My Personal Review for Putting Out Fires by Marie Sexton

If you never visited the Coda Series by Marie Sexton, then her Valentine's themed novella, Putting Out Fires, is the perfect introduction to the series that started with Promises. 


My Rating for Putting Out Fires: 4 Stars

Matt Richards has spent the last three years with his lover, Jared Thomas and he has been happier than he ever has been. But when Valentine’s Day rolls around and his lover mentions he is unappreciated, Matt finds he needs to do something to show the man he loves that Jared is appreciated in every way by Matt. But things don’t go according to plans and chaos ensures. Can Matt salvage this Valentine’s Day before Jared is home?

With the right amount of humor, romance and more, Marie Sexton delivers a wonderful addition in her Coda series with Matt & Jared front and center. I absolutely adore this series, not just because there are three main couples that it follows but because it has a heart and soul that leaves a reader breathlessly aching for more. Marie Sexton captures the heart of Jared and Matt in this funny, sweet and sexy Valentine's story that is perfect anytime of the year, not just on Valentine's Day. The characters, Matt and Jared, are center stage and with the help of a few friends, Matt is on his way to show Jared how appreciated he is. Well...I don't think Matt anticipates that plans can somehow go out of whack with a blink of an eye.

I laughed out loud so many times my honey came walking into the living room wondering what I was doing that was hilarious. The story is a fun way to introduce you to the Coda series or just revisit some beloved characters. This author knows how to showcase her characters in ways that let them shine in her stories and that is the beauty of a Marie Sexton story. Her storytelling is unparalleled and delivers something that will leave you aching for more. I fell in love with Matt and Jared in the first book, promises, and from then on, each story (novellas and novels) bring added characters that give the series depth and growth. With the right amount of humor, sexy scenes, romance and angst, the reader is treated like family as they read the Coda series.

If you haven't read any of the Coda books, why are you standing here? Run-go, shoo-to grab the books and then get ready for the fun to begin. If you are back after a break from reading them, it's like coming home after a long vacation as you catch up with everyone. 

Marie Sexton is an author to look out for and one I am eager to read more of. I highly recommend her entire Coda Series and hope you enjoy the series as much as I do.

You can find the Coda Series at Dreamspinner Press in ebook, print and audio books

The Coda Series is as follows:

Promises (About Jared and Matt)

A to Z (About Zach and Angelo)

The Letter Z (about Zach and Angelo)

Strawberries for Dessert (About Jonathon and Cole) 

Putting Out Fires (Jared and Matt novella)

Paris A to Z (about all the couples)

Free stories on Marie Sexton's website for the Coda Series http://mariesexton.net

The start of the series:

My Personal Review for Promises by Marie Sexton

I picked up Promises because I liked the sound of the blurb. Wasn't sure what I was getting story wise but the minute I started reading I was hooked. This is the first book in the Coda Series and I have to admit, I stayed up really late just to finish it. Needless to say once pay day hits, I am getting the rest of the series to read. :-)

Now onto my review of Promises.....

Jared Thomas loves his small town of Coda, Colorado. He lives, works and has an enjoyable life…a bit one that is a bit lonely as well. Being the only other gay man has it disadvantages mainly there are no single gay men to have a relationship with. Jared was fine with that until Matt Richards walks into the door and into his life. From then on, it’s misunderstandings, falling in love, secrets and a whole lot of sexual tension between the two men. Will they be able to find a way to work past everything that is thrown at them to have the relationship they deserve?

I seriously don't know how I missed this series before now. I have seen the author around on loops, facebook, etc but never really explored her books. Well I am remedying that ASAP. Promises is an engrossing tale of a small town and the two men who find they are perfect for one another. What I loved the most about this story was how the author was able to incorporate small town life into the storyline. It made the story much more life like and I could really relate to the characters.

The characters in Promise had me at times, laughing, sighing and wanting to smack them for their stubbornness. They are so life like I swear I could find them in my small town and be friends with them. They were quite multi-dimensional and kept my attention till the very end. Jared Thomas is an openly gay man but doesn't flaunt it in his small town. He loves his town but the man prospects are dismal at best. Enter in new police officer, Matt Richards. He blew Jared away with his smile, the kindness he spies in his face and the loneliness he sees in his eyes. A kindred spirit they become friends and Jared is resigned to loving Matt secretly as Matt is straight....well Jared thinks he is that is. What results is secret desires, confusion, misunderstandings and more. Can Jared get Matt to accept and embrace his feelings or will Matt walk away from Jared forever? 

I love how this author really peeled the layers from him and Matt so the readers could see the heart of their issues throughout the story. Each time I felt like I knew the characters, another layer would be ripped open and you would see a whole new side of them. It made the story much more life like to me. There were a few secondary characters that left quite an impression on me so I am hoping the author revisits them soon.

Promises is more than a simple romance story of two friends falling for one another. It's about taking a risk to reach for your happily ever after. That, yes you are worth that love the other person feels for you. It's about hope, promises of forever, love, friendship and so much more. Ms. Sexton delivers a timeless classic in Promises and it is one book I can see reading again, multiple times. I am eager to read the next chapter in the Coda series and can't wait to see what happens next for Matt, Jared and all their friends in Coda, Colorado.

If you are looking for a new author to explore, I highly recommend Marie Sexton. She delivers character rich stories that will leave a smile on your face. I can't wait to see what else this author has up her sleeve for her readers in the future.

My rating for Promises: 4.5 Stars

The Coda Series:

Matt & Jared:

Promises

The Promise

Putting out Fires

Cole & Jon:

Strawberries for Dessert

Zach & Angelo:

A to Z

The Letter Z

Paris A to Z

More information on Marie Sexton and all her wonderful books can be found HERE