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Wait No More: A With Your Permission Spin-Off

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The rumors... they came from sources that she trusted; the news, the neighborhood, and now the patrons in her night club, Rendezvous. Still, Sophia Clark wouldn’t believe that the soldiers who returned from their tours included the only man she ever loved. But when Dean St. James strolled through the door, the shock to Sophia’s spirit nearly disassembled her.

There was no explanation for the reckless up-surging beat of her heart, not after the way Dean disappeared, leaving Sophia to wonder if he’d become a casualty of war. Now, without time to process her turbulent emotions, Sophia comes face-to-face with his return, which proves to challenge the love they lost - bringing them together or closing the door on what could have been for all time.

Audible Audio

Published March 22, 2021

505 people are currently reading
137 people want to read

About the author

Stephanie Nicole Norris

108 books1,226 followers
Stephanie Nicole Norris is an author from Tennessee with a humble beginning. After becoming a young adult, her love for romance sparked, leaving her captivated by heroes and heroines alike. With a big imagination and a creative heart, Stephanie penned her first novel in 2010. She went on to write grin-inducing romance and has received multiple literary awards.

As a prolific writer, Stephanie’s catalog continues to grow. Her books can be found at major retailers, including Amazon, and her website, www.stephanienicolenorris.com.

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5 stars
441 (60%)
4 stars
191 (26%)
3 stars
86 (11%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
Profile Image for Kameel.
1,065 reviews295 followers
March 24, 2021
This was a decent story....There wasn't a lot of depth...just dialogue....I definitely understand that it was a spin-off love story but to me there was definitely a lot of missing information. Dean went through a lot during his six (6) years of active duty to include loss which had a profound effect on his current live and relationship with Sophia. I enjoyed the way he included Sophia's parents with the explanation of his decision that caused harm to his relationship with Sophia and how the two (2) planned to rebuild their relationship. Good story that included PTSD and support. Excellent narration with Wesleigh & Jakobi!
Profile Image for Bernadette Mercado.
76 reviews5 followers
March 25, 2021
So glad Dean had his own story! He was a mystery on Raphael and Bri's book. PTSD is no joke and I get why he felt the need to disconnect with Sophia and his family but happy he changed his mind. I loved that Sophia was supportive and understanding and allowed him to explain. SNN did a great job with showing her readers that may be going through similar situations that there is help out there. I enjoyed this short read so much and highly recommend it. *UPDATE* This is now in audio and Wesleigh Siobhan and Jakobi Diem just took it to whole other level with their narration! If you've read it, I suggest listening to it too! You will not be disappointed!
Profile Image for Sheronda H.
502 reviews5 followers
September 30, 2024
This was a decent book. A little slow at the beginning. Lovers finding their way back to each other after years of being a part.
Profile Image for Byron Washington.
732 reviews4 followers
April 14, 2021
I'm always a sucker for military themed stories. Especially those that address serious post combat trauma. I know many men and women dealing with these issues and there are a lot that don't come out of these situations with a happy ending. The VA is doing admirable work, but like most things, it's just not enough. Good book though.

Buy it, read it and enjoy!!👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥
Profile Image for RedEnigma94.
772 reviews17 followers
August 10, 2020
This was a nice novella, but Dean and Sophia didn't grab me like the other couples in this series. Not only did Dean break their engagement and cut off all contact with Sophia for three years, but he totally disconnected from his own family too. He didn't even contact them occasionally to let them know he was still breathing!🙄 PTSD is real, no doubt. And although him pushing Sophia away because he suffered a painful loss during deployment was somewhat reasonable--it does not explain why he never spoke to his family.

Sophia tried to put up a fight, but she eventually breaks down and gives in to Dean. Now, I realize that breaking off contact doesn't necessarily erase the love between two people, but Sophia should have made Dean grovel and beg a whole lot more before she took him back. I know she felt for him and hated to see him suffering, but he had a lot to make up for in my eyes.

Also, the scene with Sophia's parents wasn't what I expected either. They barely gave him a hard time. I wish Daddy Clark would have made him sweat a little more!😂

That Jason dude could have easily been dismissed from the story, and it wouldn't have mattered. His presence was unnecessary, and he was more of an embarrassment as he didn't even give Dean any real competition. Chump!😂
Profile Image for Evie.
86 reviews2 followers
March 25, 2021
**Audiobook Review**

This is a very beautiful story about love and forgiveness. I hate that Dean was struggling so much that he had to pull away from the love of his life but through battling his demons and finding forgiveness he was able to work on his mental health and seek out help. I’m glad Sophia didn’t make it easy for him and also worked on her mental health and anguish she dealt with as a result of Dean’s actions.

As always Wesleigh and Jakobi put on an amazing performance voicing these characters.
Profile Image for Arlena.
3,481 reviews1 follower
May 7, 2019
Title: Wait No More
Author: Stephanie Nicole Norris
Publisher: Love Is A Drug Ink
Series: A With Your Permission Spin-Off
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Wait No More" by Stephanie Nicole Norris

My Rationalization:

What a very realistic story of a soldier living with PTSD and the turmoil it caused his loved ones. This story was greatly brought out that involved Sophia Clark and Dean St. James proving that love can cure all even in a second chance romance. It was good to see that Dean decision not to suffer in silence as so many people have done so. Be ready for a good emotional story about war issues, sacrifices, passion, and love scenes that are off the chart. This was definitely one of those reads that the reader will enjoy. I only wished there had been an epilogue to the ending.
Profile Image for Lisette.
611 reviews43 followers
March 25, 2021
Loved this short story. Dean has made it to my book bae list. I was touched by how dedicated he was to healing and being his best self for Sophia.
Profile Image for Shea.
41 reviews2 followers
September 6, 2024
I really enjoyed this love story!! It fit perfectly with the books prior, looking forward to finishing the series.
Profile Image for Margie Cobbs.
224 reviews2 followers
March 17, 2025
Truly Magnificent!

This story took me back to the time when my brother came home after serving in the United States Army. He was different; happy one minute and distance the next. About a year later my mother was told that he was suffering from PTSD. Our lives changed drastically from fear of being around him. This was something I didn't speak of often, but reading Dean and Sophia's story brought back those memories. This story help you understand that despite all your trials you can still have a fruitful life with the right support. Thank you Stephanie for reaching out to families by addressing this issue. Sophia was very strong and understood what it took to make Dean whole again. A great story for all to read. Again, thank you.
Profile Image for Jackie.
1,072 reviews
June 1, 2019
Dope read

I love this book, I’m so glad that it wasn’t long & drawn out. They loved each other and said so, he wanted her forgiveness he worked for it, and he wanted a healthy mental state and they both worked together to ensure that it was possible. So dope and grown up great writing and secondary characters. The only thing missing for me was that because it ended abruptly I longed foe a detailed epilogue 🤷🏽‍♀️

Profile Image for Michele.
57 reviews7 followers
March 1, 2023
I was not expecting Dean to have a story. And I was pleasantly surprise. At first, I wished Sophia held her ground a little more against him. But after his story, I'd back pedal on that. This was an overall cute HEA read. This may be just me, but this gave more of a small country town vibe versus being in the middle of Chicago. Even if it was the suburbs, I reminded myself multiple times that this is set in Chicago.
Profile Image for Tonya.
295 reviews
May 19, 2019
Ummm...left me wanting more

I really enjoyed the detail s of combat and recognizing what trauma solders experience but this story was lacking to me and left me wanting more . Sophia was strong and didn't let Dean get away with wallowing in despair but the chemistry just didn't leap off the page between these two for me
Profile Image for Geri.
1,200 reviews6 followers
May 28, 2019
Good attempt

Good attempt, that kinda fell short in my opinion. I found the dialog too mechanical, too much within the lines without much flexibility. I mean, conversations were almost robotic instead of flowing and natural. I applaud this author's choice to address the affects of military service and PTSD, but the story was lacking for me.
Profile Image for Michelle.
889 reviews3 followers
March 1, 2020
I could have.

From the glimpses we got of Dean in the book featuring his sister Bri I was hoping for more. I also thought Sophia didn't put up enough of a fight. Glad I have another "Valentine" to dive into.
Profile Image for WellReadRuby.
539 reviews112 followers
September 2, 2021
I enjoyed this book. I felt like it may have been too short to truly get across the trauma Dean and Sofia were dealing with.
Profile Image for Alvina.
747 reviews23 followers
March 18, 2021
Forgiving Love

Dean St. James and Sophia Carter were meant to be. They had to go through a severe rough time, apart, only to come back to each other, healing each other and being stronger together.

I love anyone who sees others pain and can want to help them, even if it hurts them in a way, too. Sophia has a heart of gold and to want to fully help Dean, after he grossly broke her heart (by thinking she deserved better and releasing her from his demons before they destroyed her too), was so heart warming.

Dean was so broken. I can only fathom what it would be to live with what he did, after losing his friend. I was so glad he wanted to honor his friend, yet hated that he lost himself in the process. I'm glad he was open to the retreat and truly healing, so he could live fully.

Poor Jason. He tried🤷🏾‍♀️. Dean shut that down real quick😏.

I loved having Bri & Raphael in this book. She was a mess without her brother, so I'm glad they're back together again.

That Taylor was hilarious. Gotta love a whole hearted, loving, caring and funny friend.

Mr. Carter wasn't playing any games about his daughter, and I loved it.

This was a great book. I love all of the galas and events that the author included in this series. Almost all of them are to recognize, or for donations, of those who are highly deserving, yet hardly ever recognized; very noble of her to include things like that.

PTSD is one I've learned a little about from some family members and I'm glad that author explored it so gracefully.

Again, I highly suggest the series 'In The Heart of A Valentine' and 'Falling For A Rose' by this dynamic author. She doesn't disappoint. This spinoff was a great addition to it all.
Profile Image for Yvonne Daniels.
2,701 reviews22 followers
November 28, 2021
WOW this Beautiful



WOW I really enjoyed this book and it will easily stole my heart. There's a powerful chemistry between the two characters and of course along with romance the characters have their trials that makes it such a awesome story. I even enjoyed the secondary characters their friends is so amazing but can their happiness survive their mutual heartache. The story is so beautiful and swoon worthy and when you add in his military drama, along with their emotions about their love and the intriguing twists that he through to heal them both you have a tale that's a beautiful read and it's truly delightful." Plus her parent's characters is so heartfelt that it just worked so well together that I couldn't help but enjoyed their story along with how their relationship is built that's it's naturally such a beautiful thing that it never seemed forced." I enjoyed this story so much that I read this story all night but even good things come to a end and I did not want it too end. This Is Definitely A Awesome Story To Read.
70 reviews
March 30, 2021
Dean St. James was a mysterious figure as Bri's MIA brother in Norris' With Your Permission and in this spinoff, we find out why. Norris is great at focusing her stories on these complicated heroes who want love, but tackle the human emotions and missteps that come along with not being ready for it. *Disclaimer for triggers* this story explores trauma of military service and PTSD.

Jakobi Diem voices Dean in a way that is endearing and tense; a listener might expect that based on his backstory, that Dean's sound would be gruff, hard. In "Wait," Diem lends a voice to Dean that is restrained rage, unresolved confusion, and sadness, and that comes together beautifully in the tone of the character. The master that she is, Wesleigh Siobhan provides Sophia with a sound that is simultaneously cautious, heartbroken, and hopeful. Great listen!
19 reviews6 followers
May 3, 2019
Heartwarming and captivating

This book captivated me from the very beginning. The story of Dean and Sophia was so inspiring that it made me feel like knew the both of them all our lives. To be able to place yourself within a story is the best part of a book. The scenes in this book drew you in like you were in the middle of the scene half the time. Living through the characters was very fulfilling and reciting. Stephanie Nicole Norris has done it again with her stories and the characters. Keep on writing Stephanie and don't let anything or anyone stop your dream Queen. Thank you for the wonderful books and stories that you've been sharing with us all. Much love from your Queendom sister.
Profile Image for Holly.
1,767 reviews88 followers
July 8, 2019
This came up as a KU recommendation, so I decided to give it a try. The reunited lover romance was sweet. I really liked seeing Dean and Sophia come back together. His struggle to readjust to civilian life was well done, and I liked that she supported him as he dealt with his PTSD.

I did struggle with the writing at times. It was overly descriptive at times, and very flowery. I also struggled with the basic premise of the story. They were together in college, engaged, buying a house together, then bam, he enlists in the Army without checking with her first? Then he doesn't see anyone for 6 years? That's just not realistic. Still, I set that aside to focus on their reunion.

I'll look for more books by Norris in the future.
83 reviews4 followers
October 14, 2024
First off....with a narration by Jakobi Diem PLUS Wesleigh Siobhan.....that's a win win right there! I wished the book had a longer story line...at least with an epilogue! SPOILER SPOILER -----> They had no communication for THREE years PLUS he told her to move on... and he's asking her if she's "been with" someone else..umm ok. But Sophia didn't ask him!!! And he didn't volunteer the info either. How can someone buy a house for their GF without the GF having a say? Then for him to know her mother came in the house and was approaching the bedroom...and he just continued on with sex? Damn. To me, that was disrespectful. Yes, Sophia tried to stop, but he "pushed the issue". Things like that dropped the book down a notch for me...but I was glad to see Raphael and Bri!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1,715 reviews7 followers
May 26, 2019
What a timely and wonderful story

Dean is home from the army having cut his self off from his loved ones because of his experience there he has to make things right. And that means getting the love of his life back Sophia. This is a timely story because it gives you somewhat of an idea what some service members go through. When they have to come home after war and readjust into civilian life. Unfortunately this struggle is all too real. This book shows that when the Love is real you can conquer almost anything. As always Mrs. Norris it's a pleasure reading your books.
Profile Image for Vernell Renee Howard Griffin.
1,056 reviews1 follower
May 29, 2019
Loved It!

I love the stories you create from beginning to end. This story intrigues me a lot because PTSD is a very serious disorder, that our courageous soldiers are suffering with throughout their services in the war. A lot of them are also suffering when they are home with family and friends. I'm just glad you wrote about this issue to inform and to keep us inform, because we as a nation need to keep our service men and women safe and healthy. On top of the informative issue at hand I'm glad you displayed a loving story between a strong protective man and an unconditional loving woman with such sensual pleasures. Great Read! 👍
Profile Image for Denise Palma.
326 reviews11 followers
July 9, 2019
This book was an emotional story of Dean St. James and his one time fiance Sophia. Dean brother of Bri St. James or should I say Bri Valentine. If you read her story then you know she was heart broken and wasn't understanding why her brother who was in the Army just stopped keeping in touch, so this story explains why he kept away. It also told the story of what his decisions did to his fiance Sophia who he broke up with 3yrs ago and now he was back to claim her heart again but he is broken and doesn't think he can get past his PTSD to offer Sophia a happy life but she proves him wrong. I really hope you give us more books I would like to have a story on Taylor and her man. PLEASE...
17 reviews
May 4, 2019
What a soulful book.

This is one of the most emotional reads for me. It touched my heart and made me cry. I work as an ICU nurse full time and PTSD is real for soldiers as well as nurse's because we are surrounded by death and dying on a daily basis. I would recommend this book to all readers it will touch your heart and made you cry . You will get a little bit of insight into the lives of people who have to live with PTSD and the daily struggle to find their way to a normal life.
157 reviews
May 4, 2019
Wait No More

Dean and Sophia’s story is such a beautiful and inspiring story of enduring love. Not only for everyone but especially for our Soldiers and their loved ones that welcomed them home after they fought for our country. I know most of us has a family member that has similar experiences doing their tour of duty. Thank you Stephanie for such a inspiring and beautiful story. I hope everyone that read this beautiful story will come away with a greater appreciation for Men and women of our Armed Service.
853 reviews4 followers
April 23, 2021
Great story

This story brings closure to Dean and Sophia commitment they made to each other 6 years ago before he went into the service
His return brings forth a number of issues that many solders and their families face
One highlighted in this story PTSD
The author deals with this topic with finesse like she does with all serious topics in her books, she is a master at this and leaves you with a clearer understanding and a desire to learn more for yourself
This story had you praying that Dean and Sophia get their HEA at the end and Dean finds peace
Great job Stephanie
Profile Image for Mary Calton Gerard.
1,216 reviews7 followers
October 19, 2022
Compelling and riveting

What a sensational and acknowledgment of our warriors that defend this country of ours! This book had me in my feelings. I loved the romantic story, "Sophia & Dean" characterized. The support and validation of their beliefs, desires and love.

I enjoy your writing and I am curious to know if u have ever considered writing Christian romance in addition to contemporary romance? After reading, "With Your Permission" I had thoughts but, after this story, I'm sure that u could write anything!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews

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