Stay by Hilary Wynne
(Alexa Reed #1)
Genres: Adult, Contemporary,
(Alexa Reed #1)
Genres: Adult, Contemporary,
Synopsis:
Set against the steamy and sultry world of South Beach, Florida, a modern romance unfolds in Stay.
Alexa is beautiful, independent and hard to resist for serially unattached Julian. Neither one is looking for a relationship, but their palpable chemistry and instant emotional connection is too strong to ignore. For the first time in years, Julian is interested in more than just sex. He wants a relationship with intoxicating Alexa, but it’s not that simple. Not only are Julian and Alexa struggling with the intensity of this new relationship, but they also have to contend with Luke, Alexa’s best friend, whose own love for her leaves him willing to do anything to convince her that Julian is not the man for her. Luke’s determination and Alexa’s secret past threaten to tear Julian and Alexa apart as she struggles to open her heart to love. Julian and Alexa embark upon a roller-coaster ride of emotional and physical passion that both pulls them apart and holds them together. Despite their affinity for each other, Alexa fears that Julian will leave when he learns about her past and Julian is unsure he can love a woman who in so many ways remains a mystery, a woman who keeps threatening to run, a woman who can’t decide if she is going to STAY.
Alexa is beautiful, independent and hard to resist for serially unattached Julian. Neither one is looking for a relationship, but their palpable chemistry and instant emotional connection is too strong to ignore. For the first time in years, Julian is interested in more than just sex. He wants a relationship with intoxicating Alexa, but it’s not that simple. Not only are Julian and Alexa struggling with the intensity of this new relationship, but they also have to contend with Luke, Alexa’s best friend, whose own love for her leaves him willing to do anything to convince her that Julian is not the man for her. Luke’s determination and Alexa’s secret past threaten to tear Julian and Alexa apart as she struggles to open her heart to love. Julian and Alexa embark upon a roller-coaster ride of emotional and physical passion that both pulls them apart and holds them together. Despite their affinity for each other, Alexa fears that Julian will leave when he learns about her past and Julian is unsure he can love a woman who in so many ways remains a mystery, a woman who keeps threatening to run, a woman who can’t decide if she is going to STAY.
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My Review:
This is a beautiful story of someone who is their own worst enemy. Alexa has a past that isn't very clear in the beginning of the book but piece by piece the puzzle slowly fits together. She is too scared to love and afraid to open up to anyone. What happens though when Julian pushes his way in???? A bump in the stairwell by chance brings a beautiful, touching story!
Alexa drove me crazy through a lot of the book. She had all the feelings running inside her but was so closed off emotionally and wouldn't be honest with her feelings. Even when Julian knew that what she was saying wasn't the truth he 'stayed' with her because he was hooked. The passion between the two was out of this world! They had no concerns on the physical side of their relationship but on the emotional side.... major issues.
I loved how Julian was so in tune with her feelings by gauging her reactions! He is definitely a dream guy who anyone would love to have. He always said the sweetest things and tried never to push her too far emotionally. He was ready to move forward but she was so closed off it was hard for their relationship to develop past the physical aspect!
One of my favorite lines that kind of captures the whole difference between the two:
"I've been waiting to feel this way for years, and now that I do, I want to share it all with you. I don't know what's too much and what isn't enough."
The ending couldn't have been more perfect for me... WOW! I thought this was a great book and I definitely have a new book boyfriend in Julian!
AUTHOR BIO
Have you ever woken up one day and said, “Today’s the day I’m going to do (insert thing here)?” Well, I did, and the result is my first novel, Stay. I always thought of myself as a decent writer, and then a trip down memory lane through my ninth grade book of poetry confirmed it. I realize that I have always had a romantic side and a way with words. With support from my husband and kids (and an unspoken agreement to leave me alone for a few hours every night), I embarked on this incredible writing journey.
I’m originally from sunny Southern California and spent my summers in South Florida. I attended college at FSU and received my Masters in New Mexico. I finally settled in the Washington, DC area. My happy place has always been anywhere near the water.
When I’m not writing, I help run a business with my husband, watch an inordinate amount of sports (my kids play something 365 days a year), indulge my competitive spirit on the tennis court, and spend time with my awesome family and friends.
I am an avid reader, but find my characters feel neglected when I hang out with other author’s characters for too long. When I do read, historical fiction is my favorite genre. I love traveling and experiencing different cultures, places, and times.
I feel so blessed that my love of books inspired me to finally do something that I forgot I had always dreamed about doing.
My someday has arrived!
I’m originally from sunny Southern California and spent my summers in South Florida. I attended college at FSU and received my Masters in New Mexico. I finally settled in the Washington, DC area. My happy place has always been anywhere near the water.
When I’m not writing, I help run a business with my husband, watch an inordinate amount of sports (my kids play something 365 days a year), indulge my competitive spirit on the tennis court, and spend time with my awesome family and friends.
I am an avid reader, but find my characters feel neglected when I hang out with other author’s characters for too long. When I do read, historical fiction is my favorite genre. I love traveling and experiencing different cultures, places, and times.
I feel so blessed that my love of books inspired me to finally do something that I forgot I had always dreamed about doing.
My someday has arrived!
Author Links:
Great review, Beth! I really want to meet Julian for myself he sounds great! And I love that quote!
ReplyDeleteThat quote sums up Julian completely for me. His struggle to be with her as she continued to push him away "emotionally" throughout the entire book. Love me some Julian.... it takes a true man to 'stay' through all of that!
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