Our summers were everlasting… until he broke his promise.
Many seasons have passed since I last saw Ryan. He used to visit Kither Springs in the summer, and though we only had those couple months together every year, he was my best friend… until the day we shared the most earth-shattering kiss over the fields we’d claimed as ours. Then he stopped answering my calls and never returned to town again.
Now, a decade later, he’s back and looking even more breathtaking than in my memories. Feelings I thought I’d gotten over come rushing back.
But Ryan didn’t come back alone.
Karla’s the sweetest little girl I’ve ever met, with beautiful, bright blue eyes, just like her daddy. It wasn’t hard for her to capture my heart, but spending more time with her and her daddy is a bad idea.
I just got out of a relationship, and I’m not looking for a new one, but how do I keep myself from falling for someone who’s already captured my heart once before?
Promised Summer is book 2 of the Promises, Promises series set in a small town with meddling neighbors and a tight-knit community of friends and family. It can be read standalone, but is better read in a series. This book features friends-to-lovers, a single dad, second chances, and playful doggos.
Content Warning:
Death of an off-screen character. Trauma related to an accident and loss. Grief and healing. A cheating ex. (There is no cheating between the two MCs)
Cathy Brockman –
This is book 2 of Promises Promises series.
It can stand alone ok but much more fun read in order.
This is Jones’s story and he so deserves a happy ever after. Jones ex just took over, invited himself to move in and pushed away his friends. So when Jones caught him cheating he wasn’t to broken up. But when he finds a little girl crying in the woods her eyes bring back crushing memories.
Is Ryan back to stay or will hd break Jones heart again.
This is a beautiful second chance, single dad, small town romance with a touch of humor and heat.
And if super kid cuteness isn’t enough let’s toss in a sweet dog.
I listened to audio and loved it. . The pacing is good, its soothing and engaging.
molly S Otto –
Zachary Zaba does the audiobook for this book and does a beautiful job in differentiating the different cast members and whose speaking. He adds that the right amount of humor and compassion into his work, making a good book better with his work.
Jones, having recently caught his now ex-boyfriend cheating on him, has decided to once and for all relationships are not for him. Jones heart has belonged to the boy he spent his summers with until he poofed and disappeared until one day, he ended up finding his daughter Karla at their spot of the hiking trails of Kither Springs. Ryan always loved his summers in Kither Springs with Jones, yet when all the bad hit him at once and he lost the courage to talk to Jones again, hasn’t returned since, but now he was a single parent and needed to return to family to help raise his daughter.
When these two meet up again, Jones can’t help but fall hard and fast once again for this man and his daughter. Too bad their past, along with the town gossips, makes letting him back in hard. These two take their time in building their relationship before going for more. I loved that Karla was the center focus of not only Ryan but Jones as well. Together, they showed this little girl she is important, and her well-being mattered most. The town and its lovely gossip mill lead to both frustration and humorous times. There was a beautiful balance throughout. I can’t wait to see if who I want to be next is our next couple.
Jeanette Waters –
Promised Summer is book two in the Promises, Promises series. It can be read as a standalone, but it’s worth reading book 0.5, Promised Adventure, and book one, Promised Vow. Book 0.5 references the Corio Heights series, and Summer has a throwaway comment referencing the Christmas Falls (multiauthor) series. So, get reading folks!
Summer is a sweet love story between, Jones, co-owner of a construction company with his brother Jordan (book 0.5) and Ryan, a former summer resident in Kither Springs. The summer ten years prior, ended with a heartfelt kiss, and then Ryan ghosted Jones.
This is a second chance story mostly joyful, but a tad angstier than the prior books. The loss of a parent due to a car accident, selective mutism, and both men having abandonment issues. Jones is a cinnamon roll and Ryan and his daughter, Karla, are absolutely adorable. The residents of Kither Springs are as nosy as ever, with Jones’ mom in the lead. His friend group is supportive, and full of advice. Jones and Karla share the custody and love of puppy, Lily. Jones panics over becoming a “grandfather” and both he and Ryan are helicopter parents.
What a wonderful story and town. Can’t get enough. Luckily, Rye Cox has set the stage for the next book. Much to my disgust, though the epilogue is five years into the future, she manages to not give away any, any, hints.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review.
7/30/2025
I listened to the audio a day or two after I finished the ebook. Zachary Zaba did an excellent job with it. The ebook was good, but Zaba certainly brought the story to a new, fun level. He did a great job with Karla going from all whispery “Daddy” to shouting “Puppy” and “Papa”. The audio does bring up one question, does Karla manage to convince to convince her dads to get her a cat? She certainly seemed to like Grey.
Zaba’s relaxing voice is so easy to listen to. The perfect voice for this light and sweet story.
I received an advanced audio of this story from the author and this is my review.
Megan McGrath –
Ryan & Jones
Super sweet second chance romance between two friends who haven’t seen each other in over a decade.
Jones’ bit in the story starts out like way too many other stories with his horrid boyfriend. Especially since all his friends already knew Jones deserved so much better. Ryker was also super protective of Jones once Ryan reappears as well. It’s wonderful to see how this great group of friends supports one another and is easily there for each other.
When we get to hear and understand Ryan’s story and how he made his return to Kither Springs, he shows how much he shines. He knows that his shared past with Jones was unfair and badly handled, but he works hard to redeem himself. And little Karla just makes every scene better with her affection and attention. As a side character all her own, she helped bring Jones & Ryan together with their shared love and protection of her, and she deserved the happiness she brought as well.
I don’t know what it is about these guys, but they’re all so much fun to read. It was great also seeing Wren & Jordan pop into the story a few short times too, since we were introduced to their prequel novella after book #1 of the series.
Audiobook Update:
Narrated by Zachary Zaba
As is always the case, Zachary gives us another enjoyable listen and really brings Rye’s characters to life. Characters in this shared universe are really fun to explore, and it’s great that we’re given the opportunity to have a worthy narrator for their romances. I love the vibrancy and emotion that Zachary brings to the characters and how easy he makes it to really feel and experience what everyone is feeling and going through. At a listen of just about 5 and a half hours, it’s an absolutely wonderful adventure.
I received an authorized copy of this story/audiobook and am volunteering my honest review.
Mandy Paton –
Single dad stories are my favourite and this one was a great tale. Jones and Ryan were childhood summer friends until one summer when Ryan never returned, until years later when he was back with a sweet little girl, Karla. Their story of reuniting and being together was lovely and low-angst and Karla and Jones’s rescue dog added some fun, as did the two men’s friends and family. This was a great second book in the series and I can’t wait for the next book. In the meantime, I highly recommend this as a terrific read.
Angel –
Promised Summer by Rye Cox is the second book in the Promises, Promises series. It’s a sweet, feel-good second chance romance (my favourite), and the audiobook narrated by Zachary Zaba makes it even better.
Jones has been living his quiet life in Kither Springs, still holding on the memory of Ryan, the boy he shared summers with over ten years ago. When Ryan comes back to town with his adorable daughter Karla, all those old feelings come rushing back. Their reunion is heartfelt, sometimes a little bittersweet, but full of hope as they slowly figure out how to move past the old hurt and start fresh.
One of my favourite things about this story is the sense of family and community. Karla totally steals the spotlight, she’s cute, funny and so full of personality. The way Jones bonds with her is just heart-melting. The nosy Kither Springs neighbours bring plenty of humour, and Jones’s puppy, Lily, gives the story an extra dose of heart. It’s got just the right mix of sweetness, light drama, and cosy small-town charm.
Zachary Zaba absolutely nails the audiobook narration. He brings each character to life so naturally. Jones’s gentle heart, Ryan’s mix of nerves and determination, and Karla’s playful little voice. He captures the funny and emotional moments perfectly, which made the whole story feel more real.
If you love low-angst romances, small-town vibes, second chance, and a big dose of heart, this one’s definitely worth the listen.
I received an ALC via Neon Rainbow for free, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
psjanssen1 –
“Promised Summer” by Rye Cox is the second book in their Promises, Promises series. This is a wonderful second chance/friends to lovers story. It is very low angst and while the story flows it moves along at a slower pace than I am used to from this author. It was not too slow and the story did not feel forced. I enjoyed this book and look forward to what is next.
Traci S –
Thank you for the audiobook, here is my honest opinion:
A very charming series, the small town setting is especially well done. This is a good listen if you are looking for a low angst, second chance romance. The narrator does a good job bringing Ryan and Jones to life. It’s light on plot and maybe longer than necessary, with a significant amount of focus on Ryan’s daughter, Karla. I loved getting updates from Sam and Ryker and the side characters also added a bunch of personality.
Heather –
Nothing is more heartbreaking than young love torn apart with no answers.
Ryan’s disappearance years ago changed Jones. He’s never really been willing to put himself out there again. So when Ryan moves back to Kither Springs, it’s anyone’s guess how it will play out.
This is a beautiful story of two really great men who were meant for each other, but whose journey is not straightforward. They come back together so naturally, it’s quite sweet. Though I admit to wanting Jones to give Ryan a little of grief first – but I’m apparently pettier than he is.
Jones, Ryan, and Ryan’s little girl make a pretty adorable and dreamy family.
Cindy Sorensen –
Ryan broke Jones’s heart when they were young and he ghosted him. Now he’s back in town with his daughter and Jones is once again in love. But Ryan returns it this time. It’s a beautiful, sweet story that’s very romantic. Ryan is truly dedicated to his daughter. Jones is the kindest, sweetest, most compassionate guy in the world. This gives you all the warm feels for their happiness. I received a copy of this and this is my voluntary opinion
Stef –
This was another very very low angst (non I’d even say) read.
I honestly appreciate the lack of angst in these times.
Just like the first story this felt like a warm, cosy hug. Something light for feeling good while at the same time being entertaining.
Perhaps I liked it so much because I’m a huge fan of single dads. Here I found it well done. The kid was important, felt real enough and yet being a dad didn’t take over the whole story.
I know how easy it is to let kids take over the story so that everything else takes a step back but here I’d found it integrated wonderful.
I really liked the relationship and how easy it all developed. There could have been problems, misunderstandings, resentment even for the past. But some honest talks and everything fell into place.
So yes, perhaps it’s a little bit too smooth sailing, no drama, no nothing. And that is rare for a second chance romance. But this was just right for me at this moment.
A sweet love story with likeable characters and a relationship I was happy for.
I think those three – Karla, the daughter included – are just right for each other and the relationship is exactly what they all needed.
Reading this made my heart happy and gave me all the warm feelings. Adding some puppies made it even more perfect 😉
Xanthe GrAce –
Jones and Ryan’s story is a sweet, low angst romance but it does deal with grief, with Ryan having become father to his goddaughter after his best friend passed away.
It’s also a second chance romance as the two were friends as teenagers when Ryan would visit his Gigi, but when he didn’t return after Jones kissed him one summer, Jones thought that was it. Now Ryan is back in the small town where his mum now also lives to give Karla a fresh start.
My heart breaks for the little girl who has lost her mum, and Ryan who has lost his best friend and taken her place as Karla’s parent. Now he’s faced with Jones, the boy he kissed and left. Jones, I think, surprises them both when he’s not more angry on their initial reunion, but who can be with that sweet little girl around. Unfortunately, that spark never died and he still carries something for Ryan.
They begin to spend a lot of time together as Karla is comfortable around Jones but especially so with his dog, Lily, who is like her own personal therapy dog. It’s the cutest thing and not something either can deny. More time spent together builds their relationship back up as well as moving it further in all the ways that they both want.
With their town, nothing is secret so everyone knows something is happening, but Jones still holds that insecurity about Ryan leaving again in the future.
I really enjoyed reading this. Both deserve the HEA coming their way, along with Karla and Lily. It’s also great to read more of the friend group, including Ryker and Sam from book one. I can’t wait to read the next one with the small insights we are given in this one.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Belinda Zamora –
Jones, Ryan, Karla and puppy were so cute and sweet.
Jones and Ryan have both been pining over one another.
Both are dealing with some issues.
I really enjoyed how realistic and relatable everyone was and that they actually talked to one another and recognized how the other felt.
The meddling townspeople and found family aspect were great as well.
Zachary Zaba did an amazing job narrating and bringing these characters to life.
Benedicte –
Very sweet, second chance, single dad, small town romance. This book has all my favorite tropes and did not disappoint. I loved both main characters, the adorable little girl, the dogs and the gossipy neighbours. It’s very low angst, which I really like, and particularly enjoyed the open communication between both main characters. In summary, great second book of a very sweet series, but can be read/listen as a standalone. The only reasons that prevented me to give me five stars, were that I did not really buy the reason given by Ryan for ghosting Jones, and that the rhythm was a bit slow.
I listen the audio after reading the book, and I really enjoyed the performance of the narrator, he did a great job portraying both main characters and the side characters. I recommend to have a nice low angst easy to listen story.
I got an ALC and this is my honest review.
Deborah Kelly –
What a lovely, sweet read. A true small town vibe really helps pull you in to Ryan and Jones’s journey. Brilliant mc’s and some great secondary characters really endeared me to their story. If you want a nice romantic, lighthearted read then you won’t go wrong with this one!
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
Siân AKA Pjsandbooks –
Thank you, Rye, for my copy of Promised Summer. This is the 2nd full length story in the Promises, Promises series. Previously, readers saw Jones’ boyfriend moving in with him. Therefore, chapter 1 surprised me greatly.
Promised Summer is a MM second chance romance. Unlike other second chances Jones & Ryan where childhood summer friends who had only shared one kiss a decade earlier. I was beyond rooting for them to have a HEA and become a family with Karla, Ryan’s Goddaughter turned daughter.
🌼 MM Romance
🌼 Second Chance
🌼 Playful Pup
🌼 Small Town
🌼 Hurt/Comfort
🌼 Friends to Lovers
🌼 Demi Rep
🌼 Single Dad
🌼 Dual POV
🌼 Epilogue
After the teasers, I am beyond excited for Dan & Clay’s story Promised Secret.
Ana Silva –
This is quickly becoming one of my favorite series.
I love second chance, childhood romance so much. It makes me so happy when two souls reunite after years and their love only strengthened with time.
Ryan and Jones were childhood best friends who were always together. They had a strong relationship even though they only saw each other during the summer. They would spend their time on top of the hill watching the sun set.
That closeness between them made Jones fall in love with Ryan. After sharing their first kiss on their special spot, Ryan ran away without a word and never came back.
To say Jones was devastated is an understatement. He never understood why Ryan ghosted him and broke his heart in the process.
Ten years later, Ryan is back in town with a daughter and despite the years, his love for Ryan never faded. He never got over the boy who stole his heart.
Ryan vows to make up for breaking Jones’s heart and spend the rest of his life making it up to him. Together they make up for lost time and give Ryan’s daughter the happy family she deserves.
This story is super cute and low angst. No third act breakup and beautiful HEA.
Lexie –
This is a sweet second chance romance between Jones and Ryan. I listened to audiobook and it was so interesting that I was able to listen to it in one day. Good series, cannot wait to read the next book.
Brenda Smith –
Jones feels like he is drowning in quicksand, his life is not how he pictured it would be. His current partner has cheated on him and he is lonely. He remembers his best friend Ryan growing up who he hasn’t seen in a decade. Ryan moves back to Kither Springs, now having custody of his goddaughter. He is trying to get his life back together after his friends accident. Karla his goddaughter, just a little girl was with her mother in the accident and hardly speaks to anyone. Jones and Ryan used to spend summers together when Ryan visited his grandmother. This is such a sweet romantic storyline as these two reconnect to help Karla enjoy her new life in Kither Springs.
.Fernanda –
This book is so cute and adorable,
Love 2nd chance love and add a kid and a dog and I’m there
Love all their friends from the previous books
Highly recomended
Marion Cee –
This is the second book in the Promises, Promises series and it can be enjoyed as a standalone read. This is a sweet story set in the small town of Kither Springs. Ryan and Jones were best friends and slowly fell in love with one another. However Ryan wasn’t looking to deal with emotions like that so he left town. Jones stayed tried to find his someone special. When he settled with his current boyfriend, he comes home early to find his boyfriend of three years cheating on him. So now he once again alone. It is then that he runs into his lost love Ryan again. Only this time Ryan has brought his adorable daughter with him as well. This is their story. The book is well written and easy to read. It is a perfect lakeside or vacation read. I received an advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review. I enjoyed this book. It is a sweet read.
Lclovesromancebooks –
Performance: Zachary Zaba stuns me again. This narrator has a voice that is smooth and sometimes gritty. He is able to bring the characters of Jones and Ryan to dreamy life. I loved listening to his performance of this story and think it might become one of my favorite audios.
Story: I swear Rye Cox played my heart like a fiddle from the beginning of this book to end. Kither Springs is a small town where everyone knows everyone and everything. Where gossip is all about sharing the good and the bad and caring for your friends. Jones never got over his friendship with Ryan or how it ended. Ryan never got over his guilt for how he ended their friendship. Being brought back together by his baby girl, it was like their story never ended.
Let me tell you if there is any trope I like better than sunshine-grump it is a second chance romance as beautiful as this one. The characters are one big beautiful family in Kither Springs. From the way they all got together to help Jones with his breakup all the way to welcoming Ryan and little Karla back into the fold. There are so many little moments in this story that add up to a great book. It left me feeling wonderful! Am I impatient for more details about Clay and Dan? Absolutely yes! Am I hoping Atlas gets a story? Yes! I love Kither Springs, it reminds me of the Corio Heights series. It is something that I believe Rye Cox does so very well. She makes friends so good that they become family.