Tuesday I’m making the most of my forced fresh start. Exiled by my family to a tiny mountain town, I’m going to show them I’m not the screw-up they think I am. What I’m not expecting is to love it here. To find all my missing pieces in the fresh air, quaint town, new friends, and a man who sets my soul on fire. But is seven hundred miles enough distance to keep my mistakes in the past? Bond I’ve lived in Trail Creek, New Mexico my entire life. My plans are set: take over the family business and live my best life. Simple. Except, I never accounted for a storm like Tuesday Phillips. The moment I meet her, everything shifts, and it doesn’t matter who her family is or what she’s running from. There’s no way I’m letting her This book is an open-door romance, meaning there will be explicit content on-page. Descriptive language is used throughout. There are also on-page discussions and depictions of family estrangement and threatening behavior (not from the MMC). For more detailed content notes, please see the beginning of the book.
Albany Archer is the alter ego of an avid reader (turned attempted writer) of sweet and spicy romance. She loves anything with a happily ever after, regardless of the sub-genre. Banter, hair washing, and feisty female characters who know who and what they want are her love language. Her biggest hope is that you walk away with some sort of joy after reading her work.
Having just devoured this book in one sitting, pardon me for a moment while I gush over the fact that this is a DEBUT novel. 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼Well. 👏🏼Done.
This story met every single expectation one could have of a Rom-Com:
💘Hilarious Banter 💘adorable nicknames (hello….”Peach” ) 💘small-town characters who made me laugh out loud 💘Swoon-worthy male lead with the manners of a gentlemen…and the mouth of a gangster 💘Feisty female lead who is finding her feet, & innate feminine power 💘Quirky side characters who are simultaneously endearing,and comedic GOLD
I loved this book, its originality, and heart. I laughed, I ooooh’d and Ahhhh’d, and kept a giant smile on my face whilst reading it.
I loved this book!! Bond and Tuesday have incredible chemistry and he's SO. GOOD. TO. HER. He's protective and supportive and SO gone for this girl from the very get-go. I usually like the slow(er) burn style so this instalove story surprised me in how on board I was with them!
One big highlight for me is Bond's incredible communication skills, especially in bed. He's a massive #consentking and that is sooo attractive in an MMC! He's all about enthusiastic, explicit, verbal consent and once he gets it, things get spicy in a hurry! The spicy scenes (and there were lots of 'em! Including toy play!) are written so well.
I loved the fresh start in a small town storyline for Tuesday, whose family was truly horrible to her. I love that she was so instantly accepted by Bond's inner circle and family and it was so beautiful to see her finally treated right and welcomed with open arms.
I also really appreciated that the FMC had curves and Bond loved that about her. My heart! Fabulous body positivity and representation in that sense.
A truly wonderful debut from Albany Archer and I can't wait to read more of the Davis Designs series!
The premise of this book is solid enough: the FMC is a disappointment to her family after a scandal threatens to tarnish the family name and ships her off to a small town (cause ya know, this is the 1800's) where she finds love and acceptance. This book won't win any awards, but if you're looking for a cheesy (and not in a good way) romance than it will hit the spot. The author makes some fundamental errors and has severe plot issues: * Everyone has 2-5 nicknames. Like, why? It's not cute or sweet; it can be confusing. * The FMC should have used the block feature on her phone MONTHS ago and no explanation (at least that I remember) was given as to why she refuses to block and ignore toxic people * There is an overuse of the whole "oops, did I say my inner thoughts out loud?" in this book. It's just lazy writing. * The FMC is very very weak. She allows the MMC to disrespect her and her wishes; she allows her family to railroad her (SHE'S IN HER 30'S); she refuses to hold people accountable for their actions; and almost everything out of her mouth is a repeat of the toxicity that her family has ingrained into her. * The end scene with everyone around the phone was just corny.
Hopefully the author develops her craft and hires a content editor to help flush out these ideas.
Omg this was so good?! Thank you so much to the author for this ARC! I cannot believe this is a debut novel…this was so good?! The way I was kicking and screaming, but also crying was so unexpected.
I really liked our main characters. Bond was literally everything you could ever want in a man. I wrote more than once “get you A MAN” in my kindle notes, because he just did everything right? And I just loved Tuesday. I wanted to give her a hug and be her friend. And when she was standing up to her father, I was cheering for her like I actually knew her. Her development in this novel was top tier.
I don’t usually like insta love stories, but this was written so well it didn’t even bother me. I enjoyed the small town setting as well. There’s also a looooot of open door spice, which I don’t mind, but I love that the author includes a list for closed door modifications if anyone wants. And thank the lord above that there is no third act breakup 🫡🫶
And of course, all the secondary characters were amazing. Daddy Davis had me in tears multiple times. And I’m really hoping we’re getting Charli and Clairy stories!!!! If so, I will be first in line to read those!!!
I’ve always considered myself more of a slow burn than an insta-love girly, but Albany made their love so believable! Bond falls fast and hard for the cute new girl in town, and I can see why! Tuesday’s internal dialogue had me absolutely cracking up so many times. She was sweet and didn’t deserve the shit she went through before moving to town. Bond was so sweet and took perfect care of her despite her hesitations (I won’t give any spoilers, but she had good reason for fighting her feelings for him). I was definitely rooting for them to be together the entire time (the house?!?! Come on!). Can’t wait to see who is going to get the next book in this series!
If you're looking for a laugh out loud romantic comedy with a serious touch (more than a pinch but less than a full drama) of well, serious plot, then look no further!
I literally laughed out loud and all the really good, really funny bits, and I cried along with Tuesday, our FMC when everything looked like it was spiralling. It's a beautifully clever book that pulls on the heartstrings and makes you fall absolutely head over heels for the found Family.
I humbly request my own Bond (our MMC)... and Griff... and Dane 😉 and I'd very much like to be adopted by the Davis family. They know the true meaning of love and family.
Albany Archer’s debut novel DELIVERS! Small-town romance with a strong FMC and an ooey-gooey MMC? Yes please! The comical banter between the characters was exactly what I needed! I laughed right along with them. Add this one to your TBR! Excellent debut, Albany Archer! I appreciate the opportunity to receive an ARC AND give an honest review of your debut novel. I know there are many great things to come!
Port Bond Davis is a big hearted golden retriever. Tuesday Jane Phillips thinks she's a walking mess. Her family is awful, horrible people. Banished to a small town, Tuesday learns just how many big hearts fill her new town she now calls home. Great storyline and character building to set up the next books in the series.
Insta-love is not my favorite trope, but I overall enjoyed this book! It was a sweet, small town romance with an interesting story and steamy romance. This is a great book to read around the holidays!
There were elements of this book that I really appreciated. Thank you for having characters who were over 30 years old! There were many spicy scenes, all of which were well very written. Those scenes are what really shine in this book. I also appreciated the ways that intimate partner violence and abuse were highlighted in the book. The author's depiction of the impact of that on Tuesday's mental health was well done.
I would absolutely pay attention to the trigger warnings in this one. It depicts IPV, emotional abuse from parents, and panic attacks. There were a lot of spicy scenes (which I loved), but I could see how it would be a lot for others.
I normally do not really mind the use of nicknames, but it really felt like overkill in this book. It was distracting at times and actually took away from the spicy scenes.
What a delightful story! I had the opportunity to dive into this through an ARC, and it was pure joy, start-to-finish. Fresh storylines, top-tier banter, delectable spice, and serious moments handled with grace and care. Fall vibes and found family! Tuesday was one of my favorite FMC ever written. Highly recommend for fans of Lucy Score or Melanie Harlow! Incredible debut novel—can’t wait for the rest of the stories 🥰
I was given an ARC of Keep This Between Us and here’s my honest review.
This one that was very open door spice. Albany does have a cheat sheet of all the scenes and what they entail if that’s not your cup of tea. I was surprised even though this was a very steamy book there was quite a bit of heart to it. The things that the MC, Tuesday has gone through were heart breaking and it was nice to see her growth throughout the story. I’m not usually into the insta-love trope but I found this book enjoyable regardless. I’m glad there’s going to be more in the series so we can get to know the other characters, they were as lovable as the MCs.
This is just the perfect debut novel! I fell in love with the beautiful people of Trail Creek! This small town just screams comfort vibes! Tuesday is a force to be reckoned with and such a strong female! This book has all the swoon and spice along with everything nice! A must read! Add to your TBR!
This book is in my top 3 books this year! Loved the story line, the spicy was amazing. The MC we’re beautifully written and the supporting characters were perfect. This is a must read. Thank you for letting me have the opportunity to read as an arc
Hands down my favorite book of the year!!! There is so much humor and heart and heat and frankly, I am addicted. Bond and Tuesday have incredible chemistry, the supporting cast is full of gems, and the setting actually makes me so mad because it's not a real place? So I can't actually go there in real life? The plot is engaging, and without dropping in too many spoilers, seeing Tuesday really come to life and stand on her own two feet is such a remarkable, satisfying thing. I know this will be a re-read for mannnnny years to come.
I felt like I was reading my best friend’s (very detailed and plenty spicy) journal. Tuesday is so relatable in so many ways as a FMC. Bond is everything you’d want in a MMC (or at least everything I want). “I wonder if she likes being called a good girl. I file that away for later. Tonight is too early to ask how she feels about dirty talk and praise. But I sure as shit hope I get the opportunity to find out.” Bond I can tell you exactly how I feel about it!!! “But, if you decide you want more, you're mine. No one else gets to taste you or touch you. Only me. If this thing between us is as good as I think it's going to be, I can't stand the idea of another man having you. I don’t share.” I am literally in love with him. New book boyfriend FOR SURE. I love a well written book and there is no shortage of plot here. Plenty of spice (and if you need a refresher) there is A DICK-TIONARY in the back. I am a sucker for a happy ending and this checks all the boxes. I inhaled it, quick read, well written and made me want to grab a flocked up flamingo with my girlfriends before heading home to Bond. 100% recommend, incredible debut novel!
Excerpt From Keep This Between Us ARC Albany Archer This material may be protected by copyright. Excerpt From Keep This Between Us ARC Albany Archer This material may be protected by copyright.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is one of my favorite books I've read so far this year!
Tuesday (yes, that's her name) is shipped off to Trail Creek, New Mexico by her wealthy family as a means to clean up what they deem as her messes. On her first night in the quaint little town she meets Bond and that's where the magic begins.
Bond is there because he had just gotten the worse news of his life and we later discover how Bond and Tuesday's worlds collide because of it.
+I freakin' LOVED that both our main characters were in their 30's. The chemistry between Tuesday and Bond was ON FIIIIIRE. The smut in this book was top shelf quality and yes, there's LOTS of it. +I also loved getting to know the side characters. There are a lot of them - from his amazing family (parents + 2 sisters), his best friends (who also happen to be in situationships with his sisters) to people with the ugliest personalities - her family, her shitty ex and an asshole that initially hit on her at the bar.
-The beginning of the book begins at the bar and it honestly started off slow for me, but I'm so glad I pushed through -Tuesday gets sloppy girl drunk a couple of times in the book... That was a big turn off for me -Tuesday should have blocked Duncan from being able to contact her a long time ago -Every character had at LEAST 1 nickname! It was easy to keep the main characters straight: Tuesday (TJ, Peach), Bond (his real name is Porter, Baseball Cap), but it was frustrating trying to keep things straight while reading because EVERYONE had to have a nickname
Even though there were things I didn't like about the book, overall it still made my heart swoon. There were lots of sweet parts, like how Bond's parents made Tuesday feel included in the family and treated her with love that her own parents never gave her.
If you're looking for the ultimate cinammon roll MMC, Bond will not disappoint!
Tuesday arrives in Trail Creek after her family and her ex-boyfriend betray her, with the intention of geting some space and figuring out what her new role will be there.
Bond is furious with his father for selling their company to a large costruction firm. He seeks solace in the local bar, angry this his father's legacy won't be continued.
When Tuesday and Bond's paths cross, it's nothing less than explosive! They're immediately attracted to each other. While he falls for her instantly, she is wary because of her past. He works hard to win her over and together they face the hurdles thrown at them by her family.
Trail Creek is such a cosy, sweet town where everyone knows everyone else and Bond's family are so sweet and welcoming to Tuesday. Bond himself is adorable and does everything he can to show Tuesday he's serious about her. The chemistry between them is off the charts!
If you like a spicy, funny, sexy, sweet romantic comedy, this is the one for you!
4.5⭐️ This book is what you need if you want cozy small Town vibes! I can't believe it was a debut novel. I really liked all of it. Normally I don't like instant love books, but past the firsts few chapters, it became really believable, so yes, Albany did it. Bond is a bit too perfect IMO, though it is perfect if you want a feel good book! It is an easy read and perfect for this time of the year.
I can't wait to read another Trail Creek story, hopefully we'll get more books from this author!
*I got an ARC from this book, but my review is 100% my own honest opinion.
I requested an ARC of Keep This Between Us because it sounded like a cute story. This is such a great debut from Albany Archer. Insta-love Small town romance Found family No third act break up Secret dating Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I loved the story! The MCs are likable and you can’t help but root for them. Tuesday has been through so much is just hoping for a fresh start if nothing else. Bond is so caring and protective. Lovable side characters (please please please give us Charli and Clairy’s stories!!) Some of the nicknames weren’t my favorite, but that didn’t take away from the story and some were so cute (Peach 🍑). Not only did Albany considerately give us content warnings but also a “dick-tionary” letting us know what and where the spice is in case we want to skip it or skip to it. Congrats on your debut! 👏🏼
this is a workplace romance set in a small town following Bond & Tuesday as Tuesday tries to deal with the aftermath of her ex & her family while Bond tries to convince her his love is different🫶🏼
honestly this book is amazing. not once was I thinking anything negative of the MMC & I was constantly swooning over how attentive & caring he was towards tuesday (not to mention the spice🌶️🌶️)
I loved the found family trope in this book. I think it was done so well & I loved every second of it. I liked Tuesday’s character, she was strong & just wanted to be enough for someone💜
Immediate thoughts: Funny and sweet and spicy! Tuesday is JUST THE BEST - I seriously love her, but also really felt for her with her past - so happy she found Bond.
Tropes: Small town, workplace, secret relationship, insta-love, found family, he falls first, praise, toys, banter, no third-act breakup.
ARC review: I had such a good time reading this funny, sweet, spicy and slightly emotional read. It is insta-love, but I could still really feel their connection - it gave of major soulmates-vibes with the way they instantly connected, the respect, love and trust that was quickly building. Bond is a dream guy and Tuesday is just such a mood - I am obsessed with her!
“I came to the bar tonight mad at the world, but the moment I saw you, all other thoughts flew from my mind. You captivated me from the minute you walked in the door.”
The MMC, Porter Bond Davis, is the CEO of Davis Designs who designs and builds beautiful family homes in and around the small town of Trail Creek, New Mexico. He is frustrated that his dad has sold the family company to a huge corporation, but when he meets a beautiful, sassy and funny girl everything changes. He is just so precious and really lovable. He loves big and has a protective streak a mile wide.
If Bond thinks he can get away from me now he’s in for a shock. TCT - Trail Creek Tuesday - knows what she wants, and what she wants is Bond.
The FMC, Tuesday Jane Phillips, is sent away from her family to come work at Davis Designs, because of a ‘scandal’ she caused with her family’s company - which UGH, I was so frustrated with her family. She has major trust issues, and a very shitty family, so maybe starting over in Trail Creek is just what she needs - coupled with meeting a handsome, caring and protective man, and maybe she just might get everything she always wanted and more. Her personality and humor are the best, and had me laughing out loud a lot.
“I love you. Pretty much since the moment I met you. Not going to apologize for it or say it’s too soon because that diminishes it. It’s true. It’s real. I love you, Tuesday.”
Bond and Tuesday are perfect for each other, and I am just so damn happy for the both of them! Bond helps Tuesday trust again and he gets her to realize what exactly she deserves and then delivers and then some. Tuesday brightens Bond’s life immensely and is the missing piece he never knew he needed. They quickly enter a relationship, but they still communicated and actually got to know each other very well. The inside jokes and humor was the best (yease, nicknames, smark, etc.), the chemistry off the charts and the relationship both sweet and spicy! Also, some of the happenings was maybe a bit ridiculous but only in the best possible way.
“You’re so goddamn gorgeous. Look at you. Flushed and pink and wanting in my arms. You going to soak my fingers? Is this pussy hungry? So empty right now, needing something to fill it up?”
The side characters (Bond’s family and their coworkers) was wonderful, and I just want more of them all - the scene when the friends all hangout at her house was perfect, iykyk. Tuesday’s family and ex is seriously the worst, but I was very happy with how everything unfolded, and the found family she got with Bond’s family and friends. It was just lovely how all the Davis’ takes care of her and embraces her as one of their own.
I received this book as an advanced reader copy, but my views are 100% my own. Where do I even begin?! This was such a treat.
The characters were all so lovable and I could probably spend a lot of time discussing each character in depth… but the one I want to focus on is Bond. Specifically because of how he communicates and the way in which he approaches consent. As an educator who teaches extensively on IPV, I am thrilled to find examples of enthusiastic consent. Bond isn’t just checking a box. He makes consent part of the foreplay. It isn’t awkward or unsexy. It’s hot. I really hope to continue to see books normalize talking about sex and desire in a way that models positive consent.
As Tuesday navigated her problem with Duncan, I found myself shouting to her that she has resources (again, IPV educator here). It’s so important that survivors gain power back, and sextortion can be incredibly hard to navigate given the lack of control. However, there are things that can be done to mitigate the harm caused by blackmailers. I really encourage anyone who is going through something similar To reach out to local resources or visit this website to learn how to get private images removed from social media platforms. (https://stopncii.org)
I have that thing where I can’t really form mental images in my head. Writing usually has to be very descriptive and engaging in order for me to draw up a mental image. This book did that for me. Archer is a fantastic writer and really created a world I could visualize.
This is perfect book is perfect for the holiday season 🖤
Genre: Romance Tropes: Dual POV • Small Town Setting • Secret Dating • Instant Connection • Found Family • No 3rd Act Breakup • MC's in their 30's • Spicy Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 5 Spice Level: 🔥🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/ 5 (that's 5 spicy hot peppers out of 5)
I really enjoyed this small town spicy romance debut novel from Albany Archer. I requested this ARC because the trope lists checked off all my favorites. I feel like this book might be slightly undersold as far as its spice level goes. This book's spice content is not for the faint of heart - so seriously pay attention to your content warnings and micro tropes. While I love a good spicy romance, I kinda feel like this one was a little much and at times slightly unbelievable. I also felt like it sometimes overshadowed some really important things that were going on in the storyline. That being said, I thought the storyline itself was phenomenal. I found myself on the edge of my seat as Tuesday's story began to unfold. I was smiling one minute and then crying and mentally cursing out her family in the next. I still can't get over what happened! Incredible plot twists given there was no 3rd act break up (thank you for that lol). I also loved the teasers for *hopefully* more stories to come.
Keep This Between Us is available on December 5th
Thank you to Albany Archer for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Holy smokes!! Keep This Between Us is one of my favorite reads this year! I LOVEEEE a good rom-com and this delivered! Right from chapter one we learn that Tuesday is a force to be reckoned with, and Bond is everyone’s small town fantasy. Night one and we knew he wasn’t letting Tuesday go without a fight. Tuesday, although working through a terrible breakup knew she couldn’t resist Bond’s charm. Their banter was hilarious and the spice was next level. If you love a good praise, this is definitely a must read! The way they navigate secrets, an awful family, and learning to trust each other all while keeping their relationship hidden really keeps you on your toes. The small town vibe was very Gilmore Girls. The town was full of great characters and I can’t wait for book two! Thank you Albany Archer for an amazing read. Here’s hoping the Davis sisters get their HEA with the Viking and Grumpy Puppy!
Oh! I can’t forget about the Dick-tionary! One of my favorite things I’ve seen in a book! Way to look out for each reader’s needs!
It's been a very emotionally traumatising year for Tuesday and she's been sent to a small town in New Mexico far away from her home by her family, expected to take care of the businesses over there. Bond had lived in Trail Creek his whole life. On a night where he was feeling down he runs into the new girl in town at their local bar. Tuesday and Bond develops an instant connection with each and they give each other the cutest/goofy nicknames. (Baseball Cap and Peach) The communication between the two MCs from the beginning of the book was amazing. I loved how every time they were together Bond would first ask Tuesday about what she's comfortable with. Bond was an absolute sweetheart who's protective of everyone one in his life. I loved his relationship with his two sisters. And also how kind they are towards Tuesday. There's a lot happening in this book but I don't wanna give out any spoilers. This was an amazing debut. Highly recommending this cute emotional romance.
Tropes: -small town -secret dating -insta love -no 3rd act break up -enthusiastic consent -found family
ALL THE FAMILY (that’s all, that’s the review) Uh it’s been a while since I read an insta love but dang do I love it! This was exactly what I needed! I even love the call outs in the story about a perfect MMC who’s absolutely head over heels for a messy FMC and that’s perfectly what this is. Everything the author promised was done to perfection! It hits all the tropes and I am here for it! I just devoured it! The little connections really did it for me! I loved that they were thrown in throughout the story! Bond was an absolutely delightful book boyfriend, he was understanding and not afraid of his feelings and forced her to communicate! He was just so dang good to her!! Tuesday, I just want to wrap that girl in a hug, it would be so easy to fall apart but she grew and became so much stronger than I was expecting.
The way I devoured this book - I’m here for a good time, not a long time and KTBU was so much fun to read. Between the banter and spice, I was in pure heaven.
This is Author Albany Archer’s debut novel and can we get a round of applause for this babe 👏🏽 come on babes!
Before you jump into this book, check the trigger warnings and take them seriously, the author put them there for a reason.
We meet our MC in the midst of them both having the absolute worst day of their lives, how they brighten to each other was lovely. The insta love was done right! I can’t even begin to say how much I laughed, swooned, and genuinely want one of those flamingo drinks - chefs kiss.
They are both holding on to secrets that they want to share with each other but they also handle them incredibly realistically that is appreciated in romance. You find yourself falling for the side characters, the places, and of course the couple. Baseball cap and Peach are my new favs!
I liked it a lot, it was some what a comfort read I laughed with the banter and the funny situations kept me smiling, it kept me at the edge of my seat and wanting to punch the bad guys at the right time. I wish the characters had a bit more of development but overall it was a nice comfy story. What I loved: the Davis Design family company, such a loving family dynamics, the author fills you up with obvious easter eggs for future books and they are so intriguing. Secondary characters I loved them immediately. The writing was fast paced, and so easy to read. You hooked me with this one it was so nice will be waiting for the next 💜🔥 To the author thank you for your trust for the ARC, hopefully will be here for your next knockout ❤️