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The Promises #1
Break Me Like A Promise
An M/M and M/F Contemporary Romance Series. Written from the perspectives of both male and female, gay and straight characters.
For brothers Brent and Tad, opening up their gym, Sculpt, is a dream come true. Struggling to gain recognition in the fitness world, they enlist the help of a well-known advertising agency to help market their full service fitness center. When Brent meets his new account manager, he feels an automatic attraction to Luke.
Tad is married to his high school sweetheart. With a wife and two adorable children, his life couldn’t get any better. Until his happily ever after is cut short by a tragic accident. Tad is devastated. He blames himself for putting his career before his family and vows to never let it happen again. Just when he is starting to function normally after his loss, another plan is put into motion to destroy what's left of his family. He's about to lose everything until the bravery and dedication of a caring friend and employee rescues his...world.
The Promises Series is an M/M and M/F romantic collaboration by authors Aria Grace and Kyan Christopher.
For brothers Brent and Tad, opening up their gym, Sculpt, is a dream come true. Struggling to gain recognition in the fitness world, they enlist the help of a well-known advertising agency to help market their full service fitness center. When Brent meets his new account manager, he feels an automatic attraction to Luke.
Tad is married to his high school sweetheart. With a wife and two adorable children, his life couldn’t get any better. Until his happily ever after is cut short by a tragic accident. Tad is devastated. He blames himself for putting his career before his family and vows to never let it happen again. Just when he is starting to function normally after his loss, another plan is put into motion to destroy what's left of his family. He's about to lose everything until the bravery and dedication of a caring friend and employee rescues his...world.
The Promises Series is an M/M and M/F romantic collaboration by authors Aria Grace and Kyan Christopher.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2016
30 people are currently reading
237 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
January 26, 2016
The focus in this book is on Tad and Brent, two brothers who own a gym. Tad is a straight guy, married with children and Brent is his younger brother who is gay and single. There are some great secondary characters and some of them even got their own chapter, i really liked that.
When reading this book i almost felt like i was watching a soap opera with all the drama, sexual behavior and other things that were happening. And although this is a slightly different book then i normally read (there is some m/f action, not a lot but still) i did enjoy it.
I look forward to the next book in this serie and i'm wondering if the main focus will be on the same characters (Tad and Brent) or if it will be on some of the other secondary characters, or maybe even some new characters?
All in all an enjoyable read.
When reading this book i almost felt like i was watching a soap opera with all the drama, sexual behavior and other things that were happening. And although this is a slightly different book then i normally read (there is some m/f action, not a lot but still) i did enjoy it.
I look forward to the next book in this serie and i'm wondering if the main focus will be on the same characters (Tad and Brent) or if it will be on some of the other secondary characters, or maybe even some new characters?
All in all an enjoyable read.
February 15, 2016
I got this book because of a recommendation and fantastic review I read on Goodreads. I knew that this was going to be an exciting book as I trust the reviewer immensely. I didn't expect my mind to explode and have the story leave me with a huge OMG moment at the end. Aria Grace and Kyan Christopher have made a fan of me for life. Not only were their characters lifelike, they loved and lost and lived like any single person close to my heart.
Brent and Tad are truly remarkable brothers. They took an inheritance and made their dreams come true by opening up a world-class luxurious gym. They are both strong leading men and their lives reflect on that. Brent makes me laugh with his flirting ways at the gym. Openly gay, he has a lot of love and passion to give. Tad makes me smile with the enormous love he feels for his wife and kids. His family is his world and all he wants to do is provide for them so they want for nothing.
Brent and Tad are a well oiled machine in their business and together with their employees, who are more like extended family, they thrive and succeed. And with the emotional and physical support the Thomas brothers find in Luke and Marissa, their lives are impacted for the better.
But tragedy and turmoil strike in more ways than one and the lives of the Thomas brothers and their closest friends are thrown for a loop when death comes knocking on their door; when a thieve among friends threatens to tear their unit apart; when anger and deceit and jealousy impede a budding relationship and second chances. The angst, heartache, excitement and anticipation only build and come to a thrilling and steamy conclusion.
If you're looking for a book that will keep you glued to your seat, have you screaming and jumping for joy, and just leave you enthralled and satisfied from start to finish, this book is for you! I immediately went and pre-ordered the next in this series because characters like Brent, Tad, Luke and Marissa are not characters you forget or want to put down any time soon!
Brent and Tad are truly remarkable brothers. They took an inheritance and made their dreams come true by opening up a world-class luxurious gym. They are both strong leading men and their lives reflect on that. Brent makes me laugh with his flirting ways at the gym. Openly gay, he has a lot of love and passion to give. Tad makes me smile with the enormous love he feels for his wife and kids. His family is his world and all he wants to do is provide for them so they want for nothing.
Brent and Tad are a well oiled machine in their business and together with their employees, who are more like extended family, they thrive and succeed. And with the emotional and physical support the Thomas brothers find in Luke and Marissa, their lives are impacted for the better.
But tragedy and turmoil strike in more ways than one and the lives of the Thomas brothers and their closest friends are thrown for a loop when death comes knocking on their door; when a thieve among friends threatens to tear their unit apart; when anger and deceit and jealousy impede a budding relationship and second chances. The angst, heartache, excitement and anticipation only build and come to a thrilling and steamy conclusion.
If you're looking for a book that will keep you glued to your seat, have you screaming and jumping for joy, and just leave you enthralled and satisfied from start to finish, this book is for you! I immediately went and pre-ordered the next in this series because characters like Brent, Tad, Luke and Marissa are not characters you forget or want to put down any time soon!
February 6, 2016
I had been eagerly anticipating the release of this book after reading about the upcoming series online as I’m a huge fan of Aria Grace. I was intrigued by the premise of the book; a cross genre series of mostly m/m romance but with some m/f scenes as well.
Break Me Like A Promise introduces us to the owners and employees of Sculpt, a fitness centre based in downtown Cleveland. Book 1 focuses on brothers Brent and Tad Thomas, the owners of the business; Brent is single and gay while Tad is happily married with two small children. You quickly learn that the gym is more than a business to the brothers and that they view their employees as a family. Family needs protected and in an effort to draw more business to the gym they hire an advertising agency to help promote their services.
Yet, all is not as it seems in the gym. There are those who threaten the very livelihood of the brothers and put all they have worked for in jeopardy. When tragedy strikes Tad, both brothers have to reassess where their priorities lie.
Told over multiple POV; I loved the different insights into each character. Some were in earnest and some just masked their deceit and hidden agendas. I really felt Tad’s pain and was a bit giddy myself at Brent’s blossoming romance.
One of my favourite characters was Luke; the advertising exec and Brent’s love interest. I felt he was a bit lost at the beginning of the book and just trying to find where he fit in and a place to belong. It’s amazing what you find when you least expect it. Luke is there for Brent when he needs someone the most. The chemistry between the two of them is instantaneous and their first time together……HOT!!!
Be prepared for a suspense filled ending where one loathsome character gets their comeuppance. It’s not a conventional HEA; more a bye for now! Roll on April and the release of Trust Me Like a Promise (Book Two).
This is the first collaboration by Aria and Kyan and long may it continue!!
Break Me Like A Promise introduces us to the owners and employees of Sculpt, a fitness centre based in downtown Cleveland. Book 1 focuses on brothers Brent and Tad Thomas, the owners of the business; Brent is single and gay while Tad is happily married with two small children. You quickly learn that the gym is more than a business to the brothers and that they view their employees as a family. Family needs protected and in an effort to draw more business to the gym they hire an advertising agency to help promote their services.
Yet, all is not as it seems in the gym. There are those who threaten the very livelihood of the brothers and put all they have worked for in jeopardy. When tragedy strikes Tad, both brothers have to reassess where their priorities lie.
Told over multiple POV; I loved the different insights into each character. Some were in earnest and some just masked their deceit and hidden agendas. I really felt Tad’s pain and was a bit giddy myself at Brent’s blossoming romance.
One of my favourite characters was Luke; the advertising exec and Brent’s love interest. I felt he was a bit lost at the beginning of the book and just trying to find where he fit in and a place to belong. It’s amazing what you find when you least expect it. Luke is there for Brent when he needs someone the most. The chemistry between the two of them is instantaneous and their first time together……HOT!!!
Be prepared for a suspense filled ending where one loathsome character gets their comeuppance. It’s not a conventional HEA; more a bye for now! Roll on April and the release of Trust Me Like a Promise (Book Two).
This is the first collaboration by Aria and Kyan and long may it continue!!
September 6, 2016
2 Meh Stars
Read
February 25, 2016ARC provided by Enticing Journey Book PR for review
Going into this book, I really didn't know what I was getting into. The blurb intrigued me so I went for it. I had no clue how ridiculously good it would turn out to be!!
Before I go further, I think it's only fair to let future readers know that this book doesn't wrap up like a cute little present. It wraps, but more like a HFN rather than HEA. I can only hope that in future books, we not only will get a solid HEA for these boys, but also for the secondary characters in this story.
This was a really exhilarating little story. It seemed like every page had it's little OMG moment. The book itself is one giant anticipatory and exciting moment. The book is about two brothers, Brent and Tad, but the main romantic focus of this book is Brent and the beginning of a romance story for Tad. It's different. It's not your every day read. I liked it a lot :) The book is told in multiple POVs but there is no confusion. It runs smoothly from one chapter to another. Both of these authors are new to me authors, but not for long. I plan to follow not only this series, but try and catch-up previous books they have written. Their style is new (to me) and refreshing.
If you want a story that's gonna keep you glued from beginning to end, make you laugh your butt off, make you scream and tear-up a bit .... Break Me Like A Promise will deliver that AND scorching steamy sexy sexy too!! :) #TRUST
Going into this book, I really didn't know what I was getting into. The blurb intrigued me so I went for it. I had no clue how ridiculously good it would turn out to be!!
Before I go further, I think it's only fair to let future readers know that this book doesn't wrap up like a cute little present. It wraps, but more like a HFN rather than HEA. I can only hope that in future books, we not only will get a solid HEA for these boys, but also for the secondary characters in this story.
This was a really exhilarating little story. It seemed like every page had it's little OMG moment. The book itself is one giant anticipatory and exciting moment. The book is about two brothers, Brent and Tad, but the main romantic focus of this book is Brent and the beginning of a romance story for Tad. It's different. It's not your every day read. I liked it a lot :) The book is told in multiple POVs but there is no confusion. It runs smoothly from one chapter to another. Both of these authors are new to me authors, but not for long. I plan to follow not only this series, but try and catch-up previous books they have written. Their style is new (to me) and refreshing.
If you want a story that's gonna keep you glued from beginning to end, make you laugh your butt off, make you scream and tear-up a bit .... Break Me Like A Promise will deliver that AND scorching steamy sexy sexy too!! :) #TRUST
July 18, 2016
Not my style at all.
We never got to really know any of the characters. And because we didn't, they came across as stereotypical, with much of their dialogue/emotions and actions/motivations bouncing between sterile and melodramatic. I love a large cast, but feel there wasn't enough insight gained to justify having everyone's POV and interests. The result was a story that felt clunky and scattered.
Usually, if I don't like something I have a good idea what I would prefer instead. That is not the case here. I might have been fine with the multiple POV's had their focus been on a common goal instead of their own side stories. I might have been fine with all the side stories if I saw them through the head of just 1 or 2 main characters. The only thing I can 100% put my finger on is "the bad guy". That character/plot had such promise but suffered from the same things mentioned above, and then when things are close to being exposed there is a time jump and a few lines of conflict resolution in a way that suggests the conflict never mattered in the first place.
So ... it's a free read that has rated well on goodreads. I was entertained enough to keep reading until the end, but I won't be continuing with the series.
We never got to really know any of the characters. And because we didn't, they came across as stereotypical, with much of their dialogue/emotions and actions/motivations bouncing between sterile and melodramatic. I love a large cast, but feel there wasn't enough insight gained to justify having everyone's POV and interests. The result was a story that felt clunky and scattered.
Usually, if I don't like something I have a good idea what I would prefer instead. That is not the case here. I might have been fine with the multiple POV's had their focus been on a common goal instead of their own side stories. I might have been fine with all the side stories if I saw them through the head of just 1 or 2 main characters. The only thing I can 100% put my finger on is "the bad guy". That character/plot had such promise but suffered from the same things mentioned above, and then when things are close to being exposed there is a time jump and a few lines of conflict resolution in a way that suggests the conflict never mattered in the first place.
So ... it's a free read that has rated well on goodreads. I was entertained enough to keep reading until the end, but I won't be continuing with the series.
July 5, 2016
Just terrible. The one guy was a perv who peeves on clients and employees and everyone he could put his eyes on, and it made me uncomfortable. Someone should report him for harassment and get him locked up for the good of humanity.
Also, the writing was really awkward and clunky. Like in one scene a character would say or do something that seemed like a fine or normal thug to do, but then we'd switch perspectives, and the new character would reveal how much they hated what the other person had done/said/existed, but in such a way that I couldn't see the connection ever. Maybe that's not a good explanation, but it was terrible writing.
Also, the writing was really awkward and clunky. Like in one scene a character would say or do something that seemed like a fine or normal thug to do, but then we'd switch perspectives, and the new character would reveal how much they hated what the other person had done/said/existed, but in such a way that I couldn't see the connection ever. Maybe that's not a good explanation, but it was terrible writing.
September 9, 2016
I really do hate to say this but I've finally found a book by this author that I hate. It's not a romance it's a freaking soap opera. I DNF'd this in chapter 16.... After meeting 23 named characters and 6 different Characters POVs. I'm sad to say that I just don't care about any of the people at all. Even the tragedy didn't touch my emotions and I'm the type of person who cries over everything. SMH.
I sadly don't recommend this to anyone who doesn't like soap operas.
I sadly don't recommend this to anyone who doesn't like soap operas.
July 3, 2016
2.5 stars
152 pages and it took me 2 days - something's wrong. That something would be 60+ pages of set up. Each chapter is in a different persons POV - and there are multiple POVs. 60+ pages of what could have been background story instead of taking up space and shoving the romance into one or two chapters.
It says the story continues - but I just don't care about these characters at all.
152 pages and it took me 2 days - something's wrong. That something would be 60+ pages of set up. Each chapter is in a different persons POV - and there are multiple POVs. 60+ pages of what could have been background story instead of taking up space and shoving the romance into one or two chapters.
It says the story continues - but I just don't care about these characters at all.
August 30, 2016
Too much head-hopping for me.
August 21, 2018
A love story
I love how easy it is to read. The pages flew by. The bond between brothers is heartwarming. You must read this.
I love how easy it is to read. The pages flew by. The bond between brothers is heartwarming. You must read this.
January 30, 2016
Read the full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.
Note: This ARC was provided by Enticing Journey Book Promos in exchange for an honest review.
Tad and Brent are fulfilling their dream of having a successful gym, but just like with any business, it takes a lot of their attention away from other priorities in Tad's life (i.e. his wife and two children) as well as puts limitations on certain other things on Brent's end (i.e. hooking up with employees and clients). They get along great with their employees and want to continue making Sculpt a household name. When tragedy strikes, it affects not just Tad and Brent but those closest to them as well. The tragedy itself was a shock, but so was another part of the story and the extent that one character went to in order to get what they wanted. Tad, being the older brother, has always been the one that Brent leaned on, but I liked how, when the roles were reversed, Brent was able to give his brother the support and patience that he needed.
This first book doesn't really end on what I would call a cliffhanger, but the story lines haven't really been fully resolved. I already like where Brent and Luke's story was leading, so I'm hoping they'll get a happily-ever-after by the time the series is over and not just a happy-for-now ending. Tad's story line is interesting and one that I suspect will continue to progress quite nicely in the second book, Trust Me Like a Promise. We got to see snippets of the four major characters' respective lives here, allowing readers to see how life was like for them prior to them falling in love with the person I'm assuming they'll end up with by series' end. Break Me Like a Promise let me appreciate the characters and their back stories. The Aria Grace and Kyan Christopher partnership looks to be off to a really good start and I look forward to more. Four stars! ♥
Note: This ARC was provided by Enticing Journey Book Promos in exchange for an honest review.
Tad and Brent are fulfilling their dream of having a successful gym, but just like with any business, it takes a lot of their attention away from other priorities in Tad's life (i.e. his wife and two children) as well as puts limitations on certain other things on Brent's end (i.e. hooking up with employees and clients). They get along great with their employees and want to continue making Sculpt a household name. When tragedy strikes, it affects not just Tad and Brent but those closest to them as well. The tragedy itself was a shock, but so was another part of the story and the extent that one character went to in order to get what they wanted. Tad, being the older brother, has always been the one that Brent leaned on, but I liked how, when the roles were reversed, Brent was able to give his brother the support and patience that he needed.
This first book doesn't really end on what I would call a cliffhanger, but the story lines haven't really been fully resolved. I already like where Brent and Luke's story was leading, so I'm hoping they'll get a happily-ever-after by the time the series is over and not just a happy-for-now ending. Tad's story line is interesting and one that I suspect will continue to progress quite nicely in the second book, Trust Me Like a Promise. We got to see snippets of the four major characters' respective lives here, allowing readers to see how life was like for them prior to them falling in love with the person I'm assuming they'll end up with by series' end. Break Me Like a Promise let me appreciate the characters and their back stories. The Aria Grace and Kyan Christopher partnership looks to be off to a really good start and I look forward to more. Four stars! ♥
July 2, 2016
This book is engaging. It pulls you in very quickly with initially likable characters and an interesting premise. I loved the mixture of m/m and f/m romances in the same story, something you don't find often in the way LGBT vs. "het" romances are categorically separated. However, as you get into the book, the story feels like it was written with no plan and new ideas are put to page as they come, resulting in a story that never quite finds its focus. The rotating first person perspective gets tiresome, and there's too many POV characters and side plots. I realize it's the beginning of a series, but none of these subplots felt like foreshadowing as much as filler.
The plot is over the top, sometimes in a deliciously soapy way, but other times, it's kind of silly. The book's antagonist is one note and made up of some pretty sexist, dated clichés, which pulled me out of the story. There was so much more that could have been done with her, but easy stereotypes won out for this throwaway character.
By far, the best part of the book is the family-like atmosphere in the workplace (between most of the characters) set up by the brothers who own the gym where the story is centralized. The authors show a very effortless affection between the characters, and it's easy to see why they're all moved the way they are when tragedy strikes. The support offered to the brothers, especially between Marissa and Tad, doesn't feel disingenuous by any character's desire to sleep with either of them.
I love a fun, steamy romance, and even a good overblown soap opera, and in many ways, Break Me Like a Promise delivers on both notes, but it feels more like a string of events than a coherent book, and is bogged down by too many characters and a tired antagonist.
The plot is over the top, sometimes in a deliciously soapy way, but other times, it's kind of silly. The book's antagonist is one note and made up of some pretty sexist, dated clichés, which pulled me out of the story. There was so much more that could have been done with her, but easy stereotypes won out for this throwaway character.
By far, the best part of the book is the family-like atmosphere in the workplace (between most of the characters) set up by the brothers who own the gym where the story is centralized. The authors show a very effortless affection between the characters, and it's easy to see why they're all moved the way they are when tragedy strikes. The support offered to the brothers, especially between Marissa and Tad, doesn't feel disingenuous by any character's desire to sleep with either of them.
I love a fun, steamy romance, and even a good overblown soap opera, and in many ways, Break Me Like a Promise delivers on both notes, but it feels more like a string of events than a coherent book, and is bogged down by too many characters and a tired antagonist.
January 30, 2016
This is my first time reading anything by Aria Grace +Kyan Christopher ,but I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this story. This story IS AN M/M and M/F and is written from both and female point of view .This is a brand new series from Aria Grace and Kyan Christopher set in a gym that is called Sculpt and it's about the people who work there and who comes to work out there. The series we introduce us with four central characters and these people will be telling the story from their point of view. Sculpts is owned by two brothers Tad and Brent Thomas ,Luke is their advertising executive and then there's Marissa is also a employee for the Thomas brothers. The story will grab you and pull you into it's pages from start to finish .Tab and Brent Thomas has full filled their dreams of owning a gym ,but like any business it takes away from their persona life. specialty Tad who has a beautiful loving wife and two great kids, but it also puts limitations on Brent 's life also. But terrible tragedy strikes and it affects both Tab and Brent life's and ever those people that is close to them. Tab has always been the one to handle things the best and who Brent to lead on ,but now Brent has to be the strong one for Tab to lead on for support. I could go on and tell you more about this great story but that would spoil it for you .I highly recommend that you read this touching story of love lose and strength because you won't be disappointed.
June 5, 2016
Great beginning of a new series! When you have a little M/M and M/F going on, you know it's going to be a good one!
When Brent and Tad's grandfather passed away and left them money, they decided they wanted to open a gym. On brother is straight and the other is gay, which makes for a 4 star story!!
This book hits the ground running!! After working out Brent hits the showers. As he's walking towards an open stall, he notices the one shower that is running has the curtain slightly open and his "manly parts" are twitching by what he sees!! He jumps in the shower, also leaving his curtain slightly open and when he looks across the way, he sees the other person in the shower is exercising his hand and other parts just like he is, but the other guys doesn't see him doing it! I KNOW, right?!
Tad married his high school sweetheart and they have two kids. Life is perfect for him until tragedy strikes. Can he ever find love again?
Both of these brothers have so much personality and will make you laugh! There are multiple characters and this book is written with multiple POV's. Most importantly, there are multiple HOT scenes!! I've never read anything by either of these authors, and I certainly will now!! I enjoyed this book, it was very different from what I usually read. Sometimes the M/M books aren't written very well in other books I've read, but this one....was awesome!!
Copy received in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon an Alpha
When Brent and Tad's grandfather passed away and left them money, they decided they wanted to open a gym. On brother is straight and the other is gay, which makes for a 4 star story!!
This book hits the ground running!! After working out Brent hits the showers. As he's walking towards an open stall, he notices the one shower that is running has the curtain slightly open and his "manly parts" are twitching by what he sees!! He jumps in the shower, also leaving his curtain slightly open and when he looks across the way, he sees the other person in the shower is exercising his hand and other parts just like he is, but the other guys doesn't see him doing it! I KNOW, right?!
Tad married his high school sweetheart and they have two kids. Life is perfect for him until tragedy strikes. Can he ever find love again?
Both of these brothers have so much personality and will make you laugh! There are multiple characters and this book is written with multiple POV's. Most importantly, there are multiple HOT scenes!! I've never read anything by either of these authors, and I certainly will now!! I enjoyed this book, it was very different from what I usually read. Sometimes the M/M books aren't written very well in other books I've read, but this one....was awesome!!
Copy received in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon an Alpha
May 25, 2016
A soap at a gym
I received an ARC in return for an honest review. And honestly, I really enjoyed this book - so much, I just bought book 2. And pre-ordered book 3.
The book was interesting because every chapter was from a different character's point of view. So there were five voices giving their take on the events they were most involved in.
And it takes place in Cleveland, Ohio, where I was born, so some of the locations are very familiar to me.
The story concerns two brothers who own a gym near downtown Cleveland. One is straight, one gay. The others include a young woman who runs the juice bar and teaches Zumba classes, a bitch accountant who has been stealing money and cooking the books, while planning to try to breakup the straight brother and his wife and marry him. And finally an advertising exec the brothers hire who has a crush on the gay brother. A tragedy occurs, bringing these characters closer together and furthering Beverly's ( the accountants) plans, which turn even more evil.
Pick this one up and I know you'll want to read the next two as much as I do.
I received an ARC in return for an honest review. And honestly, I really enjoyed this book - so much, I just bought book 2. And pre-ordered book 3.
The book was interesting because every chapter was from a different character's point of view. So there were five voices giving their take on the events they were most involved in.
And it takes place in Cleveland, Ohio, where I was born, so some of the locations are very familiar to me.
The story concerns two brothers who own a gym near downtown Cleveland. One is straight, one gay. The others include a young woman who runs the juice bar and teaches Zumba classes, a bitch accountant who has been stealing money and cooking the books, while planning to try to breakup the straight brother and his wife and marry him. And finally an advertising exec the brothers hire who has a crush on the gay brother. A tragedy occurs, bringing these characters closer together and furthering Beverly's ( the accountants) plans, which turn even more evil.
Pick this one up and I know you'll want to read the next two as much as I do.
February 2, 2016
Unsure of what to expect other than another great book from two very talented authors I decided to go in blind so to speak.
Brent & Tad are brothers who own a gym, Tad married to his high school sweetheart and Brent very single but with a new guy around he may not be for long! Essentially though it was about the lives and loves of a group of friends and colleagues.
It was a great book, unusual as it contained M/M scenes as well as M/F scenes but it worked very well indeed and had something for everyone within the pages here without causing confusion to the reader.
I often have reservations about multiple POV books as I find them very difficult to follow at times but that certainly was not the case here, clear and concise, each POV separate from the last, so there was no misconception as to who we were reading about at that point.
This book had many facets such as angst, love, laughter, devastation and a good old baddy thrown into the mix.
So if you want a different and very refreshing read give this a try, and yes I am totally looking forward to more!
Brent & Tad are brothers who own a gym, Tad married to his high school sweetheart and Brent very single but with a new guy around he may not be for long! Essentially though it was about the lives and loves of a group of friends and colleagues.
It was a great book, unusual as it contained M/M scenes as well as M/F scenes but it worked very well indeed and had something for everyone within the pages here without causing confusion to the reader.
I often have reservations about multiple POV books as I find them very difficult to follow at times but that certainly was not the case here, clear and concise, each POV separate from the last, so there was no misconception as to who we were reading about at that point.
This book had many facets such as angst, love, laughter, devastation and a good old baddy thrown into the mix.
So if you want a different and very refreshing read give this a try, and yes I am totally looking forward to more!
February 3, 2016
REVIEW
5 stars
Let me give you the skinny. Brent and Tad are brothers and they run a high end fitness club. They are super family oriented. Tad is the white picket fence with a wife and kids, the whole shebang, while Brent is the man that likes men, but does not want to settle for a boy. He wants it all. He doesn't understand why others can have it but he doesn't. Their staff is like their family. But even in families, you have the bad apples. You will be obessed with Claire, you will feel fiercely protective of Marissa, you are going to want to slap Jarrod, and hug Richie and Ryley. Mainly, you are going to want to go down and dirty, not in the fun way, with Beverly. Let me tell you. It's been a while since I screamed at a book but BOY did I scream. This book has it all. I already slapped the TBR lists with little hearts and lots of alcoholic beverages to be available when i read TRUST ME LIKE A PROMISE. That baby comes out April 9 of this year (as of right now) and boy, am I a new super excited fan. Be excited with me. You know you want to!!!
Review by Laura
5 stars
Let me give you the skinny. Brent and Tad are brothers and they run a high end fitness club. They are super family oriented. Tad is the white picket fence with a wife and kids, the whole shebang, while Brent is the man that likes men, but does not want to settle for a boy. He wants it all. He doesn't understand why others can have it but he doesn't. Their staff is like their family. But even in families, you have the bad apples. You will be obessed with Claire, you will feel fiercely protective of Marissa, you are going to want to slap Jarrod, and hug Richie and Ryley. Mainly, you are going to want to go down and dirty, not in the fun way, with Beverly. Let me tell you. It's been a while since I screamed at a book but BOY did I scream. This book has it all. I already slapped the TBR lists with little hearts and lots of alcoholic beverages to be available when i read TRUST ME LIKE A PROMISE. That baby comes out April 9 of this year (as of right now) and boy, am I a new super excited fan. Be excited with me. You know you want to!!!
Review by Laura
April 30, 2016
MM and MF stories intertwine around brothers Tad and Brent. They own Sculpt an up and coming gym.
Brent is gay and maybe liking for something more permanent, not that he's short of offers or eye candy but when he meets Luke, an advertising marketing exec, he thinks he's met the one who could be The One.
Tad is happily married to Krissy, with two children. He is spending too much time at work, he knows that, but he still can't stop. A tragedy shakes the close knit family at the gym.
A snake is among them trying to suit their own ends and they'll stop at nothing to get what they want.
Will they see the truth before someone gets hurt?
Brilliant read. Romance, sex and intrigue all rolled into one. Now for book 2
Brent is gay and maybe liking for something more permanent, not that he's short of offers or eye candy but when he meets Luke, an advertising marketing exec, he thinks he's met the one who could be The One.
Tad is happily married to Krissy, with two children. He is spending too much time at work, he knows that, but he still can't stop. A tragedy shakes the close knit family at the gym.
A snake is among them trying to suit their own ends and they'll stop at nothing to get what they want.
Will they see the truth before someone gets hurt?
