The last time I saw my first love was twelve years ago. We fell hard and fast, but it didn’t stop me from leaving.
I never expected to see her again, but when I move back to my small hometown, there’s no avoiding it—especially since her dad’s my new boss.
The more time we spend together, the more I want a second chance to be the man she deserves. As old sparks resurface, we grow closer. Though … grow closer. Though she denies she feels the same, I notice the way her body reacts when I’m near.
Gemma isn’t mine—yet—but I’m willing to risk everything for her.
KEEPING YOU AWAY is book 1 in the Tyler & Gemma duet and must be read first.
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4 Star Keeping You Away (Ex-Con Duet #1) by Kennedy Fox
This is a second chance at love story that drew me in and kept me invested from the first to the last chapter.
It’s true what they say that you can never go home and now that Tyler has returned to Lawton Ridge he begins to understand why it is said. He left years ago and has avoided going back as he knows how badly he hurt his sister’s best friend, Gemma who is now engaged to someone else. .
There is so much unfinished business that lies between Tyler and Gemma, the question is should they let sleeping dogs lie, or confront the past and hopefully make peace and move on.
This is a love story that build slowly, with some angst and was well written. There is something about Tyler that drew me to him, perhaps it is how much he cares for Gemma. Gemma is torn as she knows she still has feelings for Tyler and yet she is supposed to be marrying another man.
The secondary characters were as entertaining as the hero and heroine and the chemistry between Tyler and Gemma is intense. I cannot wait to see what happens in the conclusion after reading Keeping you Away.
Book one in the new Ex-Con Duet Series, this is Tyler and Gemma’s story and boy do they have a tale to tell. As soon as I read the blurb for this book I knew I needed to read it, I was excited and it did not disappoint, it was everything I expected and more.
I haven’t meet Tyler before but I do understand he is a character from a previous book, that being said having not met Tyler took nothing away from this great read but I will go back and read the previous duet as soon as time permits.
Tyler is back in his hometown after being in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, he is ready to start again and that means going back to his roots. Gemma grew up with Tyler always around because her best friend is his younger sister and when he joined the military it was Gemma who wrote to him but when he left the services he realised he couldn’t live in the town he grew up in and that meant leaving Gemma behind. Fast forward 12 years and Gemma is engaged to be married, she is convinced she is over her first love but what happens when she comes face to face with the man who stole her heart …..has fate given Tyler and Gemma a second chance….
This book ticked all my boxes, it’s has characters you can’t help loving, it has a story that draws you in and doesn’t let you go, the chemistry is intense and off the charts and it has the perfect mix of passion and drama. What can I say about the ending apart from I CANNOT WAIT to see how Tyler and Gemma’s romance pans out and I can’t wait to catch up with the secondary characters who are all adorable in their own right.
This book was amazing. After waiting impatiently for Tylers story we finally got it and it was brilliant.
After being released from prison, Tyler returns to his hometown for a fresh start. As fresh as returning to your past can be. Tyler is a wonderful guy who has been dealt a few pretty bad cards in his life. His childhood definitely wasn‘t the best but he tried to make it better for his younger sister Everleigh.
Gemma is Everleighs best friend and Tyler‘s first love. She stayed in their hometown and is now engaged to a rich guy, yet she still isn‘t fully over Tyler.
I enjoyed this first part if their story. The ending was as usual not expected and I can‘t wait to read more of what to come for those characters.
I also really liked that we got to see some of our favorite characters from the roommate duet series.
5
WOW! Kennedy Fox never disappoints with their books! This one is no different, you will love it! 5 amazing stars for it!
Here we have Tyler’s story, fresh out of prison and he wants to leave all the bad stuff behind him so he decides to go back home to Alabama, and the one that got away, Gemma, though he knows she’s engaged to someone else. She was the love of his life, now he has to face her with her fiance’ because he will be working at Gemma’s dads repair shop.
What will Gemma think when he comes back into her life? She’s happy now, she has a fiance’, but she’s now starting to see things in him that she never saw before. Are they real or is she imagining them now because Tyler is back in her life?
You will love this story, grab it asap!
This book is amazing!! I can’t wait for the conclusion of Tyler and Gemma. I have been waiting for Tyler’s story for a while now. I knew he would hook me within the first couple pages. I couldn’t put this book down, these characters are everything you could want. I highly recommend these books.
4.5 stars!! Can these authors make a ex-felon any sexier?!?!
This is book one in the “Ex-Con Duet Series” and can not be read as a stand alone. In true Kennedy Fox fashion each couple will have a duet that then interlink between each other. I think it’s my favorite thing about all of these series.
This duet is Tyler and Gemmas story. Tyler we met in Liam and Maddie’s story. I couldn’t wait to find out more about him. Damn O’Leary’s!!
I love Tyler so much. Gemma I’m not so sure on. I do like her. I adore the shit out of her father but she is driving me nuts. I wasn’t sure how I felt about their original hook up. Her in high school writing a guy in the military. I don’t know but it made me feel off about Tyler. But fast forward many years and now it’s on. This is definitely a slow burn, tension filled love story. Well really the next book I think is where the love will finally take place or I hope so.
Gemma’s current situation I think is what bothers me the most. Of course this takes nothing away from the book. You are suppose to feel stuff from the characters. Robert is a snake and he makes me want to junk punch him and that is all I will say about that.
Can I say Everleigh is probably my favorite character!! This girl is amazing!! She cracks me up. Hopefully, Ruby was on to something. I think all the different friendships are amazing. Even going back to Liam and Maddie.
The ending came out of nowhere. I wasn’t ready. I could have read on all damn day. Now I am DYING for book two. One more month and it is all mine.
**I received this book as an ARC and in return gavey honest review**
This is Kennedy Fox at their best. A slow burn, second chance story that not only revolves around a second chance at love, but a second chance at life.
After Tyler was released from prison he just wants to live a quiet life. He moves back to his home town in Alabama, keeping his head down, looking for a fresh start. The one place willing to give an ex-con a job happens to be Gemma’s father, the only girl he ever loved and walked away from a little over a decade ago. She’s now engaged to be married to another man and as awkward as it will be be to be around her again all Tyler ever wanted was for Gemma to be happy. While Tyler is dealing with his decade old feelings and just when he thought his quiet life was finally settling in, his past comes calling and he has to debate on whether he should answer the call.
Gemma had been in love with Tyler forever. He was her first for so many things in her life, but when he left town and broke her heart she never could quite move on. It was only about two years ago that she really gave up hope of Tyler returning and Gemma started dating her now fiancé, Robert. She was happy, content in her life, but now that Tyler has returned she finds herself confused and questioning everything in her life. Robert no longer seems like the man she agreed to marry, continually trying to push her into uncomfortable situations, but she doesn’t know if her confusion revolves around Tyler messing with her hormones or if the red flags in her relationship were there all along and she just missed them. Now more than ever, Gemma wishes that her mother was still alive for advice.
This is book one in their duet and it does end on a cliffhanger. Their relationship will continue to evolve in the next book.
Okies…. I adore Kennedy Fox. I knew things were coming. BUT OMG!!! My mind is just wow! I swear I keep saying this is my favorite one by them, but honestly they all are and Keeping You Away is just perfect. It is passionate, angsty, sizzling and SO many more things. The history between Tyler and Gemma melts your heart. These two are made for each other. But life happens and now that they are thrown back together, the same chemistry from years ago is still so undeniable. With everything that Tyler went through in the past series that Fox introduced him, I have been dying to know his story. Fox did not disappoint but as always, leaves me begging for more.
Overall, this story is something that will keep you full engrossed because it took my tablet whacking my face for me to put it down because my eyes were so heavy and I finally had to wait till the next day to finish reading it. I adore Gemma because she is a fighter and stands her ground, especially when it comes to family. She would do anything for her dad. But she cannot deny these emotions she has. Tyler is such a unique character where he is so passionate but also beyond loyal. He wants to right the wrongs and I honestly cannot blame him. The little twists that Fox adds to this story just gives it so much depth that your jaw will drop, and leave you dying for the next book!
OMG OMG OMG!!! How the heck do they do it? Kennedy Fox can seriously keep you begging for more while you are reading. You know going in that this will be a cliffy, it is book 1 in a duet! But the build up and the intense tension, sexual and not, was lip biting amazing!!! I swear I was in that tiny town in Alabama when Tyler showed up again after his release from prison. You need to read Liam and Maddie’s book for that mess, but they do give you the flash backs if you do not want to jump into that Duet! I love the descriptive writing, character build up, and the all around great story line. Cannot wait for book 2!!!!
TYLER’S STORY IS FINALLY HERE!!!!
For those that are not familiar with Tyler he was first introduced in the Roommate Duet series as a friend to Mason and Liam and he quickly became friends with Maddie. We got a glimpse of his past in Always Yours.
Tyler Blackwood has been gone from his hometown of Lawton Ridge (Alabama) for 12 years…..the last five have been spent in prison for a crime he was falsely accused (and found guilty) of. Upon his release from prison he decides it is finally time to go back home to try and rebuild his life. He looks forward to seeing his sister and grandparents, has a job lined up but isn’t sure how he feels about coming face to face with the only girl he has ever loved.
Gemma Reid spent years waiting for Tyler to come home and when he didn’t she finally moved on. Now happily engaged and working for her dad her world gets knocked loose when Tyler walks into her dad’s shop for a job interview and to make matters worse her father hires him. She is facing the pressure from her fiance to move in with him and leave the home she has treasured for the last 12 years plus he wants to move the wedding date up and she is completely torn. Having Tyler back in town does not make matters easier for her.
The way this story unfolds is slightly different than what Kennedy Fox readers are used to. When they say it is a slow-burn second chance romance….it is a slow-burner which is part of what made it even better than I thought it was going to be. The pull between Tyler an Gemma is like no other. From the moment the book begins and their background is laid out there is no going back. The side of Tyler we see in this book makes him all the more appealing and enjoyable. Gemma is the person who cares about everyone’s feelings first and hers last. This story (like many others) is a cliff hanger and will have you wanting the next book ASAP!
Edited to add audio review:
********AUDIO REVIEW********
Hearing Tyler and Gemma’s story in audio was so much better than I thought it was going to be. Tor Thom and Lia Langola (she is always fabulous) brought them to life quite well. The few times Tor’s voice got super deep….I wanted more. He is the perfect Tyler. Lia has just enough of a southern hint to her voice which was a nice touch. Tyler has spent the last 12 years away from Gemma yet has thought only of Gemma. The last five of those 12 years was spent in prison so upon his release he spends a few days with some old friends (Liam and Maddie) and then heads back home. He gets a job at Gemma’s dad’s repair shop and comes home to Gemma being engaged. He knows it wouldn’t have been right for him to expect her to wait for him yet Tyler isn’t a fan of her fiance, Robert. Gemma’s first love was Tyler and for years upon years she didn’t get involved with anyone and when she is finally engaged to be married Tyler comes back home and knocks her world a bit sideways. She starts to question her relationship with Robert, especially when he starts pushing her to move up the wedding date. Tyler and Gemma have a history that nobody can get in between. She is it for him. Even though I have read both books and I know what happens at the end it sure doesn’t stop me from wanting Needing You Close in audio….I cannot wait for it.
Keeping You Away is book 1 in the Ex-Con duet by the wonderful writing duo Kennedy Fox and WOW…what the hell did I just read???
Gemma and Tyler have a history, but they have both gone in different directions since Tyler left Lawton Ridge, Alabama, 12 years ago. Before you read this angsty, slow-burn, romance novel…remember it is the first book in the duet. There was a part where I was kind of confused (the summary of the Vegas happenings and Liam and Maddie’s story from the Roommate series) but then it all ironed itself out as the story went along so I am glad I didn’t get stuck on that (and am going to go back and read that duet while waiting for Needing You Close to release).
There are questionable moral situations/indiscretions and even though I am not a fan of that…this book was so well-written and twisted that I could see where it was necessary for the building of the storyline. There are characters who were sweet, douche-canoes, swoon-worthy, liars, romantics, honest…just a perfect blend of all extremes! Keeping You Away has heat, hurt, and small-town vibes. I really enjoyed this first book and look forward to Needing You Close (book 2 in the duet) for closure! 4.5 stars!
Since first meeting Tyler in Liam and Maddie’s duet, I couldn’t wait to get his story and I didn’t waste any time devouring it in one afternoon.
They say ‘you can never go home again’ and Tyler is realizing that in spades. When he moves back to Lawton Ridge to start over he finds out that as much as things stayed the same in the small town, so much has changed. Now that he’s home, he’s second-guessing what could have been, making up for lost time with his sister and trying to leave the past behind him.
It shouldn’t be so difficult to be in the same space as her best friend’s brother, especially since Gemma is engaged to be married, but it’s just not that easy. It’s true that you never forget your first…well, everything no matter how long it’s been or what has happened since the last time you saw each other. But there’s so much unfinished business between them…
Apprehension, frustration and an attraction that is off the charts adds to the unease you can literally feel between the pages. So many twists and turns, what if and OMG moments (that ending!), I can’t wait to get my hands on the conclusion.
A page turner from start to finish!
Tyler and Gemma were once young lovers and then separated when life got in the way. When he moves back home after several years the spark between them is still there but there are a few problems. Gemma is engaged to another man and Tyler is emotionally a different man (after everything he’s been through). Will they or won’t they admit their love for eachother?
I’ve loved getting to know Tyler on a deeper level instead of just being known as Maddie and Liams saviour. I also love how Tyler stays in contact with them after moving home, getting updates of their life. I’m glad he finally got his own book!
I devoured this book in one sitting, hooked from the start of the book. Kennedy Fox you’ve knocked it out the park.
The Roomate Duet Series by Kennedy Fox has been my favourite series so far. I have been waiting for this book to come out for a loooong time! If you loved that series you will also love this book too. I am counting down the days until the next book in the series arrives, the not knowing what happens after is killing me!
I love this author duo. I’m a bit behind on their backlist so this is my first meeting with Tyler. But MAN I loved him. This ticked so many boxes for me. Second chance romance, longing, best friends brother and on and on.
There was so much tension and intrigue in this and I was on the edge of my seat. And I loved how Tyler and Gemma try to keep away from each other. I CANNOT wait for book 2.
I volunteered to review an advance copy of this. All opinions are my own.
I read this book in one sitting! I couldn’t wait for Tyler’s story and this first book did not disappoint!
We first meet Tyler in Liam and Maddie’s duets and I immediately loved him. He’s a loyal friend and kept to himself just enough that had me chomping at the bit for more. He proved his loyalty in Liam and Maddie’s duet and now, after serving time in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, he’s ready to start over in his hometown. Gemma is Tyler’s sister’s best friend and has had a crush on him forever. While he was in the military she wrote to him and they briefly had a relationship when he returned. However, he couldn’t stay in their hometown and broke both their hearts when he left.
Now, 12 years later, she’s engaged and has convinced herself she’s over Tyler. What happens when Tyler comes back?
I’ll tell you what happens…A whole lot of chemistry is what happens! It’s obvious that these two love and care for each other. There were so many times I was hoping that they would give in to the chemistry between them.
This was the perfect start to a new deut. It had the right amount of drama and tantalizing push and pull between Tyler and Gemma that kept me completely engrossed until the very last page. I CAN NOT WAIT FOR MORE.
Welllllll. Tyler’s story! FINALLY!
I loved this.
2nd Chance romance meets intrigue!
This story picks up when Tyler is released from prison.
He heads home to work for his first love’s family business!
I cannot wait for the conclusion to this awesome duet!
Highly recommend.
Kennedy Fox
I DEVOURED this book. I read it in a matter of hours. I was sucked into Tyler and Gemma’s story and just couldn’t put it down until I about through my kindle across the room at the cliffhanger.
Tyler Blackwood was first introduced in Liam and Maddie’s duet and from that moment I was hooked. I wanted to know about him. Now, out of prison for the crimes he didn’t commit, he returns to his hometown in Alabama. Gemma has had a crush on Tyler forever, she wrote him while he was in the military and once he came home they had an amazing 3 months together. He left and had no plans of ever coming home. Now twelve years later, they are forced to work together and she is engaged to another man….
I love Tyler. I have from the moment his character was introduced. He is a great friend and has proven that when it comes to Liam and Maddie. He loves his sister and wanted the best life possible for her, especially since their parents weren’t the best. He still never got over Gemma. You can feel and see how much he cares for her. Gemma still has feelings for Tyler, too. However, she keeps telling herself she’s moved on. She’s happy and about to be married. However, the chemistry between Tyler and Gemma is scorching. So many times I was just rooting for them to give into the chemistry.
I love where this story is going. There is heat and drama all over the place. Tyler wants revenge against the woman who put him in prison and he isn’t afraid to do whatever it takes to get that revenge. I love the secondary characters in this story, too. Of course, there is more Liam and Maddie (who I adore), plus Tyler’s sister, Everleigh, who is fully of sassy. Plus, Gemma and Everleigh’s best friend, Katie, and her adorable son Owen.
But seriously, Kennedy Fox, that ending. I CANNOT WAIT to see how Tyler and Gemma’s story ends! This is a great start to a new duet and a MUST READ!