Keeping My Ex-Crush

by Syanna Rose

The boss is obsessed.
The bully is back.
And Fenella is done playing nice.

Her career is in pieces, her privacy stolen, and the man who once pulled her strings now makes no secret of his craving for her. But the real danger comes from her past, the high school bully tied to a criminal network that runs deeper than she ever imagined.

With Laird determined to fight for their future and unexpected allies helping to uncover the truth, Fenella steps into a game of power, secrets, and revenge.

This time, she is not just surviving.
She is taking control.

A gripping romantic suspense filled with passion, betrayal, high-stakes investigation, and a heroine who refuses to back down. The thrilling conclusion to the Love and Deception Duology, spicy, dangerous, and absolutely unforgettable.

341 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 6, 2026

Reviews

[Abbey Wales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 stars)

Keeping My Ex‑Crush by Syanna Rose is a spicy, suspenseful second‑chance romance between childhood friends turned lovers. Fenella Baxter’s modeling career is fading when a surprise run‑in with her long‑ago crush Laird Evans turns everything upside down, reigniting old feelings, raw tension, and a love that never truly died. 

This story delivers everything I crave in a romantic suspense: simmering chemistry, emotional stakes, and heart‑pulling drama as Fenella and Laird navigate betrayal, career pressure, and second chances. The heat is balanced with real growth, and the unresolved tension between them kept me turning pages. 

If you love enemies‑to‑lovers that evolve into deep, messy love with plenty of spice and emotion, this one’s a must‑read! ❤️‍🔥

[Momma T's Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bummer. The characters are still daft and only surface level. I would have loved to see some character growth. Maybe less 🌶 just because and more 🌶 with actual feel. It was, "I had a bad day." 🌶 "I went to the bathroom." 🌶 "I adulted today." 🌶 I found my self skimming through.

Still would be a great read if we're looking for 🌶 with no particular reason.

[Lauryn Munro · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

​🌸romantic suspense
🖤power couple
​🌸love triangle
🖤dark secrets
​🌸spy game
🖤found family
​🌸open door spice
🖤dual POV

Wow what a rollercoaster ride that was! I don’t think for a second I knew what was going to happen next! 🤯

I love a happy ending though!!

[Carrington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Happily Booked PR for the arc! Really enjoyed! Liked the characters & setting again. Great suspense too! Excited for more from this author!

[Stephanie Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely AMAZING!! This book truly delivers in romantic suspense...including:

🎭 Power Couple
💜 Love Triangle
🎭 Dark Secrets
💜 Found Family
🎭 Spy Game
💜 Open Door Spice
🎭 Dual P.o.V.

🥰❤️📖🎭💜🎭📖❤️🥰

"Keeping My Ex-Crush" is part of a reading duo, the follow up to "Winning My Ex-Crush"...

In Book 1, it's revealed that Fenella Baxter (FMC) is left heartbroken by her high school crush and childhood friend, Laird Evans (MMC) ...growing up and going their separate ways, Fenella becomes a successful model (complete with a male agent who's own preference is men and who also doubles as her best friend/confidant...and whom also nearly falls head-over-heels for every guy that crosses Fenella's path 🤭) while Laird also chases his own success in becoming a lawyer...
...the two are reunited when Fenella visits a bar one night after finding her now ex-boyfriend with his pants down (literally) and cheating on her with a girl from his office...

Fenella and Laird awkwardly pick up the pieces of their past, stirring the embers as their relationship quickly heats up and their love is reclaimed in a steamy second chance romance!!

In Book 2, Fenella finds herself in a dangerous web of revenge and dark secrets, quickly spiraling out of control...Fenella must act quickly and carefully as each choice she makes could ruin her...completely...
...with Laird by her side, the power couple must then face down the demons threatening Fenella while ultimately fighting for their relationship and a future together...

Romance, passion, drama, secrets, and manipulation all combine in this heart-pounding Duology!!

🥰❤️📖🎭💜🎭📖❤️🥰

Be sure to order and check out the Love and Deception Duology of "Winning My Ex-Crush" and "Keeping My Ex-Crush" by Syanna Rose, BOTH available now!!

🥰❤️📖🎭💜🎭📖❤️🥰

[Aria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Keeping My Ex-Crush is a steamy romantic suspense and the second book in the Love and Deception Duology, and it landed at 3 stars for me. Picking up after the events of Winning My Ex-Crush, it follows Fenella, who’s now caught in a dangerous web of secrets, revenge, and high‑stakes power plays as she fights to reclaim control of her life. The story blends passion, betrayal, and investigation, with Fenella stepping into a game of manipulation where trust is scarce and every choice could be her last.
I enjoyed the fast pace and the way the duology wraps up the central conflict with plenty of tension and drama. The chemistry between Fenella and Laird remains electric, and there’s a solid mix of suspense and steam that keeps things moving. For me, though, some of the twists felt predictable, and the resolution leaned a bit more into convenience than I would have liked, which kept it from hitting a higher rating.
Overall, Keeping My Ex-Crush delivers on romantic suspense with high emotion, dangerous secrets, and a power couple determined to fight for their future, even if it didn’t fully surprise me along the way. A decent series closer for fans of spicy, twisty second‑chance romances. I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review

[darkreadswithnalieee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keeping My Ex Crush – Syanna Rose
Okay but the plot twists and secrets?? WOW.
This is book two after Winning My Ex Crush, and watching Fenella and Laird fight their way to their actual happy ending felt so satisfying. It wasn’t easy, it wasn’t simple, and it definitely wasn’t drama-free — but that’s what made it so good.
The tension? Real.
The miscommunication? Painful in the best way.
The reveals? I did not see some of that coming.
I love when a sequel doesn’t feel unnecessary — and this one absolutely wasn’t. It deepens everything. The emotions hit harder, the stakes feel higher, and the secrets unravel in ways that keep you turning pages.
Fenella and Laird have chemistry, history, and just enough chaos to make you nervous the entire time… but seeing them finally get their HEA? Worth it.
And excuse me…
Are we setting up a book 3 because I definitely feel something brewing 👀
If you love:
• Second-chance romance
• Secrets and plot twists
• Emotional tension
• Characters who have to actually work for their happy ending
You’ll enjoy this one.
Now I need confirmation about that potential third book because I’m not done with this world yet.

[Precious · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this book by the author. All opinions are my own.

A career in ruins, an obsessed boss, a bully back from the past, and unravelling secrets, Fenella is determined and done playing nice. She is taking control, with Laird by her side determined to fight for their future. They must faced a game of power, secrets, and revenge.

This book was a nice continuation to book one. I like that Fenella went from doing everything to be the "dream girl" for someone else, to step up and do what was right even when doubts always loomed her mind. For about 70 % of the book I felt that if went into a monotonous rythm, but it was mostly the investigation process, the "covert" part. However, once that 70% mark hit.... and everything was discovered... then there was the action, the danger, the anger of the villains, it kept me stuck reading until I finished. It was nicely wrapped up. I loved specially that ending, that left you wondering if there would be more to come. I have to say my absolute favorite character in the series was Jessy. I love you Jessy!!! More friends like you!!!

[Dr. Naushin Moledina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fenella is back in the chaos of the modeling world—this time with a boss, Alan, who is dangerously obsessed with her, and her high school bully, Amy Schmidt, stepping back into her life. With her relationship with Laird under strain, she’s forced to decide whether she will keep surviving… or finally stand up for herself and claim her future.

“Keeping My Ex Crush” by Syanna Rose, the second book in the Love & Deception duology, is an emotional romantic suspense packed with betrayal, tension, and growth.

I struggled with Fenella in book one, but this time I genuinely saw her trying to be stronger, braver, and less dependent. She still makes mistakes, but her determination to fight back made me root for her. And Laird? He stole my heart all over again—steady, patient, and fiercely loyal.

What I loved most was the stronger focus on story and character growth. The danger feels real, the emotions land well, and the reduced spice lets the plot breathe. Most importantly, this book gave the closure I was hoping for.

A satisfying and heartfelt conclusion for readers who love romantic suspense with loyalty, healing, and a couple that refuses to give up on each other.

[The Plot Thickens Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Keeping My Ex‑Crush
Author: Syanna Rose
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 stars)
Reviewed by Abbey on behalf of The Plot Thickens Book Club
Winning My Ex‑Crush brings us right back into the emotionally charged world of Fenella Baxter and Laird Evans, childhood friends whose awkward, painful past ignites into something much deeper years later. After being publicly rejected at prom and spending years building her modelling career, Fenella’s path collides again with Laird in the most unexpected way, leading to fierce attraction, old wounds, and personal growth. 
This second instalment blends second‑chance romance with romantic suspense, layered tension, high emotional stakes, and sizzling chemistry that kept me invested from start to finish. From past hurt to genuine reconciliation, the journey of these characters is dramatic, compelling, and absolutely addictive. 
Overall, this is a satisfying continuation that deepens the characters, brings more steam and complexity, and offers payoff for the emotional arc.

[GetLitWithRae · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️
First of all, can we talk about that cover? Absolutely beautiful. 😍 It definitely pulled me in.

The suspense in this story was on point, and the storyline kept me engaged from beginning to end. There were moments where the tension really built in a way that made it hard to put down.

I also appreciated that although Alan is clearly positioned as the villain, we still get glimpses into how he was victimized himself. That added a layer of complexity to his character and made the story feel more nuanced.

As for Fenella… she was interesting. There were times when she frustrated me, but she definitely kept things dynamic and unpredictable. Overall, this was an engaging, suspenseful read with layered characters and strong tension throughout.

Thank you to Happily Booked PR! All opinions are my own.

[Yesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story picks up right where book one left off, continuing Fenella and Laird’s journey as they face new challenges and emotions along the way.

This book was better than the first one. The story and character growth were really well done.
Fenella felt much stronger and braver this time, standing up for herself and what she believes in. Laird also showed great growth by learning to control his anger and communicate better with Fenella. Alan is one of those characters you sympathize with, yet at the same time, you can’t help but hate him.
The suspense, romance and emotions were well balanced throughout the story, which made it even more engaging. And I’m really happy that Fenella and Laird got their happy ending.

Overall, if you enjoy fast-paced romantic suspense with the right amount of spice, this book is definitely for you.

[De Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was the perfect follow up to the first book and I was just as invested in this one as I was book one. The growth that we see from the characters in this book and the development of the story was phenomenal and had me reading this long into the night. There was intrigue and danger right alongside a satisfying wrap up to their story. Fenella became a much stronger character that come into her own, confronting her past. Laird is the same loyal steadfast man that he has been, standing solidly through it all. Seeing Laird and Fenella grow closer and develop a stronger bond pulled on your heartstrings and had you hoping against it all for things to work out. The ending will leave you feeling complete and satisfied.

[Bri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keeping My Ex-Crush by Syanna Rose

3.5/5 stars

This one I found much more better than book 1 but you definitely can’t try and read them separately if you are wondering!

I found the mmc Laird better in this book! He wasn’t as flaky and actually communicated with Fenella the fmc constantly! We love a healthy communicated relationship lol! And the plot twist and story line throughout this book was nicely consistent and portrayed that I wanted to keep reading.

And again Syanna has set this up really nice for a possible book 3!! Where it will bring back Alan possibly I wonder??? I’d definitely want to read the next book if it comes.

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

MMC/MFC: Laird and Fenella

Tropes:
* Second chance
* Unfinished love
* Childhood best friends
* Romantic suspense
* Dark themes

Safety:
Bullying, SA, power imbalance, violence

We’re brought back into Fenella’s world, where she and Laird are hopefully working on their HEA.
Plenty of suspense and drama, the characters are still extremely immature, dim, and hopeless, but some of the twists… I certainly didn’t expect.

Alan was a psycho, and in the end, I did feel a little sorry for him. But Fenella… oh my lord, was she hopeless…

It was an ok read. The storyline was engaging, but I struggled to wrap my head around the characters…

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laird + Fenella.

Keeping My Ex-Crush is the conclusion of the Love and Deception duology. And BY GOD it is SO good. There are twists, turns and so much going on.

We see the development of Laird and Fenella's relationship, Fenella signing a contract (she probably shouldn't have) and Alan be more aggressive than before. We got a glimpse of it previously but this is full on. So, mind your TWs.

I really enjoyed the conclusion of this duology. There was deception, blossoming of love, a HEA, people finally getting what they deserve and SO MUCH ACTION.

Thank you to Happily Booked PR and the Author for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Mandy Britt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Love & Deception duology comes to a thrilling end in Keeping My Ex-Crush, a romance that successfully balances simmering heat with real emotional stakes.

This book highlights Fenella’s transformation into a braver version of herself as she confronts obsession, betrayal, and the ghosts of her past.

Laird continues to be a standout hero, providing a loyal anchor amidst the story's many twists and turns.

It is a heartfelt conclusion that hits all the right notes for fans of the genre.

A huge thank you to Happily Booked PR and the author for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Bibliophile Foodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a gripping conclusion to the Love and Deception duology. Fenella’s journey really stood out, she’s no longer just reacting to the chaos around her, but finally taking control of her own story. I loved seeing her strength shine through, especially as she faced both the obsession of her powerful boss and the dangerous return of her old bully.

The suspense kept me hooked from start to finish. There were secrets, betrayals, and plenty of twists that made me question who could be trusted. Fenella and Laird's bond was intense and passionate, but also grounded in loyalty and determination to fight for each other.

A good wrap for the duology.

[Shagun Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story picks up right where it ended — and I loved every second of it. It feels like destruction and healing happening at the same time… raw, emotional, and beautifully written.

Fenella’s growth? Absolutely powerful. She chooses herself. She stands strong. She loves bravely. And every time she puts herself first, it made me want to read more and more about her journey. 💗

And Laird… a man who learns, changes, and loves gently. He doesn’t force. He protects. He chooses to be her comfort, her safe place.

If you love:
💫 Emotional healing
💫 Strong character development
💫 Fast-paced romance
💫 Soft yet powerful love

This book is definitely for you. 🥰📚

[Cherry May Hughes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fanella has always had a crush on Laird but a school mean girl Amy kept them apart. Now years later Laird finds Fennla in New York Modeling. Of course, they want to rekindle their relationship but can they make it through all of the drama that inevitably follows them? They are older and wiser this time they can make it through anything!
I can not stand the bully Amy in the book. But honestly Alen is villainized but he seems more like a victim after reading this story.

[Sylvia Barker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Keeping my Ex Crush by Syanna Rose is the continuation of Fenella and Laird’s story.

It began in Winning my Ex Crush, as Fenella and Laird rediscovered one another, years after high school. Now their careers, her overbearing boss and a bully from her past threaten to destroy the life they’re trying to build together.

The plot was fast-paced, and interesting and the characters were real realistic and unbelievable. This was a solid conclusion to Fenella and Laird’s story.

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really hoping that this book would hit the grind running after the first. But it kinda just walked itself out. I did enjoy the growth of both Fenella and Laird, but again, this was a little surface level. The twists and turns were great. A few were predictable. But it happens. This held suspense and spice. Lots of spice lol. But I didn’t mind. Loved the the story overall. It was an enjoyable read.

[Jessica Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second part did not let me down. It was filled with heat and suspense. You do have to read the first book Winning My Ex-Crush to really understand what’s going on. I loved seeing Fenella and Laird come closer together and overcome the drama. It was also nice to see more depth to Fenella. I would reread this book duet.

[Jordan Fiest · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keeping My Ex-Crush is book two of the Love and Deception Series.

The story concludes between these characters. There is a lot of mystery and suspense. Fenella and Laird have a lot to get through before things can progress any further between them. They have to overcome secrets and lies and manipulation by others before they can get a happy ending. A great conclusion to the duet.

[Sara Straw · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Fenella and Laird are childhood friends who have always been smitten with each other. Things never panned out for them until they run into each other as adults. The first book sets this up. By this book, Fenella has a boss who’s obsessed with her and Laird is her boyfriend. He’s learning more and more about this mysterious boss and the couple winds up face to face with an old enemy. I liked the suspense in this book. It kept leaving me wanting more. I was not in love with Fenella up until close to the end. She was very surface level and was always talking about her looks and it gave me the ick when she would talk about Alan as more than her boss when she was supposedly super in love with Laird. She just seemed to always want to chase the high of being wanted. The spice was real heavy, sometimes a little much. Overall, I enjoyed it though.

[Coriana Mullinix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twists and turns plus a happy ending makes this a great conclusion to a duology. I’m typically not one for reading duos but this one sucked me in. I finished book 1 at midnight and had to pick the second one up immediately.

[Amanda McCabe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fenella and Laird have a good story line. This story has a ton of twists and turns. I was ultimately shocked at the connections. Ultimately this is a good enemies to lovers. The history of the characters and the heroic actions of Fenella were very well told.

[Darkangel Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another thrilling read by this Author. Laird and Fanella are still kicking but and being stronger together. Their love has its challenges but they are strong enough to handle anything as long as they are together.

[Terri Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved this book just like the first! kept me on my toes. beautiful blend of suspense, spicy, & romance! gorgeous darling.

[Rebecca Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good. I couldn’t put it down. There was so much suspense with each page I read I wondered what was gonna happen next