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Choosing his career over a relationship, Blake Russell left Serena Howard in Philadelphia to pursue opportunities in San Francisco. After being away for almost a year and a half, Blake is back in the city of Brotherly Love, and still holding onto feelings for Serena. Even with the time that passed, he’s never quite gotten over her or how their situation ended. Being back in his hometown, with memories of their time spent, Blake makes it his mission to check on Serena. Serena’s life went from zero to one hundred real quick. Graduating from law school, opening her own practice, and other life altering events, left Serena with little to no time to be stuck in her head daydreaming about the past, or wondering “what if”. Her sole focus was on the things that were, and the demands of her life. With time, distance, and secrets between them, what will happen when Blake and Serena come face to face? What feelings will they invoke in one another? Love? Hate? Resentment? Will they be able to reignite their flame? So many things left unanswered. They both thought their paths were leading them in different directions, but there they were, back in one another lives, with so much energy swirling between them. This is a two-part series and Stay Forever is the second book. It is encouraged to read Stay A Little Longer before reading Stay Forever.

214 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 10, 2020

144 people are currently reading
95 people want to read

About the author

Shay Davis

27 books194 followers
Shay Davis is a paralegal; fighting on the behalf of others by day, and a creator of soul stirring black love stories by night. Shay grew up in the busy streets of Philadelphia, PA. While attending schools in the neighboring suburbs, Shay struggled with being labeled as not "hood enough” for the streets, or “proper enough” for the suburbs. Shay found solace between the pages of her journal, releasing her innermost thoughts and penning her every desire. Her passion for capturing her emotions turned into creating magnetic stories of black love from the feelings that stirred deep within her. Shay has been writing since high school and for the last three years she has honed her skills even more, creating several short stories in her favorite genre; Black Romance. Strutting down the path she’s created for herself, Shay is ready to share her pen game with the world.

Connect with Shay:
Website:
ShayDavisPens.com
Facebook:
Author Shay Davis
Instagram:
@authorshaydavis

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5 stars
264 (65%)
4 stars
108 (26%)
3 stars
25 (6%)
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7 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
Profile Image for *Ebony I*.
1,404 reviews157 followers
July 11, 2025
Overcoming secrets

🎵🎶Can we talk for a minute 🎶🎵 was their theme song because they were always needing to reset and talk things out😩 The long distance was kicking their azz. 

Serena and Blake finally get out of their own way and start making steps to be together officially despite the distance. It seemed like every time they took 2 steps forward they would take 3 back, despite the love between them clearly being real. Blake was a real man and led them through their ups and downs, he kept the unsure parents in line, and he fought for their union even when Serena was overwhelmed. It was sweet with a side of spice and I  wish we got a little more of BB. 

There was a lot of back and forth and it got a little repetitive, but I understood the need to show growth. It just could have been refined. 

I hope Kira and Haneef get a story because I want to see how they interact one on one.
Profile Image for Dahyana.
694 reviews85 followers
March 22, 2025
Serena x Blake

This series had been on my shelf for years, and I’m glad I finally got to it because I loved, loved, loved it! I didn’t expect it to be so real and raw. Serena and Blake started off really cute in book one, but by this book, they’ve grown and faced some real-life challenges and a great love. It was a beautiful journey.

Now, Kira… something is definitely wrong with that girl—it’s obvious. But I’m gonna need her to sit on somebody’s couch and work through everything she’s got going on.

Overall, this was a great read!
4.6⭐️
Profile Image for KarynReads.
619 reviews19 followers
April 16, 2023
I loved their part 2! Serena and Blake put the work in for this relationship. Recognizing when you have wrong your partner is so healing and healthy. Had Serena not understood Blake’s anger this relationship didnt have a chance. Blake’s mother still got some healing to do, but she loves her son and granddaughter so she gotta bite that sharpe tongue of hers! Lol wheeww she did NOT HOLD back ok! 🥴 Very well written Author Shay!
Profile Image for Kema B..
Author 10 books229 followers
August 22, 2021
Stay forever! This was really good although Ms. Veda worked every single nerve I had lol but I love that Blake and Serena got it together. Love how he embraced fatherhood and immediately stepped in and handled his business. I do think he was messed up for the Tati situation and Serena flew off the handle instead of using her words sometimes but they both needed time to adjust to their new dynamic and sort out their feelings. Also this book was steamy as hell had to fan myself a few times. Eye cannot wait to dive into Kira and Haneef’s story. Dope read.
244 reviews4 followers
June 19, 2021
The Chase is on…

Shay Davis took me through it and never disappoints with this continuing love saga. The ups and downs of pride and stubbornness try to prevent love from happening with Blake and Serena as they try to figure things out had me mad, sad and happy. So much passion and emotion intertwined in these characters you can’t help but love and cheer for them. This story gives all the feels of a sexy, hot, nail biting suspense wondering should they, can they, will they…
Profile Image for Pen  Lyricist.
99 reviews14 followers
July 9, 2021
Must Read

DIdnt care for Blake,but we’ll written book. The author did a great job of showing their relationship journey. I love Serena.
Profile Image for Mrs..
5,989 reviews106 followers
September 13, 2020
She's Back!

I knew it, I knew the short separation would be a thing of the past, once Blake met Baby Blake. Even with the back and forth, I knew Blake and Serena would find a way to be together and Stay together. The story took us around the block a few times, but in the end, I am so happy. Now Haneef, and Kira have to stop playing and act right. 5 Stars you all.
Profile Image for Synthia Littleton.
494 reviews16 followers
September 26, 2020
I want them to win!

Blake and Serena deserved forever! The conclusion to their journey was so sweet. From the start of this book to the end you couldn't help but root for their happily ever after. This installment had HEAT, the entanglement was scorching. This is such a good read.
Profile Image for Lisette.
609 reviews41 followers
September 19, 2021
I don't know why I was worried that Blake and Serena wouldn't really make it but whew! they took me through it!
This really was a good read. Sweet, funny and spicy! I appreciate that they didn't let long distance keep them apart.
Profile Image for Jsin Graham.
Author 6 books10 followers
October 3, 2023
Reading the sequel/follow-up before the origin story was something I didn't realize I was doing until about 30+% in. Nonetheless, I was able to follow the story with no issues. Blake and Serena's story of miscommunication and reconciliation was an enjoyable read because of one very well-written piece of humanity. The frustration they both held for their situation and each other and fighting past that to get to what they both want--each other. I believe this is my first Shay Davis novel, but it definitely will not be my last.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,328 reviews2 followers
September 11, 2020
Serena kept a big secret from Blake that could ruin the love they share. Blake left serena with a broken heart to start his career and didn't know he was leaving a piece of him behind. Serena handled her broken heart wrong but 15 months later she had to face the love of her life. I love Haneef and Kira but she has demons she needs to work through to get her happy ending. I can't wait to read there love story...... Job well done Shay definitely an amazing read.
163 reviews4 followers
September 12, 2020
Loved this series

Blake and Serena were so made for each other. Blake was selfish knowing he was leaving and didn’t want to let go and she was wrong for not telling him from the beginning of her pregnancy or sometime during it. I’m just glad they got it together. Need a wedding book lol. I can’t wait to see what happens with Kira and Haneef. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💙💙💙💙💙
277 reviews2 followers
September 13, 2020
Great read

Yassss you did that. That was a great read. I was so upset with Serena and Blake got on my nerves at times but I’m so glade at the end they got they happy ending. A must read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Arae C..
90 reviews
September 22, 2020
Love

Im so happy they got it together! I loved Blake he was a real one. Glad he forgave her & they were able to move on! Now they bffs GOT ON MY NERVES! I cant wait for the spin-off
Profile Image for Jasmin Watson.
1,366 reviews
January 21, 2021
Stay forever

This book was everything and pick up right where part 1 left off. I love the bond between Blake and Serena. I was happy to see that was able to work it out. I can't wait to read the story about Haneef and Kira.
828 reviews2 followers
February 22, 2021
Good job

The storyline was interesting, it’s shows you what real love is , and sometimes we make mistake even if we think that we have a good excuse to make them . I loved how he forgave her and decided to move on with their life .
Profile Image for Just A Girl With Spirit.
1,403 reviews13.3k followers
September 21, 2022
3.75 stars!!

As always I love Ms. Shay’s writing. This was a perfect second chance, secret baby romance. The only thing that wore me out was Blake’s mom, Mrs. Veda. Lawd a mercy! As per usual, Shay always delivers that heat and boy did she!!
96 reviews
September 12, 2020
Love Often Wins

I love how everything turned out in the end. Serena was wrong as hell for hiding that baby girl from Blake. He shoulda choked her out at least once! Kira got on my last nerve throughout the book when it came to Haneef. Aughhh
128 reviews1 follower
September 12, 2020
Job Well Done

This was a great love story. Serena and Blake struggled with their emotions but they learned how to channel it. The author did a great job in capturing the heart of the characters and creating such an intoxicating read. Job well done!
Profile Image for Kisha.
12 reviews
September 12, 2020
Great book 👍

This is another great book from a dope author. She has not disappointed me so far keep up the great work
Profile Image for LaToya.
129 reviews1 follower
December 4, 2020
Great read!!!

Omg I have a new book bae and his name is Blake!!!!! Thank you for this love story. I cannot wait to read about Haneef and that stubborn goat Kira lol. Thank you again for allowing me in this love land.
69 reviews
September 12, 2020
Worth the wait

Very good and worth the wait. I wish Me Veda would get it together. Great ending for all involved. Waiting for the next one.
Profile Image for Tarro Stokes-Funches.
1,858 reviews
September 12, 2020
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Happy that Serena finally got her act together. Blake loved her and didn’t hold a grudge against her. Kira needs to get her act together FAST.
Profile Image for Quiana.
109 reviews
September 12, 2020
Enjoyed Part 2! I’m glad Blake & Serena got it together! I’m a sucker for Happy Endings! Now don’t make us wait too long for Kira & Haneef’s story I need to know what’s gonna happen with them!
Profile Image for Sonya Williams.
921 reviews3 followers
December 30, 2020
So Happy

Blake, Serena and BB got their happy ending. I was a little worried about the transition from the secret to acceptance. But, it was done smoothly and with so much class.
Profile Image for LaToya Brooks.
2,968 reviews1 follower
February 16, 2021
Cute

This was a cute read! I’m glad they finally got everything together. Kira & haneef was a trip. Is zayn going to get a boo
Profile Image for DeWanna.
300 reviews9 followers
November 20, 2020
Just say it

Wonderful first series by this new author. First book was excellent and this second book did not disappoint. Its unfortunate that Serena alienated her self and didn't keep in contact with Blake after he relocated. Fortunately Blake was able to put his initial feelings in check and deal with the changes he found upon returning home. Just goes to show how lack of transparent communication can make or break any relationship.
Profile Image for Emaleigh Nichelle.
356 reviews15 followers
January 18, 2023
I judged this harshly while I was reading it. When I was done I went to find Kira’s story and that’s when I found out that this was Part 2 of Serena and Blake’s story. So now I’m only judging it mildly that I know there is a book one, that I’m probably not going to read.

Serena was confusing, is privileged and saditty or is she hood. Like pick one girl and commit to it . The men is this book are over 30 and professionals but they use entirely too much street slang…is that a Philly thing?
I hate a secret baby story, this one had a very thin reason for it, unless I missed the background for it in book 1, but I don’t think so. These two were boring I was more exited by the chaos between Kira & Haneef.

Don’t be like me and read a series out of order. Also both books are less than 200 pages so I’m not sure why they couldn’t be joined in one novel.

First read by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews

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