What do you think?
Rate this book
Strickland Sisters #1
Stay with Me
Twice unlucky in love, natural hair vlogger, Angela Strickland, has settled into a life centered around avoiding men and relationships like the plague. Unwilling to risk another broken heart, she resigns herself to being a perpetually single woman.
Corporate man and self-professed womanizer, Ryan Boyé, doesn’t believe in relationships or love and thinks anyone who does is a fool. But there’s just something about Angela Strickland he can’t shake…
When these two cross paths, their attraction to one another is undeniable. Will they find that the love they’ve both evaded is exactly what they both need?
Corporate man and self-professed womanizer, Ryan Boyé, doesn’t believe in relationships or love and thinks anyone who does is a fool. But there’s just something about Angela Strickland he can’t shake…
When these two cross paths, their attraction to one another is undeniable. Will they find that the love they’ve both evaded is exactly what they both need?
Audible Audio
First published May 16, 2017
926 people are currently reading
2073 people want to read
About the author
Alexandria House
44 books4,055 followersAbout the author
A true southern girl, Alexandria House has an affinity for a good banana pudding, Neo Soul music, and tall black men in suits. When this music-loving fashionista is not shopping, she's writing steamy stories about real black love.
Verve Romance: @msalexhouse
Instagram: @msalexhouse
TikTok: @msalexhouse
Facebook: Alexandria House
A true southern girl, Alexandria House has an affinity for a good banana pudding, Neo Soul music, and tall black men in suits. When this music-loving fashionista is not shopping, she's writing steamy stories about real black love.
Verve Romance: @msalexhouse
Instagram: @msalexhouse
TikTok: @msalexhouse
Facebook: Alexandria House
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 520 reviews
February 26, 2020
I keep running into this situation where i read something and I see that I could potentially love an author yet i don’t really love their book 😭😭😭 I just didn’t feel any love between these characters, despite how vocal they were about the fact that they were indeed deeply in love, I didn’t feel it. I felt like the characters were super one dimensional so I didn’t care about them as much as I would have liked to. But I did enjoy the writing style and the fact that the heroine was a beauty guru on YouTube was really cool.
There’s something about this though that tells me maybe I’ll read another work by this author and connect with it better so I will try again in the future because I enjoyed the writing.
There’s something about this though that tells me maybe I’ll read another work by this author and connect with it better so I will try again in the future because I enjoyed the writing.
October 3, 2020
When this book started, I was really into the attraction between Angela and Ryan. I loved how it was kind of forbidden because Ryan was Angela's new tenant but they just couldn't stop thinking about each other. About halfway through this, though, the story hit a lull and I was bored and not really connected to the romance anymore. I did think it was fun that Ryan would join Angela on her Youtube channel in some of her videos, but other than that, this fell flat for the second half and I wasn't invested in their romance anymore. While it had a great start, the rest didn't follow through.
June 15, 2021
3.75 stars. The story was good, narration not so much
I really enjoyed this story but Sean Crisden’s attempt at a Creole accent was a bad West Indian sound that wasn’t even consistent. It irked me and interrupted the flow for me.
Besides that, I really enjoyed the characters Angela and Ryan. I found Angela’s family dynamics to be fascinating because it affected all 3 girls and their choices in their romantic life. Of the Strickland sisters, I definitely feel that Angie was the more level headed one and made the best decisions in regards to men. I enjoyed how the journey to love made her and Ryan better business people too.
The romance was already there, the heat and chemistry was jumping off the page but it was how it gave them the insight in their careers that made this story a strong one for me.
I want to see how the other Strickland sisters heal their childhood traumas too. What a fascinating look at how fathers shape their daughters.
I really enjoyed this story but Sean Crisden’s attempt at a Creole accent was a bad West Indian sound that wasn’t even consistent. It irked me and interrupted the flow for me.
Besides that, I really enjoyed the characters Angela and Ryan. I found Angela’s family dynamics to be fascinating because it affected all 3 girls and their choices in their romantic life. Of the Strickland sisters, I definitely feel that Angie was the more level headed one and made the best decisions in regards to men. I enjoyed how the journey to love made her and Ryan better business people too.
The romance was already there, the heat and chemistry was jumping off the page but it was how it gave them the insight in their careers that made this story a strong one for me.
I want to see how the other Strickland sisters heal their childhood traumas too. What a fascinating look at how fathers shape their daughters.
September 10, 2024
I was hesitant to listen to this book because, I do NOT like the female narrator. But, because the storyline itself was good and Sean Crisden does an awesome job, I was able to soldier on and get through the book. I was so excited when I realized Angela was 4C Angie from Let Me Free You. Her and Ryan's love story was so sweet! I love that there wasn't a whole lot of drama. It really was just a build up to great relationship with a minor bump in the road along the way. My favorite scene in the book was definitely when Mama Strickland let Daddy Strickland have it at the anniversary dinner. Whew chile! My biggest issue with the female narrator is how she voiced Ryan's accent. Ryan was from Louisiana but, she voiced him with a Jamaican accent. Sean's portrayal of Ryan's accent was spot on. He did a great job. I just don't understand how how the author can be okay with things like that. While this was a really good book, I don't know that I would recommend the audiobook to anyone.
February 19, 2022
i was more interested in her sisters
September 9, 2024
This was a second listen for me. I finally decided to pull the trigger and finish this series thanks to a nudge from Kameel and needed to refresh my memory.
My first listen was March 2022 with a 5 ⭐️ rating but of course over 2.5 years later my taste has changed. This was still a really cute read and I absolutely loved Ryan and Angie’s story but it’s definitely giving 4 ⭐️s now.
I love a good romance when neither is looking nor planning for it to happen. Angie was unlucky in love and Ryan simply wasn’t looking at all. All it took was a bit of forced proximity after Ryan became Angie’s newest tenant and the rest was history.
The chemistry between these two was so natural and organic that when it happened you knew it was real. It was definitely Ryan begging like Keith Sweat for me! I loved that Angela wasn’t going to force him into anything he wasn’t sure of. But baby when she was ready to keep her options open, Ryan closed that door quick! I really enjoyed these two just as much as the first time.
Now that I have the details of the other Strickland sisters fresh in mind I’m ready to carry on!
My first listen was March 2022 with a 5 ⭐️ rating but of course over 2.5 years later my taste has changed. This was still a really cute read and I absolutely loved Ryan and Angie’s story but it’s definitely giving 4 ⭐️s now.
I love a good romance when neither is looking nor planning for it to happen. Angie was unlucky in love and Ryan simply wasn’t looking at all. All it took was a bit of forced proximity after Ryan became Angie’s newest tenant and the rest was history.
The chemistry between these two was so natural and organic that when it happened you knew it was real. It was definitely Ryan begging like Keith Sweat for me! I loved that Angela wasn’t going to force him into anything he wasn’t sure of. But baby when she was ready to keep her options open, Ryan closed that door quick! I really enjoyed these two just as much as the first time.
Now that I have the details of the other Strickland sisters fresh in mind I’m ready to carry on!
December 10, 2018
When a fine ass man WITH commitment issues meats a real woman...Sparks fly!!
Excellent story of a man not wanting to be in a committed relationship he even called himself a dog.. however when Ryan met miss Strickland she straighten all that out. I truly love story.. sorry it had to end I don’t hesitate read / listen to this book. 😍👍🏾
Excellent story of a man not wanting to be in a committed relationship he even called himself a dog.. however when Ryan met miss Strickland she straighten all that out. I truly love story.. sorry it had to end I don’t hesitate read / listen to this book. 😍👍🏾
March 15, 2022
Ryan Boyé has me shook!
I absolutely loved this story!! Angela and Ryan totally captured my heart and soul. So many parts that I just reread several times. So good. What a breath of fresh air.
I absolutely loved this story!! Angela and Ryan totally captured my heart and soul. So many parts that I just reread several times. So good. What a breath of fresh air.
July 17, 2020
I wasn't sure in the beginning...
Alexandria House is a new author to me, and I'm glad that I started with the Strickland Sisters series. I'm one of three girls and the Strickland sisters are made up of Renee, Angela and Nicole. I got the dynamics, understood the loyalty, and identified with the lovable intrusiveness of sisters who care about each other. I was drawn to the story because of the "Sisters", but I'm going to keep with the series because I liked the people I met.
Now saying all that... I can admit that it took a wee while to warm up to Stay with Me. Seriously, Ryan was an arrogant, egotistical douchewaffle of the manwhore variety. Due to the story being given to us in dual POV, we get his high opinion of himself, his attractiveness to women, and his skill in avoiding commitment. I had some serious doubts that Ryan could change my low opinion of him. I love being proven wrong. 😉
The other reason I thought that I might not like this series is that Angela, the heroine has spent her whole life surrounded by cheating. I hate cheating storylines and I was worried that we may have to deal with it directly. For Angela, her experiences with cheating partners have left her hesitant to date, but she's also a little bit lonely. Her sisters are busy with their own lives and don't always have time to catch up. When her new neighbour moves in, Angela knows that the very HOT man is going to be trouble.
I ended up really enjoying Stay with Me. It did take me a wee while to warm up to Ryan, and I'm nearly convinced that he's going to be the perfect partner for Angela. We definitely 'see' the connection between the couple and their intimate scenes were HOT!
The narrators do a great job and they were both easy to listen to. There were a couple of times that I struggled with terminology, phrasing, and slang. I could have used a glossary of terms when there were descriptions of hairstyles and products for 'natural hair'. 'Ryan's' accent was strong, and the narrator's voice is so deep, that I had to turn up the volume to hear properly. Those Louisiana accents are smooth, though.
I'm definitely going on in the series, and I have Believe in Me locked and loaded, ready to go.
Alexandria House is a new author to me, and I'm glad that I started with the Strickland Sisters series. I'm one of three girls and the Strickland sisters are made up of Renee, Angela and Nicole. I got the dynamics, understood the loyalty, and identified with the lovable intrusiveness of sisters who care about each other. I was drawn to the story because of the "Sisters", but I'm going to keep with the series because I liked the people I met.
Now saying all that... I can admit that it took a wee while to warm up to Stay with Me. Seriously, Ryan was an arrogant, egotistical douchewaffle of the manwhore variety. Due to the story being given to us in dual POV, we get his high opinion of himself, his attractiveness to women, and his skill in avoiding commitment. I had some serious doubts that Ryan could change my low opinion of him. I love being proven wrong. 😉
The other reason I thought that I might not like this series is that Angela, the heroine has spent her whole life surrounded by cheating. I hate cheating storylines and I was worried that we may have to deal with it directly. For Angela, her experiences with cheating partners have left her hesitant to date, but she's also a little bit lonely. Her sisters are busy with their own lives and don't always have time to catch up. When her new neighbour moves in, Angela knows that the very HOT man is going to be trouble.
I ended up really enjoying Stay with Me. It did take me a wee while to warm up to Ryan, and I'm nearly convinced that he's going to be the perfect partner for Angela. We definitely 'see' the connection between the couple and their intimate scenes were HOT!
The narrators do a great job and they were both easy to listen to. There were a couple of times that I struggled with terminology, phrasing, and slang. I could have used a glossary of terms when there were descriptions of hairstyles and products for 'natural hair'. 'Ryan's' accent was strong, and the narrator's voice is so deep, that I had to turn up the volume to hear properly. Those Louisiana accents are smooth, though.
I'm definitely going on in the series, and I have Believe in Me locked and loaded, ready to go.
September 14, 2017
This was such a good book! I really enjoyed watching this couple fall in love with each other. I think I had the most fun watching the hero fall, and because of that had some laugh-out-loud moments. Isn't it fun to watch a confirmed bachelor fall hard, especially when he least expects it? LOL. He wanted to keep their relationship casual but almost lost his mind when the heroine had plans with another man. Typical.
One of my favorite things about reading romance is seeing the hero through the heroine's eyes. By the way Angela described Ryan-the-Freak (read the book to find out why I call him that), he was absolutely delicious! The sex scenes were great, but so was how they interacted with each other as a couple--their dating, the way he helped her with her business. Her sisters piqued my interest, too, particularly her older sister. She has a lot of baggage and will probably need multiple blows upside the head to learn she doesn't deserve to be treated that way by her husband.
A really good story, and a good example of what romance is all about.
One of my favorite things about reading romance is seeing the hero through the heroine's eyes. By the way Angela described Ryan-the-Freak (read the book to find out why I call him that), he was absolutely delicious! The sex scenes were great, but so was how they interacted with each other as a couple--their dating, the way he helped her with her business. Her sisters piqued my interest, too, particularly her older sister. She has a lot of baggage and will probably need multiple blows upside the head to learn she doesn't deserve to be treated that way by her husband.
A really good story, and a good example of what romance is all about.
June 14, 2022
What a wholesome refreshing story. But I shouldn't have been surprised. A.H. is one of the best to do it. Ryan was the ultimate dick. He used women for one thing and one thing only. I wanted to dislike him, but he made it so hard. He was arrogant, but he hid it well. He swears he can't be tamed. Ryan: "No one can hold my attention past two or three rounds in the bedroom." (Ch.5 Pg.31) Another quote from Ryan: "One thing I really wish women understood is that just because you want to be the one doesn’t make you the one. And hell, for some men there will never be a one at all.
I’m one of those men.
I don’t believe in that “one woman for one man” shít, because it simply doesn’t make sense, and anyone who does believe in it is a damn fool." (Ch.5 Pg31)
A fool he was…cause the way Ryan ate these words was so satisfying. It was almost love at first sight when he saw Angela. But let him tell it 🙄. Ryan fell first and hard.
Angela was this beautiful online celebrity, trying her best to protect her fragile heart. She was attracted to Ryan, but she knew his type. So she guarded her heart well. But, she could only do it for so long. Cause Ryan won her over. Shoot he won me over…they worked hard at their love. I've said this a million and one time. I am a sucker for cheesy sappy love. So there was a scene in the airport…I ate it up ya'll, grinning like a goof and all.
But I enjoyed getting to know the Strickland sisters. They each have some stuff going and I can't wait to see how they deal with them. Even their parents have some stuff going on. Although this book is older, I definitely recommend.
I’m one of those men.
I don’t believe in that “one woman for one man” shít, because it simply doesn’t make sense, and anyone who does believe in it is a damn fool." (Ch.5 Pg31)
A fool he was…cause the way Ryan ate these words was so satisfying. It was almost love at first sight when he saw Angela. But let him tell it 🙄. Ryan fell first and hard.
Angela was this beautiful online celebrity, trying her best to protect her fragile heart. She was attracted to Ryan, but she knew his type. So she guarded her heart well. But, she could only do it for so long. Cause Ryan won her over. Shoot he won me over…they worked hard at their love. I've said this a million and one time. I am a sucker for cheesy sappy love. So there was a scene in the airport…I ate it up ya'll, grinning like a goof and all.
But I enjoyed getting to know the Strickland sisters. They each have some stuff going and I can't wait to see how they deal with them. Even their parents have some stuff going on. Although this book is older, I definitely recommend.
October 15, 2017
LOVED IT!!!
Such a good read! When I tell you, I gasped, laughed out loud, got a little sad - I had all the feels. Angela and Ryan were perfection. LOVED that she had his nose wide open and acting all out of character. And I absolutely loved those crazy Strickland sisters!
I'm ready to move on to Renee's story, so I'll keep this short and sweet: read this book! It's soooo good!
Such a good read! When I tell you, I gasped, laughed out loud, got a little sad - I had all the feels. Angela and Ryan were perfection. LOVED that she had his nose wide open and acting all out of character. And I absolutely loved those crazy Strickland sisters!
I'm ready to move on to Renee's story, so I'll keep this short and sweet: read this book! It's soooo good!
April 20, 2020
4c Love
I finally met 4c Angie! Angela is definitely my fav out the sisters. Her and Ryan love was written so beautifully they were making me blush. I loved when Louisiana is being mentioned and Ryan accent being one of his assets had me swooning. I loved everything about this book definitely recommend.
I finally met 4c Angie! Angela is definitely my fav out the sisters. Her and Ryan love was written so beautifully they were making me blush. I loved when Louisiana is being mentioned and Ryan accent being one of his assets had me swooning. I loved everything about this book definitely recommend.
June 14, 2022
Big shoutout to Stacie for suggesting this series!!
Everything about this book was beautiful. It isn't often I find a contemporary romance that completely pulls me in like this one did.
Angela and Ryan were electric. The chemistry between them was a live wire that I could feel pulling me in the further I got into the story.
Unlucky in love Angela had decided that she would stay perpetually single and focus on her YouTube channel. As a natural hair vlogger, she had found her niche and she was content but even after the heartbreaks she had endured she still had hope. Hope that one day she would find a man who wouldn't break her heart. After some convincing from her sister, she decides to join the dating scene, but she never expected Ryan.
Ryan doesn't do relationships, never has. He wants a woman for a night, maybe a day or two and then he is off to the next. Enter Angela, his gorgeous new landlord he can't get off his mind. No matter what he does she is the star of all his fantasies. No other woman holds a candle to her.
As Ryan tries to seduce Angela, he realizes he will have to do more if he wants her. She isn't like the other women he knows. She is special and he will stop at nothing to get her, even if that means a relationship.
Sean Crisden as Ryan was so much more than I could have expected. The accent and the way his voice can go deep right when it needs to never fails to make me swoon. Then Mari, I've said it before she is one of my favorite narrators and this time was no different. She can do wonderful accents and when the need arises for a good gasp or moan, she delivers like no one else.
Seriously can't wait to get to book two. I will be doing the audio again because Sean and Mari are back and their connection is *chefs kiss*.
Everything about this book was beautiful. It isn't often I find a contemporary romance that completely pulls me in like this one did.
Angela and Ryan were electric. The chemistry between them was a live wire that I could feel pulling me in the further I got into the story.
Unlucky in love Angela had decided that she would stay perpetually single and focus on her YouTube channel. As a natural hair vlogger, she had found her niche and she was content but even after the heartbreaks she had endured she still had hope. Hope that one day she would find a man who wouldn't break her heart. After some convincing from her sister, she decides to join the dating scene, but she never expected Ryan.
Ryan doesn't do relationships, never has. He wants a woman for a night, maybe a day or two and then he is off to the next. Enter Angela, his gorgeous new landlord he can't get off his mind. No matter what he does she is the star of all his fantasies. No other woman holds a candle to her.
As Ryan tries to seduce Angela, he realizes he will have to do more if he wants her. She isn't like the other women he knows. She is special and he will stop at nothing to get her, even if that means a relationship.
Sean Crisden as Ryan was so much more than I could have expected. The accent and the way his voice can go deep right when it needs to never fails to make me swoon. Then Mari, I've said it before she is one of my favorite narrators and this time was no different. She can do wonderful accents and when the need arises for a good gasp or moan, she delivers like no one else.
Seriously can't wait to get to book two. I will be doing the audio again because Sean and Mari are back and their connection is *chefs kiss*.
March 16, 2022
Loved it! Rtc
March 2, 2024
I love Angie and Ryan. Their loves story was so cute! The drama between Mama and Daddy Strickland was chef's kiss. She was the definition of when a woman's fed up and put his a@@ out with the quickness. I can't wait to dive into Renee and Nicki's stories. This was my first venture into audiobooks and, I have to say, I didn't hate it. I really enjoyed the audio version. Now, I've been told narrators matter and that is so true. I loved Sean Crisden. That man can read to me any day of the week but, the female narrator was horrible. She did such a disservice to the characters. I didn't like her at all and won't be listening to any books narrated by her.
October 23, 2020
Good Story
Not as good as the Mitchell Brothers, but hey it's still Alexandria House, so get comfy a prepare to take a ride on the Lust Train, errr Love Train, bka The Yoni Express!!! Yeah, I said it!!! My bad y'all!!😁
Buy it, read it and enjoy!!👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥
Not as good as the Mitchell Brothers, but hey it's still Alexandria House, so get comfy a prepare to take a ride on the Lust Train, errr Love Train, bka The Yoni Express!!! Yeah, I said it!!! My bad y'all!!😁
Buy it, read it and enjoy!!👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥
June 23, 2020
Damn I love the way Alexandria writes! Angela and Ryan had me at their first scene together! I love them so much.
October 11, 2020
Ryan is a HotAssMess.....lol
July 24, 2018
Ughhh just soooo freaking good!!!!
September 13, 2020
Angie has had some unlucky relationships in her past.
Ryan never commits to relationships.
But there's something about his new landlord Angie that got him hooked.
Angie is a YouTube star.
Ryan rents out her next door place for 6 months while working. But then they go further.
Cute...
Ryan never commits to relationships.
But there's something about his new landlord Angie that got him hooked.
Angie is a YouTube star.
Ryan rents out her next door place for 6 months while working. But then they go further.
Cute...
February 16, 2024
It’s the Cajjin accent for me………love the story that’s all I can say!
December 26, 2019
My favorite of the Strickland sisters 4CAngie
This one got her life together. She lives it at her own pace and she finds a little piece of it to claim as her own. Then comes in the delicious Ryan with his sexy cajuan drawl. Neither of the two of them were looking for love, but love have her own way of getting what she wants when she wants it. Angie had to show that she could be all that she could be without a man. Ryan didn't need any woman long term, until he did. Then he had to make a decision on what he wanted more.
I would have loved to have had more of Ryan's life. It seemed like there was a story there.
This one got her life together. She lives it at her own pace and she finds a little piece of it to claim as her own. Then comes in the delicious Ryan with his sexy cajuan drawl. Neither of the two of them were looking for love, but love have her own way of getting what she wants when she wants it. Angie had to show that she could be all that she could be without a man. Ryan didn't need any woman long term, until he did. Then he had to make a decision on what he wanted more.
I would have loved to have had more of Ryan's life. It seemed like there was a story there.
August 10, 2017
Stay With Me (Strickland Sisters Book 1)
Real talk y'all. This novel was grown and sexy with some 🔥 scenes between Ryan Boye & Angela, the middle sister. Fourty+ years of marriage and the Mom and Dad are stepping out on each other?! It's definitely a keeper.
Now I have to read her oldest sister, Renee & hubby, Robert's story next in Strickland Sisters Book #2. There has to be a third storyline for Nicky, the youngest sister, cause she's off the chain sleeping with whoever, whenever and wherever she meets these characters.
Real talk y'all. This novel was grown and sexy with some 🔥 scenes between Ryan Boye & Angela, the middle sister. Fourty+ years of marriage and the Mom and Dad are stepping out on each other?! It's definitely a keeper.
Now I have to read her oldest sister, Renee & hubby, Robert's story next in Strickland Sisters Book #2. There has to be a third storyline for Nicky, the youngest sister, cause she's off the chain sleeping with whoever, whenever and wherever she meets these characters.
January 12, 2025
I thought that I loved the McClain brothers, but I absolutely loved this story between Angela Strickland & Ryan Boyé. I loved the writing & the authenticity of the characters. They were very relatable with family issues that they didn’t allow to completely disrupt their relationship. I felt that the author did a great job of explaining things that held them back but also showing how they had supportive people to help them to overcome those issues. I would definitely recommend this to a friend to read.
December 13, 2018
50% Done: Aw shit! He got some effing nerve!
This out of all the others spoke to me as a person the most. Angela and I are very similar in many ways. Not as much drama as in the McClain Brothers books which is why I only gave it 4.5 stars. And because I wasn't a huge fan of the audio narration. At the end of the day I stan for Alexandria House so keep em coming :)
This out of all the others spoke to me as a person the most. Angela and I are very similar in many ways. Not as much drama as in the McClain Brothers books which is why I only gave it 4.5 stars. And because I wasn't a huge fan of the audio narration. At the end of the day I stan for Alexandria House so keep em coming :)
July 27, 2025
Although this book moved really fast, I liked it. The story was cute and Ryan fell all in to her.
September 30, 2025
First off I want to say the book cover is absolutely beautiful!
I actually found the parents and sisters storylines more interesting. They really added depth to the book for me. I couldn’t quite feel the love growing between the two main characters. I would’ve loved to see more of that development.
I did think it was really cute when Ryan started joining Angela on her vlogs. That was a fun touch! But overall, I’m more intrigued by the other Strictland sisters, so I’ll definitely be moving on to the next book in the series.
I actually found the parents and sisters storylines more interesting. They really added depth to the book for me. I couldn’t quite feel the love growing between the two main characters. I would’ve loved to see more of that development.
I did think it was really cute when Ryan started joining Angela on her vlogs. That was a fun touch! But overall, I’m more intrigued by the other Strictland sisters, so I’ll definitely be moving on to the next book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 520 reviews