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Broken Vows
A lost friendship. A loveless marriage. A forbidden affair.
Austen
Cameron Scott knows all my secrets. After all, we’ve been close ever since we were kids. But nothing lasts forever, right? Nothing but the secret I’m forced to keep to preserve my marriage, or the guilt I have over losing my best friend because of it.
It’s been seven years, but with Cam back in town, it’s hard to resist falling back into old habits, and even harder to resist falling for my best friend…
Can I keep my desires in check this time? Or will I ruin more than just my chance to make things right?
Cameron
I shouldn’t feel a thing for Austen Brewer, my very hot, very straight, very married ex-best friend. Not after all these years, and certainly not after what happened between us.
The last thing I need is for Austen to break my heart again, but when our rekindled friendship becomes something more, I can’t say no. Even if it means destroying Austen’s marriage in the process.
Will I finally get everything I’ve wanted, after all these years? Or will Austen break us for good this time?
Austen
Cameron Scott knows all my secrets. After all, we’ve been close ever since we were kids. But nothing lasts forever, right? Nothing but the secret I’m forced to keep to preserve my marriage, or the guilt I have over losing my best friend because of it.
It’s been seven years, but with Cam back in town, it’s hard to resist falling back into old habits, and even harder to resist falling for my best friend…
Can I keep my desires in check this time? Or will I ruin more than just my chance to make things right?
Cameron
I shouldn’t feel a thing for Austen Brewer, my very hot, very straight, very married ex-best friend. Not after all these years, and certainly not after what happened between us.
The last thing I need is for Austen to break my heart again, but when our rekindled friendship becomes something more, I can’t say no. Even if it means destroying Austen’s marriage in the process.
Will I finally get everything I’ve wanted, after all these years? Or will Austen break us for good this time?
586 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 18, 2025
54 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
About the author
Ariel Dawn
69 books281 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Ariel Dawn is a real life mermaid and self-professed geek with a penchant for a good book and a strong cup of coffee (or tea!).
Ariel writes plot driven paranormal romance, monster romance, reverse harem, and urban fantasy featuring feisty heroines, sinfully delicious heroes, and neurodivergent besties.
As a fellow neurodivergent, when she isn't writing, she can be found cosplaying, attending conventions, or creating all sorts of artwork in her studio. She loves hanging out with family and friends as well as playing video games and board games with her retro gamer husband.
Ariel writes plot driven paranormal romance, monster romance, reverse harem, and urban fantasy featuring feisty heroines, sinfully delicious heroes, and neurodivergent besties.
As a fellow neurodivergent, when she isn't writing, she can be found cosplaying, attending conventions, or creating all sorts of artwork in her studio. She loves hanging out with family and friends as well as playing video games and board games with her retro gamer husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
April 4, 2025
'This… this is Cam. I’m not going to hurt him. Ever.' thinks the man who just completed a seven year program in hurting Cam.
Austen's lucky Cam's so gone for him because he's objectively....not a great MC.
He's spineless in many ways and for unknown reasons. But the worst one was his first transgression against Cam himself, which is understandable but not very forgivable.
Hooks up with his best friend while drunk then intentionally makes an abominable accusation.
The freak out? I understand. The reaction? Not so much.
I get why Cam goes no contact for 7 years and I lowkey wish he'd stayed away. But he didn't. And this brings us back to my list of reasons for not liking Austen.
He let's life happen to him. Did it at 21. Still doing it at 28. All the events in this book are either facilitated by Cam or by fate.
And Cam really doesn't seem like the kind of MC that'd tolerate this, especially given their history. But this man told Austen "It'll never be too late for you to pick me." and he clearly meant that shit, so.
Reason #3.
Austen's cock twitches like 25 times in this book. This is a lot of activity for a MARRIED MAN who's too chicken to go after who he really wants. Either sit up and speak up or take your twitchy cock back home to your wife.
And yes, I know at this point I'm nitpicking but Cam won't fight back against this nothing burger of a man so let me.
This probably makes it sound like I hated this book, right? Nope. Loved it, actually.
Any kind of cheating, I'm there. Wake me up. And I knew these two would be cheaters from the moment Cam stood up at that altar as Austen's best man, almost grinding his teeth to nubs(even though they'd already fucked up their friendship and were already on the silent treatment portion of it).
Super 'fuck you very much for being a colossal dick whom I can't stand but I love you so I'll watch you marry a woman that doesn't suit you even though I'm dying inside because you can't love me back, you frightful dick'.
Absolutely the dynamic I adore. My dislike for Austen just tempered that love a bit.
Also hated that the last scene of the book was a sex scene, the first epilogue was a sex scene, and the second epilogue was basically a set up for Alex and Mack's book, closely followed by yet another sex scene.
I get it. They're real fuckers. OMG.
This was an ARC that I mostly loved. Enough to actually want to read Alex and Mack's book even though I'd do multiple illegal things for JJ's book.
That man said he has a husband who 'refuses to admit he's gay but also refuses to give him a divorce'????
Where's THAT story? Gimme it.
Austen's lucky Cam's so gone for him because he's objectively....not a great MC.
He's spineless in many ways and for unknown reasons. But the worst one was his first transgression against Cam himself, which is understandable but not very forgivable.
Hooks up with his best friend while drunk then intentionally makes an abominable accusation.
The freak out? I understand. The reaction? Not so much.
I get why Cam goes no contact for 7 years and I lowkey wish he'd stayed away. But he didn't. And this brings us back to my list of reasons for not liking Austen.
He let's life happen to him. Did it at 21. Still doing it at 28. All the events in this book are either facilitated by Cam or by fate.
And Cam really doesn't seem like the kind of MC that'd tolerate this, especially given their history. But this man told Austen "It'll never be too late for you to pick me." and he clearly meant that shit, so.
Reason #3.
Austen's cock twitches like 25 times in this book. This is a lot of activity for a MARRIED MAN who's too chicken to go after who he really wants. Either sit up and speak up or take your twitchy cock back home to your wife.
And yes, I know at this point I'm nitpicking but Cam won't fight back against this nothing burger of a man so let me.
This probably makes it sound like I hated this book, right? Nope. Loved it, actually.
Any kind of cheating, I'm there. Wake me up. And I knew these two would be cheaters from the moment Cam stood up at that altar as Austen's best man, almost grinding his teeth to nubs(even though they'd already fucked up their friendship and were already on the silent treatment portion of it).
Super 'fuck you very much for being a colossal dick whom I can't stand but I love you so I'll watch you marry a woman that doesn't suit you even though I'm dying inside because you can't love me back, you frightful dick'.
Absolutely the dynamic I adore. My dislike for Austen just tempered that love a bit.
Also hated that the last scene of the book was a sex scene, the first epilogue was a sex scene, and the second epilogue was basically a set up for Alex and Mack's book, closely followed by yet another sex scene.
I get it. They're real fuckers. OMG.
This was an ARC that I mostly loved. Enough to actually want to read Alex and Mack's book even though I'd do multiple illegal things for JJ's book.
That man said he has a husband who 'refuses to admit he's gay but also refuses to give him a divorce'????
Where's THAT story? Gimme it.
April 10, 2025
⭐️ 4 stars ⭐️
TROPES:
❥ Friends to lovers
❥ Second chance
❥ Queer awakening
❥ Forbidden affair
What happens in Vegas… can either ruin a friendship or turn it into something more.
I didn’t know it was possible to enjoy a book AND despise one of the main characters, but that’s exactly what happened here. 60% heart flutters and gushing and awww, 40% yelling at Austen for being an invertebrate.
Broken Vows is a friends to lovers romance with plenty of pining, angsty separations, a painfully oblivious MC and dudes that suck at talking.
I loved Cam’s pining, the reunion, the secret affair, the serendipitous encounters.
Austen, however, just pissed me off the whole time. He’s absolutely miserable with his wife, marries her anyway, stays with her for 7 years and still wonders why he isn’t happy?
He just acted in ways that irked me, from how he treated Cam to how he let himself be treated by his wife.
Eventually, I embraced my hatred for Austen and just enjoyed the romance. The spice was sexy and sweet, first times, lots of passion, lots of touching. The angst hurt enough to make the HEA that much sweeter, and the authors set up the next books pretty nicely, making me want to be able to read them right now.
Especially JJ’s book, who apparently is married, his husband won’t admit he’s gay but also won’t divorce him? Now, doesn’t that sound yummy?
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Cheating (not between MCs)
- Sex w/OP on page (before MCs get together)
- Vers MCs
- Rimming
- Semi-public sex
- Coming hands-free
Doesn’t he know I’d do everything and anything for him, if only he’d let me?
TROPES:
❥ Friends to lovers
❥ Second chance
❥ Queer awakening
❥ Forbidden affair
What happens in Vegas… can either ruin a friendship or turn it into something more.
I didn’t know it was possible to enjoy a book AND despise one of the main characters, but that’s exactly what happened here. 60% heart flutters and gushing and awww, 40% yelling at Austen for being an invertebrate.
Broken Vows is a friends to lovers romance with plenty of pining, angsty separations, a painfully oblivious MC and dudes that suck at talking.
I loved Cam’s pining, the reunion, the secret affair, the serendipitous encounters.
“Can I pick you now?” he asks, his words firm. “Or am I too late?”
Austen, however, just pissed me off the whole time. He’s absolutely miserable with his wife, marries her anyway, stays with her for 7 years and still wonders why he isn’t happy?
He just acted in ways that irked me, from how he treated Cam to how he let himself be treated by his wife.
But I don’t touch him. I can’t. Because the minute I do, it’s all over.
Eventually, I embraced my hatred for Austen and just enjoyed the romance. The spice was sexy and sweet, first times, lots of passion, lots of touching. The angst hurt enough to make the HEA that much sweeter, and the authors set up the next books pretty nicely, making me want to be able to read them right now.
Especially JJ’s book, who apparently is married, his husband won’t admit he’s gay but also won’t divorce him? Now, doesn’t that sound yummy?
“All mine,” I say greedily, relishing in the feel of his tight grip. “Fucking right, I’m yours,” he says, crushing his mouth to mine. “Always have been.”
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Cheating (not between MCs)
- Sex w/OP on page (before MCs get together)
- Vers MCs
- Rimming
- Semi-public sex
- Coming hands-free
April 7, 2025
I love the cheating trope so freaking much. I don’t love when authors write women as cartoonishly evil villains. You can actually make them likable and most people who go out of their way to read this trope will still read it.
April 8, 2025
⭐️
3.5 stars
⭐️
Overall, I liked this.
Cam and Austen were good together. There was angst, to be sure, but they had good chemistry. When they actually got to be them together, you could see why they were best friends who fell in love.
Even though, overall, I'm giving this a fairly strong rating, I still couldn't give it a full 4 stars, because at the same time I wasn't wowed by this by any means.
Austen was a bit frustrating at times, especially when he kept being a complete doormat to Savannah, his wife. She was awful to him, really was mean to him and never nice, and yet he stayed and stayed and stayed.
It took forever for him to leave her.
Also, this title doesn't really fit the story. "Broken Vows" where, exactly? I feel like Austen and Savannah would have had to actually have meant their vows for anything to be actually broken.
But she clearly hated him from the start, he kept trying for years and years with her for...what reason? Because it was "expected"? Okay, even if he wasn't in love with Cam, a man, couldn't he have tried for better with another woman? Like Cam himself says and thinks many times. He was 21, so WHY did he have to settle for Savannah? Why did he have to settle for someone so awful to him? It didn't make a lot of sense.
Yes, it was 'expected' of him to be perfect and straight and rich, etc, but he wasn't forced into it. In fact, his parents might (off page) react badly to his divorce, but they come around to it not long after and him being with Cam as well.
My problem is that we saw NOTHING from his parents until the very end, in the epilogue. They never even showed up on page, so getting a sense of expectations or rigid expectations from them just wasn't really there, aside from Austen saying it/thinking it. His brother, Alex, defied them pretty well even if they didn't get along, but Austen could see it could be done. So this motivation for him destroying things with his best friend to marry this awful woman just didn't quite stick for me.
I don't get why . I get he kept that from Austen, but...to go with no contact over it? A bit much, in my opinion. Austen had insecure thoughts that he did it to throw in his face, but that made no sense to me. Cam had never been like that before, so that insecure thought didn't make much sense. Which would be fine if it was fleeting, but that thought held firm through him thinking the worst and basically and it just was like...okay? I think there should have been something else that was made a bigger deal for their
Like why did Austen cling to Savannah? They didn't even truly have a marriage, so while yes, cheating technically happened, it didn't feel like it. By the time Cam and Austen start something together, it didn't even feel like cheating. Like how can it when it's clear a marriage is just for show? When Savannah is so fucking awful? They never even felt like they were together and then their relationship deteriorated. They were already nothing from the start.
So I didn't get it. If expectations from the parents had been put on Austen - if we could have seen that - from the beginning, if the pressure from them - on page - was shown and it was immense, I could have understood it. But it wasn't, and Austen seemed to genuinely want it to work. It took forever for him to stop trying with Savannah and I had no idea why he tried for so long. Like they're marriage isn't even real and yet still late into this he's bringing her flowers and trying to 'surprise her' and bring her to a show she really wants to see. WHY? She's awful to him when he shows up, like always. Like what did he expect?
It was just all a bit silly and poorly done, imo.
I was expecting a juicy story about these two starting an affair, but it barely even felt like one even if it "technically" was one. But if there's no real relationship between Austen and Savannah, then it's only a technicality at this point, it's not real. I didn't feel like they were cheating. By the end, Austen doesn't even care that she cheated on him (even though he does when he finds out).
I just was expecting a bit more from this. It would have been so better, so much more steamy and engaging if they'd actually had an affair. If "broken vows" had actually happened in this at all. More than in a technical way.
Maybe you could say these two best friend broke vows to each other, if you want to go a bit deeper about it all, butttt they didn't make any vows to each other, except maybe wanting to be in each other's lives forever.
But the blurb make sit seem like they were going to have a full blown affair and they don't. Like how much more...meh and boring it is to have the broken vows be about these two best friends breaking...something we don't even get tangibly except a vague sense of them breaking their love for each other, idk.
These were new-to-me authors, and while I liked this, I didn't love it. I might give them a chance in the future, but I'm not chomping at the bit to read them, either.
I will say that I think the first half in the "before" section was stronger than the second half. I was fully engaged in that, waiting Austen's wedding day to approach when he apparently broke Cam's heart (well guess that's another thing that could be a 'broken vow' between them idk).
I still liked the second half, but something about it wasn't quite as engaging.
So would I recommend this? Sure. It was still enjoyable overall and I liked these two together. But was it amazing an a must read? Eh, not exactly. It's up to you whether to give this a chance based off my review. And hey, maybe the things that bothered me, would not bother you guys, so maybe you guys would love this more than I. In that case, I say go for it.
But overall, this could have been improved upon. Still likable, still enjoyable, still a good connection between the MC's. It just had some things missing to make this a stand out.
Ah, well. Better luck next time.
Until then! 😘
I received and ARC from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
Overall, I liked this.
Cam and Austen were good together. There was angst, to be sure, but they had good chemistry. When they actually got to be them together, you could see why they were best friends who fell in love.
Even though, overall, I'm giving this a fairly strong rating, I still couldn't give it a full 4 stars, because at the same time I wasn't wowed by this by any means.
Austen was a bit frustrating at times, especially when he kept being a complete doormat to Savannah, his wife. She was awful to him, really was mean to him and never nice, and yet he stayed and stayed and stayed.
It took forever for him to leave her.
Also, this title doesn't really fit the story. "Broken Vows" where, exactly? I feel like Austen and Savannah would have had to actually have meant their vows for anything to be actually broken.
But she clearly hated him from the start, he kept trying for years and years with her for...what reason? Because it was "expected"? Okay, even if he wasn't in love with Cam, a man, couldn't he have tried for better with another woman? Like Cam himself says and thinks many times. He was 21, so WHY did he have to settle for Savannah? Why did he have to settle for someone so awful to him? It didn't make a lot of sense.
Yes, it was 'expected' of him to be perfect and straight and rich, etc, but he wasn't forced into it. In fact, his parents might (off page) react badly to his divorce, but they come around to it not long after and him being with Cam as well.
My problem is that we saw NOTHING from his parents until the very end, in the epilogue. They never even showed up on page, so getting a sense of expectations or rigid expectations from them just wasn't really there, aside from Austen saying it/thinking it. His brother, Alex, defied them pretty well even if they didn't get along, but Austen could see it could be done. So this motivation for him destroying things with his best friend to marry this awful woman just didn't quite stick for me.
I don't get why . I get he kept that from Austen, but...to go with no contact over it? A bit much, in my opinion. Austen had insecure thoughts that he did it to throw in his face, but that made no sense to me. Cam had never been like that before, so that insecure thought didn't make much sense. Which would be fine if it was fleeting, but that thought held firm through him thinking the worst and basically and it just was like...okay? I think there should have been something else that was made a bigger deal for their
Like why did Austen cling to Savannah? They didn't even truly have a marriage, so while yes, cheating technically happened, it didn't feel like it. By the time Cam and Austen start something together, it didn't even feel like cheating. Like how can it when it's clear a marriage is just for show? When Savannah is so fucking awful? They never even felt like they were together and then their relationship deteriorated. They were already nothing from the start.
So I didn't get it. If expectations from the parents had been put on Austen - if we could have seen that - from the beginning, if the pressure from them - on page - was shown and it was immense, I could have understood it. But it wasn't, and Austen seemed to genuinely want it to work. It took forever for him to stop trying with Savannah and I had no idea why he tried for so long. Like they're marriage isn't even real and yet still late into this he's bringing her flowers and trying to 'surprise her' and bring her to a show she really wants to see. WHY? She's awful to him when he shows up, like always. Like what did he expect?
It was just all a bit silly and poorly done, imo.
I was expecting a juicy story about these two starting an affair, but it barely even felt like one even if it "technically" was one. But if there's no real relationship between Austen and Savannah, then it's only a technicality at this point, it's not real. I didn't feel like they were cheating. By the end, Austen doesn't even care that she cheated on him (even though he does when he finds out).
I just was expecting a bit more from this. It would have been so better, so much more steamy and engaging if they'd actually had an affair. If "broken vows" had actually happened in this at all. More than in a technical way.
Maybe you could say these two best friend broke vows to each other, if you want to go a bit deeper about it all, butttt they didn't make any vows to each other, except maybe wanting to be in each other's lives forever.
But the blurb make sit seem like they were going to have a full blown affair and they don't. Like how much more...meh and boring it is to have the broken vows be about these two best friends breaking...something we don't even get tangibly except a vague sense of them breaking their love for each other, idk.
These were new-to-me authors, and while I liked this, I didn't love it. I might give them a chance in the future, but I'm not chomping at the bit to read them, either.
I will say that I think the first half in the "before" section was stronger than the second half. I was fully engaged in that, waiting Austen's wedding day to approach when he apparently broke Cam's heart (well guess that's another thing that could be a 'broken vow' between them idk).
I still liked the second half, but something about it wasn't quite as engaging.
So would I recommend this? Sure. It was still enjoyable overall and I liked these two together. But was it amazing an a must read? Eh, not exactly. It's up to you whether to give this a chance based off my review. And hey, maybe the things that bothered me, would not bother you guys, so maybe you guys would love this more than I. In that case, I say go for it.
But overall, this could have been improved upon. Still likable, still enjoyable, still a good connection between the MC's. It just had some things missing to make this a stand out.
Ah, well. Better luck next time.
Until then! 😘
I received and ARC from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
April 14, 2025
I absolutely love a second chance, it's always been you story. Austen and Cameron have been best friends for years and Cameron has been in love with him basically the whole time. Things happen during his bachelor weekend trip in Vegas and Austen blames everything in Cameron. They don't speak for almost 10 years. When they meet up at their high school reunion, Austen does all he can to apologize. Their friendship starts back up with trust being rebuilt.
What will happen when secrets about Austen's marriage are revealed? Will Cameron and Austen ever become more?
What will happen when secrets about Austen's marriage are revealed? Will Cameron and Austen ever become more?
April 8, 2025
cam & austen - 4.75 stars 💙 wow i loved this book. best friends to lovers is such a good trope in MM and with the added angst which i loved, this book is definitely a top read of 2025 so far. i think these authors did such a good job of making you care about these characters. i empathised with cameron so bad throughout all the years and was rooting for austen to finally wake up and see what was right in front of him. i was dying for these two to get their happy ending and i flew through the first 80% of this book in one day (only stopped by work 😅). i loved how much cam and austen cared for each other and were willing to be selfless and sometimes selfish because of how much they loved each other, it was realistic and gorgeously written. i loved the epilogues too, i had such a hard time saying goodbye to these two! i couldn’t recommend this book more :) ill be waiting for the next installment in this series for sure, im anxiously awaiting alex & mack’s story 😋
I generously received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I generously received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
April 7, 2025
Austen and Cameron are best friends and have been for a very long time.
Austen has always been very comfortable with the fact that he is gay. He’s knows and accepts who he is and what, or should I say who, he wants, Austen.
Cameron isn’t sure about who he is or what he wants. Cameron is a people pleaser. Afraid of disappointing his family, friends, and his girlfriend Savannah.
One night in Vegas for Cameron’s bachelor party ruins Austen and Cameron’s friendship. 7 years later they run into one another at a high school reunion.
This a Bi/gay awakening second chance MM romance.
I loved the banter between Austen and Cameron and their friendship.
This was an ARC read and I was not disappointed.
Austen has always been very comfortable with the fact that he is gay. He’s knows and accepts who he is and what, or should I say who, he wants, Austen.
Cameron isn’t sure about who he is or what he wants. Cameron is a people pleaser. Afraid of disappointing his family, friends, and his girlfriend Savannah.
One night in Vegas for Cameron’s bachelor party ruins Austen and Cameron’s friendship. 7 years later they run into one another at a high school reunion.
This a Bi/gay awakening second chance MM romance.
I loved the banter between Austen and Cameron and their friendship.
This was an ARC read and I was not disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2025
I think Austen is a hypocritical pathetic crybaby and Cam needed to grow a back bone. Justice for Savannah; I’m so happy she’s free of that gay ass man. That being said, I could not put this book down. I have been successfully rage baited.
August 1, 2025
2.5 stars... maybe
These 2 were not endgame. Cam deserves better. Austen did as well from the shewitch but not with Cam after everything.
Considering a 2nd read only to tally the number of times a cock twitched, or jumped, or throbbed, and once even blossomed.
These 2 were not endgame. Cam deserves better. Austen did as well from the shewitch but not with Cam after everything.
Considering a 2nd read only to tally the number of times a cock twitched, or jumped, or throbbed, and once even blossomed.
April 7, 2025
Conflicted on this one
Broken Vows by Ariel Dawn and Penny Fox was a frustrating read. On the one hand it had many tropes I usually love: friends to lovers, cheating with each other, and bi-awakening. But Austen was one of the most infuriating characters in how hot and cold he was. He was very spineless in how he treated his supposed best friend.
The freak out after Vegas was not surprising but what he said was out of line. I could not believe it. The fact that he expected Cam to forgive him was unbelievable. Then the freak out after finding out that his wife was cheating and Cam knew? Cam was in a terrible spot. They had just started to heal and you know darn well Austen would have “shot the messenger”. Would Austen have EVER sought out Cam to make it right if they had not bumped into each other? I don’t think so. Austen punished Cam by not speaking to him for four months. He wouldn’t allow Cam to even explain. It seems hypocritical that he begged Cam to be able to explain after what he did. I just wish Cam had found someone better.
I honestly don’t think Austen would have gotten a divorce either if he hadn’t caught Savannah cheating. Their marriage was so abusive and weird. I don’t know if I’ll read the next one because I feel like Alex will be even worse. I am intrigued by JJ though. That seems like a fascinating story.
I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review
Broken Vows by Ariel Dawn and Penny Fox was a frustrating read. On the one hand it had many tropes I usually love: friends to lovers, cheating with each other, and bi-awakening. But Austen was one of the most infuriating characters in how hot and cold he was. He was very spineless in how he treated his supposed best friend.
The freak out after Vegas was not surprising but what he said was out of line. I could not believe it. The fact that he expected Cam to forgive him was unbelievable. Then the freak out after finding out that his wife was cheating and Cam knew? Cam was in a terrible spot. They had just started to heal and you know darn well Austen would have “shot the messenger”. Would Austen have EVER sought out Cam to make it right if they had not bumped into each other? I don’t think so. Austen punished Cam by not speaking to him for four months. He wouldn’t allow Cam to even explain. It seems hypocritical that he begged Cam to be able to explain after what he did. I just wish Cam had found someone better.
I honestly don’t think Austen would have gotten a divorce either if he hadn’t caught Savannah cheating. Their marriage was so abusive and weird. I don’t know if I’ll read the next one because I feel like Alex will be even worse. I am intrigued by JJ though. That seems like a fascinating story.
I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2025
This was a rollercoaster.
Cameron and Austen are besties. But Cameron is in love with Austen who is getting married soon. Cameron tries to be as supportive as he can be but it ends in a night where mistakes are made, friendships are severed and hearts are broken. 7 years later they meet again and Austen is still very married but can't fight the attraction he has for his former bestie and ends up pursuing it while still very married. Secrets and lies threaten to break them apart especially that good for nothing piece of wasted air, wife, Savanah.
So, this is a long read and very antsy.
Cameron is someone who sees Austen for who he really is but is also blinded by his attraction for his friend and pushes boundaries that could threaten their friendship. He is a sweet guy and so supportive even if it hurts. There are moments where Austen and Cameron are identical in a sense where they are willing to put themselves last for the people they love. And I enjoyed seeing how that line between where Austen begin and where Cameron ends blur.
Austen is a people pleaser. He doesn't have a backbone, or rather, doesn't have the platform to have one. Everything is decided for him, planned for him and expected of him. He gets so consumed in making everyone happy that in the end he makes a grave mistake that breaks his and Cameron's friendship, the only person who could see the real him. Austen is a great person but I'm glad that having time apart from the one person who truly matters managed to wake him up from his "yes sir" lifestyle to truly live his life.
Cameron and Austen aren't necessarily complicated characters but their circumstances build the complexity in their relationship.
It was joy to read and I am definitely looking forward to Alex and Mack's book.
//ARC Review//
Cameron and Austen are besties. But Cameron is in love with Austen who is getting married soon. Cameron tries to be as supportive as he can be but it ends in a night where mistakes are made, friendships are severed and hearts are broken. 7 years later they meet again and Austen is still very married but can't fight the attraction he has for his former bestie and ends up pursuing it while still very married. Secrets and lies threaten to break them apart especially that good for nothing piece of wasted air, wife, Savanah.
So, this is a long read and very antsy.
Cameron is someone who sees Austen for who he really is but is also blinded by his attraction for his friend and pushes boundaries that could threaten their friendship. He is a sweet guy and so supportive even if it hurts. There are moments where Austen and Cameron are identical in a sense where they are willing to put themselves last for the people they love. And I enjoyed seeing how that line between where Austen begin and where Cameron ends blur.
Austen is a people pleaser. He doesn't have a backbone, or rather, doesn't have the platform to have one. Everything is decided for him, planned for him and expected of him. He gets so consumed in making everyone happy that in the end he makes a grave mistake that breaks his and Cameron's friendship, the only person who could see the real him. Austen is a great person but I'm glad that having time apart from the one person who truly matters managed to wake him up from his "yes sir" lifestyle to truly live his life.
Cameron and Austen aren't necessarily complicated characters but their circumstances build the complexity in their relationship.
It was joy to read and I am definitely looking forward to Alex and Mack's book.
//ARC Review//
April 9, 2025
Honest Review 4 ⭐️
A roller-coaster of angst, emotional hurt of past actions, best friends to enemies then present day. Between passion, chemistry, hurt, betrayal, coming to terms with their identity, accepting themselves, being accepting by their families/friends...alot was going on in the story with these two. Sometimes I didn't know if rooting for Austen and Cameron was a good thing or not. Story plot was really good, alot I really liked, some I was on the fence about, the chemistry between these two was undeniable, and sometimes I just wanted to locked in a room and make them TALK to one another 🥴. The magic of fiction and authors to draw into a story to hold us captive!!
A roller-coaster of angst, emotional hurt of past actions, best friends to enemies then present day. Between passion, chemistry, hurt, betrayal, coming to terms with their identity, accepting themselves, being accepting by their families/friends...alot was going on in the story with these two. Sometimes I didn't know if rooting for Austen and Cameron was a good thing or not. Story plot was really good, alot I really liked, some I was on the fence about, the chemistry between these two was undeniable, and sometimes I just wanted to locked in a room and make them TALK to one another 🥴. The magic of fiction and authors to draw into a story to hold us captive!!
April 19, 2025
Cam & Austen
Cam bby I love you! Austen, Austen, Austen. I enjoyed this book and the way it makes you angry that Cam is not getting what he deserves and he is worth more. I enjoyed their story and when they finally got there happily ever after I was over the moon. I can’t wait for what comes next!
Cam bby I love you! Austen, Austen, Austen. I enjoyed this book and the way it makes you angry that Cam is not getting what he deserves and he is worth more. I enjoyed their story and when they finally got there happily ever after I was over the moon. I can’t wait for what comes next!
Read
May 10, 2025DNF 20% new to me authors not working for me. Moving on.
May 4, 2025
They lost a treasured friendship. One in a loveless marriage. And one forbidden affair.
Austen knows that Cameron Scott knows all of his secrets. The two have been close since they were kids. Sadly, nothing ever lasts forever, not even the best of friendships. Now, the only thing that is lasting is the secret that Austen is keeping to preserve his marriage, or at least the guilt he carries over the loss of his best friend because of his marriage.
Cameron is back in town even though it's been seven years since he left, and Austin finds it impossible to avoid old habits, and he finds it even harder not to fall for the boy who was once his best friend.
Can Austin manage his desires this time? Or will he destroy his chance at making things right with Cameron?
Cameron knows that he shouldn't feel anything for Austen Brewer. Yes, he is smoking hot, but he's also as straight as an arrow and also super married and also his ex-best friend. Nothing could ever happen between them now, not after all these years and especially not after what's already happened between them.
Cameron knows that the last thing he needs now is to get his heart broken, especially by Austen, but he knows that all changes when their friendship is rekindled and starts to blossom into something so much more, and there is no way he can say no. He hates that it means it could destroy Austen's marriage in the process.
Is Cameron finally going to find everything that he's always wanted and searched for? Or is Austen going to break his heart again and this time for good, and this time ending their friendship once and for all?
I actually really enjoyed the tropes that you'll find in this book. Friendship-to-Lovers, Second Chance, Queer Awakening, Forbidden Affair.
I am not big on cheating, I really wish it hadn't taken Austen cheating on his wife, and it took forever and a day for him to leave her. This is really the one thing that bothered me about this book. While the cheating wasn't between our MCs, there's still cheating, and it still bothered me. But, maybe that's because I am a victim of being cheated on, and I know what it feels like. So when Austen finally left his wife and ended the sham of his marriage, I felt like I could finally breathe again.
I do understand the title “Broken Vows”. I feel like Austen and Savannah both broke their vows from the very start of their marriage. They never meant their vows, and honestly, I don't feel like they ever had a good reason to get married.
Savannah, oh how I, I can't say how I feel about her here, I would probably get banned for the words I have for her. But, she never seemed to like Austen from the very beginning. And Austen, he tried over and over again to make her happy just because that's what was expected of him.
Austen deserved so much better than Savannah. Even if he wasn't in love with Cameron at that time, even though Cam was another man, he deserved a better woman than Savannah. I like what Cameron said and thought Austen was only 21. He shouldn't have had to settle for Savannah. She was awful to him and for him. His choice made no sense.
Sure, it was expected of Austen to be perfect, straight, and, of course, he had to be rich. But what Cameron didn't really realize right away is that Austen wasn't forced into marriage with Savannah. I think that maybe off page, Austen's parents might have reacted poorly to his divorce, like a lot of parents in that social set, but slowly they did come around, and they actually do come around to him and Cameron as a couple too.
I have a really hard time with Cameron focusing on Savannah cheating on Austen, and to keep it from Austen and then to go for months with no contact over it, it's not only over the top, it almost seems childish in my opinion.
I feel so sorry for Austen at times. He has his insecurities, and then to have the fact that his wife was having an affair, and to be ghosted for four months, it was heartbreaking. To me, this was almost enough for another final breakup, in my opinion. This was almost cruel of Cam to do to Austen, and if I were Austen, I would have been devastated.
This wasn't my favorite Penny Fox and Ariel Dawn novel. Honestly, I can't say that I would recommend this one. The title doesn't fit the book, and honestly, it's not one of my most enjoyable reads.
I love Penny Fox and Ariel Dawn's books, and I can't wait to read her next book and I look forward to her next book. Sadly, this one just didn't hit the mark.
Austen knows that Cameron Scott knows all of his secrets. The two have been close since they were kids. Sadly, nothing ever lasts forever, not even the best of friendships. Now, the only thing that is lasting is the secret that Austen is keeping to preserve his marriage, or at least the guilt he carries over the loss of his best friend because of his marriage.
Cameron is back in town even though it's been seven years since he left, and Austin finds it impossible to avoid old habits, and he finds it even harder not to fall for the boy who was once his best friend.
Can Austin manage his desires this time? Or will he destroy his chance at making things right with Cameron?
Cameron knows that he shouldn't feel anything for Austen Brewer. Yes, he is smoking hot, but he's also as straight as an arrow and also super married and also his ex-best friend. Nothing could ever happen between them now, not after all these years and especially not after what's already happened between them.
Cameron knows that the last thing he needs now is to get his heart broken, especially by Austen, but he knows that all changes when their friendship is rekindled and starts to blossom into something so much more, and there is no way he can say no. He hates that it means it could destroy Austen's marriage in the process.
Is Cameron finally going to find everything that he's always wanted and searched for? Or is Austen going to break his heart again and this time for good, and this time ending their friendship once and for all?
I actually really enjoyed the tropes that you'll find in this book. Friendship-to-Lovers, Second Chance, Queer Awakening, Forbidden Affair.
I am not big on cheating, I really wish it hadn't taken Austen cheating on his wife, and it took forever and a day for him to leave her. This is really the one thing that bothered me about this book. While the cheating wasn't between our MCs, there's still cheating, and it still bothered me. But, maybe that's because I am a victim of being cheated on, and I know what it feels like. So when Austen finally left his wife and ended the sham of his marriage, I felt like I could finally breathe again.
I do understand the title “Broken Vows”. I feel like Austen and Savannah both broke their vows from the very start of their marriage. They never meant their vows, and honestly, I don't feel like they ever had a good reason to get married.
Savannah, oh how I, I can't say how I feel about her here, I would probably get banned for the words I have for her. But, she never seemed to like Austen from the very beginning. And Austen, he tried over and over again to make her happy just because that's what was expected of him.
Austen deserved so much better than Savannah. Even if he wasn't in love with Cameron at that time, even though Cam was another man, he deserved a better woman than Savannah. I like what Cameron said and thought Austen was only 21. He shouldn't have had to settle for Savannah. She was awful to him and for him. His choice made no sense.
Sure, it was expected of Austen to be perfect, straight, and, of course, he had to be rich. But what Cameron didn't really realize right away is that Austen wasn't forced into marriage with Savannah. I think that maybe off page, Austen's parents might have reacted poorly to his divorce, like a lot of parents in that social set, but slowly they did come around, and they actually do come around to him and Cameron as a couple too.
I have a really hard time with Cameron focusing on Savannah cheating on Austen, and to keep it from Austen and then to go for months with no contact over it, it's not only over the top, it almost seems childish in my opinion.
I feel so sorry for Austen at times. He has his insecurities, and then to have the fact that his wife was having an affair, and to be ghosted for four months, it was heartbreaking. To me, this was almost enough for another final breakup, in my opinion. This was almost cruel of Cam to do to Austen, and if I were Austen, I would have been devastated.
This wasn't my favorite Penny Fox and Ariel Dawn novel. Honestly, I can't say that I would recommend this one. The title doesn't fit the book, and honestly, it's not one of my most enjoyable reads.
I love Penny Fox and Ariel Dawn's books, and I can't wait to read her next book and I look forward to her next book. Sadly, this one just didn't hit the mark.
