REVIEW: STAY WITH ME BY ELYSSA PATRICK

With one look, I’m his . . .

With one touch, he’s mine . . .

With one kiss, it changes everything between us . . .

I’ve been famous since I can remember. Singing, acting, dancing—I’ve done it all. The tabloids cover my every move, but I don’t want that anymore. I want to be normal, whatever that is.

When I leave Hollywood for college in Vermont, I’m on my own for the first time in my life. This is my chance to figure out who I am and what I want in life.

But it’s a lot harder than I expected. I can’t escape my image. Classes are difficult, and I’m struggling. And then there’s Caleb Fox.

Sexy, intriguing Caleb Fox.

Caleb is the one man who doesn’t want to use me. He breaks down my walls. He challenges me. He wants me. And I just don’t know if I can give him the same—or if he’ll stick around when he finds out my shameful secret that the tabloids haven’t managed to uncover.

Dating him is risky enough, but loving him could break me.

New Adult/Contemporary Romance - recommended for ages 17 and up.

ebook, 276 pages

Published August 30th 2013 by Elyssa Patrick

*Received eGalley from author via NetGalley for review*

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Our Review:

This is such a sweet romance. It's a perfect read for a lazy holiday afternoon...and guess what?! We have one of those coming up soon!! (Yo, are you picking up what she's throwing down?!) 

This is the story of Hailey--a former child/broadway/movie/rock star. She's decided to break away from the whole fame thing and try something that SHE wants to do ...much to the dismay of her mother and old celeb friends. She wants to try out college and explore what it means to be 'normal'. Her only problem--she hasn't done normal...ever..and has a hard time asking for help or trusting the motives of those around her. She is determined to live independently and to succeed in this new venture and boys really have no space in her life. Unfortunately (or fortunately!) Caleb does not get the memo and sparks her interest. Caleb is a little older and super sweet--I'd like to believe it's because he's got 4 sisters and so he just knows how to treat women. He meets Hailey and has a genuine interest in getting to know Hailey the college student...not Hailey the Star.

Caleb stole the show early, didn't he! He is the mysterious guy standing in the corner, but then comes over and surprises her by not being like every one else at the party. So what does she do? She lashes out. Of course she does. She lets her preconceived notions of how people see her get the best of her, and forgets that she might be the one is going to have the harder time removing herself from that pedestal she's had to live on for so long. It is a fun journey watching her try! 

As Hailey gets settled in to college and meets Caleb's sister (and her new BFF), Daphne, the romance between Caleb and Hailey continues to grow. She slowly begins to learn how to trust and he patiently gives her space to figure things out. He says and does all of the right things, has a fantastic family, and is incredibly supportive of Hailey. Even in the worst moment, he refuses to be a jerk or abandon her and she's able to see that not everyone is out to backstab her or use her fame for their fortune.

Here is where it got a little predictable for me. Everyone said and mostly did the right things. The story is still very sweet, and a worthwhile journey to read...and I do feel the chemistry with Hailey and Caleb was there, especially when Elyssa kicked the steam up a notch. That was not predictable, so don't worry. It was just a few of the plot details. No harm done! Hailey though has a ton, a boat load, a bushel...of issues. And with her mother being a world class beotch when she least expects it, she finds it very hard to trust that Caleb is genuine. 

Hailey gets to experience lots of fun and romantic moments in her first semester of college. She starts allowing herself space to grow and learn and succeed and fail. She makes great new friends--Daphne, Nick, Jamie, Grif-- and overcomes some academic and personal challenges.

The secondary characters are definitely a good time. I love stories with a solid group of male characters who have each others back, as well as the girls. They get a little OTT protective of Daphne a few times, which majorly gets on her nerves...but I can't wait to see where this series goes from here...Nick is up next. I wonder who the lucky girl is going to be? I know who I am hoping it is. 

If you are looking for a sweet college romance with little angst, this would be the perfect read for you! :) Yes! This is very sweet...and really thank goodness for the low angst level. We read this very quickly! 

Shelley: 3 Stars
Courtney: 3 1/2 Stars

About the Author:

Elyssa Patrick is a former high school English teacher who left the classroom to write contemporary romances and New Adult. She is currently hard at work on her next novel.

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