Small town firefighter Liam has been left behind by one city girl already, so he has no intention of falling for another.
When I flew halfway around the world to find adventure, I never imagined I’d land upside down in a snow drift on my first day. Nor did I expect a gorgeous trainee firefighter to see me at my worst.
Liam has an infectious smile and way of always making me feel seen, but it isn’t smart to fall for him. We live on opposite sides of the world, and he’s still recovering from a broken heart.
Then tragedy strikes, and I’m forced to make a choice that might crush him and send my dreams up in smoke.
Alexa Rivers writes about genuine characters living messy, imperfect lives and earning hard-won happily ever afters. Most of her books are set in small towns, and she lives in one of these herself. She shares a house with a neurotic dog and a husband who thinks he’s hilarious.
When she’s not writing, she enjoys traveling, baking, eating too much chocolate, cuddling fluffy animals, drinking excessive amounts of tea, and absorbing herself in fictional worlds.
"I wished I could take back all of my firsts and give them to her."
Stay With You introduces Kennedy and Liam in the gorgeous mountain town setting of Destiny Falls. Kennedy gets a job as a barista at a ski resort in New Zealand and moves from Los Angeles for a year of adventure. She meets Liam, a local firefighter who comes to her rescue, and sparks fly. Instant attraction and time spent getting to know each other lead to a sweet romance with the possibility of forever. But then tragedy happens and decisions need to be made, shattering all hopes and dreams for the future.
"I watched my world fall down around me, knowing there was nothing I could do to stop it."
Perhaps it was the nature of young love, but I found the relationship between Kennedy and Liam to be quite awkward. This was the story of two people trying to find their way in the world, a place to belong, somewhere that felt like home. I liked the strong sense of community in the small town with everyone looking out for one another. But communication was lacking between Kennedy and Liam and I was disappointed with how she handled things, shutting him out after the tragedy occurred. However, I was intrigued enough by their connection to want to read more following the cliffhanger of this prequel to Come Back to You. If Kennedy and Liam can work through their issues and find their HEA, then that's where the heart of this story lies.
Now this is how you introduce us to a new characters and new series. Liam and Kennedy are both young individuals who are trying to find their place in the world. At least Liam knows where he belongs, meanwhile Kennedy is trying to find what she wants in life.
What happens when 2 souls find their match? They fall in love and the more time Kennedy spends with Liam; she is convinced that she's found where she belongs. But as the blurb said, tragedy strikes and with being young comes a lot of decisions to make, and all of them are the right ones.
This prequal leaves us on a huge cliffhanger and I'm excited to see if these two will find a way to get back to each other.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
This was the perfect taster to the up coming first novel in the Destiny Falls series Come Back to You, which is about how Kennedy and Liam get together when she first came there and see how as much as neither were looking for love or a gap year romance they fall hard for each other. I loved getting to know everyone in Destiny Falls as well as learning more about Kennedy after she was introduced in the Haven Bay series book Let Me Love You. You get some romance, laughs some highs and lows plus a tragedy which leaves you wanting to dive into Come Back to You to see what happens when Kennedy returns.
A short and sweet novella to introduce the characters, in a new series, to the reader. What an awesome idea!
Kennedy moves to New Zealand and finds paradise with Liam. She returns to California to pack her things but a tragedy decimates her family as well as her plans. Unfortunately, she decides to stay in California and to not tell Liam what has happened and ultimately breaks his heart. 11 years have passed and she is now free to return to New Zealand. If she does, will Liam give Kennedy a second chance?
This is the prequel to Liam and Kennedy's story. You get to know how they first met and what happened after. It's really interesting especially paid with their full story.
Alexa Rivers has written a 5-star book. This is the story of Kennedy and Liam. Kennedy has gotten a job as a barista at a ski resort in New Zealand. She has left Los Angeles and moved to New Zealand. On her first day of work, she gets into a car accident and Liam is the first one to her. They strike up a friendship even though Liam is attracted to Kennedy he doesn't want a relationship because of what his ex-girlfriend did to him. The more time they spend with each other, the more their feelings change for each other. They decide to become a couple and see where things go. Things are going well for them until Kennedy goes back home to pack up her home for the move. While she is home, her mother and stepfather are in a car accident and are killed. She is now the guardian of her half-brothers and half-sister. She knows that Liam will never move to Los Angeles and she doesn't want to move the kids so she breaks up with Liam. Kennedy put her life on hold until the kids are all grown. Now twelve years later, her brothers and sister are either in college or on their own so she decides to go back to New Zealand to see Liam. What will happen between Kennedy and Liam? This was a wonderful book and I would recommend it to anyone.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4.5 Stars for Stay With You (Destiny Falls Series) This is the prequel to Come Back To You (Destiny Falls Series) and it’s the perfect introduction to the characters but it also sets you up for what’s to come from Kennedy and Liam who meet in Destiny Falls, New Zealand. Kennedy has arrived in New Zealand totally unprepared for the cold weather at the ski resort where she has a new job as a barista, after all she was born and raised in California. To make matters worse she gets into a car accident on her first day and that how she meets Liam who is the first on the scene. A friendship begins and it looks like the future is rosy for this couple until Kennedy goes home to pack up and move permanently to Destiny Fall. While she is home her mother and stepfather are killed in a car accident and she becomes the guardian for her half brother and half sister. Kennedy would never ask Liam to give up his life and move across the world so she walks away but now 12 years later she finds herself back in Destiny Falls so will Liam give her a second chance…… This is an emotional yet entertaining read, it’s quick read but it still packs a mighty punch, it’s heartbreaking yet heartwarming and it will appeal to a wide range if audiences but be prepared this book does end on a cliff hanger but hopefully we don’t have to wait to long to see what the future hold for Liam and Kennedy.
Leap of blind faith Stay With You is the prequel to Come Back To You in the Destiny Falls series. It starts off set 12 years ago, when Kennedy travels to Destiny Falls in New Zealand from Los Angeles. As a self-confessed Cali girl, she was ill-prepared for the cold, icy conditions she would face. But the warmth she felt (in more ways than one) when she met and was rescued by a hot local firefighter by the name of Liam, was more than enough to keep her there, well after her intended stay. Their attraction was magnetic and their chemistry sizzling-hot. We also meet Liam’s family and friends, all of whom are very welcoming to Kennedy and swiftly include her into their inner circle. However, when she returns home briefly, tragedy strikes Kennedy and her family, and she makes a difficult decision which will inexplicably impact both of their lives greatly. It’s heart-breaking for both of them. I didn’t like that it ended how it did – not a fan of cliffhangers. But, I knew the story will continue in the next book, without knowing what the outcome might be. I give this book three and a half stars, and fervently hope for a good outcome in Come Back to You! I received a free copy of this book collection via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Young love is precious. Liam a young firefighter is learning about disappointment. His fiancé left him because their town is too small for her, and she wants to see the world. He’s sad and not ready to trust again. Kennedy is taking a gap year before attending college and has decided to travel to New Zealand and specifically Destiny Falls to work at a local resort. Being from LA she isn’t used to driving on snowy roads and immediately has an accident. The fire department is called in for a rescue and Liam’s friends encourage him to make a connection with Kennedy to get back out in the dating world.
I loved how the author wrote both characters as innocent and pure. I immediately fell for them, the growth in their feelings over the year and the depth of their young love. This is the prequel story to Come Back to You, book #1 in the Destiny Falls series. It ends on a cliffhanger that is clearly stated in the blurb about the book. I’m so glad I read this first though, it made Come Back to You even more emotional for me. I received an arc of this book, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Kennedy and Liam meet when was out for adventure after leaving uni and travelled to New Zealand where she met the young fireman. She secured a job as a barista in a ski resort of Destiny Falls. Her first attempt to drive is disastrous and a handsome man rescues her. Instant attraction develops into a full relationship despite Liam' initial reservations..his previous girlfriend left him as he will never leave his small, remote home town. He can't resist the shy, blushing young woman and she falls in love with the town, its charming lifestyle and her young man After a year Kennedy returns to LA with plans to permanently relocate Destiny Falls. Unfortunately her plans fail after the unexpected death of her parents and she becomes guardian to her siblings; her hopes and dreams are over as she puts responsibilities over Liam and breaks off with him, without actually giving him a full explanation. Cliffhanger...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
12 years ago in July, Kennedy Carter comes to New Zealand from Los Angeles. She is taking a gap year to decide what to do with her life. She left her mom, step father and 4 younger siblings in Los Angeles. She has a job as a barista at the ski resort in Destiny Falls. On the way to her first day on the job, her car skids off the road and rolls over.
Liam Braddock is one of the men to rescue Kennedy. He finds himself attracted to her but his heart was broken hen his girlfriend Zoe dumped him in a letter to go to a big city for college. He is afraid to get to know Kennedy since she’s supposed to only be in Destiny Falls for a year.
What happens when Liam and Kennedy start to date? Will Kennedy go back to Los Angeles for good or come back to Liam and Destiny Falls? What happens to alter Kennedy’s life forever? What happens 12 years later to alter Kennedy’s life again?
I’m excited to find out what happens to Liam and Kennedy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In Stay With You, Alexa Rivers gives readers a great set up for the next book, Come Back to You. In this prequel, we are introduced to Liam and Kennedy. He lives in New Zealand, she’s visiting for a year from L.A. They get along great, make plans to be together, then BAM! Back to L.A. Kennedy goes.
This setup was handy, giving us the backstory on Kennedy and Liam before jumping right into the next one. I liked both characters, especially Liam. He was written very down to earth, a guy looking to stay in his beautiful hometown, fall in love and raise a family there. Kennedy was a bit of a little girl lost. She’s young and that didn’t show until she told Liam she wouldn’t be returning. Yes things happen, but the way she did it was very annoying. So annoying I’m kind of hoping Liam really makes her work for it the second time around.
Naturally as the set up, the book ends on a cliffhanger. However,Come Back to You will be ready to go shortly so I can see what’s in store for these two next.
Get those tissues ready because you’re gonna need them. This story is filled with incredible emotions you can’t help but feel. This is one of the best unconditional love story I’ve read in a long time. The characters are strong and powerful. This is Liam’s and Kennedy’s story. Kennedy is a character you’ll meet in “Then There Was You” also written by this incredible author. She happens to be Gray’s best friend. Kennedy suffers a very sudden tragedy that will tare her apart from Liam. The choices she’s faced with are overwhelming and prove to be devastating for both her and Liam but also demonstrate the true meaning of LOVE! After eleven years Kennedy has the opportunity to make her reasons known for the choices she made and she’ll do everything it takes to reclaim the love of her life. A most definite read! This author is fast becoming one of my favourites 🥰!
An Unexpected Turn Of Events - When Kennedy kept popping up in ‘Let Me Love You’, I really didn’t think her own story would be just as mind blowing, so in my opinion, setting the scene for the wild ride that Liam and Kennedy go on in this prequel was really brilliant. I can assure you that once you get a taste of their intriguing start, there is no way you will not want to read ‘Come Back To You’. This was a perfect romance between two people who had plans for their futures, but life threw them a curve ball. I can say without a shadow of doubt that, you will be hooked on the story right from the first page. I am really looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received an advanced copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is a prequel to a new series. It certainly captured my attention and left me eager to read the next book. Kennedy is struggling to find her own way, her independence, when she meets Liam half around the world in New Zealand. Liam had one girlfriend leave him before he meets Kennedy and he is hesitant to even become friends with her when he knows she is only slated to stay a year. But love finds them anyway, and their hearts want what their hearts want. Unfortunately, life isn’t fair and Kennedy is forced to put her family before her love for Liam. Their story is a little heartbreaking, but hopefully the next book will give them the happily ever after they deserve. I can’t wait to read it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Perhaps because it’s a prequel? Perhaps it’s written after the main book (that’s my guess)? I don’t know, the plot is too simple, the story is okay but not fascinating enough to catch your heart.
Two immature kids toying with the idea of love, they both wanted to love and to be loved yet they didn’t really understand what is love, as well as scared to be hurt by others. In my opinion, at that point, they seemed love themselves more because they were still young snd were kids.
Maybe after 11 years, after they both have grown up things would be different. So it’s time for me to start reading the next book and see what will happen.
I am an arc team member and this is my honest review.
Wow – didn’t expect the ending! This is about Kennedy and Liam. She moves to New Zealand right after high school as she seeks an adventure, and boy does she get one; only she didn’t expect an adventure where a firefighter had to rescue her, but it turned out for the best. Then tragedy happens, and she is stuck with making a decision that turns her whole life around, not only for her but her whole family, leaving Liam heartbroken. Can these two have a true chance to be happy, or will it all be sad notes? The ending leaves you on your seat for more, so get ready for the next book to discover what happens to these two – will there be forgiveness?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Kenedy leaves LA to start somewhere fresh and that is how she came to New Zealand. Her first day has her getting in a wreck and meeting Liam. Sparks fly between them, and they start seeing each other. She knows that she wants to stay there so she goes to LA to tell her family the news and pack up her things. However, nothing goes as planned and when something happens it causes her to change her plans. Will she make it back to Liam? Will they get their happy ending?
This is an amazing story that once I started it I couldn't put it down. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book that any book lover would enjoy. I can't wait to read the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed this beginning to Liam and Kennedy’s romance. This prequel does not get us to their HEA, it is just the start of the sizzling chemistry and attraction that they cannot ignore and then their HEA journey is interrupted. As long as you understand that, you’ll enjoy the story. Since this is a prequel to the Destiny Falls series, we get some background on Liam and Kennedy, witness the beginning of their love story, and get a feel for Destiny Falls and it inhabitants. The story ends on a cliffhanger. Despite being short, the prequel was well written and included witty dialogue, three dimensional characters, and an engaging storyline. Clearly I am going to read the rest of their story in book one because I am hooked in now.
This is a short-story prequel to Come Back to You. It is important to read this one first, though, so that you have the backstory. This story gives you the introduction to Destiny Falls and the love story of Liam and Kennedy. Kennedy is taking a gap year to discover who she is and doing it in Destiny Falls, a place much different than where she grew up in Los Angeles. She meets Liam and even though he hesitates at first, they fall in love. She returns to LA for a visit, but tragedy makes her stay and break Liam's heart again. This does end in a cliffhanger, so be ready to read Come Back to You immediately!
This prequel to Destiny Falls gives the reader an introduction to the first couple is the series, Liam Braddock and Kennedy Carter eleven years before book one. Kennedy has decided that she is going to take a gap year to have an adventure. Leaving the security of her wealthy family in LA, she flies to New Zealand. By accident, literally, she meets firefighter Liam. A young man that has been hurt by love but when he meets Kennedy , he’s enchanted by her. As time goes on a relationship develops. But their happiness is abruptly destroyed. Will either recover from it after hearts are broken? Looking forward to these two as they meet again in book one.
This is a prequel story to the Destiny Falls series. Kennedy moves to Destiny Falls for a year of adventure, has an accident and is saved by a sexy and gorgeous firefighter, Liam. This is a wonderful story of spending time, having adventures and falling in love. Liam is experienced and tenderly and lovingly teaches Kennedy about many things. This is a beautiful and fragile young love until tragedy strikes, and a difficult and heartbreaking choice is made by Kennedy. My heart hurts for this young couple. I really enjoyed this story and I can’t wait for their continuation of their story in “Come Back to You”. I received an Arc for a honest review.
Kennedy has flown from LA to Destiny Falls in New Zealand, two places that couldn't be more different. Her second day, on her way to her first day at work, she ends up upside down in her car in the snow. Liam is the fireman who rescues her. She's in New Zealand for the year, they become very valise, and make plans, which don't come to fruition. Years later she's speaking to Gray, her best friend (See Let Me Love You) and decides to go back to New Zealand.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another great read in the series from Alexa, can't wait to read Come Back to You.
If you’ve read Let Me Love You, you might remember the reclusive actor turned screenwriter Gray Anderson; Gray’s best friend is the now movie star Kennedy Carter. This story gives the background to Kennedy’s cold reception at the end of that book when she returns to Destiny Falls in search of Liam Braddock.
For a short read, a lot is packed into the story, and this prequel definitely intrigues the reader enough to grab the next book in the stories.
While this book has a definite end, it’s not a happy ever after ending, and a tad bit of a cliffhanger, (which I hate) BUT, with that said, I’ve already pre-ordered the next book because I have to know what happens next!!!