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Quiet as Kept

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The saying goes, “Favor ain’t fair.”

Well, as far as Xarielle Simpson is concerned, the lack of favor ain’t all that fair, either. Xarielle’s always been a dreamer. Even as a little girl, she spent her free-time daydreaming about a life that was much different than the one she was living. She dreamt of a life where mothers stuck around, families were loving, and opportunities to better your situation with dedication and hard work were actually realistic.

In her real life… her mother left, her family is toxic, and her job, though she loves it, has her on the fast-track to nowhere. When her best friend tells her about the opportunity to work as a nanny for a wealthy acquaintance in the oceanside town of Jackson Island, Xarielle can’t help but dream about the opportunities.

Kept Boudreaux is a wealthy entrepreneur and the single father of two little girls. He never planned to be a single-father, but that’s what happens when you’re attracted to what’s familiar. He chose a mother for his children who was exactly like his own mother—a woman who felt stifled and choked by the demands of motherhood.

When his precarious childcare situation falls apart, his back is against the wall. His cousin might have a solution. Her best friend is looking to make a change. She might be perfect for the position. Against the backdrop of the beauty and tranquility of Jackson Island, will two people searching for something… different, start to see it in each other?

207 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 29, 2025

295 people are currently reading
147 people want to read

About the author

Tracy Gray

41 books50 followers

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5 stars
604 (63%)
4 stars
223 (23%)
3 stars
92 (9%)
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23 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
Profile Image for Melise.
503 reviews55 followers
August 8, 2025
It’s cute but the family trauma inclusion with minimal explanation was a lil dry for me. Like we learn granny was depressed and that the step mama was a liar but what did it add to the love story? I enjoyed the chemistry between our leads though
Profile Image for Monique.
419 reviews16 followers
August 4, 2025
A millionaire nanny romance with a touch of childhood friends to lovers. This was a very easy going story. Even with having to deal with the drama from their respective family relationships this still felt like a low tension/low angst story. I enjoyed Xari and Kept’s relationship, and how it slowly built over time. This would be a good palate cleanser if you needed one.
Profile Image for Lisette.
609 reviews41 followers
August 8, 2025
Kept and Xarielle for the win!

I just read this book with no breaks. It was that good I couldn't put it down. I'm in love with Kelt and wish more Book Baes were written with such intention. To me, he was the epitome of an alpha man without all the aggression and toxicity. Both he and Xari are so deserving of one another and the life that they will create. I could really see this story continuing on and being made into a movie. It was amazing!
Profile Image for Toya  Davis-Stokley.
2,545 reviews98 followers
August 12, 2025
Both Xarielle and Kept grew up with absent mothers that shaped the way they looked at the world. Although Kept became successful in life, he still held resentment toward his mother for how she abandoned him. Quiet, introspective, meticulous, are all ways you can describe Kept who was in the groove with his daughters until Xarielle shows up.

Xarielle, grew up without either parent, and although her grandmother was present in body, she was far from loving and nurturing to her. The rest of her family members were mean, hateful, and never had a kind word for Xarielle. She was fed up with Londonville, and when her opportunity to leave came she jumped on it.

Kept and Xarielle reuniting was bittersweet, and the chemistry began to smolder as soon as she arrived on Jackson Island. Although it was a slow burn, it was sweet to see them slowly succumb to their feelings. Cute read.
Profile Image for perfectlyamberb.
617 reviews28 followers
September 1, 2025
Cute but…

This was a cute story but I don’t know if I can say it’s a romance, simply because there wasn’t enough of it in my opinion. Xarielle and Kent’s relationship often felt overshadowed by their respective family drama. Honestly, there was so much family drama that the story felt unresolved. Like this book could have been longer because we still don’t know why Xarielle’s people hated her.
Profile Image for Keyerra Johnson.
221 reviews2 followers
September 30, 2025
While this was a decent read, it was just bleh.
I don't mind a slow burn. I love it actually, but this was like eh and i believe because the book was only a little over 200 pages, that you really had to find the right pacing for a slow burn. I think the transition from crushing on each other to sex was like BAM. Like there was no real transition. It just happened. Which was a bit confusing to me. LOL
I wanna rate this book more stars, because I loved how gentle Kept was, but idk.... something about it was just not right. I feel like they immediately jumped into sex, then a relationship and then marriage within the shortest time frame. And I think I was expecting more crushing and denial, a chase before it got to where it was.
The family tree was also a bit confusing. I was tryna keep up with all of Xari's mean folks, but realized they really didn't matter.
Anywho, decent read.
Profile Image for Alicia Reviews.
480 reviews50 followers
October 9, 2025
Tracy Gray
Quiet as Kept

Xarielle emerged from a challenging upbringing marked by loss and separation. With her mother gone and her father murdered, she found herself distanced from a family rife with jealousy and cruelty. Her grandmother, emotionally detached, contributed to the sadness of her childhood. This situation highlights a painful reality within some Black families, where internal conflicts can become a barrier to support and understanding. Despite her hardships, Xarielle yearned for a peaceful existence. When the chance to work as a nanny arose, she could not foresee how this opportunity would transform her life, leading her to a profound sense of tranquility alongside two beautiful girls.

While the narrative unfolds at a gradual pace, it allows readers to witness the evolving relationship between the main characters, particularly the love they share for the two little girls, Destiny and Dakota.

Kept Boudreaux grappled with his own struggles, particularly his discomfort in crowded spaces. His parents were a source of emotional turmoil for him; although he had a strong bond with his father, his mother's choice to abandon the family left deep scars. This story beautifully encapsulates his journey, culminating in a joyful ending that makes it a worthwhile read.
Profile Image for Monique McKinney .
131 reviews1 follower
November 17, 2025
Beautiful Love

Kept and Xari story was beautiful.
They went through so much to find love with each other.

The love of a mother should be the most beautiful thing, but sometimes it is not there. They dont know how to give and receive love.
Xari family was mean to her except her aunt and cousins. Jealous is a nasty thing. I am glad Xari had one aunt and a few cousins that were there for her. She also gained a whole family through her best friend. That friend led her to her husband and girls.

Kept was a quiet but strong man. His relationship with his mother was horrible in the beginning. I love how he knew that he had to find peace. Kept wouldn't let anyone come in between that for him and his girls. He had a great relationship with his dad and sister. His cousin brought his wife to him.

Kept and Xari developed throughout the book was amazing. They were able to grow, heal, and learn from family, friends, and each other. I love how Kept and Xari knew when to protect each other as well as the girls no matter who it was.

I would advise everyone to pick this book up. It would help you in your life and how sometimes you have to step away from people. You also have to work on healing for self no matter how it looks.
Profile Image for KweenBee.
289 reviews3 followers
September 28, 2025
Really Liked It

I really liked everything about Kept and Xarielle's story. While I disliked many aspects of their family history and the treatment they endured, I really liked them as characters. Kept was a quiet storm, nothing unhinged or toxic about him- but still something very powerful,.take charge and sexy. Then Xari was quite the character, with her stay ready clapbacks while also being so nurturing. I love that she allowed Kept to be himself and quietly yet lovingly allowed him to feel what he needed to feel. I also liked all the supporting characters and how they supported this couple and I am glad that Vivienne's truth came to light. While I still question why she didn't proactively make amends with Kept on her own after he was older, I guess that if forgave her I can too. Jayla was TRASH AF as a mother though, and I was lowkey mad that Kept helped her, but I digress. The end and the epilouge were both very sweet and overall this was a light and easy read.
Profile Image for NubianJoí .
2,069 reviews10 followers
September 11, 2025
Soul Food 2.0

Ummm 🤔, cute & entertaining in a trauma drama hysterical chuckle type environment 🥴🤦🏾‍♀️⁉️Nonetheless, as I’m reading this book, the storyline is/was familiar …💭hmmm 🧐⁉️ BINGO‼️Why does “Quiet as Kept” remind me of the 1997 urban dramedy movie classic “Soul Food”. The similarities between the two creative mediums were astonishing. With a few minor tweaks including: explicit sexual references & or descriptions (Bird & Ahmad), professions (Attorney verses Architect), characters (three sisters, grandma issues, reoccurring ex etc.) & the location (Chicago verses Londynville KY. Yet both locations were still urban cities), Xarielle & Kept story is/was Soul Food 2.0. Nevertheless, “Quite as Kept” was still a good read and Xarielle & Kept became each other’s sustenance, soul food & soul mate. However, there’s nothing new under the sun🤷🏾‍♀️‼️
Profile Image for Ari the Creative.
95 reviews13 followers
October 5, 2025
definitely a quiet storm

