The Promise

Lipstick Diaries, Book 3

By: Tiye Love

Narrated by: iiKane

ALL SHE KNOWS ARE BROKEN PROMISES, SO WHY IS HE ANY DIFFERENT?

Dear Lipstick

I think my best friend just proposed to me . . . am I tripping? How could he remember, he can't be serious. A pact that we made when we were only teenagers couldn't still ring true . . . could it?

I promised my best friend that we would get married if we were both thirty-five and still single. At the time, I was a teenager and believed that I would be married long before that age. But I was wrong. So very wrong. I'll be thirty-five on my next birthday and still single.

He just reminded me of our promise, I should be happy because he's offering me the ending without the uncertainty of the journey. Yet, something is holding me back.

Contains mature themes.

©2023 Tiye Love (P)2024 Tantor

A Heartwarming Friends-to-Lovers Gem

This was an absolute delight from start to finish—a friends-to-lovers romance that is equal parts nostalgic, funny, and deeply moving. The story takes a beloved trope and breathes new life into it, delivering a narrative that is as much about rediscovering oneself as it is about finding love where you least expect it.

Rianna and Kwon are characters you can’t help but root for. Their chemistry is natural, their banter sparkles, and the history they share gives their relationship a richness that leaps off the page. The author does a phenomenal job capturing the bittersweet tension of a promise made in youth, and the complex emotions that arise when that promise suddenly becomes real years later.

What I loved most about this book is how authentically it explores vulnerability and the fear of risking a treasured friendship for a shot at love. Rianna’s inner conflict—caught between gratitude for a “happily ever after” without uncertainty and the lingering doubts about what she truly wants—felt so honest and relatable. Kwon, with his gentle persistence and genuine care, is the best kind of romantic hero: patient, loving, and deeply attentive to Rianna’s needs.

This story is perfect for anyone who’s ever wondered “what if?” about a childhood pact or longtime friendship. The writing is tender and witty, and the emotional payoff is truly satisfying. Even if you haven’t read the other books in the Lipstick Diaries collection, this one stands beautifully on its own.

If you love romance that tugs at your heartstrings and leaves you smiling long after you turn the last page, don’t miss this one. Rianna and Kwon’s journey will warm your heart and remind you that sometimes, the love you’ve been searching for has been by your side all along.

Outstanding story & narration 🔥 ❤️👏🏽

Loved it all 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 Drew me in fm the very start! iiKane’s talent is unwavering (esp since I am obsessed with male narration in these books)! Kudos to the author who did an outstanding job of telling this story in 3 hours without skimping on anything or making it feel too short ❤️❤️❤️

Love this Series!

I love this series and can't wait until the next installment. iiiKane is an awesome narrator.

Outstanding

This is an amazing series I am enjoying each book within this series. It is definitely a must read series.

Two of My Favorite Tropes: Friends to Lovers & Return to Hometown Romance

Rihanna and Kwon shared a special friendship from fourth grade until he suddenly moved away in tenth grade. When Kwon returns to his hometown and runs into Rihanna, the sparks fly… the chemistry is still there. I loved the way these two characters reconnected and how the story unfolds around the promise they made many years ago. I’ve read the book, but to hear the characters come alive is on another level. The narrator did an awesome job. I’ve listened to this book twice since it released last week. It’s so good.