The Two Week Promise

by Regina Brownell

When the honeymoon is over, can their romance keep going? A delightful debut novel of love, friendship, and keeping secrets . . .

Ellie and Charlotte's friendship has a set of rules they wrote long ago--and Ellie has just broken Rule #5. The morning after Charlotte's wedding, Ellie has woken up in bed with Logan, Charlotte's brother, who she's been secretly admiring for ages.

With Charlotte away on her honeymoon, the pair, not satisfied by a one-night stand, agree to keep their fling going until Charlotte returns. And to assuage the guilt, they'll work together on renovating the newlyweds' bedroom as a welcome-home surprise.

But no matter how hard they try to stick to the plan, two weeks may not be nearly enough--and who knows what will happen when Charlotte's honeymoon is over . . .

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit, Rom Com, Contemporary

254 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 7, 2022

About the author

Regina Brownell resides on Long Island, New York, between the city lights of Manhattan, and the beautiful beaches of the Hampton’s. When her oldest child was born, she became a stay-at-home mom. With the support of her husband, three children, and three fur-babies, Regina spends her time balancing mom-life with her love for writing.

Her published works include: The Two Week Promise, One Lucky Christmas and Capturing His Heart.

Reviews

[M · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF HARD! (50%)

No...just...no.

If there was a rating lower than 1, I would give it coz this book doesn't deserve this also. It's so bad. So, so bad.

Logan is creepy, annoying, uninteresting and has no concept of consent or decency. He acts possesive, which even if they were together was creepy, let alone when they are only FWB.

Ellie has no sense if friendship and feels all this guilt for lying to Charlotte but somehow sex with Logan seems to resolve it all instantly. Her guilt is pretty hollow. Plus again, she's confusing good sex with romantic compatibility 😭😭😭 allo authors really need to get their concept of romantic feelings right. They are VERY seperate from sexual attraction and chemistry ffs.

Not that Logan or Ellie have any chemistry lmao. Ellie describing them as siblings although gross in that context, is more appropriate when talking about their chemistry (or rather lack of it)😭😭😭

The usage of the adjectives and descriptive phrases to sell us their chemistry and his charm is so overdone but doesn't actually convey the things they are supposed to. For example, Ellie keeps saying "here's another epic conversation for the books" but the conversation she's referring to is so mundane and mediocre, you are left wondering what level is epic for these two. Another example would be Ellie constantly referring to the sizzling "banter" apparently her and Logan have. But the actual banter on paper the reader gets to see is again, so meh and there's zero spark. The author keeps describing their chemistry but doesn't actually depict it so of course the disappointment is behind words.

Charlotte is a character that seems to exist more in the background, manifesting more through flashbacks, frequent video calls and Ellie's guilt. She has more chemistry with Ellie than Logan does. They might as well have dated and I would have read that with more interest. Instead I have had to go through this weird hetero fwb bullshit.

I won't complain about the constant sex scenes because I was aware that would happen going in. However the sex scenes themselves are quite bland, and this is coming from a sex repulsed ace 😭😭. The scenes are very hetero, very favouring Logan and when they aren't bland, they are just plain weird.

Overall a terrible, terrible read. I don't leave books halfway very easily but I need to not lose my momentum 😭 and this one is slowing me down.

[Amani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored reading about Ellie. Ellie’s friendship with Charlotte was something I adored and I loved reading more about Logan. If you love cute, fluffy romance books then this is ideal for you. This is the kind of book that will keep you entertained. This is a fun, lighthearted summer beach read book! Perfect to take on a road trip or to the beach!

[Sin · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a book rife with cliches and tropes and the characters are stupid and two dimensional with sexist pathetic aspirations. But the stupidest part? Dear author, TWENTY FOUR IS NOT CLOSE TO THIRTY. FFS.
The MC is all "I'm almost 30 and still living at home waaaah" but she's literally 24?????

[Tara Gaffney · Rating 2 out of 5]

no I actually love when 250 page books feel like 1000 pages 🤩

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Typical romance

This book follows logan and Ellie, logan is Ellies best friend, Charlotte's brother. They haven't seen each other in years but they cross paths at Charlotte's wedding and they sleep together !
However, Charlotte and Ellie have a list of rules they have to abide by as best friends and one of them is not to date the others brothers. A rule Ellie has broke. Ellie struggles to battle keeping the secret from Charlotte whilst also developing feelings for the one man she shouldn't, logan, however he is only down for 2 weeks whilst Charlotte's on her honeymoon logan wants to carry on sleeping with logan whilst she's away but struggles with the no strings attached understanding.
My favourite character is logan for many heart-rending reasons
My least favourite character Is matt he's a bit of a slease
I would definitely recommend the book to someone who just wants a feel good romance

[Kirstie Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book - was so easy to read, all the characters were likeable, and there was plenty of passion and sex too - what's not to like 😂
Great summer read, to end the summer holidays with - would highly recommend to anyone who needs something carefree and simple to read, in their lives.

[Saba Sitter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, I definitely need to look at more reviews before buying books… I enjoyed the story line however it seemed like every second page was a sex scene !

[A.R. Kaufer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will two weeks be enough?

So much of this story cut close to home, and I loved every page! If you like a good mixture of romance and spice, this is the book you're looking for!

[tish · Rating 2 out of 5]

everything was good until they mentioned anna todd and after

[Kathleen Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

read in one sitting, loved the Long Island references

Very cute story. Reminded me of Summer I turned Pretty. I loved the Taylor Swift songs and the locations that are so familiar to me. Also this is a co-workers cousins book and I think that in its self of awesome. I felt like I needed to know more about Logan. Overall a cute summer read.

2/5/24
***THIS AUDIOBOOK was amazing! Thank you so much Regina for bringing Ellie and Logan to my hears. I missed them. This book was such a fun, cute love romance about a best friend brother and a person that wanted to be loved. Also about someone trying to find themselves as they were growing up. It is fun. It is spicy. And of course it’s on Long Island. Highly suggest this audiobook Amanda did a great job!

[Marinasbookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

** Arc kindly provided by author **

The Two Week Promise is Regina Brownell's debut novel!

genre: romance, childhood friends, best friend's brother, friends with benefits
pov: first person pov
triggers: loss of loved one
main characters: Ellie (24)& Logan (27)

**********
At the picture perfect wedding of her best friend Ellie realises that her life is not going as she thought it would. She is stuck working in retail, still lives with her mother and her boyfriend of a year just broke up with her.

Deciding to forget everything for one night and letting loose, she wakes up the next morning in bed with a man. But it's not just any man. She slept with her best friend's older brother Logan. The guy she has had a crush on since she was eight.

To surprise her best friend Charlotte after her honeymoon, the two of them have two weeks to turn her bedroom into her pinterest-worthy dream bedroom. While renovating however they cannot keep their hands off each other, so they make a deal to add some benefits to their friendship with the limit of two weeks.

**********

“You're my forever, El. You've always been."
I'm a sucker for the best friend's brother trope, especially if they have always had a special connection!!

**********

As of lately I have loved looking through tiktok to find new authors. On one of my searches I came across Regina Brownell and her debut novel and I'm so glad I did!

Apart from her writing style and the great characters, I really enjoyed the glimpses into their past. It gives the reader a much better understanding of the characters actions and reactions!

The Two Week Promise will make you laugh, cry and swoon over a grumpy hero who is secretly smitten with his sister's best friend.

**********
plot: ☆☆☆☆.5
dialogue: ☆☆☆☆
characters: ☆☆☆☆
story telling: ☆☆☆☆
spice: ☆☆☆.5

overall: 4 stars

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Ellie and Charlotte are younger they make a list of promises, one of which was never to go out with each others brothers after Arthur, Ellie's brother made a pass at Charlotte.
Several years on and Charlotte has just married Bryan. Ellie hasn't seen Logan, Charlotte's brother for 4 years but when they do see each other it's clear that they have always got on well together and there is definitely an attraction.
The basis of The Two Week Promise is the agreement that the two of them will have a two week no strings relationship while Charlotte is on honeymoon. What can possibly go wrong!
I wasn't too sure about this story line at first, two women still keeping to a promise made years before. Charlotte has her Happy Ever After and it seemed wrong that this childhood promise might stand in the way of Ellie's future happiness. However, Ellie doesn't believe that Logan could possibly have true feelings for her and does not want to ruin her friendship with her best friend so she goes ahead with the two week promise thinking that it will come to an end when Charlotte returns.
I was surprised how much I warmed to the characters Ellie and Logan and I found myself enjoying their story and wanting them to get together. Thank you to the author and Bloodhound Books for an ARC in return for a genuine review.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's only a two week bit of fun. Right!

Life-long friends Charlotte and Ellie, have made many pacts and promises together over the years as they grew up together: and they have always stood by them. This included not dating each others brother.
Even though Ellie has had a long standing secret crush on Charlotte’s brother Logan.

So after Charlotte’s wedding, when the inevitable happens, and a two week promise is created, what could possibly go wrong?

After all, it’s a no strings attached bit of holiday fun. Right! Who needs to ever find out.

A lovely sexy summer story that makes for a lovely summer holiday read, or just maybe something to warm you up in the cooler months.
Whichever takes your fancy this will definitely do it for you.

I loved all the characters especially Ellie and Logan. Could they be together forever?

As one myself who has had several crushes on several handsome brothers this was right up my street.

[Melinda Meliana · Rating 3 out of 5]

📚✨ The Two Week Promise by Regina Brownell was super cute! 💕 I’m giving it a solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5. It’s a short, sweet, super quick read — perfect as a palate cleanser between heavier series.

The story follows a romance sparked by a temporary arrangement: two weeks, no strings attached… but of course, feelings get involved 🥰💔 It’s light, fun, and just emotional enough to keep you turning the pages.

That said… I think I’m officially over the palate cleansers 😅 After all the romcoms, plus reading Amari and the Night Brothers with my nieces and the Paladin’s Grace series with my sister, I’m ready for something epic — fantasy with a touch of romance and a lot of spice 🌶️🔥

💬Got any recs for an action-packed fantasy series with serious heat? Drop them below!👇

#TheTwoWeekPromise #BookReview #RomComRead #PalateCleanserRead #FantasyReader #SpicyReads #CurrentlyReading #BookishThoughts #NeedMoreFantasy #BookwormLife

[Precious Book Gal · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Two Week Promise by Regina Brownell was a great listen!

I don’t typically gravitate toward rom-coms, but I’ve known Regina as a friend for over two years and figured it was high time to finally listen to the oldest book on my TBL list — and I’m so glad I did.

Regina, you are a fantastic writer. I didn’t want to stop listening to this book. It had the perfect balance of banter, spice, plot, and heart.

And let’s talk about solo narrator Amanda Stribling. I’ll be honest — I put this off for so long because I’ve gotten used to dual, duet, and multicast narration, and I wasn’t sure I’d get into a single narrator again. Turns out, I just needed to find the right one… and Amanda was it.

I quickly forgot it was one person voicing all the roles, which let me fully sink into the story. Amanda has range and absolutely served this book well. Great job!

FIVE STARS
10/10 would recommend.

Definitely adding more of Regina’s books to my list!

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book whilst on holiday, who doesn’t love a nice, complicated romance to read beside the pool. This book didn’t disappoint on that front, a great holiday read.
Charlotte and Ellie have been best friends for years and have shared many secrets, pacts and promises over the years. The book centres on the pact they made to each that neither would get romantically involved with each other’s brothers.
At Charlottes wedding Ellie bumps into Logan Charlotte’s brother who she secretly has had a crush on since they were children. As the sparks fly between them at the wedding one this leads to another and the inevitable happens. The to decide to continue with the relationship for the two weeks that Charlotte is on honeymoon.
Will they be able to end it after the two weeks, or will they just get themselves in deeper and have to come clean to Charlotte.

[Johanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute & Fun

This book takes place over the course of maybe three weeks and yet so much happens!

I didn’t like that this book was written in only the female character’s POV so we don’t really know why the hero is thinking and doing what he is doing unless the girl knows for sure and mentions it.

She has loved him from afar for years and years. He apparently has also. They re-connect at the wedding of her best friend/his sister and it turns into him asking for her help to do a small renovation project on the BFF/Sisters new master bedroom. Which turns into two weeks of them spending nearly every single day together.

The conflict was so palpable. He wasn’t sure he could give her the key to his heart and she thinks he broke the one to hers.

They find their way and the book ends on a lovely note that fits them as a couple.

[Susan Blissett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a raunchy romantic and humourous story about Ellie falling for her best friend’s brother both of whom were her childhood friends, however Ellie was closer to his sister. I did enjoy seeing how their relationship developed but it felt quite predictable and drawn out, with the ending being wrapped up quickly. I think some more twists and turns would enhance the story. I felt the characters were well-developed and the dialogue between them was realistic. I questioned some of the behaviours and feelings of the main characters at times but overall, the characters were believable. I did enjoy reading this story and would recommend to those who love a romantic novel.

I received an ARC copy from BloodHound Books for an honest review, thank you, and all thoughts are my own.

[Sandra Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story comes out September 7, 2022. The paperback is out August 24th of 2022. This is a fantasic story of friendship with two young women, and families. The bestie is Charlotte Fields and Ellie Garner. Charlotte wedding day is when the book start begins. With her brother Logan Fields, and Best friend Ellie Garner at the wedding. The had a closeness that had time to grow. Also, Logan and Ellie had feelings that grown-ups have for a while now. They both trying so hard to not have those type of feelings, adult hot and heavy relationship for one another Logan, and Ellie hidden it from everyone that knows them especially their families, and both loving Charlotte Fields sister and bestie. This is a sweet loving and sweet romance and more. You have to read to find out. I enjoyed this story.

[Kelly Ferrante · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and read it so quickly I wanted more. While I would have loved this in dual point of view because I think it would have provided even more depth to their relationship, I did love that they had flashes back in time because it rounded out Logan’s point of view and the history of the connection between Logan and Ellie. Through these parts of the story, you could tell there were underlying feelings this whole time.

Sometimes books like this, “brother of my best friend” have the same story and you’re just waiting for it to go terribly wrong and cause a major wedge between the two friends and I love that it didn’t go down the traditional path. It shows that their friendship is solid.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are you looking for a winter warmer? Curl up with this enjoyable, light-hearted, romantic read about Ellie and her best friend's brother, Logan, the one person off limits to fall in love with.

OK, so this is a little predictable, but it's a rom-com and aren't they all heading toward the same conclusion? However, the lustful interactions between both of these characters ooze sexual chemistry. The background and the history of the character's relationships are developed well, with a dual timeline. The storyline flows well, making this a fast read for me.

If you don't mind a bit of spice thrown into a feel-good storyline or don't take life too seriously, this is undoubtedly the book for you!

'The Two Week Promise' is my Bookshelf Raiders January read.

[Night_owls_and_novels · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I’ll take care of your heart, Ellie. I can’t guarantee that I won’t fuck up, but I do know that there’s no way I could love anyone the way I love you. All I need is for you to trust me. You’re my forever, El. You’ve always been.”

Ellie Garner has a tough two weeks ahead of her. With a long time love dangling right infront of her she goes down a Rollercoaster of emotions. All of it starts with a broken childhood promise, and a wild promise of no-strings attached. This Rom-Com was a great read definitely did alot of smiling and laughing while reading it. I also felt the heartbreak in it the emotions were relatable. I would recommend this sweet love story to another hope you all enjoy it as much as I did!

[Eilene · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely story! Ellie and Logan are clearly meant for each other, but it was so much fun watching them figure it out. Ellie’s concern about dating her best friend, Charlotte’s brother, is artfully rendered in the book; you can really sense the closeness Ellie has with Charlotte and how much she values the friendship, and how she is torn between Logan, dating him, her uncertainty about how he feels about her and how it’s all wrapped up in her insecurities about herself and her life. It was so fun to root for Ellie and see her come into her own, discovering she had so many people who love her, and pursue her own dreams towards her Happily Ever After.

[Ruth Matheson · Rating 4 out of 5]

At times a light-hearted tale and yet at others poignant. It is also raunchy and sexy story dealing with friendship. loss through death and divorce. but above all, the author has hit the nail on the head when describing Logan - the main man in the book when it comes to how he deals with his feelings regarding Ellie, his mother, his sister and the death of his father. Most females will be able to identify a male in their lives who epitomize Logan and as the reader you feel for him in some respects and yet want to shake him in others!! Overall a good solid story to get your heart racing.

Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC to review.

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this romance story. This is a new author for me which I enjoyed and look forward to seeing what is next for her in the future. This is a well written story about what happen when the honeymoon is over and if it is possible to renew what once was. A story of romance, heartfelt emotion and secrets. I enjoyed how the characters brought the story to life. They made the story easy and entertaining to read. They are strong, connectable characters that have great growth throughout the story. I found this book to be fast paced and hard to put down. I really enjoyed reading this book. I highly recommend this book.

[Allison Kloppenborg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book! Great character development that meant that you really cared for the couple and could share and empathise with their situation. A fairly standard storyline around girls best friends older brother - but the way the author gradually took you back in time to share a few critical incidents that showed how the relationship had grown over the years was fabulous. It really build the character particularly of the male lead.
Wonderful book - put everything else aside and immerse yourself in it

[Kimberly Prytherch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it lust or is it love? I could not put this steamy romance down! I alternated between cheering for them to get together and being angry at Logan for being such a bonehead! I really enjoyed how the short switched from their childhood to the parent day, and watching their friendship grow through the years. I legit stayed up late to finish it because I had to know how it ended. You don’t want to miss this, it’s a quick read, and lots of fun! The characters are so likable and you can’t help being invested in their lives!

[Gillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great, easy reading love, fun story.

Ellie has fancied Logan, her best friend’s brother since she was little so seeing him again at her BFF wedding, she can’t refuse spending the night with him BUT Ellie and Charlotte made a set of rules that includes not dating each other’s brothers! Charlotte is away on her honeymoon for two weeks, so Logan and Ellie hatch a plan to decorate Charlotte’s dream bedroom which means the two of them spend more time together. Can Ellie walk away from Logan and not ruin her friendship with Charlotte?

[Charly Murg · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid 3 star read. Whilst I enjoyed this book there was nothing that really stood out, whenever I picked it back up I had to go back to remind myself what had happened. I liked the relationship between the two main characters and the added dimension of the best friend/sister but it did often get repetitive. The drama towards the end felt forced and predictable as did the typical epilogue. Overall though it did what it needed to do which was provide an easy light read with a happy ending so I can’t complain

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really really enjoyed this, a true feel good romance with some hot and steamy scenes too.
Thanks to Bloodhound books for sending me an advanced copy to read and review.
I will look out for more by this author. The main character was really well developed and you really cared for how things would work out for her. The other characters all supported nicely and the relationships between them were good.
The plot moved along at a really good pace, I would highly recommend.