This was..real. The situations seemed like they could happen on any given Tuesday. I like how personable the story felt.
Kept was definitely a quiet storm & I’m happy he found his voice. Because the day before the party I was getting overstimulated for him! If one more person brought up how quiet he was back in the day!
Xari though…she was a breath of fresh air. I loved them together. She could appreciate beauty in everything it was just a bonus that he was the person that made it. o & her being able to hold onto that even after her upbringing makes it an even better story.

Yall gone leave Destin alone! She just keeping yall on yall toes!

Kinda wish we had another Jayla interruption after he sent her away but that’s just me.
Profile Image for Stacie H.
116 reviews
August 1, 2025
Beautiful

Kept and Xarielle's love story was so sweet. 💕 I really enjoyed how it evolved from her being hired as the nanny to a relationship. 👩‍👦 Xarielle getting away from her toxic family and city was the best thing that could have happened to her. 🏃‍♀️ Kept needed all the good energy she came with. 🌟 His mother and ex coming back into his life without permission on the same day had me spiraling. 😱 I'm glad he eventually got his peace back by telling them how he was feeling. 🗣️ His ex was trifling. 🙄 His mom had a past that gave reason for her actions. 🤷‍♀️ I loved the love Kept and Xarielle had. 💖 Chef's kiss for this story. 👌
Profile Image for Pamela B.
101 reviews
August 30, 2025
“Quiet as Kept” is a heartwarming nanny-to-lover story. Kept was a quiet man who just wanted to live a peaceful life, love his family, and take care of his daughters. He was driven, focused, loving, and supportive of others, but he made a mistake when he chose the wrong woman to have babies with.

Fast forward to the day he reunites and hires his cousin’s best friend, Xarielle, as their nanny. Xarielle is a natural at this kid thing. When they come together, they love on, support, and raise the babies. Their story is a joy to read. Watching them navigate their past, deal with the present chaos, and think about the future is beautiful. It’s a cute romance with minimal drama.
Profile Image for Ruby.
625 reviews2 followers
August 10, 2025
Kept and Xari!!

Kept and Xari's story was sooooo good. Kept's cousin and Xari's friend, Yahirah, looked out for both of them by recommending her to be the nanny for his two daughters. Xari was able to find acceptance and peace with Kept and his daughters. Kept found peace with Xari as well. He also found his voice which he needed for his mother and trifling ex. I loved, loved, loved the family memory verse idea with the Bible verses. Vibes, humor, chemistry and passion were all included in this book. Great book that I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Roxy Reads.
647 reviews4 followers
August 11, 2025
I love a nanny romance

This wasn’t a insta love but rather two acquaintances to but had a similar parental issues who needed to bee seen by there person and Kept an Xarielle we’re each others person I’m glad that Kept was able to get some truths about his mother & Xari was able to connect with her grandma but I still didn’t instant the the aunt didn’t like her and why did the mother leave ( I really wanted to know) I got a feeling this is the last time we her from the family because cousin Nisha wants to move
23 reviews
September 10, 2025
Relatable

Absolutely beautiful story of love, redemption and second chances. I love Kept’s kind heart, but he did too much for the woman who ran out on their kids for a man. She would NOT set foot in my house let alone spend a night. I love that he gave his parents the chance to speak their truth and forgave his mom. I’m also happy that Xarielle got the chance to build a real relationship with her grandmother.
I enjoyed this story and the rollercoaster of emotions it evoked. I highly recommend it!!!
1,704 reviews7 followers
October 17, 2025
Sweet love ♥️

The story was really good, and the characters were well-developed. Kept, the main guy, was a super loyal dad, like the strong, quiet type. Xarielle was a sweet person who dealt with tough stuff. They both have similar backgrounds. Yet still, they are loving, supportive, hardworking people. With the help of her best friend, she gets a wonderful opportunity that turns into real love. Reading it was a blast. The author did a great job with this book; it is definitely worth reading.
1,546 reviews12 followers
August 29, 2025
Loved It💕💕

Wow, two damage souls both hurt by the people that was supposed to love them. The MFC was a strong woman, were as the MMC held alot of stuff in. But together they made a great team. She was the calm that he needed. He was the love and care that she needed. Loved all of the secondary characters. Would love for the MFC's cousin Nisha to tell her story. The sex scenes were 🔥 and 🌶. Kudos to the author👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
91 reviews3 followers
September 3, 2025
Maybe

Kept and Xarelli just seemed to fall into a routine with the girls and them talking after the girls went to bed. For me the romance fell short because there weren’t any dates planned (even stay at home dates since he didn’t have anyone else to keep the girls). They just seemed to fall into this “Mom and Dad” routine with some family issues sprinkled in. It would have been nice to get more of the couple connecting about more than just their shared motherless upbringing.
444 reviews4 followers
August 16, 2025
Quiet as Kept

Aww, this was the sweetest story. It had drama, ups and downs, changes and turnarounds, but it was so heartfelt.

It was a change of pace from unhinged, toxic, and crazy. Don't get me wrong, I love those, but this was a pull your heartstrings. Just pure love nothing more, nothing less.

Profile Image for thebookcritic_.
860 reviews24 followers
August 17, 2025
okay

This book was cool. Leaning more towards okay than good. Nanny and single dad. I wouldn’t say this book was fast paced as much it was glossed over. The proposal part was super quick though. A heavy emphasis on the healthy food they were eating. No real answers about Xari’s mom, just Kept’s. Jayla just came for drama and that was it.
Profile Image for _dulcekk.
604 reviews3 followers
August 17, 2025
Two souls deserving of one another!

Once Xarielle took the first opportunity to leave her hometown and put what she endured in childhood behind her, she blossomed. I loved Kept for her and her for him!! The way she loved on his kids and took care of them beyond her required employment was beautiful.
Profile Image for Finesse.
21 reviews
August 18, 2025
Couldn’t finish this horrible read. Your main characters are extremely boring, and simply not flushed out enough. The female character is a perpetual victim the entire book! It’s quite upsetting and annoying. I think the author wrote this book for children because everything is spelled out for you.
4 reviews
September 1, 2025
Great Read

Loved both characters -Kept was quite but strong male and Xai with her human faults was a heart of gold. Enjoyed reading a story which enables real life challenges to be recognized as well as acknowledging that one’s mental health impacts outward reality , one’s life choices and family dynamics.
Profile Image for Geri.
1,181 reviews6 followers
September 6, 2025
Interesting read

This was a really good read. I especially liked Xarielle and was happy to see her get out of her dead end situation. Kept was a good man, his ex really dropped the bag on him! Kept’s dad and mom was crazy for coming at him like that. They would have got out out on day one!
22 reviews1 follower
September 7, 2025
Kept wasn’t so quiet

Tracy perspective on the characters were great. I could feel and align with everyone but Jayla. The way she played the foundation was so real and understandable. This love story, prayer in the home, and patience was good to read. Kept bonded when her needed too.
Profile Image for Kinya Williams.
250 reviews2 followers
July 30, 2025
Sweet read

Kept & Xari! This was refreshing! I generally don't like,and don't read nanny love stories. But my first book by this author was Breezing, and that was good, so I took a chance. Kept was intentional. Xari deserved happiness and peace. This read sweet!
Profile Image for Marcia.
663 reviews4 followers
August 1, 2025
😍😍😍

Kept and Xarielle was super cute. I enjoyed the love she had for the girls and the way she had daily conversations with Kept. She made him look at himself and life in a different and beautiful way.
114 reviews1 follower
August 3, 2025
I want more!

Can we get a part two or Nisha's relocation story with lots of updates on Kept and Xari. Especially those kids. Baby Destin and Duncan are going to be two little terrors and I want to read all about it.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
286 reviews
August 3, 2025
Kept is baeeee 🥰

This book was so damn good! The secrets, the drama, and most importantly the love was everything. Definitely a page turner and definitely a favorite of mines from this author!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews

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