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9 days and 05:54:37
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Sinful Manor #2
Promise Me
Not yet published
Expected 10 Feb 26Win a free print copy of this book!
9 days and 05:54:37
20 copies available
U.S. only
He let him get away once… Now he has seven days to get him back.
Fifteen years ago, Declan Barclay left for uni with plans of becoming an artist and escaping his family's heavy rule. What he didn't expect was to meet a soft and enigmatic actor in desperate need of guidance…and a friend. Declan quickly took Colin Shelby under his wing and the two were inseparable ever since.
That is until the night before graduation, when lines were crossed and everything changed.
Now, after years apart, Colin is back in Declan's life, but he's not alone. He's made a promise to marry someone else, and Declan only has seven days to win back the love of his life. There's just one His family is counting on him to pull this wedding off at Barclay Manor.
With just one week until vows are exchanged, Declan must decide—stay silent and lose Colin for good, or risk everything and ask the one who got away to promise him forever.
Fifteen years ago, Declan Barclay left for uni with plans of becoming an artist and escaping his family's heavy rule. What he didn't expect was to meet a soft and enigmatic actor in desperate need of guidance…and a friend. Declan quickly took Colin Shelby under his wing and the two were inseparable ever since.
That is until the night before graduation, when lines were crossed and everything changed.
Now, after years apart, Colin is back in Declan's life, but he's not alone. He's made a promise to marry someone else, and Declan only has seven days to win back the love of his life. There's just one His family is counting on him to pull this wedding off at Barclay Manor.
With just one week until vows are exchanged, Declan must decide—stay silent and lose Colin for good, or risk everything and ask the one who got away to promise him forever.
320 pages, Paperback
Expected publication February 10, 2026
49 people are currently reading
9774 people want to read
About the author
Sara Cate
44 books19.9k followersSara Cate is a USA Today best-selling author of steamy romance and sexy book boyfriends. Although she writes a wide range of tropes, Sara is best known for her age gap and taboo romances. One thing you can expect from her entire collection is heaps of steam and plenty of angst.
Living in Arizona with her husband and kids, Sara spends most of her time reading, writing, or baking.
Find out more at: www.saracatebooks.com
Living in Arizona with her husband and kids, Sara spends most of her time reading, writing, or baking.
Find out more at: www.saracatebooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews
November 3, 2025
I don’t normally cry with love declarations, but holy shit. THIS BOOK.
THE PREMISE: dual timeline between two best friends falling for each other, and then meeting for the first time years after everything fell apart. Right in time for one of them to get married 🙃
TROPES & VIBES:
- MM second chance best friends to lovers romance
- I couldn’t put this down. It destroyed my sleep schedule
- Some dom/sub kinky stuff
- ‘I have a chest full of paintings, and they’re all of you’
- ‘We haven’t spoken in years, but you’re an actor and I’ve seen every movie you’ve ever been in’
- “Baby”
- Teaching him sexy stuff
- Healing journey
- It’s always only been you
- Set in England and Scotland
4.5⭐️ 4🌶️
Arc from author in exchange for an honest review 🥰
THE PREMISE: dual timeline between two best friends falling for each other, and then meeting for the first time years after everything fell apart. Right in time for one of them to get married 🙃
TROPES & VIBES:
- MM second chance best friends to lovers romance
- I couldn’t put this down. It destroyed my sleep schedule
- Some dom/sub kinky stuff
- ‘I have a chest full of paintings, and they’re all of you’
- ‘We haven’t spoken in years, but you’re an actor and I’ve seen every movie you’ve ever been in’
- “Baby”
- Teaching him sexy stuff
- Healing journey
- It’s always only been you
- Set in England and Scotland
4.5⭐️ 4🌶️
Arc from author in exchange for an honest review 🥰
Want to read
August 27, 2025taaaake me back to Scotland 🫡 🏴
December 3, 2025
“I’m sorry it was only eight days a year to you. It was never just eight days to me. You were with me every bloody day.”
This is a well written love story that spans more than a decade, full of stolen moments, yearning and coming to terms with what you want and what you deserve
Colin is quiet and shy, and has been very sheltered by his mother. Declan is brash and charismatic and tends to be the life of the party. They meet when they are roommates at university and quickly become inseparable best friends during their 4 years there. Right before they graduate the lines between friendship and something more become blurred and then everything changes.
Before leaving university, they vow to spend time together every summer to maintain their friendship.Through the years they both come to treasure this time together until one day changes everything and they lose touch after having a falling out.
Now its years later and Colin's fiance has booked Declans family home to host their wedding. When they come crashing back into each others lives they are forced to face their past and the feelings they still have for the other. With just seven days until the wedding Declan must decide whether to let Colin go or fight for the only person he has ever loved.
The dual timeline really makes this story hit home. We get to experience their past so we can truly understand what it means when Colin shows back up in Declan's life engaged to another man. The yearning and heartbreak are strong, and I definitely found myself falling in love right along with them throughout the years.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and read it in less than a day because it was more important to keep turning then page than to be a responsible adult. Definitely recommend this book if you love a good second chance love story with all the feels and the heartbreak of giving up on the only person you really ever wanted.
What's inside:
Second Chance
MM love story
Broody Scottsman
Grumpy x Sunshine
Best Friends to Lovers
Dual Timeline
Virgin MC
Spice
This is a well written love story that spans more than a decade, full of stolen moments, yearning and coming to terms with what you want and what you deserve
Colin is quiet and shy, and has been very sheltered by his mother. Declan is brash and charismatic and tends to be the life of the party. They meet when they are roommates at university and quickly become inseparable best friends during their 4 years there. Right before they graduate the lines between friendship and something more become blurred and then everything changes.
Before leaving university, they vow to spend time together every summer to maintain their friendship.Through the years they both come to treasure this time together until one day changes everything and they lose touch after having a falling out.
Now its years later and Colin's fiance has booked Declans family home to host their wedding. When they come crashing back into each others lives they are forced to face their past and the feelings they still have for the other. With just seven days until the wedding Declan must decide whether to let Colin go or fight for the only person he has ever loved.
The dual timeline really makes this story hit home. We get to experience their past so we can truly understand what it means when Colin shows back up in Declan's life engaged to another man. The yearning and heartbreak are strong, and I definitely found myself falling in love right along with them throughout the years.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and read it in less than a day because it was more important to keep turning then page than to be a responsible adult. Definitely recommend this book if you love a good second chance love story with all the feels and the heartbreak of giving up on the only person you really ever wanted.
What's inside:
Second Chance
MM love story
Broody Scottsman
Grumpy x Sunshine
Best Friends to Lovers
Dual Timeline
Virgin MC
Spice
January 16, 2026
5 ⭐♾️
Omg, omg this was pure liquid gold, five big fat gold stars and hands down my new favourite read by Sara Cate! Like, I absolutely adored this; you cannot convince otherwise that there isn't parallels to Heated Rivalry in this.
I literally haven't been able to stop thinking about Colin and Declan, why were they SO FREAKING CUTE PLS!!! I was grinning with tears in my eyes at 1am, they actually had no business making me cry they way they did.
Listen, I can always count on a Sara Cate book to never disappoint, because the SPICE ALWAYS DELIVERS! I'm not even joking when I say this had me blushing and staring at the wall for a solid good ten mins! Like, are you kidding me, "the boat wasn't the only thing docked that week" will FOREVERRR live RENT FREE in my head!!
I just love me an angsty second chance and this didn't disappoint. The yearning and quiet devotion between these two men; it was beautiful, painfully raw and so unique to them and their journey. Sara done an incredible job showing Declan's depression because you wouldn't think so at first, but over the years, you could see how he really held himself back, having lost his parents at a young age and then Colin, after the breakdown of their friendship. Equally, too, Colin's journey and him coming out, dating; his incessant need to please those around him, even when it made him uncomfortable, God, my heart broke for him because Declan saw him for him and didn't want change or put him in a mould like others tried to.
The ending and epilogues were probably my favourite parts of Colin and Declan's story; I literally couldn't stop smiling, there were tears in my eyes because it was such a touching a beautiful end to their story. They deserve it and all the happiness in the world.
And to add, Anna, Blaire, please let it be that there is a romance developing between them, because I noted the way Blaire was around Anna! Omg, a sapphic romance between those two would be everythingg!!
This really was one of my favourite reads and couples of 2026!
Thank you to Sara Cate and her team for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review; I it's always a pleasure being on your content team, and cannot wait to create some Colin and Declan inspired content. I'd also like to thank Siena at Sourcebooks for the e-arc from NetGalley.
Tropes
Best friends to lovers
second chance
grumpy x sunshine
virgin MMC
dual timelines
Yearning 100x
Omg, omg this was pure liquid gold, five big fat gold stars and hands down my new favourite read by Sara Cate! Like, I absolutely adored this; you cannot convince otherwise that there isn't parallels to Heated Rivalry in this.
I literally haven't been able to stop thinking about Colin and Declan, why were they SO FREAKING CUTE PLS!!! I was grinning with tears in my eyes at 1am, they actually had no business making me cry they way they did.
Listen, I can always count on a Sara Cate book to never disappoint, because the SPICE ALWAYS DELIVERS! I'm not even joking when I say this had me blushing and staring at the wall for a solid good ten mins! Like, are you kidding me, "the boat wasn't the only thing docked that week" will FOREVERRR live RENT FREE in my head!!
I just love me an angsty second chance and this didn't disappoint. The yearning and quiet devotion between these two men; it was beautiful, painfully raw and so unique to them and their journey. Sara done an incredible job showing Declan's depression because you wouldn't think so at first, but over the years, you could see how he really held himself back, having lost his parents at a young age and then Colin, after the breakdown of their friendship. Equally, too, Colin's journey and him coming out, dating; his incessant need to please those around him, even when it made him uncomfortable, God, my heart broke for him because Declan saw him for him and didn't want change or put him in a mould like others tried to.
The ending and epilogues were probably my favourite parts of Colin and Declan's story; I literally couldn't stop smiling, there were tears in my eyes because it was such a touching a beautiful end to their story. They deserve it and all the happiness in the world.
And to add, Anna, Blaire, please let it be that there is a romance developing between them, because I noted the way Blaire was around Anna! Omg, a sapphic romance between those two would be everythingg!!
This really was one of my favourite reads and couples of 2026!
Thank you to Sara Cate and her team for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review; I it's always a pleasure being on your content team, and cannot wait to create some Colin and Declan inspired content. I'd also like to thank Siena at Sourcebooks for the e-arc from NetGalley.
Tropes
Best friends to lovers
second chance
grumpy x sunshine
virgin MMC
dual timelines
Yearning 100x
January 5, 2026
ARC read: yes netgalley
5⭐️ 4🌶️
Synopsis in one sentence: Years after a heartbreaking falling out, Declan Barclay has seven days to win back his first love, Colin Shelby, before Colin marries someone else at Declan’s own family estate in Scotland.
Fav character: Declan Barclay. I loved his "brash Scottish artist" energy. He’s charismatic and a bit of a mess, but his unwavering devotion to Colin is so beautiful to read.
Fav trope: Second Chance / Best Friends to Lovers. The dual timeline really makes you feel the weight of everything they lost.
Fav part: The ticking clock of the wedding creates such intense, suffocating tension. Every interaction feels high-stakes because you know the deadline is approaching.
Didn’t like: nothing Sara Cate can write any romance situation - I LOVE THEM
Recommend it: Yes. Especially if you love M/M romance with deep angst, a gorgeous Scottish setting, and that signature Sara Cate emotional gut punch AND OBSESSION.
Unique: The dual timeline structure. Going back and forth between their university days and the present really allowed for a slow-burn realization.
Cont. series?: Yes. It’s the second book in the Sinful Manor series (after Keep Me), and it makes me want to see which Barclay sibling or manor guest we get next.
Unforgettable: The yearning. Sara Cate is a master of ache. The way Declan looks at Colin after all those years is something I won't forget anytime soon. I loved them so much!!
Kindle unlimited: Yes.
5⭐️ 4🌶️
Synopsis in one sentence: Years after a heartbreaking falling out, Declan Barclay has seven days to win back his first love, Colin Shelby, before Colin marries someone else at Declan’s own family estate in Scotland.
Fav character: Declan Barclay. I loved his "brash Scottish artist" energy. He’s charismatic and a bit of a mess, but his unwavering devotion to Colin is so beautiful to read.
Fav trope: Second Chance / Best Friends to Lovers. The dual timeline really makes you feel the weight of everything they lost.
Fav part: The ticking clock of the wedding creates such intense, suffocating tension. Every interaction feels high-stakes because you know the deadline is approaching.
Didn’t like: nothing Sara Cate can write any romance situation - I LOVE THEM
Recommend it: Yes. Especially if you love M/M romance with deep angst, a gorgeous Scottish setting, and that signature Sara Cate emotional gut punch AND OBSESSION.
Unique: The dual timeline structure. Going back and forth between their university days and the present really allowed for a slow-burn realization.
Cont. series?: Yes. It’s the second book in the Sinful Manor series (after Keep Me), and it makes me want to see which Barclay sibling or manor guest we get next.
Unforgettable: The yearning. Sara Cate is a master of ache. The way Declan looks at Colin after all those years is something I won't forget anytime soon. I loved them so much!!
Kindle unlimited: Yes.
December 15, 2025
Full RTC. ✨
I’m running on little sleep because I HAD TO stay up and finish this book. Binging it in less than 12 hours because it physically pained me to put it down. Promise Me had me in a total chokehold. I laughed. I cried. By the end I was drained but so totally satiated. This is my most anticipated read for 2026, and I devoured it in less than a day. I don't know what that says about my self control, but I’m not sorry.
I’m running on little sleep because I HAD TO stay up and finish this book. Binging it in less than 12 hours because it physically pained me to put it down. Promise Me had me in a total chokehold. I laughed. I cried. By the end I was drained but so totally satiated. This is my most anticipated read for 2026, and I devoured it in less than a day. I don't know what that says about my self control, but I’m not sorry.
November 26, 2025
Promise Me by Sara Crate was a great love story. In Scottish England with a dual point of view time line. Two MM best friends fall in love. Then when things fall apart they don't see each other for years, but when they do one of them is about to get married. Second chance, best friends to lovers," it's always been you" Beautifully written.
My opinion, thank you, Netgalley and sourcebooks casablanca for this ARC
My opinion, thank you, Netgalley and sourcebooks casablanca for this ARC
November 27, 2025
This book had me in all of my feelings, friends to lovers in the most heartbreaking and beautiful way! Colin and Declan are made for each other and nothing could keep them apart. Not a wedding, not long lost time or distance. The spice was just an added benefit to their love story unfolding before your eyes. "He's been slowly healing me this entire time" took my breath away and I'm ready for the next trip to Scotland! Thank you to Sara Cate and Netgalley for the chance to ARC for this book, I enjoyed every second of reading it. The glimpses into the future with the dual epilogues truly wrapped the entire story into a wonderful bow 🥹
November 21, 2025
“He’s been slowly healing me this entire time.”
Colin Shelby, the man that you are!! Ugh, he resonated so much with me as a people pleaser myself.
“But that’s what love is, Declan! It’s showing someone the worst parts of ourselves and trusting that they’ll love us anyway.”
Then don’t get me started on the amazing, iconic, messy Declan Barclay!!
Usually I’m not a fan of the history of friends to lovers trope, but I absolutely devoured every drop of this book. This was a complete masterpiece, even better than the first book!!
It was actually beautiful to see their friendship blossom into something more. And was then heartbreaking to see it all fall apart.
I enjoyed the back and forth of the past and present. I think it really tied together well.
The characters were flawed, and I was invested in seeing their growth. And don’t get me started on the hottest slow burn I’ve ever read with their gradual exploration of spice.
If you enjoy a spicy second chance romance between a Scottish artist living in a castle and a British Hollywood star, you’ll love this one!
Thank you NetGalley for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Colin Shelby, the man that you are!! Ugh, he resonated so much with me as a people pleaser myself.
“But that’s what love is, Declan! It’s showing someone the worst parts of ourselves and trusting that they’ll love us anyway.”
Then don’t get me started on the amazing, iconic, messy Declan Barclay!!
Usually I’m not a fan of the history of friends to lovers trope, but I absolutely devoured every drop of this book. This was a complete masterpiece, even better than the first book!!
It was actually beautiful to see their friendship blossom into something more. And was then heartbreaking to see it all fall apart.
I enjoyed the back and forth of the past and present. I think it really tied together well.
The characters were flawed, and I was invested in seeing their growth. And don’t get me started on the hottest slow burn I’ve ever read with their gradual exploration of spice.
If you enjoy a spicy second chance romance between a Scottish artist living in a castle and a British Hollywood star, you’ll love this one!
Thank you NetGalley for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
December 8, 2025
rating: 3.5⭐️ | spice: 4 🌶️
ugh this book made me ugly cry so many times. i just wanted them to be happy.
if you’re looking for an mm romance with angst and POWERFUL love confessions, i think this is the perfect book for you.
tropes:
- mm romance
- duo pov & timeline
- “and they were roommates”
- pain 🥹😩
ugh this book made me ugly cry so many times. i just wanted them to be happy.
if you’re looking for an mm romance with angst and POWERFUL love confessions, i think this is the perfect book for you.
tropes:
- mm romance
- duo pov & timeline
- “and they were roommates”
- pain 🥹😩
November 25, 2025
Promise Me by Sara Cate was absolute perfection. The bond Colin & Declan had was felt throughout the book and their journey was captivating. I haven’t read alot of m/m books but this was beautifully written. Loved the back & forth timeline to really understand the bond these two shared.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC
Want to read
August 27, 2025Coming 10th Feb 2026
When Sara says this might be her favourite love story she’s EVER written, you add it to the TBR immediately. MM, friends to lovers, back at Barclay Manor? YES PLEASE!
When Sara says this might be her favourite love story she’s EVER written, you add it to the TBR immediately. MM, friends to lovers, back at Barclay Manor? YES PLEASE!
January 16, 2026
ARC Read/Finished:
11.22.25
Overall Ratings:
5/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
5/5 🌶️🔥🌶️🔥🌶️
IM STILL PROCESSING😭😭😭
EDIT (01.15.26):
I love Colin & Declan so much 💓💓💓 they have my heart!
11.22.25
Overall Ratings:
5/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
5/5 🌶️🔥🌶️🔥🌶️
IM STILL PROCESSING😭😭😭
EDIT (01.15.26):
I love Colin & Declan so much 💓💓💓 they have my heart!
December 31, 2025
Promise Me by Sara Cate is the second book in the Sinful Manor series and it follows Declan, who is currently living in the manor and is tired of all the weddings invading his personal space. He makes a deal with his sister that if he can manage a successful wedding, they will stop using the manor as a venue. But of course, things can’t be too easy and one of the grooms for the wedding is Colin, Declan’s former best friend and maybe something more? Now Declan has to decide if he wants to help with the wedding or try to steal Colin back.
I enjoyed this one. It is a sort of second chance romance with best friends that fall for each other and have a falling out. There are flashbacks to the past that show Colin’s POV and the present day is told from Declan’s POV. I feel like you can really feel the tension between this in the flashbacks and you are rooting for them to get together but you know they aren’t together in the present day.
I did find the present day romance to feel a little rushed. I wish that the tension from the flashbacks continued into the present. A lot of the forced proximity moments in the present timeline felt a bit forced. But I did really enjoy the book overall. It is compulsively readable. The chapters are short and the main characters complement each other well.
I look forward to the next book in this series! I think the end of this one teased the next couple and I’m very intrigued.
I enjoyed this one. It is a sort of second chance romance with best friends that fall for each other and have a falling out. There are flashbacks to the past that show Colin’s POV and the present day is told from Declan’s POV. I feel like you can really feel the tension between this in the flashbacks and you are rooting for them to get together but you know they aren’t together in the present day.
I did find the present day romance to feel a little rushed. I wish that the tension from the flashbacks continued into the present. A lot of the forced proximity moments in the present timeline felt a bit forced. But I did really enjoy the book overall. It is compulsively readable. The chapters are short and the main characters complement each other well.
I look forward to the next book in this series! I think the end of this one teased the next couple and I’m very intrigued.
November 15, 2025
Title: Promise Me
Author: Sara Cate
Series: Sinful Manor #2
What to expect:
*Second chance MM romance
*Dom/Sub relationship
*”It’s always been you”
I absolutely love this book!! I have always enjoyed books from this author, but this couple in particular blew me away! Declan is an artist that has a chest full of drawings of Colin. Colin is an actor that has never forgotten his first love.
I enjoyed the dual timelines, seeing their relationship build with each other was incredibly moving. I also loved having an epilogue set in the future to show a true HEA!
*****Spoilers below*****
*
*
*
*
*
Safety:
MMC1 is engaged for the majority of this book, there are no on page scenes between him and his fiancé in the story. There is one group sex scene, the main couple are together while others in the room are also playing. Neither of the main characters have sex with anyone else throughout the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca for the opportunity to read and review this title!
Format: NetGalley ebook
Genre: Contemporary, romance
Overall score:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV’s: Colin (MMC1) & Declan (MMC2)
Author: Sara Cate
Series: Sinful Manor #2
What to expect:
*Second chance MM romance
*Dom/Sub relationship
*”It’s always been you”
I absolutely love this book!! I have always enjoyed books from this author, but this couple in particular blew me away! Declan is an artist that has a chest full of drawings of Colin. Colin is an actor that has never forgotten his first love.
I enjoyed the dual timelines, seeing their relationship build with each other was incredibly moving. I also loved having an epilogue set in the future to show a true HEA!
*****Spoilers below*****
*
*
*
*
*
Safety:
MMC1 is engaged for the majority of this book, there are no on page scenes between him and his fiancé in the story. There is one group sex scene, the main couple are together while others in the room are also playing. Neither of the main characters have sex with anyone else throughout the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca for the opportunity to read and review this title!
Format: NetGalley ebook
Genre: Contemporary, romance
Overall score:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV’s: Colin (MMC1) & Declan (MMC2)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2026
I was a little nervous going into this one because MM Romances are a hit or miss for me… I never know if I’m going to like it until I’m in it so I dove in with no life vest; I’m happy to say that I liked this one a lot!
Declan and Colin went through it to find their ways back to each other… it was a wild and emotional road!
My only hang up with the book and the reason i couldn’t give it 5 stars is because sometimes the narration was a bit confusing… we were switching between two different character POVs from two different time periods and sometimes it felt like the transitions were non existent so it got hard to follow and I found myself having to flip back to make sure I was following along.
Besides that little nugget of flaws I absolutely loved this book and these characters!
Also Blair! AMAZING wing woman!!! I loved her!!!
If you are looking for a beautifully written MM romance that is both emotional and hot, then look no further!
This one comes out on 2/10!!
Declan and Colin went through it to find their ways back to each other… it was a wild and emotional road!
My only hang up with the book and the reason i couldn’t give it 5 stars is because sometimes the narration was a bit confusing… we were switching between two different character POVs from two different time periods and sometimes it felt like the transitions were non existent so it got hard to follow and I found myself having to flip back to make sure I was following along.
Besides that little nugget of flaws I absolutely loved this book and these characters!
Also Blair! AMAZING wing woman!!! I loved her!!!
If you are looking for a beautifully written MM romance that is both emotional and hot, then look no further!
This one comes out on 2/10!!
December 12, 2025
Promise Me by Sara Cate was an emotional, engaging read that fully pulled me in. I loved the dual timeline and dual POV; unfolding their past while living in their present added so much depth and made the emotional journey incredibly satisfying.
Watching the relationship take shape through both timelines allowed the characters to feel layered and real, and I really appreciated how the story trusted the reader to piece things together rather than spelling everything out. The way the past informed the present kept me invested from beginning to end.
My only small critique is that I would have liked a bit more detail around the wedding cancellation. I wanted more insight into Collins’s mindset in that moment to better understand his decision and emotional state. That said, it didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the story overall.
This is a great pick for readers who enjoy emotional romance, layered storytelling, and dual timelines that enhance the love story rather than distract from it.
Watching the relationship take shape through both timelines allowed the characters to feel layered and real, and I really appreciated how the story trusted the reader to piece things together rather than spelling everything out. The way the past informed the present kept me invested from beginning to end.
My only small critique is that I would have liked a bit more detail around the wedding cancellation. I wanted more insight into Collins’s mindset in that moment to better understand his decision and emotional state. That said, it didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the story overall.
This is a great pick for readers who enjoy emotional romance, layered storytelling, and dual timelines that enhance the love story rather than distract from it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2025
ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Promise Me was a poignant, emotional read that had me feeling all the feelings and I couldn’t put it down. With a dual timeline that crafts Declan and Colin’s story from the beginning, you get to experience these two in a deep and raw way that leaves you anywhere from speechless, ugly crying or even breathless.
With a deep connection to undeniable chemistry, these two captured my heart completely and couldn’t help but root for them. They felt like two pieces of a puzzle that belong together but can’t quite fit just right until you try one last time. I guess there’s just something special about Barclay Manor that brings people together.
What made Promise Me special to me is that you can feel how much love the author poured into every page of this story!
I absolutely 100/10 recommend!
I would like to thank Sara Cate, Sourcebook Casablanca for the opportunity to read and review Promise Me via NetGalley.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Promise Me was a poignant, emotional read that had me feeling all the feelings and I couldn’t put it down. With a dual timeline that crafts Declan and Colin’s story from the beginning, you get to experience these two in a deep and raw way that leaves you anywhere from speechless, ugly crying or even breathless.
With a deep connection to undeniable chemistry, these two captured my heart completely and couldn’t help but root for them. They felt like two pieces of a puzzle that belong together but can’t quite fit just right until you try one last time. I guess there’s just something special about Barclay Manor that brings people together.
What made Promise Me special to me is that you can feel how much love the author poured into every page of this story!
I absolutely 100/10 recommend!
I would like to thank Sara Cate, Sourcebook Casablanca for the opportunity to read and review Promise Me via NetGalley.
December 30, 2025
A heartfelt journey of true love is what best describes this book. We go back in time through Declan’s and Colin’s time together. The last majority in Colin’s POV and the current in Declan’s. I wish we got to experience more of the current events surrounding the wedding and the happenings of what went on for Dec to win Colin back. It just seems like it all came to a head at the end soley because of the past and not because Dec proved his worth. Nonetheless, it was a very swoon-worthy tale of true love going making it through the bad circumstances.
-second chance
-friends to lovers to “strangers” to lovers
-very small amount of group play
-Dom/sub
-MM romance
-spicy scenes throughout entire book
-second chance
-friends to lovers to “strangers” to lovers
-very small amount of group play
-Dom/sub
-MM romance
-spicy scenes throughout entire book
November 21, 2025
Thank you SO MUCH to Sourcebooks Casablanca for this eARC. This book grabbed me by the neck and made me sit down and read it all in big huge chunks in every spare moment I could (I finished it in one day). Declan and Colin are ADDICTIVE. Their friendship is so strong and so clearly important to both of them even though they are both a little insecure and a lot bad at expressing their feelings. But their chemistry crackles, their history is so rich and Declan's fierce protectiveness of Colin holds it all together in such a beautiful way. Colin's need to be controlled and Declan's passion to control while making sure Colin is SAFE and taken care of. I'm just head over heels for them both.
December 10, 2025
Sara never fails to amaze me 🥹. I've seen her say that the Sinful Manor series is so near and dear to her because it's something she is writing for fun. I think you can see that so very clearly when reading this book. Declan & Colin's love story is full of hurt, and healing, love and lust, tension and burning chemistry, and a LONGING & YEARNING that holds you captive through the entirety of your read! Almost unmatched by any of her other books that I've read so far. I could feel how much she put her heart into Declan & Colin and I enjoyed every minute of it💙
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am so touched that Sara and her team trusted me to be an advanced reader🫶
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am so touched that Sara and her team trusted me to be an advanced reader🫶
December 27, 2025
Book Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Declan was doing just fine—until his old flame Colin comes back into his life… and he’s not alone. Colin returns with his fiancé in tow, forcing Declan to confront feelings he thought he’d buried long ago. After years apart, old flames are reunited when one of their weddings takes place at a family mansion, setting the stage for tension, temptation, and emotional chaos.
With plenty of spice and deeply raw emotions, I absolutely loved this story. The character growth for both main characters was so well done, and their emotional journey really pulled me in.
Sara Cate does it again. I’ve read many of her books, and they truly never miss. 🔥📖
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Declan was doing just fine—until his old flame Colin comes back into his life… and he’s not alone. Colin returns with his fiancé in tow, forcing Declan to confront feelings he thought he’d buried long ago. After years apart, old flames are reunited when one of their weddings takes place at a family mansion, setting the stage for tension, temptation, and emotional chaos.
With plenty of spice and deeply raw emotions, I absolutely loved this story. The character growth for both main characters was so well done, and their emotional journey really pulled me in.
Sara Cate does it again. I’ve read many of her books, and they truly never miss. 🔥📖
November 20, 2025
Declan Barclay made friends with Colin Shelby when he went away to Uni but after lines got blurred they never spoke again when Colin left. Now, seven year later Colin is back in his life but with a twist. He is suppose to wed another at the Barclay Manor. Can Declan convince Colin what they once had is worth trying again before it’s too late? What an emotional and H0T MM romance about second chances and don’t forget to add a dash of BDSM too. ;) These two are so good together with the grumpy/sunshine vibe. I love being back at Barclay Manor! Told in first person and dual POV.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"I am the night sky and he is the stars"
Promise Me is full of yearning, stolen moments and tension. Of going after what you want. Even if it takes decades.
This story was heartbreaking, and the dual timeline made that hit home harder. We're with Declan and Colin in university and watching Colin fall for Declan more each year. We're getting insight of what life is like when they're together, of how good they are together while knowing Colin is due to marry another man. This doesn't stop Declan caring though.
"I'm sorry it was only eight days ago year to you. It was never just eight days to me. you were with me every bloody day."
I really enjoyed this story. I was frustrated, I laughed, I swooned, and I was heartbroken. This was a great read and I loved revisiting Barclay Manor.
What to expect:
Second Chance
MM romance
Broody Scotsman
Best Friends to Lovers
Dual timeline
Virgin mc
Grumpy x Sunshine
Spice
Thank you so much to NetGalley, the publisher, and Sara Cate for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Promise Me is full of yearning, stolen moments and tension. Of going after what you want. Even if it takes decades.
This story was heartbreaking, and the dual timeline made that hit home harder. We're with Declan and Colin in university and watching Colin fall for Declan more each year. We're getting insight of what life is like when they're together, of how good they are together while knowing Colin is due to marry another man. This doesn't stop Declan caring though.
"I'm sorry it was only eight days ago year to you. It was never just eight days to me. you were with me every bloody day."
I really enjoyed this story. I was frustrated, I laughed, I swooned, and I was heartbroken. This was a great read and I loved revisiting Barclay Manor.
What to expect:
Second Chance
MM romance
Broody Scotsman
Best Friends to Lovers
Dual timeline
Virgin mc
Grumpy x Sunshine
Spice
Thank you so much to NetGalley, the publisher, and Sara Cate for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
January 7, 2026
This book ripped my heart to shreds ( in the best way ) and then sewed it back together. The angst, the tension, everything about these two was electric and I loved them so much. I’m not usually a friends- lovers fan but this book had its grip on me and I could not stop reading! I cannot wait for the rest of this series Sara is a great writer!
Thank you NetGalley for giving me an ARC of Promise Me it was perfect!
Thank you NetGalley for giving me an ARC of Promise Me it was perfect!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Being back with the Barclays?! Absolutely yes please take me back to Scotland 😍
A love story that spans a decade. I loved going back and forth between then and now and how Colin and Declan became friends, then more, then nothing unfortunately falling apart until they are reunited when Colin plans his wedding at declans family mansion.
This book had all the yearning your heart could ever want. Although we went through the heartbreak we also got to fall in love again. Watching the growth of our characters and how they find their way back to each other.
Don't tell Praise but I think this might be my favourite Sara Cate book yet 🥰
A love story that spans a decade. I loved going back and forth between then and now and how Colin and Declan became friends, then more, then nothing unfortunately falling apart until they are reunited when Colin plans his wedding at declans family mansion.
This book had all the yearning your heart could ever want. Although we went through the heartbreak we also got to fall in love again. Watching the growth of our characters and how they find their way back to each other.
Don't tell Praise but I think this might be my favourite Sara Cate book yet 🥰
November 23, 2025
Kills it every single time
December 5, 2025
Actually sobbing.
This was perfect.
I love it.
This was perfect.
I love it.
December 6, 2025
4.5⭐️ — Review to be updated
January 2, 2026
4.5⭐️ What a beautiful mm romance! Their love over the years and how they found their way back to one another, plus the normal trials of life! Such a beautiful love story!
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