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When the spotlight turns deadly, survival becomes the performance of her life.

A single gunshot rings out, shattering Laurel Hayward’s debut as a professional dancer—and witnessing an assassination is only the beginning of her nightmare. The ruthless killer will stop at nothing to find her—determined to possess her or silence her forever.

Enter Deputy U.S. Marshal Jason Dunn: handsome, confident, and far too good at getting under Laurel’s skin. Keeping her alive is his job, but keeping his distance? Impossible. Alone in the secluded safe house, the line between duty and desire blurs into something too powerful to resist.

Laurel needs Jason to survive. Jason needs her to finally capture the ghost who’s haunted his career for years. But as their attraction ignites, the obsessed killer returns with a deadly final act . . .

And it could cost them everything.

* Stay With Me was previously published in 2014 as Stay by Karyn Lawrence (Nikki’s alter ego). This completely rewritten version features new content, more spice, and a point-of-view switch.>

359 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 30, 2026

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About the author

Nikki Sloane

45 books7,822 followers
USA Today bestselling author Nikki Sloane landed in graphic design after her careers as a waitress, a screenwriter, and a ballroom dance instructor fell through. Now she writes full-time and lives in Nashville with her husband, two sons, and two super destructive cats.

She is a four-time Romance Writers of America RITA® & Vivian® Finalist, a Passionate Plume & HOLT Medallion winner, a Goodreads Choice Awards semifinalist, and couldn't be any happier that people enjoy reading her sexy words.

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5 stars
164 (35%)
4 stars
207 (44%)
3 stars
71 (15%)
2 stars
16 (3%)
1 star
5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 334 reviews
Profile Image for QuinnReads.
3,844 reviews221 followers
April 30, 2026
Nikki Sloane Dangerous Obsession Bk 01 Stay with M

Protection Duty

This quickly roped me in and wouldn't let go! Deputy U.S. Marshal Jason Dunn and Laurel Hayward were thrown together after a traumatic event. The air crackled as the sparks flew. It was a wild ride that had me hanging on tight.

I was loathed to put it down. The suspense and intrigue were perfect. The instalove worked. And that ending was *muah*

Laurel was sometimes too eager to get back to her life. It did cause some extra turmoil that didn't sit well, but it also made me stop to think about how I'd react if my life's drive and ambition were potentially ripped away. Her naïveté did shine through in those moments.

As for Jason, I understood Laurel's reactions - good, bad, and exasperated. He does challenge the senses in more ways than one. 😄

This is my first from Nikki. I guarantee that I'll be back for more. I mean, the setup for the next book alone makes me want to read it soon!

I listened to the audio book. The narrators are Ryan Hudson, Chris Merlin, and June deBorahae. They are fabulous in duet. Simply fabulous. 🎧🩶🎧

Story: 4.5 stars
Narration: 4.5 stars
Listening Speed: 1.8x

H = mid-30s; h = 20s?

TROPES & TRIGGERS:
🩰 Amnesia
☠️ Stalker / Hitman
🔥 Instalust / Instalove
🩰 Ballet dancer x US Marshall
☠️ Kidnapped
🔥 Can't keep their hands off each other
Profile Image for NMmomof4.
1,832 reviews5,172 followers
May 3, 2026
2.5 Stars

Opinion Breakdown
The Good: The premise.

The Not-So-Good: The believability and depth of characters.

The Bad: The ending. Hardly any closure at all or explaining why this all happened or even what exactly happened. Way too abrupt and then the epilogue focused on a side character?! Yeah, no.

Overall: This was...meh. I felt like it wasn't believable from the start but I kept reading for some reason. The H didn't hesitate to show his attraction to the h right away and, therefore, jeopardize his job. The h was instantly very interested in the H even after her brush with death, which felt kind of weird. It also took at turn in the last quarter-ish (that was foretold in the prologue) that I didn't feel made a lot of sense. Just because , and it was never really explained either. And don't get me started on that ending! I'm going with a little less than 3 "just okay" stars for this one.

Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Laurel and Jason's story. Laurel witnesses a murder and then is attacked by the murderer to where she gets put under the US Marshall's service and Jason. Jason is given this job after he made a mistake on another case, and his instant attraction to Laurel isn't helping things. They soon realize they are dealing with a leak that puts everyone in danger and that their feelings for each other are mutual. There are some suspenseful scenes, some sexy times...and they get a HEA ending.

Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Laurel and Jason's POV.

Overall Pace of Story: Good, I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well for the most part (but then was way too abrupt in the end)

Instalove: Yes, I didn't understand anything past lust.

H (Hero) rating: 3 stars. Jason. He was a pretty surface level character.

h (heroine) rating: 3.5 stars. Laurel. I liked how she was strong, but I don't think I really got deep into her character.

Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed

Push/Pull: Yes

Heat level: Alright. They have some tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.

Descriptive sex: Yes

OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Not in the typical romantic sense

Sex scene with OW or OM: No

Cheating: Not IMO

Separation: Yes, but only physically

Possible Triggers: Yes

Closure: This ends with an epilogue that focuses on a different couple. It ended right after the conflict was (kind of) resolved and with not nearly enough closure for me. Both in the suspense elements and in the relationship. I reluctantly call this a HEA, but just barely

Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
Profile Image for Sim-fully Ever After.
281 reviews45 followers
May 4, 2026
4🌟, 3🌶️

This book had me stressed in the best way possible.

It jumps straight into the action and barely lets you catch your breath, which made it so easy to stay hooked. I loved how it balanced romance with suspense without losing that constant sense of urgency.

Laurel and Jason really worked for me. She’s strong and capable even when everything around her is falling apart, and he’s the protective type who takes his job seriously but clearly can’t ignore how he feels. Their forced proximity and high stakes situation made the connection feel intense right away. Even with the instant attraction, their dynamic felt natural, and the banter added a nice bit of lightness.

What kept me invested was how consistently engaging it was. The twists, the danger, and the emotional moments all blended together in a way that made it hard to look away, even if a few parts felt a little over the top.

It’s dramatic, fast paced, and really entertaining. Such a fun, high energy read.

~~~~

Huge thank you to Nikki Sloane & Valentine PR for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
Profile Image for ✨Crystal✨.
124 reviews13 followers
April 30, 2026
✨ALC provided by Valentine PR for an honest review✨

Stay With Me was a wild ride from beginning to end! It starts off with a bang when Laurel witnesses a murder at her ballet performance. The killer chases her, but she gets away and goes to the police. The killer is already a part of an investigation involving other high profile murders and Laurel has now become an important witness to the case, so she is put in a safe house where she meets Jason and their connection was instant! Jason is there to protect Laurel, but can they both stay professional? Or will they give into their forbidden attraction 👀

This book kept you in suspense and there were a lot of unexpected turns throughout the story. Just when you think things are ok, BAM! Nothing is ok and they’re fighting to escape and stay alive! And through all this, Jason and Laurel find a love neither one expected ❤️

The audiobook was narrated in duet by June DeBorahae, Ryan Hudson, and Chris Merlin. The fmc was voiced perfectly and you could really hear the emotions Laurel was going through in their performance. The mmc wasn’t bad, but there were a lot of times he sounded too robotic with his performance. Overall, this book was one surprise after another and kept me guessing what was as going to happen next! This was the first book I’ve listened to by this author and I’m definitely going to check out more of their work ❤️
Profile Image for Samantha Ramsay.
238 reviews21 followers
May 7, 2026
Such a thrilling romance that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat . Loved listening to it . Laurel has been through so much and had me so heartbroken for her . And amnesia trope ? I’m a sucker for that !
Profile Image for Erica Reads.
146 reviews103 followers
Did Not Finish
May 1, 2026
DNF 74%

Listen… I TRIED!!

From the beginning I didn’t feel a connection from these two, and everything just happened, I feel there was no build up, nothing kept me interested.
Profile Image for Bookarazzi Babe- Cheryl.
156 reviews5 followers
April 24, 2026
Stay With Me by Nikki Sloane is a solid 4-star read for me. It’s a fast-paced, suspenseful romance that kept me engaged, especially with the pairing of a ballet dancer and a U.S. Marshal. The dual timeline added an extra layer of intrigue. The first half built things up nicely, but the second half is really where the story took off and had me hooked.

I listened to the audiobook, and the FMC’s narration was excellent, full of emotion and easy to connect with. The MMC’s performance felt a bit flat in comparison, lacking emotional depth, but it didn’t take much away from the overall experience.

Thank you to Nikki Sloane and Valentine PR for the ARC + ALC!
Profile Image for Tara Arriola.
125 reviews1 follower
May 13, 2026
This is my first book by Nikki Sloane, but it won't be my last. I was intrigued from the beginning. We walk in halfway through the story and the confusion that Laurel had was felt and shared by me.

A single gunshot, that is all it took to change everything. Laurel's life will change and she was not even the one shot. So why? What happens to her life now that she saw who pulled the trigger?

Enter Jason Dunn. The Marshal that swears to keep her safe. The only problem is that he feels a pull to her that is some how blurring the lines of his duty and his heart.

The twists and turns were well done. The book was amazing and I can't wait to read the next books.
Profile Image for Alicia.
1,448 reviews18 followers
April 30, 2026
4.5 stars
This book kept me on the edge of my seat. There were plenty of unexpected turns, and I enjoyed not knowing what was going to happen next.

Laurel Hayward is a professional dancer whose career is shattered after witnessing an assassination. But that is only the beginning of her nightmare. The killer will stop at nothing to find her. He's supposed to silence her forever, but he's now determined to possess her.

Deputy U.S. Marshal Jason Dunn is tasked with keeping her alive. He's handsome, confident, and somehow manages to get under Laurel's skin. Keeping his distance is impossible, and spending time alone in a secluded safe house blurs the lines between desire and duty.

Laurel needs Jason to survive. Jason needs to capture the killer.

But the killer has other plans.

Thanks so much to the author and Valentine PR for this audio ARC to review.
Profile Image for Carissa.
3,418 reviews94 followers
May 4, 2026
I'm reading the updated 2026 version. Oh boy, was this one super fast pace. I don't think there were any slow points in the story. Laurel is a ballet dancer who was there when a Senator was murdered and Jason a US Marshal sent to protect her. Laurel and Jason get into an instant attraction between each other and there were quite a few twist and turns. I look forward to Shawn and Kara's story as the last chapter kind of sets up the mood.

I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Profile Image for Margaret.
Author 1 book11 followers
Did Not Finish
May 6, 2026
DNF Page 80

It is abundantly clear that this is a revamp of a previous novel. I have read several of Nikki Sloane’s books before, and never have I felt this level of disconnect with her writing.

Granted, I only made it to page 80, but the best part of this novel is the prologue. It’s creepy and unsettling, and had me so curious as to how the FMC got in this situation. And then it went downhill from there.

The insta-lust between Laurel and Jason is way too fast, and unbelievable. Jason’s character annoyed me a lot - he definitely did not act even close to being in his late 30s, or like he is such a great agent within protective custody. Laurel is supposed to be a strong and smart female character but it felt disjointed and I didn’t really get that vibe from her.

And don’t get me started on the villain…. I do not understand why he became so obsessed with Laurel to begin with.

Two DNFs in a row, what is going on? Am I the problem here lol. This was just a huge miss for me, which sucks because I was really looking forward to it.
Profile Image for Mandi Moore.
61 reviews4 followers
May 14, 2026
Can you make this more booksta ready?

Talk about devouring a book!!

I signed up for this ALC since Nikki Sloane will be at Indies Invade Philly in November and it did not disappoint!

I was hooked from the prologue! Laurel and Jason Dunn had chemistry almost immediately! The spicy scenes were spicy, but I haven’t to say the mystery had me more hooked! You didn’t know who to trust!

I loved the ending and I can’t wait for book 2!

Thank you Valentine PR and Nikki Sloane for the ARC and ALC in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Kenny.
14 reviews
May 2, 2026
Interesting but not for me. May finish later
Profile Image for Amber Carpenter.
599 reviews43 followers
May 11, 2026
Romance with a bit of a thriller-vibe

Engaging, and un-put-down able as usual!
I am absolutely intrigued down to my tippy-toes and waiting for book two (and more of Shawn) with great anticipation!
Profile Image for Vanessa Booked Up.
1,115 reviews484 followers
May 1, 2026
4.5 Stars!

"Do you know whose voice I heard in my head tonight, telling me to escape? It was yours." | clutched at his t-shirt, like I could stop him from leaving, and my voice went small. "I don't want to do this without you."


This story delivered a little bit of everything: mystery, romance, action, emotional depth. Even if you mainly read romance, the suspense will hook you immediately-and you HAVE to know what happens next.

From the very first page, this romantic thriller was nonstop. Laurel wakes up after a horrific car accident with amnesia, her husband by her side-but something feels off. Then, as a ballet dancer, she witnesses a murder on stage and becomes the killer's next target. Enter the U.S. Marshals, including Jason Dunn, assigned to protect her 24/7. Their connection was immediate, magnetic, and scorching - even as Jason tries to keep his distance.

What to Expect:

• Forced proximity
• On the run
• Touch her and die vibes
• Romantic suspense
• Insta lust

Not a single dull moment. The twists, corruption, and tangled relationships keep you completely locked in, while the emotional stakes hit just as hard as the action.

Absolutely wild in the best way. And then that ending?!?!!

Massively enjoyed the duet audio narration as well. Great job from all of the narrators.

I'll be over here salivating for book two if y'all need me.

Thank you to Valentine PR and the author who provided me with an eARC and ALC of this book for review.
Profile Image for April A Crane.
346 reviews3 followers
April 20, 2026
𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐘 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐌𝐄
𝑫𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝑶𝒃𝒔𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑶𝒏𝒆
4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Nikki Sloane
Format: Tandem ALC & ARC
Publication Date: April 30, 2026

This was an overall good read. I will say that I enjoyed the second half more than the first. It just felt like there was more substance in the latter portion. The duet style narration by Jane deBorahae, Ryan Hudson, and Chris Merlin was ok. Laurel’s narrator was great but it felt like Jason’s narrator was more just reading than performing if that makes sense. If you plan to read this one I would suggest just eyeball reading.

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝑬𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕:
•Ballet Dancer/US Marshall (personal bodyguard)
•Amnesia Trope
•Lots of “we shouldn’t do this”
•Touch Her & ☠️
•Good Girl/Bad(ish) Boy
•Secret Millionaire
•Forced Proximity
•Heroine in Danger
•Plenty of Spice
Profile Image for Steffy D.
91 reviews9 followers
May 2, 2026
4.25 ⭐️

Thank you to Valentine PR and Nikki Sloane for the ALC, forever grateful 🙏🏽

Okay so! Ballerina x bodyguard trope very interesting! Loved that it was a suspense romance with amnesia, I don’t think I have read anything like that. The way I read it in a day, had me on my toes the whole time. Laurel was so brave and strong and Jason so protective of her I loved them together, the insta-lust usually isn’t my go to but it was written well. This was my first Nikki Sloane book, I will be reading more of her books soon.


This audio was a duet narration, which, was done good! Sometimes though I felt like one of the male narrators was reading instead of being a bit more animated. Even though that was a very small critique. I still enjoyed it. 🥰 and can’t wait for the next book 🤗
Profile Image for Aleesha.
1,203 reviews39 followers
May 12, 2026
I'm of two minds about this story.

On the one hand, the tension and action and danger and high stakes - the plot had me riveted. It's extremely fast-paced with twists and turns I didn't expect coming.

Ballerina witnesses a murder, almost gets kidnapped and killed by the assassin, then placed in protective custody while the FBI try to find the bad guy. All of that happens lightning quick.

And of course, the danger doesn't stop there. They're at the safehouse barely a day before there's already suspicious activity surrounding them on all sides. More kidnappings ensue, Laurel goes through it trying to get out of the bad guy's clutches.

This is a suspense that travels across state lines, and even across Europe.

The suspense part of this romantic suspense was more than engaging. The last 30% of this story had me on the edge of my seat - mad, scared, thirsty for justice.

Then, on the other hand - there's the romance.
If you could call insta-lust and forced proximity and trauma bonding a romance.
Not 24 hours into this story, this girl's climbing into this man's lap, kissing him and grinding on him - AFTER they've had the discussion that they can't be doing stuff like that. He has to push her off of him, blaming it on the adrenaline when what it really is, is poorly constructed sexual chemistry.

It doesn't help that I had the audiobook for this and the male narrator (for Jason, anyway) does a very strange sort of pseudo-Obama impersonation. Same intonation, same cadence as the former President. It's all very ... matter of fact. Like he's trying to explain complex government machinations to a room full of potential voters, not describing a sex scene.

There's no gravelly growly voices, no sultry purring, no groaning no emotional inflection in this man's voice AT ALL.

It works for the action sequences. When Jason's a badass doing badass things - this guy does a great job. But a romance narrator he is not.

Back to the plot for a second - There's not a ton of context for why these bad guys are doing what they're doing in the first place. OR why Frey is so obsessed with Laurel when he should have just killed her. There's also suspicion that there's a leak in the FBI or whatever other American agency somewhere and there's not a ton of context for that either.

This book's primary focus is on Laurel and the horrific things she's going through and also, secondarily, her relationship with Jason. And that's fine - but it left me feeling a bit like I'd missed some bigger part of the story. As though this was merely an off-shoot novella set in a bigger world. As far as I can tell, that's not the case. It's just shoddy worldbuilding.

I'm not going to say this book is terrible, because there was a lot of stuff that really surprised me about the plot. I was really engaged with Laurel's terrifying experience from chapter 1 through the end.

And I don't think I should penalize the text for a weird narrator choice, either. The audio absolutely did NOT do this book any justice. And when I stopped listening to it (about halfway through, when the spice started), the quality of the story improved a good bit. It's easier to insinuate emotion from the page when you don't have Obama trying to read smut to you.

That being said, will I be continuing this series? No.
And will I ever pick this book up again? Probably not.

Do with that what you will.
Profile Image for Jessica Alcazar.
4,475 reviews635 followers
April 30, 2026
ALC REVIEW

This story begins with a “WTF is happening right now?” and just keeps building from there! I AM SHOOKETH people! For 9ish hours I am pretty sure I listened with a sort of head tilt and squinty eyes just to make sure I did not miss a single thing. I WAS RIVETED. I don’t quite know how to explain the feeling I had thru the majority of the story as it unfolded. It was those moments in horror movies where you turn your head and think “I’m not looking” but look anyway and “bam”! That, that’s the feeling. Edgy. Nervous. A little jittery because it’s like I thought I knew things and then things happened and whatever I thought I knew either was completely skewed or not important anymore. I mean ALL 9 HOURS! Ya’ll … I have liked Nikki’s work since the very first book I read by her, but this Nikki … yeah, I’d marry her. Do with that tidbit what you will ;)

I’m not going to pick apart the story and tell you different plot-points that truly impressed the ever loving fudgsicles out of me, because then why would you read this book, and YOU MUST! As far as suspenseful, mysterious, edge of your seat romances go, this is the best I have read this year (2026) and maybe last year as well. She took me on not just a “thriller” ride with this story but also an emotional and sexual ride as well. I am very acquainted with Nikki the “sexual storyteller” and even that ride was surprisingly thrilling for me!

I didn’t read this story, only listened to the ALC and this is one time that I thank God I didn’t have the eBook for reference because I know me, and there are too many instances in this story where I wanted to jump ahead so badly just to make sure everything was going to be … lets say, intact, if you get my meaning. With an audiobook, it’s not that easy to do this so you have to sit in your own feelings throughout the story as it unfolds. Minute by minute and hour by hour, and MY GOD it was heart-pounding!

🎙️The DUET narration is performed by 🎤June deBorahae, Ryan Hudson and Chris Merlin🎤 and while I enjoyed all three, June stole the show. Hands down one of the best female performances I have listened to in quite a while. She captured every "nook and cranny" of Laurel's (MFC) personality, essence and every changing situation. Even though Ryan Hudson is not one of my favorites due to his somewhat robotic way of narrating his characters, I think he did a really good job with this one. Chris Merlin was completely new to me with this audiobook and I enjoyed his performance very much. Duet-style narration was an excellent choice for this story and I'm glad Nikki went in that direction with it!

I am super excited to read all about Shawn & Kara and see what kind of a ride Nikki takes us on in Keep Me Safe!

Thank you Nikki and Valentine PR for the opportunity to listen to this ALC!
Profile Image for Jaelene.
74 reviews
April 30, 2026
This was such a solid 4-star listen for me! From the very first scene, the story doesn’t slow down! It was action-packed, constantly moving, and kept me fully locked in the entire time.

I loved the relationship development here. The bodyguard/forced proximity trope was done so well, and the tension built in a way that felt natural, not rushed. Watching them slowly break down walls and grow into each other (with just the right amount of spice) was *chef’s kiss* perfection

The full cast narration was a HUGE win. It made every scene more immersive, and the voices truly matched the characters in a way that pulled me even deeper into the story.

The suspense had me guessing the entire time, and Laurel’s journey, how everything led her to that central moment, felt both chaotic and believable. I was invested not just in the main characters, but in every single character, no matter if I liked or hated them.

And, the characters actually ate food, which to me, is one of my favorite little things in books that make the experience actually feel real. Those small, grounded details make such a difference in how real a story feels, and moments like her taking his tomato and handing him the pickles? That said everything about their dynamic without overexplaining it.

Thank you so much to Nikki and Valentine PR for allowing me a sneak peak of the audio book! I cannot wait to read and listen to more of your work!
Profile Image for Brooke.
1,103 reviews54 followers
May 11, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️.75


🩰 US MARSHALL Bodyguard
✨️ Amensia
🩰 Insta-Lust 
✨️ Stalker
🩰  On-The-Run
✨️ Kidnapped
🩰 Forced Proximity
✨️ Touch Her & ☠️ 


⚠️ CHECK YOUR CONTENT/TRIGGER WARNINGS! Protect your mental peace ☮️⚠️

✨️ 📚 ARC 📖 & 🎧 ALC 🎧 REVIEW ✨️

🎙Narrators: June deBorahae, Ryan Hudson & Chris Merlin 🎙

June, Ryan and Chris really gave us an amazing performance! I couldn't help but be more engaged with the story based on their performances! They really brought the story home and gave us the suspense needed for Nikki's writing!

✨️📖 On To The Book Review 📖✨️

Laurel is embroiled in immediate danger when she witnesses a murder at her ballet performance. When everyone else ran away she ran to help the man that had been shot. But what she didn't know was how much danger she was in until she ran to the police and told them what had happened. In walks HAWT Mr. US MARSHALL Jason Dunn to be her Bodyguard who is to take care of her and keep her from even more danger!

Laurel and Jason navigate through the danger and the feelings they both seem to catch along the way! This is a intense twisty dark romance that will have you feeling some type of way! I couldn't help but be thrilled, swooned but also scared for what could happen next!

Nikki does such a great job weaving this story and the characters into this masterpiece! I am super excited to see where this storyline goes next!

Thank you 🫶🏻 to ✨️ Nikki Sloane & Valentine PR and Audio ✨️ for the complimentary 📚 ARC 📚 & 🎧 ALC 🎧. ✨️ All opinions are my own, honest, and voluntary✨️.
Profile Image for Mel.
141 reviews5 followers
May 13, 2026
Omg! I loved, loved, loved this book 😍

It had everything…romance, suspense, thrills, danger, and an overprotective MMC who falls for the one woman he absolutely shouldn’t.

Laurel may be a ballerina who simply ends up in the wrong place at the wrong time, but she proves throughout the story just how strong she really is. Forced into witness protection and made to give up the life she’s always dreamed of, she still fights back and refuses to lose herself completely.

And Jason? Absolutely obsessed. Protective, devoted, and willing to risk everything for Laurel even when she’s supposed to be strictly off-limits and “just a job.”

These two were so adorable together and honestly became one of my favourite book couples ever. Watching them defy the rules, sacrifice things for each other, and fight for their relationship had me completely hooked.

The journey to their HEA is intense, emotional, and at times very dark, but wow… that ending made me so happy ❤️

Such an epic romance thriller that I would happily read over and over again. I seriously cannot wait for the next book in the series!

✨ What to expect:

🚨 Heroine in Danger
🖤 Alpha Hero
🛡️ Bodyguard Romance
🏠 Forced Proximity
🧠 Amnesia
🔗 Kidnapping

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for Sarah~Book Obsession Confessions .
1,343 reviews89 followers
May 12, 2026
The very beginning of this book had me so intrigued, excited and hooked. I love the amnesia trope and when it’s a romantic suspense it’s so exciting.
The story jumps back to before the amnesia and that’s about 90 percent of the story. That was a disappointment to me because I love everything that comes with the amnesia trope.

The story is about Laurel, a ballerina with no family or close friends who goes through some dangerous and terrifying situations that lead her to being in protective custody with, Jason, a US Marshal. They are pretty instantly attracted to each other, I knew it was going to be insta lust, so I have no issue with that. Plus they are in intense, life threatening situations, so I can see how a strong bond would develop quickly. It has the forbidden aspect, he can’t be involved with a witness. That develops good tension and longing between them. When the spice happens it is delectable.

The plot twist is mild, the snitch isn’t obvious nor is it surprising.

The last bit of the book is super fast paced and it left me feeling like it was a huge missed opportunity to develop one secondary character more, a double agent. It could have been really intriguing if they had a bigger role and if more of the story happened when Laurel has amnesia.

I know the author reworked this book and republished, it still feels unfinished and anticlimactic to me.

Spicy scenes,sexual tension and the bond the two develop are the main things it has going for it in my opinion.
I was really excited for this because of the blurb and tropes. I found that it went a different direction than I expected and unfortunately it wasn’t my cup of tea exactly. I don’t dislike the book, it just didn’t hit the mark for me.

I know some people who have loved it, I may be the minority here. I usually really enjoy this author’s books, this is a rare miss for me. I will continue to read her books.
Profile Image for Summer.
417 reviews27 followers
May 20, 2026
~Alc Review~
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶

~Stay With Me~Nikki Sloane~

~Duet Narration~June DeBorahae~Ryan Hudson~Chris Merlin~

~Production~One Night Stand Studios~

"The focus in my mind wasn’t on the choreography, or the concern for my life, it was on the man waiting in the wings for me."

♡This was my first read by Nikki Sloane & I loved it! This story follows Laurel is our Ballerina who witnessed something she shouldn't have at one of her performances. Jason is our US Marshall tasked at keeping his key witness safe. This story had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next right up until the very end & I can't wait to read the next book!

The duet narration for this audiobook was amazing! June, Ryan, & Chris all did a fantastic job bringing these characters & this twisty story to life!♡

~As Always Happy Reading~
Profile Image for Renee Charles.
154 reviews10 followers
April 30, 2026
This book was so good. This book had suspense and thrill and romance all in one. I loved that you had a US marshal trying to protect a ballerina so you had this domineering man trying to protect this delicate flower. This delicate flower had a psycho stalker who she witnessed kill several people. Had to go into a witness protect protection program. there becomes this beautiful story of how they open up to each other fall in love and say that in the end they will be with each other. And next thing you know, she has amnesia and fast-forward. It’s a couple months later and you do not know what’s going on. Definitely twist and turns this has a happily ever after five star review for me.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.6k reviews260 followers
April 30, 2026
This is the first book in a new series, and this is Jason and Laurel’s story.
Laurel is about to debut as a professional dancer, when she witnesses a horrific assassination, which has her on the run. Jason is a Deputy US Marshall, and is assigned to protect Lauren, who is the target of a ruthless killer.
This is a well written action-packed story, with emotions, obsession, danger, suspense, intrigue, challenges, tension, forced proximity, amnesia, survival, humour, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and unpredictable, thrilling page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Kelsey Turner.
100 reviews9 followers
May 8, 2026
Oh my god! This book completely pulled me in from the very first page. The suspense starts immediately in the prologue and honestly never lets up. It felt like one of those crime thrillers where every episode ends with you needing to know what happens next. Between the murder mystery, witness protection, and Laurel being on the run, the story constantly had something happening that kept the tension high.

Jason and Laurel’s chemistry mixed with the danger and forced proximity made this so addicting to read. The yearning between them was so good, especially with everything working against them. The emotional tension mixed with the nonstop suspense created such an intense atmosphere throughout the entire book.

What I loved most was how the mystery kept unfolding. I kept trying to connect the prologue to the story and every time I thought I had it figured out, something else happened that completely changed my theory. The manipulation after the accident and Laurel questioning what was real honestly made the suspense even better.

The writing felt so cinematic the entire time, almost like watching a crime drama series play out in real time. High stakes, action, twists, emotional tension… this one really had everything. And even though it wrapped up without a cliffhanger, I’m already so ready for book two.

Profile Image for SunsetLibrary.
139 reviews16 followers
May 9, 2026
As a big Nikki Sloane fan I found it hard to reconcile this book with what we’re now used to reading from her. This is obviously an early story that’s been reworked. It lacks that scorching heat and slight taboo that more popular Nikki books bring to the table. But it was interesting, engaging, and a fun read regardless. It’s got a bit of mystery and thriller and good characters. It’s very instalove and a bit thin on the details in parts but definitely worth the read. I am rather excited about the second book which will be the siblings of the main characters from this book. That looks like a fun ride and I can’t wait to read it.
Profile Image for Dimaris rossy.
1,263 reviews18 followers
May 1, 2026
The action is non stop. You will devour this book. I couldn't decide if Laurel was unlucky or based on how many times she escaped danger, the luckiest woman alive. And to find Jason in the process? I guess lucky is the safest bet... that man is determined to protect her.

It's also great that Laurel is brave and helpful. I don't think I would have been so into the story if she was a damsel in distress. I didn't know what I was going to find inside these pages, but I was very pleased with the results.
Profile Image for The Book Ssirren.
4,301 reviews124 followers
May 5, 2026
Laurel, a ballet dancer. And Jason, a hot U. S. Marshall. The two of them become connected when she witnesses a murd3r. The man who committed the crime goes after her. He’s seriously dangerous. Enter Jason. He’s there to protect her and keep her safe from this guy. He’s there to do a job. But the more time they spend together, the harder it becomes to not want her. This story was chaos and danger. Heat and spice. It was a wild ride of twists and turns. Perfectly written. And kept me invested from beginning to end.
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