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The Keeper and I
Jordan Frawley is good at three things: goalkeeping, art, and being alone.
After seeing his parents’ marriage fall apart and the nastiness that followed, he’s happy to stick to what he knows. Also, he doesn’t have to explain why all his portraits are of the same not an ex or a lover, just the person that comes to mind when he thinks about beauty. He’s seen her face in his mind since he was a boy, but never in real life.
Until he sees her on Instagram, of all places.
Laci Miller is a confident, sweet, plus-size model who—despite her beauty—has never had a real relationship. She does, however, have a stalker, who follows her home after a photoshoot.
So, she enlists the help of Jordan Frawley, the stoic, Scottish goalkeeper whom she can’t seem to keep out of her dreams.
To keep her safe, he’ll pretend to be her boyfriend. It’s fake. It’s temporary. What could go wrong? And, besides, Laci is moving to the States soon. It’s the perfect solution.
But feelings of familiarity bloom between them. They each give the other something they’ve never felt before, especially after a trip to her parents’ estate home, where they’re haunted by mysterious visions and dreams.
Will Laci find something in Jordan beyond what they show the cameras? Can Jordan keep her safe and save his heart?
After seeing his parents’ marriage fall apart and the nastiness that followed, he’s happy to stick to what he knows. Also, he doesn’t have to explain why all his portraits are of the same not an ex or a lover, just the person that comes to mind when he thinks about beauty. He’s seen her face in his mind since he was a boy, but never in real life.
Until he sees her on Instagram, of all places.
Laci Miller is a confident, sweet, plus-size model who—despite her beauty—has never had a real relationship. She does, however, have a stalker, who follows her home after a photoshoot.
So, she enlists the help of Jordan Frawley, the stoic, Scottish goalkeeper whom she can’t seem to keep out of her dreams.
To keep her safe, he’ll pretend to be her boyfriend. It’s fake. It’s temporary. What could go wrong? And, besides, Laci is moving to the States soon. It’s the perfect solution.
But feelings of familiarity bloom between them. They each give the other something they’ve never felt before, especially after a trip to her parents’ estate home, where they’re haunted by mysterious visions and dreams.
Will Laci find something in Jordan beyond what they show the cameras? Can Jordan keep her safe and save his heart?
317 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 18, 2023
57 people are currently reading
708 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
November 24, 2023
So the book was cute and all but I didn’t like historical aspects 😭
December 18, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
✨️Fake dating
✨️One bed
✨️Soulmates
✨️Sports romance
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was the first one I've read by Kelsey Painter, and I'm definitely going to check out the first one in the series.
I have to say, I loved Laci. She's a plus-size woman who knows her beauty and is super confident and wonderful. And Jordan is also a character you just instantly like.
I loved the element of past lives (I'm a sucker for that theme). Their love story was well-written, and I think it unfolded at just the right pace. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and I cherished every moment they spent together.
I had a blast reading this book and totally recommend it.
*I received an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review, but all opinions are my own. *
Thank you so much, Kelsey Painter, for sending me this ARC.
🌶🌶
✨️Fake dating
✨️One bed
✨️Soulmates
✨️Sports romance
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was the first one I've read by Kelsey Painter, and I'm definitely going to check out the first one in the series.
I have to say, I loved Laci. She's a plus-size woman who knows her beauty and is super confident and wonderful. And Jordan is also a character you just instantly like.
I loved the element of past lives (I'm a sucker for that theme). Their love story was well-written, and I think it unfolded at just the right pace. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and I cherished every moment they spent together.
I had a blast reading this book and totally recommend it.
*I received an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review, but all opinions are my own. *
Thank you so much, Kelsey Painter, for sending me this ARC.
November 27, 2023
✨ARC REVIEW✨
I was lucky to get this one as an ARC, and I’m so glad that I did! When I got this one, I did take the time to read the first book in the series, (which is totally optional but the characters from the first book do come into play, late in the 2nd book) however this can definitely be read as a standalone.
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ and a half
I really enjoyed this book which is surprising as I typically don’t love books written in the 3rd person. I just prefer a 1st person pov in general.
The historical aspect was something different from your typical sports romance and I really appreciated that. The plus size FMC already being so secure and confident was really really nice. So often in these stories of plus size women, the man is there to “fix” the confidence issues or the journey of self love is just beginning. I also really loved that there was no self deprecating talk when it came to the FMC.
I loved the banter in this book and it had me giggling which for me is always a win. Overall this was a solid read that I really enjoyed!
I was lucky to get this one as an ARC, and I’m so glad that I did! When I got this one, I did take the time to read the first book in the series, (which is totally optional but the characters from the first book do come into play, late in the 2nd book) however this can definitely be read as a standalone.
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ and a half
I really enjoyed this book which is surprising as I typically don’t love books written in the 3rd person. I just prefer a 1st person pov in general.
The historical aspect was something different from your typical sports romance and I really appreciated that. The plus size FMC already being so secure and confident was really really nice. So often in these stories of plus size women, the man is there to “fix” the confidence issues or the journey of self love is just beginning. I also really loved that there was no self deprecating talk when it came to the FMC.
I loved the banter in this book and it had me giggling which for me is always a win. Overall this was a solid read that I really enjoyed!
November 14, 2023
!!!!ARC REVIEW!!!!
First of all, I want to thank Kelsey for giving me the opportunity to get an ARC copy of this book! I was going into this book, mostly blind. I didn’t read the first book in the series before I read this one, but let me just say I was soooo impressed.
The book is super binge-able. I read it in less than 12 hours and practically in one sitting because I just was not able to put it down. I won’t lie, the prologue had thrown me off for a moment, but this soulmates in every lifetime/past life’s thing was so fun! I’ve never read anything like it before but it added a cool dimension to the story. It also forced me to keep turning the page to figure out exactly what was going on.
I also, REALLY!!!! appreciated the route that was taken when writing a plus sized FMC. Laci had already done all of the internal work on herself before Jordan ever was involved in her (present) life. While I think sometimes it’s beautiful to read a love story where the other route is taken, I think that Laci already being confident and secure in herself without Jordan’s love or input was so refreshing.
Jordan was such an easy MMC to like. Again, it’s so appreciated that he wasn’t the stereotypical playboy, asshole-ish pro athlete archetype that tends to be written in sports romance books more often than not. The boy obsessed, secret pining thing always does it for me more than the whole reformed playboy thing. Especially knowing that he was familiar with Laci already in their current timeline before the first meeting.
Overall, this book is a super enjoyable read with an almost fantasy element to it that is weaved in throughout. Thank you again to Kelsey for giving me the opportunity to be an ARC reader!!!
First of all, I want to thank Kelsey for giving me the opportunity to get an ARC copy of this book! I was going into this book, mostly blind. I didn’t read the first book in the series before I read this one, but let me just say I was soooo impressed.
The book is super binge-able. I read it in less than 12 hours and practically in one sitting because I just was not able to put it down. I won’t lie, the prologue had thrown me off for a moment, but this soulmates in every lifetime/past life’s thing was so fun! I’ve never read anything like it before but it added a cool dimension to the story. It also forced me to keep turning the page to figure out exactly what was going on.
I also, REALLY!!!! appreciated the route that was taken when writing a plus sized FMC. Laci had already done all of the internal work on herself before Jordan ever was involved in her (present) life. While I think sometimes it’s beautiful to read a love story where the other route is taken, I think that Laci already being confident and secure in herself without Jordan’s love or input was so refreshing.
Jordan was such an easy MMC to like. Again, it’s so appreciated that he wasn’t the stereotypical playboy, asshole-ish pro athlete archetype that tends to be written in sports romance books more often than not. The boy obsessed, secret pining thing always does it for me more than the whole reformed playboy thing. Especially knowing that he was familiar with Laci already in their current timeline before the first meeting.
Overall, this book is a super enjoyable read with an almost fantasy element to it that is weaved in throughout. Thank you again to Kelsey for giving me the opportunity to be an ARC reader!!!
December 29, 2023
okay this one was even better than the first one
December 27, 2023
3.25⭐️
Lo disfrute
Spoilers ⚠️
Me gustó eso de vidas pasadas/reencarnación/almas gemelas
Algo de lo que me quejo mucho en las reseñas es de las protagonistas vírgenes, sin embargo, en este libro no me molestó ya que se trató de forma natural la decisión de Laci de tener sexo hasta que se sintiera segura con su pareja y además un punto extra es que Jordan no fuera un mujeriego.
Otra cosa de la que me quejo mucho y que no me gustó fue lo de perdonar y volver a empezar una relación con padres que mientras estuvieron fueron horribles y posteriormente se fueron. La madre (si es que puede llarmasele asi) de Jordan abandonó a sus hijos por un hombre, prefirió estar con un tipo, le dejó la responsabilidad de cuidar a su hermanita a Jordan y además los dejó con un padre alcoholico, mientras ella vivía una buena vida y años después aparece pidiendo perdón, justo cuando sus dos hijos son adultos exitosos. No entiendo la necesidad de volver a juntar a la "familia". Muchas veces los padres son personas tóxicas y lo mejor que puede hacer un hijo es alejarse de ellos, en el libro es obvio que Jordan necesitaba superar su pasado para tener con futuro con Laci, pero es posible perdonar a quien te hizo daño y mantenerte alejada de esa persona.
Lo disfrute
Spoilers ⚠️
Me gustó eso de vidas pasadas/reencarnación/almas gemelas
Algo de lo que me quejo mucho en las reseñas es de las protagonistas vírgenes, sin embargo, en este libro no me molestó ya que se trató de forma natural la decisión de Laci de tener sexo hasta que se sintiera segura con su pareja y además un punto extra es que Jordan no fuera un mujeriego.
Otra cosa de la que me quejo mucho y que no me gustó fue lo de perdonar y volver a empezar una relación con padres que mientras estuvieron fueron horribles y posteriormente se fueron. La madre (si es que puede llarmasele asi) de Jordan abandonó a sus hijos por un hombre, prefirió estar con un tipo, le dejó la responsabilidad de cuidar a su hermanita a Jordan y además los dejó con un padre alcoholico, mientras ella vivía una buena vida y años después aparece pidiendo perdón, justo cuando sus dos hijos son adultos exitosos. No entiendo la necesidad de volver a juntar a la "familia". Muchas veces los padres son personas tóxicas y lo mejor que puede hacer un hijo es alejarse de ellos, en el libro es obvio que Jordan necesitaba superar su pasado para tener con futuro con Laci, pero es posible perdonar a quien te hizo daño y mantenerte alejada de esa persona.
November 16, 2023
“You’re certain we haven’t met?” she questioned.
“Positive.”
She raised a challenging eyebrow. “How?”
“Because there is no fucking way I’d forget meeting you.”
Absolutely swoon worthy. I’m a sucker for any sports romance but a sports romance with a grumpy teddy bear mmc and multiple titanic references? 12/10
“Positive.”
She raised a challenging eyebrow. “How?”
“Because there is no fucking way I’d forget meeting you.”
Absolutely swoon worthy. I’m a sucker for any sports romance but a sports romance with a grumpy teddy bear mmc and multiple titanic references? 12/10
December 21, 2023
RATING : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
SPICE: 🔥🔥🔥
Omg! I was so emotionally invested in these characters! This book is so good, and one of the things I loved about the most is that there is a wide range of things going on, but they all fit together seamlessly to tell a s fantastic story! This one has fake dating, a little bit of mystery, grumpy/sunshine, plus sized FMC, and a touch of whimsy and SOULMATES. Like just the tropes had me swooning before I even picked up the book.
Laci and Jordan are such interesting characters on their own, but together they are absolutely meant for each other. What I love about Laci was her confidence, as a plus size model, and how she accepted herself and saw the world. Jordan is a grumpy soccer/football star version of Roy Kent and I’m completely here for him. I also loved that he was the perfect amount of grumpy protectiveness and dirty sweetness, but still let Laci stand on her own.
The other thing I loved is how their story plays out and links to the glimpse of the past we get! This story is told in 3rd dual POV, and jumps back and forth in time, but everything flows and the character depth is spot on. The fake dating and undeniable chemistry in this book just take it up a notch, and honestly this is one of the most surprising reads of the year for me!
I loved Kelsey’s first book, We’ll Meet Again, and I urge you to give both of these a try because they are well-written, spicy, have just enough sports to make it relevant and absolutely swoony with the the soulmate aspect!
SPICE: 🔥🔥🔥
Omg! I was so emotionally invested in these characters! This book is so good, and one of the things I loved about the most is that there is a wide range of things going on, but they all fit together seamlessly to tell a s fantastic story! This one has fake dating, a little bit of mystery, grumpy/sunshine, plus sized FMC, and a touch of whimsy and SOULMATES. Like just the tropes had me swooning before I even picked up the book.
Laci and Jordan are such interesting characters on their own, but together they are absolutely meant for each other. What I love about Laci was her confidence, as a plus size model, and how she accepted herself and saw the world. Jordan is a grumpy soccer/football star version of Roy Kent and I’m completely here for him. I also loved that he was the perfect amount of grumpy protectiveness and dirty sweetness, but still let Laci stand on her own.
The other thing I loved is how their story plays out and links to the glimpse of the past we get! This story is told in 3rd dual POV, and jumps back and forth in time, but everything flows and the character depth is spot on. The fake dating and undeniable chemistry in this book just take it up a notch, and honestly this is one of the most surprising reads of the year for me!
I loved Kelsey’s first book, We’ll Meet Again, and I urge you to give both of these a try because they are well-written, spicy, have just enough sports to make it relevant and absolutely swoony with the the soulmate aspect!
December 18, 2023
⚽️Soccer/Football Sportsmance
🖌️Keeper x Plus Size Model
⚽️Grumpy x Sunshine
🖌️Fake Dating
⚽️Virgin FMC
🖌️Literal Soulmates
This is book 2 in the Stanmore FC Soulmates series. After reading the first book and have an idea of what could happen, I was even more excited to read this soccer sportsmance!
Jordan is the keeper and captain of the Stanmore FC, reserved and grumpy. He has a secret talent of sketching and painting, but he has primarily only had one subject since her was a young boy. Laci is a famous plus sized model with a huge social media following. Laci and Jordan meet under less than ideal circumstances when Laci is trying to get away from an overzealous admirer and with the help of Jordan’s sister they pretend to be dating. The admirer quickly escalates into a full on stalker, Laci asked Jordan to go public with the (fake) “relationship” when her admirer quickly escalates into a dangerous stalker. He agrees, but in an attempt to protect his heart, Jordan insists their relationship remain platonic despite their strong attraction and connecting so readily and deeply.
I loved this grumpy/sunshine couple, Jordan is so protective and soft only for Laci. And of course I swoon for all the ways Jordan surprises Laci and shows his love with actions when he can’t with words. 🤟🏼 The tension between them and Laci’s determination to take their relax to the next level physically is hot and also hilarious! As they get closer, the undeniably deep connection and pull towards each other because so strong which lead to unbelievable revelations! I love the soulmates trope and the way Kelsey works it into her story is perfection! I sincerely hope this series will continue!
Thank you Kelsey for pleasure of receiving this ARC! It was a fantastic debut follow up!
🖌️Keeper x Plus Size Model
⚽️Grumpy x Sunshine
🖌️Fake Dating
⚽️Virgin FMC
🖌️Literal Soulmates
This is book 2 in the Stanmore FC Soulmates series. After reading the first book and have an idea of what could happen, I was even more excited to read this soccer sportsmance!
Jordan is the keeper and captain of the Stanmore FC, reserved and grumpy. He has a secret talent of sketching and painting, but he has primarily only had one subject since her was a young boy. Laci is a famous plus sized model with a huge social media following. Laci and Jordan meet under less than ideal circumstances when Laci is trying to get away from an overzealous admirer and with the help of Jordan’s sister they pretend to be dating. The admirer quickly escalates into a full on stalker, Laci asked Jordan to go public with the (fake) “relationship” when her admirer quickly escalates into a dangerous stalker. He agrees, but in an attempt to protect his heart, Jordan insists their relationship remain platonic despite their strong attraction and connecting so readily and deeply.
I loved this grumpy/sunshine couple, Jordan is so protective and soft only for Laci. And of course I swoon for all the ways Jordan surprises Laci and shows his love with actions when he can’t with words. 🤟🏼 The tension between them and Laci’s determination to take their relax to the next level physically is hot and also hilarious! As they get closer, the undeniably deep connection and pull towards each other because so strong which lead to unbelievable revelations! I love the soulmates trope and the way Kelsey works it into her story is perfection! I sincerely hope this series will continue!
Thank you Kelsey for pleasure of receiving this ARC! It was a fantastic debut follow up!
December 18, 2023
✨ 𝒜𝑅𝒞 𝐵𝑜𝑜𝓀 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌 ✨
𝖱𝖺𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝖲𝗉𝗂𝖼𝖾: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
⚽️ Grumpy x Sunshine
⚽️ Fake Dating
⚽️ One Bed
⚽️ Virgin heroine
⚽️ Dual POV
⚽️ Historical Past
⚽️ Sports Romance
Thank you to Kelsey for allowing me to be an ARC reader!
One of the things that I love about this is the FMC, Laci. Being a plus size model she’s so confident and secure with how she looks. She will flaunt her body like nobody’s biz and I am here for it! 👏🏼 But despite her being so sweet and good looking, she’s never been in a relationship. And that’s when Jordan comes to play and comes to her rescue when she was being stalked by one of her fan and her and Jordan started fake dating.
Jordan on the other hand is this well built soccer player. Who gave up on love after witnessing his parents go through a failed marriage. He also is an artist and his model is none other than, Laci. But the twist is they never met before. She’s an image that he keeps seeing in his head since he was a boy and one day he found her on Instagram. What a twist of fate?!
The historical aspect of the book confused me at the beginning because I didn’t know what was happening. But the more you read the book the more things unfold and you’ll get how everything ties together including her stalker fan. Just not a big fan of the historical part of the book.
All in all I enjoyed the book and a good read. It’s an easy read and I love a good banter between the MC.
𝖱𝖺𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝖲𝗉𝗂𝖼𝖾: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
⚽️ Grumpy x Sunshine
⚽️ Fake Dating
⚽️ One Bed
⚽️ Virgin heroine
⚽️ Dual POV
⚽️ Historical Past
⚽️ Sports Romance
Thank you to Kelsey for allowing me to be an ARC reader!
One of the things that I love about this is the FMC, Laci. Being a plus size model she’s so confident and secure with how she looks. She will flaunt her body like nobody’s biz and I am here for it! 👏🏼 But despite her being so sweet and good looking, she’s never been in a relationship. And that’s when Jordan comes to play and comes to her rescue when she was being stalked by one of her fan and her and Jordan started fake dating.
Jordan on the other hand is this well built soccer player. Who gave up on love after witnessing his parents go through a failed marriage. He also is an artist and his model is none other than, Laci. But the twist is they never met before. She’s an image that he keeps seeing in his head since he was a boy and one day he found her on Instagram. What a twist of fate?!
The historical aspect of the book confused me at the beginning because I didn’t know what was happening. But the more you read the book the more things unfold and you’ll get how everything ties together including her stalker fan. Just not a big fan of the historical part of the book.
All in all I enjoyed the book and a good read. It’s an easy read and I love a good banter between the MC.
November 29, 2023
ARC Review!!✨
Thank you so much to Kelsey for sending me an ARC!!!💜
As someone who reads way too much Romance, I loved this book!
Although some parts had me confused at the beginning, like why Dane is so obsessed with Laci, I loved how it all came together in the end with the historical aspect! I liked the overall style of the writting a lot because even as a slow reader it kept me intrigued!
Now to some of my favorite quotes: ❗️SPOILER WARNING!!❗️ (Just in case)
"Don't say fuck, Jax, it's Christmas," Pam said. "Who cares?" " Jesus cares!"
Chapter 14
"You're right, I'll write a strongly worded letter to UEFA. I simply cannot allow them to take my boyfriend all the way to Austria when he's supposed to be home giving me orgasms."
Chapter 23 (Austrian girly over here got really exited at the mention!! <3)
"..but if she comes on that strong again, she's gonna send him running for the hills," Jax said. "Or the highlands, given that he's Scottish." "He's from Glasgow. This isn't bloody Outlander," Laci said.
Chapter 25
"She's mine!" the attacker shouted, and Jordan recognized the voice. Dane. "She was promised to me!"
Chapter 28 (This was when I realised WHAT WAS GOING ON!!!!)
November 14, 2023
Absolutely adored this, finished it in a day, couldn’t put it down! Believe me, I tried.
First of all, I want to thank Kelsey for the ARC. I loved the first book and couldn’t wait to read the second!
So I’ll say it again for anyone who didn’t hear me the first time. YOU DON’T HAVE TO LIKE SPORTS TO LOVE THIS. I don’t, I actively try to avoid it, but this book has everything I want with a little sportsball mixed in. The sports talk that is there is well written and easy enough to understand, and fast paced enough that I’m not bored by it.
The love story is *chef’s kiss* with a touch of past lives, a touch of paranormal, and a touch of spice. It was great and, along with the first book, this is one I feel like I could go back to time and time again. I loved getting lost in these characters.
I think I saw where the third book is going and I absolutely cannot wait until Kelsey shares that with the world.
First of all, I want to thank Kelsey for the ARC. I loved the first book and couldn’t wait to read the second!
So I’ll say it again for anyone who didn’t hear me the first time. YOU DON’T HAVE TO LIKE SPORTS TO LOVE THIS. I don’t, I actively try to avoid it, but this book has everything I want with a little sportsball mixed in. The sports talk that is there is well written and easy enough to understand, and fast paced enough that I’m not bored by it.
The love story is *chef’s kiss* with a touch of past lives, a touch of paranormal, and a touch of spice. It was great and, along with the first book, this is one I feel like I could go back to time and time again. I loved getting lost in these characters.
I think I saw where the third book is going and I absolutely cannot wait until Kelsey shares that with the world.
December 9, 2023
ARC Review ♥️
4.0⭐️
Thank you so much for the chance to read this ARC copy!
Overall, I thought this was a fun and quick read. Both Laci and Jordan were funny and romantic, and I especially loved the back and forth between them.
This book had amazing representation. For one, with Laci being a plus sized model, I liked how she was always full of confidence, something that is extremely important when you consider social media, television etc today.
In all honesty, I could have done without the historical element (I thought I was reading the wrong book at first....), but understand how it adds character and further depth to their connection.
Tropes include:
💜 Fake dating
💜 One bed
💜 Soulmates
💜 Grumpy/sunshine
💜 Sports romance
I would definitely check out this book, and the first of the series!
4.0⭐️
Thank you so much for the chance to read this ARC copy!
Overall, I thought this was a fun and quick read. Both Laci and Jordan were funny and romantic, and I especially loved the back and forth between them.
This book had amazing representation. For one, with Laci being a plus sized model, I liked how she was always full of confidence, something that is extremely important when you consider social media, television etc today.
In all honesty, I could have done without the historical element (I thought I was reading the wrong book at first....), but understand how it adds character and further depth to their connection.
Tropes include:
💜 Fake dating
💜 One bed
💜 Soulmates
💜 Grumpy/sunshine
💜 Sports romance
I would definitely check out this book, and the first of the series!
November 28, 2023
Arc review
I loved reading this book that was an easy read and also kept me always wanting to carry on reading this was written in 3rd person so therefore surprised me that I liked it as much as I did because I typically will only read books that are written in 1st person but this was amazing and the way that it was written made it super easy to read.
I loved that this book has a historical element to it that made it much more than just a simple sports romance which I really enjoyed and the relationship between Laci and Jordan was adorable and made me giggle many times
I highly recommend this if you like:
• Grumpy x Sunshine
• Fake Dating
• Only one Bed
• Soulmates
I loved reading this book that was an easy read and also kept me always wanting to carry on reading this was written in 3rd person so therefore surprised me that I liked it as much as I did because I typically will only read books that are written in 1st person but this was amazing and the way that it was written made it super easy to read.
I loved that this book has a historical element to it that made it much more than just a simple sports romance which I really enjoyed and the relationship between Laci and Jordan was adorable and made me giggle many times
I highly recommend this if you like:
• Grumpy x Sunshine
• Fake Dating
• Only one Bed
• Soulmates
March 23, 2024
I'm really glad I didn't pay for this book. I love a fake dating and will suspend disbelief but this framing was pretty awful (and incredibly thin) and it just made the characters make dumb choices when the conflict should have been immediately resolved. It really didn't serve Laci at all. I did like the idea of the shared history thing. But I'm exhausted by the virgin magically getting their sunshine and unicorns with the first dude they bang. (Listen I know I read a ton of regency and that's a common theme but I expected something else/better given a modern setting). Good ideas. Easy to skim.
April 7, 2024
I started this just as a quick read for a Saturday afternoon and ending up loving it? The cover is garbage and you would literally never guess what this book is actually about by looking at it. It was a cute lil love story with elements of magic?? Soulmates through time?? Shockingly a 3/5 for me.
November 26, 2023
3.75 ⭐️
November 15, 2023
ARC 🌿
this has everything you want in a romance novel (cheesy, sweet, witty, spicy) with a bit of magical element tied into the story. i adore this book and the idea of there being a force that ties you to your people. i love a book with plus size rep - kelsey painter touches on being plus size and all that comes with that. this book had me feeling and loving ALL my curves. Laci and Jordan will steal your heart
themes :
- he fell first and harder
- fate
- grumpy x sunshine
- fake dating
- plus size rep
this has everything you want in a romance novel (cheesy, sweet, witty, spicy) with a bit of magical element tied into the story. i adore this book and the idea of there being a force that ties you to your people. i love a book with plus size rep - kelsey painter touches on being plus size and all that comes with that. this book had me feeling and loving ALL my curves. Laci and Jordan will steal your heart
themes :
- he fell first and harder
- fate
- grumpy x sunshine
- fake dating
- plus size rep
December 20, 2023
The concept of this book was so different and I loved everything about it.
The fake dating trope always makes me giggle, the book was sweet and no drama romance book except the plot line. Just before reading the book I was thinking what if I would read a book where the characters knew each other from past lives. And when I dived into this book I was like, right this is fate and coincidence.
I loved the book and I want to thank the author for ARC.
The fake dating trope always makes me giggle, the book was sweet and no drama romance book except the plot line. Just before reading the book I was thinking what if I would read a book where the characters knew each other from past lives. And when I dived into this book I was like, right this is fate and coincidence.
I loved the book and I want to thank the author for ARC.
January 30, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ girl v
Super good story. FREAKING LOVED THE FACT THAT IT WAS LOW-KEY A ROY KENT X KEELEY VIBE 100%!!!!!
HOW COME NO ONE REALIZE/MENTION THIS???
I couldn’t stop watching Roy Kent and RoyxKeeley edits as I was reading 🙈 It got me so in the mood for this book amazing!!! so that was hands-down, my favorite part.
“Don’t leave yet. He might be waiting for you,” Ava said. She patted the barstool again. “Sit back down. We’ll get you a drink.” “But where will you sit?” Laci wondered, eyeing Jordan. “I’ve got fucking strong legs,” he said with a shrug. She smiled again and took the chair. Jordan moved to stand on the free side of her, blocking her from the window. She offered her hand. “We haven’t been properly introduced,” she said. “I’m Laci Miller.” “Jordan Frawley,” he replied, shaking her hand. “Nice to meet you, Jordan.” “You as well.” He wondered if it was obvious that his heart was galloping inside his ribcage at just being beside her. If it was, she was gracious enough to let him off the hook. “I’ll be honest, I didn’t know you were a footballer,” she said. “Which club?” “I’m the goalkeeper for Stanmore,” he told her. “Jordan…” she trailed off. “Hold on, I thought you played for Everton.” He wrinkled his nose. “That’s Jordan Pickford.” “You sure?” “What? Of course I’m sure,” he replied, affronted. “We don’t even look alike.” “You sort of do.” “He’s fucking blond for Christ’s sake. And he’s English.” “Well, you’ve got that whole anger thing going on like he does.” “It’s not the same.” “It’s certainly similar.” “No, it isn’t—” he stopped himself once he noticed the mischievous smile slowly parting her lips. She was teasing him. And against his better judgment, he liked it. Coming from her, he really liked it. “You’re taking the piss.” “Caught on, have you?”
I mean cmon!!! OMG!!! they’re literally Roy Kent and Keeley from Ted Lasso!!!!!!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
“I, um… look, this is rather uncomfortable, but the guy from that night saw a photo of me at the match, and he’s called our bluff. Would you mind taking a quick photo with me to put him off a bit longer?” Jordan narrowed his eyes. “That wee shite’s still bothering you?”
“Stop right there, I’ll not allow you to disparage any part of your face,” he said. Before he could stop himself, he added, “You want perfect? Look in the fucking mirror.”
“Fuck that. If you need me, I’m here.”
“You’re actually a teddy bear, aren’t you?”
“Only for you. If anyone else asks, I’m a fucking grizzly.”
👏ROOOOOOYYYYYYY KEEENNTT 👏 I could just hear his deep gravely voice saying this stuff 😍😍🙈❤️❤️👏👏👏 *swoons*
I also love the fact it was European/England and all the Premier league stuff (was giving so much Ted Lasso vibes 😍).
And the little bits of realism she dashed through the book! Going back and looking at the photos and the music that she mentions throughout, the book just helped immerse me in the book even more.
Examples:
The painting ‘The Meeting on the Turret Stairs’ by Frederic William Burton.
(I had that photo saved for n my camera roll just so I could constantly look at it as I was reading. It was so beautiful and now one of my fav art pieces 🙈😂)
Or when he gifted her the replica of the Heart of the Ocean necklace from Titanic!
(The fact, he knew it was her fav movie! So sweet 🥹)
The historical past lives part was OK. Honestly, probably could’ve done without it and I feel like the story might’ve been better. Or at least just less focus on it throughout the book. It just kept coming up a lot during the book and it would kind of take me out of the scene because they would be having some romantic thing and then I would like to take the focus off the main couple too much for me. I mean, don’t get me wrong. I’m a huge fan of like soulmates and stuff like that. It was very romantic, but it was just, I think, too much. Other than that, though, loved it.
Super good story. FREAKING LOVED THE FACT THAT IT WAS LOW-KEY A ROY KENT X KEELEY VIBE 100%!!!!!
HOW COME NO ONE REALIZE/MENTION THIS???
I couldn’t stop watching Roy Kent and RoyxKeeley edits as I was reading 🙈 It got me so in the mood for this book amazing!!! so that was hands-down, my favorite part.
“Don’t leave yet. He might be waiting for you,” Ava said. She patted the barstool again. “Sit back down. We’ll get you a drink.” “But where will you sit?” Laci wondered, eyeing Jordan. “I’ve got fucking strong legs,” he said with a shrug. She smiled again and took the chair. Jordan moved to stand on the free side of her, blocking her from the window. She offered her hand. “We haven’t been properly introduced,” she said. “I’m Laci Miller.” “Jordan Frawley,” he replied, shaking her hand. “Nice to meet you, Jordan.” “You as well.” He wondered if it was obvious that his heart was galloping inside his ribcage at just being beside her. If it was, she was gracious enough to let him off the hook. “I’ll be honest, I didn’t know you were a footballer,” she said. “Which club?” “I’m the goalkeeper for Stanmore,” he told her. “Jordan…” she trailed off. “Hold on, I thought you played for Everton.” He wrinkled his nose. “That’s Jordan Pickford.” “You sure?” “What? Of course I’m sure,” he replied, affronted. “We don’t even look alike.” “You sort of do.” “He’s fucking blond for Christ’s sake. And he’s English.” “Well, you’ve got that whole anger thing going on like he does.” “It’s not the same.” “It’s certainly similar.” “No, it isn’t—” he stopped himself once he noticed the mischievous smile slowly parting her lips. She was teasing him. And against his better judgment, he liked it. Coming from her, he really liked it. “You’re taking the piss.” “Caught on, have you?”
I mean cmon!!! OMG!!! they’re literally Roy Kent and Keeley from Ted Lasso!!!!!!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
“I, um… look, this is rather uncomfortable, but the guy from that night saw a photo of me at the match, and he’s called our bluff. Would you mind taking a quick photo with me to put him off a bit longer?” Jordan narrowed his eyes. “That wee shite’s still bothering you?”
“Stop right there, I’ll not allow you to disparage any part of your face,” he said. Before he could stop himself, he added, “You want perfect? Look in the fucking mirror.”
“Fuck that. If you need me, I’m here.”
“You’re actually a teddy bear, aren’t you?”
“Only for you. If anyone else asks, I’m a fucking grizzly.”
👏ROOOOOOYYYYYYY KEEENNTT 👏 I could just hear his deep gravely voice saying this stuff 😍😍🙈❤️❤️👏👏👏 *swoons*
I also love the fact it was European/England and all the Premier league stuff (was giving so much Ted Lasso vibes 😍).
And the little bits of realism she dashed through the book! Going back and looking at the photos and the music that she mentions throughout, the book just helped immerse me in the book even more.
Examples:
The painting ‘The Meeting on the Turret Stairs’ by Frederic William Burton.
(I had that photo saved for n my camera roll just so I could constantly look at it as I was reading. It was so beautiful and now one of my fav art pieces 🙈😂)
Or when he gifted her the replica of the Heart of the Ocean necklace from Titanic!
(The fact, he knew it was her fav movie! So sweet 🥹)
The historical past lives part was OK. Honestly, probably could’ve done without it and I feel like the story might’ve been better. Or at least just less focus on it throughout the book. It just kept coming up a lot during the book and it would kind of take me out of the scene because they would be having some romantic thing and then I would like to take the focus off the main couple too much for me. I mean, don’t get me wrong. I’m a huge fan of like soulmates and stuff like that. It was very romantic, but it was just, I think, too much. Other than that, though, loved it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2023
The Keeper and I is book two in the Stanmore FC Soulmates series. It can be read as a standalone. I admittedly have not read book one (yet). I read a lot of romance, and this was truly a breath of fresh air. It has just the right balance of tropes I love and is sweetly spicy. Tropes include: soulmates (duh), grumpy sunshine, open door spice, fake dating, virgin heroine, plus-size FMC, touch her and die vibes. Triggers include explicit intimate scenes, body image, abuse, divorce, stalking, mild physical violence, and implied gun violence. If you are interested in reading more about my rating scale and why I’m giving this book FIVE STARS and THREE SPICE, please read on!
When I read, I am interested in the point of view (POV), the plot, and the spice. I prefer dual POV, I don’t want a predictable or bland plot, and I like my books HOT!
This story is told from third person, dual point of view, by the female main character (Laci) and male main character (Jordan). Laci is fantastic. She is confident, kind, and sweet, but is in no way a pushover. There is nothing that bothers me more than a weak FMC and she is nothing of the sort. If she was a real person, I would absolutely want to be her friend! Jordan is…well, where do I start here? I wasn’t a quarter of the way through this book before I fell in love with him. He is grumpy, protective, kind, and he’s been known to throw a “good girl” or two out there 😉 The dual POV is very well-written in third person and there was no confusion associated with transitions or how each character was feeling. The insight is on point!
The story itself is so different. I’ve read a book or two about soulmates and I really enjoyed this take. The story does jump back in time periodically but, as with the characters, it is well-written, and the transitions are clear and make sense. I’m adding that because I’ve read books where time-jumping lost me. Anyhow, I cried on more than one occasion while reading this. It just really pulled my heartstrings. I don’t want to add too much about the plot because I think the blurb nailed it. I didn’t find the plot predictable at any point and I really enjoyed the story.
Now – the spice! I am giving this a 3/5 on the spice scale. I reserve fives for off-the-charts or extra freaky spice and a four to me is a little more spice than plot. Honestly, the spice was very well-balanced with the plot. It progressed accordingly as the FMC is a virgin and even though it was generally vanilla, it was, again, all very well-written and timed. That being said – if you like it hot – please don’t let my three discourage you. You absolutely do not want to miss out on the things that Jordan is capable of 😉
When I read, I am interested in the point of view (POV), the plot, and the spice. I prefer dual POV, I don’t want a predictable or bland plot, and I like my books HOT!
This story is told from third person, dual point of view, by the female main character (Laci) and male main character (Jordan). Laci is fantastic. She is confident, kind, and sweet, but is in no way a pushover. There is nothing that bothers me more than a weak FMC and she is nothing of the sort. If she was a real person, I would absolutely want to be her friend! Jordan is…well, where do I start here? I wasn’t a quarter of the way through this book before I fell in love with him. He is grumpy, protective, kind, and he’s been known to throw a “good girl” or two out there 😉 The dual POV is very well-written in third person and there was no confusion associated with transitions or how each character was feeling. The insight is on point!
The story itself is so different. I’ve read a book or two about soulmates and I really enjoyed this take. The story does jump back in time periodically but, as with the characters, it is well-written, and the transitions are clear and make sense. I’m adding that because I’ve read books where time-jumping lost me. Anyhow, I cried on more than one occasion while reading this. It just really pulled my heartstrings. I don’t want to add too much about the plot because I think the blurb nailed it. I didn’t find the plot predictable at any point and I really enjoyed the story.
Now – the spice! I am giving this a 3/5 on the spice scale. I reserve fives for off-the-charts or extra freaky spice and a four to me is a little more spice than plot. Honestly, the spice was very well-balanced with the plot. It progressed accordingly as the FMC is a virgin and even though it was generally vanilla, it was, again, all very well-written and timed. That being said – if you like it hot – please don’t let my three discourage you. You absolutely do not want to miss out on the things that Jordan is capable of 😉
November 27, 2023
Another amazing book by Kelsey Painter and a fantastic follow up to her debut novel! I loved being back in this universe! Like We’ll Meet Again it has a little bit of everything - grumpy/sunshine, fake dating, a tiny thriller-esque theme throughout, and Kelsey’s signature magical soulmate element! This was a pretty quick read! It read so well, even though there was kind of a lot going on, it was paced well and everything flowed together seamlessly!
I loved Jordan and Laci so much. They met accidentally and then they kind of never looked back? They were SWEET. And I thought their chemistry was so good. They both had their own reservations and they both kind of knew that if any feelings got involved it would end baldly…but they just couldn’t give it up.
Also him giving her a PINK jersey?? Because he knew she’s like that better than the black. I loved that so much. And him learning ASL…’just in case’?!!
I loved how Laci being a plus sized model was written. She has already done all of the work to be confident in who she is, she didn’t need Jordan to help her along in her self love journey! I also LOVED her and her soft heart. I loved how close she is with her family! I loved the ASL rep! I loved how easily she fell for Jordan even though she knew she shouldn’t.
And Jordan was very easy to like! He is a seemingly very typical grumpy keeper and we love those kind of MMC. I loved him and his sister’s relationship. They loved each other but they were NOT affectionate (I feel that deeply). I appreciated that his journey with his mom wasn’t totally solved by the end of the book, it feels way more realistic to still need work. And I ALSO loved how easily he fell for Laci, even though it was a little more difficult for him.
I LOVE the TRUE soulmate theme that Kelsey has created. I personally haven’t read any other books with something like this. I love that each book goes back to a different time. We get a small peak into a different genre, kind of?? And Kelsey does a great job!
Thank you so much to Kelsey Painter for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I loved Jordan and Laci so much. They met accidentally and then they kind of never looked back? They were SWEET. And I thought their chemistry was so good. They both had their own reservations and they both kind of knew that if any feelings got involved it would end baldly…but they just couldn’t give it up.
Also him giving her a PINK jersey?? Because he knew she’s like that better than the black. I loved that so much. And him learning ASL…’just in case’?!!
I loved how Laci being a plus sized model was written. She has already done all of the work to be confident in who she is, she didn’t need Jordan to help her along in her self love journey! I also LOVED her and her soft heart. I loved how close she is with her family! I loved the ASL rep! I loved how easily she fell for Jordan even though she knew she shouldn’t.
And Jordan was very easy to like! He is a seemingly very typical grumpy keeper and we love those kind of MMC. I loved him and his sister’s relationship. They loved each other but they were NOT affectionate (I feel that deeply). I appreciated that his journey with his mom wasn’t totally solved by the end of the book, it feels way more realistic to still need work. And I ALSO loved how easily he fell for Laci, even though it was a little more difficult for him.
I LOVE the TRUE soulmate theme that Kelsey has created. I personally haven’t read any other books with something like this. I love that each book goes back to a different time. We get a small peak into a different genre, kind of?? And Kelsey does a great job!
Thank you so much to Kelsey Painter for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
October 21, 2024
The Keeper and I is a book that effortlessly blends together everything I’ve ever craved in a story. Painter has created a narrative that combines sports, romance, history, and a strong plus-sized female lead in a way that feels seamless and powerful. Every element is woven into the plot with precision, making this novel a captivating, heartwarming, and truly unforgettable read.
The sports and romance in this book are the perfect balance—neither overshadows the other, and instead, they complement each other in a way that adds depth to both the characters and the storyline. The romance is heartfelt and authentic, grounded in a connection that feels genuine. Painter’s portrayal of a plus-sized female protagonist is particularly refreshing. She’s strong, confident, and completely relatable, defying the stereotypes often seen in romance novels.
What truly took this book to another level for me, though, was the historical aspect. The way Painter intertwined history into the lives of the characters felt almost magical. It added layers of richness and complexity, giving their journey more depth. The historical elements didn’t just feel like a backdrop—they enhanced the emotional stakes and the characters’ development, especially toward the end. By the time I reached the final two chapters, I was completely overwhelmed with emotions I hadn’t expected to feel. The conclusion left me in awe, filled with a sense of profound connection to the story and the characters.
In summary, The Keeper and I is a masterfully crafted novel that checks every box for me. It’s a story that offers so much—heart-pounding sports moments, swoon-worthy romance, a heroine you can root for, and historical elements that make everything come alive. Kaisy Painter has delivered a book that not only satisfied all my literary cravings but made me feel emotions I’ve never felt from a book before.
The sports and romance in this book are the perfect balance—neither overshadows the other, and instead, they complement each other in a way that adds depth to both the characters and the storyline. The romance is heartfelt and authentic, grounded in a connection that feels genuine. Painter’s portrayal of a plus-sized female protagonist is particularly refreshing. She’s strong, confident, and completely relatable, defying the stereotypes often seen in romance novels.
What truly took this book to another level for me, though, was the historical aspect. The way Painter intertwined history into the lives of the characters felt almost magical. It added layers of richness and complexity, giving their journey more depth. The historical elements didn’t just feel like a backdrop—they enhanced the emotional stakes and the characters’ development, especially toward the end. By the time I reached the final two chapters, I was completely overwhelmed with emotions I hadn’t expected to feel. The conclusion left me in awe, filled with a sense of profound connection to the story and the characters.
In summary, The Keeper and I is a masterfully crafted novel that checks every box for me. It’s a story that offers so much—heart-pounding sports moments, swoon-worthy romance, a heroine you can root for, and historical elements that make everything come alive. Kaisy Painter has delivered a book that not only satisfied all my literary cravings but made me feel emotions I’ve never felt from a book before.
November 22, 2023
ARC review!
I have a new type, and that type is tall, gruff, sexy Scottish soccer players who will do anything to keep me safe. Even agree to fake date me to deter my stalker from pursuing me. If this sounds like your type too, let me introduce you to Jordan Frawley.
I’m a sucker for a good fake dating romance, same goes for a sports romance, add in fated soulmates and reincarnation and I am running to buy it. How The Keeper and I so flawlessly combines these three tried and true tropes is beyond me, but boy is it a hit!
Firstly, I absolutely adored Jordan Frawley the MMC. He was tall, sexy, protective, and had an absolutely fifthly mouth on him in the bedroom. Does it get any better than that?! I’ll answer that for you, no it does not! BUT then we add in Laci Miller, who is a top model in the UK, plus size, stunning and hilarious. These two are perfect together.
Laci and Jordan fall into a pretty typical fake dating arrangement, but I loved the added layer of Laci being a virgin! She is determined to convince Jordan to be her first so she can get it over with and boy are their spicy scenes absolutely electric.
The modern-day story of Laci and Jordan is not the only love story at play, we also get snippets of Caroline and Samuel, who lived in the 1800s and had a forbidden love. These four are deeply connected, even if Laci and Jordan don’t know it yet! And I am here for it!
I loved this book so much. I read it in a single sitting, I genuinely could not put it down. It was equally sweet and spicy and had me crying in hopes of a HEA. I loved the unique premise and I can not wait to read more from this series, we all need more soulmate stories in our lives!
A huge thank you to the author for an advanced reader copy of this book!
I have a new type, and that type is tall, gruff, sexy Scottish soccer players who will do anything to keep me safe. Even agree to fake date me to deter my stalker from pursuing me. If this sounds like your type too, let me introduce you to Jordan Frawley.
I’m a sucker for a good fake dating romance, same goes for a sports romance, add in fated soulmates and reincarnation and I am running to buy it. How The Keeper and I so flawlessly combines these three tried and true tropes is beyond me, but boy is it a hit!
Firstly, I absolutely adored Jordan Frawley the MMC. He was tall, sexy, protective, and had an absolutely fifthly mouth on him in the bedroom. Does it get any better than that?! I’ll answer that for you, no it does not! BUT then we add in Laci Miller, who is a top model in the UK, plus size, stunning and hilarious. These two are perfect together.
Laci and Jordan fall into a pretty typical fake dating arrangement, but I loved the added layer of Laci being a virgin! She is determined to convince Jordan to be her first so she can get it over with and boy are their spicy scenes absolutely electric.
The modern-day story of Laci and Jordan is not the only love story at play, we also get snippets of Caroline and Samuel, who lived in the 1800s and had a forbidden love. These four are deeply connected, even if Laci and Jordan don’t know it yet! And I am here for it!
I loved this book so much. I read it in a single sitting, I genuinely could not put it down. It was equally sweet and spicy and had me crying in hopes of a HEA. I loved the unique premise and I can not wait to read more from this series, we all need more soulmate stories in our lives!
A huge thank you to the author for an advanced reader copy of this book!
November 14, 2023
🥅 The Keeper and I by Kelsey Painter 🥅
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Characterization: 4/5
Plot/Storyline: 4/5
Writing Style: 5/5
🥅 - When the prologue takes you back some time, it’s a good sign the narrative has some twists and turns with time fast approaching. Fast forward to modern day, Laci and Jordan have a great fake dating scenario play out that eventually becomes more than either bargained for as they realize more and more how familiar they are with each other already.
🥅 - Gosh I love Laci’s confidence and the fact that she’s a fat rep and unashamed of who she is and what she wants. Jordan has intense Roy Kent vibes - rough on the outside, but soft and gentle-ish with those he loves. I also love the sign language representation and conveyance of the sibling relationships and how different families and siblings bond or disconnect.
🥅 - Lines like this: “He’s from Glasgow. This isn’t bloody Outlander” (253) had me laughing and feeling all the feels. Painter writes with sass and ease, and it made for a fast read of this text. Ava has some of the best lines throughout the entire story. I said what I said.
This story does a great job of representing some lesser seen tropes in romance stories — fat rep, disability rep, virgin rep — and the only issue I have with the text is the resolution and how too quickly things felt tied together. The first 3/4 and last 1/4 felt a little like two different stories, but overall, I enjoyed it and plan to read the next one!
Final Recommendation: READ! I like the sports-but-not-too-sports-romance storyline, and this one fits the bill.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Characterization: 4/5
Plot/Storyline: 4/5
Writing Style: 5/5
🥅 - When the prologue takes you back some time, it’s a good sign the narrative has some twists and turns with time fast approaching. Fast forward to modern day, Laci and Jordan have a great fake dating scenario play out that eventually becomes more than either bargained for as they realize more and more how familiar they are with each other already.
🥅 - Gosh I love Laci’s confidence and the fact that she’s a fat rep and unashamed of who she is and what she wants. Jordan has intense Roy Kent vibes - rough on the outside, but soft and gentle-ish with those he loves. I also love the sign language representation and conveyance of the sibling relationships and how different families and siblings bond or disconnect.
🥅 - Lines like this: “He’s from Glasgow. This isn’t bloody Outlander” (253) had me laughing and feeling all the feels. Painter writes with sass and ease, and it made for a fast read of this text. Ava has some of the best lines throughout the entire story. I said what I said.
This story does a great job of representing some lesser seen tropes in romance stories — fat rep, disability rep, virgin rep — and the only issue I have with the text is the resolution and how too quickly things felt tied together. The first 3/4 and last 1/4 felt a little like two different stories, but overall, I enjoyed it and plan to read the next one!
Final Recommendation: READ! I like the sports-but-not-too-sports-romance storyline, and this one fits the bill.
November 20, 2023
I am in love with this author and this book. Kelsey Painter is a new to me author and will now be an auto read author. So thank you Kelsey for sending me this ARC. This book is so binge worthy. I didn’t want to put it down and wouldn’t have if I didn’t have responsibilities.
At the beginning I was super thrown because I knew I didn’t sign up for a historical romance. But then I kept reading and couldn’t stop. I have never read a book with this take on the soulmates trope, and I immediately messaged Kelsey asking if the rest of the books in the series are similar. Needless to say We’ll Meet Again has been added to my TBR. Now, I am not a soccer girl, I know next to nothing about soccer but that didn't hinder me at all. The sports talk that is there is well written and easy enough to understand.
I loved the consideration used when writing a plus sized FMC. Laci was already self-confident and self-assured in her own skin even from a young age; she didn't allow other people's opinions affect her own self-perception. It was so refreshing to have a story where the FMC didn’t need the MMC to help her confidence grow.
Jordan was such an easy MMC to like. My heart hurt so much for him when I learned his story, which was absolutely written beautifully! I could feel the pain that he felt. I also love how caring he was for Laci, swoon. The spice was soo good, especially when he took care of her so she could forget...
And then there was the suspense with the stalker. I was eagerly reading to learn everything about this story. I just couldn’t get enough. Overall, I absolutely loved this book!
At the beginning I was super thrown because I knew I didn’t sign up for a historical romance. But then I kept reading and couldn’t stop. I have never read a book with this take on the soulmates trope, and I immediately messaged Kelsey asking if the rest of the books in the series are similar. Needless to say We’ll Meet Again has been added to my TBR. Now, I am not a soccer girl, I know next to nothing about soccer but that didn't hinder me at all. The sports talk that is there is well written and easy enough to understand.
I loved the consideration used when writing a plus sized FMC. Laci was already self-confident and self-assured in her own skin even from a young age; she didn't allow other people's opinions affect her own self-perception. It was so refreshing to have a story where the FMC didn’t need the MMC to help her confidence grow.
Jordan was such an easy MMC to like. My heart hurt so much for him when I learned his story, which was absolutely written beautifully! I could feel the pain that he felt. I also love how caring he was for Laci, swoon. The spice was soo good, especially when he took care of her so she could forget...
And then there was the suspense with the stalker. I was eagerly reading to learn everything about this story. I just couldn’t get enough. Overall, I absolutely loved this book!
December 22, 2023
I enjoyed this sweet (but spicy) fake relationship romance. I love a good fake relationship story when the author can provide a decent justification for it. What better reason than protecting the female main character from a stalker? Goalkeeper Jordan, and plus-size model Laci made a sweet and lovely couple. Both had their own hang-ups with relationships, Jordan’s from the nasty breakdown of his parent’s marriage. “‘It’s a sad way to view the world, looking at people and only see their potential to hurt you.’” Laci’s from her lack of relationships in the past. Laci’s attempts to get under Jordan’s skin were humorous. “He felt like a shaken-up soda can, and she was tugging on the tab. He was afraid of what might come out if she kept pressing.” The characters were very engaging with some fun banter. The attraction, present instantly, was swoony. There is a significant role of the past lives theme to the story. It was a very interesting dynamic to add to the relationship. The football/soccer components of the story were not overwhelming for readers unfamiliar with the sport, but still kept the story grounded in that world. This book has themes of stalking, parental estrangement, violence, substance use, an abusive relationship, contentious divorce, the perception of plus-size modelling, and so on. I loved the perspective shown on plus-size modelling. “‘I forced myself to see me as a complete person, deserving of love and respect and dignity. I refused to fit into the roles that made other people comfortable with my size.’” This is a detailed open door romance with moderately strong innuendo and strong harsh language frequently throughout.
February 2, 2024
*I received an advanced copy for review. This is my own opinion.*
The Keeper and I has:
-grumpy x sunshine
-plus size rep
-virgin fmc
-SOULMATES
-fake dating
I will be quite honest, I read all of Jordan's dialogue in Brett Goldstein's Roy Kent voice (yes I know he’s not Scottish) and I have zero regrets, 12/10 recommend.
When plus-size model Laci discovers she has a stalker and runs into keeper Jordan at a pub, he's just doing the right thing to pretend to be her boyfriend, right? Except Jordan' has dreamed about Laci since he was a child, and they've never met. Things escalate and they continue to fake date, but what do they do when everything starts to feel real, especially when there's an expiration date on their "fake" relationship?
I would like to congratulate Kelsey Painter on creating a series that is incredibly addictive. Sports romances so frequently feel inaccessible to non-sporty people, and that is not the case with the Stanmore FC Soulmates series. Yes, there's enough sportsball present to keep you in that sort of stadium haze, but not so much that you're inundated with stats and plays you don't understand.
Also, if a book says anything about soulmates, I'm there, so like...give me all of this, I want more! The idea of past lives and soulmates is done in such a cool way in this book. I love the way the modern soulmates have some traits of their former lives, but they're not just repeating the same lives over and over!
Painter's series is excellent for fans of sweet and spicy romcoms! Sports inclination not necessary
The Keeper and I has:
-grumpy x sunshine
-plus size rep
-virgin fmc
-SOULMATES
-fake dating
I will be quite honest, I read all of Jordan's dialogue in Brett Goldstein's Roy Kent voice (yes I know he’s not Scottish) and I have zero regrets, 12/10 recommend.
When plus-size model Laci discovers she has a stalker and runs into keeper Jordan at a pub, he's just doing the right thing to pretend to be her boyfriend, right? Except Jordan' has dreamed about Laci since he was a child, and they've never met. Things escalate and they continue to fake date, but what do they do when everything starts to feel real, especially when there's an expiration date on their "fake" relationship?
I would like to congratulate Kelsey Painter on creating a series that is incredibly addictive. Sports romances so frequently feel inaccessible to non-sporty people, and that is not the case with the Stanmore FC Soulmates series. Yes, there's enough sportsball present to keep you in that sort of stadium haze, but not so much that you're inundated with stats and plays you don't understand.
Also, if a book says anything about soulmates, I'm there, so like...give me all of this, I want more! The idea of past lives and soulmates is done in such a cool way in this book. I love the way the modern soulmates have some traits of their former lives, but they're not just repeating the same lives over and over!
Painter's series is excellent for fans of sweet and spicy romcoms! Sports inclination not necessary
December 18, 2023
When I tell you I loved this book…. I LOVED this book!!!
Laci Miller is a plus size model in the UK who is killing the game. One day she meets a fan & it quickly becomes clear they’re more of a stalker than someone who respects boundaries. In a moment of desperation, Laci asks our MC Jordan to be her fake boyfriend to get this stalker off her back. What was supposed to be a one off moment in a random pub quickly becomes a reoccurring thing. Oh ya & Jordan is a star footballer (soccer for us Americans) & by the way did I mention he already had a crush on Laci prior to their meeting? What happens when their “fake” relationship begins to feel all too real.
I absolutely adored these two together. Despite needing help with her stalker situation, Laci never felt like a damsel in distress which I loved! She was strong & confident & didn’t need anyone to tell her so! Jordan was a phenomenal MC! Something that always annoys me with a protective hero is they can be too much, but Jordan respected Laci’s boundaries while still making sure he was taking care of her. He had his baggage & they worked together to get through it, which is so important.
This story also has a little whimsy/mystery. Jordan has seen Laci’s face in his dreams since he can remember & Laci feels like she’s met Jordan before. I really enjoyed this extra element of how they were able to connect the dots. Super fun & I’ll absolutely be reading more from this series!
Laci Miller is a plus size model in the UK who is killing the game. One day she meets a fan & it quickly becomes clear they’re more of a stalker than someone who respects boundaries. In a moment of desperation, Laci asks our MC Jordan to be her fake boyfriend to get this stalker off her back. What was supposed to be a one off moment in a random pub quickly becomes a reoccurring thing. Oh ya & Jordan is a star footballer (soccer for us Americans) & by the way did I mention he already had a crush on Laci prior to their meeting? What happens when their “fake” relationship begins to feel all too real.
I absolutely adored these two together. Despite needing help with her stalker situation, Laci never felt like a damsel in distress which I loved! She was strong & confident & didn’t need anyone to tell her so! Jordan was a phenomenal MC! Something that always annoys me with a protective hero is they can be too much, but Jordan respected Laci’s boundaries while still making sure he was taking care of her. He had his baggage & they worked together to get through it, which is so important.
This story also has a little whimsy/mystery. Jordan has seen Laci’s face in his dreams since he can remember & Laci feels like she’s met Jordan before. I really enjoyed this extra element of how they were able to connect the dots. Super fun & I’ll absolutely be reading more from this series!
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