Review: Promises

Jared is a man who has just about given up on love.  There are no other gay men even close to his age in the small Colorado town of Coda, where he lives.  But he can't imagine living anywhere else.  He runs a family business with his brother and sister-in-law.  His family is close and he loves his surroundings. 

But when Matt walks into his shop for the first time, Jared's blood heats up.  The two men hit it off quickly, becoming fast friends.  Unfortunately, Matt is straight.  But they become as close as two platonic people can be, hiking together, watching football, drinking beer.  It's not until Jared is hurt in a serious accident, that Matt begins to realize the depths of his own feelings.  Feelings that scare him senseless.   And the story moves forward from there, going from Will-they? or Won't-they? ...to Can Matt get over his issues? ...to Can Jared get over his issues?  

But here's the thing. It was such a joy to watch the story unfold and find out the answers.  Matt's hesitation and confusion felt very realistic under the circumstances.   Jared's trepidations and yearnings were palpable.  And when these two finally came together, it was just lovely. And hot. Did I mention hot?

The sex is portrayed in the same degree of detail you'd find in your typical m/f romance novel... from foreplay to doing the actual deed.  It's scintillating but it's wrapped up in emotions. It doesn't feel cheap or tawdry, but it's plenty smexy.  I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys or would like to try m/m romance.  It's a great book.  5 stars.

*Thanks to Mandi at SmexyBooks, Brie at Romance Around the Corner, and everyone else who gave me this recommendation.