“You know now that this is really going to happen, right, Alexa? And it’s going to be amazing.”

“Not just amazin, Julian. It’s going to be epic.”

I was approached by Hilary Wynne to read and review her debut novel, Stay. Stay is the first in this series and after reading this, I am hooked.

Alexa Reed has been just barely getting through life, ever since her ex-boyfriend and her broke up, almost a year ago. When her friends finally convince her to go out, Alexa literally runs into a man that will change her life.

Julian Bauer is the owner of Hotel Del Marco, which houses a club, bar, and restaurant. He’s sexy, confident, and wealthy. Every woman’s dream, right? Alexa feels an instant connection to Julian, but her best friend Luke is warning her away. She doesn’t listen.

Alexa and Julian fall into a relationship, one that is rocky but oh so amazing. They’re good together in bed, they have wonderful conversations, but Alexa is scared. Nothing Julian says can convince her that what they have is real. What she feels for him scares her; she’s never felt anything like this before.

“Julian, with you, everything is…amplified. My emotions, my desires, they’re stronger than they should be. All of my senses are heightened when you’re around.” While Alexa battles her own demons, so does Julian. Together they are heading for disaster. Alexa is set in the belief that she’s going to wind up hurt, and she’s prepared to prevent that. Can Julian convince her to stay? Can he find the words that will make her believe what they have is real?

I honestly have no words for this book. It has left me speechless. It is a definite six stars on my five star scale. I was hooked from the beginning! The story is so well written; it will definitely keep you on your toes. This is one of those books that I couldn’t put down, one that I highlighted like mad. I cannot praise Hilary enough for this novel.

The story line flowed really well. The plot was terrific! It had those WTF moments, those parts where you look at the book and literally say “WHAT?! NO!!!” It was one of those, and I love those types of books. I fell in love with the characters too. I felt close to them, like I knew them. Alexa, though, man, she’s one of those characters that I want to knock upside the head. This girl has problems, yes, but come on, Alexa. You’re blind! You have two people that are in love with you, and you can’t tell with either of them! Stop self-sabotaging yourself. Look at me, I felt so connected with Alexa, I’m literally talking to her, OVER A REVIEW. I need psychiatric help. Anyways, like I said, there aren’t enough words for this book. It was incredible, sexy, steamy, and romantic. All the things I look for in a book. Hilary Wynne can write some pretty hot scenes, if you know what I mean.

Six stars, for Stay by Hilary Wynne. I absolutely CANNOT wait for the next one! Hurry it up, chick. I need more Julian!