Midnight Promises

by Addison Beck

Matteo

For a decade, I’ve dedicated my life to serving the church that rescued me from my demons. I’ve never dipped into temptation, resolute in my devotion to my calling.

Moving to a sleepy town in Wyoming is supposed to help me become even closer to my faith, but I never anticipated how a simple friendship could test my will and break down my restraint.

God forgive me, I want to sin.

Theo

To everyone else, I live the perfect life. I have a beautiful home, a dependable job, and a lovely wife.

But something in me itches. Restlessness and contentment battle as I struggle to be grateful for the life I have. When a new priest moves to our small town, I wonder if maybe friendship is what I had been missing.

Except I don’t think friendship is supposed to feel like this.

Midnight Promises will be the second in the Sinner’s Laments series—it is an interconnected standalone—so even if you didn’t read Dusk Secrets, this book can still be for you!

Genres: M M Romance, LGBT, Friends To Lovers, Romance, Gay For You, Erotica, Contemporary

Kindle Edition

Published February 27, 2025

Reviews

[Emna · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @67%
Being forgettable is worse than being bad.

If I can forget I started a book, that’s usually a sign it DID NOT work for me.

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

♾️⭐️
Matteo + Theo 🖤
Priest + Married Man | First times | Angstttttt

The emotional ringer this book put me through. Holy shit. I'm never going to recover. I was fighting for my life right up until the end.

....


"I have a wife, and I have a marriage, and I can't be getting hard for sexy Latin priests who compliment my freckles."

"Don't care. Don't want anything by you. Make me dirty."

"You got all wet for me, precioso? Couldn't hold it in?"

"I'll be your baby, your slut, whatever the fuck you want me to be."

"I treat him like precious glass-- like a prized possession-- like something that only comes by once in a lifetime because that's what he is. He's my once in a lifetime."

"I think you need to open your mouth and take your penance."

"Every second without you, I can't breathe. Every minute without you, I can't think. Every hour I spend apart from you, I can't cope."

'With every snap of my hips, I beg.
Don't make me leave you. *thrust*
Ask my to stay, baby. *thrust*
Make me choose you."

....

⚠️potential spoilers below in detailed tropes and trigger warnings





This book was beggingggg for some docking. One MC was cut and the other was not. Missed opportunity 😕



Tropes:
Priest and married man
First times
Forbidden
"Mi prescioso" 😍
Hands free 💦
Cum in pants
Finish while giving head
Degradation (slut, whore)
Cheating to be together
Sex in the confessional 🔥
Sexual awakening
Very high angst
Mostly strict roles (one switch)
Emotional love making
Face fucking (no gag reflex)
Freckles
Letters to each other
Light breeding kink
Hurt/comfort
Jealousy
Mine
Bareback
Uncut


TWs:
Dead parents
Abused child
Hungry child
First fight
Alcoholism
Broken sobriety
Body image issues
Lots of time spent apart

[kaye taz · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.2 ⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Format: ebook

I really can’t tell if this is a me problem, because I usually love Addison Beck’s books and the first book of this series was so good, but I really just did not vibe with this story at all.

Firstly, I really didn’t care for either character. I thought I would like Matteo based on the first book, but I don’t know, he really didn’t give me the vibes of how I thought a priest would act. Maybe it’s because I went through 8 years of Catholic school and many more years on top of that going to church, and I was even an altar server for 3 years. But what I expected of Matteo wasn’t the character we saw. This didn’t really feel like a forbidden romance because Matteo just caved so quickly, and even before that he was very overly sexual. Theo just was kind of there. I really didn’t have any thoughts about him at all.

The pacing in the beginning moved too quickly and then seemed to stall out later on. I got a little bored of them just sleeping together but nothing else was really happening other than them having the same push and pull moments and the same conversation over and over again.

I understand why they had time apart, but I really just didn’t care for it. After all the time they struggled through the first 3/4ths of the book, I really just was over it by the time the third act hit. Clara getting her own chapter also rubbed me the wrong way.

I don’t know, I just didn’t really like this. I cared more about the little glimpses we got of Noah and Jarred, and even the sneak peak for book 3 than I cared about this story. I hate saying that but that’s just how I feel. It could totally be a me thing.

Still excited for French 75 and the third installment of this series.

[patrícia · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.6⭐
I'm torn—I can't say I liked it, but I can't say I hated it. I just couldn't stop reading; DNF never even crossed my mind. I have a laundry list of flaws, but I kind of like it?! And the ridiculous things these guys say and do… I had fun ish?!

PS: If I’m here for the smut? 4, definitely.
If I’m here for the story? 1. Maybe 2, if I’m feeling generous.

I feel robbed, you know? This had wet dream trope potential—how did it go so wrong? I didn’t feel the forbidden. I didn’t feel the guilt. This is a priest and a married man, for God’s sake—how could there be none? It’s like the book told me they felt guilty, but I never actually felt it.

PS1: The smut was HOOOOOOOT. The dirty talk? JFC.
But the plot? Absolutely ridiculous. At times, it read like bad porn dialogue—"Oh, we shouldn't." Five seconds later—"Fill me full of—" well, you get the idea. I found myself laughing at some of the OTT things they thought and said. It was unholy cringy. 😃

Biggest issue? Theo is a doormat man-child, and Matteo has zero holy guilt—no internal battle, no resistance, no "true devotion to God". I’m not even religious, but this man walks around with zero regret, even after rimming in the confessional. He supposedly spent ten years celibate, but the way he thinks, talks, and acts? Impossible to believe. No attempt at restraint. Then, when the plot needs drama, one of them just goes, "This can’t go on." That’s it? That’s the struggle?!. Also No condom and no condom talk. W.T.F? Theo was married…

PS2: I don’t know what tasks a priest has, but Matteo sure has loads of free time for loads of filthy things, going on walks, on dates to another town ... .Normal fatherly things!

I’m stereotyping, but in my mind, the priest shouldn’t be the one corrupting… or delivering porn-level dirty talk. He should be naïve and virginal, even if not. Lost for words, blushing, secretly craving a good pounding… not saying wreck my hole and fill me with your cum. It feels unnatural…

The drama fell completely flat, and I cannot, for the life of me, understand Theo’s passivity and total lack of backbone. And after three months apart, their big reunion is just for a last fuck? It weakens any emotional weight their relationship could have had
.
Clara confronts Matteo, demanding he leave Theo alone. Matteo agrees—after one last time. Theo returns home and tries to fix his marriage, but three months later, he and Matteo give in again. They argue, take no real action, and separate for a year.
Matteo leaves the church, and Theo gets divorced but assumes Matteo doesn’t want him. After a year of therapy and an empty attempt at dating, Theo finally seeks him out. They reunite, find their HEA, but Matteo still struggles with guilt—until he convinces himself God has given him a sign that all will be okay.

I didn’t feel any real connection between them—except when they fucked. So I guess, in that case, I felt a shit ton of connection after all.

[lakshmi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not okay with cheating I’m not okay with cheating I’m not okay with cheating am I okay with cheating? No matter how hot and sexy and angsty it is? No. No. 🧎‍♀️🧎‍♀️

[AroundtheBookBend · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addison Beck is once again proving why she is one of my top authors. I could not put this down, which I’m coming to expect from this author. If she writes it, I will read it.

Matteo and Theo’s relationship was as toxic as it was beautiful. Forbidden, yet so perfect. Two damaged souls who were a perfect fit for each other, and despite knowing how wrong it was, I couldn’t help but root for them to make it. It was kismet. Every obstacle they’d faced, every person they’d met, and every decision they’d made led to them.

Now, cheating is cheating. There’s no excuse for it. It’s an active choice one makes, unless under certain circumstances where they are unable to make actual sound choices. But this situation had some shades of gray that made it a bit more understandable. I loved the dilemma they consistently faced. The fight to do the right thing but the inability to deny or erase the soul linked connection between them. It was truly a heartbreaking situation for everyone involved. They didn’t go into this with the intention of hurting anyone, but that was inevitable. It was a wrestle with their souls, Theo’s marriage, Matteo’s faith, their pain riddled pasts, and the love that burned so brightly between them.

Tears were shed, my heart was broken, and the put back together with liquid gold. It wasn’t an easy read, but that’s what made it so beauitful. Can’t wait for the next book, especially after that teaser.

I received an advanced copy and this is my voluntary review

[Courtenay (ceelovesbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

What’s a man to do when he’s in a loveless marriage, the spark is gone, they’re on two totally different walks of life, but isn’t ready for a divorce? Cheat on your wife with the new GQ model looking priest of course 😌 HAHA I’m just kidding.. kind of.

Theo meets Matteo when he comes to town as the new priest at Theo’s church. Theo is tired of his boring, mundane life. He needs excitement. He needs a friend. He needs to FIND himself. Well, he finds a friend in Matteo.

Matteo is also looking to make a new friend in Theo. These two find out they have a lot in common, and take on a strangers to friends relationship before things go.. further.

They have an instant connection. Sparks fly. And the only problem? Theo is married. Oh, and Matteo has given his life to god. Which means taking part in an affair is a HUGE NO NO.

I loved watching them really become FRIENDS over everything. These two spent a long time building their relationship from the ground up. They both were riddled with guilt, but when you’ve found your supposed soul mate, how do you make a choice to do the right thing?

The third act breakup in this book ABSOLUTELY tore me apart. We’re talking tears, screaming at my kindle, heartbreak. But was it necessary? 100%. They both grew, worked on themselves, and when they’re able to come back together they’re such better people for it.

I loved to see Theos wife, Clara get her happily ever after, no matter how different it may have looked from what she thought. And these two really did know what they were doing was wrong, I felt bad for her, but it was all for the best. Everyone is happier in the end because of it.

Matteo is absolutely FILTHY, DOWNRIGHT DIRTY, and Theo.. well he doesn’t have a gag reflex. I’ll leave you with that 😂 the spice, while forbidden, was SO HOT, and maybe it truly is the forbidden aspect that made it even hotter.

I loved them months ago, I still love them now.

[kaleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Safety info:
• no V (H2 has never been with a man before)
• cheating (H2 is married and cheats on his wife to be with H1)
• H1 celibate 10 years, H2 celibate 1 year (hasn’t had sex with his wife)
• no OM but a lot of mentions about H1’s past relationship 10 years ago. He loved OM but left him to join the priesthood.
• OW- H2 is married so OW drama. On page kissing and make out scenes between H2 and OW. He tries to have sex with her but can’t get hard. (H2 couldn’t make it past making out and OW touched him over his jeans.) H2 was in love with his wife but doesn’t feel the same love anymore.
• H1 is a marriage counselor for H2 and OW. H2 says in front of H1 that he loves his wife which hurts H1.
• 1 year separation unsure about celibacy. I am assuming they were both celibate. Mention that H2 did go on a few dates with a woman but he didn’t feel anything for her.
• strict t/b- power bottom but top takes control sometimes (bottom is the priest and he mentions that he would be okay with switching but strict t/b on page and no implication that they did switch)
• no condoms (H2 seems like he has only been with his wife his entire life but safe sex was never discussed)

[peoniesandmm · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh wowza, this was everything

i took a break while reading this because of book slump but im SO glad i came back!

the spice was ON POINT. 🔥🔥😮‍💨
i’m talking hot FILTH!! yes lawd!!

the possessiveness and jealousy? especially when Matteo was jealous of Theo’s wife? YES LAWD.

[Laura Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Midnight Promises is book two in the Sinner’s Lament series. This forbidden MM romance story is about Mateo and Theo.

Mateo was a lost soul who was drowning in alcohol when he turned to the church. He has been a priest for the past ten years, and is now moving to a small town in Wyoming to work at Saint Lucy’s church. He plans to make the parish the most thriving in Wyoming, and the community is definitely excited to welcome Father Mateo as their new priest.

Theo has been married for five years to his first and only girlfriend from high school. His wife and her parents were there for him when he lost his parents. Unfortunately Theo is unhappy in his marriage and feels obligated to fix whatever is wrong between him and his wife. They are all parishioners of Saint Lucy’s church, and they are looking forward to meeting Father Mateo.

The first time Mateo and Theo meet, they have this connection. Theo’s sadness calls to Mateo to help him. They form a friendship and never expected it to turn into so much more. Mateo fights not to break his vow to God, while Theo tries not to break his marriage vows. When they finally give in, their chemistry was amazing and they were so incredibly hot together. I loved Mateo and Theo’s dynamic and I especially loved all of the dirty talk. But Mateo and Theo were more than just hot sex, so of course it complicated things.

Mateo and Theo certainly had their ups and downs. There were times when my heart hurt for Mateo and there were times I got frustrated with Theo. I may not have liked some of the choices Mateo and Theo made, but in the end they both had their own challenges they needed to face and overcome. I wanted so badly for Mateo and Theo to be together. I loved the nicknames, the confessional, the passion, the letters. I definitely could not blame Theo for falling for the sexy priest. This was a book I couldn’t put down because I had to know how it was all going to work out. I loved Mateo and Theo’s love story, and if you are into forbidden romances, I highly recommend Midnight Promises.

I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest review.

[Manic killer · Rating 5 out of 5]

INCREDIBLE ♾️/⭐️

I’m not sure I have words for this. There’s not enough I can say.

First of all, this is the filthiest book I have read so far this year. And it’s not just about the spice. There’s a level of filth in this that has you on the edge of your seat, craving more of the burn, the hurt, the emotional angst, the pain that came about with Theo and Matteo.

The emotional turmoil, the tension—LORD HAVE MERCY

I wished Theo had ended his marriage with Clara sooner because she didn’t deserve the betrayal. But if I’m being honest, I was entrapped by Matteo and Theo that I couldn’t give two sh*ts about Clara.😹 I know, heartless but all I wanted was to see how Theo and Matteo will make things work, if they’ll get their happy ending.

Their happy ending didn’t come easy—it was hard fought, but they deserved it. I won’t get into it further, read for yourself and find out the struggles they fought and conquered.

[reverie · Rating 2 out of 5]

am i too picky? i must be. this book seemed so well received but i thought it was ASS 😭

the characters sucked (theo is a 30 y.o man that sounds and acts more like a 13 y.o boy). the writing made me cringe. the pacing was all over the place. this was just Not It.

sedate me, please. save me. i need mouthwash for the brain.

[ash[hearts]angst · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been a really long time since I felt a book so heavy in my heart. Midnight Promises was fantastic and beautifully written.

This is Father Matteo’s story, and we first meet him in “Dusk Secrets” as the priest at a Catholic Summer Camp. Changes are made and he ends up moving to a small parish. Hoping for a fresh start, Father Matteo is pushing his hesitations behind in order to serve.

Then we have Theo. An average guy in a small town with a wife and a job he hates. He has his found family but has always wanted more out of life and is finding himself at a crossroads. His marriage is hanging by a thread, and he’s just lonely.

When church brings these two together, sparks fly and a friendship is born. Their chemistry is insane and Theo is so happy to have found a friend, and Father Matteo is happy he is being life to this community.

Then everything changes, and one kiss is the undoing of their bubble. From there, secrets and lies bloom, pulling both Theo and Father Matteo under. How long can both of them keep up this lie? 👀

This story is very raw and heartbreaking at times, but ultimately full of raw passion and desire as its primal core. The progression of their bond and how deep it is is soul crushing. Just pulls at all the heart strings! I cried and that’s reallllllly rare while reading 🥹

Check TW's!

[❀ Alex ❀ [Hiatus] · Rating 5 out of 5]

RTC

[erm · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I often hate toxic relationships such as this but I think this was just a right timing kind of thing bc genuinely my kindle never left my hands

One of those where everything was so bad I couldn’t look away

Like trust there’s so much I’d rather have seen different w this book but I fear I have no grounds to stand on at this time BAH

[Bettina · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️ Another beautiful and heartbreaking story written by Addison Beck. Theo and Matteo's love story is not always an easy read, but still a greatly written tale of forbidden love. When Matteo moves to the little town of Smallville as their new priest, and a certain aubourn hair man cathches his attetion during mass, feelings he has pushed aside for 10 years resurface. When a friendship crosses lines that shouldn't be crossed, a heartbreaking and stunning story of forbidden love, longing and betrayal unfolds. I had such an amazing time reading Addison Beck's newest story, and like always, her stories makes me smile, cry and simply think of nothing else than the universe and love she presents to her readers. I hope we'll get more from this series as some point as some other characters that were represented that I would love to read more about.

[Avery · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story I have been waiting on ever since reading Dusk Secrets. Now if you haven’t read that, it isn’t a requirement to follow along with Midnight Promises. But do yourself the favor and go read it anyway. Getting to know Jarred and Noah before this, just adds an extra layer to the story. Matteo was a big part of their story and to read that before will enhance the experience of Midnight Promises.

Matteo has spent the last ten years devote to God and his word. He preaches and counsels, he is a guiding light with a dark past. Leaving behind addiction, choosing God over himself and never taking but giving instead has healed him. Starting in a new position, in a new state and town, he will continue in being a priest as well as a friend for those who need him. But when he meets Theo, his need to help gives way to a need for himself. There is no denying that there is a connection between them, a deep friendship grows between them. A friendship that grows into a need that pulls them together, one they both fight, a fight both lose in the end.

This book has a cheating trope in it. Theo is married (unhappily so) and he and Matteo don’t wait to get hot and heavy. I don’t mind cheating as long as it is not between the main characters, but I know some of you do mind. You can see the unhappiness in Theo clear as day, he disassociates from his life but around Matteo he comes to life.

The way Matteo and Theo come to life around each other is beautiful, learning where they came from, what makes the other tick and how to please the other. This was everything I was waiting for and hoping for Matteo. Perfection! And that teaser for book 3?! Can I have that now please… I don’t think I can wait.

[Daryn Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Midnight Promises ARC Review:

Matteo and Theo 💜

After Jarred’s camp from Dusk Secrets changes from Camp Trinity into Camp Acceptance, Father Matteo is assigned the church in Smallville, Wyoming as his place of work as residence. Meanwhile, Theo is married to his high school sweetheart, but he knows he is just going through the motions of having the perfect life. Instead, Theo feels like there should be more he should be feeling for his life, including any love that he has for his wife. When Matteo and Theo meet, they build a friendship that neither could stop from growing into something much more than the feelings that friends have for each other.

First, I want to say I have read Dusk Secrets, fairly recently too, and I was blown away by it. So when I heard that Father Matteo was going to get his own book, I was screaming with excitement and nerves because I had a feeling this one would HURT. I was right, Midnight Promises hurts yet it is so beautiful that I cried for these characters and their pain along with their joy.

The path to Matteo and Theo being free to be together is filled with many reasons they shouldn’t or can’t and takes its time working through each one before they can truly be free. My heart broke for them as well as the pain that others carry in this story. I was sniffling and sobbing throughout this book as these two fell in love and every happy, even euphoric or sad, soul ripping moment experienced. Many were hurt in the process of them finding each other, including themselves, yet I couldn’t be happier with how their story ends and begins again.

Matteo and Theo have a love that arrives quickly, sinks into your very being, and never leaves or lessens its impact. Their love is heart achingly painful yet at the same time brings them such blissful happiness as they see each other for the person they are, not what they make themselves present for others needs nor to appease their individual fears.

This book has ruined me in the best way, I knew as I read the last line that it’s another in Addison Beck’s body of work that I will be obsessed with forever. I am bewildered by how Matteo and Theo’s love shines in this story filled with plenty of strong barriers they have not only to truly live their own individual lives without anchors they hold onto out of fear and dependency, but to be able to allow their love to flourish together. Their story is exquisite, one I will return to time after time no matter the pain it will put me through, all thanks to the phenomenal writing and creative mind of Addison Beck. I am in awe.

5/5🌟

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y'all ain't ready for this

I read this a while ago and I'm still at a loss for words. Addison is just that girl, let's just leave it at that. She did that, she ate, and now I don't know who I am anymore.

This book was so good in the most toxic and angsty and stress inducing way of imaginable. You will scream, you will want to rip your own hair out, you will probably even throw your Kindle If you're an ebook girlie like me. Because this is a car crash waiting to implode. A gas line is cut and someone's got a cigarette. There's literally only one way for this book to end but the journey is everything.

I'm staying kind of vague because it's kind of obvious from the jump how this book is gonna go. But there were specific differences that Addison did that made this so much better. Like making Clara kind and sweet instead of bitter and awful. It's small but it's smart and it adds another layer to the story.

The smut is out of this world amazing. The angst is gut-wrenching. And while I am possibly the biggest hater of third act breakups, this is one of the few times where I get it and it kind of needed to happen. I know we all hate cheating stories but if you're going to do it, this is how you do it. Five stars because that h e a was everything. Also, I better get a third book. IYKYK

[ʚ⋅ɞ .ᐟㅤem. · Rating 5 out of 5]

₊˚⊹ | 5 ★ read .ᐟ

I should probably start by saying the second book from Sinner's Lament series is much more impactful than the first one. I enjoyed 'Dusk Secrets' very much, but this one felt too personal, it cut deep and it ruined me with each chapter.

It contains a lot of emotional damage, a lot of pain and frustration, a lot of suffering and confusion. But it is also filled with so much love, adoration and devotion for 'that one true soulmate'. I'll be forever in love with Matteo and Theo's complicated love story, but isn't that the beauty of it all? The fact that nothing's simple to achieve, no matter how much you wish and crave for it?

The book was intense until the very end, and even then, reaching the last chapter I kept questioning whether their ending was a good one or something bad might still happen to them in the epilogue. I totally recommend reading it, even though at some point(s), the frustration hits new levels with all the back-and-forth games. But trust me on this one, you'll fall in love with these two. ♥

[nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

omgeeee🥲 when i tell you this one has some of my favorite background characters, I MEAN IT. marcy is an icon. i was expecting this to be like a tabooish religious book where religion was going to be the main focus. internalized homophobia wasn’t a conflict in the book at all, really. it focused more on the cheating. i’m insanely impressed by addison beck. the fact that she gives her fans exactly what they want AND she is quick with giving us material to read. her character's chemistry is always 🔥 theo and matteo were so wrong for each other but couldn’t help being together. this was a cheating book that actually hurt my heart. i hated that they were cheating, but i was also cheering them on sooooo🤷🏽‍♂️ idk i just think the cheating trope was done really well in this one. there were some scenes in this book that my jaw was on the floor 😭🙈 i would’ve never expected father matteo to be so ✨experienced✨

[ashlee ❤ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matteo + Theo

-mm forbidden romance
-small town
-priest x married man
-friends to lovers
-cheating together

oooooo this was MEEeEEeEeeEeSSSSSAAAYYY as. fuckkk!!! but ohhhh so juicy!! & they 100% went thru it & did such bad thingssss but it all worked out in the end!! that ending with the sneak peek for the next one tho is HEARTBREAKING 😭😭😭

[Kaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let’s just start off by saying that I am well and truly gagged (🤪good choice of wording). Out of all the Addison books I’ve read, this one didn’t disappoint me and I knew it wouldn’t. It takes the cake as my 2nd favorite book of hers (following whiskey sour because that book was just everything and more to me). I have found myself OBSESSED with forbidden love romances and even more so with the added elements like there were in this book (tortured soul, bi-awakening, religion, etc.)

I really loved the moment these two touched hands and it felt like something clicked into place for both of them. For 10 years, Matteo was strictly about only having a relationship with God. He left his previous relationship to pursue priesthood and thought it’d be him and God forever. But, something happened when he touched Theo’s hand. He saw this man and knew something was missing behind his eyes, and all he wanted was to understand why.

“Then when our hands touched, I felt it. It was a whisper of understanding like maybe he could get what’s so wrong with me. It’s like—I don’t want to say God—but something reached out and told me he’s the key to figuring out this particularly brutal phase in my life.”

Something well and truly changed when they started their walks together. They first formed a true friendship, something Theo had craved all his life and didn’t know much he truly needed that from someone. But, lines started to blur for him. For both of them even. He began looking at Matteo in a different light, and realized he was the most beautiful man he’d ever seen. His moment of realization was lowkey funny honestly. Here was this 30 year old average man who all of sudden caught feelings for not only a man, but his priest 😅

“I just got hard for a priest, my priest, and if that’s not a sign I’m fucked up, I don’t know what is. But I didn’t get hard for a priest, I got hard for Matteo. The man who’s shown me what friendship is, who pulled me out of the sad little bubble I was living in, who’s given me a reason to want to get up in the morning. “

And oh boy, our precious Matteo. He never thought he’d be in a relationship ever again because of his promise to God. Something changed in him the more he spent time with Theo, and even though this man was married (we do not condone cheating BUT ITS A BOOK OK?!!), it wouldn’t stop him from wanting to be in his presence at every waking moment. He really wanted to understand everything about Theo 🥹

“I think for a second perhaps there’s a line between priest and friend I shouldn’t be crossing. But when he shows up, windows rolled down, the setting sun framing his auburn hair as he smiles at me, the only answer is⁠—I don’t give a fuck.”

Theo’s character was well and truly heartbreaking. He went from being a devoted husband, to someone he felt like he didn’t know. He felt unfulfilled and unhappy with himself and where his life was going. It was really so sad for him to think of himself as just an “average” guy, but Matteo would show him was more than that. That he was extraordinary and unlike anyone he’d ever known.

“Tú eres precioso because you get flustered easily and when you do, I see every shade of red cross your face. You wear your expressions loudly, even though you try to hide it. Each freckle tells a story you don’t realize.”— “I don’t like my freckles.” — “I love your freckles,” he says, and to prove his point, his thumb migrates back to my nose. “Never stop telling me stories, precioso.”

There was something so special about them seeking comfort in each other knowing it was wrong. Theo was married and Matteo was supposed to be in a relationship with God… but then again, how could you walk away from a feeling like that? A feeling that made each of them feel like they were meant to be tethered to each other. A feeling that felt like they were the only ones meant for the other, that their relationship was one in a lifetime.

“I think you smell like the grass after fresh rain but that’s what you feel like too. Like comfort. Like I’m safe with you.” — “I looked to him for comfort and found so much more. Found something I didn’t even know I was looking for.”

I really felt like Matteo was a poet. His words were like a smooth caress over Theo’s cheek and it’s like you could feel it through the pages.

“His lips tasted like Heaven’s grace, his toned body felt like the warmth of the sun, and his whines and whimpers were better than any opera.”

AND DONT GET ME WRONG!!! The mouth on that man?! The mouth on that Priest??! Mans was a wh*re LMAO. And he knew it too. Like give me compassionate and loving, but also give me freak, you know??? A good balance 😌 When they went and crossed that final line that Matteo knew he could never come back from!!!? He straight up told Theo he was going to annihilate it and of course he was all for it, because duh 🤭

“It doesn’t matter that I’m asking to be his slut or that I’m riding his dick like a whore. It still means something. It means everything. — No other person has made him or will ever be able to make him feel this kind of passion. This burning desire lights us up and annihilates everything in its path.”

Do not get me started on “baby” because that term of endearment in MM books especially makes me so happy inside, like you don’t even understand. And how it came out of Theo’s mouth so easily?? Like ugh. That sweet insecure boy really found a person who really wanted him for who he was.

“Fuck, when he calls me baby… Shit, it makes me feel special. Like I’m more than just a dirty secret—more than just a mistake—like I’m his. All I want to be is his.”

It was lowkey annoying at some parts that they were doubting each other’s feelings towards the other, because let’s be fr, those feelings were SO obvious. One, Theo wouldn’t continue to cheat on his wife if he wasn’t undoubtedly in love with Matteo. And second, Matteo wouldn’t continue to be with Theo if he felt like his relationship with God was more important. What they had with one another didn’t feel like anything they’d ever experienced and at the same time, it didn’t feel like something they’d ever experience again.

“I’ve been waiting all my life for a moment like this. A moment where the connection is real and true and pure. Fuck the circumstances because his soul calls out to mine and being with him like this just proves it. It’s not because it’s risky. It’s not because it’s forbidden. It’s because it’s him.”
+
“I like giving myself up to him, I like seeing his power and dominance. I crave the moments when he shows no restraint. Because to everyone else, he’s their perfectly composed servant of the Lord. But with me, he’s nothing but my dirty dominant slut. Just for me.”

It was just everything and more that they brought out the happiness and comfort in each other that they both didn’t think they deserved. For so long, Theo didn’t feel like he was worth anything to anyone, and Matteo felt like he wouldn’t ever have someone that would make him feel like he could love again, like he would be able to choose them over his relationship with God. Theo ended up being that person for him of course 😭

“With Theo, I don’t just feel special; I feel seen. Like my very existence is validated simply because I can make him smile. The enormity of my passion for him is endless, spanning decades we haven’t spent together and overwhelming anything I might have felt in the time before him.”

AND PLSSSS THE CONFESSIONAL SCENE???! GAGGED TO NO END. I was like how is this happening and how is no one hearing this??! We know later on that Marcy did (“There’s no use denying it, Father. I heard you in the confessional a few weeks ago and nobody prays to God that hard.” 😂😂) But even knowing that, these two were so completely infatuated and caught up in another that they couldn’t keep their hands off in each at confession? Like so gagged, but it was so hot and I will always remember it 😮‍💨

“All I can concentrate on is his taste, better than the Holy wine I consume every Sunday, better than anything I’ve ever experienced.”

We see them going back and forth on whether or not they should continue this forbidden relationship and how much it’s worth sacrificing. But even with the breaks here and there, they couldn’t stay away. It was like they couldn’t breathe a full breath each time they were apart. Even though Theo felt weird going back and sleeping next to his wife after being with Matteo, it was something he wanted again and again. Why was he so connected to Matteo in this way? Why did he make him feel so precious and understood? So special and worthy? Matteo was going to make sure his precioso was going to feel all of those things forever.

“You’re everything good and kind in the world,” — “You’re so special. One of a kind. My sanctuary.”— “When I look at you, I see my home. The place where I can be myself. A place where I belong.” — “Every second without you, I can’t breathe. Every minute without you, I can’t think. Every hour I spend apart from you, I can’t cope.”

It was really so sad that Theo continued to battle with his self-worth. That he felt he’d never be enough for Matteo’s love. Matteo looked at him like he was someone whose attention he wasn’t worthy of. Like he was the one who didn’t deserve someone as good as Theo. It was time for Theo to get all of that through his stubborn skull!!! He was worth every ounce of love Matteo gave him. He was worth listening to. He was worth accepting. And most importantly, he would be worth more than he ever thought he could be. Matteo was going to make sure he knew those things forever. (And of course Matteo is worthy of all these things too)

“Every piece of me is his. The parts I’ve tried to hide that he’s seen regardless, the parts I want to keep secret, the parts that scare me—I want them all to be his so he can hold them in the palm of his holy hands and worship them with the same reverence he gives me.”

When they both realized they were in love, love?? Giggling and kicking my feet. Like it was about damn time. Now we just had to wait for them to actually say the words!!!

“How could I not love him? His kindness, his grace, his ability to make me someone I want to be rather than who I am. He took a broken man, lost in a crowd he didn’t recognize, and made him someone.”
+
“When I look at him after a few minutes, he’s cast in a mirage of colors that make him look like a dream. My dream. So exquisite and ethereal like an angel that’s come down from Heaven to fulfill my every wish and desire. I love him so much.”

And GOD. Was the 3rd act breakup painful😭 We see Theo’s wife confronting Matteo the night of their date and everything came crashing down after that. Theo came over that night and was begging Matteo not to let him go, that he would choose him over her. That intimate moment they shared together thinking it would be their last. Their love confession they needed to express because who knows if they’d ever get the chance to tell each other again.

“I’ve loved you for so long,” I continue. “It broke my heart to think you didn’t love me too.” “I do,” he assures me, pulling back so he can kiss all over my face. “Matteo, fuck, I’m so in love with you. The Earth would have to crumble for me to ever stop.”

The time they spent apart was beneficial and important for them both. They both struggled. Matteo resorted back to his alcoholism and Theo resorted back to the shell of himself he was before they met. The letters they sent back and forth were so so special and made me SO emotional. Even though they were apart for 6 months, they needed the other to know that they would never stop loving them and that they would always hold a piece of the other’s soul.

“With you, it was always different. I could write an entire book about my love for you. Not only that, but I never needed to utter a single word for you to understand, to know, to accept. You’ve always just known. And I think that makes me love you even more.”

They had a moment between letters after Theo moved to Cheyenne where he had invited Matteo over to a motel. He needed to feel that overwhelming and all consuming feeling between them again, that through the time apart nothing had changed. That what they had would never falter, that it would always be like no matter how much time would pass.

“Feeling him inside me again is my most sinful dream come true. No matter how much it shouldn’t happen, I’ll always say yes to him.”

After that one night in Cheyenne, more months went by and they still missed each other. But in those months, they were focused on getting better for themselves, not for their relationship. Matteo sobered up and started finding joy in finding himself. He was helping out Billy and spending time with Marcy, starting AA meetings, and ultimately leaving the church. Theo got a divorce from Clara and started to go to therapy to help with his coping skills, not only to start believing in himself more, but that he was capable to do it all alone. He found himself too.

“With Matteo, it was different. I had never felt so seen and supported. It’s like, for the first time in my life, I knew who I was. But only when I was with him. Without him, I felt so lost until I started seeing Emily. Then I realized that I always knew deep down who Theo was… I was just never given the chance to experience that.”

He received what Matteo thought was his last letter to let Theo go. Theo brought this letter to his therapist and was like what is this? Was this letter going to change things? Does it mean Matteo didn’t want him anymore? But this was a choice he needed to make on his own… and with little thought, he realized Matteo was it for him and always would be. He couldn’t let go of the person he wanted most and loved more than he thought was possible.

“I can say with certainty Matteo is the one who will bring out the very best in me. He says I made him a better person, but he has no idea the part he’s played in my journey. A journey I just hope we can continue together.

The moment we were PRAYING for finally happened. They found each other again. And GOD, the letters Matteo wrote every day while they apart? Was crying my eyes out. Theo deserves him so much. THEY deserve each other so much.

“Letters to you, Theo. To mi precioso.” His voice cracks as his own tears fall. “One letter for every day we were apart.”

That breakup really did a number on me but they really needed to experience that. They were able to find who they were without the other, and came back together as the best versions of themselves. They were going to spend the rest of their lives loving each other with everything in them. I am so sickeningly happy and this review is far too long for anyone to read. But all that matters is that I get to go back and read it so I can remember how this book made me feel 🥹

“I love you, Matteo. Now and until the end of time. No matter where we are or who we become, I want everything with you. You are the person I’m meant to spend the rest of my life with. It wasn’t a mistake letting you walk away, but it would be the stupidest decision on the planet to not beg for you now.”

—

“Matteo?” Theo questions, shaking me a bit. “Are you okay?” And it’s with everything that I am and everything that I will be that I answer. “Yes.”

[This Ain't It · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don't support this author!

TW: SA, CSA, suicide

Addison Beck is also Maddison Devlin.

The same Maddison Devlin who wrote the Devilry series-- the one that gave an HEA to a pedophile in book 2, didn't reveal that information until book 3, and ended book 3 with a murder-suicide of SA and CSA victims that she called a beautiful and necessary "unconventional HEA".

She did NOT trigger warn for these things and traumatized a legion of ARC readers, then cancelled book 3 and tried to bury it along with her connection to this grotesque behavior.

This author is truly a disgusting human being who has zero respect for her readers, particularly the queer ones. Tricking them into rooting for a child predator and withholding MASSIVE triggers from her ARC team that cause serious harm is fucking repulsive.

This author does not deserve your time or money.

More info in a reddit post: https://www.reddit.com/r/MM_RomanceBo...

An excellent, more detailed review by an ARC reader:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Another librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

✍️ 𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝑹𝑬𝑽𝑰𝑬𝑾 ✍️
“MIDNIGHT PROMISES” ADDISON BECK ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5

Okay, Addison Beck con questo secondo libro si è nettamente ripresa dopo il primo!

Per dieci anni, Matteo ha dedicato la sua vita al servizio della Chiesa, la stessa che lo ha salvato dai suoi demoni. Mai, nemmeno per un istante, ha ceduto alla tentazione. Il trasferimento in una tranquilla cittadina del Wyoming avrebbe dovuto avvicinarlo ancora di più a Dio, ma non avrebbe mai immaginato che una semplice amicizia potesse mettere alla prova la sua volontà.
Agli occhi di tutta la città, Theo conduce la vita perfetta. Ha una casa accogliente, un lavoro stabile e una moglie adorabile.
Eppure, dentro di lui si insinua un'inquietudine, una lotta costante tra la gratitudine per ciò che ha e un senso di insoddisfazione che non riesce a placare. Quando un nuovo prete arriva in città, Theo si chiede se sia proprio l’amicizia ciò che gli è sempre mancato.
Ma un’amicizia non dovrebbe farlo sentire in questo modo.

Sono rimasta totalmente paralizzata per almeno dieci minuti dopo aver terminato questo libro. L’angst c’è, e si sente, parecchio.
Theo e Matteo sono due personaggi complicati, ma allo stesso tempo semplici. Theo vorrebbe solo sentirsi apprezzato, vorrebbe non passare più inosservato come un normalissimo trentenne con una bella moglie e una bella casa. Matteo, dal canto suo, è felice della sua vita, o quasi. Da quando Dio non gli parla più si sente come abbandonato dall’unica cosa a cui aveva dedicato la sua vita rinunciando a tutto il resto. Entrambi hanno un senso di gratitudine verso quello che hanno che li lega a una vita che non appartiene più a nessuno dei due, ma è difficile distaccarsene. E qui arrivano le loro complicazioni.

Tutto quello che ho apprezzato purtroppo non ve lo posso dire altrimenti vi farei spoiler, ma vi posso dire che le scelte che vengono fatte da entrambi sono molto contenta che non sono state fatte per i motivi sbagliati, il che poteva essere molto probabile. Ho apprezzato come l’autrice si sia soffermata soprattutto sui viaggi individuali dei personaggi prima di poter stare effettivamente insieme.

Mi è scesa qualche lacrima verso la fine? Ammetto di si, specialmente con certe lettere. Quando ci sono le lettere nei libri, soprattutto quando gli amori sono proibiti, annego in una pozza fatta delle mie stesse lacrime, non ci posso fare nulla.
Il desiderio, la potenza di questo amore… si sente tutto, e lo sentirete tutto fin dentro le ossa.
È difficile mettere a parole tutto quello che ho provato durante la lettura, sono quelle sensazioni che si possono capire solo se provate, quindi lascio a voi la scoperta.

La parte finale mi ha lasciato davvero senza parole dalla bellezza.

Daaaaamn, l’inizio del terzo libro alla fine di MP non me lo aspettavo, e mi ha lasciato in lacrime, prevedo traumi… di quelli seri.

[Lina · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sooo... i dont´t really know about this book. I have read books by addison beck that i really enjoyed and books that i literally didn´t finish because i found them that annoying. and this book falls a bit in the middle for me.
my biggest problem is that i just don´t understand the characters. i found myself almost yelling at the characters because they were just acting like there was one braincell and they had to share it.
i don´t enjoy cheating plot twist or even find them interesting. especially because in this book it was literally the worst kind. like sorry but i wont really root for the relationship when at some point in the book the priest was literally about to talk to someone in his office while the other guy was under the table doing you-know-what. but when the wife of said other guy walks in to talk to the priest about the MARRIAGE COUNSELING he was doing for the both of them, suddenly he was struck with how extremly messed up this situation was. like really?
and i didn´t understand at all how they could talk and treat each other like to loves of their life while the other guy was sleeping in the same bed as his wife every night. because he didn´t tell her. ever. she always had to confront him. he was such a coward i couldn´t handle it. both of them really.
so no, i couldn´t feel with the characters, i couldn´t root for the relationship.
so why did i even pick up the book? because the cheating books i read in the past were written in a way where, yeah there was a bit of emtional cheating but when stuff happened the relationship with the third person was literally one second away or was already broken and both people in the relationship knew it. that wasn´t the case here.
and another aspect was the protrayal of the priests devotion. i didn´t feel like there was much research done or anything because other that the abstract description that god saved his life and that he was devoted there wasn´t really that much of a representation of that. i feel like that a devoted christian even at his horniest wouldnt blow a guy in the confession booth. it felt like a cheap and misunderstood version of the fleabag scene. in the series it isn´t just a sex scene which it is in this book.
and omg. how done am i with women that are just taking it. just let her be effing angry and hate them. jesus christ. there is no way any normal human wouldnt after everything they did to her.

anyway, to conclude this rant: it was a well written book and the sex scenes were spicy, so if you can ignore the plot and the underwhelmning characters, go for it.

[V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexa, play ‘Church’ by Chase Atlantic

On a serious note… what an emotional ride…
The angst level of the book went from 0 to 100 in a blink of an eye. I couldn’t catch my breath till the last sentence.

I loved how Matteo and Theo's friendship was formed. It was so sincere and pure - until it wasn’t. 🤭 Their animalistic need for each other was unmatched. And even though they knew how wrong it was, they just couldn’t stay away from each other. Their hearts were meant to be filled with each other’s love, which made everything so much more heartbreaking.

