What do you think?
Rate this book
Vendetta Kings #1
Man of Honor
He broke my heart once.
Now it's my turn.
Violence and I go way back, but waking up in a shallow grave in the middle of the bayou? That's a new low, even for me. I didn't come home to Devil's Garden looking for trouble, but this town is itching to pick a fight with me.
Now, I'm stuck relying on the one man I vowed never to face again. Wyatt is older, smarter, and stronger. Better than an orphan like me in every way—and he made sure I knew it when he cruelly rejected me five years ago.
Me? I'm everything he should avoid. But here's the he's no longer treating me like a mistake. His eyes burn whenever he looks at me, raw and primal, like he's undressing me layer by layer.
But no matter how magnetic he is, I can't risk letting him close enough to hurt me again.
I loved Gage even when I knew I shouldn't. Now, he's back—and all grown up. The reckless boy I spent years keeping out of trouble has returned a hard, muscled, and cocky as hell. Gage is a walking weapon wrapped in temptation, and I'm falling again the second he looks at me.
But Gage doesn't want love. Not from anyone, and especially not from me. He doesn't believe in it. I'll settle for scraps if I have to. I'll take his body, his fire, his pain—anything he'll give me—but I won't stop until he sees himself through my eyes.
But in a town as dirty as Devil's Garden? Love might not be enough to save us.
Man of Honor is a full-length contemporary small town gay romance that can be read as a stand-alone. Full of stoic cops, reckless bad boys, creepy mansions, shared baths, and the steamiest game of Marco Polo you ever saw. Complete with the Happiest-Ever-After, just for you!
Now it's my turn.
Violence and I go way back, but waking up in a shallow grave in the middle of the bayou? That's a new low, even for me. I didn't come home to Devil's Garden looking for trouble, but this town is itching to pick a fight with me.
Now, I'm stuck relying on the one man I vowed never to face again. Wyatt is older, smarter, and stronger. Better than an orphan like me in every way—and he made sure I knew it when he cruelly rejected me five years ago.
Me? I'm everything he should avoid. But here's the he's no longer treating me like a mistake. His eyes burn whenever he looks at me, raw and primal, like he's undressing me layer by layer.
But no matter how magnetic he is, I can't risk letting him close enough to hurt me again.
I loved Gage even when I knew I shouldn't. Now, he's back—and all grown up. The reckless boy I spent years keeping out of trouble has returned a hard, muscled, and cocky as hell. Gage is a walking weapon wrapped in temptation, and I'm falling again the second he looks at me.
But Gage doesn't want love. Not from anyone, and especially not from me. He doesn't believe in it. I'll settle for scraps if I have to. I'll take his body, his fire, his pain—anything he'll give me—but I won't stop until he sees himself through my eyes.
But in a town as dirty as Devil's Garden? Love might not be enough to save us.
Man of Honor is a full-length contemporary small town gay romance that can be read as a stand-alone. Full of stoic cops, reckless bad boys, creepy mansions, shared baths, and the steamiest game of Marco Polo you ever saw. Complete with the Happiest-Ever-After, just for you!
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 3, 2025
267 people are currently reading
577 people want to read
About the author
Parker St. John
19 books511 followersGay romance author living in the rainy Pacific Northwest who adores strong alpha men, rugged cowboys, blue collar smokeshows, mortal enemies and childhood friends who will make you SWOON when they fall in love!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
January 7, 2025
⭐️ 4 stars ⭐️
A very passionate, dramatic romance. I loved the all-consuming love between Gage and Wyatt, the protectiveness. I couldn’t really get into the plot set-up, but the romance was great.
The drama was maybe a tad much, but it still got me a little teary-eyed. I’m also very curious about the rest of the brothers and look forward to Mason’s story.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Small town
- Age gap (9 years)
- Violence
- Second chance?
- “I didn’t have anywhere else to go”
- Injury caretaking
- Dancing without music ❤️
- Strict top/bottom
- Frotting
- Light spanking
I’d been strong enough to walk away from him once. But now? God help me, he was driving the good sense right out of me.
A very passionate, dramatic romance. I loved the all-consuming love between Gage and Wyatt, the protectiveness. I couldn’t really get into the plot set-up, but the romance was great.
“I've got nothing to offer you, baby. Just trouble." I wrapped my arms around him, threading a hand through his damp hair and tucking his face into my neck. "I'll take it"
The drama was maybe a tad much, but it still got me a little teary-eyed. I’m also very curious about the rest of the brothers and look forward to Mason’s story.
I might have saved him once, but he’d saved me, too.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Small town
- Age gap (9 years)
- Violence
- Second chance?
- “I didn’t have anywhere else to go”
- Injury caretaking
- Dancing without music ❤️
- Strict top/bottom
- Frotting
- Light spanking
April 2, 2025
This was the best book this author has written in a while, to be honest. I think the new series, new setting, new characters, really helped this author out. Not that I wasn't very much enjoying the other series, but there were some 4 stars or lower in that series for me, and I didn't quite have this "wow" feeling in quite a few books.
Gage and Wyatt just had natural chemistry from the start. I was invested in this and their story from the get go, all the way through to the end and I wasn't once bored or tuned out of their story once.
It was so interesting that these 5 brothers were adopted (except for Mason and Ben, who are twins) and so are, for the most part, very different from each other.
Gage and Ben are probably the kindest and most good hearted of the brothers. Mason is fairly good overall too, although to be fair we didn't see much of him in this book as he was working a lot. But he's probably somewhere between those two and Gideon and Dominic, the oldest brothers. Both are a bit...off, Dominic most of all.
I just know all 5 of these brothers are gonna get stories and let me just say Dominic will need a LOT of redemption. He's obviously not all there. He's straight up psycho. But also he would do anything for his brothers...but with someone like Dominic...that's not always a good thing.
The main plot in this story outside of Gage and Wyatt's love story is that Ben killed Gage's biological father 5 years prior to protect Gage, as the guy was abusive AF. But the father had a gun and it could have been let off as self defense, but the weapon the father had was nowhere to be found. Plus the sheriff of the small Louisiana town in the bayou has it out for the Beaufort family, big time.
Also, the town where they all live is crawling with serious crime, and at least half the police force are dirty cops.
So Mason has been working to get Ben released, and they also took over the foster home for their adoptive father when he died recently.
Which brings us to Gage, who has been gone working in Las Vegas for the past 5 years since Ben's arrest - since Wyatt rejected him - but with their adoptive father's death, Gage comes back. And he also sees men trying to drag away a teen girl - to rape her, to traffic her...probably both. So he steps in and saves her.
That brings her to the foster home they run at Eden house, a big mansion like house that goes way back. Also, Gage starts going after the men who went after her, to help make her feel and be safe again. But they have connections that gets them out of trouble with the police. It all ties together.
But one such policeman who is true and good in every way is Wyatt. (Of course actual good men like him never last as a police officer).
He saved Gage from his father when Gage was 10 years old, and Wyatt was 19, just fresh on the force. Gage had a hero worship crush on him for years, which did turn into real love. But Wyatt is a good, upstanding guy and never saw him that way.
And when Gage, at 18 (or 20, it wasn't clear on Gage's age which was a tad annoying but not too bad overall. But idk why a clear age couldn't have just been given to us) kissed Wyatt the night the stuff with his father went down, Wyatt rejected him pretty firmly and harshly. Which was a good thing for Wyatt to do, as he'd known and seen Gage as this kid that he cared for, but didn't love romantically.
Gage was absolutely heartbroken, but if he hadn't spent 5 years away, becoming a man, without them seeing or talking to each other, maybe Wyatt wouldn't have ever been able to break free from that childlike image and caring he had for him and see him as a man who he could fall in love with.
5 years later, everything is changed. And Gage is no longer a skinny, scrawny kid but a well muscled, tough as nails man.
It doesn't take long for Wyatt to feel all the feelings, of course.
Gage, of course, never truly stopped loving Wyatt. But he does feel a want to hurt Wyatt how he hurt him - a somewhat immature feeling that I think Gage lets go of fairly quickly overall. He is pretty harsh with Wyatt after a sexual encounter between them, but he immediately feels guilty about it. Also, I think he was just very scared. Not only because of the life he's had and how shitty it's been, but because of how Wyatt had hurt him before.
But - one thing that happens to these boys is getting beat to a pulp and the other needing to take care of them. And that helps bridge the gap made after that not so great ending to their first sexual encounter with each other.
The love doesn't change for Gage - except for maybe seeing Wyatt fully, as a man, and not so idolized as when he was a teenager - but Wyatt's love does become romantic where it wasn't before.
Their love is just so passionate and so much and so all consuming, I loved it. Dominic almost takes that away and man do I hate him for it. He just goes too far and I really don't know how he'll make it right with the brothers, especially Gage. Like it's so sweet afterward how Wyatt doesn't want Gage to lose his brother over it, because man I don't know if I'd have the strength for that kind of forgiveness. Or maybe he doesn't forgive Dominic (since he does what he does to Wyatt), but he wants Gage and Dominic to make up for Gage.
Ugh it's so sweet and wonderful. Wyatt truly proves he loves Gage in every way.
I just loved this so much, and I really can't wait for the second book. Mason and Silas should be SO good. And I'm SO curious as to what exactly Silas is lying about. (Is he a cop undercover or more of a criminal than we know...hm, guess we'll see!).
I'm so excited for this series, and was so happy with this first installment. What a way to start this series. Gage and Wyatt are definitely one of my favorite couples of this author's.
Absolutely can't wait for more! 🥰
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
Gage and Wyatt just had natural chemistry from the start. I was invested in this and their story from the get go, all the way through to the end and I wasn't once bored or tuned out of their story once.
It was so interesting that these 5 brothers were adopted (except for Mason and Ben, who are twins) and so are, for the most part, very different from each other.
Gage and Ben are probably the kindest and most good hearted of the brothers. Mason is fairly good overall too, although to be fair we didn't see much of him in this book as he was working a lot. But he's probably somewhere between those two and Gideon and Dominic, the oldest brothers. Both are a bit...off, Dominic most of all.
I just know all 5 of these brothers are gonna get stories and let me just say Dominic will need a LOT of redemption. He's obviously not all there. He's straight up psycho. But also he would do anything for his brothers...but with someone like Dominic...that's not always a good thing.
The main plot in this story outside of Gage and Wyatt's love story is that Ben killed Gage's biological father 5 years prior to protect Gage, as the guy was abusive AF. But the father had a gun and it could have been let off as self defense, but the weapon the father had was nowhere to be found. Plus the sheriff of the small Louisiana town in the bayou has it out for the Beaufort family, big time.
Also, the town where they all live is crawling with serious crime, and at least half the police force are dirty cops.
So Mason has been working to get Ben released, and they also took over the foster home for their adoptive father when he died recently.
Which brings us to Gage, who has been gone working in Las Vegas for the past 5 years since Ben's arrest - since Wyatt rejected him - but with their adoptive father's death, Gage comes back. And he also sees men trying to drag away a teen girl - to rape her, to traffic her...probably both. So he steps in and saves her.
That brings her to the foster home they run at Eden house, a big mansion like house that goes way back. Also, Gage starts going after the men who went after her, to help make her feel and be safe again. But they have connections that gets them out of trouble with the police. It all ties together.
But one such policeman who is true and good in every way is Wyatt. (Of course actual good men like him never last as a police officer).
He saved Gage from his father when Gage was 10 years old, and Wyatt was 19, just fresh on the force. Gage had a hero worship crush on him for years, which did turn into real love. But Wyatt is a good, upstanding guy and never saw him that way.
And when Gage, at 18 (or 20, it wasn't clear on Gage's age which was a tad annoying but not too bad overall. But idk why a clear age couldn't have just been given to us) kissed Wyatt the night the stuff with his father went down, Wyatt rejected him pretty firmly and harshly. Which was a good thing for Wyatt to do, as he'd known and seen Gage as this kid that he cared for, but didn't love romantically.
Gage was absolutely heartbroken, but if he hadn't spent 5 years away, becoming a man, without them seeing or talking to each other, maybe Wyatt wouldn't have ever been able to break free from that childlike image and caring he had for him and see him as a man who he could fall in love with.
5 years later, everything is changed. And Gage is no longer a skinny, scrawny kid but a well muscled, tough as nails man.
It doesn't take long for Wyatt to feel all the feelings, of course.
Gage, of course, never truly stopped loving Wyatt. But he does feel a want to hurt Wyatt how he hurt him - a somewhat immature feeling that I think Gage lets go of fairly quickly overall. He is pretty harsh with Wyatt after a sexual encounter between them, but he immediately feels guilty about it. Also, I think he was just very scared. Not only because of the life he's had and how shitty it's been, but because of how Wyatt had hurt him before.
But - one thing that happens to these boys is getting beat to a pulp and the other needing to take care of them. And that helps bridge the gap made after that not so great ending to their first sexual encounter with each other.
The love doesn't change for Gage - except for maybe seeing Wyatt fully, as a man, and not so idolized as when he was a teenager - but Wyatt's love does become romantic where it wasn't before.
Their love is just so passionate and so much and so all consuming, I loved it. Dominic almost takes that away and man do I hate him for it. He just goes too far and I really don't know how he'll make it right with the brothers, especially Gage. Like it's so sweet afterward how Wyatt doesn't want Gage to lose his brother over it, because man I don't know if I'd have the strength for that kind of forgiveness. Or maybe he doesn't forgive Dominic (since he does what he does to Wyatt), but he wants Gage and Dominic to make up for Gage.
Ugh it's so sweet and wonderful. Wyatt truly proves he loves Gage in every way.
I just loved this so much, and I really can't wait for the second book. Mason and Silas should be SO good. And I'm SO curious as to what exactly Silas is lying about. (Is he a cop undercover or more of a criminal than we know...hm, guess we'll see!).
I'm so excited for this series, and was so happy with this first installment. What a way to start this series. Gage and Wyatt are definitely one of my favorite couples of this author's.
Absolutely can't wait for more! 🥰
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
Read
June 8, 2025DNF at 40% - no rating
I just cannot get into this book at all!
It feels like it's trying too hard to be something dark and gritty with all of the violence, corrupt police, trafficking, and the creepy mansion with it's creepy priest. In actuality, it feels like I'm just reading down a checklist of what should be found in this type of book according to reader surveys. I don't know how else to describe it, but everything just feels so forced and unnatural, like the characters don't even believe their own roles? The character's are all pretty much caricatures and stereotypes: moody violent bad boy; creepy priest; mysterious criminal boss; lawyer with a secret dark side; the only not corrupt police officer; biker bar owner.... it just feels like a bunch of cliches, tropes and microtropes were thrown in a bowl together, stirred around a bit, and this was the result.
It's impossible to connect to either character because we're 40% in and we still barely know anything about either of them, except the older MC rejected the younger one five years ago - that has been repeated about a thousand times at this point and honestly I got it the first time, it doesn't need to be repeated so often!
It's a shame because I really enjoyed this author's cowboy / rodeo series, but this is just missing the mark completely.
I just cannot get into this book at all!
It feels like it's trying too hard to be something dark and gritty with all of the violence, corrupt police, trafficking, and the creepy mansion with it's creepy priest. In actuality, it feels like I'm just reading down a checklist of what should be found in this type of book according to reader surveys. I don't know how else to describe it, but everything just feels so forced and unnatural, like the characters don't even believe their own roles? The character's are all pretty much caricatures and stereotypes: moody violent bad boy; creepy priest; mysterious criminal boss; lawyer with a secret dark side; the only not corrupt police officer; biker bar owner.... it just feels like a bunch of cliches, tropes and microtropes were thrown in a bowl together, stirred around a bit, and this was the result.
It's impossible to connect to either character because we're 40% in and we still barely know anything about either of them, except the older MC rejected the younger one five years ago - that has been repeated about a thousand times at this point and honestly I got it the first time, it doesn't need to be repeated so often!
It's a shame because I really enjoyed this author's cowboy / rodeo series, but this is just missing the mark completely.
January 10, 2025
I was so happy to see that Parker St John has a new series! This first book was full of action, lies, secrets, family and love. Gage and Wyatt are the perfect couple to start this series. The introduction to the brothers and the world they’re wrapped up in is shrouded in the history of the bayou and an old mansion. I loved the setting.
Gage was a bit of a hothead and I wasn’t sure I saw much growth from him but I think I’ll see more in future books. I adored Wyatt and how he cared for Gage, once as the child he found in the bayou and then as the man he fell in love with.
The brothers are all very different and I’m so intrigued. Mason and Ben are the only two related by blood and there are hints to their stories. Gideon is a total mystery and I think something is up between him and Dominic. I’m very excited for all the books!!!!
ARC received for review
All thoughts and opinions are my own
Gage was a bit of a hothead and I wasn’t sure I saw much growth from him but I think I’ll see more in future books. I adored Wyatt and how he cared for Gage, once as the child he found in the bayou and then as the man he fell in love with.
The brothers are all very different and I’m so intrigued. Mason and Ben are the only two related by blood and there are hints to their stories. Gideon is a total mystery and I think something is up between him and Dominic. I’m very excited for all the books!!!!
ARC received for review
All thoughts and opinions are my own
January 21, 2025
Had high hopes for this one but I'm not quite satisfied. I love some of this authors books but her latest has not been favourites so this was a step forward. Liked the mc's good enough but the brothers and their actions wasn't all clear for me. 2,5 ⭐⭐
January 5, 2025
★★★★★. I absolutely devoured this book in a couple of hours. The tropes, the plot that’s still going on, the side characters, the found family and the love these two men had for one another?
I loved loved Wyatt and Gage so much. The way Wyatt made sure Gage knew he was always going to be there for him. How he made sure Gage knew that he mattered to him. How he made sure Gage knew he was worth it and was worth the sacrifice. HOW HE GAVE UP HIS LIFE FOR GAGE. I do think they needed the separation for both of them. Gage needed to grow on his own and Wyatt too honestly. I felt so horrible for Gage and reading what he went through. His thoughts of never being enough and being the outcast hurt so much when you realize how much his brothers and Wyatt loved him. Even the children at the foster home they ran loved Gage.
I was happy how this book focused on Wyatt showing Gage his love and affection more because it was needed. I do wish we got a real set age on them both but I’m thinking Gage is mid 20s and Wyatt late 30s? Some things had me looking around with how Wyatt said his back is older than Gage’s but unsure fully. I still love them and love the love they had for one another.
My absolute favorite thing in this book that I know will continue throughout is the brotherhood. I love how they each are there for one another and how they all go to Gideon when needing that comfort more. Ben’s coming home made me sob because we never saw Dominic show emotion until then. Ben breaking down completely to Gideon and admitting he was tired. Gage not wanting to let him go. Mason being so happy to have his twin home. I love them so much.
The overarching plot that’s continuing is amazing. I love the way the author is writing the corrupt system and how each of the brothers has a role in it. Mason and Silas are next and I’m so ready for them. Gideon and Dominic though? I need like NOW. I don’t agree with Dominic’s actions but I understood him. Ben and Langford? Yeah, a need.
“You’re mine,” I whispered, kissing him until our breath mingled. “I found you, Gage, and I’m gonna keep you. Forever.”
His breath caught, and he closed his eyes as if what I'd said hurt him. Then he took a deep breath and nodded. "Okay," he said roughly, convincing himself as much as me. "Okay.”
I loved loved Wyatt and Gage so much. The way Wyatt made sure Gage knew he was always going to be there for him. How he made sure Gage knew that he mattered to him. How he made sure Gage knew he was worth it and was worth the sacrifice. HOW HE GAVE UP HIS LIFE FOR GAGE. I do think they needed the separation for both of them. Gage needed to grow on his own and Wyatt too honestly. I felt so horrible for Gage and reading what he went through. His thoughts of never being enough and being the outcast hurt so much when you realize how much his brothers and Wyatt loved him. Even the children at the foster home they ran loved Gage.
I was happy how this book focused on Wyatt showing Gage his love and affection more because it was needed. I do wish we got a real set age on them both but I’m thinking Gage is mid 20s and Wyatt late 30s? Some things had me looking around with how Wyatt said his back is older than Gage’s but unsure fully. I still love them and love the love they had for one another.
My absolute favorite thing in this book that I know will continue throughout is the brotherhood. I love how they each are there for one another and how they all go to Gideon when needing that comfort more. Ben’s coming home made me sob because we never saw Dominic show emotion until then. Ben breaking down completely to Gideon and admitting he was tired. Gage not wanting to let him go. Mason being so happy to have his twin home. I love them so much.
The overarching plot that’s continuing is amazing. I love the way the author is writing the corrupt system and how each of the brothers has a role in it. Mason and Silas are next and I’m so ready for them. Gideon and Dominic though? I need like NOW. I don’t agree with Dominic’s actions but I understood him. Ben and Langford? Yeah, a need.
“You’re mine,” I whispered, kissing him until our breath mingled. “I found you, Gage, and I’m gonna keep you. Forever.”
His breath caught, and he closed his eyes as if what I'd said hurt him. Then he took a deep breath and nodded. "Okay," he said roughly, convincing himself as much as me. "Okay.”
August 30, 2025
I don’t think I’ve ever read a book with more punches thrown.
January 10, 2025
Gage is back home to Devils Garden , located in the deep south where bayou and crawdads reside, due to a death in his adopted family. There’s lots of action from the first chapter.
