Rory Hightower had a good life. She had a loving family, great friends, and a job she adored, running Hope Valley’s local watering hole, The Tap Room. But there was just one thing missing. Ever since she was a little girl she knew there was one special guy out there just for her. Her dream man. And when Cord walked into her bar, she knew instantly it was him. Which made losing him all the more … painful.
Cord Paulson had only ever had one person he could depend on. And that bond ran deep. But when he moved to Hope Valley and met the breathtaking bartender with the bright blue eyes and stunning smile, he felt an instant connection. He wanted Rory from the moment he laid eyes on her. But when his past came back and his loyalties were put to the test, he made the biggest mistake of his life.
Then one night changes everything. After avoiding him for months, Rory has no choice but to lower her guard and let him back in. And Cord plans to use that to his full advantage. He’s determined to repair the damage he caused to her heart and win her back. He may have lost the love of his life once already, but there’s no way he’ll make the same mistake twice.
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Five stars for the fifth book in the Hope Valley series! I have been so excited to finally read the story of Cord and Rory. It was most definitely worth the wait. Rory has a happy, well rounded life – family, friends, dreams and even a job she loves. One day her dream man becomes her nightmare and he has chosen someone else. Cord did not have the perfect life with family, friends, hopes and dreams but he did have one person he could count on and she has returned to claim him. What he didn’t know was the choice he made has caused the woman of his dreams to shut him out. One day fate steps in and throws them into a situation where they must depend on each other. Will they be able to depend on each other to share and build their hopes and dreams? I don’t know how Jessica is able to do this but she just keeps giving one amazing story after another. I have become addicted to Hope Valley.
Five stars for the fifth book in the Hope Valley series! I have been so excited to finally read the story of Cord and Rory. It was most definitely worth the wait. Rory has a happy, well rounded life – family, friends, dreams and even a job she loves. One day her dream man becomes her nightmare and he has chosen someone else. Cord did not have the perfect life with family, friends, hopes and dreams but he did have one person he could count on and she has returned to claim him. What he didn’t know was the choice he made has caused the woman of his dreams to shut him out. One day fate steps in and throws them into a situation where they must depend on each other. Will they be able to depend on each other to share and build their hopes and dreams? I don’t know how Jessica is able to do this but she just keeps giving one amazing story after another. I have become addicted to Hope Valley.
Jessica Prince was definitely becoming one of my favorite 1-click authors and Stay With Me totally solidified it! I absolutely, positively adored Rory and Cord’s story. Both knew from first glance that their connection was strong and true, but the timing was just wrong. Cord made a decision, the wrong decision and completely shattered Rory’s heart. When you learn about Cord’s past, your heart will break for him and a little bit of understanding comes through, but for Rory she was determined to move on, it hurt too much. Unfortunately for her, Cord did not see things her way. After her one attempt of moving on, he is made aware of it, and he was not having it! His mission to get her back, in any way possible, was now on. I feel all tingly and swoony with the ways Cord shows how much he wants her back.
Besides the smoldering chemistry between these two, Rory and Cord themselves are fantastic in their own right. Rory was just plain amazing, she will fight tooth and nail, and get in your face, against any injustice she sees occurring. I loved when her fierce momma bear was in full force and effect. And her heart, she has so much love to give. Then we have Cord, oh my oh my, that man I just want to hug away all his pain, smack him over the head and then jump him. He is strong, so protective and so very very loyal, but almost to a fault. But what he is also is determined, when he finally got his head out of his patooty, he fights for what he wants and he was willing to fight dirty and I loved every minute of it. A lot of groveling was also needed to get Rory back and I have to say, Cord delivered!
The secondary characters were also wonderful, I loved the support of Rory’s parents towards her and her new found family. The scenes between Cord and her father was perfect.
I say it almost after every Hope Valley book and I’ll say it again in this one, Stay With Me is my favorite now, but I am really looking forward to Xander’s book! 5-star read and highly recommend it.
Oh, boy, did Jessica Prince do Cord and Rory justice with their story. Their confusing, painful past is revealed, as well as why Rory shut Cord out entirely. I loved his determination to get back into Rory’s heart, and I love Rory’s determination to not be a doormat or a fool. They didn’t have a ton of drama, but they did have some very realistic problems in their way. The beauty was all in how they maneuvered every obstacle and issue to find their HEA.
Jessica Prince ~ Stay With Me Book 5 in Hope Valley
5 Stars ++++
WOW! What a marvelous story to be added to an awesome series! Very well written. Terrific characters!
“The second happiest day of my life was when Cord told he loved me. But the first… the first was the day I got you.”
I have fully enjoyed this entire Hope Valley series! Jessica didn’t leave me disappointed!
Very highly recommend!
And once again, this author astounded me.
I’m getting repetitive and tiring, I think, but I must say it again: this is one of the best series I’ve ever read, that just keeps getting better and better, and every time I read a book from it, that one becomes my favorite.
I can’t even believe I ‘m saying this, I mean, Lincoln totally stole my heart right at the beginning in Out Of My League and I was waiting for Marco in Wrong Side Of The Tracks since even before this series started (his first appearance was in Consume – Civil Corruption #3).
But, right now, my heart has a new owner, and it belongs to Cord Paulson.
This is a standalone, but you can appreciate the plot even more if you read the previous books, firstly because it’s so amazing, secondly because you can see their developments and the crescendo in everyone’s feelings.
We met Cord and Rory right in the first book (Out Of My League), and since then we could see something intense going on. But nothing could have prepared me for what I read.
There was a strong pull forcing Rory and Cord together, something undeniable and “un-getting-over-with-able”. It was so intense and real, I could almost touch it.
Rory is one of those heroines you can’t help but love. She is funny, smart, strong, even when vulnerable. She is forgiving, always ready to help, and amazing friend, with an amazing family. She has everything in her life an dher personality. Except for the love of the man she loves.
At least that’s what she thinks.
Cord had one hell of a past. He is strong, resilient, oh so alpha and protective, and extremely loyal….almost to a fault. In fact, that same loyalty (added to a wrong sense of responsability) was the reason he made the biggest mistake of his life: choosing wrong and letting Rory go.
“I have a lot to make up for. I have a lot I have to make right, I know that. And I will, I swear, but I need you to Stay With Me, Rory. Stay with me in the here and now so I can do that”
When he realizes his mistake, specially seeing, time and time again, what a wonderful woman Rory was and how she was by his side in the worst moment of his life, he readies himself for the biggest fight of his life, and he’s willing to do everything in his power to win back Rory, the woman he most definitely loves.
“When something’s worth fighting for, I won’t hesitate to do just that. And for you, I’m willing to fight dirty”
As I said before, their pull towards each other was electric. They were both so intense. Rory had a lot within herself to give, and even being guarded and cautious about Cord (rightfully so), she eventually let go of all that pain and fear and just enjoyed the ride. And oh boy, what a ride!
And Cord has something different about him. In this series, the heroes are alpha, protective and I think that is one of the reasons I love this series so much. But Cord goes the extra mile. It’s like he has a vibe around him that is even more incisive. He is edgy and more shadowed than the others, even bossier somehow. He was more explosive and his feelings were even more exposed than the previous heroes.
It was a sexy turmoil, and you put Cord and Rory together, it was a rollercoaster of emotions.
I couldn’t (and didn’t want to) unglue my eyes from the book.
But it wasn’t only about them.
It was a small town romantic suspense book, but it was more than that. I don’t want to say a lot and end up giving a spoiler, but Rory and Cord’s new “mission” (that is also one of the things reponsible for making them get together) was so beautiful to read.
It was a development not only for them, but for another person as well, and I enjoyed their whole new dynamic as much as I loved Rory and Cord’s love.
I had unshead tears in my eyes, my heart broke for what I read and for thinking that these kind of scenarios really exist. The way things were happening and working out, how their loved ones stepped in to help, it was wonderful.
There were so many emotions I was almost overwhelmed, but in an amazing way.
“I came to Hope Valley with all my earthly possession fitting into a duffel bag. I had no family, no home. Then I met my dream woman stading behind a bar.
(…) I was surrounded bu more love that I could have ever thought possible (…) I was a kid who’d grown up nothing. Now I had everything”
(I’m trying so hard not to give a spoiler).
Jessica Prince rocked again. And, as usual when it comes to this author and the way she makes me crave new books, I desperately need Xander’s book.
There’s so much to know about him, but I already know I’m gonna love him.
I just can feel it!
Jessica Prince does it again! I swear, just when I think there is no way she can top the last one, she proves me wrong. This book was the sweetest! I absolutely loved Rory and Cord! I have been rooting for Rory to get her happily ever after since she was first introduced. She is my kind of woman!
Gah! Don’t get me started on Cord. He’s is one hunk of sweet alpha male (once he pulled his head out of his ass). So sexy!! Add in Zach and this book has all the feels!
I don’t have anything negative to say about this book. Great couple in Rory and Cord. Great storyline even without the romance. The romance is hot, but the storyline will tug at your heartstrings. Great secondary characters. It is part of a series, but I guess if you wanted you could read it as a stand alone. Dual point of view. No cliffhanger.
I have BIG problem with Jesicca’s books… like a very very HUGE one… Propably I’m repeating myself but once I start Her new Baby, I want to re-read all the previous ones. I’m totally in love with this characters – Mrs Prince is this author for me, for who I will drop everything, just to read Her new book.
HOW amazing it was come back to Hope Valley another time !!! This is one of my favorite “imaginary” place with my favorite “imaginary” characters… and I know, I’m saying this all the time…. but can’t describe it in any different way.
Rory and Cord captivated my heart !!! From the begining and since page no 1 I was sure, that their story will be amazing as much as the other Hope Valley books. STAY WITH ME it is definetely Mrs Prince at the finest.
Hope Valley, Cord and Rory steal my whole attention. It was one of this books of mine, that I’ve read very, very fast, because Rory and Cord were from this unputtable kind !
I’ve found here everything what I wanted to have. Rory and Cord have amazing chemistry, they are funny, they are caring and for sure …. they are full of love for each other. This book is nothing less than beautiful love story, with every other kind of love and friendship around.
Last few book were great journey with Mrs Prince, so why I need do much time to find out one basic truth : Hope Valley, maybe not real place and characters … BUT the perfect place where Love gives back the strongest Hope.
Absolutely must read!
I’ve been waiting for Rory and Cord and Jessica Prince gave us exactly what we needed!! Rory and Cord grabbed my interest a while ago and I’ll tell you, I loved their story. This second chance, slow-burn romance had me begging for more! It’s sexy, emotional and a book you will fall head over heels with! I truly feel this is one of the best series that I’ve ever read and Jessica Prince has outdone herself! While this book can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend the entire series!
4.5 STARS
Rory and Cord were simply incredible!!!! Their story was so heart warming, turbulent, destructive and swoon worthy! Jessica Prince is the queen of small town romance that pulls at your heart strings, makes you laugh and guts you before you see it coming! So much drama to overcome and rise above. This story had it ALL!
I absolutely loved the twist in this story that brought tears to my eyes and left my heart bleeding. It hit me so deeply as a mother and made me love this author even more than I already did. Rory was the most amazing bad@$$ woman ever and protected what was hers. She stood up for those she loved and cared about, regardless of the possible consequences.
This book blew me away! I was hooked from the beginning and couldn’t put it down. I just love the Hope Valley family and never want these books to end.
Stay With Me has to be my favourite book by Jessica Prince. I probably say this every time she has a new release but, I’m going to say it again anyway. Cord and Rory were everything.
I was only 8% into the book when the tears started to fall and my heart held out so much hope that they would finally be together.
Rory has held out so much hope in her heart that Cord would finally see what was always right in front of him but after hes injured and they share a kiss the words that then fall from Cords mouth totally break Rory and she knows she has no other choice but to walk away from him once and for all.
Months later Cord decides enough is enough and confronts Rory and she begins to let down her walls. She’s about to need Cord more than ever and he’s not about to let this chance pass him by.
Such a wonderful story and a great edition to the Hope Valley Series!
I had the opportunity to join Ms. Prince’s review team right about the time this series began, and I jumped at the chance. Since then, this author has become one of my favorites, primarily because I know I can trust her. Even if she tackles a trope that’s not one of my favorites, I know she’ll create realistic, strong characters and not employ contrived scearnios to manipulate the story. In every book in this series, at some point, I’ve found myself thinking, “Huh, I didn’t think this would play out that way.” I read so much that I’ve just come to expect certain things, and it’s so refreshing that Ms. Prince’s stories do not fall into the standard mold.
So, what about this story? I have adored Rory from the first book and was anxiously awaiting her turn at happiness. I had one eyebrow cocked at Cord, though, because he had some serious ‘splainin to do. And here’s where Ms. Prince’s power to wow me comes in: Cord has a lot of groveling to do to get back in Rory’s good graces, and he does it. Rory doesn’t swoon the moment he calls her “baby” and jump into bed with him. She makes him earn it. I appreciate that on so many levels.
Another thing about this story, actually this whole series, that I like is that it is more than just a typical contemporary romance. Ms. Prince uses a different formula in this series, and I absolutely love it. The hero and heroine spend a respectable amount of time making their way to each other, with a bump in the road or two, but then the story doesn’t stop there; the two characters then work together to overcome some type of sinister conflict. I love that togetherness. It makes the bond between the characters so much stronger, and the story itself so much more interesting.
If you haven’t read this whole series, start at the beginning. You won’t regret it.
A sincere thank you to the author for providing an ARC for review.
Cord and Rory were absolutely amazing. There were some moments that the feels were through the roof. This was a second chance so Cord had some groveling to do and he did. Once he figured out Rory was his he worked to make it happen and I loved every growly/swoony moment of it.
I loved this book! Every time a new book in this series comes out, I think it can’t be any better than the last one, but every book in this series is awesome!! Rory is my hero 🙂 The heroines in this author’s work are always great, but Rory is a badass! She took no crap from ANYONE regardless of what their title was. Cord was a great character, and I was happy to finally see him get his head out of his butt when it came to Rory. Cord and Rory were great together, and their chemistry was hot! Zach helped tie them all together, and it was so sweet watching him open up to Rory and Cord. The only draw back that I had was there wasn’t a lot of interaction with the secondary characters in this one, like there was in the others. I liked getting updates and watching the girls be there for each other. I did love Rory’s parents though. They were awesome people, and instantly took Zach as one of their own. I can’t wait until the next one in this series comes out!
I voluntarily reviewed an advance readers copy of this book.
I received a review copy before release for an honest review.
This was an awesome story with some complicated and wonderful characters that I fell hard for. The early part of the story was hard to read and I kinda hated Cord but later I fell completely in love with both Rory and Cord.
The hardest part of this story was the beginning as Cord meets Rory 4 years before the book starts. They become best friends for the first two years. Then 2 years before his ex comes to town and he dumps Rory as his friend for this awful woman who no one likes and he stays with her for 18 months. Why did they break up? Well because he got shot and almost died and she never once visited him in the hospital. Now it is 7 months later and Rory has been avoiding him and he is free to explore what could be with Rory.
For most of the book I could never forget what Cord did to Rory how he picked this woman over what he felt for Rory. But Rory did not fall into his lap either and she made him work hard for her which I sorta LOVED. I completely loved every minute of Rory and how she knows she deserves the best.
Cord felt he had to be there for his ex and he ignored his real feelings and as the book progressed and we got to know him better I started to understand why he did what he did. Rory was such an awesome person and I loved her parents and where this story goes that eventually I forgave Cord for how he had treated Rory in the past.
This at times was super romantic and very sweet and we get to see all the other characters from the story. This is really Rory’s story and we really get to see who she is and I loved how she made Cord work for her.
Rory’s had her heart set on Cord for years now. But when he does something unbearable to her, she knows she has to let him go, so she does, and avoids him thereafter. And so it goes until Cord’s had enough and sets out to claim his woman. Because she most certainly is that…his woman! It just took him a minute to get his head out of his ass to figure that out. But once he did…WHEW! He went all alpha on her and she caved. It didn’t hurt that he allowed his vulnerable side to show through, though.
Of course, there are snags and bumps on the road to their ever after, but what good love story doesn’t have a few of those?
Damn…I think Stay with Me is my new favorite Hope Valley story!! Cord and Rory are so perfect for each other. From their friendship, their time apart, clear through to the very end of the epilogue – pure perfection. I love Rory most of all because she is one of those heroines that I admire so. She’s tough and sweet with a heart bigger than the sky. That she could open it back up and let Cord back in, damn, I shed a few tears I admit, because that got me right in the heart. I’m still swooning because Cord and Rory are so freakin sweet together and I’m so glad they finally got their happily ever after!
ARC via Love Affair With Fiction.
My heart…
I feel like I have been waiting for Cord and Rory’s story forever. Even though I loved all the other stories in this series of standalones, I knew there was going to be something special with these two. I was right to feel that way. It was more than special. It was everything.
Finally getting the backstory of Cord was so important and made me love him even more than I already did. I think this is BECAUSE of his backstory and because of the connection with Zach. I, too, went through what they both did. I saw some of the same horrors and also found someone that had a heart like Rory. So, because of that, this story truly resonated with me. I felt both of their pain, their fears, the deep scars of abandonment, and the wishing that maybe someday someone would love me the way that Rory loved them. Rory, sweet holy hell, this woman was fire personified. She truly was fearless. Even though she is a fictional character, she gave my heart hope.
The author did a fantastic job showing that it takes work in situations like this and that not everything is going to be perfect from the get-go. I appreciated that more than I can say. Fantastic secondary characters, her parents were truly a hoot, and visits from the old characters made this my favorite of the series. There is a reason that this author is one of my favorites.
Stay With Me by Jessica Prince is a beautifully written and emotionally touching 2nd chance romance. This is book 5 in the Hope Valley series and this is Rory and Cord’s story.
Each book in the series is amazing and I didn’t think it could get any better but OMG Cord and Rory’s story was absolutely fantastic!! I have been dying for their story and now that it’s here, we get to find out why Rory avoids Cord, what mistake Cord made and the red-hot chemistry that burns bright between them. I enjoyed the angst, the feels, the chemistry, the passion and the sweet love that sizzles between Cord and Rory. Rory was this sassy , sweet, strong and intelligent heroine. She really is likable. Cord was this handsome, strong, protective, alpha male who has made some mistakes. There are some twists and turns that kept me on my toes. Loved the chemistry and connection between the main characters. Loved the ending! Now I’m eagerly waiting for book 6!
My Rating: 4.8 stars ******
Wow!! Rory & Cord might be my favorite couple in this series! The sassiness & take charge attitude that makes Rory was probably the best part of this story. She is by far the fiercest of all the ladies & you definitely shouldn’t piss her off. I was extremely angry with Cord in the beginning, but that man certainly knows how to redeem himself. This story is so full of love, strength & fun that you will not be able to put it down. I was not ready for this story to end. A beautiful romantic read that will leave you wanting more from this wonderful band of characters. I’m just so in love with the characters this author has given us.
I highly recommend this book. Told in dual POV.