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Years ago, Caleb Fitzgerald lost the love of his life. He's never been interested in finding a second one. He's also never been interested in dealing with an annoyingly happy neighbor with too much energy and a seemingly dedicated commitment to be the bane of his existence. Owen Thompson doesn't much care what Fitz wants. He cares about what Fitz needs.
But will he be able to get the one man who always runs to finally decide to stay?
But will he be able to get the one man who always runs to finally decide to stay?
523 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 23, 2022
66 people are currently reading
278 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
April 10, 2023
I don't mind push pull but when it's for a stupid reason I find it extremely grating! 😑😑😑😑
I hate the when the MC plays the martyr and feels guilty about having a relationship with someone else just because their previous partner died YEARS fucking ago! 🙄🙄🙄🙄
Fitz's boyfriend Chris died 6 fucking years ago! I could understand if Fitz caused Chris' death and felt guilty about it and felt like he didn't deserve to be happy. But that wasn't the case in this story. So he shouldn't have had any issues moving on to another relationship with Owen!
I could rant forever but I won't!
The only reason why I finished this book is because it's part of a series and I got glimpses of the MC's from book 1, which I fluved! 😍😍😍And glimpses of the MC's whose story is going to be book 3! 💞💞💞 I already know book 3 is going to be my favorite 😍.
Anyways Fitz totally fucking annoyed me first 80% of the book, so I'm generously giving this story 3 stars.
I really hope the author doesn't write anymore books like this where the push pull nonsense is like 80% of the story!!! Especially when the book is well over 400 fucking pages!!! Yeah this book thoroughly pissed me the fuck off. For real!!! Ggrrrr 😤😤😤😤😤
I hate the when the MC plays the martyr and feels guilty about having a relationship with someone else just because their previous partner died YEARS fucking ago! 🙄🙄🙄🙄
Fitz's boyfriend Chris died 6 fucking years ago! I could understand if Fitz caused Chris' death and felt guilty about it and felt like he didn't deserve to be happy. But that wasn't the case in this story. So he shouldn't have had any issues moving on to another relationship with Owen!
I could rant forever but I won't!
The only reason why I finished this book is because it's part of a series and I got glimpses of the MC's from book 1, which I fluved! 😍😍😍And glimpses of the MC's whose story is going to be book 3! 💞💞💞 I already know book 3 is going to be my favorite 😍.
Anyways Fitz totally fucking annoyed me first 80% of the book, so I'm generously giving this story 3 stars.
I really hope the author doesn't write anymore books like this where the push pull nonsense is like 80% of the story!!! Especially when the book is well over 400 fucking pages!!! Yeah this book thoroughly pissed me the fuck off. For real!!! Ggrrrr 😤😤😤😤😤
May 28, 2022
Pretty good. Good solid writing, low to medium angst … I enjoyed it.
June 30, 2022
I don't think you should jump into this one without reading the first book. This isn't as heavy as Safe as it isn't focused on the sex trafficking ring, although there are some ties to it here and some discussion of what both Olly and Abel went through, but it is still an emotional story.
Fitz played a big part in Safe and we know going in that he is still mourning the man he was going to marry. Owen is his sunshiny neighbor who has a love of flamboyant yard decorations that drives Fitz mad. As the story begins Fitz is investigating (and I use the term somewhat lightly as there is not a big focus on the procedural side of the story or the murders other than at the beginning and end) a string of connected murders and Owen, a high school teacher, is getting ready to put on an end of the year play that will determine whether the drama department is eliminated. Owen is also determined to get to know his grumpy neighbor better, sensing he may not be as cranky as he wants to seem.
The relationship is a lot of push and pull. Fitz is deeply scarred by his loss and is having trouble moving forward. There are some very harrowing and emotional scenes as Fitz reckons with things. His story had me tearing up more than once. Owen wants him so badly he's willing to settle for what Fitz can give, until Owen realizes he really can't live that way.
Everyone from the first book is back to meddle in Fitz's life. We also get to see how Olly and Abel are doing, and updates on the loose ends in the trafficking case. This is another long book, but it didn't feel as repetitive as the first one did. I enjoyed the slow building of the relationship and really did like Fitz and Owen together.
I did have some issues with points I felt were skimmed over. I do wish we got more into Owen's past, especially since he seems to so easily deal with a major, unexpected upheaval in his life. The investigation took a backseat to the relationship, which isn't usually a big deal, but considering it's a fairly small town that just had a huge sex-trafficking bust with loose ends, it didn't feel right that it was pushed aside and nobody seemed to be working overtime. Also, the ending drama was very predictable (similar to the first book) and rushed, but there is a super sweet, HEA for Fitz and Owen.
I am excited for the next book which I expect will be even more emotional than this one was.
Fitz played a big part in Safe and we know going in that he is still mourning the man he was going to marry. Owen is his sunshiny neighbor who has a love of flamboyant yard decorations that drives Fitz mad. As the story begins Fitz is investigating (and I use the term somewhat lightly as there is not a big focus on the procedural side of the story or the murders other than at the beginning and end) a string of connected murders and Owen, a high school teacher, is getting ready to put on an end of the year play that will determine whether the drama department is eliminated. Owen is also determined to get to know his grumpy neighbor better, sensing he may not be as cranky as he wants to seem.
The relationship is a lot of push and pull. Fitz is deeply scarred by his loss and is having trouble moving forward. There are some very harrowing and emotional scenes as Fitz reckons with things. His story had me tearing up more than once. Owen wants him so badly he's willing to settle for what Fitz can give, until Owen realizes he really can't live that way.
Everyone from the first book is back to meddle in Fitz's life. We also get to see how Olly and Abel are doing, and updates on the loose ends in the trafficking case. This is another long book, but it didn't feel as repetitive as the first one did. I enjoyed the slow building of the relationship and really did like Fitz and Owen together.
I did have some issues with points I felt were skimmed over. I do wish we got more into Owen's past, especially since he seems to so easily deal with a major, unexpected upheaval in his life. The investigation took a backseat to the relationship, which isn't usually a big deal, but considering it's a fairly small town that just had a huge sex-trafficking bust with loose ends, it didn't feel right that it was pushed aside and nobody seemed to be working overtime. Also, the ending drama was very predictable (similar to the first book) and rushed, but there is a super sweet, HEA for Fitz and Owen.
I am excited for the next book which I expect will be even more emotional than this one was.
March 16, 2024
*Sighs* gotta love a big grumpy teddy bear with muscles. I loved this book, it had its dude bro moments (if you know what I mean lol). It was way less tense then Safe that’s for sure. It had its sad moments where I cried but it was what Fitz was going through. Then he found Owen who was vibrant, snarky, and a pain in Fitz butt. But it all worked out in the end. Fitz found his happily ever after. I’m loving this series now onto the Ash and Abel’s book.
March 17, 2024
3,7 stars rounded up
I think it’s me, not the book. The book is good and very sad.
But. It felt a bit repetitive and boring for me. Had to force myself trough it at times.
I think I’d have like it better if it would have been a bit shorter.
I think it’s me, not the book. The book is good and very sad.
But. It felt a bit repetitive and boring for me. Had to force myself trough it at times.
I think I’d have like it better if it would have been a bit shorter.
March 30, 2025
Absolutely brilliant. Adored this book. Loved Owen and Caleb.
June 19, 2022
Pierwsza książka z tej serii, jest jedną z najlepszych książek jakie czytalam w 2021. Ta może mnie tyle zawiodła, bo Taylor zdecydowanie wie jak pisać książki, ale właśnie jest to ale. Fitz w pierwszej części był świetnym bohaterem, tu mnie denerwował, że hej. Miałam ochotę walnąć go czymś ciężkim. Ja rozumiem, że cierpiał, ale cholerka Owen był cudowny i zasługiwał na więcej .
Czy polecam , tak, ale jedna przestroga , te książki nie są dla ludzi o słabych nerwach.
Czy polecam , tak, ale jedna przestroga , te książki nie są dla ludzi o słabych nerwach.
October 23, 2023
Very different tone than book 1 - actually gave a bit of a reprieve from the overwhelming heaviness. However this was full of so much emotion. It was so captivating and touching in so many ways. Book 1 must be read first. This series has to be read in order to fully capture the story and characters.
I was a little skeptical when I first started this book because it is VERY different than book one. However, this book was packed full of emotion. The angst may not have been nearly as high, but it was just wrought with feelings and past heartbreak. This book also had surprising tender moments.
This wasn’t the traditional enemies to lovers either. Owen made a very convenient scapegoat for Caleb/Fitz’s internalized grief over losing Adam and the frustration with his own life. He was such a grouch. He had come to embrace his loneliness, almost as if it were just a fact of his life. It wasn’t that he wanted everyone around him to be miserable, but he did have a hard time seeing cheer and happiness. They seemed to be reminders of what he once had. However, Owen was such a sweet, caring and fun person that even Caleb couldn’t resist him.
Owen truly embraced who he was and never apologized for it. His family may not have accepted him but everyone who met him was quick to embrace him. He might have been dealing with his own loneliness, but it hadn’t made him bitter. He wanted to find love and joy. He did get a thrill out of annoying Caleb, but he recognized that Caleb was hurting. He also had a huge surprise coming his way that would shift is entire life – and as it turned out would also be one of the most beautiful surprises. This surprise also had him shifting what he allowed in his life, and he had to put his foot down with Caleb. Caleb gave the most mixed messages, and I was so frustrated with him!! They both deserved better!
Caleb’s grief was a constant that was just so sad. The way he lost Adam would’ve broken anyone. He had a whole life planned with Adam and never considered what his life would be without him. He was a shell just moving through his own life. He was so scared to move forward because if he did, he thought he might lost what little he had left of Adam – his memories. And yes, this made me cry A LOT!
I was a little skeptical when I first started this book because it is VERY different than book one. However, this book was packed full of emotion. The angst may not have been nearly as high, but it was just wrought with feelings and past heartbreak. This book also had surprising tender moments.
This wasn’t the traditional enemies to lovers either. Owen made a very convenient scapegoat for Caleb/Fitz’s internalized grief over losing Adam and the frustration with his own life. He was such a grouch. He had come to embrace his loneliness, almost as if it were just a fact of his life. It wasn’t that he wanted everyone around him to be miserable, but he did have a hard time seeing cheer and happiness. They seemed to be reminders of what he once had. However, Owen was such a sweet, caring and fun person that even Caleb couldn’t resist him.
Owen truly embraced who he was and never apologized for it. His family may not have accepted him but everyone who met him was quick to embrace him. He might have been dealing with his own loneliness, but it hadn’t made him bitter. He wanted to find love and joy. He did get a thrill out of annoying Caleb, but he recognized that Caleb was hurting. He also had a huge surprise coming his way that would shift is entire life – and as it turned out would also be one of the most beautiful surprises. This surprise also had him shifting what he allowed in his life, and he had to put his foot down with Caleb. Caleb gave the most mixed messages, and I was so frustrated with him!! They both deserved better!
Caleb’s grief was a constant that was just so sad. The way he lost Adam would’ve broken anyone. He had a whole life planned with Adam and never considered what his life would be without him. He was a shell just moving through his own life. He was so scared to move forward because if he did, he thought he might lost what little he had left of Adam – his memories. And yes, this made me cry A LOT!
January 8, 2025
3.5 ⭐
This one was much sweeter than I had expected. The first book in the series completely broke me and although there are for sure heartbreaking moments it isn't as angsty as 'Safe'.
You could say it starts of as a basic grumpy x sunshine story but with the big difference that it gets explained very well why they are the way they are.
As the book evolves it turns more into a deeply layered story where both characters are heartbreakingly vulnerable.
The reason why I rated it lower than Safe has mainly to do with the ending. The last 20% felt very predictable and with happens, I shouldn't have felt that way as a reader.
all the other characters, you get to meet in the first book, make a reappearance and to read more about sweet Olly made my heart so happy!
Can't wait to finally get to Abel's story!
Tropes:
Small town
Grumpy x sunshine
Guardian/single dad
Slow burn
Angst
Mental health rep (grief)
Spice: 🌶️
This one was much sweeter than I had expected. The first book in the series completely broke me and although there are for sure heartbreaking moments it isn't as angsty as 'Safe'.
You could say it starts of as a basic grumpy x sunshine story but with the big difference that it gets explained very well why they are the way they are.
As the book evolves it turns more into a deeply layered story where both characters are heartbreakingly vulnerable.
The reason why I rated it lower than Safe has mainly to do with the ending. The last 20% felt very predictable and with happens, I shouldn't have felt that way as a reader.
all the other characters, you get to meet in the first book, make a reappearance and to read more about sweet Olly made my heart so happy!
Can't wait to finally get to Abel's story!
Tropes:
Small town
Grumpy x sunshine
Guardian/single dad
Slow burn
Angst
Mental health rep (grief)
Spice: 🌶️
October 16, 2023
5⭐️ This story is quite different from the rest of Taylor McNiff’s books. It doesn’t directly deal with human trafficking, though it is a subplot, but more with loss and grief. It was still so emotional. I cried so many times. Poor Fitz, dealing with survivor guilt and the loss of his fiancé is so heartbreaking. He wants to love Owen but just doesn’t know how to move on from his past. And Owen is such a ray of sunshine, but it’s his vulnerability and need that really appeal to Fitz’s instinct to protect and nurture. Such a great dynamic and an all-consuming read with some really sweet domestic moments and a dash of suspense.
September 12, 2024
This is one of the greatest books I've EVER read! Stay will be a book that I reread over and over again. Taylor threw me for a loop with this one! It's so different than her other books but was equally as emotional. My favorite part about reading this book was ugly crying into my pillow. Great times. The love after loss was so beautifully written I can't even put it into words. Everyone should read this book.
-Love After Loss
-Hurt/Comfort
-Grumpy/Sunshine
-Found Family
-No Kissing (BUT WHEN THEY FINALLY DO THOUGH!!!!!!!)
-Neighbors
-Detective/School Teacher
-Love After Loss
-Hurt/Comfort
-Grumpy/Sunshine
-Found Family
-No Kissing (BUT WHEN THEY FINALLY DO THOUGH!!!!!!!)
-Neighbors
-Detective/School Teacher
May 3, 2025
waaay more lighthearted than the first book, but it touched me in another way?
like all that heartache for chris? i loved and hated to see it.
i totally get fitz's point of view of how he felt like betraying chris if he dated owen and at times i was mad at huck, ash and olly for pushing him.
not to even mention that chris did not deserve to fucking die.
i'm kind of excited but also dreading to read the third book about ash and abel... (send help and tissues?)
like all that heartache for chris? i loved and hated to see it.
i totally get fitz's point of view of how he felt like betraying chris if he dated owen and at times i was mad at huck, ash and olly for pushing him.
not to even mention that chris did not deserve to fucking die.
i'm kind of excited but also dreading to read the third book about ash and abel... (send help and tissues?)
July 5, 2022
Great book following Veterans of Callenburg book 1. That was so intense and this provided something emotional yet slightly lighter. Just the right combination. I really enjoyed the banter and love between this crew. I was a little thrown by the drama at the end. It seemed to rear up and resolve pretty quickly. A bit too neatly for me. Nonetheless, I have been very impressed with these two books by Ms. McNiff and I am extremely anxious to read book 3. Highly recommended series.
January 5, 2025
Tom drugi Weteranów jest... lagodniejszy. Bardziej skupiony na czymś, co można nazwać rozliczeniem z przeszłością. Ogólnie dla mnie ok, polubiłam głównych bohaterów. Kolejny raz trochę zbyt przewidywalnie prowadzona fabuła
August 5, 2022
Loved loved loved this one!!!! ❤️❤️❤️
October 27, 2024
Getting better.
Again, I thought parts of this were a little long. It was definitely a slow burn. But it made me cry, which is a good thing.
3.8☆
Again, I thought parts of this were a little long. It was definitely a slow burn. But it made me cry, which is a good thing.
3.8☆
May 26, 2023
First, I wish the reviews on this book weren’t so offbase, so I would have kept my expectations appropriately low.
This book shattered me in the very wrong way. Not for the content matter, but for the author’s utter ineptness at delivering two new unique characters. Owen is essentially Olly, with a different back story and absolutely no regard for his past experiences.
By that I mean, Owen has an ex who he kisses then cries on his front porch for. Why? What was the deal with their relationship? What did Owen’s romantic history look like, especially since his family disowned him? Why would owen fall for an obviously emotionally unavailable love interest, despite his own inevitable abandonment issues? Why did Owen’s sister leave his family at 18 herself, name him as the guardian of her child in her will, yet never seek him out for a personal relationship?
We’ll never know, because the ex Stefan and the sister were purely plot devices, included only for convenience not to add any additional substance. Owen is Olly 2.0 and Fitz is Huck 2.0. Olly and Owen are basically women with penises, and Fitz and Huck are basically meatheads with insta attraction, but “slow burn” love because “they just can’t” let themselves have their relationship. It was annoying, but tolerable in book 1. Book 2, it was downright grating.
I cannot relay how utterly frustrated I am with this series. Despite my anticipation for book 3, I’m pretty sure I won’t be reading it. If I wanted to waste time reading an absurdly long book in which Abel goes from tortured and sad to Olly number three, and Ash pushes Abel away until 80% because of some misplaced sense of protecting him, then maybe I’ll give the third book a try. Not likely.
I rarely disparage a book via a review, because I understand how much of my views are subjective, and also in support of every author. I know many authors are still developing in their abilities and style, so I hope to keep my reviews honest but constructive.
In this case, I really feel like the author just called this one in because their favorites needed another book in the series. I just don’t understand why you would create characters if you aren’t going to take the time to actually present them. Further, don’t use cookie cutters for every single one of the characters in your stories. I see very little difference between Olly and Owen, so it’s kind of creepy (like Fitz and Huck might as well do a foursome because their partners are practically interchangeable at this point. Again, despite their experiences being drastically different). It doesn’t have to be overly complicated if you take the time and make the effort, that’s all I’m saying.
I could literally go on for hours spouting why it’s absolutely preposterous to have such similar characters, and why it is friggin annoying in an MM romance. (This is why I avoid the f out of MF romances).
But I will not. Instead I’m finding something else to rid the taste this book left.
This book shattered me in the very wrong way. Not for the content matter, but for the author’s utter ineptness at delivering two new unique characters. Owen is essentially Olly, with a different back story and absolutely no regard for his past experiences.
By that I mean, Owen has an ex who he kisses then cries on his front porch for. Why? What was the deal with their relationship? What did Owen’s romantic history look like, especially since his family disowned him? Why would owen fall for an obviously emotionally unavailable love interest, despite his own inevitable abandonment issues? Why did Owen’s sister leave his family at 18 herself, name him as the guardian of her child in her will, yet never seek him out for a personal relationship?
We’ll never know, because the ex Stefan and the sister were purely plot devices, included only for convenience not to add any additional substance. Owen is Olly 2.0 and Fitz is Huck 2.0. Olly and Owen are basically women with penises, and Fitz and Huck are basically meatheads with insta attraction, but “slow burn” love because “they just can’t” let themselves have their relationship. It was annoying, but tolerable in book 1. Book 2, it was downright grating.
I cannot relay how utterly frustrated I am with this series. Despite my anticipation for book 3, I’m pretty sure I won’t be reading it. If I wanted to waste time reading an absurdly long book in which Abel goes from tortured and sad to Olly number three, and Ash pushes Abel away until 80% because of some misplaced sense of protecting him, then maybe I’ll give the third book a try. Not likely.
I rarely disparage a book via a review, because I understand how much of my views are subjective, and also in support of every author. I know many authors are still developing in their abilities and style, so I hope to keep my reviews honest but constructive.
In this case, I really feel like the author just called this one in because their favorites needed another book in the series. I just don’t understand why you would create characters if you aren’t going to take the time to actually present them. Further, don’t use cookie cutters for every single one of the characters in your stories. I see very little difference between Olly and Owen, so it’s kind of creepy (like Fitz and Huck might as well do a foursome because their partners are practically interchangeable at this point. Again, despite their experiences being drastically different). It doesn’t have to be overly complicated if you take the time and make the effort, that’s all I’m saying.
I could literally go on for hours spouting why it’s absolutely preposterous to have such similar characters, and why it is friggin annoying in an MM romance. (This is why I avoid the f out of MF romances).
But I will not. Instead I’m finding something else to rid the taste this book left.
August 18, 2024
SO cute. def my favorite book of the series
February 17, 2023
"Owen is... like this slow f*cking burn from the inside out...I'm happy. When I'm with Owen, I'm happy again. Like...like before. He makes me feel alive. Makes me want to be alive."
"You're my sunrise, Owen Thompson...You're my light in the dark. You're the only thing that's given me hope in six years. You're all the little things to appreciate, and all the big things, and just - you're everything, really.
This book just took over my life for a day; I couldn't put it down!
It made me swoon, it made me cry, it made me ache so badly for both of these two men 😭💔🥺 It made me happy. It made me scared. There were so many emotions!
It also made me laugh. Owen is hilarious 😂
"Oh, please tell me we're cheering for the Penguins. I love penguins."
"We're cheering for the Penguins, yes. But I'm sorry to have to tell you that there are no actual penguins involved."
"I mean, I knew you weren't going to accidentally give me your fancy sparkly stuff you use for drag or some sh*t, but sometimes there's a subtle sparkle in makeup and I don't want to be up there giving my speech looking like Edward f*cking Cullen."
🤣🤣🤣
But I digress. Stay is book 2 in the Veterans of Callenburg series by Taylor McNiff. And you really would need to read book 1 first, as all the same characters are here, and we catch up with Olly and Huck, Abel and Ash, etc.
In book 1, we heard Fitz complain about his annoying neighbour and his blow-up, all-singing, all-dancing holiday decorations that may or may not have been confiscated by Fitz and now dwell in his garage.
Here, Fitz and Owen begin a tentative friendship, which leads to more, but Fitz can't offer more than friends with benefits. Can Owen help to repair Fitz's shattered heart?
Stay is a slooooow burn. It takes a while for anything to happen with these two, and it's even longer for Fitz to admit his feelings and let Owen in. My heart ached for Fitz, and I broke down several times over scenes with Chris, the man Caleb Fitzgerald loved with all his heart, but who was killed in action in Afghanistan. Fitz refuses to love again. He even refuses to kiss again. And I must say, as much as my heart hurt and I felt for him, he really started to frustrate me as I saw how much Owen was being hurt by him.
As usual, the side characters are great. I love this group, and I really like Jeremy, Owen's best friend, I think he has a story to tell...
The repercussions of loose ends from the case in book 1 also raise their head (and I'm sure they will also unfold in book 3, which I'm beyond excited for!!) And I was terrified for Owen, but I can only be thankful it didn't play out for too long.
Stay is an engaging, entertaining, well-written read. It's right up there with my favourite books, both books in this series are, in fact.
Grab your tissues; you will need them, but it'll all be worth it.
And those end scenes were so sweet 😍🥰 I loved it!!
I'm off to listen to Taylor Swift on repeat 😍✨️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"You're my sunrise, Owen Thompson...You're my light in the dark. You're the only thing that's given me hope in six years. You're all the little things to appreciate, and all the big things, and just - you're everything, really.
This book just took over my life for a day; I couldn't put it down!
It made me swoon, it made me cry, it made me ache so badly for both of these two men 😭💔🥺 It made me happy. It made me scared. There were so many emotions!
It also made me laugh. Owen is hilarious 😂
"Oh, please tell me we're cheering for the Penguins. I love penguins."
"We're cheering for the Penguins, yes. But I'm sorry to have to tell you that there are no actual penguins involved."
"I mean, I knew you weren't going to accidentally give me your fancy sparkly stuff you use for drag or some sh*t, but sometimes there's a subtle sparkle in makeup and I don't want to be up there giving my speech looking like Edward f*cking Cullen."
🤣🤣🤣
But I digress. Stay is book 2 in the Veterans of Callenburg series by Taylor McNiff. And you really would need to read book 1 first, as all the same characters are here, and we catch up with Olly and Huck, Abel and Ash, etc.
In book 1, we heard Fitz complain about his annoying neighbour and his blow-up, all-singing, all-dancing holiday decorations that may or may not have been confiscated by Fitz and now dwell in his garage.
Here, Fitz and Owen begin a tentative friendship, which leads to more, but Fitz can't offer more than friends with benefits. Can Owen help to repair Fitz's shattered heart?
Stay is a slooooow burn. It takes a while for anything to happen with these two, and it's even longer for Fitz to admit his feelings and let Owen in. My heart ached for Fitz, and I broke down several times over scenes with Chris, the man Caleb Fitzgerald loved with all his heart, but who was killed in action in Afghanistan. Fitz refuses to love again. He even refuses to kiss again. And I must say, as much as my heart hurt and I felt for him, he really started to frustrate me as I saw how much Owen was being hurt by him.
As usual, the side characters are great. I love this group, and I really like Jeremy, Owen's best friend, I think he has a story to tell...
The repercussions of loose ends from the case in book 1 also raise their head (and I'm sure they will also unfold in book 3, which I'm beyond excited for!!) And I was terrified for Owen, but I can only be thankful it didn't play out for too long.
Stay is an engaging, entertaining, well-written read. It's right up there with my favourite books, both books in this series are, in fact.
Grab your tissues; you will need them, but it'll all be worth it.
And those end scenes were so sweet 😍🥰 I loved it!!
I'm off to listen to Taylor Swift on repeat 😍✨️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 4, 2023
🤍🧡 Book Review 🧡🤍
Title: Stay
Author: Taylor McNiff
Pages: 475
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
~
Caleb is a detective struggling to leave the past and his lose behind. He has learnt how to smile and continue life, but he's struggling. Not to mention his irritatingly happy neighbour, that is too handsome.
Owen is worried about his kids, meaning the kids he's working with at school to put on Shakespeare. He's worried about his drama department and he is worried about his geumpy neighbour that might or might not have stolen his disco santa.
Put these two together and they will light up brighter than Owen's driveway.
~
This book is the indirect sequel to Safe and I enjoyed it just as much. It's a lot lighter in tone than book 1, with elements of book 1 edging into this book. Once again this book was perfectly paced, the 475 pages flyjng by.
I absolutely adored Owen and Caleb. The pull between the was undeniable from page one and I loved following along with their journey.
Owen is a bright light - he is so loving and caring, despite life's hardships and a very unexpected little gift. He deserves the whole world and I'm happy we got to know him.
Caleb is hurting so much and nobody notices (except for Owen). There were time where I just wanted to hug the brooding man and tell him everything is going to be okay.
The scenes between these characters were so beautiful, one of my favourite being the piano scene. The work perfectly together, yet Caleb's past makes it very difficult. Luckily for us Caleb has a group of extremely rowdy friends who don't understand the meaning of personal space or privacy - who showed him the way.
This book made me feel al warm and gooey inside and honestly I laughed as much as I cried (something about these books just make me emotional okay).
I can honestly just say that I loved this book so much and it was impossible to put down once you pick it up. Book 3 is almost here, coming out 12 May 2023.
~ This series needs to be read in order, but I can definitely say it's worth it! ~
🤍🧡
Title: Stay
Author: Taylor McNiff
Pages: 475
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
~
Caleb is a detective struggling to leave the past and his lose behind. He has learnt how to smile and continue life, but he's struggling. Not to mention his irritatingly happy neighbour, that is too handsome.
Owen is worried about his kids, meaning the kids he's working with at school to put on Shakespeare. He's worried about his drama department and he is worried about his geumpy neighbour that might or might not have stolen his disco santa.
Put these two together and they will light up brighter than Owen's driveway.
~
This book is the indirect sequel to Safe and I enjoyed it just as much. It's a lot lighter in tone than book 1, with elements of book 1 edging into this book. Once again this book was perfectly paced, the 475 pages flyjng by.
I absolutely adored Owen and Caleb. The pull between the was undeniable from page one and I loved following along with their journey.
Owen is a bright light - he is so loving and caring, despite life's hardships and a very unexpected little gift. He deserves the whole world and I'm happy we got to know him.
Caleb is hurting so much and nobody notices (except for Owen). There were time where I just wanted to hug the brooding man and tell him everything is going to be okay.
The scenes between these characters were so beautiful, one of my favourite being the piano scene. The work perfectly together, yet Caleb's past makes it very difficult. Luckily for us Caleb has a group of extremely rowdy friends who don't understand the meaning of personal space or privacy - who showed him the way.
This book made me feel al warm and gooey inside and honestly I laughed as much as I cried (something about these books just make me emotional okay).
I can honestly just say that I loved this book so much and it was impossible to put down once you pick it up. Book 3 is almost here, coming out 12 May 2023.
~ This series needs to be read in order, but I can definitely say it's worth it! ~
🤍🧡
May 27, 2022
4.5 stars
Spoilers Ahead
This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2022 after the glimpse of these characters that we got in the first book. We knew Fitz lost his boyfriend in the war but I was not prepared for the absolute devastation of what that meant for him trying to form romantic relationships. His flashbacks made me tear up. Owen was such a ray of sunshine but not in a way that was obnoxious or without depth and I was very invested in his storyline with his niece even though I am usually annoyed by a surprise baby in my romances. I felt their relationship progressed organically and in an interesting way that was filled with the perfect amount of angst and longing that makes the end payoff so incredibly worth it. This book made my chest HURT in the best possible way! Usually I like a bit more steam but was not disappointed because (same with the first book) the couple of scenes we did get were perfection.
My only criticism is that this ended pretty similarly to the first book. Owen is kidnapped just like Olly was and it just a lot of action to have thrown in after the 95% mark. There isn't really a ton of time for the happiness after all the trauma. There is an epilogue with a sweet proposal but again, it all felt kind of rushed. Obviously it didn't bother me enough to lower my rating all that much, I just hope the next book between Ash and and Abel doesn't end the same.
All in all, I highly recommend!
Spoilers Ahead
This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2022 after the glimpse of these characters that we got in the first book. We knew Fitz lost his boyfriend in the war but I was not prepared for the absolute devastation of what that meant for him trying to form romantic relationships. His flashbacks made me tear up. Owen was such a ray of sunshine but not in a way that was obnoxious or without depth and I was very invested in his storyline with his niece even though I am usually annoyed by a surprise baby in my romances. I felt their relationship progressed organically and in an interesting way that was filled with the perfect amount of angst and longing that makes the end payoff so incredibly worth it. This book made my chest HURT in the best possible way! Usually I like a bit more steam but was not disappointed because (same with the first book) the couple of scenes we did get were perfection.
My only criticism is that this ended pretty similarly to the first book. Owen is kidnapped just like Olly was and it just a lot of action to have thrown in after the 95% mark. There isn't really a ton of time for the happiness after all the trauma. There is an epilogue with a sweet proposal but again, it all felt kind of rushed. Obviously it didn't bother me enough to lower my rating all that much, I just hope the next book between Ash and and Abel doesn't end the same.
All in all, I highly recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2025
2.5 rounded. I hate obvious stories. I mean isn't it enough that with it being a romance the hea is guaranteed. That already takes the angst impact factor way down. But like the second they said it was a serial killer in the first chapter, it was obvious that Owen was gonna be taken (and rescued by Fitz, duh!). But then I got to chapter 43, and nothing of that sort had happened yet and I was so happy I was wrong. Ugh! So close!
Also predictable: the second Olly said Tyler told him that suspect A was leaving him gifts, it was obvious that he was talking about the murder victims and the polaroids and the serial killer. And speaking of, I know that someone who has sex slaves and is a vile rapist is pure evil, but I would imagine it's a big jump from that to serial killer, especially just to "give gifts" to Olly. And what's with Tyler keeping "Suspect A" and Kessler's secrets? Logically, he should be chomping at the bit to make a deal for a lesser sentence or better prison conditions. And the police and lawyers should be jumping over mountains to offer him that deal. And it doesn't make a lick of sense that Olly never told about Bentley. The reason given in the book just does not compute.
And once again, if this book was going to only have sex and mostly be full of the MC's interactions one-on-one, then it definitely didn't need to be this long. And if it had to be this long, then there should've been more police work and it definitely shouldn't have been so insta. I would have so appreciated more of the guys' careers on-page, especially the police work. Also, there wasn't nearly enough Stella, given how central she is to Owen's future.
The aspect I was most looking forward to was how Fitz was going to handle his grief and moving on. But unfortunately, it wasn't handled well or realistically at all. It was just so hot and cold, with the grief only rearing its head when convenient to the story. I was looking forward to a good take on grieving a romantic partner and moving on after their death, but this was not well done here at all. And doesn't it suck that the only way we got to see Chris and Fitz together was in Fitz's nightmares?
And spare me from all these romance book MCs who speak essays in their sleep!
Also predictable: the second Olly said Tyler told him that suspect A was leaving him gifts, it was obvious that he was talking about the murder victims and the polaroids and the serial killer. And speaking of, I know that someone who has sex slaves and is a vile rapist is pure evil, but I would imagine it's a big jump from that to serial killer, especially just to "give gifts" to Olly. And what's with Tyler keeping "Suspect A" and Kessler's secrets? Logically, he should be chomping at the bit to make a deal for a lesser sentence or better prison conditions. And the police and lawyers should be jumping over mountains to offer him that deal. And it doesn't make a lick of sense that Olly never told about Bentley. The reason given in the book just does not compute.
And once again, if this book was going to only have sex and mostly be full of the MC's interactions one-on-one, then it definitely didn't need to be this long. And if it had to be this long, then there should've been more police work and it definitely shouldn't have been so insta. I would have so appreciated more of the guys' careers on-page, especially the police work. Also, there wasn't nearly enough Stella, given how central she is to Owen's future.
The aspect I was most looking forward to was how Fitz was going to handle his grief and moving on. But unfortunately, it wasn't handled well or realistically at all. It was just so hot and cold, with the grief only rearing its head when convenient to the story. I was looking forward to a good take on grieving a romantic partner and moving on after their death, but this was not well done here at all. And doesn't it suck that the only way we got to see Chris and Fitz together was in Fitz's nightmares?
And spare me from all these romance book MCs who speak essays in their sleep!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2024
Thankfully this was quite a bit lighter than the first book. I feel very immersed in this world honestly. It’s pulled me in completely.
Fitz’s struggle with his grief was frustrating at times, but you could just tell how much he was struggling to comprehend how he could move forward with Owen and have enough space in his heart to remember Chris too. It was heartbreaking, but eventually with the push from his friends he figured out how to love them both.
Owen was a bright light through this story, and while the addition of Stella felt unexpected and a bit random at times, it really was the thing that helped push Fitz. I was a bit frustrated with how the twist of finding the murderer was resolved, it felt rushed and honestly I just didn’t love how it panned out. Felt a bit like an afterthought.
While there were a few plot holes that I didn’t love, overall this book still had me hooked. But I still wanted more on Owen - what happened with his ex? Why don’t we learn more about his sister who left his family at 18? While I loved Owen, he was very similar to Olly and I wanted him to have a bit more uniqueness to him.
I was very invested in Fitz and Owen and Stella. And I am looking forward to rounding out the series to learn more about Abel and Ash.
Fitz’s struggle with his grief was frustrating at times, but you could just tell how much he was struggling to comprehend how he could move forward with Owen and have enough space in his heart to remember Chris too. It was heartbreaking, but eventually with the push from his friends he figured out how to love them both.
Owen was a bright light through this story, and while the addition of Stella felt unexpected and a bit random at times, it really was the thing that helped push Fitz. I was a bit frustrated with how the twist of finding the murderer was resolved, it felt rushed and honestly I just didn’t love how it panned out. Felt a bit like an afterthought.
While there were a few plot holes that I didn’t love, overall this book still had me hooked. But I still wanted more on Owen - what happened with his ex? Why don’t we learn more about his sister who left his family at 18? While I loved Owen, he was very similar to Olly and I wanted him to have a bit more uniqueness to him.
I was very invested in Fitz and Owen and Stella. And I am looking forward to rounding out the series to learn more about Abel and Ash.
September 24, 2024
Caleb (Fitz) • Owen…(!!!)
….
“Thought you don’t know me.” - “I don’t. But I know me when I’m around you, and I like that version of myself an awful lot.”
.
“And you’re worth being terrified for.”
.
“Okay.”
….
I didn’t sleep because of this book, I wanted to know what would happen next, each chapter was the last one but I just couldn’t put it down. I am owned. My ass is owned. How the intimacy between the two characters was written. The whole story as a whole. Just.
Owned. Owned. Owned.
10000000/10. Big notes. Big, big notes.
….
“I can’t help but feel angry towards the stranger for stealing the sound away from me.” // “No kissing.” // “I don’t give up on anyone. Even if they are a little lost.” // “The annoying, infuriating, beautiful asshole probably tastes like fucking candy canes. And I want to devour him.” // “…his eyes searching mine for… something. I wish he’d tell me what. I’d give it to him. I think maybe I’d give anything to him.” // “I wonder if this is it. If he’s it. If maybe, after 6 years, I’ve finally found someone worth kissing.” // “Still… I stay.” // “Would you be able to say no to me, Fitz?” // “I’m afraid he’s the one. The one everyone kept promising would come one day.” // “Go home, Caleb.” // “For a long time, I do nothing but monitor the steady rise and fall of his breathing.” // “Yeah, O. I promise.” …
….
….
“Thought you don’t know me.” - “I don’t. But I know me when I’m around you, and I like that version of myself an awful lot.”
.
“And you’re worth being terrified for.”
.
“Okay.”
….
I didn’t sleep because of this book, I wanted to know what would happen next, each chapter was the last one but I just couldn’t put it down. I am owned. My ass is owned. How the intimacy between the two characters was written. The whole story as a whole. Just.
Owned. Owned. Owned.
10000000/10. Big notes. Big, big notes.
….
“I can’t help but feel angry towards the stranger for stealing the sound away from me.” // “No kissing.” // “I don’t give up on anyone. Even if they are a little lost.” // “The annoying, infuriating, beautiful asshole probably tastes like fucking candy canes. And I want to devour him.” // “…his eyes searching mine for… something. I wish he’d tell me what. I’d give it to him. I think maybe I’d give anything to him.” // “I wonder if this is it. If he’s it. If maybe, after 6 years, I’ve finally found someone worth kissing.” // “Still… I stay.” // “Would you be able to say no to me, Fitz?” // “I’m afraid he’s the one. The one everyone kept promising would come one day.” // “Go home, Caleb.” // “For a long time, I do nothing but monitor the steady rise and fall of his breathing.” // “Yeah, O. I promise.” …
….
May 30, 2025
4.5 rounded up because these characters really are so so well written.
After the first book that was so intense, I held off on reading this one. The plot summary just seemed to meh compared to the horrors that Olly endured. I’m thankful for the break this gave before we dive in Abel.
That being said this was NOT meh. It was so so good.
Pros:
-The cases and the follow through of the main plot from the first to the third book. This wasn’t a fluffy story it had so much from the human trafficking world in it. It felt connected. This furthered Olly’s story and prepped Abel’s!
- one of the best depictions of grief I’ve seen
- the angst was SO GOOD
- spoiler: even though we basically knew the end twist was going to happen and I wish it had gone a one “slightly” longer but I’m glad Owen wasn’t hurt more. It was good. Man love Olly.
Cons:
A spoiler
I hate, hate surprise baby plots. Baby’s are a ton of work and I hate when they are randomly inserted as a plot device. We never really learn about Owen’s sister and I didn’t love this book’s chapters so much. I’d take a star off, ultimately the baby is barely mentioned so while it’s unrealistic, doesn’t really detract from the plot.
You could literally have replaced the baby with another pet and it wouldn’t have made a difference.
After the first book that was so intense, I held off on reading this one. The plot summary just seemed to meh compared to the horrors that Olly endured. I’m thankful for the break this gave before we dive in Abel.
That being said this was NOT meh. It was so so good.
Pros:
-The cases and the follow through of the main plot from the first to the third book. This wasn’t a fluffy story it had so much from the human trafficking world in it. It felt connected. This furthered Olly’s story and prepped Abel’s!
- one of the best depictions of grief I’ve seen
- the angst was SO GOOD
- spoiler: even though we basically knew the end twist was going to happen and I wish it had gone a one “slightly” longer but I’m glad Owen wasn’t hurt more. It was good. Man love Olly.
Cons:
A spoiler
I hate, hate surprise baby plots. Baby’s are a ton of work and I hate when they are randomly inserted as a plot device. We never really learn about Owen’s sister and I didn’t love this book’s chapters so much. I’d take a star off, ultimately the baby is barely mentioned so while it’s unrealistic, doesn’t really detract from the plot.
You could literally have replaced the baby with another pet and it wouldn’t have made a difference.
May 30, 2022
This book is lighter in subject matter than Safe. We see Ollie and Huck as well as Abel and Ash who all form an integral part of the story and the family that Fitz is part of.
Fitz is grieving the loss of the man he had intended to propose to. His angsty feelings towards his neighbour Owen, is the start of a healing process Fitz denies him self.
Both characters had me invested in reading their relationship journey. It had some fun and heartfelt moments.
One thing to note- Owen’s family back ground was mentioned but maybe needed more exploring. Especially as a certain ‘situation’ ( no spoilers) was foisted on Owen with not much detail! It felt a bit skimmed over.. more a plot point than an emotional part of the story.
Otherwise I liked the relationship dynamics and although I really wanted to shake Fitz sometimes! Really.. Owen had more patience than Fitz deserved! Their pairing seemed real and the connection between them strong, I was truly routing for them to finally get together!!
Of course… who’s next? Ash and… Abel? ( most likely) although Jeremy seems to have a past too… and lightheartedly mentions wanting Ash…. So..
Fitz is grieving the loss of the man he had intended to propose to. His angsty feelings towards his neighbour Owen, is the start of a healing process Fitz denies him self.
Both characters had me invested in reading their relationship journey. It had some fun and heartfelt moments.
One thing to note- Owen’s family back ground was mentioned but maybe needed more exploring. Especially as a certain ‘situation’ ( no spoilers) was foisted on Owen with not much detail! It felt a bit skimmed over.. more a plot point than an emotional part of the story.
Otherwise I liked the relationship dynamics and although I really wanted to shake Fitz sometimes! Really.. Owen had more patience than Fitz deserved! Their pairing seemed real and the connection between them strong, I was truly routing for them to finally get together!!
Of course… who’s next? Ash and… Abel? ( most likely) although Jeremy seems to have a past too… and lightheartedly mentions wanting Ash…. So..
January 11, 2025
Whew, this was a hard read that had the waterworks in full effect. Lots of heavy subject matter and probably a lot of trigger warnings, which isn’t a shocker considering the author.
The process of falling in love again after losing your first love is not a topic I gravitate towards because it’s always bittersweet for me. However, this story handles it very gracefully and navigates Caleb’s journey through guilt and heartbreak and into happiness with skill. It’s still bittersweet because it gives you enough flashbacks of his previous love that you wish they could have had a future as much as you want him and Owen to succeed. Which is a success to me, since it’s a fine line to walk and can easily end up feeling like one of the parties matters more. But prepare to cry big time. It’s sweet but really heartbreaking. I wish there had been more of their time after they stop fighting their feelings because the ending felt a little rushed.
I wouldn’t suggest reading this as a stand alone, you could, but I don’t think it would make much sense and it would have a lot of spoilers for the first book.
First person dual pov.
The process of falling in love again after losing your first love is not a topic I gravitate towards because it’s always bittersweet for me. However, this story handles it very gracefully and navigates Caleb’s journey through guilt and heartbreak and into happiness with skill. It’s still bittersweet because it gives you enough flashbacks of his previous love that you wish they could have had a future as much as you want him and Owen to succeed. Which is a success to me, since it’s a fine line to walk and can easily end up feeling like one of the parties matters more. But prepare to cry big time. It’s sweet but really heartbreaking. I wish there had been more of their time after they stop fighting their feelings because the ending felt a little rushed.
I wouldn’t suggest reading this as a stand alone, you could, but I don’t think it would make much sense and it would have a lot of spoilers for the first book.
First person dual pov.
June 25, 2023
Funny and cute and angsty and all the feels!
Stay by Taylor McNiff is a beautiful heart wrenching story about a veteran who lost the love of his life in Iraq and the neighbor he "hates." The emotion is this book is brutal in the best way! Fritz just can't let go of Chris, his deceased lover, even when he falls in love with Owen.
As a widow myself, Ms. McNiff did an excellent job of describing the pain and discomfort in moving forward with life after losing the person you thought you'd love for the rest of your life. I was so impressed with the sensitivity and accuracy she handled it with.
There's so much more to this story, as well! The race to save a high school drama department, parties, Taylor Swift, football in the yard, a missing dog, a screaming baby, and disco Santa! (Naturally...)
Plus a cast of many supporting characters, some we met in Safe (first in the series) and some who'll be the MCs in Solace (third in the series), and many more...
Cute, funny, super steamy, definitely angsty, and deeply emotional.
Stay by Taylor McNiff is a beautiful heart wrenching story about a veteran who lost the love of his life in Iraq and the neighbor he "hates." The emotion is this book is brutal in the best way! Fritz just can't let go of Chris, his deceased lover, even when he falls in love with Owen.
As a widow myself, Ms. McNiff did an excellent job of describing the pain and discomfort in moving forward with life after losing the person you thought you'd love for the rest of your life. I was so impressed with the sensitivity and accuracy she handled it with.
There's so much more to this story, as well! The race to save a high school drama department, parties, Taylor Swift, football in the yard, a missing dog, a screaming baby, and disco Santa! (Naturally...)
Plus a cast of many supporting characters, some we met in Safe (first in the series) and some who'll be the MCs in Solace (third in the series), and many more...
Cute, funny, super steamy, definitely angsty, and deeply emotional.
September 16, 2024
Definitely a lighter read of the 2 so far. But don't think I didn't sob in this one too! Caleb and Owen were so adorable. The grumpy/sunshine...the tension....these boys wanted each other so bad. One unable to let go of the past. The other trying to not need more but choosing himself which was so good!
Both Owen and Caleb offered comfort and help to each other jn different ways. Their chemistry was potent though. I loved a line in here about their love having calm moments just as much as the passion....like seriously!
The found family showed up BIG in this book! The way these men love each other will just melt you. They don't shy away from the hard conversations but also allow each other space to do what they need-right or wrong.
This book keeps the hunt for the sex traffickers going from book 1 and we get some closure but not fully. We learn more about Olly and Able and we get to see a lot more of Ash!! Looking forward to seeing how full closure happens in book 3!
Both Owen and Caleb offered comfort and help to each other jn different ways. Their chemistry was potent though. I loved a line in here about their love having calm moments just as much as the passion....like seriously!
The found family showed up BIG in this book! The way these men love each other will just melt you. They don't shy away from the hard conversations but also allow each other space to do what they need-right or wrong.
This book keeps the hunt for the sex traffickers going from book 1 and we get some closure but not fully. We learn more about Olly and Able and we get to see a lot more of Ash!! Looking forward to seeing how full closure happens in book 3!
May 30, 2022
Loved the slow burn!
I couldn't wait for this book after reading the first. I admit I loved Fitz from the start and love him even more now, and OMG Owen! This isn't a. story I pictured for them, it's so much better! Fitz story was heartbreaking and altho I rarely cry when reading a book, his flashbacks had me shed tears. I felt his anguish down to my soul.
The ending was the most satisfying. I'm still grinning like an idiot. My only regret is we didn't get more steam after they finally got together, but it doesn't take from the book so it's ok! Also, while the slow burn is utterly delicious, the actual... well, manifestation of all the UST didn't quite live up to my expectations, but as I said, doesn't take away from the story
I couldn't wait for this book after reading the first. I admit I loved Fitz from the start and love him even more now, and OMG Owen! This isn't a. story I pictured for them, it's so much better! Fitz story was heartbreaking and altho I rarely cry when reading a book, his flashbacks had me shed tears. I felt his anguish down to my soul.
The ending was the most satisfying. I'm still grinning like an idiot. My only regret is we didn't get more steam after they finally got together, but it doesn't take from the book so it's ok! Also, while the slow burn is utterly delicious, the actual... well, manifestation of all the UST didn't quite live up to my expectations, but as I said, doesn't take away from the story
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