Audiobook Review: Promises: Part 1 (Bounty Hunters #1) by A.E. Via

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.

Part I of the Promises story is about Duke and Vaughan and DOES NOT end on a cliffhanger. Part II is about Quick and Dr. Chauncey and their realization that it’s not too late for any of them to find love.

Listening Length: 7 hrs 31 min
Narrator: Aiden Snow


Reviewer: Shee Reader

This is the first story in a new series, but there are some common characters with The Nothing Special Series. I adore AE Via’s writing, she does Alpha Male Law Enforcement like no one else. They are all huge hulking men who rule the streets, so I was super excited to get the chance to review this one.

I absolutely love love love audio books, and Aiden Snow’s narration is perfect for the macho guys AE comes up with. This book should therefore be the perfect trifecta, but there are some elements that made me feel a bit strange. Vaughan has been ‘in love’ with Duke for years (so we are told) and *I know* the blurb tells us all about the secrets, but I found the secret-keeping a bit controlling and worrying. Aside from that little niggle, I really loved it.

Duke is a super alpha-male bounty hunter. Vaughan is the much younger, lawyer son of Duke’s best Friend Quick. This is an excellent premise for a romance novel. All the better that Vaughan’s love has been kept a secret from Duke until Vaughan is a grown man that Duke will accept. Vaughan takes himself off to study and work overseas until he thinks Duke it ready.

I get it, but the lack of any communication for years and years felt a bit odd. Anyhoo, Vaughan has accepted a job with the DA’s office in Atlanta and he’s ready to make his move. Poor old Duke was a bit wrong footed by Vaughan’s very full-on seductive approach, which isn’t really surprising since he hadn’t been a party to all the falling in love, unrequited longing etc, etc.

Unfortunately on the day of the first date, Duke is attacked on the job and is in hospital with life threatening injuries. Up-steps Vaughan with the “solution” to all the problems but Duke must never know! I didn’t like all the withholding of information, but could understand Vaughan’s reasons, but it felt even more unhealthy that Duke’s best friend Quick was involved in the subterfuge.

Back at the romance, lies abound until someone inadvertently tells Duke a key bit of information. Without risk of spoilers, there is a teeth-achingly sweet HEA as required, and good communication does eventually get the guys on a firm footing. There also is a splendid set up for the next book in the series which I cannot wait for!

The narration is stellar, and so perfect for the story.

Recommended!

I was given free copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.



No comments:

Post a Comment