commitment: noun. an obligation restricting one's freedom of action.
Trevor Tully isn't what you'd call a perfect boyfriend. Mostly because he isn't anyone's boyfriend. The king of love 'em and leave 'em, he doesn't allow anyone to get under his skin - and so far he's even managed to convince himself that he likes it that way.
commitment: noun. the promise to be loyal to someone.
Jack Wyatt has never had a boyfriend. He's never had much of anything, really, except for an empty house full of the ghosts of painful memories and a job at his hometown library. That and one long-ago crush on the jock who saved him from a crew of bullies and then disappeared from his life for six years: Trevor Tully.
When Trevor returns to his tiny hometown of Pinton, Tennessee, for the first time since he left for college six years ago, to attend his brother's wedding, he feels like a stranger - ungrounded and unwanted, just like the stray dog that haunts his footsteps when he takes a walk to escape his parents' house. But when Jack agrees to take the dog in - and Trevor, as well - neither of them are prepared for the tantalizing consequences. And the idea that just maybe, they can find a forever home in each other.
Cute and sweet enough, with a few funny moments tossed in here and there.
But there wasn't a lot of in-depth conversation as to why both MC's were quite the way they were, so the story felt a bit lacking in feels department, for me.
One thing that kept striking me as a bit off was that the language in the book didn't come across as overly "Tennessee" -- where I actually grew up. Instead, it just felt like Small Town 'Anywhere.'
Also, the almost complete lack of homophobia felt pretty unrealistic for Tennessee. Or anywhere in the rural South, from my experience -- especially in the new era of Trump's 'Murica.
The story was pretty sexy, once they finally got to that point, but it wasn't too over the top.
The epilogue came across as a bit forced (and honestly felt premature), with a quick peek at a .
When all was said and done, I found the book to be not completely memorable, so I'd only rate it at around 3.25 stars.
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*** Authors, Cait Forester and Brian C. Palmer make a great writing team ! *** I loved this story ! Ex-jock, Trevor Tully, is a Psych major, 24, and a bed-hopping lonely man. He doesn't believe in relationships. At his brother's wedding week in Tennessee, he sees shaggy haired, Jack Wyatt, 20, Librarian, who he saved from a near gay bashing five years ago. Both are going to the wedding, so they decide to go together, and hang out all week, and because Trevor's folks don't like him being gay, and don't want the stray dog at their house. He ends up staying at Jack's, where they have fun, bond with the dog, have some talks. Virgin, Jack, gets his first kiss - ever - and first times with sex of any kind, and Trevor makes it sooo good. Gosh, these guys sizzle together. Tingly time for us readers ! (love a big guy-smaller guy!) They deal with Trevor's family, and the wedding week passes quickly. Trevor, who has a special someone for the first time, must go back to school. He asks Jack to come. Jack is afraid to leave his inherited home and roots. But now that he knows what he's been missing, a decision must be made. The epilogue is terrific ! Highly recommend this one ! Each book stands alone. Enjoy ! ============= * my pics aren't registering today, so I'll go back and check later...
I've liked the books in this series so far. They're cute, fun, sexy, and sweet. There are some minor errors and typos, but not enough to detract from the narrative.
I do, however, have a problem with all the unsafe sex. If it were just between the featured couples, that would be one thing, but at the beginning of this book, Trevor (the unashamedly promiscuous college student), is having unprotected sex with a guy he sees as nothing more than a hook-up. Now, I know it's not necessarily an author's job to promote safe sex, but the characters' casual disregard of the health and safety of themselves and others makes me kind of dislike them.
I enjoyed reading this book. It wasn’t too complex. It’s the perfect cleansing book after something a bit heavy. Jack and Trevor reconnect after a few years from their last encounter (Trevor saving Jack from some bullies). There fast-paced budding relationship is being guided by an unlikely source. A few pages of gratuitous sex. 3.75 for Dog.
It was sweet! Trevor the man slut goes back home to Pinton, Tennessee which is a small town for his brothers wedding. Trevor is more than a slut, he is also a sweet guy with a big heart but hasn't wanted to get attached. Until he reconnects with Jake. Jake is invisible to everyone in the town, he is the poor boy who's parents died and works at the library. Jake has spent years learning to be invisible. One day in his freshman year of high school he got stopped by three guys on the football team and they started bullying him. Trevor shows up in his car, he is a senior, and offers to take him home. He also has a talk with the three guys hassling Jake. Years later Trevor runs into Jake again and invites him to his brothers wedding. You have to read the book to find out what happens lol. A dog comes in the picture. And he is important to the story. I really enjoyed this one, not my favorite out of the Men Of Virtue but right up there. I'll definitely be reading this book again.
I love this book and the series. The way you show the growth of the characters is amazing. I was curious at the start about Trevor but then switched to Jack by the end. I thought it would have been tougher for Trevor to make the connection. Great job. This is a must read for any one who loves a good romance.
Oh,what a beautiful love story. I was rooting for jack, to finally accept the Trevor's love. And I'm so glad he did! A beautiful love story, pulled at my heart strings! A must read.
I'm not warming up to Jack yet which is weird. I'm usually all over the shy nerdy types. I adore Trevor which is also weird since he's portrayed as just interested in sex from the beginning. But he's a nice guy, he doesn't lead anyone on, he's respectful and was so even when he was closeted, and he's worried about the dog. Maybe that's it: Jack hasn't been very worried about the dog. :)
Using his own precum to lube someone else's hole is dangerous. Might as well skip the condoms.
Wow Trevor really is the sweetest.
Cool that Trevor's helping him learn and in a positive manner rather than suffering through something not very good.
Weird place to end it but very sweet. Even though this is a contemporary series, not my thing, I might read the others.
This novel definitely deserves four stars – maybe even more than that? Ah, well, I don’t know.
Writing style? Pretty awesome :D I liked the dialogues; they were serious but also fun at times. Plus, we really get to know the characters. Absolutely loved the way they were portrayed and the way we got both of their POVs.
Plot? Good one :D There’s a dog involved so how can it not be good, right? No, seriously, this novel is about Jack, a guy who seems a bit timid and socially awkward first (probably because he is) but once we get to know him, there’s just no other way than for us to love him. Then there’s Trevor, the guy who once saved Jack and god knows why but Jack has adored him since then. Trevor is a commitment-phobe but maybe that’s only because he hasn’t met the right one?
So, I liked the plot – two guys getting to know each other, getting to love each other only to be then faced with the question what will happen when one of them goes back to college. My problem with the plot was that we didn’t really get any glimpses into the characters’ past… I mean, yeah, there was one but that wasn’t enough for me. I think Trevor’s fear of commitment was never really that well explained and also we never really find out what happened to Jack after his parents passed away.
I was also a bit disappointed that we have this whole forgiveness thing going on in this novel. Trevor's mother is so obsessed with what other people think about her that she doesn't even see what she's doing to her son. I loved that he kept his distance from his family because he knew that they were venom but towards the end, he reduces this distance and I don't particularly like that... Anyways, loved him for standing up to them in the first place even though that didn't last too long.
Characters Loved them. No further words necessary :D
A great read!! The storyline was strong and amazing. The characters were well developed..it's strange how fate works. These two men had known each other in high school, Trevor was a senior and a football player, but still in the closet and Jack was a freshman who was being bullied by other ball players. Trevor saved Jack from his teammates and offered to take him home. The two never really interacted after that. Now Trevor was in college getting his masters and on his way home during break to attend his brothers wedding. Trevor had come out of the closet right before leaving for college years ago and his mother has always been judgemental and afraid Of what people said. But Trevor didn't care who anyone said about his lifestyle. The first day he is back in his hometown he comes across Jack. Jack never left, living in his deceased parents home living on memories and working in the town library. He never even dated anyone, not admitting he was gay. When Jack agreed to keep the stray dog that showed up with Trevor he also allowed Trevor to stay there also since his mom did not want the dog in her house. Trevor always thought Jack was gay , but Jack turned down his advances. Trevor did ask Jack to accompany him to his brother's wedding. Under duress they got through the dinner the night before , but they also became closer and became intimate. Jack was a virgin and he wanted Trevor to be his first. This time together changed both of them. Trevor had once been a man who never got serious about anyone. Never believed in commitment until Jack came along. This is their story, their realization of what was more important in life. Jack took a big step out of his comfort zone. A great story of coming out from a life of solitude. Loved the story...
*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book* This is my 1st book from these authors and I was not disappointed. I liked how the beginning of the 1st chapter and epilogue nearly mirror each other but for very different reasons. Trevor, whose in his masters degree for psychology, does not do relationships and in the beginning of this books breaks it off with one of his regular hook ups whose getting too attached. Trevor returns home has some family drama, finds a stray dog, and runs into Jack who he a history with. Jack works at a library and has never left town. He is quiet and tries to remain in the background. When he was a freshman he was saved by Trevor a senior from other senior bullies. When Jack sees Trevor again he is hesitant in getting close because their small town is conservative and Trevor is not staying for long. However when Trevor is in need of help to take care of the dog, Jack grows closer to Trevor and let his wants take over. The relationship is perfect yet it has a time limit. Trevor decides he wants to be with Jack even if they will have to work on a long distance relationship for awhile and is tired of the constant no strings sex. Jack wants to be with Trevor but doesn't seem how when he doesn't see himself as good looking nor thinks he can leave his parent's home. Trevor left after Jack pushes him away and it is thanks to Dog that they were able to win Trevor back . *I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book*
Trevor and Jack were just meant to be. If you don't believe in soulmates, you just might after reading their story. At first, Trevor comes across as a player, but as soon as he comes back home for his brother's wedding, his true nature is slowly revealed. He runs into someone from his past that he has never forgotten and it will change his life forever. Jack is good at being invisible, ever since high school, he's made it a point to do so. He's shy and keeps to himself for the most part. They both have a troubled past that has helped to shape their lives. Breaking through that can be a hard thing to do and sometimes you need a little help. They each meet a new four-legged friend, who just happens to be one in the same. This is a sweet, sexy, and steamy journey from being broken to finding the one that is destined to make you whole again. Realizing a love that can shine through and overcome is priceless. This is the first story I've read by these wonderful authors and I hope to read more from them soon. The story was well thought out and written and the characters all seemed well developed. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Commitment and I look forward to more in this series. I have received an ARC for my honest opinion and review.
This is one of my favorite kinds of books. Low angst, little drama, but an enormous amount of heart. The story itself revolves around the wedding of Trevor Tully's brother, Hunter, and Robin. Trevor and Jack had gone to school together, though on different graduating yeats. While not close, Robin invites Jack to the nuptials. While not specifically stated, there was a part of me that wondered if she hadn't done that on purpose, knowing that Trevor would be there.
The changes Trevor and Jack go through are enormous. Trevor is commitment-phobic, and Jack travels through life invisible. But when these two are together, the chemistry is electric.
Some may think that the relationship developed quickly, when the reality is that it's taken five years for the both of them to get to this point.
And, Dog.
Dog is a character unto himself, and acts as the catalyst in bringing them together.
This is definitely one of my favorites, and will be on my reread list
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
This is the second book in this series but it can totally be read as a standalone. I hadn't read the 1st book and didn't feel like I had missed anything. This was a low angst book with a sweet romance. Jack and Trevor had briefly met when they were younger but Trevor had left town to go to college. Trevor came back to town for his brothers wedding and they reconnect. There follows a story of Trevor coming around to relationships. Jack discovering a whole new side to himself but not having the confidence to follow through with the new feelings. Also the ''dog'' that almost steals the whole book. Dog/Dobby is so cute and plays a big part in the end scenes. I loved how the first chapter and the epilogue were practically the same but different in so many ways. I really enjoyed this book and am waiting for the next book in this series.
I came across this book in a MM Recommendation page and the cover drew me in right away! I have not read anything from the duo of Cait Forester and Brian Palmer, but I was intrigued enough by the synopsis to try it out. I really enjoyed it! It was well written, I loved the characters, I fell in love with Jack, the steam melted my Kindle and there was a sweet HEA! What more can a reader ask for? This is book 2 of a series, the Virtues series, so I will be checking out Integrity while waiting for book 3, Courage!
****I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book****
All right, I almost didn't continue reading this one. I didn't like Trevor at all in the beginning. I didn't see how he could be redeemed for me but he was. The story ended up being surprisingly low angst and that allowed me to forgive him. Jack was the real winner. You know you're invested in a character when you find yourself threatening to dismember another character if he hurts them haha!
There were other issues that niggled at me like how quickly their issues were resolved, how I would have liked to read more about them opening up to each other, or the lack of safe sex in the book anywhere, but still, I enjoyed it and I would read more by these authors.
Cute story...but really, no condom, Cate Forester????
I really had to hesitated when I rated this book. While I think the "story" part of the book could have been 5 stars, the lack of condom use THROUGHOUT was totally irresponsible on the author's part and dropped my rating by 2. The story starts out with Trevor having sex with someone from college. No condom used. Then a couple weeks later, he goes back to his hometown and hooks up with his crush from high school, Jack, who is a virgin. No condom used. Very disappointed and disturbed by the message this author is sending.
This book is a fantastic love story. The words capture you and place you in the world of Trevor and Jack. This book brings forth a huge range of emotions. I've smiled, laughed and bitten my lip to stop the tears. This book is a brilliant read, the sex scenes are hot and steamy in keeping with the book. This is the sort of book that's hard to put down and upsetting when you've finished. If you love a love story then this is a book for you. Pick it up you'll love it. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
I purchased this based on the blurb not recognizing it as a follow up to a previous story (different main characters) I really enjoyed this and enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between a previous cock-hound and this shy introverted virgin. The emotion felt real and not forced. The drama with the mother provided enough tension so the book wasn't simply a straight forward display of boy falls for boy and manufactured drama ensues before HEA. 4 stars.
This book was simply amazing. I read it in two sittings only because I had to force myself to go to bed. A story of two not quite friends being brought together by a dog and a wedding. Does it get any better than that?
This book skates the line between like/hate for me. I liked Jack. After loosing his parents as a child, he has walled his heart off from further hurt. Trevor... it took awhile and several pages into the book to like Trevor. He is in a master's program to become a therapist. I found him self centered, lacking empathy, and never really liked him 100%. The dog that adopts Trevor and Jack is often smarter than his human counterparts.