[Review]: "If I Stay"

If I Stay by Tamara Morgan

Publisher: Carina Press (May 12, 2014) 

Series: Montgomery Manor, 1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Ryan Lucas would rather be anywhere but Ransom Creek, Connecticut. After losing his high-adrenaline career as a Hollywood stunt driver, he's had to tuck his tail between his legs and take up employment as a chauffeur for the Montgomerys, a wealthy hotelier family.

Amy Sanders has returned home to Ransom Creek to take over her mother's former position as nanny to the Montgomerys—bringing her close to dashing Jake Montgomery once again. She grew up with a major crush on Jake, and it's not easy to leave those feelings behind, even though her friendship with the hard-edged family chauffeur, Ryan, has a sizzling undercurrent of undeniable attraction.

Amy's determined to prove to Ryan that life at Montgomery Manor isn't all bad, but each time they draw closer Jake swoops in. Amy is torn between two men—and two worlds. And Ryan is rapidly coming to learn that if he wants to make Amy his, he'll have to prove to her that life downstairs can be everything they both want.

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK

More Info:

Author's Site
Add it on GoodReads! | Find the Series

Reviews of Morgan's Previous Books:

Love is a Battlefield (#1) -- TBQ
The World is a Stage (#2) -- TBQ

Confidence Tricks -- TBQ


My Review:

I'd like to say I loved If I Stay. The cover is sweet, the story premise very promising. And there were some fun scenes to be found inside. However, the story ended up mediocre, the connection was slow to build and not complete and it was too rushed in the last few chapters.

I wish I could pinpoint the flaw. I so loved Morgan's debut and sequel (Love is a Battlefield and The World is a Stage). They were great, so fun and witty and sexy! But her books since have been lacking . . . something. They've been okay, but nothing great. I hate saying that, especially since I do not have a justified reason to back it up.

I almost felt like the book started mid-scene. I never felt like I knew or connected with Ryan or Amy. There was just something missing, but again I have been unable to figure out what. * sigh *

As I said, I did like If I Stay. It had some sexy scenes (Oh, the studio mirrors! *shudders *) and Ryan and Amy were sweet together. I chuckled at a few lines and smiled at others. It was an easy read. But it was also very easy for me to put down.

Will I still return for Morgan's next book? Of course! I am sure that one day soon I will feel the same rush I experienced when reading her first releases. It takes quite a bit for me to give up on an author, and I'm no where near that spot when it comes to Tamara Morgan. She does have a great writing voice, very fun and enjoyable.

3 STARS! 

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I received an e-ARC of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

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So are you a Downton Abbey fan? Does this book sound like one you'd love? I hope so! :)

Have you read Tamara Morgan before? Do you have a favorite book of hers?

Enjoy!


Until Next Time,




  *TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!