Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.29 AVERAGE
4.29 AVERAGE
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
En bref, les sujets abordés dans ce roman ne sont pas évidents donc n'hésitez pas, si besoin, à lire les TW, j'ai pour ma part adoré Kierra, Gabriel et Ava, ils ont su me toucher pour plusieurs raisons et j'ai aimé leur côté terriblement humain, avec leurs peurs, leurs doutes et leurs espoirs aussi. Les événements ne nous laissent pas souffler et on ne peut que sourire en voyant certaines choses tout comme on a parfois envie de les secouer. Le final est pour le moins intense mais je n'en attendais pas moins et j'ai adoré les voir heureux et amoureux. Une belle histoire avec ses bas et ses hauts qui nous fait vibrer.
It's been a while since I've read a book by Brittainy Cherry and this sounded like the emotional read that I was looking for. However, it wasn't quite what I was hoping for and didn't feel like I was the target audience for this one. I appreciated the content warnings before I started because I knew what to expect a little before going in.
I thought the writing was great and the pacing wasn't too bad as well. I was just kind of hoping that the FMCs abusive relationship with her husband didn't overpower the entire story. It really hindered me from enjoying the romance we did get with the MMC. And I wanted her to have so much more of that because she 100% deserved it. And it all wrapped up a bit too quickly, I think would have loved to see her healing process a bit more. And just being in a better environment. I loved the huge support system she had around her, but I didn't come away from this book feeling happy and light like I have with previous books.
I know this book will hold a strong message for many and it is a powerful story, the strength of a character that continues to push through. Just not sure if I would have put this one into the romance category.
Please check out the content warnings and I will say the domestic abuse takes place for a big chunk of the book.
I thought the writing was great and the pacing wasn't too bad as well. I was just kind of hoping that the FMCs abusive relationship with her husband didn't overpower the entire story. It really hindered me from enjoying the romance we did get with the MMC. And I wanted her to have so much more of that because she 100% deserved it. And it all wrapped up a bit too quickly, I think would have loved to see her healing process a bit more. And just being in a better environment. I loved the huge support system she had around her, but I didn't come away from this book feeling happy and light like I have with previous books.
I know this book will hold a strong message for many and it is a powerful story, the strength of a character that continues to push through. Just not sure if I would have put this one into the romance category.
Please check out the content warnings and I will say the domestic abuse takes place for a big chunk of the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Violence, Grief, Gaslighting
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Fatphobia, Sexual assault, Car accident
Noting that the child abuse was verbal, never physical
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
ALL THE FEELS! I knew I loved a Brittainy Cherry book years ago so I gave this one a chance and boy, I couldn’t put it down! Kierra is so wonderfully complex and real. Gabriel is a total cinnamon roll, but also has scars from his past. This book was less of a romance but more of Kierra finding her strength and power. I loved that nothing was glossed over and it was gritty and authentic. While it wasn’t all about the romance, there was chemistry where I could feel the sparks! I typically am not a fan of second chance romance, but this was a perfect blend that didn’t have one ounce of cheesiness in it. Ava was delightfully written for a 14 year old, and I loved how everything really came full circle at the end. This is an emotional journey and those that can be triggered by any abuse should be cautious reading this. However, it is truly a beautiful story that is absolutely emotional and empowering. 5⭐️, 2🌶
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse
Moderate: Child death, Car accident
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
What a story. My emotions traveled all over the place. Though there are dark themes and should be read with caution but it was well written
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
If you read romance books, this needs to be on your TBR. Immediately five stars. And will be one of my favourite books of the year, for sure. I can't believe this is my first Brittany Cherry book, but I can't wait to read more of her backlist.
It's been a long time since I had such a visceral reaction to a book. I was squealing and giggling and kicking my feet so many times while reading.
I adored Kierra and Gabriel. Their banter, chemistry, history, and tension were written so well. One minute I was laughing out loud and the next minute I was swooning so hard. And Ava kept reminding me of Luke's daughter April in Gilmore Girls, for whatever reason.
I couldn't even wait to finish before pre-ordering a finished copy from @indigo and I can't wait to go back and transfer all my annotations from my Kindle to the physical copy.
Now, please excuse me while I find me some cinnamon muffins because damn, they sound amazing.
Protect Gabriel at all costs!
⚠️ If you or someone you know has been impacted by DV, please remember that your emotional and mental well-being comes first and approach this book accordingly.
It's been a long time since I had such a visceral reaction to a book. I was squealing and giggling and kicking my feet so many times while reading.
I adored Kierra and Gabriel. Their banter, chemistry, history, and tension were written so well. One minute I was laughing out loud and the next minute I was swooning so hard. And Ava kept reminding me of Luke's daughter April in Gilmore Girls, for whatever reason.
I couldn't even wait to finish before pre-ordering a finished copy from @indigo and I can't wait to go back and transfer all my annotations from my Kindle to the physical copy.
Now, please excuse me while I find me some cinnamon muffins because damn, they sound amazing.
Protect Gabriel at all costs!
⚠️ If you or someone you know has been impacted by DV, please remember that your emotional and mental well-being comes first and approach this book accordingly.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Gaslighting
Moderate: Body shaming, Bullying, Child death, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Car accident, Death of parent
I remember really enjoying Brittainy Cherry’s writing - so I had applied for this ARC with curiosity. But the writing was really jumbled, repetitive and rough to concentrate on. I got through 10% before putting it down, which says a lot because I’m a hard person to DNF. This just wasn’t my style at all.
emotional
hopeful
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
If You Stayed was a sweet, poignant and beautiful story. It was also a sad and at times difficult to read. I loved that it didn’t shy away from abuse or the factors that would lead someone to stay in an abusive relationship. It kept my attention but I wasn’t fully immersed in it or all the way sold on the characters or their connection. The pacing was a little off for me. There were parts that I found moved slowly while other parts I couldn’t read fast enough. I enjoyed this story. I think the author did a great job with it, a great job of portraying the struggles, angst, blame and feelings of unworthiness that someone in an abusive situation goes through. She also did a great job with making the abuser not just the sum total of his abusive parts. It was an interesting read, one that I definitely recommend.
Copy provided by publisher through NetGalley
Copy provided by publisher through NetGalley
I devoured this book in a day; the story pulled me in and never let go. It’s a definite tearjerker with lots of angst. The flashbacks add rich context to Keirra and Gabriel’s unwavering connection.
This book tackles heavier themes, so readers should check trigger warnings.
If You Stayed is an emotional story of guilt, pain, hope, and the enduring bond of soulmates. If you’re looking for book that will leave you reflecting on love and sacrifice, this is it.
This is a beautiful, emotional second chance romance between Kierra and Gabriel that I devoured. I couldn't believe how quickly I read this. The characters just pulled me in.
It's been twenty years since Kierra has seen Gabriel. She is now married to a controlling husband, Henry, with a fourteen-year-old stepdaughter, Ava. There is no love in their marriage, but she stays for Ava. When Henry hires Gabriel as their architect to build their (his) new mansion, she comes face to face with her one true love. Only problem is...he can't remember her due to amnesia caused by the car accident that they were in at nineteen years old. She was driving and he lost his younger brother.
This was aiming for a five-star read until the end. The pacing changed a little, seemed rush. It was all wrapped up too quickly.
Overall, I enjoyed it. Please, check your trigger warnings before reading. If you can't handle reading about domestic violence, then skip this book.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts adn opinions are my own.
It's been twenty years since Kierra has seen Gabriel. She is now married to a controlling husband, Henry, with a fourteen-year-old stepdaughter, Ava. There is no love in their marriage, but she stays for Ava. When Henry hires Gabriel as their architect to build their (his) new mansion, she comes face to face with her one true love. Only problem is...he can't remember her due to amnesia caused by the car accident that they were in at nineteen years old. She was driving and he lost his younger brother.
This was aiming for a five-star read until the end. The pacing changed a little, seemed rush. It was all wrapped up too quickly.
Overall, I enjoyed it. Please, check your trigger warnings before reading. If you can't handle reading about domestic violence, then skip this book.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts adn opinions are my own.
“Kierra, you feel like the whole f–king galaxy wrapped up in one human being. I’m not saying that to convince you to want me over Henry. I’m telling you this because I need you to feel how I feel for you. I need you to look into the mirror and know that you are the whole f–king universe wrapped in one. And you deserve better than anything that man can give you.
- second chance romance
- Black MCs
- slow burn
- flashbacks
- 🌶️/5
- dual pov
POV: An accident tore away your first love’s memories and you from him. Twenty years later, you’re a therapist with a 14-year-old stepdaughter in a loveless marriage, and he re-enters your life as the architect building your family’s new home.
This is Brittainy at her angsty, emotional, heartwrenching best. If you want an emotional roller coaster, this book is for you. She expertly builds the tension so you viscerally feel all the feelings (anger, sadness, shock, and heartbreak included) as you wait for the bomb to drop. But oh, how the HEA is so unforgettably worth it. Even if you have to work to get to it!
Kierra and Gabriel are the definition of soulmates. Their reunion twenty years later is fate personified, and the flashbacks help seal the deal. They’re both dealing with old feelings resurfacing, even if Gabriel doesn’t remember the past.
As Ava says, Gabriel is a man, and it is written by a woman. The way he treats Kierra is so soft, tender, and heartwarmingly beautiful. He’s honest, patient, forgiving, and perfectly protective of her. Most importantly, he sees and appreciates the real Kierra, as she can only be her true self around him.
He also shares such a special bond with Ava and don’t even get me started on the empowering moment he shares with her. I cried at the beach reading it! Rosie is the much-needed comic relief to balance out the heavier storylines.
Angsty girlies, PLEASE add this to the TBR!
Thank you so much to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the early copy!
- second chance romance
- Black MCs
- slow burn
- flashbacks
- 🌶️/5
- dual pov
POV: An accident tore away your first love’s memories and you from him. Twenty years later, you’re a therapist with a 14-year-old stepdaughter in a loveless marriage, and he re-enters your life as the architect building your family’s new home.
This is Brittainy at her angsty, emotional, heartwrenching best. If you want an emotional roller coaster, this book is for you. She expertly builds the tension so you viscerally feel all the feelings (anger, sadness, shock, and heartbreak included) as you wait for the bomb to drop. But oh, how the HEA is so unforgettably worth it. Even if you have to work to get to it!
Kierra and Gabriel are the definition of soulmates. Their reunion twenty years later is fate personified, and the flashbacks help seal the deal. They’re both dealing with old feelings resurfacing, even if Gabriel doesn’t remember the past.
As Ava says, Gabriel is a man, and it is written by a woman. The way he treats Kierra is so soft, tender, and heartwarmingly beautiful. He’s honest, patient, forgiving, and perfectly protective of her. Most importantly, he sees and appreciates the real Kierra, as she can only be her true self around him.
He also shares such a special bond with Ava and don’t even get me started on the empowering moment he shares with her. I cried at the beach reading it! Rosie is the much-needed comic relief to balance out the heavier storylines.
Angsty girlies, PLEASE add this to the TBR!
Thank you so much to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the early copy!