Promises: Part 1
Series: Bounty Hunters, Book 1
Author: A.E. Via
Publisher: Tantor
Narrator: Aiden Snow
Listening Length: 7 hours 31 minutes
Audio Release: 12.19.19
Blurb
Duke Morgan owns and operates one of the largest bail bond companies in Atlanta. Not only does he bond criminals out of jail, he and his notorious group of bounty hunters will also track them down and ensure they show up for court.
Roman ‘Quick’ Webb is Duke’s business partner and best friend. Both men are in their forties and have given up on the happily ever after with the ranch-style home, and white picket fence. They’d both tried it and failed miserably. But they have their friendship and they have the business.
When Quick’s son, Vaughan Webb returns – after seven years – from studying abroad with his law degree in hand, he’s back to claim what he’s always wanted…his fathers’ best friend… Duke Morgan. Vaughan has always claimed to be a classic gentleman with an old soul. He didn’t party and screw up in school like his buddies. He was focused and dedicated to becoming the man worthy of Duke’s love.
It’s a complex and messy situation as Duke and Quick figure out how to still be best friends when one of them is sleeping with his friend’s one and only son. But when Duke is hurt on the job, all the unimportant trivialities fall to the wayside and Vaughan and Quick put their heads together to save Duke.
Excerpt
Duke tried to pry himself from his nightmare, his chest heaving because in his dream he’d been running for his life. Why did he keep having the same damn dream over and over? Who was he running from? Then everything went still and tranquil. A large warm hand was caressing him from his throat down to his navel, so patient and careful. The sweetest, gentlest touch he’d ever felt. Like he was being cherished. He needed to open his eyes all the way, but what if he was still dreaming. Finally, he was completely free of the dream, breathing normally; he didn’t want to wake and ruin it.
“Easy, sweetheart. It was just a dream,” a sensual voice said next to his throat.
Duke wanted to bury himself under Vaughan’s delicious morning growl and stay there until he was forced away. It comforted him like nothing ever had. Waking up drenched in sweat, his voice hoarse from yelling out had been a frequent occurrence in recent weeks; starting right before he left the hospital. He was afraid that he may have to take Charlie’s advice. The old man had run into Duke’s bedroom one too many times looking as frightened as Duke felt before he reluctantly insisted Charlie go home. Nightmares had never killed anyone. He’d figure it out on his own.
“Do you get them a lot, babe?”
Duke was wide-awake, but he kept his eyes closed, wanting to soak up every moment of comfort, every inch of contact that Vaughan was giving him. He was so close; Duke could feel the warmth wisping over his sensitive neck with each word he spoke. He moaned slightly when Vaughan stroked his chest, not bothered by the sweat that clung to him. “I’m fine.”
“I know you are,” Vaughan quipped back. “But I didn’t ask how you were.”
“I have them almost nightly, but at least they’re not getting worse. I don’t think I was yelling.” Oh no, was I?
“No. You weren’t yelling but you were breathing hard and grunting.”
4 of 5 Stars
I originally read this book back in 2015 so I’ve included my original review here and added my input on the audio performance.
Aiden Snow continues to perform these characters perfectly. His voice is like honey.
I wasn’t a big fan of Duke in Judge’s story but he seems like a good guy in this book. He really just wants to find someone to love and someone who will love him like he deserves. I absolutely loved Vaughn. I love how strong he is. I love how he just goes after what he wants and doesn’t stop until he gets it. I love how he takes care of Duke. I love his relationship with his dad…they have some really entertaining interactions.
The big issue with Duke near the beginning was a bit over the top – almost like ‘jumping the shark’. It worked but I can see where some folks will think it’s too much.
There is quite a setup for the next book with Quick and Cayson. Quick was a complete jerk to Cayson but hopefully, he’ll make it up in the next book. He obviously has some issues to work through. That book should be really good with those two.
About the Author
A.E. Via has been a best-selling author in the beautiful gay romance genre for six years now, but she’s no stranger to MM. She’s been an avid reader of gay lit for over fifteen years before she picked up her laptop to place her own kiss on this genre. She’s also the founder and owner of Via Star Wings Books, having published a couple great new up and coming MM authors.
A.E. has a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Virginia Wesleyan College that she used to start her own paralegal firm after she graduated in 2008. She spent five years preparing and filing bankruptcy petitions for struggling blue collar workers who couldn’t afford to file with a lawyer. It was a rewarding and satisfying career… but another path called to her.
Writing.
A.E.’s novels embodies everything from hopelessly romantic to adventure, to scandalous. Her stories often include intriguing edges and twists that take readers to new, thought-provoking depths.
She’s recently celebrated her 20th book anniversary, and is kind of known now for her hardcore, play rough and love hard, bad boy, alphas. However, she does like to push herself to step out of her comfort zone, exploring different tropes, but she won’t push herself into a whole other genre. She’s head over heels for gay romance and she has tons of more hot stories to tell.
Be sure to visit Adrienne on her social media pages and subscribe to her newsletter to never miss another release date! Go to A.E. Via’s official website http://authoraevia.com for more detailed information on how to contact her, follow her, or a sneak peek at upcoming work, free reads, VSWB submissions, and where she’ll appear next.
Social Media Links
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Bounty Hunter Series Universal Link: mybook.to/BountyHunterSeries