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Billionaire CEO Shawn Dunn has plenty of sex, power, and money. A woman turning down his advances? Unfathomable. Yet that’s what she does, again and again.

Kara Hayward is supposed to be off limits. Her sister is hiding from the dangerous assassin she escaped from, and it’s best for everyone if Shawn keeps his distance. Certainly as far as Kara is concerned. Shawn’s only after one thing and then he’ll walk away, just like her ex-husband.

But Shawn has larger desires and he’s used to getting what he wants. He doesn’t care if being together is dangerous. He doesn’t believe that threat to him, or his empire, is real. Right up to the night he has everything taken away.

This is the second book in a stand-alone series; the story is complete with no cliffhanger ending.

271 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 21, 2014

8 people are currently reading
523 people want to read

About the author

Karyn Lawrence

5 books98 followers
Karyn Lawrence is an author, graphic designer, and screenwriter. She published the nonfiction book for children: “Techniques of Color Guard” after an editor discovered her color guard blog; way back in the infancy of the Internet and long before blogging was a thing.

She has been a screenplay writer for more than fifteen years, with rather mild success, and grew tired of her stories only reaching a handful of readers. The decision was made to try fiction in early 2013. “Stay” is her first novel. It will be followed by “Keep” which is due to release in winter 2014.

She is a Chicago native who currently lives in Owensboro, KY with her epic husband and two adorable sons.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Carlene.
1,028 reviews276 followers
June 28, 2016
4.5 Stars
I highly suggest reading Stay prior to reading Keep.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Check out the new covers for The Command Stories on Carlene Inspired.


Keep is the second novel in The Command series and the dangerous criminal, Juric, is at it again. This time Shawn Dunn, CEO of Osterhagen Brewing, is trying to protect the women he has an attraction for. Kara Hayward is Laurel's older sister, though just as spunky she's been weighed down by marital problems for years. Though she's flattered, she's grown tired of the older Dunn brother constantly showering her in flowers and text messages. When he offers his protection, as well as his desire to have her, she finds her mind and body unable to refuse him though she wants to. As the bodies begin to pile up and danger increases she finds herself leaning on Shawn for help during Juric's terrifying game of cat and mouse.

But Shawn Dunn was not a gentleman. He may have been accused of it a few times in his past, but those people were mistaken.

I loved Keep, it went above and beyond my expectations after reading Stay. Not only was the writing improved, but the plot for Keep totally knocked me off my feet, I could not stop reading. Let's start with the characters, because Shawn and Kara blow Jason and Laurel's chemistry out of the water. Kara has a past that has moved her away from her home in America, while Shawn has a hatred for America, but a love for blonde American women. They have sexual tension like crazy, both fighting the battle to be in control and falling for one another's tricks. I loved the kissing scenes and certainly loved everytime things got real hot and heavy. These two were really meant to be, both in and out of the bedroom. There is so much character development in these two! Plus, Shawn is a charmer, I would give in to him too. Then there's Juric, he's back, he's just as deadly, and he's also a bit...confusing. Part of me has some sympathy for this guy (don't hate me!) and part of me is just as afraid as Kara and Shawn were. We also get to revisit the love story of Jason and Laurel that you hopefully read about in Stay. I loved seeing these two again and I really enjoyed how their relationship paved the way for Kara and Shawn, even if it was fraught with turmoil first.

"You shut everything out so only the goal matters." Jason's eyes were dark in the mirror. "Find her. Save her."

Keep is definitely a suspense novel and Kara is a total badass. I could not stop turning the pages and I might have jumped a few times, because there were twists I never expected. I was worried about how bringing back the same criminal from the previous book would work, but Karyn Lawrence pulled it off without a hitch. I love that Karyn tells a story befoe thrusting the character's into a deadly situation, it allows the reader to get to know the characters before the chaos. It's refreshing. The characters have the perfect power struggle, but we see that all change as the dangers of kidnapping and death are threatened. The scenes are intense, the dialogue realistic, and the emotional detail is excellent; I really felt like I was there experiencing it alongside the characters.

It was warm outside. A pleasant autumn day, great for burning alive and gunfights.

If you're looking to be charmed and glued to your seat, Keep is the book for you. I cannot reccomend this series enough if you a romantic suspense fan, especially if you like your romance more on the steamy side of things. Once you're done, don't forget to pick up Surrender!
Profile Image for Rachel.
592 reviews
December 12, 2014
I really like this series. My one wish is that the epilogues were about the people we just read about. I know it's getting us ready for the next book but I love a good epilogue. I need to say goodbye to the characters with an epilogue.... How many times can I wrote epilogue in one review? Epilogue epilogue
Profile Image for Sarah.
93 reviews27 followers
January 12, 2015
After enjoying Stay more than I had any other book of this genre I held a copy of this very apprehensively in my hands for a couple of days, too scared to start. When you absolutely adore the opening book to a series there is always a niggling worry that it’s follow up just won’t live up to your expectations. But I knew once I’d reached the end of this is that I will absolutely buy anything Karyn Lawrence ever releases, this book was positively amazing! Although you can easily read this as a stand alone, for it to really work I urge everyone to give Stay a read first. Book two of The Command series gives us the story of Kara Hayward and Shawn Dunn, the siblings of Laurel and Jason, as they go from attempting to start a relationship to dealing with the further fallout from Laurel's kidnapping in Stay.

He’d ruined her shoes, air travel, and sex with other men. Pretty good for three measly days.


She’d brought a man down with a skillet and was ready to add this lamp to her list of unconventional weapons.


Kara is quite emotionally damaged, mainly from her very recent divorce and the pitiful, domineering man she was married to. She’s extremely head strong and her temper is astronomical at times which often gets her into quite an argument with whoever is on her bad side. This is one woman who you would not want to give an order to, she will take you down with as much as a glare or a most certainly a kitchen utensil. She is never once a damsel in distress and her strength and her self-sacrificing makes it impossible to not admire her. She is one tough cookie inside and out and I loved reading as Shawn tried to break down her walls. On a random note, one of the things I really loved about Kara was her height, in every book you read the female always seems to be a tiny little thing but refreshingly she was actually tall, it’s nice to know that some authors do realise that not all women have to be short to be cute.

You might as well enjoy the ride down to hell, she thought, and not make it too easy on him.

Kara disabled his ability to think. Around her, he didn’t know down from up. Good choices from bad ones. Lust from … whatever this was.


Shawn was utterly delectable, he had just the right amount of attitude and charm and I think I actually fell for him quicker than Kara managed to. He is a man of actions more than of words but seeing as those actions are either heart meltingly sweet or pants droppingly hot I really don’t have any complaint. He is absolutely determined to get Kara to cave to him in every way he wants and the ways that he goes about it are hilarious. He always knows he’s going to rub her the wrong way (no pun intended!) but his mind is always so set on the end result that he never backs down from an idea or manipulation. He is very commanding and often a total and utter domineering arse but I couldn’t help but love him.

Where Stay was full of sexual tension, Keep is overflowing with sex hot enough to scorch your hands, make sure you have plenty of cold beer on stand by to read this with. This was another delightful story of love, passion and suspense and I found myself completely captivated from the first word to the last and I could feel every emotion and explosion from every page. Karyn, you really know how to write a villain and one in this, who I shall leave nameless, scares the absolute hell out of me. Thank you so much and well done for writing a book that perfectly captivated everything I was looking and hoping for, and then some, in this sequel and the set up for Surrender has left me gleefully rubbing my hands together in anticipation for the continuation of everyone’s story. I’m now off to buy the shiniest most gorgeous red heels I can find ….
Profile Image for Victoria.
1,188 reviews93 followers
January 8, 2015

Excited to see this is now LIVE and available to borrow through Kindle Unlimited ~ SCORE!
Profile Image for Julie .
4,253 reviews38k followers
December 14, 2014
Keep by Karyn Lawrence is a 2014 Shady Creek publishing release. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I had no idea what to expect when I started this book other than it was listed as a romantic suspense novel. This is the second book in a series, but you can read it as a stand alone.

Well, I can tell you right up front, this is not the usual thing I think of when I think of RS. This one borders on the erotic side of contemporary romance for a good portion of the book then suddenly the story takes on a completely different tone as our protagonist is thrown into a nightmare of a situation.

Kara is divorced and putting her life back in order, although she is not all that contented with her job, she is finally gaining back some control over her life. Her sister Laurel is happily married, living in Germany, and expecting a child. This is wonderful news since the mad man who terrorized her is now behind bars and she can enjoy her life. But, when she learns Kara has narrowly escaped a dangerous situation she sends her brother-in-law, Shawn to check on her.

Shawn is delighted to check on his sister-in-law, Kara. He has a strong physical attraction to her and intends to act on that. After all he is a billionaire and always gets what he wants, and right now that would be Kara.
Well, when you hear the phrase, “Sparks fly”, this couple pretty much defined that. A power struggle of epic proportions ensues when the alpha personality of Shawn meets the independent, but often stifled, Kara. These two made a terrific couple since Shawn was exactly what Kara needed, especially when it came to her sexual needs. But, when Shawn's brother, Jason, finds out what he has been up to, he forbids him to pursue Kara because she is family and she deserves better than a one night stand.

But, before the couple have a chance to get their relationship woes in order, the man who terrorized them all in the past, breaks out of prison and now it seems Kara is the one in danger. Can Shawn save her?
I have to admit this story is a little steamier than what I normally read, but I could not put this book down. I also confess to wondering if I misunderstood the genre this book belonged in, since the suspense element didn't show up for awhile. However, once the action started it didn't slow down. I enjoyed the sharp dialogue and the honest depiction of how a victim might feel after going through a trauma, like Kara does, and watching the big strong alpha male, Shawn turn into a big old marshmallow when it comes to love and making Kara happy.

This was a very enjoyable and entertaining novel and is recommended to those who like their romantic suspense served on a super sexy hot plate. 4.5 rounded to 5
Profile Image for  Spanxmcb (Yovanka)  .
337 reviews
January 5, 2015
This is a great romantic suspense series! Action-packed. This is Kara and Shawn's story.

The Hayward sisters are strong and feisty hellcats on the outside with sweet marshmallowy interiors, and Kara, Laurel's big sister whom we met in Stay, does not disappoint. Shawn Dunn also proves himself a great leading man/alpha male, despite lacking the rugged exterior of his US Marshall baby-brother, Jason.

The action starts right from the beginning and really doesn't let up. Shawn and Kara had some fantastic chemistry in Stay and their attraction picks up right where it left off. In fact, it just gets steamier. And Kara proves the Hayward sisters are not to be trifled with. Although ultimately we have, aside from the continuing cat and mouse game with Juric, another Dunn and Hayward pairing.

As the events in "Keep" begin, Juric is still a threat as we catch up with Kara as she's briefly in NYC for work relating to her corporate job in the Netherlands. An incident occurs, and Shawn (who is also in NYC for business), is tasked with checking on Kara. This is no chore for Shawn as he has been attracted to Kara since they met - and has not kept his attraction to himself, despite warnings from Jason. And Kara's been running from their chemistry/attraction, not wanting to be hurt by a professed rake. Kara returns to Munich with Shawn (in a somewhat humorous situation with cancelled flights), and the action ramps up again.

Ultimately Shawn and Kara end up entwined in some intense romantic action scenes with twists and turns that throw the reader for a loop. The scene at the brewery gala is particularly intense.

I feel this series would have been fine to have have ended as a 'duet' involving the Hayward sisters and the Dunn brothers, but in the last chapter we get a sneak peek at the next book, "Surrender" (to be released in April 2015 as per the author's website) which will be Ethan and Olivia's story (we meet Captain Olivia Wallace in the last chapter of "Keep"). If the writing remains as solid as in the first two installments, "Surrender" will not disappoint!
Profile Image for Michelle Austin.
2,835 reviews45 followers
June 18, 2016
Title: Keep
Author:Karyn Lawrence
Series:The Command #2
Publisher:Shady Creek Publishing
Reviewer:MAustin
Release Date:11-21-14
Genre(s):Romantic Suspense
Page Count:270
Heat Level: 4 flames out of 5
Rating: 5stars out of 5
Blurb:

Billionaire CEO Shawn Dunn has plenty of sex, power, and money. A woman turning down his advances? Unfathomable. Yet that’s what she does, again and again.

Kara Hayward is supposed to be off limits. Her sister is hiding from the dangerous assassin she escaped from, and it’s best for everyone if Shawn keeps his distance. Certainly as far as Kara is concerned. Shawn’s only after one thing and then he’ll walk away, just like her ex-husband.

But Shawn has larger desires and he’s used to getting what he wants. He doesn’t care if being together is dangerous. He doesn’t believe that threat to him, or his empire, is real. Right up to the night he has everything taken away.


Review:
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/ab...
description

Keep by Karyn Lawrence is book 2 in The Command series and was a great 5 star read.

This is Kara and Shawn’s story.
Kara and Shawn are siblings of Laurel and Jason from book 1 “Stay”.

Kara is recovering from her nightmare of a divorce that has left her emotionally wrecked. Worried about her sister’s safety Laurel sends Shawn to make sure she is okay.
Shawn is a charming billionaire who works very hard to get Kara to cave in to him and his desires. When there is something that Shawn wants,he won’t stop until he gets it.

The story takes a scary turn when their worst nightmare escapes prison and comes for Kara.
I really enjoyed “Keep” it was full of twists and suspense. I would say that this book was a little closer to an erotic suspense due to the super sexy and hot scenes. Karyn has once again pulled me in with her writing and I look forward to reading “Surrender”. 1-Click and get started today.


Alpha Book Club
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by MAustin from Alpha Book Club
Profile Image for Brianna at Renee Entress's Blog.
3,920 reviews118 followers
June 27, 2016
5 Stars!

Well lookie here... I love Nikki Sloane. Her books are edgy, sexy, and super intense. I've been a huge fan since day one and now... she is back with her alter ego Karyn Lawrence who writes romantic suspense. And let me let you in a little secret.. she rocked it.

The Command series is one full of steam, passion, intensity, murder, mystery, suspense, and the twists don't stop coming until the pages stop flipping. Each book within this series is a complete standalone, but why start in the middle when book one is ready.

Karyn Lawrence delivers to her readers a series that will hook them from their gripping first chapters to the edge of the seat moments throughout the entire book. Expect lots of heart palpitations, labored breathing, and possible kindles overheating the entire time.

This is Shawn and Kara's story. We met their siblings in book one of this series and now they are here to tell their story. She is trying to move on and heal. He is a man on a mission with his eyes on the prize.. her. And the danger... it seems the sights are set on Kara.

Swoon! Swoon! Swoon! I fell hard and fast for these two. They lit up my kindle and made my glasses fog up (totally if I wore them). The angst.. the drama... these two took me on a bumpy ride with moments you won't see coming but by the end, it was worth it.

I highly recommend this book.

Review Post---> http://reneeentress.blogspot.com/2016...
Profile Image for Rachael.
521 reviews
June 17, 2016
After reading the first of the series, Stay, I had to jump RIGHT into Keep.

In Keep we get Kara’s story (Laurel’s sister) and that just so happens to be Shawn’s story (Jason’s brother) as well. The two coincidentally bump into each other in the states as Shawn continues his attempts at pursuing her. The chemistry between these two is just sizzling and I was pulled in from their first glance.

Shawn is seductive, wealthy and very manipulative. Or at least that is what Kara tells herself. When she is forced to board his private jet back home across the Atlantic, sparks fly and the flirtatiousness of Shawn is just off the charts. He wants her and she is desperate to deny him. Even though you can tell how badly she wants to just give in.

With all the events that have happened to her sister L, Shawn wants to protect her and keep her safe as the past doesn’t seem to want to stay there and the bad guys keep resurfacing.

This book is full of twists, lots of smoking hot chemistry and suspense. When Kara returns home to find her apartment in disarray, all bets are off. Shawn won’t back down and will do anything to protect her and make her his own, and Kara is resistant to both; at least for now. I really love their story and was glad to see some of Jason and L too! On to book 3 now!
Profile Image for Le Ann Foster.
739 reviews5 followers
June 17, 2016
☆☆Reviewed by Hooked On Books and CherryOBlossoms Promotions ☆☆

I gave this book 4.5 stars!

This series keeps getting better and better. From the first chapter we start getting the twist and turns of Kara and Shawn to the surprises that you don't see coming. The characters both have a love/hate relationship that keeps you drawn in to see if hate or love will win out. The store line continues out of the first book, but with all the extras you didn't see coming. So you better be ready to hold on because this book takes a lot of bumps, bruises and drama to the next level.

Kara is Laurel sister and has warned her to stay away from Laurels brother-in-law Shawn. Shawn is the CEO and is a man-whore. Shawn knows there is something about Kara that he can't just leave her alone or have a one night stand. When people of the past comes back to haunt Kara and Shawna family, what will these two do to sacrifice for their family?

This is the second book of this series and can be read as a stand alone but I highly recommend reading the first book because characters to do over lap and so does the storyline.
Profile Image for Theresa Alberts.
838 reviews6 followers
June 21, 2016
Keep is the second book in Karyn Lawrences's Command Series and it is action packed with as much mystery and danger as the first book. This book will keep you on your toes wondering what comes next!

Kara Heyward is Laurel's sister and the object of Jason's brother Shawn's never ending lust. Meeting because their siblings are in love and being thrown together once they were married does not make Kara want to give in to Shawn's blunt advances. After a divorce she still thinks about, Kara has no interest in men, especially powerful ones like Shawn.

Shawn always gets what he wants and he has his sights set on Kara. But is it for more than just a one night stand?! When danger lurks around the corner and Kara becomes the object of Juric's obsession all bets are off for the Dunn brothers.

Will Kara and Shawn be the next big power couple of will she resist his charm? Will Jason and Shawn keep Kara and Laurel safe? You need to read to find out.

3.5 stars
Profile Image for She Hearts Books.
2,113 reviews74 followers
June 23, 2016
Shawn is pursuing Kara with everything he has when they learn that the monster who terrorized her sister is now after her. They will go on the run to try and protect her, but like her sister she will have to face the monster to defeat him. I loved Shawn and Kara together. They were scorching hot and had such a great banter between them. I so enjoyed their story. It was my favorite of the three in the series.

I give Keep 5 hearts!
Profile Image for Tara Anderton.
Author 2 books29 followers
October 19, 2015
I won this book in a giveaway and it got lost at the bottom of my 'too read' pile. I picked it up last week and decided to read it! It was a really good book - I don't normally read this genre but I really enjoyed the plot and storyline and suspense! Shawn was my favourite character for obvious reasons :-)
Profile Image for Diane Hoover.
99 reviews9 followers
May 8, 2015
I really would like to like this author but she just doesn't have self-control. I didn't hate this book, but there are some glaring issues that make it impossible to rate it well. First, the characters are not fully developed. Juric was this truly psychotic character but we never knew what made him tick or why he was brutal one minute, controlling the next and then he'd have these moments of vulnerability. What? why? Was he really a paid assassin? Then why did that story get introduced in book one and never resolve in either book? Without context and backstory, you couldn't decide whether to feel sorry for him for being mentally impaired or truly despise him for being a cold-hearted, twisted bastard. I'm sure the latter was the intent, but without getting inside his mind, you just had no understanding of what was driving him. Backstory on all the characters would have moved this book from mediocre to good. And then there's Shawn and Kara. She writes from both perspectives, but we never see beneath the shallow surface. We never really know them and they don't jump off the page and become these three-dimensional people that we are driven to care about. Oh they have a lot of sex, and that's the only thing that's 3-dimensional. Too 3-dimensional. In the end, we really could care less if they have an HEA. There is a lot of action that keeps the story moving and lots of emotional imbalance but it never reveals itself fully. The plot is just all over the place. And can I just rant about the L. thing. Seriously, if you want to nickname Lauren/Liesl, then Elle would have been much less annoying than L. Seriously, L(period) ... What serious author does that? It screams I'm too lazy to come up with an appropriate nickname.

Lawrence could benefit from a strong editor, plot development, character development and most importantly, self-restraint in her writing. Not every plot device and the kitchen sink is necessary to draw a reader in. Choose a genre and remain true to it. She is not crossing boundaries with her writing style. She's making a mess. She has potential as an author but she needs to listen to her critics and modify her writing to be successful.
Profile Image for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty.
3,985 reviews362 followers
July 14, 2016
description

I don’t know how but this story kicked this series into even higher gear!

I loved the first book and couldn’t wait – could not wait! – for Shawn’s story. He was the sexy supportive brother and did everything he could to help Jason and Laurel find their way. As they are moving forward in their relationship, Shawn can’t help the attraction he has for Laurel’s sister Kara. Even if the hostility she feels for him is anything but subtle…

“She seemed to view him as an opponent and he enjoyed that.”

If you haven’t read the first book in this series, do so RIGHT NOW! This story is built on what happened there and you will want to know all the details going in. Shawn is irresistible – he is wealthy, successful and plays the CEO role to perfection. Nothing is outside of his influence and he wants that to include the beautiful Kara. She has been burned, badly, and is not looking for a new lover, let alone one she can’t even be civil to. When danger comes knocking on their door yet again, their feelings will be tested over and over.

How can I love this story more than the first? Well, it seems this series is just amping up as the tension and danger – as well as the sexy romance – has just gone up a few more notches. Kara and Shawn’s banter is funny and full of sexy overtones.

“You think I can’t afford it?” he said. “Sorry. You probably couldn’t understand that with the silver spoon in my mouth.”

Kara keeps pushing Shawn away but denying himself what he wants – what he finds he needs – is not his style. In an action-packed scene that finds danger, and death, right at their door once again, feelings on both sides are forced to the forefront. Kara, like her sister, is quick and inventive and smart in a way that James Bond is smart as she tries to save herself and get back to the man she now knows is everything…

Characters that are funny, strong and resourceful (like MacGyver-resourceful) make this dangerous, action-packed, yet crammed with emotion, story a “stay up until you finish” kind of read.
Outstanding!
Profile Image for Caro.
1,003 reviews
November 30, 2014
3.5-4 stars.

This story follows some months later after the end of the first book in the series. In this opportunity, the story centers on Kara, Laurel’s sister (the main character in the previous book); and on Shawn, Jason’s brother (the hero in the previous book).

I gotta say, I’m not sure I completely liked Shawn. He wasn’t a bad guy, but I felt like was a controlling ass with no real reason for it. I felt like slapping him on more than one occasion, although little by little he showed himself to be a good guy. I liked that Kara helped him with that. Like I said, he wasn’t a bad guy, but it took me a while to warm up to him.

As for Kara, well, like her sister she found herself to be in a very crappy situation she could simply not control. But I did like that she wasn’t really a damsel in distress. On the contrary, she tried to take charge of the situation, even though doing so could potentially end really bad for her. She showed a lot of character and selflessness through it all, and it was easy to really like her.

Now, what I didn’t like about these two together, was the fast pace they fell for each other (a similar issue seen in the first book). They knew very little of each other at the start of the book, their relationship mostly based on sex and little talk; then something keeps them apart for a large portion of the book; but then when they are together again, they are declaring their love for each other. I just wished there had been more relationship development before all the bad things happened, a better foundation, and maybe more of them as a couple before the end of the story. I wanted to see more of them together as a couple by the end of the book.

Still, the book has a lot of suspense and some action, enough to keep you interested. I actually couldn’t put it down once I started.

Now I’m looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
Profile Image for Treena Ross - Rockstar Book Muse.
478 reviews16 followers
June 25, 2016
4.5 stars of Suspense Chemistry and Love

Keep the second in The Command Series by Karyn Lawrence did not disappoint.

Karyn has a great writing style that just brings you in from the beginning and doesn't let you go until the very last word. In this second book this is the Romance story of Shawn and Kara. Let me say this is not a typical romance series even in the first book it is a very different kind of romance.

Shawn the big CEO of a major brewery is hot sexy and very much in control of everything he does. Kara a very independent woman who has a past she is not happy about. But due to circumstances beyond both of their control they are brought together and the chemistry is amazing but they re both so strong willed and in control it is hard to let each other in.

Once again their lives are turned upside down by a terror organization and they must fight to survive. They are already broken because Karyn's characters are not perfect they are perfectly broken and they must find the strength to save themselves and each other.

This book grabbed me again from the beginning and I was taken on a roller coaster ride of suspense, thrills hot steamy chemistry and romance that add me cheering from the sidelines. I can hardly wait to read the 3rd in this series.

Excellent writing, plot and characters. Again her secondary characters are top notch to tie everything together.

I received an ARC in exchange for an HONEST REVIEW for Rockstar Book Muse.
Profile Image for Books Laid Bare.
2,275 reviews37 followers
June 23, 2016
I was keen to get stuck into this, after finishing of the first book, I was left with a want that I needed to resolve. A n itch that I just had to scratch so to speak, I hoped that this would fill in the emotional gaps that I was nursing and boy did it!
Kara is Laurels sister and Shawn is Shawn is Jason’s brother, small world eh!
The chemistry between this pair was scorching, and despite what they might have been telling themselves, or at least what Kara was saying, there wasn’t a hope in heck that they were ever going to be able to keep their hands off each other and I am extremely thankful for that being the case because when they get together the sparks fly!!
Shawn was seriously hot, he was sexy, seductive and crazily sneaky when it comes to Kara. He just isn’t going to let her crawl inside her head and push what they could have aside.
They have both been through the fight that Laurel and Jason have been enduring but it means that Shawn is extra vigilant when it comes to Kara, but is she is as much danger? Will the past continue to bite them on the ass?
I like the relationship they have going on, especially the alpha aspect of Shawn which really won me over and when Kara seems to be genuinely on the bad guy’s radar, all bets are off and Shawn is in full on protector mode…woohoo!
Profile Image for Evie Summers.
Author 3 books51 followers
June 21, 2016
Title: Keep
Author: Karyn Lawrence
Series: The Command #2
Genre: romantic suspense
Rating: ****


Although this book can be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading Stay, the first in the series, beforehand as it will fill in some backstory and you will enjoy this so much more. This second instalment follows Shawn and Kara, just a few months after the end of the previous book.

I enjoyed this book a lot more in comparison to its predecessor; it reflects a more mature writing style, and replaces the insta-love with bickering chemistry, which is entirely believable and also leads to some hilarious conversation.

Although the events move fairly rapidly, the action and suspense sequence was compelling and demonstrated the strength of Kara's character when faced with an utter psychopath (even if he is still a little OTT and one-dimensional, lacking in any redeemable, features to create a more complex character). The ending is both satisfying and heart-warming, with an epilogue straying from the normal 'marriage, kids, happiness' and instead setting up the next instalment. Can't wait.

See more of our reviews at Summer's Eve Reads.
Profile Image for Yanilsa.
498 reviews
June 26, 2016
*Book provided in exchange for an honest review*
4 solid full of adventure stars
POV- alternating between main character/ 3rd person


I will say, I was curious about how the author would take this book and move the story forward. It did not disappoint!

This book should not be read as a standalone, since it continues the story from the previous book in the series.
Keep is mainly about Kara, Laurel's sister and Shawn, Jason's brother. Both characters are formidable and headstrong. The way they were introduced and developed was very well done and allowed for both characters to have significant depth to them.
Honestly, I felt the story line was a bit stronger than the previous book. I found myself lost in the story and holding my breath, at several points as I was reading. The suspense was perfect and the angst between the the different characters was on point.
I am diving right in to Surrender, book 3.

Highly recommend this series if you need a little variety from the monotony that sometimes creeps into romance.
Profile Image for Hooked On Books.
1,887 reviews65 followers
June 26, 2016
I gave this book 4.5 stars!

This series keeps getting better and better. From the first chapter we start getting the twist and turns of Kara and Shawn to the surprises that you don't see coming. The characters both have a love/hate relationship that keeps you drawn in to see if hate or love will win out. The store line continues out of the first book, but with all the extras you didn't see coming. So you better be ready to hold on because this book takes a lot of bumps, bruises and drama to the next level.

Kara is Laurel sister and has warned her to stay away from Laurels brother-in-law Shawn. Shawn is the CEO and is a man-whore. Shawn knows there is something about Kara that he can't just leave her alone or have a one night stand. When people of the past comes back to haunt Kara and Shawna family, what will these two do to sacrifice for their family?

This is the second book of this series and can be read as a stand alone but I highly recommend reading the first book because characters to do over lap and so does the storyline.
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,238 reviews219 followers
June 15, 2016
With her sister in hiding Kara Hayward doesn’t have time for men; after all her ex-husband walked away and she cannot believe that Shawn Dunn would be any different.
Again, there is plenty of action and suspense, throw in romance and to me it is a winning combination.
Kara is a feisty woman, determined to survive, although having said that she is scared of the attraction she feels towards Shawn. The chemistry between Kara and Shawn that was building in Stay certainly continues in Keep.
Their relationship continues to grow with an intensity which surprised me at times. There are a few twists, turns and unexpected events along the way which certainly pulled me in. I wanted to continue reading, to see where the author was going to go next.
Karyn Lawrence certainly knew how to grow the anticipation throughout this series. Who knows what awaits in the third and final book; I am certainly looking forward to finding out how she wraps up this series.
Profile Image for Liz ~ Liz's Reading Life.
857 reviews32 followers
June 25, 2016
I'm a sucker for billionaire CEO's, so reading Stay was something that I was looking forward to. And boy was I right, this book is full of temptation, suspense, action, and oh so much sexiness.

I couldn't put it down once I started. Shawn is an alpha that got my heart racing. Kara getting her life back together and the last thing she wants is to pursue a relationship with anyone. But Shawn's a man that goes after what he wants and he'll do whatever it takes to protect her, love her, and make her happy.

The danger surrounding them is electrifying, the reader will stay on edge to see how the story will unfold. Keep is a perfect second book in this series and I can't wait to see what will happen in Surrender.
Profile Image for Monique Tinline.
399 reviews
July 7, 2016
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This series keeps getting better and better, though Keep can be read as a stand alone I would highly recommend reading Stay first.

The twists and turns in this book kept me hooked.

I loved the love/hate relationship between Kara and Shawn, though he is demanding and intimidating I loved she could hold her own.

The epilogue was the only thing that let it down, I would have liked to have seen it round up the book and not start the next one

Profile Image for Pop Fizz Clink Read.
154 reviews21 followers
July 10, 2016
Addictive! Suspenseful! Riveting! Three books for an impressive series!
Wow! This series is addictive; jam packed with suspense from the very first page. Your heart thumping enigmatic mystery. Each book having a new form of the perplexing riddle continuing the story & charters flawlessly. Massive romance, steamy electrifying passion that we know so well and love from Nikki Sloane all mixed with riveting drama & conundrums. You're on the edge of your seat for each book. Reading this series has continued my adoration for Nikki Sloane/Karyn Lawrence, one of my most favorite authors. Outstanding & impressive series.
Hope we get many more from her! -read by French Sparkle with Pop Fizz Clink Read
Profile Image for The Book Fairy Reviews.
2,489 reviews47 followers
June 27, 2016
Wanting what you can't have is a challenge for Shawn, but wanting Kara can mean more than just getting caught up in an unwanted affair. Kara ins't aware that she is in danger from the same man that is after her sister Laurel, but caught in the assassins cross hairs is where she finds herself.
Now, Shawn wants more than just her body, he wants her and to keep her he needs to keep her safe from danger.
More excitement as we follow Shawn and Laurel on the run hiding from the man that was after her sister. Danger and suspense are what await us between the covers of this book. Addicting, exciting and so much passion it will have your head spinning and your heart melting!
2 reviews
March 15, 2015
Another great book by Karyn Lawrence. This is a the second book and the author did a great job transitioning into the new characters who are the brother and sister of the main characters from Stay. Again, once I started I could not put the book down. It kept me on the edge of my seat as Kara tried to keep her independence while in hiding from Juric. The book incorporates romance, a chase, and some heated scenes. Karyn ended this book with a great set-up for Surrender which I cannot wait for!
Profile Image for Nikki.
397 reviews
October 21, 2015
Great "romantic suspense" read. It's the 2nd book in The Command series. It can be read as a stand-alone, but I think you should read Stay first. The main characters, Kara & Shawn are introduced in Stay. Kara's a good female lead - strong and feisty. Shawn is a perfect CEO Alpha male.
This book is action-packed with explosions, bad guys, car chases, sexual tension. Action scenes are extremely well-written, and it feels like you're in the chase with the characters.
Looking forward to reading the 3rd book.
Profile Image for Megdelasur.
135 reviews3 followers
January 7, 2015
Suspenseful, romantic, action-packed

Genuinely enjoyed this sequel to Keep. The romantic storyline kept you wishing for a HEA, while the villain kept pushing it away. I liked the dual pov noted by the icons and loved the alpha hero who pushed too far but never crossed a line. Great read!
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