A friends-to-lovers second-chance romance from USA Today bestseller Siobhan Davis. Standalone with HEA and no cliffhanger. Lana I knew it would end in disaster, but I didn’t listen to reason. I didn’t care. Because I loved him so much. Kalvin Kennedy ruled my heart. Until he destroyed it. Shattered it so completely that I became someone else. Someone I loathed. Someone who repeatedly lied to her … someone else. Someone I loathed. Someone who repeatedly lied to her loved ones.
So, I ran.
From him. From myself. Desperate to hide my new reality.
But I could only run so far.
When he reappears in my life, I’m terrified. Unbelievably scared of facing the consequences of my actions.
Never mind that I still love him and want him so badly—there’s too much at stake now.
How can I trust him with the biggest secret of all when he’s likely to rip my world apart again?
Kalvin
Lana was always far too good for me. Everyone knew it but her.
I tried to stay away, but I was weak.
And I hurt her.
Crushed her until she barely resembled herself. Forced her to follow a path she would never have willingly chosen.
And then she was gone.
And my world has never felt as empty, as lonely.
She begged me to stay away. Not to find her. To forget she ever existed.
But that’s like asking me to slice my heart in two and toss half aside.
I’ve never believed in fate, but when I rock up to the University of Florida, I’m ready to eat my words.
Because she’s here. Like I hoped she would be. And I’m determined to prove I deserve a second chance.
Will I enjoy this book?
If you enjoy emotional, angsty, second-chance romance with hot guys and a dash of drama set within a college backdrop then you should enjoy Loving Kalvin!
While you don’t need to read the first three books in this series to enjoy Loving Kalvin, it is highly recommended. This book is upper young adult/new adult, and it is only suitable for readers aged seventeen and older due to mature content, sexual situations, and language.
This book, like its predecessors, contains a controversial subject which, on this occasion, relates to something Lana did to Kal previously that some readers might find unforgivable. If you don’t like being stretched out of your comfort zone, then I’d recommend you skip this book.
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“If you love someone, really love someone, you stand by them, even when they’ve screwed up. Especially then. You forgive them for their mistakes”
― Loving Kalvin by Siobhan Davis
This is such a beautiful romance. It’s about two soulmates finding their way back to each other. It’s about forgiveness, understanding and loyalty.
Kalvin and Lana have been soulmates since they were children and it grew stronger as they got older, until Kalvin’s mother put a stop to them seeing each other. But that connection was still there, even when they tried to fight it. They hurt each other many times.
Now in Loving Kalvin they are in college. Lana had run off and went to University of Florida secretly. Kalvin went there thinking that’s where she went, because they always talked about going together, and he wanted to find her and win back her love. He knew they belonged together and was willing to try whatever it took to get her back.
Lana feels she’s undeserving of Kalvin’s love. She’s made some pretty unforgivable mistakes and hurt Kalvin very badly. Even though he says he forgives her, she just cannot forgive herself. It doesn’t help that she still isn’t being totally honest with him and is holding back important information from him. The guilt is eating her up and making her feel unworthy of his love.
The whole story is so heartwarming and the lesson of forgiveness is a big one.
It’s such a romantic story. I became so wrapped up in the characters. The Audible narration was good. Especially for the main characters. Some of the side characters sounded a little strange. But overall I really enjoyed the Audible version of this book.
In Loving Kalvin, we are transported to the Sunshine State where Kal and Lana are going to college. Even though there isn’t much of the Kennedy clan in this book, we get to meet new characters that quickly steal your heart, and I promise there is still plenty of drama, secrets, and lies that will make your jaw drop and keep your eyes glued to the pages.
We already have witnessed Kal’s growth as a character during the trial, but in Loving Kalvin, you get to see how often Kal’s newfound maturity is tested while holding your breath in hopes he doesn’t relapse. It is quite the struggle, and you will only fall more in love with Kalvin after reading this.
I really didn’t think much of Lana’s character prior to this book since I was so caught up in Faye and Ky, but after reading Loving Kalvin, I adore her. Get ready for some shocking moments involving Lana! I promise that if you are hesitant to read this because you are a Lana-hater, you will have a change of heart after living inside her head and experiencing her life before, during, and after the trial. Lana experiences many consequences that never entered my mind as possibilities, and you are missing out if you don’t buy this to see what happens.
You may not see it before you read Loving Kalvin, but these two were made for each other. I believe this story can also be classified as a friends-to-lovers romance which is one of my favorites, and Siobhan weaves so many hilarious anecdotes throughout the story, giving us a perfect glimpse into their lengthy history. I am not sure if it is due to their longstanding relationship or not, but the chemistry between Kal and Lana is hotter than hot. There are some bumps in the road before they become intimate, and it is totally worth the wait.
“All these emotions infuse every kiss, every caress, and I need him to feel it. To feel me. Right down to the very essence of who I am.” –This line makes me sigh every time I read it. So good.
I still can’t stop smiling about the new characters that are introduced. Get ready to experience the scariest grandma on Earth! I may be terrified of Lana’s grandmother, but I also pumped my fist in the air while yelling, “Girl Power!” and thanking Siobhan for continuing the theme of strong, independent female characters. Both Kal and Lana have the best college roommates that will make anyone who had terrible roommates envious! Brett is such a sweetheart and Liv has a good head on her shoulders (whom every girl should have as a best friend). I feel the villains are extremely realistic and also very well-written; I won’t mention their names. 🙂
There is no cliffhanger with this one, and as part of the perfect ending, we get a little taste of Brad in a beautifully written segue into the book, Saving Brad. This will leave you starving for more Brad and asking hundreds of questions while counting down the days until Siobhan Davis gives us his story. All I know is that I cannot wait!
Siobhan Davis is one of my favorite authors, and I always love her writing! The way she writes her characters emotions really resonates with me, and I can feel the depth of those emotions as I read her books. Lana isn’t my favorite, but after reading Loving Kalvin, I understand her a bit better, and although, I can never condone her actions, I can imagine the pain she must’ve felt in order to do something so egregious, so I think this story is important to understand some of her thought processes. After reading Loving Kalvin, I’m still not completely sold on Lana, but I really enjoyed Kalvin and her story. I loved that they have a backstory with each other, and I think Siobhan Davis did a great job of showing what the consequences are for Lana’s actions. The writing is a 5 star for me, and the only reason I went with a 4 star is more of a storyline that I don’t enjoy being involved in Kalvin and Lana’s story, so it’s a personal preference thing rather than a quality of the story thing. I can always count on Siobhan Davis’ books to be entertaining and to keep me enthralled in her characters stories. Loving Kalvin is a great book, and I read it in one sitting. Both Kalvin and Lana have needed to grow up rather fast, so I often forgot that they are so young, so I would find it odd when their ages were mentioned; Kalvin doesn’t act at all like a 17 year old, but that just goes to show the maturity these characters exhibit, which I like because sometimes with NA or even some Adult books, some older characters act like they are little children with their actions, so I really appreciate that these characters generally use their intelligence to make decisions. Lana has a lot of guilt over her false accusations against Kalvin, and keeps pushing Kalvin away, when he will do anything to have Lana back. The love Kalvin displays to Lana is so sweet, and the connection these two have with each other is wonderful. I also loved that we get a little bit of Faye and Kyler! I’m excited to see more in the next books, and I know I’m going to want to slam Brad’s head against a wall multiple times while reading his story, so I hope he catches a clue quickly! Siobhan Davis’ story telling is off the charts terrific, and I will always want to read any book by Siobhan Davis. Definitely check her out!
This book is a continuation of the Kennedy family saga. While it is its own standalone story, you really need to have read the Kyler series in order to understand the relationships between the characters and their respective back stories.
I enjoyed this story more than the Kyler series. Lana and Kelvin have gone off to college so the world of alcohol and sex doesn’t seem so out of place as it did in Kyler books. At times the characters seem a little immature for their age while other times they seem too mature for their age. The maturity may be a result to the rape allegations and trial in Keeping Kyler.
I appreciate that Siobhan didn’t sweep under the rug the rape allegations. As a mother of two teen boys and a woman, rape is a serious charge. I constantly tell my boys that they need to make sure that the girl says yes before they go down that path. On the other hand, they shouldn’t be held accountable if a girl does say yes. The fact that Lana violated that trust relationship between her and Kelvin is inexcusable. I’m glad to see the Lana truly regrets her actions and the world didn’t give her a pass and say “that’s ok”. In addition, I was also glad to see the Kelvin owned up to his part of the narrative. He seriously hurt Lana with his rejection and continuing to have sex with other girls.
My one negative comment is directed to Siobhan Davis. Drinking age in America is 21. Even if the Kennedy boys are rich and privileged, they are not going to be able to walk into an airport lounge or restaurant and order whiskey or a beer. The establishments aren’t going to be willing to lose their liquor license by selling to a minor. Both Kyler and Kelvin did this in the books.
This was a great book and very well worth reading. I’m looking forward to the next installment with Brad.
Loving Kalvin in the fourth book in the Kennedy Boys series, but it is the first book in the series to work as a standalone novel. Although you do not need to read the Kyler books (the first three books in the Kennedy Boys series), it will help you somewhat if you have read those books. The Kyler books will give you a lot more background into the characters and some of the details brought up in this story. However, the Kyler books contain a taboo romance that will not be for everyone. Should the Kyler books not be your cup of tea, this book is still a fabulous read. If you are interested and you’re unafraid to read the taboo romance, I would certainly recommend reading this series in order. Each new book in the Kennedy Boys series brings something new, and it is great to see the characters develop from one book to the next. I can assure you, you’ll be pulled into the world of the Kennedy boys and you will be screaming out for more.
In all honesty, my feelings towards Loving Kalvin are much like my feelings towards Kalvin as a character. It’s poetic, when you stop and think about it. I was super excited to grab this book (I was excited to meet all of the characters in Finding Kyler), I was interested at the start of the book but I wasn’t as crazy about it as I had hoped I would be (I was interested in his character but I didn’t really like him as much as I’d hoped I would), but as things progressed I became truly addicted and fell in love in so many different ways (as his story developed I realised what a great character he was and my feelings towards him changed). As I said, it’s rather poetic when you stop and think about the parallels between the two.
As I said, I was super excited for this book. I became truly invested in Kalvin’s storyline throughout the Kyler books and I could not wait to find out where his story was going to head in the future. Although he is not my number one Kennedy boy, he managed to work his way much higher up my list than I’d thought he would. His storyline contained so much drama, there was so much to him, and I couldn’t wait to dive into more. It should come as no surprise to hear I dived right into this with a large quantity of excitement bubbling within.
At first, I wasn’t quite pulled into the story. Yes, I was curious. Yes, things were happening. Yes, I really enjoyed the introduction of new characters and the change of scenery. However, it didn’t quite hit me in the same way other books by Siobhan Davis have hit me upon the opening chapters. This is because the book is a lot slower and more character driven. It’s not a bad thing – I’ll go on shortly to explain why this is a wonderful thing – it merely means you need to stick with the story for a little bit longer before it starts to move at a rapid pace. You’re pulled in by all the little things, but the bigger aspects of the story that leave you losing your connection to the outside world due to a disappearance into the story come at a later date.
I will admit to another element of the story threatening to leave me unsure. The book is filled with lies and deceit – it’s a very substantial part of the story. One of the elements I worked out very early on. I’m not going to say what it was, as I have no wish to spoil the story, but I feared it would be a cliché in that the detail would be kept a secret to the reader until the very end. You can imagine my joy when Siobhan Davis introduced the readers to this element of the story before the thirty percent mark. It was a wonderful change to the usual tropes in the genre, and it’s at this point that I really fell into the story. I honestly cannot explain why I loved this change of approach so much. Such details are usually written in the synopsis and there is a lack of emotional attachment, or the detail is kept hidden from the reader and this makes it difficult to connect. Siobhan Davis once again demonstrates she is more than willing to push the usual boundaries aside, taking expected elements of a story and twisting it into something new and uniquely her own. I won’t say any more on this matter – again, those pesky spoilers – but I did love the way Siobhan Davis went about this, it added so much more to the story.
Because, honestly, every detail of this story makes it an extremely emotional read. There are a lot of difficult emotions as we deal with heavy issues, but there is also plenty of light to be seen. It is your happy ever after story, but to reach that end you need to work your way through the storm. Whilst in the storm, there are also moments of lighter weather. Your emotions will be ripped raw, but there are also those moments where you’ll let out a good giggle. Honestly, I let out so many booming laughs throughout. I’ve recently moved house and I can only imagine what my new neighbours must be thinking of me from the volume of my laughter. It really is a deeply emotional book. You have the good, you have the bad, and you have everything else in between that makes a book true to life.
You really will be so invested in these characters. There is so much development for them both – both within this book and between the Kyler books and this one. There is so much drama to be found – a very different kind of drama to that faced in the Kyler books, but still plenty of drama. Along with all the other goodies that make up a Siobhan Davis books: the sweet romance, the heavier issues, and the endless addiction. With all of the heavy stuff focused upon the characters, we’re given a moving book where we truly connect with the characters. It is another fabulous read from Siobhan Davis.
I know a lot of people are labelling this her best work, their favourite Siobhan Davis read, but I’m not sure if I can do such a thing. This is not due to a dislike of the story – far from it. Merely that I had a brainwave whilst reading this. I cannot put Siobhan Davis books into the same category. Her science fiction reads have a category. Her contemporary reads have a category. Her contemporary reads can be further split up into smaller categories. Keeping Kyler was, without a doubt, my favourite of the Kyler books, but to compare Kalvin’s story to Kyler’s story is… well, I cannot even think of an analogy that fits. They’re vastly different in terms of how they feel. Kyler’s story ripped me apart and Kalvin’s story sewed me back up. They’re both great reads – all the Siobhan Davis books I have read have been great reads – but they’ve very different reads.
If you loved Kyler’s story, then you really need to pick up Kalvin’s story. It really does add so much to the Kennedy Boys series. Not only is it a great standalone novel, it also does many additional things. The biggest aspect is that it has left me super interested to read The Irish Getaway. Book three-point-five cannot come soon enough. I have so many questions about what happened and I’m so excited to receive all the details. This book also opens us up for the next book in the series – Saving Brad. I’m going to be honest by saying Brad is my least favourite of the characters (it’s an unpopular opinion, I know, and I’m sorry for this), but the little snapshot at the end of this one does have me intrigued about what will happen in his story. I feel as though there are some pretty big things to come, and I’m rather excited to see what happens.
In short, once again, Siobhan Davis has delivered a winner.
Loving Kalvin by Siobhan Davis is book 4 in The Kennedy Boys series and can be read as a standalone. However, I would recommend reading the first three books (Finding Kyler, Losing Kyler and Keeping Kyler) prior to this one to better understand the history between Kalvin and Lana.
“Does one mistake define who you are for life?” – Lana
Siobhan Davis has created another inspiring story about love, strength and forgiveness. It’s also a story about self-forgiveness and second chances. She proves that people can learn from their mistakes and love is able to conquer all. I was awake until the early hours frantically turning the pages and unable to put it down. Siobhan has fast become one of my favourite authors and you’ll feel the same after discovering her amazing Kennedy Boys series.
“I didn’t know love until it tore up my heart. Until I was all cut up inside. Until the loss consumed me, and I could barely breathe without her. It’s only then I realized I’d do anything to get her back.” – Kalvin
Some readers will feel hate towards Lana for what she did to Kalvin but I’ve always felt sympathy as she was used in someone else’s games at a time when she was hurting and vulnerable. She publicly redeemed herself and then punished herself by walking away from the only guy she’s ever loved. She tries to rebuild her life at the University of Florida but there are ties that keep her connected to the past and the arrival of Kalvin makes her question the decisions she made. Siobhan Davis’ powerful words will change your opinion of Lana if you’ve read the first books of the series and hate her for the lies she told. I’m so glad that we get to know Lana better and thank you to Siobhan Davis for giving her a voice and showing that she wasn’t really a bad person.
“I don’t know how to exist without him,” I admit truthfully . “He has always been a part of me, and trying to survive without him is slowly chipping away at my soul, yet the hurt still exists , refusing to go away.” – Lana
Kalvin had to grow up quickly when dealing with the consequences of Lana’s lies and it helped him to see that he was also to blame for what happened between them. He’s determined to fight for a second chance with Lana and takes such a big gamble by heading to the University of Florida in the hopes of finding her. I really love Kalvin and Siobhan Davis takes you on an emotional roller-coaster ride as you see Kalvin trying to find Lana and then break down the walls she built to protect her heart from being broken again. I could feel his desperation and my heart ached for him as he’d gone through so much and deserved a second chance at happiness with the woman he loved.
“I could never hate you. Never.” I plant my hands on the wall, one on each side of her head, leaning in a little, desperately needing to be closer to her. “There is nothing you could do that would make me love you any less.” – Kalvin
Next up in the Kennedy Boys series is The Irish Getaway, which is set after Keeping Kyler and before Loving Kalvin but doesn’t need to be read to enjoy this book. Then it’s Saving Brad and I’m super excited about his story!
*I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book and all opinions are my own.
Amazing book and amazing author! This is a fantastic series that always has you on the edge of your seat! Kyler is yummy along with the other Kennedy boys, Brad included. Crazy unexpected things transpire along with mind blowing reveals, a must read series!
Overwhelming, beautiful reconnection between Kalvin Kennedy and Lana Taylor. Siobhan Davis holds nothing back in Loving Kalvin, the fourth book in her Kennedy Boys series. I am unbelievably overjoyed with this story as it’s a second chance, friends-lovers young adult romance. I loved Faith and Kyler’s story as it was the beginning to the series, but to witness Kalvin and Lana rekindling their love… I fell head over heels for this book.
“If you love someone, really love someone, you stand by them, even when they’ve screwed up. Especially then. You forgive them for their mistakes.”
We finally have all the answers to what truly happened with Lana and Kalvin before, during and after the trial in Keeping Kyler. What conspired with Addison, what provoked Lana for her to come forth with her plan. But now, both Lana and Kalvin are at University of Florida trying to start over. Kalvin went to seek Lana for love and redemption and Lana wants a fresh start. But fate is not so nice when your name has been splashed all over the nation. Are they able to move forward and forget about the past or did Lana dig a hole so deep she can never get out of? What happens when she surprises Kal with another bombshell of a secret, will he stay and love her still?
“Oh, and, Lana,” he shouts, and my foot stalls. I spin around. “One more thing. I won’t be happy until you forgive yourself, and that’s my new goal in life.”
“And you, of all people, know how much I love a good challenge.”
Unbelievable passion. Strong friendship that leads into a rock solid love. A forgiveness that is well earned in the end, but it’s not easy to achieve. Kalvin is such a sweetheart. From the moment I met him in Finding Kyler, I liked him. Now, I absolutely love him. We have seen him mature before our eyes, especially with the trial and with the trip to Ireland. He wants Lana by his side come hell or high water and nothing will stop him. His unconditional feelings towards her is passionate, raw and unique. It’s that love you want to hold on to and never let go.
Now, Lana on the other hand was hard to like. Given her past and what she did, I began to see her ways. If anything, her mother is what made me more upset in keeping her away from the Kennedy’s. For her to go through all the struggles and sadness by herself was miserable, with no one by her side.
This is not a true standalone in my opinion. Yes, it revolves solely on another brother, but so much happened back in previous books that you need to be fully up to date especially on the trial and accusations from Lana.
This is an emotional rollercoaster ride of redemption and love.
5 Stars to Siobhan Davis!
This is the fourth book in the series and OMG I am so in love with the Kennedy family!!! I love the fact that this book is written in dual POV so we can see the thoughts and actions of everyone from different prospective. I love how the author keeps previous book characters as an active character in this one. If you enjoyed the first books in this series you are going to fall in love with this book!
Having previously read the other Kennedy Boys books, I couldn’t wait to get started on Loving Kalvin. For fans of the series, you’ll know about the history of Lana and Kalvin and like me, you’re probably dying to know how all that turns out!
The book is written in dual POV, which I kind of love. I’ve read several books this way lately and I like getting two (or even three sometimes) points of view to see what multiple characters are thinking. I enjoy getting into their heads, so to speak. So, this book is written from Lana and Kalvin’s points of view in alternating chapters. So, you will not just get to see what Kalvin is going through, but what Lana is going through as well. It’s especially important in this book because of their history with each other and the secrets that they end up discovering about each other.
The story is one of second chances, which I’m sure you could have guessed if you’ve read the other books in the series. I’m a big fan of second chance romance and love to see characters redeeming themselves and proving themselves worthy of the one they love and possibly did wrong. Both Kalvin and Lana have things they regret that they’ve done to each other and they are both trying to make amends and make things right.
I also love that we get to see the other Kennedys again, especially Ky and Faye and even Brad (who I know isn’t an official Kennedy, but close enough, right?) It was interesting to see Faye and Ky in their current setting and see how they are interacting with each other after everything they went through in the first three books. I hope we get to continue peeking in on them as the series progresses.
The ending was lovely, there were a couple of times I was moved to tearing up and the ending was one of them. I am a sucker for a happy ending.
If you enjoyed the first three books in the Kennedy series, you’re going to love this book. Since it can technically be read as a stand alone, you’ll also enjoy this book if you are a fan of second chance romance and New Adult books.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I was wary of starting this story after reading previous Kennedy Brother’s books. I was really disturbed by Lanna’s actions and worried that I would not be able to enjoy this book because of those residual feelings. BUT by the end of the story I felt like I had finally “met” the Lanna that Kalvin had fallen in love with. She was strong, and loyal, and truly repentant. And I found myself rooting for her when when others treated her poorly, and crossing my fingers that she and Kal would make it out ok. The ability to totally transform my feelings toward a character in the span of a single story is the mark of a true master.
I read a complimentary advance copy of this book which I have voluntarily reviewed.