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4.29 AVERAGE
4.29 AVERAGE
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
If I could give "If You Stayed" six stars, I absolutely would. Brittainy Cherry has crafted a truly stunning and emotionally charged second chance romance that I devoured in a single day. This book is a testament to Cherry's phenomenal storytelling, leaving readers smiling, crying happy tears, and feeling a deep sense of hope by its conclusion. Adding another layer of brilliance were the narrators, Marcella Cox and Winston James, whose combined talent truly allowed Brittainy's perfectly written story to soar and become a new favorite of mine.
The story centers on Gabriel and Kierra, who are reunited after two decades apart. The only problem? Gabriel, the love of Kierra's life, doesn't remember her, and Kierra is trapped in a terrible marriage. This setup creates a wonderfully messy, complex, and utterly captivating journey as these two find their way back to one another.
Cherry masterfully weaves a narrative that is equal parts heart-wrenching and heartwarming. Kierra's world is thrown off its axis when Gabriel reappears, unable to recall the fateful event that changed their lives forever. She's determined to keep him at a distance, but when her controlling husband hires Gabriel's architecture firm, the forced proximity leads both Kierra and Gabe to question their newfound feelings.
This novel stands out for its fresh and unique premise, keeping readers completely engaged and desperate to uncover the past events that led the characters to their present circumstances. Cherry expertly navigates dual POVs and timelines, building towards pivotal inflection points where characters are forced to make life-altering decisions.
While the ending might feel a bit too neat and tidy for such a complex emotional journey, the overall impact of the story and the memorability of its characters are undeniable. Gabriel is a truly special "cinnamon roll hero," Kierra is incredibly strong, and supporting characters like Ava will steal your heart. "If You Stayed" will stay with you long after you've turned the final page. Although this was my first book from Brittainy Cherry, it definitely won't be my last.
Content Warning: This story contains several triggers, particularly around the subject of abuse. Please check trigger warnings prior to reading if you are sensitive to them.
The story centers on Gabriel and Kierra, who are reunited after two decades apart. The only problem? Gabriel, the love of Kierra's life, doesn't remember her, and Kierra is trapped in a terrible marriage. This setup creates a wonderfully messy, complex, and utterly captivating journey as these two find their way back to one another.
Cherry masterfully weaves a narrative that is equal parts heart-wrenching and heartwarming. Kierra's world is thrown off its axis when Gabriel reappears, unable to recall the fateful event that changed their lives forever. She's determined to keep him at a distance, but when her controlling husband hires Gabriel's architecture firm, the forced proximity leads both Kierra and Gabe to question their newfound feelings.
This novel stands out for its fresh and unique premise, keeping readers completely engaged and desperate to uncover the past events that led the characters to their present circumstances. Cherry expertly navigates dual POVs and timelines, building towards pivotal inflection points where characters are forced to make life-altering decisions.
While the ending might feel a bit too neat and tidy for such a complex emotional journey, the overall impact of the story and the memorability of its characters are undeniable. Gabriel is a truly special "cinnamon roll hero," Kierra is incredibly strong, and supporting characters like Ava will steal your heart. "If You Stayed" will stay with you long after you've turned the final page. Although this was my first book from Brittainy Cherry, it definitely won't be my last.
Content Warning: This story contains several triggers, particularly around the subject of abuse. Please check trigger warnings prior to reading if you are sensitive to them.
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Amazing book. Definitely a little repetitive at times but still always kept my attention. Emotional roller coaster.
I couldn’t put this book down. I had the pleasure of meeting Brittainy at a signing in February (one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met!) and received an ARC of this book and just got around to reading it. Absolutely beautiful story and I have a feeling I won’t be forgetting it
emotional
sad
medium-paced
emotional
informative
sad
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:
Complicated
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes