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Promises #2
Making Promises
All Shane Perkins ever wanted to be was a hero. But after a career-shattering decision to go down fighting, Shane comes home from the hospital to four empty walls, a pile of money, and a burning desire for someone to miss him the next time he gets hurt in the line of duty. He ends up an officer in the small town of Levee Oaks, and, addicted to the promise of family, he makes an effort to reconcile with his flighty, troubled sister. Kimmy makes her living as a dancer, and her partner steals Shane's breath at first sight.
Mikhail Vasilyovitch Bayul dances like an angel, but his past is less than heavenly. Since he left Russia, he's made only two to stay off the streets and stay clean, and to take his mother someplace beautiful before she dies. Making promises to anybody else is completely out of the question—but then, Mikhail has never met anybody like Shane. Earnest, brave, and self-deprecating, Shane seems to speak Mikhail's language, and no one is more surprised than Mikhail to find that keeping promises is Shane's best talent of all.
Mikhail Vasilyovitch Bayul dances like an angel, but his past is less than heavenly. Since he left Russia, he's made only two to stay off the streets and stay clean, and to take his mother someplace beautiful before she dies. Making promises to anybody else is completely out of the question—but then, Mikhail has never met anybody like Shane. Earnest, brave, and self-deprecating, Shane seems to speak Mikhail's language, and no one is more surprised than Mikhail to find that keeping promises is Shane's best talent of all.
376 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 8, 2010
29 people are currently reading
1,147 people want to read
About the author
Amy Lane
216books3,459followersAmy Lane dodges an EDJ, mothers four children, and writes the occasional book. She, her brood, and her beloved mate, Mack, live in a crumbling mortgage in Citrus Heights, California, which is riddled with spiders, cats, and more than its share of fancy and weirdness. Feel free to visit her at or, where she will ride the buzz of receiving your e-mail until her head swells and she can no longer leave the house.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 292 reviews
October 13, 2019
This book started out great. Bit of drama. Starts a new life. Meets a guy. But then it drones on and on and halfway through I’m like when is this book gonna end. Then I almost thought they forgot entirely about the sisters evil boyfriend plot entirely till they threw it back in randomly at the end. The story itself was good but the writing...not so much.
November 23, 2019
I didn't like it. :-(
I got through most of it. 13+ hours out of the 15+ of narration. But I didn't like the narrator's voice for Mikhail. Not that it mattered much because I didn't like Mikhail. At all. He was selfish and rude and very self absorbed. Shane was a sweetheart who deserves so much better than Micky. This story was also too sad. I mean, sheesh, give me a little happy.
I'll likely continue with the series because I do love this author and the first book here was pretty damn awesome in spite of the through the roof angst. Maybe the next one will be good.
I got through most of it. 13+ hours out of the 15+ of narration. But I didn't like the narrator's voice for Mikhail. Not that it mattered much because I didn't like Mikhail. At all. He was selfish and rude and very self absorbed. Shane was a sweetheart who deserves so much better than Micky. This story was also too sad. I mean, sheesh, give me a little happy.
I'll likely continue with the series because I do love this author and the first book here was pretty damn awesome in spite of the through the roof angst. Maybe the next one will be good.
January 31, 2014
If you have seen a grown man behind the steering wheel of his car in a traffic jam sobbing his eyes out, then it was probably me! Once again Amy Lane reduced me to tears, but also put all the pieces back together again for one wonderful HEA.
This time it’s Shane’s story. We are introduced to him briefly in the first book as the nice new cop in town who calls on the family at The Pulpit regarding Benny and her child. He finds himself accepted and also ends up with his feet under the table and being welcomed. However, Shane also has his own story to tell.
In the prologue we learn about the time before he comes to Levee Oaks and why he is now there. This for me was absolutely horrifying to hear how despicable he was treated while he was a policeman in Los Angeles just because his department found out that he is gay or should I say bi. He gets a pay off and makes a new life for himself in Levee Oaks.
His sister, Kimmy, whom he hasn’t seen for a long time contacts him as she is at a local renaissance fair. He decides to go and see her. She is a dancer and admits to him that she has been through rehab for drug abuse and is now OK, although she is still together with the source of her troubles, her boyfriend Kurt. Here he meets Mikhail Vasilyovitch Bayul who is also in the same dance troop as his sister. They spend a wonderful day together and find themselves drawn to each other. I love the way that Amy builds up the attraction without it being insta-love. It is clear they pair of them have fallen for each other, but Mikhail we learn is damaged goods from his days on the streets in Russia. Despite his unfeeling and uncaring exterior, we learn there are hidden depths to Mikhail but his teenage years of being a drug abuser himself, although now clean, and being a prostitute has affected his character and his general outlook on life.
His mother is dying of cancer and her only concern is that Mikhail finds someone who he will be happy with for the rest of his life when she is no longer there. The character of Mikhail’s mother, Lena, was absolutely beautiful. A strong stoic matriarch who loves her son more than anything and is prepared to do anything to give him a better life, this she proved by the way she brought him to the USA to get him into rehab. So all in all Mikhail has a lot to contend with and finds his strength and support in Shane.
I loved Shane, the typical guy with a big heart who only wants to do good in life and make a difference. He is the sort of policeman that doesn’t see everything in terms of right or wrong, black or white, but everyone has their story to tell and tries to help the kids on the streets by finding them jobs, etc. this stems for his childhood as wanting to be a hero. Well, he is a hero for everyone but doesn’t see it himself. The job itself is quietly killing him even if he doesn’t see it himself, the others do. After a knife attack he lands up in hospital and once again the family from The Pulpit, Deacon, Crick, Benny and Jeff are all there at his side. The one thing I love about these books is the fact that they live true to the saying, “Friends are the family we choose for ourselves!� Well, never a truer word was spoken. My favourite quote from Shane is……�
Mikhail has a dream to take his mother on a cruise and somewhere warm before she dies and is saving for this. Shane helps him out without him knowing, but when he finds out later the Shane had helped financially it is not possible for him to be angry. Mikhail’s mother sees to that. Well, Mikhail’s mother dies and this was so poignantly written, sad but uplifting at the same time, it reduced me to a bawling my eyes out. So there I was, a grown man sat behind the wheel of my car in a traffic jam with tears pouring down my face!! Geez, I still tear up when I think about it.
Well, Mikhail is hurting and although his own emotional protection shield is to push those people he loves the most away, by thinking they will be better off without him or he is not good enough for them and doesn’t deserve him doesn’t work so easily with Shane. He is head over heels in love with Shane and it takes and devious plan worked out by, Benny, Deacon, Crick, Amy, John and Andrew, to get him to realise this. This part of the book was great, with the family working on him brings Mikhail around and he soon realises resistance is futile. Their love for each other deepens to the point where there is no more running for the hills for Mikhail and no question about not making his future with Shane.
Again, as with the first book, the plot is so well lined out, intricate and keeps you in its grip all the way through and doesn’t let go. All the characters are present again from the first book and all have their role to play, but introducing Mikhail and Kimi as new characters. This blog post would be a mile long trying to give you an idea of the ups and downs, twists and turns Shane and Mikhail have to navigate to find their happy ending. The main thing that I felt about this second book is Amy Lane is an author who obviously has a big heart and great understanding for the social problems, discrimination and everyday fight to survive that a lot of people have in our society today. Everyone has their story to tell and good can be found in everyone as long as you are prepared to look deep enough, be patient enough and give it time. However, you can only help someone if they are prepared to help themselves a little first.
The narrator, Paul Morey, again is excellent and clear to understand bringing the characters alive. His voice characterisation of Mikhail’s Russian accent is expertly done. The only thing is that when producing a series of books I wish the producers would use the same narrator for all books. Just as you get used to the voice characterisations of one narrator you have to get used to the other. Just as in reading you have an image in your head of the characters and with audio books I feel it is sometimes made even more vivid by the narrator. Therefore having to match your image of the character to another narrator can cause some irritation at the beginning, but it is a short lived experience and as soon as I got into Paul’s excellent reading i was hitched.
I so love this series and can only recommend it highly, whether you listen to the audio books or read the books; you’re in for an emotional rollercoaster of a ride that will keep you enthralled from beginning to end. Now moving on to the third book……�
This time it’s Shane’s story. We are introduced to him briefly in the first book as the nice new cop in town who calls on the family at The Pulpit regarding Benny and her child. He finds himself accepted and also ends up with his feet under the table and being welcomed. However, Shane also has his own story to tell.
In the prologue we learn about the time before he comes to Levee Oaks and why he is now there. This for me was absolutely horrifying to hear how despicable he was treated while he was a policeman in Los Angeles just because his department found out that he is gay or should I say bi. He gets a pay off and makes a new life for himself in Levee Oaks.
His sister, Kimmy, whom he hasn’t seen for a long time contacts him as she is at a local renaissance fair. He decides to go and see her. She is a dancer and admits to him that she has been through rehab for drug abuse and is now OK, although she is still together with the source of her troubles, her boyfriend Kurt. Here he meets Mikhail Vasilyovitch Bayul who is also in the same dance troop as his sister. They spend a wonderful day together and find themselves drawn to each other. I love the way that Amy builds up the attraction without it being insta-love. It is clear they pair of them have fallen for each other, but Mikhail we learn is damaged goods from his days on the streets in Russia. Despite his unfeeling and uncaring exterior, we learn there are hidden depths to Mikhail but his teenage years of being a drug abuser himself, although now clean, and being a prostitute has affected his character and his general outlook on life.
His mother is dying of cancer and her only concern is that Mikhail finds someone who he will be happy with for the rest of his life when she is no longer there. The character of Mikhail’s mother, Lena, was absolutely beautiful. A strong stoic matriarch who loves her son more than anything and is prepared to do anything to give him a better life, this she proved by the way she brought him to the USA to get him into rehab. So all in all Mikhail has a lot to contend with and finds his strength and support in Shane.
I loved Shane, the typical guy with a big heart who only wants to do good in life and make a difference. He is the sort of policeman that doesn’t see everything in terms of right or wrong, black or white, but everyone has their story to tell and tries to help the kids on the streets by finding them jobs, etc. this stems for his childhood as wanting to be a hero. Well, he is a hero for everyone but doesn’t see it himself. The job itself is quietly killing him even if he doesn’t see it himself, the others do. After a knife attack he lands up in hospital and once again the family from The Pulpit, Deacon, Crick, Benny and Jeff are all there at his side. The one thing I love about these books is the fact that they live true to the saying, “Friends are the family we choose for ourselves!� Well, never a truer word was spoken. My favourite quote from Shane is……�
"I have an equal opportunity pecker but a one chance heart."
Mikhail has a dream to take his mother on a cruise and somewhere warm before she dies and is saving for this. Shane helps him out without him knowing, but when he finds out later the Shane had helped financially it is not possible for him to be angry. Mikhail’s mother sees to that. Well, Mikhail’s mother dies and this was so poignantly written, sad but uplifting at the same time, it reduced me to a bawling my eyes out. So there I was, a grown man sat behind the wheel of my car in a traffic jam with tears pouring down my face!! Geez, I still tear up when I think about it.
Well, Mikhail is hurting and although his own emotional protection shield is to push those people he loves the most away, by thinking they will be better off without him or he is not good enough for them and doesn’t deserve him doesn’t work so easily with Shane. He is head over heels in love with Shane and it takes and devious plan worked out by, Benny, Deacon, Crick, Amy, John and Andrew, to get him to realise this. This part of the book was great, with the family working on him brings Mikhail around and he soon realises resistance is futile. Their love for each other deepens to the point where there is no more running for the hills for Mikhail and no question about not making his future with Shane.
Again, as with the first book, the plot is so well lined out, intricate and keeps you in its grip all the way through and doesn’t let go. All the characters are present again from the first book and all have their role to play, but introducing Mikhail and Kimi as new characters. This blog post would be a mile long trying to give you an idea of the ups and downs, twists and turns Shane and Mikhail have to navigate to find their happy ending. The main thing that I felt about this second book is Amy Lane is an author who obviously has a big heart and great understanding for the social problems, discrimination and everyday fight to survive that a lot of people have in our society today. Everyone has their story to tell and good can be found in everyone as long as you are prepared to look deep enough, be patient enough and give it time. However, you can only help someone if they are prepared to help themselves a little first.
The narrator, Paul Morey, again is excellent and clear to understand bringing the characters alive. His voice characterisation of Mikhail’s Russian accent is expertly done. The only thing is that when producing a series of books I wish the producers would use the same narrator for all books. Just as you get used to the voice characterisations of one narrator you have to get used to the other. Just as in reading you have an image in your head of the characters and with audio books I feel it is sometimes made even more vivid by the narrator. Therefore having to match your image of the character to another narrator can cause some irritation at the beginning, but it is a short lived experience and as soon as I got into Paul’s excellent reading i was hitched.
I so love this series and can only recommend it highly, whether you listen to the audio books or read the books; you’re in for an emotional rollercoaster of a ride that will keep you enthralled from beginning to end. Now moving on to the third book……�
August 7, 2012
It's been years since I read but I put off reading this book for a while after I bought it. Why? I honestly have no idea. Maybe I didn't want my heart to be ripped out of my chest, ran over by a stampede then put back together with glue?
In any case, when I finally read this, I absolutely loved it. Even more than . Ms. Lane has such an amazing ability to get me so drawn into a story I don't want to put it down. I absolutely loved Mikhail and Shane. They both had their flaws and their problems but yet they fit together and healed each other when no one else could. It's a sweet yet sad story. Watching these two work through their problems made me tear up a few times but it was also fascinating to see how they handled it all.
One thing I really loved about this book was Mikhail's witty, sarcastic, defensive humor. I found myself cracking up at the way Mikhail would talk to Shane but rather than it being mean, it came across as affectionate. Shane took everything in stride with a calm presence. I loved that he's so lovable, that he has such a huge heart. And I'm glad Mikhail was there to keep that heart safe because Shane has a horrible, yet admirable, problem of putting everyone before himself!
The story is slow yet easy to read. There's multiple conflicts ranging from injuries to bigotry to grieving and more that they both have to get through and even some scenes that had me hanging on the edge of my seat. I'm glad things worked out for these two because they both deserve to be happy.
Overall, definitely a great addition to the series. I'm looking forward to reading and hope to see more of Mikhail and Shane someday :)
In any case, when I finally read this, I absolutely loved it. Even more than . Ms. Lane has such an amazing ability to get me so drawn into a story I don't want to put it down. I absolutely loved Mikhail and Shane. They both had their flaws and their problems but yet they fit together and healed each other when no one else could. It's a sweet yet sad story. Watching these two work through their problems made me tear up a few times but it was also fascinating to see how they handled it all.
One thing I really loved about this book was Mikhail's witty, sarcastic, defensive humor. I found myself cracking up at the way Mikhail would talk to Shane but rather than it being mean, it came across as affectionate. Shane took everything in stride with a calm presence. I loved that he's so lovable, that he has such a huge heart. And I'm glad Mikhail was there to keep that heart safe because Shane has a horrible, yet admirable, problem of putting everyone before himself!
The story is slow yet easy to read. There's multiple conflicts ranging from injuries to bigotry to grieving and more that they both have to get through and even some scenes that had me hanging on the edge of my seat. I'm glad things worked out for these two because they both deserve to be happy.
Overall, definitely a great addition to the series. I'm looking forward to reading and hope to see more of Mikhail and Shane someday :)
December 4, 2013
kay!! so i dont have the write words to explain to you how much i loved this book,it was just so AMAZING!!!
The Love and Passion and understanding and forgiving of each other was just out of this world!!
Shane and Mickey Were fantastic i couldnt put it down, I love the way Amy Lane writes and draws us into her world!! I Just loved it i can not wait to read another one in this series!!
I cried and Laughed i got anoyoyed but no much i fell in love with every single cat,dog, Family member and just wanted to be a part of this world!!! I Loved this book had to be the best book i have read in ages!!
Quote by Mickey
"Oh yes, you are pretty. There.....If I scratch your ass,will you preen for me?? of course you will.Look at that tail... you are a kitty in search for a piece of ass,yes you are...."
Mickey
"She cannot have you.You are mine.I dont are how perfect she is for you. You wernt watching her when you spoke,you were watching me,and you are mine"
and another Mickey
" I cannot face you if you think i look at you and see anything less then the man you are.I am not settling for you, i am reaching for you and there is a difference and you are that man"
I just loved this BOOK!!!! I would totally re read it again!!
I just loved every one.. *Deacon and Crick* Thud!!!
Crick did the freehanding,and Deacon said it looked a damned sight better than the water tower.Crick turned red and said"Fuck you,Deacon"and then Deacon had smirked,
So so GOOD!!!
The Love and Passion and understanding and forgiving of each other was just out of this world!!
Shane and Mickey Were fantastic i couldnt put it down, I love the way Amy Lane writes and draws us into her world!! I Just loved it i can not wait to read another one in this series!!
I cried and Laughed i got anoyoyed but no much i fell in love with every single cat,dog, Family member and just wanted to be a part of this world!!! I Loved this book had to be the best book i have read in ages!!
Quote by Mickey
"Oh yes, you are pretty. There.....If I scratch your ass,will you preen for me?? of course you will.Look at that tail... you are a kitty in search for a piece of ass,yes you are...."
Mickey
"She cannot have you.You are mine.I dont are how perfect she is for you. You wernt watching her when you spoke,you were watching me,and you are mine"
and another Mickey
" I cannot face you if you think i look at you and see anything less then the man you are.I am not settling for you, i am reaching for you and there is a difference and you are that man"
I just loved this BOOK!!!! I would totally re read it again!!
I just loved every one.. *Deacon and Crick* Thud!!!
Crick did the freehanding,and Deacon said it looked a damned sight better than the water tower.Crick turned red and said"Fuck you,Deacon"and then Deacon had smirked,
So so GOOD!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2014
What a wonderful second book for the series! It's been a while since I read the first book so some of the details were a bit fuzzy but as I read this book...I started to remember Deacon & Cricks journey and I wondered to myself WHY has it taken me so long to read this story.
Shane was an all around great guy. He just wants to see everyone in his life happy even if it means that he's not. Mikhail..oh goodness. This fiesty Russian is by far one of my absolute favorite characters I've ever read! He was just the right mix of fiesty, jealousy, adorbs, tender and loving, even with all these wonderful qualities he didn't feel like he deserved anyone is 'good' as Shane.
Be warned your emotions will be brought out...your heart might feel like it's getting ripped apart...you WILL smile...laugh and fall in love! I will not be waiting as long to read the next book this time.
Shane was an all around great guy. He just wants to see everyone in his life happy even if it means that he's not. Mikhail..oh goodness. This fiesty Russian is by far one of my absolute favorite characters I've ever read! He was just the right mix of fiesty, jealousy, adorbs, tender and loving, even with all these wonderful qualities he didn't feel like he deserved anyone is 'good' as Shane.
Be warned your emotions will be brought out...your heart might feel like it's getting ripped apart...you WILL smile...laugh and fall in love! I will not be waiting as long to read the next book this time.
October 29, 2019
Time of death - chapter 8
I'm sorry but I just can't with this any more. Firstly I'm having problems with the narration, and secondly I can't be doing with stupid, I really can't. By that I mean that this is a MM romance - yes? So why is Mikhail hell-bent on Shane finding himself a nice girl to marry so she can look after him. What?
I'm out before my head explodes.
I'm sorry but I just can't with this any more. Firstly I'm having problems with the narration, and secondly I can't be doing with stupid, I really can't. By that I mean that this is a MM romance - yes? So why is Mikhail hell-bent on Shane finding himself a nice girl to marry so she can look after him. What?
I'm out before my head explodes.
August 8, 2010
Amy Lane writes so beautifully that I get lost in the language as much as the story. I loved Shane, we should all be so blessed to have someone so strong and solid in our lives and Mikhail...the way he is short and curt with Shane speaks volumes of the overwhelming love he feels for him. Mikhail's characterization is so real, his ups and downs, he comes right off the page. This book made me laugh really hard, Crick and Deacon's banter is nice to read again, and cry...I looked like an iguana afterwards. But in a good way. Truly awesome book.
December 4, 2013
Amy Lane is an awesome writer.
This is the second book in the Promises Series. In this we follow Officer Shane Perkins (who joined the family at The Pulpit in the last 40 or so pages of Keeping Promise Rock) and Mikhail Vasilyovitch Bayul (who we also met briefly the previous book). Shane is big hearted and Mikhail is damaged and they need each other but they just have to figure that out. We follow them from their meeting through their courtship and them finding themselves and each other. This book really only spans a year's time although the bulk of the story happens between October and February and we breeze through the rest of time in comparison. Again we see the importance of this family and I'm starting to see the overall arc of this series and this motley cast of people. When it ended I just stared at the author's bio page wanting more.
While this was not the epic tale that was Crick & Deacon's story, it was no less of an emotional journey. We also get to see a little bit of our old favorites, and we got a little bit more insight on Jeff, which helps set him up for his own book. I wish there was more of Andrew but I know he really didn't have a place in this story. (although I did find his absence odd in when people were teaching Benny to drive). But this book is also funny. Not a gut buster, but funny in the way people are in real life. Mikhail and Shane both speak this language that is really funny if you follow it (which I did).
Ok, this is the timeline stuff that I enjoy so if you hate timelines, you can skip this paragraph! Shane meets The Pulpit Family in June and this book starts in October. It overlaps Keeping Promise Rock and in the two instances where the action actually overlaps it was like having the "camera" pan and see another scene at the same event. This book is definitely connected to the first and reading out of order I think would be confusing. If I had to wage complaints, there would be 2 and they are so small they clearly didn't effect my overall enjoyment of the book. First, some pretty big things happen to Shane that involve the whole family during the time the first two books overlap and it seems weird that they weren't even mentioned in passing during the narration. And second there is a character that is not at the big picnic that is the final scene of Keeping Promise Rock but appears in this book when we revisit the same scene in this book. I think it only stands out to me because one everything else is so skillfully woven together. Also this character felt awkward when first introduced (like a set up for possible conflict) and so being insinuated into this event felt strange as well, but maybe that's just me.
From the author's website I know that the next book is called Living Promises and will be about Jeff and Collin, (I don't think we know who Collin is, yet). And then there will be a final book, Return To Promise Rock and it will see the final HEA of all the characters.
I'm excited!
This is the second book in the Promises Series. In this we follow Officer Shane Perkins (who joined the family at The Pulpit in the last 40 or so pages of Keeping Promise Rock) and Mikhail Vasilyovitch Bayul (who we also met briefly the previous book). Shane is big hearted and Mikhail is damaged and they need each other but they just have to figure that out. We follow them from their meeting through their courtship and them finding themselves and each other. This book really only spans a year's time although the bulk of the story happens between October and February and we breeze through the rest of time in comparison. Again we see the importance of this family and I'm starting to see the overall arc of this series and this motley cast of people. When it ended I just stared at the author's bio page wanting more.
While this was not the epic tale that was Crick & Deacon's story, it was no less of an emotional journey. We also get to see a little bit of our old favorites, and we got a little bit more insight on Jeff, which helps set him up for his own book. I wish there was more of Andrew but I know he really didn't have a place in this story. (although I did find his absence odd in when people were teaching Benny to drive). But this book is also funny. Not a gut buster, but funny in the way people are in real life. Mikhail and Shane both speak this language that is really funny if you follow it (which I did).
Ok, this is the timeline stuff that I enjoy so if you hate timelines, you can skip this paragraph! Shane meets The Pulpit Family in June and this book starts in October. It overlaps Keeping Promise Rock and in the two instances where the action actually overlaps it was like having the "camera" pan and see another scene at the same event. This book is definitely connected to the first and reading out of order I think would be confusing. If I had to wage complaints, there would be 2 and they are so small they clearly didn't effect my overall enjoyment of the book. First, some pretty big things happen to Shane that involve the whole family during the time the first two books overlap and it seems weird that they weren't even mentioned in passing during the narration. And second there is a character that is not at the big picnic that is the final scene of Keeping Promise Rock but appears in this book when we revisit the same scene in this book. I think it only stands out to me because one everything else is so skillfully woven together. Also this character felt awkward when first introduced (like a set up for possible conflict) and so being insinuated into this event felt strange as well, but maybe that's just me.
From the author's website I know that the next book is called Living Promises and will be about Jeff and Collin, (I don't think we know who Collin is, yet). And then there will be a final book, Return To Promise Rock and it will see the final HEA of all the characters.
I'm excited!
October 19, 2014
Beautiful. Heartbreaking. Loved.
Oh I loved this story! Shane is a fascinating character with all his quirks and "weirdness" and secrets, but Mikhail was the one I grabbed onto - his beauty and aloofness and underlying vulnerability just kept me holding my breath for him at times, hoping he'd let some of his frailties and fears escape for Shane to take care of.
It was great to catch up with the rest of the gang too.
Highly recommended for reading after and my review here
“Just when you think you got it down.
“Promises in the Dark”—Pat Benatar
Oh I loved this story! Shane is a fascinating character with all his quirks and "weirdness" and secrets, but Mikhail was the one I grabbed onto - his beauty and aloofness and underlying vulnerability just kept me holding my breath for him at times, hoping he'd let some of his frailties and fears escape for Shane to take care of.
� You are still my hope, and now, I’m your promise.�
It was great to catch up with the rest of the gang too.
Highly recommended for reading after and my review here
June 9, 2011
I liked this book even more than Keeping Promise Rock. The characters seemed real and engaging, and their difficulties were more external than internal. I prefer when the big obstacles to a relationship are not just the characters misunderstanding and doubting themselves and each other, although some of that in the mix is fine. These two guys had a nice assortment of issues and personal qualities and a story line that was intense without seeming over-dramatic. Mikhail in particular is damaged and prickly but sweet and funny and very appealing. Shane is the guy who makes it through life by never expecting much so he can be happy with what he gets. You want to hug him and tell him he's worth having the best, not just being okay. This is a new favorite-shelf book for me.
May 5, 2015
Such a lovely installment in this series! While there isn’t quite as much angst as in “Keeping Promise Rock�, I didn’t mind not having my heart ripped out of my chest with every page. Shane really is the hero everyone dreams would be there to stand up for them when they most need it. Mikhail has had such a trying life you can’t help want him to have some happiness now.
Shane Perkins has always wanted to help save people. The best way, he always thought, was to become a cop, but after being left without backup and getting shot because his precinct found out he was gay Shane has traded in his big city position for the smaller Levee Oaks. He may not have needed to work after the settlement he received from the police force for their blatant disregard of his life, but it’s all he’s ever wanted to do. In Levee Oaks though he’s finally found people that he considers his family. Crick and Deacon and their crew of misfits have become his family and he wouldn’t trade them for the world. Still when his twin sisters informs him she’s performing with a Renaissance Festival nearby he can’t wait to reconnect with her as well. He never expected the absolute smack upside the head he felt upon seeing her dance partner.
Mikhail Vasilyovitch Bayul has always had dance. It’s been the one constant in his life and has been all that’s allowed him to put food on the table. Even if back in Russia it was also what took him down the dark path into drug addiction and prostitution to pay for it all. If it hadn’t been for his mother that dark hole may have been where he ended up for all time. Instead she managed to pull him out of it all by moving them to America and getting him into rehab. He’s been clean for a number of years and enjoys his work as a dance instructor. His only goal now to keep his promises to his mother, to stay clean and to make sure she gets to go somewhere warm and lovely before she passes. As her cancer is getting worse that last promise is adding a lot of stress to his day-to-day life. The addition tip income he gets from dancing at the faire is incredibly helpful. He enjoys dancing with Kimmy as well, despite her rather offish boyfriend and his drug issues. Meeting her brother though turns out to be one temptation too many for Mikhail to resist.
First of all before we even get into the meat of the story, I do so love a smart MC. I LOVED Shane’s reaction to knowing he’d been set up in that alley in LA. That call to IAB was just awesome. He wasn’t going to back down, was going to be the hero no matter what, but he wasn’t going to go down without a fight. Shane’s sense of self-sacrifice may be a little over-developed and lead him into more trouble than anything else, but that’s just what he needs Mikhail and the rest of his friends for. He’s never had someone actually care if he lived or died, so if he was going to go it needed to mean something.
Honestly both these characters really didn’t give themselves enough credit. It took both of them falling for the other to make them truly see the worth in themselves. Something they’ll still always struggle with, but the validation their love of the other gives them is enough to keep them fighting. They’re both quirky and weird in the best way possible. I don’t know what it says about me that I follow Shane speak as well. Could just mean I’m bonkers, but hey, I’m ok with that. I love how over the top caring Shane is with everyone in his life. He rescues puppies and kittens for gosh sakes. It’s adorable! Of course he’s going to fall for someone like Mikhail who needs to have someone to care for. Shane looks out for everyone else in his life, he needs Mikhail to look out for him.
Oh, and how wonderful was the end of their courtship. On top of that Mikhail’s mama may just be the most intuitive woman ever. I loved how she knew just what to tell Shane and how to spur Mikhail. Her final request was exactly what Mikhail needed to be able to start to move on. It was a celebration of her life and how much he loved her.
Of course I adored seeing the returning cast of characters from Keeping Promise Rock they’re fabulous. I loved watching Benny and Mikhail get so close. Driving lessons indeed! I’m actually very curious to see how Carter gets pulled into this group more and more. He has to. He’s the only decent cop left! Not to mention now we’ve got Kimmy pulled into things as well, as she should be. This actually might be my only complaint about the book. I didn’t really like how Kimmy disappeared for most of the book after the two siblings saying they wanted to rebuild their relationship. Sure she wants to fix her life on her own, but that doesn’t mean that Shane should have ignored her and not called or anything while being so wrapped up in Mikhail. It just irked me I guess even though I know the ending was exactly what I wanted. I kept waiting for more contact with her.
I enjoyed a number of elements about this story. The characters were quirky and funny (no it’s not a big hairy monster Mikhail you can stop climbing Shane), sweet and sarcastic. Both were dealing with emotional baggage that took a lot to get past. Both guys needed some big hugs and to be told they were perfect the way they were. They deserved everything they could possibly want in life including each other. Plus I really liked how this story fit into what we already knew from the first book. I liked seeing how everything built to Shane’s running in at the family meeting. All in all another fabulous installment in this series by Ms. Lane, I can not wait to read the rest.
Shane Perkins has always wanted to help save people. The best way, he always thought, was to become a cop, but after being left without backup and getting shot because his precinct found out he was gay Shane has traded in his big city position for the smaller Levee Oaks. He may not have needed to work after the settlement he received from the police force for their blatant disregard of his life, but it’s all he’s ever wanted to do. In Levee Oaks though he’s finally found people that he considers his family. Crick and Deacon and their crew of misfits have become his family and he wouldn’t trade them for the world. Still when his twin sisters informs him she’s performing with a Renaissance Festival nearby he can’t wait to reconnect with her as well. He never expected the absolute smack upside the head he felt upon seeing her dance partner.
Mikhail Vasilyovitch Bayul has always had dance. It’s been the one constant in his life and has been all that’s allowed him to put food on the table. Even if back in Russia it was also what took him down the dark path into drug addiction and prostitution to pay for it all. If it hadn’t been for his mother that dark hole may have been where he ended up for all time. Instead she managed to pull him out of it all by moving them to America and getting him into rehab. He’s been clean for a number of years and enjoys his work as a dance instructor. His only goal now to keep his promises to his mother, to stay clean and to make sure she gets to go somewhere warm and lovely before she passes. As her cancer is getting worse that last promise is adding a lot of stress to his day-to-day life. The addition tip income he gets from dancing at the faire is incredibly helpful. He enjoys dancing with Kimmy as well, despite her rather offish boyfriend and his drug issues. Meeting her brother though turns out to be one temptation too many for Mikhail to resist.
First of all before we even get into the meat of the story, I do so love a smart MC. I LOVED Shane’s reaction to knowing he’d been set up in that alley in LA. That call to IAB was just awesome. He wasn’t going to back down, was going to be the hero no matter what, but he wasn’t going to go down without a fight. Shane’s sense of self-sacrifice may be a little over-developed and lead him into more trouble than anything else, but that’s just what he needs Mikhail and the rest of his friends for. He’s never had someone actually care if he lived or died, so if he was going to go it needed to mean something.
Honestly both these characters really didn’t give themselves enough credit. It took both of them falling for the other to make them truly see the worth in themselves. Something they’ll still always struggle with, but the validation their love of the other gives them is enough to keep them fighting. They’re both quirky and weird in the best way possible. I don’t know what it says about me that I follow Shane speak as well. Could just mean I’m bonkers, but hey, I’m ok with that. I love how over the top caring Shane is with everyone in his life. He rescues puppies and kittens for gosh sakes. It’s adorable! Of course he’s going to fall for someone like Mikhail who needs to have someone to care for. Shane looks out for everyone else in his life, he needs Mikhail to look out for him.
Oh, and how wonderful was the end of their courtship. On top of that Mikhail’s mama may just be the most intuitive woman ever. I loved how she knew just what to tell Shane and how to spur Mikhail. Her final request was exactly what Mikhail needed to be able to start to move on. It was a celebration of her life and how much he loved her.
Of course I adored seeing the returning cast of characters from Keeping Promise Rock they’re fabulous. I loved watching Benny and Mikhail get so close. Driving lessons indeed! I’m actually very curious to see how Carter gets pulled into this group more and more. He has to. He’s the only decent cop left! Not to mention now we’ve got Kimmy pulled into things as well, as she should be. This actually might be my only complaint about the book. I didn’t really like how Kimmy disappeared for most of the book after the two siblings saying they wanted to rebuild their relationship. Sure she wants to fix her life on her own, but that doesn’t mean that Shane should have ignored her and not called or anything while being so wrapped up in Mikhail. It just irked me I guess even though I know the ending was exactly what I wanted. I kept waiting for more contact with her.
I enjoyed a number of elements about this story. The characters were quirky and funny (no it’s not a big hairy monster Mikhail you can stop climbing Shane), sweet and sarcastic. Both were dealing with emotional baggage that took a lot to get past. Both guys needed some big hugs and to be told they were perfect the way they were. They deserved everything they could possibly want in life including each other. Plus I really liked how this story fit into what we already knew from the first book. I liked seeing how everything built to Shane’s running in at the family meeting. All in all another fabulous installment in this series by Ms. Lane, I can not wait to read the rest.
July 10, 2012
Amazingly treacley small town gay romance � he’s a cop, he’s a dancer (not like that). Hit some buttons of mine, missed others, details uninteresting to anyone who isn’t me.
But this book did make me think about the value of romance as a genre. This is a story about two people coming together while one loses his adored mother to slow, wasting disease. And it’s about their friends’s struggle to keep a business alive, and a soldier come home but not the same, and making the best of the baby you didn’t want to have. It’s about *gestures* all the shit that just happens. And because this is a romance, it doesn’t have to mean anything, and we don’t have to, like, have a drum circle about the unbearable lightness of human existence or whatever. It just is. The shit that happens. The way people die and how money is short and sometimes there’s no condom, but you do your best anyway, and at least the company is good. “contemporary fiction� or whatever we’re calling it these days can never reach me like that, because it’s usually trying too damn hard to have a big fucking epiphany. This book was mostly trying to get a couple of guys laid, and somehow it managed to get so much vital stuff of life into every frame.
So okay. I’ll chalk one up for romance. Sometimes, it’s just about the shit that happens to you. And as a person to whom shit happens on a startlingly frequent basis, I appreciate that we don’t have to talk about what it all means.
But this book did make me think about the value of romance as a genre. This is a story about two people coming together while one loses his adored mother to slow, wasting disease. And it’s about their friends’s struggle to keep a business alive, and a soldier come home but not the same, and making the best of the baby you didn’t want to have. It’s about *gestures* all the shit that just happens. And because this is a romance, it doesn’t have to mean anything, and we don’t have to, like, have a drum circle about the unbearable lightness of human existence or whatever. It just is. The shit that happens. The way people die and how money is short and sometimes there’s no condom, but you do your best anyway, and at least the company is good. “contemporary fiction� or whatever we’re calling it these days can never reach me like that, because it’s usually trying too damn hard to have a big fucking epiphany. This book was mostly trying to get a couple of guys laid, and somehow it managed to get so much vital stuff of life into every frame.
So okay. I’ll chalk one up for romance. Sometimes, it’s just about the shit that happens to you. And as a person to whom shit happens on a startlingly frequent basis, I appreciate that we don’t have to talk about what it all means.
June 18, 2014
OH YES, I’M IN A LOVE FEST!
Book 2 in this series and i absolutely loved it! Amy does it again and delivers a story that has everything I love. This story has a great romance, angst (not as much as book 1), great chemistry and heat and emotions that just had me hugging my kindle at the end. *sigh*
In this one we have Shane, who we met briefly in book 1. He is a cop and part of the Pulpit Ranch family. A weekend to a Renaissance Fair to reconnect with his sister after many years changes his life. His sister dances at the fair, and when Shane watches her perform he sees her partner Mikhail. Shane absolutely has to get to know the beautiful Russian.
Mikhail though does not do long term relationships, he doesn’t depend on anyone. He has learned the hard way to only depend on himself. And with the situation with his mother, he doesn’t have time or energy to give to Shane. Shane of course doesn’t take no for an answer and sets out to win over Mikhail. I loved that Mikhail’s mother was a great character and had a major role in the story. The emotions felt real and the story completely pulled me in.
How much do I love this series? Well, I am not stopping till I reach the end!!!
Highly recommended!!!
Book 2 in this series and i absolutely loved it! Amy does it again and delivers a story that has everything I love. This story has a great romance, angst (not as much as book 1), great chemistry and heat and emotions that just had me hugging my kindle at the end. *sigh*
In this one we have Shane, who we met briefly in book 1. He is a cop and part of the Pulpit Ranch family. A weekend to a Renaissance Fair to reconnect with his sister after many years changes his life. His sister dances at the fair, and when Shane watches her perform he sees her partner Mikhail. Shane absolutely has to get to know the beautiful Russian.
Mikhail though does not do long term relationships, he doesn’t depend on anyone. He has learned the hard way to only depend on himself. And with the situation with his mother, he doesn’t have time or energy to give to Shane. Shane of course doesn’t take no for an answer and sets out to win over Mikhail. I loved that Mikhail’s mother was a great character and had a major role in the story. The emotions felt real and the story completely pulled me in.
How much do I love this series? Well, I am not stopping till I reach the end!!!
Highly recommended!!!
May 19, 2022
There's a reason I avoided these books, and one of those is the covers. Amy Lane, please get the covers revamped. Just not sexy. Nor terribly romantic. Just not attractive in general to get more people to notice and read your books... just saying.
Another reason I avoided this book in particular is the trope of the gay ballet dancer. Always the "little feminine" man in gay romances is a ballet dancer, a nurse, a pretty street worker, escort, teacher, fashion designer, physical therapist, etc. SAME trope over and over. Seriously? A delicate looking shorter, smaller man can't be something else? Like a mechanic? A corporate lawyer? A sportsman? etc.? I HATE that trope.
BUT.
This book obviously won me over with the 5 stars I gave it. Maybe 4.5 rounded to 5. Because
A: I love love love Shane!! Big bear, hung-like-a-horse, wonderful, loving Shane! And his "one-chance heart and equal opportunity pecker"!! I won't be forgetting that description any time soon...He's just everything I can ask for in a hero. Really love him to pieces.
B: the ballet dancer is Russian and has a history and isn't the usual stereotype of this sort of character. Mickey is actually not that irritating (as I expected this sort of character to be). His snotty, bratty-ness wasn't unbearable. His POV was sympathetic. I liked him. He deserved Shane.
And because the drama and unbelievability was less than book 1 and there was absolutely no cheating of any kind, it's rounded up to 5.
Looking forward to the next!
Another reason I avoided this book in particular is the trope of the gay ballet dancer. Always the "little feminine" man in gay romances is a ballet dancer, a nurse, a pretty street worker, escort, teacher, fashion designer, physical therapist, etc. SAME trope over and over. Seriously? A delicate looking shorter, smaller man can't be something else? Like a mechanic? A corporate lawyer? A sportsman? etc.? I HATE that trope.
BUT.
This book obviously won me over with the 5 stars I gave it. Maybe 4.5 rounded to 5. Because
A: I love love love Shane!! Big bear, hung-like-a-horse, wonderful, loving Shane! And his "one-chance heart and equal opportunity pecker"!! I won't be forgetting that description any time soon...He's just everything I can ask for in a hero. Really love him to pieces.
B: the ballet dancer is Russian and has a history and isn't the usual stereotype of this sort of character. Mickey is actually not that irritating (as I expected this sort of character to be). His snotty, bratty-ness wasn't unbearable. His POV was sympathetic. I liked him. He deserved Shane.
And because the drama and unbelievability was less than book 1 and there was absolutely no cheating of any kind, it's rounded up to 5.
Looking forward to the next!
December 6, 2018
1st read March 26th, 2011
2nd read July 16th, 2011
3rd read July 16th, 2013
4th read Dec 22nd 2017 (Audiobook)
5th read Dec 5th, 2018
I'm sitting here trying to think what to write because I want this review to do justice to how much I loved this story. Both these characters, Mikhail and Shane, have had such sad and hurtful histories, though not at all similar.
Shane grew up with cold and uncaring parents and the people he's been in relationships with seem to fit the same mold. They just don't seem to really "see" Shane. They see the big, strong outer shell but not the heart beneath that all too often ends up bleeding from hurtful, unfeeling comments or actions on the part of those who Shane was trying to trust and love.
Mikhail came from a hard life in Russia, where his dreams of being a dancer are dashed following a knee injury at a very young age. He tries to bring in money to help his mom, but ends up spiraling into the all to typical world of the street whore, with drug addiction almost being the end of the line. But Mikhail's mother is not an uncaring parent and her plan to save her son by getting him out of Russia and into rehab saves his life and gives them both a fresh start.
Amy gives us such detailed insight into the workings of these two men and their lives and families that I feel a true connection with them and their different situations. Because of this it is often hard to read of the bad things that happened to shape our two MC's.
The main thing that is woven throughout this story is the love we find. Shane's love of his animals (of which there are MANY) and of his new found "family" at The Pulpit. The deep respect and love of Mikhail for his "mutti" who is dealing with a tragic illness, but whose strength and love for her son still sustains them both. And underlaying everything is the love and support of Shane's adoptive family for him and by extension for the man Shane love's.
I can't say enough good things about this true love story except you have to experience it for yourself and, I hope, will love it as much as I do.
2nd read July 16th, 2011
3rd read July 16th, 2013
4th read Dec 22nd 2017 (Audiobook)
5th read Dec 5th, 2018
I'm sitting here trying to think what to write because I want this review to do justice to how much I loved this story. Both these characters, Mikhail and Shane, have had such sad and hurtful histories, though not at all similar.
Shane grew up with cold and uncaring parents and the people he's been in relationships with seem to fit the same mold. They just don't seem to really "see" Shane. They see the big, strong outer shell but not the heart beneath that all too often ends up bleeding from hurtful, unfeeling comments or actions on the part of those who Shane was trying to trust and love.
Mikhail came from a hard life in Russia, where his dreams of being a dancer are dashed following a knee injury at a very young age. He tries to bring in money to help his mom, but ends up spiraling into the all to typical world of the street whore, with drug addiction almost being the end of the line. But Mikhail's mother is not an uncaring parent and her plan to save her son by getting him out of Russia and into rehab saves his life and gives them both a fresh start.
Amy gives us such detailed insight into the workings of these two men and their lives and families that I feel a true connection with them and their different situations. Because of this it is often hard to read of the bad things that happened to shape our two MC's.
The main thing that is woven throughout this story is the love we find. Shane's love of his animals (of which there are MANY) and of his new found "family" at The Pulpit. The deep respect and love of Mikhail for his "mutti" who is dealing with a tragic illness, but whose strength and love for her son still sustains them both. And underlaying everything is the love and support of Shane's adoptive family for him and by extension for the man Shane love's.
I can't say enough good things about this true love story except you have to experience it for yourself and, I hope, will love it as much as I do.
September 24, 2013
I feel like I just had a reunion with old friends, and now I'm feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. I first read this book over a year and a half ago, early in my m/m reading days, and although I loved it then, I didn't appreciate the full extent of the story as much as I did this time.
This sequel to is about Shane, the police officer befriended by Deacon and his family, and Mikhail, a dancer who works with Shane's sister Kimmy in the Renaissance Faire.
It's about love and redemption, self-doubt, strength of character, strength of family, self-awareness, anger, fear, betrayal, and more. I could go on and on. It's very gritty and emotional Amy Lane. I just love these two MCs! And I love the supporting cast of characters, as well. I had forgotten the depth of pain these two undergo in this story and my tears flowed freely during the most painful times. But I had also forgotten some of the little funny moments in the story, like the stories Benny told of the guys taking turns teaching her to drive. Laugh out loud funny!
I wanted to revisit the series before I read which I've purchased and I'm hanging onto like it's Godiva chocolate. I want to savor it slowly. I do believe I'll also revisit before I dive into my cherished finale.
I love this series and highly recommend it to anyone who hasn't yet indulged. It's so worth it!
This sequel to is about Shane, the police officer befriended by Deacon and his family, and Mikhail, a dancer who works with Shane's sister Kimmy in the Renaissance Faire.
It's about love and redemption, self-doubt, strength of character, strength of family, self-awareness, anger, fear, betrayal, and more. I could go on and on. It's very gritty and emotional Amy Lane. I just love these two MCs! And I love the supporting cast of characters, as well. I had forgotten the depth of pain these two undergo in this story and my tears flowed freely during the most painful times. But I had also forgotten some of the little funny moments in the story, like the stories Benny told of the guys taking turns teaching her to drive. Laugh out loud funny!
I wanted to revisit the series before I read which I've purchased and I'm hanging onto like it's Godiva chocolate. I want to savor it slowly. I do believe I'll also revisit before I dive into my cherished finale.
I love this series and highly recommend it to anyone who hasn't yet indulged. It's so worth it!
September 23, 2015
The title of this book is so appropriate. Promises are made and Promises are broken but more importantly Promises are kept.
The story of two men who are both lost in their own way and looking to find something that will make them whole again. Shane is a police officer who has faced more than his fair share of abuse at the hands of his co-workers. He also has somewhat of a super-hero complex and this is much to his own detriment.
“You know that ‘blue wall� you always hear about when people talk about the police force?� Shane asked……”Well, let’s just say it’s not really pleased when there’s a pink brick in it.�
Mikhail, a Russian ballet dances, is also an ex-druggie/whore who has had a tough life on the streets. Trying to stay clean, and care for his dying mother has led to Mikhail having to be a tough and solitary man. He too doubts his own self-worth and is afraid of putting himself wholly into a relationship for fear that he is not good enough for Shane.
Together these two men find a way of making and keeping promises to each other but not without a fair amount of sadness and hurt along the way.
I love Amy Lane, and this is another quality read.
The story of two men who are both lost in their own way and looking to find something that will make them whole again. Shane is a police officer who has faced more than his fair share of abuse at the hands of his co-workers. He also has somewhat of a super-hero complex and this is much to his own detriment.
“You know that ‘blue wall� you always hear about when people talk about the police force?� Shane asked……”Well, let’s just say it’s not really pleased when there’s a pink brick in it.�
Mikhail, a Russian ballet dances, is also an ex-druggie/whore who has had a tough life on the streets. Trying to stay clean, and care for his dying mother has led to Mikhail having to be a tough and solitary man. He too doubts his own self-worth and is afraid of putting himself wholly into a relationship for fear that he is not good enough for Shane.
Together these two men find a way of making and keeping promises to each other but not without a fair amount of sadness and hurt along the way.
I love Amy Lane, and this is another quality read.
June 28, 2012
4.5 stars
Awww. What a sweet book :) I loved dorky Shane and narky Mikhail! Shane had so much more patience than I could have managed, dealing with Mickey; but it was beautiful to read about. Ylena was delightful; and the ongoing insight into Crick and Deacon's family life was great. Amy Lane has a talent for taking the 'nerds' and making us look beyond the initial 'flaws' to see the beautiful and desirable characters they really are. We all need an Amy Lane in our lives :)
I want to start on right now!
Awww. What a sweet book :) I loved dorky Shane and narky Mikhail! Shane had so much more patience than I could have managed, dealing with Mickey; but it was beautiful to read about. Ylena was delightful; and the ongoing insight into Crick and Deacon's family life was great. Amy Lane has a talent for taking the 'nerds' and making us look beyond the initial 'flaws' to see the beautiful and desirable characters they really are. We all need an Amy Lane in our lives :)
I want to start on right now!
September 4, 2012
It's difficult to write a comment at 5AM. SO maybe the best way to do it is chronicle what all I did in the 24 hours from beginning to end as I read. Opened the book, got mad, got sad, cried, blew my noise criesd some more. Had to get up and get something to drink so I could see because tears would stop flowing. Pulled myself together. Giggled, got sad, cried again, blew my nose about 10 times and gave up and just cried it out. Peed. Started reading again. Cried, blew my nose, giggled. Get the picture? As usual, Amy Lane wrote Another story that is so well written you become emmersed in the story and rings out all of your emotions. Another highly recommended book.
January 29, 2015
Absolutely LOVED this book. A much lighter read than the first in the series, even though they dealt with many very serious issues. Mikhail and Shane were a joy. Lots of love, determination, patience and humor went into the foundation of that relationship and it showed. Pretty much a flawless book in my opinion, with guest appearances by the extended family. I love the way they rally around each other in times of trouble. Definitely one I will read again. Oh, and if I wasn't convinced before, I know it now; I LOVE Deacon.
May 21, 2017
I worried before I started this. Mainly because it's over fifteen hours long and after I honestly didn't know if I had it in me if this story took the same kinds of twists and turns. I swear - Amy Lane can rip out my heart like few others.
This story is beautiful in its simplicity. It's all about redemption, love, and, ultimately, finding home and family. I loved every aspect of this story. It touched a little piece of my soul, and I'm better for it.
Paul Morey's narration isn't perfect. He fumbles a little, and there are some flubs, but it doesn't matter. He makes this story come to life in a way that absolutely respects the source material and brings these characters beautifully into full bloom.
I loved it. Even when it was breaking my heart, I loved it. This will immediately go to my "favorites" shelf and I know I will listen to, and read, this again and again because this story made me feel good. Warm and happy and oh-so-grateful for what I have.
Thank you, Amy Lane. Thank you.
Highly Recommended.
This review has been cross-posted at .
September 30, 2019
oh this was such a romantic and sweet read I loved it.
Yes there are some weak points but all in all it was a great and enjoyable read
Shane is a great guy and sometimes a bit too perfect. I appreciate how he cares for his family and for Mikhail ... oh what he does for his guy is just perfect.
but I would have loved for him to have more edges - so he was a bit bland at times. which is really a pity because I think if we knew more about his past his character would have been a bit more pronaunced
Mikhail on the other side had edges enough and I loved him for that.
the family was great and I think I want to read about Jeff. not so sure about Deacon and Crick because now that I know them like they are now, I don't think I could stand to see them hurt
all in all a great read
Yes there are some weak points but all in all it was a great and enjoyable read
Shane is a great guy and sometimes a bit too perfect. I appreciate how he cares for his family and for Mikhail ... oh what he does for his guy is just perfect.
but I would have loved for him to have more edges - so he was a bit bland at times. which is really a pity because I think if we knew more about his past his character would have been a bit more pronaunced
Mikhail on the other side had edges enough and I loved him for that.
the family was great and I think I want to read about Jeff. not so sure about Deacon and Crick because now that I know them like they are now, I don't think I could stand to see them hurt
all in all a great read
December 4, 2013
It's not as intense and heart-wrenching as , so maybe there's a WOW factor missing, but I think this sequel is just as good. It deals with less cataclysmic events, but it deals all the same with emotions stemming from traumatic events (addiction, death, homophobia). The relationship between Shane and Mikhail is more private and it involves The Pulpit's family, but it focuses especially on the main couple.
Shane is a big, good bear of a cop, who'd like to be a hero, to be the one who makes a difference. He is always there for anyone and the simple act of giving is enough to satisfy is generous heart. Mikhail is a Russian dancer, who's come to the US with his mother to get cured of heroine addiction and to get away from the streets of St. Petersburg. Mikhail's mother is dying of cancer and he is trying to earn enough money to fulfill her last desire of a cruise to Mexico.
When Shane and Mikhail meets, Shane is attracted to Mikhail's grace and the fact he seems to understand the Shane-language; Mikhail is attracted to those warm adoring eyes and Shane's selflessness. They both seem to recognize there's the possibility of something big and precious between them, but Mikhail thinks he'll never be good enough for Shane. At the beginning Shane tries to give him space, while letting him know he really cares for Mikhail, and with his persistence he begins to weave a net of caring and concern around Mikhail.
Their relationship grows before our eyes, page after page. We see Mikhail wanting to be the right man for Shane, but being afraid of his own skittish heart, how the fear of having Shane paralyzes him and sents him running away, at the time when he also has to deal with the death of his mother. We see Shane trying to be everyone's hero and his own hero, standing in the line of danger, risking his life, being strong in front of the homophobic attitude of his department.
The secondary characters are also a joy to read. Ylena, Mikhail's mother, is an unforgettable character, a strong woman who carries the burden of guilt for the life his son had to lead in Russia to sustain them both, but she tries to ease the same burden off his son's shoulders. We meet Deacon and Crick again and we can see how life is going on at The Pulpit. We learn a bit more about Jeff, who is the protagonist of the sequel .
As in the first book of the series, this book deals with the concept of extended and chosen family, how it can accept you, no matter how weird or flawed you think you are, how it can help you find your way and understand you must not be alone when your life gets difficult.
Shane is a big, good bear of a cop, who'd like to be a hero, to be the one who makes a difference. He is always there for anyone and the simple act of giving is enough to satisfy is generous heart. Mikhail is a Russian dancer, who's come to the US with his mother to get cured of heroine addiction and to get away from the streets of St. Petersburg. Mikhail's mother is dying of cancer and he is trying to earn enough money to fulfill her last desire of a cruise to Mexico.
When Shane and Mikhail meets, Shane is attracted to Mikhail's grace and the fact he seems to understand the Shane-language; Mikhail is attracted to those warm adoring eyes and Shane's selflessness. They both seem to recognize there's the possibility of something big and precious between them, but Mikhail thinks he'll never be good enough for Shane. At the beginning Shane tries to give him space, while letting him know he really cares for Mikhail, and with his persistence he begins to weave a net of caring and concern around Mikhail.
Their relationship grows before our eyes, page after page. We see Mikhail wanting to be the right man for Shane, but being afraid of his own skittish heart, how the fear of having Shane paralyzes him and sents him running away, at the time when he also has to deal with the death of his mother. We see Shane trying to be everyone's hero and his own hero, standing in the line of danger, risking his life, being strong in front of the homophobic attitude of his department.
The secondary characters are also a joy to read. Ylena, Mikhail's mother, is an unforgettable character, a strong woman who carries the burden of guilt for the life his son had to lead in Russia to sustain them both, but she tries to ease the same burden off his son's shoulders. We meet Deacon and Crick again and we can see how life is going on at The Pulpit. We learn a bit more about Jeff, who is the protagonist of the sequel .
As in the first book of the series, this book deals with the concept of extended and chosen family, how it can accept you, no matter how weird or flawed you think you are, how it can help you find your way and understand you must not be alone when your life gets difficult.
January 24, 2014
Loved it.
I’m so happy right now.
This book right here is why I love me some Amy Lane. It’s the characters. Their detailed personalities, their often painful backstories, and their loveability, flaws and all. I like the way they wiggle their way into my heart so effortlessly. Even though, once there they tend to squeeze all the emotions out.
Shane is this giant, sensitive Teddy Bear. Skilled in the art of sentence tangles. Mikhail is this beautiful, cynical dancer. Fully equipped with his own word rambles. They both have some damage, and they are both perfect for each other.
My heart feels all warm and full. I think I experienced the full emotional spectrum while reading this. I did the happy cry, the sad cry, and the ugly cry. I also laughed and smiled until my cheeks ached.
This was such a good read. I’m a little sad for it to end, because even though I will be rereading in the future nothing lives up to that first read through.
4.5 Stars
I’m so happy right now.
This book right here is why I love me some Amy Lane. It’s the characters. Their detailed personalities, their often painful backstories, and their loveability, flaws and all. I like the way they wiggle their way into my heart so effortlessly. Even though, once there they tend to squeeze all the emotions out.
Shane is this giant, sensitive Teddy Bear. Skilled in the art of sentence tangles. Mikhail is this beautiful, cynical dancer. Fully equipped with his own word rambles. They both have some damage, and they are both perfect for each other.
My heart feels all warm and full. I think I experienced the full emotional spectrum while reading this. I did the happy cry, the sad cry, and the ugly cry. I also laughed and smiled until my cheeks ached.
This was such a good read. I’m a little sad for it to end, because even though I will be rereading in the future nothing lives up to that first read through.
4.5 Stars
December 28, 2015
That felt very different to the first book. I even though I loved the first one, I'm glad it wasn't the same feeling.
I adored Mikhail. He overcame a horrible past. Every time he called Shane "insufferable man" I smiled. I loved it. Shane was very sweet and understanding. Taking things slow, and knowing what would spook Mikhail off.
I loved getting to check in with the cast from the first book.
Very enjoyable story.
I adored Mikhail. He overcame a horrible past. Every time he called Shane "insufferable man" I smiled. I loved it. Shane was very sweet and understanding. Taking things slow, and knowing what would spook Mikhail off.
I loved getting to check in with the cast from the first book.
Very enjoyable story.
June 6, 2015
Shane Perkins came to Levee Oaks, CA from Los Angeles after he was outed to the department by his (work) partner, who was also his lover. That partner threw Shane to the wolves and left, unscathed. Shane, though, was blackballed and then sent into an ambush in a bad neighborhood with no backup. He's not stupid, though, and he made sure there was evidence of what, exactly, went down. Once he recovered, he got a huge settlement from the department and he decided to move somewhere a little less exciting.
Shane likes being a cop. It's all he's ever really wanted to be. No matter how much the world tries to beat him down, Shane gets back up, dusts himself off and goes back to it. He wants to do good, he wants to help people and to protect those that can't protect himself. But at what cost?
Mikhail Bayul is a Russian dancer. He danced professionally in Russia, until an injury left him hooked on pain killers, which led to heroin which led to the end of his career. He worked the streets to get money to feed his drug habit until his mom took him to America to get clean. 11 years later, he is still clean and taking care of his mom. Mikhail teaches dance to children and, when he can, dances with a troupe that travels with Renaissance Fairs. Not a bad life and it's certainly one that Mickey enjoys.
Mikhail and Shane hit it off like wet on water. They just work. Mickey just gets Shane and his quirkiness. Mickey is also really hard on himself and doesn't believe he deserves someone so good. He tends to be skittish and for a good portion of the book, he had one foot out the door because he just didn't believe in himself. They work, though. They just work.
I enjoyed this continuation of the Promises series and look forward to reading more!
Shane likes being a cop. It's all he's ever really wanted to be. No matter how much the world tries to beat him down, Shane gets back up, dusts himself off and goes back to it. He wants to do good, he wants to help people and to protect those that can't protect himself. But at what cost?
Mikhail Bayul is a Russian dancer. He danced professionally in Russia, until an injury left him hooked on pain killers, which led to heroin which led to the end of his career. He worked the streets to get money to feed his drug habit until his mom took him to America to get clean. 11 years later, he is still clean and taking care of his mom. Mikhail teaches dance to children and, when he can, dances with a troupe that travels with Renaissance Fairs. Not a bad life and it's certainly one that Mickey enjoys.
Mikhail and Shane hit it off like wet on water. They just work. Mickey just gets Shane and his quirkiness. Mickey is also really hard on himself and doesn't believe he deserves someone so good. He tends to be skittish and for a good portion of the book, he had one foot out the door because he just didn't believe in himself. They work, though. They just work.
I enjoyed this continuation of the Promises series and look forward to reading more!
April 9, 2017
Another great addition to this wonderful series!
This wasn't as "out of this world" as but it still went STRAIGHT into the feels and stayed there for the duration of the story.
Shane was an angel. He was an imperfect man with a heart of gold but still an angel nonetheless. Miky on the other hand was as prickly, bitchy and temperamental as they came because of his terrible past. Listening(audio book here) to the progression of their relationship was just a joy. Shane wanted Miky forever while Miky was too terrified that anyone that good could care for him that much, talk less of loving him.
There were some things that I wouldn't have put up with were I Shane, but he handled Miky expertly and with infinite love and patience. This just went further to show that these men were meant to be together. Miky for his part changed for the better( not a 100% personality change as that would be unrealistic , but he definitely improved and I even came to care for that short prickly Russian lol)
Also, the way the family (Deacon,Crick,Amy,etc.) came together each time one of them needed help was just wonderful.
I think Jeff's book is next? I still haven't warmed up to him as at yet so I'm on the fence about his book but might just pick it up just to see if I can warm up to him. Who knows? I might just be pleasantly surprised. :)
This wasn't as "out of this world" as but it still went STRAIGHT into the feels and stayed there for the duration of the story.
Shane was an angel. He was an imperfect man with a heart of gold but still an angel nonetheless. Miky on the other hand was as prickly, bitchy and temperamental as they came because of his terrible past. Listening(audio book here) to the progression of their relationship was just a joy. Shane wanted Miky forever while Miky was too terrified that anyone that good could care for him that much, talk less of loving him.
There were some things that I wouldn't have put up with were I Shane, but he handled Miky expertly and with infinite love and patience. This just went further to show that these men were meant to be together. Miky for his part changed for the better( not a 100% personality change as that would be unrealistic , but he definitely improved and I even came to care for that short prickly Russian lol)
Also, the way the family (Deacon,Crick,Amy,etc.) came together each time one of them needed help was just wonderful.
I think Jeff's book is next? I still haven't warmed up to him as at yet so I'm on the fence about his book but might just pick it up just to see if I can warm up to him. Who knows? I might just be pleasantly surprised. :)
September 3, 2016
This was even better than the first book.
I loved this story of Shane and Mikhail, I found them both to be too good to be true, with some exceptions of course, but what I loved above all was them together. Oh my, it makes me get all mushy just thinking about these two sweet people finding each other, overcoming difficult odds to be together, doubts and all and then knowing that they were meant to be. All in one book of course. I did not miss the biblical disasters that were in the first book but this one did have its own share of hard knocks, mostly physical stuff happening to Shane who could not have been sweeter. I did not get the character of Mikhail, in the sense that he was hard-core in some ways and then totally the opposite at other times but then what do I know about such a hard life as his. I loved that all the other characters were featured in this book but did not take over the story as can happen sometimes. The best part of these books? They are satisfyingly long, no insta-love and insta-sex here, just a slow ride to a beautiful finish. Just lovely! A sign of a good author and word-smith to me is when I don't see the author in the book, just the characters she has outlined and filled in so well, that was the case with this book. Amy Lane is an excellent author.
I loved this story of Shane and Mikhail, I found them both to be too good to be true, with some exceptions of course, but what I loved above all was them together. Oh my, it makes me get all mushy just thinking about these two sweet people finding each other, overcoming difficult odds to be together, doubts and all and then knowing that they were meant to be. All in one book of course. I did not miss the biblical disasters that were in the first book but this one did have its own share of hard knocks, mostly physical stuff happening to Shane who could not have been sweeter. I did not get the character of Mikhail, in the sense that he was hard-core in some ways and then totally the opposite at other times but then what do I know about such a hard life as his. I loved that all the other characters were featured in this book but did not take over the story as can happen sometimes. The best part of these books? They are satisfyingly long, no insta-love and insta-sex here, just a slow ride to a beautiful finish. Just lovely! A sign of a good author and word-smith to me is when I don't see the author in the book, just the characters she has outlined and filled in so well, that was the case with this book. Amy Lane is an excellent author.
October 23, 2010
Great second book in the Promises series. I loved getting to know Shane and Mikhail and I was especially pleased to see how much "air play" the rest of the gang got - yeah, I'm still a Deacon-junkie from the last book. I thought the story was wound beautifully around "Shane's new family" without taking away from the new relationship. Shane is an interesting character with all his quirks and secrets, but Mikhail was the one I grabbed onto - his beauty and aloofness and underlying vulnerability just kept me holding my breath for him at times, hoping he'd let some of his frailties and fears escape for Shane to take care of. I love the whole "Deacon is scary", "Deacon the action hero" stuff - it just made me smile even more. Highly recommended for reading after and I can't wait for the next one.
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