I liked Theo at the beginning. I sympathized with him. And I could understand why it was hard for him to leave. He was, clearly, unhappy in his marriage with Clara from the beginning of the book. Long before he met Matteo. His sense of indebtedness to her and her parents made him stay, regardless of his own feelings. But at one point I found him to be a real coward. I was frustrated with his push and pull. With his actions and inactions, at the same time.

The guilt… Oh, the guilt that both carried for different reasons. I liked how they both took accountability for their actions. They tried... Boy, oh boy, they really tried to not let the temptation win. But… the heart wants what it wants.

And Matteo… I loved his character. I think I could understand him even more, maybe not the religious part of it. But the reason why he made his choices. I liked that he wasn’t portrayed as overly religious. I mean, of course, he was, he was a priest, but… he wasn’t portrayed as a fanatically religious character. I appreciated that a lot. He just accepted that there is a greater love for him, and didn’t fight the feelings for Theo.

Ooooh, and I loved how the love progressed between Matteo and Theo. The passion between both was outstanding. The dirty talk was 100000000/10 🥵

In the end, Matteo and Theo (I love how their names rhyme) were able to win against their demons, grow into better versions of themselves, find each other again, and be together forever.

Also, I loved the happy end for Billy, too 🥺🫶

And the little snippet for the next book… maaaan, I didn’t see it coming, but I can’t wait, even though I am still sniffing from crying my eyes out

[Bengisu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew, what a ride.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🔥🔥🔥.5/5
Spoilers ahead.

I loved and hated this book at the same time. I normally like reading stuff that doesn't make me feel too much. But this book had me feeling some shit. And I did not like that lmao. It was both good and bad.

I think their relationship evolved the way it was supposed to and the hardships they've been through helped them realize the importance of each other more BUT man... some parts were just shit. Why the fuck didn't Theo just divorce his wife? Why did he go on dates after getting divorced? He pissed me off tbh. Not that Matteo was any better but he kind of was... better.

Basically, I loved the story, I did NOT love Theo. I would strangle him if I could. I understand this isn't a situation where you just go "fck my wife! Imma go marry that man I love" because ten years is no joke. But he fell out of love with his wife months before Matteo even showed up. At least have the decency to break it off. Whatever. I normally have no issue with cheating as long as it's not between the mcs but I hated the cheating in this one not only because he kept cheating but also because he went back to his wife after falling in love with Matteo... like... who'd want to be with a man who doesn't love them? Does Theo not realize that going back to your wife when you don't love her, tricking her more into thinking you're fixing things, tricking her into thinking you care, and that you love her and that you want a baby, is worse? Like, dude, wtf? Just. Whatever man, Theo can go f himself.

Wow, I did not know I was going to rant about Theo until I did. Anyway. I loved this book. I really did. It just had too many shitty situations that felt too much like real life and not the "I read books to get away not get into shit" vibe I usually go for is all.

[Sharanya Hariharan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Midnight Promises consumed me, ripped me open and made me feel every moment like it was happening to me. It was raw and intense and I loved it.

The story is about Father Matteo and Theo. Father Matteo moves to the quaint town Smallville to be the town’s new priest. Matteo has a past that he is running from, one that sometimes threatens to resurface when he has moments of weaknesses. It is here that Matteo meets Theo, Theo has been married for five years to a lovely woman who wants to start a family. Theo isn’t happy, not only in his marriage, but with life in general, he’s lonely, feels like he has nothing to look forward to, nothing to offer and isn’t able to find joy in anything life has to offer him. He’s struggling on so many levels. Both men form a beautiful friendship in each other, that quickly becomes something more. This is the aching, visceral, emotional journey of Mateo and Theo, who were never supposed to fall in love but do.

This story is about charged with emotion, every scene dripping with tension and angst. It is painful to read, but, was impossible for me to put down. The intimacy, physical and emotional—is searing, it’s shown to you with a rawness that makes it feel more like survival than desire. What I appreciated about the book, amongst other things, is that it shows you how being in ‘love’ doesn’t just fix things, it’s a work in progress, it involves you learning to love yourself before falling into a relationship. It’s real.

This book doesn’t focus on religious themes, but rather, explores the need people feel for connection, for someone to see you when you’ve spent years being invisible.

The HEA, hard-won. It feels like a breath after drowning—fragile but real.

I received an ARC of this book, this is my honest review.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2
Theo and Matteo

Matteo is a priest that was in charge at the Catholic Summer Camp. But when it becomes Camp Acceptance, he is transferred elsewhere, Smallville, Wyoming.
It’s a beautiful church with 2 dozen members, in hopes that a new young good looking priest will bring more people to the church. Smallville is tiny, they walk every where and every one knows everyone.
Theo is in a 5 year marriage to his high school sweetheart. In the last year they’ve fallen apart. Clara wants a baby, Theo doesn’t. Not yet he claims but he doesn’t want one. The ever loving husband goes to mass and he instantly liked the new priest Matteo.
They become friends, spending time together, going on walks. But all in secret. Theo doesn’t want anyone to know.
They become extra friendly, where Theo asks about Matteo’s past and he confesses that he’s gay, well only had been with men. That opens the door for Theo.
Theo had never been with a man in any way but was drawn to Matteo.
But Theo is married and now he’s cheating on his wife.
The church goes to Camp Acceptance on a retreat. Jared clocks it right away and he’s furious because of the cheating. Like how he was cheated on.
They go back and forth trying to stay away and not getting enough. Till Clara confronts Matteo and makes him end their fling so her marriage can work.
Matteo and Theo get together one last time and Theo and Clara move away.
But they write letters, meet one more time and confess their love but in the end, Matteo leaves. Clara finds the letters and tells Theo she knew and they divorce.
Matteo decides to leave the church. The calling wasn’t meant to be forever. Theo finds out, and goes to get his man.
They end up at Camp Acceptance with Jared and Noah.