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Promise #1

Ruined Promises

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One dance. One decision.

It only took one night out to turn Lexi Baker’s so-called perfect world upside down. A chance encounter with a tall, dark, and handsome stranger makes her feel things she’s never felt before, both physically and emotionally. When her emotions get the best of her, she escapes with only his first name: Ben.

A one-night stand—that’s all it was supposed to be. She was never supposed to see him again. And he definitely wasn’t supposed to be standing in her office Monday morning being introduced as her new boss.

Ben and Lexi promise each other that nothing more can happen and they must remain professional. But some promises are meant to be ruined, right?

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First published November 19, 2020

71 people are currently reading
597 people want to read

About the author

Stefanie Jenkins

16 books404 followers
Stefanie Jenkins is a contemporary romance author and stay at home mom. Born and raised in Maryland, she has called Surf City, North Carolina home since 2018 with her husband, two sons and black lab. When not bringing the characters to life in her head, Stefanie enjoys reading, watching true crime or cooking shows, browsing Pinterest and collecting coffee mugs with funny sayings. You can always put a smile on her face with a Dunkin Donuts iced coffee, photos of Grant Gustin and inappropriate memes.

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5 stars
120 (38%)
4 stars
102 (33%)
3 stars
60 (19%)
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22 (7%)
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5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Profile Image for Dora Koutsoukou .
2,282 reviews725 followers
November 21, 2020
3 ❤️❤️❤️⭐️s❣️

A very well written easy-to-read romance read.
Enjoyable, with likeable characters, nice plot and very well paced.
Ben and Lexi had an amazing attraction and chemistry, I liked them as a couple and could have been more developed. The secondary characters were also interesting and promising.
However, I didn’t feel their love, the story was predictable and didn’t bring out deep emotions.
Profile Image for A.BookNerd.Bookseller&Bibliophile.Blog.
2,787 reviews107 followers
November 12, 2020
Over this past year Stefanie Jenkins has become a one click author for me with the ability to get lost in her wonderfully told stories! Ruined Promises is no exception! This is the start of a new series and it’s a great start! Honestly office romances typically don’t do it for me but I loved Lexi and Ben! I mean a hot guy dressed nicely in slacks and a button up shirt with the sleeves rolled up and tattoos on his arm...yeah I may or may not have drooled a few times! I loved the introduction of all the characters, Hadley, Brynn, Cal, and, of course, Asher! But back to the main characters, Lexi and Ben. Lexi is a motivated 20 something who won’t let a man interfere with her career goals. Ben is a 30 something successful businessman who knows what he wants in a woman! These two had some HOT scenes together! Definitely recommend this great start to a new series if you want a quick, good story to get lost in!

~Alexis💜
Profile Image for Victoria Weston.
1,025 reviews54 followers
November 19, 2020
I've read books from this author before and I really love her style of writing and this books was an amazing read and it deserves every single one of those five stars and many many more. This is an awesome start to this new series and this books a real workplace romance book that is a fantastic read that I recommend everyone reads.
Lexi is a beautiful woman who loves her job and she works really hard. After she catches her other half she is absolutely heartbroken. Her friends take her on a night out and this is where she meets the most beautiful guy, Ben. After a very very hot and steamy encounter in the bathroom Lexi is overthinking everything and things don't go as Ben would hope after she runs out on him only to get the shock of her life.
Ben is a really decent guy and is also very sexy and really does care. After having what he thought was a one night moment he to gets the shock of his life when the woman he never thought he would see again is at the place he now works. He is determined not to let her get away this time and really fights for what he wants.

I really enjoyed reading this book and at times it really did make my heart ache. I loved how this author has written her characters and they were really likeable and the reader can really connect with them both. They have a strong connection and awesome chemistry and you will love reading about there journey and I was really rooting for them both to make it. The love and the feelings that these two have are real and you can really feel that especially after the way that the author has written it. I actually loved all the characters all the secondary ones to they were great to read about. This story flows beautifully and is a fabulous story that everyone must read. I look forward to reading more form this author in the future.

For more on my reviews, new releases, and more about books head over to my blog.
https://www.facebook.com/VickisMagica...
Profile Image for hopelesslyinlovewith_books.
817 reviews19 followers
November 10, 2020
When Lexi finds her douche bag boyfriend in a compromising position she is heartbroken. But one night out with the girls and she meets a sexy stranger! After a Cinderella moment she is surprised to see her sexy stranger at her job! Who knew he’d become her new boss!!!

The one thing that stuck out to me in this book is it doesn’t have all that crazy extended page filler drama. It has its moments of drama, what romance book doesn’t right? But I love that it’s resolved pretty quickly. I’m glad it focused mostly on Ben and Lexi’s feelings and relationship as it blooms. And also her girl time with her besties! Ben is AMAZING! He’s Alpha but in an understated way. He’s loving, caring and gets shit done! Lexi is a hard worker and has accomplished so much at such an early age. She’s a heroine to be proud of.

I’ve loved all of Stefanie Jenkins books and this one is no exception. She’s a great writer and I’m very excited to see what she comes up with next!
Profile Image for Alannah.
356 reviews15 followers
November 9, 2020
Omfg Stef totally nailed Bentley Holly smokes he was 🔥🔥🔥🔥 there first encounter in the club had me fanning my self hawt

Bentley was a hot alpha that def had you dripping for more!!!!

Lexi was a workaholic and after going through a break up she focused her self on just working.

The sparks that were flying when Bentley and Lexi first met was electricfying.

From the moment i started reading this book i couldnt put it down and it totally got me hot under the collar wow 🔥🔥🔥🔥

This book is a must read. 
917 reviews6 followers
November 8, 2020
In Ruined Promises, Stefanie takes a break from being an emotional terrorist collecting the tears of her readers, but that’s not to say this won’t put you through your paces.

Lexi and Ben are both loveable characters whose individual personalities add a lot to the story and their relationship. But put them together and they burn hot from the very first encounter. My favourite thing about them together is the ease and playful nature we see that easily and quickly turns heated.

The attraction and wanting is there from the moment they meet again and the resulting tension this creates is what office romances are all about. The missed moments and interruptions just as things start progressing will drive you just as crazy as it does the characters. Add in some intervening friends who make an already complicated situation more taxing and frustrating and the tension becomes borderline painful. But when the truth is revealed Ben takes charge – taking what is his. Just as things get good and the happy ending is in sight Stefanie throws a twist adding to the turmoil we’ve only just started recovering from, though her characters step up and you’ll be left cheering for Ben.

It’s not just Lexi and Ben who will draw you into this story. Lexi’s best friends Hadley, Brynn, and Cal are great additions to the narrative and utterly brilliant. Add in Asher – Ben’s brother – and this cast of secondary characters will leave you desperately wanting more.

I thoroughly enjoyed Ruined Promises and look forward to seeing what happens to the characters who are yet to get their story, but also for what is next for Lexi and Ben. This has been a true 5 star read and I longingly anticipate where Stefanie goes in her writing next.
Profile Image for RomanceReader1.
804 reviews
November 9, 2020
I received an ARC of this story and this is my honest review.


Stefanie was gentle with us this time. Although there were still some tear-jerker scenes I was still able to finish this story in one day!

The chemistry between Ben and Lexi was tru the roofs from the beginning 😏 *recalling the bathroom and the office scene*🙈
So, the first time they were together Lexi had run from him afterwards. No see you around, no goodbyes, no form of explanation to Ben, Lexi just gets the heck out of there! The second time Lexi tries to run, Ben is ready to fight. He let her go the first time, but he’s not making the same mistake twice. My heart was rooting for Ben, he’s such a wonderful character.
Profile Image for Nikki Pennington.
Author 24 books108 followers
November 11, 2020
Stefanie Jenkins has done it again. It's been almost a year since I found her and I've devoured everything she's written. She's a master at emotions. Ruined Promises isn't like her first series, but that's not a bad thing. While the I Never series tugged at your heartstrings, broke you into a million pieces before putting you back together again, the Promise series starts off a little differently.

I'm going to go ahead and say it, this is my favorite Stefanie book to date. It has everything a romance reader is looking for. Emotion, sassy dialogue, angst, and steam.

I loved the relationship between Lexi and her friends. They had a good solid friendship and that's always one of my favorite things when I'm reading a book. I love when there are so many relatable and likable characters. I can't wait to see where Stefanie takes them when it comes time for their own stories.

Ben and Lexi did not disappoint when it came to chemistry and heat. The struggle to keep things professional was written so well. Stefanie definitely brings the steam in this one. There's a bathroom scene that will knock your socks off.

I think Stefanie knocked it out of the park with this one. This book seriously has everything you need for a fantastic read. Stefanie just keeps getting better and better and I'm so glad to be along for the ride.

Do yourself a favor and grab this one as soon as it releases. I promise you won't be disappointed. And if you haven't already, check out everything else Stefanie has written, you'll fall in love with her writing and her characters.
Profile Image for C. Lymari.
Author 37 books1,105 followers
November 22, 2020
Ah, where do I even begin?
I've been in such a book slump for a while now and Ruined Promises was the book I didn't know I needed in my life.
It's Stefanie without the "fuck woman you're making me cry." It was SWOONY, and cute AF with a dash, okay a lot of dash of sexy.
Ben and Lexy were couple goals.
Now go on and read and beg for the next book in this exciting new world.
Profile Image for amanda  shaner.
143 reviews1 follower
November 10, 2020
I absolutely loved this Boss romance book. Lexi is the definition of woman with a purpose when she starts her career. Then throw in her boss, Ben, and it becomes an absolute swoon worthy love story.
Profile Image for Katslovesbooks.
1,033 reviews25 followers
November 10, 2020


Oh Stefanie you have a talent to make me fall in love with your stories and this new series is definitely going to be one of my favorites.

From page one I completely lost myself in the story of Lexi and Ben, I couldn't put the book down. All the characters were amazing, and this office forbidden romance was one of the best I've ever read.

I loved Lexi's character and how amazing she was, from her friendship with Hadley, Bryan and Cal to her obsession with Penntatonix, she was just perfect.

Ben was the definition of HOT in everything!!!!

Ben and Lexi only promise each other one night, but what can you do when you see each other everyday and the attraction keeps growing? When you know how good you can be together? when you feel something you have never felt before? Will you take a chance?

This story is a must read!!! and I can't wait for what's to come next in the series!!!
Profile Image for Ash Lovesbooks.
175 reviews5 followers
November 19, 2020
What can I say about Ruined Promises that hasn't already been said in reviews. I laughed, I almost cried and I want more! This book is the first in Stefanie Jenkins' new series (the Promise series) has wonderful world building, dynamic characters and all the heat you can want in a romance. It fits into the office romance trope & has a HEA. I can't recommend this book enough.
Stefanie Jenkins is a must read author for me and I can't wait to get my hands on the rest of this series.
Profile Image for Ashley Munoz.
Author 32 books2,664 followers
November 19, 2020
I devoured this book. Ben and Lexi had me melting in the palm of their hands in this steamy, forbidden office romance. Ben is the PERFECT combination of sexy- alpha and swoony lover- it was a home run right from the moment Ben laid eyes on Lexi. The angsty plot twist and swoony end, this is a huge five stars for me. I can't wait for Hadley and Bryn's stories to come out next year.
Profile Image for Ashley Cade.
Author 18 books927 followers
December 18, 2020
This is one HOT office romance! I loved the push and pull and the angst of longing for something you can’t have. When these two finally give in to their desires and undeniable chemistry, their connection nearly combusts right off the page!
Profile Image for Nikki  Cudnik.
844 reviews9 followers
November 19, 2020
This was a really great, lighthearted, low drama love story. The start of an all new series we meet a group of friends who you will quickly fall completely in love with. Book one is all about Lexi Baker who is a young and ambitious events planner who has been dating the son of her boss for three years, although turns out boss’ son turns out to be a jerk.

Then after a night out with her friends and a hot (very hot) encounter with a stranger Lexi is surprise to find out said stranger is now her new boss Ben.

Although the two fight the good fight to stay away from each other you really can’t keep two people who belong together apart.

This is an incredibly steamy but sweet romance. I fell in love with all the side characters and cannot wait to see what happens next!
Profile Image for Jillian_J.
231 reviews10 followers
November 28, 2020
From page one I knew this story was going to be amazing! Stefanie has truly outdone herself with Ruined Promises!

Ben and Lex are the perfect definition of amazing characters! From the moment they meet you know it’s going to be a beautiful journey! They are like magnets truly drawn toward one another, which draws you in so deeply, just can not put the book down!

The secondary characters are such a fantastic addition to the story, you also hope that you get some sneak peaks of what could be to come for them!

This is absolutely without a doubt my favorite book that Stefanie has written!
Profile Image for B.M. Hawk.
420 reviews1 follower
December 19, 2020
Did I just read a Stefanie Jenkins book and not cry like a baby?

I think that just happened.

I absolutely adore Stefanie as a person and as a writer. The Emotional Terrorist I have heard her referred as by others, but to me that Writer who is able to bring out in a person through her words all the emotions.
Ruined Promises still gave me all the emotional feels I get from her but this time I didn't have my heart ripped out, we got the HAF Boss Bentley that Lexi was still yet to meet, and fall in love with after she realises that this is Ben the SAF man she had met and done the horizontal shuffle with whilst out with her baes on a girls night. Something she had never done before, and after realising Ben is Bentley, her new boss and owner of the company that she has worked diligently for the last few years and also the company that she had met her last XBF douchebag at. Son of the previous owner, but don't hold that against the douche bags dad.

I loved how Bentley "Ben" tried to hold himself together when he realises that the amazing woman he had just had the best night of his life with was now his employee.
YUP Office Romance......... and how was he going to avoid her.

There are laughs, steamy drooling and plenty of fanning of hot vibes coming off the pages.
Throw in Douchebag trying to out his 2 cents worth in to ruin Lexi, and Ben coming in to show her that despite Lexi trying to keep romance out of their working relationship, Ben wasn't going to let this happen. Bring on book 2 in the Promise Series. If it is anything like Ruined Promises, and knowing how amazing Stefanie is at keeping her readers happy with her Book Series of the past, we have alot to look forward to in 2021.

God knows we need it after 2020.
thank god for Stefanie and other authors to keep us going. xx
Profile Image for Michelle Mastandrea.
368 reviews11 followers
August 30, 2022
I am utterly ruined in the best possible way!!!
From beginning to end, this book was the perfect blend of witty banter, heartfelt emotion, steam, and just the right amount angst to keep those pages turning! I literally couldn’t put it down and devoured this book in one night! Stefanie had me completely captivated and totally invested in these characters and this story! Bentley (Ben) Harrington is EVERYTHING you could possibly want in a book boyfriend! He's charming, sexy, caring, and TOTALLY alpha in an understated way. This man literally had me swooning page after page. Alexis (Lexi) Baker is smart, driven, sweet, and the type of girl you want to be friends with. These two had so much chemistry it practically burned up the page. Lexi's friends Hadley, Brynn, and Cal were a fantastic addition to the story. I really enjoyed getting to know them and can't wait to see their stories develop as this series continues.
I absolutely LOVED this book and it left me with a huge smile on my face! This story is a MUST READ and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND doing it now! 😘

*I was generously given an ARC copy of this book by the author for an honest review *
Profile Image for Becca Steele.
Author 52 books4,386 followers
Read
November 14, 2021
This book was exactly what I needed. I was excited to see what Stefanie Jenkins would come up with, since this is a new world, and she didn't disappoint! I loved Lexi and Ben - so perfect for one another, and I enjoyed every moment of their journey. Steamy, heartwarming and emotional, this book has it all.
Loved it!
Profile Image for K.M. Lowe.
Author 40 books609 followers
May 9, 2021
This is the first book I've read by this author, but it looked and sounded right up my street. It was a quick, easy to read, romance. Lexi and Ben are likeable characters. Lexi and Ben have both got a past, but it's only when they meet each other do they realise that they might just have a future...together. I liked it. It's definitely a one click for any romance lover.
Profile Image for Leah.
703 reviews34 followers
November 13, 2020
I always love and hate trying out new authors. I love it because you never know what you are going to read...and hate it because if i love the book then I have this incessant need to go back and read their entire backlist if they have one. That is what is happening with Stefanie Jenkins, an entire backlist binge. This book was wonderfully written. I loved the characters of Ben and Lexi. Both were career driven, intelligent people who were not afraid to admit their workaholic tendencies. Lexi has been burned in the not so far past, and is harboring some insecurities from that, which honestly who doesn’t. Ben hasn’t had an easy carefree life, and is still figuring out how to balance. These two meet, and the sparks fly. Without giving anything away because I hate spoilers, they go their separate ways only to be reunited the next week when Ben is Lexi’s new boss. They work around their meeting, and become friends who work extremely well together. And eventually, neither one of them can deny the fact that they are better together. Lexi’s past comes back in an ultimately douche-canoe way, and when you read what happens to him because of it you will smile. The story moved seamlessly through the small time jumps, and I can’t wait to read what Jenkins has in store for Hadley and Brynn.

I received an ARC in exchange of an unbiased and honest review.
Profile Image for Me_myself_and_romance_ Books.
492 reviews
November 24, 2020
From the first page I knew I was going to love this book. When Lexi stops believing in love but allows herself to be free and has a one night stand that blows her mind she tries to forget the man but when she discovers he is her boss it brings so much drama especially when her ex is her old employers son. Ben and Lexi are so cute but I love how alpha Ben is and doesn’t give up until she gives in. While their relationship progresses while hiding what they have it becomes more difficult on both because you feel how open they want to be.

I loved the side characters, they were so crucial and I wished I had them as friends to. You will feel every emotion. From sadness, to happiness. The chemistry between these two are off the charts and the scenes have you fanning yourself completely. But when given an ultimatum Lexi must choose and it absolutely broke me, I was left crying. Stefanie Jenkins just knows how to gut you but make you feel good again. The booked flowed so well and was beautiful to read. You will laugh, have shock moments, cry but feel content. I cannot wait to read more from this series because of this is an indicator of how it’s going to go then bring it on.

I received an arc to give an honest opinion.
5,618 reviews
November 19, 2020
"...some promises are meant to be ruined, right?" I loved the Ruined Promise! I do like the boss / subordinate romance when it sprinkles my TBR list!

This novel by Ms. Jenkins, is my first time with her! Won't be my last for sure!

Ben and Lexi were a great introduction to a series I'm excited for. I don't know that I would ever consider a one night stand for many reasons, but that's why we read, no? Vicariously, I enjoy things, like a one night stand, I'd never experience otherwise! When Ben walked into that office, I knew, no way will these two be able to "keep it professional!" Yeah is what I say! I had so much fun reading this story! Next!

I received an advanced reader copy, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Katelynn.
974 reviews30 followers
November 19, 2020
Ruined promises was my first book by Stefanie and I loved it! Lexi finds out her boyfriend is nothing but a cheater so she goes to a bar where she meets sexy stranger Ben. After a steamy encounter at the bar, Lexi makes a run for it only to discover Ben is her new boss at the office the next day. Ruined Promises has a great cast of supporting characters, but an even stronger cast of main characters. I really enjoyed Ben a lot, he was still an alpha but not an over the top or in your face one. This book does have some angst but seemed pretty low drama compared to others in the trope which was a nice change of pace and sets this book apart from others. Stefanie shines with the emotional connection not only between Lexi and Ben, but how she as a writer brings out those emotions on paper. I will definitely be going back to read her other books now!
Profile Image for Madina.
450 reviews5 followers
March 17, 2022
All the stars in the world!

This woman, Stefanie, has RUINED me for all other authors. First, it was the emotional havoc that was wreaked upon my soul with the I Never series AND NOW THIS?!?!?!

Ugh, such a light, fun, steamy book. I love the pace in all of Stef’s books. She doesn’t waste a single word let alone chapter on nonsense or dragging things on.

All I can say is, knowing that the last book is out; every time C and B were mentioned in this book; I couldn’t help but giggle like a school girl, knowing that I would be reading their story soon.

Love this book, love the next one already and the one after that. As a reader, Stefanie is one of those authors I have blind faith in. This woman could scribble her thoughts on napkins and I would rate it 5 stars!
Profile Image for Tara Lee.
Author 31 books293 followers
November 13, 2020
Gah PERFECTION!!!!


My heart was slllayyeedd!!!

The feels oh the feels.

Ben was just an epiciness of swoon galore.

I fell in love over and over, the alphaness and sweetness just captivated me.

Ben and Lexi together was H.O.T
They had sparks from page one and it just got better.

The twists made for an awesome story and brought just enough egde to this very swoony, very sexy story.

I loved the bond Lexi and her friends had and I so can not wait for their stories.

This hot office romance had it all.

A sexy CEO that not only brings enough sex appeal that has you gushing but leaves you fanning yourself throughout begging for more.
Profile Image for BookLover.
659 reviews4 followers
January 14, 2021
Ruined Promises

Stefanie Jenkins is a new author for me and I’ve just read all her books after a recommendation dropped into my kindle unlimited Australian feed and I’m absolutely thrilled to have found her. I started with I Never Planned On You so if you’ve not read that series once you’ve finished this go read it.
The book blurb explains Lexi and Ben’s story so there’s no need to add to that but this book falls into two genres I love, younger man older woman and office romance although they do meet before they start working together.
As with all of Stefanie’s books her secondary characters are strong and engaging, the kind of friendships you want in your life. We get a hint at the end of this read of who our next couple will be so we’re sure to catch up with Lexi and Ben again.
Profile Image for Summerlynn83_reads.
767 reviews7 followers
November 22, 2020
I absolutely love Stefanie Jenkins, every one of her books have put my heart through a blender and I loved every second of it...except this one. With this book she delivered steamy chemistry and angst but this story was very easy to read and no tears were shed! Ben and Lexi were super likable and made it easy to fall for them. Even the rest of the crew: Hadley, Brynn, Cal and Asher had me laughing out loud and wanting more. I felt like everything flowed nicely. This is a great start to a new series and I can’t wait to read more.
Profile Image for Cala Riley.
Author 62 books767 followers
November 14, 2020
Ruined Promises by Stefanie Jenkins

It’s not often that I get to read, so when I do I go all out. Ruined Promises did not disappoint. If I wasn’t already happily married, I would take Ben for myself. The chemistry between Ben and Lexi was on point. They are proof that sometimes the rules are worth breaking. Jenkins made me take a minute for myself and fall into a story which is a feat of its own. If you love office romances, look no further. I cannot wait to see what else she has in store for us with the Promise series.
3,177 reviews
November 19, 2020
An office romance must read!

This was a swoon worthy romance read! I loved the simplicity of the storyline and the great characters chemistry. What was suppose to be one night of please for Lexi becomes more as she discovers Ben is more than that. I enjoyed the well written storyline and the sizzling attraction between Ben and Lexi. This was my first read by the author and it did not disappoint. I can’t wait for more of this series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews

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