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?
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
Xarielle and Kept were great together! She was so positive despite her past. She definitely deserved the soft life Kept provided! Kept being quiet and anxious was an excellent play on words but also very endearing. Kept’s BM 🙄🤬🙄 Quiet as Kept, this is a cute story & good read! 😆
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.
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.
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.
Quiet as Kept by Tracy Gray is an emotional and captivating romance that highlights healing, growth, and unexpected love.
Xarelle is a dreamer who has endured a difficult upbringing marked by instability and lack of emotional support. Despite her challenges, she continues striving for a better life while navigating toxic family dynamics and financial struggles.
Kept Boudreaux, a successful entrepreneur and devoted single father of two, enters her life again when she becomes his children’s nanny. Their connection, rooted in familiarity from childhood, quickly evolves into something deeper.
What stood out most was the emotional depth of the characters. Xarelle’s journey toward stability and self-worth was compelling, while Kept’s protective and nurturing nature added balance to the story. Their chemistry was natural, yet tension-filled as they attempted to maintain professional boundaries.
Overall, this was a well-paced, engaging read with strong emotional undertones and a satisfying romantic development.
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.
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🤷🏾♀️‼️
This ended up falling in the just okay range in my rating scale. Having more background on what made each character who they are what bought them to this point in their life. How did things become sour between some of the people in their past. Yes, we get tiny droplets of their past but I just felt like more would have mad us understand their need for for each other. Also more play up to them giving each other a try. I love how Kept came into his voice and stop letting everything slide to keep the peace for other and picked his own peace. Xarielle removed herself for an environment and certain people that did nothing but stomp on her no matter what she accomplished on her own. She found her own peace of paradise. Well they both did on their own safe haven. Okay, cute but wanted/needed more. Not bad but not amazingly great either. Oh and that mother was petty as hell fit that name
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.
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. 👌
“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.
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.
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
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!!!
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.
This is a slow burn romance, but the buildup is so effortless, it won’t seem like it. This is also a nanny romance, and while it has some spice, it is not salacious. It is completely romantic. There’s a bit of childhood trauma, some misunderstandings and a little bit of drama. But there is also levity, a rambunctious two year-old, family healing and a love story so sweet you’ll be smiling throughout. Treat yourself to this wonderful story. Enjoy!
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👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
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.
Kept and Xarielle is a nanny x single dad romance. Non toxic with a sparkle of family drama. Kept is a very successful home builder looking for a nanny of two kids. Xarielle is a daycare teacher looking for a break. Her best friend recommends her for the nanny job and the way Xarielle cares for the kids makes Kept fall for her. They navigate the relation of boss and employee until they no longer can hide from it and pursue a relationship. While falling in love with each other they also have to address and mend family relationships.
This story gave you all warm feels even amongst the drama it gave you soft. I loved Kept's quiet BDE. Xarielle fiestiness matched him. They were what each other needed to make their lives whole. I loved how Xari just came in a gave his daughters the love, structure, and warmth that they were missing from their own mother. And I loved how Kept provided a safe and calming atmosphere for Xari to come in and be the soft loving person she is. Five stars Ms. Gray!!🥰
Second read by this author! Very sweet novel. I really enjoyed Brooklyn's way and very much so looked forward to this. I think it was wayyyyy too much forgiveness going on here. He was being played by his whole family and his baby mama.
FMC should have stood on business about her man. Paying for your baby mamas rent when she gave up the kids? ....? Nanny Trope. He falls first single dad.
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.
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.