A review by kara_hildebrand
Stay by A.L. Jackson

5.0

As with all AL Jackson books, when I'm finished reading, I have to hug my kindle and reflect and I can't start another book for a few days. Stay was everything I wanted it to be and more. AL Jackson lulled me into a state of bliss with her poetic words. She truly has a gift for telling a story where the characters and their words wrap around your body and soul and warm you from the inside out. You feel everything they feel and it's glorious. We know Ash. We love Ash. We want Ash. And we know Ash has a sensitive gooey center but he's hurting deep down into his soul. Something from his past turned him into the carefree playboy he is today. But is it just an act? When Ash finds himself in a situation he can't talk his way out of, Willow saves him. Literally. Now he wants to pay her back for her help and he can't stop thinking about her. He makes her an offer she can't refuse just to get to spend more time with her. Willow is a talented, beautiful, woman who's not looking for a fling with a rock star. She's looking for forever and she knows Ash isn't the staying kind, but she can't stay away from him. When her past comes back to haunt her, and Ash offers to pretend to be in love, will pretend turn real? Will Ash run from the intense connection he feels with Willow? Can Willow be the woman to heal Ash's heart? This story. Oh My. I can't even. It's intense, beautiful, heartbreaking, heartwarming, sweet, hot and funny. You can't get any better than that. AL Jackson has another masterpiece on her hands. Ash and Willow are perfect together. Bent but not broken. Scared but not weak. I loved seeing the members of Sunder and their families again. Bring on ZEE!!

"Do you know what fantasies are made of? One look, baby, and you bring me to my knees."
"You don’t look so bad yourself there, rock star."

"Ash…God…what are you doing to me? I can't…I need you more than anything I've ever needed."