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Please Don't Go
Danny Friedman knows all about loss. His father left to start a new family and now that his mother passed away, he's even more certain love is only temporary. People always disappoint him in the end, a lesson he learned years ago when his summer camp best friend and secret crush disappeared without a trace, never to be heard from again. Until now.
Fifteen years ago, Paul Merola left everything behind when he ran away with his mother to escape his abusive father. He lived life on the run for years, but never forgot his best friend, Danny. When his job transfers him to the New York City office, the past collides with the present, as Paul finds himself face to face with Danny, who works there as well. To Paul's dismay, a reluctant Danny makes it clear he has little desire to rekindle their friendship.
Despite Danny's desire to learn what happened all those years ago, he refuses to fall victim to Paul's charm, fearing he's being used to get ahead. Paul, finally secure enough to stay and put down roots, must convince Danny that there is more to them than a broken promise. Not only does he want to be friends again, he wants love. He wants forever. And he wants it all with Danny.
This story first appeared in the It Was Always You Anthology. It has been re-edited and expanded by approximately 5,000 words.
Fifteen years ago, Paul Merola left everything behind when he ran away with his mother to escape his abusive father. He lived life on the run for years, but never forgot his best friend, Danny. When his job transfers him to the New York City office, the past collides with the present, as Paul finds himself face to face with Danny, who works there as well. To Paul's dismay, a reluctant Danny makes it clear he has little desire to rekindle their friendship.
Despite Danny's desire to learn what happened all those years ago, he refuses to fall victim to Paul's charm, fearing he's being used to get ahead. Paul, finally secure enough to stay and put down roots, must convince Danny that there is more to them than a broken promise. Not only does he want to be friends again, he wants love. He wants forever. And he wants it all with Danny.
This story first appeared in the It Was Always You Anthology. It has been re-edited and expanded by approximately 5,000 words.
65 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 5, 2017
55 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
About the author
Felice Stevens
100 books1,711 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 86 reviews
January 2, 2020
This story somehow doesn’t fit the line of friends-to-lovers stories in the It Was Always You anthology. Danny and Paul met in a summer camp when they were kids.
We don’t how many summer camps they spent together, but one summer Paul didn’t come back. He disappeared without trace, and Danny – though never stopped hoping he’d see Paul again – never forgave him either.
Then fifteen years later, Paul shows up at Danny’s workplace, as a new employee and immediately wants to reconnect.
I didn’t like either of the main characters. Paul was pushy and stalker-ish, Danny behaved like a petulant child, refused to talk and made only (wrong) assumptions.
I liked the summer camp theme - some flashbacks would have been great - but not the execution. Trashy dirty talk, too fast development of the relationship, everything was wrapped up too easily.
We don’t how many summer camps they spent together, but one summer Paul didn’t come back. He disappeared without trace, and Danny – though never stopped hoping he’d see Paul again – never forgave him either.
Then fifteen years later, Paul shows up at Danny’s workplace, as a new employee and immediately wants to reconnect.
I didn’t like either of the main characters. Paul was pushy and stalker-ish, Danny behaved like a petulant child, refused to talk and made only (wrong) assumptions.
I liked the summer camp theme - some flashbacks would have been great - but not the execution. Trashy dirty talk, too fast development of the relationship, everything was wrapped up too easily.
February 25, 2017
Ugh... :/. Meh
February 26, 2017
***2 Stars***
Unfortunately, this friends to lovers/second chance romance didn't really work for me.
Plain and simple, Danny ruined this book for me. I just couldn't understand the death grip on his grudge and hurt feelings about Paul. They were 14 years old the last time they saw each other, and to hold on so strongly to the hurt and anger for 15 years felt so overblown and over exaggerated.
January 10, 2017
*** Wow, Felice Stevens knows how to portray deep passion in her characters !
Danny and Paul knew each other as kids; went to camp every summer. Paul and his Mom left one night, and Danny never knew what happened.
He had his own problems. Danny has always been left behind, by his runaway dad, his Mom dying of cancer, and of course Paul's disappearance. We love both of these men and hope they can find their heart's connection once again.
Paul has come to work at Danny's office
and Danny fights the attraction so he won't be left behind once more. But, the heart reignites. Once he learns Paul's sad story, things change. I thought 15 years was a bit much, but she made it work.
* We get deep passion, hot sexiness, bonded souls, and a true, lasting love. Great writing for this short story. We feel like we've read a novel.
Highly recommended. ENJOY !
Danny and Paul knew each other as kids; went to camp every summer. Paul and his Mom left one night, and Danny never knew what happened.
He had his own problems. Danny has always been left behind, by his runaway dad, his Mom dying of cancer, and of course Paul's disappearance. We love both of these men and hope they can find their heart's connection once again.
Paul has come to work at Danny's office
and Danny fights the attraction so he won't be left behind once more. But, the heart reignites. Once he learns Paul's sad story, things change. I thought 15 years was a bit much, but she made it work.
* We get deep passion, hot sexiness, bonded souls, and a true, lasting love. Great writing for this short story. We feel like we've read a novel.
Highly recommended. ENJOY !
January 25, 2017
This was a little odd to me and I am not sure if I liked it.
Most of it just didn't make much sense and I guess because of the length it was super, super fast.
I always love a sweet HEA though so at least there was that.
Most of it just didn't make much sense and I guess because of the length it was super, super fast.
I always love a sweet HEA though so at least there was that.
January 13, 2017
Originally posted at Sinfully.
This isn’t a second chance at love story, but a story of reunited friends who have to overcome their past pain and feelings of loss in order to take their first chance at real love.
I was immediately in love with Danny. His loneliness and lack of self-confidence stemming from the fact that everyone he loved in the past has left him, whether of their own choice or not, was heartbreaking. Fifteen years ago, the only friend he had also left him without a word. That pain has stuck with him. Though they were only teenagers and only friends, Danny’s hero worship/crush on Paul has colored so much of his life. When Paul shows up to work at the same office all the hurt comes back and Danny is skeptical of Paul’s attempts to rekindle their friendship and of his apparent attraction.
Paul has thought of Danny often since he was forced to leave his home at 16. He is thrilled when he finds Danny working in the office he just transferred to, but puzzled by his cold reception. Paul is determined to show Danny just how he feels, but for some reason he is hesitant to open up to Danny about why he had to leave. I’ll admit this bothered me a little since I was firmly in Danny’s corner from page one. Paul expects Danny to welcome him back with open arms but he holds back on talking about why he left and that refusal is the one thing that keeps making Danny push him away.
Each segment opens with a flashback to interactions between Paul and Danny as teens and sets the tone for understanding Danny’s grief over Paul’s disappearance and his hesitance to jump right back in to their friendship. It also managed to pour a lot of emotion into this short tale. Danny really makes Paul work for it, but when everything is laid bare, it’s all worth it. Clearly meant to be together, the two have a passionate and intense bond and are very hot together.
The story is short, but it’s a wonderful friends-to-lovers story that’s emotional, sweet, sexy and of course quite romantic too.
This isn’t a second chance at love story, but a story of reunited friends who have to overcome their past pain and feelings of loss in order to take their first chance at real love.
I was immediately in love with Danny. His loneliness and lack of self-confidence stemming from the fact that everyone he loved in the past has left him, whether of their own choice or not, was heartbreaking. Fifteen years ago, the only friend he had also left him without a word. That pain has stuck with him. Though they were only teenagers and only friends, Danny’s hero worship/crush on Paul has colored so much of his life. When Paul shows up to work at the same office all the hurt comes back and Danny is skeptical of Paul’s attempts to rekindle their friendship and of his apparent attraction.
Paul has thought of Danny often since he was forced to leave his home at 16. He is thrilled when he finds Danny working in the office he just transferred to, but puzzled by his cold reception. Paul is determined to show Danny just how he feels, but for some reason he is hesitant to open up to Danny about why he had to leave. I’ll admit this bothered me a little since I was firmly in Danny’s corner from page one. Paul expects Danny to welcome him back with open arms but he holds back on talking about why he left and that refusal is the one thing that keeps making Danny push him away.
Each segment opens with a flashback to interactions between Paul and Danny as teens and sets the tone for understanding Danny’s grief over Paul’s disappearance and his hesitance to jump right back in to their friendship. It also managed to pour a lot of emotion into this short tale. Danny really makes Paul work for it, but when everything is laid bare, it’s all worth it. Clearly meant to be together, the two have a passionate and intense bond and are very hot together.
The story is short, but it’s a wonderful friends-to-lovers story that’s emotional, sweet, sexy and of course quite romantic too.
Read
January 5, 2017Please Don't Go is now live! It is on KU and only 99 cents. Although originally in the It Was Always You Anthology, this story has been revised with approximately 5,000 words of additional content added.
February 23, 2017
Originally reviewed as part of:
~2.5~
Childhood friends reunited; Holy Insta Love, Batman; HEA; steam: moderate
I don't mesh well with this author. I find her stories cheesy, full of artificial dialogue and improbable situations. This story was no different. The various editing issues aside, the falling in love in less than a week was just WAY too fast.
One of the MCs, Danny, is angry because Paul left him when they were teenagers. Sorry, but you are not allowed to hold a grudge for 15 years and expect your summer camp buddy to stay with you forever. Grow up, move on.
Paul and Danny end up working in the same office (somehow, they never knew that they worked for different branches of the same company, which seems highly unlikely). Danny's work bestie, Maxie, sexually harasses people left and right; his boss is a sexist, arrogant asshole with a big heart (huh?); and Paul's supervisor is a homophobe. Of course.
Despite myself, I got into the romance, and the sex was hawt. I also liked the HEA. But the insta love wasn't believable, and the character development nonexistent.
~2.5~
Childhood friends reunited; Holy Insta Love, Batman; HEA; steam: moderate
I don't mesh well with this author. I find her stories cheesy, full of artificial dialogue and improbable situations. This story was no different. The various editing issues aside, the falling in love in less than a week was just WAY too fast.
One of the MCs, Danny, is angry because Paul left him when they were teenagers. Sorry, but you are not allowed to hold a grudge for 15 years and expect your summer camp buddy to stay with you forever. Grow up, move on.
Paul and Danny end up working in the same office (somehow, they never knew that they worked for different branches of the same company, which seems highly unlikely). Danny's work bestie, Maxie, sexually harasses people left and right; his boss is a sexist, arrogant asshole with a big heart (huh?); and Paul's supervisor is a homophobe. Of course.
Despite myself, I got into the romance, and the sex was hawt. I also liked the HEA. But the insta love wasn't believable, and the character development nonexistent.
January 5, 2017
I enjoyed the little extra we got in this story. I first read it in the "It Was Always You" Anthology. I loved the story then and wished it could have been a little longer and I got my wish. Once Danny got over his anger at Paul they were super sweet together.
February 13, 2017
"Don't be afraid. I'll always be here to catch you when you fall."...
סקירה מאת: נתנאל דמין
עלילה ודמויות:
דני פרידמן למד בדרך הקשה שאסור לו לסמוך על אף אחד. אביו נטש אותו ואת אמו כשהיה קטן לטובת משפחה אחרת, לא מפורקת.
אימו החולה השאירה אותו לבד בעולם והגבר היחיד שאהב לא עמד בהבטחה שהבטיח כשהיו נערים, להיות תמיד שם בשבילו - לא משנה מה.
פול מרולה יודע שאסור לו להיקשר לשום דבר, לא למקומות ולא לאנשים מכיוון שבחיים הכל זמני. לאחר שברח ביחד עם אימו במשך כל חייו, פול מגלה בפעם הראשונה שהוא לבד, בלי שותפים ובלי אמא שמחזיקה לו את היד חזק ומוודאת שאביו לא יבוא וייקח אותו באמצע הלילה.
החיים מובילים את פול לניו יורק, שם הוא מתחיל לעבוד ובמהלך הסיור במקום עבודתו החדש עיניו נתקלות בעיניו של מי שהיה פעם החבר הכי טוב שלו, הנער שהפך לגבר.
האחד שלעולם לא הפסיק לחשוב עליו במהלך כל השנים.
"The sound of his voice brought all those summer memories back: swimming together in the lake, roasting marshmallows by the campfire, but most of all Paul always having his back. Always being there for him. Until he wasn’t."
פול ברח במשך כל חייו, דני נשאר תקוע במקום.
האם עכשיו כשהחיים הציבו אותם זה לצד זה, זאת תהיה הזדמנות שנייה לאהבה או רק זיכרון מר של מה שהיה יכול להתפתח ביניהם לו רק פול היה נשאר ?
סיכום :
אני כל כך אוהב את ההרגשה המספקת הזאת לאחר קריאה של ספר טוב.
בז'אנר הm\m קשה למצוא ספרים טובים, עמוקים, כאלה שיכנסו ללב (אולי זה קשור לעבודה שרוב הכריכות שמעטרות אותם הם גברים ללא חולצה כך שהבחירה מתמעטת) ברגע שנתקלתי במקרה בכריכה של הנובלה הזאת מיד רציתי לקרוא אותה. בכריכה ניתן לראות רגשות רבים שלשמחתי הרבה התגלו גם בספר, כעס, אכזבה, שמחה, חיבה וכמובן, אהבה.
במהלך הנובלה יש שיחות קצרות בין שני הנערים דני ופול שמאוד תרמו לנובלה ולהבנת הדמויות.
הדמויות עגולות, חזקות ולכל אחת מהן יש אופי. בנוסף, אהבתי את מקסי, חברתו הטובה של דני, אשת הסוד שלו, מגוננת, תומכת ואוהבת. היא מתלבשת איך שהיא רוצה, מדברת כפי שהיא רוצה והיא לא שמה קצוץ על מה חושבים עליה.
"I know I’m not everyone’s cup of tea. I’m big, loud, and don’t take anyone’s crap. But I don’t care. I don’t want or need anyone to make me feel good about myself."
יש דבר יפה וטהור יותר מאהבת נעורים?
הספר הזה מדבר על הזדמנות שנייה, על מלחמה בשדים, הסתכלות אל עבר העתיד והשארת העבר במקום הראוי לו - מאחור.
ציטוט אהוב :
“Every bed I’ve ever slept in never felt like my own. There were always strange sheets, strange smells—and just when I thought I’d be getting used to it, we’d have to leave. I got so tired of running.”
“Then stay. You don’t ever have to run again.”
סקירה מאת: נתנאל דמין
עלילה ודמויות:
דני פרידמן למד בדרך הקשה שאסור לו לסמוך על אף אחד. אביו נטש אותו ואת אמו כשהיה קטן לטובת משפחה אחרת, לא מפורקת.
אימו החולה השאירה אותו לבד בעולם והגבר היחיד שאהב לא עמד בהבטחה שהבטיח כשהיו נערים, להיות תמיד שם בשבילו - לא משנה מה.
פול מרולה יודע שאסור לו להיקשר לשום דבר, לא למקומות ולא לאנשים מכיוון שבחיים הכל זמני. לאחר שברח ביחד עם אימו במשך כל חייו, פול מגלה בפעם הראשונה שהוא לבד, בלי שותפים ובלי אמא שמחזיקה לו את היד חזק ומוודאת שאביו לא יבוא וייקח אותו באמצע הלילה.
החיים מובילים את פול לניו יורק, שם הוא מתחיל לעבוד ובמהלך הסיור במקום עבודתו החדש עיניו נתקלות בעיניו של מי שהיה פעם החבר הכי טוב שלו, הנער שהפך לגבר.
האחד שלעולם לא הפסיק לחשוב עליו במהלך כל השנים.
"The sound of his voice brought all those summer memories back: swimming together in the lake, roasting marshmallows by the campfire, but most of all Paul always having his back. Always being there for him. Until he wasn’t."
פול ברח במשך כל חייו, דני נשאר תקוע במקום.
האם עכשיו כשהחיים הציבו אותם זה לצד זה, זאת תהיה הזדמנות שנייה לאהבה או רק זיכרון מר של מה שהיה יכול להתפתח ביניהם לו רק פול היה נשאר ?
סיכום :
אני כל כך אוהב את ההרגשה המספקת הזאת לאחר קריאה של ספר טוב.
בז'אנר הm\m קשה למצוא ספרים טובים, עמוקים, כאלה שיכנסו ללב (אולי זה קשור לעבודה שרוב הכריכות שמעטרות אותם הם גברים ללא חולצה כך שהבחירה מתמעטת) ברגע שנתקלתי במקרה בכריכה של הנובלה הזאת מיד רציתי לקרוא אותה. בכריכה ניתן לראות רגשות רבים שלשמחתי הרבה התגלו גם בספר, כעס, אכזבה, שמחה, חיבה וכמובן, אהבה.
במהלך הנובלה יש שיחות קצרות בין שני הנערים דני ופול שמאוד תרמו לנובלה ולהבנת הדמויות.
הדמויות עגולות, חזקות ולכל אחת מהן יש אופי. בנוסף, אהבתי את מקסי, חברתו הטובה של דני, אשת הסוד שלו, מגוננת, תומכת ואוהבת. היא מתלבשת איך שהיא רוצה, מדברת כפי שהיא רוצה והיא לא שמה קצוץ על מה חושבים עליה.
"I know I’m not everyone’s cup of tea. I’m big, loud, and don’t take anyone’s crap. But I don’t care. I don’t want or need anyone to make me feel good about myself."
יש דבר יפה וטהור יותר מאהבת נעורים?
הספר הזה מדבר על הזדמנות שנייה, על מלחמה בשדים, הסתכלות אל עבר העתיד והשארת העבר במקום הראוי לו - מאחור.
ציטוט אהוב :
“Every bed I’ve ever slept in never felt like my own. There were always strange sheets, strange smells—and just when I thought I’d be getting used to it, we’d have to leave. I got so tired of running.”
“Then stay. You don’t ever have to run again.”
March 6, 2017
Overall book rating: 2.5
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 3
And queue the Instalove.
Wow.. this was fast. Even for a short-read. Liked the idea, could maybe even get into the characters but I didn’t love it.
Maybe if they had a week or two before they fell head over heels after a fifteen year separation but it just didn’t ring true to me.
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 3
And queue the Instalove.
Wow.. this was fast. Even for a short-read. Liked the idea, could maybe even get into the characters but I didn’t love it.
Maybe if they had a week or two before they fell head over heels after a fifteen year separation but it just didn’t ring true to me.
February 20, 2017
I've not read any books by this author but i'm gonna look some up...This was a sweet read.....Two men getting together after 15 years apart and when Danny found out why Paul had left he just opened his self up to his true love x
February 15, 2017
Edit: I only read this in the anthology, which is no longer available, so I reviewed the individual stories. This was added to and expanded, so perhaps there more I would have liked but if the premise is the same, it's still not going to work for me.
This one was a disappointment for me. It's a second chance trope but it was done in a way that I really dislike. Two boys, one 14, one 16, spend two summers together at camp. One disappears after and they meet again 15 years later. How can someone hold a grudge for 15 years against a 16 year old? On top of that it turned into incredibly instant insta-love. Can't buy it. The characters didn't connect with me at all.
This one was a disappointment for me. It's a second chance trope but it was done in a way that I really dislike. Two boys, one 14, one 16, spend two summers together at camp. One disappears after and they meet again 15 years later. How can someone hold a grudge for 15 years against a 16 year old? On top of that it turned into incredibly instant insta-love. Can't buy it. The characters didn't connect with me at all.
Read
January 8, 2017Awww... So good! I've read this last year in the It Was Always You Anthology & loved it. Read for the 2nd time just then with extended version was even better ;) I enjoyed from 1st page & got hooked. Loved the characters right away too. I cried & I swooned & wanted to kick but a time or two,but it was all good :) A Must Read!
January 6, 2017
Re-released wth added content, Danny and Paul are even sweeter this time around. Love them!
January 3, 2017
How heart-wrenching it is to see the aftermath of damage caused by a miserable, lonely past. Danny and Paul, each with their own personal hell, meet up after not seeing one another for fifteen years. Danny's past was difficult to read—I just wanted to be his mom and never stop hugging him. It was so hard for him to trust or believe that anyone in his life might actually have good intentions. Everyone always left him. As a kid, Danny thought Paul hung the moon; seeing him now, after all these years, stirred up too many conflicting emotions for him to properly navigate. After all, Paul went and left him, too.
Paul lived his life on the run. Never being able to settle in one place, he and his mom never truly had a home. The one person he never forgot was his old childhood friend, Danny. Then, there's the job offer in New York City ... hmm.
Fate plays a hand in giving these two a second chance for their well-deserved happiness. Of course, Felice Stevens does another amazing job tugging at our heart-strings as she puts so much raw emotion into this story, just like all of her books. I received this ARC for an honest review, and honest it certainly is.
Paul lived his life on the run. Never being able to settle in one place, he and his mom never truly had a home. The one person he never forgot was his old childhood friend, Danny. Then, there's the job offer in New York City ... hmm.
Fate plays a hand in giving these two a second chance for their well-deserved happiness. Of course, Felice Stevens does another amazing job tugging at our heart-strings as she puts so much raw emotion into this story, just like all of her books. I received this ARC for an honest review, and honest it certainly is.
January 8, 2017
This story really tugged at my heartstrings when I first read it as part of the It Was Always You anthology. With this version Felice Stevens has expanded it, adding some additional scenes and details that give us a little glimpse into Danny and Paul's friendship from childhood. I liked that she added to this story- it showed Danny's vulnerability as a teen, and why it hurt him so much to lose all contact with Paul.
Please Don't Go is a sweet, heartwarming yet heartwrenching, story. Both of these men have gone through so much in their lives- surviving but not living, until fate throws them together, giving them a second chance at love.
"I've waited fifteen years for this and I'll be damned if you rush me. Not shut up and let me love the hell out of you." *sigh*
January 4, 2017
Ahhhh Ms. Stevens...This was a short, but complete novella. Loaded with the feels I love from Ms. Stevens...It's a story of first love that you can't quite forget or let go...it's always there in the back of your mind...I loved it...It's amazing how a short story can take you through such a gamut of emotions (credit to Ms. Stevens' writing)..it was angsty, sweet, schmexy and completely satisfying...You will find yourself with a huge smile on your face when you finish this book!!!
January 6, 2017
Not bad, but not good.
I only felt apathy when I read this book. There was nothing to draw me into this story. The characters flat, and frankly, Danny was to depressing and boring to keep my interest. Not sure how this was supposed to be a second chance, when there wasn't even a first chance.
I only felt apathy when I read this book. There was nothing to draw me into this story. The characters flat, and frankly, Danny was to depressing and boring to keep my interest. Not sure how this was supposed to be a second chance, when there wasn't even a first chance.
read-2017
January 5, 2017No rating, because this story is too short to be very well developed as a romance. It's a quick read featuring a couple of guys who collected some baggage during the fifteen years after being summer-camp besties. Well written and good for what it is.
December 27, 2016
4.5 stars. These two are just the sweetest ❤
January 5, 2017
This book was all kinds of "not working for me". I'll be jotting down some thoughts but in the meantime, feel free to read my updates ... they explain quite a bit as well, I believe.
January 5, 2017
Read in the "It Was Always You" anthology
February 7, 2017
Great read, loved this book! Paul and Danny are awesome!
February 27, 2019
✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ 4-STAR ✩ REVIEW ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩
The mostly-pale colors do little to attract the eye, however the title is just bold enough to make you stop for long enough. The pair of men are in a warm, PG-intimate pose. The synopsis sounded… hopeful.
POV ~> Third-person
Fifteen years changes things and changes people. But does it change the love you held sacred and dear?
When Paul was transferred to the NYC office from Miami, he never expected to run into Danny, let alone work with him! Danny and Paul get a second chance at first love in this revised edition originally published as part of an anthology.
I liked the lead characters and the secondary character, Maxi. The rest, not so much. Chemistry was underlying and simmering for a while as they navigated hurts and miscommunications. Deeper feelings and attachments were hard to formulate with the short length of this story. The concept was strong. The execution was good. Conflicts were pre-existing before they met back up and could have been resolved immediately had they just spoken up. Predictability was on par. The conclusion was enjoyable, with its implied HEA.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.125 ~ Stars: 4
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I purchased a copy of this book from Amazon and am voluntarily leaving unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
The mostly-pale colors do little to attract the eye, however the title is just bold enough to make you stop for long enough. The pair of men are in a warm, PG-intimate pose. The synopsis sounded… hopeful.
POV ~> Third-person
Fifteen years changes things and changes people. But does it change the love you held sacred and dear?
When Paul was transferred to the NYC office from Miami, he never expected to run into Danny, let alone work with him! Danny and Paul get a second chance at first love in this revised edition originally published as part of an anthology.
I liked the lead characters and the secondary character, Maxi. The rest, not so much. Chemistry was underlying and simmering for a while as they navigated hurts and miscommunications. Deeper feelings and attachments were hard to formulate with the short length of this story. The concept was strong. The execution was good. Conflicts were pre-existing before they met back up and could have been resolved immediately had they just spoken up. Predictability was on par. The conclusion was enjoyable, with its implied HEA.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.125 ~ Stars: 4
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I purchased a copy of this book from Amazon and am voluntarily leaving unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
October 19, 2017
When everyone in your life always left, will you believe the one who’s came back will never leave again? Will you believe the one who’s leaving you, disappeared for fifteen years, then said that he wanted you, will never leave you again? In my case, NOT.
And Danny. Disappointed for Paul’s sudden vanished, his only love, his only dream, his first crush, and meet gain in the same office, confused him. Questioning Paul’s motives for approached him after he left. Good thing is, this is a short story (it’s not that I don’t want this to be longer). So, after a few heated conversations, Danny knew why Paul was leaving him, and that’s not pretty. So yeah, they have their HEA, and Felice spoiled us with an epilogue! Everybody’s happy. I’m happy.
And the epilogue made me even happier!
* I received the ARC in exchange of a fair and unbiased review*
And Danny. Disappointed for Paul’s sudden vanished, his only love, his only dream, his first crush, and meet gain in the same office, confused him. Questioning Paul’s motives for approached him after he left. Good thing is, this is a short story (it’s not that I don’t want this to be longer). So, after a few heated conversations, Danny knew why Paul was leaving him, and that’s not pretty. So yeah, they have their HEA, and Felice spoiled us with an epilogue! Everybody’s happy. I’m happy.
And the epilogue made me even happier!
* I received the ARC in exchange of a fair and unbiased review*
January 5, 2017
Felice Stevens has delivered yet another heartwarming story that tugs on your heart strings!! I enjoyed every single minute of this emotional story about Danny Friedman and Paul Merola, two young friends who lost contact with each other through no fault of their own, but who each experienced some extremely painful times during that period of separation. However, their reconnection was like two puzzle pieces being snapped together after having searched through the entire pile of pieces to find the two perfect connections. It was their reconnection and the love that sprang from it that touched my heart deeply, and made me fall in love with their story so much. Danny and Paul were made for each other. They are perfect together.
January 5, 2017
This may have been a novella, but it certainly packed a punch. There was heartache, romance and just enough drama (whether past or present) to keep me reading until the very end. I wanted to see what happened with these two men with a past. Even with everything these two men had to deal with in their lives, it was clear that they were perfect for each other and theirs was a relationship worth fighting for. I love anything Felice Stevens writes and this was certainly no exception.
January 7, 2017
This is such a sweet heart melting fast read. I love Danny and Paul's story. Both had a hard childhood. But after 15 years apart, they now work together. These 2 are still perfect together, even after all the heartache and loss they have experienced.
I recommend everyone go get this book, you won't be sorry I promise
I recommend everyone go get this book, you won't be sorry I promise
July 18, 2020
“Don’t be afraid. I’ll always be here to catch you when you fall.”
Short Review
MC's rating: 4*
Story rating: 4*
Heat level rating: 3*
Romance rating: 3.5*
Story wrap up rating: 3.5*
Overall rating: 4*
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