What do you think?
Rate this book
Keep You
A boy running from the past. A girl who can’t escape it.
Dev Landry has a mundane life; runner-up on the track team, a nerdy best friend, and a job at his overbearing parents’ failing motel. He’s also in love with his former best friend, Hadlee Renee Morgan; the girl that never speaks, unless it's through her dark, disturbing, and taboo photography.
He’s loved her since the day he kissed her at the clearing in the woods three years ago, and then woke up from a coma with scars and no memory of what happened after. Now plagued by blackouts, migraines, and sleepwalking in the woods, his only solace is running, to keep the darkness at bay.
Dev’s life turns upside down when Hadlee shows up seeking refuge, promising answers about that day in the woods, the lies that entrap him, and why she stopped being his friend.
As Dev and Hadlee embark on their journey to rediscover the truth and each other, Dev realizes some secrets refuse to stay buried, and the cost of the truth may not be worth what he loses to find it.
Keep You is a dark, upper-YA coming-of-age mystery sprinkled with romance, quirky humor, and suspense uncovering the lies we tell, the secrets we keep, and the truths we hide.
Dev Landry has a mundane life; runner-up on the track team, a nerdy best friend, and a job at his overbearing parents’ failing motel. He’s also in love with his former best friend, Hadlee Renee Morgan; the girl that never speaks, unless it's through her dark, disturbing, and taboo photography.
He’s loved her since the day he kissed her at the clearing in the woods three years ago, and then woke up from a coma with scars and no memory of what happened after. Now plagued by blackouts, migraines, and sleepwalking in the woods, his only solace is running, to keep the darkness at bay.
Dev’s life turns upside down when Hadlee shows up seeking refuge, promising answers about that day in the woods, the lies that entrap him, and why she stopped being his friend.
As Dev and Hadlee embark on their journey to rediscover the truth and each other, Dev realizes some secrets refuse to stay buried, and the cost of the truth may not be worth what he loses to find it.
Keep You is a dark, upper-YA coming-of-age mystery sprinkled with romance, quirky humor, and suspense uncovering the lies we tell, the secrets we keep, and the truths we hide.
444 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2024
12 people are currently reading
534 people want to read
About the author
Christopher M. Tantillo
5 books124 followersChristopher M. Tantillo earned his MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University in 2017 and his BA in Creative Writing from SUNY Oswego in 2012. He considers himself a hopeless romantic and a lover of all things YA. When not reading or writing, he enjoys running, movie marathons, and binge watching the next greatest show. He's an avid fan of anything horror related, despite not actively writing in the genre.Benji
He enjoys witty banter, awkward conversations, tarot, tea, and has an unhealthy obsession with gelato. You can find him, and his doggo Benji (Benito), in Niagara Falls, New York, where he grew up. He hopes to spread mental health awareness and advocacy with his writing, and hopes that his stories can help to both entertain and heal. His goal is to inspire someone else's life with his characters and stories, like his favorites did for him growing up. He considers his primary genre to be Dark YA Coming of Age Romance. He will continue to write stories told from the POVs of teens dealing with mental health issues, which come in all shapes and sizes.
He has also published essays in The Weaving Knight, The Great Lakes Review, and Twenty-two Twenty-eight. He is self-publishing his debut YA novel, which won 2nd place in the Sara-Merritt Contest in 2017.
He enjoys witty banter, awkward conversations, tarot, tea, and has an unhealthy obsession with gelato. You can find him, and his doggo Benji (Benito), in Niagara Falls, New York, where he grew up. He hopes to spread mental health awareness and advocacy with his writing, and hopes that his stories can help to both entertain and heal. His goal is to inspire someone else's life with his characters and stories, like his favorites did for him growing up. He considers his primary genre to be Dark YA Coming of Age Romance. He will continue to write stories told from the POVs of teens dealing with mental health issues, which come in all shapes and sizes.
He has also published essays in The Weaving Knight, The Great Lakes Review, and Twenty-two Twenty-eight. He is self-publishing his debut YA novel, which won 2nd place in the Sara-Merritt Contest in 2017.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
April 25, 2025
I am the author! I wrote this book! It might just be the next best thing you’ve read since the last next best thing you’ve read! I’m exclaiming all these sentences! I was forced to type this because of Aubrey (you know if you know)! We hope you enjoy the read, Malevolent Beauties! #TeamHevon
May 21, 2024
This is Christopher’s second book and I loved it as much as the first one. The topics he writes about are raw and powerful (check trigger warnings). I was pulling for Dev and Hadlee. Being a father myself, I understood Dev’s dad wanting to protect him and keep him safe. There are big secrets that get revealed in this book. I understand why people keep things quiet but I am a believer of getting everything out in the open to deal with it because eventually everything comes to light in the end. I really like Dev’s nerdy friend, Aiden, especially because he is a Star Wars fan. That makes him awesome. If you want to read a book that deals with sensitive subjects in a way that makes it real and relatable then read this. I will read everything this author writes. Things come to a head at the end of the novel so things have to get sorted out in book 2.
I
I
July 21, 2024
FUCKING HELL!!!! this one gutted me.. 2025 can't come soon enough! i am in desperate need of book two now😩
May 23, 2024
I will never not read another Christopher M. Tantillo book. Everything about this book had me turning pages with the same question, ‘what the hell is going on?’ This dark mysterious YA novel definitely brings a reality we never speak of. A taboo subject, if you will. But it’s so real and raw! My jaw was on the floor, literally.
Chris brought so much realism into this piece and while I will not give any spoilers, I highly recommend you grab a copy for yourself when it releases in May. Wow! Just wow!
I cannot wait to read what he releases next!
Chris brought so much realism into this piece and while I will not give any spoilers, I highly recommend you grab a copy for yourself when it releases in May. Wow! Just wow!
I cannot wait to read what he releases next!
April 9, 2024
Dev Landry's life is what many would call boring. Hadlee Renee is Dev's former best friend, who never talks and spends all of her time taking pictures of disturbing things and he just happens to be in love with her.
He's been in love with Hadlee since they kissed in the woods 3 years ago and then woke up from a coma unable to remember anything after that. Since he's been dealing with blackouts and migraines; not to mention sleepwalking in the woods where he swears someone is following him.
Then one day Hadlee appears at his parents' failing motel and asks for help hiding. In turn she promises answers about why their friendship ended and what happened that fateful day in the woods.
I can't begin to tell you how excited I was to be able to read Keep You early. Chris has been advertising it on his TikTok for months and I just knew it was going to be incredible and I definitely wasn't wrong.
The best way I can describe this book is describing it as the first big hill of a roller coaster. At the beginning you start going slow and the excitement and enjoyment builds, then when you reach the top your stomach drops and you are flying at maximum speed. Keep You was exactly like this! It drew me in from the beginning and just kept getting better until the extremely intense ending.
Chris is such a talented writer and does an amazing job of handling mental health and extremely delicate issues. Keep You was incredible from start to finish and I can't wait for the 2nd book to be published. I highly recommend it to everyone, but be sure to check your trigger warnings first.
He's been in love with Hadlee since they kissed in the woods 3 years ago and then woke up from a coma unable to remember anything after that. Since he's been dealing with blackouts and migraines; not to mention sleepwalking in the woods where he swears someone is following him.
Then one day Hadlee appears at his parents' failing motel and asks for help hiding. In turn she promises answers about why their friendship ended and what happened that fateful day in the woods.
I can't begin to tell you how excited I was to be able to read Keep You early. Chris has been advertising it on his TikTok for months and I just knew it was going to be incredible and I definitely wasn't wrong.
The best way I can describe this book is describing it as the first big hill of a roller coaster. At the beginning you start going slow and the excitement and enjoyment builds, then when you reach the top your stomach drops and you are flying at maximum speed. Keep You was exactly like this! It drew me in from the beginning and just kept getting better until the extremely intense ending.
Chris is such a talented writer and does an amazing job of handling mental health and extremely delicate issues. Keep You was incredible from start to finish and I can't wait for the 2nd book to be published. I highly recommend it to everyone, but be sure to check your trigger warnings first.
May 14, 2024
“Keep You” comes out 5/21/2024. I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the author, but my review of this book contains my own thoughts and were not influenced in any way. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book before its official release!
This book follows the main character Dev’s point of view throughout the story. We as the reader only know the same information he does and it makes us have all the same questions he does about why he and Hadlee, his former best friend, are no longer allowed to be friends, or why Dev cannot remember anything from the event that caused him to be in a coma. This made me want to keep reading to find out the answers along with Dev. This book kept me trying to guess the secrets various characters seemed to be hiding from Dev.
I liked that the book touched on mental health and other difficult subjects that most people don’t like to talk about due to stigma or uncomfortableness.
I still have so many questions that I hope are answered in book 2! I’m excited to get my physical copy of this when it releases and will definitely want to read the next one to see the story continue and have all my questions answered.
I do recommend reading the author’s first book, “The Night I Spent With Aubrey Fisher,” first if you’re able, as the character Aubrey does make a small appearance in this book; however, this book can be read by itself.
I also recommend checking the trigger warnings prior to reading.
Overall, this was a read I enjoyed and would recommend to others.
Some of my favorite quotes from the book are:
-“It’s so odd. Strange. How casual yet alien two people can be after years of not speaking.”
-“It’s amazing what people are really like when they’re by themselves - so different from the versions they show the world.”
-“Pain helps make us feel real. Sometimes the strongest thing you can do is ask for help when you need it most, and then keep on fighting.”
This book follows the main character Dev’s point of view throughout the story. We as the reader only know the same information he does and it makes us have all the same questions he does about why he and Hadlee, his former best friend, are no longer allowed to be friends, or why Dev cannot remember anything from the event that caused him to be in a coma. This made me want to keep reading to find out the answers along with Dev. This book kept me trying to guess the secrets various characters seemed to be hiding from Dev.
I liked that the book touched on mental health and other difficult subjects that most people don’t like to talk about due to stigma or uncomfortableness.
I still have so many questions that I hope are answered in book 2! I’m excited to get my physical copy of this when it releases and will definitely want to read the next one to see the story continue and have all my questions answered.
I do recommend reading the author’s first book, “The Night I Spent With Aubrey Fisher,” first if you’re able, as the character Aubrey does make a small appearance in this book; however, this book can be read by itself.
I also recommend checking the trigger warnings prior to reading.
Overall, this was a read I enjoyed and would recommend to others.
Some of my favorite quotes from the book are:
-“It’s so odd. Strange. How casual yet alien two people can be after years of not speaking.”
-“It’s amazing what people are really like when they’re by themselves - so different from the versions they show the world.”
-“Pain helps make us feel real. Sometimes the strongest thing you can do is ask for help when you need it most, and then keep on fighting.”
May 18, 2024
This book is great . I finished it within a day and it held me captive the entire time trying to figure out what was happening with these two young characters. I would check your trigger warnings , it is sad for what happens but I feel like this author really hits on points that can happen in real life and how coping isn’t a one size fits all. Highly recommend
May 29, 2024
As always, thank you Chris was allowing me to read this book early, you have done it again!!! This book follows the main character Dev who’s trying to figure out why him and his old friend Hadlee are no longer allowed to be friends and why he can’t remember anything that happened the night that resulted in him being in a coma. This book contains a lot of secrets and makes you keep reading to find out what happened. It is definitely a page turner and kept me guessing until the very end. I loved the characters as they were intriguing and quirky. I also enjoyed the Aubrey appearance in the book. If you love a good YA, coming of age thriller book, I highly recommend you read this book!!
May 14, 2024
Wow what a journey Devon and Hadlee go through in this book. Not only do you follow the journey of the FMC and MMC but also many of the side characters. This book had me wondering what the heck was and had gone on from the first page until the last. Just like the cover states this book is about: A Promise. A Lie. A Secret Never Dies. This book was a page turner but I had to pace myself due to the heaviness of the story in general, I believe that was the way it was intended to be read, a book that you take your time to digest and understand fully. This is a book that will stay with me for many, many years. I cannot wait to continue to read works that this author puts out.
Christopher M. Tantillo has a way of writing a book that just immerses you into the story. It is as if you were experiencing the story right along side the characters themselves. The way he writes makes you feel all the feelings. Some of the topics in this book are difficult topics to think about, some may even consider them a bit taboo to talk about but I truly believe that really is the exact reason behind this book. Not to mention how challenging this book must have been to write about, but the author did just that and he did is so well. He was that voice for those that are not heard. This book releases on May 21, 2024. I suggest you read over the trigger warnings and if you are able to read this book without being triggered, please do so. It is so much more than just a book. It has an impactful meaning behind it.
In my opinion, Christopher M. Tantillo is an author that should become a household name. He isn't afraid to write about difficult topics and the struggles that come along with them. I highly suggest reading the trigger warnings for not only this book but for any book that you choose to read. Christopher is a huge advocate for mental health. Please keep your mental health a priority over reading any book. I am very appreciative that I had the opportunity to read this before release day. These are my own thoughts and opinions. Christopher M. Tantillo has become an auto buy author for me. Christopher, Thank you for writing this story, being the voice of those that don't or cannot voice for themselves. Thank you for bringing to light the statistics and the fact that most if not all of have encountered or have someone in our lives that may have dealt with this type of situation.
Christopher M. Tantillo has a way of writing a book that just immerses you into the story. It is as if you were experiencing the story right along side the characters themselves. The way he writes makes you feel all the feelings. Some of the topics in this book are difficult topics to think about, some may even consider them a bit taboo to talk about but I truly believe that really is the exact reason behind this book. Not to mention how challenging this book must have been to write about, but the author did just that and he did is so well. He was that voice for those that are not heard. This book releases on May 21, 2024. I suggest you read over the trigger warnings and if you are able to read this book without being triggered, please do so. It is so much more than just a book. It has an impactful meaning behind it.
In my opinion, Christopher M. Tantillo is an author that should become a household name. He isn't afraid to write about difficult topics and the struggles that come along with them. I highly suggest reading the trigger warnings for not only this book but for any book that you choose to read. Christopher is a huge advocate for mental health. Please keep your mental health a priority over reading any book. I am very appreciative that I had the opportunity to read this before release day. These are my own thoughts and opinions. Christopher M. Tantillo has become an auto buy author for me. Christopher, Thank you for writing this story, being the voice of those that don't or cannot voice for themselves. Thank you for bringing to light the statistics and the fact that most if not all of have encountered or have someone in our lives that may have dealt with this type of situation.
March 13, 2024
A huge thank you to Chris Tantillo for allowing me to ARC read this book in exchange for my review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Spoiler Free: 4.5 Stars, rounded up
Trigger Warnings: Please remember to check the Trigger Warnings (all given at the beginning of this book) and practice self care when reading.
This book is advertised as an Upper YA, coming of age, thriller with hints of horror. Note for those who do not like horror: The horror aspects are very minimal and I would probably term this more as a psychological thriller than horror.
The characters were intriguing. Quirky and adorable and...broken. Chris did a great job of portraying trauma in teens. Note that these are all teens and the characters were portrayed well as teens. There were a few instances that were a bit cringey being an adult with teens...but very accurate on how many teens act and speak. Note this if you have teenagers that you are determined to believe are still innocent kids, haha.
This book was fantastic. Very fast paced, edge of your seat ride. I spent the majority of this book turning the pages over and over trying to figure out what in the world was happening - in a good way. The author had a great way of intermixing the past with the present to keep you guessing well past the very end.
And of course, the cliffhanger...
So many lives full of secrets, and only SOME were answered - leaving this open for a great book two in the Duology. Un-put-downable and will definitely be picking up the next and probably everything else Chris writes!
Spoiler Free: 4.5 Stars, rounded up
Trigger Warnings: Please remember to check the Trigger Warnings (all given at the beginning of this book) and practice self care when reading.
This book is advertised as an Upper YA, coming of age, thriller with hints of horror. Note for those who do not like horror: The horror aspects are very minimal and I would probably term this more as a psychological thriller than horror.
The characters were intriguing. Quirky and adorable and...broken. Chris did a great job of portraying trauma in teens. Note that these are all teens and the characters were portrayed well as teens. There were a few instances that were a bit cringey being an adult with teens...but very accurate on how many teens act and speak. Note this if you have teenagers that you are determined to believe are still innocent kids, haha.
This book was fantastic. Very fast paced, edge of your seat ride. I spent the majority of this book turning the pages over and over trying to figure out what in the world was happening - in a good way. The author had a great way of intermixing the past with the present to keep you guessing well past the very end.
And of course, the cliffhanger...
So many lives full of secrets, and only SOME were answered - leaving this open for a great book two in the Duology. Un-put-downable and will definitely be picking up the next and probably everything else Chris writes!
May 1, 2024
I had the absolute pleasure of being an ARC reader! I am so thankful to Christopher for this opportunity, after reading his debut “The Night I Spent With Aubrey Fisher” I screamed when he sent me a BOX to promote this book!
The story of Dev and Hadlee is so complex! It will have you clinging on to the pages wanting to find out what happened?!! They were best friends since kids, and then strangers for the last three years, no explanation or reason… or so we think!
Dev never stopped caring about Hadlee and always wondered what happened but didn’t have the guts to ask her; Hadlee wasn’t the same 13 year old girl, she’s changed and clings on to her camera, snapping pictures, uploading them. Always around but never saying a word!
Beautifully written! I can relate to the main characters struggle with anxiety! The darkness our kinds can take us to! Such an amazing writing style! Definitely recommend!
The story of Dev and Hadlee is so complex! It will have you clinging on to the pages wanting to find out what happened?!! They were best friends since kids, and then strangers for the last three years, no explanation or reason… or so we think!
Dev never stopped caring about Hadlee and always wondered what happened but didn’t have the guts to ask her; Hadlee wasn’t the same 13 year old girl, she’s changed and clings on to her camera, snapping pictures, uploading them. Always around but never saying a word!
Beautifully written! I can relate to the main characters struggle with anxiety! The darkness our kinds can take us to! Such an amazing writing style! Definitely recommend!
January 26, 2025
Wow.... just wow
March 11, 2024
Keep You
(THERE WILL BE SPOILERS!!! SO MAKE SURE YOU'RE OKAY WITH THAT BEFORE READING THIS!)
...AGAIN...SPOILERS AHEAD...
First off I would like to say there are very few books that manage to leave an indelible mark on you as a person. Books that nestle themselves down in your soul and psyche, and help you face, understand, and process things you had tried to forget. And this author is one of those rare finds with that talent. I read his debut "The Night I Spent With Aubrey Fisher" and I can't tell you what that book means to me to this day. And as beautifully written and honestly depicted as TNISWAF is.."Keep You" is something very, very different. The book is one that I firmly believe has big things ahead for it because of the way the world is constructed and the authenticity Chris is able to lend to each of his characters that make you: fight for them, hurt with them, and love like them. 'Keep You' was something of a surprise to me, but in all the best possible ways a story can be. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone without question. I would however caution readers to make sure to CHECK THE TRIGGER WARNINGS before diving into the deep end which is the world of 'Keep You'.
I enjoyed the book very much (as if you can't tell) and in a lot of ways it was a challenge for me to read. Which for my part is something I enjoy in reading and in the writing of authors able to cultivate a real relationship within the story that makes it feel almost like you're peeking in on a life in progress.
The two MAIN characters (Hadlee Renee Morgan & Devon Landry) are about as inseparable as pb&j. They're childhood friends which grew into young adult friends and then possibly more. But there are always growing pains for kids when they begin to become adults. Particularly in old friendships that have the possibility to shift into something deeper. To hear Dev talk about her, Hadlee is the only girl in the world that understands him and is able to make him feel almost invincible as long as she's by his side. Dev trust's her implicitly with everything he has, there are no secrets between the two of them. Well....at least there weren't at first that is.
The book opens on a flashback scene with young Hadlee eating ice cream and being afraid. The sweet with the bitter as always in life Hadlee learned the bitterness that sometimes comes along with living on the edge of darkness. This was a particularly interesting scene to begin the novel with because it puts you off the idea that the story is beginning from where they are in their current age. But there are things in the past that are reaching out from the dark place to pull Dev and Hadlee back, kicking and screaming if needs be. The portrayal of the little girl and the setting of the scene are transporting in a nostalgic way that makes you miss being that young with that sort of innocence.
But as we make our way into the more current day moments you see there is something very, very wrong with these two. Not to mention the lives of those surrounding them. Dev is working at his parent's motel everyday and while Dev doesn't say it, it doesn't feel like he's begrudging them that responsibility. The Landry family is made up of Joanne & Joe, a couple who fell in love young and married young, and then after having Dev seemed to stop right where they were. Partially due to the repetitious nature of their daily lives in operating the motel. Which has definitely seen better day's itself and for the Landry's. The motel was Joe's (Dev's Dad) idea and being the type of woman to stand by her man, Joanne climbed on board the good ship Brooke Meadow's "Where our family is your family. The one stop shop for all your hospitality needs". Ouch..Sorry about that Dev.
The relationship Dev has with his parents is one of almost Stockholm syndrome type devotion. He fervently believes their helicopter parenting stems from the necessity of keeping him there longer than preferred. But this only ends up in making him feel stuck and unable to plot a course farther than the front counter of the motel. The family unit of the Landry's is one of sweet nostalgia, it's a family that began strong and then experienced some terrible upheaval which seems in each of their own capacities to have left them feeling a bit jaded with life. Or at least the outside world. The motel is struggling to get by which is placing strain on both the parents which adds to the distress Dev feels trying to shoulder responsibilities of not only his parents but the world he's locked himself into.
Hadlee is something of a different story. She's a young stand offish, don't mess with me, photography and side private investigator who isn't shy about exposing people for their depraved tendencies. Hadlee used to smile more. She used to talk more. And she used to be around more. It's the crime of being the best friend for years only to be confronted with something which makes returning to that status almost impossible to her mind. Hadlee wants BIG. She wants out of the small town she's grown up in. She wants to be able to take care of her little sister, Maggie. She wants Dev to get out as well. She often talks about them running away together and starting over somewhere else. Which I'm not going to lie, kinda struck a cord with me because around this age that was something I'd debated on. (Kind of wish I had lol) But there's this gnawing thing sitting in the back of her head that prevents her from not only freeing herself, but abandoning Dev as well. Hadlee feels too much and it comes out in the poems she writes and the photography she posts on her website Malevolent Beauty. (That's one of the most badass names for a site I've ever heard.) She frequently does live streams from her bedroom and most of the time it's just her sitting and reading comments or working on things in silence. But Dev always makes and appearance (and a quick disappearance because he's afraid she will push him farther away if she finds out he's NightRunner13.)
The concept of introducing this type of "window" through which both of the characters are able to communicate at first is something rather genius. It gives the characters their own autonomy, but allows the reader and the other character a glimpse into what the other is doing. Not to mention it allows us to see the demeanor and the response of Hadlee dealing with gross or seriously abusive/harassing comments from her chat. Hadlee like Dev has a small world, but unlike Dev her's is one of choice. She doesn't talk to anyone. She doesn't go anywhere. Doesn't even seem like she's a human girl at times rather an apparition of someone Dev used to know floating around town.
Another interesting aspect of the story are the bordering characters: Mr. Clark Day, the grumpy cantankerous old man that lives in Room 17. He's been there since the motel was once school dormitories. Then there's Rory Tonkin, a college student who comes to the motel to "study" and indulge in his chosen form of "relaxation". Then there's Rosa Barrera, this is one of my favorite characters in the book because she's so loving and kind. But she also doesn't kid around and is so funny it's hard not to smile when you read chapters with her in them. It's also funny as hell to read how she keeps trying to hook Dev up with her granddaughter Gabriella! Absolutely hilarious! And a much needed and appreciated moment of levity during some of the more trying moments in Dev's story. Coach Odis is the quintessential "coach" character, but he's done with a special flair here as he takes a personal stake in each of his athletes. Then...Travis Weathers...I swear to the sweet baby Yoda this kid is kinda a dick if I'm being honest. (Heavy Tim vibes. If you don't know...go ready TNISWAF). Next to last we have Maggie Morgan, Hadlee's younger sister, whom she adores with everything in her. Mrs. Morgan is...WOW..Just...WOW. And her "lover" are almost right out of the history books depiction of Isabella of France. Mr. Morgan...can go....*ahem...I'm good. I'm good. (Mentally kicks the character in the balls) I don't like this character and am looking forward to him getting what's coming to him.
And then last, but certainly NOT LEASE! Aiden Brumberg! Aiden is the GOAT when it comes to that Nerdy Nerf herder vibe! Aiden is a HUGE nerd boy and I'm here for it! Star Wars references all throughout the convo's with Dev. The added text messages between Dev and Aiden are freaking hilarious! I absolutely love their friendship and the way Aiden flirts shamelessly with his best friend. Like I would hang out with someone like Aiden! I think Aiden showed the most positive side of SW. And that's loyalty to friendship mixed in with a little cocky swagger.
Overall, the storyline was gripping, meaning once it's latched on there is no other choice but to hang on tight and follow the characters through what they had to experience. The reading experience was edge of your seat most of the time and after each part there were moments where I had to just sit and absorb everything that had just happened to the characters. It's a twisting tale that will keep you guessing what's real and what isn't, whether the ones we love can be trusted implicitly, or if there is perhaps a little darkness in all of us. But overall, I would definitely read this book again and I can't wait to find out if there will be more of these characters to come. It's an important book with vividly astounding world building and the banter between Hadlee and Dev is just about the most heart wrenching journey I've been on. But it's also lovely the way they kept fighting for each other and kept me trying to figure out what had happened.
Beautifully written and worded with the nuance and honesty I've come to associate with Chris's writing style. This book will guaranteed give you ALL the feels you could hope for. Masterfully done and again couldn't have loved the characters and their individual stories more.
(THERE WILL BE SPOILERS!!! SO MAKE SURE YOU'RE OKAY WITH THAT BEFORE READING THIS!)
...AGAIN...SPOILERS AHEAD...
First off I would like to say there are very few books that manage to leave an indelible mark on you as a person. Books that nestle themselves down in your soul and psyche, and help you face, understand, and process things you had tried to forget. And this author is one of those rare finds with that talent. I read his debut "The Night I Spent With Aubrey Fisher" and I can't tell you what that book means to me to this day. And as beautifully written and honestly depicted as TNISWAF is.."Keep You" is something very, very different. The book is one that I firmly believe has big things ahead for it because of the way the world is constructed and the authenticity Chris is able to lend to each of his characters that make you: fight for them, hurt with them, and love like them. 'Keep You' was something of a surprise to me, but in all the best possible ways a story can be. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone without question. I would however caution readers to make sure to CHECK THE TRIGGER WARNINGS before diving into the deep end which is the world of 'Keep You'.
I enjoyed the book very much (as if you can't tell) and in a lot of ways it was a challenge for me to read. Which for my part is something I enjoy in reading and in the writing of authors able to cultivate a real relationship within the story that makes it feel almost like you're peeking in on a life in progress.
The two MAIN characters (Hadlee Renee Morgan & Devon Landry) are about as inseparable as pb&j. They're childhood friends which grew into young adult friends and then possibly more. But there are always growing pains for kids when they begin to become adults. Particularly in old friendships that have the possibility to shift into something deeper. To hear Dev talk about her, Hadlee is the only girl in the world that understands him and is able to make him feel almost invincible as long as she's by his side. Dev trust's her implicitly with everything he has, there are no secrets between the two of them. Well....at least there weren't at first that is.
The book opens on a flashback scene with young Hadlee eating ice cream and being afraid. The sweet with the bitter as always in life Hadlee learned the bitterness that sometimes comes along with living on the edge of darkness. This was a particularly interesting scene to begin the novel with because it puts you off the idea that the story is beginning from where they are in their current age. But there are things in the past that are reaching out from the dark place to pull Dev and Hadlee back, kicking and screaming if needs be. The portrayal of the little girl and the setting of the scene are transporting in a nostalgic way that makes you miss being that young with that sort of innocence.
But as we make our way into the more current day moments you see there is something very, very wrong with these two. Not to mention the lives of those surrounding them. Dev is working at his parent's motel everyday and while Dev doesn't say it, it doesn't feel like he's begrudging them that responsibility. The Landry family is made up of Joanne & Joe, a couple who fell in love young and married young, and then after having Dev seemed to stop right where they were. Partially due to the repetitious nature of their daily lives in operating the motel. Which has definitely seen better day's itself and for the Landry's. The motel was Joe's (Dev's Dad) idea and being the type of woman to stand by her man, Joanne climbed on board the good ship Brooke Meadow's "Where our family is your family. The one stop shop for all your hospitality needs". Ouch..Sorry about that Dev.
The relationship Dev has with his parents is one of almost Stockholm syndrome type devotion. He fervently believes their helicopter parenting stems from the necessity of keeping him there longer than preferred. But this only ends up in making him feel stuck and unable to plot a course farther than the front counter of the motel. The family unit of the Landry's is one of sweet nostalgia, it's a family that began strong and then experienced some terrible upheaval which seems in each of their own capacities to have left them feeling a bit jaded with life. Or at least the outside world. The motel is struggling to get by which is placing strain on both the parents which adds to the distress Dev feels trying to shoulder responsibilities of not only his parents but the world he's locked himself into.
Hadlee is something of a different story. She's a young stand offish, don't mess with me, photography and side private investigator who isn't shy about exposing people for their depraved tendencies. Hadlee used to smile more. She used to talk more. And she used to be around more. It's the crime of being the best friend for years only to be confronted with something which makes returning to that status almost impossible to her mind. Hadlee wants BIG. She wants out of the small town she's grown up in. She wants to be able to take care of her little sister, Maggie. She wants Dev to get out as well. She often talks about them running away together and starting over somewhere else. Which I'm not going to lie, kinda struck a cord with me because around this age that was something I'd debated on. (Kind of wish I had lol) But there's this gnawing thing sitting in the back of her head that prevents her from not only freeing herself, but abandoning Dev as well. Hadlee feels too much and it comes out in the poems she writes and the photography she posts on her website Malevolent Beauty. (That's one of the most badass names for a site I've ever heard.) She frequently does live streams from her bedroom and most of the time it's just her sitting and reading comments or working on things in silence. But Dev always makes and appearance (and a quick disappearance because he's afraid she will push him farther away if she finds out he's NightRunner13.)
The concept of introducing this type of "window" through which both of the characters are able to communicate at first is something rather genius. It gives the characters their own autonomy, but allows the reader and the other character a glimpse into what the other is doing. Not to mention it allows us to see the demeanor and the response of Hadlee dealing with gross or seriously abusive/harassing comments from her chat. Hadlee like Dev has a small world, but unlike Dev her's is one of choice. She doesn't talk to anyone. She doesn't go anywhere. Doesn't even seem like she's a human girl at times rather an apparition of someone Dev used to know floating around town.
Another interesting aspect of the story are the bordering characters: Mr. Clark Day, the grumpy cantankerous old man that lives in Room 17. He's been there since the motel was once school dormitories. Then there's Rory Tonkin, a college student who comes to the motel to "study" and indulge in his chosen form of "relaxation". Then there's Rosa Barrera, this is one of my favorite characters in the book because she's so loving and kind. But she also doesn't kid around and is so funny it's hard not to smile when you read chapters with her in them. It's also funny as hell to read how she keeps trying to hook Dev up with her granddaughter Gabriella! Absolutely hilarious! And a much needed and appreciated moment of levity during some of the more trying moments in Dev's story. Coach Odis is the quintessential "coach" character, but he's done with a special flair here as he takes a personal stake in each of his athletes. Then...Travis Weathers...I swear to the sweet baby Yoda this kid is kinda a dick if I'm being honest. (Heavy Tim vibes. If you don't know...go ready TNISWAF). Next to last we have Maggie Morgan, Hadlee's younger sister, whom she adores with everything in her. Mrs. Morgan is...WOW..Just...WOW. And her "lover" are almost right out of the history books depiction of Isabella of France. Mr. Morgan...can go....*ahem...I'm good. I'm good. (Mentally kicks the character in the balls) I don't like this character and am looking forward to him getting what's coming to him.
And then last, but certainly NOT LEASE! Aiden Brumberg! Aiden is the GOAT when it comes to that Nerdy Nerf herder vibe! Aiden is a HUGE nerd boy and I'm here for it! Star Wars references all throughout the convo's with Dev. The added text messages between Dev and Aiden are freaking hilarious! I absolutely love their friendship and the way Aiden flirts shamelessly with his best friend. Like I would hang out with someone like Aiden! I think Aiden showed the most positive side of SW. And that's loyalty to friendship mixed in with a little cocky swagger.
Overall, the storyline was gripping, meaning once it's latched on there is no other choice but to hang on tight and follow the characters through what they had to experience. The reading experience was edge of your seat most of the time and after each part there were moments where I had to just sit and absorb everything that had just happened to the characters. It's a twisting tale that will keep you guessing what's real and what isn't, whether the ones we love can be trusted implicitly, or if there is perhaps a little darkness in all of us. But overall, I would definitely read this book again and I can't wait to find out if there will be more of these characters to come. It's an important book with vividly astounding world building and the banter between Hadlee and Dev is just about the most heart wrenching journey I've been on. But it's also lovely the way they kept fighting for each other and kept me trying to figure out what had happened.
Beautifully written and worded with the nuance and honesty I've come to associate with Chris's writing style. This book will guaranteed give you ALL the feels you could hope for. Masterfully done and again couldn't have loved the characters and their individual stories more.
March 25, 2024
I ARC read this book and I love Christopher M. Tantillo’s writing style! This had the right vibe for me to be intrigued and keep reading. I love the characters with edges and their development. The family dynamics are so well described I cannot but wonder how much is based in real life. The plot was so good and pointing out so many real issues we have in the society. I would recommend for anyone that loves books with realistic characters and intriguing plots.
August 8, 2024
3.5⭐️
I started following CMT a long time ago on Tiktok, and ever since have been very intrigued to read his work. I am happy I got the chance to ARC read this (even though I unfortunately didn't get to it before it's release - life), and am definitely excited to read his first book after enjoying this!
This book takes you on a fun adventure, with dark themes and a great twist. It had me excited to see how the series continues!
It does read a bit younger, which is surprising with the types of themes and triggers it deals with. I'm not sure if this is a writing style thing, or if it's just my brain comparing the writing to some of the fantasy and darker thrillers I've read, but the "young" feeling of the writing didn't take away from the story.
Overall, I enjoyed this!
I started following CMT a long time ago on Tiktok, and ever since have been very intrigued to read his work. I am happy I got the chance to ARC read this (even though I unfortunately didn't get to it before it's release - life), and am definitely excited to read his first book after enjoying this!
This book takes you on a fun adventure, with dark themes and a great twist. It had me excited to see how the series continues!
It does read a bit younger, which is surprising with the types of themes and triggers it deals with. I'm not sure if this is a writing style thing, or if it's just my brain comparing the writing to some of the fantasy and darker thrillers I've read, but the "young" feeling of the writing didn't take away from the story.
Overall, I enjoyed this!
October 19, 2024
Book comes out May 21, 2024
Check your triggers before reading!
Thank you Chris for the ARC of your second book “Keep You”
My heart hasn’t been the same.
Amazingly done! The ending though. 🧗♀️I hope there’s a book 2 coming!
Although it’s not need I highly recommend you read Christopher M. Tantillo’s other book “The Night I Spent with Aubrey Fisher” Aubrey makes an appearance in “Keep You”.
Check your triggers before reading!
Thank you Chris for the ARC of your second book “Keep You”
My heart hasn’t been the same.
Amazingly done! The ending though. 🧗♀️I hope there’s a book 2 coming!
Although it’s not need I highly recommend you read Christopher M. Tantillo’s other book “The Night I Spent with Aubrey Fisher” Aubrey makes an appearance in “Keep You”.
August 25, 2024
Another phenomenal book by Tantillo!
It's twisty and just so hard to put down.
It's twisty and just so hard to put down.
July 6, 2024
After reading The Night I Spent with Aubrey Fisher, this book was an auto-buy for me. I pre-ordered it as soon as it was available.
This book was incredible. I admire this author for telling stories about heavy topics that are difficult to discuss, but need to be recognized and brought to light. That being said, there are trigger warnings listed in the beginning of this book.
From the moment I started reading Keep You, I struggled to put it down. The way the characters are written, mixed with the suspense and subtle clues strewn throughout the writing, made me instantly attached to their stories and how everything would unfold. I often found myself sneaking to a quiet corner of the house to read a few pages in addition to sitting down and reading full chapters whenever I could.
I just had to know what would happen next.
The thing I love about the characters in this book is that they are so relatable. The main characters, their friends, the parents, etc. Everyone is dealing with very mundane, basic stresses, challenges, and conflicts in their lives, while also straddling between the reality of whatever tragedy happened three years before the book begins. This, to me, really encompasses the way that grief and trauma are not isolated events that have a simple starting point. Instead, they become embedded in everyday life in a complex way that each individual handles differently.
After reading this book, one thing I can say for sure is that I will be biting my nails and waiting for part two to be released next year. I cannot wait to get my hands on the rest of this story and find out what becomes of these characters.
Thank you, Christopher, for writing this story, having the strength to bring life to heavy, difficult topics, and being an advocate for breaking stigmas.
I will happily read any book written by this author! Highly recommend.
This book was incredible. I admire this author for telling stories about heavy topics that are difficult to discuss, but need to be recognized and brought to light. That being said, there are trigger warnings listed in the beginning of this book.
From the moment I started reading Keep You, I struggled to put it down. The way the characters are written, mixed with the suspense and subtle clues strewn throughout the writing, made me instantly attached to their stories and how everything would unfold. I often found myself sneaking to a quiet corner of the house to read a few pages in addition to sitting down and reading full chapters whenever I could.
I just had to know what would happen next.
The thing I love about the characters in this book is that they are so relatable. The main characters, their friends, the parents, etc. Everyone is dealing with very mundane, basic stresses, challenges, and conflicts in their lives, while also straddling between the reality of whatever tragedy happened three years before the book begins. This, to me, really encompasses the way that grief and trauma are not isolated events that have a simple starting point. Instead, they become embedded in everyday life in a complex way that each individual handles differently.
After reading this book, one thing I can say for sure is that I will be biting my nails and waiting for part two to be released next year. I cannot wait to get my hands on the rest of this story and find out what becomes of these characters.
Thank you, Christopher, for writing this story, having the strength to bring life to heavy, difficult topics, and being an advocate for breaking stigmas.
I will happily read any book written by this author! Highly recommend.
May 20, 2024
Sometimes I read a YA book and am reminded just how much I love reading this genre. Tantillo is a new author to me and I am a definite fan. I was so completely gripped by this book right from page one all the way to the end so much so that I lost a lot of sleep because I was eager to read more and chose that over sleeping! I know there will be a book two and I couldn’t be happier to know that because I am so anxious to read what is going to happen next. This author’s talent to pull in a reader the way he did, especially with the focus on mental health and other triggers, is commendable.
Please note that there are a lot of triggers and heavy topics. The author speaks about this at the beginning of the book as well as in the acknowledgements at the end of the book. He mentions that he likes to push boundaries and challenge societal norms and that he writes stories for the voiceless and to spread awareness and positivity in a world that is dark. This one sentence he says that truly resonates with me is “All it takes is one person to make a difference”. Let that sink in for a minute. Are you that person? Will you be able to offer some advice, some encouragement, some help? What about a shoulder to cry on, some time to listen or be a friend? Please allow people the chance to talk and not stay silent. Make a difference, be that person. I heard you Chris, and please know that you should forgive yourself. Don’t beat yourself up anymore than you have. Use that energy towards helping others like you have been, continue to spread awareness and positivity (and definitely keep writing).
Lots of triggers but such a fantastic book! Special thanks to the author for spreading awareness and positivity! Be that someone and make a difference.
#keepyou #bookreview
Please note that there are a lot of triggers and heavy topics. The author speaks about this at the beginning of the book as well as in the acknowledgements at the end of the book. He mentions that he likes to push boundaries and challenge societal norms and that he writes stories for the voiceless and to spread awareness and positivity in a world that is dark. This one sentence he says that truly resonates with me is “All it takes is one person to make a difference”. Let that sink in for a minute. Are you that person? Will you be able to offer some advice, some encouragement, some help? What about a shoulder to cry on, some time to listen or be a friend? Please allow people the chance to talk and not stay silent. Make a difference, be that person. I heard you Chris, and please know that you should forgive yourself. Don’t beat yourself up anymore than you have. Use that energy towards helping others like you have been, continue to spread awareness and positivity (and definitely keep writing).
Lots of triggers but such a fantastic book! Special thanks to the author for spreading awareness and positivity! Be that someone and make a difference.
#keepyou #bookreview
March 26, 2024
I had the honor to beta read, and ARC read this book. All reviews are of my own (I wish I got paid to give 5 stars, but nope. Still a poor b!tch)
Will this book hurt your soul? Yes. Will you cry? Probably. Will you need a break from this book? No! You’ll want to finish it asap. But, this book will make you laugh, smile, and have all the happy feelings. Then, like any other Christopher book, you’d cry, feel heartache and have your life crash before you. To me, that’s a damn good book. I want to feel all the things, and you will with Keep You. Some of the twist I was able to see coming, but I found no one else did, so probably just a me thing. (I strive to be a detective while reading)
If you love a book where you think one thing, and then something completely different happens, this is definitely the book for you. You’ll be on the edge of your seat trying to guess what the truth is. Dev is such a sweet character who is literally having his world fall before him. Hadlee is such a badass FMC that you’d love.
Truth, secrets, lies. You’ll be hunting to find the truth, and writing all the notes. If you love books to note while reading, this is the book for you. Christopher has such a unique style when it comes to writing. He takes a spin on YA books that I’ve never personally seen before. It’s fresh, and not the “same ole plot. Different author” no, this is refreshing, and not something you may have seen before.
I could not rate this book high enough. As always, check your triggers before reading!
Will this book hurt your soul? Yes. Will you cry? Probably. Will you need a break from this book? No! You’ll want to finish it asap. But, this book will make you laugh, smile, and have all the happy feelings. Then, like any other Christopher book, you’d cry, feel heartache and have your life crash before you. To me, that’s a damn good book. I want to feel all the things, and you will with Keep You. Some of the twist I was able to see coming, but I found no one else did, so probably just a me thing. (I strive to be a detective while reading)
If you love a book where you think one thing, and then something completely different happens, this is definitely the book for you. You’ll be on the edge of your seat trying to guess what the truth is. Dev is such a sweet character who is literally having his world fall before him. Hadlee is such a badass FMC that you’d love.
Truth, secrets, lies. You’ll be hunting to find the truth, and writing all the notes. If you love books to note while reading, this is the book for you. Christopher has such a unique style when it comes to writing. He takes a spin on YA books that I’ve never personally seen before. It’s fresh, and not the “same ole plot. Different author” no, this is refreshing, and not something you may have seen before.
I could not rate this book high enough. As always, check your triggers before reading!
April 14, 2024
Thank you to Christopher M Tantillo for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was a big fan of Tantillo’s first book, The Night I Spent with Aubrey Fisher, and was very excited to get my hands on his next one. This book, even more so than his debut, solidifies Tantillo as one of the best YA writers today.
It’s very important to note that this book is considered upper-YA and has some very strong trigger warnings that should be reviewed before considering to read the book. The story is very dark and disturbing. Protect your mental health first and only read if you feel safe doing so.
I don’t want to give too much away with this one as the mysteries within the plot are part of what makes the story so compelling. Tantillo is working with subject matter that often gets overlooked (like the people who deal with it) and handles it beautifully. Like with his debut, Tantillo doesn’t shy away from the darkness his characters encounter and wrestle with. He stays there, lingering, to show the real-life monsters that can tear apart our lives. These are tough pages to get through, but the pain within them is important to drag out into the light. We can’t heal while still shrouded in darkness.
Tantillo weaves this mysterious tale with beautifully drawn characters who feel like people we’ve met in our own lives. His pacing never falters and the emotion never feels forced or manipulated. I’m a Tantillofan.
Now give us the next book, Chris!
I was a big fan of Tantillo’s first book, The Night I Spent with Aubrey Fisher, and was very excited to get my hands on his next one. This book, even more so than his debut, solidifies Tantillo as one of the best YA writers today.
It’s very important to note that this book is considered upper-YA and has some very strong trigger warnings that should be reviewed before considering to read the book. The story is very dark and disturbing. Protect your mental health first and only read if you feel safe doing so.
I don’t want to give too much away with this one as the mysteries within the plot are part of what makes the story so compelling. Tantillo is working with subject matter that often gets overlooked (like the people who deal with it) and handles it beautifully. Like with his debut, Tantillo doesn’t shy away from the darkness his characters encounter and wrestle with. He stays there, lingering, to show the real-life monsters that can tear apart our lives. These are tough pages to get through, but the pain within them is important to drag out into the light. We can’t heal while still shrouded in darkness.
Tantillo weaves this mysterious tale with beautifully drawn characters who feel like people we’ve met in our own lives. His pacing never falters and the emotion never feels forced or manipulated. I’m a Tantillofan.
Now give us the next book, Chris!
April 30, 2024
Release Date: May 21st
I want to preface this by saying I’m not a YA reader, I don’t generally like them, but I have been following Christopher Tantillo on TikTok since he put out his debute book, and I enjoyed it, so I wanted to give this one a try as well.
This is a dark, upper YA, coming of age mystery with elements of romance, suspense, and some quirky humor. If any of that interests you, I’d recommend keeping an eye out for this one!
In the beginning of the book, you’re meeting Dev. He is in love with his ex best friend who walked out of his life 3 years ago after something happens. You meet Aiden, who is Dev’s current best friend and is the cause of the quirky humor. He’s definitely the comic relief in this otherwise dark book.
I think Tantillo is a terrific writer, he really sucks you into the story, makes you root for Dev, understand Hadley and absolutely love Aiden. You see the way the three interconnect. How their past has yet to be dealt with. There’s a lot of suspense, confusion, and anxiety while reading this book.
It honestly felt like I was learning what happened 3 years ago right beside these characters. And when you finally learn…it guts you.
I also enjoyed the little Easter Egg Tantillo gives us. Made me smile real big when finding it!
I can’t wait to see what comes next for Tantillo.
I want to preface this by saying I’m not a YA reader, I don’t generally like them, but I have been following Christopher Tantillo on TikTok since he put out his debute book, and I enjoyed it, so I wanted to give this one a try as well.
This is a dark, upper YA, coming of age mystery with elements of romance, suspense, and some quirky humor. If any of that interests you, I’d recommend keeping an eye out for this one!
In the beginning of the book, you’re meeting Dev. He is in love with his ex best friend who walked out of his life 3 years ago after something happens. You meet Aiden, who is Dev’s current best friend and is the cause of the quirky humor. He’s definitely the comic relief in this otherwise dark book.
I think Tantillo is a terrific writer, he really sucks you into the story, makes you root for Dev, understand Hadley and absolutely love Aiden. You see the way the three interconnect. How their past has yet to be dealt with. There’s a lot of suspense, confusion, and anxiety while reading this book.
It honestly felt like I was learning what happened 3 years ago right beside these characters. And when you finally learn…it guts you.
I also enjoyed the little Easter Egg Tantillo gives us. Made me smile real big when finding it!
I can’t wait to see what comes next for Tantillo.
April 5, 2024
Make sure to check out trigger warnings before reading!
I loved this book! It’s a YA mystery that keeps you wanting more yet it does end in a cliffhanger that sets up for another amazing book.
This book is about Dev and Hadlee 3 years after something happened that tore apart their childhood friendship. He doesn’t understand what happened and why Hadlee doesn’t want to be his friend any longer. He loves Hadlee deeply as a teenager can love and hopes one day she’ll come back to him.
Dev’s life changes the day Hadlee shows up asking for a place to stay for the night and he can’t refuse leaving him with more questions than answers.
It’s truly an amazing coming of age story with mystery and a dash of quirky teenage banter. Chris has an amazing way with touching on topics that aren’t society’s norm that teenagers and even adults can understand and relate to. So many secrets, some answered and yet some will linger on until we get book two!
5/5 ⭐️ What a fantastic, fast paced, amazing, can’t put down ride! Thank you Chris for allowing me to Arc read this amazing book!
I loved this book! It’s a YA mystery that keeps you wanting more yet it does end in a cliffhanger that sets up for another amazing book.
This book is about Dev and Hadlee 3 years after something happened that tore apart their childhood friendship. He doesn’t understand what happened and why Hadlee doesn’t want to be his friend any longer. He loves Hadlee deeply as a teenager can love and hopes one day she’ll come back to him.
Dev’s life changes the day Hadlee shows up asking for a place to stay for the night and he can’t refuse leaving him with more questions than answers.
It’s truly an amazing coming of age story with mystery and a dash of quirky teenage banter. Chris has an amazing way with touching on topics that aren’t society’s norm that teenagers and even adults can understand and relate to. So many secrets, some answered and yet some will linger on until we get book two!
5/5 ⭐️ What a fantastic, fast paced, amazing, can’t put down ride! Thank you Chris for allowing me to Arc read this amazing book!
May 3, 2024
Keep You has resonated with me for months since I read it the first time, and I think it will continue to for a long time. Christopher M. Tantillo managed to create a roller coaster of a novel that's mysterious, romantic, thrilling, tragic, hilarious, and does all of that so seamlessly the genre changes just seem natural.
This is definitely a darker read that lives up to the list of trigger warnings, but all of it is delivered in a respectful way that stays empathetic and understanding in a world that's becoming less normalized. The world building and skillful poetry pulls the reader into Dev's life and confronts you with his emotions and inner turmoil in a way that kept me wanting a sequel before I even finished reading. This was one of those books I started getting to the end and dreading not having nearly enough pages left, and I have a feeling this book will remain an all time favorite. I consider Keep You a must-read and can't wait for another glimpse into this world.
This is definitely a darker read that lives up to the list of trigger warnings, but all of it is delivered in a respectful way that stays empathetic and understanding in a world that's becoming less normalized. The world building and skillful poetry pulls the reader into Dev's life and confronts you with his emotions and inner turmoil in a way that kept me wanting a sequel before I even finished reading. This was one of those books I started getting to the end and dreading not having nearly enough pages left, and I have a feeling this book will remain an all time favorite. I consider Keep You a must-read and can't wait for another glimpse into this world.
June 1, 2024
💙😰😲Totally stunning!
13 years ago:
Little Hadlee, 5 years old, was afraid of monsters.
Her parents had expressly asked her to stay downstairs on the sofa, to eat her good chocolate ice cream.
Mom and Dad were upstairs, and they were making weird noises.
Hadlee was very scared, she pulled her legs up towards her for fear that the monsters would grab her by the ankles...
----------
Here is an excellent and moving surprise: this stunning thriller which tells the mysterious story of two young main characters, Devon and Hadlee.
- What really happened?
- Do monsters really exist?
This touching and frightening novel is a quick read.
The plot is totally captivating, the characters are excellent and moving; the author's writing immerses the reader in a very mysterious story which will turn out to be totally incredible!
Absolutely worth discovering!
13 years ago:
Little Hadlee, 5 years old, was afraid of monsters.
Her parents had expressly asked her to stay downstairs on the sofa, to eat her good chocolate ice cream.
Mom and Dad were upstairs, and they were making weird noises.
Hadlee was very scared, she pulled her legs up towards her for fear that the monsters would grab her by the ankles...
----------
Here is an excellent and moving surprise: this stunning thriller which tells the mysterious story of two young main characters, Devon and Hadlee.
- What really happened?
- Do monsters really exist?
This touching and frightening novel is a quick read.
The plot is totally captivating, the characters are excellent and moving; the author's writing immerses the reader in a very mysterious story which will turn out to be totally incredible!
Absolutely worth discovering!
March 11, 2024
Secrets, secrets, secrets! Everyone has a secret including Dev, the ex-bestfriend, and their parents. It is an emotional and mental journey. If your into thrillers or mysteries then this is the book for you. All the twists and turns keep you on your toes. It is also for readers 18+ due to themes. The trigger warnings include abandonment, abuse, anxiety, aversion to medication, brief mention of child pornography, bullying, CPTSD, crude language, depression, drug use, head trauma, mentions of BDSM and grooming, misogny, neglect, PTSD, repressed memories, self-harm, sexual assault, suicidal ideation, and violence all involving teens.
Overall it is a good book however it ends on a cliffhanger. It also didn't end the way I thought it would.
Overall it is a good book however it ends on a cliffhanger. It also didn't end the way I thought it would.
April 14, 2024
This book really takes you on a mental adventure. Some points the lines are blurred between reality and hallucinations as you try to uncover the mystery of what happened to this friendship, what happened in the woods, what is happening with these parents and who are these characters REALLY!
I love that I still have so many questions after book one. I love that I am attached to all of the characters. There isn’t one person in this book that I can’t connect with and understand how they are feeling.
But I do think my favorite part was after the story was over and I was reading the Acknowledgments and saw how much this story meant to Tantillo. The raw feelings that went into this book have me in awe of his talent as a writer.
Can’t wait for book two!
I love that I still have so many questions after book one. I love that I am attached to all of the characters. There isn’t one person in this book that I can’t connect with and understand how they are feeling.
But I do think my favorite part was after the story was over and I was reading the Acknowledgments and saw how much this story meant to Tantillo. The raw feelings that went into this book have me in awe of his talent as a writer.
Can’t wait for book two!
August 30, 2024
A beautiful work of art!
This story follows Dev on his journey to discover the truth and move forward with his life after a traumatic event.
Christopher has yet again done an amazing job of handling very serious issues with care and grace. While we have a main character with a brain injury, the author lovingly gives the audience the feeling of being muddled and lost with Dev. I love a story that really puts you in the shoes of its characters and Christopher does a great job of that. I didn't just feel like I was reading about Dev's frustration and pain, I felt like I was experiencing it.
Christopher is an auto-buy author for me and I am excited to see what comes next. Pick up this book, you will not regret it.
This story follows Dev on his journey to discover the truth and move forward with his life after a traumatic event.
Christopher has yet again done an amazing job of handling very serious issues with care and grace. While we have a main character with a brain injury, the author lovingly gives the audience the feeling of being muddled and lost with Dev. I love a story that really puts you in the shoes of its characters and Christopher does a great job of that. I didn't just feel like I was reading about Dev's frustration and pain, I felt like I was experiencing it.
Christopher is an auto-buy author for me and I am excited to see what comes next. Pick up this book, you will not regret it.
November 11, 2024
So I think I might have been confused as to the genre of this book. I kept thinking there was some sort of sci-fi cause or laboratory at the root of Dev’s hallucinations. Nope, it was trauma. I also kept waiting for Dev to get a win (both literally figuratively) in terms of track. It seems like there will be a second book - I would like to see that have evolved more. The fact everyone was keeping this terrible secret was shocking and made it feel shameful. Mental health is very important so to pretend something isn’t going on and to try and avoid it all together is unhealthy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews