Skip to main content

Member Reviews

I loved this book! Stay tells the story of Hailey and Matt and I loved them both separately and together. It is not often in rom-com land that I've run across divorcees and this story had both of the main characters divorced and a little wounded and not really ready to get out there again which allowed them to have a bit of a slow burn that I also loved. Have I mentioned that I loved this book? Wile the story revolves around Hailey and Matt, it also includes hockey, the best sport, a successful businesswoman, and a single dad juggling his career and kids. I was excited to find this title and also to learn that there's a prior book in this series to jump into. A big thank you to Bloom Books and NetGalley for the early read in exchange for my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen are separately two of my favorite authors. Together, they are DYNAMITE!

This book is heartwarming and sexy and fun and I didn't want it to end. There's nothing better than a Hockey Romance and STAY is no exception. I can't wait to see what Elle and Sarina dream up next.

Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I love every romance that Elle Kennedy writes. This was one just as cute as all of her others. I need to read the others in the series now.

Was this review helpful?

Loved this spin off series of Him! The romance in these books is super fun and lighthearted! Would reccomend!

Was this review helpful?

I'm still not over the whole hockey romance trend, so please keep them coming. That said, this one is more than just that. It was so satisfying to watch these two lower their barriers and learn to trust one another, and, if this isn't too strange to call out, I really appreciated the small business owner angle. For a change, it was more than just a thing an author mentioned, it was an imporant aspect of her life and really added to the story.

Was this review helpful?

Stay by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy is a charming addition to the WAGS series that expertly blends humor, romance, and relatable characters. The story follows Hailey, a determined co-owner of an app called FETCH, who finds herself developing a crush on one of her anonymous clients, hockey star Matt Eriksson. Both characters are navigating the complexities of post-divorce life, which adds depth to their budding relationship.

From the start, I was drawn into Hailey's world. Her journey of self-discovery and healing after her divorce is portrayed with authenticity, making her both relatable and endearing. Matt, on the other hand, is a swoon-worthy hero who balances his fame with genuine warmth and vulnerability. Their chemistry is palpable, especially as they navigate their initial online flirtation before meeting in person.

The writing duo of Bowen and Kennedy shines in this book. Their ability to weave humor into poignant moments keeps the narrative engaging and light-hearted. I particularly enjoyed how they portrayed mature characters who are not only dealing with their romantic feelings but also focusing on their careers and personal growth. The inclusion of Matt's twin daughters adds a sweet touch to the story, showcasing his nurturing side and making him even more lovable.

However, while I thoroughly enjoyed the romance and character development, I found some plot elements to be somewhat predictable. The pacing occasionally felt uneven, especially during key moments that could have benefited from more tension or buildup. Despite these minor issues, the overall experience was delightful.

In conclusion, Stay is a fun and heartfelt read that left me smiling. With its blend of humor, romance, and relatable characters, I would rate it 4 out of 5 stars. This book is perfect for anyone looking for a light yet emotionally resonant romance that captures the complexities of love after loss. Bowen and Kennedy have once again delivered a story that will keep readers eagerly turning the pages!

Was this review helpful?

"Stay" by Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen is a delightful addition to their "WAGs" series. This heartwarming romance follows Hailey, a successful businesswoman recovering from a divorce, and Matt, a hockey star navigating single fatherhood.

Was this review helpful?

First off, I absolutely love this series. I was so excited when I saw the arc for this book. I absolutely love the dynamic between these two characters and delving into deeper issues with the kids and things like that. It was just absolutely excellent. Thanks so much for the opportunity to read it.

Was this review helpful?

love these two and their work together. and like the series and universe this is built in. This was fine and I liked the leads.

Was this review helpful?

I didn’t think I needed another hockey romance in my life, but Stay by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy completely won me over. Hailey and Matt’s story hooked me from the start—divorced, hesitant to love again, yet impossible to ignore the chemistry sparking between them. Hailey runs a virtual assistant company with her ex-husband, and Matt is an NHL star juggling his career, co-parenting twins, and rebuilding his confidence. Their connection felt natural and refreshingly mature, as they navigated real-life insecurities and challenges. With great banter, adorable moments, and a supportive friend group, this is a perfect pick for fans of fun, heartfelt sports romance.

Was this review helpful?

A good quick read! Love me a hockey romance. Loved the single dad trope. Not my fav but still fun. Writing style is more mature which is great.

Was this review helpful?

Elle Kennedy’s Stay hits all the right notes for fans of contemporary romance. With its perfect blend of humor, steamy moments, and heartfelt emotion, this book is an absolute delight from start to finish.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Elle Kennedy or new to her work, Stay is a must-read. It’s the kind of book that makes you smile, swoon, and maybe shed a tear or two. Highly recommend!

Was this review helpful?

This was fun!
The mmc helped the fmc get comfortable with herself and was such a good dad to his girls. He was a bit of a doormat with his ex but it came from insecurity, fear, and wanting to avoid conflict. Although there were some moments I wanted to shake him to snap out of it.

He won me back with the hospital scene. LOVED THAT.

Was this review helpful?

A SINGLE DAD BOOK AND I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW IT.

Thank you so much to Sourcebooks Bloom Books for the eARC of this one! These are my honest thoughts.

I'm convinced that anything Sarina Bowen + Elle Kennedy + Hockey = Magic.

I adored this story about divorcee Hailey, who works at a virtual assistant company she founded with her ex-husband, and divorcee Matt, who happens to be the star of the local professional hockey team who uses Hailey's company upon the recommendation of his ex-wife to help him settle into his new life as a single dad. In a pinch, Hailey walks Matt's dog for him, and the rest, as they say, is history.

These two had immediately chemistry. I loved the mixture of messaging through the Fetch app, sweet surprises left to be found, IRL, secret tickets to the game, signs, and more. This story had a little bit of everything... work, relationships, children, balance, standing up for yourself, and doing the right thing. Matt's girls stole the show, as did the dog, in every scene they were in. It had sweet and tender moments, and spicy moments, too.

I enjoyed the audio of this one as well, and recommend that format if you enjoy listening to audiobooks!

Was this review helpful?

My red flag is requesting books simply for the authors, and not reading the descriptions. I had absolutely zero idea this book was a part of one of my favorite series, but the feelings I got when I figured it out will forever be unmatched.

I love the duology of Kennedy and Bowen. This book fits perfectly with the others of the series, but stands alone nonetheless. It was cute, unique and fun. I would highly recommend.

Was this review helpful?

So glad Elle and Sarina decided to rebrand this and I got to get it through NetGalley! It was a joy to read honestly.

Hailey was so funny in a non-conventional kind of way, one of my favorite main characters in awhile. Her and Matt having a lot in common outside of hockey really had their relationship transform easily. WAG being the forefront for Hailey was so fascinating cause I truly love the business.

Will now have to read the other books!

Was this review helpful?

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this book.
I did enjoy this book, but something was a bit off for me while reading it. And I don’t know what it is.
First, I like the idea of the app, gives me ideas to find my billionaire hot hockey player. Fetch will be my next employment. Second, the MCs are quite hilarious. Reading about their feelings made me laugh more than once. But I didn’t like the progression of the story. I don’t know why. It was well written for me, and quite catchy, but probably didn’t like the chemistry of the two together. Overall, a really nice book. And besides the hockey player thing, is something that a divorced woman in their 30’s can easily relate. The scary part of dating again.
Love the cover.

Was this review helpful?

Ah WAGS! I love this series! The first one hooked me and this one finished me off. I wish that there was a third book!

Was this review helpful?

Great romance book by a great author. Loved the story and plot line. The cover is beautiful and will definitely read from this author again

Was this review helpful?

Stay by Elle Kennedy & Sarina Bowen is an easy & fun to get lost in romance thanks to two incredible authors that are staples in the hockey romance world.

This is book #2 in the WAG series, but it could be read as a standalone. Although, I really enjoyed book #1, Stay, so I do recommend both!

Stay is great for fans of…
🩷 Hockey Romance
🩷 Single Dad
🩷 Close Proximity

I appreciate the fact that both of the main characters were older than their 20’s & divorced. I also love a good single dad romance & this story provided an interesting foundation for the characters to begin with.

I adore this team & their hilarity together, I have enjoyed every book I’ve read by these authors! I love the way there’s humor with the heartful romance & spice.

Massive thanks to NetGalley & Bloom Books for the gifted copy, which I voluntarily read & reviewed.

Was this review helpful?