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Stay For Awhile
She wasn’t supposed to stay.
In fact, had she not missed her flight, Brya Mills would have settled on the life she had in Miami, Florida. Settling… it’s what she’d been doing while dating a male acquaintance. Wasting time when what she really desired was a man who was just as invested in her as she was him. Over the months, Brya had become stagnant, but not anymore.
Not when the ever so charming, Arsenio Kingston, was determined to provide her a weekend she wasn’t accustomed to. Show her a side of his world that he too had closed off for so long. Some normalcy and tranquility of not forcing anything. Letting things flow as just was their motto, but with feelings involved, the duo finds themselves back at square one. Doubtfully, regretting the time they shared… and wishing they could stay. If even for a little while.
In fact, had she not missed her flight, Brya Mills would have settled on the life she had in Miami, Florida. Settling… it’s what she’d been doing while dating a male acquaintance. Wasting time when what she really desired was a man who was just as invested in her as she was him. Over the months, Brya had become stagnant, but not anymore.
Not when the ever so charming, Arsenio Kingston, was determined to provide her a weekend she wasn’t accustomed to. Show her a side of his world that he too had closed off for so long. Some normalcy and tranquility of not forcing anything. Letting things flow as just was their motto, but with feelings involved, the duo finds themselves back at square one. Doubtfully, regretting the time they shared… and wishing they could stay. If even for a little while.
134 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 15, 2019
410 people are currently reading
442 people want to read
About the author
BriAnn Danae
100 books1,160 followersBriAnn Danae is an urban romance author and native of Kansas City, Missouri. In October 2015, she penned her first novel and since has enhanced her catalog claiming seventy titles to date. She whimsically writes Black love stories with purpose and passion, making you want to go beyond the book and look into her mind as a writer.
As the two-time 2021 Black Girls Who Write award winner for Best Black Book Series and Best Black Urban Romance and KCPCA 2023 Best Author of Kansas City, BriAnn has masterfully crafted her pen. With the talent to navigate between genres, she’s captured the hearts of her readers, making them fall hard in love with her characters. Her writing can be classified as soul-snatching, heart-yearning, chest throbbing, and downright some of the most exhilarating literature one could grace their eyes upon.
There’s a message BriAnn strives to leave with her readers. “I don’t just write to tell a story. I write to paint a picture and give a testimony.”
As the two-time 2021 Black Girls Who Write award winner for Best Black Book Series and Best Black Urban Romance and KCPCA 2023 Best Author of Kansas City, BriAnn has masterfully crafted her pen. With the talent to navigate between genres, she’s captured the hearts of her readers, making them fall hard in love with her characters. Her writing can be classified as soul-snatching, heart-yearning, chest throbbing, and downright some of the most exhilarating literature one could grace their eyes upon.
There’s a message BriAnn strives to leave with her readers. “I don’t just write to tell a story. I write to paint a picture and give a testimony.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
November 15, 2023
3/5 ⭐️
-Love how this author always adds in little special moments in each book that you’ll remember, even when the book is over! The scene at the end with the seashells and sand is just 🥹🥹.. swoon worthy!!
- Wasn’t a huge fan of the third person writing in this book. I had a hard time connecting with the characters and I feel like at times the pacing was a little too fast or too slow for me. It didn’t flow as easily as some of her other books.
- Really love how this author wrote Brya to be strong and independent while still wanting someone to take care of her in a way. Such a sweet story!
-Love how this author always adds in little special moments in each book that you’ll remember, even when the book is over! The scene at the end with the seashells and sand is just 🥹🥹.. swoon worthy!!
- Wasn’t a huge fan of the third person writing in this book. I had a hard time connecting with the characters and I feel like at times the pacing was a little too fast or too slow for me. It didn’t flow as easily as some of her other books.
- Really love how this author wrote Brya to be strong and independent while still wanting someone to take care of her in a way. Such a sweet story!
June 23, 2019
This 1st book in the series was an enjoyable read as Seno and Brya met on a whim and ended up having an unforgettable weekend. I was so hoping they could make it work. Good cast of characters and well written storyline had me completing quickly and looking forward to reading the next part.
March 26, 2020
Short but sweet
This was really a sweet story. It was just the right length and depth to make you fall in love with the characters. I definitely want more from this crew.
This was really a sweet story. It was just the right length and depth to make you fall in love with the characters. I definitely want more from this crew.
March 24, 2020
Cute
This was a cute little ready. Definitely not what I expected it to be but it didn’t disappoint. Keep up
The good work
This was a cute little ready. Definitely not what I expected it to be but it didn’t disappoint. Keep up
The good work
June 29, 2019
I LOVED IT
I loved reading this novella. The undeniable attraction and immediate connection between Brya and Arsenio makes you want to find that same connection. When reading this novella you get to experience the journey this couple go on to being receptive to a relationship with someone who actually has their best interests at heart.
I loved reading this novella. The undeniable attraction and immediate connection between Brya and Arsenio makes you want to find that same connection. When reading this novella you get to experience the journey this couple go on to being receptive to a relationship with someone who actually has their best interests at heart.
April 5, 2020
I liked this couple
The quick read by this author is a rarity. That doesn't mean I disliked the length. It does mean I was satisfied with the length, the depth and the details in this tale. I'll look forward to the next story... Nice.
The quick read by this author is a rarity. That doesn't mean I disliked the length. It does mean I was satisfied with the length, the depth and the details in this tale. I'll look forward to the next story... Nice.
September 26, 2022
Aww, that was short and sweet💕
This is only my second read by Queen BriAnn Danae and she did not disappoint.
Brya was in San Francisco for a work event with her bestie/employer Jade for a book convention. Her missing her flight was a blessing in disguise. It opened her eyes to her situationship with Chris who was just waisting her damn time🙄. It also gave her the opportunity to meet and fall in love with her forever love Seno.
For Seno due to the way his last relationship ended he wasn't looking for love. Well as the saying goes, love usually finds you when you're not looking. Although it was just a weekend, him meeting and spending the entire weekend with Brya made him realize what he had with his ex Regina didn't compare and that he needed more than just a weekend with Brya.
Short and sweet💕
This is only my second read by Queen BriAnn Danae and she did not disappoint.
Brya was in San Francisco for a work event with her bestie/employer Jade for a book convention. Her missing her flight was a blessing in disguise. It opened her eyes to her situationship with Chris who was just waisting her damn time🙄. It also gave her the opportunity to meet and fall in love with her forever love Seno.
For Seno due to the way his last relationship ended he wasn't looking for love. Well as the saying goes, love usually finds you when you're not looking. Although it was just a weekend, him meeting and spending the entire weekend with Brya made him realize what he had with his ex Regina didn't compare and that he needed more than just a weekend with Brya.
Short and sweet💕
May 11, 2024
Brya and Arsenio
Brya and Arsenio love story was cute especially for a weekend fling turn into more after the weekend. Regina Arsenio got on my nerves because she couldn’t take the hint that he didn’t want her. I understand why Brya ghosted Arsenio after the Wallet situation but I was still rooting for them throughout the novella.
Brya and Arsenio love story was cute especially for a weekend fling turn into more after the weekend. Regina Arsenio got on my nerves because she couldn’t take the hint that he didn’t want her. I understand why Brya ghosted Arsenio after the Wallet situation but I was still rooting for them throughout the novella.
April 3, 2025
This book resonated with me on a fundamental level, I truly believe BriAnn wrote this book for me. as I identified with Brya's experiences, from our shared dreams to the serendipity of our birthdays being just a day apart. 🥰 The relationship between her and Arsenio embodied the ideal of a loving and empowering partnership. ♥️ I wish for every woman who has settled to discover a love that fosters her growth and well-being.
November 5, 2023
2.5
this was cute and i really liked the characters! my issue with it is that i usually go for longer romances so this was too short for me and it felt like some things were missing. but that’s totally a personal preference and not the book’s fault!
this was cute and i really liked the characters! my issue with it is that i usually go for longer romances so this was too short for me and it felt like some things were missing. but that’s totally a personal preference and not the book’s fault!
January 16, 2025
This was a short but very cute 🥰 book.
March 23, 2020
Cute
This story was everything! I loved the instant attraction between Bry and Seno. Even tho it was supposed to be for a weekend, BriAnn incorporated a cute, lil mushy courtship that had wanting more. I definitely want more. Good read
This story was everything! I loved the instant attraction between Bry and Seno. Even tho it was supposed to be for a weekend, BriAnn incorporated a cute, lil mushy courtship that had wanting more. I definitely want more. Good read
March 14, 2020
Stay For A While (What The Heart Wants Book 1)
This was a very intimate love story that I truly appreciate they way it showed how a couple can successfully have a great long distance relationship and much more.
This was a very intimate love story that I truly appreciate they way it showed how a couple can successfully have a great long distance relationship and much more.
January 1, 2024
I read this quick adorable love story! Who says you cant have insta love and have a long distance relationship! My girl Brya went from missing her flight home to Miami to spending a weekend with a man she just met that turned into something more. Arsenio new business bar owner set eyes on Brya and knew he needed to be in her presence. The attraction these two felt instantly was pouring off the pages. When reading this book it did not feel like these two just met. It honestly felt like they’ve known each other forever. When Brya returned to Miami from San Francisco Arsenio knew she was the one and kept the relationship going. Arsenio spoke life into her as well Brya wanted to own her own bookstore and he was there when that happened. The two met on accident but their relationship still going a year later 💕 I read the physical book and the flow was easy and I ate it up in a few hours.
January 11, 2021
Short and sweet
3.5 stars
What would you do when you miss your flight and you’re in town for a few more days? Would you catch up on sleep? Binge all those tv shows you never have time to watch? Or would you feel a connection with the cute dude you sit with at breakfast and allow him to show you his city?
This story of Brya and Arsenio is one of trusting your first impressions, living in the moment and enjoying some spontaneity. Their story is a glorious collection of savored moments from a long weekend that will end all too soon. It’s knowing that Brya has to head back to Miami and Arsenio will remain in San Francisco but opting to enjoy each other regardless.
It’s black love with all the awesomeness of our experiences and textures. BriAnn wrote the characters very well in this novella. I especially enjoy when you read a black woman who proudly rocks her natural hair and dresses to accentuate her curves! Well done.
3.5 stars
What would you do when you miss your flight and you’re in town for a few more days? Would you catch up on sleep? Binge all those tv shows you never have time to watch? Or would you feel a connection with the cute dude you sit with at breakfast and allow him to show you his city?
This story of Brya and Arsenio is one of trusting your first impressions, living in the moment and enjoying some spontaneity. Their story is a glorious collection of savored moments from a long weekend that will end all too soon. It’s knowing that Brya has to head back to Miami and Arsenio will remain in San Francisco but opting to enjoy each other regardless.
It’s black love with all the awesomeness of our experiences and textures. BriAnn wrote the characters very well in this novella. I especially enjoy when you read a black woman who proudly rocks her natural hair and dresses to accentuate her curves! Well done.
November 24, 2023
Brya has missed her flight and has to stay in San Fran over the weekend due to the crazy cost of flights. She has no plans but to binge watch Netflix in her hotel room until her flight on Monday . One day while she’s trying to get breakfast at her hotel, she finds herself in the sight of Arsenio, who is a handsome bar owner . They get to talking and decided to spend the weekend together sight seeing the city and each other :). Though this a romantic story , it also tells us that we do not need to settle for someone who is “ comfortable’’ to be with. Make sure that the person we decide to put our time into is doing the same for us . I loved Brya and Arsenio so much in this story. I mean if you’re going to miss your flight home, a great way to be upset about that is by spending time with an intelligent beautiful man . :)
January 10, 2025
Very short read! It was a good book though! I feel it was a bit rushed but, I can see where it was going! It puts you in the kind of “ What Happens In Vegas, Stays In Vegas” a brief moment to just have your happy ever after! I’m glad they did continue to make it work though! The characters were all nice!! They all led everyday lives! Regina is an ex we can all agree we have had! Chris…. I don’t like him it wasn’t much of him but we knew what type of man he was!! Cute little read I started it technically this morning but I added it yesterday I believe so I wouldn’t forget!
Does contain Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Does contain Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
January 12, 2025
Usually, my mindset is blind going into a book. For some reason, I expected more out of this one. I wanted to feel the real connection between Arsenio and Byra. It never came.
I love a man that has possession over a woman at that right moment. The way she agreed to be his for the weekend based on not having a table at a restaurant was dumb to me. A man asking you to share his table because you did not have one then within that same moment tells you to be his for the weekend. Yeah no.
I did not feel any chemistry from the start. It was definitely written, but the energy for me to feel it wasn’t there. I might come back to read book 2 or not.
Rating: 2.5
I love a man that has possession over a woman at that right moment. The way she agreed to be his for the weekend based on not having a table at a restaurant was dumb to me. A man asking you to share his table because you did not have one then within that same moment tells you to be his for the weekend. Yeah no.
I did not feel any chemistry from the start. It was definitely written, but the energy for me to feel it wasn’t there. I might come back to read book 2 or not.
Rating: 2.5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2022
THAT WAS A GREAT READ‼️‼️‼️
This was a cute little story. I thoroughly enjoyed it and to be honest, wished there was more. Great read!
Total Book Experience 10/10
Plot/Storyline (structure)10/10
Writing (Errors) 10/10
Characters 10/10
Again-able 10/10
Emotion 10/10
Book Cover 10/10
Visual/ Illustratable 10/10
Addictiveness 10/10
Threshold quality 10/10
Unique 10/10
This was a cute little story. I thoroughly enjoyed it and to be honest, wished there was more. Great read!
Total Book Experience 10/10
Plot/Storyline (structure)10/10
Writing (Errors) 10/10
Characters 10/10
Again-able 10/10
Emotion 10/10
Book Cover 10/10
Visual/ Illustratable 10/10
Addictiveness 10/10
Threshold quality 10/10
Unique 10/10
January 22, 2024
Wow, wow, wow! BriAnn never disappoints.
This short romance story about Brya and Arsenio was sweet and cute! I enjoyed the plot and characters. I love Arsenio and how thoughtful and patient he was with Bryan. It stuck out to me that they mirrored each other in a way.
♡ rating: ★★★★☆ (There are a few misspellings throughout the book but you can figure out what she means)
♡ book length: 88 pages. (it's a short story - which I like. I finished it within 2 hours)
♡ recommend: yes!
This short romance story about Brya and Arsenio was sweet and cute! I enjoyed the plot and characters. I love Arsenio and how thoughtful and patient he was with Bryan. It stuck out to me that they mirrored each other in a way.
♡ rating: ★★★★☆ (There are a few misspellings throughout the book but you can figure out what she means)
♡ book length: 88 pages. (it's a short story - which I like. I finished it within 2 hours)
♡ recommend: yes!
August 18, 2022
So my very favorite thing about this was that he called her by her whole name. It was so damn cute. That was legit my favorite part. This was a great instant connection story and I loved it so much. The way they couldn't fight their feelings for each other was masterfully done. Plus they were hot. The build up was as engaging as the sex. I rooted for them the entire way. Great job.
December 21, 2022
She Took A Chance
Brya took a chance by staying in Cali, allowing a stranger to spend a weekend with her and open her up to what she was and had been missing and that was a real man. This short story was a great story and I found myself being a cheerleader for Brya and Arsenio. Give it a read. You won't want to put the book down.
Brya took a chance by staying in Cali, allowing a stranger to spend a weekend with her and open her up to what she was and had been missing and that was a real man. This short story was a great story and I found myself being a cheerleader for Brya and Arsenio. Give it a read. You won't want to put the book down.
January 4, 2023
Perfect Lovestory
From the cover to the storyline this book was perfect. Only in a perfect world would you meet a man in the other side if the states and falling in love with him. Everybody ain’t able lol. And the spice was very much realistic. Almost made me feel like it was me and Seno and not him and Brya. I can’t wait to read the second installment of this story.
From the cover to the storyline this book was perfect. Only in a perfect world would you meet a man in the other side if the states and falling in love with him. Everybody ain’t able lol. And the spice was very much realistic. Almost made me feel like it was me and Seno and not him and Brya. I can’t wait to read the second installment of this story.
September 21, 2023
Good read
This story was cute and to the point. Arsenio was a good dude, he wasn’t looking for love but it found him and quickly. Brya was quiet and reserved and Seno broke her out of her shell. I’m glad her assumptions and stubbornness didn’t block her blessings. They are cute together!
This story was cute and to the point. Arsenio was a good dude, he wasn’t looking for love but it found him and quickly. Brya was quiet and reserved and Seno broke her out of her shell. I’m glad her assumptions and stubbornness didn’t block her blessings. They are cute together!
October 6, 2023
Short but sweet!
This book reminded me of only for the weekend by Queen Rae but so much better!
I didn’t feel like the story ended on a cliffhanger or wasn’t complete. This is my first time reading a book by the author and thoroughly enjoyed it .
I don’t mind Brya and Arsenio’s love story continuing, I will be the first to read it lol
This book reminded me of only for the weekend by Queen Rae but so much better!
I didn’t feel like the story ended on a cliffhanger or wasn’t complete. This is my first time reading a book by the author and thoroughly enjoyed it .
I don’t mind Brya and Arsenio’s love story continuing, I will be the first to read it lol
October 15, 2023
Short but sweet!
This was a truly good read, I loved how they loved on each other so quickly. When you have experienced what the wrong thing is and when the right one comes along it touches every part of you! Thank you for this depiction of what true love and adoration should look like!
This was a truly good read, I loved how they loved on each other so quickly. When you have experienced what the wrong thing is and when the right one comes along it touches every part of you! Thank you for this depiction of what true love and adoration should look like!
November 26, 2023
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 stars! This was a cute novella about Brya and Arsenio. Brya was in San Francisco for business and she missed her flight. Arsenio saw her on an elevator and was instantly attracted to her. He bumped into her again,she told him she was there for the weekend and he said that he wanted to spend it with her. Cute love story.
February 3, 2024
I adored this vacation fling novella! Arsenio dripped BDE from telling Brya he was exactly what she needs, putting her on speaker in front of Trey, my man was staking his claim real bad! We love Brya but Arsenio was the star of this show for sure! Even his inner thoughts were giving me life. When he said they needed the afternoon a part to get their attitudes together because they can’t be responsible for each other’s happiness.. baby I wanted to shout because if that ain’t a message from the heavens I don’t know what is! This is definitely a delicious little quick read! Cool points for the word name with Brya Lanae!
July 19, 2024
Hallmark Moment
Oh wow, “Stay For Awhile (What The Heart Wants - Book 1) that was a good read😊 !…and Braya & Arsenio’s bar bae quickly transitioned from a casual let me be your personal tour guide to a weekend fling with benefit 🤭🤷🏾♀️…to mark my territory & claim my prize⛳️! However, the quintessential hallmark moment: “sea shells & small bottles of sand down the hallway” 🥹🥰‼️
Oh wow, “Stay For Awhile (What The Heart Wants - Book 1) that was a good read😊 !…and Braya & Arsenio’s bar bae quickly transitioned from a casual let me be your personal tour guide to a weekend fling with benefit 🤭🤷🏾♀️…to mark my territory & claim my prize⛳️! However, the quintessential hallmark moment: “sea shells & small bottles of sand down the hallway” 🥹🥰‼️
November 9, 2024
Arsenio & Brya.
I loved this one. Super short and sweet.
That Chris was an ole dogggg but I’m glad she found her worth and sense and kicked him to the curb — make room for a REAL MAN.
Seno was really nice !
He was about her from the jump and stayed down.
Loved that for them.
Fav Quote: I am who I am and I’m exactly what you need.
Rating: 4 ⭐️ | 2.5 🌶️
I loved this one. Super short and sweet.
That Chris was an ole dogggg but I’m glad she found her worth and sense and kicked him to the curb — make room for a REAL MAN.
Seno was really nice !
He was about her from the jump and stayed down.
Loved that for them.
Fav Quote: I am who I am and I’m exactly what you need.
Rating: 4 ⭐️ | 2.5 🌶️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews