What do you think?
Rate this book
Elladine Fire #3
Stay With Me
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN B0CWCRDQDY can be found here
I have a thing for my sister’s best friend.
He’s my friend, too, but he’s also a scorching hot, slightly grumpy firefighter. I find myself wondering if this friend could turn into a lover.
Especially now that I’m living with him…
Mere months after I got married, I learned my husband betrayed me and I became a widow. All within twenty-four hours.
Angry, hurt, and grieving, I need all the friends I can get.
As usual, Charlie Fitzgerald steps up big time.
For years, he’s been my friend, my protector… the only other man I’ve ever had romantic feelings for. But he friend-zoned me ages ago.
Now I’m staying with him and it’s obvious he cares about me, too. That he has for a while…
When Charlie finally lets me out of the friend zone, the emotions are intense, and the physical connection is sizzling hot.
Just when I think we’re going to get a happy ending, it’s ripped away. Because not only is he afraid of losing his best friend when she finds out, he’s afraid he’ll become the type of man his father is.
Charlie can’t see that he’s the hero in my story, not the villain.
And it looks like we’re both going to lose out on love because of it…
I have a thing for my sister’s best friend.
He’s my friend, too, but he’s also a scorching hot, slightly grumpy firefighter. I find myself wondering if this friend could turn into a lover.
Especially now that I’m living with him…
Mere months after I got married, I learned my husband betrayed me and I became a widow. All within twenty-four hours.
Angry, hurt, and grieving, I need all the friends I can get.
As usual, Charlie Fitzgerald steps up big time.
For years, he’s been my friend, my protector… the only other man I’ve ever had romantic feelings for. But he friend-zoned me ages ago.
Now I’m staying with him and it’s obvious he cares about me, too. That he has for a while…
When Charlie finally lets me out of the friend zone, the emotions are intense, and the physical connection is sizzling hot.
Just when I think we’re going to get a happy ending, it’s ripped away. Because not only is he afraid of losing his best friend when she finds out, he’s afraid he’ll become the type of man his father is.
Charlie can’t see that he’s the hero in my story, not the villain.
And it looks like we’re both going to lose out on love because of it…
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 27, 2024
340 people are currently reading
325 people want to read
About the author
Finley Daniels
9 books52 followersFinley Daniels writes romances that are heartfelt, healing, and filled with happy endings. Don’t be surprised if you laugh, cry, then laugh again all in the same book. Finley probably did all of those while writing it…
Finley is a voracious reader. She often loses herself (and sleep) for hours at a time into the world of whatever book she is reading… especially if she’s lucky enough to be relaxing somewhere on a warm beach near the ocean.
She loves gardening, being out in nature, and her fur babies. Her husband isn't so bad, either. She’s also obsessed with watching the owls that live in a nesting box in her back yard. That means if you follow her newsletter, you’ll undoubtedly see lots of pics featuring flowers, pups, and owls!
Finley lives in the Northeastern United States.
Stay up to date on Finley’s latest news on her website, Facebook, or Instagram.
Finley is a voracious reader. She often loses herself (and sleep) for hours at a time into the world of whatever book she is reading… especially if she’s lucky enough to be relaxing somewhere on a warm beach near the ocean.
She loves gardening, being out in nature, and her fur babies. Her husband isn't so bad, either. She’s also obsessed with watching the owls that live in a nesting box in her back yard. That means if you follow her newsletter, you’ll undoubtedly see lots of pics featuring flowers, pups, and owls!
Finley lives in the Northeastern United States.
Stay up to date on Finley’s latest news on her website, Facebook, or Instagram.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
September 6, 2024
4⭐️
This was such an awesome read!!! For some reason, I let it collect dust in my kindle library… what a mistake!! I loved the incorporation of the sister’s best friend trope🥹
If you’re looking for a slow burn this is exactly what you should pick up next. Even though I hadn’t read the first books in this series prior to this I found it really enjoyable and easy to follow🥰
Highly recommended l🫶
Read if you like:
✨friends to lovers
✨slow burn
✨he loved her from the start
✨forced proximity 😩😩😩
~arc for honest review~
This was such an awesome read!!! For some reason, I let it collect dust in my kindle library… what a mistake!! I loved the incorporation of the sister’s best friend trope🥹
If you’re looking for a slow burn this is exactly what you should pick up next. Even though I hadn’t read the first books in this series prior to this I found it really enjoyable and easy to follow🥰
Highly recommended l🫶
Read if you like:
✨friends to lovers
✨slow burn
✨he loved her from the start
✨forced proximity 😩😩😩
~arc for honest review~
September 3, 2024
Rating: 4.25 / 5
Spice: 3.5 / 5
Stay With Me is a sweet swoon-worthy romance that is a quick read. Once you start reading, you are not going to want to stop. I loved reading Emily and Fitz' (Charlie) love story.
I really liked the writing style and the way the story is told. The story is told in a linear timeline. We first meet our FMC, Emily, when she is 18 and the MMC, Fitz (Charlie) when he is 21. From there, we are shown how the two build a true friendship and are there for each other over a span of 10+ years.
This is a slow burn with lots of wanting and angst before the couple ever gets physical. I really enjoyed the chemistry between the two and the funny banter. There were several instances where I found myself laughing up a storm while reading. This was very much appreciated because though this is a sweet romance there are some heavy topics discussed in the story. Both Emily and Charlie have been through a lot in life and they both have experience trauma growing up (I got a little emotional while reading about their past hurts).
I really really really loved how the author showed us Emily's therapy sessions. Usually, as readers we are told that the character went to therapy or we are given a quick view into a short therapy session. But this book was different. The author took her time to explain exactly what Emily was going through emotionally and we were able to get a insight on the techniques that can be used for someone going through what Emily was going through in the story. I really enjoyed those scenes. We saw Emily and Fitz put in the work in order to become better people for each other. The character growth and development is extraordinary and done very well. This helped in establishing the chemistry between the two.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and I would definitely recommend it. I cannot wait for Trina's story. There were a lot of easter eggs and breadcrumbs left in this book for Trina's story! I'm excited for that one!
What to Expect:
💛 Best Friends Little Sister
💛 Friends to Lovers
💛 Small Town Romance
💛 Coworkers' Ex Wife
💛 Found Family
💛 Mental Health Rep
💛 Cinnamon Roll MMC
💛 Slow Burn
💛 Roommates
💛 Grumpy x Sunshine
Favorites:
PG 31--"Since the day I met my sisters best friend four years ago, I've had a tiny, completely harmless crush on the gorgeous specimen of a man."
PG 50--"I'm glad you're finding yourself, sunshine. Because you're an amazing woman an you're meant to shine, not be eclipsed."
PG 82--"Tell me who hurt you, sunshine."
PG 83--"What I don't tell her is that I'd do just about anything for her."
PG 156--"You make me feel safe and protected. You always have. And, no matter what I do, you always see the best in me. I feel like I'm my best self, my brightest self, when I'm around you. I like who I am when I'm with you."
PG 333--"I'm irrevocably, madly in love with this woman. The truth is, I always have been..."
PG 333-- "Because darkness can't exist when there's so much light--and Emily Flynn is light epitomized."
Spice: 3.5 / 5
Stay With Me is a sweet swoon-worthy romance that is a quick read. Once you start reading, you are not going to want to stop. I loved reading Emily and Fitz' (Charlie) love story.
I really liked the writing style and the way the story is told. The story is told in a linear timeline. We first meet our FMC, Emily, when she is 18 and the MMC, Fitz (Charlie) when he is 21. From there, we are shown how the two build a true friendship and are there for each other over a span of 10+ years.
This is a slow burn with lots of wanting and angst before the couple ever gets physical. I really enjoyed the chemistry between the two and the funny banter. There were several instances where I found myself laughing up a storm while reading. This was very much appreciated because though this is a sweet romance there are some heavy topics discussed in the story. Both Emily and Charlie have been through a lot in life and they both have experience trauma growing up (I got a little emotional while reading about their past hurts).
I really really really loved how the author showed us Emily's therapy sessions. Usually, as readers we are told that the character went to therapy or we are given a quick view into a short therapy session. But this book was different. The author took her time to explain exactly what Emily was going through emotionally and we were able to get a insight on the techniques that can be used for someone going through what Emily was going through in the story. I really enjoyed those scenes. We saw Emily and Fitz put in the work in order to become better people for each other. The character growth and development is extraordinary and done very well. This helped in establishing the chemistry between the two.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and I would definitely recommend it. I cannot wait for Trina's story. There were a lot of easter eggs and breadcrumbs left in this book for Trina's story! I'm excited for that one!
What to Expect:
💛 Best Friends Little Sister
💛 Friends to Lovers
💛 Small Town Romance
💛 Coworkers' Ex Wife
💛 Found Family
💛 Mental Health Rep
💛 Cinnamon Roll MMC
💛 Slow Burn
💛 Roommates
💛 Grumpy x Sunshine
Favorites:
PG 31--"Since the day I met my sisters best friend four years ago, I've had a tiny, completely harmless crush on the gorgeous specimen of a man."
PG 50--"I'm glad you're finding yourself, sunshine. Because you're an amazing woman an you're meant to shine, not be eclipsed."
PG 82--"Tell me who hurt you, sunshine."
PG 83--"What I don't tell her is that I'd do just about anything for her."
PG 156--"You make me feel safe and protected. You always have. And, no matter what I do, you always see the best in me. I feel like I'm my best self, my brightest self, when I'm around you. I like who I am when I'm with you."
PG 333--"I'm irrevocably, madly in love with this woman. The truth is, I always have been..."
PG 333-- "Because darkness can't exist when there's so much light--and Emily Flynn is light epitomized."
September 4, 2024
✨ARC review✨
This book was so beautifully written, and had the perfect balance between fluff and depth. The novel does an excellent job of blending so many different aspects, making the romance between Emily and Charlie feel both passionate and meaningful.
The pacing is spot-on for a slow-burn romance, allowing their relationship to develop naturally while throwing in unexpected twists that keep the story from becoming predictable. Emily's journey toward self-discovery and love after grief is refreshing, and watching Charlie overcome his childhood trauma adds a layer of emotional depth.
Overall, this book is a captivating read that will resonate with fans of friends-to-lovers and best friend's sister tropes! I would totally recommend this book! Thank you Love Notes PR and Finley Daniels for this ARC Read!
This book was so beautifully written, and had the perfect balance between fluff and depth. The novel does an excellent job of blending so many different aspects, making the romance between Emily and Charlie feel both passionate and meaningful.
The pacing is spot-on for a slow-burn romance, allowing their relationship to develop naturally while throwing in unexpected twists that keep the story from becoming predictable. Emily's journey toward self-discovery and love after grief is refreshing, and watching Charlie overcome his childhood trauma adds a layer of emotional depth.
Overall, this book is a captivating read that will resonate with fans of friends-to-lovers and best friend's sister tropes! I would totally recommend this book! Thank you Love Notes PR and Finley Daniels for this ARC Read!
September 2, 2024
This is my first Finley Daniels books and I absolutely enjoyed it so much. Slow burn, friends to lovers, and the mmc was absolute perfection. I love the selfless devotion this man had for her and how he'd always show up for her nonmatter what. Giving her the loved she so deserved. It was torture waiting for these two to get their shit together and just go for it, but it was so delicious when they finally let go. We all need a Charlie in our lives 💗
August 30, 2024
3.5⭐️ this was such a good fluff read! Getting to read Emily's growth towards finding herself and love after her grief was so refreshing. And watching Charlie overcome his childhood trauma was much needed as someone who works in child welfare.
Thank you Finley and Love Notes PR for letting me read this advance copy!
Thank you Finley and Love Notes PR for letting me read this advance copy!
August 28, 2024
How can you not love this story? 🫶🏻😭🥺
A dash of tension here & there.
A little bit of twists & turns.
And a looooooooot of love.
That’s all it took for this to be a great summer read 🫶🏻🩷✨
A dash of tension here & there.
A little bit of twists & turns.
And a looooooooot of love.
That’s all it took for this to be a great summer read 🫶🏻🩷✨
August 20, 2024
4.25🌟
(I received an e-arc from Love note pr and am voluntarily leaving this review)
Wow ok. This book was so good and so well written.
I loved that instead of the past and present switch, which can sometimes be a little exhausting, it just shows us all the events from start to end and the way it actually felt like we saw all the ten years they spent building their relationship. I loved that their connection wasn't just physical. I loved how they actually took care of each other whenever one of them was going through something.
It had:
●Sister's best friend
●Roommates
●Small town vibe
●Slow burn
●Grumpy × sunshine
I am so excited for her Sister's story which is most probably coming out in October.
Highly recommend.
(I received an e-arc from Love note pr and am voluntarily leaving this review)
Wow ok. This book was so good and so well written.
I loved that instead of the past and present switch, which can sometimes be a little exhausting, it just shows us all the events from start to end and the way it actually felt like we saw all the ten years they spent building their relationship. I loved that their connection wasn't just physical. I loved how they actually took care of each other whenever one of them was going through something.
It had:
●Sister's best friend
●Roommates
●Small town vibe
●Slow burn
●Grumpy × sunshine
I am so excited for her Sister's story which is most probably coming out in October.
Highly recommend.
August 28, 2024
I was gifted this book as an ARC from Finley Daniels and Lovenotes and I would just like to thank them for this opportunity and appreciate it 🩷✨️
Stay With Me is my first Finley Daniels book and I do not think it will be my last 🤭
There was spice. There was best friends sister. There was sibling not holding them back and letting them be together. There was sunshine and there was tears and I wouldn't of had it any other way 🥹
I was first going to rate this a 4.25 but it has worked its way up to a 4.75 to 4.95!! I feel like I would of loved it more reading the first couple of books which I'm going to now but it didn't take me long to catch up on who was who and who was with who ✨️🩷
Once again, thank you Finley Daniels and Lovenotes for this opportunity 🤭🩷✨️
Stay With Me is my first Finley Daniels book and I do not think it will be my last 🤭
There was spice. There was best friends sister. There was sibling not holding them back and letting them be together. There was sunshine and there was tears and I wouldn't of had it any other way 🥹
I was first going to rate this a 4.25 but it has worked its way up to a 4.75 to 4.95!! I feel like I would of loved it more reading the first couple of books which I'm going to now but it didn't take me long to catch up on who was who and who was with who ✨️🩷
Once again, thank you Finley Daniels and Lovenotes for this opportunity 🤭🩷✨️
August 28, 2024
Soooo this was super fun! I am reviewing this book as a ARC for Love Notes
It started off a little slow and I wasn’t 100% sure but! I absolutely loved this book so so much and was so happy to read it! Absolutely fell in love with Charlie! And the little spin at the end was fun to! I absolutely loved the slow burn in this 🥵🥵🥵 Emily was so cute and fun to I liked we got to really see her personality!
Overall a fun, Quick summer read! 🥰 and Charlie is now one of my book boyfriends 🙊
It started off a little slow and I wasn’t 100% sure but! I absolutely loved this book so so much and was so happy to read it! Absolutely fell in love with Charlie! And the little spin at the end was fun to! I absolutely loved the slow burn in this 🥵🥵🥵 Emily was so cute and fun to I liked we got to really see her personality!
Overall a fun, Quick summer read! 🥰 and Charlie is now one of my book boyfriends 🙊
July 23, 2024
What a beautiful love story! This is the 4th book in this small town series and it does not disappoint! Emily has had a crush on Charlie (Fitz) forever. And he has loved Emily just as long. But neither of them could admit their feelings to themselves or to one another. This book is so beautiful, reading how their love blossoms and how they both manage to recover from the trauma of each of their lives. The characters in this book feel like they are my friends and family! Finley Daniels wrote another gorgeous love story!!
August 28, 2024
⭐️friends to lovers
⭐️sisters best friend
⭐️ fire fighter 🧑🚒 and teacher 👩🏫
⭐️he falls hard
⭐️small town romance
⭐️ slow burn
I loved this store between Emily and Charlie. We get to see them grow and learn about them from the early years. They both have a story to tell so theirs the age gap jump and seeing what they went through in their younger years and how that still affects them later in life. I love Charlie protective role over Emily and I just love him for that. The love he has over her and everything he does for her and she doesn’t recognize it till later. This is truly an incredible love story with all the feels that we go through in life and don’t see until it’s too late or is it??? Read Stay with me to see how it all plays out and how these two love birds come together to heal each other’s past wounds.
Xoxo
⭐️sisters best friend
⭐️ fire fighter 🧑🚒 and teacher 👩🏫
⭐️he falls hard
⭐️small town romance
⭐️ slow burn
I loved this store between Emily and Charlie. We get to see them grow and learn about them from the early years. They both have a story to tell so theirs the age gap jump and seeing what they went through in their younger years and how that still affects them later in life. I love Charlie protective role over Emily and I just love him for that. The love he has over her and everything he does for her and she doesn’t recognize it till later. This is truly an incredible love story with all the feels that we go through in life and don’t see until it’s too late or is it??? Read Stay with me to see how it all plays out and how these two love birds come together to heal each other’s past wounds.
Xoxo
September 3, 2024
3 ⭐️
This was an enjoyable read, I was able to get through it in a few hours. However, having not read the first few books in the series there were a few events that were glossed over that were jarring as a reader. They were undoubtedly discussed in detail in the previous books so I recommend reading them in order, as this makes it harder to invest in as a standalone.
That being said, I liked both of the main characters and their relationship. There is a lot of pining and this is one of the slower burn friends-to-lovers that I’ve read. Some parts weren’t as believable - waiting a decade to divulge feelings, the third act breakup, etc. but it didn’t take away too much from my enjoyment. I would have appreciated the secondary characters being more flushed out, but again I think I felt this way because I haven’t read her other books.
You may this book if you like:
Friends to lovers
Small town romance
Best friend's sister
He falls first
🌶️ 1.5/5 a few brief open door scenes
Thank you to Finley Daniels and LoveNotesPR for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 24, 2024
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2 out of 5
Spice: 🌶🌶 1/2 out of 5
Tropes:
🫠Mutual Pining for Years
🫂Forced Proximity
💪Cinnamon Roll Protective MMC
🌻Friends to Lovers
👨🚒Firefighter x Teacher
❤️🔥Slow Burn
🥵He Falls Hard
Review:
Mutual pining that just ached me to my bones sometimes but man I loved it! A world of beautiful found family characters and very real human emotions.
Charlie has only had eyes for Emily since he first saw her as a teenager. Emily is his best friend's sister. However, Emily is taken but has a sometimes stressful relationship with her long time boyfriend. Out of honor, so as to not impede on happiness for her, Charlie sulks with his lovesick heart for years but keeps it hidden and remains a steadfast and protective friend to Emily. After the loss of her husband, events domino and feelings squeeze their way to the surface for both of them but can they finally find a way to let themselves give in to their true unrequited love for the other?
Charlie is like a lovable, sweetly shy labrador...loyal, honorable, protective towards his family and friends. I especially liked us seeing a bit into his young life of abu3e , as that illuminated where his worries and fears of becoming his father stemmed from. He doesn't want to to snuff out any but of Emily's light so that's a huge reason why he restrains and pulls back so much. I would've even liked a bit more of that...like his stuttering as a child was a lovely element.
Emily has such spunk and her chemistry with Charlie is off the charts. Loved her and she's exactly my height, 5ft 1in haha, so I celebrate the fiesty shorty FMC's! Need more of those! We also get the wounded side of her post-loss and it's very realistic how that aftermath affects her, how she worries if she will be loved again.
Overall this redeeming love story was incredibly moving. It takes time and there are hardships for them before they get their HEA but it's a well earned one and I highly recommend this book for contemporary romance navigating the dramas of life and mutual pining to the nth degree!
Spice: 🌶🌶 1/2 out of 5
Tropes:
🫠Mutual Pining for Years
🫂Forced Proximity
💪Cinnamon Roll Protective MMC
🌻Friends to Lovers
👨🚒Firefighter x Teacher
❤️🔥Slow Burn
🥵He Falls Hard
Review:
Mutual pining that just ached me to my bones sometimes but man I loved it! A world of beautiful found family characters and very real human emotions.
Charlie has only had eyes for Emily since he first saw her as a teenager. Emily is his best friend's sister. However, Emily is taken but has a sometimes stressful relationship with her long time boyfriend. Out of honor, so as to not impede on happiness for her, Charlie sulks with his lovesick heart for years but keeps it hidden and remains a steadfast and protective friend to Emily. After the loss of her husband, events domino and feelings squeeze their way to the surface for both of them but can they finally find a way to let themselves give in to their true unrequited love for the other?
Charlie is like a lovable, sweetly shy labrador...loyal, honorable, protective towards his family and friends. I especially liked us seeing a bit into his young life of abu3e , as that illuminated where his worries and fears of becoming his father stemmed from. He doesn't want to to snuff out any but of Emily's light so that's a huge reason why he restrains and pulls back so much. I would've even liked a bit more of that...like his stuttering as a child was a lovely element.
Emily has such spunk and her chemistry with Charlie is off the charts. Loved her and she's exactly my height, 5ft 1in haha, so I celebrate the fiesty shorty FMC's! Need more of those! We also get the wounded side of her post-loss and it's very realistic how that aftermath affects her, how she worries if she will be loved again.
Overall this redeeming love story was incredibly moving. It takes time and there are hardships for them before they get their HEA but it's a well earned one and I highly recommend this book for contemporary romance navigating the dramas of life and mutual pining to the nth degree!
September 4, 2024
3.5 STARS
I tried to enjoy the story at the beginning, but there was something I was not liking about it. There were good parts I liked about the plot, though. As the story progressed and the relationship of the protagonists progressed, the story captured my attention. There were parts where I was upset with Charlie and for what happened in his past. The chemistry between Charlie and Em, I loved it. They've been friends for 10 years. I liked the end of the story. It was an enjoyable read.
Thanks Love Notes PR and author Finley Daniels for the ARC.
I tried to enjoy the story at the beginning, but there was something I was not liking about it. There were good parts I liked about the plot, though. As the story progressed and the relationship of the protagonists progressed, the story captured my attention. There were parts where I was upset with Charlie and for what happened in his past. The chemistry between Charlie and Em, I loved it. They've been friends for 10 years. I liked the end of the story. It was an enjoyable read.
Thanks Love Notes PR and author Finley Daniels for the ARC.
August 30, 2024
I actually liked this book, 3.5 is not a bad rating! The writing style was good, it was so easy to read the book. The MMC!!! Literally the perfect book boyfriend!!! The thing that I didn’t like (which is a personal thing) is the friends to lovers trope. I personally think all ‘friends to lovers’ books just get too “same”… Like the whole book i’m kind of irritated because why can’t you just talk… But the book was good, it’s just a personal thing that made it 3.5⭐️
September 20, 2024
*ARC*
I love me some friends to lovers romance. It's so frustrating when they think they are not on the same page. This is also a plot that I have not read before. It was a total rollercoaster for me.
I would consider this a slow romance. It was definitely a 'right people, wrong time' moment. These went through a lot, and Charlie had his own fears and insecurities. But they were a good balance and it was fun to see their flirting.
I would definitely check the triggers for this book
🌶🌶.5/5
I love me some friends to lovers romance. It's so frustrating when they think they are not on the same page. This is also a plot that I have not read before. It was a total rollercoaster for me.
I would consider this a slow romance. It was definitely a 'right people, wrong time' moment. These went through a lot, and Charlie had his own fears and insecurities. But they were a good balance and it was fun to see their flirting.
I would definitely check the triggers for this book
🌶🌶.5/5
September 6, 2024
This book was after my heart from the very beginning. I knew from the very first chapter I was gonna love it. I couldn’t put it down from the very first page and it started so interesting. There was no awkward or boring buildup and I LOVED it. When he made the built-in bookshelves with a reading nook for her?!? A man after my heart. I was SWOONING!!! This man designed his bathroom off of her dream one she told him about like COME ON! This is a DREAM man. What she did when he walked in and saw she found the bathroom??? I could NEVER be that bold. I loved how realistic their banter was. I came for the firefighter, but man he is SO MUCH MORE. And the amount of times “stay with me” was added into the book. I loved it. It was like finding little easter eggs. If this book doesn’t make you hungry, want to try making these foods, or make you want to build your dream home…you’re wrong.
When Shayna and Emily were talking about how Charlie is in bed in front of him I was dying!
I’ve never heard of beer cheese soup, but it sounds like something my boyfriend would love. And why did I not think people actually used bread bowls for soup other than at Panera??? And taco dip and chips?!? That sounds SO GOOD. No clue what stuffed manicotti is but I need to try it right now. I also need a pizza oven out on the deck of a kitchen and a copper soaking tub.
Quote timeeee:
E: “What are you doing here?”
C: “I’m here to do your snow. I was at my mom's helping with hers and I thought I'd come clear yours, too.” He shrugs like it's no big deal.
—----Later in the scene—-----
C: “Sunshine, I skipped arm day during my workout this week. How about you use this, and I'll shovel? It'll be good for my triceps.”
I chuckle at Charlie’s thinly veiled attempt to give me the easier task. Always the gentleman.
__________________________________
She doesn’t realize I’d do just about anything for her, no questions asked.
If it were up to me, she’d never have to do any of the crappy, tedious things in life. I'd be happy to do them all for her. But I'll be damned if I let something make her feel helpless if it's in my power to teach her.
__________________________________
E: “I didn't answer him. In fact, I panicked and ran out of the lunchroom, then hid on the floor in the kindergarten bathroom, crying.”
C: “You were crying?”
E: “I tell you I hid on the floor in a miniature sized bathroom and you're most worried that I was crying?”
C: “Uh, yeah. Of course that’s what I’m worried about. I don’t care that you were on the floor, sunshine. I care that you were upset. I don’t ever want you to be sad. The thought of you crying makes me want to crush something.”
__________________________________
C: “Ah, yes. Your smoky book club is coming up soon.”
E: “Spicy Girls is a steamy book club, Charlie, not smoky. What do you think we’re reading about? No. Don’t answer that.”
C: “I know exactly what you read about in that sexy book club.”
__________________________________
C: “Shelly and I broke up because she had jealousy issues.”
E: “Oh, yeah. She was jealous of Trina, right?”
C: “Not exactly.”
I lift a questioning brow at him and wait out in silence.
C: “Fine. She wasn't jealous of Trina. She was jealous of you.”
E: “Me?”
C: “Yes, you. She wanted me to keep my distance from you and that wasn’t an acceptable request to me. So, I ended things.”
E: “Okay. It makes no sense, though. I mean, even these few years later, she’s still gorgeous. Not to mention the boobs. Which she had on full display tonight.”
Charlie rolls his eyes.
E: “Seriously. She had nothing to be jealous of. She had you and she’s everything I’m not.”
C: “No, sunshine. You’ve got it all wrong. She never had me, not really. And you’re everything she’s not. Everything. Not the other way around.”
__________________________________
C: “I’m not dating Linette. Trina gave her my number that day at school, and she keeps texting, but I was never interested in her. I wouldn’t start dating someone and not tell you. Besides, I don’t want to date anyone el–”
Her eyes widen, and I clear my throat.
C: “I’m not looking to meet anyone.”
E: “I-I thought that y-you were gonna be with her and figured I’d have to stop spending s-so much time with you. So, I tried to pull back preemptively. I thought it would hurt less if I did it.”
C: “Don’t do that again. Okay? I hated it.”
__________________________________
I didn’t listen to my gut years ago to tell her that I thought Teddy wasn’t right for her. I’m sure as shit gonna listen to it now. And it’s telling me she should stay with me.
She came into my life like a whirlwind almost ten years ago and imprinted on my heart in a way that hasn't lessened, even after all these years. No matter how much I tried to deny what I feel for her.
__________________________________
C: “I have no question in my mind that I’d love your hair if it were two feet long or two inches long. It’s because it’s attached to you that I like it. For the last ten years I’ve thought you were the most beautiful woman in every room you’ve walked into and that will never change.”
She snorts like I’ve said something funny and rolls her eyes.
E: “We both know that I’m not your usual type. You’ve always liked taller women with much darker hair, and more womanly curves. I have the body of a pre-pubescent boy compared to the women you’re usually with.”
C: “You still don’t get it, do you? For years, I’ve wanted you. But you weren’t mine. So, yeah, I was very intentional about what the women I spent time with looked like. It’s true they looked about as different from you as I could find.”
Her gaze drops downward.
C: “Look at me, please. I didn’t choose women who looked like that because it’s what I was attracted to. I chose them because they looked so different from you and that was the only way I stood any chance of not thinking of you constantly when I was with them.”
__________________________________
E: “It happened before we broke up. I figured I’d bring her home and ask forgiveness afterward. I’d have a companion when you were working a twenty-four-hour shift. And if I wasn’t living here anymore, then I wouldn’t have to ask. So…”
__________________________________
“Oh, Emily, I meant to ask. Did you stay off your phone and your e-reader for the three days the doctor said you had to because of your concussion?”
C: “Three days? Is that so, Annie? She was supposed to stay off them for three days?”
“Yeah. Let me guess, she didn’t last twenty-four-hours?”
C: “Oh, she lasted”—Charlie pierce's me with his eyes—
C: “But I’m wondering why she’s been making me read to her from that smut book you all are reading for book club. And not just for three days, but all week.”
He doesn’t take his eyes off me. I shrug.
E: “It’s more fun when you read it. Especially the spicy scenes. Sorry, not sorry.”
__________________________________
C: “Ew, guys. Did you have to get so much gross slobber on the glass?”
E: “Charlie!”
E: “Daddy doesn’t mean that, you sweet babies. Everything you do is adorable.”
When Shayna and Emily were talking about how Charlie is in bed in front of him I was dying!
I’ve never heard of beer cheese soup, but it sounds like something my boyfriend would love. And why did I not think people actually used bread bowls for soup other than at Panera??? And taco dip and chips?!? That sounds SO GOOD. No clue what stuffed manicotti is but I need to try it right now. I also need a pizza oven out on the deck of a kitchen and a copper soaking tub.
Quote timeeee:
E: “What are you doing here?”
C: “I’m here to do your snow. I was at my mom's helping with hers and I thought I'd come clear yours, too.” He shrugs like it's no big deal.
—----Later in the scene—-----
C: “Sunshine, I skipped arm day during my workout this week. How about you use this, and I'll shovel? It'll be good for my triceps.”
I chuckle at Charlie’s thinly veiled attempt to give me the easier task. Always the gentleman.
__________________________________
She doesn’t realize I’d do just about anything for her, no questions asked.
If it were up to me, she’d never have to do any of the crappy, tedious things in life. I'd be happy to do them all for her. But I'll be damned if I let something make her feel helpless if it's in my power to teach her.
__________________________________
E: “I didn't answer him. In fact, I panicked and ran out of the lunchroom, then hid on the floor in the kindergarten bathroom, crying.”
C: “You were crying?”
E: “I tell you I hid on the floor in a miniature sized bathroom and you're most worried that I was crying?”
C: “Uh, yeah. Of course that’s what I’m worried about. I don’t care that you were on the floor, sunshine. I care that you were upset. I don’t ever want you to be sad. The thought of you crying makes me want to crush something.”
__________________________________
C: “Ah, yes. Your smoky book club is coming up soon.”
E: “Spicy Girls is a steamy book club, Charlie, not smoky. What do you think we’re reading about? No. Don’t answer that.”
C: “I know exactly what you read about in that sexy book club.”
__________________________________
C: “Shelly and I broke up because she had jealousy issues.”
E: “Oh, yeah. She was jealous of Trina, right?”
C: “Not exactly.”
I lift a questioning brow at him and wait out in silence.
C: “Fine. She wasn't jealous of Trina. She was jealous of you.”
E: “Me?”
C: “Yes, you. She wanted me to keep my distance from you and that wasn’t an acceptable request to me. So, I ended things.”
E: “Okay. It makes no sense, though. I mean, even these few years later, she’s still gorgeous. Not to mention the boobs. Which she had on full display tonight.”
Charlie rolls his eyes.
E: “Seriously. She had nothing to be jealous of. She had you and she’s everything I’m not.”
C: “No, sunshine. You’ve got it all wrong. She never had me, not really. And you’re everything she’s not. Everything. Not the other way around.”
__________________________________
C: “I’m not dating Linette. Trina gave her my number that day at school, and she keeps texting, but I was never interested in her. I wouldn’t start dating someone and not tell you. Besides, I don’t want to date anyone el–”
Her eyes widen, and I clear my throat.
C: “I’m not looking to meet anyone.”
E: “I-I thought that y-you were gonna be with her and figured I’d have to stop spending s-so much time with you. So, I tried to pull back preemptively. I thought it would hurt less if I did it.”
C: “Don’t do that again. Okay? I hated it.”
__________________________________
I didn’t listen to my gut years ago to tell her that I thought Teddy wasn’t right for her. I’m sure as shit gonna listen to it now. And it’s telling me she should stay with me.
She came into my life like a whirlwind almost ten years ago and imprinted on my heart in a way that hasn't lessened, even after all these years. No matter how much I tried to deny what I feel for her.
__________________________________
C: “I have no question in my mind that I’d love your hair if it were two feet long or two inches long. It’s because it’s attached to you that I like it. For the last ten years I’ve thought you were the most beautiful woman in every room you’ve walked into and that will never change.”
She snorts like I’ve said something funny and rolls her eyes.
E: “We both know that I’m not your usual type. You’ve always liked taller women with much darker hair, and more womanly curves. I have the body of a pre-pubescent boy compared to the women you’re usually with.”
C: “You still don’t get it, do you? For years, I’ve wanted you. But you weren’t mine. So, yeah, I was very intentional about what the women I spent time with looked like. It’s true they looked about as different from you as I could find.”
Her gaze drops downward.
C: “Look at me, please. I didn’t choose women who looked like that because it’s what I was attracted to. I chose them because they looked so different from you and that was the only way I stood any chance of not thinking of you constantly when I was with them.”
__________________________________
E: “It happened before we broke up. I figured I’d bring her home and ask forgiveness afterward. I’d have a companion when you were working a twenty-four-hour shift. And if I wasn’t living here anymore, then I wouldn’t have to ask. So…”
__________________________________
“Oh, Emily, I meant to ask. Did you stay off your phone and your e-reader for the three days the doctor said you had to because of your concussion?”
C: “Three days? Is that so, Annie? She was supposed to stay off them for three days?”
“Yeah. Let me guess, she didn’t last twenty-four-hours?”
C: “Oh, she lasted”—Charlie pierce's me with his eyes—
C: “But I’m wondering why she’s been making me read to her from that smut book you all are reading for book club. And not just for three days, but all week.”
He doesn’t take his eyes off me. I shrug.
E: “It’s more fun when you read it. Especially the spicy scenes. Sorry, not sorry.”
__________________________________
C: “Ew, guys. Did you have to get so much gross slobber on the glass?”
E: “Charlie!”
E: “Daddy doesn’t mean that, you sweet babies. Everything you do is adorable.”
September 6, 2024
❥ 𝗔𝗿𝗰 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
I was really excited to read Stay with Me and thoroughly enjoyed the beginning. However, by the end, it just wasn’t for me, so I’ll keep this review brief.
One aspect I appreciated was how the book was divided into "Then" and "After" sections. Typically, stories use flashbacks to glimpses of the past, but I liked the way the author structured the timeline. It was a refreshing change.
I particularly enjoyed the "Then" part, where we got to know the characters and watched Emily and Charles' friendship develop over the years. However, once I reached the second half, I found myself struggling to finish. The "will they, won’t they" dynamic, constant back-and-forth, and frequent miscommunication became too much for me and I was just so over it. By the end, I had lost interest in the characters, which was disappointing since I had enjoyed the first half so much.
Although this book didn’t quite work for me, I’d like to thank Valentine PR and the author for the opportunity to be part of this ARC team.
I was really excited to read Stay with Me and thoroughly enjoyed the beginning. However, by the end, it just wasn’t for me, so I’ll keep this review brief.
One aspect I appreciated was how the book was divided into "Then" and "After" sections. Typically, stories use flashbacks to glimpses of the past, but I liked the way the author structured the timeline. It was a refreshing change.
I particularly enjoyed the "Then" part, where we got to know the characters and watched Emily and Charles' friendship develop over the years. However, once I reached the second half, I found myself struggling to finish. The "will they, won’t they" dynamic, constant back-and-forth, and frequent miscommunication became too much for me and I was just so over it. By the end, I had lost interest in the characters, which was disappointing since I had enjoyed the first half so much.
Although this book didn’t quite work for me, I’d like to thank Valentine PR and the author for the opportunity to be part of this ARC team.
September 5, 2024
Charlie and Emily is such a unique version of Best Friends Sister! It truly showed so much growth on both parts of the characters. Getting to be involved in the entire growth of their friendship to lovers was such an experience!
Quote: “I’m glad you’re finding yourself, sunshine. Because you’re an amazing woman and you’re meant to shine, not be eclipsed.”
Quote: “I’m glad you’re finding yourself, sunshine. Because you’re an amazing woman and you’re meant to shine, not be eclipsed.”
June 10, 2025
Wow, just wow! This is Emily Flynn, 18 yrs., and Charles “Charlie / Fitz”, 21 yrs., Fitzgerald's story. Yes, Emily is one Flynn sisters both Trina and Charlie are going through the Paramedic / Firefighter Academy in this book. In the next, she’s made Captain. Charlie meets Emily for the first time at her and Shayla Donley’s graduation / Emily’s birthday party. Put on at the Donley’s. You see their parents couldn't be bothered with something so mundane as going to Emily’s graduation/birthday party because they were on a cruise.
That is the same day Emily decided she couldn't call him Fitz she would call him Charlie. And since Charlie couldn’t take his eyes off her he agreed. He did notice that she had a boyfriend Teddy. No, not a bear, a human, and on this day one that did cannonballs while the girls were sunbathing, pissing them off. Not cool he was the same age as Trina. The thing Emily kept quiet about for a long time is that Teddy had a bad depression. He would get extremely depressed. He could handle her going to college. It was a set schedule and he had Jack Donley his best friend, who helped him through, a lot of things.
When she was in college she went out with a different friend when Shayna was visiting Tom in School. She gets in a situation and when there’s no one else available she calls Charlie and he is there to save her. He even kept her on the line until he got there. The trouble happened when Emily decided to continue her schooling through the summer not finishing classes in August instead of December for college. Hearing her news put Teddy into a spiral. He had just started with the fire department and was looking forward to getting their life started together.
He is not comfortable with change. Upon getting the news he storms out of the house the night of her college graduation party. Leaving Emily a crying mess on the porch. Fitz was just arriving with a date. He heard her and told his date to go on in. She was not happy. In fact, they too broke up that night, due to her being jealous of Emily. While they were talking sure enough like Charlie said Teddy came back. It's what happened while she was gone over the summer that tears them apart and the trust goes weak. He does the unthinkable in her book.
1. He starts hanging out with a bad crowd. 2. He starts taking drugs. 3. He has an affair with another woman. And he really thought they could sit down and just talk it out and things could go on like before. Nope, don’t think so. There is so much more to come and you will love the ride. Especially, with kind-hearted Jack is there for her.
That is the same day Emily decided she couldn't call him Fitz she would call him Charlie. And since Charlie couldn’t take his eyes off her he agreed. He did notice that she had a boyfriend Teddy. No, not a bear, a human, and on this day one that did cannonballs while the girls were sunbathing, pissing them off. Not cool he was the same age as Trina. The thing Emily kept quiet about for a long time is that Teddy had a bad depression. He would get extremely depressed. He could handle her going to college. It was a set schedule and he had Jack Donley his best friend, who helped him through, a lot of things.
When she was in college she went out with a different friend when Shayna was visiting Tom in School. She gets in a situation and when there’s no one else available she calls Charlie and he is there to save her. He even kept her on the line until he got there. The trouble happened when Emily decided to continue her schooling through the summer not finishing classes in August instead of December for college. Hearing her news put Teddy into a spiral. He had just started with the fire department and was looking forward to getting their life started together.
He is not comfortable with change. Upon getting the news he storms out of the house the night of her college graduation party. Leaving Emily a crying mess on the porch. Fitz was just arriving with a date. He heard her and told his date to go on in. She was not happy. In fact, they too broke up that night, due to her being jealous of Emily. While they were talking sure enough like Charlie said Teddy came back. It's what happened while she was gone over the summer that tears them apart and the trust goes weak. He does the unthinkable in her book.
1. He starts hanging out with a bad crowd. 2. He starts taking drugs. 3. He has an affair with another woman. And he really thought they could sit down and just talk it out and things could go on like before. Nope, don’t think so. There is so much more to come and you will love the ride. Especially, with kind-hearted Jack is there for her.
August 30, 2024
Stay With Me, the fourth installment in the Elladine Fire Series by Finley Daniels, is a heart-wrenching yet heartwarming exploration of unrequited love, emotional healing, and the journey from friendship to something much deeper.
The story follows Emily, a woman whose life has been upended by betrayal and loss. Reeling from the dual shock of discovering her husband's infidelity and his sudden death, Emily turns to the one constant in her life—Charlie Fitzgerald. Charlie, her long-time friend and sister's best friend, has always been there for her, albeit firmly in the friend-zone. But as Emily navigates her grief, she begins to realize that her feelings for Charlie are far from platonic, and perhaps they never were.
Daniels does a fantastic job of portraying the emotional complexities of Emily's situation. Her grief is palpable, and the slow burn of rekindling feelings between her and Charlie is both tender and intense. The author expertly balances the deep emotional connection with sizzling physical chemistry, creating a romance that feels both genuine and earned.
Charlie is the quintessential hero—brave, loyal, and self-sacrificing. Yet, his reluctance to see himself as anything more than a protector adds a layer of tension to the story. His internal struggle, believing he might not be the right man for Emily, is relatable and adds depth to his character. Readers will find themselves rooting for him to finally see himself as Emily sees him: a hero deserving of love.
The pacing of the novel is perfect for a slow-burn romance, allowing the relationship between Emily and Charlie to develop naturally. Daniels takes her time in building the emotional connection, which makes the eventual romantic payoff all the more satisfying. However, the plot does throw in some unexpected twists that keep the story from feeling predictable, adding to the overall emotional impact.
One of the strengths of Stay With Me is its ability to blend the steamy with the heartfelt. While the romantic scenes are certainly passionate, they are always underpinned by the deep emotional bond that the characters share. This makes the romance feel more substantial and meaningful.
Overall, Stay With Me is a beautifully written, emotionally charged story that will resonate with fans of friends-to-lovers and best friend's sister tropes. Finley Daniels delivers a compelling narrative about love, loss, and finding the courage to embrace a second chance at happiness. If you're looking for a steamy romance with heart, this book is a must-read.
The story follows Emily, a woman whose life has been upended by betrayal and loss. Reeling from the dual shock of discovering her husband's infidelity and his sudden death, Emily turns to the one constant in her life—Charlie Fitzgerald. Charlie, her long-time friend and sister's best friend, has always been there for her, albeit firmly in the friend-zone. But as Emily navigates her grief, she begins to realize that her feelings for Charlie are far from platonic, and perhaps they never were.
Daniels does a fantastic job of portraying the emotional complexities of Emily's situation. Her grief is palpable, and the slow burn of rekindling feelings between her and Charlie is both tender and intense. The author expertly balances the deep emotional connection with sizzling physical chemistry, creating a romance that feels both genuine and earned.
Charlie is the quintessential hero—brave, loyal, and self-sacrificing. Yet, his reluctance to see himself as anything more than a protector adds a layer of tension to the story. His internal struggle, believing he might not be the right man for Emily, is relatable and adds depth to his character. Readers will find themselves rooting for him to finally see himself as Emily sees him: a hero deserving of love.
The pacing of the novel is perfect for a slow-burn romance, allowing the relationship between Emily and Charlie to develop naturally. Daniels takes her time in building the emotional connection, which makes the eventual romantic payoff all the more satisfying. However, the plot does throw in some unexpected twists that keep the story from feeling predictable, adding to the overall emotional impact.
One of the strengths of Stay With Me is its ability to blend the steamy with the heartfelt. While the romantic scenes are certainly passionate, they are always underpinned by the deep emotional bond that the characters share. This makes the romance feel more substantial and meaningful.
Overall, Stay With Me is a beautifully written, emotionally charged story that will resonate with fans of friends-to-lovers and best friend's sister tropes. Finley Daniels delivers a compelling narrative about love, loss, and finding the courage to embrace a second chance at happiness. If you're looking for a steamy romance with heart, this book is a must-read.
September 7, 2024
What to Expect:
💛 Best Friends Little Sister
💛 Friends to Lovers
💛 Small Town Romance
💛 Coworkers' Ex Wife
MMC’s Sunshine
💛 Found Family
💛 Mental Health Rep
💛 Cinnamon Roll MMC
💛 Slow Burn
💛 Roommates
💛 Grumpy x Sunshine
I’ve been reading some small-town romance lately & I love it. I got the ARC copy of this book & thank you to the author & PR team for it.
Stay With Me is a sweet swoon-worthy romance that is a quick read. Once you start reading, you are not going to want to stop. I loved reading Emily and Fitz' (Charlie) love story.
This book is so beautifully written & you get to read it based on a linear timeline. We first meet our FMC, Emily, when she is 18 and the MMC, Fitz (Charlie) when he is 21. From there, we are shown how the two build a true friendship and are there for each other over a span of 10+ years.
This book is absolute slow burn. Scratch that. Slow burn would be an understatement for this book. You have to wait for them to get closer. Patience darling, patience!
I really enjoyed the chemistry between the two and the funny banter. There were several instances where I found myself laughing up a storm while reading. This was very much appreciated because though this is a sweet romance there are some heavy topics discussed in the story. Both Emily and Charlie have been through a lot in life and they both have experience trauma growing up (past hurts me)
I love Charlie protective role over Emily and I just love him for that. The love he has over her and everything he does for her and she doesn’t recognize it till later. This is truly an incredible love story with all the feels that we go through in life and don’t see until it’s too late or is it??? Read Stay with me to see how it all plays out and how these two love birds come together to heal each other’s past wounds.
There’s something about Emily’s therapy session in this book. It is written in so detailed & author spoke about anxiety & trauma in a very good way!
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and I would definitely recommend it. I cannot wait for Trina's story. There were a lot of easter eggs and breadcrumbs left in this book for Trina's story! I'm excited for that one!
💛 Best Friends Little Sister
💛 Friends to Lovers
💛 Small Town Romance
💛 Coworkers' Ex Wife
MMC’s Sunshine
💛 Found Family
💛 Mental Health Rep
💛 Cinnamon Roll MMC
💛 Slow Burn
💛 Roommates
💛 Grumpy x Sunshine
I’ve been reading some small-town romance lately & I love it. I got the ARC copy of this book & thank you to the author & PR team for it.
Stay With Me is a sweet swoon-worthy romance that is a quick read. Once you start reading, you are not going to want to stop. I loved reading Emily and Fitz' (Charlie) love story.
This book is so beautifully written & you get to read it based on a linear timeline. We first meet our FMC, Emily, when she is 18 and the MMC, Fitz (Charlie) when he is 21. From there, we are shown how the two build a true friendship and are there for each other over a span of 10+ years.
This book is absolute slow burn. Scratch that. Slow burn would be an understatement for this book. You have to wait for them to get closer. Patience darling, patience!
I really enjoyed the chemistry between the two and the funny banter. There were several instances where I found myself laughing up a storm while reading. This was very much appreciated because though this is a sweet romance there are some heavy topics discussed in the story. Both Emily and Charlie have been through a lot in life and they both have experience trauma growing up (past hurts me)
I love Charlie protective role over Emily and I just love him for that. The love he has over her and everything he does for her and she doesn’t recognize it till later. This is truly an incredible love story with all the feels that we go through in life and don’t see until it’s too late or is it??? Read Stay with me to see how it all plays out and how these two love birds come together to heal each other’s past wounds.
There’s something about Emily’s therapy session in this book. It is written in so detailed & author spoke about anxiety & trauma in a very good way!
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and I would definitely recommend it. I cannot wait for Trina's story. There were a lot of easter eggs and breadcrumbs left in this book for Trina's story! I'm excited for that one!
August 25, 2024
Review:
💞Stay With Me💞
Elladine Fire series
By Finley Daniels
⭐5/5 ❤️5/5 🌶️4/5
💞 Second Chance
💞 Best friend’s sister
💞 Small Town Romance
Beautiful and gripping
Emily
Caring, supportive and so sweet
Charlie
Caring, helping and always there for her
This beautiful story about Emily and Charlie is heartwarming, gripping and with a touch of sadness.
Emily and Charlie both deserve the best person out there for them to love and be loved. They only took a little while, a decade to be precise, to see that they were that for each other. Exactly what each other needs.
Emily is a very caring and positive woman. She gives and forgives and in the end it costs her a short time of her life without happiness.
Charlie feels undeserving of a relationship because of his parents, but he needs a lot of convincing to see that he is far from what he thought.
They are close friends, always helping each other, being there and everything that a close friendship contains. But deep down both feel strongly for each other that has nothing to do with friendship.
But a few circumstances are in their way, or so it seems or they thought. When finally the time seems right, they slowly grow from being friends to act on their deepest feelings.
It will take some time and misunderstandings to realize how right they are meant to be.
The story has all it needs. Normal people with normal issues. Relatable problems and lifes that do not only contain happiness or an endless amount of money to buy everything they please.
The group of friends and family, or found family, were a perfect and fitting addition. Someones to grow attached to very easily and definitely someones you will not miss out on.
The happy end was really perfect for this story and the characters. Not to overdone or loosely.
Can’t wait for Emily’s sister and her story, because it seemed there might be a good one to tell.
💞Stay With Me💞
Elladine Fire series
By Finley Daniels
⭐5/5 ❤️5/5 🌶️4/5
💞 Second Chance
💞 Best friend’s sister
💞 Small Town Romance
Beautiful and gripping
Emily
Caring, supportive and so sweet
Charlie
Caring, helping and always there for her
This beautiful story about Emily and Charlie is heartwarming, gripping and with a touch of sadness.
Emily and Charlie both deserve the best person out there for them to love and be loved. They only took a little while, a decade to be precise, to see that they were that for each other. Exactly what each other needs.
Emily is a very caring and positive woman. She gives and forgives and in the end it costs her a short time of her life without happiness.
Charlie feels undeserving of a relationship because of his parents, but he needs a lot of convincing to see that he is far from what he thought.
They are close friends, always helping each other, being there and everything that a close friendship contains. But deep down both feel strongly for each other that has nothing to do with friendship.
But a few circumstances are in their way, or so it seems or they thought. When finally the time seems right, they slowly grow from being friends to act on their deepest feelings.
It will take some time and misunderstandings to realize how right they are meant to be.
The story has all it needs. Normal people with normal issues. Relatable problems and lifes that do not only contain happiness or an endless amount of money to buy everything they please.
The group of friends and family, or found family, were a perfect and fitting addition. Someones to grow attached to very easily and definitely someones you will not miss out on.
The happy end was really perfect for this story and the characters. Not to overdone or loosely.
Can’t wait for Emily’s sister and her story, because it seemed there might be a good one to tell.
September 21, 2024
firstly, i would like to say thank you to @lovenotes.pr and @romance_author_finley_daniels for providing me with an arc copy of this book to read and review!
while this book is the fourth in the elladine fire series, it is the first one that i’ve read and i loved every minute of it! i can’t wait to now go back and read the rest of the books and get lost in this world again.
one of the things that really drew me to this book is the characters - i instantly saw myself and my loved ones in them. and boy did i love them! every single character means so much to me, and they are all the kind of people that you want in your life. found family will always be one of my favourite tropes.
charlie and emily are both so lovable, you truly get lost in their story from the beginning. and, despite all of the challenges they face and all of the ups and downs of life, what a beautiful story it is. i was wishing for their happy ending right from the start. they’re the kind of characters you really root for in a story. their slow burn never felt too slow, but instead like the natural progression of a relationship. just as i was hoping the action would start up, it did.
the way this book was written was perfection. getting to understand the past of the characters before starting the present storyline really helped to build connections and fall into the world. these two timelines blended together so seamlessly as well, which meant no details were missed. i also loved the short chapters, as it was easy to stay engaged.
every single page had me wanting more, i was clinging to every twist and turn for life. this is a book that takes you on an emotional rollercoaster, but makes sure you come out the other side okay. you truly feel everything that the characters feel.
before reading this book, please check the content warnings for any potential triggers 🫶🏼
pub date: 30 august 2024
available on kindle & as a paperback
while this book is the fourth in the elladine fire series, it is the first one that i’ve read and i loved every minute of it! i can’t wait to now go back and read the rest of the books and get lost in this world again.
one of the things that really drew me to this book is the characters - i instantly saw myself and my loved ones in them. and boy did i love them! every single character means so much to me, and they are all the kind of people that you want in your life. found family will always be one of my favourite tropes.
charlie and emily are both so lovable, you truly get lost in their story from the beginning. and, despite all of the challenges they face and all of the ups and downs of life, what a beautiful story it is. i was wishing for their happy ending right from the start. they’re the kind of characters you really root for in a story. their slow burn never felt too slow, but instead like the natural progression of a relationship. just as i was hoping the action would start up, it did.
the way this book was written was perfection. getting to understand the past of the characters before starting the present storyline really helped to build connections and fall into the world. these two timelines blended together so seamlessly as well, which meant no details were missed. i also loved the short chapters, as it was easy to stay engaged.
every single page had me wanting more, i was clinging to every twist and turn for life. this is a book that takes you on an emotional rollercoaster, but makes sure you come out the other side okay. you truly feel everything that the characters feel.
before reading this book, please check the content warnings for any potential triggers 🫶🏼
pub date: 30 august 2024
available on kindle & as a paperback
September 6, 2024
This book was really good, like so satisfyingly good. I slowly fell in love with the characters. The sweetness between Charlie and Emily throughout the book was super cute and I just wanted them to be together already. The best friend’s little sister trope was new for me, turns out that I really liked it. His “sunshine” nickname for Emily is truly adorable - it explained a lot of the story as well which I loved. The friendship between a Charlie and Emily is priceless because he is her biggest protector but also wants her to never feel helpless. Emily went through so much in this book and watching how Charlie was always there for me made me so happy.
Charlie’s family back story was touching and had me upset because of it but I enjoyed getting to know him so much - watching him be a better version of the Fitz men was beautiful to see. 🫶🏼
The relationship with Emily and her sister is one to cherish and when she is in the therapy talking about who she considered to be her resource team and her peaceful place is made me super emotional because I could feel where Emily came from. Overall I loved the entire story and ALL of the characters and their connections with one another. 🫂
I love the way Finely writes about the struggles of dealing and fighting against mental health. The slow burn had me itching for more but it was perfect because everything plays out so beautifully. Finely did great in making a good balance of backstory and emotion, it kept me wanting to read more to see how all the pieces fit together. The loyalty and love in this book grabbed my heart and squeezed it till it bleed out. LOVE IT♥️
FAVORITE QUOTE: “She doesn’t know she’s been saving me for a long time just by the amount of light she instills into my world, slowly displacing the darkness that has long lived inside me, courtesy of my old man.” - Charlie
Charlie’s family back story was touching and had me upset because of it but I enjoyed getting to know him so much - watching him be a better version of the Fitz men was beautiful to see. 🫶🏼
The relationship with Emily and her sister is one to cherish and when she is in the therapy talking about who she considered to be her resource team and her peaceful place is made me super emotional because I could feel where Emily came from. Overall I loved the entire story and ALL of the characters and their connections with one another. 🫂
I love the way Finely writes about the struggles of dealing and fighting against mental health. The slow burn had me itching for more but it was perfect because everything plays out so beautifully. Finely did great in making a good balance of backstory and emotion, it kept me wanting to read more to see how all the pieces fit together. The loyalty and love in this book grabbed my heart and squeezed it till it bleed out. LOVE IT♥️
FAVORITE QUOTE: “She doesn’t know she’s been saving me for a long time just by the amount of light she instills into my world, slowly displacing the darkness that has long lived inside me, courtesy of my old man.” - Charlie
August 31, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
A huge thank you to Finley Daniels and Love Notes PR for this ARC! I loved a chance to read this sweet (and spicy!) book from a new (to me) author. Charlie and Emily’s story was fantastic and I hope that everyone runs to grab a copy of this book! It’s out as of yesterday!!
Charlie is Emily’s big sister’s best friend… who happens to realize he has feelings for the one woman he shouldn’t. Stay With Me follows their story over the course of 10 years. It’s a story of friendship and love, mental health, discovering one’s self, and the power of patient romance.
I really loved both Charlie and Emily’s characters and Daniels does a great job of building the tension over the course of the book - all while creating this air of quiet romance on Charlie’s part. I also really loved that instead of flipping between the past/future chapters, and doing them in bulk together (all the past then to the current/future chapters. It was a really nice way of doing that. I’ve read a lot of romances that flip flop and it can be a lot. Daniels has a great way of writing and Charlie’s got a MOUTH ON HIM. While he loved Emily’s mouth, I have to admit, I loved his.
I also really love the amount of books that are including book clubs or reading clubs for the FMC. I think it’s so fun and I love seeing my own love for books represented in what I’m reading. I super appreciate that Emily wasn’t the kind of character to be bowled over and she showed what strength and change look like for someone who has experienced loss. OH! And the therapy representation in the book was SPOT on. LOVED IT and loved seeing her use those skills.
Overall, a really fun book and a great time! Thank you again for early access to this!
A huge thank you to Finley Daniels and Love Notes PR for this ARC! I loved a chance to read this sweet (and spicy!) book from a new (to me) author. Charlie and Emily’s story was fantastic and I hope that everyone runs to grab a copy of this book! It’s out as of yesterday!!
Charlie is Emily’s big sister’s best friend… who happens to realize he has feelings for the one woman he shouldn’t. Stay With Me follows their story over the course of 10 years. It’s a story of friendship and love, mental health, discovering one’s self, and the power of patient romance.
I really loved both Charlie and Emily’s characters and Daniels does a great job of building the tension over the course of the book - all while creating this air of quiet romance on Charlie’s part. I also really loved that instead of flipping between the past/future chapters, and doing them in bulk together (all the past then to the current/future chapters. It was a really nice way of doing that. I’ve read a lot of romances that flip flop and it can be a lot. Daniels has a great way of writing and Charlie’s got a MOUTH ON HIM. While he loved Emily’s mouth, I have to admit, I loved his.
I also really love the amount of books that are including book clubs or reading clubs for the FMC. I think it’s so fun and I love seeing my own love for books represented in what I’m reading. I super appreciate that Emily wasn’t the kind of character to be bowled over and she showed what strength and change look like for someone who has experienced loss. OH! And the therapy representation in the book was SPOT on. LOVED IT and loved seeing her use those skills.
Overall, a really fun book and a great time! Thank you again for early access to this!
September 6, 2024
📚Book Review: "Stay With Me" by Finley Daniels
🔥Genre: Romance
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
💖 "Stay With Me" by Finley Daniels is an emotionally charged friends-to-lovers romance that will leave your heart aching and your soul yearning. Set in the world of Elladine Fire Series, this fourth installment delves deep into the tangled web of unspoken love, loyalty, and the heart-wrenching battle of moving from friendship to something so much more.
💔Why You’ll Love It:
🔥Friends-to-Lovers Trope: If you’re a fan of slow-burn romances where the transition from friends to lovers is packed with tension and passion, "Stay With Me" will be your next favorite read.
💔Emotional Depth: The book delves deep into themes of grief, betrayal, and healing. Emily’s journey of finding herself again after losing everything is beautifully portrayed, and Charlie’s struggle with his feelings adds layers of complexity to their relationship.
❤Second Chances: Who doesn’t love a good second-chance romance? Especially when it’s filled with so much raw emotion and a connection that’s impossible to deny.
🚒Hot Firefighter Alert: Charlie’s a brooding, protective firefighter with a heart of gold. His vulnerability and fierce loyalty make him the perfect romantic hero.
👫Perfect for Fans of:
✨Slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romances
✨Best friend’s brother trope
✨Stories of love, loss, and finding your way back
✨Steamy romances with a strong emotional core
If you love friends-to-lovers stories that come with a side of heartache, passion, and a well-deserved happily ever after, then this book is a must-read! 💖🔥
#BookReview #FinleyDaniels #StayWithMe #ElladineFireSeries #SlowBurnRomance #FriendsToLovers #BestFriendsBrother #ReadersOfInstagram #IGReads #InstaBooks #Bookstagrammer #BookstagramCommunity
🔥Genre: Romance
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
💖 "Stay With Me" by Finley Daniels is an emotionally charged friends-to-lovers romance that will leave your heart aching and your soul yearning. Set in the world of Elladine Fire Series, this fourth installment delves deep into the tangled web of unspoken love, loyalty, and the heart-wrenching battle of moving from friendship to something so much more.
💔Why You’ll Love It:
🔥Friends-to-Lovers Trope: If you’re a fan of slow-burn romances where the transition from friends to lovers is packed with tension and passion, "Stay With Me" will be your next favorite read.
💔Emotional Depth: The book delves deep into themes of grief, betrayal, and healing. Emily’s journey of finding herself again after losing everything is beautifully portrayed, and Charlie’s struggle with his feelings adds layers of complexity to their relationship.
❤Second Chances: Who doesn’t love a good second-chance romance? Especially when it’s filled with so much raw emotion and a connection that’s impossible to deny.
🚒Hot Firefighter Alert: Charlie’s a brooding, protective firefighter with a heart of gold. His vulnerability and fierce loyalty make him the perfect romantic hero.
👫Perfect for Fans of:
✨Slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romances
✨Best friend’s brother trope
✨Stories of love, loss, and finding your way back
✨Steamy romances with a strong emotional core
If you love friends-to-lovers stories that come with a side of heartache, passion, and a well-deserved happily ever after, then this book is a must-read! 💖🔥
#BookReview #FinleyDaniels #StayWithMe #ElladineFireSeries #SlowBurnRomance #FriendsToLovers #BestFriendsBrother #ReadersOfInstagram #IGReads #InstaBooks #Bookstagrammer #BookstagramCommunity
August 30, 2024
3.5/5 stars ⭐️
ARC Review! Thank you to the author Finley Daniels and LoveNotes PR for this opportunity!
This is the 4th book in the series, but the first I've read. This is a quick and easy read.
I enjoyed a lot of aspects of this story. I loved the way the author included the found family trope. Daniels was able to weave this theme throughout the story smoothly, adding to the sense of community and warmth. The friendships were well developed and I loved Emily's sister.
The characters were hard to relate to and I didn't find myself super invested in their love story. Slow burns are hit or miss for me and this one was a miss. Charlie, Charlie, Charlie. I wanted to love him but he was just ehhh to me. Getting there was so slow and friend-zoning her for 10 years was infuriating. I would have preferred time jumps to show how their relationship developed rather than going in chronological order.
Overall I really enjoyed this book, but I won't be running to read others in the series any time soon.
This story is about Emily & Charlie - her sister/s best friend and super hot firefighter. After Emily goes through the traumatic event of losing her husband while finding out he betrayed her, Charlie steps up in a big way to support her through the tough time. After putting her in the friend zone years ago, he finally lets her out of the friend zone. These two have a connection that is both emotionally and physically charged. Unfortunately, Charlie's self-doubt may be the end of this incredible romance.
Tropes:
Friends to Lovers
Slow Burn
He loved her from the start
Best Friend's Sister
Forced Proximity
Found Family
ARC Review! Thank you to the author Finley Daniels and LoveNotes PR for this opportunity!
This is the 4th book in the series, but the first I've read. This is a quick and easy read.
I enjoyed a lot of aspects of this story. I loved the way the author included the found family trope. Daniels was able to weave this theme throughout the story smoothly, adding to the sense of community and warmth. The friendships were well developed and I loved Emily's sister.
The characters were hard to relate to and I didn't find myself super invested in their love story. Slow burns are hit or miss for me and this one was a miss. Charlie, Charlie, Charlie. I wanted to love him but he was just ehhh to me. Getting there was so slow and friend-zoning her for 10 years was infuriating. I would have preferred time jumps to show how their relationship developed rather than going in chronological order.
Overall I really enjoyed this book, but I won't be running to read others in the series any time soon.
This story is about Emily & Charlie - her sister/s best friend and super hot firefighter. After Emily goes through the traumatic event of losing her husband while finding out he betrayed her, Charlie steps up in a big way to support her through the tough time. After putting her in the friend zone years ago, he finally lets her out of the friend zone. These two have a connection that is both emotionally and physically charged. Unfortunately, Charlie's self-doubt may be the end of this incredible romance.
Tropes:
Friends to Lovers
Slow Burn
He loved her from the start
Best Friend's Sister
Forced Proximity
Found Family
September 6, 2024
The main character is Emily, a woman who has been cheated by her husband and then widowed within 3 months. In her grief, she turns to her long-time friend Charlie Fitzgerald, who just so happens to be her sister’s best friend and a super-hot firefighter. It’s a classic slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance with a healthy dose of pining. 🔥
The chemistry between Emily and Charlie is obviously romantic but it’s more of a slow-burning one. Their chemistry is created over ten years of bottled up feelings and one kiss. As far as the idea of building up the emotional tension, it is A-plus, but waiting for ten years in order to admit feelings? Kind of a stretch. However as much as it may be a little bit dragged, the moments that the two actually meet are undoubtedly beautiful. But then. .. that third-act breakup. Ugh. 🙄 Miscommunication strikes again, and you just want to scream, “TALK ALREADY!”
One of the strongest aspects of this book is the found family trope. Charlie’s firehouse group and their friendly relationship added so much warmth to the story. The friendships and support felt genuine, creating a strong backdrop for Emily and Charlie’s romance.
Now, here’s the thing—this is part of the Elladine Fire Series, and it shows. I hadn’t read the earlier books, so I definitely felt like I missed out on key plot points. Major events were skimmed over, and it made the story feel incomplete as a standalone. I recommend starting from book one for a more cohesive experience.
📚 𝐖𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝? Yes—for series fans and slow-burn lovers, but this one is not a perfect standalone.
Thank you Love Notes PR for the arc
The chemistry between Emily and Charlie is obviously romantic but it’s more of a slow-burning one. Their chemistry is created over ten years of bottled up feelings and one kiss. As far as the idea of building up the emotional tension, it is A-plus, but waiting for ten years in order to admit feelings? Kind of a stretch. However as much as it may be a little bit dragged, the moments that the two actually meet are undoubtedly beautiful. But then. .. that third-act breakup. Ugh. 🙄 Miscommunication strikes again, and you just want to scream, “TALK ALREADY!”
One of the strongest aspects of this book is the found family trope. Charlie’s firehouse group and their friendly relationship added so much warmth to the story. The friendships and support felt genuine, creating a strong backdrop for Emily and Charlie’s romance.
Now, here’s the thing—this is part of the Elladine Fire Series, and it shows. I hadn’t read the earlier books, so I definitely felt like I missed out on key plot points. Major events were skimmed over, and it made the story feel incomplete as a standalone. I recommend starting from book one for a more cohesive experience.
📚 𝐖𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝? Yes—for series fans and slow-burn lovers, but this one is not a perfect standalone.
Thank you Love Notes PR for the arc
September 5, 2024
ARC REVIEW:
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes: best friend's sister/sister's best friend, friends to lovers, mutual pining, firefighter romance, small town, found family
Trigger warnings⚠️: mention of infidelity (not between the MCs), young widowhood due to self-harm (not between the FMC & the MMC), domestic violence/abuse, car accident with injuries (no death) and a stalking situation of a side character.
I got this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest review
This is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. There is a novella and 2 full novels before this book. I haven't read the other books in the series and was still able to read this book with no issues.
I really loved this book. I could see so much of myself in Charlie's character, so it definitely hit hard reading about his home situation and the way he speaks about himself. Because of that, this book is going to hold a special place in my heart. This is the first time I've read a book where I related so much to a main character.
It's been a while since I rated a book 5☆s but this book just resonated so much with me and I just loved both the MCs. I was rooting so hard for Charlie and Emily to finally get their happy ending after everything they have been through. I also really loved the side characters and found family in this book. I love how supportive Charlie and Emily were of each other and how they were always there for one another. Charlie's house design was so sweet ❤️🌻
Thank you to Finley Daniels and Love Notes PR for the ARC
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes: best friend's sister/sister's best friend, friends to lovers, mutual pining, firefighter romance, small town, found family
Trigger warnings⚠️: mention of infidelity (not between the MCs), young widowhood due to self-harm (not between the FMC & the MMC), domestic violence/abuse, car accident with injuries (no death) and a stalking situation of a side character.
I got this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest review
This is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. There is a novella and 2 full novels before this book. I haven't read the other books in the series and was still able to read this book with no issues.
I really loved this book. I could see so much of myself in Charlie's character, so it definitely hit hard reading about his home situation and the way he speaks about himself. Because of that, this book is going to hold a special place in my heart. This is the first time I've read a book where I related so much to a main character.
It's been a while since I rated a book 5☆s but this book just resonated so much with me and I just loved both the MCs. I was rooting so hard for Charlie and Emily to finally get their happy ending after everything they have been through. I also really loved the side characters and found family in this book. I love how supportive Charlie and Emily were of each other and how they were always there for one another. Charlie's house design was so sweet ❤️🌻
Thank you to Finley Daniels and Love Notes PR for the ARC
Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews