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The Coincidence
Nice guys always finish last, and Coby Epstein is sick and tired of being last. After his boyfriend dumps him, Coby vows to take it slow and not jump into another relationship, no matter what his ninety-five-year-old great aunt says. When Coby sees his ex has moved on, he goes on a series of disastrous first dates and swears off men, determined to be alone. His best friend disagrees and finds the “perfect man” for him online and arranges a date. The only problem? Coby has no idea what she’s done.
Since childhood, Eli Kaplan has been his father’s greatest disappointment, a fact he’s reminded of at every opportunity. For years, he’s struggled with the knowledge that dating women doesn’t work for him. A late-night confession to his brother changes everything and Eli realizes, maybe, just maybe, he can come out, find himself, and find love. Eli takes the plunge and creates a profile on a dating website, not knowing what to expect. One night he chats with an intriguing man, and despite his nervousness, they arrange to meet for coffee. No big deal. They’ll probably never see each other again.
On the day of their first date, nothing could surprise Coby and Eli more than to discover that they live in the same apartment building, on the same floor. In a city of eight million people, coincidences don’t get crazier than that. But as the two men begin to weave their lives together with cautious optimism and hope for a future, they find an even greater thread holding their families together—one born from the ashes of a final solution that couldn’t destroy their ancestors’ courage, leaving scars that remain almost a century later. Past lives torn apart can be pieced together by a future no one could have ever imagined, where love is more than fate or coincidence. It’s meant to be.
Since childhood, Eli Kaplan has been his father’s greatest disappointment, a fact he’s reminded of at every opportunity. For years, he’s struggled with the knowledge that dating women doesn’t work for him. A late-night confession to his brother changes everything and Eli realizes, maybe, just maybe, he can come out, find himself, and find love. Eli takes the plunge and creates a profile on a dating website, not knowing what to expect. One night he chats with an intriguing man, and despite his nervousness, they arrange to meet for coffee. No big deal. They’ll probably never see each other again.
On the day of their first date, nothing could surprise Coby and Eli more than to discover that they live in the same apartment building, on the same floor. In a city of eight million people, coincidences don’t get crazier than that. But as the two men begin to weave their lives together with cautious optimism and hope for a future, they find an even greater thread holding their families together—one born from the ashes of a final solution that couldn’t destroy their ancestors’ courage, leaving scars that remain almost a century later. Past lives torn apart can be pieced together by a future no one could have ever imagined, where love is more than fate or coincidence. It’s meant to be.
Audiobook
First published March 19, 2019
146 people are currently reading
438 people want to read
About the author
Felice Stevens
89 books1,717 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
April 13, 2019
As much as I loved seeing Eli and Coby fall for each other, I really struggled with the slow pacing of the first half of the book. They hadn't even met each other by a third of the way through!
I enjoyed it way more once the pace picked up in the second half.
3.5 stars
I enjoyed it way more once the pace picked up in the second half.
3.5 stars
March 10, 2019
This book is simply beautiful.
Buried deep is a story of traumatic loss reaching back to the Second World War, when Nazi Germany was determined to wipe out anything that didn't conform to its twisted ideals and whole communities were wiped out in moments.
Felice Stevens draws on her own family history to give this gorgeous romance, between two Jewish men brought up in wildly different circumstances, a pathos that isn't often found in narratives of this type and it adds layers of feeling.
Coby and Eli are opposites, one out and proud but trampled on by a shitty ex who treated him like dirt, the other a virgin and only just taking his first steps into admitting his sexuality.
It's almost impossible from more than eight decades later, to be able to put yourself back in those days but as we get to know the characters and their families, we see how life's experiences can fundamentally change the way emotional connections develop.
In a world of coincidences, which may just be fate, Coby's best friend sets him up on a blind date with Eli.
Everything about their slow burn falling in love worked for me. From Eli's hesitant first steps, to Coby fearing he'd not be enough, their journeys are shaped by their experiences at home.
Coby has had love and acceptance from his family, while Eli and his brother Darren have never met their father's expectations.
But, as the narrative unfolds, we get more clues behind this behaviour and by the end, I felt perhaps a bit more of an understanding for why that was the case, even if I didn't forgive it.
The romance itself is just the type I love, there's no real angsting once Coby and Eli have talked. Their slow fall into love is depicted with ease by Felice and there's a great bunch of secondary characters hanging around to bring a touch of lightness.
It's difficult to express just what captivated me in this book but a lot of it is to do with the cultural heritage found throughout.
I can't begin to imagine what it must have been like for a Jewish family in the 1930s, but I can understand totally the need to hold to those traditions and values that were so nearly lost forever.
The premise which shines through this book is simple - to find that other being who just makes life that little bit more special and to hold them tight because not everyone gets that chance.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Buried deep is a story of traumatic loss reaching back to the Second World War, when Nazi Germany was determined to wipe out anything that didn't conform to its twisted ideals and whole communities were wiped out in moments.
Felice Stevens draws on her own family history to give this gorgeous romance, between two Jewish men brought up in wildly different circumstances, a pathos that isn't often found in narratives of this type and it adds layers of feeling.
Coby and Eli are opposites, one out and proud but trampled on by a shitty ex who treated him like dirt, the other a virgin and only just taking his first steps into admitting his sexuality.
It's almost impossible from more than eight decades later, to be able to put yourself back in those days but as we get to know the characters and their families, we see how life's experiences can fundamentally change the way emotional connections develop.
In a world of coincidences, which may just be fate, Coby's best friend sets him up on a blind date with Eli.
Everything about their slow burn falling in love worked for me. From Eli's hesitant first steps, to Coby fearing he'd not be enough, their journeys are shaped by their experiences at home.
Coby has had love and acceptance from his family, while Eli and his brother Darren have never met their father's expectations.
But, as the narrative unfolds, we get more clues behind this behaviour and by the end, I felt perhaps a bit more of an understanding for why that was the case, even if I didn't forgive it.
The romance itself is just the type I love, there's no real angsting once Coby and Eli have talked. Their slow fall into love is depicted with ease by Felice and there's a great bunch of secondary characters hanging around to bring a touch of lightness.
It's difficult to express just what captivated me in this book but a lot of it is to do with the cultural heritage found throughout.
I can't begin to imagine what it must have been like for a Jewish family in the 1930s, but I can understand totally the need to hold to those traditions and values that were so nearly lost forever.
The premise which shines through this book is simple - to find that other being who just makes life that little bit more special and to hold them tight because not everyone gets that chance.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
June 25, 2021
5 stars audio. Love Kale Williams voice.
4 sweet low angst stars story.
4 sweet low angst stars story.
November 7, 2021
[3.3] i probably would’ve rounded up had the mcs met earlier than the 40% mark we were nearing 😬 i’m fine with emphasizing characters’ poor luck with love and setting the stage with side characters and backstory, but at least let them know of each other’s existence by the 10% mark! anything past that should be banned from romance novels, period 😆
but their interactions once they’re finally on the page together were actually pretty sweet and we even got some handcuff bed action 😏
as always, Kale Williams’s voice was 🎶smooth like butter~🎶 me likey 😇
but their interactions once they’re finally on the page together were actually pretty sweet and we even got some handcuff bed action 😏
as always, Kale Williams’s voice was 🎶smooth like butter~🎶 me likey 😇
January 25, 2023
3.5-4 stars
This book brought me out of my almost slump! I was surprised on how much I enjoyed this book. They didn’t meet until about 40% but I think it reflected what the characters needed to do, really get to know themselves first before they dated!
I do wish that they got together sooner though, but with that said I liked both Coby and Eli! Another win by Felice Stevens! Also Kale Williams did a great job narrating as always!
This book brought me out of my almost slump! I was surprised on how much I enjoyed this book. They didn’t meet until about 40% but I think it reflected what the characters needed to do, really get to know themselves first before they dated!
I do wish that they got together sooner though, but with that said I liked both Coby and Eli! Another win by Felice Stevens! Also Kale Williams did a great job narrating as always!
March 18, 2019
The Coincidence is another wonderful example of what I’ve come to expect from a Felice Stevens romance. Two men who deserve to be happy, finally overcoming their obstacles with help from friends and family, with a surprise or two along the way.
Coby is determined not to get stuck in another bad relationship and to take things slow in the future. Eli is finally ready to be true to himself and start dating men, doing his best to tamp down the hurt over his awful father’s never-ending list of why he’s a disappointment. Both men have a little help going forward, Eli from his awesome brother and Coby from his best friend. I’ll admit to not being a huge fan of meddling best friends and while Addie skirted the line at first, she never crossed it for me. Both characters are well-rounded and we see them in the work, friend and family circles. I adored Coby’s family and Eli’s brother’s family with their unwavering love and support of each other.
There is no big angst in the story, but that’s not to say there aren’t bumps in the road. Most of the drama comes naturally as Eli navigates his coming out and learning to date. Coby and Eli’s chemistry is palpable from the moment they meet, but their romance is a slow burn, completely fitting with the circumstances.
The coincidence of them living on the same floor in the same building isn’t the only one, so maybe fate always intended that Eli and Coby would meet. Even knowing what the other connection was from early on, I was kept waiting to see how it would play out and I wasn’t disappointed. Emotional and a bit cathartic for some characters, while opening up the possibility that a family rift just may be on the mend.
This is a slow-burn romance with delightful characters and, of course, a very HEA. Highly recommended.
Coby is determined not to get stuck in another bad relationship and to take things slow in the future. Eli is finally ready to be true to himself and start dating men, doing his best to tamp down the hurt over his awful father’s never-ending list of why he’s a disappointment. Both men have a little help going forward, Eli from his awesome brother and Coby from his best friend. I’ll admit to not being a huge fan of meddling best friends and while Addie skirted the line at first, she never crossed it for me. Both characters are well-rounded and we see them in the work, friend and family circles. I adored Coby’s family and Eli’s brother’s family with their unwavering love and support of each other.
There is no big angst in the story, but that’s not to say there aren’t bumps in the road. Most of the drama comes naturally as Eli navigates his coming out and learning to date. Coby and Eli’s chemistry is palpable from the moment they meet, but their romance is a slow burn, completely fitting with the circumstances.
The coincidence of them living on the same floor in the same building isn’t the only one, so maybe fate always intended that Eli and Coby would meet. Even knowing what the other connection was from early on, I was kept waiting to see how it would play out and I wasn’t disappointed. Emotional and a bit cathartic for some characters, while opening up the possibility that a family rift just may be on the mend.
This is a slow-burn romance with delightful characters and, of course, a very HEA. Highly recommended.
October 28, 2020
Coincidence vs. fate...
Sweet and romantic, just a smidge corny, and very nicely written, I enjoyed Felice Stevens' The Coincidence. I like the way Stevens weaves the story, and the second 'coincidence' gave me chills (I actually didn't see it coming).
Performed by Kale Williams, I can listen to his gorgeous voice all day long, and hearing him speak as a 90+ year old auntie, as well as the mom's Brooklynese, had me chuckling.
Mr. Williams' warm, sensual voice adds so much to these open and honest characters. It's easy to picture them thanks to Felice Stevens' wonderfully descriptive writing. Her stories translate so well to audiobooks, I highly recommend them!
an audiobook copy of The Coincidence was generously provided by the author for the purpose of my honest review
Sweet and romantic, just a smidge corny, and very nicely written, I enjoyed Felice Stevens' The Coincidence. I like the way Stevens weaves the story, and the second 'coincidence' gave me chills (I actually didn't see it coming).
Performed by Kale Williams, I can listen to his gorgeous voice all day long, and hearing him speak as a 90+ year old auntie, as well as the mom's Brooklynese, had me chuckling.
Mr. Williams' warm, sensual voice adds so much to these open and honest characters. It's easy to picture them thanks to Felice Stevens' wonderfully descriptive writing. Her stories translate so well to audiobooks, I highly recommend them!
an audiobook copy of The Coincidence was generously provided by the author for the purpose of my honest review
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March 20, 2019The Coincidence is live and in Kindle unlimited for three months! Eli and Coby's story means everything to me! I hope you enjoy it.
Universal link:
mybook.to/TheCoincidence
Amazon US: http://bit.ly/The-Coincidence
Amazon UK: http://bit.ly/TheCoincidenceUK
Universal link:
mybook.to/TheCoincidence
Amazon US: http://bit.ly/The-Coincidence
Amazon UK: http://bit.ly/TheCoincidenceUK
April 9, 2019
This was pure romance, sweet and warm. Two guys longing for someone to love. Both with fears and vulnerability but blessed with a supportive person by their sides who loves them completely and encourages them to trust their heart. Just a nice happy book.
September 11, 2021
2.8 stars? I’m very conflicted on how to rate this, because while I didn’t like it I didn’t hate it either (granted, had I read the sex scenes, I probably would want to rate it even lower). It was just kind of mehh. 🤷🏻♀️ I think the only reason I will probably bump this up to a 3 star overall rating instead of the 2, is because I liked that they took AT LEAST a little bit of time to have sex.
August 18, 2020
2.5 Stars
A somewhat fluffy, predictable romance between one man coming to terms with his sexuality and another man learning what it means to be in a healthy relationship. This had the foundation for an amazing story but lacked depth. I never connected with Eli or Coby and for this being such a pivotal change in Eli's life, I expected more attention paid to it. The secondary characters seemed to exist to fulfill one purpose, as was also the case for a couple of events that occurred during the story. There was a plot "twist" that I saw coming a mile away which seemed so far-fetched and unrealistic that instead of inspiring romantic feelings from me, I was left scratching my head wondering how I was meant to believe that. As for the steam, it wasn't really detailed and was just kind of meh. It felt like the author was trying to paint them as soulmates who found a great, meaningful love but I never felt it. Would recommend if you're just looking for a simple story but be prepared for some suspension of belief.
ETA: They haven't even met, let alone talked to each other, until 37%. Too slow burn IMO.
A somewhat fluffy, predictable romance between one man coming to terms with his sexuality and another man learning what it means to be in a healthy relationship. This had the foundation for an amazing story but lacked depth. I never connected with Eli or Coby and for this being such a pivotal change in Eli's life, I expected more attention paid to it. The secondary characters seemed to exist to fulfill one purpose, as was also the case for a couple of events that occurred during the story. There was a plot "twist" that I saw coming a mile away which seemed so far-fetched and unrealistic that instead of inspiring romantic feelings from me, I was left scratching my head wondering how I was meant to believe that. As for the steam, it wasn't really detailed and was just kind of meh. It felt like the author was trying to paint them as soulmates who found a great, meaningful love but I never felt it. Would recommend if you're just looking for a simple story but be prepared for some suspension of belief.
ETA: They haven't even met, let alone talked to each other, until 37%. Too slow burn IMO.
March 11, 2024
I've given this an A- for narration and content at AudioGals, so that's 4.5 stars rounded up.
My Felice Stevens glom continues with The Coincidence, a sweet, romantic and sexy standalone contemporary romance from 2019, in which two men – who start out as complete strangers – discover that their lives are more deeply intertwined than they could ever have guessed.
A year into his relationship with his boyfriend, Coby Epstein thought things were going really well and was on the point of suggesting they move in together – when the guy told him they didn’t want the same things and dumped him. Coby comes to see that he’d allowed himself to be treated badly throughout their time together, and decides that from now on, he’s going to take things slow whenever he meets someone he’s interested in – although right now, a new relationship is the last thing he’s looking for. His best friend Addie insists that the best way to get over the crappy ex is to get out there and have lots of hot, raunchy sex with other men – but that’s not really Coby’s style. He does, however, allow Addie to persuade him to sign up to a dating app, and even goes on a few dates. But they’re all pretty disastrous.
Eli Kaplan is single and has struggled for years to come to terms with the fact that women don’t really do it for him, but has never quite found the courage to act on the attraction to men he’s spent years trying to suppress. For most of his life, all he’s heard from his father is what a great disappointment he is, how he should have gone to law school like his brother Darren, and how his job as a court officer is a waste of time, so he dreads to think what the reaction would be if he actually came out as gay. But not being able to be himself is starting to take a toll on him; he longs to have someone in his life but has no idea how he’d even go about finding someone, even if he could work up the courage to actually date a guy. It’s Darren, who suggests that maybe Eli should sign up with a dating app (as opposed to a hook-up app!) – one where people arrange to meet for coffee or lunch, just to dip his toe into the water and see if there’s anyone he might be interested in spending time with.
Of course, Coby and Eli end up connecting via the app – but before they even get as far as their first date, they’re surprised to discover that not only do they live in the same building, they live on the same floor. Which is quite the coincidence, right?
The pacing in this one is fairly slow and I’ve seen reviews that point out that Eli and Coby don’t even meet until the 35-40% mark, but quite honestly, I was so caught up in each of their stories and situations and in getting to know them as individuals, that I really didn’t notice. The author does a wonderful job of building a strong emotional connection between Eli and Coby as they get to know each other and become part of each other’s lives, and the slow-burn romance is perfect given that Coby is getting over a breakup and has never been one to jump straight into bed with someone, and Eli has never had a relationship with a man (and is a virgin, to boot). Their gradual fall into love – as Coby confronts his fear of not being enough while Eli takes his first cautious steps into something completely new – is beautifully done, and even though Eli’s brother and best friend suggest that maybe he should play the field a little and not ‘settle’ for the first guy he dates, Eli knows that Coby is who he wants to be with, and I was so pleased when he decided to trust his heart and his judgment on that score.
The two leads are immensely likeable, and there’s a terrific cast of secondary characters here as well. Eli’s relationship with Darren is really well-written and I loved that they’re so close and get on so well despite the fact that their parents treated them in such an unequal manner. Coby’s best friend Addie adds some light-relief, but the real star-turn cameo is Coby’s ninety-five-year-old Tante Fay (his great-aunt), a sassy, tell-it-like-it-is woman who’s been through a lot – she escaped the Holocaust with her sister, but most of her family did not (her story is, incidentally, inspired by real life events) – who clearly loves Coby to bits and is dearly loved in return.
In fact, Tante Fay’s story factors into Eli and Coby’s in another layer of coincidence which, once again, neither could have foreseen – the connection is clear early on so it’s just a case of waiting for all the characters to work it out. I liked the way things played out, the possibility of healing and catharsis arising from something so terrible, and although I wasn’t completely convinced by one character’s last-minute change of heart, I suppose it’ s important to allow for the possibility of change for the better.
Kale Williams delivers another high-quality, technically accomplished performance that hits all the right emotional notes, and takes this engrossing and heartfelt story to another level. He communicates a strong sense of engagement with the material and a deep understanding of the characters so the listener feels as though they’re with them on every step of their emotional journey, and for me, that’s one of the most important things any romance narrator can do. I liked his interpretations of Eli and Coby, and their chemistry and the warmth of their connection comes through strongly. All the characters are appropriately voiced and clearly differentiated – from Tante Fay (Mr. Williams has a nice line in Jewish grandmother-types!), to Eli’s cold, unpleasant father, whose harsh, clipped tones suit him perfectly – and as always, his gorgeous voice is an absolute pleasure to listen to.
One of the things I’ve come to love about Felice Stevens’ books is her ability to write about ordinary people going about their ordinary lives and turn them into extraordinary stories. The Coincidence is one of them; it’s a beautifully written, deeply emotional story featuring flawed but loveable main characters, a gorgeous slow-burn romance – and more than a touch of fate.
This review originally appeared at AudioGals .
My Felice Stevens glom continues with The Coincidence, a sweet, romantic and sexy standalone contemporary romance from 2019, in which two men – who start out as complete strangers – discover that their lives are more deeply intertwined than they could ever have guessed.
A year into his relationship with his boyfriend, Coby Epstein thought things were going really well and was on the point of suggesting they move in together – when the guy told him they didn’t want the same things and dumped him. Coby comes to see that he’d allowed himself to be treated badly throughout their time together, and decides that from now on, he’s going to take things slow whenever he meets someone he’s interested in – although right now, a new relationship is the last thing he’s looking for. His best friend Addie insists that the best way to get over the crappy ex is to get out there and have lots of hot, raunchy sex with other men – but that’s not really Coby’s style. He does, however, allow Addie to persuade him to sign up to a dating app, and even goes on a few dates. But they’re all pretty disastrous.
Eli Kaplan is single and has struggled for years to come to terms with the fact that women don’t really do it for him, but has never quite found the courage to act on the attraction to men he’s spent years trying to suppress. For most of his life, all he’s heard from his father is what a great disappointment he is, how he should have gone to law school like his brother Darren, and how his job as a court officer is a waste of time, so he dreads to think what the reaction would be if he actually came out as gay. But not being able to be himself is starting to take a toll on him; he longs to have someone in his life but has no idea how he’d even go about finding someone, even if he could work up the courage to actually date a guy. It’s Darren, who suggests that maybe Eli should sign up with a dating app (as opposed to a hook-up app!) – one where people arrange to meet for coffee or lunch, just to dip his toe into the water and see if there’s anyone he might be interested in spending time with.
Of course, Coby and Eli end up connecting via the app – but before they even get as far as their first date, they’re surprised to discover that not only do they live in the same building, they live on the same floor. Which is quite the coincidence, right?
The pacing in this one is fairly slow and I’ve seen reviews that point out that Eli and Coby don’t even meet until the 35-40% mark, but quite honestly, I was so caught up in each of their stories and situations and in getting to know them as individuals, that I really didn’t notice. The author does a wonderful job of building a strong emotional connection between Eli and Coby as they get to know each other and become part of each other’s lives, and the slow-burn romance is perfect given that Coby is getting over a breakup and has never been one to jump straight into bed with someone, and Eli has never had a relationship with a man (and is a virgin, to boot). Their gradual fall into love – as Coby confronts his fear of not being enough while Eli takes his first cautious steps into something completely new – is beautifully done, and even though Eli’s brother and best friend suggest that maybe he should play the field a little and not ‘settle’ for the first guy he dates, Eli knows that Coby is who he wants to be with, and I was so pleased when he decided to trust his heart and his judgment on that score.
The two leads are immensely likeable, and there’s a terrific cast of secondary characters here as well. Eli’s relationship with Darren is really well-written and I loved that they’re so close and get on so well despite the fact that their parents treated them in such an unequal manner. Coby’s best friend Addie adds some light-relief, but the real star-turn cameo is Coby’s ninety-five-year-old Tante Fay (his great-aunt), a sassy, tell-it-like-it-is woman who’s been through a lot – she escaped the Holocaust with her sister, but most of her family did not (her story is, incidentally, inspired by real life events) – who clearly loves Coby to bits and is dearly loved in return.
In fact, Tante Fay’s story factors into Eli and Coby’s in another layer of coincidence which, once again, neither could have foreseen – the connection is clear early on so it’s just a case of waiting for all the characters to work it out. I liked the way things played out, the possibility of healing and catharsis arising from something so terrible, and although I wasn’t completely convinced by one character’s last-minute change of heart, I suppose it’ s important to allow for the possibility of change for the better.
Kale Williams delivers another high-quality, technically accomplished performance that hits all the right emotional notes, and takes this engrossing and heartfelt story to another level. He communicates a strong sense of engagement with the material and a deep understanding of the characters so the listener feels as though they’re with them on every step of their emotional journey, and for me, that’s one of the most important things any romance narrator can do. I liked his interpretations of Eli and Coby, and their chemistry and the warmth of their connection comes through strongly. All the characters are appropriately voiced and clearly differentiated – from Tante Fay (Mr. Williams has a nice line in Jewish grandmother-types!), to Eli’s cold, unpleasant father, whose harsh, clipped tones suit him perfectly – and as always, his gorgeous voice is an absolute pleasure to listen to.
One of the things I’ve come to love about Felice Stevens’ books is her ability to write about ordinary people going about their ordinary lives and turn them into extraordinary stories. The Coincidence is one of them; it’s a beautifully written, deeply emotional story featuring flawed but loveable main characters, a gorgeous slow-burn romance – and more than a touch of fate.
This review originally appeared at AudioGals .
April 5, 2021
The beginning of this book was slow. And I mean really slow. Eli and Coby didn't even meet each other until the 38% mark. And when they finally meet well, Eli isn't the best of people. So I shouldn't have liked this. However, it worked Eli and Coby are great together and when they finally meet and Eli gets over himself, this was a really sweet story about two people falling in love and finding themselves along the way.
I loved the the side story of Coby's aunt.
I loved the the side story of Coby's aunt.
June 5, 2019
A powerful, emotional read. Eli's shyness as he struggles to find out who he really is was so touching, and I loved Coby's patience and warmth. The story has some emotional roadblocks, like any great romance book will. Felice handles a very sensitive topic with great skill.
Well done!
Well done!
March 20, 2019
I believe that The Coincidence is Felice's most personal story, at least, some of Eli and Coby's background were very close to reality.
Eli and Coby met in a very modern way, online dating site. Who knows, that coincidence by coincidence happened after they get to know each other better.
Do you believe in fate? I do. Universe has a funny way to make anything happen the way it supposed to happen. No matter where we are, or what we do, fate will make it work.
The Coincidence is a sweet and adorable story with a strong family issue, an old story about their roots.
Heartbreaking, but at the same time, this is a heartwarming story about finding yourself and be what you are supposed to be, no matter how much you pay for that.
It's no secret that I always love Felice's writing, and The Coincidence is a page turner romance with two strong characters that meant to be together in a first place.
And of course a HEA that guaranteed to make me happy!
Eli and Coby met in a very modern way, online dating site. Who knows, that coincidence by coincidence happened after they get to know each other better.
Do you believe in fate? I do. Universe has a funny way to make anything happen the way it supposed to happen. No matter where we are, or what we do, fate will make it work.
The Coincidence is a sweet and adorable story with a strong family issue, an old story about their roots.
Heartbreaking, but at the same time, this is a heartwarming story about finding yourself and be what you are supposed to be, no matter how much you pay for that.
It's no secret that I always love Felice's writing, and The Coincidence is a page turner romance with two strong characters that meant to be together in a first place.
And of course a HEA that guaranteed to make me happy!
Read
October 11, 2021The MCs meet at the 38% mark. That's right - nearly
forty percent
of this book is filled with backstory, and 2-D secondary characters before the MCs make contact.
"Perhaps," you say hopefully, "perhaps the book improves after they do meet? Is there a touching romance, offset by character-defining conflict designed to make the reader's little heart beat faster?"
Um, no? There's lots more on the backstory, though, and oodles more of those secondary characters, if that helps? Most of the words are spelt right, too.
You back away slowly. "Um, no, not really. Don't think I'll bother."
Good call, you.
"Perhaps," you say hopefully, "perhaps the book improves after they do meet? Is there a touching romance, offset by character-defining conflict designed to make the reader's little heart beat faster?"
Um, no? There's lots more on the backstory, though, and oodles more of those secondary characters, if that helps? Most of the words are spelt right, too.
You back away slowly. "Um, no, not really. Don't think I'll bother."
Good call, you.
May 13, 2019
Loved it!!! It took awhile for Coby and Eli to meet but be patient it will happen and then the slow burn is amazing!
March 8, 2019
The Coincidence is a standalone book by Felice Stevens. It is the first book that I have read by this author, and I am happy to say that I am glad that I branched out from my usual favourite genres to try this one.
Cody has recently broken up with his boyfriend of 12 months. He thought they were doing great and even asked his BF to move in with him. The guy refused, said they wanted different things and finished with Cody. Still hurting Cody is convinced by friends and family that the best way to get over his ex was to get right back into the dating scene. Online dating is an option he takes up to meet guys.
Eli is a single guy who has never felt attracted to women but has never acted on the fact that he is gay. He is already a huge disappointment to his father, and dreads to think what he would think if he 'came out'. When Eli finally opens up to how he feels to his brother Eli is surprised at the acceptance offered to him. His brother even suggests that Eli try online dating to try to find a match.
Eli and Cody 'meet' online and I'm not saying anything more than that. Suffice to say that they are perfect for each other. They both have some baggage to deal with, but with the help from each other, their problems are more surmountable.
What I loved about this story is that not only is it a romance with the budding romance between our main characters, but we also delve into the lives of their families, even going back to the time of the Holocaust. There were moments of angst, of drama, of happiness and extreme sigh-worthy moments all the way through the book and I was captivated from beginning to end.
Cody has recently broken up with his boyfriend of 12 months. He thought they were doing great and even asked his BF to move in with him. The guy refused, said they wanted different things and finished with Cody. Still hurting Cody is convinced by friends and family that the best way to get over his ex was to get right back into the dating scene. Online dating is an option he takes up to meet guys.
Eli is a single guy who has never felt attracted to women but has never acted on the fact that he is gay. He is already a huge disappointment to his father, and dreads to think what he would think if he 'came out'. When Eli finally opens up to how he feels to his brother Eli is surprised at the acceptance offered to him. His brother even suggests that Eli try online dating to try to find a match.
Eli and Cody 'meet' online and I'm not saying anything more than that. Suffice to say that they are perfect for each other. They both have some baggage to deal with, but with the help from each other, their problems are more surmountable.
What I loved about this story is that not only is it a romance with the budding romance between our main characters, but we also delve into the lives of their families, even going back to the time of the Holocaust. There were moments of angst, of drama, of happiness and extreme sigh-worthy moments all the way through the book and I was captivated from beginning to end.
June 9, 2021
3.5 stars for this slow burn romance
Talk about slow burn , The Coincidence , goes so slow that 2 hours 35 minutes into the audio , heroes haven't yet met.
In an audiobook that it's only 6 hours 34 minutes long , doesn't make sense spending so much time introducing and setting characters background and relatively so little in the relationship development.
Anywho, I ended up liking it . Love there is not angst .
This is my first Audiobook by Felice Stevens.
Kale Williams narration was fantastic .
Talk about slow burn , The Coincidence , goes so slow that 2 hours 35 minutes into the audio , heroes haven't yet met.
In an audiobook that it's only 6 hours 34 minutes long , doesn't make sense spending so much time introducing and setting characters background and relatively so little in the relationship development.
Anywho, I ended up liking it . Love there is not angst .
This is my first Audiobook by Felice Stevens.
Kale Williams narration was fantastic .
March 24, 2019
Really impressed with this story. Hate to sound fucking condescending but I feel Felice Stevens has come a long way from the first time I read one of her stories more than three years ago.
March 21, 2019
I’ve become quite the Felice Stevens fan, happily diving into each new release. With each book, Felice Stevens offers a romance that is incredibly sweet whilst also dealing with a real-life factor. With The Coincidence, we have exactly what I expected from my most recent Felice Stevens read, meaning I was not disappointed by the story I was given.
The Coincidence sucked me in from the very first page, and although it took a while before our characters were interacting, I was sucked into their individual stories. Both characters had individual stories I was sucked into, details I wanted more of, and when their paths finally crossed I found myself sucked into the way both of their stories developed together.
As the title would have you believing, the book is based upon coincidences. There are plenty of layers to it, multiple coincidences that may seem farfetched. However, they come together well, and were inspired by real life events, making them even more enjoyable.
With great characters, a wonderful storyline, and the usual Felice Stevens sweetness, The Coincidence was another winner from the author.
The Coincidence sucked me in from the very first page, and although it took a while before our characters were interacting, I was sucked into their individual stories. Both characters had individual stories I was sucked into, details I wanted more of, and when their paths finally crossed I found myself sucked into the way both of their stories developed together.
As the title would have you believing, the book is based upon coincidences. There are plenty of layers to it, multiple coincidences that may seem farfetched. However, they come together well, and were inspired by real life events, making them even more enjoyable.
With great characters, a wonderful storyline, and the usual Felice Stevens sweetness, The Coincidence was another winner from the author.
March 8, 2019
**ARC RECEIVED FOR HONEST REVIEW**
Coby and Eli have not had or got easy lives. One has a father who thinks he's a disappointment, and no matter how well he does, it's never good enough for his father. If only his father knew about his sexuality......The other, while openly gay, feels that, due to as last boyfriend, he's good enough to be a boyfriend, that it's his fault his ex couldn't stay faithful.
What follows is quite a fantastic story of fate, a fate which neither could have expected!!
This story truly was fantastic!!
What I particularly loved was how neither character was in a rush to jump in to bed together, they were both happy getting to know each other, especially considering the fact that one is a virgin in every sense of the word when it comes to being in any type of relationship.
The secondary characters, (workmates, family, friends) were really well written and great to read about, even the not so nice characters had redeeming qualities which is rare!
It's no #Coincidence that I'm giving this story a glowing, easy 5+ star review.
It was sweet, funny, sometimes angsty but overall absolutely bloody amazing, especially the final twist!!
LOVED IT!!!
Coby and Eli have not had or got easy lives. One has a father who thinks he's a disappointment, and no matter how well he does, it's never good enough for his father. If only his father knew about his sexuality......The other, while openly gay, feels that, due to as last boyfriend, he's good enough to be a boyfriend, that it's his fault his ex couldn't stay faithful.
What follows is quite a fantastic story of fate, a fate which neither could have expected!!
This story truly was fantastic!!
What I particularly loved was how neither character was in a rush to jump in to bed together, they were both happy getting to know each other, especially considering the fact that one is a virgin in every sense of the word when it comes to being in any type of relationship.
The secondary characters, (workmates, family, friends) were really well written and great to read about, even the not so nice characters had redeeming qualities which is rare!
It's no #Coincidence that I'm giving this story a glowing, easy 5+ star review.
It was sweet, funny, sometimes angsty but overall absolutely bloody amazing, especially the final twist!!
LOVED IT!!!
May 22, 2019
2.5 but not a bad book at all!
Just a little too nicey nice for me and very slow, I think it’s around 40% the main characters even meet!
Just a little too nicey nice for me and very slow, I think it’s around 40% the main characters even meet!
Read
March 21, 2019“It’s more than a coincidence. It’s fate.”
The universe works in mysterious ways and nothing is coincidence if the universe want it….
🍀🍀🍀
Coby and Eli are stranger lived in a city of eight million people, but them serial coincidences happen to them in a very unique and unbelievable way that lead them to the one true love of their life…
“You need to find somebody to love who’ll love you back the way you deserve. You need someone to care about you...”
After break up with his ex, Coby made a promise to himself to not to jump into any relationship again for a moment and put himself first after being treated as less important person all these time. But that’s not what his best friend, Addie think, because she’s insisted that to forget the old ones Coby should find a new guy to move on. She then decided to find a new perfect guy for Coby through the dating online site…
All my life, I’d kept my emotions hidden. People called me the strong and silent one, but that wasn’t the real me. Only now, in this moment, could I expose my true self. Now, with Coby touching me. He unlocked the passion I hadn’t even known existed inside me…
For years Eli had accustomed for being the black sheep in the family. Whatever he did never satisfied and fulfill his father standard of success. After he come out to his brother and have serious talk with him, Eli then taking his brother advice and decided to join the dating online site. When a stranger profile caught his eyes he brave himself to made a contact and then…one by one coincidence start to happens…
One thing that always made me fall in love with Felice's works is her capability to turn a very simple things that happen in our daily life into something extra ordinary through her writing and made us keep falling and falling in love again and again with the story she wrote and all the main characters she created.
I already falling in love with the blurb before I even read the book, and I’m fall deeply in love more when I started the book. The dynamic of the story, the connection, the slow burn and the two adorable main characters had stolen my heart right away. The coincidence by coincidence that happen in this book work like magic and warmed my heart. But what I love the most in this story is the way the author always put a family love into the story, and this is what made this book successfully warm my heart to the fullest.
The Coincidence is no doubt another good read from Felice Stevens. And I recommended this book to YOU!!
*ARC is kindly provided by the Author in exchange of a fair, unbiased and honest review*
March 24, 2019
Another Wow! From a Super Author
This one absolutely requires that you read the blurb because its plot contains an extremely sensitive coincidence that may upset some people whose ancestors were caught up in the Holocaust. Even though I am not Jewish (but still a New Yorker who grew up in the years following World War II) I was hesitant to read the book even though Felice Stevens is one of my favorites. But I decided to plunge ahead.
And I could not put it down.
There are other coincidences in this book which involve Coby, a 30-year-old openly gay personal dresser at Barney's New York, and Eli, a 30-year-old hunk of a closeted security officer at the Brooklyn courthouse (he's on the cover, woof!) Other than the one disclosed in the blurb, the others are just giggles in a sweetly developed plot that brings together best friends of the MCs as well as their wildly divergent old-line New York Jewish families.
What else would you expect in a book by Ms. Stevens featuring two NJB (Nice Jewish Boys)?
This one has cross currents of angst in many situations but Stevens' brilliant use of words to get from point-to-point without cluttering the situation up with too much eye rolling introspection makes this one move along quickly and lovingly.
This one is perfect, just perfect. Thank you Ms. Stevens!
This one absolutely requires that you read the blurb because its plot contains an extremely sensitive coincidence that may upset some people whose ancestors were caught up in the Holocaust. Even though I am not Jewish (but still a New Yorker who grew up in the years following World War II) I was hesitant to read the book even though Felice Stevens is one of my favorites. But I decided to plunge ahead.
And I could not put it down.
There are other coincidences in this book which involve Coby, a 30-year-old openly gay personal dresser at Barney's New York, and Eli, a 30-year-old hunk of a closeted security officer at the Brooklyn courthouse (he's on the cover, woof!) Other than the one disclosed in the blurb, the others are just giggles in a sweetly developed plot that brings together best friends of the MCs as well as their wildly divergent old-line New York Jewish families.
What else would you expect in a book by Ms. Stevens featuring two NJB (Nice Jewish Boys)?
This one has cross currents of angst in many situations but Stevens' brilliant use of words to get from point-to-point without cluttering the situation up with too much eye rolling introspection makes this one move along quickly and lovingly.
This one is perfect, just perfect. Thank you Ms. Stevens!
March 11, 2019
What a lovely, super cute read.
Felice Stevens is one of my top five MM authors. Her characters and stories are always relatable to real life situations and depicts real life struggles in the LGBTQ community. Yes, some people love to read to escape reality and while I myself love that as well, there is just something in the way that this author delivers her stories that just touches your soul.
Eli and Coby's journey will do exactly that. You can feel the raw emotions and utter sadness from Eli as he struggles with who he is and stepping out of his comfort zone to finally live a happy life. And Coby who so wants to find true love but struggles with his worthiness of it.
I can't even begin to describe how effortlessly beautiful this was written. Where I'm normally all about the sex, lol, I'm so glad Felice Stevens stuck to such an easy flowing pace between these two men. Their story, their bond, and their love couldn't be rushed. Fate and destiny were behind these guys and the author did a phenomenal job delivering their journey to a happily ever after. It was bittersweet to finish because I just wanted more of Eli and Coby. I feel like their journey was just beginning and I wanted so much more for them.
*** ARC received in exchange for an honest review ***
Felice Stevens is one of my top five MM authors. Her characters and stories are always relatable to real life situations and depicts real life struggles in the LGBTQ community. Yes, some people love to read to escape reality and while I myself love that as well, there is just something in the way that this author delivers her stories that just touches your soul.
Eli and Coby's journey will do exactly that. You can feel the raw emotions and utter sadness from Eli as he struggles with who he is and stepping out of his comfort zone to finally live a happy life. And Coby who so wants to find true love but struggles with his worthiness of it.
I can't even begin to describe how effortlessly beautiful this was written. Where I'm normally all about the sex, lol, I'm so glad Felice Stevens stuck to such an easy flowing pace between these two men. Their story, their bond, and their love couldn't be rushed. Fate and destiny were behind these guys and the author did a phenomenal job delivering their journey to a happily ever after. It was bittersweet to finish because I just wanted more of Eli and Coby. I feel like their journey was just beginning and I wanted so much more for them.
*** ARC received in exchange for an honest review ***
March 7, 2019
This is by far my favorite book by Felice Stevens!! I just love Eli and Cody so much!! This is just an amazing angsty read that had me feel so many emotions. I was happy one moment then wanting to cry in the corner. Felice Stevens you have just an amazing job with this book that I can't tell you much I love it.
September 6, 2021
4.5 Stars
The Coincidence by Felice Stevens should really be called The Coincidences because there are so many of them that they’re impossible to accept as believable.
Still, because no one writes about NYC better than Felice Stevens, and because every character in this Chirp! Audiobook version is so perfectly brought to life through the always excellent narration of Kale Williams, The Coincidence is a real winner.
The story of Coby Epstein and Eli Kaplan, their friends, colleagues, and families, is not to be missed by anyone who enjoys M/M romance novels.
The Coincidence by Felice Stevens should really be called The Coincidences because there are so many of them that they’re impossible to accept as believable.
Still, because no one writes about NYC better than Felice Stevens, and because every character in this Chirp! Audiobook version is so perfectly brought to life through the always excellent narration of Kale Williams, The Coincidence is a real winner.
The story of Coby Epstein and Eli Kaplan, their friends, colleagues, and families, is not to be missed by anyone who enjoys M/M romance novels.
March 27, 2019
Being the True You is Always Enough!
Serendipity, historical tragedies and best friends makes this story of Coby & Eli intriguing and sweet. I liked the MCs, the premise and the side characters. The good writing and storytelling has me recommending this ebook.
Serendipity, historical tragedies and best friends makes this story of Coby & Eli intriguing and sweet. I liked the MCs, the premise and the side characters. The good writing and storytelling has me recommending this ebook.
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