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Stay With Me
In the dark depths of a coastal Oregon town, Special Agent James Buchanan finds himself at the center of a chilling investigation. A string of sadistic killings has plagued the harbor town for months, each victim bearing a chillingly familiar brand - an "S" seared into their flesh. As the FBI delves deeper, what initially seemed like a copycat case takes a sinister turn beyond their wildest imaginations. The wrong man has been arrested, and now Agent Buchanan must hunt down a killer who can vanish into thin air. Racing against time, he must protect Ava Monroe, the only girl who managed to escape the clutches of the sadistic murderer. To keep Ava safe, Agent Buchanan risks everything. It becomes a race against time to save the women he never planned on loving.Ava, haunted by her past, seeks solace in a new life far away from the Massachusetts town she once called home. But when a tough-as-nails hotshot FBI Agent Buchanan appears at her door, the connection between them is instant, and the danger they face becomes all too real. Their lives become entangled in a treacherous game of hide-and-seek as the killer lurks in the mist and shadows, always one step ahead. Together, they must unravel the truth and bring the killer to justice before it's too late. But as time ticks away, their every move becomes a battle for survival.In the pulse-pounding romantic thriller "Stay With Me," can Agent Buchanan and Ava stop a relentless killer before he strikes again? Or will they become the next victims in a horrifying game of cat-and-mouse? The clock is ticking, and the stakes have never been higher.
243 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2023
17 people are currently reading
352 people want to read
About the author
E.L. Emkey
12 books153 followersE. L. Emkey is a mama, wife, and gypsy soul. Her love of reading started when she was only three years old. As she got older, she started sneaking her mom's Harlequin romance novels about Scottish Highlanders and sexy cowboys. Her joy of being a writer is creating characters her readers can relate to and worlds they can disappear in, even for a short while. She loves raising her children and feeding her chickens; her family is her life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
August 22, 2023
Escaping a serial killer? Then having to try to move on after this experience.. Ava is just wow. James and Ava go through so much and I liked it because it’s not all perfect. It’s work and to see if they can get through everything. But I enjoyed how the author added other agents as characters and interacting with the storyline.
I received this ARC for an honest review, all thoughts/opinions above are fully my own!
I received this ARC for an honest review, all thoughts/opinions above are fully my own!
August 31, 2023
I read the ARC for this and it was so good!!
From the start it pulls you in.
I really dont want to say to much incase i spoil anything! 🤣 it’s one of those books where it best to go in without any kind of spoilers.
I will say the chemistry the main characters have from the start is off the charts. James is the perfect protective MMC and Ava is a strong MFC who never gives up!
And that ending?!! I cant wait for the next book.
Amazing debut from E.L Emkey
——
🔥🔥🔥🔥 this contains alllllllll the triggers!!!!
From the start it pulls you in.
I really dont want to say to much incase i spoil anything! 🤣 it’s one of those books where it best to go in without any kind of spoilers.
I will say the chemistry the main characters have from the start is off the charts. James is the perfect protective MMC and Ava is a strong MFC who never gives up!
And that ending?!! I cant wait for the next book.
Amazing debut from E.L Emkey
——
🔥🔥🔥🔥 this contains alllllllll the triggers!!!!
November 12, 2023
A fabulous debut story and I can’t wait for more from this author!
Stay With Me was wonderfully written, with characters that were real and captivating. The backstory for Ava was brutal and shocking and the fact that she has survived and continues to thrive is inspiring and shows her strength and resilience.
Along comes James, an FBI agent who is assigned to protect her because someone is a copycat of her attacker.
Intense with violent incidents at times but I can’t believe that cliffhanger 😳
Stay With Me was wonderfully written, with characters that were real and captivating. The backstory for Ava was brutal and shocking and the fact that she has survived and continues to thrive is inspiring and shows her strength and resilience.
Along comes James, an FBI agent who is assigned to protect her because someone is a copycat of her attacker.
Intense with violent incidents at times but I can’t believe that cliffhanger 😳
August 21, 2023
I am still in a little bit of shock after that cliffhanger! This book was fantastic! I really loved the relationship between Ava & James, I felt it developed at a natural pace and was believable given that Ava has suffered trauma.
Ava has lived with her trauma for over 10 years and it has had a major impact on her life. She is living a quiet life on the other side of the country from anyone who knows her when her past comes back to haunt her. James comes into her life to protect her from the threat but is he able to do that while dealing with his own issues.
The relationship between Ava and James is sweet with just enough spice thrown in to grab your attention. The side characters were also great additions to the story and the banter they all have with each other is a bit of light relief in a book that can be a heavy read.
The TW’s are numerous with book as it covers quite heavy subject matter in detail, but if you are able to read it then I highly recommend you do, you won’t be disappointed!
I can’t wait for the next book!
Ava has lived with her trauma for over 10 years and it has had a major impact on her life. She is living a quiet life on the other side of the country from anyone who knows her when her past comes back to haunt her. James comes into her life to protect her from the threat but is he able to do that while dealing with his own issues.
The relationship between Ava and James is sweet with just enough spice thrown in to grab your attention. The side characters were also great additions to the story and the banter they all have with each other is a bit of light relief in a book that can be a heavy read.
The TW’s are numerous with book as it covers quite heavy subject matter in detail, but if you are able to read it then I highly recommend you do, you won’t be disappointed!
I can’t wait for the next book!
August 29, 2023
This book…this book had me on edge and sweating! E.L Emkey how detailed you were in a lot of scenes was insanely good and thrilling! Such a great debut book! And that cliff hanger?!!! 😵 The romance, the suspense was chef’s kiss! I definitely recommend this book!
August 19, 2023
Ten years is along time to live with the horrors that live inside your mind. Ava escaped a serial killer and has started over in a new town and new identity but all the trauma and horror still live in her mind. When the murders start happening again is it a copycat or is it a case of miss convicted and he has finally found the only one to get away?
James is assigned to the Skinner case as lead agent. This case is going to change his whole life.
You will feel for Ava as you read the story it is written in a way thatyou are there with her to see what she suffered. I enjoyed seeing the relationship evolve between James and Ava and the lengths they will go for each other.
This is told in first person dual POV. ⚠️ be aware of the the TW! It is hard to believe that this was E.L. Emkey debut novel, it is well written, full of suspense and the spiciness we love. This ends with a to be continued…. I am looking forward to her next novel 🥰.
James is assigned to the Skinner case as lead agent. This case is going to change his whole life.
You will feel for Ava as you read the story it is written in a way thatyou are there with her to see what she suffered. I enjoyed seeing the relationship evolve between James and Ava and the lengths they will go for each other.
This is told in first person dual POV. ⚠️ be aware of the the TW! It is hard to believe that this was E.L. Emkey debut novel, it is well written, full of suspense and the spiciness we love. This ends with a to be continued…. I am looking forward to her next novel 🥰.
August 23, 2023
I enjoyed this book so much. It gave me Criminal Minds vibes with the spice. The story line and plot were fantastic, and kept your heart racing and you sitting on the edge of your seat constantly.
I would recommend this book to anyone who like thrillers and romance. I am so excited to read more from her.
I would recommend this book to anyone who like thrillers and romance. I am so excited to read more from her.
August 28, 2023
5 stars out of 5.
3 red peppers out of 5 spice. (could be 4 peppers)
**I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
Stay With Me is a debut dual POV, dark romance, cat and mouse suspense and murder mystery(? - except the main character should be murdered, yet she's alive and in hiding). It has an extensive trigger list that should not be taken lightly. There are no closed doors or fade to black in Emkey's story, and the FMC recounts the graphic events multiple times.
This book is why I finished reading the other ARCs I had ahead of it. I was so excited to read this, and it did not disappoint! I devoured it in 5 hours.
Emkey has a way of fluidly writing current events, while informing the reader of past events, and also describing the scene all at the same time. It all just fits seamlessly. The story isn't broken by recalling the past, and it isn't awkward describing Ava's house. It helped with both progressing the present story and keep it moving while introducing the reader to the world.
Stay With Me follows Ava Thompson (now Monroe), a survivor of a sadistic serial killer (see, it is a murder mystery! Just we follow a survivor!). She's a character who has learned to build walls around her emotions and appear to the world as a tough badass. Realistically, she is still haunted by the events of her kidnapping and other heinous events. James, on the other hand, is an empathetic and protective FBI agent sent to figure out who is resuming the killings of a criminal on death row across the country - exactly where Ava relocated under protective custody. Both of these characters filled out their roles beautifully and believably. They had their triumphs, struggles, and realistic responses to events.
Our killer remains 10 steps ahead of all of our characters throughout the story with a game of cat and mouse. You never know when he will strike, or how. Emkeys pacing is well done, she brings you into a sense of comfort and security before reminding you that this is not a comfy, cozy story and you should be wary turning the page. Overall, the thriller of our killer was thrilling.
I gave this a 3 pepper spice rating, though you can argue it's a 4 spice. I'm okay with that rating too. Once the spice starts - it does not stop. They're like rabbits. I gave it a 3 star because of how brief the scenes were. There are plenty of scenes, but they all remain relatively short, about a page long each, and only recount about 1 or 2 activities each time. If the scenes become longer, or add more activities, or become a bit more descriptive, this book could easily hit a 4 or 5 pepper rating. Maybe in the next book, Ava and James can't seem to keep their hands off each other.
As a side note, for a side character. Making my way through the book, I discovered I really liked a character. Killing off the character, I cried. I haven't cried over a fictional character in years. The last book I remember crying over was a documentary over 9/11, over 10 years ago! This character's death made me cry - maybe we can blame it on the sake I was drinking mixed in with a hot bath. (Highly recommend that combination (maybe a lower alcohol content) for reading and relaxing!) Or maybe I'm becoming more of an emotional person than I was. Regardless, kudos to Emkey for the emotional response she pulled out of me.
Highly recommend this book if you're into crime stories, dark romances, or thrillers/suspense. I thought this was going to be a stand alone book, but it ends on a cliff hanger. I have my theories, and I'm hoping it's one over the other, if it's either of them. I can't wait for book two to see where Emkey takes Ava, James, and the new turn of events.
3 red peppers out of 5 spice. (could be 4 peppers)
**I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
Stay With Me is a debut dual POV, dark romance, cat and mouse suspense and murder mystery(? - except the main character should be murdered, yet she's alive and in hiding). It has an extensive trigger list that should not be taken lightly. There are no closed doors or fade to black in Emkey's story, and the FMC recounts the graphic events multiple times.
This book is why I finished reading the other ARCs I had ahead of it. I was so excited to read this, and it did not disappoint! I devoured it in 5 hours.
Emkey has a way of fluidly writing current events, while informing the reader of past events, and also describing the scene all at the same time. It all just fits seamlessly. The story isn't broken by recalling the past, and it isn't awkward describing Ava's house. It helped with both progressing the present story and keep it moving while introducing the reader to the world.
Stay With Me follows Ava Thompson (now Monroe), a survivor of a sadistic serial killer (see, it is a murder mystery! Just we follow a survivor!). She's a character who has learned to build walls around her emotions and appear to the world as a tough badass. Realistically, she is still haunted by the events of her kidnapping and other heinous events. James, on the other hand, is an empathetic and protective FBI agent sent to figure out who is resuming the killings of a criminal on death row across the country - exactly where Ava relocated under protective custody. Both of these characters filled out their roles beautifully and believably. They had their triumphs, struggles, and realistic responses to events.
Our killer remains 10 steps ahead of all of our characters throughout the story with a game of cat and mouse. You never know when he will strike, or how. Emkeys pacing is well done, she brings you into a sense of comfort and security before reminding you that this is not a comfy, cozy story and you should be wary turning the page. Overall, the thriller of our killer was thrilling.
I gave this a 3 pepper spice rating, though you can argue it's a 4 spice. I'm okay with that rating too. Once the spice starts - it does not stop. They're like rabbits. I gave it a 3 star because of how brief the scenes were. There are plenty of scenes, but they all remain relatively short, about a page long each, and only recount about 1 or 2 activities each time. If the scenes become longer, or add more activities, or become a bit more descriptive, this book could easily hit a 4 or 5 pepper rating. Maybe in the next book, Ava and James can't seem to keep their hands off each other.
As a side note, for a side character. Making my way through the book, I discovered I really liked a character. Killing off the character, I cried. I haven't cried over a fictional character in years. The last book I remember crying over was a documentary over 9/11, over 10 years ago! This character's death made me cry - maybe we can blame it on the sake I was drinking mixed in with a hot bath. (Highly recommend that combination (maybe a lower alcohol content) for reading and relaxing!) Or maybe I'm becoming more of an emotional person than I was. Regardless, kudos to Emkey for the emotional response she pulled out of me.
Highly recommend this book if you're into crime stories, dark romances, or thrillers/suspense. I thought this was going to be a stand alone book, but it ends on a cliff hanger. I have my theories, and I'm hoping it's one over the other, if it's either of them. I can't wait for book two to see where Emkey takes Ava, James, and the new turn of events.
September 29, 2023
wow. that was a wild ride. Dark romance meets stalker/killer meets psychological thriller... you won't be bored. This was a never ending wild ride. Ava escapes her serial killer only to be hunted once again. James, FBI Agent, tasked to Ava's case will steal your heart and also make you want to kick him in the groin at times. (Hey we love a man who makes us feel it all) and by all I mean... ALLLLL (the O's) This book had me SWEATING. Everytime I thought they were safe... chaos ensued. AND THAT CLIFFHANGER. OMG. Felt like a freaking sucker punch to the face. But I loved it. I cannot wait for book two. If you love possessive heroes, delicious slow burns that turn to insta love and serial killers this is for you!
September 4, 2023
Such an exciting book!! Well written and definitely a heart pumper! Excellent read!
August 29, 2023
*Spoilers*
"Nothing makes sense in my life, but when I'm around you, everything makes sense. You make sense to me, Ava."
"You are the moon in my darkness. When I am not near you, I am empty."
"I love you, Ava. You have my heart. My body. And my soul until the day I die. And when Lucifer drags me down to 🔥, I'll love you still."
Stay With Me was absolutely amazing. It was so mysterious and wild. Ava and James were such a sweet couple. They really went through the ringer. I loved the other agents as well. They were so sweet and fun. The banter between everyone made the story so much better. I really enjoyed the relationships between all of them. I didn't expect what had happened to happen at all. I was shocked. I felt so many emotions reading the story. I can't wait for it to continue.
• Check TW/CW
• Protective MMC
• Slow burn/Insta-Love
• Surprise baby
• Touch her and 💀
• Dual POV
• HEA with cliffhanger
"Nothing makes sense in my life, but when I'm around you, everything makes sense. You make sense to me, Ava."
"You are the moon in my darkness. When I am not near you, I am empty."
"I love you, Ava. You have my heart. My body. And my soul until the day I die. And when Lucifer drags me down to 🔥, I'll love you still."
Stay With Me was absolutely amazing. It was so mysterious and wild. Ava and James were such a sweet couple. They really went through the ringer. I loved the other agents as well. They were so sweet and fun. The banter between everyone made the story so much better. I really enjoyed the relationships between all of them. I didn't expect what had happened to happen at all. I was shocked. I felt so many emotions reading the story. I can't wait for it to continue.
• Check TW/CW
• Protective MMC
• Slow burn/Insta-Love
• Surprise baby
• Touch her and 💀
• Dual POV
• HEA with cliffhanger
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2023
Stay with me on this, One thing I want to make sure is recognized is that this is a DEBUT novel!
This is not from someone who has been writing for years with 20+ published books. I mean she is a new author. With that being addressed, I felt as if I had read this from someone who had been writing for years and years. The talent she posses is just phenomenal. Her writing is absolutely beautiful, descriptive, enticing and just overwhelmingly amazing. I enjoyed every single part of this book. I hoped and prayed to be a part of the release team and the book lords were pulling in my favor.
The way the anxiety takes you in certain moments, the way you can picture sounds and movements, all of it was so beautifully written. The growth was paced well, each character got their moments so no one overwhelmed anyone else. My heart strings had been pulled multiple times as well as completely severed. The ending had you wanting more and let me tell you, I’m ready for the next one. And the spice! Girl! Yes please
You made James the perfect book boyfriend. One every girl will swoon over, to be protective and so in tune with his girl. Her being so strong yet dependent without it being over dramatic. Her flashbacks had been so vivid, it broke my heart to see what she went through. It was the perfect ending to the long hunt, even if it’s not really over.
My only critique, and it has nothing to do with the actual plot, more the editing style. When moving in time, having some kind of separation in the paragraphs like an asterisk or something to help it flow better would have been perfect. At times it put me off in my reading (this is just my preference again, has nothing to do with the actual writing or plot) to see it flow from paragraph to paragraph without a more exaggerated separation was hard for my brain to process.
We all love our FBI agent falls in love stories 🤍
This was a 5/5 for me! This is definitely a debut that people will be screaming from the rooftops about. Congratulations my dear! You have earned it! This baby of yours was perfect in every way! Thank you for letting me be in part of the release team. I cannot wait to purchase a hard copy and place it on my shelf. You are amazing!
This is not from someone who has been writing for years with 20+ published books. I mean she is a new author. With that being addressed, I felt as if I had read this from someone who had been writing for years and years. The talent she posses is just phenomenal. Her writing is absolutely beautiful, descriptive, enticing and just overwhelmingly amazing. I enjoyed every single part of this book. I hoped and prayed to be a part of the release team and the book lords were pulling in my favor.
The way the anxiety takes you in certain moments, the way you can picture sounds and movements, all of it was so beautifully written. The growth was paced well, each character got their moments so no one overwhelmed anyone else. My heart strings had been pulled multiple times as well as completely severed. The ending had you wanting more and let me tell you, I’m ready for the next one. And the spice! Girl! Yes please
You made James the perfect book boyfriend. One every girl will swoon over, to be protective and so in tune with his girl. Her being so strong yet dependent without it being over dramatic. Her flashbacks had been so vivid, it broke my heart to see what she went through. It was the perfect ending to the long hunt, even if it’s not really over.
My only critique, and it has nothing to do with the actual plot, more the editing style. When moving in time, having some kind of separation in the paragraphs like an asterisk or something to help it flow better would have been perfect. At times it put me off in my reading (this is just my preference again, has nothing to do with the actual writing or plot) to see it flow from paragraph to paragraph without a more exaggerated separation was hard for my brain to process.
We all love our FBI agent falls in love stories 🤍
This was a 5/5 for me! This is definitely a debut that people will be screaming from the rooftops about. Congratulations my dear! You have earned it! This baby of yours was perfect in every way! Thank you for letting me be in part of the release team. I cannot wait to purchase a hard copy and place it on my shelf. You are amazing!
August 20, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶
@authore.l.emkey you really are an incredibly skilled writer & I can not even believe that this is your debut novel! You completely knocked this one out of the park!
From the moment I started, I was HOOKED! This book will bring out all of your emotions. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll feel heartbroken, disgusted, angry, in love, and everything in between. No emotion is left behind with this one!
Our poor Ava has been through h€ll & survived...her backstory will make you want to reach through your device and just hold her in your arms to give her the comfort and safety she deserves.
James. Oh, James. He is dreamy and completely swoon worthy. Even though, like a typical man, you want to throat punch him from time to time 😆 but you will realize that his love for Ava is pure and raw and he never wants her to be hurt again. He will do anything to protect her.
"I want to see all of you. Every scar. Every mark. Every shadow."
"You deserve to be worshipped every second of every day."
"I don't know where you've been all my life, but please don't go."
Have you fallen in love with James now that I've shared some of his quotes? 🫠
.....this one does end with an HEA, but there is a massive cliffhanger, too.
Bring on book 2!!!!
🔥 This book is DARK! And twisted. And heavy!!!! Do not take the triggers lightly!
🌶🌶🌶🌶
@authore.l.emkey you really are an incredibly skilled writer & I can not even believe that this is your debut novel! You completely knocked this one out of the park!
From the moment I started, I was HOOKED! This book will bring out all of your emotions. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll feel heartbroken, disgusted, angry, in love, and everything in between. No emotion is left behind with this one!
Our poor Ava has been through h€ll & survived...her backstory will make you want to reach through your device and just hold her in your arms to give her the comfort and safety she deserves.
James. Oh, James. He is dreamy and completely swoon worthy. Even though, like a typical man, you want to throat punch him from time to time 😆 but you will realize that his love for Ava is pure and raw and he never wants her to be hurt again. He will do anything to protect her.
"I want to see all of you. Every scar. Every mark. Every shadow."
"You deserve to be worshipped every second of every day."
"I don't know where you've been all my life, but please don't go."
Have you fallen in love with James now that I've shared some of his quotes? 🫠
.....this one does end with an HEA, but there is a massive cliffhanger, too.
Bring on book 2!!!!
🔥 This book is DARK! And twisted. And heavy!!!! Do not take the triggers lightly!
August 25, 2023
4.5/5
“Nothing makes sense in my life, but when I am around you, everything makes sense.”
If you’re looking for a good thriller romance to start off spooky/fall season, Stay With Me by E.L. Emkey might just be the perfect book for you! Stay With Me has everything from
murder mystery to romance/spice.
Stay With Me by E.L Emkey is absolutely jaw-dropping and will have readers on the edge of their seats from the first sentence. Ava Thompson,the lone survivor of the infamous Skinner Serial Killer, has been living peacefully (well as peacefully as she can) for the past ten years. Or has she? With the killer still on the loose and Ava being the main target, fear is reinstated. Agent James Buchanan, an FBI agent, is assigned to the Skinner case which is where he meets Ava. It’s his job to finally bring peace back into the town and more specifically in Ava’s life. The plot of this book is just insanely fantastic.
James and Ava have undeniably chemistry. While their relationship isn’t perfect or the easiest, due to the constant obstacles with the case, they both fight for each other (and even save each other).
Stay With Me by E.L Emkey is definitely a must read, especially if you like suspense and romance!
“Nothing makes sense in my life, but when I am around you, everything makes sense.”
If you’re looking for a good thriller romance to start off spooky/fall season, Stay With Me by E.L. Emkey might just be the perfect book for you! Stay With Me has everything from
murder mystery to romance/spice.
Stay With Me by E.L Emkey is absolutely jaw-dropping and will have readers on the edge of their seats from the first sentence. Ava Thompson,the lone survivor of the infamous Skinner Serial Killer, has been living peacefully (well as peacefully as she can) for the past ten years. Or has she? With the killer still on the loose and Ava being the main target, fear is reinstated. Agent James Buchanan, an FBI agent, is assigned to the Skinner case which is where he meets Ava. It’s his job to finally bring peace back into the town and more specifically in Ava’s life. The plot of this book is just insanely fantastic.
James and Ava have undeniably chemistry. While their relationship isn’t perfect or the easiest, due to the constant obstacles with the case, they both fight for each other (and even save each other).
Stay With Me by E.L Emkey is definitely a must read, especially if you like suspense and romance!
September 1, 2023
Excellent debut from this author. This is a dark and spicy cat and mouse with some thriller twists and turns. This book has a trigger warning, please read it and take it seriously. The MFC, Ava, is a survivor. She manages to avoid meeting her demise at the hands of a sadistic serial killer. Because of her connection to said killer she crosses paths with James, a very protective FBI agent. This connection leads to excitement and a whole lot of spice. This book includes all the things I love in a great read, some mystery, thrill, and spice. What else do you need? I highly recommend this read. You won't regret it.
August 30, 2023
Ava lives with PTSD after being the only victim to
Survive the “skinner” serial killer. She starts over in a new town , trying hard to put her past behind her but when victims resurface a decade later with the m.o she must relive the crime. James is assigned to protect Ava and soon becomes enamoured with her drive and character. Ava must overcome her own fears and struggles with letting someone else burden her pain, fears and trauma. Ava along the way has to not only deal with the fear of becoming a victim once more but also the trauma of helping put the wrong man behind bars. As the killer closes in on her James and his team struggle to keep Ava safe. This is a fast paced dark romance that you can easily read in on sitting.
Survive the “skinner” serial killer. She starts over in a new town , trying hard to put her past behind her but when victims resurface a decade later with the m.o she must relive the crime. James is assigned to protect Ava and soon becomes enamoured with her drive and character. Ava must overcome her own fears and struggles with letting someone else burden her pain, fears and trauma. Ava along the way has to not only deal with the fear of becoming a victim once more but also the trauma of helping put the wrong man behind bars. As the killer closes in on her James and his team struggle to keep Ava safe. This is a fast paced dark romance that you can easily read in on sitting.
August 28, 2023
“She was the girl who got away. And I knew that this would only go two ways--with the killer dead or with her dead. And I would do everything I could to protect her.”
“This man is sin and desire, power, and authority, wrapped up all into one”
**This book has some heavy SA triggers (not between main characters), check them out before reading as it is not for everyone**
I can’t believe this is E.L Emkey’s debut novel!! I was hooked from the start. She wrote the story so well and hooked me from the start! I loved seeing James growth in the book and seeing him fall for Ava was so cute. I also loved seeing Ava grow and also fall for James.
The spice scenes were great and HOT😅 While the book as a HEA, there is a big cliffhanger, needless to say I am excited to read book 2 when it comes out!
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
“This man is sin and desire, power, and authority, wrapped up all into one”
**This book has some heavy SA triggers (not between main characters), check them out before reading as it is not for everyone**
I can’t believe this is E.L Emkey’s debut novel!! I was hooked from the start. She wrote the story so well and hooked me from the start! I loved seeing James growth in the book and seeing him fall for Ava was so cute. I also loved seeing Ava grow and also fall for James.
The spice scenes were great and HOT😅 While the book as a HEA, there is a big cliffhanger, needless to say I am excited to read book 2 when it comes out!
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
August 30, 2023
What a wild ride this book was y’all! This book has everything you need and more packed into it! The suspense, thrill, action, crime, heartbreak and spice kept me in a choke hold throughout the whole book!!! If you love CSI and Spice then download and purchase immediately!!! I absolutely loved James and Ava’s relationship but when I tell y’all Ava went through some S***, she really went through it! My only advice/ suggestion is to Please check your trigger warnings before you read!!! Otherwise download and enjoy the wild ride y’all!
•Dark Thriller Romance
•Touch her and 💀 vibes
•Slow Burn
•Insta Love
•Serial 🔪
•HEA
•Cliffhanger
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
•Dark Thriller Romance
•Touch her and 💀 vibes
•Slow Burn
•Insta Love
•Serial 🔪
•HEA
•Cliffhanger
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
August 20, 2023
Let me start off by saying....know your triggers! Read the trigger warnings and take them seriously before diving in. This is a heavy book. Take care of yourself. Don't go in blind.
Now that that's out of the way....wow. I loved this book. I was lucky enough to be picked as an ARC reader. From the very beginning, I was pulled in and it didn't let me go. Ava's story is so heart breaking, but the strength she shows is indescribable. The way her trauma is addressed and worked through is perfect. It isn't just glossed over like everything is fine after what she went through. It's addressed in a real way, throughout the whole story. I also appreciated that she was in her late 20s.
Ava is more than just her trauma, though. She's kind, passionate, and strong, which is what drew James in in the first place. James read her file, saw the evidence, heard her story from her POV, and he didn't walk away. He walked closer and fell in love with her for her strength and resilience. Despite everything she endured, she wasn't some damsel in distress and she was trying to live her life the best that she could. I loved watching them fall in love. It wasn't immediate and they weren't perfect; that made it real. They would literally die for each other, and both almost did.
The story had passion and angst. It was a wild ride, but I enjoyed every bit of it. Thank you for trusting me with your debut novel!
One last thing...The cliffhanger at the end? Ma'am. Where's book 2? Please tell me it's coming soon so I can move on with my life and prepare for it.
Now that that's out of the way....wow. I loved this book. I was lucky enough to be picked as an ARC reader. From the very beginning, I was pulled in and it didn't let me go. Ava's story is so heart breaking, but the strength she shows is indescribable. The way her trauma is addressed and worked through is perfect. It isn't just glossed over like everything is fine after what she went through. It's addressed in a real way, throughout the whole story. I also appreciated that she was in her late 20s.
Ava is more than just her trauma, though. She's kind, passionate, and strong, which is what drew James in in the first place. James read her file, saw the evidence, heard her story from her POV, and he didn't walk away. He walked closer and fell in love with her for her strength and resilience. Despite everything she endured, she wasn't some damsel in distress and she was trying to live her life the best that she could. I loved watching them fall in love. It wasn't immediate and they weren't perfect; that made it real. They would literally die for each other, and both almost did.
The story had passion and angst. It was a wild ride, but I enjoyed every bit of it. Thank you for trusting me with your debut novel!
One last thing...The cliffhanger at the end? Ma'am. Where's book 2? Please tell me it's coming soon so I can move on with my life and prepare for it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ava is one strong MFC! She goes through some of the most horrific things and comes out the other side. Now fighting for her life once more. E l Emkey takes you on a scary thrilling journey for the fight of Ava’s life.
You’ve brought the characters to life and I must say James is every woman’s fantasy!
Your attention to detail is amazing I could see every picture you painted in my head.
New to me is a new to me genre I’m used to dark romance Whig was great for me & it still had a bit of 🌶️🌶️ x
Ava is one strong MFC! She goes through some of the most horrific things and comes out the other side. Now fighting for her life once more. E l Emkey takes you on a scary thrilling journey for the fight of Ava’s life.
You’ve brought the characters to life and I must say James is every woman’s fantasy!
Your attention to detail is amazing I could see every picture you painted in my head.
New to me is a new to me genre I’m used to dark romance Whig was great for me & it still had a bit of 🌶️🌶️ x
August 30, 2023
I was sucked in from the beginning! I love Ava and **Swoon** James.
The broken girl and the handsome hero! and oooooh spice!
If you love Criminal Minds/Crime Junkie/Bones this book is SOOO for you.
It's such a great mix of Sexy and Spice and Mystery and Murder.
This is an author you are going to want to keep your eye on. She grabs you from the start and doesn't let go until the last page.
The broken girl and the handsome hero! and oooooh spice!
If you love Criminal Minds/Crime Junkie/Bones this book is SOOO for you.
It's such a great mix of Sexy and Spice and Mystery and Murder.
This is an author you are going to want to keep your eye on. She grabs you from the start and doesn't let go until the last page.
August 27, 2023
Seriously left on a cliffhanger…excuse me but I don’t like that jk you left me wanting more so I need the second book like yesterday or pretty damn soon because this was one of my top 5 book this month! The twists and turns, the character development, the story in general just captivated me the entire time. Will definitely re-read because I’m longing for the second book! As per usual please take trigger warnings into account 😅
August 29, 2023
This book as the vibes of Criminal Minds(loved the show). It kept me hooked from beginning to end. I can’t wait to see what else is in store for this author.
August 23, 2023
Wow where to begin, I fell in love from the first page, definitely has criminal minds vibes, but spicy 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🌶️🌶️ also touch her and die ☠️. This book is captivating E.L.s attention to detail is phenomenal. That ending though OMG I was totally like what the WHAT!!!!! I almost threw my tablet lol 😆
Definitely check the triggers for it though. Just wow lady you knocked it out of the park with this book and I look forward to reading everything in the future. Thank you for letting me be part of this journey.
Definitely check the triggers for it though. Just wow lady you knocked it out of the park with this book and I look forward to reading everything in the future. Thank you for letting me be part of this journey.
August 22, 2023
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book was so good! So so so good. I devoured it and I want more. This book deals with trauma and is dark, so check trigger warnings. 🤍
James and Ava. I love both of these characters. Ava is so strong and has been through so much. The healing aspect of this book was great. James is amazing. He’s so protective over Ava & will do anything for her.
I didn’t know where this book was going to go, so much suspense! I recommend this book so much. This author did an amazing job!
🩵🔪☠️
Romantic Thriller
Trauma and Healing
Insta Love/ Lust
Dual POV
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book was so good! So so so good. I devoured it and I want more. This book deals with trauma and is dark, so check trigger warnings. 🤍
James and Ava. I love both of these characters. Ava is so strong and has been through so much. The healing aspect of this book was great. James is amazing. He’s so protective over Ava & will do anything for her.
I didn’t know where this book was going to go, so much suspense! I recommend this book so much. This author did an amazing job!
🩵🔪☠️
Romantic Thriller
Trauma and Healing
Insta Love/ Lust
Dual POV
August 22, 2023
A literal masterpiece! It gives off Criminal Minds vibes but oh so much better! And the ending?! Holy crow what an ending!!! I could not put this book down and when I had to I grumbled the whole time and thought about it until I could pick it up again.
August 20, 2023
What can I say…. What a book.
This is a dark story about survival and love.
I loved the forced proximity and also a forbidden style romance with him being the agent to protect her.
You can see the potential of maybe having a spin off book for Everett.
I also loved the cliff hanger at the end to give us a little hint about book 2.
This is a dark story about survival and love.
I loved the forced proximity and also a forbidden style romance with him being the agent to protect her.
You can see the potential of maybe having a spin off book for Everett.
I also loved the cliff hanger at the end to give us a little hint about book 2.
August 21, 2023
Devoured this book within a half a day 🤪
Loved this book, Can’t wait for the next one to see what is coming next for James and Ava!
Well paced and spicy 🌶️ 👀
Thankyou for letting me read ❤️⭐️
Loved this book, Can’t wait for the next one to see what is coming next for James and Ava!
Well paced and spicy 🌶️ 👀
Thankyou for letting me read ❤️⭐️
September 7, 2023
I just finished this book and loved it. I was hooked up from the moment i started reading. I really loved the storyline, James (mmc) and Ava (fmc) their undeniably chemistry and the side characters and the spiciness🔥🔥 just perfect.
Ava: her back story is so heartbreaking i just wanted to hug her 🥺 she went through h€ll and still strong, fearless in short: she is a FIGHTER, a survivor
James: Ex-Navy SEAL, working for the FBI. He had feelings for her since the first day they met. He will do anything to protect her. But time to time i just wanted to punch him.. sorry James 😂
Some quotes:
"You are not just a job to me, Ava. You are more. You've always been more. And it terrifies me."
"I want to see all of you. Every scar. Every mark. Every shadow."
"You deserve to be worshipped every second of every day."
This is E. L. Emkey's amazing debut novel 👌 i really recommend "Stay with Me" especially if u like suspence and romance. But before u read, please check the TW.
Have to add that it ends with HEA but also with a massive cliffhanger.🤯 and now i need the second book. Can't wait.
Ava: her back story is so heartbreaking i just wanted to hug her 🥺 she went through h€ll and still strong, fearless in short: she is a FIGHTER, a survivor
James: Ex-Navy SEAL, working for the FBI. He had feelings for her since the first day they met. He will do anything to protect her. But time to time i just wanted to punch him.. sorry James 😂
Some quotes:
"You are not just a job to me, Ava. You are more. You've always been more. And it terrifies me."
"I want to see all of you. Every scar. Every mark. Every shadow."
"You deserve to be worshipped every second of every day."
This is E. L. Emkey's amazing debut novel 👌 i really recommend "Stay with Me" especially if u like suspence and romance. But before u read, please check the TW.
Have to add that it ends with HEA but also with a massive cliffhanger.🤯 and now i need the second book. Can't wait.
September 12, 2023
Ate it up!
It had all the elements of a thriller wrapped up in a pretty red romance bow!
James & Ava are thrust together after 10 years of silence from a serial killer Ava escaped from. The details provided really had me feeling like I was a part of the story! They fall for each other all while the serial killer is out to get Ava back, and oh does he try his damnest! Ava is a kick ass FMC, and I can’t wait for what’s next.
It had all the elements of a thriller wrapped up in a pretty red romance bow!
James & Ava are thrust together after 10 years of silence from a serial killer Ava escaped from. The details provided really had me feeling like I was a part of the story! They fall for each other all while the serial killer is out to get Ava back, and oh does he try his damnest! Ava is a kick ass FMC, and I can’t wait for what’s next.
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