Brilliant read. Romance, sex and intrigue all rolled into one. Now for book 2
January 28, 2016
4.5 Stars
I received this as an ARC for an honest review. I enjoyed the story line very much. You have 2 brother, Tad & Brent, co owners of a gym and all their varies employees. The story goes through their day to day lives. The tragedy of 1 brother, the deception of an employee and various other details that occur in everyday life.
This was a very good book if just a bit busy at times with so many characters but I very much look forward to book 2 from these authors.
I received this as an ARC for an honest review. I enjoyed the story line very much. You have 2 brother, Tad & Brent, co owners of a gym and all their varies employees. The story goes through their day to day lives. The tragedy of 1 brother, the deception of an employee and various other details that occur in everyday life.
This was a very good book if just a bit busy at times with so many characters but I very much look forward to book 2 from these authors.
March 30, 2016
Great start to the series! I was a little hesitant to read this when I saw that it was M/F too, but I since I've enjoyed their books in the past, I decided to read it! I'm glad I did. There's not a lot of M/F, so I was okay with it! The book follows both brothers, but what I really enjoyed was that every chapter was from a different character. I can't wait to see what happens in Trust Like a Promise!
July 22, 2016
Great book with lots of feelings
This book has a lot of characters but I think the main characters are Luke and Brent because theirs a love story. This is first book in a series so there's more to look forward to.
The story is good and I like the writing style, it's easy and full of feelings. Still I lacked the feeling of getting sucked in to the book like I do with some books.
It's a good read and I will read the others in this series.
This book has a lot of characters but I think the main characters are Luke and Brent because theirs a love story. This is first book in a series so there's more to look forward to.
The story is good and I like the writing style, it's easy and full of feelings. Still I lacked the feeling of getting sucked in to the book like I do with some books.
It's a good read and I will read the others in this series.
December 8, 2016
Great book
I choose this rating because I would read the next book in the series but at times the book jumped around. As there was numerous points of views to this book I felt like at times I was reading different books. The writing was good and I enjoyed the premise of the book. It was a light read and I did enjoy it but... I hope as the series continues that the structure improves.
I choose this rating because I would read the next book in the series but at times the book jumped around. As there was numerous points of views to this book I felt like at times I was reading different books. The writing was good and I enjoyed the premise of the book. It was a light read and I did enjoy it but... I hope as the series continues that the structure improves.
January 29, 2016
Oh , wow! A great book by two great authors! I loved hearing so much about the characters and I couldn't tell who wrote what. Found a new book boyfriend and fell in love. I suck at reviews but wanted to let people know this book is a awesome read. Anxiously awaiting the arrival of the next in the series
February 18, 2016
This book was okay. I could have gotten into it more if it quit changing POV's every few chapters. I still like the story line and was intrigued with the romance and the deceitfulness of some of the characters. Maybe book 2 will stick with only 1 or 2 changes of POV and it will be a lit better and get the 5 stars I know it will deserve.
November 7, 2016
This is a great story with great characters! Can't wait to read more about these characters! I am becoming a big fan of Aria Grace. Her story's and characters are fantastic!
It was nice reading a story where the characters live in an area where I live. Not many have the characters living in Cleveland, OH. There wasn't a lot of reference to Cleveland, but enough to make me smile.
It was nice reading a story where the characters live in an area where I live. Not many have the characters living in Cleveland, OH. There wasn't a lot of reference to Cleveland, but enough to make me smile.
July 14, 2016
The characters in this book have no depth, do not seem to have any distinct feel between them, and its overall just slow. Then, when something happens, it just happens suddenly and -- the 3.68 it has right now is very generous. Skip this one.
December 28, 2016
Ok book
I chose this rating becuse the book was average to me. It took me a while to get in the book, then to keep reading. Keeping the attention of your readers is the purpose of writing. Over all it was ok
I chose this rating becuse the book was average to me. It took me a while to get in the book, then to keep reading. Keeping the attention of your readers is the purpose of writing. Over all it was ok
Read
June 21, 2016No rating cause I had to dfn it. I liked the writing but there are too many povs for my liking. I tried but I didn't make it.
Read
July 1, 2016Not going to rate this. Maybe I will try again later but it was too stilted. Jumped from person to person and I just couldn't get into it.
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