Thank you to Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books | Bloom Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Amazing collab between Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen on writing this fun hockey romance. I love a good hockey romance and have read many by Elle Kennedy so I knew I would like this. This was fun and steamy. I didn't realize that it was the 2nd book in the series but had no problem following along so it can be read as a stand alone.

Recommended for anyone who likes hockey, spice, and drama.

Stay by Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen is the second book in the WAGs Series. This is Hailey and Matt‘s story.
 
Hailey founded a company with her ex-husband and they’re very successful with it. Their company Fetch provides virtual assistance, and this can also be done anonymously and discreetly and that’s why some famous people also use it. Hailey is a ray of sunshine and so kind and loving and she isn’t really looking for love after her last relationship failed.
 
Matt is a hockey player and while his career is on a high, his private life is on a low. He is a single dad to two little girls and a dog dad and must arrange everything with his ex who is rather problematic. He is doing everything to provide the best for his girls and that was so sweet. He uses the service of Fetch often and starts messaging them frequently and he wouldn’t expect to ever meet his Fetcher person.
 
I absolutely adored this story that has so much heart and humor. I liked how it all started with texting and errands and slowly turned into so much more. Hailey and Matt both deface to be loved wholeheartedly and they become each other‘s person. I also loved all the scenes with Matt‘s dog and daughters and this story is one that puts a smile on your face and makes you happy.
 
Overall, I adored this book and highly recommend it. 5 stars.
 
(ARC kindly provided in exchange for a review.)

Stay
By Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen

Love me some hockey romance. This was a reread which I normally don't do. But I realized I hadn't reviewed it originally. If you appreciate some girl boss energy, messy exes, adorable dogs and hot hockey guy this book is for you. It's a unique meet cute/ super fan that will pull you in.

If you are looking for a positive, steamy and fun romance then Stay by co-authors Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen will absolutely fit the bill. This is book two in the WAGs series though it stands alone quite well. I love the concept of this series with admirable characters, cute dogs, professional sports, spicy intimacy and just a bit of drama. A respite from the stress of the day. I read a few chapters while getting a pedicure - pure indulgence.

This story captivated me with its exploration of second chances and the magic of slow-burning love. From the start, I was drawn into a world where dreams intertwined with reality, rooting for the characters as they navigated their pasts and moved towards each other.

The relationships felt incredibly realistic and tender, and the gradual development allowed me to savor every moment. I was enchanted by how the characters dreamed about each other before even meeting, as if fate was nudging them together from the beginning.

The chemistry was palpable, blending steaminess with genuine emotion. Their longing and vulnerability made each interaction feel significant, highlighting how love often hinges on timing and personal growth. The way these themes were explored added depth to the story.

This was a beautifully told journey of self-discovery and love. I found myself immersed in the characters’ lives, feeling their connection deeply. For anyone who appreciates a tale that’s both realistic and tender, this hickey era is definitely worth experiencing.

Stay by Elle Kennedy and Sarina Brown is a heartfelt and steamy romance that beautifully explores the complexities of love and vulnerability. The chemistry between the protagonists is electric, making their journey both captivating and relatable. Kennedy and Brown skillfully blend humor with poignant moments, creating a perfect balance that keeps readers engaged. The rich character development adds depth to the story, making you root for their happy ending. It's a charming read that lingers in your mind long after you've turned the last page!

I read Stay in one sitting because I couldn't put it down! I love the WAGs series by Ellen Kennedy and Sarina Bowen.

This one focuses on Hailey and Matt: he's a hockey superstar and she owns a virtual assistant service that he uses.. Online flirting turns to more and the eventual steam is excellent.

There's some cameos from previous couples in the series which I always love; it's like getting a peek into their happily ever afters.

Highly recommend!

Stay by Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen, book two in the WAGs series, is an enjoyable story with the perfect blend of sweet and sizzling, with little angst/drama. Hailey co-owns a company called Fetch with her ex-husband. Fetch is a successful virtual person assistant app; catering quickly to the clients’ every need at any time or place. She’s been assisting one of her clients, Matt, who she believes to be a pro-hockey player; one of her favorites. After some shameless flirting through the Fetch app, Hailey finally comes face to face with her client, who turns out to be exactly who she thought. Matt is recently divorced and is a dad to twin girls. Hailey got divorced around the same time and the co-owner of Fetch happens to be her ex-husband. Matt’s ex-wife claimed she left him because of his career. Hailey never really dated, as she married her childhood best friend. Both of them have been out of practice and a bit clueless about dating. I love the way Matt adores his little princess and enjoyed the adorable and hilarious banter between these two. The chemistry is sizzling as they burn up the sheets. I adored Matt and Hailey.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

It’s gonna be an effort to go slow, but warm-ups are important.”

These two were adorable and I love that there wasn’t a huge roadblock or big dramatic third act breakup. The problems that were had, were very adult and normal for the situations they dealt with and I appreciate the realistic aspect of that. I would call this a medium burn, but it makes sense since they are both newly-ish out of divorces and aren’t ready to jump into the first thing that comes around.
I loved how Hailey integrated with Matt’s girls and I respected her interactions with Kara. She never let things get to her.

But Bailey, bro… weather girl? COMET WAS RIGHT THERE!

“In a minute, buddy. I’m busy here.”

⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️Random notes from my read: CAN BE CONSIDERED SPOILERY⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️




* Hailey. Ma’am. I’m going to need you to calm tf down. You’re literally inventing “bad signs”, in your head
* “Your coach” 🔥🔥🔥
* Hahahahaha O’Connor caught him TWICE
* Oh, poor matty-cakes
* It’s not a pantsuit if you’re wearing a skirt
* Move along Dentist Dan

Many thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with an ARC and allowing me to provide my honest review

I liked this book much better than the first one in this series. I loved the relationship between Hailey and Matt. I couldn't stand how the male lead in the first book spoke and I felt like this book was much more natural and realistic. I loved seeing their relationship blossom and I enjoyed reading how both characters were flawed. While this is the second book in the series, I don't think you need to read the first one to understand this one. They are pretty much standalone novels.

Hailey runs Fetch, Inc. with her ex-husband. She has one client that she wants to know more about but they have a policy where clients can remain confidential, so she doesn’t pry into his personal business. He has different ideas! When he decides he is intrigued by her and wants to meet her, he concocts a plan. Will sparks fly?

This is a feel-good love story about two people that belong together. Hailey loves hockey. Matt plays hockey. Hailey works with her ex-husband. Matt struggles to balance his relationship with his daughters while navigating the rough waters with his ex-wife. They each have good reasons to be cautious about starting a relationship, but the pull of attraction is too much to ignore. As they get to know each other they realize that they have a lot in common. I like that the author showed each of them having to deal with learning things about their ex-spouses and how they dealt with it. Is there a bad guy? Sort of but the individual that I would consider the true bad guy gets dealt with fairly easily. That part of the story is more about showing how ex-spouses can work together than any character being in danger.

This is a contemporary hockey romance with some comedy elements. It takes place in Toronto. If you are looking for a lighthearted love story with some hockey, give this a try. It can be read as a standalone but if you read the first book in the series you will have opinions about Matt going into this story. I will definitely read more from these authors in the future.

4.5 - ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫

She has no idea how much this means to me. I’ve spent the last year and chance believing myself unfit to be anyone’s partner. And maybe it’s true. But by spending her day with me – and her night – Hailey lets me believe I’m not a lost cause, that my messy life is worth sharing.

Stay is the second novel in the adult sport romance series, WAGs, which are a series of interconnected standalone. In this novel we follow Hailey and Matt. Hailey has a sneaking suspicion that her client at her anonymous personal assistance company she runs with her ex-husband might actually be her hockey crush. Still working through her feelings about her divorce she decides to flirt a little...she never expects her client would offer her hockey tickets to draw her out.

Matt is still reeling from his divorce. Tension is high between him and his ex wife and he isn't getting nearly as much time with his kids as he wants. Yet the one thing helping is chatting with HTE, his virtual personal assistant. He pulls the trigger to draw her out...but what happens when the anonymity falls? Will they be able to find a path forward or will it all fall apart?

This book was a delight.

The dynamic, the banter, the ease of the romance had me hook line and sinker!

Hailey is a woman out to build a name for herself. She is proud of what she has created alongside her ex-husband and I loved seeing a fairly amicable relationship between them. He was her friend for so long and while they may be tense at times, I liked seeing that support. Add in her ability to adapt so quickly and her acceptance she was a character who was open and able to really find common ground.

Matt is a sweetheart. He really just wants to do right by his family and he holds a lot of guilt because of his work and failed marriage. He is a good dad, a romantic guy, and smooth. I really appreciated his patience with Hailey as he took his time to get to know her and give her the space she needs while also making his feelings known. He does martyr himself a little at one point but he does have some healing to do.

This book does contain spice. I would say 2.5 spicy peppers out of 5 spicy peppers. I would place this as a medium burn as the characters take their time to find their rhythm with a fun date, make out sessions, and some cock blocking but when they decide to go all in they go for it! There is a bit of a risk to being caught, some playing with positions, and a whole lot of passion. It is explicit and detailed and I felt it was such fun for these characters. It fits their vibe so well to see their connection and desire.

“Fuck, Hailey. It’s going to be an effort to go slow…But warm-ups are important.”

The story itself is effortless to dive into. You have Hailey trying to deal with anxiety around her company and Matt trying to find a balance of work and life. I loved the casualness of the dating and fun. I especially loved the mystery around the one PA client with some VERY interesting requests. There was levity to the story but also insecurities explored as both characters are a bit bruised from their past relationships. I felt the WAGs came in clutch at the climax and really provided the companionship needed. The ending was incredibly sweet and the epilogue was the cherry on top! I left this book smiling and eager to go and pick up the book !

Thank you so much to Bloom and Netgalley for this review copy!

Actual rating 3.5 stars

Overall I enjoyed this but the story and the relationship between Hailey and Matt felt a little rushed. Thankfully not insta-love but just rushed - the characters lacked the same depth that I have seem from other books in this series/universe. It was nice to have cameos from Blake and Jess, Wes and Jamie and Blake's mum (she might even me my favourite character in all the books!).

I'd still recommend reading this and am hoping that there will be more books in this series.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bloom Books for the eARC. My opinions are just that...mine :)

Hailey’s personal assistant business she coowns with her ex husband is booming, as is the attraction she feels towards one of her anonymous clients. As they message about his requests, she finds herself drawn to him and imagining him to be her local celebrity crush (the star of the hockey team).

Matt is the local hockey star for Toronto, a divorced dad of two twin daughters. He has closed off his heart after his ex wife left him due to the demands of his professional hockey career. Hailey’s personal assistant business helps him keep his life in order, and he dreams about the girl he messages being the cute girl he sees in photos on the website.

Luckily for both, they find themselves pleasantly surprised when they have their first face to face interaction. As they learn more about each other and fall harder, Matt finds himself worrying that he’ll never be enough. His career takes him away often and makes his schedule unreliable even on the best days, so how could he ask Hailey to sign up for a relationship like that? Will this girl who stumbled into his life be enough to convince him to give love another shot?

I really enjoyed this book. It tells the story of two people, both divorced, who finally find the love they deserve. It is both sweet and spicy. Highly recommend.

First of all, thank you to Netgalley, SOURCEBOOKS BLOOM Books and the authors for the opportunity to read this book.

“The best things in life are the ones you don’t expect.”

I’m a huge fan of Elle and Sarina and I love their books so I was super excited when I received this book. I began immediately and became addicted since the first chapter.

I loved the characters and I can see myself in them in so many situations that it amazed me.
The relationship between the main characters was also so good and cute… I swear that it made me so happy and all smily while reading.

His kids are also cute as hell and it was good to see that Haley loved them as much as if they were hers. Kara irritated me but in the end she FINALLY FINALLY said sorry.

I think it was a good romance for the hockey fans like me, and it really helped me with my reading slump!
So yes, I recommend it if you life hockey romance with some smut in it too!

A solid book from Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen!

Really enjoyed this book and hope there’s more in the series!

very fun sports romance! definitely recommend if you are into fast paced hockey romances, very entertaining and gets straight to the point.

Hailey Taylor Emery runs Fetch, Inc. a Virtual Personal Assitant company who takes pride in her work. What will happen when she discovers her hunch that one of her clients is 𝙖𝙡𝙨𝙤 her favorite hockey player? Will she find the courage to do something daring and bold that could jeopardize and ruin everything?

Matt Ericksson is a single-dad focused on his career and twin daughters until he finds himself suddenly interested his personal assistant. Will he take a chance and ask her out or will he let the pain and lingering drama from his past prevent him from opening up to trust and love again?

WAGS is a spicy sports romance series with off-and-on-the-ice hockey fun, super spicy texts, banter, and shenanigans as two strangers who aren't 𝙚𝙭𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙡𝙮 strangers discover what they really need and want.

Stay by Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen is a sweet and funny sports story about NHL star Matt Eriksson, who is trying to fit in as a divorced dad, and Hailey Taylor Emery, who owns a virtual assistant business with her partner. When Matt hires her as a client, sparks fly, but their relationship isn't easy because they both have problems in their personal lives. Matt and Hailey have great chemistry, and their smart little chats keep the story interesting. Stay is a fun and enjoyable book for romance fans to read. It has well-developed characters, humour, and just the right amount of spice.