April 4, 2025
If there is something we can all learn from this book, alongside the fact that Penny Fox is a brilliant author, it is that secrets, big secrets are not good for a relationship, no matter how close the people concerned are.
Cameron has been holding in a secret since he and his best friend Austen were in High School. The fact that they haven't seen one another for seven years, after the secret sort of came out just before Austen was about to get married, doesn't matter. Cameron still holds onto it but now he seems to be on the brink of getting what he has always wanted. The problem is, well there is more than one ~ Austen could break his heart all over again and if that were to happen he might not survive it ~ he could break up Austen's marriage.
Austen has secrets too. There is a big one that he has been hiding and living for the last seven years though until Cameron comes back into his life and they begin to rebuild their friendship, he doesn't think there is any way out of it. But with Cameron back in his life Austen is ready to take the steps he has been putting off - one of those is to go to New York city and look at potential locations for the business he wants to start. If it just so happens that Cameron lives in New York, well that is happy coincidence, after all it is huge city!
Penny Fox delivers this deliciously addictive story in two parts. First we relive, with Cameron and Austen, the then, their High School adventures, the build up to Austen's marriage, Cameron walking away and then, seven years later returning for a HIgh School reunion. Next comes the now and the now is where Austen begins to realise things about himself, opens up to his best friend in ways he should have done years ago. They rebuild their connection into something new, something so much stronger than it has ever been. But Cameron is keeping another secret, one that he doesn't want to share for fear it might break Austen. It does but not as expected and the fall-out, well lets just say I needed those tissues but had to keep reading. After all we can't have all that build up for everything to crash...
Second chances are put in front of us for a reason, fate likes to play its games and give us opportunities, if this story teaches us anything it is that we need to keep our hearts, minds and eyes open. We need to trust in our best friends, after all they are 'best' for a reason. We also need to be honest with ourselves. Change doesn't happen overnight, as this story shows, it can take years, but if it is worth pursuing it will happen. Things happen for Austen and Cameron, they have a bond that may look broken but which is really permanent, if only they can find a way to seal it.
An outstanding book. I settled into bed to start reading and I stayed up until I had finished, it really is that good and luckily I didn't have work the next day. Don't miss this one, Penny Fox delivers an absolute beauty and I am most definitely team Austen and Cameron though Austen's brother and his friend... there is another story there waiting to emerge...
Cameron has been holding in a secret since he and his best friend Austen were in High School. The fact that they haven't seen one another for seven years, after the secret sort of came out just before Austen was about to get married, doesn't matter. Cameron still holds onto it but now he seems to be on the brink of getting what he has always wanted. The problem is, well there is more than one ~ Austen could break his heart all over again and if that were to happen he might not survive it ~ he could break up Austen's marriage.
Austen has secrets too. There is a big one that he has been hiding and living for the last seven years though until Cameron comes back into his life and they begin to rebuild their friendship, he doesn't think there is any way out of it. But with Cameron back in his life Austen is ready to take the steps he has been putting off - one of those is to go to New York city and look at potential locations for the business he wants to start. If it just so happens that Cameron lives in New York, well that is happy coincidence, after all it is huge city!
Penny Fox delivers this deliciously addictive story in two parts. First we relive, with Cameron and Austen, the then, their High School adventures, the build up to Austen's marriage, Cameron walking away and then, seven years later returning for a HIgh School reunion. Next comes the now and the now is where Austen begins to realise things about himself, opens up to his best friend in ways he should have done years ago. They rebuild their connection into something new, something so much stronger than it has ever been. But Cameron is keeping another secret, one that he doesn't want to share for fear it might break Austen. It does but not as expected and the fall-out, well lets just say I needed those tissues but had to keep reading. After all we can't have all that build up for everything to crash...
Second chances are put in front of us for a reason, fate likes to play its games and give us opportunities, if this story teaches us anything it is that we need to keep our hearts, minds and eyes open. We need to trust in our best friends, after all they are 'best' for a reason. We also need to be honest with ourselves. Change doesn't happen overnight, as this story shows, it can take years, but if it is worth pursuing it will happen. Things happen for Austen and Cameron, they have a bond that may look broken but which is really permanent, if only they can find a way to seal it.
An outstanding book. I settled into bed to start reading and I stayed up until I had finished, it really is that good and luckily I didn't have work the next day. Don't miss this one, Penny Fox delivers an absolute beauty and I am most definitely team Austen and Cameron though Austen's brother and his friend... there is another story there waiting to emerge...
August 24, 2025
Broken Vows by Ariel Dawn & Penny Fox
Secret Games #1
Length: 440 pages
Source: Gay Romance Reviews eARC
Publication date: April 18, 2025
4 ⭐️
4 🌶️
What to expect:
🤫 BFFs to enemies to lovers
🤫 Secret crush
🤫 Bi awakening
🤫 Angst
🤫 First times
🤫 Cheating (not on each other)
🤫 Secret relationship
🤫 Hurt/comfort
🤫 Second chance
Summary
Cameron (Cam) has been in love with his best friend, Austen, since they were young. But Austen is straight and has been married for seven years after an accidental-pregnancy scare in college. In those seven years, they haven’t spoken a word following the wedding ceremony, thanks to the way Austen handled a very unexpected hookup during his bachelor-party weekend in Las Vegas. Cam walked away to save himself further hurt, and he has zero interest in reconnecting.
For Austen, his marriage is a failure, he’s miserable, and he’s shocked to see Cam at their school reunion. In that moment, he becomes determined to figure out a way to get his best friend back into his life. He wants forgiveness and to fix what he messed up seven years ago. That’s going to be tough, though, if Cam is determined to leave Austen, their friendship, and his love in the past.
My Thoughts
I admit it: I’m a sucker for a good friends-to-lovers story. It’s one of my favorite tropes. Broken Vows does the theme well, and Cam and Austen are so good together. You can see how their lifelong friendship informs their romantic relationship, and vice versa. But let me tell you, you’re probably going to want to smack Austen upside the head for at least part of this book while these two men work their way toward an HEA. It’s not at all that he is unlikeable. It’s that he doesn’t seem to have a courageous bone in his body.
As the story goes on, you see why Austen is so timid and fearful. It doesn’t make his behavior any easier to swallow, but it does make the reader realize how beaten down a person can get even when it seems like they have everything they should want. Which then begs the question(s), what if what you have isn’t what you want? What if it’s never been what you’ve wanted? And if there are things standing in the way of what you want now, what will you do about it?
Final Thoughts
Verdict? These are new authors to me, and I really enjoyed the book. I’ve already added the second in the series to my TBR, and I hope we get to see more of Austen and Cam being happy together in that book, too. (And VERY excited about that couple!) Some of the CWs I’d watch out for in Broken Vows are: cheating (already mentioned), alcohol use, mental and emotional abuse by a spouse (not by either MC), internalized homophobia, and explicit sexual content.
— A
Thanks to Gay Romance Reviews, Ariel Dawn, and Penny Fox for an eARC of this book. All opinions are mine. Reviews regularly available on BlueSky, StoryGraph, Goodreads, BookBub, and Fable.
Secret Games #1
Length: 440 pages
Source: Gay Romance Reviews eARC
Publication date: April 18, 2025
4 ⭐️
4 🌶️
What to expect:
🤫 BFFs to enemies to lovers
🤫 Secret crush
🤫 Bi awakening
🤫 Angst
🤫 First times
🤫 Cheating (not on each other)
🤫 Secret relationship
🤫 Hurt/comfort
🤫 Second chance
Summary
Cameron (Cam) has been in love with his best friend, Austen, since they were young. But Austen is straight and has been married for seven years after an accidental-pregnancy scare in college. In those seven years, they haven’t spoken a word following the wedding ceremony, thanks to the way Austen handled a very unexpected hookup during his bachelor-party weekend in Las Vegas. Cam walked away to save himself further hurt, and he has zero interest in reconnecting.
For Austen, his marriage is a failure, he’s miserable, and he’s shocked to see Cam at their school reunion. In that moment, he becomes determined to figure out a way to get his best friend back into his life. He wants forgiveness and to fix what he messed up seven years ago. That’s going to be tough, though, if Cam is determined to leave Austen, their friendship, and his love in the past.
My Thoughts
I admit it: I’m a sucker for a good friends-to-lovers story. It’s one of my favorite tropes. Broken Vows does the theme well, and Cam and Austen are so good together. You can see how their lifelong friendship informs their romantic relationship, and vice versa. But let me tell you, you’re probably going to want to smack Austen upside the head for at least part of this book while these two men work their way toward an HEA. It’s not at all that he is unlikeable. It’s that he doesn’t seem to have a courageous bone in his body.
As the story goes on, you see why Austen is so timid and fearful. It doesn’t make his behavior any easier to swallow, but it does make the reader realize how beaten down a person can get even when it seems like they have everything they should want. Which then begs the question(s), what if what you have isn’t what you want? What if it’s never been what you’ve wanted? And if there are things standing in the way of what you want now, what will you do about it?
Final Thoughts
Verdict? These are new authors to me, and I really enjoyed the book. I’ve already added the second in the series to my TBR, and I hope we get to see more of Austen and Cam being happy together in that book, too. (And VERY excited about that couple!) Some of the CWs I’d watch out for in Broken Vows are: cheating (already mentioned), alcohol use, mental and emotional abuse by a spouse (not by either MC), internalized homophobia, and explicit sexual content.
— A
Thanks to Gay Romance Reviews, Ariel Dawn, and Penny Fox for an eARC of this book. All opinions are mine. Reviews regularly available on BlueSky, StoryGraph, Goodreads, BookBub, and Fable.
April 23, 2025
Overall, I liked this. Cam and Austen had great chemistry, and when they finally got to be together, you could really feel why they were best friends first—why they fell in love. There was definitely angst, but the emotional connection between them came through clearly.
That said, I generously gave 4 stars but I wasn’t blown away.
The Good: The emotional pull between Cam and Austen was strong, especially in the "before" section leading up to Austen’s wedding. That part felt the most compelling—I was fully invested, waiting for the inevitable heartbreak. Their dynamic felt real and raw, and I appreciated that.
The Frustrating: Now, Austen… Austen tested my patience. His endless devotion to Savannah made little sense. She was awful to him—cruel, cold, and clearly not interested in their marriage. Yet he kept trying. Flowers. Shows. Surprises. For what? Obligation? Expectations? We're told his parents had high standards, but that pressure was mostly off-page. They never even appeared until the epilogue. So Austen’s internal conflict didn’t quite land for me because we didn’t see what was pushing him so hard to stay in a miserable, hollow marriage.
And Savannah? One-dimensional and just flat-out mean. It’s hard to believe someone would stay with a person who clearly hates them for so long, especially when Austen had options—like literally the love of his life right there.
About the Title: Let’s talk about “Broken Vows.” What vows? Austen and Savannah's relationship was a shell from the beginning. If anything, the title feels more fitting for Cam and Austen—if you squint and go metaphorical. But in terms of actual, gut-wrenching, messy broken promises? It wasn't really there. The story flirts with the idea of an affair, but it never goes there in a satisfying way. The drama felt... tame. I expected more juice.
Other Gripes:
Cam and Austen’s “second breakup” over Cam hiding Savannah’s cheating? Way too dramatic for what it was. Especially since Austen was cheating too.
Their long separation didn’t feel earned.
The second half dragged compared to the first. It lost some of the intensity and buildup that made the earlier part so engaging.
Final Thoughts: This was my first read from these authors. I liked it, didn’t love it. There’s definitely talent here, and I could see myself giving them another shot. But I’m not in a rush. If you like slow burn, friends-to-lovers with a side of angst and emotional repression, you might enjoy this more than I did.
Would I recommend it? Sure—just don’t go in expecting a scandalous affair or jaw-dropping twists. It's a softer, more subtle take on a love story that almost hits hard... but not quite.
That said, I generously gave 4 stars but I wasn’t blown away.
The Good: The emotional pull between Cam and Austen was strong, especially in the "before" section leading up to Austen’s wedding. That part felt the most compelling—I was fully invested, waiting for the inevitable heartbreak. Their dynamic felt real and raw, and I appreciated that.
The Frustrating: Now, Austen… Austen tested my patience. His endless devotion to Savannah made little sense. She was awful to him—cruel, cold, and clearly not interested in their marriage. Yet he kept trying. Flowers. Shows. Surprises. For what? Obligation? Expectations? We're told his parents had high standards, but that pressure was mostly off-page. They never even appeared until the epilogue. So Austen’s internal conflict didn’t quite land for me because we didn’t see what was pushing him so hard to stay in a miserable, hollow marriage.
And Savannah? One-dimensional and just flat-out mean. It’s hard to believe someone would stay with a person who clearly hates them for so long, especially when Austen had options—like literally the love of his life right there.
About the Title: Let’s talk about “Broken Vows.” What vows? Austen and Savannah's relationship was a shell from the beginning. If anything, the title feels more fitting for Cam and Austen—if you squint and go metaphorical. But in terms of actual, gut-wrenching, messy broken promises? It wasn't really there. The story flirts with the idea of an affair, but it never goes there in a satisfying way. The drama felt... tame. I expected more juice.
Other Gripes:
Cam and Austen’s “second breakup” over Cam hiding Savannah’s cheating? Way too dramatic for what it was. Especially since Austen was cheating too.
Their long separation didn’t feel earned.
The second half dragged compared to the first. It lost some of the intensity and buildup that made the earlier part so engaging.
Final Thoughts: This was my first read from these authors. I liked it, didn’t love it. There’s definitely talent here, and I could see myself giving them another shot. But I’m not in a rush. If you like slow burn, friends-to-lovers with a side of angst and emotional repression, you might enjoy this more than I did.
Would I recommend it? Sure—just don’t go in expecting a scandalous affair or jaw-dropping twists. It's a softer, more subtle take on a love story that almost hits hard... but not quite.
April 9, 2025
MY OPINION: I liked this story a lot. There is a thread of angst that runs through the entire book that keeps you hooked and wanting to find out how things turn out. The main characters are relatable, and I felt like I knew them well by the time I finished. It’s important to note that there is cheating. If this is something you can’t tolerate in a story, you might pass, but for me, I felt it was part of the whole and didn’t make me enjoy it any less.
Austen and Cameron had a friendship that was unbreakable until a drunken night in Vegas, and they hooked up. Cameron was hopeful, and Austen was spiteful; this was where they found themselves for the first half of the book. No longer friends, but missing each other because something about them together was perfect.
Each goes their own way, making their own lives until they meet again seven years later, figuring things out, getting to know each other, and becoming friends, best friends, again. When Austen finds himself needing comfort, he goes to Cameron, where they fall into each other’s arms, experiencing what life could be like, even though Austen has a wife at home. What could be is foremost in their minds. Until Cameron, who had good, and somewhat selfish intentions, kept things from him, creating a rift that threatened to break them forever.
Austen has things in his life that need changing, and until he is ready to try, really try, he focuses on himself until Cameron stumbles into his life again. This time, they are ready.
It’s a longer story but filled with a lot of love, and some great spicy moments. Austen has never been with another man other than the time in Vegas with his best friend, but his heart always belonged to Cameron. You get to experience his awakening, and I generally cheered these two on, some maturity, and at thirty, they finally figure things out. It’s a wonderful story and should go on your TBR list.
Austen and Cameron had a friendship that was unbreakable until a drunken night in Vegas, and they hooked up. Cameron was hopeful, and Austen was spiteful; this was where they found themselves for the first half of the book. No longer friends, but missing each other because something about them together was perfect.
Each goes their own way, making their own lives until they meet again seven years later, figuring things out, getting to know each other, and becoming friends, best friends, again. When Austen finds himself needing comfort, he goes to Cameron, where they fall into each other’s arms, experiencing what life could be like, even though Austen has a wife at home. What could be is foremost in their minds. Until Cameron, who had good, and somewhat selfish intentions, kept things from him, creating a rift that threatened to break them forever.
Austen has things in his life that need changing, and until he is ready to try, really try, he focuses on himself until Cameron stumbles into his life again. This time, they are ready.
It’s a longer story but filled with a lot of love, and some great spicy moments. Austen has never been with another man other than the time in Vegas with his best friend, but his heart always belonged to Cameron. You get to experience his awakening, and I generally cheered these two on, some maturity, and at thirty, they finally figure things out. It’s a wonderful story and should go on your TBR list.
April 13, 2025
I LOVED this! 4,5 stars! All the drama and the angst, my heart was hurting and it brought tears to my eyes.
Cam and Austen are best friends. One is straight, one is gay. But they make it work. And although Cam is in love with Austen, he puts his feelings on the back burner and supports Austen in everything. Even when Austen at 21 decides to marry a girl, who Cam knows doesn’t treat Austen that way he deserves. At the bachelor party something happens between them and Austen puts all the blame on Cam. He isn’t ready to acknowledge and accept his feelings. He gets married to the girl and they don’t talk for seven years.
This part was like a train wreck. I felt their connection, their feelings and sooo hoped they’d get it right. But I just knew something bad would happen. And when it did? My heart was hurting so much for them.
Fast forward seven years and Cam isn’t the guy he once was he’s bitter, kind of superficial and doesn’t let anyone get close. Austen is miserable, he tried to make it work with his wife but no matter what he does, it doesn’t work. So now he’s stuck in a loveless marriage and not happy.
When Cam and Austen meet again, Cam is understandable standoffish. But Austen won’t give up to make things right.
I really loved their journey und this book!
I loved Cam, who is so in love with Austen, but still does everything he can to make Austen happy. Even if it’s hurting his own feelings.
And Austen? When he accepts that his marriage is in shambles and FiNALLY does what’s right for him and not what’s expected from him, it’s just beautiful to see him shedding his old life and getting comfortable with his own wishes and feelings.
The only minor issue for me: I hate the cliche of “the bad wife”. This would’ve worked just as good - if not even better - if she wasn’t a b*tch and Austen truly liked her.
But this aside it was a captivating, angsty and beautiful read!
(Just be aware that there is cheating. Not ON each other but With each other)
Cam and Austen are best friends. One is straight, one is gay. But they make it work. And although Cam is in love with Austen, he puts his feelings on the back burner and supports Austen in everything. Even when Austen at 21 decides to marry a girl, who Cam knows doesn’t treat Austen that way he deserves. At the bachelor party something happens between them and Austen puts all the blame on Cam. He isn’t ready to acknowledge and accept his feelings. He gets married to the girl and they don’t talk for seven years.
This part was like a train wreck. I felt their connection, their feelings and sooo hoped they’d get it right. But I just knew something bad would happen. And when it did? My heart was hurting so much for them.
Fast forward seven years and Cam isn’t the guy he once was he’s bitter, kind of superficial and doesn’t let anyone get close. Austen is miserable, he tried to make it work with his wife but no matter what he does, it doesn’t work. So now he’s stuck in a loveless marriage and not happy.
When Cam and Austen meet again, Cam is understandable standoffish. But Austen won’t give up to make things right.
I really loved their journey und this book!
I loved Cam, who is so in love with Austen, but still does everything he can to make Austen happy. Even if it’s hurting his own feelings.
And Austen? When he accepts that his marriage is in shambles and FiNALLY does what’s right for him and not what’s expected from him, it’s just beautiful to see him shedding his old life and getting comfortable with his own wishes and feelings.
The only minor issue for me: I hate the cliche of “the bad wife”. This would’ve worked just as good - if not even better - if she wasn’t a b*tch and Austen truly liked her.
But this aside it was a captivating, angsty and beautiful read!
(Just be aware that there is cheating. Not ON each other but With each other)
April 18, 2025
Vegas, broken vows, and uncomfortable truths
Austen and Cameron are best friends and their friendship has always been natural. They are each others safe space. Until they aren't.
Cameron has been in live with his straight best friend for as long as he can remember. He wouldn't tell him that but it was still true.
Austen ends up engaged to his girlfriend after she told him she was pregnant. *spoiler alert there are no kids in this book*. Austen of course needs his best friend to be his best man. Not that either of them have any input in the wedding.
Bachelor party is a bunch of jocks, the groom, his brother and Cam. Of course this party is headed to Vegas and the jocks want to go to strip clubs but Cam is gay and refuses. One night when both Austen and Cam are completely trashed they end up making out and Austen gets the best O of his life. Only he freaks out afterwards and ruins everything.
It takes seven years for these guys to see each other again. Austen is miserable in his marriage, if you can even call it that. Cam is doing well but not really happy either.
Can these two men ever find their footing? Will they ever stop messing up? Why has their story been such a tragedy and how will it end?
This book was so good. Right from the beginning I hated the woman. She absolutely gives off spoiled brat vibes. I felt she was just using Austen from the get go. I felt so bad for Cam throughout everything that happened. This book definitely makes the characters work for their happiness.
I can't wait to see what is Alex's story. I mean I definitely got what was being put down but certainly doesn't seem he has it easy either.
Austen and Cameron are best friends and their friendship has always been natural. They are each others safe space. Until they aren't.
Cameron has been in live with his straight best friend for as long as he can remember. He wouldn't tell him that but it was still true.
Austen ends up engaged to his girlfriend after she told him she was pregnant. *spoiler alert there are no kids in this book*. Austen of course needs his best friend to be his best man. Not that either of them have any input in the wedding.
Bachelor party is a bunch of jocks, the groom, his brother and Cam. Of course this party is headed to Vegas and the jocks want to go to strip clubs but Cam is gay and refuses. One night when both Austen and Cam are completely trashed they end up making out and Austen gets the best O of his life. Only he freaks out afterwards and ruins everything.
It takes seven years for these guys to see each other again. Austen is miserable in his marriage, if you can even call it that. Cam is doing well but not really happy either.
Can these two men ever find their footing? Will they ever stop messing up? Why has their story been such a tragedy and how will it end?
This book was so good. Right from the beginning I hated the woman. She absolutely gives off spoiled brat vibes. I felt she was just using Austen from the get go. I felt so bad for Cam throughout everything that happened. This book definitely makes the characters work for their happiness.
I can't wait to see what is Alex's story. I mean I definitely got what was being put down but certainly doesn't seem he has it easy either.
April 30, 2025
I love reading penny's books and when I seen she was bringing out a collab that was M/M! I just had to grab it and read it , and Im so glad I did. Once I started I couldn't put it down and ate it up in a couple hours, I was hooked from start to finish. It's such an incredible journey your taking on. And I was here for it all.
I instantly fell in love with Austen and Cameron. Like how could you not!! They have known each other for a long time. But one is married but that won't stop them from getting their happy ever after.. the attraction and chemistry they both have is undeniable. But it wasn't all plain sailing. Definitely a few bumps in the road.
It's filled with drama, angst, new beginnings, bi awakening, suspense, secrets, spice and so much more. The authors done an amazing job bringing these characters and their world to life. Just beautifully written. I couldn't help but root for them the whole way through and I was so sad to let them go! Just beautiful!
I will definitely be reading more from penny and through this book I have found a new author who I will be reading more of their books aswell. Highly recommend reading !!
SOME OF MY FAV QUOTES ⬇️⬇️
“All mine,” I say greedily, relishing in the feel of his tight grip. “Fucking right, I’m yours,” he says, crushing his mouth to mine. “Always have been.”
"But I don’t touch him. I can’t. Because the minute I do, it’s all over."
"Doesn’t he know I’d do everything and anything for him, if only he’d let me?"
I instantly fell in love with Austen and Cameron. Like how could you not!! They have known each other for a long time. But one is married but that won't stop them from getting their happy ever after.. the attraction and chemistry they both have is undeniable. But it wasn't all plain sailing. Definitely a few bumps in the road.
It's filled with drama, angst, new beginnings, bi awakening, suspense, secrets, spice and so much more. The authors done an amazing job bringing these characters and their world to life. Just beautifully written. I couldn't help but root for them the whole way through and I was so sad to let them go! Just beautiful!
I will definitely be reading more from penny and through this book I have found a new author who I will be reading more of their books aswell. Highly recommend reading !!
SOME OF MY FAV QUOTES ⬇️⬇️
“All mine,” I say greedily, relishing in the feel of his tight grip. “Fucking right, I’m yours,” he says, crushing his mouth to mine. “Always have been.”
"But I don’t touch him. I can’t. Because the minute I do, it’s all over."
"Doesn’t he know I’d do everything and anything for him, if only he’d let me?"
April 9, 2025
This one is... complicated. I want to say I really enjoyed this read, which I did. Sorta. But I have never disliked or disrespected an MMC more than Austen Brewer.
He is selfish, unable to stand up for himself or the people he loves. As a people pleaser myself, I very much understand the line when being selfless becomes absolutely selfish, and Austen lives on the other side of it. There were obviously moments when I was supposed to feel for him, but all I could think of was that he had it coming. He is ultimately weak and does not experience the character growth he needs to be deserving of Cameron.
Cameron. I absolutely loved that man. Most of the time. He was confident in himself. He knew what he wanted. He was a bit of a masochist. My biggest issue with him was that he didn't see that he deserved Austen to be such a better friend, lover, and everything else.
When Austen and Cameron were together, their relationship was great. Their spice was spicy 🔥. Their friendship and banter are easygoing👬.
The book also introduces us to side characters like Austen's brother, Alex, who will get his story along with Austen's friend Mack. I am absolutely curious for more 👀 and hope that Alex and I have a better connection than his brother and I did.
He is selfish, unable to stand up for himself or the people he loves. As a people pleaser myself, I very much understand the line when being selfless becomes absolutely selfish, and Austen lives on the other side of it. There were obviously moments when I was supposed to feel for him, but all I could think of was that he had it coming. He is ultimately weak and does not experience the character growth he needs to be deserving of Cameron.
Cameron. I absolutely loved that man. Most of the time. He was confident in himself. He knew what he wanted. He was a bit of a masochist. My biggest issue with him was that he didn't see that he deserved Austen to be such a better friend, lover, and everything else.
When Austen and Cameron were together, their relationship was great. Their spice was spicy 🔥. Their friendship and banter are easygoing👬.
The book also introduces us to side characters like Austen's brother, Alex, who will get his story along with Austen's friend Mack. I am absolutely curious for more 👀 and hope that Alex and I have a better connection than his brother and I did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2025
Cameron and Austen have been best friends for years, with Cameron quietly in love with Austen for most of that time. Cameron is the one person who truly sees Austen for who he is, though his deep feelings sometimes blur boundaries and risk the very friendship he cherishes. Sweet, selfless, and fiercely loyal, Cameron often puts Austen’s happiness above his own — even when it hurts.
Austen, a chronic people pleaser, has spent his life doing what’s expected of him, lacking the space or support to develop his voice. Everyone around him plans his life for him — everyone but Cameron. But during a pivotal bachelor weekend in Vegas, Austen makes a mistake fueled by fear and confusion, ultimately blaming Cameron and severing their bond. They haven’t spoken for almost ten years. When they reconnect at their high school reunion, Austen is no longer the same man. Time and distance from the one person who ever truly mattered gave him the clarity to reclaim his life. Determined to make things right, he seeks forgiveness and slowly begins rebuilding the trust he once shattered. Their friendship developed into something more. It's a slow build relationship, with some angst, second chances, and I enjoyed it.
Austen, a chronic people pleaser, has spent his life doing what’s expected of him, lacking the space or support to develop his voice. Everyone around him plans his life for him — everyone but Cameron. But during a pivotal bachelor weekend in Vegas, Austen makes a mistake fueled by fear and confusion, ultimately blaming Cameron and severing their bond. They haven’t spoken for almost ten years. When they reconnect at their high school reunion, Austen is no longer the same man. Time and distance from the one person who ever truly mattered gave him the clarity to reclaim his life. Determined to make things right, he seeks forgiveness and slowly begins rebuilding the trust he once shattered. Their friendship developed into something more. It's a slow build relationship, with some angst, second chances, and I enjoyed it.
April 19, 2025
Broken Vows ARC Review:
Austen and Cameron 💙🥹
After not speaking for seven years, ex best friends Austen and Cameron meet again and Austen wants to try to right his wrong that resulted in losing Cam. Cameron knows he should keep his heart as protected as possible after the way Austen treated him, plus Austen has a wife, but can’t keep him far enough away regardless. Still, they try to attempt some kind of friendship again. Maybe with the years, something will change for the better.
This book really made me skeptical at how Austen was going to be in my good graces after the way he treated Cam, but wow! I am so glad I held hope for these two! Austen needs to be hit upside the head with a large dose of reality and really hear it, and thankfully he does. His growth was incredibly needed and I actually enjoyed it, even the parts where I teared up. I am glad that Cam stepped away from Austen after what he said to him, which is why time apart was needed. I am happy that they got to find a way to make it work, and that Austen finally realized how he was living and changed it. He took the shot.
I already put the next one on my TBR, I need to know what is happening with the next couple as soon as I can! I will be patiently waiting.
4.75/5 🌟
Austen and Cameron 💙🥹
After not speaking for seven years, ex best friends Austen and Cameron meet again and Austen wants to try to right his wrong that resulted in losing Cam. Cameron knows he should keep his heart as protected as possible after the way Austen treated him, plus Austen has a wife, but can’t keep him far enough away regardless. Still, they try to attempt some kind of friendship again. Maybe with the years, something will change for the better.
This book really made me skeptical at how Austen was going to be in my good graces after the way he treated Cam, but wow! I am so glad I held hope for these two! Austen needs to be hit upside the head with a large dose of reality and really hear it, and thankfully he does. His growth was incredibly needed and I actually enjoyed it, even the parts where I teared up. I am glad that Cam stepped away from Austen after what he said to him, which is why time apart was needed. I am happy that they got to find a way to make it work, and that Austen finally realized how he was living and changed it. He took the shot.
I already put the next one on my TBR, I need to know what is happening with the next couple as soon as I can! I will be patiently waiting.
4.75/5 🌟
April 26, 2025
Cameron and Austen’s story is a heart-wrenching, angsty journey from best friends to strangers to something more. Cameron’s been in love with Austen for years, but Austen’s about to get married—to someone else. A night of mistakes shatters their friendship, and they don’t speak for seven years.
When they cross paths again, Austen is still married but can’t deny the connection with Cam, and everything begins to unravel—from secrets and lies to buried feelings. Watching Austen finally confront his own desires and step out of his people-pleasing shell was deeply satisfying, even if the road to get there was messy and painful.
Cameron, always the one to put Austen first, carries so much love and heartbreak. Their bond is intense and complicated, shaped as much by their choices as their circumstances. Their chemistry is undeniable, but the emotional baggage they carry makes every moment ache.
This book had me hooked—angsty, emotional, and raw. Sometimes I wanted to scream at them to just talk, but I couldn’t look away. A wild, emotional rollercoaster full of longing, betrayal, self-discovery, and the kind of love that never really goes away. I can’t wait to read Alex and Mack’s story next.
When they cross paths again, Austen is still married but can’t deny the connection with Cam, and everything begins to unravel—from secrets and lies to buried feelings. Watching Austen finally confront his own desires and step out of his people-pleasing shell was deeply satisfying, even if the road to get there was messy and painful.
Cameron, always the one to put Austen first, carries so much love and heartbreak. Their bond is intense and complicated, shaped as much by their choices as their circumstances. Their chemistry is undeniable, but the emotional baggage they carry makes every moment ache.
This book had me hooked—angsty, emotional, and raw. Sometimes I wanted to scream at them to just talk, but I couldn’t look away. A wild, emotional rollercoaster full of longing, betrayal, self-discovery, and the kind of love that never really goes away. I can’t wait to read Alex and Mack’s story next.
April 10, 2025
ARC REVIEW:
Books with the cheating trope is my guilty pleasure and I absolutely devoured this story. This book has the perfect blend of friends to lovers, second chance romance, angst and pining.
Austen and Cameron was perfect together and the chemistry and tension between them was so good. I felt so bad for Austen because no matter how hard he tried to fit in and do everything to make other people happy, he was miserable the whole time and he only found true happiness and comfort when he was with Cameron.
I also loved the way this book was written. This story is split into two parts. I appreciated that we got to see Cameron and Austen’s relationship before they split apart and then after how they rebuilt their relationship and reconnected. It really showed how they were still connected to each other no matter how much time has passed when they were torn apart.
Overall, I absolutely enjoyed this book and I loved Austen and Cameron and their story. The romance and the spice was amazing and just a good romance book all together.
Books with the cheating trope is my guilty pleasure and I absolutely devoured this story. This book has the perfect blend of friends to lovers, second chance romance, angst and pining.
Austen and Cameron was perfect together and the chemistry and tension between them was so good. I felt so bad for Austen because no matter how hard he tried to fit in and do everything to make other people happy, he was miserable the whole time and he only found true happiness and comfort when he was with Cameron.
I also loved the way this book was written. This story is split into two parts. I appreciated that we got to see Cameron and Austen’s relationship before they split apart and then after how they rebuilt their relationship and reconnected. It really showed how they were still connected to each other no matter how much time has passed when they were torn apart.
Overall, I absolutely enjoyed this book and I loved Austen and Cameron and their story. The romance and the spice was amazing and just a good romance book all together.
May 11, 2025
There are good books… and then there are BOOKS. Broken Vows is one of those unforgettable reads that grabs you by the heart and doesn’t let go. Penny Fox delivers a breathtaking mix of longing, emotional tension, and forbidden love that hits every note just right.
This story has everything: a broken friendship full of history, a struggling marriage, a heart-wrenching second chance, and a straight awakening that’s as messy as it is beautiful. Austen and Cameron’s chemistry is electric, fueled by years of unresolved feelings and guilt. Their connection feels raw and real—painful at times, but so worth the emotional rollercoaster.
The small-town setting only adds to the tension, with every glance and whispered secret carrying extra weight. You’ll ache for these characters as they navigate what they want versus what they believe they should want.
This is the kind of story that stays with you. I devoured it—and I’m diving into the next book without hesitation.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story has everything: a broken friendship full of history, a struggling marriage, a heart-wrenching second chance, and a straight awakening that’s as messy as it is beautiful. Austen and Cameron’s chemistry is electric, fueled by years of unresolved feelings and guilt. Their connection feels raw and real—painful at times, but so worth the emotional rollercoaster.
The small-town setting only adds to the tension, with every glance and whispered secret carrying extra weight. You’ll ache for these characters as they navigate what they want versus what they believe they should want.
This is the kind of story that stays with you. I devoured it—and I’m diving into the next book without hesitation.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 16, 2025
Broken Vows is book one of the Secret Games Series.
While I didn't like how Austen treated those in his life, I understood that he was hiding a deep inner secret that even he didn't want to fully acknowledge. Cameron deserved better than what happened years before. Austen needed to acknowledge his actions and not place all of the blame on Cameron. However, he does work hard on fixing his inner thoughts and demons and becoming a better person by the end of the book. But boy did I dislike him for a lot of this story.
Cameron was the best character. I loved everything about him. He was kind and understanding and gave those another chance that really didn't deserve it. I wanted him to put up more of a fight and make Austen suffer a bit more, but he was too good of a character to do that. He was in love with his best friend and didn't want to lose anymore time with him.
Overall, it was a good story, just had some villainous characters.
While I didn't like how Austen treated those in his life, I understood that he was hiding a deep inner secret that even he didn't want to fully acknowledge. Cameron deserved better than what happened years before. Austen needed to acknowledge his actions and not place all of the blame on Cameron. However, he does work hard on fixing his inner thoughts and demons and becoming a better person by the end of the book. But boy did I dislike him for a lot of this story.
Cameron was the best character. I loved everything about him. He was kind and understanding and gave those another chance that really didn't deserve it. I wanted him to put up more of a fight and make Austen suffer a bit more, but he was too good of a character to do that. He was in love with his best friend and didn't want to lose anymore time with him.
Overall, it was a good story, just had some villainous characters.
May 7, 2025
I enjoyed this book. I loved both Austen and Cam. Best friends until something happened that changed everything. Seven years later and neither are happy. But coming back into each other's lives and the emotions are still there. Since Austen is married, I couldn't wait to see how a relationship between them could form without someone getting hurt. But Savannah was so completely unlikable that the concept of our two guys cheating (if it went that way- not spoiling anything!) didn't hold any guilt for me. A real emotional read would be if she was a wonderful wife, but Austen wasn't in love with her but with Cam and then you have emotional heartbreak and hesitation and guilt, but that wasn't this story (it never is- drama and a crappy character to hate is more engaging). I liked how our guys reconnected, but it wasn't an easy journey, and I couldn't wait to see how things would turn out. 4 stars.
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