The beginning moments of this story pulled me in & encouraged me to read further. The characters were well defined & fleshed out. They had both good & bad points. The family managed to support the plot & the characteristics of the main couple. The story had its moments & it was an entertaining read.

Eli and Tabby have been best friends for years. Fifteen months ago, they shared a night of passion that could change their relationship forever. When Eli receives word a month late, that members of his and Tabby's families have died tragically, he hurries home to check in with his family and Tabby. Eli has never been one to stick around. He would come home for short visits and then would head to new adventures. He is a world class nature photographer. Tabby is happy to see him but knows he won't be staying for long and she is determined to keep her secret from him because she knows if he finds out, he will stay and protect her and giving up on his dream. She won't let him sacrifice for her. She feels certain that if he does, he will eventually resent her. She couldn't bear that from him.

Eli is determined to stay this time and the more time he spends with Tabby, the more he wants to stay and change his career path. Is it possible for them to both find their way to each other and have a happy ever after or will Eli leave breaking Tabby's heart once again. Tabby kept telling Eli that she needed to not depend on him but she kept falling in that trap. Eli seemed confused by the back and forth, understandably.

I enjoyed this story. I did grow tired of hearing about their night of passion over and over again but it did lend itself to the story and how their feelings were justified. There were few graphic details of sex and the sex in this book was more fade to black.

I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.

Ahhhhhhh this was just such a wonderful book and I just thoroughly enjoyed myself. I didn’t want to put this book down. I just fell in love with this wonderful story and it’s wonderful characters. I will most definitely be reading more stories from this wonderful author.

So much sweet, sexy, charming, heart-aching and soul deep romance in every page!! Be ready to be wooed by the emotional and healing love story by this author. Has wonderfully characters that you can connect to, plenty of drama and emotions and it was brilliant written. Loved it. Really touched my heart and emotions. Just amazing. You definitely need to grab this book and give it a go. Won’t regret it. Happy reading!

His Reason to Stay is a sweet, second-chance romance with a twist. The blurb doesn't reveal a fairly big detail about Eli and Tabby's relationship, so I'm not going to either. Suffice to say, it takes a fairly standard romance trope and makes a fairly significant change, and I'm still processing exactly how I feel about it. On the one hand, I thought, hey, this is different! Huh... and on the other...IDK. At times it felt more plot device-ish than something truly organic. The ending was very cute and sweet, but...yeah, still a bit torn about it all.

If you enjoy family drama, though, this story has it in spades! A major tragedy involving Eli's and Tabby's family sets much of the story in motion (along with something else that takes place before the story begins) and goodness, does Eli have a whole lot of siblings. His relationship with them, especially his twin Sam, is in flux for a lot of the book. (And is Sam being set up for a future book of his own? It did seem like a real possibility... :)) Eli's never had any interest in his family's business--until now, maybe--and it's caused some feelings between all of the Ellises.

Has Eli finally found his reason to stay? He says so at the end; I hope so (cute ending!) but it didn't quite feel like he put enough work into changing his mind there. Fingers crossed that future books in the series (supposing there are some--but again, lots of siblings!) show that he has.

Rating: 3 1/2 stars / B-

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

3.5 stars. This is a new to me author, so I went into this story with no expectations, other than the plot blurb of a second chance romance. The story kept me invested from start to finish. I liked the H Eli, and his growth that he experienced through the story. I wasn't as impressed with the h Tabby. To be quite honest, she came across as extremely selfish in most of her actions. Yah she talked of how she was doing this for Eli etc, but the low down was that she was a coward that couldn't even have an honest and open conversation with the H. Even the H's view of her did not match up with her actions. Lots of internal, often repetitive, monologues. There was also a lot of names, and it wasn't always clear who they were talking about (is that her father or his?). All that being said, I did like the story. I look forward to checking out the next book in what I think will be a series about this family. *I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.

His Reason to Stay is a beautifully written romance. Great plot, believable characters and a beautiful Tennessee setting. I highly recommend this book. I received an arc from the publisher and Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.

