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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Another incredible story by Kennedy Fox! I had to read it in one sitting because it was captivating and intriguing! I can’t wait for book 2!
Tyler is out of jail after 5 years for a crime he didn’t commit. Gemma is not a free woman as she’s engaged to someone else. The couple has so much going on past and present. This is a slow burn romance of childhood friends. I am eagerly waiting for the next book.
This story packs a punch. I think for me it was the circumstances from the past more than what was happening in the here and now, but also because the here and now is just the beginning of their story. As it goes with most duets, the first book tends to lay the foundation down for the real story/journey that will happen in the second half. If you’re a fan of this author duet, then you probably remember Tyler from the Always Mine/Yours duet that released earlier this year. I’m a fan LOL so I remember. The shared history that Tyler and Gemma have made me emotional. I feel it’s a poignant history and these ladies unfolded this story so far, very well. I wanted it to keep going. I was upset we actually had to stop and pause and even more wait, WHAT? at the pause/end of this installment! I mean …….
I’ve been a fan of this author duo for quite a while. There are a bunch of their books that don’t have reviews by me but that’s only because when I put just my reader cap on and not my blogger cap, I tend to get lost in just reading and forget to review LOL So I’ve read a ton of their work and I’m comfortable saying these ladies are always a good investment of your time! #trust
These two never fail to give me a book I CAN’T PUT DOWN and a book that I get completely invested in and then get ragey as they have left it RIGHT THERE and I want the next one NOW!!
Seriously these two are so talented their writing is flawless and they always put you through the ringer but its so totally worth it.
After meeting Tyler in Liam and Maddie’s duet my curiosity was completely peaked and I couldn’t wait to jump into his story and find out more about Gemma who he has hinted at.
There was a fast pace to this storyline but what I loved is the romance between Tyler and Gemma was a slow burn and it felt so natural and right.
Honestly I was on the edge of my seat and had to put up a massive DO NOT DISTURB sign and lock myself away to read this as ITS THAT GOOD!!
Sorry for all the caps but seriously when you read this you will see why but i am struggling NOT to say everything I want to as I don’t want to spoil this as you need to enjoy this yourself.
Tyler was introduced, or at least we really got to know him, in the last two parts of the Roommate Duets by Kennedy Fox, starring Liam and Maddie, beginning with Always Mine. And after how much he did to help them out of their hard times I just knew I wanted his story too. Tyler has just got out of jail, and is going back to his hometown, the town he had to get out of when he was younger, even though it meant leaving the one girl he’d ever really loved, Gemma, behind. Gemma is also besties with his sister Everleigh, and she has moved on. She is now engaged to the perfect man. One who treats her well, buys her nice stuff and wants to get married and have children. But when Tyler gets back to town, Gemma finds herself wondering if she is really over him. Especially when things with her fiancee, Robert, start to seem not as great, to pale in comparison to what she remembered having and feeling with Tyler. Of course Tyler’s past can’t quite be gone, and while there are ways that it seems to be showing up and possibly throwing a monkey wrench into his trying to get back to a normal life, what happens at the end of this book, the cliffhanger I know to expect in the first book of these duets, definitely was NOT what I thought was happening. I love how the authors can always surprise me in that way, and now I’m just ready for the second book to come out so I can find out where it goes next.
4.5 “Sweet Home Alabama” Stars
It’s not a secret that I’m a huge fan of Kennedy Fox. I’ve read all their books and since meeting Tyler Blackwood in Always Yours, I just couldn’t wait to get my hands on his story. His beautiful friendship with Liam and Maddie was so amazing. I felt he was such a great guy and I wanted for him to find his own happily ever after. Kennedy Fox strikes again with Keeping You Away which is such a lovely second chance romance that had me delighted all read long.
Tyler is back in his small town of Alabama after twelve years away, but most importantly after five years in prison. He’s a changed man, more reserved and searching himself. He’s also back where his first and only love, Gemma, still lives. It’s clear from the start that there’s some repressed feelings between them; every single interaction between them charged with electricity. But the woman is now engaged and off-limits. Robert is certainly not the man for Gemma as I felt the way he acted with her was just manipulative and I wanted her to open up her eyes to his jerk ways. Even if she has a fiancé, Gemma starts to have doubts about her relationship with him and Tyler being back certainly makes her even more conflicted. She still feels the pull toward each other that is undeniable.
The scenes between Gemma and Tyler are filled with amazing banter, provocation and tension! I lived for every single moment shared between those two. I felt there wasn’t enough scenes between them though. I was greedy for more time with this pair, but I still loved the slow burn and where it’s going for the next installment.
As always with Kennedy Fox, the supporting characters made this read even more alluring. Everleigh, Tyler’s little sister and Gemma’s best friend, has such a lively and interesting personality that I particularly enjoyed. She’s supportive and also a little conniving toward Tyler and Gemma’s relationship, but she also reminded me so much of Maddie. Liam and Maddie also make some appearances throughout the book which lead to hilarious, but also so beautiful moments. I love the special bond the three of them have.
The ending was a cliffhanger I kind of saw coming, but I really need to see how it all plays out in Needing You Close. The conclusion of the Tyler & Gemma Duet will assuredly bring its lot of action and twists. Thankfully, we don’t have long to wait for the continuation of this duet!
** ARC received in exchange for an honest review**
5 GET OUT Stars!!!
I’m not even sure where to begin because I’m STILL slack-jawed 18 hours after having finished this newest book by Kennedy Fox. I knew the ending would be crazy, but holy batman I WAS NOT expecting that… Leave it to these two to end this first book in this duet with me clamoring for the next book NOW NOW NOW!!!
Tyler and Gemma are everything I love about an angsty romance. They’re absolutely perfect for each other and the slow burn of their romance was at times hot and sexy. Their connection, even after 12 years was still palpable and sizzling. I wondered how long they’d be able to resist each other because let’s face it, so many things have changed since they last saw each other, but that doesn’t matter because once you’ve found your other half, even through some missteps, it can’t be denied…. But we’ve got more story to go for these two to get their HEA.
I felt every emotion that Tyler and Gemma were going through as they spent nearly everyday in each other’s presence and I have to admire Gemma for really trying to resist the man that makes her heart beat with so much love, because yes, I’m convinced she still loves this man with everything she has. As for Tyler, he’s been through so much and is trying so hard to start over and when he get glimpses into the beginnings of their relationship there were so many feels because they contained so many truths about who they are.
I seriously cannot wait to get Needing You Close because there’s going to be some major fireworks on many fronts!!!
Love and the heart ache that sometimes comes with it. For Tyler, his insecurities pushed his love away, now 12 years later they are working together and she belongs to some one else. Stressful and awkward the feelings are still there, both love and insecurity.
Gemma loved one person for most of her life, until he left. Now he is back working in her space, her feelings still strong and confusing. She should feel this way, she is engaged, she is confused. This is Tyler.
This book is beautiful, love is the true core of it, but we have jealousy and danger lurking through the out their story. We are left with a cliff hanger, that will leave you a lot shocked and yes a little angry. Definitely eagerly awaiting book 2!
When I first read about Tyler in Liam and Maddie’s duet (Always Mine and Always Yours), I fell for how selfless he was in support of his friends. I love the friendship he builds with Maddie and I was beyond excited to get Tyler’s story! Lucky, Kennedy Fox did not disappoint with the first half, which means I’m dying for the second book in the duet, Keeping You Close (thankfully it’s coming August 13th). The way Gemma and Tyler fell for each other when they were younger is so Tyler–I’m seriously in love with him as a leading male, he’s not perfect, but he’s really caring. Their journey was so sweet and I just wanted them to be happy together, but we all know that’s not how life works. Which is why we get some amazing second-chance romances like this one.
A big reason why I thoroughly enjoy Kennedy Fox books, is that I often have a long/hate relationship with the characters. During this book I wanted to scream at Gemma, which is why she’s lucky to have Everleigh–the best listener ever–as a friend (I really wish Everleigh was my friend and I cannot wait for the third duet when we get her story). So while I’m over here as the reader with all the knowledge from both POVs, I can’t help but be frustrated with the characters, while at the same time rooting for them and anticipating when they will figure it all out. This is why I’m so invested in these books. BUT WAIT, there is also the fact that Kennedy Fox always finds a way to throw in some drama/danger to really spice the story up. I seriously love every moment of it. And that ending! I am not ready for Keeping You Close, but I NEED IT NOW! Thank you to Kennedy Fox and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
When Tyler was introduced in Liam and Maddie’s duet from the Roommate Series I needed to know his whole story. This guy instantly captured my heart and I craved to learn more about him. And Kennedy Fox delivered, because after reading Keeping You away I love his character even more. Tyler is brave, caring, protective and so irresistible! He puts the happiness and safety of his loved ones before his own and his latest act of selflessness was the reason he ended up behind bars. When he was released and had to start over, he returned to the place where the memories were waiting… and the girl he left behind many years ago.
Gemma is a girl for whom family is the most important. She is kindhearted, loyal and sweet, but she also has a feisty side. After Tyler it took her a long time to open up again and now she’s supposed to walk down the aisle. But Tyler’s return is not only reviving old feelings, it also starts to question her current relantionship.
It’s obvious that their chemistry is still sizzling and that they never got the closure. But can they be around each other and pretend that old feelings are not coming back?
I loved to get a glimpse into Tyler and Gemma’s past. Their interconnections were totally swoon-worthy. The present is filled with delicious sexual tension and what-ifs. I was completely immersed during this read, constantly wanting more and Kennedy Fox, in their true fashion, ended this part with a twist that left my mouth agape. I cannot wait to see how Tyler and Gemma’s story will turn out!
I received a copy of this book from publisher/author to review for Stephanie’s Book Reports.
I never planned on returning to Alabama, but circumstances brought me here after years of being gone. Though Lawton Ridge is my hometown, I was hesitant to go back because of her-my sister’s best friend. The last time we were together, she was eighteen, and I was a broken soldier transitioning to civilian life. Gemma wrote to me while I was over seas and we developed a bond I hadn’t anticipated. I crushed her heart the day I left, something I’ve never forgotten. But now that her dad is my new boss, life just got way more complicated. Too sweet, too innocent, too good for a guy like me–I should walk away again. After serving five years in prison for something I didn’t do, I trust no one, but Gemma gradually breaks down my walls and exposes the pain I’ve hidden underneath. For her own sake, I should keep my distance, but it’s nearly impossible when I hear her sweet humming while I work and she slowly draw me back in. It’s a battle I didn’t train for, and one I’ll lose if I don’t have my restraint-especially since she is engaged to another man.
Keeping You Away is the first book in the Ex-Con Duet. This is the story of Tyler and Gemma. If you read the duet about Liam and Maddie you met Tyler in that book and you will get the reunion you have been waiting for. Tyler and Maddie have this amazing friendship that will have your cracking up. Tyler too is reunited with Gemma who is the girl that go away or his best friends sister. I fell in love with these two as they are reconnecting and I loved that they had this past that was just between them with the letters she would write to him when he was away. However Gemma is now engaged and I so do not like them together so this book is filled with angst and waiting and wanting. Add in the fact that Tyler is about to find a way to get revenge for the time he spend in prison for a crime he didn’t commit and you just might be freaking out by the end of this book. I can not wait to have the next on in my hands.
5 STARS
Keeping you Away is just the beginning of Tyler and Gemma’s story. It is filled with drama, tension, angst, love, passion and a cliffhanger that has me needing more!
We met Tyler in Liam and Maddie’s duet in the Roommate Series and since then I’ve been dying to get my hands on his story! Kennedy Fox did not disappoint. Tyler is EVERYTHING I knew he would be but SO much more. His protective nature in Always Mine and Always Yours was just the beginning. He is caring, kind, loving, charming, hard working and protective. He has just been released from prision and doing 5 years for a crime he did not commit and is coming home to Lawton Ridge, Alabama for a quieter, simplier life.
I LOOOVED Gemma SO much! She is definitely one of my top favourite Kennedy Fox heroines! Her sass, fire and determination I loved so much. She is a fighter and stands her ground against those she loves. She waited for Tyler for a very long time and she has finally given herself permission to love again. She is happy and in love with the man she plans to marry and BAM Tyler walks back into her life and turns it upside down.
I could not love a pairing more than Gemma and Tyler. They are PERFECT! My hearts swoons for every moment shared bertween these two, past and present. The chemistry, the passion and the love between these two is out of this world and I NEED more of these two ASAP. After that cliffhanger I will be counting the days until the next book and CANNOT WAIT!
*ARC received in exchange of an honest review.
After meeting Tyler Blackwood in the roommate duet of Liam & Madelyn, I was desperate for a story on him. Keeping You Away finally gives it to us!
After spending the last 5 years in prison for a crime he’s been framed for, Tyler just wants to get his life back on track. What better place to do it than the small town he left 12 years ago?
Tyler knows how the rumor mill works in towns like this, he’s ready for the glances and odd looks. What he isn’t ready for is to face Gemma, the first girl he truly loved. Especially not with a ring on her finger.
After Tyler left, Gemma spent her years waiting and trying to pick up the pieces of her heart. She meets a wealthy older man who could provide a life for her they her dad has always wanted. Gemma seems to love him and is finally ready to set a date, but when Tyler swoops back in he has Gemma questioning everything she feels.
12 years may have gone by but the moment Tyler and Gemma get into a room together you feel the sparks and connection they shared all those years ago. Gemma and Tyler both know it, but they fight their connection and dance around all of the unresolved feelings they’ve harbored. Gemma’s heart says one thing and her head another.
They try to keep their distance but as work and small town life keep pushing them back together it becomes hard to fight their insane attraction. One will give in, but at what cost?
This books was filled with lots of angst and suspense. The “will they won’t they” was eating at me just waiting for the moment. While It ends in a twisty cliffhanger, it only makes the story that more
interesting.I knew something dark was bound to make an appearance but it certainly didn’t happen how I expected! I can’t wait to see how things play out for Tyler and Gemma
*arc provided for a voluntarily review*
4/5 stars
4.5 Stars
I am so glad to see some of the old characters in this book. Keeping You Away pulled me in from the first page and held me captive. I loved this book and can’t wait for the next book in this duet.
I loved Tyler, he was just released from prison for crimes he didn’t commit. Now he is ready to get his life back and head back home to his hometown in Alabama. He never thought he would be heading back to his hometown. It has been twelve years since he has been back.
Gemma is Tyler’s sisters’ best friend. She has had a crush on Tyler for a long time. They end up becoming pen pals while he is away. These two have intense chemistry and are so cute together. She has moved on with her life and is engaged to be married.
I can’t wait for the conclusion to this duet. I need to know how Tyler and Gemma’s story ends. Must Read!
Ever since getting a taste of Tyler in Always Yours I wanted more of him. I needed his full story after a few breadcrumbs were dropped only whetting my appetite and making me want more.
After spending the last five years behind bars for a crime he was framed for, Tyler needs a fresh start now that he’s released. Desperately wanting to put the last years behind him, he decides to go back home and make a place for himself after leaving twelve years ago. But Gemma, the one person who he has ever loved and whose heart he broke is there. Time may have passed, but what he felt and still feels for Gemma is still there.
Gemma has finally given her heart a chance at love again. After waiting years for Tyler and hoping he’d come back to her she decides its time to move on. She’ll never forget him or the time she fell in love with him while writing him letters when he was in the military. Those three months they spent together will forever hold memories of the best time in her life. And just when she thinks everything is the way it should be, her past comes striding back into her life.
Gemma and Tyler have a lot of unresolved feelings. Their back and forth moments, their eye gazing, the almost kisses only added to their undeniable chemistry. They know they should stay away from each other especially since Gemma is engaged, but it’s becoming difficult to fight their attraction.
Keeping You Away was filled with angst and suspense. And with that cliffhanger I can only imagine what’s to come, and what it means for Tyler and Gemma.
My first foray into the worlds of Kennedy Fox was an emotional one, I must say. I now feel like I need to go back and read their roommates series of duets to get to know all the people who love Tyler and want the best for him. This story is the beginning of what, I believe, is a crucial series surrounding second chances, not only in love but in life.
I can’t say much about Tyler and Gemma’s story because it’s not finished, and to tell much about the storyline would spoil it. Let’s just say that what starts as a sweet first love story (and I mean swoony sweet) hits the Rocky Mountains of bumps in the road. There’s angst; there are bad guys, noble gestures, passion, and misunderstandings — I could go on.
The central underlying theme of this novel is the second chance for the person coming out of prison. For me, this is very relevant and important in our society. It’s hard for someone to get that chance coming out of jail, and that chance, whether it’s a job, a place to stay, or counseling, is the difference between staying out or ending up back in prison. Gemma’s dad is a hero.
Read this novel, prepare to cheer, hiss at bad guys, cheer some more, get a little frustrated at the angst, and enjoy the slow sweet burn of Tyler and Gemma’s story. I can’t wait for part two.
I was so excited to get (the first part of) Tyler’s story!! If you read the Roommate Duet series, we were introduced to him there.
I just loved Tyler!! He was so swoony and just a good guy. He loves his sister and is a hard worker. Tyler has just finished a 5 year sentence in prison and has moved back to his hometown. When he’s faced with his first love who is engaged to another man, he doesn’t want to mess up what she has with her fiancé.
Gemma is a bit fiesty and fun, but is also insecure and unsure about a few things – especially now that Tyler is back in town.
Then we have the mob princess – Victoria – that we ALL hated in the previous books. And she’s just gonna do what she does best and mess sh*t up.
I cannot wait for the conclusion to their story!! Kennedy Fox did what they do best…had me gasping at the last line and at the edge of my seat to get more!!
Oh man!!! I absolutely loved Tyler from when we met him in Liam and Maddie’s stories and he only made me fall more in love with him in this one. He’s alpha but sweet and caring. He loves his family and I love his relationship with his sister. Now Gemma got on my nerves at times bc…. hello who wouldn’t want to claim Tyler again right away lol. But although my feelings for her, she’s dealing with her feelings and I can feel her growing stronger into her true self. The story was a slow boiler with sweet and gentle at the beginning. But it quickly starts bubbling and boiling and shew…. by the end you’re on the edge of your seat with all the drama going on. I’m dying for the conclusion now!!
I need more! This is why it’s a duet and this first book just leaves you wanting more of Tyler and Gemma. Their chemistry is amazing and it’s a battle of wills in them trying to move forward. They’re both hurting but also you can feel their longing and their love for each other. I can’t wait for the second book.
Gah! Despite knowing it’s going to end in a cliffhanger, they always sneak up on me because I just get completely lost in their words.
I feel like I have been waiting FOREVER for Tyler and Gemma’s story – but it was soooo worth it!
I can’t wait to find out how it all plays out. Especially after the appearance of the villain.
Mwahahaha.
Audio review:
Lia and Tor did an amazing job of bringing this story to life.
I loved the ebook but loved the audio even more.
It is sexy, sweet, angsty and so, so entertaining. I couldn’t stop listening!