What do you think?
Rate this book
Promises #3
Living Promises
Keeping Promise Rock: Book Three Six years ago, Jeff Beachum comforted a frightened teenager outside an HIV treatment clinic, and Collin Waters has remembered his kindness ever since. Now, after six years of crushing on the kind, brown-eyed sweetheart of his dreams, Collin is feeling adult and together enough to make his move. Too bad fate, which has never been kind to Jeff, has something else in mind. Jeff's life had fallen completely apart before that long-ago day, and it isn’t much better now. Jeff has toughened up, become self-reliant, been the funny guy his friends turn to, the one who gives advice and comfort when needed. But every phantom from Jeff’s past is about to come out to haunt him, and the family Jeff has staked his future on isn’t in such great shape either. Collin is more than a starry-eyed kid, and it’s a good thing, because Jeff’s going to need all the help he can get. No one knows better than Jeff that life can be too short to turn your back on honest love, and that living happily is the best promise of all.
350 pages, Paperback
First published July 3, 2011
27 people are currently reading
937 people want to read
About the author
Amy Lane
203 books3,487 followersAmy Lane dodges an EDJ, mothers four children, and writes the occasional book. She, her brood, and her beloved mate, Mack, live in a crumbling mortgage in Citrus Heights, California, which is riddled with spiders, cats, and more than its share of fancy and weirdness. Feel free to visit her at www.greenshill.com orwww.writerslane.blogspot.com, where she will ride the buzz of receiving your e-mail until her head swells and she can no longer leave the house.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews
October 15, 2019
I usually like Amy Lane's books, because the more the angest the better I enjoy it. I also find that she can write characters I really love to love. This book though left me a bit dissatisfied.
Jeff and Collin are two interesting characters and the fact that they are HIV positive and have to face all the risks of the virus was both enlightning and made for dramatic and also tender moments.
I feel that as far as the series goes Jeff and Collin drew the short straw. It was as if their story was drowned in a lot of outside noise. I love Deacon and Crick, what's not to love, I mean, they're Deacon and Crick, but they stole the spotlight whenever they appeared. The concept of family is important, but the choral scenes were a bit too much and it was like I was trying to shove secondary characters away to get to the protagonists. As a consequence, I didn't really feel their story.
It was enjoyable, but at the end I didn't feel as giddy and happy as I usually feel after reading this kind of stories. It's a pity, because Jeff and Collin's day-by-day struggles, their being strong in front of adversities, their being worried and their reacting, was a winning choice. I'm going to say a heresy, but taking out Deacon and Crick's situation and focusing more on the protagonists families, for example, would have made me feel closer and more interested.
If you liked the series, of course you have to read this one. Personally I was a little underwhelmed.
Jeff and Collin are two interesting characters and the fact that they are HIV positive and have to face all the risks of the virus was both enlightning and made for dramatic and also tender moments.
I feel that as far as the series goes Jeff and Collin drew the short straw. It was as if their story was drowned in a lot of outside noise. I love Deacon and Crick, what's not to love, I mean, they're Deacon and Crick, but they stole the spotlight whenever they appeared. The concept of family is important, but the choral scenes were a bit too much and it was like I was trying to shove secondary characters away to get to the protagonists. As a consequence, I didn't really feel their story.
It was enjoyable, but at the end I didn't feel as giddy and happy as I usually feel after reading this kind of stories. It's a pity, because Jeff and Collin's day-by-day struggles, their being strong in front of adversities, their being worried and their reacting, was a winning choice. I'm going to say a heresy, but taking out Deacon and Crick's situation and focusing more on the protagonists families, for example, would have made me feel closer and more interested.
If you liked the series, of course you have to read this one. Personally I was a little underwhelmed.
October 13, 2016
3.5 stars!
I’m usually a big fan of Amy Lane as an author and I loved the first part of this series. Deacon and Crick’s story went straight to my heart, but unfortunately I didn’t like the second book as much as the first. Looking forward to reading more about Deacon and Crick, I decided to continue the series and give Living Promises, the third installment in the Promises series a chance.
There are a few things I really liked about this book, but I still didn’t feel connected with the main characters in the same way I did with Deacon and Crick. First of all, I really liked the idea that Jeff gave Collin the strength to handle his HIV infection, when they first met. The dynamics between them were very interesting and I appreciated getting lots of information of how HIV is affecting a person’s whole life. Unfortunately, the focus of the book wasn’t on Jeff and Collin as a couple and that might be the main reason that I didn’t really connect with them.
The story about Jeff’s dead lover Kevin and his brother Martin took up a lot of space. I don’t want to say that it wasn’t an interesting sub-story in itself, but it might have been one of the reasons I didn’t really feel the love between Jeff and Collin. And we also got a lot of information on all other characters of Deacon’s ever-growing family and of course on Deacon and Crick themselves – which was really good, but still but Jeff and Collin in the background.
I’m still going to read the last story in this series, but I’m not as fascinated by it as by other Amy Lane stories.
I’m usually a big fan of Amy Lane as an author and I loved the first part of this series. Deacon and Crick’s story went straight to my heart, but unfortunately I didn’t like the second book as much as the first. Looking forward to reading more about Deacon and Crick, I decided to continue the series and give Living Promises, the third installment in the Promises series a chance.
There are a few things I really liked about this book, but I still didn’t feel connected with the main characters in the same way I did with Deacon and Crick. First of all, I really liked the idea that Jeff gave Collin the strength to handle his HIV infection, when they first met. The dynamics between them were very interesting and I appreciated getting lots of information of how HIV is affecting a person’s whole life. Unfortunately, the focus of the book wasn’t on Jeff and Collin as a couple and that might be the main reason that I didn’t really connect with them.
The story about Jeff’s dead lover Kevin and his brother Martin took up a lot of space. I don’t want to say that it wasn’t an interesting sub-story in itself, but it might have been one of the reasons I didn’t really feel the love between Jeff and Collin. And we also got a lot of information on all other characters of Deacon’s ever-growing family and of course on Deacon and Crick themselves – which was really good, but still but Jeff and Collin in the background.
I’m still going to read the last story in this series, but I’m not as fascinated by it as by other Amy Lane stories.
Read
April 7, 2022DNF at 20% or p68 so no rating. I was not having fun and was confused. My mistake was that it is book 3 in the series and I haven't read the previous 2. But the characters from the other books are SO present in this one that I was lost. I did not mesh with the writing (sorry to this author's fan club), some sentences were very confusing and in the middle of a scene we are taken into a flashback in a way that was confusing and took me out of the story. I wasn't a fan of the way race and gender were portrayed, Kevin is nicknamed the "GI-Black-Man", and one MC said "I want to keep the "man" in "gay man"".... When I stopped, the MCs had 1 conversation and a half but one is already in love because he has been "watching" and eavesdropping on the other MC for a year.... They are both HIV positive which is why I picked up the book and of course they are always bleeding all over the place.... One MC dropped his dream of becoming a doctor because of his status and that did not sit well with me... I'm still looking for books featuring HIV positive MCs if anyone has recs!
July 12, 2015
4.5 Stars
I enjoyed Living Promises almost as much as I did Keeping Promise Rock. While I also enjoyed Making Promises, Living Promises spoke to me more.
Jeff is always the life of the party; fairy-Jeff-father, as he likes to call himself and he loves to take care of those around him. He's forgotten, though, what it is like to be taken care of and he's been alone a long time. His family pretty much disowned him when he came out, except his mom, but he can't even see her because his dad is a heartless prick. Also, he's never really let himself get over his last lover, Kevin, and since his diagnosis of HIV, Jeff has kept himself apart from everyone.
Collin was a wild child. He was reckless and irresponsible. Teenagers, much like opossums, kind of think they're immortal. He was a teenager who figured that since he was gay, and only fucked around with the neighborhood boys, he didn't have to worry about protection. And that assumption bit him in the ass when he was diagnosed HIV positive when he was 17. What a way to grow up fast, yeah?
Collin first met Jeff at the local clinic and Jeff was kind to him and offered an ear and a hug. Collin never forgot this and secretly crushed on Jeff. When they encounter each other again, Collin is determined to make an impression and Jeff is determined to not get involved. Using every excuse in the book, from their 7 year age difference, to a relationship he never let himself get over, to his busy life of taking care of others, to keep Collin at arms length.
In truth, Jeff was just scared. He was scared of dying and leaving someone else alone, as he had been left alone. He was scared of his partner dying and being left alone. Again. He was scared to feel because he knew that once he started to feel, he would have to face everything he has been avoiding since Kevin died.
I loved this story and I loved watching Jeff figure out that maybe being alone isn't such a good thing, after all, and maybe it's time to give someone else a chance. Collin is not as young as his age would suggest, either. He got a rather rude awakening when he was a teenager and has had to live with the consequences of his actions and be mindful of how being positive affects others he becomes involved with. It's a whole new world of responsibility.
The subject matter was heavy, but the angst wasn't nearly as high as it could have been. I guess after the apocalypse level angst in Keeping Promise Rock , most stories would appear to be nearly angst free. But Jeff is hurting here, and does his best to not let it show. He is alone and lonely and aching for touch. And Collin is just the man to step up. Ya know, if Jeff will let him.
I also really loved visiting with the rest of the family and we get some angst, there, too, and in fact, the one thing that made me cry in this book really had nothing to do with Jeff or Collin. But I won't tell you what. That, you'll have to read for yourself. This is a solid series and I've enjoyed every word of it, even the words that have brought me to tears. One more book to go. Damn, I love this series.
I enjoyed Living Promises almost as much as I did Keeping Promise Rock. While I also enjoyed Making Promises, Living Promises spoke to me more.
Jeff is always the life of the party; fairy-Jeff-father, as he likes to call himself and he loves to take care of those around him. He's forgotten, though, what it is like to be taken care of and he's been alone a long time. His family pretty much disowned him when he came out, except his mom, but he can't even see her because his dad is a heartless prick. Also, he's never really let himself get over his last lover, Kevin, and since his diagnosis of HIV, Jeff has kept himself apart from everyone.
Collin was a wild child. He was reckless and irresponsible. Teenagers, much like opossums, kind of think they're immortal. He was a teenager who figured that since he was gay, and only fucked around with the neighborhood boys, he didn't have to worry about protection. And that assumption bit him in the ass when he was diagnosed HIV positive when he was 17. What a way to grow up fast, yeah?
Collin first met Jeff at the local clinic and Jeff was kind to him and offered an ear and a hug. Collin never forgot this and secretly crushed on Jeff. When they encounter each other again, Collin is determined to make an impression and Jeff is determined to not get involved. Using every excuse in the book, from their 7 year age difference, to a relationship he never let himself get over, to his busy life of taking care of others, to keep Collin at arms length.
In truth, Jeff was just scared. He was scared of dying and leaving someone else alone, as he had been left alone. He was scared of his partner dying and being left alone. Again. He was scared to feel because he knew that once he started to feel, he would have to face everything he has been avoiding since Kevin died.
I loved this story and I loved watching Jeff figure out that maybe being alone isn't such a good thing, after all, and maybe it's time to give someone else a chance. Collin is not as young as his age would suggest, either. He got a rather rude awakening when he was a teenager and has had to live with the consequences of his actions and be mindful of how being positive affects others he becomes involved with. It's a whole new world of responsibility.
The subject matter was heavy, but the angst wasn't nearly as high as it could have been. I guess after the apocalypse level angst in Keeping Promise Rock , most stories would appear to be nearly angst free. But Jeff is hurting here, and does his best to not let it show. He is alone and lonely and aching for touch. And Collin is just the man to step up. Ya know, if Jeff will let him.
I also really loved visiting with the rest of the family and we get some angst, there, too, and in fact, the one thing that made me cry in this book really had nothing to do with Jeff or Collin. But I won't tell you what. That, you'll have to read for yourself. This is a solid series and I've enjoyed every word of it, even the words that have brought me to tears. One more book to go. Damn, I love this series.
August 31, 2011
For people like me who love the Promises series this book is like chocolate fudge - total deep, emotional indulgence. You get to visit again with old friends, revel in Deacon's steadfastness, Crick's verbal...um...expressiveness, Mikhail's attitude, Shane's calm solidity. It's filled with all the love and choice of family that make The Pulpit the home we all wish we could build for ourselves. If we could only find people like these to fill it with. This is Jeff's book. And it comes as no surprise that the man who has been wisecracking and hiding in fairy-Jeff-father, and who is HIV +, has a past with some deep wounds hidden in it. Collin seems like an unlikely choice at first to heal them, but time reveals that there is more to this young man than meets the eye. This book is emotion ramped up to an 11, as the world conspires to once again crap on people who have faced enough already. But the resolution is typical Amy Lane sweet love. A lot of strong men cry, and find comfort in other strong men who love them, and in the women around them. I happen to really like this style of story, and will read this one again soon. A couple of Amy Lane's recent stand-alone books were even better for the balance of plot, character and emotion (with Truth in the Dark and The Locker Room both on my best-books-I've-read-this-year list.) But if you like reading with that box of tissues close to hand, and you already love these characters, then this book is for you.
March 25, 2016
Re Read=still fucking perfect in every way my fav book in the series love love love
OMG*sigh* Why oh why did i put this off for so long to read??
Cos i was scared of the angst i thought i was going to go through..
Yes it was a little Angsty but but This was an AMAZING BEAUTIFUL and So well Written Story i didnt give a shit i was devoted to reading it every chance i got!!
Amy Lane is Just so damn good at getting you to fell like you are there watching this all happen!
I had Happy tears, Sad Tears, Together with laughing and falling in love with Jeff and Collin!! They are my new fave Promise rock Boys!!! these two were just *sigh* beautiful!!!
The Story was about Jeffy and Sparky..haha Collin but we also get all the Gang again and it was FANTASTIC I didnt want it to end!!
Totally re reading material!
I Love that they all got the KNIT on!! And there Love for every one was perfect this was everything i needed!!!
A couple Fave Lines!!!
One day you,Martin, woke up and looked at girls and went 'hey shes got tits and they're awesome!' one day i woke up and looked at a picture of David Beckham the soccer star and went "Ohmygod-I want me some!" LMAO Love it!!!
God it was great to read about Crick!!
"Now grab your balls in one hand your heart in the other and own up to the fact that you could really love this guy---"
And Martin!! hell he was awesome!! "His white-people family"
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!
OMG*sigh* Why oh why did i put this off for so long to read??
Cos i was scared of the angst i thought i was going to go through..
Yes it was a little Angsty but but This was an AMAZING BEAUTIFUL and So well Written Story i didnt give a shit i was devoted to reading it every chance i got!!
Amy Lane is Just so damn good at getting you to fell like you are there watching this all happen!
I had Happy tears, Sad Tears, Together with laughing and falling in love with Jeff and Collin!! They are my new fave Promise rock Boys!!! these two were just *sigh* beautiful!!!
The Story was about Jeffy and Sparky..haha Collin but we also get all the Gang again and it was FANTASTIC I didnt want it to end!!
Totally re reading material!
I Love that they all got the KNIT on!! And there Love for every one was perfect this was everything i needed!!!
A couple Fave Lines!!!
One day you,Martin, woke up and looked at girls and went 'hey shes got tits and they're awesome!' one day i woke up and looked at a picture of David Beckham the soccer star and went "Ohmygod-I want me some!" LMAO Love it!!!
God it was great to read about Crick!!
"Now grab your balls in one hand your heart in the other and own up to the fact that you could really love this guy---"
And Martin!! hell he was awesome!! "His white-people family"
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!
September 20, 2019
Oof. This series always packs one hell of an emotional punch, and wow oh wow were there quite a few body blows in this installment. Life, love, death, illness, family...nothing is perfect or easy but worth the fight all the same. Loved the ending. And Paul Morey gives a great performance here.
Of course the next one is on the TBR but I think I'll wait a while before tackling it - I need some escapist fluff right now.
Of course the next one is on the TBR but I think I'll wait a while before tackling it - I need some escapist fluff right now.
July 9, 2011
I was waiting for Jeff's story because even in the other books, Jeff's voice is his own and you hear him. He's loud but you just knew, he was hiding something deep and bad. And so when we find out that the man lost his love in the war, we understand that for him to have dealt with Crick in the first book, in KPR, was a lot to ask and showed the size of his heart. So when we see Jeff in Living Promises, he's coping and then later doing well but never really back to "living" because he's built a fortress around his heart so he never gets hurt again. But then there's Collin.
Collin is younger and the alpha guy, the one who has everything until the world comes crashing down on him. The person who picks him up at thee moment, at the pivotal moment in his life, when he could have gone either way, destructive or redeemed, is Jeff. And so Jeff makes an impression and Collin never forgets him and wants him forever after.
It's hard to put into words how beautiful this book is. Jeff needs to trust his heart, Collin wants to claim it. Collin is everything Jeff needs but Jeff is determined not to submit to love ever again. And in the middle of this sweepingly gorgeous romance we have Deacon and Crick and Jeff's dead lover's little brother who wants to understand but is hiding it under layers of teen angst. And Jeff's mother, and his father, and Mikhail and Shane's wedding...there's so much and I cried and laughed because it's an Amy Lane book and you're lucky because you get to ride.
I love these books, the characters are my friends now and visiting them is like being welcomed home. The writing is lush and lyrical and then rolling with wit. I could just read pages of them sitting around talking, eating, just doing nothing but being a family. I never wanted it to end. The living in Living Promises is about choosing life and a future and love and that was the messsage I heard.
Collin is younger and the alpha guy, the one who has everything until the world comes crashing down on him. The person who picks him up at thee moment, at the pivotal moment in his life, when he could have gone either way, destructive or redeemed, is Jeff. And so Jeff makes an impression and Collin never forgets him and wants him forever after.
It's hard to put into words how beautiful this book is. Jeff needs to trust his heart, Collin wants to claim it. Collin is everything Jeff needs but Jeff is determined not to submit to love ever again. And in the middle of this sweepingly gorgeous romance we have Deacon and Crick and Jeff's dead lover's little brother who wants to understand but is hiding it under layers of teen angst. And Jeff's mother, and his father, and Mikhail and Shane's wedding...there's so much and I cried and laughed because it's an Amy Lane book and you're lucky because you get to ride.
I love these books, the characters are my friends now and visiting them is like being welcomed home. The writing is lush and lyrical and then rolling with wit. I could just read pages of them sitting around talking, eating, just doing nothing but being a family. I never wanted it to end. The living in Living Promises is about choosing life and a future and love and that was the messsage I heard.
July 14, 2011
I don't normally do reviews, because they're hard, but I'm trying to get better about that, so bear with me. Living Promises is a heavy read. It tackles HIV infection, heartache, loss, homophobia, loneliness, isolation, racism, etc., etc., etc. It's serious, it's remarkably well crafted, and if you have any empathy at all, it will probably make you tear up. It's also funny, warm, and uplifting, and when you're reading it, you feel like you're just another part of Deacon and Crick's increasingly large adopted family. (Hey, we can all dream.) Despite the subject matter, you'll find yourself laughing out loud as you root for every character in the ensemble cast.
The story centres around Jeff and Collin, who meet at an HIV clinic. Jeff, who's a few years older than Collin, reaches out to the younger man in an attempt to make him see HIV doesn't have to be a death sentence. Collin never forgets it, and a few years later (still rather romantically enamored with the idea of the guy who took a few minutes to talk to a scared kid), when they run into each other again, Collin decides to pursue Jeff despite his considerable emotional baggage. Jeff drags his feet a little (okay, maybe more than just a little), but the story doesn't--there's never a dull moment. And I really enjoyed the exploration of homophobia through Kevin's little brother (whose name is totally escaping me at the moment, argh).
I highly recommend this book for anyone who likes a good catharsis, diverse casts, a good reader (and character!) seduction, steamy and inventive sex scenes, or Deacon Winters (if you don't know if you like Deacon Winters, what are you waiting for? Go pick up Keeping Promise Rock).
The story centres around Jeff and Collin, who meet at an HIV clinic. Jeff, who's a few years older than Collin, reaches out to the younger man in an attempt to make him see HIV doesn't have to be a death sentence. Collin never forgets it, and a few years later (still rather romantically enamored with the idea of the guy who took a few minutes to talk to a scared kid), when they run into each other again, Collin decides to pursue Jeff despite his considerable emotional baggage. Jeff drags his feet a little (okay, maybe more than just a little), but the story doesn't--there's never a dull moment. And I really enjoyed the exploration of homophobia through Kevin's little brother (whose name is totally escaping me at the moment, argh).
I highly recommend this book for anyone who likes a good catharsis, diverse casts, a good reader (and character!) seduction, steamy and inventive sex scenes, or Deacon Winters (if you don't know if you like Deacon Winters, what are you waiting for? Go pick up Keeping Promise Rock).
October 28, 2014
As with most of my Amy Lane books, tissues are an imperative! I was so upset when I read that my lovely Deacon was really ill and could die. I know that this isn't his and Crick's story, but as usual Amy drags you into the family of Promise Rock, with all the usual suspects, and new added players - Lucas, Martin and of course Collin, I welcome you
- and you get so caught up in the family, and wanting everything to go right for them all for a change, that when something else goes wrong, it's like another nail in the coffin!You meet Martin, at 14 the younger brother of Kevin, Jeff's old boyfriend and the one that gave him HIV, who has been thrown out by his parents because they refuse to accept that Kevin was gay, and that Martin needs to discover more about the man Kevin loved . You meet Lucas, who was the best friend that Kevin had in the Army, and knew that Kevin was gay, and protected him, but couldn't stop him from getting his brains blown out in Iraq rather than face the consequences of giving Jeff the virus. And you meet Collin, who met Jeff at one of the care centres for people with HIV, and knew that one day he'd like to be more than a friend to Jeff.
We know of course that Jeff is carrying a lot of emotional baggage, we've had glimpses in the previous books, but you really feel that Collin would be good for Jeff,
be the rock that he needs and deserves. We catch up with Shane and Mickey, and their refuge Promise House, we see Kimmy finally getting her act together, and start to fall in love with Lucas and finally we get to catch up with Benny, who has been heartbroken at being in college so far away from her family, and who it seems may have a 'thing' with Drew.Deacon is the patriarch and 'glue' that binds this family together, and when he becomes seriously ill, everything seems to go nuts! You'll have to read the book for yourselves, but suffice to say, it all ends on a positive note with Shane and Mickey's wedding, and Jeff and Collin making their own plans for an autumn wedding, again at Promise Rock. Superb. Many thanks again Amy. P.S. There's a lot of cooking, eating and knitting in this book, if you don't like either subject, this book's not for you.
June 20, 2014
Another absolutely fab story from the Promises series!! This is Jeff’s story and I am so happy happy to see him get his own. This book deals with HIV, and i really liked how it was handled. HIV is not the automatic death sentence it used to be, and while still very serious and scary life can go on. Like the blurb states Collin has never forgotten the kindness Jeff showed him in front of the HIV treatment clinic. In fact, Collin has been holding a torch for Jeff ever since. And like i am beginning to figure out, there is not shortage of obstacles for these two MC’s. But there is also sweetness, chemistry, laughter and of course tears. Also in this installment we get to see more of the Pulpit family, Deacon, Crick, Shane, Mikhail, Benny etc., I love these guys!
Amy Lane is quickly becoming one of my fav authors!! Loved this!!
Amy Lane is quickly becoming one of my fav authors!! Loved this!!
August 24, 2011
This book was a terrific addition to the "Promise Rock" series. This three books have been some of my all time favorite reads. All deal with acceptance, unconditional love, and creating your own family.
One of my favorite characters from the previous two installments, Jeff, gets to tell his story which, in its own way, is even more sad than Mikhail's. From his initial meeting with Collin when THAT young man is 18 and scared to death, to the touching wedding of Mickey and Shane, we are treated to Jeff opening his heart back to love.
The way Amy Lane treats us to Jeff's back story is amazing; we learn of his family, his heartache, and why Deacon's dinner table is so utterly important to him. As a gay man, I can identify entirely with his need to create a family of his heart, rather than his blood, around him.
Give this wonderful book a read, and if you haven't checked out the other two titles, PLEASE do. Amy Lane has such insight into the need of a person to belong, to feel loved and accepted, and to have and create a family that, as she puts it, will lay down in traffic for you. Not that they will ever ask, but the kind that would. She creates characters of such depth and believability in all of her works, but in my humble opinion, these are her best.
Also check out her "Jack and Teague" and "Talker" series. All are fascinating reads, totally different in genre and place, but in all, her heroes shine through.
One of my favorite characters from the previous two installments, Jeff, gets to tell his story which, in its own way, is even more sad than Mikhail's. From his initial meeting with Collin when THAT young man is 18 and scared to death, to the touching wedding of Mickey and Shane, we are treated to Jeff opening his heart back to love.
The way Amy Lane treats us to Jeff's back story is amazing; we learn of his family, his heartache, and why Deacon's dinner table is so utterly important to him. As a gay man, I can identify entirely with his need to create a family of his heart, rather than his blood, around him.
Give this wonderful book a read, and if you haven't checked out the other two titles, PLEASE do. Amy Lane has such insight into the need of a person to belong, to feel loved and accepted, and to have and create a family that, as she puts it, will lay down in traffic for you. Not that they will ever ask, but the kind that would. She creates characters of such depth and believability in all of her works, but in my humble opinion, these are her best.
Also check out her "Jack and Teague" and "Talker" series. All are fascinating reads, totally different in genre and place, but in all, her heroes shine through.
February 2, 2014
M/M modern romance of her usual 'make lots of melodramatically bad things happen to these people and stick a wedding at the end' variety. I can't think of another M/M dealing with HIV off the top of my head, so there's that. And I did like this in a distracted, way-more-important-shit-going-on-give-me-a-book way. Even with all the emotional breakdowns and nonsense.
But – and I realize I sound like a broken record here – but. This genre does not understand homophobia. According to this genre, there are two kinds of people: there are homophobes who disown their queer children in dramatic fashion, and then there's everyone else who isn't homophobic. Riiiight. I mean, those homophobes do exist. But writing about that is writing the most cartoonishly villainous face of it, and entirely missing the grinding, subtle, every day corrosion. You know, the complicated parts. Like how a friend's mother gave the old family silver to the straight daughter and not the queer daughter because – and mom didn't articulate this or probably even know – because the straight daughter had the sort of family/table on which ancestral silver belongs, and the queer daughter and wife did not. When the M/M genre defines homophobia only by violence and blatant hate, it fails to get its hands around some fundamental truths of what it is to be queer. And also perpetuates homophobia, but it does that in a hundred other ways too, so.
I'll stop bitching about this eventually.
But – and I realize I sound like a broken record here – but. This genre does not understand homophobia. According to this genre, there are two kinds of people: there are homophobes who disown their queer children in dramatic fashion, and then there's everyone else who isn't homophobic. Riiiight. I mean, those homophobes do exist. But writing about that is writing the most cartoonishly villainous face of it, and entirely missing the grinding, subtle, every day corrosion. You know, the complicated parts. Like how a friend's mother gave the old family silver to the straight daughter and not the queer daughter because – and mom didn't articulate this or probably even know – because the straight daughter had the sort of family/table on which ancestral silver belongs, and the queer daughter and wife did not. When the M/M genre defines homophobia only by violence and blatant hate, it fails to get its hands around some fundamental truths of what it is to be queer. And also perpetuates homophobia, but it does that in a hundred other ways too, so.
I'll stop bitching about this eventually.
dnf
December 4, 2013DNF @ 42%
*sigh* I wanted to like this book. I was actually really excited about it. Amy Lane's books are hit and miss with me. *Gasp* I know, I know. Blasphemy, right? Well, they are. But I was thoroughly enjoying the Promises series, especially book two! I loved Jeff's character and was anxious to read his story.
Sadly, book three fell flat for me and my enthusiasm for Jeff's HEA crumpled like a collapsed souffle. First off, the Jeff in book three is very different from the Jeff flitting around in books 1-2. Further, I just didn't feel any chemistry between Jeff and Collin. I get the struggles they face living with HIV and was totally rooting for them there. I just didn't feellove lust anything between the MCs. Lastly, the cast of characters in and around the Pulpit just got too overwhelming. For the record, I LOVE the supporting cast of characters at the Pulpit. They are a big part of what makes Promises so endearing. That being said, however, I did feel that the sheer volume was getting a bit much. There was just too many of them and my lackluster interest in the MCs could not sustain the effort needed to keep track of who's who and what's what. In the end ... this was a DNF. Maybe I'll pick it up and try again later. I dunno.
*sigh* I wanted to like this book. I was actually really excited about it. Amy Lane's books are hit and miss with me. *Gasp* I know, I know. Blasphemy, right? Well, they are. But I was thoroughly enjoying the Promises series, especially book two! I loved Jeff's character and was anxious to read his story.
Sadly, book three fell flat for me and my enthusiasm for Jeff's HEA crumpled like a collapsed souffle. First off, the Jeff in book three is very different from the Jeff flitting around in books 1-2. Further, I just didn't feel any chemistry between Jeff and Collin. I get the struggles they face living with HIV and was totally rooting for them there. I just didn't feel
May 20, 2015
And the lovefest continues! God I just plain adores this series so much and I’ve been dreaming of Jeff getting his HEA FOREVER! This did not disappoint! I have to admit though I’m happy that this series hasn’t been as drowning in pain as the first book and the angst has been much more manageable.
Jeff has had the love of his life and lost him. In the six years since that awful time Jeff has found stability and a large measure of happiness in his life. He lives his life in spite of his HIV positive status and while he hasn’t had a relationship since Kevin he’s found a measure of peace with his adopted family. Now the past he doesn’t think about is about to come crashing back in in the form of Kevin’s very upset younger brother. The family never knew Kevin was gay until he was killed in combat. But finding a letter meant for Jeff has sent Martin into a tailspin resulting in a bus ride from Georgia to confront his dead brother’s lover.
Collin feels like he owes his life to the one man who stood outside an HIV clinic and told him it would get better when he was just a young kid dealing with the disease. Five years of idolizing the man and one more of basically stalking him anytime he came into his mother’s diner and Collin is convinced all he needs is a chance to make his crush become a reality. Seeing Jeff and friends entering the diner sends Jeff scurrying from his garage and the car he was working on into his server/bus boy status. Being up close and personal to Jeff’s life unwinding around his face wasn’t in the plans, but Collin’s more than willing to take any shot he can get.
I’m such a sucker for a little angst and a good story. This absolutely didn’t disappoint. Poor Jeff! I never imagined how much pain and crazy was living under all that snark. And I do so love his snark. He’s been the breath of fresh air and lightness for Deacon and Crick as they righted their world. He’s given Shane and Mikhail the balance to figure out their own insanity and now it’s finally Jeff’s turn. Couldn’t ask for a better ball of stubborn persistence than Collin either. He may be younger than Jeff but he’s certainly matured into quite the man and has all the strength needed to be the rock for Jeff when the walls he’s built to survive come crashing down around his ears.
I absolutely adore the entirety of the Pulpit family. Their bonds are thicker than blood. They’re bonds of love, and choice, and bone deep caring. Every single person invited to Sunday night dinners would lay down their lives and drop everything for the rest of them and that’s unbelievably awesome to see. The love, mutual respect and admiration they all have for each other pours off the page no matter what the color, creed, or sexuality of the other person. When one person bleeds the rest bleed right along with them. And frankly I think watching that kind of acceptance pour over Martin and help to change and mold his way of thinking may have just been my favorite part of the book. It gives hope to the idea that the prejudices of this world can continue to be changed and that the youth of today might not grow up quite as bigoted as many of their older counterparts unfortunately are.
The pain and fear in Jeff and Collin’s pasts is just heart-wrenching and painful to think about. Yet, both men have found strength in the present and are all the stronger because of it. The emotional growth and healing that they found with each other and were able to share with Martin was beautiful and so touching. I particularly enjoyed the way Ms. Lane handled such a sensitive subject such as HIV and while never shying away from the severity of the disease didn’t make it limiting to the men living with it either. Both Collin and Jeff have full lives inspite of their disease and know how to take the proper intelligent steps to keep themselves healthy growing up and learning from the mistakes that got them sick in the first place.
I’ve loved this entire series and this book just adds to it for me. I love diving back in to old friends and finding new ones and this book gives me all kinds of both. My heart ached to see everything still isn’t sunshine and roses all around for Crick and Deacon, but glowed to see Mikhail and Shane doing so well, for Kimmy to be finding the potential for love, and Benny to be back home with her family and Drew. This family has become wonderful friends and adding to Collin to the mix just adds more beautiful layers. Who couldn’t love a man who can be a rock for his guy when facing his father for the first time in twelve years? When all the wheels are coming off the cart I’d definitely be happy to find someone like Collin by my side.
This book has plenty of humor and smiles to balance out the crazy drama and angst making everyone at the Pulpit’s lives insane again. There’s nothing like a good old fashioned love story to bring a happy glow to everyone’s face and a wedding at Promise Rock is just the perfect way to bring it all around again. I can’t wait to read the next book and find a hopefully happy conclusion to everything this family has gone through separately and together. They deserve the ultimate HEA!
Jeff has had the love of his life and lost him. In the six years since that awful time Jeff has found stability and a large measure of happiness in his life. He lives his life in spite of his HIV positive status and while he hasn’t had a relationship since Kevin he’s found a measure of peace with his adopted family. Now the past he doesn’t think about is about to come crashing back in in the form of Kevin’s very upset younger brother. The family never knew Kevin was gay until he was killed in combat. But finding a letter meant for Jeff has sent Martin into a tailspin resulting in a bus ride from Georgia to confront his dead brother’s lover.
Collin feels like he owes his life to the one man who stood outside an HIV clinic and told him it would get better when he was just a young kid dealing with the disease. Five years of idolizing the man and one more of basically stalking him anytime he came into his mother’s diner and Collin is convinced all he needs is a chance to make his crush become a reality. Seeing Jeff and friends entering the diner sends Jeff scurrying from his garage and the car he was working on into his server/bus boy status. Being up close and personal to Jeff’s life unwinding around his face wasn’t in the plans, but Collin’s more than willing to take any shot he can get.
I’m such a sucker for a little angst and a good story. This absolutely didn’t disappoint. Poor Jeff! I never imagined how much pain and crazy was living under all that snark. And I do so love his snark. He’s been the breath of fresh air and lightness for Deacon and Crick as they righted their world. He’s given Shane and Mikhail the balance to figure out their own insanity and now it’s finally Jeff’s turn. Couldn’t ask for a better ball of stubborn persistence than Collin either. He may be younger than Jeff but he’s certainly matured into quite the man and has all the strength needed to be the rock for Jeff when the walls he’s built to survive come crashing down around his ears.
I absolutely adore the entirety of the Pulpit family. Their bonds are thicker than blood. They’re bonds of love, and choice, and bone deep caring. Every single person invited to Sunday night dinners would lay down their lives and drop everything for the rest of them and that’s unbelievably awesome to see. The love, mutual respect and admiration they all have for each other pours off the page no matter what the color, creed, or sexuality of the other person. When one person bleeds the rest bleed right along with them. And frankly I think watching that kind of acceptance pour over Martin and help to change and mold his way of thinking may have just been my favorite part of the book. It gives hope to the idea that the prejudices of this world can continue to be changed and that the youth of today might not grow up quite as bigoted as many of their older counterparts unfortunately are.
The pain and fear in Jeff and Collin’s pasts is just heart-wrenching and painful to think about. Yet, both men have found strength in the present and are all the stronger because of it. The emotional growth and healing that they found with each other and were able to share with Martin was beautiful and so touching. I particularly enjoyed the way Ms. Lane handled such a sensitive subject such as HIV and while never shying away from the severity of the disease didn’t make it limiting to the men living with it either. Both Collin and Jeff have full lives inspite of their disease and know how to take the proper intelligent steps to keep themselves healthy growing up and learning from the mistakes that got them sick in the first place.
I’ve loved this entire series and this book just adds to it for me. I love diving back in to old friends and finding new ones and this book gives me all kinds of both. My heart ached to see everything still isn’t sunshine and roses all around for Crick and Deacon, but glowed to see Mikhail and Shane doing so well, for Kimmy to be finding the potential for love, and Benny to be back home with her family and Drew. This family has become wonderful friends and adding to Collin to the mix just adds more beautiful layers. Who couldn’t love a man who can be a rock for his guy when facing his father for the first time in twelve years? When all the wheels are coming off the cart I’d definitely be happy to find someone like Collin by my side.
This book has plenty of humor and smiles to balance out the crazy drama and angst making everyone at the Pulpit’s lives insane again. There’s nothing like a good old fashioned love story to bring a happy glow to everyone’s face and a wedding at Promise Rock is just the perfect way to bring it all around again. I can’t wait to read the next book and find a hopefully happy conclusion to everything this family has gone through separately and together. They deserve the ultimate HEA!
July 20, 2011
It’s no real secret I think Amy Lane serves angst with a side of awesome. She frankly knows how to make complicated men tug at your heartstrings and the Promise series is a great example of that. Unfortunately (and this easily could be a problem for me alone) the series starts off so high that it’s never really hit that same sweet note in subsequent books. I like Living Promises more than the second book in the series but they both pale in comparison to the first. You can read LP as a stand alone but you shouldn’t. I also realize that I just adore Crick and Deacon so much that any time the focus is on someone else, I just want more of them. This is a fine book but as a reader I’m totally spoiled by Crick and Deacon and realize that any other focus in this series will be lost on me. For the more open reader, this is a great angsty character driven story.
Back in homophobic Levee Oaks the focus of the story is now on fairy Jeff Father and his younger paramour Collin. Jeff is still hurting over the death of his lover 6 years ago and Collin has been patiently watching the man of his dreams from afar. Although both men are living with HIV, they don’t have much in common. Collin decides he’s not going to let Jeff slip away and nothing will get in his way. It doesn’t matter if it’s drama queen antics, family scares, health problems, or dead lovers – Collin is determined to get his man.
The first and perhaps the biggest theme to this installment is family. Family plays a huge role here, as it has done in previous books, but as the family grows so does the nature of their involvement in the series. By the third book the family has grown to include more people than you can list off easily, including associated pets, kids, employees, lovers, runaways, and the ever present new family members being added. It’s a powerful theme that is used over and over to show that the people you love and who love you are your family by choice; a family that will never let you down and never leave you alone. This theme of family is a bit repetitive considering it’s used as the main progressive element but it works very well.
Part of what helps make this work are the included POV from previously known characters. Here Deacon, Crick, Shane, and others all get a turn to show actions from their perspective and give readers a little thrill to see the previous couples and their thoughts. I’ll admit part of this is what ruined the book for me. Whenever the story is in Deacon or Crick’s head, I never –ever- wanted to leave. Even though the author (or story) is kind of mean to them, I simply wanted to stay with their love and story. So it was hard for me to change gears and want to see more of Jeff and Collin. This isn’t a negative about LP nor a mark against it, it’s just as a reader I’m still in love with Crick and Deacon to a degree the other couples can’t really challenge.
That said, Collin and Jeff make an entertaining and fun couple to watch fall in love. Collin is very determined and Jeff is the joker that needs a strong man to help him. Jeff is very emotionally strong but has never really dealt with the emotions surrounding his lover’s death so for a majority of the story Jeff is working those feelings out while flip flopping on whether to give Collin a chance. This emotional backdrop is set amongst massive and continued family drama from the other rather big supporting characters. There is rarely a scene when the others aren’t mentioned, referenced, or involved so you’re not just reading Collin and Jeff falling in love, you’re reading it set amongst a busy, chaotic, often interfering family of choice. It works but you have to love the family as much as the lead couple.
This is where I think the book stumbles just a bit. Not too much because as always the writing is clean with a lot of color and description and the entire cast from small bit players to the main couple all leap off the page with a lot of depth and nuance. However I had a few minor problems. For starters the background chaos almost overwhelms the book and main couple. As a reader more interested in the secondary players they of course caught my attention but there is a lot going on in the book. There is never just one problem; there are always multiple problems on multiple fronts. The characters also tend to reiterate phrases and nicknames that I didn’t particularly care for the first time let alone in repetition so many times.
However as I’ve said these are minor considerations to an otherwise solid story. It’s not my favorite of the series but really nothing ever will compare for me. For those fans that want to continue with the series this is a very solid addition and you won’t want to miss it.
Back in homophobic Levee Oaks the focus of the story is now on fairy Jeff Father and his younger paramour Collin. Jeff is still hurting over the death of his lover 6 years ago and Collin has been patiently watching the man of his dreams from afar. Although both men are living with HIV, they don’t have much in common. Collin decides he’s not going to let Jeff slip away and nothing will get in his way. It doesn’t matter if it’s drama queen antics, family scares, health problems, or dead lovers – Collin is determined to get his man.
The first and perhaps the biggest theme to this installment is family. Family plays a huge role here, as it has done in previous books, but as the family grows so does the nature of their involvement in the series. By the third book the family has grown to include more people than you can list off easily, including associated pets, kids, employees, lovers, runaways, and the ever present new family members being added. It’s a powerful theme that is used over and over to show that the people you love and who love you are your family by choice; a family that will never let you down and never leave you alone. This theme of family is a bit repetitive considering it’s used as the main progressive element but it works very well.
Part of what helps make this work are the included POV from previously known characters. Here Deacon, Crick, Shane, and others all get a turn to show actions from their perspective and give readers a little thrill to see the previous couples and their thoughts. I’ll admit part of this is what ruined the book for me. Whenever the story is in Deacon or Crick’s head, I never –ever- wanted to leave. Even though the author (or story) is kind of mean to them, I simply wanted to stay with their love and story. So it was hard for me to change gears and want to see more of Jeff and Collin. This isn’t a negative about LP nor a mark against it, it’s just as a reader I’m still in love with Crick and Deacon to a degree the other couples can’t really challenge.
That said, Collin and Jeff make an entertaining and fun couple to watch fall in love. Collin is very determined and Jeff is the joker that needs a strong man to help him. Jeff is very emotionally strong but has never really dealt with the emotions surrounding his lover’s death so for a majority of the story Jeff is working those feelings out while flip flopping on whether to give Collin a chance. This emotional backdrop is set amongst massive and continued family drama from the other rather big supporting characters. There is rarely a scene when the others aren’t mentioned, referenced, or involved so you’re not just reading Collin and Jeff falling in love, you’re reading it set amongst a busy, chaotic, often interfering family of choice. It works but you have to love the family as much as the lead couple.
This is where I think the book stumbles just a bit. Not too much because as always the writing is clean with a lot of color and description and the entire cast from small bit players to the main couple all leap off the page with a lot of depth and nuance. However I had a few minor problems. For starters the background chaos almost overwhelms the book and main couple. As a reader more interested in the secondary players they of course caught my attention but there is a lot going on in the book. There is never just one problem; there are always multiple problems on multiple fronts. The characters also tend to reiterate phrases and nicknames that I didn’t particularly care for the first time let alone in repetition so many times.
However as I’ve said these are minor considerations to an otherwise solid story. It’s not my favorite of the series but really nothing ever will compare for me. For those fans that want to continue with the series this is a very solid addition and you won’t want to miss it.
January 2, 2016
This is a story about life with all it's twists and turns, the mistakes we make along the way that we (sometimes) pay for the rest of our lives, redemption that comes from the most unexpected places, and the love we surround ourselves with and choose to let in to our lives.
I love that the story revolves around Jeff and getting to see the man behind the "fairy-Jeff-father" always-happy-cracking-jokes guy. To see his vulnerabilities and shortcomings and, ultimately, his willingness to allow love into his life. I loved getting to see his past, his troubles, and his triumphs. Ever since Keeping Promise Rock, when I first met Jeff he's had a little piece of my heart. The oh-so-tough-but-vulnerable man who's built a fortress around his heart and is the happy, funny one who doesn't let the world see his tears broke my heart a little.
I've been waiting for his story and I am not disappointed.
Jeff has been celibate and lonely since his lover, Kevin, was killed in action while on tour in the Marines. Six years later, when Kevin's youngest brother Martin comes to Levee Oaks with a letter from Kevin Jeff's old wounds are ripped open.
Collin Waters has crushed on Jeff since he took the almost eighteen year old boy in his arms for a comforting hug outside their HIV treatment clinic years ago. Collin is determined that even though this may not seem like the best time to get involved, this is going to be the time when he finally gets Jeff to see him, to be there for Jeff, to be his rock, and for them to fall in love with each other.
We get to see the relationship grow between Jeff and Collin regardless of the roadblocks Jeff tries to throw in their way. I love that we get to see the past be put to rest so everyone can focus on the future and, of course, we also get to spend time with the rest of the family: Deacon and Carrick, Shane and Mikhail, Benny and Andrew, Jon and Amy, Kimmy, and new members Lucas and Martin. When Deacon has some health issues, the whole family must come together to be each other's rocks. (Why, Amy Lane? Why? Why do you put my poor Deacon through so much??)
"Even if I leave you, I won't leave you, okay? Even if you carry the casket and have to say goodbye and find someone else to love, I'll still be with you, okay? I meant it. Always. You hear?"
WARNING: There are some heavy emotional tides to ride in this installment, though I'm happy to report the devastation and angst aren't nearly the level it is in Keeping Promise Rock (thank heavens).
Once again, I loved Paul Morey's narration! He beautifully captures the people and tone of the story while keeping the flow natural and unhurried. His character voices are just another reason to love the story and immerse myself in the world Amy Lane has created.
“This place, Promise Rock, is where you get to go if you keep your promises to the people who love you. It’s a reward for trusting another soul enough that you let them make you happy. It’s this family’s place, our private place, where we go to tell the world, and God if he’s listening, that we are family because we choose to be. It’s where we make the things in our heart real."
Recommended.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
October 11, 2012
4.5 stars
Amy Lane is probably one of my favorite authors. She's one of the very few that always make me cry. She's got stories that make me fall in love with the characters and that's exactly why I love her books.
In this one, it's no different. I enjoyed reading Jeff and Collin's story. Finally understanding Jeff and why he acts the way he acts was a real treat. Seeing him find his happiness in Collin, who just wants to give Jeff the love and caring he needs was even better. I loved how funny and snarky Jeff was and I loved how Collin was able to match that snark with his own. They both have dry humors and can dish out an endless amount of sexual innuendos. More than that, I liked the way they took their relationship slow. They had a lot of hurdles to overcome before they could even start to make a relationship work and part of that was Jeff finally grieving for the lover he lost years prior. It was intense but I loved every minute of it. Then there's the kid, Martin. Oh man, what a brat he was! But I really liked him in the end. He grew up so much in this book and became a great understanding kid and he helped Jeff even when he didn't know it.
While I enjoyed the story, I gotta say that there was a lot of Crick and Deacon in this one. Don't get me wrong, I love Crick and Deacon but I think it might be about time they caught a break. In three books, they've managed to have something horrendous happen to them and while the conflicts revolving them are heartbreaking and make the story, I also believe they take away from the main couple. In this book, I felt like they were so much a part of the plot, that they ended up being the main couple for portions of the book instead of secondary characters. I love those boys but they took away from Jeff and Collin and I didn't really like that. I understand why what happened to them had to happen because it toughened Jeff up but made him vulnerable at the same time and required him to finally deal with certain issues he had BUT there were some parts of Crick and Deacon that were of just them that didn't advance Jeff and Collin's relationship along and I think that's what I had the issue with the most. It was a second/third book for them as the MCs instead of being the secondary couple they should have been. Beyond that, I wished Jeff and Collin's HIV status would have been a bigger part of the story because I think it would have been interesting to see more of their illnesses and the problems it causes for them.
All in all, I really loved this book. Jeff and Collin were a great couple. I loved the way their relationship developed and how they both end up saving each other. I hope there's more to come in this series but I also hope that Crick and Deacon finally get a break and let any possible future couples create their own conflicts.
Amy Lane is probably one of my favorite authors. She's one of the very few that always make me cry. She's got stories that make me fall in love with the characters and that's exactly why I love her books.
In this one, it's no different. I enjoyed reading Jeff and Collin's story. Finally understanding Jeff and why he acts the way he acts was a real treat. Seeing him find his happiness in Collin, who just wants to give Jeff the love and caring he needs was even better. I loved how funny and snarky Jeff was and I loved how Collin was able to match that snark with his own. They both have dry humors and can dish out an endless amount of sexual innuendos. More than that, I liked the way they took their relationship slow. They had a lot of hurdles to overcome before they could even start to make a relationship work and part of that was Jeff finally grieving for the lover he lost years prior. It was intense but I loved every minute of it. Then there's the kid, Martin. Oh man, what a brat he was! But I really liked him in the end. He grew up so much in this book and became a great understanding kid and he helped Jeff even when he didn't know it.
While I enjoyed the story, I gotta say that there was a lot of Crick and Deacon in this one. Don't get me wrong, I love Crick and Deacon but I think it might be about time they caught a break. In three books, they've managed to have something horrendous happen to them and while the conflicts revolving them are heartbreaking and make the story, I also believe they take away from the main couple. In this book, I felt like they were so much a part of the plot, that they ended up being the main couple for portions of the book instead of secondary characters. I love those boys but they took away from Jeff and Collin and I didn't really like that. I understand why what happened to them had to happen because it toughened Jeff up but made him vulnerable at the same time and required him to finally deal with certain issues he had BUT there were some parts of Crick and Deacon that were of just them that didn't advance Jeff and Collin's relationship along and I think that's what I had the issue with the most. It was a second/third book for them as the MCs instead of being the secondary couple they should have been. Beyond that, I wished Jeff and Collin's HIV status would have been a bigger part of the story because I think it would have been interesting to see more of their illnesses and the problems it causes for them.
All in all, I really loved this book. Jeff and Collin were a great couple. I loved the way their relationship developed and how they both end up saving each other. I hope there's more to come in this series but I also hope that Crick and Deacon finally get a break and let any possible future couples create their own conflicts.
July 10, 2011
Four and a half stars. I will confess to crying all over my pillow this morning while reading this book, particularly the hospital scenes. But the crying wasn't just because of the wonderful family support apparent throughout the book, but also because the lead up to Deacon's admittance to hospital reminded me a lot of my grandfather's first heart attack. The whole difficulty swallowing rang mass alarm bells.
You're probably wondering why I have knocked off half a star. I'm...becoming less of a fan of insta love, and Colin & Jeff's relationship had a slight insta love feel IMHO, at least at the beginning. By the end of the book I had a better feel for why they were in love, but...I still feel the 'I love you' came early compared with how Crick & Deacon and Shane & Mikhail's relationships developed. (Yes, each relationship is different, so perhaps I'm just expecting what makes sense to me?) And please note that I used Jeff and Mikhail and not Jeffy and Mickey in the previous sentence. I have to confess to cringing every time I read Jeffy and Mickey. (So, yes, Making Promises was difficult.) The nicknames just don't work for me, especially because I love the name Mikhail. FYI - I'm nit picking I know :) And while I loved spending time with Deacon & Crick, and knowing what was going on with Kimmy & Lucas, I...kind of feel so much was going on it detracted slightly from Jeff & Colin. Did I mention I was nit picking? Any time I get to spend with this family is time to be treasured and I did really enjoy Living Promises, but...I think Keeping Promise Rock is still my favourite book of the series.
You're probably wondering why I have knocked off half a star. I'm...becoming less of a fan of insta love, and Colin & Jeff's relationship had a slight insta love feel IMHO, at least at the beginning. By the end of the book I had a better feel for why they were in love, but...I still feel the 'I love you' came early compared with how Crick & Deacon and Shane & Mikhail's relationships developed. (Yes, each relationship is different, so perhaps I'm just expecting what makes sense to me?) And please note that I used Jeff and Mikhail and not Jeffy and Mickey in the previous sentence. I have to confess to cringing every time I read Jeffy and Mickey. (So, yes, Making Promises was difficult.) The nicknames just don't work for me, especially because I love the name Mikhail. FYI - I'm nit picking I know :) And while I loved spending time with Deacon & Crick, and knowing what was going on with Kimmy & Lucas, I...kind of feel so much was going on it detracted slightly from Jeff & Colin. Did I mention I was nit picking? Any time I get to spend with this family is time to be treasured and I did really enjoy Living Promises, but...I think Keeping Promise Rock is still my favourite book of the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2011
This was such a touching story. I loved it and I was very impressed how HIV was handled in the story. I am a volunteer for the aids council here and all the messages were good, not at all preachy and what should be addressed not just in books that have HIV+ characters but every MM or MF book for that matter.
I have loved this whole series, I just wished I had gone back for a refresher and read them all from start to finish again. I will do that again in a few weeks though, this is definitely a read again book and a read again story.
I have loved this whole series, I just wished I had gone back for a refresher and read them all from start to finish again. I will do that again in a few weeks though, this is definitely a read again book and a read again story.
August 18, 2011
Great tale and continuation to one of my all time favorite series. Living Promises is about understanding yourself and others, love, healing, learning to live and strive with difficult diseases, over coming the obstacles life sends your way, forgiveness, growing up, and most importantly, this was a story about family.
October 19, 2014
Beautiful. Painful. Real.
Review to come...
Review to come...
April 6, 2017
4.5 stars
July 15, 2011
I have to admit that until I started reading this book, I didn't remember who Jeff was. I blame that on my Deacon obsession but once I got into it I remembered the quirky, supportive man for the unique character that he was. Jeff is such a beautiful man and I loved getting more insight into his mind and his heart. He has so much love to give and I was so happy when he let Collin into his life.
Collin is an awesome character. He's strong and determined and in-your-face-honest and I just love him. The combination of the two of them - Jeff and Collin - is a fabulous addition to the Pulpit, as well as another beautiful couple to give and take support from their "family".
This was a very heavy, emotional read dealing with HIV and heart disease, but it still revolved around the basis of the whole series - love. I was thrilled to see so much of Deacon and Crick's story included though the parts where Deacon was sick made me want to put the story in the freezer so I didn't have to know the pain and helplessness he was feeling, and the consequences of him not getting better.
I survived though and seeing Deacon alive and vital with his family again - especially in the scene with Kevin's father where he takes charge in his calm Deaconish way - made me warm all over. The wedding and Jon's stunning words brought tears to my eyes again, and I hope we get to revisit Promise Rock again soon.
Collin is an awesome character. He's strong and determined and in-your-face-honest and I just love him. The combination of the two of them - Jeff and Collin - is a fabulous addition to the Pulpit, as well as another beautiful couple to give and take support from their "family".
This was a very heavy, emotional read dealing with HIV and heart disease, but it still revolved around the basis of the whole series - love. I was thrilled to see so much of Deacon and Crick's story included though the parts where Deacon was sick made me want to put the story in the freezer so I didn't have to know the pain and helplessness he was feeling, and the consequences of him not getting better.
I survived though and seeing Deacon alive and vital with his family again - especially in the scene with Kevin's father where he takes charge in his calm Deaconish way - made me warm all over. The wedding and Jon's stunning words brought tears to my eyes again, and I hope we get to revisit Promise Rock again soon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2013
In my quest to re-read books from the Promises series before venturing to the newest jewel in the crown of Promises stories, Forever Promised, I am overwhelmed by emotion. This story, of Jeff and Collin, and of the entire Pulpit family, is so beautiful that it defies description.
I totally and completely loved this! It's just a heart-wrenching, gritty, deeply emotional and spiritually uplifting as the others in the series, yet it has it's own special poignancy with the death of Jeff's first love, Kevin, and the emotional healing that Jeff and Kevin's brother Martin undergo in this one. Collin, beautiful, strong Collin, is such a winner. OMG. I love him.
Deacon's illness and the family's strength and courage overwhelmed me, yet again. And the beautiful wedding of our Shane and Mickey was the icing on the cake of this wonderful treat.
I know I'll read this series over and over again. These guys are like my extended family and I won't be able to go too long without visiting them again.
Now I'm primed and ready for the finale, but since it's an October challenge book for me, I have to wait a week. Ah well, all the more time to savor the thoughts of how amazing that one will be.
I totally and completely loved this! It's just a heart-wrenching, gritty, deeply emotional and spiritually uplifting as the others in the series, yet it has it's own special poignancy with the death of Jeff's first love, Kevin, and the emotional healing that Jeff and Kevin's brother Martin undergo in this one. Collin, beautiful, strong Collin, is such a winner. OMG. I love him.
Deacon's illness and the family's strength and courage overwhelmed me, yet again. And the beautiful wedding of our Shane and Mickey was the icing on the cake of this wonderful treat.
I know I'll read this series over and over again. These guys are like my extended family and I won't be able to go too long without visiting them again.
Now I'm primed and ready for the finale, but since it's an October challenge book for me, I have to wait a week. Ah well, all the more time to savor the thoughts of how amazing that one will be.
July 10, 2012
You read romances, some light, some dark in tone, but not all of them touch your heart. Some are so poorly written that you just skim over the bad parts jut to get to the end. Some have so much sex, but no content that you actually start skimming over the sex scenes hoping for one moment the author will have thought of something honest and significant.
But this book has none of those things. This book is about life, and damn it, life is sometimes hard, painful, bloody, and precious. In all the things that make life difficult, this book also celebrates what makes life worth living: Hope of love.
We see characters in this book who are not perfect, who have illnesses that could kill them and yet every one of them are survivors. And in this quest to live they each find love.
I can not put in words yet the full impact of this book or this author on me. I still have to give it time to percolate. I feel a blog post in the near future.
But for anyone who wants to see what life must be who have has HIV and yet still has a full life, you must read this.
In fact, I would say any human should read this book to just understand that we are all people. We are all imperfect.
But we all deserve love and respect.
But this book has none of those things. This book is about life, and damn it, life is sometimes hard, painful, bloody, and precious. In all the things that make life difficult, this book also celebrates what makes life worth living: Hope of love.
We see characters in this book who are not perfect, who have illnesses that could kill them and yet every one of them are survivors. And in this quest to live they each find love.
I can not put in words yet the full impact of this book or this author on me. I still have to give it time to percolate. I feel a blog post in the near future.
But for anyone who wants to see what life must be who have has HIV and yet still has a full life, you must read this.
In fact, I would say any human should read this book to just understand that we are all people. We are all imperfect.
But we all deserve love and respect.
April 29, 2014
I now know why I need such a long break in between reading each of these books. The angst levels are off the scale! Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the book and it was probably my favourite in the series so far but my heart just couldn't take all the upset and I'd cried 3 times before I was 15% through. I just started to get over one traumatic event and take a breather, then another one would come along.
However, when all is said and done this is a fantastic book, I loved Jeff and Collin and apart from Deacon and Crick I think they're probably my favourite couple. They're both such strong characters and despite having so many obstacles to overcome in their past, they learned to live life to the full and have a lot of fun in the process.
Thanks to Giorgia and Steph for reading this with me!
However, when all is said and done this is a fantastic book, I loved Jeff and Collin and apart from Deacon and Crick I think they're probably my favourite couple. They're both such strong characters and despite having so many obstacles to overcome in their past, they learned to live life to the full and have a lot of fun in the process.
Thanks to Giorgia and Steph for reading this with me!
July 9, 2011
After being forced to stay up late just to see what happened next, I've come to the conclusion that Amy is either the meanest m/m author in the world or she just hates her characters muchly. And don't we love her for it. <3
May 21, 2022
This one might be 3.5 rounded down to 3. The writing is still good, still real, so I don't want to be too stingy, but...
The book was so much more about the extended family - EVERYONE has a family - that the MCs got lost in the middle of it all. Even the first sex scene wasn't with the MCs! It was with Crick and Deacon who are the MAIN couple in the overall series. And as much as I like them, their overshadowing of the actual MCs of the book was... not what I was expecting from the book.
Unlike Book 2 which focused much more on Shane and Mickey.
Plus, the MCs here - Jeff and Collin - honestly were...meh. Their characterization wasn't as well developed as some of the others. Even tho Jeff showed up many times already, I felt like he was watered down somehow in this book. And Collin was also a Deacon look-alike (was mentioned several times), just with a diff personality.
Just wasn't as compelling as the other books.
I think this might be the first 3 star I've given this author. Still going to read the last book.
The book was so much more about the extended family - EVERYONE has a family - that the MCs got lost in the middle of it all. Even the first sex scene wasn't with the MCs! It was with Crick and Deacon who are the MAIN couple in the overall series. And as much as I like them, their overshadowing of the actual MCs of the book was... not what I was expecting from the book.
Unlike Book 2 which focused much more on Shane and Mickey.
Plus, the MCs here - Jeff and Collin - honestly were...meh. Their characterization wasn't as well developed as some of the others. Even tho Jeff showed up many times already, I felt like he was watered down somehow in this book. And Collin was also a Deacon look-alike (was mentioned several times), just with a diff personality.
Just wasn't as compelling as the other books.
I think this might be the first 3 star I've given this author. Still going to read the last book.
October 7, 2018
Rating: 3.5 stars
Not my favorite of the series. I had a harder time connecting with Collen and Jeff for some reason. Not really sure why, but I just didn’t feel the emotional connection between the two of them. It might be the age difference or the fact that Jeff met Collin while he was relatively young. It almost felt like hero worship on Collins part, especially in the beginning.
I did like that part of this book focused on Deacon and Crick. I absolutely loved them, so it was good to read from their perspective again. I loved the story ark with Jeff’s ex-lover’s younger brother Martin. I thought that part was really well handled. I would love to see more of him in the future. Overall, a really good book but once again not as good as the first one in the series.
Not my favorite of the series. I had a harder time connecting with Collen and Jeff for some reason. Not really sure why, but I just didn’t feel the emotional connection between the two of them. It might be the age difference or the fact that Jeff met Collin while he was relatively young. It almost felt like hero worship on Collins part, especially in the beginning.
I did like that part of this book focused on Deacon and Crick. I absolutely loved them, so it was good to read from their perspective again. I loved the story ark with Jeff’s ex-lover’s younger brother Martin. I thought that part was really well handled. I would love to see more of him in the future. Overall, a really good book but once again not as good as the first one in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews