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I Swear to You
When roommates Grady and Mateo give in to their growing lust, it's the best sexual experience of their lives. But are they really gay? Is this just sex? Or is it something more? It takes time for confused Grady to figure that out, but once he does he wants all of Mateo. Too bad tracking down brokenhearted Mateo proves impossible.
Grady's last resort is to post an online ad encouraging his friend out of hiding and back into his life. He's sure that once he gets Mateo between the sheets he can convince him what they had together was no college experiment. But Mateo's been hiding from something—or someone—and he has no intention of returning home.
Grady is determined to tear down all Mateo's walls so he can find out what happened to him and help heal his wounds. In the process, he'll show his best friend that he won't run. Not this time. He swears.
Grady's last resort is to post an online ad encouraging his friend out of hiding and back into his life. He's sure that once he gets Mateo between the sheets he can convince him what they had together was no college experiment. But Mateo's been hiding from something—or someone—and he has no intention of returning home.
Grady is determined to tear down all Mateo's walls so he can find out what happened to him and help heal his wounds. In the process, he'll show his best friend that he won't run. Not this time. He swears.
134 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 28, 2014
19 people are currently reading
614 people want to read
About the author
Sloan Parker
17 books655 followersAward-winning author Sloan Parker writes passionate, dramatic stories about two men (or more) falling in love. She enjoys writing in the fictional world because in fiction you can be anything, do anything—even fall in love for the first time over and over again. Sloan lives in Ohio with her partner and their neurotic cats. Her greatest moments in life are spent with her family, her friends, and her characters.
To contact Sloan, find out about her books that are available for purchase, and read free stories, visit: www.sloanparker.com. If you'd like to be notified of new releases and get exclusive sneak peeks, be sure to sign up to receive Sloan Parker's newsletter via her website.
To contact Sloan, find out about her books that are available for purchase, and read free stories, visit: www.sloanparker.com. If you'd like to be notified of new releases and get exclusive sneak peeks, be sure to sign up to receive Sloan Parker's newsletter via her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
May 4, 2014
This is a gripping book. There is a general atmosphere of tension on the page, so much so that at the end of chapter 9, I got so wound up, I closed my Kindle and went for a run.
Nearly the entire story takes place during one weekend. Grady and Mateo are reunited after six years. Grady actually tracks down Teo to tell him he's sorry for hurting him, for abandoning him, for leaving.
Back when they were seniors in college, Grady freaked at the thought of being gay and ended up walking away from Teo, his best friend. But now Teo is hiding something, and Grady fears Teo will never trust him again.
There was enough background information provided about the MCs to ground me in the story. There was definitely a lot of push/pull on Teo's part that seemed a little schizophrenic, but I understood his trepidation and hesitation, particularly when he tells Grady why he's been on the run.
Perhaps the mystery here was a bit unrealistic and over the top (and too easily resolved?), but I liked the guys and the heat between them enough that I shrugged it off. (And, yes, if you're looking for steamy sex, you'll find it here: tenderness, first-times, hot kisses, lots of stroking in the shower, and more.)
Recommended for a quick, absorbing read.
Nearly the entire story takes place during one weekend. Grady and Mateo are reunited after six years. Grady actually tracks down Teo to tell him he's sorry for hurting him, for abandoning him, for leaving.
Back when they were seniors in college, Grady freaked at the thought of being gay and ended up walking away from Teo, his best friend. But now Teo is hiding something, and Grady fears Teo will never trust him again.
There was enough background information provided about the MCs to ground me in the story. There was definitely a lot of push/pull on Teo's part that seemed a little schizophrenic, but I understood his trepidation and hesitation, particularly when he tells Grady why he's been on the run.
Perhaps the mystery here was a bit unrealistic and over the top (and too easily resolved?), but I liked the guys and the heat between them enough that I shrugged it off. (And, yes, if you're looking for steamy sex, you'll find it here: tenderness, first-times, hot kisses, lots of stroking in the shower, and more.)
Recommended for a quick, absorbing read.
May 3, 2014
This is a hard one for me to rate because I'm still not quite sure what to make of it. Going over it again in my mind, it sounds really good. But it just wasn't really good. I can't put my finger on why.
Maybe it was too short? Or because I felt like we really didn't have the whole story? Or because I felt like the boys kept changing their stories? Or I didn't really feel the passion?
I love me some Sloan Parker but this book just didn't do it for me. For this one, I'll have you read other reviews to decide whether or not to read it. I'm far too wishy-washy to recommend or not recommend this one.
June 12, 2014
I really liked this little novella and tore through it right up until the end. It ended so poorly that it affected how I viewed the story as a whole. Other than that blip, the writing is good with solid characters and some seriously hot sex scenes. I also say that as a reader who has become somewhat inured to sex scenes since they are so ubiquitous within the genre. The premise has enough innate tension to hold my interest without the addition of the crazy ex-boyfriend, which was by far the weakest aspect of the novella. Prior to that ending I was thinking this was a story I kind of loved and would rate at least 4 stars. With the sad ending that had me rolling my eyes and saying “really?!” out loud the rating dropped unfortunately. I’d still recommend this though as I think it’s a really good and engaging story, just know the ending sucks but it’s quick so try to get by it.
Grady and Mateo were inseparable childhood best friends that grew up together, went to high school and college together and even played college hockey together. Somewhere along the way the two guys sexually experiment together. An incident that meant the world to Mateo scared Grady so much that he ran from his best friend and severed the relationship. Now six years and two failed marriages later, Grady is finally ready to be with Mateo and be open about his sexuality. The only bump in Grady’s new plan is that Mateo doesn’t want to be found, by Grady or anyone else. Putting a post on Facebook and craigslist gets him closer to Mateo but only with some fast-talking and judicious use of handcuffs will Mateo start to listen to Grady’s apology.
In many ways the story reads like a classic m/f romance, just with two guys. That isn’t a criticism by the way, merely a fact. The prologue sets up what happened between the two best friends six years ago, kind of, and it was smoking hot. I really didn’t want it to end and furthermore it left me confused about why Grady left since it offers nothing of the bad ending. I still never really felt as though the answers offered fully explained what happened since Grady seemed fine with the sex as it was happening and the next scene is six years later and Grady is again fine with sex with Mateo. We’re told that Grady got scared and ran away but since it all took place off page I never really felt satisfied with the explanation. However, that’s a minor point. I liked the two men and their nuanced characterization. They felt fully realized as characters and their chemistry leapt off the page. The innate tension between the two due to broken trust really was enough to carry the story.
Here is where I have a problem. If the story had just focused on Grady and Mateo overcoming their past and reconnecting I think the story would have been stronger and more interesting. Watching the two men together, trying to pick through the minefield of emotions and needs even after they had sex was engaging. It really drew me in and made me connect to the characters and care about them. I didn’t assume all problems were gone just because they had sex. Given the experiences Mateo has had in the intervening years, of course it would take time and consideration for the two men to really feel safe and together again. Therefore I think the addition of the still alive ex-boyfriend was just silly. The entire plotline was over the top and way too easily resolved in a manner that had me rolling my eyes. I don’t want to give away any additional spoilers but let me just say – no way would Grady have accomplished what he did. So realism and believability are out the window on this ending but what annoyed me the most was how unnecessary and detrimental the entire subplot was to the story. It was a great little novella with very engaging characters and clean narrative that feels ruined by throwing in some late breaking tension that is resolved in almost the blink of an eye.
That said, it is a really small portion of the story so I’m trying not to remember only that. The writing is very good with a good amount of description without overwhelming. I like the cadence of the author’s prose. It feels easy to read and quick to turn pages while enjoying the pace and engaging story. This is definitely my favorite book of the author’s and based on how much I enjoyed this I’m very eager to read more of her new work. I would recommend this novella just know the ending sucks but try (like me) not to let that bother you too much.
Grady and Mateo were inseparable childhood best friends that grew up together, went to high school and college together and even played college hockey together. Somewhere along the way the two guys sexually experiment together. An incident that meant the world to Mateo scared Grady so much that he ran from his best friend and severed the relationship. Now six years and two failed marriages later, Grady is finally ready to be with Mateo and be open about his sexuality. The only bump in Grady’s new plan is that Mateo doesn’t want to be found, by Grady or anyone else. Putting a post on Facebook and craigslist gets him closer to Mateo but only with some fast-talking and judicious use of handcuffs will Mateo start to listen to Grady’s apology.
In many ways the story reads like a classic m/f romance, just with two guys. That isn’t a criticism by the way, merely a fact. The prologue sets up what happened between the two best friends six years ago, kind of, and it was smoking hot. I really didn’t want it to end and furthermore it left me confused about why Grady left since it offers nothing of the bad ending. I still never really felt as though the answers offered fully explained what happened since Grady seemed fine with the sex as it was happening and the next scene is six years later and Grady is again fine with sex with Mateo. We’re told that Grady got scared and ran away but since it all took place off page I never really felt satisfied with the explanation. However, that’s a minor point. I liked the two men and their nuanced characterization. They felt fully realized as characters and their chemistry leapt off the page. The innate tension between the two due to broken trust really was enough to carry the story.
Here is where I have a problem. If the story had just focused on Grady and Mateo overcoming their past and reconnecting I think the story would have been stronger and more interesting. Watching the two men together, trying to pick through the minefield of emotions and needs even after they had sex was engaging. It really drew me in and made me connect to the characters and care about them. I didn’t assume all problems were gone just because they had sex. Given the experiences Mateo has had in the intervening years, of course it would take time and consideration for the two men to really feel safe and together again. Therefore I think the addition of the still alive ex-boyfriend was just silly. The entire plotline was over the top and way too easily resolved in a manner that had me rolling my eyes. I don’t want to give away any additional spoilers but let me just say – no way would Grady have accomplished what he did. So realism and believability are out the window on this ending but what annoyed me the most was how unnecessary and detrimental the entire subplot was to the story. It was a great little novella with very engaging characters and clean narrative that feels ruined by throwing in some late breaking tension that is resolved in almost the blink of an eye.
That said, it is a really small portion of the story so I’m trying not to remember only that. The writing is very good with a good amount of description without overwhelming. I like the cadence of the author’s prose. It feels easy to read and quick to turn pages while enjoying the pace and engaging story. This is definitely my favorite book of the author’s and based on how much I enjoyed this I’m very eager to read more of her new work. I would recommend this novella just know the ending sucks but try (like me) not to let that bother you too much.
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December 2, 2017Out now in Paperback at Amazon and Barnes and Noble!
When roommates Grady and Mateo give in to their growing lust, it's the best sexual experience of their lives. But are they really gay? Is this just sex? Or is it something more? It takes time for confused Grady to figure that out, but once he does he wants all of Mateo. Too bad tracking down brokenhearted Mateo proves impossible.
Grady's last resort is to post an online ad encouraging his friend out of hiding and back into his life. He's sure that once he gets Mateo between the sheets he can convince him what they had together was no college experiment. But Mateo's been hiding from something—or someone—and he has no intention of returning home.
Grady is determined to tear down all Mateo's walls so he can find out what happened to him and help heal his wounds. In the process he'll show his best friend that he won't run. Not this time. He swears.
Length: Novella, 36,000+ words
Tags: friends to lovers, college roommates, gay erotica, M/M romance, gay romance, gay love story, M/M erotica, erotic romance, lgbt fiction
June 25, 2015
This is a very short read with just the right amount of angst from each character. Mateo and Grady used to be BFFs but because of Mateo instigating an incident from their past, they were forced to go their own way until Grady realized that he’s now ready to rekindle their friendship and their initial attraction. I usually don’t like stories where the MCs get separated because of a mere misunderstanding coated under the pretense of cowardice but here, I loved that because of it – they’ve grown and learned so much. I loved that Grady isn’t afraid anymore to accept his orientation - I loved that he carry on through the years waiting for the right guy, that is – waiting for Mateo. I feel for what Mateo experienced from his psycho ex but we all know that we cannot avoid those things. I just loved that it ended well for them. I just wished that this was a bit longer otherwise, it’s a really good story!
May 26, 2014
Hands down the prologue transformed this from an okay story into a good story. It was vital slipping back in time, seeing firsthand how their adventure began. Grady and Mateo were more than best friends, they were a family. Mateo, the miracle baby rivals Harry Potter with his tragic start to life. From his early years he has no one but Grady, and when Grady breaks his promise he truly is alone.
Half a dozen years after their bitter break, they cross paths again. Grady is determined to prove to his former best friend that if given a second chance he’ll make up for lost time. He becomes desperate to find him and declare his love. He has two failed marriages under his belt, but it’s only because he’s certain he gave his heart away a long ago.
But does everyone really deserve a second chance?
What happens when they can’t forget or forgive?
Something has happened to Mateo and its darkness has changed him. Grady cannot even begin to fathom the nightmare’s Teo endured during his absence and it appears they are far from over. It’s going to take more than apologies for them to move forward, that is, if they move forward together at all.
For a short story, the plot was rich and fast paced. At times things were a bit sketchy and tremendously impractical but the emotions ran hot and kept me fascinated. I was as eager as Grady to get to the bottom of Mateo’s mysteries. The terrifying secrets Mateo attempts to outrun catch up to him, and this time he might not walk away from his relentless demons.
Missed Connections was a riveting and intense reunion that left me gasping for breath. Their early ‘watch me’ sessions were hot as hades and after a decade of anticipation, the sex was off the charts.
It was just a bit too exaggerated. If only things would have been scaled back a notch or two I think I would have been knocked off my feet. Ohhh, and did you see the cover? That's love/hate for sure, but I gotta say, I’m not complaining about all of that skin. ;)
*3.5racy-riveting-rapid stars*
Half a dozen years after their bitter break, they cross paths again. Grady is determined to prove to his former best friend that if given a second chance he’ll make up for lost time. He becomes desperate to find him and declare his love. He has two failed marriages under his belt, but it’s only because he’s certain he gave his heart away a long ago.
But does everyone really deserve a second chance?
What happens when they can’t forget or forgive?
Something has happened to Mateo and its darkness has changed him. Grady cannot even begin to fathom the nightmare’s Teo endured during his absence and it appears they are far from over. It’s going to take more than apologies for them to move forward, that is, if they move forward together at all.
For a short story, the plot was rich and fast paced. At times things were a bit sketchy and tremendously impractical but the emotions ran hot and kept me fascinated. I was as eager as Grady to get to the bottom of Mateo’s mysteries. The terrifying secrets Mateo attempts to outrun catch up to him, and this time he might not walk away from his relentless demons.
Missed Connections was a riveting and intense reunion that left me gasping for breath. Their early ‘watch me’ sessions were hot as hades and after a decade of anticipation, the sex was off the charts.
It was just a bit too exaggerated. If only things would have been scaled back a notch or two I think I would have been knocked off my feet. Ohhh, and did you see the cover? That's love/hate for sure, but I gotta say, I’m not complaining about all of that skin. ;)
*3.5racy-riveting-rapid stars*
January 7, 2016
Really enjoyed this one. Love that cover too.
October 9, 2017
I loved the beginning of this story about Mateo and Grady, who have been best friends since they were six. Their story starts in a prologue with the two as college roommates approaching graduation. The two have been jerking off (M-W-F after Grady's history class) for the past few months and during a weekend trip to Grady's family cabin, Mateo kisses Grady but fears that he will lose his friendship if their relationship changes. Grady assures him "You're not going to lose me."
