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All You Had To Do Was Stay: The BRAND-NEW unmissable must-read from the bestselling author of The Spare Room!
Not yet published
Expected 14 Jul 26Don't miss the BRAND-NEW must-read second-chance romance from bestselling author of The Spare Room, Laura Starkey!
What readers are saying about Laura Starkey and her
'I mean it when I Laura Starkey has written the most perfect romcom' Suzy Krause, author of Sorry I Missed You
'Hilarious and uplifting. Laura Starkey writes characters that are super relatable, fun to be around, and highly memorable. I loved it' Reader review, 5 stars
'It's like a warm hug, but in written form... a blissful slow burn of a romance with a few twists and turns that keep the reader guessing along the way. The perfect read to sink into for an afternoon or two, and the ending will have you grinning' Reader review, 5 stars
'Honestly the coziest of cozy books I've ever read. The friendship and love found in this book was so fulfilling and easy, I loved every second of it' Reader review, 5 stars
'This story was just the right amount of cheesy, quirkiness (without the cliche!) to make your heart sing. Every piece has been crafted to perfection, every place perfect in its own way and every character shines with their own uniqueness. For someone who loves new but cheesy romantic novels it's absolute perfection!' Reader review, 5 stars
'From the first word to the final word I was fully engaged in this book. Characters came to life as I read Laura's wonderful descriptions of them all... For me it was definitely a couldn't put it down read and I didn't want it to finish. Another excellent book by Laura Starkey' Reader review, 5 stars
What readers are saying about Laura Starkey and her
'I mean it when I Laura Starkey has written the most perfect romcom' Suzy Krause, author of Sorry I Missed You
'Hilarious and uplifting. Laura Starkey writes characters that are super relatable, fun to be around, and highly memorable. I loved it' Reader review, 5 stars
'It's like a warm hug, but in written form... a blissful slow burn of a romance with a few twists and turns that keep the reader guessing along the way. The perfect read to sink into for an afternoon or two, and the ending will have you grinning' Reader review, 5 stars
'Honestly the coziest of cozy books I've ever read. The friendship and love found in this book was so fulfilling and easy, I loved every second of it' Reader review, 5 stars
'This story was just the right amount of cheesy, quirkiness (without the cliche!) to make your heart sing. Every piece has been crafted to perfection, every place perfect in its own way and every character shines with their own uniqueness. For someone who loves new but cheesy romantic novels it's absolute perfection!' Reader review, 5 stars
'From the first word to the final word I was fully engaged in this book. Characters came to life as I read Laura's wonderful descriptions of them all... For me it was definitely a couldn't put it down read and I didn't want it to finish. Another excellent book by Laura Starkey' Reader review, 5 stars
- GenresSecond Chance
337 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 14, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 9, 2026
This is a sweet and cozy rom com that sucks you in. This is a right person wrong time romance.
Hannah and Jude have been friends since they were 13. They both spent years yearning for each other. After years of waiting their friendship finally turned into something more. However it ended in heartbreak and they have been estranged for the past 4 years.
The are thrown back together due to their brothers wedding and they are forced to confront the heartbreak and the connection neither of them let go off.
This was my first Laura Starkey book and I loved it!
Thank you to NetGalley, Embla Books, and Laura Starkey for the ARC.
Hannah and Jude have been friends since they were 13. They both spent years yearning for each other. After years of waiting their friendship finally turned into something more. However it ended in heartbreak and they have been estranged for the past 4 years.
The are thrown back together due to their brothers wedding and they are forced to confront the heartbreak and the connection neither of them let go off.
This was my first Laura Starkey book and I loved it!
Thank you to NetGalley, Embla Books, and Laura Starkey for the ARC.
June 7, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
All You Had To Do Was Stay by Laura Starkey settled deep into my soul and had me emotionally invested from start to finish.
From the very first chapter, I was completely drawn into this story and the lives of its characters. Laura Starkey has a beautiful way of writing emotions that feel authentic, heartfelt, and impossible to ignore. Every page carried so much depth that I found myself fully immersed in the journey, feeling every triumph, heartbreak, and moment of growth right alongside the characters.
This story explores love, loss, forgiveness, and the difficult choices that can change everything. The emotional weight never felt forced, it felt real. The characters were wonderfully flawed, relatable, and easy to root for, making their journey all the more impactful. Their relationships felt genuine, their struggles felt authentic, and their growth throughout the story was incredibly rewarding to witness.
What I loved most was how effortlessly the story balanced emotional moments with hope and healing. Just when my heart felt heavy, Starkey reminded me why these characters were worth believing in.
And that ending? Absolutely beautiful. The kind of ending that leaves you lingering on the final page because you’re not quite ready to say goodbye.
It was truly an honor and a privilege to be an ARC reader for this incredible story, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to experience it before release day. Thank you, @laura_starkey & @emblabooks ! 💖
📚💕 All You Had To Do Was Stay is a moving, heartfelt story that will stay with me for a long time. If you love emotional reads with unforgettable characters, powerful themes, and all the feels, this one deserves a spot on you TBR.
Grab your copy on July 14! 🎉📖
Some stories entertain you. Others stay with you. This one did both. 💕📖🐾
All You Had To Do Was Stay by Laura Starkey settled deep into my soul and had me emotionally invested from start to finish.
From the very first chapter, I was completely drawn into this story and the lives of its characters. Laura Starkey has a beautiful way of writing emotions that feel authentic, heartfelt, and impossible to ignore. Every page carried so much depth that I found myself fully immersed in the journey, feeling every triumph, heartbreak, and moment of growth right alongside the characters.
This story explores love, loss, forgiveness, and the difficult choices that can change everything. The emotional weight never felt forced, it felt real. The characters were wonderfully flawed, relatable, and easy to root for, making their journey all the more impactful. Their relationships felt genuine, their struggles felt authentic, and their growth throughout the story was incredibly rewarding to witness.
What I loved most was how effortlessly the story balanced emotional moments with hope and healing. Just when my heart felt heavy, Starkey reminded me why these characters were worth believing in.
And that ending? Absolutely beautiful. The kind of ending that leaves you lingering on the final page because you’re not quite ready to say goodbye.
It was truly an honor and a privilege to be an ARC reader for this incredible story, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to experience it before release day. Thank you, @laura_starkey & @emblabooks ! 💖
📚💕 All You Had To Do Was Stay is a moving, heartfelt story that will stay with me for a long time. If you love emotional reads with unforgettable characters, powerful themes, and all the feels, this one deserves a spot on you TBR.
Grab your copy on July 14! 🎉📖
Some stories entertain you. Others stay with you. This one did both. 💕📖🐾
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
All You Had To Do Was Stay is a second chance romance that is like a blend of People We Meet on Vacation and Normal People. Hannah and Jude are childhood friends, who become romantically involved and then abruptly break up and don't speak for four years. They are thrust back together when their brothers become engaged. I rated this book 3.5 stars and have rounded up 4.
I really liked the premise and plot of the story, mathematically minded Jude and outgoing event co-ordinator Hannah made quite the pair and the tension and chemistry between them after 4 years apart was a joy to read. The supporting characters, especially, Joe and Ed, really enriched the story. There were some really emotive elements to the characters, like Hannah opening up about her dad, that really endeared these characters to me. I enjoyed that Hannah and Judes history was communicated through reflections and annecdotes, instead of full chapter flashbacks (it can sometimes be jarring to be reading about adults and then thrown into the perspective of a literal child).
Initially, I struggled with the voice of the characters and how it came across in the writing, Hannah felt older than 28 when I first started reading, though I did adjust to this. As an Australian, I found Larrys' use of slang a little cringe too. As much as there were moments where as the audience, I was able to emotionally connect with the characters, there were elements and relationships that were glossed over. I was repeatedly told that Hannahs' mum was a great parent, but I didn't really get to see it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Embla Books for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked the premise and plot of the story, mathematically minded Jude and outgoing event co-ordinator Hannah made quite the pair and the tension and chemistry between them after 4 years apart was a joy to read. The supporting characters, especially, Joe and Ed, really enriched the story. There were some really emotive elements to the characters, like Hannah opening up about her dad, that really endeared these characters to me. I enjoyed that Hannah and Judes history was communicated through reflections and annecdotes, instead of full chapter flashbacks (it can sometimes be jarring to be reading about adults and then thrown into the perspective of a literal child).
Initially, I struggled with the voice of the characters and how it came across in the writing, Hannah felt older than 28 when I first started reading, though I did adjust to this. As an Australian, I found Larrys' use of slang a little cringe too. As much as there were moments where as the audience, I was able to emotionally connect with the characters, there were elements and relationships that were glossed over. I was repeatedly told that Hannahs' mum was a great parent, but I didn't really get to see it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Embla Books for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This story quietly pulls you into its orbit, wrapping around you like a warm embrace. It’s cozy, sweet, and full of energy, with a delightful cast that feels both lively and deeply genuine. I especially loved the way the author wove together complicated yet loving family dynamics, creating relationships that feel messy, authentic, and full of heart.
At its core, this is a beautiful exploration of right people who met at the wrong time, now finding their way back to a second chance at love. Hannah and Jude were best friends for years before their relationship turned into something more, only to end in a devastating breakup that left them estranged for four years and 10,000 miles apart. When they’re unexpectedly thrown back into each other’s lives during their brothers’ wedding planning, they’re forced to confront old wounds, unspoken truths, and the lingering connection they never quite let go of. Watching their romance find its way back to each other felt both heartwarming and deeply genuine.
If you love second chance romances, a vibrant and lovable ensemble cast, scheming but well-intentioned brothers, chaotic social media frenzies, inebriated heart-to-hearts, big wedding energy, meaningful emotional growth, and a handsome math geek, this one will absolutely charm you. And honestly, I’d happily live in a world surrounded by characters like Charlie, Joe, and Ed.
Thank you to NetGalley and Embla Books for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
At its core, this is a beautiful exploration of right people who met at the wrong time, now finding their way back to a second chance at love. Hannah and Jude were best friends for years before their relationship turned into something more, only to end in a devastating breakup that left them estranged for four years and 10,000 miles apart. When they’re unexpectedly thrown back into each other’s lives during their brothers’ wedding planning, they’re forced to confront old wounds, unspoken truths, and the lingering connection they never quite let go of. Watching their romance find its way back to each other felt both heartwarming and deeply genuine.
If you love second chance romances, a vibrant and lovable ensemble cast, scheming but well-intentioned brothers, chaotic social media frenzies, inebriated heart-to-hearts, big wedding energy, meaningful emotional growth, and a handsome math geek, this one will absolutely charm you. And honestly, I’d happily live in a world surrounded by characters like Charlie, Joe, and Ed.
Thank you to NetGalley and Embla Books for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance reader copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first Laura Starkey book, and I enjoyed getting introduced to her writing. The strongest part of this story for me was the character development. The characters felt well-rounded, and I appreciated that even the villain had depth and wasn't written as a one-dimensional bad guy.
The story kept my interest, and I was satisfied with how everything came together in the end. The resolutions felt natural and didn't come across as rushed or overly convenient, which I always appreciate.
That said, while I enjoyed the book, it didn't completely pull me in emotionally or leave a lasting impact on me. There were a few moments where I wanted a little more excitement and connection to the story, which is why I'm settling at 3 stars.
The book contains some romance and sexual content, but it's mostly closed-door and not explicit. It also features two main characters who are gay men preparing for marriage, and I felt their relationship was incorporated naturally into the story and their overall character arcs.
Overall, this was a solid read with strong characters and a satisfying ending. While it wasn't quite a standout favorite for me, I'd be interested in reading more from Laura Starkey in the future.
This was my first Laura Starkey book, and I enjoyed getting introduced to her writing. The strongest part of this story for me was the character development. The characters felt well-rounded, and I appreciated that even the villain had depth and wasn't written as a one-dimensional bad guy.
The story kept my interest, and I was satisfied with how everything came together in the end. The resolutions felt natural and didn't come across as rushed or overly convenient, which I always appreciate.
That said, while I enjoyed the book, it didn't completely pull me in emotionally or leave a lasting impact on me. There were a few moments where I wanted a little more excitement and connection to the story, which is why I'm settling at 3 stars.
The book contains some romance and sexual content, but it's mostly closed-door and not explicit. It also features two main characters who are gay men preparing for marriage, and I felt their relationship was incorporated naturally into the story and their overall character arcs.
Overall, this was a solid read with strong characters and a satisfying ending. While it wasn't quite a standout favorite for me, I'd be interested in reading more from Laura Starkey in the future.
June 8, 2026
All You Had To Do Was Stay by Laura Starkey
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you NetGalley, Laura Starkey, and Embla Books for this ARC!
I usually read Thrillers, but every once in a while I take a break and cozy up to a good romance. All You Had To Do Was Stay did not disappoint!!!!
Being thrust into Jude and Hannah’s world was a wild ride. They’ve been through so much together (and separately), and become reunited for their brothers’ engagement announcement. It was like watching a Hallmark movie - super cute, slightly aggravating (why can’t they just communicate?! Hahaha) but totally worth the read.
It took a bit to catch me, but once it did, I did NOT want to put it down.
If you’re looking for a romance, Hallmark movie-like read, this is a great choice!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you NetGalley, Laura Starkey, and Embla Books for this ARC!
I usually read Thrillers, but every once in a while I take a break and cozy up to a good romance. All You Had To Do Was Stay did not disappoint!!!!
Being thrust into Jude and Hannah’s world was a wild ride. They’ve been through so much together (and separately), and become reunited for their brothers’ engagement announcement. It was like watching a Hallmark movie - super cute, slightly aggravating (why can’t they just communicate?! Hahaha) but totally worth the read.
It took a bit to catch me, but once it did, I did NOT want to put it down.
If you’re looking for a romance, Hallmark movie-like read, this is a great choice!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Hannah siempre ha sido experta organizando momentos inolvidables para los demás, pero cuando se trata de su propia vida prefiere mantener el control y evitar cualquier cosa que pueda romper el equilibrio que tanto le costó reconstruir. Tiene amigos, trabajo, una rutina que funciona y suficientes razones para no mirar atrás.
Jude creyó que mudarse al otro lado del mundo era la forma más sencilla de empezar de nuevo. Cuatro años después, una visita inesperada lo obliga a regresar a Inglaterra y enfrentarse a lugares que juró no volver a pisar.
Cuando sus hermanos se comprometen es imposible mantenerse alejados. Será la oportunidad perfecta para hablar.
Jude creyó que mudarse al otro lado del mundo era la forma más sencilla de empezar de nuevo. Cuatro años después, una visita inesperada lo obliga a regresar a Inglaterra y enfrentarse a lugares que juró no volver a pisar.
Cuando sus hermanos se comprometen es imposible mantenerse alejados. Será la oportunidad perfecta para hablar.
May 25, 2026
This is my first Laura Starkey book; I love finding new authors whose writing I enjoy!
She did an amazing job with character development. Most of the characters were very likable and even the villain was well written. The ending was great and the resolutions were nice and didn’t feel contrived or annoying.
Content notes: there was some sex, but it wasn’t explicit; more closed-door. Two of the main characters are gay men, getting married. While I don’t look for this in my books, it wasn’t done in an offensive way. Much classier and more naturally included, as opposed to a lot of books that feel like they’re trying shove it down your throat, or including it to check a box.
She did an amazing job with character development. Most of the characters were very likable and even the villain was well written. The ending was great and the resolutions were nice and didn’t feel contrived or annoying.
Content notes: there was some sex, but it wasn’t explicit; more closed-door. Two of the main characters are gay men, getting married. While I don’t look for this in my books, it wasn’t done in an offensive way. Much classier and more naturally included, as opposed to a lot of books that feel like they’re trying shove it down your throat, or including it to check a box.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
5️⃣⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A beautifully written second-chance romance about a couple who have loved each other since childhood. Hannah and Jude started as best friends, but as the story revealed the incident that literally left Jude embarking on a one-way trip to Australia by himself, we see the rich history of their friendship, their romance, and their eventually reconciliation.
All You Had to Do Was Stay is filled with delicious yearning, a hint of spice, and a found family capable of bringing you to tears. All in all, a five star read both in story, prose, and characters.
Thank you to the author, Embla Books, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
A beautifully written second-chance romance about a couple who have loved each other since childhood. Hannah and Jude started as best friends, but as the story revealed the incident that literally left Jude embarking on a one-way trip to Australia by himself, we see the rich history of their friendship, their romance, and their eventually reconciliation.
All You Had to Do Was Stay is filled with delicious yearning, a hint of spice, and a found family capable of bringing you to tears. All in all, a five star read both in story, prose, and characters.
Thank you to the author, Embla Books, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Second chance, Friends to lovers.
If you are not looking for yearning, this is not for you! The yearning is from both FMC and the MMC. And we get lots of it!
Both main characters grow so much in the book, that is is very enjoyable to read and navigate with them through it out.
They become friends when they are 13. After years as friends, they get together only to breakup as He leaves to Australia with an open ticket.
When he is back in town after 4 years away, for a short trip, He needs to change his plan and stay longer when his brother announces that he is marrying hers brothers.
Thank you Embla Books, the author and NetGalley for the advance copy.
If you are not looking for yearning, this is not for you! The yearning is from both FMC and the MMC. And we get lots of it!
Both main characters grow so much in the book, that is is very enjoyable to read and navigate with them through it out.
They become friends when they are 13. After years as friends, they get together only to breakup as He leaves to Australia with an open ticket.
When he is back in town after 4 years away, for a short trip, He needs to change his plan and stay longer when his brother announces that he is marrying hers brothers.
Thank you Embla Books, the author and NetGalley for the advance copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
All You Had To Do Was Stay was an emotional and engaging read that kept me invested from beginning to end. Laura Starkey creates relatable characters with believable struggles, growth, and chemistry that make it easy to connect with their journey.
The story is heartfelt and well-written, balancing emotional moments with enough tension to keep the pages turning. While there were a few pacing issues and some plot points I would have liked to see explored further, they didn't significantly impact my enjoyment.
Overall, this was a touching and satisfying romance that I would happily recommend to readers who enjoy character-driven stories filled with emotion and personal growth. 📚💕
The story is heartfelt and well-written, balancing emotional moments with enough tension to keep the pages turning. While there were a few pacing issues and some plot points I would have liked to see explored further, they didn't significantly impact my enjoyment.
Overall, this was a touching and satisfying romance that I would happily recommend to readers who enjoy character-driven stories filled with emotion and personal growth. 📚💕
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
‘All you had to do was stay’ brings us into the lives of Hannah and Jude, childhood friends, exes, and now estranged.
We can pick where the story will take us pretty early on but the sophisticated writing holds our attention as we follow their ups and downs on their way back to each other.
Loved that we see characters growing in self awareness and how their own thinking affects how they view others.
Looking forward to reading more from this author.
We can pick where the story will take us pretty early on but the sophisticated writing holds our attention as we follow their ups and downs on their way back to each other.
Loved that we see characters growing in self awareness and how their own thinking affects how they view others.
Looking forward to reading more from this author.
June 14, 2026
This was a really fun read! Even though there’s a friends-to-lovers aspect, it’s really a second-chance romance and it really hits hard. I wish there were a little more development around the characters’ relationships to one another when they were younger, but I feel like we have a really good sense of how much they love and missed one another throughout their time apart.
Thanks to #Embla and #NetGalley for the early read!
Thanks to #Embla and #NetGalley for the early read!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I'm not normally a second chance romance girly, but this had everything that made me adore it right until the very last page. The yearning in this one is unreal.
Thank you to Embla Books, the author, and NetGalley for an advanced digital copy of this release in exchange for my honest review of the work!
Thank you to Embla Books, the author, and NetGalley for an advanced digital copy of this release in exchange for my honest review of the work!
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May 19, 2026Estuvo entretenido, pero siento que Jude le falto demostrar su arrepentimiento. Entiendo porque se fue y como desde su perspectiva fue quien según resultó herido, sin embargo, al escuchar la versión de Hannah vio que en realidad fue el quien la lastimo. Después de eso esperaba más de él.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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