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The Promise
Widowed Before Forty
Lawyer Caleb “West” Weston loses the man he loves, Carter, to cancer. When Carter dies, not only is West left hurting, but Carter’s younger brother, eighteen-year-old Shane, plummets deeply into grief. Both men bury themselves in their pain and forget to support one another. West feels hollow, and Shane’s life goes off the rails.
The Lost Boy
Shane’s parents reacted badly when he told them he was gay, but he had Carter and West to run to when things got tough. They gladly took him in. After Carter dies, Shane feels like he has no one to love him, until one tearful moment between Shane and West turns into something passionate. Afterward, consumed by guilt, both men become more isolated than before.
Second Chance at Love, First Chance to Be Himself
West has never fully embraced the darkest parts of his sexuality, but he knows one thing for certain—he wants Shane as his. Even if being with his dead lover’s younger brother is wrong, fighting his attraction to Shane is hurting them both. He decides to step up and become the daddy he has always wanted to be, one who helps guide his boy back into the land of the living. One large problem remains, during the months Shane was left to his own devices, he made a wreck of his life. West and Shane both need a lot of love to heal. Can they learn to live a new life together, free of shame and guilt?
Lawyer Caleb “West” Weston loses the man he loves, Carter, to cancer. When Carter dies, not only is West left hurting, but Carter’s younger brother, eighteen-year-old Shane, plummets deeply into grief. Both men bury themselves in their pain and forget to support one another. West feels hollow, and Shane’s life goes off the rails.
The Lost Boy
Shane’s parents reacted badly when he told them he was gay, but he had Carter and West to run to when things got tough. They gladly took him in. After Carter dies, Shane feels like he has no one to love him, until one tearful moment between Shane and West turns into something passionate. Afterward, consumed by guilt, both men become more isolated than before.
Second Chance at Love, First Chance to Be Himself
West has never fully embraced the darkest parts of his sexuality, but he knows one thing for certain—he wants Shane as his. Even if being with his dead lover’s younger brother is wrong, fighting his attraction to Shane is hurting them both. He decides to step up and become the daddy he has always wanted to be, one who helps guide his boy back into the land of the living. One large problem remains, during the months Shane was left to his own devices, he made a wreck of his life. West and Shane both need a lot of love to heal. Can they learn to live a new life together, free of shame and guilt?
219 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 22, 2020
132 people are currently reading
287 people want to read
About the author
Ki Brightly
92 books722 followersI spend most of my days writing, editing, and perfecting the craft of storytelling.
A note to readers: I don't hang out on Goodreads or social media, so if you have any questions about my books, please check out my website, which I host with M.D. Gregory.
A note to readers: I don't hang out on Goodreads or social media, so if you have any questions about my books, please check out my website, which I host with M.D. Gregory.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
February 15, 2020
Okay, that’s it. Totally DNF because this isn’t a healthy Daddy/Boy relationship, this is just plain abuse of power and getting off on manipulation.
SPOILERS — arguments why I DNF’ed.
Daddy doesn’t really know what being a Daddy is. Like it’s called in the book, it’s only a ‘game’. But it is SO much more than a game when you are responsible for another human being.
Daddy doesn’t explain rules, doesn’t explain what he needs or wants, doesn’t ask what Boy needs or wants. There is very minimal talk about the dynamic at all and asking ‘was this okay?’ after doing stuff is not okay in such a relationship.
There’s no safe word, they don’t even talk about the possibility of saying ‘no’ without consequences. When they have so much to talk about beside the D/b to understand their emotional turmoil, they don’t. And when it comes up there is only anger, miscommunication and no listening to what the Boy says.
No, suddenly the Boy has been bad and needs punishment. The Boy has been waiting days to feel like he is cared about, while Daddy gets him off he is not allowed to touch Daddy back. He feels not enough and is scared Daddy has interest in someone else. Instead of taking this seriously, Daddy pretty much taunts this and when Boy gets mad about this and sets a boundary, he’s a bad Boy. And then Daddy taunts him further. He can lay his head in his clothed groin, on his knees with has arms tied behind him, but that’s only it. Then, after Daddy is done ‘working’ Boy may watch Daddy jerking off while being very near and Daddy comes in his mouth, makes him choke but doesn’t care and sticks his fingers in further. He says: “Daddy didn’t want to punish you tonight, Boy. I wanted to take you into my room, put that ass in the air and fuck it, but look what you made me do instead. I wanted you tight om my cock.” Boy is trying to do his very best after that looking after his Daddy to earn back the privilege, but all Daddy does is ignoring him after he’s done, going back to ‘work’ and punish him more.
No. No. No. NO! Just no. That is NOT how it works dude! This really gives me the creeps and a bad abused feeling in my gut so I won’t read further. If you want to read a real Daddy/Boy story there are other books that are actually how the relationship should be.
SPOILERS — arguments why I DNF’ed.
Daddy doesn’t really know what being a Daddy is. Like it’s called in the book, it’s only a ‘game’. But it is SO much more than a game when you are responsible for another human being.
Daddy doesn’t explain rules, doesn’t explain what he needs or wants, doesn’t ask what Boy needs or wants. There is very minimal talk about the dynamic at all and asking ‘was this okay?’ after doing stuff is not okay in such a relationship.
There’s no safe word, they don’t even talk about the possibility of saying ‘no’ without consequences. When they have so much to talk about beside the D/b to understand their emotional turmoil, they don’t. And when it comes up there is only anger, miscommunication and no listening to what the Boy says.
No, suddenly the Boy has been bad and needs punishment. The Boy has been waiting days to feel like he is cared about, while Daddy gets him off he is not allowed to touch Daddy back. He feels not enough and is scared Daddy has interest in someone else. Instead of taking this seriously, Daddy pretty much taunts this and when Boy gets mad about this and sets a boundary, he’s a bad Boy. And then Daddy taunts him further. He can lay his head in his clothed groin, on his knees with has arms tied behind him, but that’s only it. Then, after Daddy is done ‘working’ Boy may watch Daddy jerking off while being very near and Daddy comes in his mouth, makes him choke but doesn’t care and sticks his fingers in further. He says: “Daddy didn’t want to punish you tonight, Boy. I wanted to take you into my room, put that ass in the air and fuck it, but look what you made me do instead. I wanted you tight om my cock.” Boy is trying to do his very best after that looking after his Daddy to earn back the privilege, but all Daddy does is ignoring him after he’s done, going back to ‘work’ and punish him more.
No. No. No. NO! Just no. That is NOT how it works dude! This really gives me the creeps and a bad abused feeling in my gut so I won’t read further. If you want to read a real Daddy/Boy story there are other books that are actually how the relationship should be.
November 8, 2020
Ki Brightly and Meg Bawden craft an incredibly poignant and moving love story, and The Promise is the most satisfying BDSM romance novel I’ve read in ages.
Starting off with an incredibly sad and tragic situation, the characters in The Promise are floundering. Unsure how to proceed in their lives, and completely engulfed in their grief, it feels so right when they reach out to each other. West and Shane face a host of issues, and the authors work through them all at a steady pace.
What evolves is a truly stunning love story of two men who desperately need each other, and end up fitting perfectly together. Told from alternating points of view, I was particularly moved by Shane’s reaction to the different aspects of submission, denial, and punishments as he experiences everything for the first time. Their D/s relationship forms naturally, and allows both characters to explore their needs.
Brightly and Bawden write beautifully erotic love scenes. In addition to the eroticism of daddy kink, the authors make the most of the taboo aspect of the coupling between thirty-six year old West and his dead lover’s eighteen year-old brother. Intimate with a generous amount of kink, it’s a nice balance with the angst and the drama.
While Kaeomakana Tiwanak delivers the emotional expression I enjoy in his performances, I didn’t feel that he was the right fit for these characters. Tiwanak does a nice job using specific voices for both main characters, as well as for the narrator, as they alternate throughout the story and he turns in a very professional performance.
an audiobook coy of The Promise was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review
Starting off with an incredibly sad and tragic situation, the characters in The Promise are floundering. Unsure how to proceed in their lives, and completely engulfed in their grief, it feels so right when they reach out to each other. West and Shane face a host of issues, and the authors work through them all at a steady pace.
What evolves is a truly stunning love story of two men who desperately need each other, and end up fitting perfectly together. Told from alternating points of view, I was particularly moved by Shane’s reaction to the different aspects of submission, denial, and punishments as he experiences everything for the first time. Their D/s relationship forms naturally, and allows both characters to explore their needs.
Brightly and Bawden write beautifully erotic love scenes. In addition to the eroticism of daddy kink, the authors make the most of the taboo aspect of the coupling between thirty-six year old West and his dead lover’s eighteen year-old brother. Intimate with a generous amount of kink, it’s a nice balance with the angst and the drama.
While Kaeomakana Tiwanak delivers the emotional expression I enjoy in his performances, I didn’t feel that he was the right fit for these characters. Tiwanak does a nice job using specific voices for both main characters, as well as for the narrator, as they alternate throughout the story and he turns in a very professional performance.
an audiobook coy of The Promise was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review
Read
April 28, 2020No, no no. It’s me. I’m not rating this book because I should never have started it in the first place. I knew the first part would have to be depressing since they were morning the death of a Shane’s brother and West’s lover.
However, it was constant inner monologue and beating yourself up over your desires. Even if it’s well written, and this is, it bores me to read it. I made it to about 30%.
However, it was constant inner monologue and beating yourself up over your desires. Even if it’s well written, and this is, it bores me to read it. I made it to about 30%.
August 4, 2021
The Promise
By Ki Brightly & Meg Bawden
When Shane's parents throw him out after learning he's gay his brother, Carter, and Carter's lover, West, take him in and they become a family of their own. When Carter becomes ill and passes from cancer things between West and Shane fall apart. West hides his sorrow and becomes emotionless throwing himself into his job. Without his brother and best friend, Carter, Shane falls apart. He begins drinking and throwing himself into getting his college degree.
When Shane makes a bad decision that has far reaching consequences West finally opens his eyes to see just how far apart they've grown and that Shane needs a firm hand to keep him out of trouble.
I did enjoy this book, but it wasn’t all that I expected. It was implied in the description that they eventually become Daddy and Boy. They do however... not in the sense that I assumed they would be. This is not a full time Daddy/Boy relationship. It's more West only taking Shane in hand when Shane needs it. The rest of the time they are friends that become closer and eventually have a serious relationship. Because I was expecting it to be a full Daddy/Boy relationship I was disappointed that it was not. Nevertheless I still liked it. I liked both West and Shane as well as loved seeing glimpses of who Carter was in their lives. I hated Shane's parents, especially his father.
The book is in both West and Shane's POV. The angst level is medium.
By Ki Brightly & Meg Bawden
When Shane's parents throw him out after learning he's gay his brother, Carter, and Carter's lover, West, take him in and they become a family of their own. When Carter becomes ill and passes from cancer things between West and Shane fall apart. West hides his sorrow and becomes emotionless throwing himself into his job. Without his brother and best friend, Carter, Shane falls apart. He begins drinking and throwing himself into getting his college degree.
When Shane makes a bad decision that has far reaching consequences West finally opens his eyes to see just how far apart they've grown and that Shane needs a firm hand to keep him out of trouble.
I did enjoy this book, but it wasn’t all that I expected. It was implied in the description that they eventually become Daddy and Boy. They do however... not in the sense that I assumed they would be. This is not a full time Daddy/Boy relationship. It's more West only taking Shane in hand when Shane needs it. The rest of the time they are friends that become closer and eventually have a serious relationship. Because I was expecting it to be a full Daddy/Boy relationship I was disappointed that it was not. Nevertheless I still liked it. I liked both West and Shane as well as loved seeing glimpses of who Carter was in their lives. I hated Shane's parents, especially his father.
The book is in both West and Shane's POV. The angst level is medium.
dnf
January 26, 2020DNF @ 18%
Just meh, all the unrealistic melodrama and writing isn’t what I’m in the mood for.
Just meh, all the unrealistic melodrama and writing isn’t what I’m in the mood for.
January 28, 2020
Autorzy tej książki, powinni się przeszkolić co to jest Daddy kink.
To mogła być jedna z najlepszych książek jaką w tym roku czytałam, jest zła. O daddy kink nie wspomnę , tak nie wygląda związek pomiędzy daddy i boy.
Nadzwyczajnie jestem rozczarowana.
To mogła być jedna z najlepszych książek jaką w tym roku czytałam, jest zła. O daddy kink nie wspomnę , tak nie wygląda związek pomiędzy daddy i boy.
Nadzwyczajnie jestem rozczarowana.
February 15, 2020
LOVE LOVE LOVED!!!! Oh gosh a solid forbidden romance daddy kink style I could have cried with relief. I needed this so badly.
This book doesn’t play around with oh will they won’t they with the taboo romance of the widow and his younger brother in law. The focus is more on them navigating their relationship and their grief at the same time.
There are some large time skips at the start of the novel after the death of Shane’s brother and West’s partner (Carter). Months after the death, Shane has fallen to underage drinking and ends up arrested — this establishes the subplot of him being on probation and having to remain sober to avoid a stint in jail or a smear on his record. Spoiler, he doesn’t stay sober much (he doesn’t become an alcoholic but he does slip up regularly when he’s feeling at his worst).
West becomes more of a workaholic to avoid the one off fling the two have and we get another time jump. Both men are deep in depression and abusing themselves in their own ways before they finally find comfort and solace in each other. There’s the typical misunderstanding of “what are we” but instead of it tearing them apart, Shane shows some incredible maturity and demonstrates he’s just as much West’s rock as West is his.
The intimacy of the sex scenes were both emotional and so delicious it felt like my face was on fire reading them: dirty and powerful all in one. A solid read that I really enjoyed.
This book doesn’t play around with oh will they won’t they with the taboo romance of the widow and his younger brother in law. The focus is more on them navigating their relationship and their grief at the same time.
There are some large time skips at the start of the novel after the death of Shane’s brother and West’s partner (Carter). Months after the death, Shane has fallen to underage drinking and ends up arrested — this establishes the subplot of him being on probation and having to remain sober to avoid a stint in jail or a smear on his record. Spoiler, he doesn’t stay sober much (he doesn’t become an alcoholic but he does slip up regularly when he’s feeling at his worst).
West becomes more of a workaholic to avoid the one off fling the two have and we get another time jump. Both men are deep in depression and abusing themselves in their own ways before they finally find comfort and solace in each other. There’s the typical misunderstanding of “what are we” but instead of it tearing them apart, Shane shows some incredible maturity and demonstrates he’s just as much West’s rock as West is his.
The intimacy of the sex scenes were both emotional and so delicious it felt like my face was on fire reading them: dirty and powerful all in one. A solid read that I really enjoyed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2020
Great story. If you ever known anyone who has lost their fight with cancer it makes this story sad at times. This is an older male younger man story. In this story you will get to see how Caleb and Shane cope with the loss of Carter. Carter was Shane’s big brother and Calebs partner. Carter asked Caleb to take care of Shane but also asked Shane to take care of Caleb.
Shane has a hard time coming to terms with the loss of his brother. He ends up getting into trouble for underaged drinking and is put on probation. The judge requires him to be released to a adult and Caleb is all he has. Unfortunately Caleb isn’t doing well with the loss of his partner. This is were these two begin to come together and Shane becomes Calebs boy.
This story shows how these two come together to heal each other from a great loss to both of them in a healthy manner. I truly enjoyed this read. I must say at times this story moved me to tears.-Enjoy
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Shane has a hard time coming to terms with the loss of his brother. He ends up getting into trouble for underaged drinking and is put on probation. The judge requires him to be released to a adult and Caleb is all he has. Unfortunately Caleb isn’t doing well with the loss of his partner. This is were these two begin to come together and Shane becomes Calebs boy.
This story shows how these two come together to heal each other from a great loss to both of them in a healthy manner. I truly enjoyed this read. I must say at times this story moved me to tears.-Enjoy
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 31, 2020
I am not actually sure I should review this book - I kind of skipped some scenes and used it like and... an interlude to what I was really reading. Wasn't that interested in the plot. The style was good enough I didn't delete it, the characters nice enough I could stand them as long as I had enough breathing room between readings.
And I firmly believe if you don't like what you're reading, you should just quit - if the book is not for you, well, I guess we do need some negative reviews as a warning so you can decide if you want to read it in the first place but if the book is not a fit, why read it if you just hate on it? I don't like telenovelas or mushrooms so reading mushrooms and then complaining about it seems a little absurd, no?
And I firmly believe if you don't like what you're reading, you should just quit - if the book is not for you, well, I guess we do need some negative reviews as a warning so you can decide if you want to read it in the first place but if the book is not a fit, why read it if you just hate on it? I don't like telenovelas or mushrooms so reading mushrooms and then complaining about it seems a little absurd, no?
January 28, 2020
DNF @ 45%
I just can't seem to get over how big a jerk West is being at the ~43% mark, so I'm leaving this DNF after a day's rest and realising that I am no longer interested in finished the book.
I just can't seem to get over how big a jerk West is being at the ~43% mark, so I'm leaving this DNF after a day's rest and realising that I am no longer interested in finished the book.
Read
May 5, 2022**DNF**
Abandoned the audio book at approximately 14%.
I had problems with the pacing. The author constantly skips past the action and then explains it as an afterthought with one or two throw away sentences (or never explains it at all).
The actions, thoughts, and feelings of the main characters AND the side-characters are completely unbelievable. (Parents are completely fine with their first child being gay and in a stable long term relationship with another man, but when the second much young child also comes out as gay years later, they are soooo shook they KICK HIM OUT??? One is fine, but two is a bridge too far? Yeah? No. I call bullshit.)
Speaking of BS, the author’s understanding of the mechanics of an arrest and then how the subsequent prosecution progresses through the legal system is flat out wrong. Even in a small town, you don’t go straight from jail to what amounts to your sentencing hearing in less than 24 hrs. You may have a bail hearing that fast, but nothing else. But more than anything, no where, and I mean NO WHERE, do you get a court appointed public defender for a MISDEMEANOR charge.
🤦♂️ Absurd. Completely unbelievable, buuuuut…
I’ve finished books with bigger plot holes.
I realized I wasn’t going to be able to finish the book when I imagined having to listen to the narrator perform both voices. I’ve enjoyed Kaeomakana Tiwanak’s work narrating other books, and he actually would have been fine for this one, if it was only written from Shane’s (the Boy) perspective. The problem is Tiwanak’s voice sounds exactly like teenage boy.
So yeah. I can get behind him voicing the 18 year old Boy MC. I couldn’t get behind him voicing West (the Daddy). It was jarring and honestly a bit confusing because I kept thinking I was hearing Shane when we were really hearing West.
I may have read more if I was reading the book myself, but probably not because I have zero desire to switch to the print version. I returned my copy of the book to Audible along with another title by the same author with the same narrator. I suspect this author isn’t for me, and that’s just fine.
Abandoned the audio book at approximately 14%.
I had problems with the pacing. The author constantly skips past the action and then explains it as an afterthought with one or two throw away sentences (or never explains it at all).
The actions, thoughts, and feelings of the main characters AND the side-characters are completely unbelievable. (Parents are completely fine with their first child being gay and in a stable long term relationship with another man, but when the second much young child also comes out as gay years later, they are soooo shook they KICK HIM OUT??? One is fine, but two is a bridge too far? Yeah? No. I call bullshit.)
Speaking of BS, the author’s understanding of the mechanics of an arrest and then how the subsequent prosecution progresses through the legal system is flat out wrong. Even in a small town, you don’t go straight from jail to what amounts to your sentencing hearing in less than 24 hrs. You may have a bail hearing that fast, but nothing else. But more than anything, no where, and I mean NO WHERE, do you get a court appointed public defender for a MISDEMEANOR charge.
🤦♂️ Absurd. Completely unbelievable, buuuuut…
I’ve finished books with bigger plot holes.
I realized I wasn’t going to be able to finish the book when I imagined having to listen to the narrator perform both voices. I’ve enjoyed Kaeomakana Tiwanak’s work narrating other books, and he actually would have been fine for this one, if it was only written from Shane’s (the Boy) perspective. The problem is Tiwanak’s voice sounds exactly like teenage boy.
So yeah. I can get behind him voicing the 18 year old Boy MC. I couldn’t get behind him voicing West (the Daddy). It was jarring and honestly a bit confusing because I kept thinking I was hearing Shane when we were really hearing West.
I may have read more if I was reading the book myself, but probably not because I have zero desire to switch to the print version. I returned my copy of the book to Audible along with another title by the same author with the same narrator. I suspect this author isn’t for me, and that’s just fine.
January 26, 2020
This isn't my favorite trope to read and I usually have to be in the mood to read role play books, especially daddy kink. But do love a good angsty book and this one sounded like it fit the bill.I didn't feel like this one was too over the top though with the daddy/boy dynamic and it was more used as a comfort thing for both characters. Carter died from cancer leaving the two people he loved the most behind, his boyfriend wes and younger brother Shane. Shane had a hard time coping with his brother's death and was slowly withering away and only Wes can help pull him out of it. By bringing comfort and creating a safe place for shane, he was also bringing these things to himself. They were both what eachother needed to help get them through their grief and loneliness but Shane couldn't help but still be stricken by guilt of taking comfort in the bed of that his new lover once shared with his no deceased brother. They were both at war with themselves on what was the right and wrong thing to do but had a hard time keeping away from eachother and struggled more being apart than when they were together. This was a touching and emotional read. I felt like the story and characters were both well written. At first I wasn't sure if I would enjoy this kind of story with it being so soon after his brother's death but I feel like the story was well done with super believable characters. We all grieve in our own way and that is exactly what these two characters did and they were able to that together instead of alone.
March 15, 2020
3,5*
PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!
To my ratings:
A 3,5* is clicked with a 4* but in review marked as 3,5*:
5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-Away-book like ‘Jesse's Smile’ or ‘Joey’ from Angelique Jurd, ‘Save the the kids’ series
from EM Leya, ‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or ‘Liberty’ from Seth King),
it's like an A+
4* - very good and will be often reread and is a WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises (like most of Andrew Grey books and Davidson Kings 'Haven Hart'-series)
it's like an A
3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few times (most romances where you can enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+
3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader (2-3 times a year),
it's like a B
2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-reader (I wouldn't recommend it heartily, but it was ok)
It's like a C-, D
1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an absolute NO-GO). It's like failure in the
whole line, dismissed, repeat the class.
PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!
To my ratings:
A 3,5* is clicked with a 4* but in review marked as 3,5*:
5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-Away-book like ‘Jesse's Smile’ or ‘Joey’ from Angelique Jurd, ‘Save the the kids’ series
from EM Leya, ‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or ‘Liberty’ from Seth King),
it's like an A+
4* - very good and will be often reread and is a WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises (like most of Andrew Grey books and Davidson Kings 'Haven Hart'-series)
it's like an A
3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few times (most romances where you can enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+
3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader (2-3 times a year),
it's like a B
2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-reader (I wouldn't recommend it heartily, but it was ok)
It's like a C-, D
1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an absolute NO-GO). It's like failure in the
whole line, dismissed, repeat the class.
August 24, 2020
This is an intense and dramatic tear jerker. When Shane came out when he was 16, his parents kicked him out, and his brother Carter and West, his brother's significant other, took him in. Two years later Carter dies of cancer, leaving Shane and West devestated and alone. While West threw himself into work, Shane floundered then one night West came home to a drunk Shane, and joined him. They ended up in bed together that night, and West freaked out the next morning, and started working more. When Shane went back to school he loaded up on classes. The next break it was much the same, until Shane ran himself to the point that he couldn't get home. West went into Daddy mode, but things didn't go too far. Shane spent the summer trying to get West to have a real relationship. Every time Carter was brought up was heartbreaking, because they both really needed him, and didn't know how to help themselves or each other. It's a great storyline with sympathetic characters.
February 2, 2020
Lawyer Caleb “West” Weston is widowed before forty. 18 year old Shane loses his brother. Carter was the man they both loved and counted on when Shane’s parents kicked him out. He was the love that held their little family together. This rollercoaster of a story grabs your heart as these two lost souls try to find themselves again while life continues on around them. Mistakes are made, hearts are hurt but can they reach out and come together to face the life ahead. The characters had depth and personality that always makes a good story for me. I would definitely recommend this book looking for a good read.
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.
May 20, 2021
A definite must read
This was a fantastic story about love, loss, grief, disappointments, learning from mistakes, how to live with situations that most people find socially unacceptable, and so much more. Everyone should be able to live life without the constant judgment of others, be who they truly are instead of having to pretend for appearance sake. I love that this story shows that love, strength, and support can help anyone be who they want and were meant to be.
I'm not personally involved in the LGBTQ community, however I have lots of friends and family who are, and I support all of them, as well as the community as a whole.
I would definitely recommend this book, and outstanding authors.
This was a fantastic story about love, loss, grief, disappointments, learning from mistakes, how to live with situations that most people find socially unacceptable, and so much more. Everyone should be able to live life without the constant judgment of others, be who they truly are instead of having to pretend for appearance sake. I love that this story shows that love, strength, and support can help anyone be who they want and were meant to be.
I'm not personally involved in the LGBTQ community, however I have lots of friends and family who are, and I support all of them, as well as the community as a whole.
I would definitely recommend this book, and outstanding authors.
January 31, 2020
If you love age gap, daddy kink stories you won't want to miss this one. This really is a beautiful story all around and I couldn't put it down. What starts out as a tragedy turns into something sweet and loving. Have tissues handy this book is emotional. It's sad that Carter died, but it's in his death West and Shane are able take care of each other. West made a promise and in keeping that promise he got so much more than he expected. I loved watching the growth of these two characters.
I recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 3, 2020
Is it easier to let go, when you have someone to catch you? Carter, West's mate dies from cancer. West and his 18 year old younger brother, Shane spiral into depression. They isolate themselves and fail to comfort each other. Shane's parents rejected him when he came out. West and Carter were Shane's solace. Shane, acts out and totally deteriorates, feeling he is totally abandoned. Sensitive, well written story of loss, grief, acceptanc, recovery growth then the ability to accept happiness. Do West and Shane make it out to the other side? Do they find their peace? Does Shane reconcile with his parents? Did Carter know? I received an ARC from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a Review.
February 5, 2020
West loved Carter and he is saddened when Carter succumbs to cancer. Carter's younger brother Shane, also gay, lives with them because his parents do not take it well that he too is gay. Both men are grieving, both men need healing. As happens in intense emotional times at one point they turn to one another and feel guilt because of it. They have to work to forge their own relationship in spite of their connection to one another because of Carter. This is a complex and emotional story of a pair of men who find their way to one another and create their own chapter in life and learn to move forward.
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.
February 5, 2020
Falling in love with your dead partner's younger brother is real awful/forbidden...right? That's West's current situation. Both Shane and West were devastated when Carter died from cancer. They found solace with each other. Their road to love had some ups and downs and it was amazing story. I really enjoyed reading...it had me laughing at times (Shane's potty mouth), cheering (the family therapy session) and sniffling at others (Carter's goodbye letters and West's panic attacks). Very nice ending and I definitely recommend trying this book out.
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.
February 6, 2020
When Carter dies he leaves behind his partner Caleb "West" and his brother Shane. He also make West promise that he will look after Shane once he is gone. This story explore the time after Carter's death and how grief changes and influence people and relationships.
The story grabbed the heart strings from the first chapter and you felt deeply for both West and Shane. Shane you wanted to wrap in cotton wool while thinking evil thoughts against his parents for their judgement and attitudes.
A beautiful story but definitely needs tissues.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story grabbed the heart strings from the first chapter and you felt deeply for both West and Shane. Shane you wanted to wrap in cotton wool while thinking evil thoughts against his parents for their judgement and attitudes.
A beautiful story but definitely needs tissues.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 22, 2020
3/5 2.5 stars with bonus "it's not you it's me" half star
I'm a little behind in my reviews, which makes no sense because I have literally nothing else to do. This one wasn't really my cup of tea, I have to learn not to read daddy kink books. I usually check it out if I like the authors though, maybe I should stop that. Also, the age gap was kind of iffy to me. Shane just turned 18 and West was his (10 year) older brother's (8 year) older boyfriend. I'm not sure about West's motives, but Shane's maturity level was absolutely questionable.
Tags: Age Gap: 18 years; Kink: Daddy/Boy, light BDSM
I'm a little behind in my reviews, which makes no sense because I have literally nothing else to do. This one wasn't really my cup of tea, I have to learn not to read daddy kink books. I usually check it out if I like the authors though, maybe I should stop that. Also, the age gap was kind of iffy to me. Shane just turned 18 and West was his (10 year) older brother's (8 year) older boyfriend. I'm not sure about West's motives, but Shane's maturity level was absolutely questionable.
Tags: Age Gap: 18 years; Kink: Daddy/Boy, light BDSM
January 27, 2020
The beginning of this story had a sadness to it that felt very real. West and Shane, as they began picking up the pieces after Carter’s illness, found themselves involved. The book has a strong story. The healing that comes after loss can be difficult. This book shows the heroes finding their way back and finding one another. The story is good, shows strength in times of adversity and has a good HEA. An enjoyable read.
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.
February 3, 2020
Shane is not in a good place after his older brother dies. After the funeral, Shane is really lost and gets arrested. Shane gives the judge Caleb "West" Weston's name. Shane is placed in West's custody. West promised Carter, he would take care of Shane. West is having his own problems with the loss of Carter. Can West give Shane the guidance he needs to live his life to the fullest? Will Shane find the love he needs to go on?
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.
February 4, 2020
4.5 Stars.....I really enjoyed this read. It has a daddy kink to it. There was so much emotion in this book. Both MC's had to deal with what they felt for each other and the dead lover/brother. West and Shane were really good together. Their story line was well written and kept my attention the whole way through. My only compliant would be the dragging out of the guilt and shame they both had going on. Nonetheless a great story.
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.
April 30, 2020
AUDIO REVIEW
Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars
Shane is kicked out of home and his brother and boyfriend take him in. 2 years later his brother has died of cancer and West has promised to look after Shane. Shane's grief gets him trouble and West comes to the rescue. He becomes the Daddy to lure Shane back to the world of the living. Beautifully written though I only likes the narration, his female voices were poor and I just found it too hard to listen to for a long time.
Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars
Shane is kicked out of home and his brother and boyfriend take him in. 2 years later his brother has died of cancer and West has promised to look after Shane. Shane's grief gets him trouble and West comes to the rescue. He becomes the Daddy to lure Shane back to the world of the living. Beautifully written though I only likes the narration, his female voices were poor and I just found it too hard to listen to for a long time.
July 10, 2021
Hasta el momento es de los peorcitos que he leído del kink D/b y me molestó un poco que todo fuera tan tomado a la ligera, sin explicaciones, sin tomar consideraciones, no sé simplemente me dejó un mal sabor leerlo. Los otros no han estado tan peor pero con este sí rayó todo lo incorrecto en niveles demasiado altos.
Siento que también el tema del duelo fue tomado tan a la ligera, sin mostrar el debido respeto cuando se pierde a un ser querido, creo que sobre todo fue esto lo que menos me agrado y me dejó odiando a ambos personajes.
Siento que también el tema del duelo fue tomado tan a la ligera, sin mostrar el debido respeto cuando se pierde a un ser querido, creo que sobre todo fue esto lo que menos me agrado y me dejó odiando a ambos personajes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2021
I’m reviewing the audio edition. This story about grief and moving on is heartbreaking. After the loss of Carter both West and Shane are struggling to find a after. West has the responsibility to watch over Shane but it’s hard when there is an attraction. Shane is just almost lost. He is trying to deal on a daily basis but not so successfully. There are so many issues to this relationship and its development. How these two handle them drew me in. I enjoyed the story. What I felt just didn’t fit is the narration. The voice of West just seems too juvenile.
June 30, 2025
overall good book, but bdsm red flag
Overall I thought this book was a well-written, emotionally challenging, good read.
As someone who takes kink very seriously, I would be remiss if I didn’t correct something in this novel: DOMS/TOPS NEED SAFEWORDS (& AFTERCARE) TOO!
Given that neither main character has much kink/bdsm knowledge, I think it’s fine for MC1 to say, “Doms don’t need safewords” to MC2. I don’t think authors need to write characters who have perfect knowledge.
That said, I feel sad that the authors didn’t correct this elsewhere in their book.
Overall I thought this book was a well-written, emotionally challenging, good read.
As someone who takes kink very seriously, I would be remiss if I didn’t correct something in this novel: DOMS/TOPS NEED SAFEWORDS (& AFTERCARE) TOO!
Given that neither main character has much kink/bdsm knowledge, I think it’s fine for MC1 to say, “Doms don’t need safewords” to MC2. I don’t think authors need to write characters who have perfect knowledge.
That said, I feel sad that the authors didn’t correct this elsewhere in their book.
January 28, 2020
Carter, his love West and his little brother Shane live together until cancer takes Carter away. Now West and Shane struggle along. Carter asked him to watch over his brother, but the feelings daddy Dom West has for Shane are more than they expected. Is it wrong for daddy to want Shane to be his boy forever? They can fight it, but love always wins, right?
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.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews