REVIEW BY VICTORIA! STAY BY HILARY WYNNE

Stay is Book 1 of The Alexa Reed Series

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.

Alexa is not just a beautiful woman but also independent.  She is a strong woman who reminds me of the girl next-door type.  She loves shoe shopping when she is upset to the point her closet if full to the brim.  She hides from her past not willing to discuss it with anyone other than her therapist but even then does not get the whole story.   She continually blames herself for her past. 

Julian is the owner of Hotel del Marco.  He is fascinated with Alexa and can’t get enough of her.  He is a hot and sexy man who is also rich.  Alexa is not interested in his money and had a hard time understanding why he is attracted to her.   Julian struggles to prove her wrong and make the relationship with Alexa work. 

The chemistry between Julian and Alexa is blistering.  The sex scenes were hot and steamy.  Julian has to battle the rumors Alexa’s best friend Luke spreads that Alexa is totally unaware of.  He also has to battle Alexa’s poor self-image as well. 

I found this book to be well written.  The main and secondary characters were interesting and realistic.  I was drawn into this story and I read this book in one sitting.    While I am not fond of cliffhanger endings this one was done very well and it did not leave me angry and frustrated.  I cannot wait to read the next book when it comes out.  Overall, this was a great novel.