A review by bookishlychar
Stay by Elle Kennedy, Sarina Bowen

funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

 

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.