Stay a Little Longer

I really liked this book. It felt real, not because of the events, but because of how the characters felt. I've been in a sort-of long distance relationship and a lot of the feelings, worries, concerns, about starting one felt incredibly real and emotional. I read this whole book with my boyfriend in the back of my mind, despite the fact our stories aren't really that similar. The way these characters felt about each other, however, was. I even highlighted one line, which I never do, because it resonated with me so much - "I'd been counting wrong the whole time". When you only have a small amount of time with someone, a little change in plans can feel incredibly jarring. I loved how Elan and Caty's relationship developed. The section of texts was beautiful, showing simple conversations that people who can't see each other have. It was a lovely quick way of developing the relationship.
Overall this book was very emotional to read, hit close to home, felt realistic, and I would definitely read other books by this author.

I loved every page of this book. We first meet Elan as he is trekking it out on public transit all the way from Manila to a smaller town to pick up his car from his friend, Juliana, who borrowed it but didn't return it when she was supposed to. Elan clearly has feelings for her (not that she knows it), and when he pulls up and sees her with another guy, he's taken aback. And just as he's about to leave, Caty, a total stranger to him, runs out of the house as he's about to leave and tells him she needs a ride to the airport. Elan is clearly frustrated but he doesn't say anything because he internalizes a lot of his feelings and is very careful not to express anger. Caty, as it turns out, is one of Juliana's childhood friends and it's her brother whom Juliana is seeing. Elan and Caty spend a few hours together before Caty flies back to Toronto, where she lives. They are very much opposites--Elan is reserved and quiet, whereas Caty is... kind of a whirlwind.

I felt like there were no wasted words, and she packed so much into just over 250 pages. The book jumps forward in time to account for gaps between Caty and Elan seeing each other again. There were even some parts that had a Before Sunset vibe to them (especially when Elan visits her in NYC). I had so many FEELINGS while reading this. Having been in a long-distance relationship before with someone who lived in another country, this book so perfectly captures a lot of bittersweet parts of wanting to be with someone who is so far away. The giddy but terrifying feeling of falling love with someone even though you have no idea when you'll see each other again, questioning whether a relationship is even a good idea but not being able to stop yourself from constantly thinking about them, the constant texts and phone calls, the excitement but dread of seeing them in person again after months and months of electronic communication... Lanuza writes about this so well. There are a lot of things they leave unsaid between them in those times they do spend together, but instead of frustrating me, I understood it. It's so hard to say know what to say or when to say in long-distance relationships--especially for Elan and Caty, who never really establish that this is a relationship and not just a friendship.

Lanuza shows the ups and downs of LDRs; she doesn't gloss over how hard it is, but doesn't make it seem like it's all work with no benefits. Because this is a romance, they do get their HEA, and that in and of itself was bittersweet for me on a personal level (as someone whose LDR didn't ultimately work out). But it was really satisfying as a reader.

Stay A Little Longer by Dawn Lanuza will take you to a roller-coaster ride of feelings in this generally hopeful, feel-good romance. 

Thanks to Netgalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for giving me an opportunity to read this new book of Dawn Lanuza, a Filipino writer I dearly admire.

This is a short, dialogue-filled book which tugs at the heart and brings to mind several hard, painful truths about long distance relationships made more difficult when two people with opposite personalities attract.

I like Elan a lot. His patience, his silent wisdom, his maturity, and his self-control are qualities women look for in men these days. That said, I couldn’t understand why he purposely kept from Caty the real reason for abruptly cutting short their time together in New York. This, when he’d already opened himself up to her more than with any other person, including his sister, and when he didn’t even take Gia’s calls in the first place. It was very un-Elan like in that part of their relationship. I could understand more Caty’s white lie. It’s simple self-preservation.
 
For a while there, Elan's points dropped to under the ground for me. Never mind that he did things (unknown to Caty) to maintain contact and information without making any effort whatsoever to communicate with her directly. What was he thinking? Whatever his reason, there's a lesson to be learned here, gentlemen: sometimes, being over patient can be a disadvantage and can cause unnecessary heartache and lost time. But of course, these things make up the story of their relationship, which Dawn effortlessly relates in her own unique, signature writing style, drawing the reader fully in. See what she did there to me?

I would have wanted to read more of Elan and Caty, though, and watch as their characters evolve and they further explore their relationship because surely, opposites have much more issues to realise and overcome. Or is there a sequel on the horizon?
 
Stay A Little Longer by Dawn Lanuza will take you to a roller-coaster ride of feelings but is generally a hopeful, feel-good romance. Except for some head-hopping in a few scenes, Stay A Little Longer is an easy read. I enjoyed reading Elan and Caty’s story and look forward to more books by this author. 
 
(Just one thing: reading through Adobe Digital Edition was a first for me and as such, I find it frustrating at times, me being a certified Kindle app reader. It would be nice if all books in Netgalley can be available for Kindle viewing. I don’t think I’d read using ADE again.)

A well-written contemporary romance. Seems a little long at times, but overall I enjoyed it a lot. The characters were both very relatable. I'll definitely recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC!

This book was so cute! Elan and Caty's relationship started in the weirdest way but evolved so nicely. I love how the story was realistic in expressing how long it took for the two of them to figure their crap out. There were other factors involved in how their relationship evolved aside from the distance, which was all weaved in nicely. I especially enjoyed how Lanuza showed the reality of long distance and how (as with any relationship) you have to make the conscious effort to make it work. Communication was an issue between Elan and Caty and the moment they both were just like "Oh, I should've said something. That's why this is taking too long." was nice because they both acknowledge it.

This book was short and sweet. Lanuza's writing style is very easy to follow. I was rooting for the two the entire time because when you know, you just know. They clicked so well with each other and I was very satisfied with the ending.

4.25 stars

I'm a sucker for stories about long distance relationships. The people who decide to have this kind of relationship are so brave to fight for who they love even though they have miles between them.
This story was so heart-warming and even in the moments full of suffering everything felt so realistic, I could totally understand the doubts the characters had. It was a pleasure to see this love story blossom onto the page.
I highly recommend this novel.

This book was an absolute delight. It had all of my favorite ingredients for a perfectly lovely contemporary romance: beautiful, witty, slightly broken characters, a seemingly impossible situation (give or take a couple of hotel beds), and of course, a lightning hot spark that follows the characters halfway across the globe. Even in the middle of the most over-the-top dialogue scenes, there were little nuggets of relationship wisdom that rang particularly true and relatable for this aimless twenty-something, which I especially enjoyed. A quick read and an excellent escape, this book made me grin like a fool more than once on my subway commute, which is all I can ever really ask for.

I requested this book on a whim because I've heard good things from this author (and I've read some #romanceclass novels before), and I was intrigued by the summary. It definitely lived up to my expectations and then some. Stay a Little Longer tells a tale of a different kind of love, soft and modern and lovely.

From the time Elan and Caty meet, something special forms between them. Yes, this book was a bit insta-lovey, but that's the point! They don't expect to meet each other again, or even if they do, it'll be far into the future, but both form a healthy infatuation with each other that eventually turns into love. I loved this slow-burn because it just felt right for the two of them.

The romance and the plot felt akin to Emergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi (although this book would be classified as adult), in that it's centered around really getting to know someone through text because there's less pressure than seeing the person actually IN PERSON. The nuances between physically talking to someone and texting them are real, okay, and I loved how Elan and Caty keep up a long-distance relationship, even if it's just a friendship at first.

I haven't read Lanuza's Hometown Hazard yet, but this book features some of the same characters. However, you don't need to have read the predecessor because this book is firmly centered on our main couple. I assume there are some allusions and inside jokes that went over my head, and I liked this book so much that I should really get on reading the first one.

