Please Stay With Me

by Emma Pathy

Barrett (Bear) Michaels was not prepared for what happened in the year following his divorce. He knew he wanted to get out of his home town and he needed to find a new job. What he didn't see coming was that he'd be falling for his best friend's little sister. When his nerves about ruining his friendship with Liam and Iris's love life complicate things, he starts asking himself the hard question; Is Iris worth it?

The summer before her senior year of college, Iris's older brother, Liam, and his wife, Evie, ask her to watch their dogs while they're away. This also means having to share the house with her brother's best friend, Bear, who is now their roommate. Though Iris's heart was recently broken by her toxic ex, she can't help but catch feelings for Bear.

Both Iris and Bear should know better. They know from experience that a physical connection and feelings don't guarantee a happily ever after. It hasn't worked out like that for either of them so far, so why should it now?

356 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2025

Reviews

[Faith Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Emma’s ability to pull the reader in and show expertise storytelling is done again! Different from Book 1, the slow-burn of book 2 was page turning and inspiring. It has the reader rooting for Bear and Iris even through potential obstacles along the way. Emma does an incredible job in her books reflecting real-life circumstances. Emma writes thoughtfully on the turmoil of emotionally abusive relationships, and the internal struggle that inflicts on Iris as she navigates what true love looks like when presented to her. This was such a fun read and an exciting deeper dive into these characters after being introduced in Book 1. Could not recommend this series enough!!!

[Cole Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all know someone in our lives like Iris. The amazing person that always seems to find herself dating the guy that doesn’t deserve her. This book follows her triumphant story to deep and genuine love. We get to see what happens when she leans into love in the most unexpected place… WITH HER BROTHER’S BEST FRIEND!
This book is both a slow burn and a wild ride that had me up late into the night seeing how this would all end. Emma Pathy has done it again! WOW!

[Jennifer Lindemann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the 2nd book in this series and am now anxiously awaiting book 3 to learn more about these loveable characters!

[Maria Daley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma Pathy pulls you in from the very first page and keeps you hooked until the end. This book has it all—heart, drama, and just the right amount of spice. A new favorite for me—highly recommend!!

[Justine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please Stay With Me is beautifully written and explores modern romance in a way that is typically not written about in other novels. Emma Pathy again taps into the emotional, and sometimes mental health, side of relationships. With that being said, so much of the plot of fun, and light - leaving you feeling giddy and eager for more storyline of the characters. I can’t wait to see what Emma Pathy does next!

[Jenna Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book. Characters continue pulling you in wanting more. Can't wait for the more!

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is totally my guilty pleasure. Usually I'm not into romance - so why can't I stop reading these?? Can't wait for #3 😍

[Allison Hinsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma Pathy’s Please Stay With Me is a beautifully crafted, emotionally rich novel that pulled me in from the first page. It’s a quiet, powerful exploration of love, loss, and the quiet hope of starting over.

The heart of the story lies in its two leads; both beautifully drawn, deeply human, and impossible not to root for. The FMC is strong in ways she doesn’t yet recognize, and the MMC? He’s the kind of steady, soulful presence that makes you believe in second chances. Their connection is slow-building, charged, and utterly believable.

And then there’s the ex (insert eye-roll emoji here) the kind of character who makes you want to reach into the page and ask what exactly she ever saw in him. He’s a reminder of how easy it is to settle for less than we deserve, and how brave it is to finally stop.

This is a story for anyone who’s ever been hurt and dared to love again. Honest, intimate, and quietly powerful Please Stay With Me will stay with you.

[K. Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma Pathy's Please Stay With Me (Book 2) drew me in from the first chapter. It is a relatable story about daring to love again after being with the wrong people and being deeply hurt. Emma teaches us that you can find true love in the most unexpected places. I love how she develops characters from her first book. Can’t wait to see where Book 3 takes us. Bravo Emma!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was even better than the first one! It was enjoyable to see the character development from one book to the next. The female voice reminded me of a close friend that I easily related to in my college days. Experiencing both points of view made the story feel complete, real, and profoundly relatable.

[Sarah Sletten · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great story! It captures so many aspects of being a young female navigating the complexities of relationships.

[Annie McGuire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fun series to read and get pulled into! It was hard to put down!