A friends-to-lovers second-chance romance from USA Today bestseller Siobhan Davis. Standalone with HEA and no cliffhanger. Keanu Selena played me. Confirming I wasted years loving someone who didn’t love me back.It should be easy to move on, but since she dumped me, I can’t shake her from my thoughts, no matter how hard I try.Dates and random hookups don’t help, because no one measures up to the … random hookups don’t help, because no one measures up to the girl I still love with my whole heart.
When she appears at my door, begging me for help, I can’t turn her away. My protective instincts kick in, and I grasp this second chance with both hands.
This time, I’m determined to open her eyes.
To help her realize she made a mistake throwing what we had away.
To prove our love is the real deal.
Selena
Keanu has it all wrong.
I let him go because I love him too much to continue holding him back.
And I’ve paid for it every day since.
I didn’t think it was possible to miss someone this much, but my entire being aches for him in a way that isn’t healthy.
It’s why I continue to keep my distance even though it’s killing me inside.
No one understands me the way he does, so, when my ugly past returns, threatening to undo years of progress, he’s the first person I run to.
If anyone can keep me safe, it’s the love of my life.
Maybe, this time, I’m strong enough to be the woman he deserves.
If my past doesn’t take me from him first.
Releasing Keanu is a STANDALONE new adult romance in the Kennedy Boys world. No cliffhanger, no cheating, and a guaranteed HEA. Please read the trigger warning at the start of the book.
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This was such a beautiful story with Selena’s growth. Having gone through something horrific as a child and dealing with the aftermath as a young adult.
We start with a little background on Selena, aged 13, being held captive, then jump seven years to where she is now, free from her captors, but not from the memories.
Two years previous, she broke off her relationship with Keanu in order for her to grow more as a person and to not hide behind him.
She is making slow and steady progress, then a chance meeting with her captor, that she escaped from, sends her running to Keanu, one of the only people she can trust.
My heart broke a little with Selena’s story. What she had to endure as a child was horrific and Davies words surrounding this weren’t easy but they were dealt with compassion and really highlighted the horror of Human Trafficking. She is such a strong character that was always fighting to heal and to move on from her past, not wanting it to weigh her down, she was taking back control and I admired her fight.
Keanu, although heartbroken after Selena ended their relationship he has always loved her. And you knew this with every word he spoke, although sometimes a little cheesy, he was very protective of her, always going out his way to make her feel safe.
This was an enjoyable read and I do love a second chance romance. There is little suspense, a lot of angst and although book 8 in the series it can be read as a standalone. I’ve not read the others and didn’t feel I had missed out, although they are on my tbr to read soon.
*An ARC received for an honest review*
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Overall Ratings;u2063
First Sex Scene – 77%
POV – Duel
Hero –
Heroine –
Story –
Angst –
Steam –
Chemistry –
Selena didn’t end her relationship with Keanu because she didn’t love him she ended it because she did. She felt he deserved so much more than she could ever give him and all she wanted was him to be happy. When her past places her in a dangerous situation she knows that there is no one else she can trust with her life and her secrets.
It’s been two years since Selena ended their relationship and left Keanu devastated as he thought their love was strong enough to overcome everything. He has moved forward with his life but he hasn’t been really living until Selena’s reappeared back in his life and he will do whatever is necessary to convince her that the only place she belongs is with him.
This is an emotional story about a love too strong to deny and finding the strength to heal. Selena has endured more than anyone should ever have to while Keanu is so patience and understanding will melt your heart. This is a story you don’t want to miss.
The newest addition to the Kennedy Boys Series, Releasing Keanu did not disappoint! Once again a Kennedy boy stole my heart. I love all the boys but to be honest Keanu was the least exciting to me. I wanted to read his book because how could I not but I was nervous. I was afraid he wouldn’t steal my heart like the other boys but wow was I wrong. Keanu is thoughtful, protective, brave, and so supportive of Selena. Selena herself is a brave, strong women who went on a journey to find herself. Keanu and Selena have gone through many ups and downs together. Their strong connection and commitment to each other allows each of them to grow and over come there past. Releasing Keanu will take you on a journey you don’t expect but one you will want to go on!
Selena childhood is a story we have yet to hear about and it will shake you to your core. Kidnapping, sex trafficking, violence, and darkness were her childhood. Until she escaped and found someone to fight for her. Selena goes on a journey and for a large part Keanu was the center. Once Selena realized Keanu was her security blanket holding back from recovering but that she was holding him back from life. She Released him and began a path to recovery and strength. Well she grew Keanu through himself in to the fast lane of life full of parties and women. One terrifying encounter will bring Selena crashing back in to his world bring color back to his darkness. This story will make you swoon, cry, laugh, and your heart will grow to love yet another Kennedy Boy!
When I saw that Keanu was getting his story, I was excited. He had not been an enormous presence in the books I have read in the series, but he intrigued me. His heartbreak over breaking up with Selena was palpable. I figured his story was going to be something special. And it didn’t let me down.
Before I get into the review, I do have to give a trigger warning. Before you, all roll your eyes and say, “Really, Jolie,” let me explain. The author chose to include a trigger warning at the beginning of the book. Which I thought was wise, considering the content that she was writing about. See, Selena was kidnapped and used as a sex slave from the ages of 10 to 13. There are some vivid and disturbing scenes of sexual abuse. But, the majority of the book focused on Selena and her recovery. She had extreme PTSD and extreme anxiety because of what she went through. As someone with PTSD, I had to pace myself while reading those scenes because I was triggered myself. So, if you are triggered by human trafficking, sexual abuse (some graphic), forced drug use, physical abuse of children, and graphic details of PTSD and anxiety attacks, I would suggest not reading this book. If not, I would still read with that warning in mind.
The plotline for Releasing Keanu was lightning fast and flowed well. There were no dropped storylines or characters. There was also no lag.
The storyline for Releasing Keanu was compelling and heartbreaking. I loved that the author chose to write about such a difficult subject. Not only did she write about Selena’s time in captivity was tact and grace, but she decided to show how life was afterward. She also explained how the healing process went one step forward and two steps back. I loved it, even if it had me in tears for 80% of the book.
The storyline with Selena’s former captors was interesting. I did find that storyline a little rushed towards the end. I also didn’t get a sense of justice when certain things happened. But, I was happy those evil people were caught. I wish that it wasn’t as anti-climatic as it was.
Selena and Keanu’s romance was breathtaking. Keanu moved so slowly with her. That usually would irritate me to no end, but in this case, it didn’t. He didn’t want to push her and risk her closing upon him. On her end, it was heartbreaking to see her wanting to get closer to Keanu, but she was so afraid. But it was worth it. I do think that the events at the end of the book were a little rushed. But, with what was hanging over their heads, I understood why Selena and Keanu did what they did.
When Selena and Keanu had sex, it was one of the most poignant scenes of the book. The buildup (which included a therapy session) was sweet. It wasn’t supposed to be hot. I did cry during that scene because it represented how far Selena had come in her recovery.
The end of Releasing Keanu was your typical HEA. I did think that the storylines involving Selena’s former captors had a rushed ending. I also thought that what happened to Selena was typical. But, overall, I loved it. I also loved the sneak peek into Keaton’s book.
She and him dated but due to circumstances they separate. She has severe PSTD and Anxiety attacks due to her kidnapping and torture she went thru. They see each other and they are good together. He finds her on his door steps in the midst of an anxiety attack. He is able to get her calmed down. I loved how he took care of her and how they were together. His family and her mother is accepting of them. I love the Kennedy Boys.
Overall Grade: 1/2
It’s very easy to take on a reductive view of romance. I just had a conversation this morning wherein my brother was demeaning it, dropping it to the level of “smut.” I don’t try to defend it vehemently because the reality is that people want to believe romance only serves one purpose: propagate $ex. While there are some authors who revel in that cause, I contend that more and more authors see an opportunity to share important messages through the vehicle of romance. They understand there is an audience for this genre, and they use it to enlighten their readers of various social issues.
This is very true of Siobhan Davis’s newest book, Releasing Keanu. This book is the newest offering from her Kennedy Boys series of standalones. It would have been easy to play it safe with Keanu and Selena, the hero and heroine of this book. Yet, she doesn’t. Instead, Davis finds space in her romance series to tackle the heady topic of human trafficking, and she does it in such a way that it is profound and enlightening. I have not read her Kennedy Boys series. I’ve read other books from her booklist, so this was my first entree into this world. If you are worried that you have to read the first books of this series to understand Releasing Keanu, rest in the knowledge that it isn’t necessary. While I would love more background of the other relationships mentioned in this book, it did not confuse me for the main relationship between Keanu and Selena.
Releasing Keanu brings us up to the present in the Kennedy Boys world. It has been a few years since Keanu and Selena broke up. However, every day is a torture for each of them. Selena has spent the past few years working on her career and her mental health, while Keanu has continued to grow his profile in the modeling world. Both of them have entered college, and their future seems bright. Yet, every day, Keanu and Selena miss each other. Selena doesn’t believe she’s quite ready to reconnect with Keanu, but she feels closer to it than before. She presumes that she has more work to do, and she fears that he has moved on from her. Keanu knows that he has a Selena-sized hole in his heart that no amount of partying or sleeping with women will fill. He mourns a little bit for her every day, and, given the way that Selena broke up with him, he isn’t sure that she ever loved him, making it difficult for him to reach out to her. Selena knows that she will eventually cross Keanu’s path, but for the moment, she’s not provoking that meeting. Until her life changes in one day.
Underlying Keanu and Selena’s story is the story of human trafficking. As a tween, Selena was abducted and became a $ex slave to powerful men. Thankfully, she is able to escape, but the years of abuse follow her. In the midst of Releasing Keanu, Selena is faced with her past, and she runs to the protection of Keanu. It is there that she begins to accept her soul-level connection to Keanu. In the arms of Selena, Keanu knows he will do anything to protect her from her past.
Yes, Releasing Keanu is a romance, but more importantly, this book is a magnifying glass to the travesty of human trafficking. As Davis pulls us into Keanu and Selena’s love story, she highlights the horror of the sale and abuse of people for purposes of $exual gratification. She aptly illustrates the damaging effects of this crime on the lives of the survivors. This book is really a love story for those people who have lived to talk about this devastating practice. It feels like every moment of Selena’s story is intentional. And more than any of her other books, she crafts Keanu is such a way that he does nothing to add to Selena’s “mental illness.”
Having read Davis’s other stories, it’s interesting to find a male character like Keanu who is so compassionate, loving, and caring. I’ve read many of her other heroes who are bullies to their heroines. In this book, there is very little strife (if any) between Keanu and Selena. Keanu’s sole purpose in this story is loving Selena through her trauma and for her healing. What I loved about Davis’s depiction of him is the insistence on showing Selena’s healing in herself by only giving Keanu a part to play in loving her through her journey toward healing; Keanu is NOT the reason for it. Instead, he’s her helpmate, which makes it easy to fall into their story. Keanu loves Selena so that she can be her best self, but her power comes from within herself. If you had to note the strength of this book, it’s that. Selena saves herself.
Keanu and Selena’s romance in Releasing Keanu is a beautiful treatise on overcoming trauma and re-discovering love again. Their love is peaceful, endearing, and something so very special. You fall into their story so easily, even when Selena’s past is frightening. But it’s her past and what it represents that makes this book special. As a populace, we NEED these stories because they remind us to open our eyes to the reality of others. We need to be aware, and we need to speak up to protect those who cannot protect themselves. And romance is the genre that can highlight these social ills well. Even if you haven’t read any of the other Kennedy Boys series, you MUST read Releasing Keanu.
Amazing read!! The absolute devotion, patience, & love Keanu has for Selena is inspiring. Without giving to much away I love that he is the light in the darkness that haunts her.
I have not read a Kennedy boy that I did not fall in love with and Keanu and is no different. Siobhan wrote another epic Kennedy Boys book that will hook you from the very beginning. Who knew underneath the quiet Kennedy brother you find a real sweetheart and romantic in Keanu. I was really surprised with his character. Selena breaks his heart and he tries to move on with whomever he can but someone still had his heart. Keanu and Selena’s story is heartfelt, emotional and they will have you swooning. This was such a great read!! I can’t wait for the other brothers books.
“Releasing Keanu was not just for me. It was for him too.”
Keanu and Selena’s story was one I have been anxiously anticipating since we were first introduced to the couple. Even though their story is a bit different than the other brothers, I thought that gave the series a more realistic feel. I think Selena is my favorite female of the series because I truly related to her, and Keanu couldn’t have been a more perfect match. Keanu’s maturity and level of self-control really made me fall for him.
“I can’t exist without my angel. And I want to fight for her. For us. But I don’t know how to do that with the demons Selena is still battling.”
Now, the story has some heavy moments, but it will make you appreciate Selena’s strength and the magic of the Kennedy family. I also feel that the heaviness allowed for Kent to redeem himself after his stint of being such a pain in the Kennedy butt. I think my favorite part of the KB series is how Siobhan captures the Kennedy interactions with such entertaining dialogue. It makes me really wish I came from a family as large and fun. I just love being able to visit with our favorite characters while they continue to grow. In the end, we get an incredibly addicting sneak peek into Keaton’s story which will be the next in the series, and I can’t imagine where Siobhan will take us next!
Finally, it’s Keanu and Selena’s story. This was a little different from the rest of the Kennedy’s. It’s more sweet and coming of age with a touch of darkness. Keanu has loved Selena for years then she shattered his heart. He tried everything to forget her, but nothing worked. Two years after their breakup and Selena is back in this riveting second chance romance. Selena has been thru a lot of darkness and Keanu is the man to bring her light. There are a lot of triggers in this story, so be warned.
Releasing Keanu is by far my favorite book in the Kennedy series. I’ve always wondered about the mystery behind Selena, why she broke Keanu’s heart and turned him into somebody that he didn’t want to be.. but reading this book, I wasn’t prepared for the emotional journey these characters took me on.
The prologue had me captivated, on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next, and I couldn’t believe what Sel’s past was.. there are just no words. She is one of the strongest heroines I have ever read, and even if she didn’t feel like it at times, she is a warrior through and through.
Keanu is a man that every one should aspire to; kind, selfless, sweet, sexy, undeniably in love with the girl who broke his heart. He was her savior, her equal, her partner. The way he cared for Sel, looked out for her, protected her, was absolutely everything. Keanu understood what she needed, and the open dialogue they had with each other and her therapist was an amazing key point in this book. I loved how realistic their relationship evolved, how Keanu understood her limits and never once pushed for something she wasn’t ready to give. He was literally the most perfect boyfriend anyone could have.
I know I’m being vauge on Sel’s past, but I really do believe it should be read first hand. It’s heartbreaking.. so, so heartbreaking, and if you have any triggers, make sure you are in the right headspace before attempting this book, but it is such a beautiful and poignant read.
I keep falling more in love with this authors writing with each book she releases, and I can’t wait for her next book!!
**I I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions!**
Oh my goodness I did not expect Keanu to be so damn swoony but oh man!
I love this family so much and I’m so happy we are getting the triplets stories. I have been intrigued by Keanu and Selena since Kyler’s book but damn I was not expecting it to take the turn it did.
Selena has gone through some horrific stuff but she is a true survivor that deserves every bit of the love Keanu has for her.
Siobhan Davis‘ The Kennedy Boys books are a guilty pleasure. Now she’s back with Releasing Keanu (Book 8). This is a really well written stand-alone second chance romance that, yes, has one heck of a hot guy and chemistry galore, bit also took me on an emotional rollercoaster with pain and self-sacrifice as well as real love and romance. Keanu and Selena’s story is powerful – but it’s also a total pleasure to read and easy to recommend.
Releasing Keanu is the eighth book in The Kennedy Boys series. I have not read all the books, so I can vouch for Releasing Keanu as being a standalone novel.
Releasing Keanu follows Selena and Keanu’s reunion after a devastating breakup two years prior. This second chance romance will make you swoon while also breaking your heart. Trigger warnings for child sexual abuse, rape, depression, anxiety, and just about everything else.
Selena is an incredibly strong and powerful character. She’s experienced trauma most people cannot even conceive of, yet she’s headstrong and independent. Releasing Keanu is aptly named as this novel is Selena’s healing story. All of her actions are in service of bettering her mental health and life. If you’re looking for a romance, look elsewhere as Releasing Keanu gives readers a story about trauma and healing with a bonus romance.
Keanu is as gentle and understanding as they come. He’s learned how best to help Selena while putting aside is own needs and desires. Davis strikes a perfect balance between kind and aggressive.
What I enjoyed most about the plot was Davis’ choice not to focus on an action-packed climax. Instead, the story concludes softly reinforcing the focus of the story on Selena and her healing.
Overall, Releasing Keanu is a beautiful story about healing from unimaginable trauma and finding inner strength to open yourself up to the world again.
Oh my word! This book was not what I was expecting. My heart broke for Selena from the first page, I just lost it. But as I kept reading her strength began to grow. Shes such an inspiration. Selena is my offical girl crush after reading this. Keanu it probably the sweetest, selfless, amazing guy I’ve ever read. His support and patience is what every woman should have. Their love is epic. Whether you’ve read the previous Kennedy boys books or not, you should read this. It’s such a powerful book, with amazing relationships and characters. Top read of this year!
This is my favorite book of the Kennedy Boys series! The topics that are covered are unfortunately issues in today’s society that Siobhan Davis has done an amazing job in writing about!
Keanu and Selena’s story is intricately woven to not only reflect what they go through but what true survival is.
Selena is truly a strong heroine! I loved her understanding and resilient spirit despite all the darkness in her life. She battled her demons bravely and rationally despite the trauma she experienced. Something that no one should ever have inflicted upon them. She’s become one of my favorite characters!
Keanu is just magnificent! He loves fiercely and unconditionally. He is understanding, patient and so supportive of Selena. I am enthralled by these two!
Great story taking on a tough subject.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
One of my favorite things about Siobhan is that she hits hard topics head on, and this book is no different. Ever since I first heard, and read about Selena I have wanted her story with Keanu. She was an enigma that I figured had a story to tell.
We catch up with Selena and Keanu in college where Selena has been learning to stand on her own two feet for a couple of years. I love the strength that Siobhan puts into her female character. Each one brings something new to the table, and Selena is no different. Her inner strength and ability to persevere and thrive is amazing. Keanu has always had a gentle soul, and such great love in his heart. Of course like every other Kennedy boy we’ve met he sets unrealistic boyfriend expectations!
Keanu and Selena’s story will definitely bring on the tears and heartache. It will also prove that good things can happen even in the darkest of times, and true love never fades!
*Slow Clap* I can’t even….this book is EVERYTHING!
Releasing Keanu, is an emotional rollercoaster, your going to feel ALL THE FEELS.
This is not only a story about the trauma Selena endured, but a story about how the love of a good man, and a supportive family can heal just about anything.
Releasing Keanu will have you hooked from the start, and will most definitely will at your heartstrings.
DEFINITE MUST READ.
Releasing Keanu is the eighth full-length standalone in one of my favorite series’, The Kennedy Boys By Siobhan Davis. I have been addicted to this series since the very beginning. This family is full of secrets, love, loyalty, and drama. I am obsessed with it. Really, I am. It’s been a wild ride watching these boys turn into men over the series. The triplets are now almost twenty and they are on their way to finding what true love is all about. Keanu is up first and found his love years ago but then she broke his heart.
Two years. It’s been almost two years since Selena broke up with Keanu. She was his everything and it not only broke him but it broke her too. She felt it was the right thing to do. She had to let him go. She didn’t want to hold him back from a future he deserves. To find someone who isn’t broken from her past. And she needed to become a woman who didn’t let that past dictate her future. Now, that past was back and there is only one person who could protect and love her. She didn’t know how she got there but it’s where she belonged. In Keanu’s arms.
Keanu hated to see his Selena in pain. He just wanted to hold her and take it all away. And if he could he would take all of her bad memories away so she could live without any pain. But, he can’t. What he can do is be by her side. To protect her from the demons and monsters who have done this to her. They are not together anymore but he is determined to slay all the dragons and to get her back. Two years of misery was long enough. He did things he regrets but now it’s time to man up and take back his life. The one with Selena in it.
Keanu and Selena’s relationship was always a delicate and mysterious one to his family. They didn’t really know her. She wasn’t around like the other women in the Kennedy Boys lives. I don’t want to spoil the story. I will say it’s not an easy one to read. Read the trigger warning. I will also say that it is a powerful story and an inspirational one at that. I couldn’t imagine having the past that Selena does. I have two daughters around the age focused on in the book. That wasn’t easy to think about but in the end it’s a story that needs to be told. It’s a serious issue. A real issue. On a lighter note…I loved this couple. They are so sweet, protective, and badass. I can’t wait for the next book!
Quotes:
I despise him. I hate it here. But the devil you know is better than the devil you don’t.
I’m not working hard to heal myself—for me and so I can be a woman worthy of a man like Keanu—to let it all come tumbling down around me.
“You are perfect to me, Sel. You always have been.”
I have read other books by Siobhan Davis but Releasing Keanu is the first one I had read in The Kennedy Boys series. Releasing Keanu is book eight in The Kennedy Boys series. It can be read as a standalone. There is an author note in the begining that it’s recommended to read the series from the beginning but you can read this one as a standalone. I want to read the whole series but really didn’t have the time right now so I just jumped into this one. Keanu’s family pops up throughout his story and yeah those interaction probably would have meant more to me if I had read the previous ones but I don’t think that took anything away from Keanu and Selena’s story. After reading this one, I’m definitely going go back and see which of the Kennedy boys already have books.
This one has emotions, angst, suspense, and romance all wrapped up into a prefect story. Keanu and Selena had a relationship before but Selena called it quits. They both still love each other though and when Selena needs help she turns to him. Keanu a is sweet and nice guy. I really liked him. He is everything Selena needs. Selena has had a traumatic past that not many people know about. She’s a super strong character. The story line and characters pulled me and I didn’t want to put t down. I loved this one and definitely recommend it.