Book: Stay With Me by Luna K. Wicked
Reviewed by Karina's Magical Reads
Rating: God Tier
Stay With Me. How can I put into words the depth of emotions you feel in this book and how amazing that it is? It starts out following Veronica (Ronnie) and Isaac (Iz) as children. I love how much backstory that Luna gives us on how they meet. But, we also get flashbacks while they are in present day.
This book instantly shows you the gripping connection that Ronnie and Iz have from their 1st meeting at the park, when Ronnie only wanted to find a friend and share her blue popsicle. She and her mother are new in town and Ronnie just wants a friend. When she spots Iz sitting in a sandbox all alone, she walks right up to him, and asks if he wants to be her friend! The way my heart soared at how sweet and cute they were as little kids. That first meeting sparks a lifelong connection that most will never understand.
The story continues through their years as children into teenage years. During teenage years things shift and real romantic feelings begin to develop on both sides. As they begin to explore what those feelings may mean, family life takes a huge shift that alters their connection forever. Life for Ronnie & Iz becomes emotionally difficult and hard to hide their true feelings from each other, but also from the world. The yearning and love in this book damn near broke me. But Luna doesn't stop there, these characters then have something happen to the both of them you would never expect. The trauma they endure and the way they survive together...I had to step away while reading. You FEEL everything!!! Luna's writing is so vivid and immersive. I want so badly to say everything about what happens, but I cannot. This is something you have to read yourself. Be prepared with tissues and the ability to take reading breaks. But I promise you by the end of this book Luna stitches your heart and soul back together. But even then this book will forever change you in a beautiful way. You will always remember Iz & Ronnie and the love they share. It's haunting, heartbreaking, raw, traumatic, beautiful, loving and so many other things I can't name at the moment. This was by far one of my 6 STAR reads of 2026 so far. Please pick this up and read it, but be sure to read the Trigger Warnings first. Your mental health does matter here. Luna, thank you for allowing me to he part of this beautiful story by being an ARC reader! This is my true and honest review.