AN AMAZON TOP 50 BESTSELLERStephen Hastings is a control freak. He’s arrogant. He’s smart as a whip and sexy AF.He has too much money. He’s bossy, and he’s usually right. All I saw were his clear blue eyes, tight butt, and ripped torso. I gladly handed him my V-card that night, ten years ago. I was so stupid. I swore I’d never be that stupid again… again…
Emmy Barton works for a dry cleaner?
Yes, that Emmy Barton—long, blonde hair, bright blue eyes, pretty smile…
Sexy little body. Smart mouth.
She was the only girl who interested me, but I was leaving to be an officer in the Navy.
Now I’m home, running my business. My life is perfectly ordered until I bump into her, divorced and struggling to make ends meet.
I hate seeing her like this. I hate that she married Burt “The Dick” Dickerson. What an a–hole.
She says she hates me, but when we fight, it’s all heat and lust.
I won’t leave her this way.
She will let me help her and her son. She will stay…
It’s a thin line between love and hate, and this line is on fire.
(STAY is a STAND-ALONE enemies-to-lovers, second-chance, marriage of convenience romance. No cheating. No cliffhangers.)
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Emmy Barton gave up her virginity to Stephen Hastings and was brushed off right after. Emmy has been holding a grudge against Stephen ever since, while Stephen couldn’t forget that one night they shared.
Ten years later, they see each other again when Stephen moves back to home and is surprised to learn that Emmy is now divorced, a single mom, and she struggles to make ends meet. Stephen is determined to help Emmy but how will he convince her to accept?
I loved listening to this audiobook! It’s swoony and steamy with just the right amount of drama. I loved the chemistry between Emmy and Stephen, and listening to them banter.
Lucy Rivers and Teddy Hamilton did a fantastic job at narrating. This is the first time I’ve listened to Lucy Rivers and it definitely won’t be the last!
Stay is a single mom, enemies-to-lovers, marriage-of-convenience, second chance romance written in dual first person POV. It’s a standalone that ends with a HEA. No cliffhanger, no cheating.
I received this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review.
Oh gosh! I listened to the audio book for this. I couldn’t stop listening to this. It was amazing! Stephen and Emmy were so hot and scorching. I know their relationship ended on a sour note but Stephen made up for it. It was great listening and getting to know them all over again and how they navigated their new lives. Ten years is a long time and it helps them grow. I just can’t describe this. Even if you haven’t read this and you listen to the book, you will love it. I will be picking up the eBook now too!
Stay is one of those stories that sticks with you. Emmy Barton was a young student when she offered Stephen Hastings her heart and everything else. He took the else and left her with her heart. Now it is a decade later. Emmy is a struggling single mother. Smart, hard working and I am sure that you’re wondering why is she struggling. Where is her son’s father? Well that is a big part of Stay. Stephen runs into her by chance and decides that he can fix things for her and her son with a temporary marriage of convenience. He thinks that this is the perfect plan. They will essentially be roommates and hearts don’t need to get involved. Well that is when the story really begins! These two have a lot of obstacles to overcome but as they all say… the heart wants what the heart wants. Stay is told from dual POV and is a sweet and spicy second chance at love!
Oh, Tia, I love this book almost as much as I love you. I was fortunate enough to beta read this book for her and I just loved it. Not only is she the sweetest soul ever but she really puts everything into her books.
I loved Stay. Stephen Hasting is a bit of grump at first, rich he’s sexy asf and a genius. He’s really just a marshmallow with mesmerizing blue eyes.
Emmy Barton used to be in love with Stephen Hasting but that was a long time ago. Now, everything has changed. She’s working in a dry cleaner doing what she can to provide for her son.
When these two meet again, it knocks Stephen out. He never thought he’d see Emmy again. He sure as hell didn’t expect to have the connection they did nor did he expect to care for her son. An opportunity arises for him to help Emmy out but to also get a second chance with her. She hates him but she’ll do anything for her son. Besides all is fair in love and war. And Stephen Hastings? He always wins and he plans to make her Stay.
This story has angst, sexiness and sexy times, alpha billionaire and it’s a second chance story. It’s beautifully written. I give this rating 4.5 stars.
I’ve had so many DNF books lately, folks, that I was starting to get depressed. I actually watched an episode of Dance Moms because I didn’t have anything to read. (I’m not proud of that. It was a low moment.) But after that rock-bottom moment, I noticed that Tia Louise had a new release, so I 1-clicked as fast as humanly possible, because THIS is a woman who has NEVER let me down. And because of her, my slump was broken.
Plot overview: Hard-working, divorced, single mom Emmy is forced to accept help from her first love, Stephen, who broke her heart terribly, in order to help her sick son. It’s a second-chance, marriage of convenience, enemies-to-lovers romance.
There are so, so many things to love about this book. Smart heroine? Check. Hot, bossy-but-kind-hearted hero? Check. Smokin’ hot chemistry between the heroine and heroine that sizzles off the page? Check and double check. But what I think I loved the most was that Emmy did what any REAL mom would do in her situation. If my kid was sick and a rich man said, “hey, I just want to help you. Move in with me and marry me so that I can use my money and my medical connections to get your kid a life-saving surgery. I don’t expect anything from you in return,” I’d jump all over that. I think any mom would. But so often in Romancelandia we see moms who let their pride or hurt feelings get in the way of what’s best for their kid(s). But not Emmy. She knew she needed help and she took it, just like a real mom would. It wasn’t easy for her to accept help from the man who broke her young heart years ago, but she did what she had to do for her kid, and I really loved her for that.
Stephen was pretty awesome, too. He didn’t demand ANYTHING from Emmy in return for helping her kid. He didn’t hit her with a stupid sex contract, or an unreasonable list of demands (like I’ve seen in other marriage of convenience romances). He wanted to help her and her kid, so he made an incredibly generous, completely unselfish offer because he’s a good and kind-hearted person. I also loved the fact that he bonded so quickly and so easily with Emmy’s son. It was all kinds of adorable.
So, long-story-short, I adored this story. It was sweet, it was sexy, it was emotional, and it made me tear up at one point. (I didn’t cry, though, because I DON’T CRY.) Just like with all the other Tia Louise books I’ve 5-starred, this one’s a winner.
And feel free to check out the Romance Rehab blog for more rants, raves, book lists and other fun, romance-y stuff: http://www.romancerehab.com/
This was my first Tia Louise book and I’m hooked. The cover is the best and the story is so original—I was hooked.
There is so much I want to mention in this review. I loved every word of this book. I liked that things weren’t picture perfect easy for Stephen and Emmy. They both had their struggles. I liked seeing how they navigated through difficult situations together. Battling but not fighting. Each being a champion for the other.
This review would not complete without talking about the characters. All lovable and relatable. Stephen’s bossiness and arrogance are forgiven by his good looks and caring nature. Emmy’s stubbornness is what makes her the perfect match for him. Eli was to me, the heart of this book. Through him, we got all the feels. A great read.
I’m a sucker for single parent romances and this one did not disappoint.
Emmy’s character is so relatable. She’s a strong woman and a great mother to Eli. She’s admirable.
I love little Eli. He’s so sweet and kind. The things he has to endure at such a young age is heartbreaking but he’s a little champ .
Stephen is everything I love seeing in a non biological dad. I love when a guy comes into the picture and loves the woman’s child like he/she is is own.
I really enjoyed getting to know these characters. Overall, this is a solid 4.5 star for me!
I really enjoyed reading this book. Love the story and writing couldn’t put it down. Loved every second. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Let me start by saying Tia Louise is a new to me author and I’m so hooked! Her latest release, Stay, was completely captivating, sweet, emotional, passionate, and packs a serious book hangover! The mother in me absolutely loved Emmy’s character! The love she has for her son, Eli, is palpable. I cheered for her, I cried for her, and I’m also jealous af of her, because, I mean….Stephen. Hastings! He has to be one of my favorite heroes to date! He’s an absolute alpha, dominant, cocky, intelligent, and sexy as sin. At the same time he’s tender, protective, altruistic, and a little broken. The heat between these two will definitely burn up your kindle!
Enjoy every heart soaring, heart breaking, soul soothing moment, and one-click Stay, by Tia Louise today!
I love kids in stories. Especially the kids that are filled with a bit of sass, a lot of intelligence and fun-loving attitude. They just always seem to make a story brighter.
I absolutely loved this story. The struggle of being a single parent is something I can relate too. It’s not easy, often frustrating and always a full-time job. Yet, Emma handles this task amazingly. Her baby daddy is an asshole to the nth degree and makes nothing easy on her. She struggles, but she does it all with a smile on her face.
Stephen is an aristocratic snob. He’s cocky, arrogant and just needs to be brought down and peg or two. And of course, we know there is always that one woman that can knock a strong man to his knees. Sometimes it happens when they are totally unaware.
Take these two characters, mix in an amazing kid, nosy family, bitchy ex and all the fun, laughter, angst and drama one can handle, and you have a book you may never want to see end. I know I didn’t. Five starts to the amazing Tia Louise!
Loved Stephen and Emmy!!! Even though I must say in the prologue Stephen wasn’t my favorite but then again his reasoning made sense. Ten years later I’m in love with him. Emmy was AMAZING!!!!! She was an incredible mother and her world revolves around her son Eli. Eli was an amazing kid that clicked immediately with Stephen. Emmy had harsh feelings for Stephen because of their past but he had was clueless as to why because reality he didn’t know. Anyways old resentment aside these two are fire!!!!! Stephen was making up for lost time and Emmy and Eli were his priority. He will do anything for them. Of course the ex-husband that was clueless and such an idiot added to the angst but overall it was a beautiful story with a much beautiful ending.
This book gives you all the feels…a mother’s love, regret, yearning, hope, lust, love, sacrifice, hope….
“…looking arrogant as ever and sexy as f*%#.”
Fooling yourself may be difficult, but fooling others is impossible…they see the truth before you do. When you convince yourself of the life you think you want, but the one you really want is within your reach.
“The problem with arrogance is you never see your fall coming until your face is planted in the dirt.”
What happens when an arrogant, alpha male is feeling a little soft for a strong, independent, fierce mom? One is used to getting whatever they want and the other sacrifices everything for true love.
Amazing second chance, enemies to lovers romance! This story gave me all the feels! It was sweet, it was angsts, it was sexy, one of my top romance reads this year!!
Stephen Hastings sorry just his name is pantie dropping. This book has is all kinds of Swoony. I love Lulabell and the quirky Miss Con-Cleaneality lol
Emmy is just trying to survive and do what she needs for her son. The one guy she thought would be her everything left her with a broken heart.
Stephen is no hero but maybe much more than money. Dam this guy he will not take NO for an answer. But for someone who doesnt believe in marriage has this crazy idea to do just that.
Eli awwwe such a sweet boy even though his dad is a dick …I want say much about him because I wont be able to post review but he sucks and god forbid his next kid has the same thing ahhhh D-Bag
“I want to have you for dessert”
“It’s hard to walk with an erection, I guess.”
“Not all who wander are lost”
“It’s not a bad word if it’s true.”
“He’ll just fix the broken bits and leave all the good parts right where they are.”
“The problem with arrogance is you never see your fall coming until your face is planted in the dirt.”
“I swear to dog if you come back smelling like patchouli ,I will never speak to you again.”
Another 5 star read from Tia Louise!
This story broke my heart and stitched it back together again! I was so invested in the heroine Emmy and her son Eli. Their relationship was beautiful, despite the struggles they faced and the fragile lives they lead. Stephen was everything Emmy and her son needed, wrapped up in one sexy, intelligent package. Their history may have been tainted but their future was so bright, if only they’d admit their true feelings for one another instead of hiding behind their “fake” marriage of convenience.
I don’t think I’ve hated a book character as much as I did Burt Dickerson, in forever! He was down right cruel and a horrible father and person. I was so glad that Stephan stepped up to the plate for Eli and gave him a true role model to look up to. No matter what was going on between him and Emmy, they put Eli’s needs first.
The ups and downs in this book had me on the edge of my seat. I was biting my nails, hoping these two would figure it out and make it work! The gut wrenching scenes had me tearing up and worried about where the author would take the story. My heart couldn’t take the uncertainty and potential for a sadness ever after. The epilogue was wonderful. The wrap up of the story was incredible. I loved what the author did for this couple and I can’t wait to see if they make little cameos in future reads, like Remi did in this one!
Tia Louise has done it again.
Once I started I couldn’t put it down. Chemistry between Stephen and Emmy’s is off the charts hot and swoony. I can’t wait for what’s to come next.
Tia knows how to just make me swoon and fall in love!!
I don’t even know where to begin with this book, it was just simply that amazing!
There is something about Stephen that just made me feel like deep down, he had a soft loving side. From how he was with Emmy after seeing her after 10 years…just gahh loved him!
Emmy and Eli are my spirit animals. The way they are together and how she deals with his issues, made me think of what an amazing mother and woman she is. And let’s not forget a saint for having to deal with that crazy ex husband of hers!!
I wish I could give this a double 5⃣ review because that is what it truly deserves!!
Stephen Hastings is one hot AF, alpha who goes after what he wants no matter the cost. This story pulled me in and left me breathless from start to finish. Stephen and Emmy’s chemistry was so hot it could have set my kindle on fire. The amount of chemistry, lust, and love that these two shared was just beautiful!
I loved everything about Stay by Tia Louise. A second chance romance with all kinds of feels. Years ago, Emmy Barton gave everything to Stephan Hastings and then he walked away. She moved on the best way she could and is now divorced, with a son she adores. Life has not been easy, but she is determined to do all she can for herself and her son. Then, enter her past in the form of one Stephen Hastings.
Stephen is shocked to discover what has happened in Emmy’s life and is determined to help her anyway she can. But she wants nothing to do with him. I loved Emmy. She was strong, determined and caring. Stephen is cocky, protective and also very determined. I loved the push and pull between them and how Stephen connected with Emmy’s son.
Stay By Tia Louise was an emotional, touching and heartwarming story of second chances when you were never expecting one. I loved Stephen and Emmy’s story so much. I devoured this book from start to finish.
4.5-stars. Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!