Book Review: Stay with Me: A Best Friend’s Brother Small Town Romance (Sugarland Creek, Book 2) by Brooke Montgomery
From the moment I read the blurb for Stay with Me, I was intrigued. A best friend’s brother scenario mixed with the suspense of unexpected pregnancy? Count me in! Brooke Montgomery has effortlessly proven her prowess in small-town romance, and this latest installment from the Sugarland Creek series is a heartfelt testament to that talent.
At the heart of Stay with Me are Magnolia and Tripp, two characters whose emotional journeys left me both breathless and teary-eyed. Magnolia, the fiery and free-spirited best friend of Tripp’s sister, has nurtured a crush on him for years. This dynamic—she’s been in a long-term on-again/off-again relationship—crafts the perfect tension that keeps readers on their toes. Montgomery’s portrayal of Magnolia is rich and complex; she’s undeniably fierce yet deeply vulnerable—qualities that make her so relatable. On the other hand, Tripp is a compassionate man haunted by the ghost of his best friend’s tragic past. This backstory adds layers to his character, revealing why he’s reluctant to express his love for Magnolia.
The narrative is expertly woven with themes of friendship, love that transcends time, and the unpredictability of life. Montgomery does an incredible job navigating both the comedic and the heavy moments, balancing them seamlessly. I found myself laughing out loud in some scenes—especially when Tripp and Magnolia’s banter took a hilarious turn related to My Girl—while other moments had me clenching my heart for their struggles.
Montgomery’s writing style is fluid and engaging, making it difficult to put the book down. However, I did find the pacing a bit uneven at times; certain plot points felt rushed while others lingered longer than necessary. Nonetheless, the chemistry between Tripp and Magnolia is palpable, underscored by moments that had my heart racing, like when Tripp steps up to support her amid her unexpected pregnancy.
One of my favorite aspects of Stay with Me is the strong sense of family and community that Montgomery evokes—family meals around the dinner table, the supportive bond between siblings, and the way small-town gossip travels fast. The sense of belonging that comes with this setting beautifully complements the romance.
Quotable moments are sprinkled throughout, especially Tripp’s pledge to always be there for Magnolia. “I may not be the baby daddy, but I’ll be the partner you deserve,” is one line that particularly resonated with me—it speaks volumes about love that chooses to show up, regardless of circumstances.
I believe this book will resonate particularly with fans of heartfelt romances featuring complex characters and layered storytelling. If you enjoy stories that blend humor, love, and a touch of suspense, Stay with Me will surely deliver. The emotional impact of Tripp and Magnolia’s journey will stick with you long after you turn the last page.
Overall, Montgomery has crafted a beautiful story about the messiness of love, the importance of communication, and the magic of second chances. I can’t wait to see what she has in store for the next installment in the series!