Known for her heartwrenching and emotional stories, Brittainy C Cherry brings you an unforgettable and heartbreaking second chance romance.

If You Stayed is a compelling romance that sucks you in immediately and presents the question, when tragedy strikes, what would you do for the one you loved? And so begins an unforgettable journey of heartbreak, loss and second chances. Author Brittainy C. Cherry does not hold back and isn't afraid to tackle difficult and tough issues.

If You Stayed was everything I hoped it would be. This story was well written and consuming. It's a story of pain, heartache, and forgiveness. It's a story of first love and second chances. It's a story that will frustrate you one moment and leave you with all the feels the next. It's a powerful story that will stay with you long after you've reached the end.

I was worried I wasn't going to love the tropes in this book, however, Brittainy Cherry did a wonderful job taking my least favorite trope and making it enjoyable.

I will admit that this book took me awhile to get into. I felt like I wasn't able to really connect with the characters easily. The further into the story I got, the more I was able to enjoy it.

The books is overall a quick read, its emotional, and can be triggering to certain people, so PLEASE check your trigger warnings prior to reaching for this book. I loved the duel timeline. We got to see how the character's were while growing up and also while they are older and further into their lives.

The way the last 20% of this book saved it for me. I had such high anxiety while reading the last few chapters that I had to stop and walk away three times before trying to continue. The ending was so well written. I loved the way she wrapped the book up. It was beautiful.

If you haven't read a Brittainy Cherry book yet, I highly suggest you do. She is a queen at pulling at your heart strings and I'm forever thankful she always gives me an HEA!

Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Publishing for the early access in exchange for a review. Forever thankful!

📖 Book Review 📖 The final job I had as a social worker was as a therapist for adult and childhood survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. It was what I envisioned my dream career to be and it was emotionally draining and I had a difficult time leaving it at the office at the end of the day. I continued my work as an advocate but the day to day grind took its toll. Kudos to Brittainy Cherry for taking on this topic in such a poignant and relevant manner.

Kierra has spent most of her adult life trying to heal from a traumatic car accident as a young adult that not only injured her boyfriend but took his memories and the life of his brother in the backseat. She has found success as a therapist and a bonus mother to her stepdaughter but lacks love in her marriage and atonement for her past mistakes with Gabriel, her first love. When he enters her life again as the architect hired by her husband, Kierra must face the past again, even if Gabriel cannot remember her. Is it possible that their connection is so strong that even if his memories have forgotten, his soul has not? If You Stayed is a compelling second chance story about finding love and forgiveness and delicately demonstrates the escalation of intimate partner violence. While the content is raw and real, the characters are beautifully written and the story unfolds in a hopefully resilient tone that shines brightly.

If I Stayed by Brittainy Cherry
4.5-5 stars
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥/5

As a mom of two, it has been hard to keep up with my reading. However, with this book, I couldn’t put it down. Luckily, I was reading it on my phone so I was able to attempt to read while bottle feeding, cooking, and doing random things because I could not put this book down. I think this was my second book by Brittainy Cherry. I remember liking whatever book it was previously, but not devouring it like I did with If I Stayed.

Brittainy Cherry got me in the feels with this one. It was so heartfelt, full of emotional up and downs, and so much angst. I don’t know why but I love when my chest feels heavy with angst and emotion when reading books. She hit the nail on the head perfectly with that.

There was so much sexual tension and slow burn too. There are triggers in this book – domestic violence, cheating, and maybe something I haven’t thought of while writing this review so make sure to check your triggers if you need them. I know some people have a hard limit on cheating, BUT I think this one deserves a read despite that rule. I personally don’t have that limit myself, so I was all for it, in this instance, but you’ll have to read yourself to make that determination yourself.

Gabriel was swoon-worthy. He was the perfect best friend and book boyfriend. I could not get enough of him, and their backstory. I think Brittainy did a great job with creating their history with past scenes and filling in gaps during their present day. On a random side note, I loved that these characters were older. As a 35-year-old mother, it was nice to read about people closer to my age range. Although, I would love to think my age range is still low myself LOL

Despite a lot of the narrative of Kierra being weak, I found Kierra to be a strong female character. She’s aware of what is happening, doesn’t provoke the situation to keep herself and daughter safe so I see that as protective instincts, not weakness, and full of determination. I did feel we lost some of her therapist self during the middle of the book, but she found herself again.

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ᨳ᭬ ⭑ ⭑ ⭑ ⭑ ࿐ྂ

„I was finally home again, because of Gabriel Ayodele Sinclair. My joy had come home.“

- If you want to read this, please check the trigger warnings!! -

As always, it was absolutely painful and yet so beautiful. I can't describe how beautifully Brittainy writes and how amazing her books are. She has never disappointed me, she always makes me absolutely fall in love with her characters or even see myself reflected in them.

This book was difficult for me to read, but I am still glad I finished it because many of the statements were so great and actually help me a lot.

“He was my hero for the longest time. How could my hero be my other hero’s worst nightmare?”

If i could i would immediately hug Kierra and Ava.

- A huge thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for giving me this e-arc in exchange for an honest Review. -

I absolutely DEVOURED this book! Read it in one day. This book brought out so many emotions in me! This is my hands down favorite read so far this year.

“Did I love you?”
“Yes.”
“Did you love me, too?”
“More than words.”

Kierra and Gabriel are two people who found the soul clenching, earth shattering kind of love at a young age. And then tragedy strikes and they don’t see or speak to each other for two decades.

Until fate intervenes and they are now in each other’s lives. Things have happened; their lives have been completely upended, but their love still shines through.

This is a book about love, loss, grief, soulmates, hurt, and family. This was not an easy read, but one of those reads that will stick with you for a long time.

I adored both of our MCs plus Kierra’s daughter. They are all such complex and loving characters. Gabriel will burn the earth down for those that he loves and Kierra will do anything to keep her daughter safe. I loved the tough journey that we were on and I loved when they finally got the ending that they deserve.

Thank you to Brittainy, Sourcebooks, and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

Kierra and Gabriel's story was a reminder of why I can't read a Brittainy Cherry book without sobbing like a baby. This book was so heartbreakingly beautiful and when people say that a book gives you 'all the feels', this is definitely what they are talking about. IF YOU STAYED is going to be up there in my top books of this year.

Rate: 4.5

It's been a while since I read a Brittainy Cherry novel, and let me tell you, "If You Stayed" reminded me exactly why I adore her writing.

This book is a tragically beautiful and heartbreakingly emotional journey of love, loss, and second chances.

This is a story about Kierra and Gabriel, two soulmates whose lives are forever changed by a tragic accident. Gabriel loses his memory of her and the accident sets them on separate paths.

But fate has a funny way of bringing people back together, and when Gabriel reappears as the architect for Kierra's new home, old feelings resurface. The chemistry between them is palpable. Kierra is trapped in a loveless marriage, yet Gabriel's presence ignites a spark of hope that maybe, just maybe, they can reclaim their lost story.

Gabriel is every bit the swoon-worthy hero. He's gentle, caring, and understanding.
Kierra, on the other hand, is a complex mix of strength and vulnerability. Her journey is one that broke my heart but also filled me with admiration for her resilience.

I loved how the author seamlessly weaves past and present scenes. These glimpses into their shared history fill in the gaps and add depth to their current relationship.

Brittainy Cherry is known for tackling heavy themes with sensitivity and grace, and this book is no exception. It touches on guilt, love, and the struggle to break free from controlling circumstances.

Tropes :

Second chance
Childhood friends to lovers
Amnesia


Check TW

Thank you so much Sourcebooks Casablanca for providing me with an ARC in exchange of my honest review.

If You Stayed is an emotional and beautifully written second-chance romance that completely pulled me in. Brittainy Cherry has a way of writing love stories that feel raw and real, and this one was no exception.

Kierra and Gabriel’s story is filled with heartbreak, hope, and healing. Their connection felt so natural, and I loved seeing them find their way back to each other after everything they had been through. Gabriel was such a swoon-worthy book boyfriend, and Kierra’s journey—especially as she navigated her marriage and her past with Gabriel—made her an easy character to root for.

“Passing by people and places that felt so black and white. But Kierra felt like color. Not just any color, either. The most vibrant of tones, which made my heart pound wildly in my chest.”

Kierra’s daughter, Ava, was such a great addition to the story. She brought warmth and lightness to the book, and her interactions with Kierra and Gabriel made me smile. One of the things I loved most was how much the characters grew throughout the book. The emotions felt real, the pacing was just right, and I never wanted to put it down.

If you’re a fan of emotional second-chance romances, If You Stayed is definitely worth reading. It’s the kind of story that sticks with you long after you finish.

Read if you like: second chance romance, amnesia, angst, childhood friends, failing marriage, then and now chapters
Check the TW - heavy themes of DV

I wish the TW was included in the ARC sign up because I would not have picked up this book if I knew.
Did I read the same book as everyone else?

There were so many things I didn’t like in this book 🥲
- I needed Kierra to take her own advice as a therapist
- Usually I love kids in stories but I found Ava very annoying, sometimes she was too mature for her age and other times very childish
- I found this story inconsistent, in an earlier chapter Kierra tells Gabriel that she doesn’t love Henry and she isn’t happy. In a later chapter, Gabriel is saying how Kierra isn’t lonely like he is because she’s got Henry. Like what??
- Amma’s apology was forced by Gabriel and I hated that. I wish she came to the realisation herself and apologised
- Romance was meh
- In theory it is an angsty plot, but I didn’t shed a single tear or even tear up? I cry at EVERYTHING so I am shocked

This was not a book for me, but if you like angst then maybe give this book a go

An emotionally packed childhood friends to lovers, second chance where the MMC lost his memory. I really loved it. I think all the hard parts were handled well. There are the two timelines of them as kids and how they grew up together and then there’s the present day 20 years later and she’s in an abusive relationship and he’s the architect designing her future house.

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

A sweet love story about childhood friends who were separated due to a horrific accident.

Henry, an abusive man, meets his ideal counterpart in Kierra, a woman whose life was forever changed by a devastating accident. Trapped in a loveless marriage marked by mental abuse, Kierra unexpectedly crosses paths with her first love, Gabriel. Though Gabriel has no memory of her, he feels an inexplicable sense of familiarity and comfort in the presence of this mysterious stranger.

What a beautiful story!!! This one has so much depth! It felt incredibly real! I could identify with the characters. It definitely had me on the edge of my seat. Amazing job author!!! Worth the read!

Kierra’s journey is one of pain and self-discovery. She enters a marriage hoping for peace, only to find that the man she married isn’t the person she believed him to be. The story touches on themes of emotional and physical abuse, which readers should be aware of before diving in. At its core, this book is about finding a second chance at love, overcoming the scars of abuse and depression, and learning to feel worthy of a love that endures despite all challenges. It's a powerful, though heavy, story of healing and resilience.

I enjoy Brittainy's writing and look forward to more from her.

This book was almost perfect for me...I just wish it were a little longer bc there were some things I wish got more time.

Gabriel was the perfect man. Honestly, I loved him as a character. I rarely read about fully green flag men, but they never disappoint. Everything that happened to him had me in tears.

These characters are a little bit on the older side in the present; they are not in their 20s, they are more mature. I don't remember the exact age, but it made sense.

I'm not a hugely emotional person, very rarely will a book have me full on sobbing, but I did tear up multiple times for both of them. They went through so much, but the good thing is that they both came out of it stronger. They both came out it with each other's love and support.

Can I just say that Kierra's husband was an absolute asshole, mind my language, sorry. No spoilers, but that man did not get everything he deserved. What a gaslighting idiot. But honestly, my heart goes out to the woman in marriages with men like this. Narcissistic, gaslighting, manipulative, maybe even slightly misogynistic, and borderline crazy.

This book gives you the hurt before it gives you the happy, but you would be thankful for the hurt that comes before the ending.

Thank you to Brittainy Cherry, SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca and NetGalley for this arc! 💕

If You Stayed by Brittainy Cherry
Release: April 22, 2025

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️

Gabriel was Kierra’s childhood best friend, her first love, her everything. That all changed when one night they were involved in a car accident that left Gabriel without any memory of anything prior to that happening. Kierra was shut out of his life by his mother soon after.

Fast forward 10+ years and Kierra is now married to Henry, and a mom to his daughter Ava. Their marriage is toxic, and emotionally abusive. Then out of the blue Gabriel shows up to their house, now a famous architect, he is in charge of building their new home.

This book navigates Kierra and Gabriel’s POVs as they navigate through the complications of their past and present and what it means for their future.

This was my first read by Brittainy Cherry and it will not be my last. I was immediately captivated by how beautifully she is able to string sentences together. This books is heartbreakingly poetic and a must read for everyone in 2025.

Thank you to @bcherryauthor, @sourcebookscasa, and @netgalley for allowing me access to this ARC.

Thank you Sourcebooks and Netgalley for allowing me to read this e-arc in exchange for an honest review!

The flow of this book was nice and easy to read even though it was a bit predictable.

Brittainy did well writing a friends to lovers with drama. This was very emotional and Ms. Cherry did well describing the details in this story with Kierra and Gabriel’s story. I’m not usually a fan with past and present stories but I felt the author did well explaining this throughout the book.

She definitely knows how to show emotions in a book and will break you and bring you back together! That’s what makes her writing so well written.

I would definitely check your trigger warnings before reading as this story has abuse in it as that might not be a cup of tea for others!

There was a lot of quotes I liked in here but one that stood out to me was from chapter 1 when Kierra’s mom will tell her “Let go of what’s dragging you, baby girl. Then you can walk more freely.”

Tropes:
💜Memory loss
💗Second chance love
💜Friends to lovers

I love Brittany Cherry’s work. She writes with so much passion and emotion. I love a good second chance romance. Cherry knows how to break your heart and put it together in the same space. Even though some of the plot was predictable i enjoyed it.

Such a sweet story and so romantic!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!