What do you think?
Rate this book
Stay With Me: Spicy Non-HEA Version
She was running from the past.
He was carrying the dead on his back.
Neither expected to find love in the wreckage.
After escaping her abusive ex, Erin has nothing left but the clothes on her back, the trauma she hides, and the son she'd do anything to protect. A domestic violence shelter is her last safe haven. Trust is a luxury she can't afford, not anymore.
James Cole is a Marine with nothing but ghosts. The war took his brothers, left him breathing, and buried him in guilt so heavy he doesn't know how to come up for air. He isn't looking for redemption. He isn't looking for anything at all.
But fate has other plans.
When their lives collide in a quiet Ohio town, what begins as cautious glances and broken conversations slowly becomes something more. Erin sees the pain James tries to hide. James sees the strength behind Erin's fear. And her little boy, Jamie, sees a hero in the man who never meant to become one.
But healing isn't simple. Love doesn't erase the past.
And some endings come too soon.
Inspired by a true story, Stay With Me is a heartbreaking, unforgettable love story about survival, sacrifice, and the kind of love that stays with you long after the final page.
He was carrying the dead on his back.
Neither expected to find love in the wreckage.
After escaping her abusive ex, Erin has nothing left but the clothes on her back, the trauma she hides, and the son she'd do anything to protect. A domestic violence shelter is her last safe haven. Trust is a luxury she can't afford, not anymore.
James Cole is a Marine with nothing but ghosts. The war took his brothers, left him breathing, and buried him in guilt so heavy he doesn't know how to come up for air. He isn't looking for redemption. He isn't looking for anything at all.
But fate has other plans.
When their lives collide in a quiet Ohio town, what begins as cautious glances and broken conversations slowly becomes something more. Erin sees the pain James tries to hide. James sees the strength behind Erin's fear. And her little boy, Jamie, sees a hero in the man who never meant to become one.
But healing isn't simple. Love doesn't erase the past.
And some endings come too soon.
Inspired by a true story, Stay With Me is a heartbreaking, unforgettable love story about survival, sacrifice, and the kind of love that stays with you long after the final page.
530 pages, Paperback
Published September 17, 2025
6 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Katie Mackey
4 books9 followersKatie Mackey is a contemporary romance author who never makes promises about how her stories will end. Sometimes you will laugh so hard your coffee comes out your nose, sometimes you will cry into your pillow, and sometimes you will get the swoony happy ending your heart was begging for. The one thing you can always count on is that Katie writes from the heart.
When she is not plotting love stories, Katie is living one as a proud military wife to her hunkasarus husband. Together, they wrangle seven hilarious crotch goblins (her words, not theirs) and two furry tail waggers. By day she is a homeschooling, special needs warrior ninja mom fueled by caffeine and chaos. Her twin boys rock their superpowers of autism and cerebral palsy and inspire her daily to keep chasing big dreams.
Katie’s happy place includes Target strolls, pumpkin spice everything, and anything green or pink. She is obsessed with rom-coms and sports romances, even though she could not tell you a linebacker from a pitcher to save her life. Add in cheesy 80s movies, her Kindle, and a cozy blanket, and you have her perfect Friday night.
A proud introvert with a dash of neurospicy, Katie admits that Sheldon Cooper might just be her spirit animal. She refuses to park anywhere but her exact same grocery store spot every time because how else is she supposed to find her car?
If you are looking for a new book bestie who will make you laugh, cry, and overshare about Dr, Pepper, kids, and fictional boyfriends, Katie is your girl.
When she is not plotting love stories, Katie is living one as a proud military wife to her hunkasarus husband. Together, they wrangle seven hilarious crotch goblins (her words, not theirs) and two furry tail waggers. By day she is a homeschooling, special needs warrior ninja mom fueled by caffeine and chaos. Her twin boys rock their superpowers of autism and cerebral palsy and inspire her daily to keep chasing big dreams.
Katie’s happy place includes Target strolls, pumpkin spice everything, and anything green or pink. She is obsessed with rom-coms and sports romances, even though she could not tell you a linebacker from a pitcher to save her life. Add in cheesy 80s movies, her Kindle, and a cozy blanket, and you have her perfect Friday night.
A proud introvert with a dash of neurospicy, Katie admits that Sheldon Cooper might just be her spirit animal. She refuses to park anywhere but her exact same grocery store spot every time because how else is she supposed to find her car?
If you are looking for a new book bestie who will make you laugh, cry, and overshare about Dr, Pepper, kids, and fictional boyfriends, Katie is your girl.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 5, 2025
5 Star recommendation.
This book broke my heart but in a good way. It was so beautifull. The horror Erin, Jamie and James go true in the beginning. And than the love and healing together. And that ending absolutely destroyed me. Bawling my eyes out. I fell in love not only with the main characters, but the friends, their found family are the best kind of friends anybody needs.
I love the fact that mental health, trauma and PTSD get mentioned and wrote down in a respectfull and sincere way. But also domestic violence and the life after all that hardship.
Erin is a victim of domestic abuse and decides one day enough is enough and runs with her son to a different state. She and Jamie are traumatized and trying to build a new life together. James is a marine who survived the horrors of a war. Trying to life with all that trauma and hurt he stumbles upon a woman in a yellow dress with a little boy by her side. And nothing will ever be the same.
Favorite quotes (I have many but here are a few)⬇️
"I don't know how to carry this. How to be the one left behind. The survivor. Like somehow my life was worth more than theirs."
"He makes it hard not to feel something."
"That's what strenght really is. Surviving when you shouldn't have had to."
"I don't want to fix you. I just want to treat you right."
"I just need a minute. A minute to fall apart without anyone watching. A minute where I didn't have to be brave or grateful or in love."
📚 Contemporary romance
📚 Found family
📚 Single mom
📚 Trauma/PTSD
📚 Heartbreak
This book broke my heart but in a good way. It was so beautifull. The horror Erin, Jamie and James go true in the beginning. And than the love and healing together. And that ending absolutely destroyed me. Bawling my eyes out. I fell in love not only with the main characters, but the friends, their found family are the best kind of friends anybody needs.
I love the fact that mental health, trauma and PTSD get mentioned and wrote down in a respectfull and sincere way. But also domestic violence and the life after all that hardship.
Erin is a victim of domestic abuse and decides one day enough is enough and runs with her son to a different state. She and Jamie are traumatized and trying to build a new life together. James is a marine who survived the horrors of a war. Trying to life with all that trauma and hurt he stumbles upon a woman in a yellow dress with a little boy by her side. And nothing will ever be the same.
Favorite quotes (I have many but here are a few)⬇️
"I don't know how to carry this. How to be the one left behind. The survivor. Like somehow my life was worth more than theirs."
"He makes it hard not to feel something."
"That's what strenght really is. Surviving when you shouldn't have had to."
"I don't want to fix you. I just want to treat you right."
"I just need a minute. A minute to fall apart without anyone watching. A minute where I didn't have to be brave or grateful or in love."
📚 Contemporary romance
📚 Found family
📚 Single mom
📚 Trauma/PTSD
📚 Heartbreak
September 7, 2025
Wow! I received this book as an ARC but after reading it I know I would have picked it up either way. This story is based on a true story and definitely pulls at the heart strings. It follows Erin and Jamie and how they meet a man, James along their tough path and how he becomes a source of strength and love for them both. It was beautifully written, a wonderful story and touches base on the hardships women in DV face and the struggles too many have gone through. I hoped for a happier ending but understand the reason for it. Worth the read!
September 1, 2025
Wow. Way to totally wreck my soul. I was like imma get a cute nice romance (going into it totally blind like I do most books) NOPE! Sitting there fishing and had to put the pole down I was crying so hard. The way the store is written it pulls you in immediately. As a survivor of DV my heart bleed for Erin. This story is one of PSTD (both from different situations), found amazing and safety. And just wow. Start to finish amazing! I did have to set it down and switch stories to go to bed because by page 50 I was bawling; by page 375 my heart wasn't sure if it was ever going to be put back together. Amazing!!!
September 17, 2025
Thank you Katie Mackey for sending this as an ARC.
I would like to start by saying that I really do love the story line of this book as well as the characters.
In the beginning I could not put it down, however it became a bit too slow burn and a little repetitive for me. I found that some of the timelines didn’t add up properly eg. there was mention of lights during a drive and yet they were on their way to end their work day and do the school pick up.
I also felt that there was overuse of a few phrases like “the hum of the overhead lights” and “that hit harder than I expected” or phrases to that effect.
I have not finished this book as yet. I do intend to finish it and I am looking forward to finishing it, but personally when a book is slow burn I tend to put them down and walk away for a while and come back to it. Solid 3⭐️
I would like to start by saying that I really do love the story line of this book as well as the characters.
In the beginning I could not put it down, however it became a bit too slow burn and a little repetitive for me. I found that some of the timelines didn’t add up properly eg. there was mention of lights during a drive and yet they were on their way to end their work day and do the school pick up.
I also felt that there was overuse of a few phrases like “the hum of the overhead lights” and “that hit harder than I expected” or phrases to that effect.
I have not finished this book as yet. I do intend to finish it and I am looking forward to finishing it, but personally when a book is slow burn I tend to put them down and walk away for a while and come back to it. Solid 3⭐️
September 4, 2025
ARC READER
3.75⭐️
This book had me hooked in from the very first page. I love a tortured hero story and a story that has the characters overcome the hard things to make a beautiful story & both MC’s had a lot of trauma to work through.
The side characters were great, they added to the story and had me laughing throughout.
I felt there were a few issues with the timeline and the things portrayed at certain times. I may be wrong in this but Jamie seemed to be at school throughout the whole book but it didn’t always make sense that he was in school during the timeframes set. This was just one instance where I felt it was a little off.
Personally I wish that the book had been left at the 70% mark with a sweet lil epilogue added to it. The ending felt completely unnecessary to me. I’m not against a story not having a HEA but only when it feels justified. The characters had such difficulties through life and during this story, it would’ve been nice to see them both get the happy end they deserved. The ending took the story from a solid 4.75 to a 3.5 for me but the letters at the end boosted it a little bit to earn a 3.75.
Overall, the book is good, I could envision everything throughout it but it wouldn’t be something I could re-read personally.
Happy Reading Besties xoxo
3.75⭐️
This book had me hooked in from the very first page. I love a tortured hero story and a story that has the characters overcome the hard things to make a beautiful story & both MC’s had a lot of trauma to work through.
The side characters were great, they added to the story and had me laughing throughout.
I felt there were a few issues with the timeline and the things portrayed at certain times. I may be wrong in this but Jamie seemed to be at school throughout the whole book but it didn’t always make sense that he was in school during the timeframes set. This was just one instance where I felt it was a little off.
Personally I wish that the book had been left at the 70% mark with a sweet lil epilogue added to it. The ending felt completely unnecessary to me. I’m not against a story not having a HEA but only when it feels justified. The characters had such difficulties through life and during this story, it would’ve been nice to see them both get the happy end they deserved. The ending took the story from a solid 4.75 to a 3.5 for me but the letters at the end boosted it a little bit to earn a 3.75.
Overall, the book is good, I could envision everything throughout it but it wouldn’t be something I could re-read personally.
Happy Reading Besties xoxo
September 7, 2025
Arc Reader
This was such a beautiful story. I knocked off 1 star because of the end and a few things that confused me. Some time lines were a bit off. Something’s at the end were off too. But overall It was a wonderful story about hope, love, loss, survival and courage.
A reminder of how there are still good people in this world and chosen family is often better than the one you’re born into. It reminded me that it doesn’t matter how long someone is in your life for. But the impact they make while they are that counts. Great job Katie!
This was such a beautiful story. I knocked off 1 star because of the end and a few things that confused me. Some time lines were a bit off. Something’s at the end were off too. But overall It was a wonderful story about hope, love, loss, survival and courage.
A reminder of how there are still good people in this world and chosen family is often better than the one you’re born into. It reminded me that it doesn’t matter how long someone is in your life for. But the impact they make while they are that counts. Great job Katie!
September 3, 2025
WOW! This story broke my heart. It was so well written. I had the pleasure of reading this as an arc for my girl Katie and I’m so glad I did. My emotions were everywhere. I felt every emotion that each of the characters felt. This is definitely one of my top reads of this year. This is a book I will recommend a thousand times to everyone. Katie, you out did yourself, this book was absolutely amazing and heartbreaking at the same time.
September 17, 2025
First, I want to thank Katie Mackey for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.
Loved this book!! 5 Stars!! Katie Mackey is incredibly brave for opening up her heart and sharing her very personal story Stay With Me, A Marine's Promise, A Survivors Fight with her readers. Katie is one strong woman to go through everything life has thrown her way! Even though it was probably hard to write, she wrote it beautifully!
Kudos to Katie for creating the beautiful graphics on the cover! It perfectly represented the book and was very eye-catching. It made me want to see what the book was about.
How cool is it that Katie included a song list that was inspired by the book in the book? She included some good songs and I could see where they would fit as well.
I very much appreciated that Katie informed her readers of the sensitivities of this book that may be distressing to readers. That was thoughtful of her to list them and to think of her readers' mental health as well. Many authors don't post their trigger warnings. That being said, this book deals with important topics such as domestic violence, emotional abuse, PTSD, trauma recovery, Childhood endangerment, homelessness, grief and loss.
Katie is an incredible storyteller and has incredible attention to detail. Many times I felt like I was right there in the scene with them.
Jamie was my favorite character of all of them. He was such a cute little boy who had big dreams of being in the marines! That kid made me smile with his cute personality and big heart. He pulled on my heart strings!!
Throughout the book there are many on the edge of your seat biting your nails moments to see what happens next. However, NOTHING prepared me for the ending! I did not see that coming nor did not want that to happen! Oh cue the water works for that.
Stay With Me is an incredible read that I could not get enough of! I loved the characters and the plot. What I didn’t like is I am sorry that Katie had to go through this experience to begin with.
This story played out in my head like a Netflix series and I think it would be a great addition on their platform!!
Loved this book!! 5 Stars!! Katie Mackey is incredibly brave for opening up her heart and sharing her very personal story Stay With Me, A Marine's Promise, A Survivors Fight with her readers. Katie is one strong woman to go through everything life has thrown her way! Even though it was probably hard to write, she wrote it beautifully!
Kudos to Katie for creating the beautiful graphics on the cover! It perfectly represented the book and was very eye-catching. It made me want to see what the book was about.
How cool is it that Katie included a song list that was inspired by the book in the book? She included some good songs and I could see where they would fit as well.
I very much appreciated that Katie informed her readers of the sensitivities of this book that may be distressing to readers. That was thoughtful of her to list them and to think of her readers' mental health as well. Many authors don't post their trigger warnings. That being said, this book deals with important topics such as domestic violence, emotional abuse, PTSD, trauma recovery, Childhood endangerment, homelessness, grief and loss.
Katie is an incredible storyteller and has incredible attention to detail. Many times I felt like I was right there in the scene with them.
Jamie was my favorite character of all of them. He was such a cute little boy who had big dreams of being in the marines! That kid made me smile with his cute personality and big heart. He pulled on my heart strings!!
Throughout the book there are many on the edge of your seat biting your nails moments to see what happens next. However, NOTHING prepared me for the ending! I did not see that coming nor did not want that to happen! Oh cue the water works for that.
Stay With Me is an incredible read that I could not get enough of! I loved the characters and the plot. What I didn’t like is I am sorry that Katie had to go through this experience to begin with.
This story played out in my head like a Netflix series and I think it would be a great addition on their platform!!
September 11, 2025
⭐️ARC REVIEW⭐️
I really enjoyed this book. It was a very easy read, with characters we have all met before. Characters that are warm and easy to love and remember. Katie has a way with making you feel like you are part of the story and I loved that. Also was not expecting the spicy scenes 😏 but definitely not complaining. Here’s a few quotes that really stuck out to me
“Fear soaked into me. It required me. It became a second skin.”
“They didn’t wake up every night feeling like they were drowning in ghosts”
“This was the first time in forever that I wasn’t just trying to disappear. I was here. I existed. And I looked good”
My only complaints were I felt like the story dragged on in some parts. I found myself getting bored and waiting for the next “thing” to happen. I also was not a fan of the ending. I felt like it was added so there was a twist but it took away from the story for me. Overall a relatable story with beautiful imagery and likable characters. Thank you again for the opportunity to read early.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a very easy read, with characters we have all met before. Characters that are warm and easy to love and remember. Katie has a way with making you feel like you are part of the story and I loved that. Also was not expecting the spicy scenes 😏 but definitely not complaining. Here’s a few quotes that really stuck out to me
“Fear soaked into me. It required me. It became a second skin.”
“They didn’t wake up every night feeling like they were drowning in ghosts”
“This was the first time in forever that I wasn’t just trying to disappear. I was here. I existed. And I looked good”
My only complaints were I felt like the story dragged on in some parts. I found myself getting bored and waiting for the next “thing” to happen. I also was not a fan of the ending. I felt like it was added so there was a twist but it took away from the story for me. Overall a relatable story with beautiful imagery and likable characters. Thank you again for the opportunity to read early.
September 12, 2025
The prologue 😭
I received this book as an ARC, but it’s absolutely one I would’ve picked up on my own. Katie’s writing is smooth, engaging, and eloquently descriptive. She has a way of drawing you in from the first page. I was quickly drawn in to both main characters and the side characters as well. I was invested in not just in their individual arcs but in their journey together. The dual POV, which I loved, gave insight to both Erin and James and allowed me to better understand their struggles and motivations. Watching their growth and love throughout the story was incredibly moving.
The reason behind 4 stars - there were some parts that seemed to drag on a little but overall it didn’t deter me from finishing the book. I was way too invested in the characters to DNF.
Also, just a little sidenote with no spoilers - the ending ripped my heart out. 💔
Overall an incredible story of trauma, love, heartbreak, and everything in between.
I received this book as an ARC, but it’s absolutely one I would’ve picked up on my own. Katie’s writing is smooth, engaging, and eloquently descriptive. She has a way of drawing you in from the first page. I was quickly drawn in to both main characters and the side characters as well. I was invested in not just in their individual arcs but in their journey together. The dual POV, which I loved, gave insight to both Erin and James and allowed me to better understand their struggles and motivations. Watching their growth and love throughout the story was incredibly moving.
The reason behind 4 stars - there were some parts that seemed to drag on a little but overall it didn’t deter me from finishing the book. I was way too invested in the characters to DNF.
Also, just a little sidenote with no spoilers - the ending ripped my heart out. 💔
Overall an incredible story of trauma, love, heartbreak, and everything in between.
September 17, 2025
4.5 stars
I love to find and read debut authors, and in this case the author found me. Katie Mackey showed up in my social media feed. She was asking for readers to read her book. As a military daughter, sister, and wife, I could not say no.
Erin and Jamie find James, but before we get here there is a lot of story both have lived through. Can Erin and James heal the ghosts that haunt their dreams? I loved Jamie and his enthusiasm towards Marines. Will his wish to become one, come true?
This book falls into one of my top reads for the year, Katie is an incredible story teller, her writing is detailed and descriptive. I was immersed in her fight, her strength and her love as the story unfolds. I am just sorry she had to live this journey to write it. There are triggers, and pay attention if you need to.
If you take the chance and pick up this book, have tissues handy. I will be reading more from Katie Mackey.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
I love to find and read debut authors, and in this case the author found me. Katie Mackey showed up in my social media feed. She was asking for readers to read her book. As a military daughter, sister, and wife, I could not say no.
Erin and Jamie find James, but before we get here there is a lot of story both have lived through. Can Erin and James heal the ghosts that haunt their dreams? I loved Jamie and his enthusiasm towards Marines. Will his wish to become one, come true?
This book falls into one of my top reads for the year, Katie is an incredible story teller, her writing is detailed and descriptive. I was immersed in her fight, her strength and her love as the story unfolds. I am just sorry she had to live this journey to write it. There are triggers, and pay attention if you need to.
If you take the chance and pick up this book, have tissues handy. I will be reading more from Katie Mackey.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
September 3, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶🌶
Oh, my freaking gosh with that ending. No spoilers from me but the gasp I gasped!
Stay With Me is a fast-paced, emotional story full of complex topics that really make you feel what the characters are feeling.
Erin, James, and Jamie are immediately lovable and you really root for them from the start. It's not just another love story, it's a beautiful redemption and healing experience.
The story is good and I could see it playing out in a movie or mini series, and that ending? Easy 4 star rank because of that alone. The spice/steam is thoughtful and feels important, this isn't spice for the sake of spice. There are only a couple scenes and it isn't over-the-top descriptive, so it lands in the 2 pepper range for me.
Oh, my freaking gosh with that ending. No spoilers from me but the gasp I gasped!
Stay With Me is a fast-paced, emotional story full of complex topics that really make you feel what the characters are feeling.
Erin, James, and Jamie are immediately lovable and you really root for them from the start. It's not just another love story, it's a beautiful redemption and healing experience.
The story is good and I could see it playing out in a movie or mini series, and that ending? Easy 4 star rank because of that alone. The spice/steam is thoughtful and feels important, this isn't spice for the sake of spice. There are only a couple scenes and it isn't over-the-top descriptive, so it lands in the 2 pepper range for me.
September 15, 2025
Review – Stay With Me by Katie Mackey
⭐⭐⭐,5
Stay With Me is a heavy, emotional read that tackles trauma head-on. James, a Marine struggling with PTSD, and Erin, a survivor of SA, meet through her sweet son Jamie — and their connection is both tender and heartbreaking.
The story shines in how it portrays healing, vulnerability, and finding strength in the most unexpected places. It’s raw, it’s heavy, and it absolutely pulls you in. That said, the final 25% of the book dragged a little for me, slowing the pacing after such an emotional build-up.
Still, the overall impact was undeniable. This is a story that stays with you, especially because of its sensitive themes. Definitely check trigger warnings before diving in, but if you’re looking for an emotional romance about broken souls finding light together, this one delivers.
⭐⭐⭐,5
Stay With Me is a heavy, emotional read that tackles trauma head-on. James, a Marine struggling with PTSD, and Erin, a survivor of SA, meet through her sweet son Jamie — and their connection is both tender and heartbreaking.
The story shines in how it portrays healing, vulnerability, and finding strength in the most unexpected places. It’s raw, it’s heavy, and it absolutely pulls you in. That said, the final 25% of the book dragged a little for me, slowing the pacing after such an emotional build-up.
Still, the overall impact was undeniable. This is a story that stays with you, especially because of its sensitive themes. Definitely check trigger warnings before diving in, but if you’re looking for an emotional romance about broken souls finding light together, this one delivers.
September 16, 2025
✨ARC review ✨
From the first chapter I could tell this book was going to rip me apart. I kept my emotions in check until the last letter and then all hell broke loose.
It took me 2 weeks to read this, and the first part had captured my heart and I was on a mission to finish this book. But there were parts that felt dragged out, or things that didnt necessarily need to happen for it to have the ending that it did. I struggled with the second half up to the ending.
I still have a couple questions that weren’t answered but my heart isn’t recovering from this ending so I don’t know if I want the answers. Although none of this changed the fact that I absolutely loved the story and the meaning behind it.
From the first chapter I could tell this book was going to rip me apart. I kept my emotions in check until the last letter and then all hell broke loose.
It took me 2 weeks to read this, and the first part had captured my heart and I was on a mission to finish this book. But there were parts that felt dragged out, or things that didnt necessarily need to happen for it to have the ending that it did. I struggled with the second half up to the ending.
I still have a couple questions that weren’t answered but my heart isn’t recovering from this ending so I don’t know if I want the answers. Although none of this changed the fact that I absolutely loved the story and the meaning behind it.
September 18, 2025
ARC Review
Stay with me
Katie Mackey
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The way I have chills and goosebumps while reading this book and talk about tears 😢
This one is an emotional rollercoaster for sure.
A military man with trauma and traumatized woman from an abusive relationship 💔
My whole heart is so happy for the both of them, and Erin and James deserve all the love. And Jamie is the cutest little boy everrr
I was not prepared for the ending however...I'll be crying for the foreseeable future 😢
Katie, I fear you may have broken me with this one.
Stay with me
Katie Mackey
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The way I have chills and goosebumps while reading this book and talk about tears 😢
This one is an emotional rollercoaster for sure.
A military man with trauma and traumatized woman from an abusive relationship 💔
My whole heart is so happy for the both of them, and Erin and James deserve all the love. And Jamie is the cutest little boy everrr
I was not prepared for the ending however...I'll be crying for the foreseeable future 😢
Katie, I fear you may have broken me with this one.
September 18, 2025
I could not put this one down! Katie really knows how to put her heart into a book. This story is gut wrenching and heart fulfilling all at the same time. James and Erin both needed saving and who better than save them than each other? Stay With Me is a found family romance based off the author and her husband with stunning detail. There’s no third act break up, but it does have a plot twist in the end.
September 5, 2025
I absolutely loved 80% of this book. I felt like from 70% -95% of the story it felt like it should have been done. I got really bored and almost quit because I didn’t think anything else could happen. With that being said I’m glad I read the whole thing, I was not expecting the ending.
September 20, 2025
this book was absolutely amazing! it definitely pulled at all my emotions. the characters were perfect, the entire book was perfection. 100% my favorite read of 2025. definitely need a physical copy of this book.
September 16, 2025
There are so many layers to Stay With Me that it felt like reading an entire life instead of just a couple of years worth. Knowing that this story was created based on parts of the author's past made it even more meaningful. It is such a heartfelt story of healing and selfacceptance. The end wrecked me.
September 17, 2025
YOU HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK!
Y’all when I say I sobbed.. Dehydrated.. Definitely worth it but OMG. Any book that can make me feel emotions that intense is 100% getting a 5 star from me! I could not put it down!
Y’all when I say I sobbed.. Dehydrated.. Definitely worth it but OMG. Any book that can make me feel emotions that intense is 100% getting a 5 star from me! I could not put it down!
September 13, 2025
This book was so emotional and had me completely hooked from the first page. It is spicy and emotional and devastating and romantic. Absolutely one of the best books I’ve read this year. James, the male lead is everything you want in a book boyfriend and Erin is someone you can completely empathize with and feel what it’s like to go through the things she’s experienced. Read this book! You won’t regret it.
September 17, 2025
I loved this book. I'm grateful to have been selected for an ARC! The story kept me very engaged, and I felt all the emotion, trauma, hope, and love. The end had me sobbing. This was beautifully written.
September 3, 2025
🌹 Stay With Me by @Author Katie Mackey was a heart wrenching, amazing 5 ⭐️ book. It is very awareness diven. Domestic 🥊 and PTSD.
I enjoyed the character growth in this book and the love story it told between the main characters. It was very found family and I loved it.
THE ENDING RIPPED MY HEART OUT. Beware this is not a HEA, and you will probably sob. But I want to know your thoughts on the book so come back and tell me.
Release September 17th, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 24, 2025
This book, I can not even explain the emotions. It is such a heartwarming story of how to overcome all the things in life that hit you. This book does have some trigger warnings for domestic violence and ptsd. The way the book is written just automatically creates beautiful scenes like in a movie. I could see it play out in my head while reading. The way this book is written is beautiful in multiple ways.
September 2, 2025
This book being my first ever ARC reading experience.. absolutely slam dunked it! This book had me hooked from the first page, the world building, the characters back stories all was perfectly written and I could not recommend this book enough. Every emotion the characters felt I also felt, I got goosebumps multiple times during this book and the ending.. was perfectly written.
September 13, 2025
This was my first time with this author and she didn’t disappoint. I really enjoyed reading this story. It’s based on true events which makes the story a bit more meaningful in my eyes. You’ll laugh and you’ll cry but it’s worth it in the end!
September 23, 2025
This was such an emotional read and I loved it! James the war veteran and Erin a domestic violence survivor have such a beautiful story that you definitely want to read. It’s a beautiful story of surviving and finding a reason to keep fighting.
October 16, 2025
Got recommended this book directly from one of the ARC readers and it didn't disappoint. Emotional read that takes you through all the ups and downs. Loved a lot of it but wish some of the timeline was more thorough. Still recommend it though!
September 4, 2025
Breathtaking and beautiful in every way. An absolute must read.
October 6, 2025
Absolutely loved this book it will get you emotional the plot was great and so were the characters
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews