Review of Make Me Stay (Hope #5) by Jaci Burton

Make Me Stay is book five in the Hope series.

Reid McCormack left Hope many years ago, leaving his brothers Luke and Logan to care for the ranch. He treasures his life in Boston, though it's not as fulfilling as he'd like. The only thing that brings the architect and contractor back to Hope is the opportunity to renovate a historic building.

Samantha Reasor is a local florist who has taken a special interest in the renovation—and in Reid. The dog that has attached to him draws her in further. Despite her attraction intensifying as time passes, she knows he'll return to Boston when the renovation is finished. She doesn't want a temporary fling.

As Sam's grandmother's health declines, Reid supports her. They dive deeper into attraction and attachment despite knowing the relationship is temporary. But Reid is realizing how much he feels at home in Hope even though he has a life and business in Boston.

Reid must decide if staying in Hope is worth the sacrifice of his life in Boston or if he's willing to give up Sam to return to the life he's built.

This book wasn't as good as the previous ones. Parts of it were really good—the deepening relationship, Sam's devastation over her grandmother's diagnosis, and the presence of the dog who decides he's Reid's despite Reid not wanting a dog.

The ending was really corny and not believable. The declaration of love felt forced on the part of Jaci Burton, and it was a little cringey.

I enjoyed the characters and the continuing development of characters from earlier books. I love series that have this kind of connection to earlier installments.

The problem for me is that the ending just didn't work. Considering it's the last impression of the book, it leaves me with the feeling of corny scenes. Looking back on the rest of the novel, it was good if the ending isn't considered.

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