Stay by Sarina Bowen

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Can you fall in love with someone you’ve never even met?

Hailey Taylor Emery has a hunch that her favorite client at Fetch – an anonymous virtual assistant service – is actually hockey star Matt Eriksson. 

Although it’s against the rules for her to check his file, she’s 95% sure she spends at least part of each day texting with her lifelong crush and catering to his every need. Still nursing a wounded heart thanks to her recent breakup, Hailey is perfectly content with some harmless online flirting … until she has to meet her client. Face to face. Cue: utter panic.

Matt Eriksson is no stranger to heartbreak. He’s still not over the destruction of his marriage, and it sucks to be the only guy on the team who knows the truth – that hockey and long-term relationships are a toxic mix. He barely sees his kids, and dealing with his ex makes him feel insane. The only person in his life who seems to understand is someone who won’t show her pretty face.

But it’s nothing that a pair of fourth row hockey seats can’t fix. Hailey can’t resist the offer. Matt can’t resist Hailey. Good thing he doesn’t have to. Fire up the kiss cam!

A Sweet, Spicy Story of Starting Over

The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: ❤️💚💙🩷
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌍
Character development: 🤓😟🤯😎
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration

Audiobook Review: Stay by Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen

Character Backgrounds and Plot Overview

Stay delivers a grounded, character-driven romance that focuses on second chances, emotional healing, and the quiet, meaningful moments that build a real relationship. The story centers on Hailey Taylor Emery and Matt Erickson, two people who have both been through difficult divorces and are wary of opening their hearts again.

Hailey is the co-owner of Fetch, an exclusive concierge-style app catering to wealthy clients who value discretion above all else. She is intelligent, driven, and deeply committed to maintaining the privacy and reputation of her business. Matt, a professional hockey player, is balancing the pressures of his high-profile career with his role as a father to his two young daughters. His past marriage left him convinced that hockey and relationships do not mix, and his ongoing struggles with his ex only reinforce that belief.

The premise cleverly brings them together through Fetch, where Hailey interacts with Matt as one of her top clients. Their connection starts behind the scenes, with her just guessing that the client she knows only by his username could actually be her celebrity athletic crush. Until a mishap with a dog walker forces a real-life meeting. From there, the story unfolds into a slow, believable progression from curiosity to attraction to something deeper.

Highlights and Limitations

One of the strongest aspects of this audiobook is how it captures the everyday reality of a developing relationship. The narrative does not rely on over-the-top drama. Instead, it explores the getting-to-know-you phase, the excitement of new attraction, and the challenges of blending lives that already carry emotional baggage. Issues with ex-partners, parenting responsibilities, and the pressures of Matt’s public career all add layers without overwhelming the romance. There is a satisfying balance between emotional depth and chemistry, with a good mix of spice and story that feels organic rather than forced.

The characters themselves are well-developed and easy to invest in. Hailey’s independence and professionalism contrast nicely with her vulnerability when it comes to love. Matt is especially compelling as a devoted father trying to do right by his daughters while navigating a complicated personal life. His tenderness and sense of responsibility make him more than just the typical sports romance hero.

In terms of limitations, the plot may feel low-stakes for listeners who prefer high drama or intricate twists. The focus remains tightly on the relationship and everyday challenges, which can make parts of the story feel slower-paced. Additionally, some conflicts, particularly involving exes, resolve in somewhat predictable ways. However, these aspects also contribute to the book’s realism, so whether they are drawbacks depends on personal preference.

Personally, I sometimes like the change from plots with heavy themes or complex conflicts to something like this where the story is mainly just the relationship growing between two people where we can see the feelings strengthen as well as the attraction growing. I enjoy reading books like this as a change sometimes where we can just really get to know the main two characters.

Narration

The dual narration by Jacob Morgan and Lucy Rivers enhances the listening experience significantly. Jacob Morgan brings warmth and depth to Matt, capturing both his strength and his softer, more emotional side. Lucy Rivers does an excellent job portraying Hailey’s intelligence and guarded heart, making her feel authentic and relatable. Together, they create a natural rhythm that mirrors the dual perspectives of the story, helping listeners connect more deeply with both characters.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Stay is a heartfelt and engaging audiobook that excels in portraying the development of a relationship in a realistic, emotionally satisfying way. It highlights the beauty of second chances and the courage it takes to try again after heartbreak. With strong performances from both narrators and a story that balances tenderness, humor, and chemistry, this audiobook is a great choice for listeners who enjoy romance grounded in real-life experiences rather than constant drama.

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