Name: Stay
ISBN: 9781942444343

Sarina Bowen

Elle Kennedy

Can you fall for someone you've never met? Hailey Taylor Emery has a hunch that her favorite client at Fetch--an anonymous virtual assistant service--is actually hockey star Matt Eriksson. Although it's against the rules for her to check his file, she's 95% sure she spends at least part of each day texting with her lifelong crush and catering to his every need. Still nursing a wounded heart thanks to her recent breakup, Hailey is perfectly content with some harmless online flirting...until she has to meet her client. Face to face. Cue: utter panic. Matt Eriksson is no stranger to heartbreak. He's still not over the destruction of his marriage, and it sucks to be the only guy on the team who knows the truth--that hockey and long-term relationships are a toxic mix. He barely sees his kids, and dealing with his ex makes him feel insane. The only person in his life who seems to understand is someone who won't show her pretty face. But it's nothing that a pair of fourth row hockey seats can't fix. Hailey can't resist the offer. Matt can't resist Hailey. Good thing he doesn't have to. Fire up the kiss cam! Warning: Contains rabid hockey fans, misunderstood dick pics, hockey players at the opera and exploding ovaries. "If I had to pick two authors who I'd have team up, it would be Bowen and Kennedy" -- #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover "Everything Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy write is pure gold. Please excuse me while I read this one all summer long." Hypable Keywords: Hockey romance, Toronto, Sports Romance, Romantic comedy, contemporary romanceFor fans of: Vi Keeland, Corinne Michaels, Melanie Harlow, Penelope Ward, Lauren Blakely, Kendall Ryan, Sierra Simone, Sawyer Bennett, Catherine Gayle, Toni Aleo

Stay

i liked hailey and matt’s dynamic and found this a nice breezy easy read. i do feel like all of the conflicts brought up in this book weren’t REAL conflicts lol but tbh i have no complaints abt that — sometimes romance novels try TOO hard to craft a conflict and then end up with something unresolvable. i felt like hailey and matt’s issues were resolvable! the whole thing w kara and dentist dan was honestly not needed at all. 

wonder if elle and sarina made hailey SO into hockey bc of past criticisms that their books hardly involved the sport at all haha i thought hailey’s passion for the game was charming and liked that she was never talked down to as a lady sports fan. loved the wesmie cameos and the wag moments! i wonder if elle and sarina had ever planned on continuing this series with a boom focused on kelly…..

thought the interview w elle and sarina at the end of the book about their writing process was interesting, thst they just switch off whenever one gets writer’s block. fascinating way to write, and made me wonder if i would be able to tell between their voices if i reread. alas, many other things to read, and the reread value for this one is a bit low for me despite enjoying it. 

lucia

i liked hailey and matt’s dynamic and found this a nice breezy easy read. i do feel like all of the conflicts brought up in this book weren’t REAL conflicts lol but tbh i have no complaints abt that — sometimes romance novels try TOO hard to craft a conflict and then end up with something unresolvable. i felt like hailey and matt’s issues were resolvable! the whole thing w kara and dentist dan was honestly not needed at all. 

wonder if elle and sarina made hailey SO into hockey bc of past criticisms that their books hardly involved the sport at all haha i thought hailey’s passion for the game was charming and liked that she was never talked down to as a lady sports fan. loved the wesmie cameos and the wag moments! i wonder if elle and sarina had ever planned on continuing this series with a boom focused on kelly…..

thought the interview w elle and sarina at the end of the book about their writing process was interesting, thst they just switch off whenever one gets writer’s block. fascinating way to write, and made me wonder if i would be able to tell between their voices if i reread. alas, many other things to read, and the reread value for this one is a bit low for me despite enjoying it. 

This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.

Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻

Heroine:🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️

Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒

Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂😂

Stay is the second book in the duo series of the WAGS series. It was a bit bittersweet reading this book and so sad that this duo author team never wrote more books of the WAGS because I just love this style. But reading these books have made me realize how much I love hockey romance and definitely excited to read more of Bowen's work in the hockey romance field. I will say that Stay while a bit different from Good Boy was just as delicious just in its own way and don't fear....we get plenty from Blakey and Jess haha

Its a busy day in the offices of Fetch, Inc., but I finally manage to duck out of the office for an espresso around two.

Beta hero, lover of animals, divorced, single parent of twin girls and professional hockey player

Runs her business with her best childhood friend. Lover of animals and nervous around hot guys.

Hailey and Matt's story begin with some secrets and subterfuge between them both in working with the "Fetch" VA service that Hailey and her friend created. Her job is everything and she puts so much of herself in it. Then we have our hero, who is a NHL player but also trying to juggle being a father of his two kids. He is recovering from a bitter divorce. Then we have how these two meet up and its pretty unconventional. But very quickly there is an instant attraction between the two. They both aren't afraid of leaping into a relationship together. Life is too short for either of them. As they learn what it means to be in a relationship together, they also have to learn to juggle some smexy times around twin girls and a bitter ex wife. But Hailey takes to being a WAG with grace and acceptance of the lifestyle. But Matt has inner demons that need to be worked through before he can fully open his heart to Hailey...

There was so much to love about this book. First off, you are guaranteed a book that will sweep you off your feet regarding it being engaging. I was so easily swept up in this story and the way that our couple run into each other. I really loved the animal aspect to it and I normally am not really a fan of animals in romances. But it was done very well in this book. Then we have the romance that develops between Matt and Hailey. You just know that there are demons that Matt has to face up to. I love how he has to face up to his struggles while also at the same time learning to trust Hailey. Hailey is so wonderful with Matt. She is so ready to accept him and everything that comes with being a full time WAG. I loved how open she is with Matt. They do have to learn to be patient with each other and enjoyed the relationship building aspects that we see between these two.

The humor in this book is epic and we do get some fun times with Blake and his girl Jess and its so fun. Man I am going to miss Blake the most I think leaving these books. He is such a hoot and so entertaining. And is probably my favorite character from this world.

There wasn't anything specific I struggled with in this book. It didn't quite make it to a five star feel, so I do wish that there had been a bit more heart and feels. As there wasn't quite as much of that as the Him books and with Good Boy.

Stay is a fast paced, laugh your booty off romance that will deliver on some wonderful spice, captivating characters and endless charm all the way through! A true keeper of a read!

“Question,” Hailey whispers after a while.

“Do you always hum ‘O Canada’ while you have sex?”

I let out a very unsexy snort, and she giggles. “No. That was special. Only for you.”

Character Types: Athlete, Business Owner, Cinnamon Roll, Beta Hero

Themes: Hockey, Online Dating, Love of Animals, Lots of Laughs, Hot Smexy Times

Lover of Romance 

This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.

Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖.5
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨.5


First Impressions
Stay is the second book in the duo series of the WAGS series. It was a bit bittersweet reading this book and so sad that this duo author team never wrote more books of the WAGS because I just love this style. But reading these books have made me realize how much I love hockey romance and definitely excited to read more of Bowen's work in the hockey romance field. I will say that Stay while a bit different from Good Boy was just as delicious just in its own way and don't fear....we get plenty from Blakey and Jess haha

First Line
Its a busy day in the offices of Fetch, Inc., but I finally manage to duck out of the office for an espresso around two.

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Matt Eriksson
Beta hero, lover of animals, divorced, single parent of twin girls and professional hockey player

The Heroine: Hailey Taylor Emery
Runs her business with her best childhood friend. Lover of animals and nervous around hot guys.

Summary
Hailey and Matt's story begin with some secrets and subterfuge between them both in working with the "Fetch" VA service that Hailey and her friend created. Her job is everything and she puts so much of herself in it. Then we have our hero, who is a NHL player but also trying to juggle being a father of his two kids. He is recovering from a bitter divorce. Then we have how these two meet up and its pretty unconventional. But very quickly there is an instant attraction between the two. They both aren't afraid of leaping into a relationship together. Life is too short for either of them. As they learn what it means to be in a relationship together, they also have to learn to juggle some smexy times around twin girls and a bitter ex wife. But Hailey takes to being a WAG with grace and acceptance of the lifestyle. But Matt has inner demons that need to be worked through before he can fully open his heart to Hailey...

What I Loved
There was so much to love about this book. First off, you are guaranteed a book that will sweep you off your feet regarding it being engaging. I was so easily swept up in this story and the way that our couple run into each other. I really loved the animal aspect to it and I normally am not really a fan of animals in romances. But it was done very well in this book. Then we have the romance that develops between Matt and Hailey. You just know that there are demons that Matt has to face up to. I love how he has to face up to his struggles while also at the same time learning to trust Hailey. Hailey is so wonderful with Matt. She is so ready to accept him and everything that comes with being a full time WAG. I loved how open she is with Matt. They do have to learn to be patient with each other and enjoyed the relationship building aspects that we see between these two.

The humor in this book is epic and we do get some fun times with Blake and his girl Jess and its so fun. Man I am going to miss Blake the most I think leaving these books. He is such a hoot and so entertaining. And is probably my favorite character from this world.

What I Struggled With
There wasn't anything specific I struggled with in this book. It didn't quite make it to a five star feel, so I do wish that there had been a bit more heart and feels. As there wasn't quite as much of that as the Him books and with Good Boy.

Overall View
Stay is a fast paced, laugh your booty off romance that will deliver on some wonderful spice, captivating characters and endless charm all the way through! A true keeper of a read!

Favorite Quote(s)
“Question,” Hailey whispers after a while.
“Mmh?”
“Do you always hum ‘O Canada’ while you have sex?”
I let out a very unsexy snort, and she giggles. “No. That was special. Only for you.”

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance
Character Types: Athlete, Business Owner, Cinnamon Roll, Beta Hero
Themes: Hockey, Online Dating, Love of Animals, Lots of Laughs, Hot Smexy Times
Tropes: Instant Love Connection

Book Perspective
Duo POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict ---Slight

Song This Book Inspires
Dancing on My Own by Calum Scott

Recommendation For Reading Order
You can read as a standalone

Steam/Spice Explanations

Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.


Jennifer Eggleston 

Second Love

I didn't realize this was part of the WAGS series. I enjoyed reading Matt and Hailey's story and catching up with Wesmie, Blakey, and Jess. 

This book had good balance. I loved how these two hurt people found love again. They found love in a broken place. 😆

My one thought ...Matt needed a custody agreement so Kira didn't change his visitation on a whim. It pissed me off, so much. 


If you enjoy sport romances then take a chance on this series. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

Nikki

To be honest, I didn’t really want to read this at first because I wanted Eriksson and his wife to fix the marriage but then I realized reading this would mean more Wesmie and Blake/Jess so I was like what the hell and started reading it last night.


BEST PART OF THIS ARE THE KIDS I SWEAR I LOVE WHEN THERE ARE CUTE KIDLETS IN A STORY.

Jaclyn

LOVED THIS!!! I couldn’t put it down, absolutely devoured it! I loved the writing style, the sweetness of this romance and Matt Erickson😍 He was such a great dad and I loved seeing him interact with his kids. I loved the progression of his romance with Hailey and how was so patient with her. They’re both getting over a divorce and Hailey is so freaked out to be falling in love with her childhood crush, it was so cute to watch!!! Can’t wait for more in this series!!

Linda Quintanilla

I am so excited about Stay by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy. I was desperately waiting for Matt Eriksson story because I definitely felt for him when he was going through his divorce. And we finally got it!
Stay will introduce a brilliant yet beautiful Hailey Taylor Emery. Hailey is the pioneer of Fetch which is an online assistant service for any customer. Hailey mainly handles the big clients who want their identity as anonymous while they get services too and one of them would be the sexy yet sweet Matt Eriksson. She is completely out of her world when she discovers it is Matt Eriksson because she is a hardcore hockey fan and Matt Eriksson is HOT. Things will start to get interesting for Hailey when she interacts with Matt. 
Matt Eriksson is widely known for his hockey career. While he is very successful in his hockey career, he definitely feeling out of his element when it comes to his personal life. He has recent receive a divorce a year and still in a funk until he meets Hailey one of one. He is definitely attracted to Hailey but he remains cautious about his relationship status. 
They both have a lot to learn about their self and each other because changes always happen that it takes the time to adapt. Stay is the perfect title for Matt and Hailey journey because they will discover what they want the most in their life. Five Stars.

Sophie Elaina 

Different from the other books I’ve read by Bowen and Kennedy, I kind of enjoyed everything other than the romance more than the actual romance. At times I loved the cutesy moments and all, but I have to say that the cast of side characters from previous books is really why I liked this so much. The ending was a little lacklustre for me, since it was very cringy and predictable but it was a satisfying end nonetheless. I really hope the authors do more books based on other members of the team, plus at this point I’ll take all the Wesmie, Blake and Jess I can get. Overall this was a solid read. 

Rating: 4 Stars

Find this review and more at 
  kimberlyfaye reads.


So, I kinda feel like Sarina and Elle should just write all the books together forever. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE their solo efforts. LOVE. But there's still something absolutely magical about this writing duo. I know when I begin a book that, before it's all said and done I will have fallen in love with new characters and have a new favorite book to swoon over. There's never a moment of doubt. They deliver time and time again. Stay was no exception.

I loved this book so, so much. Hailey was smart, driven, smart and strong. She was easy to like and relate to. Matt was hot and swoony, plus he was rocking the dirty mouth and I loved that. Also? An athlete that wasn't a manwhore. HALLELUJAH! Also, he was a great dad. The scenes with him and his girls had my ovaries in danger of exploding. Hailey and Matt were wonderful characters that I fell for hard and fast. Their banter, their obvious feelings for each other, the way the connected. LOVED. 

Everything about this story just worked. Starting with Fetch. What a great concept. It's one that I'd totally support if it was real and in my city. As much as I liked the idea, I especially enjoyed how it helped bring Hailey and Matt together and the role it played in their relationship. Their initial flirty messages were fun and gave me flutters. (Not *quite* of the sluttyflutter variety that Hailey had, but believe me when I say I understand hers!) Their story gave me the swoons, laughs and sexy times I want in a romance. I even thought the ex wife situation was handled well. But, you know me, I'm here mostly for the romance and if that's amazing, I'm going to love the book. 

Stay was hot, sweet and low on the drama. Absolute perfection. Plus, you know, cameos from favorites like Blake, Jess, Wes and Jamie were a definite bonus. I hope Sarina and Elle continue writing more WAGs series books. There are so many fantastic characters that the opportunity for even more fun, swoony and sexy stories is definitely there. If they write them, I will certainly read them. 

I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

FAVORITE QUOTES

I'm in a weird place. I feel like I'm too old for one-night stands, but too jaded for anything more serious. That leaves only one other option: celibacy.

"I need to date someone who doesn't give me the..."
"Sluttyflutters?"
"Exactly."

"You feel like heaven, and you look like an angel all splayed out on my bed."

"I warmed up to you the day we met. I melted for you the second you kissed me."

Chantale

Lacey

Wholeheartedly LOVED this book!! Matt is the sweetest single father and Hailey is hilarious, awesome, and awkward. I needed the laughs they gave me. Review to come!!

Thanks to the authors for generously providing me an ARC to review.