The Wilder Brothers #5
Stay Here With Me
Carrie Ann Ryan
The world thinks I only write songs about my ex-boyfriends.
They study each lyric to point a finger at which man broke my heart—even if I’ve never met him.
Only the man I refuse to write about is the one who is so tangled in my mind that I know I can never be with him.
I had one night with East Wilder, and I know that’s all there will ever be.
He broke my heart without even trying.
Yet now I can’t seem to write a single verse and I need a place to hide while I figure out who I am. The Wilder Retreat will have to be my refuge as the Wilders prepare for my best friend’s wedding.
And when I’m there, I refuse to fall for East again.
Even if the dark shadows in his eyes draw me in. And the dangers of his past might be the one thing that forces us to finally give in.
- Genres Romance Military Fiction Contemporary Romance Romantic Suspense Contemporary Audiobook Family
286 pages, ebook
First published August 14, 2023
About the author
Carrie Ann Ryan
255 books6,011 followersThe Montgomery Ink World contains the following series, though each series is a stand alone and can be read in any order. Feel free to hop around:
The Montgomery Ink Series
The Gallagher Brothers Series
The Montgomery Ink: Colorado Springs Series
The Whiskey and Lies Series
The Fractured Connections Series
The Montgomery Ink: Boulder Series
The Less Than Series
The Promise Me Series
Her Elements of Five Series is her Young Adult Romance series while her other series are all adult.
Her Talon Pack series is set in the same world as the Redwood Pack series, only 30 years later.
The Dante's Circle, Holiday, Montana, and Branded Packs series are all individual series as well.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Community Reviews
East and Lark have an interesting dynamic, they don't seem to like each other much, but then they can't seem to keep their hands off one another when they are near one another. I love the push and pull, but East sometimes pushed when he should have pulled Lark closer.
𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewSHWM
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books
You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
As an accomplished singer songwriter, Lark has media attention that she'd rather not have, and stories abound about her loves and losses...or so they claim!
A fledgling relationship with East is difficult to keep under wraps both from his family and the visitors to the East family's business.
All that whilst supporting East through some traumatic episodes of PTSD is guaranteed to create pressure beyond measure.
Needlessti say though, love triumphs, even after some scary moments and this couple bask in their HEA
Side note...
We are graced with song lyrics written by Ms Ryan(as Lark) and what a great job she did!
Stay Here With Me is the next Wilder brother story by this author and it is not to be missed. We finally learn more about the mysterious East Wilder and Lark, the award winning singer-song writer😍
A great story that I couldn’t put down and the pages just flew by, almost turning themselves❣️ Loved it and looking forward to the next Wilder brother story especially after that ending😳
Lark Thornbird is a musician often found in the tabloids linked with any number of the people around her and rumors fly about who each of her songs are written about. She uses the Wilder resort as a place to get away from the paparazzi and hide, as her best friend spends a lot of time there as well.
The build up between these two has been teased throughout this series (though this story does stand alone perfectly) and the enemies to lovers is evident. The banter and heat between them builds, even if neither is willing to admit there is anything beyond a night or two in bed between them. There is a shaky trust between them, and if they are ever going to be anything but enemies, they have to sort the lies and assumptions from the truths involved.
This was a great continuation of the Wilder story. I love the way this family has come together to build the resort. The teaser at the end for the final Wilder brother has me wishing it was already available. Though Elliott is the last single Wilder brother, there is a lot of room for expansion with the Wilder cousins in the future. I love the way Carrie Ann Ryan writes huge families, which means there is always something new for readers within a favorite world!
Another Wilder gets bitten by the love bug. But in this family it’s never an easy to get there.
East Wilder is a hard man. Working with his brothers he tries to stay away from people.
Lark Thornbird is a hard woman to stay away from though. Beautiful and talented she always writes a song about her men or something like that.
Unless you want to build a whole set for YouTube. Do like a TV show on Wilder property.” Bethany shuddered. “Let’s not give them any ideas.
There a secret or so they thought.
Another great story with a lot of bumps along the road to HEA!!
With Carrie Ann Ryan's signature storytelling prowess, "Stay Here with Me" explores the delicate dance of love and vulnerability. Get lost in the pages as the characters grapple with their pasts, their desires, and the magnetic pull that draws them together. The author's masterful narrative paints a vivid picture of romance, making every moment, every touch, and every whispered word come alive.
If you're a fan of romance novels that delve deep into the human heart, "Stay Here with Me" is a must-read. Carrie Ann Ryan's exquisite prose and well-crafted characters will leave you enchanted and eagerly flipping pages. Immerse yourself in a world where love knows no bounds and emotions run wild.
Are you ready to embark on a journey of passion, intimacy, and heartfelt emotions? Experience the magic of "Stay Here with Me" by Carrie Ann Ryan and let this captivating romance novel sweep you into a world of love, longing, and unforgettable moments.
Full review at https://bookcaseandcoffee.com
The story has secrets and heartbreak.
If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
One Way Back to Me (The Wilder Brothers #1)
Always the One for Me (The Wilder Brothers #2)
The Path to You (The Wilder Brothers #3)
Coming Home for Us (The Wilder Brothers #4)
This is Lark and East’s story. Lark gets grief about her songs all the time about who they might be about. But she does not write about her past boyfriends not matter what her fans think. Only one man truly broke her heart. She got one night with him before he broke her, but she knows that was the end of them. She has to be around him at the moment as her friend’s wedding is at his family’s retreat. But she can resist his dark and shadowed eyes and the chemistry between them. She just has to get through the wedding and then she can retreat. But when danger comes calling will leaving him be the right decision?
I recommend this book.
If you have been reading the other books in the Wilder Brothers series, (which isn't necessary to read this book - it can be read as a stand alone) then you know we've been teased with a relationship between these two characters for a while. Everything about Lark and East's book totally lived up to the expectations and the teasing! In addition to their quick tempered witty banter, they have some amazing conversations about mental health representation. East's PTSD and the events that changed him while in the military are a moving force in this book. Lark and East both have struggles in their past that aren't known to others, and their opening up to each other about them are poignant and touching.
I loved reading about these two, and they've quickly moved up to my favorite Wilder Brother couple. I recommend it to anyone who loves a great spicy romance!
Thank you to Give Me Books PR for providing me with an ARC of this book.
Lark was having issues writing new songs, and because her best friend is getting married, she decides to go visit a bit earlier. So she goes to Wilder resort, which she loves, only downfall East Wilder… The guy she had a one night with…
East comes across as a grumpy guy and a loner. But he is actually a softie, and definitely he is feeling the effect of his brothers settling down and moving on. And now Lark Thornbird, musician, who he is certain is writing songs about him. And on top of it his brothers want them to work together to get the spa setup.
These two has so much sexual tension that it is amazing to watch. Their hate love and banter really plays to heated foreplay 😊 But they have their own issues to overcome as well. East is suffering from PTSD, that he has not shared with anyone. And Lark has her own issues dealing with her fame. And building their trust is going to take some time, but it will definitely be worth the fight 😊 Loved their story and I can say East is my favorite 😊
Read on behalf of
Fay’s Corner
East the grumpy, quiet brother, the handyman, the brother who has been on my radar since book one. The man with lots of secrets and hides many of them well.
Lark, many people talk about her, but is it the truth, or just the byproduct of her fame? Associated with the Wilders as best friend to a soon to be wife. One of the brothers is a man she can not forget.
As both characters have their struggles, it is an engaging and emotional read. But the Wilder’s work as a unit and face their problems as a family. This story is no exception.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
Totally personal preference but I just don’t like a book about military men. And East was just so annoying with no growth.
It's the turn of the loner East Wilder to have his shot at a happy future after witnessing most of his siblings find happiness with their perfect partner. East has been featured in all the books so far as the quiet surly man to fix everything that needs fixing whilst never opening up, not even to Everett his twin. None of the Wilder brothers escaped their time in the military unscathed but for East, it's particularly hard settling back into civilian life; When he left the military he had no idea what he would do with his life. He'd lived through and witnessed some horrific things, he's not alone in that, so did all of his brothers, but he's been left with feelings of guilt for surviving when so many of his team didn't and PTSD. When his eldest brother Eli suggested that all six of them should purchase a hotel, winery, and event venue, he agreed basically because his brothers did although he didn't believe he would be bringing anything of value to the team. But he has found his niche as their Mr Fix It, their handyman.
He and Lark met because she's the best friend of Bethany his future sister-in-law, both were attracted to the other and they shared an incredible night together after which he asked her not to write about him. But when her next number-one hit came out he believed that she had broken that promise.
Lark may be a celebrity but she is so down-to-earth and easy to like, there's nothing she likes more than enjoying a good night of drinking and karaoke with Bethany her best friend. She accepts that because of her fame, she is going to be constantly in the spotlight and that stories will be published about her that are totally untrue and hates that aspect of her life. She's been a songwriter/singer since she was in her teens and loves what she does and is extremely successful now, all her hard work has paid off. But recently she's been struggling with writing new songs for her next album. But when she goes to the Wilder estate to prepare for Everett and Bethany's wedding she and East hook up again, it was just supposed to be one night. no strings attached, no feelings involved just enjoy the great sex and being together but neither of them expected the impact the other would have in their lives.
Things seem to be going well and she dares to hope for a future with East. When the inspiration for a really great song finally comes she can't use it because she has promised East she'd never write a song about him. Lark, despite what the press says has only once used one real person for inspiration in a song and that someone was someone who hurt her. But when East sees her notebook, and reads the song he believes the worst and it leads to him walking away from her.
Their breakup coincides with someone from East's past trying to hurt East through her, will that be enough to open up East's eyes to what he's throwing away?
There is one Wilder brother left whose story still has to be told and I can't wait to listen to Elliot's book it's looking like he's going to be with Trace, but Carrie Ann could surprise us.
The narration of this book by Aiden Snow, Meg Sylvan and Marni Penning is excellent, each character is brought to vivid life and all the emotions felt by the characters can be heard in their voices - and believe me this book is one big emotional rollercoaster ride.
I did love the Epilogue!
Lark Thornbird is sort of the “it” singer songwriter and the paparazzi is constantly hounding her. Lark is in a funk, and after one night with East she can’t get him out of her mind. She is also struggling to write music, which is very very unlike her! Lark’s heart draws her to the hills of Texas where her bestie, Bethany, lives with her husband.
Lark and East have some seriously amazing banter. I am not usually an enemies/adversary to lovers, but man oh man did Carrie Ann do this trope so darn well! As I said East is very grumpy and broody but Lark also is not afraid to go toe to toe with him and verbally put him in his place! The sexual tension is written so well! I love how these two sort of fell into an enemies with benefits arrangement ... .and all readers know how that goes! While the two of them struggled to see what they were building, others around them took note for sure! The way their relationship evolved felt very natural and not forced. I also like that each decision they each made wasn’t perfect and mistakes were made! And how East & Lark worked through their problems was really great! As a side note, I really love the Wilder resort, and the way Carrie Ann Ryan describes the resort and landscape makes me feel like I really am there. If this place exists in the world I want to go! If you haven’t read this series I would highly recommend it! I love this family and this group of former military men with their strong independent ladies that bring them so much happiness! They are working hard to build a beautiful business but family always comes first! If you enjoy a family series with broody men, witty banter, and some serious sexiness these books are for you! I am so looking forward to Elliot finding his HEA!!!
Stay Here with Me is East’s and Lark’s story, and takes place shortly after Coming Home to Us (Elijah’s & Maddie’s story).
Lark is an award-winning singer-songwriter, and a good friend of Bethany (Everett’s fiancée).
She’s currently working on songs for her latest album…problem—she promised never to write about him…and he seems to be all she can think about.
She’s shared a night (or two) of passion with East previously, and they always seem to be like oil-and-water outside of the bedroom…
East still struggles with issues related to his time in the service…
Lark decides to head to Wilder Retreat & Winery to spend some time with Bethany, and to try to get some songs written…
She’s also asked to help with getting their new spa up and going….East is helping to oversee the construction…and Lark’s parents have their own spa…and Lark worked there as a teenager…
While they may not get along in public…they agreed to be ‘enemies-with-benefits’, as they can’t seem to keep their hands off each other…
East’s issues come to a head as a former teammate booked some time at the resort with his family, and another shows up ‘uninvited’…
How does he handle them?
How long does it take for him to realize that he’s fallen head over heels for Lark? How long for Lark to realize the same thing?
The answers lie within the pages of Stay Here with Me…along with a Wilder wedding, and the usual cheese, wine, and other Wilder shenanigans.
The ‘enemies-to-lovers’, ‘oil and water’, romances are some of my favorite—because they prove that there is someone out there for everyone—even a grumpy Wilder male. All it takes is a little risk, a lot of love, and a good amount of chocolate, wine, and cheese.
Stay Here with Me is now available everywhere, and is a great place to jump in to meet the Wilder family, and all their friends (and even a few ‘enemies’).
It’s a five out of five star read, and I’m eagerly awaiting Elliot’s story…though I don’t know if I can then actually pick a favorite Wilder brother or not.
Read the Full review on my blog @ :
https://romancewitchreviews.blogspot....
East Wider like his brothers has been dealing with some demons from his time in the service. He loves working with his siblings and the women that came into their lives. He never thought of falling in love, that was until he met "her"...Lark Thornbird.
Lark Thornbird, a songwriter and singer who loved writing about love and heartbreak even though she'd never been in love. Yet everyone tried dissecting her lyrics to find out who broke her heart. She had a night of passion with the one man she could never write about, he unknowingly broke her heart now she needs a place to hide until she finds her muse again. And the one place she could relax and be herself is at the Wilder Retreat.
The place were she would run into the man she was trying so hard to forget, East Wilder. The Wilders were preparing for her best-friend Bethany Cole and Everett Wilder's upcoming nuptials. So hiding away from the man who was haunting her dreams wasn't an option especially when some unexpected changes had them working closely together.
When his past came back, he didn't handle things in a good way. He lashed out on the woman he was falling in love with and his loved ones. When all he wanted was to let her know how much she meant to him. Lark knew that he was going through a tough time but she wasn't going to let him break her. Even though he already did it.
In the end their love was stronger than his demons and his stubbornness, they finally stopped playing games and allowed themselves to feel what was going on between them. Loved their journey!
STAY HERE WITH ME is the fifth book in Carrie Ann Ryan's the WILDER BROTHERS series. Oh my it's was heart-wrenching, steamy, fun and fascinating. Carrie Ann Ryan had me on the edge of my seat with this one. 5 Golden stars for this one. I'm looking forward to more in this series.
****I received this book, without any obligation to review.****
SPICE: 🔥🔥🔥
This served enemies-to-lovers so hard, and I love it.
East Wilder and Lark Thornbird have been dancing around each other. The loner brother of the Wilder family has had a somewhat flirty but mostly adversarial connection with the songwriter/musician who uses his family resort as a reprieve from the spotlight. Their relationship is made complicated when they agree to add "benefits" to it. It's alright -- these two guarded individuals are certain that there is no chance to catch feelings. Or so they thought..
This is probably my favorite book of the series. I have longed for East's story since Carrie Ann Ryan kept teasing it throughout the series. I do have a weakness for the broody types, and East -- the resort's handyman -- fits it to a T. I love that this was about guarding yourself against the world and finding that one person to help you open up, and that was the main theme for both main characters. Addressing East's PTSD from his time in the military and Lark's trust issues as a celebrity felt natural and well-integrated into the story.
The chemistry they deliver is fantastic. I love the banter and the flirting. The adversarial moments are equally sizzling. While East and Lark's story has been alluded to in previous reads, this can be read as a standalone.
I am starting to feel a bit melancholy as we near the end of this series, but I cannot wait for the next Wilder Brother story!
** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. Thank you to Carrie Ann Ryan and Give Me Books Promotions for providing an ARC. **
What a mind-blowing intense angsty emotional rollercoaster ride full of heartwrenching situations, intrigue, suspense, feeling inadequate, PTSD, lashing out, brutal anger, steamy scenes, pain, frustration, twists you didn't see coming.
Lark Thornbird singer, songwriter, has won many awards but the media says all her songs are about her ex-boyfriends none of which is true, she wouldn't write about the man she had on her mind, the one she spent the night with, she couldn't she promised him.
East Wilder thought she would write about him anyway he didn't trust her, she trusted him with her body let him in but he didn't trust her not to break his heart, he believed like everyone else did, she used her heart & soul to write her words so she could have fame & fortune.
Larks BF Bethany Cole was marrying Everett Wilder invites her to Wilder Retreat for some time to herself but she knew she'd see East again & boy does he have some serious issues with his PTSD, his past comes back with a vengeance causing trouble with him & the Retreat.
I definitely recommend to get this on the edge of your seat story Lark & East take you one heck of a
heartwrenching emotional journey it just about rips your heart out, so many things happen it's a page turner you don't want miss getting.
I'm so looking forward to the next book in this amazing series "Finding The Road To Us" its going to be "Elliot, Trace & Sidney's" story it can't come soon enough.
AWESOME HEARTWRENCHING ROMANCE 🖤🖤
I really enjoyed this addition to the Wilder series. Originally when we met Lark, I thought she would be a flighty singer but she really has gone thru some bad stuff, she’s come out the other side, she’s strong and in charge of her life. I knew that East would be my type of hero- totally wrapped in his own PTSD head, the “I am not good for anyone” mentality and how he really is taking care of everyone around is my downfall every time. Plus the grovel is top notch!
One thing I really enjoyed about this book was the lyrics at the start of each of Lark’s chapters. They gave insight into her character and all though I read this one with my eyeballs, I can’t wait to hear it narrated to see how the lyrics sound sung by Meg Sylvan with Aiden Snow as the voice of East!
The last chapter left me gasping and I can’t wait for the next book!
Thank you to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own Stay Here With Me has a pub date of August 14, 2023.
Stay Here With Me is a steamy and emotionally charged enemies to lovers story that will steal every bit of your attention the moment your eyes find the words... Lark and East are quite the mesmerizing pair, with quite captivating story to tell! As soon as I started this one I had an inkling that it was going to be a good one, you could cut the tension between these two with a knife and the smoldering glances they continually shared just amped things up... in other words my inkling was totally spot on!
This one may just have took the top spot as my favorite Wilder story, it was edgy, intense, passionate, and the emotional parts packed a serious punch, it was so so good!!! I loved these two so darn much, I didn't want to let them go when the last page found me, but alas I had to. Now bring on the next couple please! Highly recommend you take a chance on this one, these characters will steal your heart at first meet!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
Lark Thornbird and East Wilder are world's apart yet they fit perfectly together like missing puzzle pieces. No matter how hard they try they cannot resist the pull they have towards each other. They both carry baggage from there past which they need to work on and take a leap.
My heart broke for everything both East and Lark went through. I was just glad they had people they could rely on even if they did not want to. The bond they share is so special and I fell for them as they got to know each other. There chemistry is sizzling hot.
I was upset with East at certain instances but also understood his reasonings which inturn made me sad. The whole Wilder clan won my heart. It's the kind of family everyone craves where no one is perfect but they always are there for one another.
One of my favourite thing about the book was the lyrics at the beginning of each chapter. They were so meaningful and touched my heart. As I fell in love with the side characters I will go back and begin the series from the start. And after getting a glimpse of what's to come I am excited for the next book in the series.
Thanks to Carrie and GiveMeBooks Promotion for the advanced copy of this mind-blowing read.
Oh, how these Wilder Brothers have a place in my heart. “Stay Here With Me” is a heartfelt, steamy and emotional addition to the series.
Lark is a famous singer who has had the microscope on her for years. Every song is dissected while fans and critics try to figure out who it’s about. East Wilder is the self proclaimed “handyman” of the Wilder Retreat. When Lark needs a place to stay and be there for Elliott and Bethany’s wedding. But Lark and East have a past and both think a relationship can never happen between them. But as they spend time together, the lines start to blur.
I loved the tension between Lark and East. They had so much chemistry and it was just coming alive as I listened. Lark is in the public eye and has become accustomed to it. East is a private man, especially after serving time in the military. Both fought for themselves and eventually for each other once they realized they couldn’t escape each other and were meant to be. We get to see both be vulnerable and get to the point where they know they’re worthy of love and each other. The ending for them was perfect and the tease for the next book has me counting down the days!
Aiden Snow and Meg Sylvan were amazing as East and Lark. Aiden is always perfect at bringing the guarded and protective man. Meg blew me away with her performance as Lark who was trying to find her happiness. And hearing her sing Lark’s lyrics was a special treat.
East Wilder, retired from the military and working with his family at their event center/winery/resort has been suffering from PTSD since his discharge from the military. He has also been fighting his feelings for one famous singer/songwriter.
Lark, popular singer/songwriter has been coming to the resort for a while but this time is for the wedding of her friend. While there, she has also been working on trying to write new material for her next album all while fighting her attraction to one grumpy caretaker.
The pull between the characters could be felt while reading this book! Both characters had issues - East with his PTSD and dealing with his feelings about events that lead to his discharge while Lark struggled with keeping her promise to not write about East and while hiding from the media and the lies that they tended to write about her. In typical Wilder fashion though events occurred with lots of drama/action making me wonder if any one family can truly have that much bad luck or if that much drama is needed in a series.
Overall this standalone read was a good addition to this series and I would recommend this book and series to others. I also look forward to seeing what is next in this series.