A friends-to-lovers new adult MM romance from USA Today bestseller Siobhan Davis. Stand-alone with HEA and no cliff-hanger. Keaton Moving to California was supposed to be my fresh start. A clean slate. An opportunity to drop the façade, escape the lies, find a focus, and just be myself.But I should have realized it wouldn’t be easy, especially when my last name is Kennedy.I’m not ready to be a … when my last name is Kennedy.
I’m not ready to be a gay icon or some celebrity role model. I still haven’t admitted the truth to my family or the girl I professed to love, so there’s no way I want the public to know I’m into dudes.
Falling for my hot, straight, football-player roomie wasn’t part of the game plan.
Neither was backing myself into a corner because I trusted the wrong guy.
Now everything is on the line, and it’s time to stop pretending.
Austen
From the time I was a little kid, all I wanted is to play football in college and play in the NFL. As wide receiver for the Golden Bears, I am on track to achieve my goals, but it comes at a heavy price.
Denying who I am—for the sake of my career—goes against everything I believe.
I should never have listened to my high school coach, because all the lies are suffocating me.
Until Keaton Kennedy enters my life, turning it upside down.
Now, there is even more reason to tell the truth, because I’m falling for the famous one and I want the entire world to know.
This heartwarming, emotional romance has a dash of angst and drama, a sprinkling of humor, and cameos from some of your favorite characters from the series. It is a 100k-word full-length novel, and the second to last book in the Kennedy Boys series. This can be read as a stand-alone novel as it focuses on a new couple; however, it is recommended you start at the beginning of the series for maximum reading enjoyment.
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3.5 Stars.
I feel like I would rename this book Adoring Austen, because he was the star for me. Austen is the star football player who ends up the roommate of Keaton. Austen is comfortable with his sexuality, but on the advice of a high school coach, he’s hiding it and pretending to have a heterosexual relationship with his BFF.
Keaton on the other hand is just starting to acknowledge his on sexuality. He finally broke up with his long term on/off girlfriend and had a bad time over the summer trying to experiment. From the first, it was clear Austen and Keaton had heart eyes for each other. Austen was integral to Keaton beginning to accept himself and helped him gain the strength to come out to both his friends and family.
A lot of the dialogue was sappy and lovey dovey, but I can never complain about two adults communicating well. And there’s my biggest issue. Keaton was absolute sh*t at communicating. And I know I’m possibly judging him too harshly, I’m a heterosexual woman after all, so I have never dealt with hiding a secret of that caliber. But my biggest issue is Keaton’s lack of trust…in Austen, in his family, in his friends, and in himself. He as a character often made me roll my eyes and I wanted to shake some sense into him.
This is not to say that I didn’t enjoy Adoring Keaton, because I did. The emotions and sex were written very well and kept me interested. This was Siobhan Davis’s first foray into gay or m/m romance, and I hope she does more.
Adoring Keaton is book #9 in the Kennedy Boys series, it can be read as a stand-alone, but you do get a better understanding of the family dynamics and back story, if you read the books in sequence.
I’ve never read MM before and not that I have any concerns about this trope, but if you do, believe me Siobhan Davis has written this so amazingly that I implore you to read it.
From the outset Keaton was my favourite, from the way he accepted Faye in book 1 – he’s definitely the most sensitive of all the brothers.
Keaton has lived a lie for years, not admitting to both himself or those around him that he is actually gay. He moved to California for university to start a fresh and its here he meets and befriends Austen, who becomes his roommate.
As I’ve come to expect and love from Siobhan, there’s lots of twists to this and at one point it broke my heart and had me crying for what these two had to go through – I don’t like spoilers so I’ll leave you to read it to see what I mean, but that aside it was also
Seriously though, for me this was a MUST read and if I could give it more than out of five I definitely would!
Siobhan, you killed this story – it was
A-MAZ-ING!!!
Adoring Keaton is the next Kennedy brother’s path to true love. Keaton struggles with finding his identity outside the Kennedy fame. He decides to enroll in Berkley rather than the family’s legacy at Harvard to find his own path in life. His path leads him to Austin, one of Berkeley’s star football players. Both of them are hiding their true selves from those around them and sometimes even themselves. As the media is alerted to their secrets, their love and commitment are tested. I recommend this book to those who read M/M books. As a member of the ARC Team, I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I have enjoyed every book in this amazing series, and Keaton’s story is one of my favorites. I loved Keaton and Austen, and I just wanted everything to work out for them. But it wouldn’t be a Kennedy Boys book without all that delicious heartbreaking drama. And drama there was. It was so great getting to catch up with all the characters from the other books, especially Faye and Ky. I truly want to throttle Kent, but I’m also looking forward to his book so I can finally understand why he is the way he is. I have my theories, but Siobhan always manages to shock me with her story lines in the absolute best way.
***I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC of this book.***
This is guaranteed to give you ALL the feels. These two are like wrapping yourself up in your favorite blanket and cuddling in, and this story is one worth cuddling up for. That’s not to say that there aren’t going to be a few tears because I totally broke down at one point. Things that are worth having are worth fighting for though…
What a roller coaster of a story! These two needed each other and what a great second chance at love. I loved all of the Kennedy family involvement and how they helped Austen and Keaton. I can’t wait for Kent’s story! I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
This author makes me fall in love with her characters. This book was beautifully written. I feel every emotion. Keaton is the guy who always puts others before himself. I loved Austen because of his confidence. He was the one person that could pull Keaton out of the dark. Austen showed Keaton a way they could live. Their coming of age lead both to have to come to grips with who they were. Their love story was angsty, romantic, and steamy.
I had two highlights one from Keaton, “Until I fully embrace my identity and my sexuality, I will never know who I truly am, who I could be, because I’m suppressing that part of myself where the inner passion dwells.”
The other was Austen telling Keaton, “Drive your own ship, but let me be the one to anchor you.” I was in tears. It was so heartfelt. I love this series!
Keaton Kennedy chose to go to college in California instead of going to Harvard, the same school most of his family has attended. He just wants the chance to be himself and maybe escape the notoriety that comes with his last name. Austen has always dreamed of playing in the NFL, it’s been his goal since he was much younger, he had no intention of falling for his room mate, Keaton, who is still in the closet.
I loved these characters. I think they are beautifully well written, compelling, and realistic. While Keaton struggles to come to terms with his sexuality, Austen was advised by his high school coach to hide his sexuality in an effort to achieve his goals.
Austen, and Keaton will make you laugh, and cry, and they will have many challenges to overcome before they will get their happily ever after. Wonderful romance with plenty of personal drama for Keaton, and within the Kennedy family. A few suspenseful moments, and plenty of twists and turns within the plot to keep you engrossed within these pages. I couldn’t put this book down, I loved it!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Keaton has always been the brother who feels the most and loves so hard that going into this book I knew it would wreck my emotions reading his story, and Siobhan Davis delivered in spades. My heart pounded as I read his and Austen’s story. There was no way to prepare for the magnitude of feelings that rocked my world as I read this amazing story. Austen and Keaton face a world that can be so derogatory because of their sexuality, and the evolution and telling of their story is one of the greatest I’ve ever read. Loved it! I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
OMG!!! My heart. I have loved Keaton from the very first book and have been anticipating getting his story for so long now. This book was definitely worth the wait. Keaton and Austen’s story is beautiful and I didn’t want it to end. It was my first time reading a MM romance but Siobhan wrote it amazingly. This is by far my favourite of this series, and I’m highly anticipating Kent’s story.
Keaton has always been the kindest, sweetest, and most thoughtful of the Kennedy boys. He always puts others before himself, from his family to his friends. He is afraid of being judged not only by the people around him but also by the public. He has been in the public eye his entire life and he has seen what that has done to not only his brothers but their partners as well. It filled my heart with joy watching Keaton become more confident in himself and who he chooses to love.
The Kennedy family always support and stand by one another and we see them do it again in this book. The amount of love in that family is astounding, and the way they embrace all the new additions to their family is beautiful. From their brother’s partners to all the kids.
A couple of times throughout the book my heart stopped, but it was all worth it because of this amazingly beautiful story.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, and I highly recommend that everyone reads this book.
Siobhan has done it again!
She talked the area I live in perfectly and it’s made me want to go the regional park and explore!
She wrote and the M/M romance beautifully. Being a gay/lesbian/pan has never been easy. I love everyone regardless of their sexual preference as long as they treat me with kindness and respect.
I have a lot of respect for this author for the way she writes and how she wrote Keaton and Austen’s story.
I adore Keaton. He has hid his true self for so long afraid of what his friends and family will think of him. All it takes is that one true love to realize the importance of being honest not only with ourselves but also with those who are important to us. Austen is Hot! Who wouldn’t fall for him. I love how their friendship builds into more. Keaton grows so much in this book. Another perfect book by Siobhan Davis.
I received an advanced copy of Adoring Keaton and I had to take a couple days to come down from the high of this book. I’m mean I expected amazing because well Siobhan Davis is an amazing writer, but this was even more than I expected. I am not a reader of MM Romance but this book was just off the charts. I really enjoyed the ups and downs of Austen and Keaton relationship. Keaton has always been the most special and purest of heart of the Kennedy brothers. He welcomed Faye and helped her adjust to America in a way the others didn’t…and since then I knew that he was the most caring and the one closest to my heart. I loved every moment of reading his story. All I can say is Siobhan Davis has done it yet again!!! Don’t miss out peeps. It’s everything you expect with a snippet of all the Kennedys popping in for an update of their lives. If you haven’t read the Kennedy Brothers stories…I urge you to now! Start with The Kyler Series and work your way up to Keatons story because in Oct the last brother will star in the last book of this amazing Series! It’s bitter sweet and I’m not sure how I feel about it ending…but oh I can not wait! Adoring Keaton….Read it….it’s amazing!!!!!!!!
So I have to be up in three hours for work but Adoring Keaton was worth it.
Keaton’s story was one that had everyone on their edge of their seat…in anxious anticipation. Siobhan Davis did not leave me disappointed.
Keaton’s story was emotional and angsty and warm and ragey but it’s just what his story called for. Davis really transported you into his head as he warred internally with the struggle of not only truly accepting himself but the stress over if others would. My heart ached for him, raged for him, and melted for him. Oh and Austen was absolute perfection…I couldn’t have dreamed a more perfect match for Keaton. I could continue poetically waxing on about Keaton and Austen but it’s one you need to experience for yourself to truly enjoy.
Absolutely spectacular!!! I’ve adored Keaton from the get go, and adored seeing his story play out in these pages. Its not 100% necessary to have read the previous books in this series first, but it might give you a better understanding of the relationships within his family. Keat has always been the one shielding his siblings by taking care of everyone else’s well being before his own. FINALLY we see those he loves do the same for him. We get to see what his big secret is, and all the ways its pained him to keep. There’s A lot of pain, but in true Siobhan Davis fashion its well worth wading through to get to the rainbow on the other end! We meet some wonderful new friends, and I for one hope Colton might get his own spinoff book . This definitely ranks as one of my top faves in this series, and as usual its great fun catching up with everyone within the Kennedy fam. Now if only Kent would get his head out of his bum. We shall have to wait and see what happens there. In the meantime….ENJOY!!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Adoring Keaton is an MM romance, this book will have you begging for more!
Siobhan knocked it out the park with this book, it was raw, emotional and everything I could have hoped for, she brought the steam, the sweetness, and an all-consuming love story in this book
All his life Keats has lived in the public eye, having everything put out there for the world to see and because of that, he’s been hiding who he truly is for fear of disappointing those he loves, and of being judged by the world for being gay. He’s decided no more hiding, no more lying, he’s accepted who he is and now it’s time for him to shine and show everyone who Keaton Kennedy is, and who better than Austen Hayes to help along the way.
If you are a fan of the Kennedy Boy’s series or Siobhan Davis, you need to read this book. It is one the best she’s written who said she could write MM books.
Aww Keaton! I’ve been waiting for his book since the beginning! And man it did not disappoint!! Keatons story is all of the feels. I really hope that Kent really can reform himself.
I have been waiting for Keaton’s book since I first started reading about the Kennedy Boys…just when you don’t think that they can get any better…BAM, there she goes and does it again. This is one of my all time favorite series and Keaton and Austen’s story was so beautiful.
Keaton has been in the public eye since birth and he has been hiding his true self from not only the public but from his family too. He always knew that he was different and realized that he was into boys but was afraid to give in to his true self. He is also so selfless but so insecure.
Austen is a football player at Berkeley College where Keaton decides to go to college at and they eventually meet up and Austen moves into Keaton’s apartment with him. Austen has always knew he was gay and even had a few relationships but was advised to hide his sexuality when he went to college because of his dreams to play in the NFL.
When these two eventually give into their feelings it is magic. Their chemistry is off the charts and the sex scenes are sizzling hot.
Things eventually happen and it is so wonderful to see the Kennedy stand by both Keaton and Austen…The Kennedy family is such a strong family to belong to even with all their trials and tribulations. The journey that Keaton and Austen go on is not an easy one and there is alot of heartache along the way, but in the end it only makes them stronger.
I absolutely loved catching up on the other Kennedy family members and can’t wait to read Kent’s (who I wanted to reach in the book and strangle) story because it is bound to be a doozy..
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
This was my first M/M read and let me tell you, I LOVED IT! Siobhan did an amazing job of showing the both the love and the fear of being in a relationship after heartache. Keaton and Austen were PERFECT together. I was so pleasantly surprised with the way this story came together. I am patiently awaiting Kent’s story and hopefully a happy ending for him as well. Love the Kennedy’s, love Siobhan, loved this book! A++++
I don’t know how she does it, but each book Siobhan Davis writes becomes my new favorite. Keaton, sweet Keaton has been dear to my heart since the beginning of this series and I knew his book would be special. Siobhan did not disappoint.
Keaton is not only the sweetest and most thoughtful Kennedy brother, but you got a sense through each previous book that something was troubling him, there was something going on inside his head that he wasn’t telling his family. We finally have his story and find that he has been struggling with his sense of self, not only in what he wants to do with his life after college, which is normal for a lot of college students, but more at the root of his struggle is his sexuality.
For years Keaton has dated the same girl. He dreamed of marriage, kids, a family. The whole package, but that package just didn’t feel right when he kept forcing the picture of the girl beside him into it. Not only was he confused about the feelings flowing through him, but he didn’t know how to really be himself. He didn’t know how to be the true Keaton he felt deep inside. He feared facing media backlash, given who his family was. He feared his family no longer loving him. He feared not living his dream. So living in silence was better, or so he thought.
When Keaton meets Austen Hayes at school things finally begin to click. Not only is Austen gay, but he’s confident and basically everything that Keaton wants to be. Their love affair is fast and furious, the very thing Keaton always dreamed when he imagined a partner by his side, the only thing it isn’t is out in the open. They hide what they feel for one another in secret. The downside of secrets is they have a way of festering and leaking out no matter their good intentions at the time.
Adoring Keaton is so much more than just a romance story. It’s a story about finding yourself, stumbling, making mistakes, and really discovering who you are at a time when you have so many questions about your life and what direction you want to take it. Living with guilt and shame, living a lie for so long has an effect on who you are and seeps into so many parts of your life, Keaton showcases the damage that not living your truth can cause on top of this already tumultuous time.
The topic of sexualtiy and why the media, professions, people, etc…are so fascinated with this topic has always been a point of contention with me. I love that Siobhan delves into this very subject and I applaud her for writing the book that Keaton needed. I truly believe that who you sleep with, what you do behind closed doors, and who you do it with shouldn’t matter to anyone else. End of discussion. At the end of the day it doesn’t matter how you perform your job, how you drive, where you shop, so on and so forth in correlation to what you or who you do in the bedroom.
Siobhan wrote a truly beautiful, and steamy, story about two men finding love and growing up gay in today’s world and did their story justice. I loved every word.