Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC for review.

This is a romantic, hopeful story about second chances and taking chances. I loved the relationship between Kierra and her stepdaughter, and oh, how I wish and hope men like Gabriel exist in the real world. This book was packed with dramatic moments and touching scenes.

I typically shy away from amnesia tropes because it’s so frustrating sitting back and watching the character go through the process of regaining their memory but this one was refreshing. kierra and gabriel grew up together but did not like each other, they eventually developed a friendship that was cut short when a car accident resulted in gabriel losing his memory, as well as his memory of her and their friendship. brittany always touches on sensitive topics and wraps her books up so beautifully, I just wish this was a bit longer cause I felt like there was more that should have been uncovered when it came to their time apart.

Oh this was a good one. It starts off a little slow, not gonna lie—but even from the beginning, I was into it. There’s this quiet emotional pull that just grabs you. The whole vibe is soft, sad, a little tense, and totally addictive. I seriously could not put it down.

The story itself is beautiful and heartbreaking and full of that “what if” kind of love that just gets you. Brittainy’s writing is super easy to read—like, I breezed through it—but it still hits deep. There are so many lines that made me stop and go, ouch... but also wow.

And omg, the last part of the book?? I was on edge, trying to figure out where things were going and getting all up in my feels. Like... what is happening?? What’s gonna happen?? I love when a book keeps me guessing like that.

Honestly, if you love emotional romance, second chances, and stories that make your heart ache a little (or a lot), this one’s 100% worth the read.

The cover is beautiful. I loved the prologue and the writing had an enchanting quality that pulled me in. I struggled a bit with the pacing. I thought the story was clever and unique but some elements I wasn't too sure about. Overall, I thought it was a good read and I enjoyed my time in the pages.

I love each Brittainy book I've read. Her writing style is so easy to devour. This story is a hard one, DV, manipulation, gaslighting... Definitely mind your triggers. The second chance romance here was done in such an interesting way. I loved that the FMC was determined to save herself. Sometimes no matter the determination, help is needed and when you let that help in the light at the end of the doom gets brighter. This story proves a mother's love and just what we will do, even at our own expense, to keep our children safe and protected from those that are supposed to be a safe space but are the true monsters.

this was good! my first brittainy cherry book and won't be my last! the emotions were high on this one and definitely kept me in my feels, gabriel and kierra had such a connection, and their chemistry -- so good!

make sure to check trigger warnings!

5/5!!!! Wow wow wow I’m speechless! I absolutely loved this book and I want to collect my thoughts before submitting my whole review!

Another great book by Brittainy Cherry! The characters were lovable & it was a really great story. I highly enjoyed it.

I’ve read a few books by this author and one thing I can say for sure is her books always deliver an emotional punch and this one did too! I really loved Gabriel, the male main character and his connection and chemistry with Kierra was undeniable. I wouldn’t say this has dual timelines but it has some glimpses into the past and we get to see how Gabriel and Kierra’s friendship started and grew over the years.

Overall, I enjoyed this one. Make sure to check trigger warnings because this does deal with heavy topics and sensitive subjects!

If You Stayed is a stunning second chance romance that I devoured. It’s been a while since I’ve read a book in less than 2 days, but I couldn’t put this one down. Gabriel and Kierra’s story made me smile, made me cry, and gave me hope.

Gabriel and Kierra meet again after two decades apart. Gabriel was the love of Kierra’s life. The only problem is, he doesn’t remember her. And she’s in a terrible marriage. It seems messy, right? Well, it is. Messy, complex, and what a ride it is… I loved watching these two find their way back to one another.

Brittainy Cherry writes my favorite words. She is a phenomenal storyteller and I love her characters and the hearts that they have. Gabriel was so special, Kierra was so strong, and Ava stole my heart. This, like most of Cherry’s books, was equal parts heart wrenching and heartwarming, but by the end I was crying happy tears. This is one of those books that I know will stay with me and I highly recommend!

"That was the problem with falling in love when you were out of love with yourself: even monsters looked appealing then.

Pub Date: April 22
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This book is one of the greatest books I've read recently and no matter what I say now won't do it justice. It's this kind of book that will stay in my heart and mind for so long 💓.

Kierra& Gabriel had been best friends since they were kids until a tragic accident ripped them apart and changed their lives forever.

Years later, Kierra has become a therapist, she's married, and has a 15 year old daughter from her husband. To the outside world, one would think she's happily married however, she's miserable, abused, and gaslighted and her marriage is one of her biggest regrets.

Gabriel has become a famous and successful architect and now he's responsible for a project on her husband's land. He was her everything but he has no clue who she is.
Could they get their second chance or is it too late?

The amount of emotions this book has is unimaginable. I cried, smiled, got angry, and felt happy and hopeful again.
It ripped my heart apart then put back the pieces.
Very beautiful love story ❤️ and at the same time it was hard to read at parts. The author did a wonderful job and the book has a very powerful message about mental, physical, and emotional abuse and the power of women and how strong we are.

Thanks so much to @netgalley and the publisher for granting me an ARC of #IfYouStayed in exchange for my honest review.

Xoxo😘

If you are familiar with Brittainy Cherry's brand of writing, you know she is going to bring the emotional and the angst. And If You Stayed is no different. With a gut punch of a prologue, I knew I was in for it. If You Stayed is a story of second chances, soulmates, generational trauma, heartbreak and hope.

Kierra thought she had found her love when she was young, but tragedy hit and that love was ripped away from her. And then she found her husband, Henry. But he turned out to be one of the worst decisions she made. Besides having Ava as a daughter and being financially successful, Henry was honestly one of the worst characters ever. He is the reason it will be hard to read Kierra's story. Please check the content warnings because this man is full of red flags.

'That was the problem with falling in love when you were out of love with yourself: even monsters looked appealing then.'

When a chance encounter with a ghost of Kierra's past leads her to a broken but never forgotten love, everything in her life gets turned upside down and things get MESSY.

I love a good and messy romance to get to our HEA, but Kierra and Gabriel had so many obstacles to overcome. This wasn't just messy. This was complete darkness. From a marriage filled with abuse, to a mother keeping heavy secrets, to a daughter that just needed someone in her corner to an adult that has no memory of a past, this is a story that will put you through it all. You will want to destroy some characters and you will want to shake others. But in the end, you get to feel a powerful story of love and kindness. A light after the dark.

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

While this story had beauty within the pages, the darkness was hard to read about. I loved who Kierra was when she was with Gabriel. They could talk and just "be". It always made me wonder what she found in Henry. But to find the peace and love that went with her past all over again was truly awe inspiring. I wanted to just grab onto it. I loved Gabriel and Kierra's connection and how they called to one another. But Henry? He's a whole other story. Like I said above, please check the content warning because he brings something to the story that I wish he didn't. And because this story has some heavy content I almost wish the ending came with some more difficulties instead of it ending too perfectly. All I know is If You Stayed will be a book that I will be thinking about long after I've finished. It's too real and raw for it not to. A thoughtful story of pain and love and how far we would go to get what we think we deserve.

'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.'

This book was very fast paced, I love a second chance and brothers best friend trope! With a good amount of spice.
It is a really cute read and Zac, ahhh he is the perfect book boyfriend. I was happy that him and Melody got back together after the horrible relationship she had, dealing with a narcissist for 6 years, she definitely deserved better and who else better than Zac to show her how she needed to be treated.

I can’t explain how much I love Brittany Cherry’s writing. This book was full of emotion, heartbreak, self reflection, and love. This was my first time reading a book that has the amnesia trope and it was handled with so much care.

Kierra and Gabriel deserve every bit of love. Kierra harboring this guilt she has had for 20 years that she really had no control over and Gabriel has been searching for the missing piece of his heart. There is so much deep themes, but they weren’t glorified and handled with care. The amount of times I cried for Kierra and Gabriel through out this book because Gabriel’s heart knew Kierra even if his mind didn’t. And Kierra going through an abusive marriage and staying for her step daughter had me all in my feels. Gabriel is the man that we all deserve. He is loving, caring, and protective over those he loves. Gabriel’s story is so heartbreaking, but even if he lost his memories he was still him. And Kierra is a strong women with having to deal with being away from her best and lover for 20, while also being in an abusive relationship. That woman was not weak! She was strong enough to stay in that marriage in order to protect her step daughter from her father so he wouldn’t hurt her.

This book was emotional, hopeful, and heartwarming that I will be recommending this book any chance I get.

Brittainy Cherry wrote another banger. This is going to be a spring time hit and I can not wait to see this in book stores everywhere. This needs to top all the charts and break all the hearts. Sher slayed me and I will be thinking about this for a long time.

Thank you to Brittainy Cherry, Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for this arc!!

I’ve been a big Brittainy Cherry fan for the longest time and her books are some of my favourite I’ve read so when I tell you I was absolutely buzzing to read this one early!

If You Stayed follows Kierra, who has been married to the wrong man staying married to the wrong man for years all for the sake of her favourite person in the world; her daughter Ava. And when her childhood best friend/love of her life turns up, sparks fly and secrets are revealed. The biggest one? He doesn’t remember who she is. And it’s her fault.

I feel like this was textbook Brittainy Cherry…all the angst, the most swoon worthy MMC and the best side characters (Ava ya lil gem) and a happy love story that is just so gorgeous from start to finish!

I loved Kierra and Gabriel’s story so much - I just only wish it were longer and we got to see more from them! Aside from the love story, this does deal some heavy topics so please check the trigger warnings before reading!

Like everything Brittainy writes, this book is a roller coaster of emotions that by the end of the book will leave you shattered in the best possible way. I loved this book, it was so devastating, so tragic, broken. But at the same time so beautiful, I can't help but love it. What an amazing story.

I love a book by this author and If I Stayed did not disappoint. She handled a very difficult subject with grace and understanding all the while showing just a few reasons on why someone might stay when faced with a similar situation. This book had me wishing I could just stop time and read it all in one sitting.

Kierra never expects to see her childhood friend and first love Gabriel ever again. After an accident that killed Gabriel's younger brother, Kierra was forced to stay away from the family especially after the accident stole Gabriel's memory. When Gabriel turns up as the lead architect on her new house, Kierra is thrown. And Gabriel has this funny feeling that he knows Kierra somehow...

Oh my goodness, what a story this was!! This second chance romance had so much emotion, especially as we were treated to the past storyline as well, where we got to see what happened to our characters prior to the accident. If you love your romances with more depth, then this one's for you. I can't wait to read more by this author.

This 5 star story was binged read in a matter of a few hours. I was hooked from the first page to the last one read. Thread carefully, there could be triggers for some readers.

Kierra is living with guilt and she thinks she deserves some of the awful things that are happening to her. Gabriel is her husbands architect for the new house. He is someone from her past that will save her.

I loved everything about this story. It was addicting and highly captivating. Some parts are hard to read. It’s an heartfelt with a roller coaster of emotions. The characters were perfectly created and developed. The plot twist was unique and perfectly created. Beautifully written with a seamless plot. Bottomline this is a must read.

Standalone told in a dual POV that goes back in forth in the past. It does come with an amazing HEA. I strongly recommend this story.