Never Say Goodbye

by Felice Stevens

Who knew getting snowed in at the airport could be so much fun?The nomadic lifestyle of a wildlife photographer is perfect for Ren Stewart—he travels the world with no obligations, no place to call home. With time between assignments, he’s ready to leave the cold New York winter for sunny California. But twenty inches of snow on a layover means his flight’s canceled and he’s stranded. It’s going to be a long, lonely night at the airport waiting for the snow to melt.Lucky for Ren, he meets a gorgeous man and they hit it off. Too bad they’ll have to go their separate ways.Or will they?Something in Schaeffer’s eyes suggests he might be up for sharing the last available hotel room…and the bed.Airline pilot Schaeffer Morgan is used to being alone. It’s hard to have a relationship when you’re only home for a few days at a time. He’s learned to live with stolen moments of pleasure as well as bigoted remarks from coworkers who don’t know he’s gay.When a family vacation brings him face-to-face with the man he spent two lust-filled days with in a hotel room—the man he thought he’d never see again—everything changes.Their days and nights together lead to the possibility of something Ren only dreamed of as a foster child—a family and a place to call home—while Schaeffer begins to open up about his painful past. As their time together comes to a close, they want to keep the magic of what’s building between them. But with Ren away for months on assignment and Schaeffer’s busy schedule, is that wishful thinking?One thing is for neither of them wants to say goodbye.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance, LGBT, Audiobook, Forced Proximity, M M Contemporary

298 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 8, 2024

About the author

Felice Stevens writes romance because what is better than people falling in love? Her favorite part of a romance novel is that first kiss…sigh. She loves creating stories of hopes and dreams and happily ever afters. Her stories are character-driven, rich with the sights, sounds and flavors of New York City and filled with men who are sometimes deeply flawed but always real.

Felice writes M/M romance because she believes that everyone deserves a happily ever after. Having traveled all over the world, she can safely say that the universal language that unites people is love. Felice has written in a variety of sub-genres, including contemporary, paranormal and has a mystery series as well.

Felice is a two-time Lambda Literary Award nominee and the Lambda award-winner for Best Gay Romance for her book, The Ghost and Charlie Muir, as well as the e-Lit gold medal winner in romance for Broken Silence.

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never Say Goodbye is a stand alone romance by Felice Stevens. Sometimes you come across a book that you didn’t know you needed. A book that just fills you up in every way, that makes your heart happy. This is that book. From the start, I loved these two men. They kept me in a constant state of swoon all they way through.



Renaldo (Ren) Stewart is a wildlife photographer. It’s not unusual that he will be on his own, living in the wild somewhere for months at a time, trying to get the perfect shot of an endangered species for the magazine he works for. He has never been in love. He loves his work and has accepted that he will always be alone. He has just finished a job and has some time off so he wants to go somewhere warm. He’s getting ready to fly to California for his holiday but a snow storm grounds his flight for an indefinite time. Just when he’s contemplating spending the next day or so stuck in the airport, a very pleasant alternative plan becomes available!

Schaeffer Morgan is a commercial pilot. He is gay but keeps that personal fact hidden from everyone except his family. Schaeffer has some much needed time off so he is on his way to California to visit his family. But when a big storm comes in, his flight is canceled and he fears he will be stranded at the airport. But, when he happens on a very good looking man who is in the same predicament as he is, they strike up a conversation. Talking together is easier than it has ever been with anyone else. Together, they find a hotel but there is only one room left, with only one bed. This cancellation is turning out better than either of them could have imagined.

“It’s my choice. And I choose you.”



Ren and Schaeffer have two fantasy filled days together. But then it’s time to re-enter the real world. But fate intervenes once again and brings these two back together. This time, as they spend time together, it becomes quickly apparent that this is no longer just a one night stand, but the beginning of something very special. Something neither of them wants to end.

“Now that I have you, I can breathe again.”

Both Schaeffer and Ren have painful pasts. Pain that neither of them has been able to let go of. But together, they are able to find a peace that has always escaped them. And, at the same time, both of them are facing changes in their professional lives. Through it all, they remain at each other’s sides, supporting one another.



What did I love most about these two? EVERYTHING! I loved how vocal they were with their feelings. I swooned so much! I loved the way they filled in each other’s empty spaces. They were truly the missing parts of one another. The emotions I’m feeling right now make me want to say that I think this is Felice’s best book to date. I adore her writing but this one just made me so warm inside. To me, this was a story of the truest of loves. A story that defines what love really is. I hope you’ll take a chance and pick this one up. And that it makes your heart as happy as it made mine.

“By your side is my favorite place to be.”

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

[Debra ~~ seriously slacking on her reviews ~~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forced proximity, only one bed and a smoking hot connection start this story with a bang. An unexpected meeting on a beach shortly after begins this romance that will have to withstand long distances and separations for these two MCs who never saw a permanent partner in their futures.

I love how even as they each doubted themselves and were dealing with their own issues Ren and Schaeffer were so willing to take a chance and work for the relationship.

They were so sweet and passionate with each other, communicating and acting like adults. The drama is mostly external to their relationship and they are a great support for each other. Once again found family is a big part of the story as it so often is in the author’s books.

This romance has plenty of heat, sweetness, great character growth and of course a wonderful HEA.

[Cadiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having put out two relatively low angst books for her last two releases, Felice dials up the notch with this one.

Both Ren and Schaeffer have some seriously unresolved traumas relating to events in their lives which they've not properly dealt with. However, Felice never turns this into unrelenting drama or overly sad repressed feelings.

Each man takes a while to open up about the moments which shaped them as individuals and both are painful losses which you feel deep to the bone.

Coupled with Schaeffer's closeted status as an airline pilot, and Ren's wanderlust as a wildlife photographer, you wonder at first how they're possibly going to make it as a couple, but they just work.

Each finds respite and a safe haven in the other, both inspire the other to re-examine the past and the negative way it has affected their potential futures.

Throw in a fabulous supportive family on Shaeffer's side, and a wonderfully encouraging pseudo father and employer on Ren's side, and this gives them the impetus to make a go of things and take their relationship from the initial hook-up and then random encounter after they'd originally gone their own separate ways, to one of hopeful permanence.

This is a "heavier" book, but it never becomes oppressively so. It's also heavy on the sexy times, Ren and Schaeffer click in all the ways and they go at it like two starving men at first, over time though, things move into more intimate and emotionally vulnerable exchanges.

I think what I enjoyed the most with this one was how the two men began to think of the future in a more open and kind to themselves fashion, something they'd both pretty much ignored until they met.

There are struggles along the way, but each remains committed to working out a path to happiness which feels truly earned.

Another great read from Felice and one with a lot of commentary about expectations and pressures we both put on ourselves but also which we receive from outside influences.

#ARC kindly received from the author via Chaotic Creatives. I am voluntarily leaving a review

[Sabrina Morissette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ren + Schaeffer
• Snowed-in with only one bed
• Nomad wildlife photographer & commercial airline pilot
• Another chance encounter leading to forever
• Past heartaches to share and overcome
• Found family
• Really great love declarations
I quite enjoyed this love story.

[Dharshani · Rating 5 out of 5]

2 very different people get a chance to love amongst all their differences and situations. Slow burn, has baggage, good familial bonding, a little bit of drama and good spice.

[JenCW · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!

I enjoyed this story. I was captivated by their commitment to each other, a commitment that never wavered once they made it. I loved seeing that aspect hold strong as their lives change in ways they don't expect.

Ren and Schaeffer got incredibly lucky with their two chance meetings; however, I loved that they put effort into their second meeting to ensure that they kept in touch and saw each other. While I understood Schaeffer's worry that Ren was going to miss his old lifestyle, I was glad that Ren was steadfast and quick to reassure Schaeffer. While it took a while for them both to open up about their pasts, I was glad when they did. They both needed some healing and new perspectives in their lives. I loved that Schaeffer's family could see the difference having Ren made in Schaeffer's life and that they approved of it even when things were shaky. I liked how close Ren got to Schaeffer's father and how Schaeffer's sister-in-law helped Ren feel more comfortable in their family. I was glad that Schaeffer found people to support him outside of his family.

I loved that Ren got to see the family that Samuel had created at the magazine and realized how much he fit in there. I really was intrigued by Hawk and hope that maybe we will see a story about him at some point; I'd love to see him happy. All in all, it was a great story that brought tears to my eyes at times and made me happy to have had a chance to read.

*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement.*

[J]

DNF at 60%. A very wordy story which I got tired of. Two guys meet at an airport while their flights are delayed. One is a wildlife photographer and the other an airplane pilot trying to deadhead back to New York. They circle around each other and lightening strikes (not the plane but the guys) and love is in the air.

Each of these guys had some mental trauma from their pasts neither of which I was convinced when it finally came out was horrible enough to effect their relationship. But they did keep bringing their pasts up without full explanation and worrying about their "love." For me it got a little sappy (and old).

So I just got tired of it all and started something else. Sorry.












dnf'd

[Pam Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

3⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Never Say Goodbye

This was a sweet swoon worth romance. Ren is a wildlife photographer who lives for the animals and educates the masses about some of the rare and soon-to-be-extinct animals.

Schaeffer is a pilot who has to keep his private life private because the profession he is still the good ol’ boy mentality and it seems easier to not say anything.

But after meeting and falling for Ren Schaeffer doesn’t want to hide anymore.
Ren is seeing that falling for someone doesn’t mean he can’t still do what he loves but it means he has a person to call his home.

I loved it. And I felt like the narration was perfect for these two Kale Williams does a fantastic job.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ren and Shaffer made me smile. Ren is a wildlife photographer and spends months and sometimes years in remote areas of the world taking pictures. Schaffer is an airline pilot afraid to be out and himself because of his career. When there's a snowstorm and they share the only room left in the hotel they have an instant connection. I liked how the story progressed. This was a sweet story. They both have past traumas that they are hiding from and were just what the other needed. Shaffer's family was nice and I liked his SIL. They are really there to help each other grow and move past their traumas. After not reading any romance books for a while this was a really nice book to jump into.

[Liza Broadaway · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet love story of two men who just want to be seen and loved for who they are despite the baggage they have both collected in their life.

Super low angst and just precious. They spend a lot of time apart due to their jobs in the beginning but then circumstances change and they are inseparable once in the same place together again.

I loved the found family and that each of them was so supportive of the others job! That they took eachothers mental health and all the grown up things and worked together as a team.

[DLB2572 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ren & Schaeffer

This one had me hooked from the start. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and I'll be putting this on my reread list.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion

[Michelle Elman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a new author for me and I really enjoyed her book. We have two MMCs who are each going through their own issues and living life and dealing with those issues how they feel works best for them. We have Schaeffer who is an ex AF Pilot and now flies commercial for RWB airlines and is closeted and then theirs Ren who is a wildlife photographer living his best nomad life. He’s out and proud but is running away from his past living a solitude life because he doesn’t think he deserves anything else.

Both guys are headed to California when their plane gets delayed and end up sharing a room and some super steamy 🌶️ 🌶️🌶️ conversations!!! They have an instant connection both in and out of the bedroom. This story is about their journey coming together and finding forgiveness and courage within themselves to live the lives they deserve to life and fall in love ❤️

[Bookish Meag 🩵 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by Felice Stevens, it ties up nicely with an HEA.

MM Romance
One Bed
Snowed In
Found Family
Hurt/Comfort
Strangers to Lovers
Unexpected Meeting

This book takes you on a wild journey of how two men meet at an airport while stranded because of a snow storm. Both fleeing New York, one for warmer weather, one to visit family.

Ren and Schaeffer chance encounter, turns into them falling into each other that night in a shared hotel room. Agreeing to part ways in the morning.

Ren is a professional wildlife photographer, and a nomad. He prefers his solitude and life alone. After, a troubled past that he blames himself for.

Schaeffer is an airline pilot and was discharged from the Air Force. He battles issues from childhood and his time in the Air Force. Because of his background he keeps his sexuality a secret.

I adored these two and their story. The way they decided to be together, support each other and how they came out. Everything about this was perfect.

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story: C+
Narration by Kale Williams: A-

I can say that the writing is good (sentence structure, vocabulary, etc), but this book has no real plot. The two men meet and have immediate chemistry, and it all smacks of insta-love pretty quickly. The book was very wordy, and much of the words were repeated, again and again. The dialog got really repetative and sappy. I can't imagine grown men talking to each other like that all the time. While the backstories are emotional for both men, the plot itself has almost zero conflict and lots of treacly sweetness. There was nothing for the men to overcome as a couple.

Felice Stevens has been hit or miss for me, but seeing the blurb and that Kale Williams was narrating, I decided to jump in before reading any reviews from people I know. I can say Mr. Williams is excellent as always, and he is the only reason I could finish the book.

[Everpj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never Say Goodbye is another hands down winner from Felice Stevens. The story of Schaeffer and Ren is one to be savored and that will stay with you long after you finish reading. I read this book in one sitting. It was impossible to put down once I started reading.

Schaeffer and Ren meet in a New York airport during a snowstorm. Schaeffer is an airline pilot and Ren is a wildlife photographer. Both are on the road and rarely stay in one place for long. With Schaeffer’s schedule, he can be gone for weeks while Ren can be gone for months at a time while trying to get the perfect shot of an endangered species for the magazine he works for.

Their flight is cancelled, and they are all but stranded. They each try to obtain a voucher for a hotel room for the night and are lucky to get one but when they get to the hotel, Ren ends up getting the last room available. He invites Schaeffer to share the room with him and he accepts. To say that sparks fly from the very beginning is a gross understatement. Their night together is like spontaneous combustion and when it’s time to part neither wants to say goodbye.

Against all odds, they meet again by chance on a California beach and the attraction they share is stronger than ever. This time they both acknowledge that there is something strong and undeniable growing between them. Ren and Schaeffer agree to explore this attraction and see where it might lead. This time when they part, they refuse to say goodbye, to never say goodbye.

I love the fact that this author addresses a problem rarely discussed, mental health. Ren carries the burden of guilt over the death of his brothers while Schaeffer suffers with nightmares over the death of his mother and his best friend when he was in Afghanistan. It’s an issue that hits close to home for me and I was worried that it might be a trigger for me. But Ms. Stevens handled to topic so well that I had no problems with it at all. Schaeffer also struggles with coming out to his coworkers and I know this is something left over from Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell when he was in the Air Force.

Schaeffer helps Ren to know and accept that he wasn’t responsible for the death of his brothers and Ren gives Schaeffer the confidence and strength to come out to his coworkers and eventually take down a homophobic Captain. It gave me cause to cheer.

I highly recommend this amazing book. Never Say Goodbye has so many special moments that will make you swoon. Ren and Schaeffer’s HEA will leave you smiling and wanting more from this very special couple.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fate, is it a thing? Being in the right place at exactly the right time. Well Ren and Schaeffer were certainly in the right place at the right time although at the time they were both thoroughly fed up with the situation they found themselves in, both trying to leave snowy New York for warmer climes, watching the departure board cancelling each flight. Turns out they were booked on the same flight, fate, to California. Schaeffer to spend time with his family and Ren looking for sun, sea and sand until his next job.

Ren snagged a table in the crowded coffee shop, heard a deep sexy voice speak to him, looked up and bingo, or fate. The chemistry sizzled from that first look.

From then on they were inseparable and of course when Ren snags the only room left near the airport he does the only decent thing and offers to share his bed with the sexy Schaeffer.

I enjoy stories based around older men. They have lived and have stories to tell and Felice tells their stories so well. Ren and Schaeffer both come with baggage, each knowing loss and grief. Ren buried his grief in his career as a reknown wildlife photographer, living a lonely and solitary life spending months and sometimes years in remote locations waiting for that perfect photo of an endangered species. Schaeffer coped differently and although he had a wonderful loving family chose his life as a pilot in the military. Stationed in Afghanistan Schaeffer has his own nightmares to deal with.

There was some angst, loads of hot sex, wonderful side characters and an instant attraction that turned into a beautiful love. I did wonder a few times how these two would ever get their HEA, would they have to make sacrifices and which one would do that, but as they say love conquers all and careers would not get in the way of what they felt for one another.

I loved Samuel and Felice did make me cry with the beautiful way she dealt with his story.

A beautifully written story and I recommend you read it. Thank you Felice for gifting me this ARC.

[Kiki Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never Say Goodbye starts with the snowed in/only one bed trope and spins it in a wonderfully unique direction that I loved.
Fate keeps throwing Ren and Schaefer together. Can a wildlife photographer with wanderlust in his DNA and a lonely airline pilot still in the closet at work find their way to a HEA?
You’ll be rooting for these two complex, complicated men. One thing I like about books with older MCs is the amount of living they’re done. This often comes with unresolved baggage and past trauma, and I am fine with that as long as there is a glimmer of hope.
Never Say Goodbye is angstier than some of Felice’s more recent books, and I loved it! Though Ren and Schaeffer both saw solitary futures, once they found each other, it was so beautiful.
What began as a sexy, snowed in interlude quickly becomes something much deeper and meaningful. In the least likely of circumstances, they found their person.
Besides having an off the charts physical connection, I loved how Ren and Schaeffer talked. Sharing bits of their past, and slowly opening up about work challenges. The way they shared their vulnerabilities and the support they showed each other was everything.
“Beside you is my favorite place to be.”
I always like how Felice writes about families. No matter how loving and accepting they are, they can still irk you with their prying, even if it comes from a place of love… Those moments feels real and right.
This is a romance in the best senses of the word, full of emotion, heart, and two people destined to be together. The work they put into crafting their HEA made it even more satisfying.
And can we talk about that gorgeous cover? That alone should make you want to read it. Don’t miss this one.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

This was such a sweet story that gave me all the feels, I loved Ren and Schaeffer and their unexpected journey! It starts out with a chance hookup between two pretty solitary and independent men and turns into an epic love story they just can’t walk away from.

Ren is a wildlife photographer who spends his time traveling and exploring remote areas to capture endangered animals. It’s a solitary life and he’s usually fine with that, it keeps him busy and keeps him from dwelling on his past. Schaeffer is a pilot so he too spends most of his time traveling. He spent time in the military and has had his share of traumatic experiences that haunt him. He’s also not out publicly or at work so that’s an additional secret he carries. These two meet in an airport during a major blizzard and once their flight gets canceled they end up sharing the last hotel room available. Their chemistry is undeniable so they decide to act on their attraction thinking it would be a one time hook up but once the snow clears a bit they find it impossible to say goodbye.

I really loved the connection between them, it feels very genuine and deep and despite how much they think they don’t want to get involved and be in a relationship it is exactly what they find themselves pushing for. They certainly face some challenges though, both of these men carry a lot of baggage and pain from the past and it’s hard for them to open up and share. They both come to realize that what they have found together is something truly special and not a love you can walk away from. that will ever have a goodbye. This was a very touching read and I loved seeing these two fall in love with each other and find the life together they both truly deserve!

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ren Stewart lives a wandering life, traveling to remote places, photographing elusive and endangered species of wildlife in their natural habitats. He lives his life as a loner, not even having a place he calls home. He lived his life as a loner, and he liked it that way, until the night weather canceled his flight to California. Ren found himself sharing dinner, then a hotel room with a handsome stranger.

Shaeffer wasn’t happy, but he wasn’t really surprised when the winter storm caused the cancellation of his flight. He was, however, pleasantly surprised by the invitation to join the good looking man he had been chatting with for dinner. And then found himself sharing a hotel room with that same man.

Ren and Shaeffer spent two wonderful nights together before they each headed back to their own lives. They never expected to meet again, until they did.

Ren and Shaeffer are two men still trying to overcome their past, but offering support to each other as they struggle. In supporting each other, they find their own inner strength. I found myself crying as Ren shared the history he had been afraid to relate, and sharing the Ren’s anger at the situation in which Shaeffer finds himself due to the homophobia and bigotry Shaeffer has always feared. Beyond those emotional events, I loved the way Ms. Stevens used her words to paint the beauty and majesty of the scenery and wildlife Ren photographed, as well as the dangers they face as those animals struggle just to exist.

As always, Felice Stevens offers a story full of emotion, touching on real life issues, and imbued with a bit of humor and lots of love.

[Xanthe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never Say Goodbye is another beautifully written romance by Felice Stevens that brings a much needed connection for each man who has been living a lonely life up until their meeting at a snowed in airport. TW - This story does contain memories of loved ones passing away, and nightmares/PTSD.
The author has a gift for getting me instantly invested in whatever is developing between the MC's right from the start, regardless of whether they plan for it to be a one off or not. It's hard for Schaeffer being a pilot who can be away from home for days or weeks at a time, and then Ren who is a wildlife photographer, who specialises in animals near extinction, can be away for months. This has never been a problem for either of them with their pasts making them turn away making connections with others after losing people close to them but the time they spend together is special in a way neither could have ever envisioned.
The heat level and chemistry between these two men is intense and I was all in for them from the beginning, believing the sudden unexpected feelings that both experience. I also love the family that Schaeffer has, you can really feel how much they love their son/brother/uncle, and then we come to know a man who is like a father to Ren, something he's never had, and it's equally heartwarming and heartbreaking. Whilst there is angst when it comes to the past and what both men have been through, it is a pretty low angst romance. Schaeffer has a little bit of drama with his work, not being out and having to deal with the old mentality of men being pilots with wives at home and flight attendants being women, there to serve. The strong point for them is that they talk about the situation they find themselves in and how they want to move forward, together. It takes a bit for the strength to be able to talk about their pasts, but with what happened to each man and how it has affected them, it's not surprising.
There is also a strong message for how we treat the planet and saving the extraordinary animals that we have on this planet. It's clear that the author has done some research and also feels strongly about the subject.
A highly recommended read that is full of heart and heat between two very strong men.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

[Suzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for something with a lot of romance and sweet Never Say Goodbye is what you are looking for. This book is an Only one bed, snowed in, on night stand, hurt/confort romance. I love Schaeffer and Ren. They meet at the airport and because their flight is cancelled due to a snow storm, they end up sharing a room, with just one bed…. These two are on fire, the chemistry between they was so hot!!! They share a night together and they find themselves enjoying their company and not wanting to end their time together but they have to say goodbye even if they are going to travel to the same place. Ren job was very interesting, a wildlife photographer and after staying away for a long time overseas he wants a few days to relax by the ocean. Schaffer is an airline pilot and is visiting is family and wants a few days with them. Both are lonely and hurting for different circumstances.

But both happens to be at the beach and run into each other, I like how Schaffer’s family and encourages him to go and spend time with Ren, form there they can’t seem to be able to forget their time together and they realize that they don’t want to say goodbye and want more, so they decided to start something even if they have to stay apart for long periods of time, thats better then not see each other again…. They thinks they say to each other were so romantic and I just melt!!!

The story between Ren and Schaffer was so good, I love how they make things work and they can’t wait to see each other again, both men have to trust each other with their past and help one another to finally find a way to get over the things they experienced, I was heartbroken for both of them because of the things they went through. I love their HEA, they were meant to find they one another! I definitely recommend this book!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Felice Stevens's latest standalone brings back that romantic angst that she's known for. I'm not saying Never Say Goodbye is going to have you shedding copious amounts of tears, but it does deliver that pinch to your heart while also tempering the heavier feels with lighthearted moments and a generous amount of wit. And the romance! Goodness, the romance was picture perfect (wink, wink). But I'm getting ahead of myself, aren't I? Allow me to tell you a wee bit about the book before I dive back into my thoughts about it.

Never Say Goodbye begins with wildlife photographer Renaldo Stewart and airline pilot Schaeffer Morgan meeting while stuck at an airport during a winter storm. Their hook-up feels like it has potential for more, but is that even possible with Ren's nomad lifestyle and Schaeffer not being out to anyone but his immediate family? Anyway, it's not like they'll see each other again. But what happens when they end up on the same beach in California? With their crazy schedules and times apart, how will they never say goodbye?

This book gave me major le sigh feels. Ren and Schaeffer were just so worth becoming emotionally invested in. Their respective back stories--particularly, Ren's childhood and Schaeffer's time in the Air Force, as well as what happened to his mother--had me empathizing with what they went through. I do love, though, that they has such strong support systems by their side, even some they didn't realize they had. Never Say Goodbye was a beautiful story of true love, family, and fighting for what you want and deserve. Five stars.

[Cherdene · Rating 5 out of 5]

1. Two characters, Ren and Schaeffer, one a Wildlife Photographer and the other an Airline Pilot, living their life alone. Their job don't leave much time for anything else. From the time they met there was feeling of comfort with one another and that continued on throughout the book.
I enjoy reading Felice Steven's books, the way her stories feel like real life everyday events. I usually try to put myself in the characters' frame of mind and I can see myself. Ren's back story was so heart felt, but he found where he belong, in Schaeffer's family.
Another great story from the author, well thought out and well written. Thank You.



2 Can we actually say a Wildlife Photographer and an Airline Pilot's life isn't a lonely one! Both careers have a person always on the move leaving little time for anything else, yes, I know some make it work but it's hard. These two characters, Ren and Schaeffer are such people. People live their whole lives looking for one thing, somewhere/someone to belong, whether that be stranded with an unlikely companion or stranded alone.
I enjoy reading Felice Steven's books, the way her stories feel like real life everyday events. I usually try to put myself in the characters' frame of mind and I can see myself. At this stage in my life, I'm still hoping to find where I belong and to whom. Her books give me perspective and a sense of comfort. THANK YOU.
Another great story from the author, well thought out and well written.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A feel-good romance that flows easily. If you are in the mood for a good love story with no angst between the two MCs, look no further.
Shaeffer is a professional pilot who has a traumatic past in the military. He is laid over due to snow and bumps into an interesting man. They spend their time waiting for flight updates. Ren is a nomad at heart, which is a plus for his job as a wildlife photographer. He can get lost in a shoot, and since he has no family or significant other, it is a perfect lifestyle.
The two end up sharing a hotel and their attraction is explored. They leave on good terms, but their encounter has them wanting more. By chance, they bump into each other again and spend more time together.
Shaeffer’s family was loving and supportive, especially his sister-in-law Kendra. The two realize their professions will keep them apart more than together, but they just can’t say goodbye.
Somehow, they will make this work. Life can change quicker than anyone would like, and Ren soon finds this out once again. His past also haunts him, and now he is faced with continuing to totally immerse himself in his work or seek a more permanent lifestyle. Both men captured my heart, and I totally recommend this book that reminds us of the importance of love and how fragile Mother Earth truly is. Happy reading!
**Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement.**

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ren and Schaeffer stayed in my heart throughout this entire book. I was totally engaged in these two guys' chemistry. One could say this has a slow burn, hurt/comfort theme but there is a real depth to their connection from the very beginning. On the one hand Schaeffer, an airline pilot, had stayed in the closet because of his job BUT he was out to his family who offered him their undying support. Now Ren was totally out but his loss of his two foster brothers tragically impacted his whole outlook on his life. He was terrified of any permanent commitment that could only be ripped away from him. Ren's one saving grace was his relationship with Simon, who discovered his photographic talent for capturing wildlife. One couldn't call Simon a secondary character so much as Simon influenced Ren in his life. It was Samuel's position as editor of the famed "Nature's Beauty" magazine that gave Ren the foothold of earning fame in Photojournal circles. It was refreshing to read how each man was able to openly talk about their feelings to each other. A fitting quote: "two lost souls recognizing life's fragility and the indisputable truth that life wasn't easy." And, to this reader, this is a description of the theme of the book. The total acceptance of Schaeffer's family for Ren was so meaningful to him. He had finally found his family.

[Lesetiger · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is a heartwarming, emotional, well-told and feel-good romantic story that I highly recommend!
It's about sad events in the past, but Schaeffer and Ren are two strong men who don't let them get them down and look to the future. Ren photographs wildlife for a living and is passionate about it. Schaeffer is a pilot. The two meet by chance and the chemistry between them was palpable from the start and it was wonderful to watch Ren find a loving family. A big plus for me was the age of the protagonist as I like stories where the characters are a bit older. The two were deeply characterized by the author and I took them both into my heart and really hoped that they would get a happy ending. The two of them are pretty cute together. Sigh.
But there are a few things to work out. Will they manage to find enough time together with their work commitments to make a relationship work?
I loved the story and was captivated from start to finish. I was even a little sad when it ended because I would have loved to have heard more about Schaeffer and Ren and to have had Kale Williams' voice in my ear for longer.
He is an absolutely terrific narrator who made a great book even better with his performance. It is always a pleasure to listen to Kale's voice with all the emotions of the protagonists.

[Ramsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say all of the last books from Felice were absolute hits with me. I just loved them so much. I think she's my favourite author atm^^

But back to the story:

This was a very lovely story that had me hooked right from the start. But I have to say it was not as low angst as Felice's last two. It was heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time but with a satisfying HEA.

Two imperfect and somehow a bit insecure men, both a little bent - but not broken - find each other through circumstances and form an unexpected connection.

Schaeffer and Ren somehow broke my heart a little.
They both had painful pasts and lived with a lot of emotional pain and feelings of guilt. So they both didn't form connections too easily.
But here, fate intervened and gave them something absolutely wonderful.

Their other half. The one person they will let in and fall in love with.

They were so different and yet they complemented each other perfectly and fit so well.
It was wonderful, watching them fall in love.
I was rooting for them hard and finished the book – after the part with Samuel destroyed me a little – with a smile.


BTW I absolutely LOVED Schaeffer's family. They were wonderfully secondary characters, who were really important to the story.

[Victoria Poulter · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.4/5 - This book is a bit different to a typical Felice Stevens story, in that the hookup happens almost immediately and then the main characters get to know each other after. However it’s still the same great writing style, so if you are a fan then you will really enjoy it.
Wildlife photographer Ren meets airline pilot Shaeffer when they get snowed in at the airport. It’s a combination of forced proximity and only one bed which really works with these particular guys. Both are sort of loners for different reasons, mostly stemming from trauma in their pasts. Ren is the lone wolf, happy to spend months on his own waiting for the perfect shot, while Shaeffer does days away on flights coming home to an empty apartment.
The characters had really good chemistry together and I enjoyed seeing them get closer after their initial meeting. I really loved Shaeffer’s family, in particular his sister in law, and how the family was so invested in them working out as a couple.
This is another winning formula story, it has a certain amount of historic angst for the characters to work through before they settle down together, but if you’ve read a lot of this author’s books she does like to make her characters work to earn their HEA.

[Fay MMBookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars all round for the story and narration.🎧Narrated Kale Williams, who does a beautifully narrated story for the characters with the many emotions included in the book written by Felice Stevens.

❤️A great start as both characters are stuck at the airport and strike up a conversation.Ren was waiting for a plane at the New York airport while being snowbound with flights being cancelled when a stranger spoke to him. Ren was a wildlife photographer who'd been in the foster system with sad baggage to tell. 

Pilot, Schaeffer was gay but did not advertise it with the airline members, a storyline crops in this which he thinks he’s alone which is far from the truth as he finds out he’s is part of a community. Being an ex-military in the Air Forces, he had PTSD which he tried to not to let it affect his flying. Like Ren, Schaeffer has baggage with deaths he was closest too still effecting them.

This is a fast hot connection from the start from their hook up, I loved their second meeting at the beach and their story continues. Lots of feels in this audio as the narrator brings all the characters to life. I absolutely loved this beautiful story. Included are both their POVs for an HEA, as Ren finds his new family full of love.

[ash-reads-romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

New Review! Never Say Goodbye by @felicestevens as narrated by @kalewilliamsvo

I was just floored by my last listen by this dynamic duo, and immediately picked out another title from @felicestevens with @kalewilliamsvo narrating and I was not disappointed. This title is soft and intimate and very lyrical, you can basically let Kale’s voice soothe you as you listen to Schaeffer and Ren passionately line for one another while they lead two completely different lives but still passionately fight for one another over long distances until their stars align.

It’s a title with emotional growth, fighting the demons of the past, letting oneself love and be loved, and overcoming grief, and above all making changes to commit to the future you want to see happen. My heart was so overwhelmed with softness and feels for these two men.

Ren is a nomadic wildlife photographer who runs into seggsy AF airline pilot Schaeffer at the airport on a layover during a huge snowstorm in NY one winter and they get shacked up together at the hotel (oh no, only one bed!) and magic happens as the instalust hits and they spend an unforgettable weekend together burning up the sheets. Thinking they’ll never see each other again (and sad about it!) fate has other plans and they run into each other on the same beach in California while Schaeffer is visiting his extended family on holiday. It’s another unforgettable weekend together burning but this time they’re determined to not say goodbye despite their wildly different careers and lifestyles.

The story plays out as a slowburn long distance love affair with FaceTime dates and love letter emails as we see how they pine for each other and how their lives would be different if they committed and made changes to make each other their priority.

Each has so much baggage. Grief. Demons. Schaeffer isn’t even out. Ren has never had a family or a home. But in the end, they decide that they can’t leave their life to fate anymore, and that they need to make the life that they want happen or else it’ll slip through their fingers.

And they’re not willing to say goodbye, ever.

Wonderful read
4 stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️