Six years later ... Grady sees Mateo in a crowd at a pride parade and desperately tries to find him, outting himself on Facebook and placing an ad on Craigslist. They finally find each other and Grady begs Mateo to go to the cabin to try again. But then .... we learn of Mateo's past and the resulting crazy out-of-nowhere twist that, unfortunately, was a bit too much out of left field for me. 4 stars for the premise of the story with a deduction for the weird twist.
Six years later ... Grady sees Mateo in a crowd at a pride parade and desperately tries to find him, outting himself on Facebook and placing an ad on Craigslist. They finally find each other and Grady begs Mateo to go to the cabin to try again. But then .... we learn of Mateo's past and the resulting crazy out-of-nowhere twist that, unfortunately, was a bit too much out of left field for me. 4 stars for the premise of the story with a deduction for the weird twist.
March 27, 2016
It wasn't a bad story but it didn't connect with me at all. Mainly because I really disliked Grady. Okay, he wasn't ready to admit he's gay. But he cut off Mateo from his friendship, from the only family he got. He knew Mateo had no one and no place to go. That was not just a youthful mistake, it was betrayal. And for six years he didn't care to look for Mateo until he saw him and voila, now he suddenly wanted him. And handcuffing him? What a jerk. So because I disliked Grady so much, I didn't really care for his and Mateo's rekindling, and the whole story rubbed me in the wrong way. Especially because I could kinda imagine how enjoyable it could be if Grady was at least s bit more likeable.
May 2, 2014
This story gave me so many warm fuzzies! Or course that was after it ripped my heart out and scared me to death. Sloan Parker has written a gripping tale of love, lies and longing. Definitely worth a read!
August 8, 2014
I just love a book about second chances and forgiving, about lost souls finding home, about never giving up hope on someone no matter how much time and distance has played a role.
This book has all these elements and more. Mateo and Grady have been friends since they were teenagers and roommates at college and Mateo came to see Grady’s family as his own because his own family background was not so loving. Although they were a little more than best of friends after one sexual encounter in college they both went their speprate ways. Mateo saw and accepted that he was gay, but this was totally acceptable for Grady. Grady found the whole encounter extremely erotic, but couldn’t accept he was gay, going into total denial, going through two very quick and disastrous marriages, probably only to prove to himself that he wasn’t gay. However, as we all know these things never work out and all the years they were apart and Grady was married, he still kept pining for Mateo deep down inside. I guess that many men go through this self-denial, lord knows I did but thankfully never ended up getting married. I always think this hits the woman the worst and is rather a dishonest and rotten thing to do, but accepting your sexuality for some is easier than for others and this was definitely the case for Grady and Mateo.
I’m not generally a huge lover of prologues / epilogues or any other kind of -logues, but here the prologue is necessary to understand where both men have come from when they meet again six years later. Therefore between the end of the prologue and the first chapter six years have elapsed and we gradually find out what has shaped their lives in those six years. It adds to the whole healing effect for me personally considering they part on not so good terms. Although like two lovers it hurt both incredibly, their lives go in separate directions and at least six years pass before they catch sight of each other again. Grady has now realised that he cannot deny any longer that he is gay and one day at the local pride festival spots Mateo in the crowd. All the feelings of what happened all those years ago come to the surface and when Mateo sees Grady he immediately runs off. Grady runs after him but isn’t fast enough and Mateo disappears once again. So now the quest is on for Grady to find Mateo.
I could feel Grady’s emotional turmoil, he desperately wishes to put things right with Mateo, beg forgiveness and try to win him back, but where does he start looking, how on earth can he find Mateo, even if after all these years would Mateo even want to speak to him. Quite a tall order if you ask me, but I guess where there’s hope there’s love. Grady’s frustration was palpable, someone looking for absolution, he knew he made a huge mistake and needs to be forgiven. He realises that he had never stopped loving Mateo. Oh I was just willing Grady on to find Mateo, keeping my fingers crossed that he could be found. Thing is though, even Grady’s brother who is a policeman couldn’t even trace him, as though Mateo had completely disappeared and dropped of the planet. Obviously someone who is able to disappear without a trace has a reason and this gets Grady even more concerned for his well-being. Thank goodness for the internet, after Grady puts in several announcements seeking Mateo, he answers in a quick message and this enables Grady to track him down.
When they first meet Mateo is less then pleased to see Grady, you can feel the anger and hurt in him still from when he was jolted by Grady all those years ago. With force Grady takes him the boathouse of his family where they spent many a happy hour and the healing process begins. I just loved this part of the book. They have to discover themselves anew and Grady has to unlock and tear down all the emotional scars and walls that Mateo has been left with. Grady handled this marvelously and showed that even though they have been apart for a long time and have had totally different experiences in life, the friends / lovers / people they were all those years ago are still in there somewhere. After Mateo left he fell in quite innocently with the wrong crowd and this has left him, broken, scarred physically and emotionally, paranoid and distrustful of anyone. Grady senses this and embarks on the healing process bringing Mateo back home.
For me it was exactly this that was the most beautiful part of this book. Grady bringing Mateo’s lost soul back home. Giving him shelter and love, promising that he is never ever going to leave again. Of course this is never an easy thing to do and several hurdles have to be jumped over first, especially with Mateo being so cagey. When Mateo opens up you perfectly understand why and I could have cried rivers, he leaves home a perfectly innocent teenager, falls in love with the wrong person and then he is now totally damaged goods. I guess we are all a product of our experiences and you can certainly see this in Mateo. What exactly happened to him you’ll have to read for yourself, but after reading it I just wanted to cuddle Mateo and tell him that everything will be OK. This also added for some suspense in the story, knowing that Mateo was being followed and hunted which leads to a dramatic ending to their story, but a necessary one in order for them to make a new start with a clean slate.
All the action happens over one weekend at Grady’s family’s boathouse, but this was the best thing for Mateo it brings him back to a comfort zone where he could feel safe once again with Grady. The story revolves around two MCs, but they have a lot to get through and you can feel the emotion in the characters through Sloane’s writing. Therefore the book kept me enthralled all the way through, the emotional roller-coaster ride they have to go through is heart-rending, as it is hopeful and healing. They ending was oh so sweet, I just loved this feeling that everything has been sorted out, all the trials and tribulations have been put to rights and the healing has worked. It really is a coming home story of two lost souls that after all they have been through cannot deny that they are soul mates and destined to be together and always had been.
This book has all these elements and more. Mateo and Grady have been friends since they were teenagers and roommates at college and Mateo came to see Grady’s family as his own because his own family background was not so loving. Although they were a little more than best of friends after one sexual encounter in college they both went their speprate ways. Mateo saw and accepted that he was gay, but this was totally acceptable for Grady. Grady found the whole encounter extremely erotic, but couldn’t accept he was gay, going into total denial, going through two very quick and disastrous marriages, probably only to prove to himself that he wasn’t gay. However, as we all know these things never work out and all the years they were apart and Grady was married, he still kept pining for Mateo deep down inside. I guess that many men go through this self-denial, lord knows I did but thankfully never ended up getting married. I always think this hits the woman the worst and is rather a dishonest and rotten thing to do, but accepting your sexuality for some is easier than for others and this was definitely the case for Grady and Mateo.
I’m not generally a huge lover of prologues / epilogues or any other kind of -logues, but here the prologue is necessary to understand where both men have come from when they meet again six years later. Therefore between the end of the prologue and the first chapter six years have elapsed and we gradually find out what has shaped their lives in those six years. It adds to the whole healing effect for me personally considering they part on not so good terms. Although like two lovers it hurt both incredibly, their lives go in separate directions and at least six years pass before they catch sight of each other again. Grady has now realised that he cannot deny any longer that he is gay and one day at the local pride festival spots Mateo in the crowd. All the feelings of what happened all those years ago come to the surface and when Mateo sees Grady he immediately runs off. Grady runs after him but isn’t fast enough and Mateo disappears once again. So now the quest is on for Grady to find Mateo.
I could feel Grady’s emotional turmoil, he desperately wishes to put things right with Mateo, beg forgiveness and try to win him back, but where does he start looking, how on earth can he find Mateo, even if after all these years would Mateo even want to speak to him. Quite a tall order if you ask me, but I guess where there’s hope there’s love. Grady’s frustration was palpable, someone looking for absolution, he knew he made a huge mistake and needs to be forgiven. He realises that he had never stopped loving Mateo. Oh I was just willing Grady on to find Mateo, keeping my fingers crossed that he could be found. Thing is though, even Grady’s brother who is a policeman couldn’t even trace him, as though Mateo had completely disappeared and dropped of the planet. Obviously someone who is able to disappear without a trace has a reason and this gets Grady even more concerned for his well-being. Thank goodness for the internet, after Grady puts in several announcements seeking Mateo, he answers in a quick message and this enables Grady to track him down.
When they first meet Mateo is less then pleased to see Grady, you can feel the anger and hurt in him still from when he was jolted by Grady all those years ago. With force Grady takes him the boathouse of his family where they spent many a happy hour and the healing process begins. I just loved this part of the book. They have to discover themselves anew and Grady has to unlock and tear down all the emotional scars and walls that Mateo has been left with. Grady handled this marvelously and showed that even though they have been apart for a long time and have had totally different experiences in life, the friends / lovers / people they were all those years ago are still in there somewhere. After Mateo left he fell in quite innocently with the wrong crowd and this has left him, broken, scarred physically and emotionally, paranoid and distrustful of anyone. Grady senses this and embarks on the healing process bringing Mateo back home.
For me it was exactly this that was the most beautiful part of this book. Grady bringing Mateo’s lost soul back home. Giving him shelter and love, promising that he is never ever going to leave again. Of course this is never an easy thing to do and several hurdles have to be jumped over first, especially with Mateo being so cagey. When Mateo opens up you perfectly understand why and I could have cried rivers, he leaves home a perfectly innocent teenager, falls in love with the wrong person and then he is now totally damaged goods. I guess we are all a product of our experiences and you can certainly see this in Mateo. What exactly happened to him you’ll have to read for yourself, but after reading it I just wanted to cuddle Mateo and tell him that everything will be OK. This also added for some suspense in the story, knowing that Mateo was being followed and hunted which leads to a dramatic ending to their story, but a necessary one in order for them to make a new start with a clean slate.
All the action happens over one weekend at Grady’s family’s boathouse, but this was the best thing for Mateo it brings him back to a comfort zone where he could feel safe once again with Grady. The story revolves around two MCs, but they have a lot to get through and you can feel the emotion in the characters through Sloane’s writing. Therefore the book kept me enthralled all the way through, the emotional roller-coaster ride they have to go through is heart-rending, as it is hopeful and healing. They ending was oh so sweet, I just loved this feeling that everything has been sorted out, all the trials and tribulations have been put to rights and the healing has worked. It really is a coming home story of two lost souls that after all they have been through cannot deny that they are soul mates and destined to be together and always had been.
July 20, 2019
One mistake, one moment where Grady could have everything his heart and body wanted. But his fear robbed him of that happiness. It wasn't just he that was robbed, though, the object of all his desire suffered for his fear as well. I always have a hard time with second-chance stories where their first parting was due to hurtful things said or done. This was no exception. Despite my misgivings, though, this story was full of love, confessions, and a path of healing was forged for those that needed it most.
The more dramatic elements were quite large for a story so short and detracted from the reconciliation. As for the relationship, the story ended with so much promise. Grady was difficult to like at first and without the earnest way he pursued Mateo once he pulled his out he would have remained unlikable, but he really won me over in the end. There wasn't much about Mateo, though what we got ran the gamut of emotions from hesitant and besotted to fearful and resentful. We got a pretty good idea of both guys and their history, but I felt that there was a bit of growth missing. Were dreams really enough for Grady to accept himself? The grand gesture wasn't exactly grand and seemed pretty passive. Also, Grady's brother wasn't humorous in the least, in fact he was offensively obnoxious and unnecessary. His job didn't even help them out in the end, it was just a side note that he was there. If the story were more focused on the men and their evolution it would have been way better, but I will definitely say that the tenderness and steam was absolutely spot on.
The more dramatic elements were quite large for a story so short and detracted from the reconciliation. As for the relationship, the story ended with so much promise. Grady was difficult to like at first and without the earnest way he pursued Mateo once he pulled his out he would have remained unlikable, but he really won me over in the end. There wasn't much about Mateo, though what we got ran the gamut of emotions from hesitant and besotted to fearful and resentful. We got a pretty good idea of both guys and their history, but I felt that there was a bit of growth missing. Were dreams really enough for Grady to accept himself? The grand gesture wasn't exactly grand and seemed pretty passive. Also, Grady's brother wasn't humorous in the least, in fact he was offensively obnoxious and unnecessary. His job didn't even help them out in the end, it was just a side note that he was there. If the story were more focused on the men and their evolution it would have been way better, but I will definitely say that the tenderness and steam was absolutely spot on.
May 13, 2014
Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews - 4 1/2 hearts
This book started out with one of the most gripping prologues I’ve ever read. I was instantly intrigued by the characters, their friendship, and their situation. The tension continued to ramp up as Grady and Mateo considered crossing that invisible line separating friends from lovers until it reached a point where I found myself holding my breath and jumping into the front car of the roller coaster as it was about to plunge over that first big drop, excited as can be to experience what I knew was going to be one helluva ride. And that was just the prologue!
We’re all humans and bound to make mistakes, so I love that this story started with that premise (a boundary crossed followed by a bad reaction), added a dash of groveling, a heap of second chance opportunity, and topped it off with a liberal dose of “Oh, god, can we do that again?” Grady may have reacted badly to the thought of being gay and wanting his best friend, but when he finally gets his head on straight (*snicker* - okay, a little pun intended) he’s a man on a mission to track down his friend, prove the error of his ways, lose his gay virginity, and make up for lost time.
Grady’s methods may have been a bit over the top, but he was ultimately successful in tracking down his man and whisking him away back to the place where it all started for them. However, Grady finds out that things may not have been easy for his Teo over the past six years. He’s clearly in hiding and obviously been through things he’s reluctant to talk about. He has a bit of a dark past that isn’t quite willing to let him go and it’s this past that lends an air of mystery and angst to their reunion.
Other than feeling like the ending got wrapped up perhaps a little too easily, I loved everything about this story – especially the level of intensity and connection that crackled between Grady and Mateo. I’d sum up my reading experience with this book in one word – unputdownable!
This book started out with one of the most gripping prologues I’ve ever read. I was instantly intrigued by the characters, their friendship, and their situation. The tension continued to ramp up as Grady and Mateo considered crossing that invisible line separating friends from lovers until it reached a point where I found myself holding my breath and jumping into the front car of the roller coaster as it was about to plunge over that first big drop, excited as can be to experience what I knew was going to be one helluva ride. And that was just the prologue!
We’re all humans and bound to make mistakes, so I love that this story started with that premise (a boundary crossed followed by a bad reaction), added a dash of groveling, a heap of second chance opportunity, and topped it off with a liberal dose of “Oh, god, can we do that again?” Grady may have reacted badly to the thought of being gay and wanting his best friend, but when he finally gets his head on straight (*snicker* - okay, a little pun intended) he’s a man on a mission to track down his friend, prove the error of his ways, lose his gay virginity, and make up for lost time.
Grady’s methods may have been a bit over the top, but he was ultimately successful in tracking down his man and whisking him away back to the place where it all started for them. However, Grady finds out that things may not have been easy for his Teo over the past six years. He’s clearly in hiding and obviously been through things he’s reluctant to talk about. He has a bit of a dark past that isn’t quite willing to let him go and it’s this past that lends an air of mystery and angst to their reunion.
Other than feeling like the ending got wrapped up perhaps a little too easily, I loved everything about this story – especially the level of intensity and connection that crackled between Grady and Mateo. I’d sum up my reading experience with this book in one word – unputdownable!
June 7, 2015
Now he thought back on how that day had ended, and how very differently the next morning could've gone if he'd been stronger, braver. More like Mateo.
He had to see him again.
He returned to the craigslist message on his computer and hit Submit.
I enjoy Sloan Parker's writing and Missed Connections was another good read to add to her collection.
At 120 pages it was nice, easy reading about second chances, a bit of drama, plenty of sexy times, and a nice way to spend a few hours curled up with a MM romantica.
Review at
He had to see him again.
He returned to the craigslist message on his computer and hit Submit.
I enjoy Sloan Parker's writing and Missed Connections was another good read to add to her collection.
At 120 pages it was nice, easy reading about second chances, a bit of drama, plenty of sexy times, and a nice way to spend a few hours curled up with a MM romantica.
Review at
December 3, 2014
That was a plot that has been beaten to death by several Xtasy books. The only thing redeeming such an unoriginal storyline is that Parker can write, so I wasn't wincing as I read. Actually I did enjoy it. I'm just disappointed that Parker brought nothing new to what has become a cliche story. No strong feelz or insights into freaking into the darkest corner of the closet for six years.
December 3, 2019
I have to be honest; I was quite disappointed in I Swear to You. Specially since I just finished Something to Believe In, which was a solid 4 star read for me, as well as my first Sloan Parker, so I was so anxious to get into another one of her books.
Maybe I picked the wrong one, but this one was on my kindle for a while now and that's why I chose it.
It didn't really work for me. I wasn't very interested in Matteo and Grady and towards the end I started caring less and less about what happened to Matteo. I just didn't feel connected to them and neither did I really feel their connection.
So maybe it was just me, the wrong book at the wrong moment, but for now this was an ok read, I guess. But I expected a lot more than I eventually got.
Maybe I picked the wrong one, but this one was on my kindle for a while now and that's why I chose it.
It didn't really work for me. I wasn't very interested in Matteo and Grady and towards the end I started caring less and less about what happened to Matteo. I just didn't feel connected to them and neither did I really feel their connection.
So maybe it was just me, the wrong book at the wrong moment, but for now this was an ok read, I guess. But I expected a lot more than I eventually got.
December 7, 2018
Grady & Mateo, 2 hurt souls who seek healing after 6 long lost years. They have know each other since they were little. Starting going out with girls, jerking together without problem til their last year's at school when their feelings for each other changer, that's when Grady left hometown cause he couldn't admit he was gay, also out of fear for what others think. BUT after 2 failed marriages and 6 year comes back to town and weeks his bf Mateo, to Tell him what happend then. Seeking forgiveness and share his feelings for him and also finally at peace about what he really is. But Mean time Mateo has changer, he has a very hurting life after their last weekend with each other, what happend to him and what with those scarres he wear on his back and wrist ?
Suspens, great connection, anger, hurt, heartbrakes, love and forgiveness.... Captivating !
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Suspens, great connection, anger, hurt, heartbrakes, love and forgiveness.... Captivating !
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 17, 2018
I'm kind of torn with this one. I was super excited when I read the blurb, cause it sounded like something right up my alley. Friends turned lovers. Except, this ended up kind of flat. The scene in the prologue was sooooooo good, when they came clean about what they wanted. Then it's 6 years later and they've been apart the entire time. With a gap like that I feel like I need a huge overpowering moment between the two MC's to get back together that makes it all worth it, but I didn't feel like that happened.
Yes, it all ended well with a HFN/HEA, but I guess I wanted more? Maybe I'm just asking too much here. It was a great story. I just needed to be romanced a bit more I guess.
*Arc provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.*
Yes, it all ended well with a HFN/HEA, but I guess I wanted more? Maybe I'm just asking too much here. It was a great story. I just needed to be romanced a bit more I guess.
*Arc provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.*
December 3, 2018
This is a very good book. About second chances and befriends. Grady and Mateo have been friends since childhood, Gradys family has been more of a family than his own. This is set 6 yrs after high school, and Grady happens to spot Mateo on the other side of the road while pride bikes are going past. Mateo soon spots him back and he is unhappy to see him. This is where our story takes off from. It is one hell of a story, learning about how what happened in past effectes thier future and seeing if they can come forward into so type of future.
I absolutely devoured this book it was so good, a definite must read asap.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I absolutely devoured this book it was so good, a definite must read asap.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 28, 2018
Grady and Mateo were best friends growing up, Grady was his only friend.
They were very close and after some experimenting, the went their separate ways. 6 years later after 2 failed marriages Grady decides he is ready to come out and be what he should have been to Mateo earlier.
Mateo does not want to be found his life has some deep dark secret in it. But they run into each other. Can they salvage their friendship, can it be what they truly wanted, can they find their happily ever after?
Good read, I love second chance stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
They were very close and after some experimenting, the went their separate ways. 6 years later after 2 failed marriages Grady decides he is ready to come out and be what he should have been to Mateo earlier.
Mateo does not want to be found his life has some deep dark secret in it. But they run into each other. Can they salvage their friendship, can it be what they truly wanted, can they find their happily ever after?
Good read, I love second chance stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 1, 2018
This was a good story overall, but I was disappointed by the ending. It seemed very quick and a bit over-the-top for me. That said, I loved Mateo and I grieved for the disappointments and pain he suffered. Grady made me quite angry. He seemed selfish and impulsive, and his pursuit of Mateo, once he decided he wanted him, felt a little stalkerish. Still, if Mateo could understand and forgive him, I guess I can too. This is an intense, emotional story, with secrets, mystery, and suspense. The sex scenes are very hot, and I was glad to see Mateo finally get the love he deserved.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 9, 2017
I won this book through Goodreads Giveaways.
I really liked this book. It had some slightly homophobic stuff in the beginning and it could use some trigger warnings on some of the stuff, but it was good. The one thing I didn't really like was Grady continually pushing Mateo to reveal his past instead of letting Mateo tell him on his own. Grady does get better and stops pushing as much and that shows his growth as a character. Overall I really liked this book. And I mean the sex scenes were pretty good too :)
I really liked this book. It had some slightly homophobic stuff in the beginning and it could use some trigger warnings on some of the stuff, but it was good. The one thing I didn't really like was Grady continually pushing Mateo to reveal his past instead of letting Mateo tell him on his own. Grady does get better and stops pushing as much and that shows his growth as a character. Overall I really liked this book. And I mean the sex scenes were pretty good too :)
March 2, 2018
Wonderful story about Mateo and Grady finding their way back to each other after years apart. Grady has some groveling to do for his actions years before but he is determined to make things right this time.
Mateo still loves Grady but he is not quite the same man Grady used to know. With patience and love Grady gets Mateo to feel safe enough to trust him with the truth of his life during their years apart. And that is where this otherwise very sweet story turns rather dark and intense. But since Grady and Teo are meant for each other, things obviously turn out the way they are supposed to.
Mateo still loves Grady but he is not quite the same man Grady used to know. With patience and love Grady gets Mateo to feel safe enough to trust him with the truth of his life during their years apart. And that is where this otherwise very sweet story turns rather dark and intense. But since Grady and Teo are meant for each other, things obviously turn out the way they are supposed to.
December 6, 2018
4.5 stars.
I really enjoyed Grady and Mateo's story. I think Grady made some mistakes early on in this story, but I could see why he would be afraid. He was young and dumb, but finally needed to man up. His love for Mateo was sweet. Mateo is scared of what happened in his past and was hiding out. Grady searched and found him. Their chemistry was instant and the connection absolute. I enjoyed their journey to HEA. Great read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed Grady and Mateo's story. I think Grady made some mistakes early on in this story, but I could see why he would be afraid. He was young and dumb, but finally needed to man up. His love for Mateo was sweet. Mateo is scared of what happened in his past and was hiding out. Grady searched and found him. Their chemistry was instant and the connection absolute. I enjoyed their journey to HEA. Great read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 30, 2018
A nice love story! Grady and Mateo knew each other like, forever. They were friends and experimented with a physical relationship one time. Grady was not ready. Grady's journey toward his truth, getting ready took six years. Then he went looking for Mateo. Was he ready to deal with what he finds? Did Mateo wait for Grady? Do they still know each other? There were a few contextual inconsistencies. Sloan did a nice job with this couple. I received an ARC from Booksprout and required to leave a review on Goodreads site.
December 1, 2018
Grady and Mateo have been best friends since they were kids but a college exploration ruined it. Grady tried to forget what happened by trying to prove he was straight. Mateo tried to move on but ended up in a bad situation.
Interesting characters and storyline, friends to lovers, steamy sexy times, abuse, both heartbreaking and uplifting moments, patience, love, and a long awaited HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Interesting characters and storyline, friends to lovers, steamy sexy times, abuse, both heartbreaking and uplifting moments, patience, love, and a long awaited HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 14, 2018
This is Mateo and Grady’s story. Grady broke Mateos heart when he walked away from him after their time in the cabin. After years of searching he finally see’s Mateo at a pride fair. When they make eye contact Mateo bolts and Grady gives chase however, Mateo shakes his tail and gets away. This was a great story full of action and a whole lot of love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 7, 2019
Grady and Mateo have been best friends since 1st grade. Only when they got to college did they individually start to realize they were gay. They were both scared of losing the other, and Grady couldn't come to terms with his sexuality and walked away from Mateo at graduation. After 2 failed marriages Grady realizes why....and finally comes out then starts searching for Mateo. Mateo has his own secrets. Can they get past everything to be together?
November 28, 2018
I cried. Ugly tears of sorrow and pain. My heart was so broken for Matteo and his loss of family and trying to find someone to fill the gap. This is a very moving story of love and acceptance and perseverance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 29, 2018
They were friends until Mateo kissed him. Grady was not gay or thought he wasn't. Years later he tried finding Mateo. He did and had to help him get out of trouble. This is a well written story with heartache, emotion and love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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