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Everlasting #2

Everlasting Promises

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Hope

As a teen, I fell in love with my best friend’s older brother.

We made promises to each other and solidified them with marriage and a baby.

He broke his promise … I didn’t.

Our promises were meant to be everlasting. Or so I thought.

I was wrong.



Now, I’m raising our son alone and I’m too broken to be everything he needs.

Until a police officer turns up on my doorstep with my wayward son and an offer to help him deal with his grief.

The more time we spend together, the more my son falls for Ben and his dog, Rex.

The problem is, he’s not the only one falling for the duo.

I never expected to feel this way again.

Before I realize what’s happening, I’m breaking my promise of forever to my husband and wishing for a future with another man.



Ben

At eighteen, I learned life’s too short to take anything for granted, so I don’t let opportunities pass by.

I moved to the city to follow my dream of becoming a K9 handler and I’ve never looked back.

In my free time, I work with troubled kids and hang out with Rex, the best partner a cop could ask for.



Now I’m living my dream.

Being a K9 handler is everything I thought it would be and more—it’s my life.

Until I meet Hope and her son, Evan.

Their relationship is fractured, and she thinks she’s broken beyond repair.

She couldn’t be more wrong.

The more time I spend with them, the deeper I fall for their resilience in the face of adversity.

I find myself creating situations to spend more time with them and wishing they were mine.

And before I know it, I’m making everlasting promises.



But everlasting promises are hard to keep …

Especially when we can’t control the future.



Grab this emotional, steam-filled contemporary romance about a widowed single mom who thinks she’s broken beyond repair and the cinnamon roll officer who shows her there’s beauty in the broken.

542 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 31, 2025

15 people are currently reading
29 people want to read

About the author

Debra St. James

16 books315 followers
Debra St James is an author of spicy, slow-burn contemporary romance that features cinnamon roll heroes who listen to their women’s hearts and their words. She takes her time to weave a detailed tapestry of genuine characters, real-life struggles, love, and romance to create engaging stories that will have you so immersed in the story that you’ll never want to leave. Her stories are always guaranteed to take you on an emotional journey that ultimately ends with a HEA!

Debra loves to read romance. She can often be found with her nose stuck in her iPad, swooning over her latest book boyfriend. She writes part-time from her Perth home, which she shares with Mr. St James and their two sons, whose antics often make her roll her eyes and laugh in equal measure. Debra loves to eat cheese and chocolate (not together), and cheese and chocolate love Debra’s thighs so much, they never want to leave!

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5 stars
28 (73%)
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9 (23%)
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for Katie Hill.
27 reviews4 followers
February 5, 2025
*100% honest ARC review*

Let me just…

God damn it, Deb. I am not a cryer, yet here I am, getting triggered and crying through most of this book.

Let’s start with how absolutely every single traumatizing event in this book is realistic. You can put yourself into the shoes of these characters and feel their emotions like they’re tangible things and you’re in the room. It means I felt the shame, the guilt, the internal battles, the struggle, the fights for peace, the hope, the happiness. All of it.

Then let’s bring in the pupper. Because who loves puppers? This girl right here, and I got so sucked in to seeing how incredibly accurate this depiction is. To the point where I’m ready to throw things should she have the nerve to put this dog in harms way. The relationships with the characters and the dog were so real, and it made Rex stand out as a main character. How many people can say that they accomplished making a dog a main character in a contemporary romance? Well Deb can, obviously. And she should be DAMN proud.

I love every one of her books, I’ve been a fan for years now. I never thought I could enjoy a book that made me feel so much. I spend a lot of time reading to escape the world we’re subjected to. It felt good to feel seen reading this book, to feel like I wasn’t alone. To feel like these could easily be the stories of my loved ones. I’m hugging my babies tighter tonight, I’m flooding my husband with love and attention, and I’m vowing to make my days count.

I never thought I’d love one of your characters more than Toby Summer. Ooh that man holds a special place in my heart. But man…this is probably one of the best reading experiences I’ve ever had. 100% top 5 of all time for me.
8 reviews
January 31, 2025
This book took no time for me to get hooked. I already loved the first book, so I knew this one was going to be good as well!!!!!! Just forward, chapter 8 will Probably make you cry!!! I was prepared, because everlasting love made me cry so many times!!!
Chapter 21 is so sweet. I love the connection Ben and Evan have together, it’s so sweet to see the relationship grow with each chapter. I love seeing Evan’s character development. Chapter 31!!!! I love Debra’s books because In a sense, they are all connected. I love seeing past characters from other books. I love that we have Toby and of course Shane. Which was obvious, but I just love the connection she has. Our heart is elastic…. I love that so much. I cannot. Cried during this scene!!! Ben is the sweetest man… Debra has a way with her mmc’s. They are literally the most cinnamon roll men I’ve ever read. Ben is on a whole other level 🥹 chapter 59…. Don’t mind me while I CRY)!!!!!!!! god damn. I knew a scene like this would happen, but I wasn’t emotionally prepared. The ending was absolutely perfect!!!! I definitely need to reread everlasting love!!!!
640 reviews9 followers
January 30, 2025
How do you know you are reading a book from the Everlasting series by Debra St James? Well ....... You are an emotional wreck from practically the first page........ But in oh such a good way.

Everlasting Promises is the story of Ben and Hope, and of course you can't forget Evan and Rex. Hope is drowning in her grief at the loss of her husband who she is determined to remain faithful to.

This story is so beautifully written with real compassion and insight into all the characters it was impossible to put down. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Enjoy.... And have some tissues on standby.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
782 reviews
January 25, 2025
First, I want to say this has been an absolutely fabulous, fantastic, and awesome story.
If you have not read any of the amazing stories, please download and read them A.S.A.P.
Start with the #Summer Twins.

If you were to make a family tree, you would see how each story has been entertwined with the next.
I also encourage you to read to the end of each book to grab the elusive bonus epiloge as well as Ms.St.James' insight to the steak and potatoes behind how she arrived to the words she puts on every page.

I don't want to give away anything, but I do want to share a quote

"She tastes of rich dark chocolate, sweet peach schnapps, and #'EVERLASTING PROMISES'."

Thank you, Debra St. James, for opening your heart and soul to us, your readers.
I have loved all of your books, and I know I will love the future books you have hidden away in that fabulous brain of yours and the courage to write.
As my friend, I am so proud of what you have written. Hold your head high.
Profile Image for Belinda.
1,164 reviews15 followers
February 4, 2025
Oh my this book was simply wonderful!! I adore Debra’s books but this one is now my favourite! Ben was so divine and Hope was perfect for him despite her previous heartbreak. Throw in a gorgeous boy who was struggling and a delightful dog and you get a story that left me with all the feels. I was hooked from the beginning and I didn’t want it to end. These characters leapt from the pages and this story was so well written and captivating. I didn’t think anyone could top Shane but Ben certainly has. Everyone needs to read this book and series but be prepared to cry, laugh and cry some more. I received this book as an arc for my honest opinion but I will be recommending this one to my family and friends.
155 reviews2 followers
February 9, 2025
EVERLASTING PROMISES

Debra St James has written an amazing story of love tragically lost and new and forever love.Hope, Ben and Hope’s son meet at a low point in young Evan’s life and Ben is gobsmacked by Hope. He is a K9 cop and his K9 Officer Rex helps bring them together through Evan’s love of dogs. Just when you think things are going to get better for all of them, things happen to complicate. Still mourning her Army husband killed in a suicide attack overseas, Hope is firmly entrenched pian of losing Wyatt not realizing what it is doing to her son. How they all come through everything in the end is a totally engrossing story!
Profile Image for Tonya Parker.
445 reviews3 followers
February 8, 2025
Wonderful Story!

Oh, this story will melt your heart. So much passion, so much steam, so emotional. It's a wonderful story full of ups and downs. I feel like my heart was ripped out and pieced back together.
Debra definitely knows how to tell a great story and bring you to tears.
Wonderful characters and a great storyline.
Definitely a must read!
10 reviews
February 5, 2025
Debra has do it again

Oh wow. This story has alllll the feels. You travel on this amazing journey with Hope and Evan learning how to live after the tragedy of losing their Husband and Dad. You meet Ben and his best bud K9 Rex living what they think is their best life. Watching them all come together learning how to live with their own grief but not letting it rule them. Watching them blossom knowing they don’t have to forget the past, but they have remember it and cherish it. Watching them weave it into their forever together. I cried. I laughed. I was reminded our hearts are elastic. You can have more than one great love in your lifetime. Moving on with your life doesn’t mean forgetting them. As with all of Debra’s books, the steam is perfect for the couples. Thank you Debra.
Profile Image for Amanda Martin.
194 reviews4 followers
February 14, 2025
Such an amazing story from start to finish. Love can be found in the most unexpected ways and Ben and Hope are the perfect example of that. Moving on from the past is never easy, but love has a way of healing. The way Ben stepped in willingly to help Evan, and to show support to Hope could be felt in each page. Hope realized that love doesn’t need to stop but it can be a constant force that surrounds you.
155 reviews2 followers
March 19, 2025
Debra, where do I even begin.

The characters in this book really had a way of getting into your heart. I loved every single piece of this story and the realness of it all. It was so heartfelt and brought tears to my eyes.

This story proves that life won't always be so tough. Life has a way of surprising us in a way we would never have expected, and things happen for a reason.

Ben was such a wonderful character, and his dedication to Hope and Evan really proved that if you work hard, you can create yourself into a better person who does not reflect off your parents. He really made a positive difference in both Hope and Evan's lives and gave them both the hope they needed to move on with them.

I would really love to read more of these characters in future books.

Thank you for sharing this story with me.
Profile Image for Aroha Spark.
268 reviews
February 19, 2025
Fantastic read so touching

Deb nailed this story. Loved it I'm and emotional person bit rarely books make me cry but she hit the mark so many times that you could feel everything so hard amazingly done. The 2 main characters story and Evan well all her family and friends, it was such as a touching story, the support she has but her pulling herself thru grief to live was extreme but a beautiful journey. Love, love it, read, enjoy people. Deb you are an amazing writer chick.
Profile Image for Kelchickbooklover.
2,095 reviews67 followers
January 30, 2025
When I see a book by Ms. St. James I know I need to get prepared for a very emotional, heartwarming, and beautifully written story which will pull on my heartstrings and have my feelings all over the place. Giving this book five stars is nowhere near enough due to the characters, the storyline and how you get pulled in right from the beginning. I will warn you there will be tears rolling down your cheeks and your heart will be beating a mile a minute.
Everlasting Promises gives us two people who have had heartache and their lives changed forever but find comfort in one another. Hope is a single mom of a middle school boy, Evan, who is trying to provide and live. Six years ago her husband was killed in a blast overseas. Thinking that she was destined to be single forever, she focused on her son and making sure he was happy. Ben is a K9 officer who has had to deal with grief because he lost his childhood friend but we find out there was more to the situation. When there is an incident that requires Ben to bring Evan home, there is a spark between Ben and Hope but there are also reservations. Hope's life was filled with promises and guilt fills her thoughts. Ben and Evan form a bond but Ben also wants to have that bond with Hope however he sees the reservations in Hope's face but at the same time, he also sees some desire in her eyes.
I loved the way Ben was there for Hope and Ben. He tried to show her that she needed to live for herself. He also was determined to help her and Evan in any way possible. Talk about a man who will melt your heart and have you smiling all day long. To see Hope change and grow as a mother and a person was inspiring. She went from a mother who seemed to be just getting by to a woman who had more life in her and started to love again.
167 reviews7 followers
January 27, 2025
What to expect:
🐾Cinnamon roll police K9 handler
🐾Single mom
🐾Grieving military widow
🐾He falls first
🐾Reverse age gap (7 years)
🐾Accidental pregnancy
🐾Slow burn (but so worth it!)
🐾Spicy
🐾No third-act breakup
🐾Tissues needed
🐾HEA

It is hard to put into words what this book did to me. Everlasting Promises is about the journey to healing and what an amazing and beautiful story it is!

A bomb took Wyatt away from his wife and child six years ago. Hope was completely devastated and was prepared to spend the rest of her life alone. She had the love of her life and lost him. Her only goal in life was to care for their son, Evan. Everything changes when Evan earns a ride home from a police officer, Ben. He is drawn to both of them and only wants to help put their pieces back together. It wasn't hard to worm his way into their lives with the help of his K9 partner, Rex. Evan falls in love with his dog while Ben is falling for Hope.

Moving on is an abstract idea if you haven't had to do it in real life. It is easy to say someone should move on and get over it. This work of art makes it feel so real. I imagine it would hurt knowing you are breaking your vows to the one person you thought you would grow old with. There is such beauty in the heartbreak of moving on. Everlasting Promises is an amazing book, and if you have lost a loved one, reading might just help heal your heart.

Make sure you read from the dedication through to the thank you's. When you are done, you will understand why this book is so special. It takes a truly special author to put this much of her heart and soul into a book. Do not miss out!
872 reviews8 followers
January 31, 2025
Out of the depths of emotion

I think this is Ms.St.James best book yet. She plunged me directly into Hope's despair and depression in just a few paragraphs and never let go of my emotions until the story was done. Ben brought direction and positivity to Hope and her son Evan when they had none. In turn, Hope and Evan grounded Ben and gave him purpose, happiness and contentment. I loved how Evan came alive as only a young boy can with the tail-wagging attention and puppy kisses from Ben's K-9 partner Rex. I thought the four of them bonded as a family almost from their second or third interaction.
As always, Ms.St.James delivers an emotionally powerful story with characters that are so real you wish they lived in your neighborhood to be your friends for real. In this book she drags the reader from the depths of grief, the exhaustion and stress of single parenthood, confusion, uncertainty, guilt, fleeting glimmers of light, to determination, resolve, friendship, letting go of the past, and moving on to love. Readers will cry, sigh, smile, worry, laugh, and fall in love with Hope, Evan, Ben and Rex as they create a new family of their own.

I received an advance beta copy of this story directly from the author and voluntarily chose to share my review.
Profile Image for A.K. Otsana.
Author 3 books21 followers
February 6, 2025

Debra St. James completely shattered me, then put me back together.

Everlasting Promises is a beautifully written book that details the journey of healing after loss. Hope is a single mother who didn’t think she would ever love again after the loss of her husband. Ben was career-focused until a chance meeting with Hope. He is one of the most genuine men to grace the pages. I loved reading how patient Ben was with Hope throughout the entire book. Debra St. James brings all the emotions to the surface. Everlasting Promises is perfectly written, and a book I will continue to read and recommend.
455 reviews2 followers
January 31, 2025
From the prologue to the bonus epilogue this book took control of your emotions and took them on a roller coaster ride. Characters who were well developed and real life situations pull you into the story as if you living were it. A most memorable book.
873 reviews
September 17, 2025
What an emotional rollercoaster. This story grabbed me from the start and just wrung me out until the very last page. Ben, Hope, and Evan are intricate characters, and the author did an amazing job bringing them alive.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews

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