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Lazarus Rising #3
Stay With Me
Shelly Hampton intends to spend the holidays alone in her family’s mountain cabin, but when a snow-covered stranger appears on her door-step, her plans are shot straight to hell. The man before her seems oddly familiar, and he stirs a dark need within her.
It’s soon apparent that John Smith is far more than a normal man—he’s too strong, too fast, and she could swear that he seems to read her thoughts…and know her most secret desires.
But is John a man that she could love…or is he someone she should fear? Because even as the snow fall deepens, a deadly threat is closing in on her little cabin. And soon, Shelly will be trapped on the mountain with a dangerous man…a man who swears that he has come back from the dead, just to be with her.
STAY WITH ME…A “Lazarus Rising” Novella
Author's Note: All of the books in the Lazarus Rising series are stand-alone titles.
It’s soon apparent that John Smith is far more than a normal man—he’s too strong, too fast, and she could swear that he seems to read her thoughts…and know her most secret desires.
But is John a man that she could love…or is he someone she should fear? Because even as the snow fall deepens, a deadly threat is closing in on her little cabin. And soon, Shelly will be trapped on the mountain with a dangerous man…a man who swears that he has come back from the dead, just to be with her.
STAY WITH ME…A “Lazarus Rising” Novella
Author's Note: All of the books in the Lazarus Rising series are stand-alone titles.
165 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 12, 2017
222 people are currently reading
641 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Eden
309 books6,808 followersAward-winning author Cynthia Eden writes sexy tales of contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and paranormal romance. She is a New York Times, USA Today, Digital Book World, and IndieReader best-seller. Since she began writing full-time in 2005, Cynthia has written over one hundred novels and novellas.
Cynthia lives along the Alabama Gulf Coast. She loves romance novels, horror movies, and chocolate. Her favorite hobbies including hiking in the mountains (searching for waterfalls) and spelunking.
Cynthia lives along the Alabama Gulf Coast. She loves romance novels, horror movies, and chocolate. Her favorite hobbies including hiking in the mountains (searching for waterfalls) and spelunking.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
December 13, 2018
4 stars, but I click 5, because…
I’m in a good mood today *lol*
and as thanks to this author for writing strong and smart heroines!
I’m in a good mood today *lol*
and as thanks to this author for writing strong and smart heroines!
December 12, 2017
I feel like I’m on repeat but I can’t help it, this series is awesome! Cynthia Eden brought us another great super soldier in John. I like that the author switched things up and gave us a soldier not directly related to the first group we got to know in book 1 and 2. We are starting to see the scope of what lengths the government has gone to trying to create killing machines. What they didn’t count on was the primitive pull these men would feel towards the women and their refusal to give the government their blind loyalty. This series is a great blend of GI Joe action plus the exciting story telling of strong Alpha’s who will do anything to protect their women. Love it! ARC provided by NetGalley.
December 12, 2017
4.5 "You're my Christmas" stars.
I'm loving this series. Can't wait to read more.
Cynthia, you keep on writing and I'll keep on buying. 👍🏼
Safe.
I'm loving this series. Can't wait to read more.
Cynthia, you keep on writing and I'll keep on buying. 👍🏼
Safe.
July 7, 2019
Shelly Hampton and John Smith
“I’ve been looking for you.”
“I’ve been looking for you.”
December 11, 2017
4 - "You are my Christmas..." Stars!
The third book in Cynthia Eden’s hugely enjoyable, Lazarus Rising series, has a decidedly Christmassy feel to it.
Don’t fret the romance and suspense are still fully in the fore, but the author took a step away from the characters that we have come to know in the first two books, to give us John Smith and Shelly Hampton’s story.
"You’re… the only thing… I know."
John just like all the other Lazarus subjects has very little in the way of a memory pre waking up in the research facility where he was given the treatment. The one thing he does remember, or should I say woman he remembers is Shelly.
"I wanted you before I even knew if you were real or just a figment of my desperation…"
How, why or who she is isn’t initially clear, but with his enhanced senses and the scratchy but incomplete memories of her, he manages to track her down to the remote cabin that she has hidden herself away in for the holiday without too much trouble.
"When you’re ready for my mouth, tell me… Because, baby, I’ve been ready for you for a very, very long time."
I found this couple’s coming together really sweet, John only remembers Shelly, she doesn’t know him from Adam, but as the story progresses, and as you would expect with a book from this author, everything and everyone is definitely not as they would initially seem, and the directions the plot takes aren't exactly as you would expect either.
Quick paced in its telling, as well as in its reading, Stay With Me was another absolutely outstanding addition to the Lazarus Rising series. Run To Me is due in late January, and I am interested in seeing what sort of story the author gives Jay and Willow.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
The third book in Cynthia Eden’s hugely enjoyable, Lazarus Rising series, has a decidedly Christmassy feel to it.
Don’t fret the romance and suspense are still fully in the fore, but the author took a step away from the characters that we have come to know in the first two books, to give us John Smith and Shelly Hampton’s story.
"You’re… the only thing… I know."
John just like all the other Lazarus subjects has very little in the way of a memory pre waking up in the research facility where he was given the treatment. The one thing he does remember, or should I say woman he remembers is Shelly.
"I wanted you before I even knew if you were real or just a figment of my desperation…"
How, why or who she is isn’t initially clear, but with his enhanced senses and the scratchy but incomplete memories of her, he manages to track her down to the remote cabin that she has hidden herself away in for the holiday without too much trouble.
"When you’re ready for my mouth, tell me… Because, baby, I’ve been ready for you for a very, very long time."
I found this couple’s coming together really sweet, John only remembers Shelly, she doesn’t know him from Adam, but as the story progresses, and as you would expect with a book from this author, everything and everyone is definitely not as they would initially seem, and the directions the plot takes aren't exactly as you would expect either.
Quick paced in its telling, as well as in its reading, Stay With Me was another absolutely outstanding addition to the Lazarus Rising series. Run To Me is due in late January, and I am interested in seeing what sort of story the author gives Jay and Willow.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
May 1, 2024
What a fabulous series! I'm not a huge fan of holiday reads and tend to steer clear of them but so glad I picked up this one. I'm well into this series, Cynthia Eden has me totally fascinated with this world she's created. Give me a hot, growly alpha male, a fast paced romantic suspense, a strong heroine, a tinge of paranormal and a bit of amnesia and I'm so in my happy place.
Although this is a novella, the pacing was perfect. Nothing was rushed, lots of detail and although the love is kinda insta it totally worked given the reasons that come to light.
4.5 stars.
Although this is a novella, the pacing was perfect. Nothing was rushed, lots of detail and although the love is kinda insta it totally worked given the reasons that come to light.
4.5 stars.
December 19, 2017
Yet another story about those who were part of the Lazarus programme this time not only do we get to know new characters but it's set at Christmas so lots of lovely warm feels as well as suspense.
John is very different to other survivors we have met in this series as he has very strong memories of a woman who means the world to him. He's followed his instincts and tracked her down but the woman in question not only doesn't know him but from their first meeting it's obvious she's in serious danger !
Shelly hasn't a clue who the big buff scary guy following her is but things just keep happening when he's around. Having recently lost her brother Shelly is alone but John clearly is as lost in his own way as she is. Someone is definitely up to no good but just who can Shelly really trust?
I loved John and his strong feelings for Shelly right from the start but as you would expect from an author of this calibre there are lots of twists along the way to entertain the reader. A strong romance that leapt off the page but with an excellent plot that allows this reader to speculate about what might happen next. Plus of course it's set at Christmas so a lovely warming read on a cold night !
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair.
John is very different to other survivors we have met in this series as he has very strong memories of a woman who means the world to him. He's followed his instincts and tracked her down but the woman in question not only doesn't know him but from their first meeting it's obvious she's in serious danger !
Shelly hasn't a clue who the big buff scary guy following her is but things just keep happening when he's around. Having recently lost her brother Shelly is alone but John clearly is as lost in his own way as she is. Someone is definitely up to no good but just who can Shelly really trust?
I loved John and his strong feelings for Shelly right from the start but as you would expect from an author of this calibre there are lots of twists along the way to entertain the reader. A strong romance that leapt off the page but with an excellent plot that allows this reader to speculate about what might happen next. Plus of course it's set at Christmas so a lovely warming read on a cold night !
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair.
December 14, 2017
4.5 ⭐️
January 9, 2018
Honestly, I was expecting the third book to be about Willow and Jay. Super looking forward to it. But this Christmas novella is a bonus.
All the Lazarus subjects have primitive instincts even if they forget their pasts. The urge to protect a mate, to keep her safe. John Smith is lucky in this case. He remembers Shelly even inside the lab. Memories of her kept him sane.
I was happy to read about Jay and Sawyer here. Really lookig forward to Willow and Jay's story :)
All the Lazarus subjects have primitive instincts even if they forget their pasts. The urge to protect a mate, to keep her safe. John Smith is lucky in this case. He remembers Shelly even inside the lab. Memories of her kept him sane.
I was happy to read about Jay and Sawyer here. Really lookig forward to Willow and Jay's story :)
December 19, 2017
Stay With Me was fantastic. I loved John, even as my heart broke for him and what he was put through. This is a holiday read, but it didn’t skimp on the action, suspense or mystery. It was hot, sweet, fun and a wild ride! I definitely recommend to fans of this series, and for anyone looking for an edgier holiday read.
December 13, 2017
I’m absolutely in love with this series and Stay With Me only solidified that for me.
After experiencing so much loss over the past year, Shelly heads to her mountain cabin to find some peace and solitude. At the local bar she meets John who insists that they know one another. She assures him they do not but he doesn’t accept her answer easily or at all really. When he rescues her from several attempts on her life, the fear that overwhelmed her desire fades and she brings him into her home.
John has no memories of his past except for the beautiful woman he’s been searching for. Now that he’s found her he can’t let her go, especially since someone is trying to kill her. Or is it him they’re after?
This book has so many twists and turns in it. It was a wild and crazy ride filled with lots of drama, surprises and suspense as well as plenty of heat in true Cynthia Eden fashion. I love a hard alpha hero and I got that in John but I also got a hero that’s capable of showing vulnerability and I really loved that! Shelly was a perfect counterpoint to John. She’s strong when needed but able to yield when necessary. No wanting to throttle the heroine in this one.
The next book up is Willow and Jay and I can’t express how much I’m looking forward to their story. These books can be read as standalones in my opinion but would be enjoyed much more if you start at the beginning.
This is an honest review of an advanced copy provided by NetGalley and Hocus Pocus Publishing.
Dual POV
Safe
No apparent triggers
After experiencing so much loss over the past year, Shelly heads to her mountain cabin to find some peace and solitude. At the local bar she meets John who insists that they know one another. She assures him they do not but he doesn’t accept her answer easily or at all really. When he rescues her from several attempts on her life, the fear that overwhelmed her desire fades and she brings him into her home.
John has no memories of his past except for the beautiful woman he’s been searching for. Now that he’s found her he can’t let her go, especially since someone is trying to kill her. Or is it him they’re after?
This book has so many twists and turns in it. It was a wild and crazy ride filled with lots of drama, surprises and suspense as well as plenty of heat in true Cynthia Eden fashion. I love a hard alpha hero and I got that in John but I also got a hero that’s capable of showing vulnerability and I really loved that! Shelly was a perfect counterpoint to John. She’s strong when needed but able to yield when necessary. No wanting to throttle the heroine in this one.
The next book up is Willow and Jay and I can’t express how much I’m looking forward to their story. These books can be read as standalones in my opinion but would be enjoyed much more if you start at the beginning.
This is an honest review of an advanced copy provided by NetGalley and Hocus Pocus Publishing.
Dual POV
Safe
No apparent triggers
December 14, 2017
When a handsome stranger appears in Shellys life, she doesn´t know what to think of him. Big, capable and intense. When he saves her life she becomes unable to turn him away, but she´s not prepared for what this will mean.
John woke up with no memory of his life before, but he knew one thing, and how to find her..
PNR action, suspense and smutty fluff in an awesome combo! Love this series!
Disclaimer; I was fortunate enough to get a copy for free, but I would have bought my own copy, with a smile on my face =D
John woke up with no memory of his life before, but he knew one thing, and how to find her..
PNR action, suspense and smutty fluff in an awesome combo! Love this series!
Disclaimer; I was fortunate enough to get a copy for free, but I would have bought my own copy, with a smile on my face =D
December 27, 2017
4.5 stars
I'm not a fan of instalove, but this is a novella, it's Christmas season and it totally worked in this story :)
Can't wait for the next one!
I'm not a fan of instalove, but this is a novella, it's Christmas season and it totally worked in this story :)
Can't wait for the next one!
December 14, 2017
Stay With Me is the perfect blend of sweet and sexy laced with suspense. I enjoyed this new addition to The Lazarus Rising series and can't wait to read the next book in the series.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
January 25, 2018
Sigh, another miss. What has happened to the CE I know and love...is she gone forever? This was far-fetched and phoned in.
Thank you to Janet for the loan...
Thank you to Janet for the loan...
January 1, 2021
Review posted on Got Fiction?
This book begins with our heroine Shelly heading up from Miami to her family cabin in the mountains to spend Christmas alone. She's picking up the keys from a friend at his bar when a man walks in, intent on finding her. And when he does, she's surprised by the strong pull she feels for him.
John Smith has spent every waking moment since escaping the facility (government facility that recently exploded) searching for Shelly. He has no memory of anything before waking up there. No memories that is, except for Shelly. It's not just one memory either, it's a lot of them. And he knows that if he can find her, she'll be able to tell him who he is.
Shelly...doesn't know the man.
But she feels a loss as he leaves the bar. And when she goes to her car, we find out he didn't go far. But a strange man following her scares her, so when he figures out her brakes were cut, he begins shouting at her to get out of the car. She of course, floors it. Luckily he's basically a super soldier, so he chases after her, steals a truck, and saves her. While she's freaking out, someone shoots at them, and kills him. But these super soldiers don't always stay dead.
The sheriff is a good friend of hers and John and Shelly let him in on the secret. Together, they're able to find out his name is John Smith, that he used to be in the Army Special Forces, and that he was killed in Miami several months ago. Miami, where Shelly lives. This brings up a lot of questions. In the mean time, someone is trying to kill them. And the big question is who is the real target? Shelly? Or John?
This story is different from the first two in that we don't have as much time spent in the compound, nor is there the same feel of his being used as a weapon by the government that took his dead body, reanimated it for secret missions, and treats him like nothing more than a tool. There's a small glimpse of what powers he's gained, and there are hints at what happened to Willow, another super soldier who escaped the explosion.
I was glad that the previous heroes came up there to check in on him. It also brings up some big questions on what will happen in the next book, which I truly hope is not the last one. This book is like Universal Soldier meets the Bourne Identity, but better. The suspense and the action are well-done, the characters are well-written, and the book kept me on the edge of my seat. Another hit from Cynthia Eden, Stay With Me kept me glued to the pages.
***ARC courtesy of the author via Netgalley
This book begins with our heroine Shelly heading up from Miami to her family cabin in the mountains to spend Christmas alone. She's picking up the keys from a friend at his bar when a man walks in, intent on finding her. And when he does, she's surprised by the strong pull she feels for him.
John Smith has spent every waking moment since escaping the facility (government facility that recently exploded) searching for Shelly. He has no memory of anything before waking up there. No memories that is, except for Shelly. It's not just one memory either, it's a lot of them. And he knows that if he can find her, she'll be able to tell him who he is.
Shelly...doesn't know the man.
But she feels a loss as he leaves the bar. And when she goes to her car, we find out he didn't go far. But a strange man following her scares her, so when he figures out her brakes were cut, he begins shouting at her to get out of the car. She of course, floors it. Luckily he's basically a super soldier, so he chases after her, steals a truck, and saves her. While she's freaking out, someone shoots at them, and kills him. But these super soldiers don't always stay dead.
The sheriff is a good friend of hers and John and Shelly let him in on the secret. Together, they're able to find out his name is John Smith, that he used to be in the Army Special Forces, and that he was killed in Miami several months ago. Miami, where Shelly lives. This brings up a lot of questions. In the mean time, someone is trying to kill them. And the big question is who is the real target? Shelly? Or John?
This story is different from the first two in that we don't have as much time spent in the compound, nor is there the same feel of his being used as a weapon by the government that took his dead body, reanimated it for secret missions, and treats him like nothing more than a tool. There's a small glimpse of what powers he's gained, and there are hints at what happened to Willow, another super soldier who escaped the explosion.
I was glad that the previous heroes came up there to check in on him. It also brings up some big questions on what will happen in the next book, which I truly hope is not the last one. This book is like Universal Soldier meets the Bourne Identity, but better. The suspense and the action are well-done, the characters are well-written, and the book kept me on the edge of my seat. Another hit from Cynthia Eden, Stay With Me kept me glued to the pages.
***ARC courtesy of the author via Netgalley
December 14, 2017
There’s always something about this series that I find constantly hovers on the edge of the hysterical. I think my biggest problem really, is the gradual departure from the realism that the story starts out with. Everything is writ so large, sometimes to the point where I can lose that ability to suspend disbelief: the insane villains so stylised that they can be out of an opera, the alpha, over-the-top hero and a heroine can sometimes manage the miraculous and whose greatest enemies are her previous lovers.
Not to say that it isn’t entertaining—Cynthia Eden can cook up a mystery and resolve it very well—but the idea of super-soldiers becoming possessive primates (the growling, snorting and rough sex included) because of their programming somehow seems more laughable than stirring.
‘Stay With Me’ reminded me of a cross between Robocop/Terminator and Pet Sematary as Christmas decorations and celebrations go on—a slice of the paranormal inserted into the holiday season, which was a tad too batty for me.
Over all, Eden’s Lazarus Rising is definitely a series I’d be continuing with, but at the same time, I’ll be taking it all in with a heaping amount of salt…more than I normally do with such sub-genres.
Not to say that it isn’t entertaining—Cynthia Eden can cook up a mystery and resolve it very well—but the idea of super-soldiers becoming possessive primates (the growling, snorting and rough sex included) because of their programming somehow seems more laughable than stirring.
‘Stay With Me’ reminded me of a cross between Robocop/Terminator and Pet Sematary as Christmas decorations and celebrations go on—a slice of the paranormal inserted into the holiday season, which was a tad too batty for me.
Over all, Eden’s Lazarus Rising is definitely a series I’d be continuing with, but at the same time, I’ll be taking it all in with a heaping amount of salt…more than I normally do with such sub-genres.
December 2, 2019
One of my favorite books! ❤️💜🥰😍Cynthia Eden writes great alpha men!
December 22, 2018
This was a really solid short ... so much so that it didn't feel like a short at all.
It was a little odd jumping in cold with no characters that we knew at all, but I got over that fast. And then I really enjoyed some familiar faces coming in towards the end.
In terms of the suspense plot,
I liked seeing John and Shelley, and uncovering what their connection is. It was very well done, and again, didn't feel like a short. Though we had insta-love happening, it's kind of an expected trope in this kind of series. That said, there's a little gray area here ... like, does it happen in this series because of the psychic woo-woo these guys have going on? Sometimes it sort of feels like it, and that's true here too. Not like the guys are manipulating the heroines - that would be gross - but that ... I don't know, their gifts just enable a more intimate initial connection. For example, in this book, when they first touch - innocently - sparks fly ... and I wonder if that's an actual metaphysical thing happening. Like fated mates in a shifter series, but bent differently because these folks aren't shifters.
Also, still waiting to hear why Landon amped up in book 1 but didn't have memory issues. Is there a different version of the serum floating around that fixed that problem? Here's hoping we close that loophole...
It was a little odd jumping in cold with no characters that we knew at all, but I got over that fast. And then I really enjoyed some familiar faces coming in towards the end.
In terms of the suspense plot,
I liked seeing John and Shelley, and uncovering what their connection is. It was very well done, and again, didn't feel like a short. Though we had insta-love happening, it's kind of an expected trope in this kind of series. That said, there's a little gray area here ... like, does it happen in this series because of the psychic woo-woo these guys have going on? Sometimes it sort of feels like it, and that's true here too. Not like the guys are manipulating the heroines - that would be gross - but that ... I don't know, their gifts just enable a more intimate initial connection. For example, in this book, when they first touch - innocently - sparks fly ... and I wonder if that's an actual metaphysical thing happening. Like fated mates in a shifter series, but bent differently because these folks aren't shifters.
Also, still waiting to hear why Landon amped up in book 1 but didn't have memory issues. Is there a different version of the serum floating around that fixed that problem? Here's hoping we close that loophole...
July 22, 2018
Another great read by my go to author! This is John and Shelly's story. John Smith is another Lazarus project soldier who escapes and makes his way to Shelly. Though John cannot recall anything else, he definitely remembers Shelly. John just knows that he has to protect her and that she was a beacon for him to follow. Great story, filled with action, deception, betrayal, murder and of course, a HEA! Loved it! 5 stars!!!
July 24, 2020
That was such a great book
I thought it would be a typical book like the first book Cynthia Eden wrote however this was beyond my imagination it was well thought of it was well written and it talked my heart since you didn't do it again I can't wait to read more.
I thought it would be a typical book like the first book Cynthia Eden wrote however this was beyond my imagination it was well thought of it was well written and it talked my heart since you didn't do it again I can't wait to read more.
December 17, 2020
Note: Freebie from the author today (Dec 12, 2020).
March 20, 2018
Fantastic 3rd installment to the Lazarus Rising series.
We detour just a bit and meet another test subject that was in the NC Lazarus lab with Willow (who we briefly met in book 2). This story focuses on John & Shelly who sort of had a connection prior to John's death and his becoming another super soldier for Lazarus. The story does come full circle with our established group toward the last 5th of the book and we've got a great setup now for Willow's story.
*Digital review copy provided by Net Galley and the publisher.
We detour just a bit and meet another test subject that was in the NC Lazarus lab with Willow (who we briefly met in book 2). This story focuses on John & Shelly who sort of had a connection prior to John's death and his becoming another super soldier for Lazarus. The story does come full circle with our established group toward the last 5th of the book and we've got a great setup now for Willow's story.
*Digital review copy provided by Net Galley and the publisher.
December 7, 2020
So, one of my all-time favorite romance novel tropes is the hero-rescuing-the-heroine. I don't know why I love it so much, but I do. I can't remember where I first saw a review of Stay with Me by Cynthia Eden, but it became pretty clear to me that this one would have my favorite trope ever. So I decided to give it a try, and you guys, I really liked Stay with Me by Cynthia Eden.
Stay with Me is about Shelley Hampton, who is on her way to her family's mountain cabin for the holidays for some alone time, and she comes across a man in the bar she stopped in on the way. John is adamant that they know each other, and that he needs to protect her. Soon crazy things start happening, and John and Shelley find themselves falling for each other.
John was amazing! He totally stole my heart. He is my kind of romance hero. He is Lazarus Subject (explained in previous books in the series), has these superhuman abilities, and knows he has to protect Shelley. But John doesn't have any other memories. All he knows is that he needs to protect Shelley. John is the type of character that is completely devoted to the heroine from page one, and you guys, that so works for me. Luckily, Shelley is amazing, and totally deserving of John.
Shelley was such an awesome character. She's feeling lonely, and just wants to spend time along in her family's mountain cabin. I really loved Shelley. She's kind and sweet, but also no pushover. At first she just wants John to leave her alone, but then these crazy things start happening, and John is always protecting her. John is sweet and caring, and also super strong and alpha (but only when he needs to be).
I loved seeing John and Shelley fall for each other. I just loved it. I wanted them together from pretty much page one. Stay with Me is a longer novella at around 170 pages, so things progress quickly, but I never felt like it was too quick. I was thoroughly invested in their relationship.
It probably would have been better if I had read the other books in this series first, but I didn't I could figure things out pretty easily. And my main focus was on John and Shelley's relationship. I should also mention that Cynthia Eden did use some of the same phrases repeatedly, which was a little annoying. But only the tiniest bit.
If you are into romantic suspense, with a paranormal feel, you should totally look into Stay with Me by Cynthia Eden. But you might want to read the first book in the series first. I will definitely be checking out more from this series.
This review was originally posted on Quinn's Book Nook
Stay with Me is about Shelley Hampton, who is on her way to her family's mountain cabin for the holidays for some alone time, and she comes across a man in the bar she stopped in on the way. John is adamant that they know each other, and that he needs to protect her. Soon crazy things start happening, and John and Shelley find themselves falling for each other.
John was amazing! He totally stole my heart. He is my kind of romance hero. He is Lazarus Subject (explained in previous books in the series), has these superhuman abilities, and knows he has to protect Shelley. But John doesn't have any other memories. All he knows is that he needs to protect Shelley. John is the type of character that is completely devoted to the heroine from page one, and you guys, that so works for me. Luckily, Shelley is amazing, and totally deserving of John.
Shelley was such an awesome character. She's feeling lonely, and just wants to spend time along in her family's mountain cabin. I really loved Shelley. She's kind and sweet, but also no pushover. At first she just wants John to leave her alone, but then these crazy things start happening, and John is always protecting her. John is sweet and caring, and also super strong and alpha (but only when he needs to be).
I loved seeing John and Shelley fall for each other. I just loved it. I wanted them together from pretty much page one. Stay with Me is a longer novella at around 170 pages, so things progress quickly, but I never felt like it was too quick. I was thoroughly invested in their relationship.
It probably would have been better if I had read the other books in this series first, but I didn't I could figure things out pretty easily. And my main focus was on John and Shelley's relationship. I should also mention that Cynthia Eden did use some of the same phrases repeatedly, which was a little annoying. But only the tiniest bit.
If you are into romantic suspense, with a paranormal feel, you should totally look into Stay with Me by Cynthia Eden. But you might want to read the first book in the series first. I will definitely be checking out more from this series.
This review was originally posted on Quinn's Book Nook
December 30, 2017
I really love this series! Each book is different and keeps me on my toes. John Smith, our hero, and yes, that's his real name, was in the same facility with Willow so he isn't familiar with Sawyer and the others. His only goal on getting out is to find Shelly and keep her safe. He doesn't recall anything else about his past, only Shelly and that he needs to protect her. *swoon* These are my favorite tropes. It was like with Sawyer and Elizabeth, although not as passionate but still good.
This is the first paranormal series I've read by Eden but I will definitely read more of her PNR books. I look forward to Willow and Jay's book that comes out next month! I already have it pre-ordered. :)
Quotes & Faves:
♥ “Because you are my life.” Truth. Stark. “When I woke in that lab, when those bastards in the lab coats killed me again and again, you got me through those days.
This is the first paranormal series I've read by Eden but I will definitely read more of her PNR books. I look forward to Willow and Jay's book that comes out next month! I already have it pre-ordered. :)
Quotes & Faves:
♥ “Because you are my life.” Truth. Stark. “When I woke in that lab, when those bastards in the lab coats killed me again and again, you got me through those days.
December 11, 2017
Marie's Tempting Reads ARC Review:
I. Loved. John. Smith. This is the most passionate, endearing, most swoon worthy story in Cynthia Eden's OUTSTANDING Lazarus Rising series. The way the story starts had me instantly on alert. I loved how John Smith was so determined to protect and care for Shelly. The way he remembered her when none of the other Lazarus subjects could remember anything from their lives really intrigued me. I could tell right away that John Smith was different and unique, sexy, caring, and just more everything! Shelley might of been skeptical about him at first, but he not only proved himself in my eyes, but in hers right away, and the passion and chemistry crackling between them had me all warm and fuzzy inside and out!
The one thing I love about these Lazarus books, is how these super soldiers can care...even with having most of their emotions shut off. It is fascinating and edgy and perfect for this world that Miss Eden has created with this amazing series. We get passion, and mind blowing action and swoon worthy romance that can steal your breath and melt your heart. Its hot and engulfing in the BEST way! I think Stay With Me is my NEW favorite in this series for sure. I just ADORED John Smith SO much!
Stay With Me gets an INCREDIBLY WRITTEN FIVE SHOOTING STARS! Its a great fit for the holidays and will be sure to keep you on your toes.
I. Loved. John. Smith. This is the most passionate, endearing, most swoon worthy story in Cynthia Eden's OUTSTANDING Lazarus Rising series. The way the story starts had me instantly on alert. I loved how John Smith was so determined to protect and care for Shelly. The way he remembered her when none of the other Lazarus subjects could remember anything from their lives really intrigued me. I could tell right away that John Smith was different and unique, sexy, caring, and just more everything! Shelley might of been skeptical about him at first, but he not only proved himself in my eyes, but in hers right away, and the passion and chemistry crackling between them had me all warm and fuzzy inside and out!
The one thing I love about these Lazarus books, is how these super soldiers can care...even with having most of their emotions shut off. It is fascinating and edgy and perfect for this world that Miss Eden has created with this amazing series. We get passion, and mind blowing action and swoon worthy romance that can steal your breath and melt your heart. Its hot and engulfing in the BEST way! I think Stay With Me is my NEW favorite in this series for sure. I just ADORED John Smith SO much!
Stay With Me gets an INCREDIBLY WRITTEN FIVE SHOOTING STARS! Its a great fit for the holidays and will be sure to keep you on your toes.
February 9, 2018
I was Greatly Disappointed in Stay With Me. The story of John Smith and Shelly Hampton was the same story as the first 2 books in the Lazarus Rising series. The author just changed the names of the characters, the location and presto the same story as the others even the villains in this story read the same as the other villains. This seems to be a formula or cookie cutter type storyline. I already bought bk 4 Run To Me. I hope it is different then the others.
January 9, 2018
Really good!
Though not as closely tied to the rest of the Lazarus Rising team John is a new character from a different lab. His story is more of a love story than the others were and it was positively refreshing. It tied into the original storyline in the last few chapters so I am hopeful we will see more of John in the future. It was a great book. Bravo Cynthia Write On. Davia
Though not as closely tied to the rest of the Lazarus Rising team John is a new character from a different lab. His story is more of a love story than the others were and it was positively refreshing. It tied into the original storyline in the last few chapters so I am hopeful we will see more of John in the future. It was a great book. Bravo Cynthia Write On. Davia
December 16, 2017
4 stars
It was a short novel but a long novella !
Everything was there : lazarus man, mistery, murder, suspens, some intense insta love and christmas spirit !! ^^
I can't wait to read about Willow !
It was a short novel but a long novella !
Everything was there : lazarus man, mistery, murder, suspens, some intense insta love and christmas spirit !! ^^
I can't wait to read about Willow !
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