Escaping Commitment

by Niccoyan Zheng

347 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 3, 2026

About the author

Niccoyan Zheng is a Canadian wife, mother, and foodie. The written word has always held her captive. Even before her debut novel “Consumed,” her characters have been urging her to write their stories for years. She looks forward to sharing their diversity, complexity and flaws.
 

Reviews

[CLorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes: In-Laws, Situationship, Opposites, Single Parent
Escaping Commitment by Niccoyan Zheng features the siblings of the couple from Escaping Christmas. While the books are connected by cross-over characters both stories can be read as standalones.
Escaping Commitment is the ideal combination of humous opposites attract: fiery Sorinah and the stoic Aldrich made the perfect pair. Their love language of snark and sarcasm made for entertaining reading!
Sorinah Rowland and Aldrich Chapman are in each other’s orbits because of their siblings’ romance. For all of the time they have been acquainted, Sorinah has treated Aldrich with distaste and low-key hostility. There is a simmering attraction, but Sorinah’s attitude has decreased the possibilities of any forward movement. Fortunately, once they give into passion, Sorinah is able to express her reservations and listens to Aldrich’s reasonable explanation, win win!
Now snippy Sorinah and amiable Aldrich decide on a secret string free connection. As the COO of his family’s company, Aldrich is often on the go…what better use of his travel and time than escaping to see Sorinah. I loved that they were able to meet undetected, so often and in so many locations. Neither one is looking for love or forever. Sorinah is a single parent and was cruelly hurt by her son’s father; she continues to protect to heart. Aldrich has been in a relationship or two; he is just not ready to return to the land of “commitment”. However, what happens when this temporary connection starts to feel real and essential? Will the skittish Sorinah decide that the unflappable Aldrich is trustworthy, or will she continue to make missteps based on previous hurt?
Conclusion:
Ms. Zheng gives her readers another enjoyable and beautifully paced story with engaging characters facing emotional challenges based on past pain. Aldrich was wonderfully patient as he allowed his actions to show Sorinah where his heart was. It took some growth on her part for Sorinah to see that Aldrich was firmly on her side and that he loved her child like a true father should. Final words, it is always great when characters from previous books make an appearance; Chef Ma appears in both Escaping books 😊. This book is another great read by the always versatile Ms. Zheng. I enjoyed the sharp banter and the emotional moments. As they spent more and more time together, readers could see the unquestionable pull between our two main characters even as they tried to fight their feelings. I look forward eagerly to our next book by this author!
Favorite Lines:
That perfectly shaped full mouth of hers. Yeah, he could think of ways to put it to good use.
She rolled her eyes but couldn’t hold back the laugh that bubbled up, light and unguarded. “Why are you so ridiculous?”
Yet, with her sister’s unwavering support, she had not only survived but thrived, going on to earn both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
The anticipation was almost too much to bear, and he knew this time would be even better than the last.
Getting together was not only fun, but it was refreshing, getting to be himself. She was the ultimate stress reliever.
“My brother texted, and I set him straight,” he admitted, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. He’d made it clear
where the line was drawn, and his brother wouldn’t dare cross it again.
Aaron Ma wouldn’t entertain the partnership because of their disagreement. What a petty man!
Stepping in would drive a wedge between Aldrich and Sorinah, and he’d be damned if he allowed that to happen.

https://theretiredreader.com/f/escapi...

[Anjosia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Escaping Commitment by Niccoyan Zheng is a heartfelt, beautifully messy, and steamy romance about healing, second chances, and learning to accept the love you deserve. Sorinah has spent years guarding her heart after becoming a teenage mother, so the last thing she wants is a relationship—especially with Aldrich Chapman, the man she initially believes is a complete jerk.

What starts as a secret, no-strings-attached arrangement slowly becomes something far more meaningful. Aldrich may come across as direct and brooding, but beneath that exterior is a man who is dependable, patient, and knows exactly when to listen. He understands his "Kitten" better than she understands herself and never hesitates to give her the kind of love she's spent years avoiding. He sees every side of Sorinah—even the parts she tries to hide—and loves her exactly as she is, even when she's afraid to let herself be loved.

Their chemistry is undeniable, but it's the emotional growth, family dynamics, and Aldrich's unwavering devotion that make this story shine. Watching Sorinah slowly lower her walls and realize that being loved doesn't make her weak was incredibly satisfying. This is a highly recommended read for anyone who loves friends-with-benefits romances, strong character development, and a hero who isn't afraid to love out loud.

[Tamarah Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aldrich and Sorinah have more than their share of fiery exchanges whenever they meet. That’s putting it mildly. However, the pair mutually decides to form temporary choices for their respective sibling’s upcoming wedding. What starts as a truce quickly turns into something much more.
Aldrich Chapman is the COO of his family’s hotel chain, Velkomst. After a failed engagement, the last thing Aldrich is searching for is a new relationship. As luck would have it, Sorinah Rowland is about to change it. Sorinah is navigating as a Fashion Buyer while raising her teenage son Mars. The last thing on her mind is Aldrich Chapman, at least so she thought. Without spoiling too much, our main couple navigates much more than the physical aspect of their relationship. Both Aldrich and Sorinah learned more about themselves and about each other as a couple.
Readers were treated to red-hot romance, humor, and so much more. Of course, we have appearances of old favorites and new faces as well. I will say there are a few characters that were tried but failed to derail our main couple. Despite all the minor speed bumps, our main couple reaches their HEA. Overall, I enjoyed this story.

[Zsa Zsa · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like the "enemies to lovers" and "friends with benefits" tropes, this book is it. This is my first time reading this author's books, but it won't be the last.

From the moment Sorinah and Aldrich call a truce at their siblings' wedding, the chemistry between them is explosive. What starts as a casual, one-night arrangement quickly evolves into something much deeper. Watching them try to deny their feelings is half the fun. The banter is incredibly sharp, the honesty between them is refreshing, and the chemistry is evident. Both characters are fiercely independent and skeptical of love, which makes their gradual vulnerability feel entirely earned and genuine.

It's sexy, fast paced, and has just the right amount of emotional depth. You won't be able to put it down until the very last page!

[Cleo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful read!

I enjoyed this novel and Ms Zheng never disappoints. Aldridge and Sorinah were quite the couple/non couple. Sorinah hurt and rejection from her son’s father caused her to navigate through her relationships to keep men at arms length. She truly struggled with trusting herself. Aldridge through all his denial of wanting a committed relationship fell first and hard. I love when that happens! Sorinah gave him a run for his money. But his consistency and commitment to her happiness eventually broke that last remaining wall of Sorinah’s and they realized how perfect they are for one another. I certainly felt a way for Mars her son, Albert got exactly what he deserved! All in all this was an enjoyable read. Well done, Ms Zheng, well done!

[Keya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Escaping Commitment is such an amazing book! Aldrich and Sorinah’s story is hot and spicy and so genuine. Both characters are very business minded and have their own ideas and rules about the relationships they engage in. Both of them have great families that are priority in their lives. Especially with Sorinah being a single mother and being close to her sisters. I loved the banter between them. These two were so funny and it just made the reading so enjoyable. I also love that we got to check back in with characters from past books and see how their stories come together with this story. Escaping Commitment is a definite summer must read.

[Brittanyann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review : I HIGHLY RECOMMEND GOING TO READ THIS BOOK !

This book is steamy funny and captivating i love the banter between sorinah & aldrich. She calles him dick hole ( dh for short ) and he calls her kitten !. This book has 27 chapters takes place in Toronto & Trinidad the sex is crazy hot the tention is everything.

The book comes out july 7th 2026 go pre-order

ALSO! go give some love to a canadian author who writes amazing books @niccoyanwrites !!!

#bookstgram #arc #canada #trinidad #kindle

[Shalandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to review an ARC of Escaping Commitment. I appreciated that Sorinah was family-focused and maintained her own career and ambitions. Aldrich was clearly on Team Sorinah from the start of their hookup. The author skillfully let their relationship unfold naturally, and I enjoyed their playful banter. The book also features plenty of heat between the characters. I was curious about the family dynamics, especially since the story begins at one sister’s wedding. It made me wonder if there are additional books and I discovered I did in fact read the first book Escaping Christmas!

[Renetia Shepard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Ms. Zheng has given us a couple we are rooting for!

I love when a strong FMC and MMC can turn a successful situationship into a relationship. Sorinah and Aldrich were EXACTLY what the other needed. Aldrich stayed in his truth 10 toes down, and Ms. Sorinah was there for it. Such a beautiful storyline intertwining their families and the lick back to their ever-regretful and pitiful exes.

Thank you for such a great book!

[Charity Clancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aldrich & Sorinah

I started this book and I couldn’t put it down until I finished it. The storyline was perfect and it flowed so well. I loved that Aldrich could handle her strong personality never trying to change her. The intimate scenes had me cracking and clutching my invisible pearls. I loved this book. Keep them coming.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zheng brings the flavor to a tempestuous battle of hearts. Escaping Commitment has all the right moves. Aldrich and Sorinah turn friends with benefits into a heartbreaker that shakes up the soul. From hard truths to endearing romance, falling in love is hard to resist.

[Mylene Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both Sorinah and Aldrich have been avoiding committing to other for sometime. So when Sorinah over hears Aldrich making a comment about something, her opinion of him hits rock bottom. But at their siblings wedding their truce takes on another meaning and slowly views are changing. A good fun read.

[Ju Berrymore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun & Sexy

This was a super fun and ultra sexy read just in time for the summer while reading poolside! Loved the characters and their banter. 🍹