Promises Part 4 (Bounty Hunters)

voluntary review of arc
Brian served his country with honor. His last mission ended badly and he was the only one to return home alive. But he left more than his friends behind when he was rescued…he left his voice. Can he accept that he lives while they don’t?
Sway lost his twin. The other half of him. He has his mother and his job and that is enough…until it isn’t. Can he learn to live and not just survive?
Promises is fourth in A.E. Via’s Bounty Hunters series. This story can be read as a standalone. I loved this story by Ms. Via. I adored Brian. He is the last of the bachelors and believes his issues will not allow him to find his happily ever after. That is until he meets Sway. But can Sway handle all that Brian brings? Brian is strong and silent…or is he? Brian’s issues have issues but I loved that he was working to live in spite of his problems. I loved the support he received from his friends and family. I loved seeing Brian fight to get better. And I loved that Sway fought his demons as well. Losing his brother and not just any brother but his twin is hard for him. But I loved seeing Sway enjoy his work and the people he interacted with. I loved that Sway fought his fears in order to give Brian a shot.

Ms. Via gave us two male characters that were flawed but willing to fight. I loved how they fought to be together. This story had me from almost the beginning. The fears were real for both me and the men. The chemistry felt real and believable. I laughed so much through this story even as I hoped Brian and Sway would take that leap of faith. I thoroughly enjoyed their journey. And while this is the first time I have read Ms. Via’s writing, it definitely will not be the last.
Five Shooting Stars And Star Dust Award

From the moment Brian and his brother Ford popped up in this series, I—along with plenty of other fans—wanted both of their stories. In part 3, we not only got Ford’s story, but a naughty and tantalizing taste of the start of Brian’s…and from that moment I was chomping at the bit for Brian and Sway. The wait for their story? Torture…although so very worth it for the incredibly emotional book that details their journey.

Brian has lived through things in his military past that no person should ever have to, and they have left physical, mental, and emotional scars—one of which is his mutism. His situation, from the flashbacks that are described, to how he deals with others, to how he heals…they are all handled carefully and written so the reader can understand, empathize, and sympathize. For me, I became deeply invested in Brian’s healing process and the journey his character has gone through, and continues to go through. He is far and away my favorite of this author’s characters, and the one I most wanted to see get a happily ever after.

Sway is completely suited to his career as a nurse. He has an almost limitless capacity to nurture and care for others, which makes him an ideal match with Brian. Sway has an uncanny ability to understand exactly what Brian means by his touches, facial expressions, and every other non-verbal cue Brian makes. As Sway says,

“I don’t need you to talk, Brian. I can hear you just fine.”

And he can. Sway and Brian are completely in tune with each other, creating a deep emotional bond between them. That of course carries over into the physical, and their intimate scenes are passionate and sexy.

One of the great things about this book? The supporting characters. We get all of the guys from the previous Bounty Hunter books, plus cameos from the Nothing Special series (!!!), and if that wasn’t enough, there’s Tweetie. Oh, how I loved Tweetie. A bit inappropriate, and at times unintentionally getting things wrong—to my utter amusement. She brings some great comic relief, while at the same time providing another mother figure for Sway. But the most important character outside of Brian and Sway themselves is Ford. While Brian and Sway might be the couple of interest in this story, and the primary focus for most readers, the part Ford plays and the familial bond between him and Brian are even more important, and play a huge role in this book (though you may not realize it until near the end).

Bottom line…this is a 5-star absolute must-read, and gets a Top Recommendation from me. While you could conceivably read this as a standalone, my personal opinion is that you should at least read part 3 first to get the introduction to Brian and Sway—believe me, you want that intro ;-) Promises Part 4 is strictly meant for readers 18+ due to adult language, sexual content, and some difficult subject matter that may be a trigger for some readers; be sure to read the full blurb before starting the book. And then sit back and enjoy, because you’re going to fall in love with Brian and Sway!

After surviving the hell of War Brian returns home and tries to get his life back on track. He has a job he loves, a nice home, friends, but something is missing.  One night, at a sex club, he meets an angel. Little does he know that this Angel happens to be his brother's Partners best friend. Brian cannot get the man out of his head. A few weeks later a chance encounter at his brother's house brings him face-to-face with the man he's been thinking about for weeks. Sway is everything he's been looking for but Brian isn't sure if Sway can look past the scars and the fact that he doesn't speak. Sway comes with his own baggage not wanting to get close to anyone after the loss of his twin. These two lost souls find in each other something truly special.  Loved seeing the Nothing Special guys and Tweetie, she was fabulous and added that special touch to the story. A E Via has a knack for grabbing you from the first page and not letting go. I loved Brian and Sway's story. A definite must read!!

OH MY GOODNESS...this was the MOST PERFECT story!!!

Let me just start with saying I LOVE AE Via's stories, ALL of her stories, so I knew I would love this book...but I had no clue just how incredibly beautiful this would be. We have been waiting SO LONG (or at least it feels like forever) for Sway & Brian's story and it was so worth the wait. The love and trust and beauty between these guys was intense from the first second and just grew with each word that was written. Don’t get me wrong, the sexy parts were HAWT but this was so much more than just a steamy story…it was a TRIUMPH story about a WAR HERO and the HEALER that brought him back to life.

If you have never given AE Via a chance or even more, a M/M story a chance, I STRONGLY recommend this series and especially this story as it shows the realness between these guys. You can read this as a stand-alone, but you would understand Brians (he’s a mute former prisoner of war that works as a bounty hunter) background story so much better if you at least ready Promises Part 3 first. And Sway (amazing nurse at Emory hospital), he is just perfectly ADORABLE and so loving and caring and sweet that he will give you a toothache <3

Seriously…give Promises Part 4 a read, you will NOT be sorry!!!

I adored Brian and Sway, and had been waiting for their story for months! A.E did a fabulous job, as always, incorporating action, love, steamy scenes, and characters you can't help but fall in love with. I also loved how she dealt with Brian's mutism and PTSD, giving the readers real insight into the difficulty soldiers face, especially after going through trauma. Despite how huge, fierce, and protective Brian was, he was always a sweetheart, and the kind of man Sway, who'd gone through hardship himself, needed. This book, along with all of A.E's books, was absolutely amazing, and pulled me in to the point I couldn't put it down till I finished. Definitely can't wait till the next installment!!

Another glowing 5 star review for one of my favorite authors. she truly out did herself with Brian's book. This story will capture you from the first page, and make you fall in love with Brian all over again. Brian is one of those strong silent type Alpha males that all girls and guys want to fall in love with. The Alpha of all Alphas

This is a beautiful story about Brian, who cannot speak, and Sway, who hears Brian through every expression and touch! But, can they capture and keep each other? They each have their issues and insecurities but they’re beautiful together!

I was absolutely thrilled with the way Brian's story was brought to life, because if you have followed this series like I have, then you will have been craving Brian's book since we first meet him.
I really want to start with the MC's in this story, Brian and Sway.
Brian was such a deep and complex character that A.E. Via definitely did justice to, in my opinion. His strength and courage to heal and move forward is aspiring to me. The hardships he endured only made him even more amazing and his strong relationship with his brother and team really give credence to his character as a man. I loved how he was able to overcome any obstacle in his way. I really can't say enough about how much I loved Brian.
Sway was a fantastic counter part to Brian's character. As a nurse he spends all his time taking care of others and making sure they are ok. His strong relationship with his mother and Tweetie was a joy to see...Tweetie made me laugh so hard sometimes​! I really liked that Brian was able to give him something that he desperately needed, yet was unlikely to take for himself. I loved how fun and feisty he could be as well. I think he brought a layer of lightness to this story that kept it from getting to dark, which I was a little concerned that it might.
I think that ying and yang that they had personality wise made their relationship really work and allowed them to be more open and honest with each other. I liked how they told each other anything and everything and that open communication really made them stronger together.
The storyline was fun and full of that action that you definitely expect from a book in this series yet it had layers that gave it a rich, deep insight intothe lives of two people who just desperately want to be loved.
I also enjoyed the little cameos from certain members ​of a certain task force. The other secondary characters through the book also contributed to my overall enjoyment. It was nice to get to see all those that we enjoy from other series.
I have to say that the 5 stars that I rated this story were, for me, absolute and deserved. I highly recommend this series and that while this story can be read as a stand alone they are better enjoyed as a whole.

Promises 4 is the fourth book in the Bounty Hunters series by the fabulous AE Via. I have read a handful of her books and I have loved them all. But Promises 4 is by far my favorite. The writing is better, the characters well developed and the story emotional. I fell for Brian in the last book and knew his story was going to be something else! He is ex-military. Honorably discharged and highly decorated. He lost the ability to speak and has PTSD. Even though he can't talk, he's an impressive specimen of a man. He sees and hears things no one else does. That's why he good at his job. He's also scarily big and sexy as h. When he meets Sway, no words are spoken, but none are needed. Sway can hear Brian. There's such a strong connection between them that Sway just knows what Brian wants and needs. Once they get over their fear of seeing each other again, it's ok. Brian wants Sway something fierce, but he's going to take his time. Show Sway that he wants to take care of him. Sway is always taking care of others and he needs someone to look after him. Sway is a damn good nurse. He loves his job and he's moving forward in his career. He can't stop thinking about Brian and he wants to try to be with him. Brian is carrying around demons and they strike whenever they want. Will Sway be there to help Brian or will he run just like all the others? Can Brian trust in Sway? These two are an unlikely couple, but their chemistry is off the charts! Crazy sparks and fiery heat! I loved watching Brian and Sway fall for each other. They both have baggage, but sometimes it helps to share your burdens with those who love you. There were twists and turns and I loved every second of it. Overall, I laughed, cried, got hot and bothered and my heart was full at the end! I loved seeing the other characters from the series!

Brian and Sway have the perfect love story from the first page till the very last page. Brian takes my breath away at times with his struggles and bold way of living. Sway just tucked himself right into my heart and will never come out again! A.E. you have out done yourself this time and yes Brian and Sways story was long awaited but so well worth the wait. I wish I could give you another 10 stars because this story is just that good and then to be told that we are going to have more of the Bounty Boys.... Well lets just say HURRY UP! I have the patients of a mouse on speed right now!

This was epic. totally worth waiting for. Loved Brian and Sway (BTW I am in love with the name Sway) The whole story was just awesome. As usual A E Via totally nails it. Had all the feels and so hot!!!!

I adore these guys, the honor, commitment and love they all share.
Melts my heart every time I read, or reread one of these. Cause I can't just read them once, very happy to visit them over and over!