins finding out about things that Kade has kept hidden. P.S. Kade is the biggest piece of shit, anyway, I was making a point here... Parker has been keeping tabs on the financial situation for the family while Kade is in a coma and there are many discoveries. Just as the chapter is coming to a close a big "NO WAY" moment takes place but it isn't talked about again until much further into the book.
This happens many times. A big moment or long awaited one would climb in anticipation and either not be talked about for a long while or would just be summed up in thoughts later. There is a lot of story told in Lani's monologue and a lot of the time I was extremely frustrated by her.

She wanted the best for her two sons but she endured copious amounts of abuse along the way. Verbally, physically, and emotionally. Lani suffered through it all and continued to say she wanted to stand strong so her boys could have a father. I wanted to understand and in a way I could see why she stayed. I have been in horrible relationships where I knew what was happening was wrong but I was just too weak to walk away. I was hooked, addicted, chained in and I felt that for Lani. The difference is at the time I did not have my daughter so I honestly can't say how I would have handled it but I so so badly wanted Lani to truly open her eyes and break free.

While I was reading this book I kept trying to figure out how I felt. JR kept me emotionally hooked but the way the story was told isn't like many that we read today. There weren't those perfectly timed moments when someone swooped in to save her to create a dramatic effect. Lani's best friend Parker has been in love with her day one and he continues to love her but it isn't until you are nearing the end of the book that we see any change or confession about it.

It left me seriously confused. I don't like not knowing how I feel about something so I honestly tried to figure out what I was missing. Then it hit me-- this isn't just a story of a woman breaking free and falling in love. There was much more about it, we were reading Lani's life. Every little moment. That was when I decided to look at this book like a memoir of Lani's life. As if Lani was writing this in a journal (with dialogue added of course).

Once I looked at it as a memoir everything became so much clearer for me.

This isn't just a book about a broken woman. This isn't just a book about a second chance at love.
This book is so much more.

If you need action, want a quicker paced story, need a constant love/sex theme throughout- this probably isn't the book for you.

However, if you want to truly experience the devastating turns life can take. Feel every emotion, see the true struggles of a woman that wants to do what's right but doesn't really know what that is. This isn't an easy road for Lani as she experiences pain and betrayal from the only man she's loved. She needs to be the backbone for her kids and her family but it isn't always easy.

Life can be a bitch sometimes and when you read Lani's story (because yes--I see this as her story) you see just how cruel it can be.

Shattered Promises is a heartbreakingly beautiful tale. This is a complete ride and in the end all I truly wanted was for Lani to see that she deserved happiness.
Profile Image for Jennifer Marie.
191 reviews
July 20, 2014
Shattered Promises by JR Grant

Review by Jen (BestSellers & BestStellars)

Shattered Promises was amazing! This was definitely an emotional book. There were secrets and lies, betrayal of the worst kind, and a lot of heartbreak. It really puts you through a roller-coaster ride of emotions, I was all over the place. JR Grant did an awesome job integrating some heavy issues in the story. She did a great job with her debut novel.

I loved Lani. She’s strong, beautiful, smart and just an awesome person all around. She has great, supportive parents, two cute little boys, Justin and Zakrie, Kade, her husband that she loves more than anything, and Parker, the best friend any girl could ask for. Until tragedy strikes her family and she’s barely hanging on. She endured a lot when things finally came out, and I think she’s incredibly strong for that. Kade really shocked Lani, and she blamed herself for it because she wasn’t aware of what was happening. She also wasn’t sure that she could make it through that.

“He wrecked me; Kade Foster ruined me. And from here on out, I’ll have to live with the sins of my husband’s destruction for the rest of my life ... I should have kept my eyes open over the years with all of his sneakiness. It’s my own damn fault. I think I’m more pissed at myself for being naive than anything else.”

Once the truth comes out, Lani has convinced herself that Kade didn’t love her, because then he wouldn’t have done what he did.

“Kade never loved me. He never cared for me. He couldn’t have. Our vows ... those vows ... they didn’t mean shit. If they did, my husband would have never thought about hurting me or abusing our love, destroying what he had, what we shared.”

I hated Kade. He had no respect for Lani or his children, even when they were younger. There was not one thing about him that I liked, and when the truth came out, I was happy with the way things worked out for him because he deserved it after all the trouble and pain he caused his family.

Then we have Parker. I loved him! He’s sweet, caring, and handsome. He was always there for Lani and her kids, no matter what. He’s an amazing best friend and I was really happy that Lani had him. He has been in love with Lani since they were kids.

“I said, ‘One day, you’ll be my queen, and I’ll be your king. We’ll have lots of babies, and they’ll be our princes and princesses.”

Lani means everything to Parker, and he wants nothing more than to be with her forever.

“When you’re sad, I’ll be the one to cheer you up. When the world disappoints you, I’ll make you happy. I’ll protect you, hold you close to my heart and make you feel wanted. I refuse to let anyone hurt you or take advantage of you ever again.”

Lani’s father was definitely one of my favorite characters. He supported her through everything and wanted the best for her. Everyone should have a father like that.

“Don’t hide or try and run from your life when the going gets tough. Grab that son of a bitch by its balls and take control. You’re a lot stronger than you give yourself credit for, sweetheart.”

I loved this book! I love a story that is told in dual point of view, it’s my favorite. I also loved all of the characters, except Kade, even though he made the story what it was. Even though it was such an emotional book that dealt with some heavy issues, it was also a beautiful second chance story and I loved being able to watch two characters come together so beautifully.

The quality of writing was great. The story was well-written and very enjoyable to read. This was such a emotional story that had me turning the pages quickly to see what was coming. JR Grant did a fantastic job!

5 Diamonds for this wonderful story!!
Profile Image for MzLane.
414 reviews2 followers
May 31, 2014
OH MY, AHHH-MAZING!!! I freaking loved this book!!! I started this late at night which was a HUGE mistake for me bc I could NOT put it down till I reached the end!!! There are so many twists and turns you just can't wait to see what will happen next.

Lani thought her life was perfect. She is married to her childhood sweetheart and has two healthy happy little boys. Kade is the love of her life but she is about to learn things aren't always what they seem.

Kade....OMG he made me so darn mad in this book I just wanted to jump thru my kindle and beat the man. I could not believe some of the things he said and done to Lani after all she has done for him. I was cheering like crazy when Parker had his "talk" with him!!

Parker....HOLLLYY SWOOONN!! I loved him!! He was such an amazing and sweet friend to Lani. They have been best friends since they were babies. I really wish he would have been able to tell Lani his true feeling for her before Kade stepped in the picture but I was so glad he finally got his chance to in the end. I loved that he has always called her his "Princess"

"I need you, Lani. I need you like I need air to breathe. I want to spend right now, until the end of eternity, loving you and being with you."

~~~~~~

"I know your scared shitless, I can see it. I see the real you, Lani, I always have. So, go ahead and fall, Princess, I'll catch you. I've never left your side, not once, and I never plan on it. When you feel lost, I'll help you find your way. I'll make you feel desired. There will never be a day that goes by where you'll feel disliked again. If I haven't proved it by now, after all this time, then I'll show you ever single day, for as long as you need to be reassured."


Will Lani be able to trust her heart to love again once Kade breaks it? When Parker finally tells her his true feelings how will she handle it? Will it change their relationship for good or bad?

The epilogue...Amazing!!!! I just could not get enough and I was so sad to know the book was end but what a great way to go out....

It's moments like this that aren't replaceable. You can't take the ones you love, the people you care about, or time on earth for granted. I made the worst mistake of my life by never telling Lani how I felt. So many years wasted, so much time had passed. It was only by the grace of God she and Kade split up, or I would have never been given the chance to love her, a chance to have a family, and a future together. I could not have lost the love of my life forever.

This book will have your emotions all over the place but trust me, it is a good thing. The things you learn will have your jaw dropping and leave you biting your nails wondering what is going to happen next!! All I can say now is GO ONE CLICK THIS AWESOME BOOK!!!! You will not regret it!!

Fantastic job JR Grant on such an amazing and beautiful story!!! I will now be one of your stalkers trying to patiently wait for your next book to be released!! :)

Profile Image for Stephanie- The Boyfriend Bookmark.
487 reviews344 followers
July 6, 2014
What if your one true love was never really who you thought he was? What if the one that was made for you was standing by your side your entire life? What if everything had happened differently in your life? What if you had married someone else to begin with?

Shattered Promises opens Lani’s life to so many questions. So much has happened and she has no idea what to do, where to turn, how to deal. Lani grew up with the best friend ever. He swore he would always look after her. He swore he would always take care of her. But what he didn’t say was the one thing that would have changed everything. But that’s not how it happened so there is no use dwelling on the past.

Lani married her first boyfriend, her first love, Kade. And though Parker never got his chance, he still stood beside his friend. But when Lani’s life is tossed into a big heap one night, everything changes. Kade is in a horrible accident, but putting life back together after the accident, everything changes. Everything that she thought she knew about her life, everything she thought about her future… nothing was real and nothing was secure.

This book was emotional and parts of it were hard to digest. Not because it was poorly written but because of the subject matter. It was touching and moving and heartbreaking and healing all at the same time. This book had great characters, great banter and I loved the duel perspectives. I loved Parker and the way he thought. But this wasn’t really Parker’s story to tell. But his input was valuable and I just couldn’t help but fall in love with his character. The desire and need he had to take care of Lani was amazing.

Lani’s character wasn’t deeply flawed, her life was. Though not her fault, it was the root of so much pain. Lani loved hard and Lani loved long. There was no reason for her to stay in her situation except for the love of those two boys. They were her world. She never wanted them to suffer the pain of losing their father but she would never stand by and let them take the brunt of his anger either. Do I think things would have been different if the accident hadn’t occurred? If it were only the accident that caused the issues, yes. But the fact of the matter was that there was so much more going on with Kade.

This book was touching and moving and just gripped my heart. I felt like I struggled right along with Lani. I wanted Parker to rescue her and protector and be the man she deserved. But I also wanted Lani to see the amazing man that was standing right in front of her.

Though this book did leave me with a few unanswered questions, the important question were answered the the transformation of Lani’s character from beginning to end was remarkable and moving. I loved the characters, the story line and the Parker. This book is a great read. I cannot wait to read Ryder and Cruz’s story!
Profile Image for Patti Jean.
Author 33 books125 followers
June 25, 2014
Okay let me say this first... For Grant's first book, she knocked this one clear out of the park and maybe the parking lot! Okay that said let's move into the story.

You start out with a Prologue that has you taking a shuttered breath with the intensity of the emotions that Grant was able to elicit from the reader (me). Lani is broken. But it's more than that really. Have you ever wondered how much you miss that sits right at the end of your nose? Sometimes we focus so much on the what's in front of us or behind us that we miss what sits there at the tip of our nose.

Now, being a person who can relate to this story in a way, there were parts that had me in tears. What made it possible was Grant's incredible ability to describe the characters emotions without drowning me in details. I love knowing what my characters are seeing and feeling, but I don't need to know down to the speck of dust that fell to the ground. Grant gave me just enough to set me up and allowed me to fill in the rest. Because she was able to pull this off, it allowed me to fully dive into the story.

Okay all that aside, Lani marries the man that at first meeting she HATES. He was a best friend of her best friend, Parker. Oh, Parker. Talk about a loyal, caring, loving, seriously good looking man. If I had a best friend like that I'd certainly keep an EXTRA eye (and maybe more LMAO!!!) on him.

Tragedy hits Lani when she's already weak. Things haven't been picture perfect in her life for a while, not that she's told anyone that. Not even her best friend. After that... nothing is the same and Lani starts losing herself.

Parker who has loved her for so long, but never spoke on it, has to make a choice. Does he tell Lani everything he's finding out about Kade, her husband and his best friend? If he tells her, he'll be the one breaking her and he'd never dream of hurting her. Eventually the decision is made for Parker.

GAH! For Lani she feels like she's been tossed out to sea with no life jacket. She's drowning and at times isn't even sure she wants to keep going. The strength that eminates from Parker has my heart skipping a beat. Parker truly would have walked into the flames of hell if it'd save Lani any pain. I loved loved loved Parker. hahahaha

JR Grant did such an amazing job on this book. It will leave you breathless, tear stricken, hopeful and so much more. I can't recommend this book enough. JR Grant has quickly jumped into my "Must Watch Authors" list and I can't wait to read more from her. If you haven't read this book, I can't stress what a heart touching story you are missing. If you've ever been loved and lied to, you can seriously relate to this book. If you haven't.... Hello there's Parker... need I say more? LMAO!!!!!!!
May 6, 2014
Wow! This debut novel does not feel like you’re reading a debut novel.

************ Spoiler Alert ********************************







I loved the characters in this novel. Parker is amazing. Life would be perfect if we all had a Parker in our lives. He was always there for Lani, even though sometimes it broke his heart. To have someone love you that much is rare indeed.

This isn’t your typical boy meets girl and falls in love. This is more a real life story. It’s a story that has its ups and downs and deals with real issues. It's about a woman that has and is being abused by the man that she loves, the father of her children. It’s not just the physical abuse. It is about control over everything, verbal, mental and physical abuse Lani faced it all from the one man that promised to love her forever, her husband. Until you are in that situation or know someone who is, you won’t fully understand why she stayed why she put up with what she did. It takes guts to finally walk away. Many women don’t get that chance because they end up dying at the hands of the person they love. Is it really love? No, of course not, but sometimes it’s all they know and they are terrified to leave. In this instance things did get better and stayed that way for a while which makes it even harder to leave.

Can Lani’s best friend Parker help her pick up the pieces of her shattered life? He has been there from the beginning; he has always loved his friend and has been best friends with her husband Kade too. Will Lani finally open her eyes and see what’s been right in front of her all along? How do you survive the worst betrayal of all? Both Parker and Lani will have to figure that out after shocking details are revealed to both of them.

I loved this book from start to finish. I love that Lani stepped up to protect her boys. It’s sad but some times it takes the risk of another person getting hurt before the one being abused opens their eyes.

You won’t regret getting this book. The Epilogue had me in tears, what a beautiful ending. This author can be proud of this debut novel and I hope we will see more of her work in the future.
May 15, 2014
Sometimes you run across a book that will make you stop and reflect and go wow I am really lucky. On top of that thought it will or can also remind you of things that have happened with you personally with in your life. This was one of those books for me.

We meet Lani Foster who is happily married to her high school sweetheart Kade. She has two wonderful boys by him and has stood by him happily making their house a home and holding everything together while he worked. She chose to overlook Kade's infidelity to ensure that her boys stayed happy. But for Kade he has continuously wove a web that will eventually eat him from the inside out.

Parker has been Lani's best friend since they were small children. He has stood by her through thick and thin and always been her rock. He loves her children as if they were his own and has always done everything possible to ensure Lani's happiness came first before anything else. When life throws Lani a curve Parker is there to help her pick up the pieces, and hopefully he can finally get the one thing he has always wished for.

As I said earlier this book made me stop and think about how my childhood was. There were somethings that happen in the story that I could really relate to with the way that Justin reacted. I truly believe that we each have a soul mate that is made exactly for us, and if we are lucky we find that person to spend the rest of our lives with. This book also points out that even though we may be scared to take a chance and get hurt, you only truly lose if you choose not to take the leap of faith. The rewards can trump the fears in the end. I really enjoyed the way that this story was written and how it ended. I recommend it to everyone and it will be one of those books that you will want to pick up time and time again.

One of my favorite lines in the book was:"As far back as I can remember, you're all I have ever thought about, from the time I wake up every morning, until I go to be every night. It's always been you, Princess, only you."
Profile Image for Kris.
141 reviews10 followers
October 30, 2015
J.R. Grant has done a terrific job with her debut novel Shattered Promises.

From the start the story pulls you in and keeps you interested. It flows beautifully and J.R. Grant did a great job capturing the dual POV's. The characters are real and engaging and it is an emotional read that has you turning the pages wanting to know more and wanting the leading lady to get her happily ever after.

So we have Lani, her husband Kade and her best friend since they were basically babies, Parker. We get the story from Lani and Parker, who have always been there for each other no matter what. No one got in the way of their friendship including partners, so the fact that Kade was Parker's friend also was a good thing and worked out well.

Lani married Kade straight out of high school and was living the perfect life. That is until there is a terrible accident and when lies and secrets are uncovered, the life she knew is ripped away from her.

From this point we watch her life spiral out of control as Parker stands beside her, trying to protect her and support her as always.

I thought that the relationship between Lani and Parker was beautiful. Parker was an incredible character who really made this story perfect, his protective, loving nature and relationship with Lani's family made you fall in love with him.

Kade... Well I really have no words for him and his behaviour and I couldn't stand him.

The ending was just perfect. It rounded out the story and made it complete.

I really enjoyed J.R. Grants writing style and will definitely be looking out for her work in the future.

Congratulations on a great debut.

Profile Image for D.
761 reviews
May 28, 2014
Shattered Promises was a heartwarming story of second chance love. This was J.R Grant's debut story and she did a fantastic job of making Shattered promises sincere and true to the heart. I always enjoy a love story that spans a lifetime of changes and adversities but somehow manages to never waiver even when those involved don't always see it.
JR Grant did a good job of creating characters with viability and believability. There were times however, that I felt Parker was too soft and really should have found his balls to speak up or quit pining. Just my opinion though. And again my opinion only but that parts of the story were too drawn out or repetitive. I would have liked to see more of the 'relationship' between Lani and Kade in action rather than in thought or exposition. I think it would have made more impact on me as a reader to 'see' it rather than to have to just know it was there and that it happened.
I know many people will think that Lani wasn't a strong enough woman but unless you walk a mile in a woman's shoes that has been in that sort of a relationship, you have no idea and can pass no judgment. Emotions and your heart don't always have a solid connection to the brain. Just sayin'. So at times when Lani appears weak, it sometimes takes greater strength to find the resolve and the fortitude within yourself.
Overall this was a story that tugs at your heartstrings and root for the underdog. There could have been more emotion 'shown' through character action rather than character exposition. But overall a good read. I look forward to seeing more from JR Grant.
Profile Image for Kerri’s Reading Corner.
471 reviews51 followers
May 2, 2014
Lani Foster is living the American dream. A Stay at home mom married to her childhood sweetheart Kade, they have two kids and live in the house that Kade built for them. Life seems to be going perfect for Lani but things aren't always as they seem. Nothing is perfect....

JR Grant wastes no time in grabbing the readers attention with an action packed, emotionally charged first chapter that leaves the reader craving for more. Lani's world crashes down around and she has to face the biggest struggle of her life.

Lies are told and secrets are exposed setting up for one hell of a plot to unfold. Lani's struggles lead to anxiety an depression that starts to consume her and she's hanging on by a thread.

Throughout Lani's life there has been one person to stand by her side, never let her down. That person is Parker and he has loved Lani fiercely and He will do anything to help Lani get over the devastating blows she has taken over and over. He's always loved Lani and know he wants her to know just how much....

Can Lani move on and put the pieces of her life back together? Will she get a second chance at a happy ever after or will she wallow in the land of Shattered Promises?


Shattered Promises is JR Grant's debut novel and it did not disappoint! A home run right out of the park. My emotions were on overdrive reading Lani's story. My heart hurt for Lani and the situation she was in. I just wanted to reach through the pages and hug her.

Keep doing your thing JR Grant! I'm looking forward to your next book
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