Taren,

Fate brought us together over and over again until I realized falling for you was never a choice. It was destiny. We’re bound by a love that’s stronger than anything life can throw at us. No matter how tangled things get, no matter how twisted the future might be, you will always be my yes. You’re my high ace and I’m all in. I pledge myself to us. Always.
​
Happy Valentine’s Day. I love you. I love us.
Alec
 

Originally posted on True Story Book Blog.

“Taren’s hands worshipped my body. Her lips followed the path of her fingers to brand every part she touched. The heat spreading through me was a slow burn; the kind that snuck up on you. The kind where you didn’t know you were in trouble until it was too late and you were lost in a blazing inferno.”
 
We love this quote because the road to Taren and Alec’s physical relationship was a long one. Once the two finally found themselves able to be together, their chemistry was hot! 

“We’ve both made pledges that are important to us and the things we believe in, but this time, my pledge is for you.”

This quote is the essence of our book. Two very different characters pledge themselves to different worlds, but through growth, are able to realize their most important pledge is to one another.

Trustworthy - The underlying theme to The Pledge is trust. Taren and Alec each make promises that cause them to lead different lifestyles, and their trust in one another is constantly tested. They must take advantage of second chances and discover that they can depend on one another.

Profound - William, an important secondary character who has special needs, challenges Taren to step back and look at her life in a more simplistic way. She realizes that maybe things aren’t as complicated as she thinks. William helps her realize that love is really all that matters.

Provocative - Taren is dedicated to a life of partying and Alec is determined to achieve the adrenaline high he gets from risky activities. The Pledge is a story of opposites attract and is filled with alcohol-fueled parties, dangerously seductive gymnastics, and unexpected trysts in unusual places.

Optimistic - The Pledge explores the idea of new beginnings and recreating oneself. Taren and Alec both learn to leave behind their fears and go for the futures they want.

Authentic - Alec and Taren are “real.” They face insecurities and peer pressure, but their responses are genuine and heartfelt. Taren feels an intense need to belong, to be a part of something. Alec is desperate for freedom. While their choices aren’t always what would make their lives easier, their decisions are true to what they think they need to be happy.