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Too Close to Keep
When twenty-six-year-old Stephanie stumbles into another world, she discovers that everything she once believed was a myth... is undeniably real.
Trapped on a planet where she doesn’t understand the language or the rules, Stephanie must adapt quickly—with the help of the one person she can understand.
What she didn’t expect? A prince.
A powerful, brooding air Fae who speaks in whispers and watches her like she’s already his.
As their connection deepens, Stephanie is pulled into a dangerous web of secrets, political schemes, and a prophecy set in motion long before she arrived. She doesn’t know it yet, but everything in this world has been leading to her.
And the truth will change her forever.
Too Close to Keep is a slow-burn romantasy filled with ancient magic, forbidden truths, found family, and an intense love story between a mortal woman and the Fae prince who refuses to let her go.
Written in modern English and first-person POV, this romantasy duology begins with Too Close to Keep, where fate, love, and magic collide.
🗝️ Ends with a cliffhanger.
⚠️ Trigger mental health, panic attacks, graphic language, sexual activities, blood, injuries, death, and murder.
Trapped on a planet where she doesn’t understand the language or the rules, Stephanie must adapt quickly—with the help of the one person she can understand.
What she didn’t expect? A prince.
A powerful, brooding air Fae who speaks in whispers and watches her like she’s already his.
As their connection deepens, Stephanie is pulled into a dangerous web of secrets, political schemes, and a prophecy set in motion long before she arrived. She doesn’t know it yet, but everything in this world has been leading to her.
And the truth will change her forever.
Too Close to Keep is a slow-burn romantasy filled with ancient magic, forbidden truths, found family, and an intense love story between a mortal woman and the Fae prince who refuses to let her go.
Written in modern English and first-person POV, this romantasy duology begins with Too Close to Keep, where fate, love, and magic collide.
🗝️ Ends with a cliffhanger.
⚠️ Trigger mental health, panic attacks, graphic language, sexual activities, blood, injuries, death, and murder.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2025
24 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 5, 2025
Too Close to Keep by Anete Štelle is a fast-paced fantasy romance set in a magical world full of fae, elves, werewolves, goblins, and more. It’s imaginative and easy to fall into — I finished it in under 24 hours.
The main character, Stephanie, is witty, self-aware, and a joy to follow — her internal commentary had me smiling often. One line in particular stuck with me: “Book brain, shut up. This is not hot. This is not hot.” It perfectly captures the book’s tone: playful, warm, and relatable.
The romance has a mix of slow burn and instant connection. While I usually lean toward slower, more tension-filled emotional arcs, I still appreciated the softness between the leads — their bond develops through quiet moments and small gestures that felt authentic.
One of my favorite elements was the found family dynamic (the twins completely won me over!), and the language barrier between Stephanie and others — especially Jackson — added a unique, heartfelt layer to their relationship. The nonverbal communication was beautifully done.
If I had one note, it’s that some major events near the end felt a bit rushed. I would’ve liked a little more space for the emotional impact to really hit.
Still, this was a fun, heartfelt read — full of charm, potential, and great character moments. After that plot twist at the end, I’m definitely excited to see where the story goes next.
Thank you so much to Anete Štelle for the ARC!
The main character, Stephanie, is witty, self-aware, and a joy to follow — her internal commentary had me smiling often. One line in particular stuck with me: “Book brain, shut up. This is not hot. This is not hot.” It perfectly captures the book’s tone: playful, warm, and relatable.
The romance has a mix of slow burn and instant connection. While I usually lean toward slower, more tension-filled emotional arcs, I still appreciated the softness between the leads — their bond develops through quiet moments and small gestures that felt authentic.
One of my favorite elements was the found family dynamic (the twins completely won me over!), and the language barrier between Stephanie and others — especially Jackson — added a unique, heartfelt layer to their relationship. The nonverbal communication was beautifully done.
If I had one note, it’s that some major events near the end felt a bit rushed. I would’ve liked a little more space for the emotional impact to really hit.
Still, this was a fun, heartfelt read — full of charm, potential, and great character moments. After that plot twist at the end, I’m definitely excited to see where the story goes next.
Thank you so much to Anete Štelle for the ARC!
August 15, 2025
I enjoyed this book in the beginning, I loveddddd the automatic connection of the two main characters. I knew they were gonna ✨do it✨ I just didn’t know when.
The first four chapters of the book was quite hard for me to get into because there were a few mentions of Earth and technologies we have today and it was hard for me to stay focused and intrigued in the book. I read to take my mind off Earth: however, this book brought me back to reality.
After the first four chapters, I lovedddddd the book. I loved the plot, I loved how the characters became a new family and I loved the character build up and understanding the characters a lot more.
However, during 60-70% of the book, I found it quite hard to continue to read because Stephanie wanted to go back home to Earth and her and Jack didn’t really talk about it, but then they spend a night together and it’s not really talked about. I have DNF this book at 71%, but I do plan on rereading it in a few weeks.
Altogether, the book is good and I do want to read it all. It is my own fault because I left too much of a gap between reading and I didn’t read it for a few days so the need to read died a little in me😢.
But congratulations Anête on this book! Thank you for sending me the arc💞
The first four chapters of the book was quite hard for me to get into because there were a few mentions of Earth and technologies we have today and it was hard for me to stay focused and intrigued in the book. I read to take my mind off Earth: however, this book brought me back to reality.
After the first four chapters, I lovedddddd the book. I loved the plot, I loved how the characters became a new family and I loved the character build up and understanding the characters a lot more.
However, during 60-70% of the book, I found it quite hard to continue to read because Stephanie wanted to go back home to Earth and her and Jack didn’t really talk about it, but then they spend a night together and it’s not really talked about. I have DNF this book at 71%, but I do plan on rereading it in a few weeks.
Altogether, the book is good and I do want to read it all. It is my own fault because I left too much of a gap between reading and I didn’t read it for a few days so the need to read died a little in me😢.
But congratulations Anête on this book! Thank you for sending me the arc💞
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2025
I’m obsessed. Truly. This book was everything I wanted and more.
The plot is smart, well-paced, and full of unexpected turns. The world-building is stunning - vivid and atmospheric without ever feeling heavy or overwhelming. Just enough to let my imagination take over without getting lost in the details.
I adored the heroine - strong, human, and completely out of place in a magical world… and yet she never felt out of her depth. The male lead? Protective, powerful, and absolutely unforgettable. The destined love angle was beautifully done, emotional without being too dramatic.
There’s a great balance of tension, romance, and humour, and the writing style is clean, addictive, and super easy to sink into. Told in first person from dual POVs, which I always appreciate when it’s done right, and here, it really is.
A magical, emotional journey that left me wanting more. I’ll be thinking about these characters until the next book arrives.
The plot is smart, well-paced, and full of unexpected turns. The world-building is stunning - vivid and atmospheric without ever feeling heavy or overwhelming. Just enough to let my imagination take over without getting lost in the details.
I adored the heroine - strong, human, and completely out of place in a magical world… and yet she never felt out of her depth. The male lead? Protective, powerful, and absolutely unforgettable. The destined love angle was beautifully done, emotional without being too dramatic.
There’s a great balance of tension, romance, and humour, and the writing style is clean, addictive, and super easy to sink into. Told in first person from dual POVs, which I always appreciate when it’s done right, and here, it really is.
A magical, emotional journey that left me wanting more. I’ll be thinking about these characters until the next book arrives.
October 23, 2025
I loved this book! Our main girl might be human, but she’s one of the most relatable characters I’ve read in ages, especially with her trusty Kindle by her side (honestly, same). The pacing was spot on, the world-building was rich without ever dragging, and don’t even get me started on the cheeky twins 😍 absolute chaos in the best way.
But what really stood out was how Anete managed to capture so much emotion without the characters even speaking the same language. It felt raw, real, and surprisingly funny at times. I laughed, I swooned, and I might have even hugged my Kindle when it was over.
If you love a one bed trope, unique worlds, and a sprinkle of mischief, this one’s for you!
But what really stood out was how Anete managed to capture so much emotion without the characters even speaking the same language. It felt raw, real, and surprisingly funny at times. I laughed, I swooned, and I might have even hugged my Kindle when it was over.
If you love a one bed trope, unique worlds, and a sprinkle of mischief, this one’s for you!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2025
I loved how easy and fun this book was to read. You’ve got magic, otherworldly creatures, found family, and a whole lot of secrets.
It was so funny that I found myself laughing throughout the book. I absolutely loved the side characters in this story—sometimes they even outshine the protagonists.
And the yearning? MMC Jackson is an expert at that. He falls first, and he falls so hard that you become instantly obsessed. Oh, and they don’t even speak the same language. I’m just gonna leave that there.
The ending leaves you with so many questions, and I can’t wait for the next book to see how the author ties it all back together.
It was so funny that I found myself laughing throughout the book. I absolutely loved the side characters in this story—sometimes they even outshine the protagonists.
And the yearning? MMC Jackson is an expert at that. He falls first, and he falls so hard that you become instantly obsessed. Oh, and they don’t even speak the same language. I’m just gonna leave that there.
The ending leaves you with so many questions, and I can’t wait for the next book to see how the author ties it all back together.
August 19, 2025
I loved this novel and concept of two separate planets, one for all the magical and fantastical creatures, and one for humans.
Stephanie's character was well written and realistic, she reacts in a very natural way to this new world. I also love the "book brain" inner monologue, it made me giggle.
the story is intricate and there are multiple conflicts going on, but it's done so well and not confusing at all!
i can't wait for the next book!
Stephanie's character was well written and realistic, she reacts in a very natural way to this new world. I also love the "book brain" inner monologue, it made me giggle.
the story is intricate and there are multiple conflicts going on, but it's done so well and not confusing at all!
i can't wait for the next book!
September 18, 2025
I love this book <3
You follow Stephanie who stumbles into another world, a planet where she dont ubderstand the language or teh rules, and discovers that all the myth she knew, was in fact real.
I really like the fmc an love the way she connected with the other caracters and the relationship she has with the mmc, who is a powerful fae Prince.
The story move along fast, so there are always something happening and maid me alway longing back to this world and back to Stephanie.
You follow Stephanie who stumbles into another world, a planet where she dont ubderstand the language or teh rules, and discovers that all the myth she knew, was in fact real.
I really like the fmc an love the way she connected with the other caracters and the relationship she has with the mmc, who is a powerful fae Prince.
The story move along fast, so there are always something happening and maid me alway longing back to this world and back to Stephanie.
August 15, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. The story is fast paced, the characters are well rounded and relatable (if I ever get dropped on a planet bustling with magic and creatures from the fairytales I too would scream and run).
I loved how obsessed the MMC is with the FMC, top tier book boyfriend material, he had me giggling and kicking my feet.
The found family was everything. Such entertaining banter.
I loved how obsessed the MMC is with the FMC, top tier book boyfriend material, he had me giggling and kicking my feet.
The found family was everything. Such entertaining banter.
October 7, 2025
4.5 stars!!!
Really enjoyed this read, hooked me in from the start, and every time I picked it up again after that. Didn’t want it to end as I was enjoying feel like a part of their found family!!
SUPER excited for book 2!!!!
Really enjoyed this read, hooked me in from the start, and every time I picked it up again after that. Didn’t want it to end as I was enjoying feel like a part of their found family!!
SUPER excited for book 2!!!!
July 23, 2025
Great banter and some proper laugh out loud moments in this first book by Anete Stelle. I loved the characters relationships and some of the interactions really had me giggling. I look forward to seeing what comes next in this series. Thanks to Anete for sending me an ARC of this book.
October 1, 2025
This book was a cosy fantasy with a rich world building and a great cast of characters. It was a fun and easy read and the FMC was relatable. The romance was slow burn but with instant connection and that was refreshing to see.
My only critiques are that the end felt rushed and there are grammatical errors. But considering how the author isn't a native speaker, it takes immense guts to write in a second language. So kudos to that.
My only critiques are that the end felt rushed and there are grammatical errors. But considering how the author isn't a native speaker, it takes immense guts to write in a second language. So kudos to that.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews