He’s everything I want but run away from.There’s a long list of things I don’t handle well:Change.Relationships.Breakups.But there’s one person above everything else I can’t seem to get a handle on.Brody Wallace.In short, he’s perfect. The reality, he scares me.He’s the opposite of what I usually go for. He’s bigger. Intimidating. He reminds me of someone I’d rather forget.When I need to find a … someone I’d rather forget.
When I need to find a new place to live, Brody offers me his spare room, but I have no plans on taking him up on the offer. He doesn’t know what happened to me five years ago, and I want to keep it that way.But with limited options, I find myself outside his apartment holding a full moving box and wondering: How can I do this without exposing the darkest part of my past?
Unspoken Vow is a full-length MM romance with a HFN/HEA. It deals with mental illness. Please check trigger warnings in the front matter.
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I really enjoyed this! Accidentally read it before the first one, still just as good!
I am struggling to write this review as the words I put down can simply not express the excellence and appreciation that I feel for this book. Eden Finley took on huge obstacles writing about PTSD and anxiety as well as domestic abuse and the failures of the judicial system. She not only did it while introducing strong and lovable characters but she also did it with honestly and understanding. Nothing could be added to this book that would make it any better. A complete masterpiece from the opening pages to the very end. 5 Stars are not enough – I honestly think 500 would still be too few. thank you Eden Finley for writing about taboo topics with heart and passion.
After having read Unwritten Law, I just HAD to have Anders story. This became a book I was eagerly anticipating, and it was worth the wait! Anders story was amazing and real. It was so emotional and raw and I could relate to so many of his feelings. Anders suffers from a traumatic event from his past that continues to haunt his present, and his future if he lets it. Meeting Brody, who is the most patient and amazing person, makes Anders want to get better and be better. Brody patiently stands by and let’s Anders lead their roommate turn benefits relationship slowly as he discovers new limits and boundaries. Brody’s patience and dedication of just wanting to BE with Anders was just everything to me. It’s not just darkness here though for Anders and Brody. There is humor, laughs, and super sexy times with cuffs and ropes. Oh! How could we forget Brody’s sister’s cat Lucky? Lucky forsakes her savior for Anders who aptly renames her Meatball, and who needs her beast-like presence more than he could ever know. Thank you so much for Anders’s story, and sharing Anders and Brody with us! Anders will be a character that sticks with me for a long time.
Another amazing listen. Anders had been through a lot. His mental health issues prevented him from trusting. The trauma that he had been through with his Ex haunted him. Anders ended up having to move in with Brody, a friend of his brother’s boyfriend. Could things change for Anders? Could Brody be part of his world?
There are books that affect you more than others. Some make you cry more than others and some others just simply gut you because you are currently living what he main character is actually living. This is what happened by reading the unvoiced vow. Reading it until the end was hard, it took me time, I had to take breaks, a lot of breaks, put the books down, and resume it to finally get to the last line.
I was diagnosed recently with a generalized anxiety disorder. So it was extremely east to find me in the character of Anders. I understood his reactions and his needs because I found them at home. I would have liked to have a Brody to accompany me, but mine found it was too complicated to manage and preferred to go is own way, but that’s another story.
What I can tell you about Eden Finley’s latest book is that it’s catchy and beautifully written. We feel what the author and every person living with anxiety on a daily basis found themselves living and feeling. The characters are written with accuracy, situations and reactions brilliantly. It is never too much. We are in the realism, in the head and in the life of someone living really, daily with a malaise that he cannot fight despite all his efforts.
The end is just right. We have the happy ending that is expected with a romance, but it does not elude the trauma of Anders with whom he will live all his life. I would have been disappointed by the author if she had decided to write an end like Walt Disney’s. That they will live happily and have many children. As if love could erase everything and allow each time to start again on a blank page. No, it’s in fairy tales and life is not one. Good Job Eden, you made me read the book as it was a long time since I had not done it.
We got Ander’s story and his much deserved happily ever after with hotshot lawyer Brody. This was a very emotional story because of what Ander’s was going through but it was peaceful that he found ways to cope with his demons and was able to move forward with Brody. Brody was super patient and always willing to do whatever was best for Ander’s which is why they got a happily ever after.
This was my first LGBT romance novel. I loved it and it touched my heart. I’m really not into the standard romance novels. I like to read something deep and meaningful. Ander’s story was just that. Suffering from PTSD, GAD, and severe anxiety issues my heart went out to this character. His partner Brody was such a patient and caring man that made me love his character from the very beginning. This is a true and meaningful story about those who suffer from a mental or anxiety based illness. It was a deep but lovely story. I personally go through depression and anxiety and I feel that the author was very accurate and her description of Anderson’s issues. It’s not easy going through a traumatic experience. It’s also not easy to recover from one. Brody strength, patience, kindness, and love was amazing. I must say I loved this book for so many reasons. Anderson and Brody may have gone through some tough times but they stood by each other and will work on dealing with all of Anderson’s issues. Anderson’s brother Law was also an amazing character. He would do anything for his brother. Being twins they had their own special bond. His love for his brother was very evident in this story. I highly recommend this book! I think that it will help enlighten everyone about PTSD and anxiety issues. Not all romances are easy. This was a lovely romance novel. I hope you read and enjoy it.
This book was so full of emotion and pain. I loved Anders and Brody, and I cherished every bit of their very slow movement from acquaintances to roommates to lovers to a couple. When Anders experienced anxiety and PTSD, his devoted brother Law and his determined and gentle lover Brody supported him. Ben had his own daddy issues to deal with, along with trying to figure out his future as a lawyer.
The supporting characters were great, but most of this book was filled with moments between Brody and Anders, as well as a previously abused cat who recognized a fellow survivor. Their story was sometimes painful, but it was also hopeful and even occasionally funny. I loved the men and the cat, and I found the book to be very satisfying.
I have been waiting for Anders and Brody story and it was fantastic. I enjoyed the storyline it’s interesting and well developed. The characters are interesting and realistic with a strong love for each other. I how they work together to deal with the issues they had. Overall this is a story that is a must read.
I think I’m a little shell-shocked and still trying to wrap my head and my heart around this story. First, it was amazing and will leave you breathless. Second, it tackles a lot of hard subjects, but instead of making light of them, Eden Finley tackles them head-on and brings them into the forefront in a way I’ve only seen a handful of authors be able to pull off well. The story is great and full of the feels. Trust me when I say, you won’t want to put the book down, but you will have to a few times to collect yourself. Add into all of that a great set of characters and you can’t go wrong with this book. Unspoken Vow is a must-read and 5 stars. I highly recommend you one-click today. Be beware, there are a lot of triggers in this book.
I was very much looking forward to reading this book after having read the first book of the Steele Brothers. It exceeded my expectations. I loved it. I couldn’t put the book down and read it in one sitting. Despite the heavy issues, it’s not at all a sad or depressing story. At times, it’s heartbreaking and bitter-sweet, but most of all it’s uplifting and full of hope.
The characters are wonderful, deeply developed and genuine. You can’t help but love Anders and Brody. Anders has gone through devastating times, and slowly and steadily he’s on the way back. He has a great support system in his brother and therapist, but it is Brody who is the catalyst to give Anders that final boost. Although with anxiety and PTSD, there is never a final boost. Eden Finley gives us just a glimpse of what Anders has to deal with every day again, but it’s more than enough to get a very good picture. She knows what it means (as you can read in the Dear Reader section), which makes it even more poignant. It’s an ongoing process that for some will get better but maybe never end.
Brody is the most patient and supporting man Anders can find. But thankfully, he stays the same cocky guy Anders didn’t want to like but now needs just as much. I loved their witty banter, which infused some lightness in the story.
This is the second book in the Steele Brothers series. I recommend reading the books in order for a better understanding and enjoyment.
This book deals with a whole set of heavy issues. Domestic abuse, PTSD, anxiety disorder. So, it comes with trigger warnings, as it should. But despite the tough subject, the story is also hopeful in the most heartwarming way.
It’s an amazing and emotional read. It’s heartbreaking at times, but Finley successfully balance the heavy of mental issues with the light of a budding romance. However, getting the viewpoint of both Anders and Brody is frustrating as hell, knowing they want the same thing but having Anders traumatic past constantly get in the way.
Also, the steamy parts are inspired. It’s hard (!) to go wrong with double-the-d*ck of course. The M/M romance genre is nice that way. And even though the idea of swallowing might not appeal to me outside of fiction, the light-bondage-no-spill scene in the chair was awesome.
But even though I’m a big fan of hot encounters, in this book nooky takes a backseat to the serious issues. It’s still a romance, only a less lighthearted one. So, it differs quite a lot from Finley’s earlier work. However, despite the gravity – and entirely true to form – she still manages to be hilarious. Meaning I didn’t only cry during this read, I laughed out loud a lot too.
The fact that Anders’ trauma didn’t have a magical solution in the end is a great plus in my book. There aren’t any easy fixes for PTSD or anxiety, and Finley keeps it real. As the HEA-sucker I am though, I would have wished for some highly unlikely, karmic justice for Anders’ ex. But knowing myself, I’m guessing that if Finley had indeed added that to the story, I would probably have griped about the improbability of it.
I loved this book. The writing is brilliant and I immediately fell in love with the characters. The story sucked me in and kept me enthralled until the very end. And as is the case for all great reads, reaching the end feels like a kind of loss where you need some time to grieve before you can move on.
So, in conclusion, to help out readers everywhere, I would suggest 10 mandatory epilogue chapters in all romance novels. That shouldn’t be a problem, right?
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3-1/2 Stars! I had high hopes for this one because I totally loved “Unwritten Law,” Law and Reed’s story. I didn’t connect to Brody and Anders like I was hoping to, and I can’t even begin to explain why. These things just happen from time to time. I do love complicated characters like Anders, and Brody’s patience was a thing of beauty. Together they were amazing. About 49% to 70%, the story lagged a little bit for me before picking up again. The storyline didn’t go where I was expecting it to, which was a plus for me. That being said, I’m still glad I read this book. This book does touch on PTSD and generalized anxiety disorder which might be troubling for some, so I would pay heed to the author’s notes at the beginning of the book. Even though this was a little one-off for me, I do recommend giving it a try.
I think I liked this book more than the first, and I really enjoyed that one as well. This book definitely touches on a hard topic. I loved how the story progressed and watching them work through all these issues. I also found it refreshing that the author doesn’t rush things with Anders condition. Often in books where one of the MCs is struggling with severe anxiety and/or ptsd, it’s often overcome quickly with some sort of easy revaluation. I found it refreshing that the author took a more realistic approach to these issues.
We met Anderson in the first book as Laws brother and we got to see a little bit of the what Anders are going through. Living with Law and having his twin breaking up with the men he was seeing was necessary because Anders just couldn’t deal with it. That alll led to Law meeting Reed and finding love and it also brought Reeds friend Brody into their lives.
My heart just broke for Anders and everything he had to go through and it’s so unfair that victims of abuse, violence and even bullying are forced to suffer not just during but a long time after. But Brody was just the perfect one at the perfect time with his kindness, his patience, his lovely rodent (sorry, cat) Meatball and his love.
Expect feelings, crying, some laughs and a really amazing book.
Anders, I’m so glad I got to know your story but boy was it heartbreaking. Brody was so perfect for you from the very beginning. I felt Anders pain and anxiety all to well. All of Anders trial and tribulations are so accurate. So unapologetically real. This book was hard at times for me to read but so necessary as well.
If you are undecided about reading this book, don’t be. You will be glad you did. Eden thank you for this wonderful, raw and emotional book. I personally loved your Author’s note and the end of the book.
Books that center around Mental Health are always a bit of a hit and miss for me. This is because I myself suffer from multiple issues, and so I am not always up to reading about it. Sometimes I just like to pretend I am an ostrich…
Other times I don’t mind reading about it because it makes me feel less alone…if you get what I’m saying.
Anyways…I usually try not to let my mood affect my rating because me being in a bad place has nothing to do with the book or the story 😉
In this instance, I really enjoyed the story…it actually made me feel hopeful, which is always a good thing. That said…I still want to point out the triggers to those who do mind reading about mental health.
Anders and Brody were introduced in the previous book and since I didn’t know this before I started, I had to go back and read book 1, Unwritten Law. I do advice reading that one first 😉
Now this book may have dealt with some heavy subjects but that doesn’t mean it was all heavy and dark. There was definitely light and fun and sweetness.
I had a lot of admiration for Anderson and respect for Brody in how he dealt with everything. Anderson has been through some very traumatic events and is still struggling with the aftermath. He is suffering from a severe case of PTSD, amongst other things. But thankfully he isn’t alone… He will find strength in Brody, who I loved dearly .
Love doesn’t solve all your problems, I know this better than anyone…but it sure as hell helps. Having someone to love you, support you and hold you up when you crumble…is everything…
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
I was a little apprehensive going into this story as it was a darker read than Law’s story and I was afraid that it might be more angst than I wanted to experience. I feel, though, that the author managed to walk the line between the realism of Anders’ anxiety and the moments of funny and sweet that gave the reader a chance to let some of the tension out. This balance kept the book from becoming a difficult or overly emotional read. I have to admit, I didn’t think that there would be a lot of depth to Brody when I first started reading this story. He seemed like a pretty simple guy that only saw Anders as a challenge in the beginning but he quickly started evolving into the type of guy that Anders could depend on for whatever he needed. I also liked that Brody was very patient with trying to help Anders through his fears even though he did not have any idea what had happened to Anders to cause his anxiety/fear because it was so difficult for Anders to discuss with people he was close to, let alone someone that he was still getting to know.
This was a very enjoyable read from beginning to end and has a very satisfying ending that is realistic. 4.5 stars
Very emotional book about how trauma effects you mentally. Well written!!
First off I just want to say if you haven’t read Unwritten Law I think you should. You don’t have to but it gives you more of Anders. Now this story is going to make you cry. At least it did for me. Eden Finley has written a story that’s a little hard to read at time but it has a lot of truth to it.
I do not want to give anything away but Anders just broke my heart. I just wanted to jump into the book and hug the hell out of him. I was cheering so hard for him. Everything that happened to him shouldn’t have. People who love you aren’t suppose to hurt you. Anders is a brave man. He has such an amazing heart, I mean yeah he has messed up along the way but he makes up for it in the end. An Brody, I’m so glad he was there to help Anders through the things going on in his head. Brody has so much patience , heart of gold, just always wanting to do the right thing.
These two had me on pin and needles. I just couldn’t get enough. I still want more.