Promised Vow

Promises, Promises #1

by Rye Cox, Zachary Zaba (Narrator)

Our impending vows were supposed to be fake…

Moving home to Kither Springs to help my sister with her baby wasn’t a hardship. I love being with my family, but a few months of sleeping on the couch really takes a toll on you. I desperately needed to move out, but while I was away, my hometown became ‘viral famous.’

A rush of people had clamored to our town, looking for a taste of small-town life, which means less housing. When an apartment finally becomes available, I’m not the only one interested in it, but maybe that’s not such a bad thing…

Ryker is all muscles, adorable frowns, and gooey brown eyes I want to melt into. I know better than to hit on a straight guy, so I offer to be roommates instead. It’ll be just like college.

But then the old landlady insists she only rents to couples, which leads me to blurting out that Ryker and I are engaged… future husbands-to-be. To my utter surprise, my former classmate goes along with the not-so-little white lie.

Now we’re pretending to be in love while I try not to fall in love for real.

Promised Vow is book 1 of the Promises, Promises series set in a small town with meddling neighbors and a tight community of friends and family. This book has size difference, bisexual awakening, opposites attract, and a very clingy cat.

Genres: M M Romance, Audiobook, Romance, Friends To Lovers, Found Family, LGBT, Forced Proximity

Audible Audio

Published March 19, 2025

About the author

Be sure to follow to stay updated on latest release: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/rye-cox

Rye is an M/M Romance author who is a romantic at heart. She believes that love conquers all, and that's why her stories are guaranteed to always have an HEA. When she's not writing, she escapes to the world of books or daydreams about becoming a future cat lady.

Reviews

[⭐Toonasa⭐ •Romance Book Lovers' Haven• · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet MM Small town romance with fake engagement, classmates reunited as roomies, size difference, quiet x talker, bi-awakening, cute kitty, great friends & family!
I got this as a #ALC in 2025, but I hadn't gotten around to listening to it 🫣. Now that I found my love of audiobooks, I finally completed it in 1 day! This became my 1st audiobook (& 2nd book) of 2026. Loved Ryker, Sam & townsfolk.

I've seen a lot of books with Zach as narrator & finally listened to him! His Sam voice is gentle & R's deep, slightly posh/rough 🤔. The side characters voice of oldies & lady is good! Teasing tone so fun. I liked it!

Sam moved back to his hometown to help with his sister's baby (& he just wanted to back). S is a "social butterfly", gentle, charming & protective. "Petite" but 5' 8" isn't short! I liked his family ☺️.
Ryker is a "sexy rugged bear", he's big with tough exterior but shy, quiet, sweet & blushes easily 🤭. R works in construction & got a good friend group! I loved his passion for his beloved topic. R's a cat dad 😁.

The set-up of fake engaged for rent is fun, gets us good close proximity 🤭. I really liked how open-minded all are 😍. S is out & proud gay. Ry has a late bi-awakening & questions with it, but its sweetly handled & ya having a sexual awakening at any age is more than ok 🙌. Crushes are cute, it's low angst but also slow paced.

Teasing, pretend, cuddles, touches, not reject 🥹...tension explodes hotly 🥵. It takes time but the eventual communication is good & I liked when they cleared stuff, made it real without doubts. Ry's not like S's closeted ex's 😤, patient & forward 🥹. The libido lol 😂, but they fall in love before sex. It's a sweet story & I'm proud of sis, slay girl 🙌. Grandpa scored 😏. Cute ending! I'll def try the step-bros book 🤭.

Audiobook+Story Ratings:
POV: 1st person, Dual POV
Narration: Single, Zachary Zaba
1) Enjoyed? —> Yes 5/5
2) The Characters: 5/5
3) Top feels: 🤗😆😏🤨🤭😅🥰😁😩🥺😂😍🥹😳😤🐈😊
4) Steamy scenes: 2/5
5) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 4.5/5
Angst: 1.5/5
Dark: 0.5/5
6) Creativity + world: 4.5/5
7) Plot arc: (Small town, fake engaged, love) 4/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.5/5
9) Voice acting: 8/10 (very good)

** #alcHonestReview #AllViewsAreMyOwn **
FB Page | Instagram | Bookbub | FB group

[therese ˃ᴗ˂ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just pure sweetness. This book was so honest and cute. I love both the mcs and the fact that there's no miscommunication? And they talked like adults? The heat was so good!

[Ricardo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Linda história de amor.

[VersaiVex_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

What better than a small town, gossipy, old folks meddling romance?
In my opinion, bi-awakening AND pining. Throw in some gray fur with 4 paws and a cute wittle nose that weighs 20 lbs and you have everything you need for the perfect sweet read.

Small towns that love to gossip really makes any book keep an even flow. It throws in some drama and plot that can make the MMCs fight and then give in to their shared desires. Which honestly I love.

Sam and Ryker went to school together and although they were not friends per se, when they meet again at an apartment viewing... sparks fly.

Throw in a lot of fake dating in order to get an apartment and you result in a lot of tension and unintentional cuddling.

If you are looking for a slow burn, heady tension, bi-awakening, pining, and figuring out life then this book is just right for you.
No real angst or depressing feelings so this is by far a good mood read when you want something soft and fluffy.

[Xanthe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a perfectly sweet, low angst romance that has all the feels.
Ryker is adorable as the big builder who is having his first crush on a guy when he ends up becoming roommates, and pretend engaged to, Sam. It seems quite a baffling experience for him which is very entertaining and cute whilst Sam is just trying to make sure they get to rent the flat instead of missing out on yet another one. Who knew old lady landlords could be a matchmaker?
Sam is a great guy, all in on taking care of his family but definitely in need of his own space as well, having spent several months sleeping on the couch. The flat is only the tip of the dream as he gets to share with the hunky bear that is Ryker. They seem to be a great match right from the start, getting on well together, and with Gray, Ryker's overly affectionate cat. The attraction subtly simmers on both sides until one comment from the landlady makes things ignite and it's all heat from there.
What I love the most is just how respectful, caring and sweet Ryker is. He may be all in on his new attraction to a man but he accepts any limit Sam sets, with him having been burnt in the past, and wants to take his time to make sure Sam knows how much he's loved.
We also have some great secondary characters, including Sam's family - Gramps, Lana, and Junior, and then Ryker's group of friends who I can envision all getting their own books in the future.
A perfect read for fans of low angst, fake relationship, bi-awakening romance and I can't wait for the next in the series.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

[The Secret Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 1st person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Tropes / tags: fake relationship, sexual discovery, size difference

Promised Vow was a very sweet and cute small town romance!

Sam and Ryker were adorable together, starting out as going from pretty much strangers to fake fiancés after Sam panicked during an apartment viewing. Their story was pretty straight forward with close to no angst, some close proximity, a hot size difference and sexual discovery.

Even though Ryker had never been attracted to a man before, he pretty quickly found himself smitten with Sam. He had some very supportive friends, and I liked how he turned to them when he was confused about his attraction to Sam and his sexuality. He was so cute and bashful around Sam, kind of a gentle giant and very respectful of Sam's limits. While Sam had his reservations due to past experiences, the attraction was very much mutual and he felt safe enough with Ryker to let him explore. From there, it wasn't long before their little explorations and fake relationship turned into real feelings.

I really enjoyed Promised Vow and it was a great beginning to the Promises, promises series! It was lighthearted and sweet, but there was still an emotional depth to the story. The small town vibes were there, and I'm curious to see which characters that will get their own stories. A great choice for the next time you're looking for a charming and heartwarming romance!

-
Thanks to Neon Rainbow ARC Reviews for the opportunity to read and review this book. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

[K.R. Phoenix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, romantic and sunny romance

There's just something about this book that's happiness and joyful. The love story between Ryker and Sam is so sweet and endearing with an unconventional fake engagement to finding your forever person in the end.

I loved all the vivid characters and cameos and I really hope we get to see more of Ryker's friends find love.

The writing, and story style just made me smile the hope way through and I thoroughly enjoyed every sweet moment, every touch, tease and all that stuff. It's low angst, full of communication and wonderful, swoon-worthy moments.

Fantastic and dynamic narration by Zachary Zabba. Both mcs have their own distinct voices and even the extra characters are distinguishable from each other. Very easy to listen to and get lost in. I hope he can narrate Jones story too and very much look forward to his much deserved HEA!

[Fernanda Parente · Rating 5 out of 5]

To rent a house, Ryker and Sam decide to fake an engagement.
From a school knowledge to an attraction, it's just a small step, but both are afraid to move forward, both have failed past relationships and Ryker is straight? Or not?
After the Christmas books, this is the first Rye Cox book that I read and became a fan of.
An author to follow

[Molly Otto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who knew a desperate attempt to find an apartment would lead to fake fiances and an all too real HEA. Ryker and Sam are adorable together. It's so cute and fun and perfect right off the bat. Ryker is so much supportive, and even though this is his bi-awakening, he takes it in stride and really makes the experience good for both of them. Sam is adorable and just looking to help out his family in any way that he can.
The depth of emotions and vulnerably of the two main characters makes this story that much better as it takes the premise of fake dating and turns it into something sweet and loveable.

[b00ks_in_nature · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute

This was a fun, low-angst story. I loved how important family was. Throw in a meddling landlady, nosy townsfolk, a sweet cat, and these 'fake' fiances have a great time pretending - until things become very real. Cute, enjoyable read.

[Saskia Veldhuis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread as audiobook. A wonderful narrator who fits this story particularly well.
Story - 4 stars.Very sweet and low angst start to what promises to be a delightful new small town series. Everything just seemed to flow very smoothly, and the MCs and side characters were all really interesting without being overbearing. While there was a bit of gossip, there weren't busybodies behind every bush, and there was no hatred. This could make a great comfort read.

[Julie Underhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Promised Vow by Rye Cox is the first book in her Promises, Promises series. It is the sweet story of 2 men who want the same apartment, agree to share it, but have to say they are in a committed relationship in order to rent it, even though they don’t know each other very well. Sam Monroe has returned to Kither Springs to help his family when his sister, Lana, got pregnant and is living in his Gramps’ apartment sleeping on the uncomfortable couch. He was living in Austin, working as a yoga instructor, and also doing social media and online marketing for several businesses so he could work at the apartment. Kither Springs had become very popular since a travel blogger had featured it on his site so it was hard to find a nice place to live for a reasonable price. His real estate agent had found such a place for him to look at but his nephew, Junior, got sick so he thought he had missed his appointment to look it but he was able to make it when the other man looking at it said it was OK to view it at the same time. That man was Ryker West. They had both grown up in Kither Springs but ran in different circles as Ryker was quiet, shy, and chubby and Sam was a social butterfly but a kind one who always stood up for him and for what was right. He worked in construction for his best friend Jones’s construction company. His parents had recently moved and sold their house so he was staying with him until he could find another place to live. They both liked the apartment but when Annabelle, the owner, said she would only rent to 2 people in a committed relationship they panicked but Sam said they were engaged and Ryker went along with it. So with the help of Ryker’s friends, they moved in. They both felt an attraction to each other but Ryker was straight so they didn’t act on it but both continued to feel the pull to each other and they set some rules so they wouldn’t get caught. Sam had told his sister and Ryker his friends and colleagues about their relationship but they had to keep it quiet so it wouldn’t get around that it was fake. Sam had always felt like his boyfriends were in it to use him as an experiment if they were bi-curious and then move on so he had big trust issues that this would continue. Ryker had been seen as too stupid or too slow because it took him time to process things and so girls moved on, too. But as they got to know one another their feelings grew which led them to several hot love scenes. They realized they enjoyed each other’s company and spent more time together which caused Ryker to tell Sam that he might be the one. But Sam still had trust issues that Ryker continued to tackle by being there for him and saying what he needed to hear until they both declared their love for each other. I really enjoyed this story. Sam is such a good guy and very family oriented. He wants to help everyone and stood up for what he believed. Ryker was just what he needed, steady and wanting to take care of him as well as treat him how he deserved to be treated. Lana, Junior, and Gramps were an important part of this story as were Ryker’s friends who were willing to help them out whenever they were needed. Gray, Ryker’s cat, also played a big part in the story, especially with the way he always wanted to be with them. I also liked the epilogue as it told how happy they were and where their lives had led them 5 years later. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like small town stories about fake relationships between two men who feel the spark of attraction that grows to more until they find themselves truly in love.

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Promises, Promises series and I really enjoyed it. The story is a sweet romance with a cute small town feel. This is the story of Sam Monroe and Ryker West. Sam has moved back home to help his single mom sister with her newborn baby. He is living in his grampa's house so it is crowded accommodations. Tired of sleeping on the lumpy couch, he is trying to find an apartment to rent. With the surge in population, affordable renting is hard to find. When his realtor finally finds one, he is ecstatic to have a walk through appointment. However, that is the day that Junior's fever spikes and they rush him to the clinic. Explaining why he is missing the appointment, he waits to see what is wrong alongside his gramps. Once Sam's sister shows up and they find out that Junior will be okay. He calls his realtor to see if he can still view the apartment. Luckily the other client lets him join him on the viewing. Ryker is big and intimidating. He works construction but he actually rather quiet. The first meet and it is a welcome surprise. They were both at school together. Each desperately wants the apartment. They agree to be roommates as there are two bedrooms. But the matchmaking landlady insists that she will only rent to committed couples. Desperate to get off the couch with the horrible springs, Sam blurts out that He and Ryker are engaged. Thankfully Ryker goes along with it. And once Same meets Gray, Ryker's cat, there is no going back. They will have to act as a couple outside the apartment because it is such a small town and gossip is the way of life. Can't have anything getting back to the landlord. This is their story. It is well written and easy to read. A nice low angst small town romance. I really enjoyed this book.

I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bill Bottomley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy. This review is submitted voluntarily.

Sam has returned to Kither Springs to help his sister raise her baby. So far, he’s spent his time sleeping on the couch in his Gramps’ house. He desperately wants an apartment (they’re hard to come by due to lots of outsiders moving there) but misses his viewing because his nephew develops a high fever, and they have to take him to the clinic. After his sister Lana arrives, he manages to set up a new time to view the flat only this time with Ryker, a guy with whom he went to school. They discover that the landlady won’t rent to roommates but is OK with committed couples. Sam comes up with the idea that he and Ryker are fiancés and Annabelle accepts. Sam and Ryker slowly fall in love and eventually reach their happy ending.

This is a good read with the plot being quite straightforward. There are really no detours. The main characters are sweet, though Sam has some hesitation because of his past dating experience – straight guys essentially only with him for his body. They nonetheless start falling shortly after their first meeting since they returned to town, though they’re a tad too nice at times. Ryker is also concerned about his best friend’s relationship with a demanding man. I didn’t see that that was resolved before the end of the book. The secondary characters are all involved in helping their relationship, with Annabelle even questioning whether Sam has a problem “downstairs” since she didn’t hear any activity going on in the flat upstairs. They all make contributions to plot advancement and in giving relationship advice to Sam and Ryker.

I recommend this book.

[Bluemoonchild · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book expecting a lighthearted, fake-relationship romance with all of theusual, fun tropes - opposites attract, forced proximity, small-town meddling. And while it absolutely delivered on those, what I didn't expect was the depth of emotion and vulnerability woven into both main characters. The premise is charming - two former classmates finding themselves in a tangled web of pretend love - but it's the emotional layers beneath their banter and chemistry that truly make the story.

Beneath their outward personas, both men have quiet insecurities from past relationships, but they aren't written to be over the top and instead add a layer that makes them feel real and relatable. Watching them navigate their growing feelings while trying to maintain their fake engagement in front of a nosy small town was sweet and enjoyable. And watching Ryker navigate his bi-awakening while also trying to figure out if he was accidentally homophobic in his past was heartwarming.

Their chemistry is believable and the slow-burn tension had me hooked from the moment they met. But it was their personal journeys - learning to trust each other, learning to be open and vulnerable with each other and to believe they were worthy of love - that truly made this story shine. The side characters were well-developed and intriguing, and I'm very curious about what is going on with Dan and Clay. Hopefully they'll get their own book!

So, if you love small-town romance with a lot of heart, this is a must read.

[I received an advanced copy of this book. All reviews and ratings are my own.]

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an entertaining read about Sam and Ryker, two young men in their late twenties, both looking for an apartment and a way off the couch with family and friends. Rentals are pretty scarce in their small town, and both happen to check out one possibility at the same time. This one has two bedrooms, and it would be ideal for roommates, but owner Annabelle only wants to rent to singles or “committed couples”. On the spur of the moment, Sam grabs Rykers arm and announces they are engaged. Dumbfounded, Ryker goes along with it in order to get the apartment, and suddenly they are a couple. Luckily, the two have a history since elementary through high school so are not total strangers, and as a big plus, each secretly is attracted to the other. Ryker has only been with women and is confused by his attraction to Sam, while Sam flat out thinks Ryker is HOT. Thus begins a close friendship and a slow-moving relationship as they navigate the new-found physical attraction and exploration of their “engagement”, both hopeful of what it might become.

Two very realistic and relatable characters building a lasting relationship while keeping friends in the loop about the fake engagement, putting on a show for the small town gossips, and slowly giving into their mutual admiration society and growing attraction, working toward love. Great supporting characters with Sam's family and Ryker's local circle of friends, and a possessive snuggling cat named Grey to move things along. A low angst, entertaining, satisfying read for a rainy afternoon.

I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.

[Angel_2822 · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

Promised Vow by Rye Cox is the first book in the Promises, Promises series.

IIt is such a cosy, feel-good story that totally pulled me in. Sam is back to his hometown to help his sister, who’s living with their grandpa, with her new-born baby. They have been raised by their Gramps after their parents died when they were young kids. Sam has been sleeping on the couch for the last months so he needs to move to his own apartment.

When Sam finds an affordable apartment and goes to the showing, he bumps into Ryker, and old high school classmate, who’s trying to rent the same apartment. The catch? The landlady only rents to couples, so they pretend to be engaged. Wild, right? But somehow, it works.

I liked how natural their connection felt. Ryker starts off thinking he’s straight, but as he spends more time with Sam, he realized that maybe he’s not so sure, and he handles it with a lot of care and honesty. Sam’s been burned before, especially by guys who weren’t really into him for the right reasons, so it’s sweet to see him open up and start to trust again.

Their relationship grows in such a real, heartwarming way, with a few funny and steamy moments mixed in.

The supportive characters were wonderful. Lana, Junior and Gramps were totally supportive. Sam and Ryker’s friends were also amazing. And Gray, Ryker’s cat, what a cutie! Sam was totally hooked after meeting him.

I loved Zachary Zaba’s narration, especially Ryker’s POV. It was really a pleasure listening to him.

Waiting for the other books of the series to read Jones, Clay, Dan and Atlas stories.

If you’re into fake dating, bi-awakening, slow-burn romance, small-town vibes and low angst, this one’s a winner.

I received an ALC from the author for free, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.

[Gabbi Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute story (an audio review)

I’m a Rye Cox fan and I was happy to grab this first book in her new series. No one does small town like Rye.

Sam is a ham, Ryker is sexy, the landlady is nosy, the family are fantastic, and the cat is a hoot.

I love fake dating stories. Sam was so damn adorable. Helping his sister, loving his grandfather, trying to convince his nephew to make ‘unky’ his first word. Go Junior Go! (I love what his first word turned out to be…) Sam’s been couch surfing to help his sister with the newborn, but the couch is killing his body

Ryker is just as sweet. His family has left town and now he’s struggling to find a place to live. He has friends but doesn’t want to impose.

Then Sam and Ryker see a lovely two-bedroom apartment. Roommates sounds great! Until the landlady says she’ll only rent to couples. Cue Sam suggesting he and Ryker are engaged. From there it’s shenanigans galore.

Of course I knew the guys would get together – but I was curious how that was going to work given that Ryker has never perceived himself as anything but gay. When he looks at Sam’s butt, though, he rethinks his assertion.

I enjoyed this novel and am so glad I picked it up. It made me smile so much.

Zachary Zaba is a fantastic narrator and he did a great job with this audio. His special touch makes me grin and I’m happier for having listened to the book.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam moved back home to help his sister with her newborn baby. On her own with the only help from their grandfather, there was no way Sam was going to help them out. The three of them have been a tight unit since the loss of their parents many years ago. But after months of sleeping on a very uncomfortable couch, Sam is relieved to learn that an apartment has opened up and he could finally have a place of his own. This is where he runs into Ryker who is looking for an apartment as well after staying with a friend for a while. There is one apartment and both readily agree to be roommates. But when the landlord, an old lady, insists on only renting to couples, well Sam makes an impulsive decision. He blurts out that him and Ryker are in a very serious relationship and are even engaged! Now the two of them will have to be pretend to be very much in love if they don’t want to get kicked out. But neither expect the pull they have with one another. The more time they spend together and get to know one another again, the harder they fall. And it’s only a matter of time until this fake relationship becomes real! Sam and Ryker were utterly adorable. I loved their dynamic and how these crazy circumstances really brought them together to find a love they have both been looking for. Super cute story! You don’t want to miss this!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jacqueleen the Reading Queen♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very sweet fake-fiancé romance trope audiobook. I liked both Ryker and Sam as soon as we met them. Sam has a lot going on as he lives with his grandfather and sister, whom has a very young child whose father has run off. I totally get him wanting to get his own place. The problem is that it's hard to find one he can afford in the area he wants. Ryker has had the same issue so when they view the available rental together, they decide to become roommates.

I thought it was funny how Sam just blurts out that him and Ryker are engaged after they view the apartment together and the landlady says she only likes to rent to committed couples. Poor Ryker was definitely out of his element, especially since he's never dated men before. He's good people though so he just quietly goes along with it.

Their romance had basically zero angst. Ryker didn't spend much time worrying over him being attracted to Sam after he'd always identified as straight. It was just this fluffy story of the two of them falling in love. Nothing really too exciting happened, except for the fact that Ryker's best friend is dating a real piece of work. I hated that Ryker and his buddies couldn't make any headway in that situation with their friend. I'm guessing, well hoping, that means he is going to get his own book and ditch that boyfriend for someone new.

[Amanda Winter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Promised Vow by Rye Cox is an adorable, heartfelt take on the fake fiancé trope, filled with genuine emotion, humour, and the perfect amount of slow-burn romance.

Who knew that a desperate search for an apartment would lead to a fake engagement—and a real happily ever after? Ryker and Sam’s chemistry is instant and effortless, making it easy to want them to get together from the very beginning. Ryker, despite experiencing a bi-awakening, embraces it with openness and care, ensuring that their journey is one of mutual respect and emotional growth. Meanwhile, Sam is determined to support his family, making sacrifices wherever he can, and his kind heart makes him impossible not to love.

What sets this story apart is its emotional depth. The vulnerability both characters show as they navigate friendship, attraction, and growing love makes their connection feel authentic and deeply rewarding. Rye Cox takes the classic fake-dating setup and infuses it with so much warmth and sincerity that it becomes more than just a trope—it’s a story about trust, self-discovery, and finding home in another person.

If you love fake fiancé romances with supportive partners, emotional depth, and a bi-awakening done right, this one is a must-read!

[LC · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting for this book, since I read Taming the Tackle. I needed some more stories since Corio Heights was done.

Sam was already my favorite character, since he moved away from his BFF back to Kither Springs for his family. Meeting Gramps, Lana, and Junior the way we did, really cemented that love. Ryker came next with his tall man group of friends and his sweetness. Their budding relationship had me on pins and needles wanting to see who jumped first and how it all panned out.

I love Rye Cox books for reasons ya’ll. The small town romance, the cuddly and super sweet characters, the familial relationships whether they be blood or chosen, and the friendships. Promised Vow has it all and it’s in a small town called Kither Springs. I love small towns. They have diners like Hector’s, neighbors like Annabelle and Auntie Mae. I need all the positive energy, all the small town goodness. I love how Ryker was so ready to believe that Sam was it for him. So ready to have that forever together. I wonder what happened to Jones and his not very nice boyfriend? Will we get the backstory on Jordan and Wren? Who is next? Will it be Atlas from Christmas Falls with his oh so obvious crush? So many questions after another wonderful book by Rue Cox.

[S.M. Harshell · Rating 5 out of 5]

PROMISED VOW is the first book in the Promises, Promises series.

Sam is living with his sister, nephew and grandfather in a very small place. Sam has no problem living there helping his sister with his nephew but sleeping on the couch is getting old quick. There is little to no rentals available since the small town went viral. The one rental he finally finds comes with stipulations. When he sees the apartment it's at the same time as a former classmate, Ryker. The landlord doesn't want to rent roommates so Sam quickly says they are in a committed relationship with Ryker agreed with. The only problem with this plan is that they haven't seen each other in years and Ryker is straight. Add in a nosy neighbors and a fake relationship turning out not so fake.

I loved everything about this read. Sam has trust issues and Ryker dealt with those so well. They worked so well together. They were able to get to know each other and be the person the other needed. I loved the addition of Sam's family and the landlord. They were great additions to the plot. I can't wait for what comes next in this new series.

I was given a free copy of this book to read and review by the author.

[Ana Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love sweet and low angst stories like this one. It feels good to read something that won’t skyrocket my anxiety, haha.

But I can always count on Rye to deliver a heartfelt story full of love and comfort. Promised Vow sure delivered.

After moving back home to help his sister with her baby, Sam is in need of a new place to live. But finding one is nearly impossible after a famous blogger put the town on the map.

When his real estate agent asks him to see the property with another client, Sam discovers that it’s his former classmate. They both want the place but the only way to get it, it’s if they’re a couple.

Sam’s only idea to get the place is to pretend they’re engaged. And we all know how pretending always works. Needless to say that they both find themselves falling for each other.

Ryker always liked Sam since he protected him from bullies in school. Despite Sam’s short height, he was a force to be reckoned with.

Ryker was such a green flag. He became Sam’s protector and showed him he deserved to be loved and cherished.

This is book one of the Promises, Promises series. I can’t wait to read book two!

[Brie_reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received this ARC and Sam and Ryker were very sweet. Sam is looking for a new place to stay after moving home and crashing on his grandfather’s sofa to help his sister with her new baby. Their small town doesn’t have a lot of options so when an apartment opens up but the landlady says she only rents to committed couples, Sam proposes he and Ryker pretend to be engaged. Ryker wants the apartment too so he agrees but soon a fake engagement, one bed and lots of cuddles, and a very needy cat start blurring the lines between fake and real…

Reasons I Recommend:

1) Ryker is a great friend and isn’t afraid of his new feelings

2) Love how Gramps takes Ryker under his wing and how Sam fits in with Ryker’s friends and

3) I am dying to know more about Jones and how he finds his HEA!

A really sweet and adorable read!

⭐️⭐️⭐️

#briereads #brierecommends #2025goodreadsreadingchallenge #reviewedongoodreads #reviewedoninstagram #bookworm #lovetoread #idratherbereading #fiction #mmromance #advancedreaderscopy #promisedvow #ryecox @ryecoxauthor

[Manon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute, no angst, easy read to curl up with on a sofa.

Meeting again after years apart, Sam and Ryker agree on a fake engagment to secure finally an affordable appartment.

It's a school mates to friends to lovers with a good dose of bi-awakening thrown in.

I love how Sam is looking after his sister and baby nephew, he is caring, happy to help. He may not have been best friends with Ryker back in school but even there he showed that he cared about others.

Ryker is finally happy with himself but the sudden close proxemity with Sam is causing confusion of a very differnt way.

I like how Ryker takes his bi-awakening with no issues, he is confident and I like how he wants to make sure Sam is not feeling taken advantage off.

Their fake engagment is a bit over the top, a small town, both have lived there and Sam still has his family there, it's hard to imagine that this was real to the town.

The cat is stealing the show though!

I like Ryker's friends, there is definitley a story or two coming as well I hope.

[Antonella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam and Ryker know each other from school. However, when they see each other again, a lot of years have passed since then. Now they are both grown up, and looking for an apartment.
They live in a small town, so the possibilities are not endless, and they find each other trying to secure themselves the same place to stay in. However, the landlady will rent it only to committed couples. So, they come up with an idea, and decide to act as they are a couple.
But living side by side, and faking a relationship makes it easy for them to know each other better as adults, and what started as a fake thing becomes everyday more real.
This is a very sweet story about two men who meet first at school, and then again when they are grown up, after having had different experiences in life. I enjoyed the story, the way the main characters crossed path again, and the way they got to know each other anew.
I also loved the friends they had, all of them trying to push them into a real relationship. Now I’m curious about the second book, and what will happen there. Looking forward!

[Shana W · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet, fluffy, low-angst romance with great characters, humour, and found family. I liked the writing and the book has tropes I generally enjoy, namely fake relationship and forced proximity tropes. Sam is a sweetheart who moves back home to help out his sister with her baby. It's a small town so he has trouble finding an affordable place to rent. He ends up sharing with Ryker, someone he knew in school. As cute and muscular as Ryker is (who can resist him?), he is also straight, or thinks he is initially, but he finds out otherwise when he develops a crush on Sam. They are really so sweet together and Ryker is so thoughtful. I liked the meddling secondary characters as well, including Gramps, Sam's sister and their landlady.
I had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook, narrated by Zachary Zaba. I always enjoy his narration; he did a great job yet again with this book, making the story more entertaining with his expressive storytelling and different characters' voices.
I received an audiobook copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Amber · Rating 1 out of 5]

well I wasn't aware this was guy on guy. but even taking that away this is a two guys who are needing a place to rent they end up going to the same place and the landlord won't rent it to them as roommates because she sprayed there will be a falling out. so the one lies and says the other is they're engaged. the one is not gay. so I think that's the part of this that bothers me more he's 27 years old and all of a sudden he's maybe by or gay. I think at the age of 27 you know your sexuality and the only reason you would turn to be the other team would be if your family was not accepting of this but both families seem fine with them being gay. so they go on pretending there this happy couple to keep this apartment. the landlord even makes comment that she hasn't heard any hanky-panky so they decide they need to make some noises to to make their story more believable which then he's like well maybe we should really do it and then it goes from there it's dumb I have another one on my to be read of this author and I have a bad feeling it's going to be the same sorry.

[Elizabeth D · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 Fake dating is one of my preferred tropes, and this book delivers that in a big way. (Why have fake dating when you can have a fake fiancé instead, lol.) Ryker and Sam feel an immediate attraction to one another, they have a high-school knowledge of one another already, and they just slip into one another’s lives and their new living arrangements seamlessly despite the added complication of the lie that started it all.

We get a little bit of tension from Sam’s previous poor dating history and Ryker’s being new to male attraction, but mostly, we just get to see these two really caring about one another and figuring out what they really want.

I loved Sam’s family and Ryker’s friends. It was so nice to have such a supportive family with Sam, Lana, Junior, and Gramps. And Gray the cat was amazing!

I’d enjoy seeing more in this nice (nosy, lol) small town.

I received an ARC from NEON Rainbow ARC Reviews. This is my honest review.