Title: Pain & Promises
Series: Stepbrothers of New York #1
Author: Meadow Jones
Genre: MM Romance
Tropes: Hurt/Comfort, Grumpy/Sunshine, Stepbrothers
Release Date: May 16, 2024
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Amund:
My stepbrother had always been my favorite person until he returned from college, a completely different man. Ten years later, we’re back in each other’s lives, and I hate being around him. However, I start to see glimpses of the person I used to know and love. At first, I try to deny my feelings, but I realize I still love my stepbrother. When I discover that he has been living in loneliness, I’m compelled to heal him and make him understand that I’ll never let him push me away again.
Quinn:
I returned home from college feeling broken and ruined. I decided to keep everyone at a distance, including those I’ve always loved. As a result, I’m isolated and barely leave my home. Ten years later, Amund, my stepbrother, re-enters my life. Though I hate having him around, I also secretly enjoy his company. Amund is better off not knowing my truth, but I can’t resist my brother’s desire to help me. Amund wants to heal me and be a part of my future. I’m torn between my past and a future with Amund, but I soon believe I can have both.
GOODREADS TBR LINK:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/211511141-pain-and-promises
PURCHASE LINKS – $2.99 for a limited time!
AVAILABLE IN KINDLE UNLIMITED!
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Pain and Promises by Meadow Jones
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Amund hero worshiped his big brother Quinn. When their parents got married, Amund gained a loving father, brother, and safety from an abused past. Quinn loved his little brother unconditionally, they were best friends. That’s why it was so devastating to Amund when Quinn shut him out of his life with no explanation. Quinn couldn’t face the reality of what he was forced to live with. Shutting himself off from his feelings, his family, was the only way he could cope.
Amund was an easygoing person. His palpable heartbreak at losing the most important person in his world was well done. I felt the same about the more complex Quinn. Not knowing the event that changed his life, I, as the reader, felt his pain viscerally.
Their blended family was easy to like (even grandma). Their support was low key with an underlying sense of humor that I liked.
The only real issue I had with the book was that the bad guy came across as almost a caricature. It was hard for me to take him seriously.
I thought the author took their separate paths and twined them together nicely until they became one. It was a nice falling in love story that spanned almost their whole lives. I liked it.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
MEET THE AUTHOR:
Meadow Jones is a hopeless romantic who loves makeup, the beach and anything with whiskey. If she’s not writing, she’s most likely reading and enjoying a Crown and Coke. She can’t help but give her character’s a hard fought HEA, with lots of heat and even more heart. Follow Meadow on Facebook and other social media under Meadow Jones Writes. Oh, and she loves chatting with her readers, so don’t hesitate to DM her.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meadowjoneswrites
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meadowjoneswrites
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Meadow-Jones-Writes-100938829088278
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/311044420606933
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