Wyatt is the town Deputy Sheriff. I think. He’s definitely a Deputy. He had rescued Gage from his abusive father when Gage was ten. An older Gage had attempted a seduction but Wyatt shut that down.
Gage still harbours anger and longing towards him. Wyatt still wants to protect him.
‘Wyatt's expression gave nothing away, but those eyes? I didn't like the look of them. They were too alert and too possessive. Like he thought he had some kind of claim on me.’
Gage is like this bad boy reputation but with a heart of gold. Wyatt is the older man who exudes quiet authority. These two have quite the past.
Gage and his adopted family lived in a sprawling estate called Edens House. Boone, his bachelor adopted Dad turned the mansion into a place for wayward boys.
His adopted brothers consist of lawyer Mason , priest Gideon, restaurant owner Dominic and wrongly imprisoned Ben. Soo maybe 4 more book in this series.
The chemistry between Wyatt and Gage is combustible. There’s also hurt and brokenness. Wyatt is Gages safe place and Gage is Wyatt’s to care for and protect.
“I still wanted to protect him...but in a different way. I wanted him to be mine.”
Omg these two are just meant to be. Throughout all their history, it was leading them to these loving moments.
“You’re mine,” I whispered, kissing him until our breath mingled. “I found you, Gage, and I’m gonna keep you. Forever.”
Amidst corrupt cops including Vanderhoff with a vendetta, Gages brothers, the ghosts, nostalgia and foster kids of Edens House and a rescued girl named Ivy - Gage and Wyatt confess their ‘It’s always been you ‘ love.
“We were going to be okay. He trusted me, wholly and without question. Hearing him acknowledge that I loved him like it was a simple, undeniable truth had healed something inside me I never knew was broken. I wasn’t some mythical savior to him anymore. I was just the man who loved him, the man who would never betray him.”
Ohh swoooon. Their love and belief in each other was a constant theme throughout this book.
The book doesn’t leave us with a couple cliff hanger , - happily ever after for those two but the next books I’m sure will continue on with the police corruption, Edens House and Devils Garden.
I really love how beautifully this book is written and how the characters and settings are brought to life.
My future bookcouple predictions:-
Ben and Colton
Gideon and Dominic with maybe a third in Marcel
Mason and Silas
Wyatt is the town Deputy Sheriff. I think. He’s definitely a Deputy. He had rescued Gage from his abusive father when Gage was ten. An older Gage had attempted a seduction but Wyatt shut that down.
Gage still harbours anger and longing towards him. Wyatt still wants to protect him.
‘Wyatt's expression gave nothing away, but those eyes? I didn't like the look of them. They were too alert and too possessive. Like he thought he had some kind of claim on me.’
Gage is like this bad boy reputation but with a heart of gold. Wyatt is the older man who exudes quiet authority. These two have quite the past.
Gage and his adopted family lived in a sprawling estate called Edens House. Boone, his bachelor adopted Dad turned the mansion into a place for wayward boys.
His adopted brothers consist of lawyer Mason , priest Gideon, restaurant owner Dominic and wrongly imprisoned Ben. Soo maybe 4 more book in this series.
The chemistry between Wyatt and Gage is combustible. There’s also hurt and brokenness. Wyatt is Gages safe place and Gage is Wyatt’s to care for and protect.
“I still wanted to protect him...but in a different way. I wanted him to be mine.”
Omg these two are just meant to be. Throughout all their history, it was leading them to these loving moments.
“You’re mine,” I whispered, kissing him until our breath mingled. “I found you, Gage, and I’m gonna keep you. Forever.”
Amidst corrupt cops including Vanderhoff with a vendetta, Gages brothers, the ghosts, nostalgia and foster kids of Edens House and a rescued girl named Ivy - Gage and Wyatt confess their ‘It’s always been you ‘ love.
“We were going to be okay. He trusted me, wholly and without question. Hearing him acknowledge that I loved him like it was a simple, undeniable truth had healed something inside me I never knew was broken. I wasn’t some mythical savior to him anymore. I was just the man who loved him, the man who would never betray him.”
Ohh swoooon. Their love and belief in each other was a constant theme throughout this book.
The book doesn’t leave us with a couple cliff hanger , - happily ever after for those two but the next books I’m sure will continue on with the police corruption, Edens House and Devils Garden.
I really love how beautifully this book is written and how the characters and settings are brought to life.
My future bookcouple predictions:-
Ben and Colton
Gideon and Dominic with maybe a third in Marcel
Mason and Silas
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2025
“You and me, we’re more than our past.”
Put a fork in me, I am DONE. THIS WAS SO FUCKING GOOD. No notes. Parker St. John, the author that you are 😍
Put a fork in me, I am DONE. THIS WAS SO FUCKING GOOD. No notes. Parker St. John, the author that you are 😍
January 4, 2025
INTENSE!!!!
FIRST BOOK OF 2025 AND IT’S A FIVE STAR READ BY MY FAVORITE AUTHORRRRRR YAAAAASSSSSS IT IS GONNA BE SUCH A GOOD YEAR.
This book really felt like such a mash up between the Down Home series and the Cabrini Law series and I am so fucking here for it. We have ultimate Parker everywhere you turn: incredibly swoony romance, action-packed danger, and some of the best writing you’ll ever read.
Wyatt and Gage. UGHHHHH I HAVE CHILLLLLS just thinking about them. Their story, their deeeeeep love, their connection, just everything. I was hooked from page one and I couldn’t get enough.
Parker has created an intensely addicting world already in just book one of this series. I am beyond excited (and so impressed) at how this series is shaping up to be. I love love love it!
FIRST BOOK OF 2025 AND IT’S A FIVE STAR READ BY MY FAVORITE AUTHORRRRRR YAAAAASSSSSS IT IS GONNA BE SUCH A GOOD YEAR.
This book really felt like such a mash up between the Down Home series and the Cabrini Law series and I am so fucking here for it. We have ultimate Parker everywhere you turn: incredibly swoony romance, action-packed danger, and some of the best writing you’ll ever read.
Wyatt and Gage. UGHHHHH I HAVE CHILLLLLS just thinking about them. Their story, their deeeeeep love, their connection, just everything. I was hooked from page one and I couldn’t get enough.
Parker has created an intensely addicting world already in just book one of this series. I am beyond excited (and so impressed) at how this series is shaping up to be. I love love love it!
April 2, 2025
"Man of Honor" by Parker St. John is a captivating and emotionally charged contemporary gay romance that will leave you breathless!
Gage and Wyatt's story is a complex and intense exploration of past hurts, rekindled passions, and the struggle to overcome personal demons. The author masterfully weaves together a narrative that's both poignant and steamy, with a cast of characters that's richly drawn and relatable.
St. John's writing is evocative and immersive, transporting you to the gritty and atmospheric world of Devil's Garden. The chemistry between Gage and Wyatt is palpable, and their romance is both tender and explosive.
While there were some scenes where the pacing felt a bit disjointed, the author's writing style and the story's emotional resonance more than made up for it.
Overall, "Man of Honor" is a must-read for fans of:
- Contemporary gay romance
- Small-town settings
- Second-chance romances
- Steamy and emotional stories
Despite some minor pacing issues, this book is a solid 5-star read that will leave you eager for more from Parker St. John!
Gage and Wyatt's story is a complex and intense exploration of past hurts, rekindled passions, and the struggle to overcome personal demons. The author masterfully weaves together a narrative that's both poignant and steamy, with a cast of characters that's richly drawn and relatable.
St. John's writing is evocative and immersive, transporting you to the gritty and atmospheric world of Devil's Garden. The chemistry between Gage and Wyatt is palpable, and their romance is both tender and explosive.
While there were some scenes where the pacing felt a bit disjointed, the author's writing style and the story's emotional resonance more than made up for it.
Overall, "Man of Honor" is a must-read for fans of:
- Contemporary gay romance
- Small-town settings
- Second-chance romances
- Steamy and emotional stories
Despite some minor pacing issues, this book is a solid 5-star read that will leave you eager for more from Parker St. John!
April 26, 2025
4.5⭐️
“You’re mine,” I whispered, kissing him until our breath mingled. “I found you, Gage, and I’m going to keep you forever. Forever.”
I loved the Down Home series, and this has been sitting on my Kindle for ages. I’m not sure why it’s taken me so long to read it.
I really enjoyed this too. Wyatt and Gage are great characters. The author’s writing is really good; it’s intense and entertaining. There were questions left unsaid, but it seems the series is all going to be linked, and things will play out as they go on. The epilogue was from Mason setting his book up, which I’m glad won’t be long now!
All of the brothers have different personalities and I’m intrigued to see how their personal stories will play out as well as how they will all fix the crooked town.
“You’re mine,” I whispered, kissing him until our breath mingled. “I found you, Gage, and I’m going to keep you forever. Forever.”
I loved the Down Home series, and this has been sitting on my Kindle for ages. I’m not sure why it’s taken me so long to read it.
I really enjoyed this too. Wyatt and Gage are great characters. The author’s writing is really good; it’s intense and entertaining. There were questions left unsaid, but it seems the series is all going to be linked, and things will play out as they go on. The epilogue was from Mason setting his book up, which I’m glad won’t be long now!
All of the brothers have different personalities and I’m intrigued to see how their personal stories will play out as well as how they will all fix the crooked town.
May 2, 2025
Wow! This was almost perfect. I’ve read other books by this author and really liked them, but I wasn’t expecting this one to be even better. It had just the right mix of romance, suspense, and steamy moments. Gage and Wyatt were just so, so, so good together. I think there’s gonna be a book for each brother, and even though I could totally skip Dominic’s and Mason’s, I’m super curious about Gideon. Anyways, looking forward to whatever else the author has in store for us!
May 6, 2025
MANIFESTING FOR ONE OF THE COUPLES TO BE GIDEON/DOMINIC!
OMG I WOULD DIE FOR THAT COMBO!
I mean priest/criminal/orphaned brothers 😍
DEAR GOD MAKE IT HAPPEN *fingers crossed*
I really liked Wyatt and Gage, although their story kinda reminded me of Down Low. But I am more curious about Mason and Silas in the second book. Feels like some dom/sub relationship with them is on horizont. Ben will probably end up with Colt.
Actually when I think about it, Gideon as dom and Dominic as sub... OMGOOOOD 😍
SO I SERIOUSLY NEED THERE TO BE
GIDEON/DOMINIC COMBO!!!!
OMG I WOULD DIE FOR THAT COMBO!
I mean priest/criminal/orphaned brothers 😍
DEAR GOD MAKE IT HAPPEN *fingers crossed*
I really liked Wyatt and Gage, although their story kinda reminded me of Down Low. But I am more curious about Mason and Silas in the second book. Feels like some dom/sub relationship with them is on horizont. Ben will probably end up with Colt.
Actually when I think about it, Gideon as dom and Dominic as sub... OMGOOOOD 😍
SO I SERIOUSLY NEED THERE TO BE
GIDEON/DOMINIC COMBO!!!!
January 3, 2025
Oh wow, the world building in this book is amazing and sets the stage for what I think is going to be one hell of a series.
MAN OF HONOR takes place in Devil's Hand, down deep in a Parrish in the Bayou. I think each book will focus on one of the Beaufort brothers and their fall into relationships all the while fleshing out other possibly ongoing plots.
Gage and Wyatt were AMAZING. I LOVE THEM.
Gage is the youngest Beaufort brother. He feels like the only thing he brings to the table is his loyalty to his family & Wyatt, and how hard he can fight AND take a beating.
Wyatt is the deputy who saved him, watched over him, broke his heart, and eventually fell in love with him.
When Gage came back to town after five years away, the plot goes into hyper-drive, and we saw CORRUPTION, some seriously shady stuff, found family, foster care kids in a big old Louisiana mansion, and two characters who desperately loved each other.
I enjoyed the hell out of this story. It's not a quick, fluffy read. It's meaty and full of good world building and great storytelling. All the side characters, even the villains, are great. Gage is a wild tornado of a man, and Wyatt is the strong wall that holds him up and keeps him together. His safe place.
I ABSOLUTELY recommend adding MAN OF HONOR to your tbr. I can't wait for Mason & Silas.
MAN OF HONOR takes place in Devil's Hand, down deep in a Parrish in the Bayou. I think each book will focus on one of the Beaufort brothers and their fall into relationships all the while fleshing out other possibly ongoing plots.
Gage and Wyatt were AMAZING. I LOVE THEM.
Gage is the youngest Beaufort brother. He feels like the only thing he brings to the table is his loyalty to his family & Wyatt, and how hard he can fight AND take a beating.
Wyatt is the deputy who saved him, watched over him, broke his heart, and eventually fell in love with him.
When Gage came back to town after five years away, the plot goes into hyper-drive, and we saw CORRUPTION, some seriously shady stuff, found family, foster care kids in a big old Louisiana mansion, and two characters who desperately loved each other.
I enjoyed the hell out of this story. It's not a quick, fluffy read. It's meaty and full of good world building and great storytelling. All the side characters, even the villains, are great. Gage is a wild tornado of a man, and Wyatt is the strong wall that holds him up and keeps him together. His safe place.
I ABSOLUTELY recommend adding MAN OF HONOR to your tbr. I can't wait for Mason & Silas.
August 11, 2025
I really enjoyed this. My biggest criticism while reading it (and it did annoy me at times) was that there are very little details. I barely know what they look like and I had to guesstimate their ages which considering it is an age gap, I feel like that is important. Otherwise, it was really good.
January 4, 2025
4.25 stars!!
I was so excited to see a new series from this author. I’ve read a good amount of their books and while I didn’t love all of them I liked a good majority of them. This one included!!
The description makes it seem like it’s more of a second chance but I don’t think I would quite call it that because they weren’t together before being separated. Wyatt was a rookie cop when he found a ten year old Gage beaten and bloody and saved him. Gage then developed hero worship and thus begun his crush on Wyatt but they were 9 years apart so nothing happened. Not until Gage became legal and kisses Wyatt for the first time, Wyatt reacted badly, pushed Gage away and Gage fled the state and now he’s back 5 years later.
I loved the tension in the beginning. They both very much want each other when they see each other again. Their first sexual encounter is a little after 20% but then they become a couple around 40%. Which I actually like because it gives us the rest of the book to see them together.
I really liked both characters. Gage is an insecure guy who uses his fists too much and gets in a lot of trouble but Wyatt loves him anyway. I liked that Wyatt always made it clear just how much he cared about Gage. He didn’t care about Gage’s issues he just wanted him. I like how it wasn’t just physical between them. Wyatt was like if we do this your mine and that was that. I also appreciate the lack of manwhores and OM drama. None of that whatsoever. They both have been with other people while they were apart but they were never together to begin with so it didn’t bug me like it usually does. And it’s not thrown in your face at all!!
Gage also has four brothers who will be getting books so I’m excited about that!!
While the romance part ends in a HEA (engaged) the plot is very much wide open. It’s definitely a cliffhanger where the plot is concerned because it’s a corrupt town and each brother plays their part.
I can’t wait for Mason and Silas’ book next. I was already intrigued when we first see their interactions. They are going to be cute together! Also Ben’s book! He’s such a sweetheart! Dominic is psychotic and not in the way I usually like so I’m interested to see who he ends up with. I kind of feel sorry for whoever that is lol.
My missing star is probably because of the whole thing with Dominic toward the end. It just kind of came out left field and felt thrown in there for shock factor. Also the beginning seemed a little inconsistent where Gage saves a girl from being taken and he’s knocked out and thrown in a swamp with the girl also but if they were trying to take her then why leave her with Gage and not just take her when he was knocked out? Didn’t realize this until I wrote this review lol. But it didn’t ruin anything.
NO CHEATING
NO OM DRAMA
NO THIRD ACT BREAK UP
9 YEAR AGE GAP (but im not sure how old they are, I would say 23/32 or 24/33)
HEAVY VIOLENCE
TALK OF TRAFFICKING
ATTEMPTED KIDNAPPING OF MINOR
I was so excited to see a new series from this author. I’ve read a good amount of their books and while I didn’t love all of them I liked a good majority of them. This one included!!
The description makes it seem like it’s more of a second chance but I don’t think I would quite call it that because they weren’t together before being separated. Wyatt was a rookie cop when he found a ten year old Gage beaten and bloody and saved him. Gage then developed hero worship and thus begun his crush on Wyatt but they were 9 years apart so nothing happened. Not until Gage became legal and kisses Wyatt for the first time, Wyatt reacted badly, pushed Gage away and Gage fled the state and now he’s back 5 years later.
I loved the tension in the beginning. They both very much want each other when they see each other again. Their first sexual encounter is a little after 20% but then they become a couple around 40%. Which I actually like because it gives us the rest of the book to see them together.
I really liked both characters. Gage is an insecure guy who uses his fists too much and gets in a lot of trouble but Wyatt loves him anyway. I liked that Wyatt always made it clear just how much he cared about Gage. He didn’t care about Gage’s issues he just wanted him. I like how it wasn’t just physical between them. Wyatt was like if we do this your mine and that was that. I also appreciate the lack of manwhores and OM drama. None of that whatsoever. They both have been with other people while they were apart but they were never together to begin with so it didn’t bug me like it usually does. And it’s not thrown in your face at all!!
Gage also has four brothers who will be getting books so I’m excited about that!!
While the romance part ends in a HEA (engaged) the plot is very much wide open. It’s definitely a cliffhanger where the plot is concerned because it’s a corrupt town and each brother plays their part.
I can’t wait for Mason and Silas’ book next. I was already intrigued when we first see their interactions. They are going to be cute together! Also Ben’s book! He’s such a sweetheart! Dominic is psychotic and not in the way I usually like so I’m interested to see who he ends up with. I kind of feel sorry for whoever that is lol.
My missing star is probably because of the whole thing with Dominic toward the end. It just kind of came out left field and felt thrown in there for shock factor. Also the beginning seemed a little inconsistent where Gage saves a girl from being taken and he’s knocked out and thrown in a swamp with the girl also but if they were trying to take her then why leave her with Gage and not just take her when he was knocked out? Didn’t realize this until I wrote this review lol. But it didn’t ruin anything.
NO CHEATING
NO OM DRAMA
NO THIRD ACT BREAK UP
9 YEAR AGE GAP (but im not sure how old they are, I would say 23/32 or 24/33)
HEAVY VIOLENCE
TALK OF TRAFFICKING
ATTEMPTED KIDNAPPING OF MINOR
Read
June 21, 20254.5 Stars
January 12, 2025
5 stars
I requested a ARC of this book because I love Parker St.John's writing. I have to admit I'm not very fond with romance that also has violence and darker themes, but this one was very very good.
Gage and Wyatt are wonderful men, loyal, selfless, protective; they both made mistakes in the past they deeply regret but, luckily, even after years of separation, they still care about each other.
The first part of the story was raw and violent: the city, the surroundings, the people, it's almost all dark. The only two places that seem to bring some kind of peace are Wyatt's cottage and the Beaufort mansion.
This place is where the lives of all the broken boys (the ones from the past and the ones who live thare now) merge: Boone Beaufort built a safe place and his adoptive sons are trying to carry on with his legacy.
The corruption, the violence and the dirt that smother the city try to tarnish the house and the men too, so the Beaufort brothers have to fight a lot to survive.
Thankfully, despite of all the pain and darkness, Wyatt and Gage are able to find their way back to each other: the part where they reconnect is wonderful and very emotional. The physical scene are intimate ad beautiful, I really loved how the author made them declare their love for each other.
They're still not perfect and they still make mistakes, but they try hard to make things work.
The dynamic between the five brothers is very interesting and I can't wait to read every one of their stories: Gideon really intrigues me and, obviously, one of them (no spoiler) is on my personal black list after what he did. I surely need a good arc redemption for him.
I hope we won't have to wait long for the next book.
Very much recommended
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
I requested a ARC of this book because I love Parker St.John's writing. I have to admit I'm not very fond with romance that also has violence and darker themes, but this one was very very good.
Gage and Wyatt are wonderful men, loyal, selfless, protective; they both made mistakes in the past they deeply regret but, luckily, even after years of separation, they still care about each other.
The first part of the story was raw and violent: the city, the surroundings, the people, it's almost all dark. The only two places that seem to bring some kind of peace are Wyatt's cottage and the Beaufort mansion.
This place is where the lives of all the broken boys (the ones from the past and the ones who live thare now) merge: Boone Beaufort built a safe place and his adoptive sons are trying to carry on with his legacy.
The corruption, the violence and the dirt that smother the city try to tarnish the house and the men too, so the Beaufort brothers have to fight a lot to survive.
Thankfully, despite of all the pain and darkness, Wyatt and Gage are able to find their way back to each other: the part where they reconnect is wonderful and very emotional. The physical scene are intimate ad beautiful, I really loved how the author made them declare their love for each other.
They're still not perfect and they still make mistakes, but they try hard to make things work.
The dynamic between the five brothers is very interesting and I can't wait to read every one of their stories: Gideon really intrigues me and, obviously, one of them (no spoiler) is on my personal black list after what he did. I surely need a good arc redemption for him.
I hope we won't have to wait long for the next book.
Very much recommended
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
September 21, 2025
4.25 stars
I really enjoyed this, the first of a new series, about 5 brothers, all of whom play a big part in this introductory story. This book is about Gage, the youngest of the brothers. On the surface, he's rough and tough and will take on the world, for those he cares for. In reality, he's insecure, has no self esteem and is haunted by past mistakes. Reunited with the man he loves, Wyatt, their story is a dramatic one; there's what seems to be insurmountable obstacles before they can be together. They have a real fight on their hands, although they will do anything for one another, they have to deal with the suspicions and the ill feelings of others, before they can accept the depth of their love, and commit to one another. While the plot may seem a little predictable at times, the author successfully grabs you and draws you into the story. All of the main characters are messed up in some way, think extremely dysfunctional, but I'm hoping that Gage and his brothers will eventually get together to clean up their crime ridden town. Cannot wait for the next book in the series.
I really enjoyed this, the first of a new series, about 5 brothers, all of whom play a big part in this introductory story. This book is about Gage, the youngest of the brothers. On the surface, he's rough and tough and will take on the world, for those he cares for. In reality, he's insecure, has no self esteem and is haunted by past mistakes. Reunited with the man he loves, Wyatt, their story is a dramatic one; there's what seems to be insurmountable obstacles before they can be together. They have a real fight on their hands, although they will do anything for one another, they have to deal with the suspicions and the ill feelings of others, before they can accept the depth of their love, and commit to one another. While the plot may seem a little predictable at times, the author successfully grabs you and draws you into the story. All of the main characters are messed up in some way, think extremely dysfunctional, but I'm hoping that Gage and his brothers will eventually get together to clean up their crime ridden town. Cannot wait for the next book in the series.
January 3, 2025
Yes! This is the Parker St. John I fell in love with. I adored the Southern Gothic vibe of Man of Honor and how seamlessly Parker set the stage for future books in the series without overshadowing the steamy romance between Gage and Wyatt.
A quick note: if you prefer to avoid teasers for the next book in a series, you might want to skip the epilogue and stop at the end of the last chapter. Personally, I didn’t mind the shift to the next couple, but it’s worth mentioning for those who might.
I loved the atmospheric Louisiana swamp setting, the bones of the overarching storyline, the ensemble cast, the relationship between the main characters, and pretty much everything else about this book. It kicks off a brand-new series that, at least in this installment, doesn’t cross over with previous ones.
I can’t wait for the next one!
A quick note: if you prefer to avoid teasers for the next book in a series, you might want to skip the epilogue and stop at the end of the last chapter. Personally, I didn’t mind the shift to the next couple, but it’s worth mentioning for those who might.
I loved the atmospheric Louisiana swamp setting, the bones of the overarching storyline, the ensemble cast, the relationship between the main characters, and pretty much everything else about this book. It kicks off a brand-new series that, at least in this installment, doesn’t cross over with previous ones.
I can’t wait for the next one!
February 9, 2025
listen. I have 45 highlights for this. I don’t know what came over me, I don’t know what Parker St. John put in this book but I ate it the fuck up.
Gage and Wyatt. Yes GOD. GODDDDD. I want more. So much more I don’t know what to do with myself. I’m not going to survive this series I mean???? This was only book one????????
I don’t even have anything coherent to say about this. The protectiveness, the teasing, the taking care of each other?? It was all just so good. I wanna erase my memory of reading this just so I can experience it again for the first time.
Predictions for future couples:
- before the epilogue I clocked Silas/Mason
- Ben and Colton
- Dom and Gideon ????? I mean…right???
Gage and Wyatt. Yes GOD. GODDDDD. I want more. So much more I don’t know what to do with myself. I’m not going to survive this series I mean???? This was only book one????????
I don’t even have anything coherent to say about this. The protectiveness, the teasing, the taking care of each other?? It was all just so good. I wanna erase my memory of reading this just so I can experience it again for the first time.
Predictions for future couples:
- before the epilogue I clocked Silas/Mason
- Ben and Colton
- Dom and Gideon ????? I mean…right???
January 4, 2025
Fantastic
This was amazing. New to me author. Phenomenal book. Read it in one sitting. Believable connection between the two MCs. Perfect amount of angst. Made me teary at points, too, over the pain and hurt/comfort. Can't wait for the others in the series. Immediately want to k ow if Dom or Gideon gets a story too. Really great book. I was pleasantly surprised by a new to me author. Exceeded expectations.
This was amazing. New to me author. Phenomenal book. Read it in one sitting. Believable connection between the two MCs. Perfect amount of angst. Made me teary at points, too, over the pain and hurt/comfort. Can't wait for the others in the series. Immediately want to k ow if Dom or Gideon gets a story too. Really great book. I was pleasantly surprised by a new to me author. Exceeded expectations.
January 13, 2025
5/5 stars! This is my first book by Parker St. John and I was blown away. It sounds like they are a very well-known author and my head has been in the sand. I was amazed by how well-developed the world is. Gage is kind of a brat, but after what he has been through in his life, it makes a lot of sense. I love how protective Wyatt was. Can't wait to see what is next for this series.
February 9, 2025
Gage is full of rage that he can barely control. He was raised by an abusive father in the deep bayou, then when he was 10, he was rescued by Wyatt, an early-twenty-something new deputy in the Devil's Garden parrish. Gage was taken to Boone Beaufort's foster home for young men where he met his four new brothers, Gideon, Dominic, Ben, and Mason. The five of them were hellraisers in town, and Wyatt was often the one who bailed them out of trouble. Then about five years ago, Gage's abusive father came for him, threatening to kill him with a gun, and somehow wound up dead by a gun that disappeared. Gage's new brother Ben takes the fall and is sent to jail. Boone Beaufort gives Gage a bunch of money and a ticket to Las Vegas for a brand new start.
After Boone Beaufort dies, Gage, now in his early twenties, makes his way back to Devil's Garden for the funeral. Arriving too late for it, he crashes for the night behind a local bar, only to wake up seeing a young teenage girl being dragged by six men to a waiting van. After stopping her abduction, they're knocked out and dumped in the bayou, near an alligator nest to be food. Somehow he manages to get her to a truck and is driving her to a local hospital when he's stopped by a patrol car...and out of the car steps the hottest man he's ever known... Wyatt. They haven't seen each other since the night before Gage left town all those years ago, and they both remember how Gage made advances on Wyatt, but was roughly refused.
The above synopsis is about the first 10% of the book. The rest is characters glaring at each other, suspicious thoughts about another, some fairly generic and boring sex scenes, and a lot of blather about vendettas against others. It seems there's dirty cops in Devil's Garden and that's why there's so much crime going on. Gage is the open target of one of Wyatt's bosses who hates all the Beaufort boys. his lack of self-control on his anger makes him a very very easy target, a lack that's demonstrated repeatedly over and over throughout, with him threatening, starting to, or actually attacking someone who's made him angry. And his primary anger is for the cops.
I appreciate that the author finally broke out of the cowboys genre, switching here for the crime family genre, but this was a huge let down for me. It reads fairly banal, with very little tension, a lot of navel gazing, and frankly, absolutely none of the characters are likable. I kept wanting to DNF it from about 25% in, but somehow forced myself to go on.
I felt like this was written in a rush and came across very incoherent at times. Some grammar and even a couple of paragraphs repeated or rewritten at times.
No bueno, barely makes it 1.75 stars, rounding to 2 stars (I think I'm being excessively generous here.)
After Boone Beaufort dies, Gage, now in his early twenties, makes his way back to Devil's Garden for the funeral. Arriving too late for it, he crashes for the night behind a local bar, only to wake up seeing a young teenage girl being dragged by six men to a waiting van. After stopping her abduction, they're knocked out and dumped in the bayou, near an alligator nest to be food. Somehow he manages to get her to a truck and is driving her to a local hospital when he's stopped by a patrol car...and out of the car steps the hottest man he's ever known... Wyatt. They haven't seen each other since the night before Gage left town all those years ago, and they both remember how Gage made advances on Wyatt, but was roughly refused.
The above synopsis is about the first 10% of the book. The rest is characters glaring at each other, suspicious thoughts about another, some fairly generic and boring sex scenes, and a lot of blather about vendettas against others. It seems there's dirty cops in Devil's Garden and that's why there's so much crime going on. Gage is the open target of one of Wyatt's bosses who hates all the Beaufort boys. his lack of self-control on his anger makes him a very very easy target, a lack that's demonstrated repeatedly over and over throughout, with him threatening, starting to, or actually attacking someone who's made him angry. And his primary anger is for the cops.
I appreciate that the author finally broke out of the cowboys genre, switching here for the crime family genre, but this was a huge let down for me. It reads fairly banal, with very little tension, a lot of navel gazing, and frankly, absolutely none of the characters are likable. I kept wanting to DNF it from about 25% in, but somehow forced myself to go on.
I felt like this was written in a rush and came across very incoherent at times. Some grammar and even a couple of paragraphs repeated or rewritten at times.
No bueno, barely makes it 1.75 stars, rounding to 2 stars (I think I'm being excessively generous here.)
January 10, 2025
[ I received the digital copy for an honest review]
"You don’t need to make yourself perfect to deserve care. You already have it. All of it.”
I really want to make a long beautiful eloquent review for this one but I'm struggling to put how much I loved it into words. This is my first time reading Parker St John and I've obviously been missing out because the writing and characters and story and everything was just fantastic.
Man of Honor is an emotional romance set in the bayou where a small town is being over run by the bottom of the Barrell and corrupted cops aren't helping the matter. Wyatt saved a young Gage and hero worship turned to more but the time wasn't right when Gage tried to act on those feelings. Fast forward 5 years and Wyatt meets the man Gage has become and he's not letting him go this time but that journey to make him his won't be an easy one .
A gritty mm romance with an age gap between a cop and a damaged man , found family , corruption, sexual tension , high emotion, nursing back to health, steam , violence , a dirty game of marco polo, fishing, trust , and a satisfying ending for Gage & Wyatt.
PS. Omg I hope all his brothers get books !!!
Favorite Qoutes:
"You don’t need to make yourself perfect to deserve care. You already have it. All of it.”
I really want to make a long beautiful eloquent review for this one but I'm struggling to put how much I loved it into words. This is my first time reading Parker St John and I've obviously been missing out because the writing and characters and story and everything was just fantastic.
Man of Honor is an emotional romance set in the bayou where a small town is being over run by the bottom of the Barrell and corrupted cops aren't helping the matter. Wyatt saved a young Gage and hero worship turned to more but the time wasn't right when Gage tried to act on those feelings. Fast forward 5 years and Wyatt meets the man Gage has become and he's not letting him go this time but that journey to make him his won't be an easy one .
A gritty mm romance with an age gap between a cop and a damaged man , found family , corruption, sexual tension , high emotion, nursing back to health, steam , violence , a dirty game of marco polo, fishing, trust , and a satisfying ending for Gage & Wyatt.
PS. Omg I hope all his brothers get books !!!
Favorite Qoutes:
January 9, 2025
This started out great, but after the Galway point, the plot felt stagnant, and I don’t feel like it picked back up enough by the end.
They get together sooner than I hoped. At one point, I felt like there was more sex than plot, especially since one week is hardly enough time to mostly recover from having the shit beat out of you. Like, being in your early 20s doesn’t give you accelerated healing powers. And that broken rib was just forgotten.
By the end, I was skimming quite a bit, as much as I was trying not to. I think maybe there was too much groundwork trying to be laid for the series, and so instead of getting one really solid plot, there’s just a bunch of little ones that I guess will get picked up as the series progresses.
I do wish this was single POV. Parker St. John writes really great single POVs, but I guess this is just one more author making the switch to dual POV :’(
While I am not a fan of epilogues in general, this one switches to Mason’s POV and serves more as a preview for his book than an actual epilogue for this book… which I’m not a fan of. I guess we are just leaving things unresolved for now.
As it stands, I don’t think I’ll continue with the series.
They get together sooner than I hoped. At one point, I felt like there was more sex than plot, especially since one week is hardly enough time to mostly recover from having the shit beat out of you. Like, being in your early 20s doesn’t give you accelerated healing powers. And that broken rib was just forgotten.
By the end, I was skimming quite a bit, as much as I was trying not to. I think maybe there was too much groundwork trying to be laid for the series, and so instead of getting one really solid plot, there’s just a bunch of little ones that I guess will get picked up as the series progresses.
I do wish this was single POV. Parker St. John writes really great single POVs, but I guess this is just one more author making the switch to dual POV :’(
While I am not a fan of epilogues in general, this one switches to Mason’s POV and serves more as a preview for his book than an actual epilogue for this book… which I’m not a fan of. I guess we are just leaving things unresolved for now.
As it stands, I don’t think I’ll continue with the series.
January 5, 2025
From picking up Elliot and Lucas's story in Risk Assessment I've adored this author's writing, and I've read and enjoyed everything they've released since. I was excited to start Man of Honor after reading the blurb and I also hoped it'd get me out of a months' long reading slump. This story did not disappoint; from the stellar world-building, the southern gothic vibe where I swear you can feel the heat of the Bayou, the supporting cast where everyone has a story to tell, to the masterpiece of Gage and Wyatt's journey, these two are phenomenal together. I raced through this story but at the same time I didn't want it to end. It delivers in every way, and Parker's storytelling craft is just as compelling and addictive as ever. Do yourself a favour and grab this book now!
Book kindly provided by Gay Romance Reviews (GRR) for an honest and unbiased review.
Book kindly provided by Gay Romance Reviews (GRR) for an honest and unbiased review.
January 27, 2025
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
Man of Honor starts a new hard-hitting series by Parker St. John featuring a group of troubled men. It’s sort of a found family and I say sort of because these men are family by circumstance and not so much by choice. They were all in foster care and adopted by the same man. They call each other brother and relate to each other as brothers, but there is a lot of friction going on here.
Gage and Wyatt wind up in a better place for now, but there are more stories for the brothers and the town and I’ll be following along as all the stories unfold.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
Man of Honor starts a new hard-hitting series by Parker St. John featuring a group of troubled men. It’s sort of a found family and I say sort of because these men are family by circumstance and not so much by choice. They were all in foster care and adopted by the same man. They call each other brother and relate to each other as brothers, but there is a lot of friction going on here.
Gage and Wyatt wind up in a better place for now, but there are more stories for the brothers and the town and I’ll be following along as all the stories unfold.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
March 17, 2025
This was a new author for me and I must say I throughly enjoyed this book. Obviously this is the first book in a new series that looks really promising. The characters were really engaging and the dynamics between them was amazing. I can’t wait to continue reading this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews