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Fate, Texas #1
Stay a Little Longer
Country music superstar, Trent Thorne is on the run. What he’s kept hidden from the world is no longer a secret. He trusted the wrong person, a man he’d stupidly thought he was in love with, and instead of a happily ever after all he’d gotten was outed. Unwilling to sit around and watch his private life get plastered all over the news, Trent hits the road and somehow ends up in his best friend Lemon’s small hometown of Fate, Texas.
Lance Nichols knows a thing or two about hiding. He’s so deep in the closet he can’t even see daylight. The former womanizer finally admitted the truth to himself a few years ago but he never thought he’d be able to say the words aloud, not to his family, not to his friends, and certainly not to his secret celebrity crush when the guy stumbles awkwardly into his life.
Fate brought these two together, but will it also tear them apart? One newly outed man refuses to go back in the closet. The other can’t imagine coming out of his.
Lance Nichols knows a thing or two about hiding. He’s so deep in the closet he can’t even see daylight. The former womanizer finally admitted the truth to himself a few years ago but he never thought he’d be able to say the words aloud, not to his family, not to his friends, and certainly not to his secret celebrity crush when the guy stumbles awkwardly into his life.
Fate brought these two together, but will it also tear them apart? One newly outed man refuses to go back in the closet. The other can’t imagine coming out of his.
211 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 5, 2017
30 people are currently reading
359 people want to read
About the author
Jess Bryant
42 books584 followersJess Bryant is an avid indoorswoman. A city girl trapped in a country girl's life, her heart resides in Dallas but her soul and roots are in small town Oklahoma. She enjoys manicures, the color pink, and her completely impractical for country life stilettos. She believes that hair color is a legitimate form of therapy, as is reading and writing romance. She started writing as a little girl but her life changed forever when she stole a book from her aunt's Harlequin collection and she's been creating love stories with happily ever afters ever since.
Jess holds a degree in Public Relations from the University of Oklahoma and is a lifetime supporter of her school and athletic teams. And why not? They have a ton of National Championships! She may be a girlie girl but she knows her sports stats and isn't afraid to tell you that your school isn't as cool as hers... or that your sports romance got it all wrong.
For more information on Jess and upcoming releases, contact her at JessBryantBooks@gmail.com or follow her on her many social media accounts for news and shenanigans.
Jess holds a degree in Public Relations from the University of Oklahoma and is a lifetime supporter of her school and athletic teams. And why not? They have a ton of National Championships! She may be a girlie girl but she knows her sports stats and isn't afraid to tell you that your school isn't as cool as hers... or that your sports romance got it all wrong.
For more information on Jess and upcoming releases, contact her at JessBryantBooks@gmail.com or follow her on her many social media accounts for news and shenanigans.
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December 2, 2019
Stay a Little Longer is the first book in the Fate, Texas series by Jess Bryant. This is my very first book by this author! This is a M/M insta/lust/love romance. Oh my heart. I have fallen in love with this author and this book. This was the perfect mix of steamy, swoony and sweet. I didn’t want to put it down.
Trent Thorne is a huge country music superstar living in Nashville. He has kept a secret for years until he finally shared with someone he trusted. Only to have that person out him. All he wanted was to disappear for awhile to figure out what he was going to do. His best friend invited him to her very small home town of Fate, Texas. No one would bother him there.
Lance Nichols is a deputy in Fate. He has a reputation as a love‘em and leave‘em womanizer in town. But no one knows that in reality, Lance has been hiding his own secret. When he finally accepted what he was, he gave up on trying to convince himself otherwise with women and just stays holed up at home when he’s not at work. There is no way this little town would ever accept his truth.
Fate had another plan, though, for Trent and Lance. Directions got confused and chance put them together in a very surprising way. Once the shock wore off and these two got a good look at each other, chemistry took over.
“Trent got him. Understood him on a level nobody else ever had. And when he left, Lance was going to be heartbroken.”
Trent is out. Even though it wasn’t his choice, he’s not going to hide who he is any longer. Lance has no plans whatsoever to let his secret out. But the bond between them grows fast and strong. Their feelings for each other are undeniable.
“This was something special. They’d stumbled into it by accident. The sparks had ignited out of nowhere. But it meant something. It had to. He just wasn’t sure how he was ever going to make it work.”
Trent can’t hide in Fate forever. And what sort of relationship could they have when Lance wasn’t willing to go public? How could they ever make this work? But, the feelings they felt, the feelings that kept growing stronger, were real. Could either of them really walk away?
“The perfect fit. The missing piece of him that he’d been looking for as long as he could remember.”
I loved everything about this book. I loved both men and the beautiful bond they shared. It was hot as heck. I loved watching them both fall. I would call it a low angst level which is just what I wanted. If this is a genre you enjoy, I highly recommend this one. I can’t wait to read the other book in the series, Safe.
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Trent Thorne is a huge country music superstar living in Nashville. He has kept a secret for years until he finally shared with someone he trusted. Only to have that person out him. All he wanted was to disappear for awhile to figure out what he was going to do. His best friend invited him to her very small home town of Fate, Texas. No one would bother him there.
Lance Nichols is a deputy in Fate. He has a reputation as a love‘em and leave‘em womanizer in town. But no one knows that in reality, Lance has been hiding his own secret. When he finally accepted what he was, he gave up on trying to convince himself otherwise with women and just stays holed up at home when he’s not at work. There is no way this little town would ever accept his truth.
Fate had another plan, though, for Trent and Lance. Directions got confused and chance put them together in a very surprising way. Once the shock wore off and these two got a good look at each other, chemistry took over.
“Trent got him. Understood him on a level nobody else ever had. And when he left, Lance was going to be heartbroken.”
Trent is out. Even though it wasn’t his choice, he’s not going to hide who he is any longer. Lance has no plans whatsoever to let his secret out. But the bond between them grows fast and strong. Their feelings for each other are undeniable.
“This was something special. They’d stumbled into it by accident. The sparks had ignited out of nowhere. But it meant something. It had to. He just wasn’t sure how he was ever going to make it work.”
Trent can’t hide in Fate forever. And what sort of relationship could they have when Lance wasn’t willing to go public? How could they ever make this work? But, the feelings they felt, the feelings that kept growing stronger, were real. Could either of them really walk away?
“The perfect fit. The missing piece of him that he’d been looking for as long as he could remember.”
I loved everything about this book. I loved both men and the beautiful bond they shared. It was hot as heck. I loved watching them both fall. I would call it a low angst level which is just what I wanted. If this is a genre you enjoy, I highly recommend this one. I can’t wait to read the other book in the series, Safe.
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
October 5, 2017
If you're looking for some quick M/M instaLUST into instaLOVE, set in a small town, then Stay A Little Longer is the novella for you. Jess Bryant took a story that is very serious, and made it feel light, fun, and swoony. Yes, there is a bit of heavy in this story, but it's wrapped up quickly and well in my opinion. I didn't expect these guys to both be so alpha and so swoony. I mean. Geezy peezy, the naughty bits were hot. Like I could feel the intensity between these two just coming off the screen of my kindle app.
This was such a good read, and I honestly couldn't tell this was the authors first time writing M/M! It was very well written and I enjoyed it. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a quick and hot M/M fix that still has all the swoony feels written in as well!
https://instagram.com/p/BZzNYy4ABDY/
^Check out a fan edit I made on Instagram!
This was such a good read, and I honestly couldn't tell this was the authors first time writing M/M! It was very well written and I enjoyed it. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a quick and hot M/M fix that still has all the swoony feels written in as well!
https://instagram.com/p/BZzNYy4ABDY/
^Check out a fan edit I made on Instagram!
October 18, 2017
This was fast... like really fast if you like instant love this is just the book to read but, if you love the developed over time thing stay the hell away from this one because it will smother you with love and fluff....
Lets just say I was in the need of fluff and cuddles loved this story even though I like it more realistic.
Lets just say I was in the need of fluff and cuddles loved this story even though I like it more realistic.
October 5, 2017
2.5 - 3 It's a bit over the top fantastic, not realistic ...and no no..! not already "baby" after five minutes....
Sorry, such a bummer for me... This instant was really ott
When you forget that first part and imagine they know each other longer and talked before...then the story would be more acceptable.... But every time they say something I just can't forget they just met. How in Gods name can they miss each other....they just met!
Sex without a condom...? Come on...no..!
Really sorry this whole story doesn't work because both guys are adorable and in other circumstances they would be perfect!
“Mhmm. I’m gonna watch you fuck yourself with this while you suck me off.”
“I’m gonna get you so worked up you’ll beg me to let you come and that’s when I’ll give you my dick. Hard. Make you scream my name until your throat is raw.”
Not really convincing this from a man who was so far in the closet he couldn't find himself anymore. I had the feeling he'd never saw another guys dick....and than this....
There were thoughts, while having sex, about the other, about personal qualities I didn't read about before....that was weird...
The writing in itself was not really bad there were sweet parts, some parts were very visual written and really catching....
Only the timeline and awareness was not good and because of that the story not convincing.
Kindly received an ARC from the author.
Sorry, such a bummer for me... This instant was really ott
When you forget that first part and imagine they know each other longer and talked before...then the story would be more acceptable.... But every time they say something I just can't forget they just met. How in Gods name can they miss each other....they just met!
Sex without a condom...? Come on...no..!
Really sorry this whole story doesn't work because both guys are adorable and in other circumstances they would be perfect!
“Mhmm. I’m gonna watch you fuck yourself with this while you suck me off.”
“I’m gonna get you so worked up you’ll beg me to let you come and that’s when I’ll give you my dick. Hard. Make you scream my name until your throat is raw.”
Not really convincing this from a man who was so far in the closet he couldn't find himself anymore. I had the feeling he'd never saw another guys dick....and than this....
There were thoughts, while having sex, about the other, about personal qualities I didn't read about before....that was weird...
The writing in itself was not really bad there were sweet parts, some parts were very visual written and really catching....
Only the timeline and awareness was not good and because of that the story not convincing.
Kindly received an ARC from the author.
November 17, 2017
3.5 stars..
I can see why this book would get a 5 star rating. The writing is really good and the MCs are likeable and have great chemistry. The speed of this relationship was just too fast for me. Saying "I love you" and making life commitments in less than a week doesn't work for me.
If a rushed relationship doesn't bother you between to possessive sexy men, I would recommend this book.
I can see why this book would get a 5 star rating. The writing is really good and the MCs are likeable and have great chemistry. The speed of this relationship was just too fast for me. Saying "I love you" and making life commitments in less than a week doesn't work for me.
If a rushed relationship doesn't bother you between to possessive sexy men, I would recommend this book.
September 30, 2017
I'm a little embarrassed to say that this is my first Jess Bryant read but i can tell you this will not be my last. I'm huge fan of M/M reads and an avid Instagrammer which is where my interest in this book was found. I know this is her first time of writing a M/M read and i really hope she continues to do so. It's a fabulous Genre and Jess really has proved with this Novella that she can write M/M romance!!
This story centre's on Trent and Lance. Trent is on the run hiding from his very public and forced outing!! He's headed to his long time friend Lemon's hometown of Fate. To hide away at her vacant trailer home till he can make sense of what comes next. Lance works at Fate's Sheriff Department and is known as the town's womanising Manwhore. But what people don't know is the real Lance, he's been hiding who he truly is. Fear of the unknown as been holding him back but all that changes. When he returns home after a hard day to and literally falls into bed with the man of his dream none other than....
Trent Thorne Country music superstar!!
“If I told you I loved you, would you stay a little longer?”
I really want to say so much more about this read, but I don't want to spoil it completely for everyone else. There's so many heartwarming, endearing and emotional parts and quotes!! It's fast paced sexy as hell and the ending had my heart soaring!! So you'll just have to buy it to find out all the things I loved about this book.
And on a side note Lemon and Shane!! she was a firecracker and i can't wait to read their story and is kicking myself that i haven't already.
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October 6, 2017
The only thing wrong with this book was that I wanted more. I kept hoping it would somehow lengthen itself, somehow keep going, and when I reached the end, I was legitimately saddened that it was over. Because truth be told, I loved Lance and Trent. Especially Trent. God, do I love Trent.
I loved their relationship, I loved their insta-love (because I LOVE insta-love), I loved their intimacy, and everything in between.
And what else did I love? MORE SHANE LOWRY. Call Me, Irresistible fans will know what I mean by that, and if you haven't read that book, you should. You really, really should.
All gushing aside, I would recommend this to anybody wanting a quick read, some very steamy romance between two very worthy men, and a story that will hit you in every one of your feels.
I loved their relationship, I loved their insta-love (because I LOVE insta-love), I loved their intimacy, and everything in between.
And what else did I love? MORE SHANE LOWRY. Call Me, Irresistible fans will know what I mean by that, and if you haven't read that book, you should. You really, really should.
All gushing aside, I would recommend this to anybody wanting a quick read, some very steamy romance between two very worthy men, and a story that will hit you in every one of your feels.
October 1, 2017
So many feels for a novella. I love the premise: hot, outed country music star on the run from reality falls into hot, closeted small town cop's arms. This book was hot and emotional and beautiful and made my heart ache. I highly recommend this sweet and sexy m/m read! Love is love is love is love!
October 1, 2017
Can l just Stay A Little Longer in this story! Loved this Jess you wrote a wonderful story! This was insta attraction, insta connection, and insta love! Awesome ending! Hope we get more of this Fate Texas series!
February 29, 2020
This book has all the necessary checkboxes for a romance I need. Plus the fact this is instalove. I was ready to binge as this came highly recommended by a book friend.
Trent is hiding out because he's been outted. Lance is hiding in plain sight because he is afraid of being outted. It's a sad reflection of public perception for both men. One on how people will treat him as a professional country artist. The other on the layered persona he reflects to his community to hide his true self.
One mistaken trailer and the men meet. OH LORDY do they meet. The steamy scenes in this story didn't disappoint one iota. My kindle was going melt. I mean there was no WAY Lance could resist bossy Trent. *fans self* Damn that man.
I love an instalove and the connection the men had was heartfelt and everything this reader wanted. The author keeps the story flowing, not pausing to catch your breath to find out if they can make this work if he 'stays a little longer'. I did feel like the ending came to fast. I wanted more of them forming the connection before the big Act 3 closure and in the epilogue.
This was a first time read from this author and I will be checking out more titles from her. If you are in the mood for a super steamy, instalove story, this romance will be a perfect binge for a weekend read.
Trent is hiding out because he's been outted. Lance is hiding in plain sight because he is afraid of being outted. It's a sad reflection of public perception for both men. One on how people will treat him as a professional country artist. The other on the layered persona he reflects to his community to hide his true self.
One mistaken trailer and the men meet. OH LORDY do they meet. The steamy scenes in this story didn't disappoint one iota. My kindle was going melt. I mean there was no WAY Lance could resist bossy Trent. *fans self* Damn that man.
I love an instalove and the connection the men had was heartfelt and everything this reader wanted. The author keeps the story flowing, not pausing to catch your breath to find out if they can make this work if he 'stays a little longer'. I did feel like the ending came to fast. I wanted more of them forming the connection before the big Act 3 closure and in the epilogue.
This was a first time read from this author and I will be checking out more titles from her. If you are in the mood for a super steamy, instalove story, this romance will be a perfect binge for a weekend read.
September 28, 2017
*ARC received from author, in exchange for an honest review*
I loved this book. It was my first m/m and this author has opened the door and shown me all the sexiness I've been missing. Trent and Lance were so great together. Both allowing themselves to be open and vulnerable. Both trusting each other and letting love enter their hearts for one another, even though they were both scared.
This book was SEXY. Their kisses, their sex, their chemistry, is was all hot as hell. The romance as adorable. Their sweet words to each other and the sacrifices they were willing to make had me squealing at a few points in the story.
I want to say so much more, but I don't want to spoil it for anyone else, so you'll just have to buy it to find all the things I loved about this book.
I loved this book. It was my first m/m and this author has opened the door and shown me all the sexiness I've been missing. Trent and Lance were so great together. Both allowing themselves to be open and vulnerable. Both trusting each other and letting love enter their hearts for one another, even though they were both scared.
This book was SEXY. Their kisses, their sex, their chemistry, is was all hot as hell. The romance as adorable. Their sweet words to each other and the sacrifices they were willing to make had me squealing at a few points in the story.
I want to say so much more, but I don't want to spoil it for anyone else, so you'll just have to buy it to find all the things I loved about this book.
October 2, 2017
3.75 Stars
Two men, one a big country music star, Trent, who has just been outed by someone he thought was a close friend and confidant. Someone he thought he could trust. And Lance, a small-town police officer who is so far in the closet, he couldn’t find his way out with a map and a tour guide. They meet when Trent comes to the small town of Fate, Texas to hide after he is outed. When they meet the sparks fly and the attraction is instant, but can an out public figure and a closeted police officer make love work?
This book had a great premise and storyline and I loved the both Trent and Lance. They had amazing chemistry and a great connection, but I wish the time frame of the story had been longer. The entire story takes place in just three days and I found myself wishing I could have more time with Trent and Lance, getting to know then better as a couple. Sometimes instalove works and sometimes it doesn’t. Here it kind of did and kind of didn’t. It’s hard to explain why.
The author’s writing is engaging and the story is really interesting and entertaining. I loved what I was given, but I wanted things to slow down a bit and I wanted more. Still, the story was enjoyable, a sweet and sexy quick read I’d definitely recommend.
*copy provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*
November 20, 2018
This book was so fun to read it felt too short. It's fast-paced, hot and very romantic. Trent is a country superstar who was outed and is trying to hide. He goes to a small city advised by his best friend Lemon. There he meets Lance, the deputy who has a bad reputation, by accident and they fall in love rather quickly. The story was light-hearted, which I enjoyed. Sometimes stories have so much conflict in them it's painful to read. This story was a gulp of fresh air in that sense, the conflicts were important but not the main factor. It was like those Christmas movies that come out every year. We have watched the same story a million times but still love them even if we know exactly what is going to happen. It didnèt matter that Trent and Lance fell in love quickly. It didn't matter that the end of the story was predictable, it was still sweet and really fun to read. If I ever had to recommend an M/M to anyone, this would be my first pick for sure.
September 26, 2017
I love Trent and Lance. They are complicated and flawed, yet easily likeable, and I rooted for their happiness from the beginning. Their connection is instant and their chemistry is palpable. Trent and Lance's story is super sexy with all the feels and a few laughs.
My one caveat is that my only gay relationship knowledge comes from romance books. Actual gay men could be nothing like this. But it rings true. It resonates in that universal "love is love" way and it makes me happy, like romantic fiction should. Also, handcuffs. Scenes with sexy boys and handcuffs make me happy. This is a very happy book.
I've read Call Me Irresistible, where Trent was introduced, but I haven't read the book in which Lance was introduced. Still, I don't think I missed out on any backstory.
***I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.***
My one caveat is that my only gay relationship knowledge comes from romance books. Actual gay men could be nothing like this. But it rings true. It resonates in that universal "love is love" way and it makes me happy, like romantic fiction should. Also, handcuffs. Scenes with sexy boys and handcuffs make me happy. This is a very happy book.
I've read Call Me Irresistible, where Trent was introduced, but I haven't read the book in which Lance was introduced. Still, I don't think I missed out on any backstory.
***I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.***
November 20, 2018
Trent and Lance are DELICIOUS! Books like this one are why I love M/M so very much. There's something raw and honest about these stories. I don't know if it's the forbidden aspect or just the power of two men together but I LOVE it!!
This is a beautifully told story - with plenty of heat but also lots of emotions and genuine feelings. I felt the author did a great job of making this believable. I really wanted these two to get their HEA. I felt very invested with their story. Definitely recommend.
I received an arc of this book.
This is a beautifully told story - with plenty of heat but also lots of emotions and genuine feelings. I felt the author did a great job of making this believable. I really wanted these two to get their HEA. I felt very invested with their story. Definitely recommend.
I received an arc of this book.
September 24, 2017
I'm not sure if I can properly share my love for this novella.
I had all the feels in all the right places while reading.
It was sweet, it was hot, it was romantic and it was PERFECT.
Jess Bryant brings us some modern day romance with a twist of country. This was my first read in the m/m genre and if others are anything as perfect as this, you betcha I'll be reading more!
*slow clap*
I had all the feels in all the right places while reading.
It was sweet, it was hot, it was romantic and it was PERFECT.
Jess Bryant brings us some modern day romance with a twist of country. This was my first read in the m/m genre and if others are anything as perfect as this, you betcha I'll be reading more!
*slow clap*
March 25, 2019
Lance and Trent are phenomenal!! Only the 2nd book of Jess Bryant's that I've read so far, Jess blew me out of the water with a beautiful M/M novel, beautiful main and side characters, and plot development!
I would never have known this was Jess's first M/M novel, but she hit a definite homerun with a beautiful HEA!
I would never have known this was Jess's first M/M novel, but she hit a definite homerun with a beautiful HEA!
June 11, 2020
Lance and Trent are phenomenal!! Only the 2nd book of Jess Bryant's that I've read so far, Jess blew me out of the water with a beautiful M/M novel, beautiful main and side characters, and plot development!
I would never have known this was Jess's first M/M novel, but she hit a definite homerun with a beautiful HEA!
I would never have known this was Jess's first M/M novel, but she hit a definite homerun with a beautiful HEA!
October 9, 2017
Gotta love a trip to Fate, Texas.
From the premise of this story, to the meet-cute that had me smiling & swooning in equal measure, Trent & Lance are instalust deliciousness.
It’s guy love that’s unapologetically fast and sugary sweet - but don’t be fooled - it’s also sprinkled with doses of sizzling heat and heart-tugging feels.
The road to love for these two boys may be steamy, but pressure from everywhere doesn’t mean it’s easy.
We get a visit from old friends - Lemon in top form as always & Helloooo Deputy Lowry (insert slow wink here). There’s even the potential set up for what I’m hoping will be our next story to come out of this quaint West Texas town.
SALL may be a M/M erotic novella in genre, but it is at it’s heart, a love story. One that will give you a little of everything one looks for in a short sexy read, and like me, it will no doubt leave you wanting more.
From the premise of this story, to the meet-cute that had me smiling & swooning in equal measure, Trent & Lance are instalust deliciousness.
It’s guy love that’s unapologetically fast and sugary sweet - but don’t be fooled - it’s also sprinkled with doses of sizzling heat and heart-tugging feels.
The road to love for these two boys may be steamy, but pressure from everywhere doesn’t mean it’s easy.
We get a visit from old friends - Lemon in top form as always & Helloooo Deputy Lowry (insert slow wink here). There’s even the potential set up for what I’m hoping will be our next story to come out of this quaint West Texas town.
SALL may be a M/M erotic novella in genre, but it is at it’s heart, a love story. One that will give you a little of everything one looks for in a short sexy read, and like me, it will no doubt leave you wanting more.
October 11, 2017
This book was amazing! Full of passion and heart melting moments. Literally one of the best M/M Romances I ever read.
5 Stars to Stay A Little Longer by Jess Bryant.
I am a big fan of the M/M romance genre. I will tell you that Stay A Little Longer was an amazing book. Not only is this book the best M/M I have read this year, it’s the best M/M romance I read ever!
Although I’ve known of Jess Bryant through the Indie book world for a while now, Stay A Little Longer was my first book by her. I absolutely love this author's writing so I can say with honesty I will be reading more of her books. Sooner rather than later!
Stay A Little Longer is about two gay men who have been beyond afraid to be who they are, choosing to hide their true sexualities thanks to bigotry and society's way of thinking for many.
Trent has been recently 'outed' and not by choice thanks to trusting the wrong person. While he goes into hiding due to his popularity has a high-profile country music star, he comes across Lance Nichols. While Lance is also gay, he lives with his true sexuality closeted.
One of my favorite elements of Trent and Lance's story was the complete honesty between them. There were many moments I wanted to cry for these two men. This book has all the feels you look for in the perfect read. While it was intense and emotional, I did not find it angsty.
Another positive aspect of this author's talent is the fact I believed everything I was reading. I had no "roll my eyes" moments. Considering this is an instalove story that takes place over the course of mere days, it felt very realistic. So passionate. So emotional. I felt Trent and Lance's intense connection to each other. I felt their fears and pain. And when Trent and Lance found their happily ever after, I felt so damn emotional with relief and joy!
While some of you may not be a fan of this genre, I still recommend this book as a must read. My review is honest and unbiased and I thank you for taking the time to read it.
5 Stars to Stay A Little Longer by Jess Bryant.
I am a big fan of the M/M romance genre. I will tell you that Stay A Little Longer was an amazing book. Not only is this book the best M/M I have read this year, it’s the best M/M romance I read ever!
Although I’ve known of Jess Bryant through the Indie book world for a while now, Stay A Little Longer was my first book by her. I absolutely love this author's writing so I can say with honesty I will be reading more of her books. Sooner rather than later!
Stay A Little Longer is about two gay men who have been beyond afraid to be who they are, choosing to hide their true sexualities thanks to bigotry and society's way of thinking for many.
Trent has been recently 'outed' and not by choice thanks to trusting the wrong person. While he goes into hiding due to his popularity has a high-profile country music star, he comes across Lance Nichols. While Lance is also gay, he lives with his true sexuality closeted.
One of my favorite elements of Trent and Lance's story was the complete honesty between them. There were many moments I wanted to cry for these two men. This book has all the feels you look for in the perfect read. While it was intense and emotional, I did not find it angsty.
Another positive aspect of this author's talent is the fact I believed everything I was reading. I had no "roll my eyes" moments. Considering this is an instalove story that takes place over the course of mere days, it felt very realistic. So passionate. So emotional. I felt Trent and Lance's intense connection to each other. I felt their fears and pain. And when Trent and Lance found their happily ever after, I felt so damn emotional with relief and joy!
While some of you may not be a fan of this genre, I still recommend this book as a must read. My review is honest and unbiased and I thank you for taking the time to read it.
November 1, 2017
I Am Such A Sucker
Look, chances are this book was not as good as I feel it was. I mean, seriously, I've got it on par in my head with some of my all-time favorites. I can't even really pinpoint why that is other than the fact that I found it to be extremely hot ... like, magma-hot. Something about this one just did it for me.
The chemistry between the MCs jumped off the page and straight into my panties. No lie. But it wasn't all about the sex. Nope. There was intimacy there and a connection that I believed. Yeah, yeah, I know! Insta-love and contemporary romance do not credible bedfellows make. That is why I'm telling you this: I. Am. A. Sucker. For. This. Shit.
Books like this are like cougarnip for me, in spite of the fact that they are sometimes utterly, ridiculously rushed in the 'getting to know you' department. Call me gullible, I guess, because I loved it anyway. Apparently it doesn't matter to my usually-rational brain that the way the relationship between the MCs developed in the book is 99.9% outside the scope of what is possible in a real-world scenario. Fuck rational.
Lance and Trent were sweetly incendiary. I was engrossed, swept up, up and away, and completely enchanted by this story. If anyone else fell off the turnip truck and killed a few brain cells trying to understand why they loved this story so much, please speak up! I need to know I'm not alone.
Even without much plot to speak of, these guys spoke to my heart. Lance's struggles with coming out vs losing Trent felt very real. My gut clenched and my eyes stung and watered when he wrestled with his panic. I could feel Trent's heart breaking. I could feel the angst and the passion and the love and everything in between. Even better? The angsty stuff never went beyond the point of bearable.
Sometimes I reach a point where I'm tired of the push-pull or the back-and-forth; I get sick of the repeated emotional withdrawals, the tantrums, and/or needless miscommunications and misunderstandings. While there were a few of those types of things present in this title, the pacing of the story was such that it felt like a natural progression—after suspending disbelief on the insta-love aspect—through the character development, the relationship development, and with how the conflicts and crises arose and were resolved. I loved it.
I would read another book by this author any time. If I wasn't up to my eyeballs in work crap and didn't have a list of completed books that already need reviewing, I'd be browsing her other titles right now.
Other reviews by NeRdyWYRM can be read here.
Images (if present) may be subject to copyright
Galley copy of Stay A Little Longer provided by Jess Bryant in exchange of an honest review.
Look, chances are this book was not as good as I feel it was. I mean, seriously, I've got it on par in my head with some of my all-time favorites. I can't even really pinpoint why that is other than the fact that I found it to be extremely hot ... like, magma-hot. Something about this one just did it for me.
The chemistry between the MCs jumped off the page and straight into my panties. No lie. But it wasn't all about the sex. Nope. There was intimacy there and a connection that I believed. Yeah, yeah, I know! Insta-love and contemporary romance do not credible bedfellows make. That is why I'm telling you this: I. Am. A. Sucker. For. This. Shit.
Books like this are like cougarnip for me, in spite of the fact that they are sometimes utterly, ridiculously rushed in the 'getting to know you' department. Call me gullible, I guess, because I loved it anyway. Apparently it doesn't matter to my usually-rational brain that the way the relationship between the MCs developed in the book is 99.9% outside the scope of what is possible in a real-world scenario. Fuck rational.
Lance and Trent were sweetly incendiary. I was engrossed, swept up, up and away, and completely enchanted by this story. If anyone else fell off the turnip truck and killed a few brain cells trying to understand why they loved this story so much, please speak up! I need to know I'm not alone.
Even without much plot to speak of, these guys spoke to my heart. Lance's struggles with coming out vs losing Trent felt very real. My gut clenched and my eyes stung and watered when he wrestled with his panic. I could feel Trent's heart breaking. I could feel the angst and the passion and the love and everything in between. Even better? The angsty stuff never went beyond the point of bearable.
Sometimes I reach a point where I'm tired of the push-pull or the back-and-forth; I get sick of the repeated emotional withdrawals, the tantrums, and/or needless miscommunications and misunderstandings. While there were a few of those types of things present in this title, the pacing of the story was such that it felt like a natural progression—after suspending disbelief on the insta-love aspect—through the character development, the relationship development, and with how the conflicts and crises arose and were resolved. I loved it.
I would read another book by this author any time. If I wasn't up to my eyeballs in work crap and didn't have a list of completed books that already need reviewing, I'd be browsing her other titles right now.
Other reviews by NeRdyWYRM can be read here.
Images (if present) may be subject to copyright
Galley copy of Stay A Little Longer provided by Jess Bryant in exchange of an honest review.
October 8, 2017
2.5-3 stars
In this novella, we meet Trent, a country superstar, and Lance, a small town deputy. The small town in question is Fate, TX. I think this might be a spin-off from another series? It does stand alone just fine, but Trent's best friend reads like she had her own story (I obviously have not researched this).
I got this ARC because of the teasers online, all the one-liners piqued my interest in this new to me author. With that said, the following opinion appears to be dissenting, so it is probably just me. Here it goes...
This is a novella that appears to be more of a prequel to a new series. It is 15 chapters of the fastest love story ever. It is the very definition of instant love. When I say instant I mean the whole book happens in 4 days and goes from meeting to sans condom loving to heavy declarations and life-long commitments. In 4 days. More like 3 and a half days if we are being technical. With the majority of their "getting to know you" conversations happening off page. This does not help foster a connection with the characters as we are told things instead of being part of the conversation.
As far as epilogues go...the only happy thing is that they are still together (there is definitely an HEA). Things just don't go Lance or Trent's way after the big reveal with regards to family and career. The author plays some of it as being almost voluntary, but since we don't experience any of it with the characters it is hard for me to see it that way. It all seemed like a lot of unfairness.
Of course, I like books that explore the realness of life, and coming out to less than enthusiastic responses can be very realistic. But I also like my books that feature queer characters to have them actually WIN at things. To come out on top. And not just in love, but in life and in personal relationships that are important to them. This book failed in some ways in that regard for me. But that is a personal thing.
The one thing that seems like it could have packed a real emotional punch and really fostered a connection to a character was Trent's conversation with his brother. But, again, it happens off page...and in the epilogue. Which probably means we will get more resolution on that front in another book, but I am not sure that I am hooked enough to try for it.
Lastly..."I am not a baby." OMG - just stop calling him baby, already!!!
All in all, if you want to read some sexy scenes, this may fit the bill. And if insta-love is your thing, this is the book for you. It was a 2.5 star read for me, maybe 3 since I liked Lance.
In this novella, we meet Trent, a country superstar, and Lance, a small town deputy. The small town in question is Fate, TX. I think this might be a spin-off from another series? It does stand alone just fine, but Trent's best friend reads like she had her own story (I obviously have not researched this).
I got this ARC because of the teasers online, all the one-liners piqued my interest in this new to me author. With that said, the following opinion appears to be dissenting, so it is probably just me. Here it goes...
This is a novella that appears to be more of a prequel to a new series. It is 15 chapters of the fastest love story ever. It is the very definition of instant love. When I say instant I mean the whole book happens in 4 days and goes from meeting to sans condom loving to heavy declarations and life-long commitments. In 4 days. More like 3 and a half days if we are being technical. With the majority of their "getting to know you" conversations happening off page. This does not help foster a connection with the characters as we are told things instead of being part of the conversation.
As far as epilogues go...the only happy thing is that they are still together (there is definitely an HEA). Things just don't go Lance or Trent's way after the big reveal with regards to family and career. The author plays some of it as being almost voluntary, but since we don't experience any of it with the characters it is hard for me to see it that way. It all seemed like a lot of unfairness.
Of course, I like books that explore the realness of life, and coming out to less than enthusiastic responses can be very realistic. But I also like my books that feature queer characters to have them actually WIN at things. To come out on top. And not just in love, but in life and in personal relationships that are important to them. This book failed in some ways in that regard for me. But that is a personal thing.
The one thing that seems like it could have packed a real emotional punch and really fostered a connection to a character was Trent's conversation with his brother. But, again, it happens off page...and in the epilogue. Which probably means we will get more resolution on that front in another book, but I am not sure that I am hooked enough to try for it.
Lastly..."I am not a baby." OMG - just stop calling him baby, already!!!
All in all, if you want to read some sexy scenes, this may fit the bill. And if insta-love is your thing, this is the book for you. It was a 2.5 star read for me, maybe 3 since I liked Lance.
May 4, 2019
Fast and Furious
3.5 Stars
Stay a Little Longer is a story was about 2 men, Trent and Lance. Trent was a closeted gay, Country Music Star , who was just outed by his best friend and traveling to Fate , Texas to get away from the public eye and the professional fallout of he being gay. Lance was a closeted gay Policy Deputy , living in Fate, Texas and so far in the closet that it doesn't even have a door.
Trent and Lance met awkwardly when Trent , fell asleep in Lance's bed when he mistook the trailer home he was going to stay while in town, for Lance's trailer home . The intense attraction and lust they instantly felt for each other was all consuming , fierce and vigorous . The book had lots of hand jobs, frotting , one bareback sex , and few oral sex scenes, there was sex off page too. Also , most of their getting to know conversations happened off page.
Even though, it is an inta-lust and insta-love tale, talk about fast and furious , I mean the whole book happens in 4 days, I loved all the sexual chemistry , intimacy and the loving relationship between the men. It is an entertaining and hopeful short story.
I took 1 1/2 stars because , the reasons for Lance being in the closet don't make sense to me . According to Lance, he didn't have friends, many people disliked him in town and his relationship with his parents wasn't the best ; yet he said , he didn't come out because he didn't want to lose his friends and his family.
Also, both Lance and Trent made life altering decision after knowing each other for 4 days , I had to stretch my willing suspension of disbelief quite a bit.
In summary: If you love hot , steamy , low angst and sweet novellas with HEA , Stay a Little Longer is the book for you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
3.5 Stars
Stay a Little Longer is a story was about 2 men, Trent and Lance. Trent was a closeted gay, Country Music Star , who was just outed by his best friend and traveling to Fate , Texas to get away from the public eye and the professional fallout of he being gay. Lance was a closeted gay Policy Deputy , living in Fate, Texas and so far in the closet that it doesn't even have a door.
Trent and Lance met awkwardly when Trent , fell asleep in Lance's bed when he mistook the trailer home he was going to stay while in town, for Lance's trailer home . The intense attraction and lust they instantly felt for each other was all consuming , fierce and vigorous . The book had lots of hand jobs, frotting , one bareback sex , and few oral sex scenes, there was sex off page too. Also , most of their getting to know conversations happened off page.
Even though, it is an inta-lust and insta-love tale, talk about fast and furious , I mean the whole book happens in 4 days, I loved all the sexual chemistry , intimacy and the loving relationship between the men. It is an entertaining and hopeful short story.
I took 1 1/2 stars because , the reasons for Lance being in the closet don't make sense to me . According to Lance, he didn't have friends, many people disliked him in town and his relationship with his parents wasn't the best ; yet he said , he didn't come out because he didn't want to lose his friends and his family.
Also, both Lance and Trent made life altering decision after knowing each other for 4 days , I had to stretch my willing suspension of disbelief quite a bit.
In summary: If you love hot , steamy , low angst and sweet novellas with HEA , Stay a Little Longer is the book for you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
November 8, 2018
Stay a Little Longer
By Jess Bryant.
This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.
Trent is a famous country star outted by the man he's infatuated with.
Hounded by the media, he flees Tenessee back to his home state Texas, where his best friend and fellow singer Lemon lives. She offers to let him stay in her brother's trailer for a bit.
Lance is a local cop who's slept with every woman in town. After years of failed relationships, he's realized that he's gay, but he's still stuck in deep in the closet, fearful of women he's hurt and angered.
Lance comes home one night and finds a sexy blond country superstar passed out in his bed. After a brief tussle, they realize Lance left his door unlocked and Lemon's directions were a bit off. This turns into adrenaline and emotion-filled sex when both men realize they're standing around in their briefs with a really hot not-quite-a-stranger.
I'm not a fan of people declaring their love in a few days time, especially someone as closeted as Lance, but if that is your trope, you'll love this. I also wish this had been more than a dual coming out story, plot-wise, although the bits of D/s peaking out was a pleasant bit of added hotness. This was in no way difficult to tear into, and the men definitely had believable chemistry. The story was well written, and the characters likable.
Lance was softer with Trent. It was nice to see the cop in the story as the more submissive partner. I really just wanted to hug Lance. It was also nice that Trent wasn't going to try and force or talk Lance into coming out, it was never a point of contention after what he'd gone through.
There is also a sweet hea ending.
I'd give the book a 4/5
By Jess Bryant.
This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.
Trent is a famous country star outted by the man he's infatuated with.
Hounded by the media, he flees Tenessee back to his home state Texas, where his best friend and fellow singer Lemon lives. She offers to let him stay in her brother's trailer for a bit.
Lance is a local cop who's slept with every woman in town. After years of failed relationships, he's realized that he's gay, but he's still stuck in deep in the closet, fearful of women he's hurt and angered.
Lance comes home one night and finds a sexy blond country superstar passed out in his bed. After a brief tussle, they realize Lance left his door unlocked and Lemon's directions were a bit off. This turns into adrenaline and emotion-filled sex when both men realize they're standing around in their briefs with a really hot not-quite-a-stranger.
I'm not a fan of people declaring their love in a few days time, especially someone as closeted as Lance, but if that is your trope, you'll love this. I also wish this had been more than a dual coming out story, plot-wise, although the bits of D/s peaking out was a pleasant bit of added hotness. This was in no way difficult to tear into, and the men definitely had believable chemistry. The story was well written, and the characters likable.
Lance was softer with Trent. It was nice to see the cop in the story as the more submissive partner. I really just wanted to hug Lance. It was also nice that Trent wasn't going to try and force or talk Lance into coming out, it was never a point of contention after what he'd gone through.
There is also a sweet hea ending.
I'd give the book a 4/5
October 15, 2017
4.5 boys kissing boys stars
If I could marry a book it would be this little gorgeous gem.
“If I told you that I love you…Would you stay a little longer."
I was so excited when JB said she was writing her first MM. Trent and Lance are everything I enjoy in that genre, and I'll confess I don't read that much MM, but I just fell completely in love with this insta-lust insta-love forever HEA Fate story. The cop and the country music star was as sweet as sweet can be and the way their coming out was handled was so great.
He’d found his home. The place he belonged. The person he belonged with and his soul
belonged to.
And with any story from Fate, there's little nugget bites for other characters I absolutely want to see more of. LuLu. And Trent's twin, yes, please and thank you!
For anyone dipping their toe into the MM genre for the first time ( come in, the water is lovely! ) Stay a Little Longer is perfect for you.
If I could marry a book it would be this little gorgeous gem.
“If I told you that I love you…Would you stay a little longer."I was so excited when JB said she was writing her first MM. Trent and Lance are everything I enjoy in that genre, and I'll confess I don't read that much MM, but I just fell completely in love with this insta-lust insta-love forever HEA Fate story. The cop and the country music star was as sweet as sweet can be and the way their coming out was handled was so great.
He’d found his home. The place he belonged. The person he belonged with and his soulbelonged to.
And with any story from Fate, there's little nugget bites for other characters I absolutely want to see more of. LuLu. And Trent's twin, yes, please and thank you!
For anyone dipping their toe into the MM genre for the first time ( come in, the water is lovely! ) Stay a Little Longer is perfect for you.
October 6, 2017
*ARC provided by the author*
I enjoyed this to the point that I didn't exactly mind the weird case of insta-love. Since the story was so short, it seemed to work somehow.
At the same time, I admit that I do wish the pace of everything had been different- this story would have definitely benefitted if it had been perhaps twice as long. I really liked what was in there as it is, but it still felt like it could have been better if it had had more room for further development; interesting plotlines weren't lacking, but there wasn't so much time to get them places.
Even though I appreciate some low-angst more often than not, this one had all the potential to really explore the drama that surrounded Trent and Lance- but things were (again, blame it on the length) wrapped up too nicely and too quickly.
The best feat this story has were its characters. All of them (even the annoying Lemon!)- and everyone who knows me should find it obvious by now that characters are a key factor in my enjoyment of a story. So there was still plenty to like, shortcomings and everything.
I enjoyed this to the point that I didn't exactly mind the weird case of insta-love. Since the story was so short, it seemed to work somehow.
At the same time, I admit that I do wish the pace of everything had been different- this story would have definitely benefitted if it had been perhaps twice as long. I really liked what was in there as it is, but it still felt like it could have been better if it had had more room for further development; interesting plotlines weren't lacking, but there wasn't so much time to get them places.
Even though I appreciate some low-angst more often than not, this one had all the potential to really explore the drama that surrounded Trent and Lance- but things were (again, blame it on the length) wrapped up too nicely and too quickly.
The best feat this story has were its characters. All of them (even the annoying Lemon!)- and everyone who knows me should find it obvious by now that characters are a key factor in my enjoyment of a story. So there was still plenty to like, shortcomings and everything.
November 23, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
Jess Bryant is a new-to-me author and this is also the author’s first m/m book. There was a lot to like here, but I will say that you have to be ready for insta-everything. I am completely fine with all things insta, but this may have been a bit too much in some areas.
Trent has a great career as singer, but it all falls apart quickly. Taking refuge in Fate, Texas was not in his plans, but his best friend, Lemon, who is also a chart-topping singer, offers him refuge. Trent and Lance stumble awkwardly upon each other the first night Trent is in town. Even though Trent is still reeling from being outed and his life exploding, and Lance is deeply in the closet, the men are on each other after only the most basic pleasantries are exchanged.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
Jess Bryant is a new-to-me author and this is also the author’s first m/m book. There was a lot to like here, but I will say that you have to be ready for insta-everything. I am completely fine with all things insta, but this may have been a bit too much in some areas.
Trent has a great career as singer, but it all falls apart quickly. Taking refuge in Fate, Texas was not in his plans, but his best friend, Lemon, who is also a chart-topping singer, offers him refuge. Trent and Lance stumble awkwardly upon each other the first night Trent is in town. Even though Trent is still reeling from being outed and his life exploding, and Lance is deeply in the closet, the men are on each other after only the most basic pleasantries are exchanged.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
February 18, 2019
Stay a Little Longer by Jess Bryant is a small town, quick, sweet and sexy m/m insta-love and very insta-lust story.
“God that voice, it was sex and sin and he wanted to hear it whispering against his ear again, telling him what to do.”
Country music star Trent Thorne is trying to run and hide from some controversial media attention and finds himself accepting help from his best friend Lemon in her hometown of Fate, Texas.
“You’re willing to walk away, to break your own heart so long as it means keeping him safe. That’s love, Trent. Real love. Selfless love. The kind that changes you for the better.”
Lance Nichols is a deputy in Fate. He is covering up a big secret about himself underneath a facade of bad boy, womanizer and all around jerk.
“If I told you I loved you, would you stay a little longer?”
This story was fun, HOT and easy to read. It gives just a taste of small town Fate, Texas that made me want to check out some more stories in this series.
-3.5 Stars!-
“God that voice, it was sex and sin and he wanted to hear it whispering against his ear again, telling him what to do.”
Country music star Trent Thorne is trying to run and hide from some controversial media attention and finds himself accepting help from his best friend Lemon in her hometown of Fate, Texas.
“You’re willing to walk away, to break your own heart so long as it means keeping him safe. That’s love, Trent. Real love. Selfless love. The kind that changes you for the better.”
Lance Nichols is a deputy in Fate. He is covering up a big secret about himself underneath a facade of bad boy, womanizer and all around jerk.
“If I told you I loved you, would you stay a little longer?”
This story was fun, HOT and easy to read. It gives just a taste of small town Fate, Texas that made me want to check out some more stories in this series.
-3.5 Stars!-
October 10, 2017
This is Ms Bryant's first m/m book, and I hope it's not her last.
When Deputy Lance gets home from work, the last thing he expects to find is his secret crush lying asleep in his bed. Country superstar Trent is hiding out after a very public outing, but ends up in the wrong trailer. What could be a bad situation, turns into an amazing night of sex when Lance tells Trent his secret.
In between rounds of sex, the guys spend a lot of time talking and fall in love in a short amount of time.
The media finds Trent before they can figure things out. Lance has to make a quick decision, come out or possibly lose Trent forever.
This was short, but surprisingly sweet. It also packs a lot of loving (with a side of kink).
Recommended
Copy provided by author
When Deputy Lance gets home from work, the last thing he expects to find is his secret crush lying asleep in his bed. Country superstar Trent is hiding out after a very public outing, but ends up in the wrong trailer. What could be a bad situation, turns into an amazing night of sex when Lance tells Trent his secret.
In between rounds of sex, the guys spend a lot of time talking and fall in love in a short amount of time.
The media finds Trent before they can figure things out. Lance has to make a quick decision, come out or possibly lose Trent forever.
This was short, but surprisingly sweet. It also packs a lot of loving (with a side of kink).
Recommended
Copy provided by author
November 18, 2018
This is a novella. Short, hot and swoony.
Like the blurb says, an outed country music star holes up in a small Texas town. Accidentally landing in the bed of the town's bad boy sheriff - excruciatingly closeted bad boy sheriff. They do their best to set the sheets on fire, but what got me in the feels was their understanding of each others emotions.
Review ARC graciously provided by the publisher via NetGalley
Like the blurb says, an outed country music star holes up in a small Texas town. Accidentally landing in the bed of the town's bad boy sheriff - excruciatingly closeted bad boy sheriff. They do their best to set the sheets on fire, but what got me in the feels was their understanding of each others emotions.
Review ARC graciously provided by the publisher via NetGalley
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