Book Review ~ Stay by Hilary Wynne ~ Blog Tour + Giveaway

[Tamara Bass]

 

 

Stay

By Hilary Wynne

(Alexa Reed #1)

Genres:  Adult, Contemporary, Romance

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.

My Thoughts

“You know now that this is really going to happen, right, Alexa?”  He points to himself and then to me.  “And it’s going to be amazing.”

“Not just amazing, Julian.  It’s going to be epic.”

Yep, that quote sums up this book perfectly……amazing and epic!!

 

Alexa Reed has basically stopped living life to the fullest after the death of her boyfriend, Brady, 11 months ago.  Unable to have her heart broke in two again; she really does not care if she ever has a boyfriend again.  When her friends finally convince Lexie to go out with them one night, Lexie is finally enjoying herself and having a blast!  Not paying attention to where she is going, she bumps right into the bar owner – no other than the gorgeous Julian Bauer – spilling her drink on him.  She had wanted to run into this sexy man, but this was not what she had in mind.  But, as they touch, there is something there - something electric, and Lexie wants to know more about this sexy man.  Noticing the obvious flirting between Lexie and Julian during the course of the night, Luke, Lexie’s best friend, warns her that Julian is not a man she needs to be involved with.  But does Luke have Lexie’s best interests in mind, or does he love her more than a friend?

 

Lexie is beautiful, feisty, smart and witty…and very emotionally complicated.  I really liked her, but at times, I just wanted to reach into the pages and slap some sense into her.  For someone so smart, at times she just did not have a clue, especially when it came to Luke.

 

Julian Bauer is every woman’s dream man.  He is the owner of Hotel Del Marco and he is not only rich, he’s sexy, smart and sweet.  Of course, Lexie does not listen to Luke’s warning and falls into an intense relationship with Julian.  The two of them are so good together.  The sexual chemistry is amazing and they just ‘click’ so perfectly.  But, Lexie is scared of trusting anyone after what happened with her ex, Brady.  This girl is an emotional wreck.  She has so many demons she is fighting, and Julian is right there with her giving her all the support she needs.  But, she keeps pushing him away….it was so frustrating at times!  It’s obvious that Julian has fallen hard for Lexie, and he has the patience of a saint.  With Lexie’s issues, I don’t know of many men that would put up with such craziness. But Julian does, and gosh I love him for it.

 

“Julian, with you, everything is…amplified.  My emotions, my desires, they’re stronger than they should be.  All of my senses are heightened when you’re around.”

 

This book was such an emotional roller coaster for me.  It had everything I love to read in a romance novel – hot steamy sex, intrigue, humor and realistic characters that you become emotionally invested in. From page one, I was captivated and read the entire story like my life depended on it.  I had to know the outcome and I desperately needed Lexie to open up and give her heart to Julian. This intense story was so well-written and the plot flowed so effortlessly I felt as though I was right there in the story with the characters. I totally loved this epic story and can’t wait to start the second book of this amazing series. 

 

My rating:  5 out of 5 stars

                        Click HERE to add Stay to Goodreads

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes & Noble

About the Author

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!

Author Links

Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

Giveaway

Open to US and Canada

--Signed copy of Stay

--25$ Amazon Gift Card

--A swag pack ( mug, pen, postcards )

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

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