What a read by Briittainy C. Cherry. If You Stayed is a wonderfully emotional second chance romance that will keep you turning the pages while being immersed in Kierra and Gabriel’s story. I don’t want to give this story away but just know this read is everything that this author delivers so well, well developed characters that are so relatable, a story line that pulls you in, and a world that makes you feel like you are right there along with all of the characters. This was a beautiful story that was hard and difficult at times but so worth it in the end.

I didn't hate anything about this book, and I also didn't love anything about this book, so we are landing in the middle.

I did like it, don't misunderstand me, but it just lacked a couple of the things I was looking for in order to LOVE it. My main issue is that it felt a little too far fetched IN SOME ASPECTS. Not in every aspect, because in others it felt all too real. I also felt very emotionally detached, and I am still not quite sure if that is entirely a ME problem or if it had to do with the writing. Either way, I didn't feel as devastated by everything going on as I should have been. Kierra and Gabriel both deserved better than their circumstances, but obviously they both got their happily ever after in the end. I just personally feel as though some things cannot be forgiven. I am the master of holding a grudge, so I may very well be the problem.

Absolutely phenomenal! If you're looking for a story that takes you on an emotional roller coaster, this is it! I dove into this tale with no expectations, and wow, was I surprised! It captured my heart from start to finish. What I thought would be a simple story turned out to be so much more. It’s not just a second chance romance; it’s a deep exploration of life.

We first meet Kierra and Gabriel as young children, neighbors brought together by their parents. But tragedy strikes, and then they don't reconnect until later in life. When they do, you’ll have to read to find out what happens! Kierra's journey is painful and gut-wrenching, showcasing her struggles beautifully. This gripping and raw narrative tore my heart apart, then slowly stitched it back together as Kierra begins her healing journey. Pick up this book and devour it!! You won’t be disappointed!!

Brittainy C. Cherry is the queen of angsty, emotional stories, and she does it again with Kierra and Gabriel's second chance in If You Stayed.

From the moment Kierra and Gabriel cross paths at a dinner party, the thread between them pulls taut. She never expected to see her first love again, and he has no idea why he feels such a connection to his new client. The reunion between these two characters is two decades in the making, and is a messy road full of family secrets, memory loss, heartbreak, and grief. There are so many complexities to this story, as Kierra is stuck in a loveless, abusive marriage, and Gabriel can't remember most of his childhood, especially the whopper of a secret his mother has been keeping from him.

I loved going along for the ride as these two found their way back to one another. Kierra absolutely adores her stepdaughter, Ava, and everything she does is to protect the teen — even at the risk of her own safety. Gabriel really takes Ava under his wing as an intern, and she just blossomed in a way through her friendship with him. And Henry… how I loathed Henry. Which is exactly how the reader is supposed to feel about him, I suppose!

It's heartwrenching and emotional, and it will make you cry, but If You Stayed is another fantastic book by the brilliant author. There are several red flags in this book, so check out the trigger warnings if you so desire. It's rough to read at points, but the ending of If You Stayed is a well-deserved one for Kierra and Gabriel after all their hurt and healing.

I received an advanced copy thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca and voluntarily left a review.

THIS is the book those who were unsatisfied by it ends with us should read. The depictions of mental, emotional and physical abuse were heartbreaking but the joy of connecting to a past love, a true love, was a stark contrast. Cannot recommend this enough!!!

loved this one. I am a sucker for memory loss. (Dont judge me). This book was perfect. second chance, amnesia, perfection. Thanks netgally and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca | Sourcebooks Casablanca

It's been a while since I've read a book by Brittainy Cherry and this sounded like the emotional read that I was looking for. However, it wasn't quite what I was hoping for and didn't feel like I was the target audience for this one. I appreciated the content warnings before I started because I knew what to expect a little before going in.

I thought the writing was great and the pacing wasn't too bad as well. I was just kind of hoping that the FMCs abusive relationship with her husband didn't overpower the entire store. It really hindered me from enjoying the romance we did get with the MMC. And I wanted her to have so much more of that because she 100% deserved it. And it all wrapped up a bit too quickly, I think would have loved to see her healing process a bit more. And just being in a better environment. I loved the huge support system she had around her, but I didn't come away from this book feeling happy and light like I have with previous books.

I know this book will hold a strong message for many and it is a powerful story, the strength of a character that continues to push through. Just not sure if I would have put this one into the romance category.

Please check out the content warnings and I will say the domestic abuse takes place for a big chunk of the book.

If You Stayed is a phenomenal story of first love & second chances but also of breaking the cycle of abuse.

Kierra and Gabriel suffered immensely as teens- Kierra was forced to walk away from her first love & Gabriel lost all memories of his childhood & Kierra. Years later, they meet again when Gabriel is tasked with building Kierras new home. Kierra is trapped in a loveless marriage and Gabriel has this deep gut instinct that draws him closer to her. As Kierra tries to weather her storm this time she cant help but wonder what if she stayed and what if Gabriel stayed.

I loved everything about this book. I love the romance & the flashbacks. I love seeing Kierra and Gabriel friendship grow (both times). I especially loved Kierras daughter, Ava.

This book, along with all of her other books, absolutely guts you. She has way with words when weaving her stories. This story was so much more than a love story- it was a story about choosing yourself and your own happiness. It is a story of choices - to stay or not to stay.

**An Emotional Rollercoaster – 5 Stars!**

*If You Stayed* by Brittainy Cherry left me completely speechless. This book is a beautiful, gut-wrenching love story that I won’t be forgetting anytime soon. From the moment I started reading, I could feel the depth of emotion woven into every chapter, and I found myself hooked, not just by the romance, but by the raw vulnerability of the characters.

The story follows two deeply complex people, each carrying their own pain and struggles. What really got me was how real and relatable their emotions felt—Cherry doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff, and that made every moment of their journey together feel earned. The way their relationship grows from a place of mutual understanding and healing was just so heartwarming, and I found myself rooting for them every step of the way.

What struck me most was how this book didn’t just focus on romance. It’s about loss, healing, and finding the strength to move forward when life seems impossible. The emotional depth in this book is intense, and there were moments when I found myself wiping away tears. But it’s also hopeful, with a message about the power of love and second chances.

*If You Stayed* is a beautifully written book that will tug at your heartstrings and stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. If you’re looking for a story that’s as emotional as it is powerful, I can’t recommend this one enough. Brittainy Cherry has truly outdone herself.

I love this book, but my goodness I can’t stop crying when I reached the last part, I was heartbroken throughout most part but managed to hold the tears, but nop,Miss Cherry made it again 😭

Right at the beginning we can see that this story is going to be hard and painful.
Kierra is not only deals with grief and guilt, she also looses her first love because he doesn’t remember her. And when Gabriel reappears and is not other then the architect hired by her husband to be in charge of her new house, her not so perfect life would reach a point of no return.
A big warning and recommendation for y’all is to check and read the trigger warning at the beginning of the book, there’s a very sensitive subject matter that may bring back memories to some readers.
But even with all that I love the way this author caught me with every and each story she writes, she has a way to make you connect and feel her words on a way that breaks you and fixed you with her happy endings.
Theres is something that I wish would not be so rushing and is probably the last two or three chapters, things happen to fast and that leave a little down because I want to see Henry deals with more then he got.
Do I recommend this book? Absolutely, not just because Kierra is a beautiful soul who at some point was or seems herself broken, but because Gabriel is the perfect man who I think only exists in the books 😁

Thank you so much to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC on exchange of my honest review.

“I love you, too. You know what’s crazy about that?” “What’s that?” “I knew I loved you before I even knew your name.”

This book was absolutely beautiful! Brittainy is one of those authors that just makes you feel all the feels when reading their books. I don’t think I’ve ever not ugly cried in one of her books, but as some of you know, I love to break apart and put back together, and that’s exactly what her books do!

Kierra and Gabriel were best friends growing up. He was her first love and her first heartbreak. One night, there was a terrible accident that nearly took his life but instead took his memories. Years later, Kierra still holds guilt from that night. Now, she’s trapped in a loveless marriage, raising a child. Until one day, Gabriel shows up as the architect on her new home and has no idea who she is. Gabriel was seriously the sweetest man! He never blinked an eye when Kierra or her daughter needed him, and I loved that about him! I highly recommend this one if you want to feel all the feels!

Brittainy has such an incredible way with words. This book had my heart in shambles only to be restored in the most lovely way. After being separated for decades due to tragedy, our main characters are thrust back into each other’s lives. The only problem is that one is an a very dark marriage and the other has no memory of their previous love.

Gabriel is the most incredible man and my heart aches for everything he had to overcome. The fact that he comes out of everything being a wonderful human is a true testament to his character. Kierra is stronger than any woman should have to be. After living with guilt for years, she finds herself in a bad marriage that she continues to stay in solely to protect her step-daughter. When these two slowly come back into each other’s lives, it is a breath of fresh air. One they both desperately need and deserve.

This story is one of hope and perseverance. It will crush your heart, more than once, only to mend you back together in the end. Definitely a great read when you need to feel all of the feelings.

Thank you so much to Brittainy, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and NetGalley for this ARC in return for my honest review. My opinions are my own.

Synopsis: As teenagers, Gabriel and Kierra thought they would be together forever. But when a tragic accident leaves Gabriel with no memories, Kierra is forced to leave town, never planning to see him again. Fast forward to today, Kierra is stuck in a loveless marriage that she only stays in for her step daughter, and Gabriel is a sought-after architect. When Gabriel is hired for a project by Kierra’s husband, the forced proximity brings back old feelings.

Thoughts: If you are in the mood for an angsty romance, look no further! This story really packs an emotional punch. I thought it was a very unique take on second chance romance and the amnesia trope, and I found myself binging the story to find out more about what happened in the past. Despite the crazy circumstances, Gabriel and Kierra’s relationship is written in a way that feels really genuine. I recommend picking this one up when you’re ready for a messy, complicated and emotional love story.

Read this if you like:
✨ second chance romance
✨ amnesia
✨ dual pov
✨ dual timelines
✨ forced proximity

ARC Review
If you stayed
By Brittany Cherry

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

– A deeply emotional, beautifully healing love story

If You Stayed by Brittany Cherry is the kind of book that doesn’t just tug at your heart—it grabs it with both hands and doesn’t let go. It’s a story of pain, healing, and the quiet bravery it takes to start over.

Kierra is a standout heroine. Her decision to leave an abusive relationship is written with honesty and care, and her strength shines in every page. But what makes her even more powerful is her role as a mother. Her love for her daughter Ava is fierce, selfless, and unwavering. You feel the way every decision Kierra makes is rooted in protecting Ava and creating a better life for her. Their bond is tender and pure, and it adds such emotional depth to the story.

Gabriel’s story is just as moving. Struggling with memory loss and emotional trauma, he’s broken in ways he can’t quite articulate—but his vulnerability makes him all the more real. Watching him connect with Kierra and slowly build trust again is both heartbreaking and beautiful.

Leaving Henry was survival. Loving Gabriel was freedom.

This isn’t just a romance—it’s about second chances, choosing yourself, and the strength it takes to stay when everything in you wants to run. Kierra, Gabriel, and Ava will stay with me for a long time.

Keirra is unexpectedly reunited with her first love and best friend, Gabriel when she least expects it. She’s married to someone else and to make matters more complicated Gabriel has no idea who she is or that they share a history.

“If you stayed” deals with many heavy subject matters and I would advise to read your triggers before starting this book. It is detailed and on page. I did appreciate how accurate the details were and truly felt everything these characters endured.

The writing of this book was done very well and the author did a great job of keeping me invested enough to finish. That being said I did find myself wishing for more tension and chemistry between Kierra and Gabriel. I felt some emotions lacking and it took away from the overall connection to these characters. The last few chapters felt rushed in how perfectly it was wrapped up to get to the ending. With the heaviness of the entire book, the ending felt rather unrealistic.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the advance copy.

ALL THE FEELS! I knew I loved a Brittainy Cherry book years ago so I gave this one a chance and boy, I couldn’t put it down! Kierra is so wonderfully complex and real. Gabriel is a total cinnamon roll, but also has scars from his past. This book was less of a romance but more of Kierra finding her strength and power. I loved that nothing was glossed over and it was gritty and authentic. While it wasn’t all about the romance, there was chemistry where I could feel the sparks! I typically am not a fan of second chance romance, but this was a perfect blend that didn’t have one ounce of cheesiness in it. Ava was delightfully written for a 14 year old, and I loved how everything really came full circle at the end. This is an emotional journey and those that can be triggered by any abuse should be cautious reading this. However, it is truly a beautiful story that is absolutely emotional and empowering. 5⭐️, 2🌶

What a beautiful story. One small moment can really change the trajectory of anyone’s life. What Kierra didn’t know is that not only did she have to walk away from the love of her life but that he wouldn’t even remember who she was let alone that they were ever in love when they crossed paths later in life. Please be sure to read your trigger warnings when it comes to this book. It has some heavy topics. I truly felt the emotion of the characters and the love, fear, bravery, courage, compassion, and kindness of the characters. Such a beautifully written story

4.5 stars

To everyone else, Kierra Hughes appeared to have an enviable life, but deep down, her soul was suffering. An unexpected reconnection with her long-lost first love, Gabriel Sinclair, could throw both of their lives into a tailspin.

Gabriel was practically an angel—perfection personified. I would have preferred to see some flaws and vulnerabilities. Kierra, on the other hand, carried the weight of her struggles with quiet strength. I was glad they found each other again.

The story was heartbreaking in more than one way. It was engaging, realistic, and at times enraging.

If You Stayed is a story of guilt and atonement. It would appeal to readers who enjoy an emotional second-chance romance.

Thank you to Brittainy Cherry, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

First, the cover of this book is gorgeous.

Second, this book was heartbreaking, but in a beautiful way. Gabriel was strong even after losing his memory. Kierra is staying in a horrible marriage for her stepdaughter. She obviously remembers Gabriel and all the times they had.

You will feel every emotion while reading this one, so prepare yourself.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the e-ARC of IF YOU STAYED by Brittainy Cherry in exchange for my honest review.

CW: amnesia, domestic abuse, verbal abuse, infidelity, attempted sexual assault, child death, sizeism, death of a parent, panic attacks, bullying, misogyny, gaslighting, car accident

If you read romance books, this needs to be on your TBR. Immediately five stars. And will be one of my favourite books of the year, for sure. I can't believe this is my first Brittany Cherry book, but I can't wait to read more of her backlist.

It's been a long time since I had such a visceral reaction to a book. I was squealing and giggling and kicking my feet so many times while reading.

I adored Kierra and Gabriel. Their banter, chemistry, history, and tension were written so well. One minute I was laughing out loud and the next minute I was swooning so hard. And Ava kept reminding me of Luke's daughter April in Gilmore Girls, for whatever reason.

I couldn't even wait to finish before pre-ordering a finished copy from the bookstore and I can't wait to go back and transfer all my annotations from my Kindle to the physical copy.

Now, please excuse me while I find me some cinnamon muffins because damn, they sound amazing.

Protect Gabriel at all costs!

⚠️ If you or someone you know has been impacted by DV, please remember that your emotional and mental well-being comes first and approach this book accordingly.