What do you think?
Rate this book
Lost in New York #2
The Promise
A promise made:
When Ezra Green sits next to Monroe Friedman in their high school English class, friendship blooms into first love, and even Ezra moving to California won’t keep them apart. Ezra promises Roe that once he finishes college, he’ll come home and the two will be together. In the meantime they’ll write and keep in touch. Nothing has to change.
A promise broken:
After months of unanswered letters, Roe makes one final attempt to contact Ezra with disastrous results. Ezra will never be his and he needs to move on.
Now, more than twenty years later, Ezra has come home. He doesn’t know why Roe stopped writing, but he’s determined to find out. But Roe won’t talk to him and Ezra doesn’t understand why. After all, Roe is the one who cut off contact. Isn’t he?
The promise of what is meant to be:
When Roe’s beloved grandmother suffers a stroke, the past becomes the present, and Ezra comes up with a plan. Pretending to be together to make an old lady happy should be no big deal, but after an unexpected explosive night together, decades-old secrets and lies are exposed, shattering Roe’s control and Ezra’s heart. Is first love only a dream and a promise merely words, or are Ezra and Roe meant to last a lifetime?
When Ezra Green sits next to Monroe Friedman in their high school English class, friendship blooms into first love, and even Ezra moving to California won’t keep them apart. Ezra promises Roe that once he finishes college, he’ll come home and the two will be together. In the meantime they’ll write and keep in touch. Nothing has to change.
A promise broken:
After months of unanswered letters, Roe makes one final attempt to contact Ezra with disastrous results. Ezra will never be his and he needs to move on.
Now, more than twenty years later, Ezra has come home. He doesn’t know why Roe stopped writing, but he’s determined to find out. But Roe won’t talk to him and Ezra doesn’t understand why. After all, Roe is the one who cut off contact. Isn’t he?
The promise of what is meant to be:
When Roe’s beloved grandmother suffers a stroke, the past becomes the present, and Ezra comes up with a plan. Pretending to be together to make an old lady happy should be no big deal, but after an unexpected explosive night together, decades-old secrets and lies are exposed, shattering Roe’s control and Ezra’s heart. Is first love only a dream and a promise merely words, or are Ezra and Roe meant to last a lifetime?
8 pages, Audible Audio
First published March 19, 2020
77 people are currently reading
281 people want to read
About the author
Felice Stevens
89 books1,716 followersFelice 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.
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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
May 7, 2020
Audio 5 Stars
Story 3.5 Stars
I was frustrated by how long it took Monroe to get over his hurt feelings even after he finds out that Ezra never forgot about him. Thank goodness for adorable grandma Nettie. 😍
Story 3.5 Stars
I was frustrated by how long it took Monroe to get over his hurt feelings even after he finds out that Ezra never forgot about him. Thank goodness for adorable grandma Nettie. 😍
June 28, 2021
5 stars audio!
2.5 cookie cutter stars story.
2.5 cookie cutter stars story.
March 25, 2024
I've given this a B+ for narration and a B for content at AudioGals.
Having very much enjoyed Fool for Love, book one in Felice Stevens’ Lost in New York series, I quickly jumped into book two, The Promise, a second-chance romance featuring Monroe Friedman, who runs the support group where Nate and Presley met in book one. We catch up with them briefly, and some of the other secondary characters have featured in other books by this author, but The Promise works perfectly well as a standalone.
Monroe – Roe – and Ezra Green were childhood sweethearts who were separated when Ezra’s parents moved their family from New York City to California when Ezra was seventeen. The guys were very much in love and knew they wanted to spend their lives together, so they promised each other that they would stay in touch, that Ezra would come back to New York after college, and then they’d begin their lives together. Things went okay at first and they exchanged letters regularly, but when, after a few months, Ezra stopped answering Roe’s letters, Roe scraped together the money to call him, only to be told that Ezra wasn’t interested in him anymore and that he’d started seeing other people. Needless to say, Roe was heartbroken at the discovery that the promises that meant so much to him meant nothing to Ezra.
Twenty-three years later, Roe is a college professor and counsellor, and he still lives in the same building he grew up in, a few doors down from his mother and grandmother, and Ezra is a top-flight talent agent working for his highly ambitious parents. He’s good-looking and wealthy, flitting from bed to bed and sometimes dating women just to keep his parents happy – but he’s not interested in anything long term, and has never forgotten Roe, no matter that things ended badly between them.
When The Promise opens, Ezra has returned to New York ostensibly to expand his parents’ agency, but also to branch out on his own a bit – and he’s determined to track down Roe and find out, once and for all, why Roe stopped answering his letters. Ezra is nervous about reconnecting, but nothing could have prepared him for Roe’s hostility when they do finally meet. Roe refuses to even talk to him – but, Ezra reasons, Roe is the one who broke it off all those years ago, so why is he so angry?
It’s not too hard to work out what must have happened, especially when we learn more about Ezra’s family and background, but Roe’s continual refusal to speak to Ezra about it or hear him out is a bit frustrating, especially as he’s a grown man of forty and not a sulky teenager. Also, Roe is a psychologist who specialises in counselling people dealing with grief and loss, and yet he employs none of the insight or perceptiveness he must surely possess to his own relationships. I know that’s not unusual – professional distance and detachment aren’t always easy to maintain with those close to us – but Roe is SO judgemental and unbending, and I found it a little over the top.
Ezra makes one, last-ditch attempt to speak to Roe one evening, and goes to his apartment building. Roe is having dinner with his mother and grandmother (who live down the hall) when Ezra turns up; they remember Ezra fondly (not knowing how things really ended between him and Roe) and encourage Roe to see him. And at last the truth comes out. Roe tells Ezra he kept writing and about the phone call with Ezra’s mother – which Ezra knew nothing about – but Ezra finds it hard to believe that he could have been so horribly deceived. He knows his parents never really liked Roe – Roe’s family wasn’t wealthy or well-connected enough for them – but hearing Roe actually say it aloud is hard to take, and Ezra outright accuses Roe of lying – even though he knows, deep down, that there’s most likely more than a grain of truth to what Roe is telling him.
Circumstances conspire to throw Roe and Ezra together again, and slowly they begin to work their way back to one another, to learn who they are now and rediscover their love for each other. It’s not an easy road – they have to confront years of hurt and misconception and learn to trust one another again – but even as they’re going through it, the one thing that really shines through is that these two men belong together. I’m discovering, as I read/listen to more books by this author that she has a wonderful way of writing angsty, heartfelt romances featuring characters who have been around the block a few times and who, while wary of being hurt, still long to find a true, soul-deep connection with another person.
I liked both characters, although it took a while longer for me to warm to Roe because he was so intractable to start with and his behaviour towards Ezra was so hurtful. Ezra, I liked off the bat; he’s a decent guy whose relationships – with friends and clients – are important to him, and I liked his self-awareness and his willingness to put himself out there in order to get to the bottom of what happened all those years ago, even though it brings a number of painful truths to light.
Having very much enjoyed Fool for Love, book one in Felice Stevens’ Lost in New York series, I quickly jumped into book two, The Promise, a second-chance romance featuring Monroe Friedman, who runs the support group where Nate and Presley met in book one. We catch up with them briefly, and some of the other secondary characters have featured in other books by this author, but The Promise works perfectly well as a standalone.
Monroe – Roe – and Ezra Green were childhood sweethearts who were separated when Ezra’s parents moved their family from New York City to California when Ezra was seventeen. The guys were very much in love and knew they wanted to spend their lives together, so they promised each other that they would stay in touch, that Ezra would come back to New York after college, and then they’d begin their lives together. Things went okay at first and they exchanged letters regularly, but when, after a few months, Ezra stopped answering Roe’s letters, Roe scraped together the money to call him, only to be told that Ezra wasn’t interested in him anymore and that he’d started seeing other people. Needless to say, Roe was heartbroken at the discovery that the promises that meant so much to him meant nothing to Ezra.
Twenty-three years later, Roe is a college professor and counsellor, and he still lives in the same building he grew up in, a few doors down from his mother and grandmother, and Ezra is a top-flight talent agent working for his highly ambitious parents. He’s good-looking and wealthy, flitting from bed to bed and sometimes dating women just to keep his parents happy – but he’s not interested in anything long term, and has never forgotten Roe, no matter that things ended badly between them.
When The Promise opens, Ezra has returned to New York ostensibly to expand his parents’ agency, but also to branch out on his own a bit – and he’s determined to track down Roe and find out, once and for all, why Roe stopped answering his letters. Ezra is nervous about reconnecting, but nothing could have prepared him for Roe’s hostility when they do finally meet. Roe refuses to even talk to him – but, Ezra reasons, Roe is the one who broke it off all those years ago, so why is he so angry?
It’s not too hard to work out what must have happened, especially when we learn more about Ezra’s family and background, but Roe’s continual refusal to speak to Ezra about it or hear him out is a bit frustrating, especially as he’s a grown man of forty and not a sulky teenager. Also, Roe is a psychologist who specialises in counselling people dealing with grief and loss, and yet he employs none of the insight or perceptiveness he must surely possess to his own relationships. I know that’s not unusual – professional distance and detachment aren’t always easy to maintain with those close to us – but Roe is SO judgemental and unbending, and I found it a little over the top.
Ezra makes one, last-ditch attempt to speak to Roe one evening, and goes to his apartment building. Roe is having dinner with his mother and grandmother (who live down the hall) when Ezra turns up; they remember Ezra fondly (not knowing how things really ended between him and Roe) and encourage Roe to see him. And at last the truth comes out. Roe tells Ezra he kept writing and about the phone call with Ezra’s mother – which Ezra knew nothing about – but Ezra finds it hard to believe that he could have been so horribly deceived. He knows his parents never really liked Roe – Roe’s family wasn’t wealthy or well-connected enough for them – but hearing Roe actually say it aloud is hard to take, and Ezra outright accuses Roe of lying – even though he knows, deep down, that there’s most likely more than a grain of truth to what Roe is telling him.
Circumstances conspire to throw Roe and Ezra together again, and slowly they begin to work their way back to one another, to learn who they are now and rediscover their love for each other. It’s not an easy road – they have to confront years of hurt and misconception and learn to trust one another again – but even as they’re going through it, the one thing that really shines through is that these two men belong together. I’m discovering, as I read/listen to more books by this author that she has a wonderful way of writing angsty, heartfelt romances featuring characters who have been around the block a few times and who, while wary of being hurt, still long to find a true, soul-deep connection with another person.
I liked both characters, although it took a while longer for me to warm to Roe because he was so intractable to start with and his behaviour towards Ezra was so hurtful. Ezra, I liked off the bat; he’s a decent guy whose relationships – with friends and clients – are important to him, and I liked his self-awareness and his willingness to put himself out there in order to get to the bottom of what happened all those years ago, even though it brings a number of painful truths to light.
I did have a problem with one aspect of the storyline here, because it seemed overly contrived and somewhat overdone. It also involves a degree of manipulation on the part of a secondary character that I wasn’t wild about, but leaving that aside, I enjoyed the story, and continue to be impressed with the author’s ability to create interesting, flawed, three-dimensional characters who think and feel deeply.
Kale Williams returns to the narrator’s chair for this second instalment in the series, and delivers another emotionally resonant and insightful performance. As in Fool for Love, his pacing is good and he differentiates effectively between all the characters, the deeper, slightly gruff tones he employs for Roe a nice contrast to the lighter tone he gives Ezra, expertly conveying Ezra’s openness and good-natured optimism. The New York Jewish accents are well done (to my English ears!) and there are more female characters in this book than in the previous one, most notably Roe’s ninety-year-old grandmother Nettie, a feisty old broad if ever there was one (!). Mr Williams portrays her quite well, lending her voice a slight tremor that speaks to her advanced age, and does a more than decent job with his characterisations of Roe’s mother and Ezra’s, a cold, self-important woman whose unpleasantness is more than accurately reflected in her dismissive tone. It’s a well-judged, expressive performance all round which, once again, brings the story to vibrant life and enhances the emotional connection between the two principals.
The Promise is a warm and tender character-driven romance between two quite different men who are imperfectly perfect for each other. If you’re a fan of second chances, it’s well worth picking up.
This review originally appeared at AudioGals.
March 23, 2020
4.5 stars
If you like second chance romance, this one is for you.
Ezra and Roe have plenty of history to overcome. Getting over feelings of loss, betrayal and abandonment won't be easy for Roe, but Ezra is determined to show the man he's loved all his life that he means to keep the promise he made so long ago. But first, he needs to figure out just why Roe is so angry, considering Roe is the one who cut off contact all those years ago. Meanwhile Roe, who still finds Ezra as irresistible as he did over 20 years ago, can't believe Ezra thinks he can just waltz back into his life after breaking all the promises he made when his parents took him and moved to California. Sure, they're both adults, but those promises they made at seventeen meant everything to Roe, but obviously (to him) meant nothing to Ezra.
Roe is not going to make it easy for Ezra, who will be lucky if Roe even talks to him. Even Roe's well-meaning, but meddling mother and grandmother urging him to give Ezra a chance, doesn't seem to move him. His pain and longing are palpable and after holding onto those feelings for so long, he can't just forgive.
Hard feelings, miscommunication, long-held secrets being revealed and new wounds are inflicted.
These guys really have to work for their HEA, but with a bit of a nudge from Roe's delightful grandmother Nettie, support from some good friends, and a love that has never really died, they find their way back to where they've always belonged and with the state of the world today, the fairytale-like ending was just icing on the cake and had me cracking the biggest smile.
If you like second chance romance, this one is for you.
Ezra and Roe have plenty of history to overcome. Getting over feelings of loss, betrayal and abandonment won't be easy for Roe, but Ezra is determined to show the man he's loved all his life that he means to keep the promise he made so long ago. But first, he needs to figure out just why Roe is so angry, considering Roe is the one who cut off contact all those years ago. Meanwhile Roe, who still finds Ezra as irresistible as he did over 20 years ago, can't believe Ezra thinks he can just waltz back into his life after breaking all the promises he made when his parents took him and moved to California. Sure, they're both adults, but those promises they made at seventeen meant everything to Roe, but obviously (to him) meant nothing to Ezra.
Roe is not going to make it easy for Ezra, who will be lucky if Roe even talks to him. Even Roe's well-meaning, but meddling mother and grandmother urging him to give Ezra a chance, doesn't seem to move him. His pain and longing are palpable and after holding onto those feelings for so long, he can't just forgive.
Hard feelings, miscommunication, long-held secrets being revealed and new wounds are inflicted.
These guys really have to work for their HEA, but with a bit of a nudge from Roe's delightful grandmother Nettie, support from some good friends, and a love that has never really died, they find their way back to where they've always belonged and with the state of the world today, the fairytale-like ending was just icing on the cake and had me cracking the biggest smile.
April 9, 2020
Ezra and Roe made a promise when they were seventeen, “we’ll write, call and stay in contact and then I’ll return to you.”
That was the plan, but it all worked out completely differently. With disastrous results.
Now, after more than twenty years later Ezra is back and there is so much anger.
Where Ezra came from money Roe had none. Now Roe is a psychologist and Ezra is still working for all the glitter money gives.
Hate is what Roe feels, during all these years he never heard from Ezra.
Ezra doesn’t understand Roe’s stand and is determined to get to know why Roe stopped returning his letters.
There are secrets, miscommunications, misunderstandings, and hurt.
Life hasn’t been easy for either of them. Along this road, we get to know what both men have been through and it wasn’t easy.
Mountains of hurt, sorrow, manipulation, distrust are taken and the outcome isn’t even sure. They belong together that was clear for everyone, it lasted a long time until they understood it themselves, it wasn’t a smooth road. Thank goodness for good friends and dedicated family members. I want to ignore the family who did so so wrong, I just can’t!
An amazingly captivating story, beautifully written, well thought out. The hurt felt awful and real, the love survived every bump, the whole journey felt honest, integer, and made me get involved from the first page. Thank goodness for second chances, both men deserved it.
That was the plan, but it all worked out completely differently. With disastrous results.
Now, after more than twenty years later Ezra is back and there is so much anger.
Where Ezra came from money Roe had none. Now Roe is a psychologist and Ezra is still working for all the glitter money gives.
Hate is what Roe feels, during all these years he never heard from Ezra.
Ezra doesn’t understand Roe’s stand and is determined to get to know why Roe stopped returning his letters.
There are secrets, miscommunications, misunderstandings, and hurt.
Life hasn’t been easy for either of them. Along this road, we get to know what both men have been through and it wasn’t easy.
Mountains of hurt, sorrow, manipulation, distrust are taken and the outcome isn’t even sure. They belong together that was clear for everyone, it lasted a long time until they understood it themselves, it wasn’t a smooth road. Thank goodness for good friends and dedicated family members. I want to ignore the family who did so so wrong, I just can’t!
An amazingly captivating story, beautifully written, well thought out. The hurt felt awful and real, the love survived every bump, the whole journey felt honest, integer, and made me get involved from the first page. Thank goodness for second chances, both men deserved it.
May 27, 2021
Wonderful story - perfectly narrated. The entire Lost in New York series by Felice Stevens, narrated by Kale Williams is not to be missed.
March 21, 2020
Felice Stevens has captured my attention again with a love story between two, long lost loves that reconnect after being apart for most of their lives. Sometimes it's hard to forget your first true love and in this case, Monroe and Ezra had unfinished business. Nothing warms my heart more than a second chance.
Seeing Ezra in New York again was the last thing Monroe expected. Monroe's insecurities where Ezra was concerned bubbled to the surface so his reception towards Ezra was quite chilly. While I understood having hurt feelings after Ezra left New York, I thought Monroe acting the way he did upon seeing Ezra after all this time was a little extreme. Would Monroe give Ezra a chance to explain?!
Their reunion wasn't easy, but then again anything in life worth having is worth working for. I enjoyed watching their love grow again from what it once was. Monroe and Ezra found a place in my heart and put a smile on my face. I really look forward to the next book in the series!
Seeing Ezra in New York again was the last thing Monroe expected. Monroe's insecurities where Ezra was concerned bubbled to the surface so his reception towards Ezra was quite chilly. While I understood having hurt feelings after Ezra left New York, I thought Monroe acting the way he did upon seeing Ezra after all this time was a little extreme. Would Monroe give Ezra a chance to explain?!
Their reunion wasn't easy, but then again anything in life worth having is worth working for. I enjoyed watching their love grow again from what it once was. Monroe and Ezra found a place in my heart and put a smile on my face. I really look forward to the next book in the series!
September 23, 2020
Very entertaining story line. I liked the easy relationship that Monroe's family gave. Grandma was a little obsessed about getting the guys together. She was almost as frustrating as Ezra's parents but in a different way. Ross and Sunny were wonderful as was Carmen. Good writing with a character driven theme made this book well worth reading.
March 28, 2020
I was wondering if Ezra will have his own story the first time I met him. Then, I met a charming doctor Monroe, then bam! They have a story after all.
The Promise is one of those story with the parents I will hate even in real life. Parents who "knows" what's the best for their children. Familiar with that? Yeah, yeah, hope not tour parents though.
Because, if I was Ezra or Monroe, I won't be that forgiving.
Though I was a little disappointed with how little Ezra and Monroe's efforts, they were children after all.
I always love Felice's stories, because it's like a comfort reads for me, like coming home. Because, almost everything Felice's writes, happens and familiar with us.
I love how this story ended, and cannot wait for another stories from Felice! *****
The Promise is one of those story with the parents I will hate even in real life. Parents who "knows" what's the best for their children. Familiar with that? Yeah, yeah, hope not tour parents though.
Because, if I was Ezra or Monroe, I won't be that forgiving.
Though I was a little disappointed with how little Ezra and Monroe's efforts, they were children after all.
I always love Felice's stories, because it's like a comfort reads for me, like coming home. Because, almost everything Felice's writes, happens and familiar with us.
I love how this story ended, and cannot wait for another stories from Felice! *****
April 4, 2020
Felice Stevens once again delivers a wonderful story with this second chance romance. Monroe had already captured my attention when I read the first book in this series, Fool for Love, so I quickly seized the opportunity to discover his story here in The Promise.
The reunion between Monroe (“Roe”) and Ezra is more than a little rocky, and it was frustrating to me how Roe kept on cutting off any attempt Ezra would make to speak with him to figure out what happened. Then, once everything was explained I got frustrated with Ezra for his reaction. So both of them frustrated me equally, and I couldn’t wait until they could get past all of that.
It did take a long while for it to feel like they belonged together again, but once they each got past their own issues they did make a great match. The story did have some predictability to it (I felt the same way about book one too), but I still enjoyed watching these two come back together again. Roe’s grandmother helped with that—she’s definitely a great supporting character and a bright spot in this story.
The Promise was a solid 4-star read for me, and fans of this author as well as contemporary romance fans in general are going to enjoy this book. You don’t need to read Fool for Love first, but you’ll probably want to check it out anyway to get the background on some of the minor characters that appear here in The Promise. This book is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.
The reunion between Monroe (“Roe”) and Ezra is more than a little rocky, and it was frustrating to me how Roe kept on cutting off any attempt Ezra would make to speak with him to figure out what happened. Then, once everything was explained I got frustrated with Ezra for his reaction. So both of them frustrated me equally, and I couldn’t wait until they could get past all of that.
It did take a long while for it to feel like they belonged together again, but once they each got past their own issues they did make a great match. The story did have some predictability to it (I felt the same way about book one too), but I still enjoyed watching these two come back together again. Roe’s grandmother helped with that—she’s definitely a great supporting character and a bright spot in this story.
The Promise was a solid 4-star read for me, and fans of this author as well as contemporary romance fans in general are going to enjoy this book. You don’t need to read Fool for Love first, but you’ll probably want to check it out anyway to get the background on some of the minor characters that appear here in The Promise. This book is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.
April 1, 2020
What can I say about Ezra and Monroe's story? Some of the tropes at hand: second chance at first love, later-in-life love, opposites attract. Ezra is Ezra, carefree but hiding a broken heart no one knows about, while Roe (I love that nickname) THINKS he’s moved on--see how I did that there?--but we know he hasn't, not really.
The reintroduction into each other's lives is complete with good old-fashioned clashing, some back-and-forth between them as they go from distrust, to learning one another. From forging a new friendship to lovers again, and to finally forging trust and a new path, all while fighing/reliving the past and making new memories, of course.
Once again, great story-telling from this author, and as always, so well-written. Emotional, sexy, potent, and real, Felice Stevens shines here with her writing. Yes, you need tissues, but that angst and heartache are so genuine and so potent, and the smile on my face at their HEA even more so.
If that wasn't enough, there were bonus visits from Nate and Press, as well as Ross and Arden totally made my day, and there was even a mention of my Frisco to tease me...
And NETTIE. I LOVE MY NETTIE. Felice and her grandmas! No one writes grandmas like Felice. I'll shout it out till I can't shout it anymore. An integral part of the plot/story, Roe's grandmother is THE best supporting character ever.
Love these guys, this story, and yes LOVE NETTIE. Once again another amazing story from Felice Stevens. Highly recommend this, and Fool for Love, Press’s story. Now. I’m ready. Where is my Frisco????
The reintroduction into each other's lives is complete with good old-fashioned clashing, some back-and-forth between them as they go from distrust, to learning one another. From forging a new friendship to lovers again, and to finally forging trust and a new path, all while fighing/reliving the past and making new memories, of course.
Once again, great story-telling from this author, and as always, so well-written. Emotional, sexy, potent, and real, Felice Stevens shines here with her writing. Yes, you need tissues, but that angst and heartache are so genuine and so potent, and the smile on my face at their HEA even more so.
If that wasn't enough, there were bonus visits from Nate and Press, as well as Ross and Arden totally made my day, and there was even a mention of my Frisco to tease me...
And NETTIE. I LOVE MY NETTIE. Felice and her grandmas! No one writes grandmas like Felice. I'll shout it out till I can't shout it anymore. An integral part of the plot/story, Roe's grandmother is THE best supporting character ever.
Love these guys, this story, and yes LOVE NETTIE. Once again another amazing story from Felice Stevens. Highly recommend this, and Fool for Love, Press’s story. Now. I’m ready. Where is my Frisco????
March 24, 2020
The Promise, the second book in the Lost in New York series, is a riveting second chance romance by Felice Stevens. With this gem, the author once again reminds me of why I love her writing. Having not read the first book, I can assure you that this is easily read as a standalone.
Former boyfriends Ezra and Monroe are two men who are full of anger and pain, with years of distance and resentment between them. Upon being reunited after many years, the tension is high, and it's a great read.
This is a story that is full of manipulation and family issues, with a strong emphasis on social status. I definitely enjoy the way this is handled, developed naturally without ever being over the top. There are plenty of insecurities and doubts, creating a good amount of angst.
The author has a fluid and natural writing style, which once again keeps me riveted throughout. The character development is fantastic and the story line is well done. The author includes some lovable secondary characters, as well as some vile ones, that all add greatly to the story. My emotions were all across the board with this one, from anger to frustration to happy and satisfied.
This story is definitely not for everyone. For people who hate manipulation, avoid this one. But, also know that this is a story of healing and forgiveness, more than just manipulation.
I love The Promise. Felice Stevens had me invested throughout, leaving me unable to put it down. Overall, it's a feel-good second chance romance that I highly recommend.
Former boyfriends Ezra and Monroe are two men who are full of anger and pain, with years of distance and resentment between them. Upon being reunited after many years, the tension is high, and it's a great read.
This is a story that is full of manipulation and family issues, with a strong emphasis on social status. I definitely enjoy the way this is handled, developed naturally without ever being over the top. There are plenty of insecurities and doubts, creating a good amount of angst.
The author has a fluid and natural writing style, which once again keeps me riveted throughout. The character development is fantastic and the story line is well done. The author includes some lovable secondary characters, as well as some vile ones, that all add greatly to the story. My emotions were all across the board with this one, from anger to frustration to happy and satisfied.
This story is definitely not for everyone. For people who hate manipulation, avoid this one. But, also know that this is a story of healing and forgiveness, more than just manipulation.
I love The Promise. Felice Stevens had me invested throughout, leaving me unable to put it down. Overall, it's a feel-good second chance romance that I highly recommend.
March 30, 2020
Family Hurts
Felice Stevens has taken a very big chance here. She brings us Monroe (Roe) Friedman and Ezra Green, a couple of 40-year-olds who were "Nice Jewish Boy" teenage lovers before Ezra had to leave New York City to go with his hard-charging parents to a new life representing models, actors, and other industry bigwigs, in Los Angeles.
While they promised to stay in touch until Ezra graduated from high school, something went wrong along the way to the point that their dreams of a life together were crushed without either one of them understanding why, or trying to find out why and repair the damage.
Ezra (on the cover) went on to become an internationally known glamour boy under the direction of his wildly ambitious parents while flitting from bed to bed (sometimes being forced to date women by his parents) with no desire to form a relationship. Because he never forgot Roe.
Roe became a college professor living in the same building he grew up in with his mother and grandmother as neighbors, taking care of their every need after his father died suddenly while Roe was in his 20s. If he thought of Ezra in the past 20 or so years, it was with venom, and that contributed to his vacant social, and love, life.
With this as a background and defying all good judgment Ezra decides to leave Los Angeles and return to New York to help expand the family business--and to hunt down Roe.
Stevens gets this going by having them quite accidentally meeting up in a grief-counseling group that Roe runs that included Ezra's best friend and new husband Ross and Arden (I'm pretty sure this took place in the previous book in the series).
Ross and Arden and several other characters from Stevens' previous books pop in here and there, but the key character in the story is Roe's indefatigable grandmother, Nettie. Read the blurb to get a hint about how this turns out, but be forewarned:
This is a very rough, angst-filled, road back to romance that brings all of Ms. Steven's deep understanding of the stupidity and ego of men like Ezra and (especially) Roe out in the open. This is a very risky business that she handles smoothly because she is such a damn fine writer.
That's as far as I'm going to go. Get this one and have a strong beverage by your side to work your way through how these two men get their respective heads out of their early middle-age behinds.
Felice Stevens has taken a very big chance here. She brings us Monroe (Roe) Friedman and Ezra Green, a couple of 40-year-olds who were "Nice Jewish Boy" teenage lovers before Ezra had to leave New York City to go with his hard-charging parents to a new life representing models, actors, and other industry bigwigs, in Los Angeles.
While they promised to stay in touch until Ezra graduated from high school, something went wrong along the way to the point that their dreams of a life together were crushed without either one of them understanding why, or trying to find out why and repair the damage.
Ezra (on the cover) went on to become an internationally known glamour boy under the direction of his wildly ambitious parents while flitting from bed to bed (sometimes being forced to date women by his parents) with no desire to form a relationship. Because he never forgot Roe.
Roe became a college professor living in the same building he grew up in with his mother and grandmother as neighbors, taking care of their every need after his father died suddenly while Roe was in his 20s. If he thought of Ezra in the past 20 or so years, it was with venom, and that contributed to his vacant social, and love, life.
With this as a background and defying all good judgment Ezra decides to leave Los Angeles and return to New York to help expand the family business--and to hunt down Roe.
Stevens gets this going by having them quite accidentally meeting up in a grief-counseling group that Roe runs that included Ezra's best friend and new husband Ross and Arden (I'm pretty sure this took place in the previous book in the series).
Ross and Arden and several other characters from Stevens' previous books pop in here and there, but the key character in the story is Roe's indefatigable grandmother, Nettie. Read the blurb to get a hint about how this turns out, but be forewarned:
This is a very rough, angst-filled, road back to romance that brings all of Ms. Steven's deep understanding of the stupidity and ego of men like Ezra and (especially) Roe out in the open. This is a very risky business that she handles smoothly because she is such a damn fine writer.
That's as far as I'm going to go. Get this one and have a strong beverage by your side to work your way through how these two men get their respective heads out of their early middle-age behinds.
January 10, 2023
2.5 stars C-
4 star for the narration by Kale Williams. B
This book did not work for me. The basic story is fine, but the characters and execution were lacking.
23 years ago Monroe (Roe) and Ezra were high school lovers parted when Ezra's family moved from NYC to LA. They promised to keep in touch and reunite, but that didn't happen. Now Ezra's back in NYC and he and Roe run into each other. They fail to communicate on even the most basic level and Roe at least still seems to be stuck in teen angst mode. Family manipulations abound (to the point of absurdity) and it takes far too long for either one of them to figure out what they want, and that required a lot of outside push from friends and relatives.
Other things that didn't work:
- Roe's grandmother (her illness ), or her obsession with their relationship-kinda creepy)
- the fact that these two kept running into each other in a city the size of NYC, especially since great effort is taken to talk about how they "don't move in the same circles.'
- the weird way they interacted with each other for 2/3rds of the book, mostly by not actually talking about the elephant in the room. It felt like manufactured angst.
-A big deal is made about Ezra's close relationship to his parents, but we don't see it. Instead, we're told how they always think of the business first and how he never has a real conversation with his dad. Also, if they are so close, why does Ezra have abandonment issues?
Like Steven's book The Switch (which I liked much better) the fallout from family interference is unsatisfying.
I enjoy Kale Williams' narrations, and while this was good, it wasn't his best. Most of the time his voices for Roe and Ezra were distinct, but when they were in conversation together the voices blurred and I had to rewind a few times when there were no tags to distinguish who was speaking.
4 star for the narration by Kale Williams. B
This book did not work for me. The basic story is fine, but the characters and execution were lacking.
23 years ago Monroe (Roe) and Ezra were high school lovers parted when Ezra's family moved from NYC to LA. They promised to keep in touch and reunite, but that didn't happen. Now Ezra's back in NYC and he and Roe run into each other. They fail to communicate on even the most basic level and Roe at least still seems to be stuck in teen angst mode. Family manipulations abound (to the point of absurdity) and it takes far too long for either one of them to figure out what they want, and that required a lot of outside push from friends and relatives.
Other things that didn't work:
- Roe's grandmother (her illness ), or her obsession with their relationship-kinda creepy)
- the fact that these two kept running into each other in a city the size of NYC, especially since great effort is taken to talk about how they "don't move in the same circles.'
- the weird way they interacted with each other for 2/3rds of the book, mostly by not actually talking about the elephant in the room. It felt like manufactured angst.
-A big deal is made about Ezra's close relationship to his parents, but we don't see it. Instead, we're told how they always think of the business first and how he never has a real conversation with his dad. Also, if they are so close, why does Ezra have abandonment issues?
Like Steven's book The Switch (which I liked much better) the fallout from family interference is unsatisfying.
I enjoy Kale Williams' narrations, and while this was good, it wasn't his best. Most of the time his voices for Roe and Ezra were distinct, but when they were in conversation together the voices blurred and I had to rewind a few times when there were no tags to distinguish who was speaking.
April 14, 2020
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the second book in the series, and they are linked but can be read separately. In both books Stevens gives us beautiful stories about love, loss and chances that can be taken to recover. Family is all important and the men have to believe that they are worthy, lovable and can trust again.
Ezra has super successful parents who didn't really find him being gay fitted into their plans for him. Age 17 he is taken across the country from NY to LA, and leaves his boyfriend Roe behind with promises to keep in touch. Sadly - and we discover why much later - they lose touch and we meet them again 23 years later, with Ezra back in NY.
The road to get these two back together is not going to be easy, but Felice Stevens has written another beautiful, gentle, considered and intense love story which I thoroughly enjoyed. I knew I was in for a big treat, and in fact just hid away and read it cover to cover today! Food for the soul, for sure.
I am actually not going to tell you much more, but I promise you will soon be wishing Nettie well, hoping that Carmen and Amy get through to Monroe, and that Ezra finally stands up to his folks!
Enjoy...
This is the second book in the series, and they are linked but can be read separately. In both books Stevens gives us beautiful stories about love, loss and chances that can be taken to recover. Family is all important and the men have to believe that they are worthy, lovable and can trust again.
Ezra has super successful parents who didn't really find him being gay fitted into their plans for him. Age 17 he is taken across the country from NY to LA, and leaves his boyfriend Roe behind with promises to keep in touch. Sadly - and we discover why much later - they lose touch and we meet them again 23 years later, with Ezra back in NY.
The road to get these two back together is not going to be easy, but Felice Stevens has written another beautiful, gentle, considered and intense love story which I thoroughly enjoyed. I knew I was in for a big treat, and in fact just hid away and read it cover to cover today! Food for the soul, for sure.
I am actually not going to tell you much more, but I promise you will soon be wishing Nettie well, hoping that Carmen and Amy get through to Monroe, and that Ezra finally stands up to his folks!
Enjoy...
December 4, 2023
Just loved this book by Felice Stevens, I couldn’t put it down and finished it all in one day.
My heart broke for Ezra and Monroe who were friends do all through High School, by the time it came to go to College they were more than friends. Ezra’s family were wealthy business owners. Monroe was much less well off, as he was helping his widowed mother and grandmother out. He stayed in New York to take care of them.
Ezra promised Monroe he would be back for him when he finished college in LA.
They tried keeping in touch but outside interference destroyed their chances within months.
It hurt so much to read that it was 20 years later they met up again. But neither feel they can trust each other, each believing that the other one forgot about them.
It takes a hella lot of unplanned meetings, arguments, and a tenacious Grandmother to get these two to listen to each other, stay in the same room even, before these two 40 year old men actually discover the how and why they lost 20 years of a loving relationship.
The damage that was caused to each man’s self worth still lingers as they try to find themselves and each other again.
Again I’ve jumped into a series midway at ‘The Promise’ Book 2 in ‘Lost in New York’ series by Felice Stevens. But I’d like to find the others as they were stories relating to characters who featured in ‘The Promise’.
My heart broke for Ezra and Monroe who were friends do all through High School, by the time it came to go to College they were more than friends. Ezra’s family were wealthy business owners. Monroe was much less well off, as he was helping his widowed mother and grandmother out. He stayed in New York to take care of them.
Ezra promised Monroe he would be back for him when he finished college in LA.
They tried keeping in touch but outside interference destroyed their chances within months.
It hurt so much to read that it was 20 years later they met up again. But neither feel they can trust each other, each believing that the other one forgot about them.
It takes a hella lot of unplanned meetings, arguments, and a tenacious Grandmother to get these two to listen to each other, stay in the same room even, before these two 40 year old men actually discover the how and why they lost 20 years of a loving relationship.
The damage that was caused to each man’s self worth still lingers as they try to find themselves and each other again.
Again I’ve jumped into a series midway at ‘The Promise’ Book 2 in ‘Lost in New York’ series by Felice Stevens. But I’d like to find the others as they were stories relating to characters who featured in ‘The Promise’.
March 26, 2020
The two MC's are introduced from Running From My Heart & Fool For Love.
Young love lost, time changes who you are, how can you put yourself back in their orbit without fear of being hurt again. This story is one of finding who you are, who's worth fighting for and finally reconnecting with your person, even if it takes awhile. Communication is always key but sometimes the ball is dropped.
Really enjoyed the cameos from previous characters, it always adds depth to the story and I also love catching little glimpse into their world.
Ms. Stevens has a special way of writing her characters, flaws & all, it helps draws the reader in and connect with them
Young love lost, time changes who you are, how can you put yourself back in their orbit without fear of being hurt again. This story is one of finding who you are, who's worth fighting for and finally reconnecting with your person, even if it takes awhile. Communication is always key but sometimes the ball is dropped.
Really enjoyed the cameos from previous characters, it always adds depth to the story and I also love catching little glimpse into their world.
Ms. Stevens has a special way of writing her characters, flaws & all, it helps draws the reader in and connect with them
March 29, 2020
I love Felice Stevens' books, I read them all and I have never been disappointed, beautiful characters and stories built very well, exciting and truthful. This book is a promise kept
April 9, 2020
I received a free copy to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Man oh man. This book gave me the feels. Ezra and Roe were young and in love. Life happens and things don't turn out as expected or planned. When seeing each other and given another chance years later things aren't easy. This book brought so much emotion out of me. Ezra and Roe had to work and work hard but man, it was a nice journey to read. This author knows how to give me the feels!
Man oh man. This book gave me the feels. Ezra and Roe were young and in love. Life happens and things don't turn out as expected or planned. When seeing each other and given another chance years later things aren't easy. This book brought so much emotion out of me. Ezra and Roe had to work and work hard but man, it was a nice journey to read. This author knows how to give me the feels!
August 8, 2020
The folly of youth, the manipulation of elders and two middle-agreed men who just can't help looking back and wondering what happened to the promise they made when they were really still children in many ways.
Ezra and Monroe were a delight to read, I loved their interactions, the mechanations of Ezra's delightful grandmother, the exposure of manipulation by an important person in Monroe's life, and the fight for love they both have in a very push/pull manner that proves that just because you're grown up, it doesn't always mean you've grown.
Felice knows how to write these sorts of romances, the ones where the men are older, supposedly more mature but at heart are wary about being hurt and trusting their hearts with another. I loved Ezra and Monroe's romance and hope we get to see more of them in guest appearances in Felice's future titles.
5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ezra and Monroe were a delight to read, I loved their interactions, the mechanations of Ezra's delightful grandmother, the exposure of manipulation by an important person in Monroe's life, and the fight for love they both have in a very push/pull manner that proves that just because you're grown up, it doesn't always mean you've grown.
Felice knows how to write these sorts of romances, the ones where the men are older, supposedly more mature but at heart are wary about being hurt and trusting their hearts with another. I loved Ezra and Monroe's romance and hope we get to see more of them in guest appearances in Felice's future titles.
5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
December 12, 2022
Complex Characters and Good Story
A promise made at 17. A betrayal that continued for 23 years. Could happiness be a possibility for future years? Ezra and Roe must face the past and accept the presence of they have a future together. What are the consequences of promises then and now?
Both Ezra and Roe are complex characters. They each have strengths and weaknesses. That is what makes them so real. I felt I was experiencing the life of two friends not two characters. Throw in an adorable yet conniving grandma and I was a happy reader.
The cover was captivating and perfect for the story. Those eyes!
A promise made at 17. A betrayal that continued for 23 years. Could happiness be a possibility for future years? Ezra and Roe must face the past and accept the presence of they have a future together. What are the consequences of promises then and now?
Both Ezra and Roe are complex characters. They each have strengths and weaknesses. That is what makes them so real. I felt I was experiencing the life of two friends not two characters. Throw in an adorable yet conniving grandma and I was a happy reader.
The cover was captivating and perfect for the story. Those eyes!
April 23, 2020
Review coming soon
March 23, 2020

4.25 Stars
How do you reconnect with the only person you ever really loved? Decades may have passed but Ezra still dreams of his first crush Monroe. Ezra moving away to LA from New York as a teenager devastated the young men and they lost contact. Ezra wrote but there was no answer. Ezra is baffled as to why Roe is so angry when he tries to see him again and is shocked to find his former lover is bitter and hostile when he attempts to initiate a reunion. More surprising to Ezra is when Roe accuses him of being good at running away.
Tons and tons of misfired communication exists between the two but this did not bother me. Time can either heal or harm and neither man has found closure to the most profound love either has ever experienced. They both dated but never became serious and it was very obvious that both Roe and Ezra were deeply scarred thinking they had been discarded. Finally talking to each other just seemed to add to their confusion and hurt.
One of the favorite parts of this book for me was the relationship that Roe had with his mother and grandma Nettie. It was so sweet and touching. He adored both women and when illness strikes the person he cares about unconditionally, Roe is lost and frightened. The feisty and spirited Nettie has always been his solid foundation.
Past hurts compete with present day problems and I found myself wishing they could forget the teenage love affair with all of its disappointments and see that they are two grown men that belong together. Frankly, I adored Ezra. He had the patience of a saint. Roe, on the other hand, is a professional and compassionate counselor that encourages his clients to talk about their problems but he does not practice what he preaches. His behavior towards Ezra was hurtful and I kept hoping my opinion of him would improve. It took me to almost the end of the novel to relax my feelings about Roe. The story overall was engaging but I honestly think the epilogue was really over the top. I could believe most of the plot but the last few paragraphs really had me stretching my imagination.
This can be read as a standalone but I believe you would enjoy getting to know the secondary characters better and I not only recommend “The Promise” but the entire series. I hope you enjoy this story of second chances. Happy reading!
.***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn’t a requirement.***
4.25 Stars
How do you reconnect with the only person you ever really loved? Decades may have passed but Ezra still dreams of his first crush Monroe. Ezra moving away to LA from New York as a teenager devastated the young men and they lost contact. Ezra wrote but there was no answer. Ezra is baffled as to why Roe is so angry when he tries to see him again and is shocked to find his former lover is bitter and hostile when he attempts to initiate a reunion. More surprising to Ezra is when Roe accuses him of being good at running away.
Tons and tons of misfired communication exists between the two but this did not bother me. Time can either heal or harm and neither man has found closure to the most profound love either has ever experienced. They both dated but never became serious and it was very obvious that both Roe and Ezra were deeply scarred thinking they had been discarded. Finally talking to each other just seemed to add to their confusion and hurt.
One of the favorite parts of this book for me was the relationship that Roe had with his mother and grandma Nettie. It was so sweet and touching. He adored both women and when illness strikes the person he cares about unconditionally, Roe is lost and frightened. The feisty and spirited Nettie has always been his solid foundation.
Past hurts compete with present day problems and I found myself wishing they could forget the teenage love affair with all of its disappointments and see that they are two grown men that belong together. Frankly, I adored Ezra. He had the patience of a saint. Roe, on the other hand, is a professional and compassionate counselor that encourages his clients to talk about their problems but he does not practice what he preaches. His behavior towards Ezra was hurtful and I kept hoping my opinion of him would improve. It took me to almost the end of the novel to relax my feelings about Roe. The story overall was engaging but I honestly think the epilogue was really over the top. I could believe most of the plot but the last few paragraphs really had me stretching my imagination.
This can be read as a standalone but I believe you would enjoy getting to know the secondary characters better and I not only recommend “The Promise” but the entire series. I hope you enjoy this story of second chances. Happy reading!
.***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn’t a requirement.***
March 29, 2020
4.5 Stars!!
The Promise by Felice Stevens is a childhood sweethearts, second chance romance. One of favorite tropes. Gotta love all the angst! Well, Felice did not hold back! She made me feel all the love and pain that Enza and Monroe
continued to endure years past their relationship.
The push and pull had me in knots!
At the tender age of 17, Ezra's family decided to move from New York to California. Leaving him and his boyfriend, Monroe devastated but hopeful. Although the distance would be hard, they made a promise to never lose touch and eventually they would be together. Somehow, after the move they lost touch. Leaving them both heartbroken, confused and definitely bitter.
As time went on neither of them could forget the other ...or even fully move on.
They both had dated but nothing serious emerged. Their hearts only yearned for each other.
23 years later, Ezra is back in New York and determined to finally talk to Monroe. Shockingly, their first meeting did not go well at all. Catapulting them into a game of cat and mouse....
The more Ezra pushed (and he pushed a lot) the more Monroe pushed back. Eghhh!!! Although they frustrated me, I understood their resistance... Surrounding all the turmoil, I did feel the undeniable love they had for each other. They just needed to get their heads out of their asses!!! With so much animosity and heat, I wasn't sure if they were going to kill each other or rip each others clothes off. The Promise had its fair share of drama, but it was also sprinkled with laugh out loud moments.... Especially, from some of my favorite characters from the other books, who popped up and made their presence known!
The Promise is another wonderful Felice Stevens true New York City romance! It is a breathtaking love story, fantastic one liners, tons of sarcasm and a few meddling Jewish family members.
Grandma Nettie stole the show!!! She is a riot.
“I know you’re with Monroe, but that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate the view. I’m not dead yet.” - Grandma Nettie
I am impatiently waiting on the next book in the series...
The Promise by Felice Stevens is a childhood sweethearts, second chance romance. One of favorite tropes. Gotta love all the angst! Well, Felice did not hold back! She made me feel all the love and pain that Enza and Monroe
continued to endure years past their relationship.
The push and pull had me in knots!
At the tender age of 17, Ezra's family decided to move from New York to California. Leaving him and his boyfriend, Monroe devastated but hopeful. Although the distance would be hard, they made a promise to never lose touch and eventually they would be together. Somehow, after the move they lost touch. Leaving them both heartbroken, confused and definitely bitter.
As time went on neither of them could forget the other ...or even fully move on.
They both had dated but nothing serious emerged. Their hearts only yearned for each other.
23 years later, Ezra is back in New York and determined to finally talk to Monroe. Shockingly, their first meeting did not go well at all. Catapulting them into a game of cat and mouse....
The more Ezra pushed (and he pushed a lot) the more Monroe pushed back. Eghhh!!! Although they frustrated me, I understood their resistance... Surrounding all the turmoil, I did feel the undeniable love they had for each other. They just needed to get their heads out of their asses!!! With so much animosity and heat, I wasn't sure if they were going to kill each other or rip each others clothes off. The Promise had its fair share of drama, but it was also sprinkled with laugh out loud moments.... Especially, from some of my favorite characters from the other books, who popped up and made their presence known!
The Promise is another wonderful Felice Stevens true New York City romance! It is a breathtaking love story, fantastic one liners, tons of sarcasm and a few meddling Jewish family members.
Grandma Nettie stole the show!!! She is a riot.
“I know you’re with Monroe, but that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate the view. I’m not dead yet.” - Grandma Nettie
I am impatiently waiting on the next book in the series...
April 2, 2020
Oh Felice Stevens, you just own my heart! I have been so curious about Ezra and his story and this is just everything! Childhood love, friendship and a second chance romance all combined with Felice’s amazing ability to deliver a story and this book is amazing!
Ezra and Roe fell in love when they were just kids, but Ezra’s family moved from New York to California. The two promised to keep in touch and plan their future together. But, the letters stop and time goes by, both men left with the emotional scars of their broken relationship. Then, more than 20 years later the two are reunited when Ezra returns to New York. He’s a successful agent, Roe a brilliant college professor. Both men built successful lives, but both are still very much alone. Their reunion isn’t a sweet one, no it’s full of hurt feelings and anger, but at the truth about why the letters actually stopped comes out, both men re-evaluate their feelings and what they want for the future.
I absolutely loved this story and I loved Ezra and Roe, but man did this one rip at my heart at times. These two slowly rebuild their relationship, learning about each other and trying to sort through the past. The truth of their situation is incredibly painful, for both men, the betrayals affecting both of their lives. Ezra and Roe are proud men, not wanting to get hurt again, so rebuilding the trust and love that they once shared takes a hell of a lot of work.
I felt so much for these guys, at times I felt just heartbroken, other times legitimately angry and then totally swoony and happy. I was all over the place and I absolutely freaking loved it! Ezra and Roe are two men who truly love each other and belong together, even if it takes some time to get there. This story was surprising and emotional (I won’t give all the surprises away) and definitely one of my favorites! Felice Stevens never disappoints and this story will have a forever place in my heart!
Ezra and Roe fell in love when they were just kids, but Ezra’s family moved from New York to California. The two promised to keep in touch and plan their future together. But, the letters stop and time goes by, both men left with the emotional scars of their broken relationship. Then, more than 20 years later the two are reunited when Ezra returns to New York. He’s a successful agent, Roe a brilliant college professor. Both men built successful lives, but both are still very much alone. Their reunion isn’t a sweet one, no it’s full of hurt feelings and anger, but at the truth about why the letters actually stopped comes out, both men re-evaluate their feelings and what they want for the future.
I absolutely loved this story and I loved Ezra and Roe, but man did this one rip at my heart at times. These two slowly rebuild their relationship, learning about each other and trying to sort through the past. The truth of their situation is incredibly painful, for both men, the betrayals affecting both of their lives. Ezra and Roe are proud men, not wanting to get hurt again, so rebuilding the trust and love that they once shared takes a hell of a lot of work.
I felt so much for these guys, at times I felt just heartbroken, other times legitimately angry and then totally swoony and happy. I was all over the place and I absolutely freaking loved it! Ezra and Roe are two men who truly love each other and belong together, even if it takes some time to get there. This story was surprising and emotional (I won’t give all the surprises away) and definitely one of my favorites! Felice Stevens never disappoints and this story will have a forever place in my heart!
March 25, 2020
4.25 Stars!
Ezra moved back to New York City after twenty-plus years on the west coast. When he finally gets a chance to talk to Monroe, his childhood friend, he's baffled by the hostile response he receives. Monroe missed his best friend Ezra all the years he was gone, but he now just focuses on his family and career. When Ezra tries to talk with him, he is determined to stay away and avoid any more hurt.
Thank goodness that both Ezra and Monroe have so many good people in their lives to be sounding boards and give good advice. These two really needed to clear the air and be frank, but both were understandably defensive. I can't imagine the hurt they both carried for so long, especially after seeing how strong their bond was even after 20 years apart. I loved that once Ezra was more open-minded and accepted what he wanted, he stayed on course for the most part. I was proud of his determination to sort out what really happened all those years ago even if it cost him dearly. Monroe was good guy, and I was happy to see him start to open up to Ezra and move on from the past. These guys have chemistry that's off the charts, and I'm not sure that they would have even managed to sort out the past without it.
I really enjoyed this one and was happy to see them work things out; these two deserve the happiness they found with each other. I have no reason to think you couldn't read this as a standalone, but I have to say that I need to go back and read Running From My Heart so I can get Ezra's friends Ross and Arden's story.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Ezra moved back to New York City after twenty-plus years on the west coast. When he finally gets a chance to talk to Monroe, his childhood friend, he's baffled by the hostile response he receives. Monroe missed his best friend Ezra all the years he was gone, but he now just focuses on his family and career. When Ezra tries to talk with him, he is determined to stay away and avoid any more hurt.
Thank goodness that both Ezra and Monroe have so many good people in their lives to be sounding boards and give good advice. These two really needed to clear the air and be frank, but both were understandably defensive. I can't imagine the hurt they both carried for so long, especially after seeing how strong their bond was even after 20 years apart. I loved that once Ezra was more open-minded and accepted what he wanted, he stayed on course for the most part. I was proud of his determination to sort out what really happened all those years ago even if it cost him dearly. Monroe was good guy, and I was happy to see him start to open up to Ezra and move on from the past. These guys have chemistry that's off the charts, and I'm not sure that they would have even managed to sort out the past without it.
I really enjoyed this one and was happy to see them work things out; these two deserve the happiness they found with each other. I have no reason to think you couldn't read this as a standalone, but I have to say that I need to go back and read Running From My Heart so I can get Ezra's friends Ross and Arden's story.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
May 13, 2020
You never forget your first love. For Ezra and Monroe, it could not be truer. At the young age of 17 they promised one another to stay in contact and return to the other after college. That was the plan, but then contact was broken and they never heard from one another again. Not until more than twenty years later, when finally Ezra returns …
Hurt, Anger, sorrow, distrust and so much miscommunication keeps them apart, neither ever able to forget the other, while the feeling of betrayal still lingers. Both characters have to face their past and finally start talking to each other for a chance at happiness together in the future. Because one thing is certain: These two belong together.
My heart hurt so badly for the betrayal done to them by people who allegedly should love them unconditionally. I just can’t wrap my head around that. I can’t. If there ever was a couple that deserved a second chance, it was them.
Both characters are multilayered and complex, making them feel real to the reader. While I hate that it took so long, I loved that they both are over forty in this story. Who says you have to be in your twenties to find your HEA?
I think this was my first audio by Kale Williams. He did a stellar job, enhancing every emotion even more and giving all characters their distinct voices. I loved it!
THE PROMISE is a beautifully written, captivating and touching love story to swoon over, including a adorably wonderful yet shockingly scheming granny who at times truly stole the show.
Hurt, Anger, sorrow, distrust and so much miscommunication keeps them apart, neither ever able to forget the other, while the feeling of betrayal still lingers. Both characters have to face their past and finally start talking to each other for a chance at happiness together in the future. Because one thing is certain: These two belong together.
My heart hurt so badly for the betrayal done to them by people who allegedly should love them unconditionally. I just can’t wrap my head around that. I can’t. If there ever was a couple that deserved a second chance, it was them.
Both characters are multilayered and complex, making them feel real to the reader. While I hate that it took so long, I loved that they both are over forty in this story. Who says you have to be in your twenties to find your HEA?
I think this was my first audio by Kale Williams. He did a stellar job, enhancing every emotion even more and giving all characters their distinct voices. I loved it!
THE PROMISE is a beautifully written, captivating and touching love story to swoon over, including a adorably wonderful yet shockingly scheming granny who at times truly stole the show.
March 23, 2020
The Promise is a second chance, enemies to lovers romance that will warm your heart. It’s also considered a fake boyfriend story, but these guys want so badly to be together again that they aren’t faking it at all. Ezra and Monroe were high school sweethearts who were separated when Ezra’s family moved across the country. They promise to stay in touch and come back to each other after college. Unfortunately that doesn’t happen, and when they meet up again after more than twenty years, Roe isn’t ready to risk his heart again. Ezra is determined win him back and will do almost anything to make it happen, even fake being his boyfriend to make Roe’s grandmother happy.
Ezra and Roe were both introduced to readers in previous books. Ezra was introduced in “Running From My Heart” and Roe was introduced in “Fool For Love” (Lost in New York book one). I was so happy when I heard she was bringing them together in “The Promise”. Ezra and Roe are another wonderful couple readers will love. As much as Roe tried to fight it, the two are undeniably attracted to each other and have so much chemistry.
One thing I love about Felice Steven’s writing is her ability to create wonderful, three-dimensional characters. She creates people who think, react, and feel deeply; people you’d like to hang around with in real life. Even the supporting characters are rich and interesting, adding depth and realism to this wonderful story.
Ezra and Roe were both introduced to readers in previous books. Ezra was introduced in “Running From My Heart” and Roe was introduced in “Fool For Love” (Lost in New York book one). I was so happy when I heard she was bringing them together in “The Promise”. Ezra and Roe are another wonderful couple readers will love. As much as Roe tried to fight it, the two are undeniably attracted to each other and have so much chemistry.
One thing I love about Felice Steven’s writing is her ability to create wonderful, three-dimensional characters. She creates people who think, react, and feel deeply; people you’d like to hang around with in real life. Even the supporting characters are rich and interesting, adding depth and realism to this wonderful story.
March 24, 2020
The Promise is the second book in the Lost in New York series by the talented Felice Stevens. I am loving this series and Felice's writing and I was very excited to know that Monroe was getting a book and with Ezra! These secondary characters from other books stole my heart and I loved them together. They were in love as teenagers and separated when Ezra and his family moved. They lost touch but neither of them knows why the other stopped writing. They never forgot each other and now Ezra is back in New York and wants to know Roe again. Roe is still upset at the way things ended and he's not willing to give Ezra another chance. But when Roe's grandma has a stroke they decide to pretend to be together to make her happy. After spending time together, they realize what happened all those years ago and they want to move forward. Together. Pretending turns into reality and Ezra and Roe rekindle their lost love. But will it be enough to have a future together? I loved this story! I laughed, cried, got mad, got hot and bothered and laughed some more! I loved seeing Ross and Arden again and Roe's mom and grandma are hilarious! I can't wait for the next one!
"Ice, water, or straight?"
"The way I drink my Scotch is the only straight thing about me."
"Ice, water, or straight?"
"The way I drink my Scotch is the only straight thing about me."
April 6, 2020
Felice Stevens never fails to wring out all of my emotions with her writing, and The Promise, which is the 2nd book in the Lost in New York series, completely delivers. Wow! What an emotionally gripping story. The Promise is the story of Monroe, a college professor, and Ezra, an internationally known star, and their journey in finding their way back to each other. The Promise is a love story that spans the test of time, and many broken promises. Monroe and Ezra were young teenagers when they made a promise to each other to always remain in contact with each other, but roadblocks appeared which prevented them from keeping the promise, and the two men have not spoken in years. Now that the two men are back in each other's orbit, Monroe aka Roe is unwilling to risk his heart by giving Ezra another chance, or even hearing him out, to say the least, and, of course, that is where the story begins, and where Felice Stevens delivers a truly heart-felt story about love, and second chances, and forgiveness.
The Promise is an amazing read, because not only are the main characters wonderful, but the secondary characters are just as compelling and three dimensional as the main characters with stories that you want to know more about. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
The Promise is an amazing read, because not only are the main characters wonderful, but the secondary characters are just as compelling and three dimensional as the main characters with stories that you want to know more about. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews