Promises and Lies

by Rowena Sudbury

When Sean Murphy meets Jeff Hayes in a park one day, he's charmed by the simple pleasure Jeff finds in walking his dog, and despite Jeff's guardian, Jesse, hovering over them, a friendship is born. Sean realizes there’s something different about Jeff, something that would explain his timid nature and fear of disappointing Jesse, and he suspects Jeff has been a victim of abuse.

Sean works hard to earn Jeff's trust, but there are so many challenges to meet: Jeff's unusual dependency upon Jesse, Sean's devil-may-care attitude toward the past, and old nightmares and disabilities that continue to haunt Jeff to this day. Their growing love might not be enough. Jeff will have to find courage from somewhere deep within to take control of his life and decide if he wants Sean to be a part of his future.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Abuse, M M Contemporary

230 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 29, 2010

About the author

Rowena Sudbury lives in southern California with her husband, son, and their wonderful rescue dog. Her love of reading was born in the fifth grade, and she began writing soon after that. Writing has always been her passion and escape from the real world.

Rowena finds herself thinking through the minds of her characters quite often, to the point that she always has to carry a small journal with her so she can capture their thoughts and weave them into stories when she gets home.

Visit Rowena's blog at http://rowenasudbury.livejournal.com/ and e-mail her at rowenasudbury@gmail.com.

Reviews

[Leaundra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! Sean and Jeff were perfect for each other. I really enjoyed their friends Gabriel and Mark. I wouldn't mind another book to find out how everyone is doing. Very emotional read though, but don't let that stop you from reading it:-)

[Mel Bradley · Rating 3 out of 5]

An unlikely meeting at a park, Sean- a military historian and buff, meets Jeff – a young man who has led a difficult life, forges a relationship that unexpectedly grows over time. Sean immediately senses the need to take care of Jeff – an urge he’s never felt before. As they become friends, both can’t deny their feelings, but will Sean be able to navigate through the landmines in Jeff’s past? And will Jeff ever be able to fulfill Sean’s desires?

This story revolves around a perceived imbalance in knowledge, power and “smarts.” It’s a bit difficult to read at times, as you end up either feeling sorry for Jeff for his past; questioning Sean’s motive; and wanting to be sure that they are on equal ground. Unfortunately, the relationship feels unequal throughout, which is never my favorite type of read. However, this is an enjoyable read, with a few bumps and twists that add some flavor and keep you hooked. There are also a few subplots – one of which should have been turned into its own book in my opinion, and some that don’t seem to tie-up in the end.

There is hardly any sex in this book, but it is a romance read. Instead, this is focused on one person overcoming personal and mental issues while the other person finally meets his match in the most unexpected person.

Out of four…
Overall Read: ♥♥♥
Sex Heat: ♥
Plot: ♥♥

This book is for those with a soft spot for the underdog! It’s also a great slow romance, which takes time to build, bloom and grow. If you like the development of a relationship, this is the read for you.

[Anne Barwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a while to get into this story. For the first few chapters the apparently inbalance in the relationship between Sean and Jeff made me uncomfortable and I was tempted to stop reading for that reason.

However, I kept going as I'd read another story by this author which I had really enjoyed and I didn't want to judge things too quickly. I'm glad I did keep reading as those initial concerns disappeared as their relationship progressed and I was left wondering if a lot of that perceived imbalance was down to how Jeff perceived himself and also Jesse's attitude towards him.

I also enjoyed reading about the relationship of two of the other characters, Mark and Gabriel. IMO often a good story about a relationship also brings in the importance of having good friends who aren't afraid to be honest when it's needed.

So, in all a good story, but I'd still like to give Jesse a good kick in arse.

[C. Koehler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. One of my main criteria for a novel is whether or not I'm glad I paid money for it, and in this case I'm definitely glad, and it's one I'll reread. I was somewhat hesitant about one of the protagonists (Sean) at first because he came on pretty strongly. While there's a fine line between self confidence and arrogance, he soon fell safely on the side of self-confidence. I found that I quickly cared about the other protagonist (Jeff), and rooted very strongly for a resolution to his particular dilemmas. So...characters worth investing in, a reasonably satisfying plot, and hot sex. Go read this one.

[Deeze · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite a full 3 star but close enough.

This started out so well for me. I was instantly attracted to Jeff, and was eager to find out more about why he was the way he was.

Sean seemed like one of the good guys and I enjoyed seeing them begin their journey.

But then it seemed like the focus of the story changed once the sex started. At the risk of sounded like a broken record there was just too much time spent on sex scenes and not enough on background.

I felt I was missing some major detail into what happened to Jeff and why he needed a guardian. It was like we got the condensed version, but I was left wondering how Jeff was as a child. Was there a head trauma anywhere or was it all emotional trauma and drugs?

I also started to lose respect for Sean. He went from a good guy to a bit of a jerk and honestly I never really warmed back up to him.

Gabriel and Mark were a nice couple but they felt kinda squished into the story.

Luke was another almost throw away character. We learn nothing from his appearance other than he is Jeffs brother that went away.

So sadly this was another that while started strong failed to live up to my hopes.

[Meggie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story get your attention from the start. You start to have many question about Jeff and his youth years. Which is good and interesting part of the story. But as soon the plot starts about possible adoption of a child and all related to this plot is absolutely unnecessarily. The romance between Jeff and Sean is fresh and new and already there is a mini plot about adopting the baby ? Come on.... it's totally blah. Jeff can't even read normally and doesn't have a job and there is a wish to adopt a kid... Jesus what do I miss here.

Anyway the story is sweet and okay. Just not as great as I imagined.

[Bookbee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just an OK read for me, although I had high hopes originally. I actually liked Sean more at the beginning but then he slipped more and more into assholedry as the book progressed.

One thing I didn't understand at all...both MCs are tested and prove to be HIV neg. They continue to use condoms until 1 encounter where Sean reverts back to his previous (and usual) dominant sexual style and the condom is eschewed. Then they go back to using condoms...even on the night of their "wedding"/domestic partnership. I sooo don't understand!

[Rida · Rating 2 out of 5]

My main criticism is that it is badly written. The style, to say the least, is adolescent. There is no character developement, no continuity, and no emotional pull in a story that should have been full of emotion and feeling. The sex scenes were inadequately described, essentially with a lot of 'mewling', 'wailing' and 'howling'.
Not the best example of mm writing.

[Penny · Rating 2 out of 5]

Conflicted. I like the premise, but I found myself questioning the dialogue and over simplified narrative. Just wasn't my cup of tea. Found it too sweet. Two Stars

[Vizardlight · Rating 1 out of 5]

Writing style is really weak.Plot is weak.Sadly it's a one star for me. Author needs to learn how to write or had a really bad editor?

[Idamus · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sadly, I never warmed up to Sean, he came off as arrogant and selfish all the way through

[Rowena Sudbury]

This book will be available from Dreamspinner Press on November 29!

[Emeziel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh man I think its bad when you dont even remember if you could finish it or not. I dont think I did. But what i remember is that even though I love caring alpha characters, and I did not, at all, like Sean. He was pushy with I-don't-mean-to-push-you lines. Also Jess after all did deserve some respect. If Jeff was an idiot who ran from home to streets just because Jess did not love him and want him at home, then was wasnt jess's fault. It a mercy to have a roof over your head and some body to provide for you at that age.