The sibling relationships between the two main characters and their siblings were wonderful. You all know that I love a good sibling relationship, and this book depicted two really great ones.

The only thing that I didn't like about this book was that it was hard to tell who was talking. This was mainly due to one character's dialogue being on the same line as the description for the other character's actions. For example, it would be Caty's words but the action described right after is Elan's. I kept getting confused, and it's easy to think the other person is talking when they're not if you're not paying close attention.

Stay a Little Longer was a lovely, beautifully written story. If you're looking for a new romance to read, I totally recommend this book. In fact, it's out today, so you can pick it up right now! I do think the book was a bit short, but that's probably because I wish I could have stayed a little longer with these characters.

**This review will be up on my blog Magical Reads on May 28, 2019.**

YES, BUY AND READ THIS if we’re going by the cover alone because so pretty, but hey that’s not all there is to it. So I want to say this is more for readers stepping into a long-distance relationship, or those already in one, because this romance about a couple in their mid-20s captures such an intimate and resonating account of being apart trying to make it work.

In both Caty and Elan, I saw my self—ambitious but hesitant, willing but afraid. They both know there’s something real and solid between them, yet are not blind to the fact that the distance and time difference (Manila-New York) will not work to their advantage. Add to that, they have pasts to move on from, lives to lead, family to attend to, career goals to achieve.

And that’s the beauty of it—that willingness to take risks even though clouds of doubt and fear hover. Sure, it was a little excruciating for me to witness Caty and Elan drag themselves to realization but I found their journey heavily accurate. LDR is not at all a joke—I’d go to the lengths of saying it’s harder, in the way it requires more effort, more constant communication, more patience, more trust and faith—and so I did understand Caty’s self-denial and sabotage (“am I even worth it, I can’t put this much pressure on him”) and Elan’s hesitation (“do I deserve her, how can make it work?”). There’s also the issue of career for her and family for him, both very valid concerns especially in a Filipino setup as these are crucial factors to consider when transitioning from LDR to actually being together, so difficult, very difficult.

But thankfully, like in real-life, there are people who got Caty and Elan’s backs to remind them that “when you know, you know” and that they owe it to themselves to see it through and make it happen, and make it happen right away. In the words of the great Lucian, Caty’s best friend in New York, “one has to be braver.” (Elan’s sister, Gia, also weighs in the same thought, and gosh, just how great this cast of characters is??)

So do they make it? Do they get a happy ending?

Guaranteed. I won’t spoil anything the how but Caty and Elan eventually figure it out and get there, the resolution and reunion sweet and satisfying. And you know, their story might teach you a thing or two about your relationship, long distance or not. That said, no matter what kind of books you read, take the risk with Stay A Little Longer.

This is a story about love—finding it and to do whatever it may take however they could to preserve it and make it work. This is somewhat a true romance that the characters face through a real hardship of being in love. Its about realising dreams and hoping for more but never asking the other to stay and settle down for one's sake. And this just might be my favourite aspect of Caty and Elan's story.

I have heard so many people talk about long distance relationships before, of how it drives a couple apart when insecurities and doubts settle in. The other is so many miles away that it may just be better for them, for their sanity to never start a relationship to begin with. Which is what Caty and Elan did. They didn't want each other to suffer through the distance and not wanting to settle for less. But I'm so glad that they finally worked it all out and choosing for their own happiness and work it through until the end.

We definitely need more books set in Asia and I, for instance have never been to the Philippines but I've heard such great things about it that it made me excited to explore through the lands through the eyes of the characters.

The pace of the story was just nice. They didn't really rush into it, took their time and really thought it all through. They have a really great thing between them that I think they knew that they wouldn't ever be able to move on from each other. That their feelings were true and nothing could change it.

If you're looking for a love story that is set in Manila, Philippines and New York with characters who deal with something real and vulnerable, you should definitely pick this book up. It will leave you yearning for a love like this where it'll be hard and painful but very worth all the risks.

This was such a fun read—one that I'm hoping to re-read once it's out! The writing is flawless, the emotions were raw, and I don't know why, but every time I read a Dawn Lanuza book, it just makes me feel giddy inside. Stay A Little Longer is a short read that's packed with sentiment, love, hope, and positivity.

Stay A Little Longer is very easy to love.

It talks about long-distance relationship and the struggles of being in one. Elan and Caty are both very interesting main characters with contrasting yet complementing personalities and characteristics.

The storytelling is straightforward and easy to absorb. The writing is something that you’d easily get into. And it is also something that you can read in one sitting without getting bored.

Oh, and the cover is just lovely!

Overall, Stay A Little Longer is easily something that you will fall in love to, and that you will (or may) find relatable.

I received an advanced copy of this book from Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley. I would also like to thank Raf of The Royal Polar Bear Reads and Erika of The Nocturnal Fey for hosting this international blog tour. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.



A quick and delightful read, Stay A Little Longer captures the exciting and terrifying feeling of two people falling in love who have miles between them.

I rarely read romance novels because I felt most of them have the ‘Insta-Love’ trope which I dislike the most. Thankfully, this novel made readers understand what drew the two main characters together and why I should root for them. Caty and Elan are complete opposites: Elan is quiet and reserved, while Caty is outgoing and jaunty. Despite their conflicting personalities, they find it easier to open some hard truths about themselves in a very short time of being together. Neither did the two knew the connection made in their first meeting will develop into something more.

Caty’s and Elan’s story resonates with so many feelings. Even when I haven’t been in any relationship, the story paints in words how it feels to love someone. However, theirs is not like a fairytale where everything goes well for them. Because of the distance between them, they have to exert more effort, patience, and faith to make their relationship work. There are also issues regarding their careers and family matters. These factors help grow Caty’s doubts and Elan’s hesitations about their relationship. Seeing them going through this is quite frustrating, but I also understand why they are feeling this way. But in the end, I’m glad that they worked it out without asking the other one to stay and settle down for one’s sake.

Stay a Little Longer teaches us that love itself is not enough, but we also have to be brave: brave enough to take risks; brave enough to meet each other halfway; and brave enough to stay for the one we love.

4/5 stars!

Elan is getting his car back borrowed by his friend (and secret long-time crush) Jules, the main character in the author’s earlier work, “The Hometown Hazard”. It so happens that Caty, Jules’ childhood BFF, needs a ride to the airport. The meet-cute ensues when Elan lets Caty in his car. After a long ride from the town to the city, with a disastrous detour to the house of Caty’s ex, this couple of strangers kinda hit it off and ends up in an almost one-night stand. Caty shrugged off kissing Elan as her seeking some sort of validation and Elan is excessively full of self-preservation to argue with that. Of course, the readers know that they are genuinely attracted to each other. But there’s not enough time for them to hash these feelings out as Caty’s flight approaches. So starts a series of rush meetings that almost always end up in either of them caught in the throes of a trip to the airport.

“Stay a Little Longer” is a leap from the couple of books that I have read from the same author before. I already know that Dawn tastefully writes sweet kissing books but this book is a revelation that she can also pull off books with steamy bed scenes. The first few chapters of sexual tension pretty much sets me up to the maddening attraction between the main couple. And the thirsty woman inside of me is not complaining with the level of heat in the bed scenes that followed, whether something actually happens or not.

Also, introducing two unlikable main characters is another gamble. When we first met Caty, she is injected with so much personality to the point of being annoying. Elan comes off to me initially as a pushover. But their seeming unlikability later plays off as byproducts of their insecurities or fears. As the book delicately peels the other facets of their characters, like Caty’s dedication to her big city dreams or Elan’s filial devotion, they become more endearing. I made a 360 flip before the book ends: the woman I thought was a pest becomes a free spirit, the man I thought was boring becomes an old soul.

The book is neatly split into four parts and an epilogue. After the meet-cute part, the next part is a kind of fantasy fluff, romance books are made of. The fantasy is summed up in a picture of two attractive people dressed to the nines, ballroom dancing with all eyes in the hall on them. The third part is my favorite because this is where the book slowly unveils the fictional ideation of romance to the reality of making a relationship actually work, especially if it’s a long-distance relationship between two people with different priorities. I really felt the frustration in these characters’ conflict that there were moments in the fourth part where I stopped believing that they could be happy together in the end. But as you know romance books persist for HEAs, so both Caty and Elan persisted, and I loved them more for it.

I have a confession.

I am just a little bit in love with Stay a Little Longer.

Okay, I lied. I’m in love with this book. Like a lot in love.

With a realistic storyline a lot of people would be able to relate to, likable and believable characters, and straightforward and succinct writing, there’s a lot to love in this little book. It was a quick read, with only 200++ pages. I managed to finish reading this within the same day I started it. But, even with its brevity, Dawn Lanuza made every page count. She wielded perfect control of the story’s pace, dropping hints for readers to pick up just enough to tease them and unloading revelations about the characters in all the right places. Maybe the third person perspective made me feel like there’s still somehow a transparent wall in between me and the characters, but nevertheless, it didn’t prevent me from enjoying the story.

As much as I loved the writing though, it was the characters – Elan and Caty – who were the stars of this book.

When we first meet Elan and Caty they were both in love with other people. Living in opposite halves of the world, the two wouldn’t have met but chance brought them together.

Caty and Elan couldn’t be more different from one another. She’s loud and sometimes brash, while he’s quiet and closed-off. However, as they began to get to know one another, the two discover unlikely similarities until what started off as awkward became familiar, instinctual even – strangers becoming friends then evolving into something more, always hovering over an invisible line.

I loved Caty and Elan. I think most people will find a bit of themselves in both characters. They were real and relatable, and so, so easy to like. I rooted for them from the get-go. They had great chemistry and their attraction was very obvious right from the beginning of the story. It was truly a treat watching these two come together in the end, frustrating and tough as it was at times.

Stay a Little Longer perfect captures the push and pull of falling in love – its sweetness and urgency, its mess and complications. It didn’t discount the difficulties of maintaining a long distance relationship, which I, as a person whose own LDR burned out, appreciated. The ending was perfect and entirely satisfying, a balm to my jaded heart.

This book has my highest recommendations. Romance and NA readers will definitely find it easy to fall in love with this one, but I think everyone else will find something in Stay a Little Longer that they will enjoy. I will definitely explore other #romanceclass titles after this.

Disclaimer: This review is not sponsored. I was part of the International Blog Tour for this book and I was given an e-ARC of the book by the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Now, where do I start?

I will be very honest with you. This was the first book I’ve read from Dawn Lanuza, but I wasn’t a stranger to who she is. I’ve been seeing a lot of poems from her poetry collections, and I was able to meet her in February during her book signing event. Her event started after Lang Leav’s book tour. Lang even asked her readers to stay a little longer (yes, pun intended) and meet Dawn.

When I discover artists and new authors, I only look for one thing in particular — they should be relatable. Their works should make me feel that I am a part of their stories. Whether that’s a poem, an artwork, and even in a fictional world.

And guess what? I felt that in Dawn Lanuza’s new book, Stay A Little Longer.

The story was realistic and brave. Initially, I thought that the plot would just have a 24-hour timeline (because of the title). I was surprised that it wasn’t. It wasn’t very hard to follow.

Elan and Caty were also easy to love. I didn’t expect too much because I’m afraid I would be engulfed by my own expectations and I wouldn’t enjoy the book. I’m happy I decided to do that. Dawn’s writing style and character building brought the best out of Elan and Caty. The plot is not your typical boy-meets-girl setting. It shows how couples start and maintain their relationship (bad decisions included). They’re complete opposites, but they also complement each other.

There were multiple times where I just stop for a while and grin because those were some of the best parts of this book. Again, relatable.

Have I told you that this book was also set in the Philippines? I always feel that Filipino pride when Filipino authors (yes, Dawn Lanuza is a Filipina) don’t forget their heritage.

And can we talk about the cover? I love how simple it is — Caty as the subject with her lips painted red and Elan as this mysterious faceless guy. If this cover doesn’t make you want to read the book, I don’t know what will!

In totality, Stay A Little Longer by Dawn Lanuza captivated my heart. Every page gave me hope in finding the strength in love by always trusting the process. It has a mature take on relationships and it will bring you nostalgic feelings of meeting your first love and your first heartbreak. Now, I’m ready to read more of Dawn Lanuza’s works.

I love this book. It made me feel so much emotions, most probably because I could closely relate to.the events take place or the things mentioned in the book. When you read this book, expect insta-love, expect romance, expect indecisiveness, expect two human beings with their own issues and struggles when it comes to having a relationship.

I know when I mentioned insta-love, most people who is not into this trope wold just click away, but this is one good insta-love. They don't directly fall in love with one another, they were awkward at first but then, very quickly something happens, then insta-love happens. So, if you're curious, check out this book.

Talking about the characters, at first, I hate Caty. I thought she was that biatch. But, surprisingly, I started to understand her feelings so so much and I love how she and Elan both remind me of myself when I was a teenager.

Overall, this book is very basic, it's simple, nothing too complicated. It reminds me how simple love stories were back then. It's good.

*A big thanks to Netgalley and to the publisher for this eARC in exchange for a honest review*

I think I'm in love again
In my head yeah you're in my head
I think I'm in love again
In my head yeah you're in my head
I didn't think it could be true
Let alone that it would be you

While reading this book, this song keeps in my head over and over again. From start to finish, damn, it is so good. I’m so proud of this book since it’s from a Filipino author and I really admired it. Also, I can totally picture the characters very clearly in my head and everything is just magical-romance read. I love the twist, the plot and the ENDING! Oh that ending! I just want to hug the book and owned it!

This kind of love-story surely I want to treasure of. We have both characters that really strangers and they just met like it’s destiny for them to meet. Caty is loud, charming and always making fun of Elan. I really like her character in this book, it feels so real. Then we have Elan, patience, quiet and fear of getting angry. Very much opposite to Caty, but we always knows the saying “Opposite attracts” I think this is why both of them clicked for the first time. We all know that long-distance relationship is really hard but I think Caty and Elan nailed it even though they’re both far away, miles away from where they are. They both try everything to work it and fight for it. I think I got some tips on how to handle good relationship with your partner, it’s that good.

Overall, one the best romance book that I’ve ever read so far. I did have roller coaster ride of feelings and emotions. Giggle, crying, laughing, name it! This is how this book is great. I felt the story so real that I think it happened “MAYBE” in real events and real characters, not just fiction. If this will be becoming in big screen like the other books, I think it will be one of the blockbuster. I suggest that Caty could be played by Angelica Pangiliban and Elan could be John Llyod Cruz.

This is a story of a fun modern woman and a shy, timid man. Both are heartbroken, sad and lonely although they try very hard to convince themselves and the people around them otherwise. On a chance encounter they find unexpected warmth in each other’s arms, albeit knowing it’s only temporary. They met at a point in their lives when the familiarity of a lover with the coldness of a stranger is just exactly what they needed. Their story takes place over a span of years, in between the quiet of rural San Juan and glitzy New York.

As fluffy and sweet as the book is, it also touches briefly but powerfully on grave topics about various complex relationships such as unrequited love, cheating husbands, long distance love affairs, and even domestic violence. It reminds us that it is okay not to be fine all the time, and acknowledging that there might be something wrong in our current situation is always the first step to healing.

People can be blind and stupid when in love. In order to get a chance at happiness, one needs to remember to be brave. This book is all about seizing the moment. It’s about knowing what you want, and trusting your instincts to guide you home. One of my favorite takeaways is how the author also portrayed love as a sense of urgency. How, we only know that we are truly in love when we can’t wait to spend the rest of our lives with that one person. And when you are finally with your person, love is also about choosing each other everyday.

"When you're in love, everything seems urgent."

This book gave me so many emotions that it made me cry so hard. I can totally relate to Catalina, but unlike her, things didn't end well for me.

I have read the poetry books written by Dawn, and all I can say for this one is that it's a good and pretty realistic read.

Writing style is not complicated. I'm not into romance novels but I really enjoyed reading Stay A Little Longer.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was my very first read from Dawn Lanuza. I’ve been hearing about her and her works (mostly some of her poems) from my fellow Filipino reader friends but I haven’t had a chance to get into them. I was a little sceptical at first to be honest because I thought this was one of those meet cute stories which I mostly (if not, always) end up not loving. But Stay A Little Longer is so much more!

At first I thought Caty was a bit of intimidating and domineering. She has a very strong personality but underneath she’s hurting and scared. Elan on the other hand is reserved and introverted but loyal and very loving. The two get along despite of their differences. Opposite attracts, right? The chemisty between these two is obviously there and it’s strong eventhough they only spent less 24 hours together. Eventually, they have started a long-distance “relationship” and it wasn’t easy for the both of them. They live in a different continent and timezone. They both have their own dreams and priorities.

The writing is simple and easy to get into which made this a light read. The amount of romance is perfect. Personally, I would prefer more if this book is written in first person perspective. But I loved that it’s not an insta-love. The characters take their time and consider a lot of things like their families and careers before making their decisions. I liked that this book is not only set in the Philippines but also in New York. The side characters were enjoyable to read too especially Lucian. Jules and Kip were an interesting couple too and I didn’t know that the first book from this series is about them. Don’t worry because you can definitely read this book as a stand-alone.

Aside from reminding us that love isn’t always enough, Stay A Little Longer also reminds us to be brave and seize the moment. Overall, this was really a satisfying and wonderful read.

Much thanks to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for this complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and opinions are fully my own.

📚 Series: No. But it is a companion novel to the author's other work.
📚 Genre: New Adult.
📚 POV: Third person.
📚 Cliffhanger: No.

⚠ Read if: you are looking for a quick bittersweet swoony read.

Stay a Little Longer is my first Dawn Lanuza read. I feel so happy to finally get to read one of her works, knowing this one was from #romanceclass and I love Ms. Mina V. Esguerra so much!

To be honest, I thought the author only wrote poetry. Surprisingly, she has other NA romance reads that I am very excited to add to my endless TBR pile.

This is the story of Elan, a lawyer from Manila, and Caty, a girl trying to find her place in the world (at the beginning, it was Toronto). I initially thought this was a happened-in-one-night read. It wasn't, but it was still a romantic adventure.

This novel is a Will They? or Won't They? type of read. Two people who are insanely attracted to each other, who do not really know much about each other and are literally miles apart have to decide whether or not to take chances on a budding romance.

All in all, a quick read but definitely ticked all the kilig boxes.

☁ THE CRITERIA ☁

🌻 Blurb:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Hero:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Heroine:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Support Characters:⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Writing Style:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Character Development:⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Romance:⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Pacing:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Ending:⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Page Turner:⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Book Cover:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

☁FINAL VERDICT: 4.63/5 ☁

I love this book! It’s fun to read and totally relatable. I couldn’t help but ask for more. Wonderfully written.

I loved this book maybe just a little too much. I had a few problems with one of the characters, but without that, I don't think I would've loved it as much as I did. I do wish there wouldn't have been an epilogue because I believe it ended in a way that would've kept the reader captivated instead of now know how their future held. Overall, would never recommend.