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Here to Stay
I was king of the basketball court until someone leaked photographs from a party.
Now I may have lost it all, my spot on the team and my athletic scholarship.
I won’t stop until I get them back.
But even that won’t be enough.
It’s not enough ruling my college campus, not if I’m by myself.
I want her, the feisty single mother I met over the summer.
She gave me the keys to her house, but I want more.
I want the keys to her heart.
She’s my queen, and I want all of her.
She thinks I’m too young, that it won’t last.
I’ll prove her wrong.
Do whatever it takes to win her over and convince her I can be the man she needs.
That I’m here to stay.
I’m not stopping until she’s mine.
All of her.
Now I may have lost it all, my spot on the team and my athletic scholarship.
I won’t stop until I get them back.
But even that won’t be enough.
It’s not enough ruling my college campus, not if I’m by myself.
I want her, the feisty single mother I met over the summer.
She gave me the keys to her house, but I want more.
I want the keys to her heart.
She’s my queen, and I want all of her.
She thinks I’m too young, that it won’t last.
I’ll prove her wrong.
Do whatever it takes to win her over and convince her I can be the man she needs.
That I’m here to stay.
I’m not stopping until she’s mine.
All of her.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 20, 2021
3 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Cassandra Cripps
13 books230 followersWe all live in the illusions of our own realities. Cassandra's reality lies between the quiet bridge of complex and chaotic. A single mother to two amazing boys, graphic artist, industrial sewer, author, avid home gardener, baker, reader, and introvert, her hats are many. A refined goth, she's obsessed with tattoos, shoes, hair dye, chocolate, metal and hip-hop music, and all things dark and creepy except bugs, those are too creepy. Each of her books contains a piece of her reality. Tiny fragments laced with forbidden romance, defining miniature slices of her truths.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 22, 2021
This book starts exactly where the first one ended. Ethan and Deliah are far from over. Once Ethan goes back to college, they start to struggle to find time for each other.
Delilah has her own business and her kids so in not that easy to find a little time to visit Ethan and she keeps having those thoughts that maybe Ethan would be better without her and that their relationship has an expiration date.
This book is mostly about how our pair struggles to keep their relationship despite the age difference and distance.
Ethan is still an old soul, has big plans and those plans include Delilah and her kids even if she keeps fighting against it.
I loved this book so much and those last chapters were the perfect ending of the story, maybe I would have loved it better if we would get a whole chapter with the wedding, not just a little mention, but it's ok.
Now I can’t wait for Melody's book.
Delilah has her own business and her kids so in not that easy to find a little time to visit Ethan and she keeps having those thoughts that maybe Ethan would be better without her and that their relationship has an expiration date.
This book is mostly about how our pair struggles to keep their relationship despite the age difference and distance.
Ethan is still an old soul, has big plans and those plans include Delilah and her kids even if she keeps fighting against it.
I loved this book so much and those last chapters were the perfect ending of the story, maybe I would have loved it better if we would get a whole chapter with the wedding, not just a little mention, but it's ok.
Now I can’t wait for Melody's book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2021
What a perfect conclusion to this sweet steamy romance with a couple who on paper should not work but somehow these two are perfect.
Cassandra Cripps has given us a beautifully written story with complex characters that will draw you in and make you feel like part of the story.
As a Indiana native I connected even more because my heart will always bleed black and gold, and I rooted for Ethan and his team as much as I did for his relationship with Delilah.
Take a chance on this duet, it was everything you want and Purdue basketball!! Boiler Up!!
Cassandra Cripps has given us a beautifully written story with complex characters that will draw you in and make you feel like part of the story.
As a Indiana native I connected even more because my heart will always bleed black and gold, and I rooted for Ethan and his team as much as I did for his relationship with Delilah.
Take a chance on this duet, it was everything you want and Purdue basketball!! Boiler Up!!
July 7, 2021
I am a self-proclaimed forbidden romance junkie with a severe weakness for age gap romance and I am thanking my lucky stars that this author and her Young Ballers series got on my radar. This is the conclusion to Ethan and Delilah's and you must read book one, Boy Next Door first. I have to admit that I was a bit worried going into this book because my expectations were so huge and the bar had been set so high but those fears were completely unnecessary because this author scored another slam dunk.
Ethan and Delilah's story is a reverse age gap romance that is so skillfully crafted that it manages to combine serious swoon, heart aching reality, scorching steam, splashes of humor, bits of poignancy, endless amounts of endearing emotions and major feels into a tale that is quite honestly, impossible to resist. I loved these two so much. In fact, they may be me very favorite couple ever and that is truly saying something because I am an avid reader. These are complex characters that are easy to connect with and to relate to. We all have doubts and anxiety, we all struggle with doing the best we can and feeling like it is never enough and we all have to try to find that balance between what we want, what we need and simply working with what is. I thought this couple and their love story was extraordinary and a pure delight to enjoy. I am freely posting a frank review.
Ethan and Delilah's story is a reverse age gap romance that is so skillfully crafted that it manages to combine serious swoon, heart aching reality, scorching steam, splashes of humor, bits of poignancy, endless amounts of endearing emotions and major feels into a tale that is quite honestly, impossible to resist. I loved these two so much. In fact, they may be me very favorite couple ever and that is truly saying something because I am an avid reader. These are complex characters that are easy to connect with and to relate to. We all have doubts and anxiety, we all struggle with doing the best we can and feeling like it is never enough and we all have to try to find that balance between what we want, what we need and simply working with what is. I thought this couple and their love story was extraordinary and a pure delight to enjoy. I am freely posting a frank review.
August 8, 2021
Are things always the way we make them appear by telling ourselves what we THINK the story is?
What if that story is wrong?
What if that story has the potential and power to mess everything we want in life up?
Do actions speak louder?
Only one way to find out....
What if that story is wrong?
What if that story has the potential and power to mess everything we want in life up?
Do actions speak louder?
Only one way to find out....
August 7, 2021
I enjoyed this book and the story was written very well. I liked that the characters had a real connection and more then chemistry. I love the single mom and basketball star storyline.
July 13, 2021
I was never big into the forbidden romance, or age gap stories. She has certainly changed my mind with this duet. It’s a must read that needs to be on your tbr list. I loved every minute of it. These two have such a connection and are so hot together. Cannot wait to see what she writes next.
July 5, 2021
I am in awe with this installment and the further development of their love. I couldn't put this one down. The way the characters were interwoven. The children's adaptation to their new lives. Ethan Kingston proved his undying love for Slim and her boys and kicked down the walls around her heart. Kudos to Ms. Cassandra Cripps your written words flowed and I was totally engrossed, thanks. Can't wait to read more of you‼⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐📈🔥📖
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August 8, 2021we get the conclusion of Ethan and Delilah's story in Here to Stay. Obviously in book it didn't end where we wanted it to and in this book we get so much more.
I honestly didn't expect to feel so many emotions reading this duet but I did. As a witness of a couple who are like 20 years apart and have been together for decades, I can certainly relate to Ethan and Delilah's story through this couples eyes.
We could never say never when it comes to age gaps. Love is love and no matter what the age difference is, the heart wants what it wants.
Delilah and Ethan's story still had hurdles but the nice thing is that they were able to overcome them. We get to learn more about this couple and fall in love with them more and more. Ethan's love for Delilah's kids was certainly a plus in this book because kids are a very important part of a couple's lives whether they're your own or not.
This sweet contemporary story certainly had my heart weeping when it ended.
4.5 Stars
**Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**
I honestly didn't expect to feel so many emotions reading this duet but I did. As a witness of a couple who are like 20 years apart and have been together for decades, I can certainly relate to Ethan and Delilah's story through this couples eyes.
We could never say never when it comes to age gaps. Love is love and no matter what the age difference is, the heart wants what it wants.
Delilah and Ethan's story still had hurdles but the nice thing is that they were able to overcome them. We get to learn more about this couple and fall in love with them more and more. Ethan's love for Delilah's kids was certainly a plus in this book because kids are a very important part of a couple's lives whether they're your own or not.
This sweet contemporary story certainly had my heart weeping when it ended.
4.5 Stars
**Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**
May 12, 2022
Ethan and Delilah continue their love story, by working together and learning to trust each other. I love how their secret romance became more open to get their HEA. I loved how Ethan bonded with the boys and seeing secondary characters who might get their own reverseAgeGap romance. I am so happy there was not no angst in this story, its usually my worry when its more than a 1 book romance. I look forward to more in this series.
August 25, 2021
Ethan and Delilah are trying to navigate trying to be a couple while he is back in college for his last year of school. Ethan is king of the court and glad to be back after the scandal that his his friend got them into during the summer . Each of them trying to keep themselves busy as they are separated . Self doubts bubble up and will they be able to stay together or will they end up falling apart .
Ethan and Delilah's story continues and wow both characters really do a lot of developing and growing . Ethan is still as sexy as sin and dashing as ever but there is all a lot more maturity to him as he realizes what he really wants and needs in his life . He is the type of guy you want in your corner. Delilah seems to have grown and gone back a bit . You see some insecurities that she still has but as the book goes along you do get to see a lot of growth and wisdom come from her. When she finally lets go and follows her heart we really get to see her blossom. We also get to meet the friends of both Ethan and Delilah and they are the fun part of the book and we get some great giggles from them. I loved how these characters have grown and become more and more complex .
This is the second book in the series and it starts exactly where book one left off . The author takes us on an emotional rollercoaster . There are still a lot of hurdles for them to jump over and the author lets the characters feel their way through each obstacle with a love that could rival anything. There were a few questions that really didn't get answered in the book . I wish the author would of maybe put a bit more tension between the two main characters then brought them back together. That is the only thing that I felt the book needed .Over all I truly enjoyed this series and the age gap with the woman being older . I truly enjoyed that very much , it shows that us older women can still get the younger guy. So if you want a series that will have you laughing and blushing check out the Young Ballers series .
Ethan and Delilah's story continues and wow both characters really do a lot of developing and growing . Ethan is still as sexy as sin and dashing as ever but there is all a lot more maturity to him as he realizes what he really wants and needs in his life . He is the type of guy you want in your corner. Delilah seems to have grown and gone back a bit . You see some insecurities that she still has but as the book goes along you do get to see a lot of growth and wisdom come from her. When she finally lets go and follows her heart we really get to see her blossom. We also get to meet the friends of both Ethan and Delilah and they are the fun part of the book and we get some great giggles from them. I loved how these characters have grown and become more and more complex .
This is the second book in the series and it starts exactly where book one left off . The author takes us on an emotional rollercoaster . There are still a lot of hurdles for them to jump over and the author lets the characters feel their way through each obstacle with a love that could rival anything. There were a few questions that really didn't get answered in the book . I wish the author would of maybe put a bit more tension between the two main characters then brought them back together. That is the only thing that I felt the book needed .Over all I truly enjoyed this series and the age gap with the woman being older . I truly enjoyed that very much , it shows that us older women can still get the younger guy. So if you want a series that will have you laughing and blushing check out the Young Ballers series .
July 23, 2021
Good but still disappointed
There was so much great potential in this book. I'm not quite sure where it all went wrong. There are a few questions that weren't answered from book 1 ( Boy Next Door), also where the story had been split is a huge problem. It makes no sense. At all.
The reader doesn't really see the growth of the FMC. It just happens from one scene to the next. (There's also a huge time leap here where the may have been scenes edited out?)
I think the best part of this story is the relationship between the MMC and the heroine's two kids. The relationship between themselves is full of serious doubt and insecurities (all on the FMC's side).
Probably one of the things I should have expected given the way book 1 ended was the ending of this book. *sigh* Yes, it was a happy ending, but it ended (once again!) in the middle of a scene.
So, again, it was a great idea, but could have been SO much better.
There was so much great potential in this book. I'm not quite sure where it all went wrong. There are a few questions that weren't answered from book 1 ( Boy Next Door), also where the story had been split is a huge problem. It makes no sense. At all.
The reader doesn't really see the growth of the FMC. It just happens from one scene to the next. (There's also a huge time leap here where the may have been scenes edited out?)
I think the best part of this story is the relationship between the MMC and the heroine's two kids. The relationship between themselves is full of serious doubt and insecurities (all on the FMC's side).
Probably one of the things I should have expected given the way book 1 ended was the ending of this book. *sigh* Yes, it was a happy ending, but it ended (once again!) in the middle of a scene.
So, again, it was a great idea, but could have been SO much better.
July 25, 2021
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
What a fabulous conclusion to the duet that really wraps up Ethan and Delilah's story. As a reverse age gap romance there is already that forbidden thrill running through things but these two really know how to take the reader on a roller coaster as things play out testing these two. Makes for a fabulous romance that will have you rooting for them while also enjoy the back and forth going on. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
What a fabulous conclusion to the duet that really wraps up Ethan and Delilah's story. As a reverse age gap romance there is already that forbidden thrill running through things but these two really know how to take the reader on a roller coaster as things play out testing these two. Makes for a fabulous romance that will have you rooting for them while also enjoy the back and forth going on. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
July 20, 2021
This is the 2nd book in this amazing series and Ethan and Delilah’s story continues. Ethan will do whatever he must to win Delilah, and he slowly knocks down the walls around her heart. I loved the bod Ethan had with Delilah’s sons. This is a well written story with engaging and realistic characters, and is an endearing, humorous, entertaining, and steamy addictive page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
July 22, 2021
Ethan is determined to show Delilah by word and deed that they belong together and that the only opinions that matter are theirs. Delilah is concerned both by the difference in their ages and where they are in their lives but denying him may be a challenge she won’t be able to meet.
There is no denying the chemistry between them, but it is seeing them overcome the other obstacles in their lives that prove the only place they belong is with each other.
There is no denying the chemistry between them, but it is seeing them overcome the other obstacles in their lives that prove the only place they belong is with each other.
July 26, 2021
I was curious how it would turn out between Ethan and Delilah. In the first book she was full of worries about their age difference and I hoped that in this book she had overcome them. I felt a little lost reading it, I had the feeling that I missed something, it is a good book but it would have had a lot more potential.
August 5, 2021
I was super excited about getting the ending to Delilah and Ethan. I will say I felt like it was a little rushed and I wanted something more. I love that Ethan loves her boys and how much attention he gives them. They really do work well together and I was excited about the ending and how it all worked out!
July 2, 2023
Great Book!!
Loved this book!! What a great family they made!! Was a great reminder that you don't have to be a biological father or mother to be a true dad or mom!
Loved this book!! What a great family they made!! Was a great reminder that you don't have to be a biological father or mother to be a true dad or mom!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews