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Shattered Hearts Duet #1
Say You'll Stay: Obsessive Best Friends to Lovers to Enemies
Cara
My best friend for seven years, always there but never quite enough. His flirting at fancy galas sends me over the edge. Juniper Deveaux, heir to a business empire, is dangerously hot and fiercely ambitious. I should run from his dark intensity, but I'm drawn to him like a moth to a flame. Torn between anger and desire, I'm losing control. I want to resist his magnetic pull, but every touch ignites a fire within me. Falling for June will destroy me, shattering my world into a million pieces.
Juniper
Cara's innocence is a red flag, a warning sign I shouldn't ignore. I want to corrupt her, taint her purity with my darkness. I crave her body, yearning to claim every inch of her creamy skin. Love is a weakness I can't afford, a vulnerability I vowed never to expose. I only intended to seduce her, to indulge in the heat between us. But now I find myself wanting more, craving a connection beyond the physical. Accepting my growing feelings for Cara would mean confronting the shadows of my past.
Two childhood best friends. An undeniable attraction. A love that could destroy them both.
Will Juniper's dark desires be Cara's undoing? Can Cara's light illuminate Juniper's shadows? Discover their steamy, heart-wrenching story in "Say You'll Stay," a friends-to-lovers romance.
My best friend for seven years, always there but never quite enough. His flirting at fancy galas sends me over the edge. Juniper Deveaux, heir to a business empire, is dangerously hot and fiercely ambitious. I should run from his dark intensity, but I'm drawn to him like a moth to a flame. Torn between anger and desire, I'm losing control. I want to resist his magnetic pull, but every touch ignites a fire within me. Falling for June will destroy me, shattering my world into a million pieces.
Juniper
Cara's innocence is a red flag, a warning sign I shouldn't ignore. I want to corrupt her, taint her purity with my darkness. I crave her body, yearning to claim every inch of her creamy skin. Love is a weakness I can't afford, a vulnerability I vowed never to expose. I only intended to seduce her, to indulge in the heat between us. But now I find myself wanting more, craving a connection beyond the physical. Accepting my growing feelings for Cara would mean confronting the shadows of my past.
Two childhood best friends. An undeniable attraction. A love that could destroy them both.
Will Juniper's dark desires be Cara's undoing? Can Cara's light illuminate Juniper's shadows? Discover their steamy, heart-wrenching story in "Say You'll Stay," a friends-to-lovers romance.
- GenresRomance
218 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 24, 2024
33 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
May 19, 2024
Another fantastic read from Fortuna! I was hooked from the beginning. The story is about love, lust and obsession between Cara fmc and June (Juniper) mmc. It follows them through their turbulent journey throughout their relationship. It touches on some of the dark and depraved things people will go through under the guise of being in love. Both characters come from different backgrounds which proves to be the source for some of the troubles they face. The story is told from both Cara and June's point of view and how they are trying to face and conquer their own demons and the one's their relationship has made known. The side characters are friends and family of both Cara and June, they both have a support network that they turn to when required.
This book ends on such a cliffhanger that I hope there's going to be another in the works.
This book ends on such a cliffhanger that I hope there's going to be another in the works.
May 24, 2024
Okay! That was some cliffhanger with June and Cara. This book was intoxicating in a good way. It starts off with Cara and June ending their relationship and then Cara trying to figure out life without him. Cara has some really supportive family and friends. June becomes unhinged and obsessive with Cara.
I’m interested to see how book 3 plays out because we all know June is going to keep trying to win Cara back but putting camera in her home. 🤦🏽♀️
I’m interested to see how book 3 plays out because we all know June is going to keep trying to win Cara back but putting camera in her home. 🤦🏽♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2024
**Trigger Warnings: Stalking, Invasion of Privacy, Obsession, Emotional Manipulation**
"Say You’ll Stay" offers a tantalizing and tumultuous journey through the lives of Cara and June, whose love story is as compelling as it is chaotic. This novel captures the essence of a relationship teetering on the edge of obsession and true love, where both characters are caught in a relentless cycle of yearning and avoidance.
Cara and June's breakup leaves them both pining for each other, despite their attempts to move on. June’s obsession with Cara leads him to extreme measures, including stalking and even stealing her underwear. This intense connection manifests in Cara’s hallucinations and their frequent, yet awkward, encounters where they pretend indifference despite their obvious misery without each other. It’s a perplexing dynamic where June decides to become the man Cara deserves through questionable actions like threatening her potential suitors and intruding into her personal life.
The complexity deepens with June’s involvement in an arranged relationship with Amethyst, which his mother ardently supports. Despite this, his heart remains fixated on Cara, leading to more complications. June’s attempts to sabotage Cara’s romantic endeavors ultimately culminate in a dramatic reconnection after a series of broken dates.
The plot thickens as June walks out on his mother’s plans for him at a party, choosing Cara over Amethyst. However, Cara, in a bid to move on, decides to go on vacation with another man, which sends June into a panic. His decision to stalk her on vacation adds a darker twist to the narrative, revealing the extent of his obsession.
Cara’s terror and eventual confrontation with June, where she discovers he has placed cameras in her home, is a pivotal moment that highlights the line between love and invasion of privacy. Her decision to leave June after this discovery, coupled with the revelation of her pregnancy, leaves readers with a gripping conclusion that underscores the novel’s theme of complicated love.
"Say You’ll Stay" is a rollercoaster of emotions, blending romance and suspense in a way that keeps readers hooked till the very end. The morally grey character of June and the intense, often irrational, bond between the protagonists make for a fascinating read that explores the extremes of love and obsession.
"Say You’ll Stay" offers a tantalizing and tumultuous journey through the lives of Cara and June, whose love story is as compelling as it is chaotic. This novel captures the essence of a relationship teetering on the edge of obsession and true love, where both characters are caught in a relentless cycle of yearning and avoidance.
Cara and June's breakup leaves them both pining for each other, despite their attempts to move on. June’s obsession with Cara leads him to extreme measures, including stalking and even stealing her underwear. This intense connection manifests in Cara’s hallucinations and their frequent, yet awkward, encounters where they pretend indifference despite their obvious misery without each other. It’s a perplexing dynamic where June decides to become the man Cara deserves through questionable actions like threatening her potential suitors and intruding into her personal life.
The complexity deepens with June’s involvement in an arranged relationship with Amethyst, which his mother ardently supports. Despite this, his heart remains fixated on Cara, leading to more complications. June’s attempts to sabotage Cara’s romantic endeavors ultimately culminate in a dramatic reconnection after a series of broken dates.
The plot thickens as June walks out on his mother’s plans for him at a party, choosing Cara over Amethyst. However, Cara, in a bid to move on, decides to go on vacation with another man, which sends June into a panic. His decision to stalk her on vacation adds a darker twist to the narrative, revealing the extent of his obsession.
Cara’s terror and eventual confrontation with June, where she discovers he has placed cameras in her home, is a pivotal moment that highlights the line between love and invasion of privacy. Her decision to leave June after this discovery, coupled with the revelation of her pregnancy, leaves readers with a gripping conclusion that underscores the novel’s theme of complicated love.
"Say You’ll Stay" is a rollercoaster of emotions, blending romance and suspense in a way that keeps readers hooked till the very end. The morally grey character of June and the intense, often irrational, bond between the protagonists make for a fascinating read that explores the extremes of love and obsession.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2024
I unfortunately did not vibe with this book. And it's not the dark aspects of it that I disliked...
The immaturity of the two characters paired with fancy, complex words and the extreme overuse of adjectives and descriptions just made the story not flow well at all and made it way longer than it needed to be. Perhaps without all the excess, it could have been cut down to one book (it ends on a minor cliffhanger).
The first half of the book is almost entirely repetitive inner monologue from both MCs. Plus, since the book starts out with their break up, there's no back story to prove to the reader that June hasn't always been this toxic. The story could have had so much more depth if we got to see even a sliver of them in a healthy relationship first. The few times they did see each other in the first half, the other immediately pushed them away, even though the inner monologue was all about how they wanted the other person to come back and fight for them. Make it make sense!?
And then there's the straight up inconsistencies in the writing. There were many, but the last one and therefor the one I remember, is at the end - June escaped his mom and took a cab to Cara's house (it even stated something like he threw wads of cash at the driver). They talked (and more) then Cara kicked him out and said she waited until she heard his car start up. Huh? There were SO many inconsistencies like this. It needs an editor to catch these.
I ended up skimming so much of this book since it was so much repetition and full of descriptive fluff. I want to know what happens next for them, but I'm not sure if I'll read the next book...
The immaturity of the two characters paired with fancy, complex words and the extreme overuse of adjectives and descriptions just made the story not flow well at all and made it way longer than it needed to be. Perhaps without all the excess, it could have been cut down to one book (it ends on a minor cliffhanger).
The first half of the book is almost entirely repetitive inner monologue from both MCs. Plus, since the book starts out with their break up, there's no back story to prove to the reader that June hasn't always been this toxic. The story could have had so much more depth if we got to see even a sliver of them in a healthy relationship first. The few times they did see each other in the first half, the other immediately pushed them away, even though the inner monologue was all about how they wanted the other person to come back and fight for them. Make it make sense!?
And then there's the straight up inconsistencies in the writing. There were many, but the last one and therefor the one I remember, is at the end - June escaped his mom and took a cab to Cara's house (it even stated something like he threw wads of cash at the driver). They talked (and more) then Cara kicked him out and said she waited until she heard his car start up. Huh? There were SO many inconsistencies like this. It needs an editor to catch these.
I ended up skimming so much of this book since it was so much repetition and full of descriptive fluff. I want to know what happens next for them, but I'm not sure if I'll read the next book...
November 22, 2025
✰✰.5/5
🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
⋆˖⁺‧₊☽ Tropes ☾₊‧⁺˖⋆
☁︎Enemies to Lovers☁︎
☁︎Morally Grey Characters☁︎
☁︎Stalker MMC☁︎
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾ Thoughts ☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
☁︎Okay, so this is a good dark romance, with an obsessive stalking MMC and a FMC with a conscience. It’s interesting to see that, as most of the time you see the FMC does not care about the MMC red flags.
☁︎The story does lack depth and development in some ways but overall is a good short read. It got somewhat confusing as it felt like the line between reality and imagination was blurred. Also sometimes when switching POVS it got a little confusing due to it seeming like a convo was over but then it was re-done in the next POV but with totally new dialogue.
˖⁺‧₊˚☁️˚₊‧⁺˖Recommended for ppl who…˖⁺‧₊˚☁️˚₊‧⁺˖
☁︎Need a quick dark romance☁︎
🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
⋆˖⁺‧₊☽ Tropes ☾₊‧⁺˖⋆
☁︎Enemies to Lovers☁︎
☁︎Morally Grey Characters☁︎
☁︎Stalker MMC☁︎
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾ Thoughts ☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
☁︎Okay, so this is a good dark romance, with an obsessive stalking MMC and a FMC with a conscience. It’s interesting to see that, as most of the time you see the FMC does not care about the MMC red flags.
☁︎The story does lack depth and development in some ways but overall is a good short read. It got somewhat confusing as it felt like the line between reality and imagination was blurred. Also sometimes when switching POVS it got a little confusing due to it seeming like a convo was over but then it was re-done in the next POV but with totally new dialogue.
˖⁺‧₊˚☁️˚₊‧⁺˖Recommended for ppl who…˖⁺‧₊˚☁️˚₊‧⁺˖
☁︎Need a quick dark romance☁︎
May 29, 2024
"Say You'll Stay" by Fortuna Lux is a compelling and electrifying romance that delves into the complexities of friendship, desire, and the shadows of the past. Cara and Juniper's story is a whirlwind of intense emotions and magnetic attraction that will leave readers breathless and yearning for more.Cara, the ever-loyal best friend, finds herself ensnared in a web of conflicting emotions as she navigates her deepening feelings for Juniper Deveaux. Juniper, the heir to a business empire, exudes a dark intensity and ambition that both captivates and terrifies Cara. The chemistry between them is palpable, igniting a fire that threatens to consume them both.Lux expertly captures the push and pull of Cara and Juniper's relationship, portraying their struggle to balance their undeniable attraction with the fear of losing their cherished friendship. Cara's internal conflict is beautifully rendered, making her a relatable and sympathetic character. Juniper's enigmatic and brooding persona adds depth and intrigue to the narrative, making him a compelling and complex love interest.The tension between the two is expertly crafted, with moments of fiery passion interspersed with tender, vulnerable exchanges. As Juniper's dark desires clash with Cara's innocence, the story delves into themes of vulnerability, trust, and the transformative power of love. Lux's prose is evocative and immersive, drawing readers into the emotional rollercoaster that defines Cara and Juniper's journey.The plot is well-paced, with a perfect balance of romance, drama, and suspense. The author's exploration of the characters' pasts adds layers to their personalities and motivations, enriching the overall narrative. The story's climax is both heart-wrenching and satisfying, leaving readers with a sense of hope and anticipation for what lies ahead."Say You'll Stay" is a captivating and emotionally charged romance that will resonate with fans of the genre. Fortuna Lux has crafted a story that beautifully intertwines love and desire with the shadows of the past, making it a must-read for anyone who enjoys a passionate and intense love story.
November 20, 2024
𝘼 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨, 𝙛𝙞𝙚𝙧𝙘𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙡 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙡𝙡-𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙪𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜 - 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙛𝙛 𝙤𝙛 𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨, 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙖𝙞𝙧𝙮 𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙚𝙨.
I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again. I’m a huge fan of bestfriends turn to lovers and if there’s drama and angst with it, I’m SOLD. And this book has all of the elements that I love.
June (H) knew he f*cked up. He knew he lost Cara (h) the moment he lost his battle with his mother with the pressure on his shoulder being the primary heir his family. Both of them suffered and longed for each other. While Cara was trying to move forward from the ruin of their relationship, June’s obsession with Cara grew even darker and unhinged that led to Cara’s panicking over this revelation.
While I loved the angst but I wished there’s more flashbacks from their past. There’s not even much details from their past that could have been such a vital part for their current situation so the angst was there but not in the most heartbreaking kind of way. Also I’m honestly, severely confused with the switch scenes between them in chapter 16 & 17 and then it’s revealed that Cara’s sister is in a relationship with Louis but didn’t he just told Cara that he’s gay?
The scene where Cara went to pay a visit to June’s father at the hospital confused me too. I mean, why was he acting like a jacka$$ with no emotion towards her? His mother wasn’t there so I simply didn’t understand why the need to act all cold towards her. Also he had cameras installed in her house so couldn’t he see how devastated she was? There’s so many plotholes and it left me befuddled ngl.
This book will definitely be something new for those who weren’t familiar with dark romance and obsessed OTT man but because I’m a dark romance girlie, the things June did in this book did not surprised me. F*cked up I know.
End in a cliffhanger. Onto the next book then.
Safety infos:
No cheating
OW drama- H is engaged to someone else (forced by his mother)
OM drama- h goes on to a few dates but no physical contact between them and the h is close friend to a guy who is gay but H didn’t know
I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again. I’m a huge fan of bestfriends turn to lovers and if there’s drama and angst with it, I’m SOLD. And this book has all of the elements that I love.
June (H) knew he f*cked up. He knew he lost Cara (h) the moment he lost his battle with his mother with the pressure on his shoulder being the primary heir his family. Both of them suffered and longed for each other. While Cara was trying to move forward from the ruin of their relationship, June’s obsession with Cara grew even darker and unhinged that led to Cara’s panicking over this revelation.
While I loved the angst but I wished there’s more flashbacks from their past. There’s not even much details from their past that could have been such a vital part for their current situation so the angst was there but not in the most heartbreaking kind of way. Also I’m honestly, severely confused with the switch scenes between them in chapter 16 & 17 and then it’s revealed that Cara’s sister is in a relationship with Louis but didn’t he just told Cara that he’s gay?
The scene where Cara went to pay a visit to June’s father at the hospital confused me too. I mean, why was he acting like a jacka$$ with no emotion towards her? His mother wasn’t there so I simply didn’t understand why the need to act all cold towards her. Also he had cameras installed in her house so couldn’t he see how devastated she was? There’s so many plotholes and it left me befuddled ngl.
This book will definitely be something new for those who weren’t familiar with dark romance and obsessed OTT man but because I’m a dark romance girlie, the things June did in this book did not surprised me. F*cked up I know.
End in a cliffhanger. Onto the next book then.
Safety infos:
No cheating
OW drama- H is engaged to someone else (forced by his mother)
OM drama- h goes on to a few dates but no physical contact between them and the h is close friend to a guy who is gay but H didn’t know
May 16, 2024
Read with Caution.....
After, reading Say You'll Stay I slid right on into Fortuna's inbox, asking her how could she leave me like this. lol The cliffhanger at the end of the story! Why? Say You'll Stay begins as the MMC June and FMC Cara, end their relationship. The story is from both of their perspectives, so you'll get to see the emotional turmoil raging within each of these characters.
June and Cara come from two different families. June struggles with balancing his wants/needs with the demands of his family responsibilities and obligations-losing himself in process and Cara. Cara loses herself by not knowing how to live and be happy without June. They both bring out the worst in themselves and each other. If June and Cara, knew how to communicate better with one another, this would have been a totally, different story. I am anxious to see how the events at the end of Say You'll Stay plays out in book 2, my heart is already breaking.
This book deals with some pretty heavy topics in my opinion, so before reading Say You'll Stay I would recommend looking over that shopping list, they are there for a reason. My little black heart loves a good dark romance read, and while Say You'll Stay definitely checks a few off the shopping list, it is mild-in my opinion. "Obsession. Betrayal. Redemption. Dare to step into the dark, delicious world of Say You'll Stay, where love isn't just blind...it's twisted."
This book has left me wrecked, with all the drama, twist and turns, seeking the conclusion of June and Cara's intoxicating story. If you are looking for a HEA for the main characters you better prepare your heart for the journey its about to be taken on. Fortuna's books keep getting better and better.
Excuse me while, I go slip into Fortuna's inbox trying to influence her on the conclusion of JUNE and Cara's story.
After, reading Say You'll Stay I slid right on into Fortuna's inbox, asking her how could she leave me like this. lol The cliffhanger at the end of the story! Why? Say You'll Stay begins as the MMC June and FMC Cara, end their relationship. The story is from both of their perspectives, so you'll get to see the emotional turmoil raging within each of these characters.
June and Cara come from two different families. June struggles with balancing his wants/needs with the demands of his family responsibilities and obligations-losing himself in process and Cara. Cara loses herself by not knowing how to live and be happy without June. They both bring out the worst in themselves and each other. If June and Cara, knew how to communicate better with one another, this would have been a totally, different story. I am anxious to see how the events at the end of Say You'll Stay plays out in book 2, my heart is already breaking.
This book deals with some pretty heavy topics in my opinion, so before reading Say You'll Stay I would recommend looking over that shopping list, they are there for a reason. My little black heart loves a good dark romance read, and while Say You'll Stay definitely checks a few off the shopping list, it is mild-in my opinion. "Obsession. Betrayal. Redemption. Dare to step into the dark, delicious world of Say You'll Stay, where love isn't just blind...it's twisted."
This book has left me wrecked, with all the drama, twist and turns, seeking the conclusion of June and Cara's intoxicating story. If you are looking for a HEA for the main characters you better prepare your heart for the journey its about to be taken on. Fortuna's books keep getting better and better.
Excuse me while, I go slip into Fortuna's inbox trying to influence her on the conclusion of JUNE and Cara's story.
May 29, 2024
Book Review - Say You'll Stay by Fortuna Lux
Fortuna you have a knack! You keep your readers on the precipice with the characters feeling their emotions and giving the impression of being in the book ourselves!
I love Cara and Juniper's story and CANNOT wait for the next book!
If you love morally grey characters who are possessive and obsessive - this book is for you!
BLurb:
Cara -
My best friend for seven years, always there but never quite enough. His flirting at fancy galas sends me over the edge. Juniper Deveaux, heir to a business empire, is dangerously hot and fiercely ambitious. I should run from his dark intensity, but I'm drawn to him like a moth to a flame. Torn between anger and desire, I'm losing control. I want to resist his magnetic pull, but every touch ignites a fire within me. Falling for June will destroy me, shattering my world into a million pieces.
Juniper -
Cara's innocence is a red flag, a warning sign I shouldn't ignore. I want to corrupt her, taint her purity with my darkness. I crave her body, yearning to claim every inch of her creamy skin. Love is a weakness I can't afford, a vulnerability I vowed never to expose. I only intended to seduce her, to indulge in the heat between us. But now I find myself wanting more, craving a connection beyond the physical. Accepting my growing feelings for Cara would mean confronting the shadows of my past.
Two childhood best friends. An undeniable attraction. A love that could destroy them both.
Will Juniper's dark desires be Cara's undoing? Can Cara's light illuminate Juniper's shadows? Discover their steamy, heart-wrenching story in "Say You'll Stay," a friends-to-lovers romance.
Fortuna you have a knack! You keep your readers on the precipice with the characters feeling their emotions and giving the impression of being in the book ourselves!
I love Cara and Juniper's story and CANNOT wait for the next book!
If you love morally grey characters who are possessive and obsessive - this book is for you!
BLurb:
Cara -
My best friend for seven years, always there but never quite enough. His flirting at fancy galas sends me over the edge. Juniper Deveaux, heir to a business empire, is dangerously hot and fiercely ambitious. I should run from his dark intensity, but I'm drawn to him like a moth to a flame. Torn between anger and desire, I'm losing control. I want to resist his magnetic pull, but every touch ignites a fire within me. Falling for June will destroy me, shattering my world into a million pieces.
Juniper -
Cara's innocence is a red flag, a warning sign I shouldn't ignore. I want to corrupt her, taint her purity with my darkness. I crave her body, yearning to claim every inch of her creamy skin. Love is a weakness I can't afford, a vulnerability I vowed never to expose. I only intended to seduce her, to indulge in the heat between us. But now I find myself wanting more, craving a connection beyond the physical. Accepting my growing feelings for Cara would mean confronting the shadows of my past.
Two childhood best friends. An undeniable attraction. A love that could destroy them both.
Will Juniper's dark desires be Cara's undoing? Can Cara's light illuminate Juniper's shadows? Discover their steamy, heart-wrenching story in "Say You'll Stay," a friends-to-lovers romance.
May 29, 2024
Fortuna will forever be one of my FAVORITE INDIE authors to read books by! Her writing style really moves me. You can truly feel and tell she puts so much thought and emotion into every single page of her stories. "Say You'll Stay" is by far my favorite story that she wrote. I can't put into words the way Fortuna had me in a chokehold with this book. She captivated my attention from start to finish and I sat there for a few hours to binge it, not wanting to put it down AT ALL to do adulting or laundry.
Getting into it, Cara and Juniper are going down as one of my favorite couples in a book I've read. Their chemistry, opposites attract, overly obsessive probably downright possessive/stalker vibes were one that literally kept me on the edge of my couch thinking wtf is about to happen next (in a good way). June was definitely something else in this book and you can tell that at some points, he was walking down the red flags/morally gray route. The sheer suspense and plot twists Fortuna put me through with this read were devouring and absolutely insane. She knows how to keep you guessing and reallykk nailed how to do questionable plot twists at impeccable timing! The cliffhanger had me about to throw my Kindle, but she set up the next book perfectly! I CAN NOT wait to see how unhinged June gets and see what happens next with these two! Thank you for another AMAZING read Fortuna!
Getting into it, Cara and Juniper are going down as one of my favorite couples in a book I've read. Their chemistry, opposites attract, overly obsessive probably downright possessive/stalker vibes were one that literally kept me on the edge of my couch thinking wtf is about to happen next (in a good way). June was definitely something else in this book and you can tell that at some points, he was walking down the red flags/morally gray route. The sheer suspense and plot twists Fortuna put me through with this read were devouring and absolutely insane. She knows how to keep you guessing and reallykk nailed how to do questionable plot twists at impeccable timing! The cliffhanger had me about to throw my Kindle, but she set up the next book perfectly! I CAN NOT wait to see how unhinged June gets and see what happens next with these two! Thank you for another AMAZING read Fortuna!
May 31, 2024
Well. This book feels like it still needs editing. First half of the book I was struggling to read, and honestly pushed through it, it was a lot of inner MC monologue. Too much actually. And how immature they are. One second they want to get back together, but when they got a dozen times to come clean about it, they just denied it. It’s ok to have it like for couple of time, the pride and ego, it might happen. But not this long. Every now and then writer used basically the same sentence, and it ruined the pleasure of reading for me. For example (I love him/her. I’ll fight for our love. I have to move on. I still have hope.) not exact wording, but yeah. To repeat the same stuff in almost each chapter, and read it a dozen times gave me ick. But the rest of the book, it got better. Like storyline has potential. MMC toxicity is not clear due the lack of FMC and MMC relationship before the breakup (with that we started). It gave feeling, that reader is just frowned in a mess without knowing who is who and what is what. A little back story of their relationship would be nice.
The end got me thinking that I want to find out how the full story will end. And I hope it will get better editing. Cause for now it reminds me Whatpad stories. With good ideas and plot, but some mess to be sorted out.
The end got me thinking that I want to find out how the full story will end. And I hope it will get better editing. Cause for now it reminds me Whatpad stories. With good ideas and plot, but some mess to be sorted out.
May 31, 2024
This book is a love story to all the obsessive and toxic traits in a relationship that need to be taken as the red flags they are but in the beginning we never do.
It is messy and hurts.
This book was a hard read not because it was triggering as you would expect but because Fortuna Lux but because it really captures all that toxic and messy feeling we all go through and swear we would never want to re live again. Then along came this book and messed with my brain and heart. Which means its a really good book but the pain is real lol.
Alot goes on in this book and I feel as though its only fair to warn everyone that it is the first in series AND ends on a cliff hanger!!!!!!!! but what's worse is I cannot tell how there could be a happily ever after for anyone in this story.
I am equally excited and scared for part 2 but I defiantly recommend reading it and I'd like to clarify that the only reason it gets 3 stars is because I needed closure so will probably go up in stars at the end lol.
Can't wait to read other books by Fortuna Lux they are a very talented author.
It is messy and hurts.
This book was a hard read not because it was triggering as you would expect but because Fortuna Lux but because it really captures all that toxic and messy feeling we all go through and swear we would never want to re live again. Then along came this book and messed with my brain and heart. Which means its a really good book but the pain is real lol.
Alot goes on in this book and I feel as though its only fair to warn everyone that it is the first in series AND ends on a cliff hanger!!!!!!!! but what's worse is I cannot tell how there could be a happily ever after for anyone in this story.
I am equally excited and scared for part 2 but I defiantly recommend reading it and I'd like to clarify that the only reason it gets 3 stars is because I needed closure so will probably go up in stars at the end lol.
Can't wait to read other books by Fortuna Lux they are a very talented author.
May 29, 2024
The whiplash I went through reading this....holy rollercoaster.
It starts off with a disagreement between Cara and June that leaves them two leaving each other. Cara finding out about lies that June was keeping from her. Even though they ended up splitting, neither could stop trying to get information on each other; never getting over their heart break.
June's mother expect him to carry the family name well without embarrassment. Which means Cara is not good enough for her son. Instead, she manages to put word in for Cara to get a job in order to get Cara away from June. This allows for her to force June into a relationship with Amethyst.
While June defies his mother and ends things with Amethyst, in public, Cara flits off with another man. When June finds out he goes crazy into a stalker frenzy. His behavior goes to the lengths of hiding cameras in Cara's apartment and stealing a pair of her underwear.
I liked how the crazy posessive/obsessive behaviors really played well with this dark romance novel.
It starts off with a disagreement between Cara and June that leaves them two leaving each other. Cara finding out about lies that June was keeping from her. Even though they ended up splitting, neither could stop trying to get information on each other; never getting over their heart break.
June's mother expect him to carry the family name well without embarrassment. Which means Cara is not good enough for her son. Instead, she manages to put word in for Cara to get a job in order to get Cara away from June. This allows for her to force June into a relationship with Amethyst.
While June defies his mother and ends things with Amethyst, in public, Cara flits off with another man. When June finds out he goes crazy into a stalker frenzy. His behavior goes to the lengths of hiding cameras in Cara's apartment and stealing a pair of her underwear.
I liked how the crazy posessive/obsessive behaviors really played well with this dark romance novel.
May 23, 2024
Say You’ll Stay is book 1 of the Shattered Hearts Duet, it follows the story of Cara and June. After their breakup and how they navigate an emotional journey without the other,
This book had me from the start, it is an emotional roller coaster, the dual POV gives you both Cara and June’s perspective and the emotional turmoil they both experience. It takes you on a journey where love turns to obsession and I’m living for it. And being a duet we are left gripping the book on the cliffhanger. But it makes me excited to see where it goes in book 2
Fortuna has done an amazing job with Say You’ll Stay the storyline/plot and the characters were fantastically written, I love that as a new author Fortuna’s books really take you on a journey through the human psyche.
Definitely recommend this book to all the dark romance readers who love obsession, stalker, and toxic love vibes
There are some sensitive scenes/topics so don’t forget to check that before diving in.
This book had me from the start, it is an emotional roller coaster, the dual POV gives you both Cara and June’s perspective and the emotional turmoil they both experience. It takes you on a journey where love turns to obsession and I’m living for it. And being a duet we are left gripping the book on the cliffhanger. But it makes me excited to see where it goes in book 2
Fortuna has done an amazing job with Say You’ll Stay the storyline/plot and the characters were fantastically written, I love that as a new author Fortuna’s books really take you on a journey through the human psyche.
Definitely recommend this book to all the dark romance readers who love obsession, stalker, and toxic love vibes
There are some sensitive scenes/topics so don’t forget to check that before diving in.
May 29, 2024
Cara, the FMC, is innocent and Juniper, the MMC, is dark. They avoid each other, yet long to be together; obsessive and possessive, but also love. The book details their roller-coaster of a relationship, turmoil and all (good or bad, you be the judge) towards each other. You get POVs from both characters, which is fantastic! You really feel the complex emotions and thoughts they have by reading from their view.
Fortuna's descriptions give so much detail, you're not left wondering what something is. I liked the flow and pace, nothing felt unnecessary. The side characters are wonderful support to the main characters. I was a little upset with the cliffhanger, just because I wanted more and don't want to wait for the next book to release. I can't wait to see if what my mind has thought up actually plays out in the continuation.
Please, listen to the trigger warnings.
Thank you for the ARC, I enjoyed it.
Fortuna's descriptions give so much detail, you're not left wondering what something is. I liked the flow and pace, nothing felt unnecessary. The side characters are wonderful support to the main characters. I was a little upset with the cliffhanger, just because I wanted more and don't want to wait for the next book to release. I can't wait to see if what my mind has thought up actually plays out in the continuation.
Please, listen to the trigger warnings.
Thank you for the ARC, I enjoyed it.
June 30, 2024
I had so many mixed feelings about 'Say You'll Stay' by Fortuna Lux. It's definitely an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish—a wonderful ride, albeit quite tumultuous. Fortuna skillfully navigates the inner conflicts of both characters, keeping their emotions tightly locked until the explosive ending. That ending completely blindsided me and left me reeling.
I was captivated by the complex characters and the raw intensity of their journey. Despite the emotional rollercoaster, I couldn't put this book down—it's a testament to Fortuna's ability to blend heart-pounding romance with deep emotional turmoil. Be warned: 'Say You'll Stay' is a dark romance that doesn't hold back, so buckle up and dive into a world where love and desire collide in the most electrifying ways.
Despite the emotional turbulence, I found 'Say You'll Stay' to be a gripping and provocative read. I'm eagerly anticipating the next installment in this series.
I was captivated by the complex characters and the raw intensity of their journey. Despite the emotional rollercoaster, I couldn't put this book down—it's a testament to Fortuna's ability to blend heart-pounding romance with deep emotional turmoil. Be warned: 'Say You'll Stay' is a dark romance that doesn't hold back, so buckle up and dive into a world where love and desire collide in the most electrifying ways.
Despite the emotional turbulence, I found 'Say You'll Stay' to be a gripping and provocative read. I'm eagerly anticipating the next installment in this series.
May 29, 2024
I loved this book! Say You'll Stay in my opinion is a slow burn, obsession, lovers to enemies to lovers again and I ate every page! The one criticism I had was the repeated phrases and sentences that were used throughout the book, but other then that, I would definitely recommend this book. ❤
"In his arms, I found heaven. In his lies, I found hell. June Deveaux was my beginning and my end, the alpha and omega of my shattered heart." - Cara
"She was my muse, my goddess, the axis on which my entire universe spun. I would move heaven and hell to make her mine." - June
#ireadromance #romancebooks #goodgirlauthorservices #readergroup #darkromance #darkromancereaders #darkromanceaauthor #indieauthor #supportindieauthors #darkromanceofinstagram #fortunalux #fortunaluxauthor #kindlebooks #kindleunlimited
"In his arms, I found heaven. In his lies, I found hell. June Deveaux was my beginning and my end, the alpha and omega of my shattered heart." - Cara
"She was my muse, my goddess, the axis on which my entire universe spun. I would move heaven and hell to make her mine." - June
#ireadromance #romancebooks #goodgirlauthorservices #readergroup #darkromance #darkromancereaders #darkromanceaauthor #indieauthor #supportindieauthors #darkromanceofinstagram #fortunalux #fortunaluxauthor #kindlebooks #kindleunlimited
May 14, 2024
Cara and June are from 2 different worlds but they came together through friendship and then love.
June - real name Juniper - is a crazy obsessed boyfriend that only works in books…and I love it! He does get to creep level but only briefly.
We are introduced to the couple at the moment they break up. I’d love to have had more back story and seen June before he went stalker mode and experienced Cara in a happy place in her life than what she was for the entirety of the book.
Definitely not a book for those who like depth, back story or who are uncomfortable with stalkers.
Tropes:
Friends to Lovers to Exiled from her life to occasional Lovers to unknown
Possessive MMC but not an alpha
Second Chance
Obsession
Stalker Romance
Dark Romance
June - real name Juniper - is a crazy obsessed boyfriend that only works in books…and I love it! He does get to creep level but only briefly.
We are introduced to the couple at the moment they break up. I’d love to have had more back story and seen June before he went stalker mode and experienced Cara in a happy place in her life than what she was for the entirety of the book.
Definitely not a book for those who like depth, back story or who are uncomfortable with stalkers.
Tropes:
Friends to Lovers to Exiled from her life to occasional Lovers to unknown
Possessive MMC but not an alpha
Second Chance
Obsession
Stalker Romance
Dark Romance
May 17, 2024
"Say You’ll Stay" by Fortuna Lux: I had the privilege of reading this as an ARC. Fortuna's story evokes a wide range of emotions, from disbelief to anger and sadness. She masterfully portrays a strong male main character who isn't afraid to show his sorrow and vulnerability for the one he loves and misses, even as their separation starts to erode his very being. This story is filled with heartbreaking moments, yet Fortuna's poetic description of each character's personal journey makes it captivating. I devoured the book, often messaging Fortuna for more details. The characters feel incredibly real, grappling with sorrow, pain, and the realization that something so special will inevitably shape their future relationship. I can't wait to read book two!
May 29, 2024
I was given the opportunity to read this book as an ARC. I do think that this had protentional, however, I don't think it's quite there yet. From the beginning, the font of the POV of each chapter was really obnoxious and distracting. I did not like it. The FMC put me off from the very beginning due to the way she spoke. "mama" and "mommy" as a grown adult just made her seem very young, childish, immature, and not a grown adult. The beginning of the book was very confusing. You see this incident between FMC and MMC but no context or background information. You're left very confused as to what happened. Definitely would have loved to have some background into their history and somewhat get attached to their relationship as best friends/lovers and then lead into the enemy thing.
June 5, 2024
I loved the premise of this story. Familial drama, forbidden love, possessive stalker love interest. It’s all the things a dark romance is made of. But it fell a little flat for me.
The firing seemed unnecessarily verbose and superfluous in the second half of the book. Enough so that sole readers might be turned off by the vocabulary. And while I LOVE words, it was hard to get around that aspect.
The storyline is great. It’s got a steady pace and the timeline is good. Cara and June are obviously meant to be together, they just need to get out of their own way. And to say you’ll hate June’s psychopath mother by the end is an understatement in and of itself.
Ends on a cliffhanger, and I’ll likely read the next one. I need to know how it ends! Overall,, it’s a 3 ⭐️ book for me.
The firing seemed unnecessarily verbose and superfluous in the second half of the book. Enough so that sole readers might be turned off by the vocabulary. And while I LOVE words, it was hard to get around that aspect.
The storyline is great. It’s got a steady pace and the timeline is good. Cara and June are obviously meant to be together, they just need to get out of their own way. And to say you’ll hate June’s psychopath mother by the end is an understatement in and of itself.
Ends on a cliffhanger, and I’ll likely read the next one. I need to know how it ends! Overall,, it’s a 3 ⭐️ book for me.
May 12, 2024
I received this as an arc and this is my honest review
You know what they say about old habits …
June and Cara are intertwined souls and inextricably connected, when you hear them describe the connection it melts your heart just a little.
June really embodies the obsessed, possessive, stalker love interest MMC ! You know, the perfect kind of book boyfriend but if you met in real life you’d probably call the cops and run for the hills !
I just wanted to give Cara a hug !
Fortuna Lux has written a beautiful story and keeps you hooked from start to finish!
I read this is one sitting and it was amazing!
The ending has me begging for book 2!!
You know what they say about old habits …
June and Cara are intertwined souls and inextricably connected, when you hear them describe the connection it melts your heart just a little.
June really embodies the obsessed, possessive, stalker love interest MMC ! You know, the perfect kind of book boyfriend but if you met in real life you’d probably call the cops and run for the hills !
I just wanted to give Cara a hug !
Fortuna Lux has written a beautiful story and keeps you hooked from start to finish!
I read this is one sitting and it was amazing!
The ending has me begging for book 2!!
May 14, 2024
Fast paced read that kept you on your toes. A budding relationship turns quickly leading friends and lovers down a dark road. Juniper becomes obsessed with Cara. Stalking, video voyeurism, chases of dates, but it isn't surprising as we read through the story and see how his mother treats him.
Mother is obsessed with the family image and power. She tries to force marriage on Junpier, but when he refuses he is held hostage and medically forced to participate in artificial insemination to further the family line.
So much going on in this story that didn't get answered. I hope they will be answered in future books.
Mother is obsessed with the family image and power. She tries to force marriage on Junpier, but when he refuses he is held hostage and medically forced to participate in artificial insemination to further the family line.
So much going on in this story that didn't get answered. I hope they will be answered in future books.
May 23, 2024
“I wasn’t born twice “ I spit out, refusing to break eye contact “ so I’m not repeating my-self “
We need the couple as they break up and I’m barely into this damn book and it has me crying 😭 I’d like to know more about them before was it always so toxic? This book is a rollercoaster of emotions, it made me cry a few times
A dark romance with all the stuff you would want in one, obsession, stalking, romance, suspense, twist and turns. That keep you hooked utill the very end
and the end omg what a cliffhanger I need to know more, please be a second book in the works.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
We need the couple as they break up and I’m barely into this damn book and it has me crying 😭 I’d like to know more about them before was it always so toxic? This book is a rollercoaster of emotions, it made me cry a few times
A dark romance with all the stuff you would want in one, obsession, stalking, romance, suspense, twist and turns. That keep you hooked utill the very end
and the end omg what a cliffhanger I need to know more, please be a second book in the works.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
May 25, 2024
Say You'll Stay by Fortuna Lux is a friends to lovers dark romance novel. Wow this book was one wild ride. I literally felt like I was on some rollercoaster ride into someone’s crazy, dramatic and very dark love life. This novel was intense and kept you on edge throughout the entire book. The characters both seemed to truly love each other but it’s an obsessive love. June the male lead character, has never really learned how to love in a non toxic way. Cara really is not doing much better throwing herself into her art.
This was an intense but fascinating read. I enjoyed learning about the characters and watching everything unfold. I am hoping there will be a book 2.
This was an intense but fascinating read. I enjoyed learning about the characters and watching everything unfold. I am hoping there will be a book 2.
May 29, 2024
Umm ma'am you can not end a book like that without a second already available.
Congratulations Fortuna on another incredible book!!
This story is one of struggle, love, obsession, old family forced values and mental health issues.
An incredible book that shows a more realistic look into what happens when a relationship can end when two people really don't want it to and the reality of communication being key.
The way fortuna has written words that read so poetically is capturing and will leave you hooked very quickly.
There are some small triggers for mental health as well as forced medical procedure...
I felt this book deep in my bones and am left wanting so much more!!!!
Congratulations Fortuna on another incredible book!!
This story is one of struggle, love, obsession, old family forced values and mental health issues.
An incredible book that shows a more realistic look into what happens when a relationship can end when two people really don't want it to and the reality of communication being key.
The way fortuna has written words that read so poetically is capturing and will leave you hooked very quickly.
There are some small triggers for mental health as well as forced medical procedure...
I felt this book deep in my bones and am left wanting so much more!!!!
May 11, 2024
Plot 4/5
Spice 1/5
This book was so hard to put down. I knew I hated June's mom from the beginning but I never knew I would hate her as much as I do. It makes you understand why June is the way he is. Cara on the other hand is a simple person that I didn't really care much about until towards the end of the book. The end of the book made me want more of the story. There is so much I don't know and I want to know. I was trying to turn the page thinking this can't be the end even though I knew it was.
Spice 1/5
This book was so hard to put down. I knew I hated June's mom from the beginning but I never knew I would hate her as much as I do. It makes you understand why June is the way he is. Cara on the other hand is a simple person that I didn't really care much about until towards the end of the book. The end of the book made me want more of the story. There is so much I don't know and I want to know. I was trying to turn the page thinking this can't be the end even though I knew it was.
May 19, 2024
So I did have to walk away from this book a couple of times due to it getting to be a lot. But after clearing my mind I came back. Please, please people read the content warning! I’m a dark romance girly and love all types of triggers but this was rough for me. But still a great book, beautifully written and kept me coming back for this twisted toxic love. But ma’am we need to talk about the ending! You can’t leave me hanging I need to know what happens next! Sorry for the late review, but I had to gather my thoughts on how to say everything without ruining it!
May 24, 2024
Say You’ll Stay is book 1 of the Shattered Hearts Duet, it follows the story of Cara and June. The story is about love, lust and obsession between Cara and June (Juniper). This story is well written with lots of plot twists and interesting characters. "Say You’ll Stay" is a rollercoaster of emotions, blending romance and suspense in a way that keeps readers hooked till the very end. It takes you on a journey where love turns to obsession and I’m living for it. Being a duet, we are left gripping the book on the cliffhanger. Another fantastic read from Fortuna!
May 29, 2024
Please make sure you read all the trigger warnings ⚠️ and be sure to take them seriously! Your mental health matters!
I really enjoyed this book a lot! This book was very well written. I fell in love with the characters the most I'd say. The story was an amazingly dark romance that kept me begging for more with each chapter that I read. I definitely can't wait to read more books from this author and will be spreading the word about this amazing dark romance book!
Absolutely amazing writing ✍️ Fortuna Lux
I really enjoyed this book a lot! This book was very well written. I fell in love with the characters the most I'd say. The story was an amazingly dark romance that kept me begging for more with each chapter that I read. I definitely can't wait to read more books from this author and will be spreading the word about this amazing dark romance book!
Absolutely amazing writing ✍️ Fortuna Lux
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