I loved this book even more than the first. I loved their messages. I loved her fears and his insecurities and I adored how they worked through them. Blake was a struggle for me in the first book, but getting to see all of the characters again but feel so invested in Hailey and Matt's relationship was just fun. I loved their growth and their connection. Best hockey book I have read in a while!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Another 5 star read from Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen!!! I'm not surprised I loved this one - anything these 2 authors write (either together or by themselves) is always a fast and very enjoyable read for me. I found myself loving Stay, and seeing Matt and Hailey fall in love made me happy!

Matt was so likable - he was a great dad, friend, hockey player and just an all around good guy. Knowing what he's going through you can't but cheer for him and want the very best to happen to him. Seeing him fall for Hailey was adorable. Hailey was also a great female lead - she's smart, independent and sweet and shy at the same time. From the very start, their flirting made me smile and you can feel their chemistry through the pages. I just found myself loving this book because it felt realistic - the characters had real problems and insecurities. It was believable and that made me love it even more. I also loved the side characters of this book as well.

Thank you to Netgalley, SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books, Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen for the gifted ARC to read this book before its release! 💗

This book is for you if you love these tropes:

💗 Single dad
💗 Hockey romance
💗 Golden retriever MMC
💗 Dual POV
💗 Fangirl meets Star

4.5 Lick the Tattoo ⭐️
Spicy Level: 🌶️🌶️/5

Stay was just absolute sweet goodness wrapped up in a fluffy black golden retriever's heart called Rufus. I giggled, I swooned, I squealed, I squeeeeeeed, I laughed, I smiled, and I just felt so many warm fuzzies.

𝙎𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨:
Hailey Taylor Emery, or HoTtiE (according to Matt Eriksson), is the co-owner of Fetch, an anonymous virtual assistant service that she runs with her ex-husband—awkward, but okay— She has been personally assisting on one of the VIP accounts, Sniper87. She believes that Sniper87 happens to be Matt Eriksson, her total hockey crush, whom she happens to be the biggest fan of; however, confirming his identity is totally against the company's rules and values, so she just fawns over who she thinks he is. One day, Sniper87 needs help walking his dog. Haley knows she shouldn't cross that boundary, but she can't help herself, so she walks his dog and pretty soon their harmless chatting turns into flirtatious testing. Once she confirms he is IN FACT Matt Eriksson, it makes her life difficult. You see, Matt Eriksson is almost instantly besotted and enamoured with Hailey and wants nothing more than to break down her walls and get under her skin for maybe a kiss or two. But he is also cautious because he has just come out of a very messy divorce. Now both Hailey and he need to navigate who they are now that they are no longer with their previous partners, and who they can be together.

𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨:
Hailey was hilarious. I loved how cute she was and how she turned into a little bumbling idiot when she came face to face with Matt Erickson. I know people tend to do that when they meet celebrities, but it was really cute to see how she would get super embarrassed and wouldn’t be able to interact with one of her all-time favourite players, especially because he was giving her attention—it was so cute. I know this can seem "immature" given she is almost 30 but I loved it...
Despite her being successful, she is a little bit insecure. Given that she is divorced and currently living in this limbo. She has never known how to be single. She has never known another man besides her ex-husband. She is very careful because everything with Matt is unexplored territory. She doesn't want to be a puck bunny even though she is obsessed with hockey. She doesn't want to be one of his conquests and she is terrified that is all she is to Matt. She knows that hockey players tend to do that, so she guards herself closely to not let herself fall too quickly for his charm.

Matt is just a lovable goofball, and if I had to describe him as a cliché type of character, he would be a golden retriever—even though his dog in this book is a black labrador. He is the sweetest father, so gentle and caring but oh so hard on himself. He has been gaslit and manipulated by his ex-wife, who is an absolute bitch of a woman and feels so guilty for ruining their marriage. He struggles to make that additional commitment to Hailey or even open up to her because he's scared he's just going to hurt her and make her feel unwanted and like she doesn't matter.

It was sweet and charming to see how they overcame the scars and issues from their previous relationships and grew together as a couple. I just felt utter happiness reading this. I definitely preferred this to Good Boy, and I really liked Good Boy. I just cannot get over how SWEET THIS WAS.

The only reason this wasn’t five stars is because it had that mini "third-act breakup" before Matt came to his senses. Most of the time it felt like the two of them could communicate with each other and were open but during that section, it felt like they were talking over one another, with Matt not listening to what Hailey was saying. It took a while for him to see she wasn't his ex-wife and was different from her.

I really love the Blake and Jess cameos in this. We don't see as much of Wesmie in this one as we did in Good Boy, but we do see a little more of the other guys. I find their bromance adorable and I love how the wives are all there for each other. I loved that the girls welcomed Hailey so easily into their circle, accepting her as one of them.

𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨 and 𝙈𝙞𝙘𝙧𝙤 𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▶ Dual POV
▶ Hockey Romance
▶ She's his biggest fan
▶ Single Dad
▶ He Fall's First Vibes
▶ Mirror/Reflection Sex
▶ Look At Me

Overall, if you want something cute and comforting that is just pure rom-com gold and bliss, read this!!!!

Thank you to Netgalley, SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books, Sarina Bowen and Elle Kenney for the gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own

This is another super hot addition to the WAGs series.
This is an incredibly sexy hockey romance series. Each book follows its own set of characters from the team on their quest for romance.
Matt is up in this installment. Single dad, divorced and down in the dumps.  He meets his match in Hailey. The amazing woman who co-owns Fetch. A delivery service he uses frequently after his ex wife introduced it to him.
These two have sizzling hot chemistry. I love that Hailey is a hockey fan but that isn't always the forefront of the story.
Things progress slowly for the pair. Who both have come out of marriages that have seemingly ruined them for a chance at love.
The fun dialogue and crazy times this book has will keep you laughing and wanting more. The heat level is out of this world.
Another epic story to this series. Loved it.

I unfortunately found this quite forgettable. As I sat down to write this review, it took me some time to remember what happened. However, while I was reading, I did have a good time.

This is a fun romance featuring a single dad, hockey, and a strong business woman. There is also a super cute dog which cannot be overstated. The kids were cute and the difficult topic of divorce I felt was handled fine.

I didn't have any problems with the content or the story while I was reading it, but again, it didn't really stick with me and I didn't connect super well with the romance.

Cute and light with some steamy scences, a fine romance for an afternoon escape.

This was a quick, fun read! I loved the mix of hockey romance and fan/famous person. Matt was a great MMC and I was so happy for Hailey in the end! Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc ebook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

It's been a while since I read anything by either of the authors so it was a bit difficult for me to recall about all the characters. Matt was a great guy, not too cocky and was also a good father. Hailey was also sweet but sassy, which I liked and the smut scenes were also very striking. I liked their chemistry but the plot just wasn't that captivating and after a while, I felt bored tbh. But Matt's daughters were really funny and I liked seeing them! Overall, the story was cute but I kept feeling like something was missing maybe because of the insta-lust between the main characters. So, I didn't dislike them but I didn't completely love them either.

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review

Thank you to Bloom Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this title ahead of its re-release date.
I'm obsessed with Elle Kennedy. I love her banter between characters, her colorful supporting cast, and the way she can build a swoon worthy couple. This book is no different.
I am not as familiar with Sarina Bowen, but you cannot tell there are two voices in this book. Both authors blend seamlessly.
Bring on all the single dads as it is one of my favorite tropes and this book had the MMC, Matt, being loveable, sexy, and the ultimate daddy.
This book is fun, laugh out loud funny, and a perfect hockey romance.

I know I j u s t said it was unlikely I would be finishing this series but then I was late-stage approved for the ARC so hey here we are! And this was a little better than book one but not by a very large margin. While there were no DNF feelings, I was just.. bored. This was a snooze. It's a very low effort, low stakes, low investment kind of read -- at least for me.

Sure, once again, this might be a combination of something not aging all that well and my reading tastes (and standards) being a little (lot) different these days -- while unlike GOOD BOY this wasn't a reread it was still originally written in that era almost ten years ago, so. It still applies.

This is a book that can stand alone from the original HIM/US but does feature characters (mainly the main couple) from those books however more page time is given to GOOD BOYs couple. Having said that, you could easily treat this as a standalone as it focuses on a woman we haven't yet met, who runs a service pitched as having a virtual personal assistant for tasks and deliveries, who finds herself servicing (possibly a poor choice of word..) her favourite hockey player's needs (again, poor..) from home decorating to more. Meanwhile, he is sorta crushing on the assistant who he hasn't seen and doesn't know but circumstances throw them in each others' actual lives and, like, romance ensues. Whilst shallow conflicts unfold, one half of the couple worries about whether she actually has a boyfriend in name, and despite talking about their future and children at some point along the way is still survived to be told she's loved by the man who wants to have children with her.

Also, yeah, the return of the evil ex (ugh) trope used almost, sorta, twice.

Also also yes, incase you were wondering, every sex scene was skimmed. But hey at least it got me through the page count a little quicker!

This series was definitely a fail for me but also I think, in general, I've just outgrown these authors as time has gone on. Revisiting these stories may not have been fair play considering that but alas here we are and, as always, every reader's mileage will vary.

Matt is a recently divorced dad and Toronto hockey player. He has been using Fetch, a personal assistant app, to get his life in order. Hailey is the co-owner of Fetch and has been assigned to his tasks. She is 99% sure that the anonymous client is her long-time crush, Matt Eriksson. She is enjoying their harmless flirting until she has to meet her client face to face. Cue the nervousness. Both are attracted to each other and can’t seem to resist each other. Is this something that could be more than a crush?

I don’t know that I’ve read a hockey romance where the girl was already a hockey fan. I loved seeing that aspect of it. She already knew hockey and I loved it! Hailey was a super fan and I loved what that brought out of her during games. She was fierce.

The chemistry between Matt and Hailey was top-notch. I loved listening to the silly things Hailey would say when nervous around Matt, and his reaction to it. Both Matt and Hailey are divorced and cautious about entering a new relationship. Matt’s ex did a number on him and he feels so unworthy of love and a relationship.

Hockey romances is one of my favourite subgenres and I have found that Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy write some of the best out there. Thank you to NetGalley and Bloom Books for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.

I enjoyed this 4 star sports /single dad romance.

Hailey has had a crush for a long time on Matt, a professional hockey player. Through her company they get to meet.

This was a fun story to read. Beautifully written and entertaining. I enjoyed the numerous charters that appeared throughout the story. Bottomline line this is a must read.

Told in a dual POV with an HEA. I highly recommend this story.

As always, love reading Elle Kennedy, all her books flow so and well and are enjoyable to read, Sarina Bowen, who I haven't had the chance to read yet, but I am intrigued! I loved the first book in the Wags series 'Good Boy.' Hailey is a divorced entrepreneur that shares her business with her ex husband. Her. love of hockey and her assistant service connects single dad and hockey god Matt. They both have history with their exes and must endure trials and tribulations to keep their connection going. Stay is a fun and breezy read that anyone can enjoy. I hope there will be a sequel with another hockey player if I read the hints correctly! I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Cute, fun and brings some heat. Hailey Taylor Emery runs a personal assistant company. And she personally takes care of elite client hockey player Matt Eriksson. Matt and Hailey’s relationship begins with fun texting interaction while she is quietly handling errands for him. Eventually they meet in person and sparks fly. He is divorced and has young twin daughters. His ex-wife blamed a lot of their failure on the time he spent away from home. He hasn’t dated since his divorce. Hailey is also divorced for about the same time period.

This is a light contemporary romance. I enjoyed the characters, the dog and the friends of both. This is the second in the WAG’s series, which refers to the wives and girlfriends of the hockey players. I thought the first book, Good Boy, was slightly more humorous but both were enjoyable. This stands alone but the previous couple are part of the storyline. I would enjoy it if there were more books written for the series as there are other hockey players, but nothing says that is in the works. This was originally released in June 2017 and it is getting a new publisher and release in Sept 2024.

I devoured this book in two days. It is perfection. It has zero flaws. This review won’t do it justice. It’s a sports romance with a professional hockey player + his virtual personal assistant. He is anonymous, but she has a feeling he might be one of her favourite hockey players. He first sees her over his security camera when she comes to walk his dog and immediately wants to know her. They are both in their 30s and divorced. There are nicknames, there’s necking at the opera, there’s baggage from divorce and so much found family. I laughed so hard. This book is hilarious and deliciously spicy. It’s paced perfectly and flows beautifully.

Right from the moment I started reading Stay, I knew that I was going to love it! Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen are such a dynamic duo and Stay was just as good as Good Boy (WAG #1).

The interactions between Hailey and Matt aka HTE (hottie) and Sniper were so funny!! I loved their meet-cute and how their relationship slowly developed. Hailey and Matt were both weary of starting a new relationship after both of their first marriages ending in divorce. I loved how patient they were with each other and the level of communication between the two was refreshing.

I also really enjoyed the history that Matt and Hailey had with their respective exes. They were both tied to them in one way or another and it was a learning experience for everyone involved on how to navigate this change in their lives.

I really can't say enough about how much I loved this book. If you're looking for a sweet, funny, steamy, hockey themed romance then run to pick up a copy of Stay.

Cute and relaxing romp into rom coms with heart, feels and all the wonderful mindlessness in the genre slv

I wasn't really too sure about a super fan and a hockey player romance but of course Sarina and Elle prove my hesitance wrong again!

Stay is the second book in the WAGs series and this time we are featuring Matt Eriksson. He's a divorced dad of two sweet little twin girls and while it's been over 18 months since his divorce he feels he is just getting by. His ex-wife continues to blame him for everything and really sticks it to him when it comes to making decisions for their girls. I felt so bad for him because you could tell he was a really good dad and loved his kids to death but he constantly just took the blame for everything to not disturb the peace. Hailey is a hockey superfan but also the owner of Fetch, a courier service of sorts for people who need anything and everything. Hailey has been handling the account for a client with a username of Sniper87 and though she suspects it might be one of her hockey idols she's not 100% sure. When Matt's identity is revealed as Sniper, sparks fly but Hailey has a hard time of getting out of her "superfan head" and actually relaxing in front of Matt.

I thought Hailey and Matt were really cute together. I loved that she didn't mind his schedule because she was just as busy being a bad ass boss and running her company. I did feel a bit of secondhand awkwardness for her when she would act so nervous in front of him at first, but also I loved the way he calmed her down and really catered to her feelings. I'm SUPER glad the ex-wife got her due because that bitch was crazy thinking she could act like that when in reality she shouldered almost all of the blame for the divorce. Also I really liked getting glimpses of Jess/Blake and Wesmie, I missed them!

Overall a cute follow up to Good Boy and I really hope that Elle and Sarina continue the series, there's so many stories there. Definitely need O'Connor's story...the end of Stay when they are with the kids...you can tell he has a heart but he puts on a playboy front. Hopefully we get that one! Thank you so much to Bloom Books for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

I read this in one sitting today and loved how it was both cute and spicy! I always love Elle’s books and this was no exception! I’ll definitely be looking more into Sarina’s other books too! Hailey and Matt are perfect for each other and I couldn’t imagine a more perfect ending!

Thank you to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Bloom Books, and both authors for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!

Hailey Taylor Emery (HTE, or Hottie) is the owner of Fetch, a thriving assistant service business that caters to clients across Toronto. She suspects one of those clients is her hockey hero Matt Eriksson, a recently divorced and single dad of two that seems to like to flirt with Hailey via the services app. Herself recently divorced, Hailey is happy to just casually flirt with Matt, never expecting to actually meet the handsome NHL star in person and connect with him on so many different levels. Matt finds more reasons for Hailey to help him out via Fetch, and as they spend more time together, sparks fly. These two have hockey, exes, children, and busy lives to complicate their burgeoning relationship, so will they be able to make it work?
—————

As book two in the WAGS series, this was a perfectly nice and easy read. It was uncomplicated, funny at times, had good spice scenes, and had a cute family and friend dynamic. Hailey and Matt seemed like normal people falling in love and working through/navigating differences to be together. While it wasn’t super exciting or dramatic, it had a lovely simplicity to it that I enjoyed.

Spicy male female contemporary sports (hockey) romance. I didn't realize this was the 2nd book in a series (WAGs). The first book is Good Boy and I plan on reading it asap. Stay was a fun, cozy read with fantastic spice. I loved the main characters (and their relationship) as well as the secondary characters. The book is 320 pages but I thought it was shorter because I flew through it.