Second chance is such a top tier storyline and is one of my favorites for developing those soul deep connections that make me feel their love more than just seeing it.

These characters were so authentic and real! Their story falls lighter on the on page spice, but doesn’t sacrifice on any of the tension.

The amnesia trope really enhances how meant to be these characters were — even without their shared experiences to fall back on, they still continued to be pulled back into each other.

You’ll Find —
Forced Proximity
Second Chance
Childhood Sweethearts
Friends to Lovers
Amnesia

Thankful for the opportunity to read!

How many times have we asked ourselves this book title? What if you stayed? Well author Brittainy Cherry answers this question and more in a new romance fiction novel.

Gabriel is Kierra's first everything. Her first friend, first kiss, first love and first heartbreak. One tragic accident tore them apart, leaving Gabriel with no memory and Kierra with a world of guilt. Fast forward a few years to Kierra in a loveless marriage when Gabriel re-enters her life (because we all know it's a small world). Feelings stir, memories threaten to surface and controlling jealousy rears its ugly head.

As an overthinker, I appreciated Kierra's natural instinct to think through every possible scenario. She did not make any kneejerk decisions like chicks in romance novels often do. She was a planner that considered others' feelings before her own. This was not the typical spin the block plot. It really was a second chance romance that I could not put down.

Oh, the emotions this book gave me! All the feels as the story came together! Bookhearts, you will want to read this book in just one or two sittings. It is not spicy or steamy romance. It is what could happen IRL type romance. All sides of love are explored: the good, the bad and the ugly. Tension is built with suspense hanging at every chapter. And the writing is just beautiful.

I have not read many of Brittainy Cherry's books, but I will definitely add more to my shelf now. I recommend you do the same.

If You Stayed is now available.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie

What an emotional journey—intense, moving, and beautifully written. The author tackles some heavy themes, so I highly recommend reading the author’s notes and content warnings before diving in.

Gabriel was an incredible character—kind, and supportive of Kierra from the very beginning. Their relationship felt genuine, and it was heartwarming to see them navigate their challenges together. While Gabriel’s mother didn’t always make the best choices, I found myself feeling a lot of empathy for her as well.

There is a happy ending, but again, be sure to read the trigger warnings first.

Solid 4.5 stars from me!

Love wasn't always perfect. It often came with bends and cracks. The greatest heartbreaks always came from love more than they came from hatred.'

Brittainy Cherry never ever disappoints! I mean not ever! My heart was so torn! This was a mess but beautifully written!

Are you happy, Kierra?
No, but maybe some people aren't meant to be happy. Maybe some people are just meant to be heartbroken!

Run... Don't walk to pick this up!

This was such a beautiful second chance romance between Kierra and Gabriel that I just absolutely adored!!

The characters just pulled me in and fell head over heels with Kierra and Gabriel. This was my first book by Brittainy and I just fell in love with her writing and characterization.

This one made me smile, cry, and curl up with coziness. Cherry is a phenomenal storyteller and I can see why so many love her books. So heartwarming and heartbreaking but the best combination of both.

I highly recommend this one!!

5/5 stars

This was a good, emotional read. Brittainy Cherry really knows how to pull at your heartstrings, and the story definitely had its powerful moments. That said, it's important to go into this one knowing it deals with some really tough topics—especially domestic abuse, both physical and emotion also definitely check trigger warnings before starting.

I did find myself frustrated with some of the characters at times. The female main character’s hesitation to leave a bad situation was hard to understand, and the male lead’s mom got under my skin, too. But I also get that I haven’t lived their lives, so it’s not really fair to say what I’d do in their shoes.

Overall, it’s a solid read if you’re looking for something emotional, and it does show that love can sometimes survive anything even lost memories

Brittany Cherry does what she does best—shatters your heart and then painstakingly pieces it back together. If You Stayed is an emotional roller coaster that pulls you in with its raw, heartbreaking moments and keeps you hoping for a happy ending. The story of high school sweethearts who reunite after a life-changing tragedy is gripping, full of longing, pain, and the fragile beauty of second chances.

With poignant writing and deeply emotional scenes, this book will have you in tears, rooting for love to triumph over devastation. If you’re a fan of romance that makes you feel every emotion, this one is a must-read.

4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If You Stayed by Brittainy Cherry? A total emotional rollercoaster in the best way possible.
This book wrecked me—in the best way. Brittainy Cherry’s writing is stunning; it’s beautiful, raw, and full of so much heart. The chemistry between the characters is electric, but the story itself is so much more than just romance—it’s about healing, family, and overcoming trauma.

The characters are so well-developed, with flaws and struggles that make them feel real. The love story is slow-burn perfection, and every twist and turn left me holding my breath. It’s the kind of book that makes you feel deeply and reflect long after finishing it.

4.5/5 stars. An emotional, beautifully written romance that will stay with you long after the last pagE.


❤️shaye.reads

I really enjoyed this book. Was very emotional and moving . I love a second chance of happiness and this was just delicious

This was my first Brittainy Cherry book, I really really enjoyed it. This was an emotional but beautiful read, there were also moments that had me laughing. It brought all of the emotions, making for a wonderful story.

Gabriel and Kierra went through so much, they’ve known each other since they were kids. An accident left Gabriel with memory loss, Kierra was told to stay away by his mother. So years later when Kierra’s husband hires Gabriel to design their new house, Kierra is shocked to see Gabriel again. Unfortunately Gabriel has no idea who she is…

This story was everything, Gabriel was the sweetest man. Even before he knew who Kierra was, he felt a connection to her. These two had chemistry like no other, they were truly soul mates. I loved Ava also, the love Kierra had for her and vice versa, she also grew the sweetest friendship with Gabriel. Kierra went through so much, but in the end she came out stronger than ever.

I love this book, I’ll definitely be reading more by this author!

Thank you NetGalley and Source Books for the ARC!

If You Stayed is a beautifully written, emotionally charged second chance romance that follows Kierra and Gabriel who, when the book opens, are just seeing each other for the first time after a 20-year separation.

I loved the unique take on this second chance romance in the sense that it’s only Kierra that remembers their shared history, all of its beauty and its pain. Gabriel was her first best friend, first kiss, first love and her first heartbreak. A tragic accident nearly took Gabriel’s life and has robbed him of all memories of his past, including his time with Kierra. That same accident drove Kierra out of town and out of his life, until now, when Kierra’s husband has unwittingly hired Gabriel to be the architect on their new home.

I was immediately hooked on this story and wanted to know why this tragedy drove Kierra away for so long. I liked the way the story unfolded, giving those answers about the past through flashbacks, while also showing how deeply connected Kierra and Gabriel still are in the present. Even with no memory of Kierra, it’s clear that Gabriel still feels a connection to her and could easily fall for her all over again and it’s equally clear that Kierra has unresolved feelings for Gabriel. Kierra’s situation is all the more frustrating because she is currently in a loveless marriage to a controlling husband that she only stays in because she cares deeply for her stepdaughter and fears losing that connection. As the truth about everything was gradually revealed, I flew through the pages, hoping a second chance was in the cards for Kierra and Gabriel because they just deserved it so much after everything that was taken from them.

If you like an angsty, addictive read that features flawed, messy characters, I would definitely recommend If You Stayed. It does deal in some heavy themes such as domestic abuse though so be sure to check trigger warnings before diving into this one.

Brittainy Cherry delivered an amazing second chance romance, her storytelling is phenomenal, and this story was her at her very best.

This book captivated me from start to finish. It was dual-pov, told in the past and the present. Gabriel and Kierra have been thru a lot in their lives, their story was heartbreaking and heartwarming all at the same time. And the secondary characters were superb especially Kierra’s daughter Ava.
Brittainy gifted us with an epilogue that you will love!!!

Brittainy Cherry does it again! I swear, this woman knows how to make me feel all the feels. This was a masterpiece and brings so much hope to women who may be in an abusive marriage or relationship. I loved this book so much and I hope all my friends read this immediately.

If You Stayed by @bcherryauthor

Thank you so much to @netgalley @sourcebookscasa and Brittainy for this ARC!

“There once was a man who loved me, until he forgot every memory we’ve ever shared…”

This was a beautiful book that dealt with a lot of hard topics and subject matter. How one moment in time and one decision can alter your life but if it’s meant to be, it will find you.

This is a book about love, loss and perseverance 💙

If you love:
💔Second Chance Romance
🧠Amnesia
👧Childhood Friends to Lovers
🕰️Dual Timeline and Dual POV
⚠️Domestic Abuse and Mental Trauma

Read this book!

If there’s one thing I love about this author is her ability to make you feel all of the things! I knew this book was going to be amazing before I ever started it and I was not disappointed!

Talking about an emotional rollercoaster. Gabriel and Kierra’s story was heartbreaking, full of angst and encouraging. It’s a second chance love story full of well developed characters. I cried, screamed at my Kindle and wanted to punch a couple of the characters. Please check the trigger warnings. This book is not for the faint of heart. But it is beautiful, if you stayed…

Fate has a way of stepping in when you least expect it.

For Kierra – twenty years have passed since she last saw Gabriel. A tragedy separated they haven’t seen one another since. While Kierra holds the memories of their youth close to her heart, Gabriel can’t remember her. As a matter of fact, Gabriel cannot remember anything before his 20th birthday.

Trapped in a marriage that is controlling, domineering and manipulative, Kierra knows the meaning of unhappiness. Through this heartache comes a bright light in Kierra’s step-daughter. Ava is Kierra’s light in the darkness and she would do anything to protect her from harm.

Remember I mentioned fate has a wicked way of rearing its head? Well – Henry inadvertently brings Gabriel back into Kierra’s life when he hires his architectural firm to build a home for his family. The sparks between Gabriel and Kierra are simmering once again. Where will this chance encounter lead two souls that were destined to find love?

If Brittainy Cherry is releasing a new book, you know you need to get ready for an emotional and stunning read. If You Stayed is a second-chance romance that will pull your heart through the wringer as you follow Kierra and Gabriel’s story. It is emotional at times, but offers a glimpse at love when fate take the time to intervene.

In true Cherry fashion, this books was an emotional rollercoaster . Complex, makes you think; a love story that stays with you but it is more than that
Beautiful book.

Brittainy strikes again!
In this vivid, gripping, emotional book, we experience a thousand emotions in each chapter. A real rollercoaster ride.

Keirra, a sweet, supposedly well married therapist, meets someone from her past who turns her world upside down - Gabriel.
Together they are soul mates, but an event from the past and a very real problem from the present need to be resolved.
A story of strong emotions, out of the box and in a way refreshing to escape the usual themes.
It's a gripping read, Brittainy style. You're always waiting for something else to happen and destroy you. And it does.

I found myself gritting my teeth at passages where abuse is mentioned (please read the trigger warnings).

A story with a very real plot these days.

I didn't give it five stars because I would have liked to have seen more development around the abuser. It was resolved too quickly.
But it's an excellent read that I highly recommend to those who like to suffer with the protagonists (as I often say).

Fav Quote: '" When two souls are tangled in forever..." I whispered. "Then forever is what they'll be," he whispered back"'

For this book I recommend a cup of tea for the nerves, or a glass of wine for the strong moments.

Thank you to NetGalley, to the publisher and author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes:
💜second chance
🩶amnesia
💜dual timeline
🩶trauma
💜all the feels
If you Stayed is not my first book by Brittainy nor my last. I enjoy her books for the storytelling and all the feels and this one was no exception. In this book we get Gabriel n Kierra's story.

After two decades apart, Gabriel and Kierra meet again. He has no memory of her and she's married to a rotten man.

Gabriel and Kierra's story takes us on an emotional roller coaster ride. Their story is one of heartbreak and hope. It puts you in your feels. It definitely had me in a chokehold from start to finish. Both characters endured so much but in the end love conquers
I absolutely loved this book and if you like books that rip you apart and then glue it together again this is one for you.

Definitely heed the TW before reading