The Promise Audiobook By Ki Brightly, Meg Bawden cover art

The Promise

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The Promise

By: Ki Brightly, Meg Bawden
Narrated by: Kaeomakana Tiwanak
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Widowed Before Forty

Lawyer Caleb “West” Weston loses the man he loves, Carter, to cancer. When Carter dies, not only is West left hurting, but Carter’s younger brother, 18-year-old Shane, plummets deeply into grief. Both men bury themselves in their pain and forget to support one another. West feels hollow, and Shane’s life goes off the rails.

The Lost Boy

Shane’s parents reacted badly when he told them he was gay, but he had Carter and West to run to when things got tough. They gladly took him in. After Carter dies, Shane feels like he has no one to love him, until one tearful moment between Shane and West turns into something passionate. Afterward, consumed by guilt, both men become more isolated than before.

Second Chance at Love, First Chance to Be Himself

West has never fully embraced the darkest parts of his sexuality, but he knows one thing for certain - he wants Shane as his. Even if being with his dead lover’s younger brother is wrong, fighting his attraction to Shane is hurting them both. He decides to step up and become the daddy he has always wanted to be, one who helps guide his boy back into the land of the living. One large problem remains, during the months Shane was left to his own devices, he made a wreck of his life. West and Shane both need a lot of love to heal. Can they learn to live a new life together, free of shame and guilt?

©2020 Ki Brightly (P)2020 Ki Brightly Contemporary Literature & Fiction Romance
Beautiful Story • Pleasant Voice • Sweet Relationship Development • Interesting Storyline • Well-developed Characters
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It tore at my heart watching Shane and West navigate a new relationship and all that it entailed. The survivor's guilt and changing dynamics were difficult and painful to listen to at times, but the ending brought it all together and made it more than worth it. It was so sweet seeing Shane blossom under his daddy's care and guidance; and West's bravery to live their truths. The narration was enjoyable. I voluntarily listened to a free copy of this and am giving an honest review.

so many tears, happy and sad

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Listener received this title free

They gave me a free copy to review.
And I have to say I have mixed feelings about this story. The two principal characters were fine; the sex was well written. The story however was all over the place. Both leads couldn't make up their minds about their relationship other than the Daddy and boy roles. There were too many characters that had no direction. They came and went without reason. This is another story where the writers didn’t understand how to write a person of color and just goes for the stereotype. (Please stop doing this.) The older lead is proud he defends criminals because he makes a lot of money. Wow!
Both are trying to mourn someone they lost and fall into each other's arm. This I can buy, but it's so annoying when one of them feels guilty about it. I can go on, but I won't. I see a lot of 5 stars here but wonder if they are real or maybe I'm missing something.
The reader was the wrong pick. His voice sounded pleasant, as if he was reading for a high schooler. He kept jumping out of voice and I got confused which character he was talking for. The POV was confusing. And why was he using a deep man's voice for a woman?
Over all I just wasn't into this story. I rolled my eyes, more than care about their relationship.

The Promise

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Shane and Caleb are both trying to get over the loss of the most important person in their lives. One night and one too many drinks have the men facing their emotions in a new way. The two must take a closer look at what they are doing and what they truly want but is that such a good thing?

This is an interesting story full of emotions and angst. The two men go through a lot in this story and must decide if they are going to acknowledge what they have and fight for it or let society dictate what is right. Both men are dealing with loss in their own ways and both are unhealthy. As the two navigate their way they find solace in each other. Watching the two figure things out made for an engaging read. At times Shane seemed way to naive and young and Caleb seemed to just want to satisfy his urges but the love that they share is there. There were some scenes that did not sit right with me it seemed that they both needed to learn just what and how to have the relationship that they wanted. Although narrator Kaeomakana Tiwanak moves the story along at a good pace I found that I disliked some of the voices used for the characters in this book.

The Promise

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This story about grief and moving on is heartbreaking. After the loss of Carter both West and Shane are struggling to find a after. West has the responsibility to watch over Shane but it’s hard when there is an attraction. Shane is just almost lost. He is trying to deal on a daily basis but not so successfully. There are so many issues to this relationship and its development. How these two handle them drew me in. I enjoyed the story. What I felt just didn’t fit is the narration. The voice of West just seems too juvenile.

Emotional story

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Listener received this title free

I loved this story! Weston and Shane are so broken but find comfort in each other. Now the 4 stars for the performance, I don't think the narrator did a bad job I just think it would have been better if the parts for Weston were done in a deeper, richer tone or maybe have a duet type narration. With that said, I finished listening and he did such a good job.

Hurt/comfort and sexiness

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The story itself isn’t bad…. Just a bit frustrating because it was an absolutely horrible choice of narrator. The narrator himself isn’t a bad one, but this story and his voice did not gel in any way shape or form. The voice is to excited and should be narrating children’s or young adult books.

Not bad, don’t really want to be critical

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If you love age gap, daddy kink stories you won't want to miss this one. This really is a beautiful story all around. What starts out as a tragedy turns into something sweet and loving. Have tissues handy this book is emotional. It's sad that Carter died, but it's in his death West and Shane are able take care of each other. West made a promise to Carter and in keeping that promise he got so much more than he expected. I loved watching the growth of West and Shane. I recommend this book.
Narrator Kaeomakana Tiwanak does a fabulous job. I just love his narrations.

A promise made, a promise kept

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I knew I would enjoy this story line, but it was so much more than I expected! The authors really thought out of the box. There was several avenues to this that surprised me. I really like this narrator. I’ve listened to him several times. I hated the parents! Lol

Much more than I expected!

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I really do like Shane and West's story. This is such a heartbreaking story. I just felt so much for these two. Seeing how they find comfort with each other and navigate a new relationship. Kaeomakana Tiwanak did a good job with this narration. He did bring the emotions with this one.

Great listen!

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Listener received this title free

Loved this story. I had previously read the book and enjoyed it, but listening to it was so much more. The storyline was so good and the characters Shane and Caleb are amazing and belong together in this second chance romance. Can’t wait for more from Ki.

Amazing

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