Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

London Series #1

Mark's Promise

Rate this book
MARK

The relentless nagging of my siblings pushes me out of my comfort zone, forcing me to honour a promise I made to my mother.

Between online dating and a crazy idea, I'm set up with my younger brother's best friend.

In a rollercoaster of emotions and unpredictable dates, I find myself unravelling the layers of my guarded heart and opening to the world around me.

Will this be my long-awaited chance at finding love, or will I once again be left behind?

357 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 6, 2023

24 people are currently reading
129 people want to read

About the author

JoJo Stone

12 books45 followers
JoJo Stone is a writer from the U.K. She fell in love with words young, starting with poetry. Life took her on a few detours, but now she's back, ready to share her stories.

JoJo's Italian roots fuel her love for cooking traditional recipes, and when she’s not writing, you’ll find her snapping photos or running through the scenic streets of the U.K. and Italy.

For JoJo, every passion tells a story, and she's excited to share hers with readers.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
22 (33%)
4 stars
23 (34%)
3 stars
20 (30%)
2 stars
1 (1%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Kassu.
895 reviews22 followers
April 9, 2024
3.5⭐

This is kind of basic contemporary romance focusing on a few characters and not much else. I'm not in the target group for that, but I am in the target group of I'm-not-worthy-angsty-porn. I was slightly surprised these two didn't get married with Mark still thinking that Zane is just "helping out" and couldn't possibly be interested in an old dude like him.

But yeah, I enjoyed the angst, and some of the dates and sexual chemistry was very nice. The age gap is rather big here (41 and 21) and some people might feel iffy about these guys having known each other when the younger one was a kid, but there's not much of a power imbalance as Zane is rather confident and Mark is an insecure wreck.

I probably wont devour the rest of the author's catalogue for the lack of fantasy and sci-fi, but I might read another at some point.
Profile Image for DLB2572.
3,272 reviews26 followers
July 7, 2023
Getting the Love He Deserves

I'm rounding this up from 3.5 but I did enjoy reading this story. There were a few things in the story that disrupted the flow of things, like Mark's coworker Martin's issues which were never resolved. Even with that though, it was a good read.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
Profile Image for Jeanette Buck.
387 reviews15 followers
July 6, 2023
This was a very good debut book. This is a best friend's brother romance story. Mark was left to look after his younger siblings when their mother died and that has been his sole focus for years. Now in his 40's his siblings are keen to get him dating again. His brother suggests he has some fake dates with his best friend Zane. Despite their age difference they get on well and there's some chemistry there but Zane seems to have some issues but he comes across as really sweet. It turns out that Zane has always had a crush on Mark. I thought this was a sweet and heartfelt story and I enjoyed reading it.
686 reviews8 followers
June 28, 2023
This is an interesting book.

Blurb wise it sounds like a run of the mill fake-dating trope in order to get the family of his back. But it's actually very different.

Marc had to take guardianship. of his siblings in his early twenties when their mother died. With a couple of failed relationships and no real interest in sex, he became a fairly recluse who doesn't let anyone in. For a rememberance / birthday party his siblings now demand he brings a date.

Bewildered by apps, he accepted the help of Zane, his little brother's best friend. Slowly they embark on a series of fake dates and Zane, very slowly, drags Mark out of his shell.

I felt for Mark, he never really had the chance to embrace young adult life, had far too much responsiblities too early and - I suspect - may be demi. The description of his feelings and thoughts are heartbreaking. With Zane, he slowly open his heart and lowers his walls. When he feels things crashing down again, the breakdown is awful.

It is a very, very slow burn romance. I found it fairly easy to spot why Zane agreed to this set-up. The age-gap of around 20 years definitely shows. His actions are often immature.

I must admit, the star rating is more for Mark's description than the romance. I. didn't really feel that much chemistry. One reason for it is also that the book is only in Mark's 1st POV. You don't have any insight in Zane's feelings and thoughts and he remains quite one dimensional and difficult to read.

There is a side character, a colleague of Mark's who tries to befriend the reluctant introvert but his story. sounds confusing and odd.

I must admit, I am not sure if I read this author again.
Profile Image for Helen.
406 reviews3 followers
July 14, 2023
3.5 stars.

This is a fake dating storyline, but it’s a bit different from the usual books of this trope. Mark has devoted his life to caring for his three siblings after his mother passed away. On her death bed, she made Mark promise her that he would find love, and years later, after all of his siblings have flown the nest, they’re reminding him of the promise he made to their dying mother, and pushing him into trying dating again. Mark doesn’t know where to start, so he accepts the help of his brothers best friend Zane, and the two start fake dating, to give Mark an introduction back into the dating world, all too soon feelings become involved, and Mark tries to stop himself from being hurt when things inevitably end.

I really felt for Mark in this book, he was so full of self doubt and insecurities, I just wanted to sit him down and tell him everything was going to be ok. These insecurities did hinder the relationship somewhat, he was constantly back and forth with his feelings and his actions, at first it was endearing, towards the end it was getting a bit annoying. For a grown man he was quite immature about certain things, all it would have taken was an honest conversation and a whole load of angst could have been avoided.

Overall I did enjoy the book, I really liked Zane’s character, but I think the book would have benefited from hearing his perspective. I really enjoyed Martin’s character as well, and hopefully he’s going to be the focus of the next book in the series. So while the book wasn’t perfect, I definitely still recommend it, I read it in one sitting, I was really invested in seeing everything play out, and I’m looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Angel.
582 reviews9 followers
May 2, 2025
I took a chance on this book since it was a debut book, not knowing what to expect. Well it paid off!! I loved it and will definitely want to be read more from this author.
Mark is a broken man, just trying to live his life peacefully and content. But a promise made a long time ago comes back to haunt him. Now he must face his past hurts and internal demons. Zane is his brother's best friend who wants to help Mark keep his promise. He is such a sweetheart with Mark and so patient. However, Mark's insecurities makes him blind to Zane and not trust what Zane is trying to show him. I wanted to hug Mark and also shake him at times, lol. But his emotions are so relatable, who hasn't been nervous, insecure, and wary when opening their vulnerable and previously broken heart to someone, especially when you're learning to love yourself. There was also humor and steam to balance out the emotional moments. It not overwhelming high angst, but Mark does make you heart ache for him. Also Zane but that's due to Mark's "want to shake him" moments, lol. But they're not dragged out making it frustrating or unnecessary drama. And seeing Mark blossoms with each turn of the page, slowly healing and learning to trust Zane with his battered heart, is exactly the HEA needed.
There's also a side story that captures your attention which I hope means that we will be getting Martin's story. 😁
Profile Image for Eden West.
Author 21 books79 followers
March 15, 2025
Mark's Promise is such a sweet, heartfelt romance that had me hooked right from the start. The characters are so well-developed, and Mark’s journey really stands out. He’s in his 40s, successful in his career, and dedicated to his siblings, but he’s also filled with insecurities and struggles with his self-worth. It’s relatable, and watching him slowly learn to trust and love again was both heartwarming and a little heartbreaking. Zane, his best friend’s younger brother, is adorable and loving, and you can tell he’s had feelings for Mark for a while. It takes a bit for both of them to realize it, but once they do, the chemistry is undeniable.

The slow burn romance is on point, and I loved all the tension between them. The moments of tenderness were so well done—especially the dates where you could really feel how much they cared for each other. The story’s told from Mark’s POV, but you still get a good sense of Zane’s feelings and how deep their connection is. The way the story mixes humor and emotion - had me laughing, crying, and cheering for them to get their happily ever after.
JoJo Stone’s debut is just great, highly recommend!
Profile Image for Mary.
48 reviews14 followers
June 20, 2023
So the premise of this book is a bit odd. Agreeing to fall in love as a deathbed promise is unusual, so I wasn't really sure how this book would go.

Well, I cried! And then cried a little more. For a man in his 40's Mark has no self esteem and is constantly putting himself down. Despite raising his younger siblings and having a successful career, he has no confidence in his capabilities or his worth. I just wanted to hug him!

His siblings were infuriating. They were meddlesome and frankly rude to Mark. Martin, the friend, was equally irritating but there seems to be a lead into a possible second book with him, so maybe one day, we'll see the reasons for his behaviour.

I loved Zane, but he was a bit childish at times, but then he's only in his 20's so there's time for future growth.

The HEA was hard fought but satisfying. I would have loved an epilogue further into the future.

I'm pretty impressed that this is a debut novel as it was very well thought out and executed. Can't wait to see what else is to come from JoJo Stone.
Profile Image for Thera.
837 reviews10 followers
June 26, 2023
Mark's Promise- 🌟🌟🌟🌟
This was a great book. It would've been amazing had we had dual POV. Mark made a lot of assumptions about Zane that might not have irritated me as much had we been able to see Zane's side. It was easy for me to see how Zane felt about Mark. I kinda wish we were also given more info about Mark's past to make him believe he was unlovable. All of that being said I really enjoyed the book. I couldn't put it down no matter how Mark made me feel. Zane was amazing and was so loving towards Mark. It was so sweet to see. Mark was so oblivious but it was easy to be that way when neither spoke exactly what they were feeling. The dates were awesome and showed how much they cared for one another.
I'm also intrigued by Martin and hope the he's going to get his HEA. hopefully with a dual POV though.
Overall this was a great book with loveable characters (even Mark). I look forward to more from this new author.
4 reviews
September 7, 2023
This was one of my favourite MM Romance books so far.
It tells the story of Mark and Zane, a beautiful romance that is a rollercoaster of emotions.
Mark has lost his faith in love, he doesn’t even think he can be loved anymore, and even if surrounded by the love of his siblings, he is just lonely. He dedicated his entire life to his family after his mum passed away, but he made her a promise, one that is outside of his comfort zone and that he’s, somehow, trying to evade.
Thanks to his brother he starts fake-dating Zane.
Little did he know that this younger man would have made him rediscover love in a wonderful and passionate way.
I loved how Zane shows Mark a new world, and how Mark consequently evolves in a different and better version of himself, one that embraces love instead of shun away.
I can’t wait to read more about this emerging author, which was a very big surprise for me.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and I am leaving a voluntary review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1,931 reviews7 followers
July 11, 2024
Single POV age gap romance

Mark was a sweetheart but so in his head it was frustrating. He had absolutely no self-esteem after bad relationships when younger, and a lifetime of raising his sisters and brother left him completely out of the dating game.
Zane was a mystery because we never got his POV and, though I understand why, it would have been nice to get at least a few chapters from him. It was obvious to me from the start why he wanted these fake dates but I would have loved to learn his history before we did but, again, I already guessed most of what we learned very late on.
The dates were lovely but I so wanted Mark to open his eyes and realise Zane's intentions. His affection for Mark, the care he took with him, the gentleness, all pointed to his true feelings, but poor Mark couldn't believe anyone would want him.
Mark's colleague, Martin, was an enigma that will be solved in his own book and I'm off to read that.
527 reviews
June 17, 2023
An interesting romance told only from Mark's POV, Mark's Promise delivers a heap of internal struggle & insecurities, past hurts, & one 'last chance' to find Mr Right. So many times while reading this story, I wanted to alternately smack him and hug him fiercely! Even I could read Zane from a mile away, but of course, it took the MCs a while to get their stuff together. The side-plot (probably leading up tto the next book) was equal parts intriguing & irritating (I kind of wanted to slap Martin a time or two, as well - maybe) So many good things about this one; the brother's best friend, age gap, & of course the promise to Mum. The HEA was hard-earned for both of them, and worth it. Good book!
Profile Image for Saskia Veldhuis .
1,971 reviews15 followers
July 4, 2023
3.5 stars. Not quite sure what I feel about this book. Sometimes the characters, both major and minor, were incredibly irritating. But they were also often loving and sweet. The constant ups and downs in Mark got a bit exhausting at times. The promises their mother asked before she died were really pretty unpleasant, for all the kids, so much pressure. Then there were lots of moments where I felt so much for Mark, and had a few points where I had tears in my eyes, which is really meaningful for me while reading. It was necessary for the plot to have a single POV although I was curious about what Zane was thinking at times.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am happy to leave a voluntary review.
Profile Image for Malin.
57 reviews4 followers
July 6, 2023
Mark is such a beautiful person, kind, responsible and caring. But he’s also really insecure. It’s wonderful to see the way he slowly learns his own values and learns to trust again. And the relationship he builds with both the love interest and friendships is so lovely.

The character development is beautiful and it’s the perfect amount of slow burn. The spicy is really good written and it gave me all the feels. I laughed and cried, and was real giddy at times. And the love interest is so lovable.

I really have nothing bad to say about this book. It wasn’t too short or too long, nothing felt left out in the terms of backstory. The ending was also beautiful. The only pointers is that I would love a Dual POV, but over all 5/5⭐️ for me.
Profile Image for Becky Aks.
59 reviews
June 24, 2024
In “Mark’s Promise,” JoJo Stone gives us a heart-wrenching (but ultimately heart-warming) look into the mind of socially awkward Mark. His interactions with his brother and sisters, with the much younger James, and his co-worker Martin are relayed with devastating honesty and you cannot help but feel Mark’s anguish at times. While I am a fan of dual POV for the ease of seeing into each character’s motivations, Stone manages to skillfully use Mark’s conversations with others to sufficiently develop the secondary characters. Finally—thank you for an older MC—much appreciated. Highly recommend.
391 reviews
May 6, 2024
I couldn't put it down! This is my second story from this author and I have loved each one.

This is a beautiful age gap MM Slow Burn Romance. I felt like Mark and Zane were a wonderful match and I enjoyed being on the journey with them. I love that even though the family is annoying and pushy they are caring and loving. I also love the coworker, Martin and was happy to see his friendship and support of Mark.

*Hurt/Comfort
*Age Gap - 20 years
*Brother's friend
Profile Image for Rebecca Louise.
Author 6 books38 followers
July 7, 2023
Loved it!
I really enjoyed this book. I’m not usually a fan of miscommunication, but I loved Mark so much… even though at times I wanted to grab him by the shoulders and shake him until he learned how much Zane liked him!
Mark is a drama king but that’s what makes him so much fun 💙
I am so excited to read more work by this author.
Profile Image for Maureen.
3,776 reviews39 followers
July 8, 2023
A very touching tale as Mark finally has to fulfill the promise he made his dying Mother. A promise he hated making and dreads to fulfill. An age gap story, and I LOVE age gap stories. Zane is a friend of Marks younger brother and offers to take him out on 'fake dates' Things go as he hoped but not as Mark expected. A gorgeous but angsty tale that is a pure pleasure to read.
Profile Image for Jem Wendel.
Author 21 books49 followers
August 6, 2023
I thought this was well done for a debut novel.
I am not usually a fan of the miscommunication trope but it wasn't overly annoying, though I did want to shake Mark a few times.
I liked Zane, it would have been nice to have heard things from point of view but it also kept him slightly mysterious.
I really liked the texts they exchanged, they were a lot of fun.
426 reviews5 followers
November 9, 2023
Helping Hands

Mark and Zane were adorable together. They were definitely both flawed and affected by their pasts. However, they were still able to build something beautiful. I love that Mark's family loves him so much. Watching him be able to build a friendship with Martin was incredible. Seriously can't wait for his story.
Profile Image for Madalyn George.
Author 11 books16 followers
April 17, 2024
3.5 ⭐️

Poor sweet Mark spends so much time in his head and so little time expressing his feelings that this slow burn, fake dating romance leaves readers wondering if Mark can find his happily ever after.

His supportive family, and brothers best friend help Mark find his way from isolation and angst to something more.
Profile Image for Amanda Reeves.
3,699 reviews38 followers
July 7, 2023
This was such a great debut book from this author. Mark never had time to be a young adult, being thrown right into a ton of responsibilities when he was very young, and Zane is a bit immature, so together they work well. This is a slow burn book with great characters.
Profile Image for Phetra Hedlund.
Author 11 books79 followers
Read
January 20, 2026
I thought I was going to read this one and like it and already in Chapters one when the MC boundries aren't respected the author lost me. Forcing someone to do something they really want or claiming someone else is lovely when they themselves haven't said that isn't being caring.
Author 5 books14 followers
July 7, 2023
This was a fun sweet read. A little clumsy at times, but I liked the main character a lot.
93 reviews
September 27, 2023
4 stars

This is a good book. Would have been great with Zane's POV and some acknowledgment of Mark's anxiety. But is a good book and would reccomend
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.