Elijah/Eli was on an icy mountain s;ppe trying to catch the cat he needed to capture images of. Otherwise he would go to the ground and butt would be stuck in Bolivia for who knows how long? He’d planned a month for his shoot but he was edging on three weeks now and the relentlessness of things being out of his control infused his movements. If he made a rookie mistake he’d be back to square one. The magazine wouldn’t like it and neither would he. The Andean Mountain Cat came into view three hundred yards from Mike. He waited and his wait paid off as her baby tentatively followed in it’s mother's footsteps. The mother turned and pawed at her offspring. The camera captured the moment , her reaction, their response, and their subsequent flight. Two of his shots would be cover material. The assignment was complete. It had been fifteen months since he’d seen his family. He’d also see the woman who haunted his dreams since their spontaneous night together of their siblings wedding. More than fifteen months ago. There could never be more than one night - two lives would never be in the same paths or have the same stopping point. At least he could see her and see if she needed anything. That's all he could offer - support and encouragement. All he’d been able her. He powered up his phone and saw he had fifty messages, a couple from his boss, most from his family. The pit of his stomach launched as he read the first message from her twin brother Sam. “ There’s been an accident. We need You.” tabitha/Tabby opened the door and stepped into the lower malting house. Tabby had lost her father, her sister, and brother in law three weeks ago and she was pregnant. It had been three weeks ago and it was not getting any easier. She wondered where he was right now. She hadn’t seen him in fifteen months. But the night of the wedding she had allowed herself to indulge. To believe for one night there was a future between her and Eli was possible. Eli than walked into the small place with her. Tabby had been a a strong robust woman he grew up beside. The woman was his female counterpart But not today, she looked weak and pale now. Hollow circles under her eyes without a hint of a spark in them. Eli had always protected her , first as a little sister but than it had been more about ensuring this amazing, vibrant woman wasn’t crushed by anyone or anything. They’d been partners in life and crime most of their life. Tabby had secretly loved Eli as long as she could remember but she was also being protective of her family. Eli and his intuitive way hadn’t figured out her little plan. If anyone could sniff i her pregnancy out, he was the bloodhound to do it. She envisioned being far enough away and have the backing of But if he found out about her choices that night and her faith She she’d be damned that she was the reason he stuck around. Tabby realized it was Eli’s soul that had kept her dreaming about a future with him. Becky was the only girl in this sea of men. Becky and Tabby where kindred tomboys who found themselves and still finding her place. Becky was only twenty two. Finding her place, Tabby knew hers or at least she had her place.
I enjoyed reading this book. I liked how Eli left to follow his own dream and was a success. I loved Eli and tabby together and how they interacted. Also they had a hot chemistry. I loved how Tabby is a strong independent woman. And determined not to make Eli stay wither her. I loved how Tabby was pushing for Eli to leave as he was really thinking about staying- talking about cross purposes. I loved Eli’s family. I felt this book was realistic. I thought it was sad the reason Tabby was actually pregnant. I really didn’t get why Tabby didn’t have faith or trust Eli she was supposed to love him and be his best friend. I loved the plot and pace. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I recommend it.

As I read this story, I could feel the grief coming off the pages. Such a powerful emotion, and maybe it hit me a little harder than it would have before, since I am struggling with grief right now too. But this is a story to bring about hope, love, and a way to honor those who have passed. I loved the dynamic between Eli and Tabby. They have been connected since their youth and know each other better than they know themselves. I loved how protective they were of each other and were determined to make the other ok and not self sacrifice. Such a beautiful family story that I would love more of, especially one for Sam.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher through Netgalley.

This is a very emotional and intense story by an author I have never read before. Driven apart by a family tragedy, both characters have to figure out how to make their way in this world.

First book by this author that I have read and I thought it was an ok read. It is a sweet second chance romance and if that is what you are looking for then this book is for you. I like my romance to have a little heat to it that I can actually see and not getting ready to head to the bedroom and then have the door closed in my face. Tabby and Eli were an ok couple. They were childhood friends and Tabby always had a thing for Eli but she never acted on it. It was an ok read for me but it may be good for others.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

HIS REASON TO STAY begins The Ellis Family Saga with a story that captured my attention from the beginning. A family tragedy will bring one son back home to his family and the girl he left behind, who is no longer that young woman with a crush on him. Tabby is not only reeling from the death of her sister, her father, her brother-in-law, and Eli’s father (a close family friend) but with a secret. One she’s holding close to her heart, one that will change not only her own life but that of two families as well.

Eli hadn’t wanted to go into the family business, his passion was in wildlife photography and he had followed that dream to great success. Now returning home has him rethinking his decisions of the past, dealing with siblings who have very strong opinions on his absence and whether he should stay or go. And rediscovering Tabby, his friend who has become so much more. She could be the biggest reason to stay but she’s holding him at arm’s length in order to protect her own heart and there is that secret she’s told no one about… yet.

I liked Eli and Tabby. They are both dealing with heartbreaking events. And they are both stubborn in their own ways. Eli has a lot to prove to his family and the woman he’d make a future with. No one has forgotten that he made the choice to leave, now he has to convince them that he truly intends to stay whether they’ll believe him – well, perhaps eventually, if he does indeed stick close to home. There is definitely angst here, but there are also good reasons why people are acting as they are. HIS REASON TO STAY lays a firm foundation for the rest of the series, and I’ll definitely be following this family as we learn more about siblings and Tabby’s secret. (you didn’t think I’d actually tell you what that is, right?) I enjoyed myself in this world and would not hesitate to recommend Tabby’s and Eli’s story to any Romance reader who enjoys a good story, likable characters, interesting developments and the start of a new series.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

This was a good read with an interesting and unique storyline, but the lack of communication between Tabby and Eli dragged it a bit. The family dynamic between Eli and his siblings was interesting but dysfunctional in that twins Sam and Eli didn’t seem as close as most twins are.
Tabby’s secret was a great plot twist, one I haven’t seen in another romance on my shelf, and I really enjoyed how it played out. The writing was well done and I’m interested to see how Sam’s story plays out. 3.5 stars.
My thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

Talk about a family drama, this sure is one!

It is the deaths of members of his family that brings wildlife photographer Elijah Ellis home. He's never stayed long since setting out on his career, spending few days at home with his family but when he does, he always likes to spend time with Tabby. However, last time they spent time together they were more than friends and now she seems to want to keep him at a distance. She's obviously upset at the deaths as well but he's sure there's more she's keeping quiet about. He's right. She has a big secret that will impact on them all but she's also determined not to rely on the support of her best friend, Eli, despite how in love with him she is. She doesn't trust him to stay no matter how much she wishes he would and she's determined not to do or say anything to trap him where he doesn't want to be. Will revealing her secret bring them closer together? Does he really want to leave again?

This is a story of reconnecting with your family and friends, re-evaluating relationships and dreams and considering your own actions impact on others. It is about reactions to grief, trust, working together and moving forward after dreadful losses as well as finding new goals and love. It is a heartwarming story and a delightful read, a lovely family romance to escape into.

I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it and enjoying doing so.

This book is the first in this new series by Jennifer Hoopes. It was such a sweet read about family, lose and love. I think that Jennifer did a really wonderful job combining all of those things into one story line. From the moment I picked up this book I was unable to put it down. It pulled at everything inside of me and it made me smile but it also made me sad. I am looking forward to reading more by this author. Thanks NetGalley. I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.

His Reason to Stay is a cute second chance story featuring Tabby ad Eli. For the most part, I enjoyed their romance. They had a history, which always makes the relationship that much better. I can't imagine being in the situation that Tabby was in regarding her secret. Despite that, I did think the story was a bit overly angsty. Some of their issues could have been cleared up with better communication. I also wasn't a fan of the fade to black bedroom scenes. I felt like their was a lot of build up about their chemistry only to be left at the closed bedroom door. I am intrigued enough by the secondary characters to continue, should this end up being a series.

His Reason to Stay is the first in a new series by Jennifer Hoopes and is set in the picturesque mountains near Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Stories where tragedy strikes are always gut-wrenching and packed with volatile emotions, but this story is especially so, as the loss impacts two families and a family in the making.

Eli never wanted to be part of the family business and has spent his life travelling the globe as a wildlife photographer, while Tabby has remained close to her family with their whiskey distilling business and is fragile and adrift after losing everything she knows. But there is more to this story than simply deciding who and how to run a business; as Tabby chose to give her sister and Eli’s brother a gift that can’t be taken back, even though they’re no longer here.

I understood why Tabby and Eli’s family were hesitant to believe he would simply drop his nomad lifestyle to protect and support Tabby through this difficult time, but I felt the story was unnecessarily drawn out for the emotional effect. Eli was also uncharacteristically business savvy for someone who never took an interest growing up and left as soon as he could. Overall this was a decent story, but it could have been condensed and more believable.

This is a new to me author and I genuinely enjoyed the read. I love it when that happens. There’s a lot of chemistry here and some heat too, unfortunately, this one skips over the actual love scenes (not my favorite), If you like innuendo, however, this will check that box for you. Here you’ll also find minimal cursing (if any) and a healthy dose of reasons to be sad, though the author does a good job of acknowledging the losses without belaboring them. The two things I’d change, if I could (beyond actual sex scenes) is more clarity in the beginning concerning the conception and a less abrupt ending. Had these things been done, this would’ve been a 5 star read for me. As is, it gets four respectable stars.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Eli needed to forge his own path in the world even if it meant leaving everyone he loved behind. He has created a successful career as a wildlife photographer but when tragedy strikes he goes back home for what was supposed to be a quick visit that has him questioning his plans for the future.

Tabby is Eli’s best friend and one of the people he left behind. She is still reeling from the tragedy that has shaken her world, but she knows that she needs to remain strong as others are depending on her. She is resolved that he will be on his way to fulfill his dreams before he finds out about the secret she carries as having him stay because he feels obligated is not an option.

As they spend time together the chemistry and connection between them is stronger than ever but they find themselves at cross-purposes as she is pushing him out of town and he is starting to realize that he doesn’t have to leave town to follow his dreams but will he be able to convince her?

The secondary characters are intriguing and I would like them to have their own stories as well.

HIS REASON TO STAY by Jennifer Hoopes is a great feel good story, which starts out in tragedy. An accident which kills members of two families who are very close. Brings together Tabby and Eli, keeping the two families closer than ever. Five 🌟 read!