Release Day Blitz: Review, Excerpt, and Giveaway for Kitchen Promises by Brooke Cumberland

Nothing ever comes easy for Molly Woods.

Faced with past fears, heartache, & limits…

Can she make promises to the one man she can’t get enough of? Can she promise him forever…?

With new obstacles, Molly must make a decision.

Drake Stagliano always gets what he wants.

But with a new threat, how far will he go to make sure Molly is his forever?

When new secrets are revealed, Drake must take matters into his own hands.

Can they make forever happen? Or will promises be made that can’t be kept…?

Kitchen Promises, the final book in the Riverside Trilogy

Amazon US / Amazon UK / Barnes and Noble

**Arc was provided by author for an honest review**

I always love making it to the third book in a series. I know going in that I am going to get the closure I need, and hopefully, the happy ending I wanted since the beginning of book one. When I heard the title for the third book in the Riverside Trilogy, Kitchen Promises, I took Brooke Cumberland’s title at its word and began Drake and Molly’s happily ever after as soon as I started reading page one. And, true to that book title promise, Drake and Molly found closure after so much chaos threatened to not only end their relationship but perhaps even their lives. Not that this book didn’t have its own drama to deal with, which, once again, dealt with lives in peril; this time from the whack job Denny.

Book three begins soon after book two’s conclusion. The aftermath of Travis’ attack and subsequent death is still at the forefront of Molly’s mind, and Drake is right there to help her through the nightmares and make sure she knows that she is safe and loved. Readers definitely see a softer side of Drake in this installment. Jealousy is no longer an issue; past relationships are no longer a concern. Molly is Drake’s heart, and he does his best day in and day out to make sure Molly knows that.

Life is much calmer than it has been in quite some time for Molly, Drake, and the gang; Molly and Drake are finally engaged…Drake has a great relationship with his son, Liam…Stella is the light of Molly’s eyes…Molly and Drake are building their little family with twins, and Michael is still there to lighten the load with his assistance and banter. But like any good story, a complication or two arise; the first being Molly’s forced bed rest because her pregnancy becomes high risk. Molly is not happy to say the least, and as the days turn in to weeks, life becomes a bit strained for the happy family, but through it all, Drake just goes with the flow, taking Molly’s mood swings in stride and doing his best to keep Molly’s inner hussy at bay because it is unsafe to have intercourse. But even through all the turmoil with Molly’s pregnancy, Drake and Molly remain a team, working together to make a happy home for their family. All is good until complication two surfaces – a ghost from the past that doesn’t seem to want to stay in the shadows – Denny. You’ll have to read Kitchen Promises to find out how that problem is handled:)

The chalkboard vows that Drake and Molly exchange is one of the MOST romantic scenes I have ever read:

“‘I promise you. I promise you everything – I promise to be true, always faithful, I promise to stand by your side, to love you unconditionally ’til death parts us… I promise to make you breakfast in bed every Saturday….I promise to massage you in the tub as often as you want…'”

Not even a princess wedding would top that for me!

Another aspect of Kitchen Promises that stands out for me is the banter between Drake and Michael. They have always been cordial to each other and work together to do what is best for Molly and Stella, but in book three, readers witness a new dynamic to their relationship. These men are the two most important people in Molly’s life and to see them form their own connection without Molly’s meddling is refreshing.

The prologue is phenomenal as well. I’m usually jonesing for a prologue that is 5 years in the future and tells readers where/how the couple is. Getting it from Michael’s perspective, seeing the crazy, happy moments from his eyes was just what I needed to bring this series to a close.

All three books are great reads…they are jam packed with steamy scenes, angst ridden moments, and even high suspense at times. Definitely pick this whole series up! I dare you not to read it from start to finish once you start book 1;)

4 poison apples!

Chapter One Excerpt

Kitchen Promises, Riverside Novel #3

Drake walked in wrapped in only a towel. The toast I was bringing to my mouth suddenly dropped from my fingers as my eyes roamed over his perfectly toned body. My eyes followed down to his perfect V that went just below the towel.

“Breakfast in bed and a show? I’m one lucky gal,” I teased, leaning back against the headboard enjoying the view.

“Someone sounds like they are feeling better.” He smiled.

“Well, I for sure am now.”

“Really? Well, perhaps I should take advantage of that.” He grinned, slowly unwrapping the towel from around his waist. I smirked as I watched him tease me, putting on a show as he finally released the towel. I watched it fall to the ground. I let my eyes wander up and down his body—appreciating every single chiseled curve of muscle.

“It’s not nice to tease,” I reminded him. “You better put out or get out.”

“Oh, I love it when you talk dirty,” he quipped, laughing. “I can’t decide if I love or hate your pregnancy hormones.” He grinned. It was true—I had a love/hate relationship with them as well. On top of always wanting to sleep and eat, I also wanted sex—all the time. Not that Drake minded, but some days, I was all over the place. I felt like I had no control over them. They were beginning to drive me mad.

“Can you be a little late for work today?” I asked, placing the tray of food on the bedside table. I didn’t take my eyes off him as I watched him walk over to the bed. “I’d hate for you to get into trouble.” I grinned.

“I could probably weasel my way out of it with the boss.”

“You are the boss.”

“I know.” And with that, he made his way on top of me, brushing the covers off. “I think I can spare a few minutes…” He pressed his lips across my jaw, slowly moving to my neck. He bit it gently, making a moan escape my mouth at his touch and eagerness. “…for you.”

His hands slid up my sides, taking my shirt up with them. I arched my neck to the side, giving him better access as the sensations riveted through me.

I reached down, pressing him harder into me. I felt his hardness against me, making me desperate and needy for him.

The hormones made my body respond to him so much more—not that I didn’t before—but it was magnified. It was intensified, and I felt desperate to have him.

“Screw the foreplay. I need to have you right now,” I demanded, pushing his body harder against mine.

“Such a romantic, aren’t you?” I could feel him smiling against my neck as he continued softly kissing.

“I mean it. I’m going to explode,” I breathed out rapidly. Just his touch could undo me completely.

“Alright, hold on, baby.” He lowered his body and in one swift motion, slid my panties down. I wasn’t looking for romance right now. I needed him just as much as I needed to breathe.

I threw my shirt over my head and unclasped my bra. It was still weird seeing my body naked with the way it was changing so fast, but it was also a constant reminder of the love Drake and I shared.

Instead of pressing into me like I wanted him to, he tenderly laid kisses over my stomach and in between my breasts. He was torturing me. He knew it, too. I was practically grinding against him, yet he refused to give in.

“Baby, please,” I moaned out desperately.

“I can’t help it. You are just so beautiful. You have the most beautiful pregnant glow.” He continued to lay kisses around my bump, slowly, taking his time.

“That’s great,” I huffed, cupping his face up to look at me. “I’m going to handcuff you to this bed and straddle you if you don’t—”

He forced two fingers inside me before I could finish what I was saying. I moaned loudly at the surprise sensation, arching my hips up to greet his fingers.

“You’re feisty when you’re desperate.” He laughed as he worked his fingers in and out of me, hitting the perfect spot over and over.

I ignored him and grabbed the bedrail behind me, arching my body up to him as I needed and wanted to feel him inside me.

“How badly do you need it, baby?” Drake whispered with a hint of humor in his voice.

“You know how badly,” I snapped, unable to open my eyes. Still, I could hear the amusement in his tone. He enjoyed torturing me and secretly loved it.

“Say it,” he demanded, pressing harder into me, twisting his wrist, and practically taking all the air out of my lungs. “Say what you need, baby.”

“I need you! I need you inside, right now. God, I swear, I’ll do anything,” I pleaded, willing to do just about anything to get what I wanted from him.

“Anything for my sweet girl,” he hummed, lowering his lips to where his fingers were. He sucked hard, leaving no time for me to retaliate. My back arched, enjoying the sensations that released inside of me. My body shivered with pleasure, unable to control my own breathing as I moaned out.

He lifted his head and covered my body with his. I watched as he licked his fingers, moaning out pleasurable sounds.

“Keep your hands up,” he ordered. I continued hanging onto the bedrail, tightening my grip as he finally pushed himself into me. The feeling was overwhelming as I took him all in, finally feeling full and satisfied.

He leaned down and kissed me gently as he rocked his hips into me. His breathing quickened as the air blew over my lips. His mouth wandered to my ear, blowing and licking over my lobe, making it harder to leave my hands up. I wanted to dig my nails into him and drive him insane as much as he was doing to me. He lowered his hand and cupped my breast, squeezing gently. I screamed out his name, pushing my breast into his hand urgently, desperately needing the release.

He lowered his face and took it into his mouth, swirling his tongue around my peaked nipple. He grabbed one leg and placed it on top of his shoulder, allowing him to get deeper inside me. That was enough to set me off. I screamed out, not holding back as I greeted his hips with mine, soaking up every pleasurable second.

It wasn’t long before Drake did the same, milking his own release as he grinded into me. He lay on top of me as we both tried to get ahold of our breathing, panting into each other.

“Well, if this wasn’t the best morning I’ve ever had—breakfast in bed and sex all before my shower.” I grinned. My legs felt like jelly as all my muscles were stretched and aching.

“Glad to be of service.” His voice was filled with amusement. I’ve been like this for the past few months—needing sex on demand. I felt bad, as if I were using him, but I figured it wasn’t much different from before I got pregnant.

“Must be horrible for you, always needing to fulfill my needs, and all.” I stroked his back with my fingertips as he continued lying on top of me.

“It’s not always easy being the boss. Sometimes I have to do the dirty work.” I could feel his smile against my chest as we bantered.

“Oh, you poor thing. I almost feel sorry for you.” I rolled my eyes.

He kissed me lightly on the lips before rolling off the bed. I just watched as he walked to the bathroom. I listened as the shower started and steam began filling the room.

“Come on, let’s shower together.” He smiled, holding his hand out for me.

“Definitely the best morning ever.” I grinned, taking his hand in mind as I followed him in.

And it was the best shower ever.

Brooke is a midwestern gal, from the cheese state of Wisconsin! Go Packers! She’s a stay-at-home mom of three beautiful children (one daughter & two stepsons) and a black fury dog. She’s studied psychology in college, and counseling and education in graduate school where she found her love for writing. Most days you can find her reading or writing, or just hanging out with her family! She loves movies, cooking, and shopping! She’s addicted to Starbucks, Coach purses, and wearing yoga pants.