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Kings of the Riviera #1
The Heart You Kept
From #1 Amazon bestselling author T L Swan, comes the seductive world of forbidden luxury, where nothing is as it seems. Welcome to the addiction that is Kings Of The Riviera
He was never meant to be anything more than a memory.
But now he’s back… and more magnetic than ever.
Three years after a secret weekend in the Swiss Alps, Alora Sorenson thought she’d completely moved on from the mysterious man who turned her world upside down. That is until Edward Prescott walks back into her richer, more powerful, and even harder to resist.
As the billionaire owner of the world’s largest casino empire, Edward is the definition of untouchable. He’s a dark, commanding force in a world of high society, luxury yachts, and ruthless enemies.
Alora prefers a serene and simple life, surrounded by antiques and vintage fashion.
She doesn’t belong in his world, and yet… she’s never stopped wanting him.
But behind his intoxicating charm lie hidden dangers, and in the shadows of the Riviera, will the past reemerge and destroy everything?
Secrets brought them together.
But will they also tear them apart?
He was never meant to be anything more than a memory.
But now he’s back… and more magnetic than ever.
Three years after a secret weekend in the Swiss Alps, Alora Sorenson thought she’d completely moved on from the mysterious man who turned her world upside down. That is until Edward Prescott walks back into her richer, more powerful, and even harder to resist.
As the billionaire owner of the world’s largest casino empire, Edward is the definition of untouchable. He’s a dark, commanding force in a world of high society, luxury yachts, and ruthless enemies.
Alora prefers a serene and simple life, surrounded by antiques and vintage fashion.
She doesn’t belong in his world, and yet… she’s never stopped wanting him.
But behind his intoxicating charm lie hidden dangers, and in the shadows of the Riviera, will the past reemerge and destroy everything?
Secrets brought them together.
But will they also tear them apart?
Audible Audio
First published May 5, 2026
About the author
T.L. Swan
44 books25k followersT L Swan is a #1 Amazon best-selling author and a professional daydream believer. Based on the scenic South Coast of NSW with her husband and three kids, she's seen her books take the romance world by storm with multiple #1 best sellers and translated editions of her books in over 20 languages.
Best known for "The Miles High Club" series, all of her books exist in an inter-connected universe that exudes luxury and desire. Her mission is crafting steamy, tender, and unforgettable romantic stories that stay with you long after you’ve closed the book.
Best known for "The Miles High Club" series, all of her books exist in an inter-connected universe that exudes luxury and desire. Her mission is crafting steamy, tender, and unforgettable romantic stories that stay with you long after you’ve closed the book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,023 reviews
May 1, 2026
SO MUCH POTENTIAL! But fell flat.
What happened to the best friend that 💀 at the beginning? We never heard anything else about her.
What happened to the bucket list? Nothing else was even mentioned about it.
She went to the resort to p*g this man. Nothing else of that was ever spoke about again.
Edward could’ve been GREAT if he wasn’t such an ssa 90% of the time.
Where did the random POVs from different characters come from? Why was that included?
I just don’t know man. I tried, I really did. Maybe it was just me who didn’t really understand what was going on.
What happened to the best friend that 💀 at the beginning? We never heard anything else about her.
What happened to the bucket list? Nothing else was even mentioned about it.
She went to the resort to p*g this man. Nothing else of that was ever spoke about again.
Edward could’ve been GREAT if he wasn’t such an ssa 90% of the time.
Where did the random POVs from different characters come from? Why was that included?
I just don’t know man. I tried, I really did. Maybe it was just me who didn’t really understand what was going on.
May 6, 2026
5 The way we were ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A new CR that was actually romantic 🙌 And it really, really was.❤️
Was it flawless? God no 😂 But not a million dollars could have made me put this away.
Do you know the movie The Way We Were? That’s the trajectory of this, or that of Twilight.
They love each other but are so, so different, with a world that wants them apart.😭 It was so well done. 🙌 Well done Mrs. Swan.
There are no obvious tropes, this is ORIGINAL and the 5 ⭐️’s are for that.
The beginning was a lot though😂 but here we go, give it the benefit of the doubt.
Edward and Alora meet when they are randomly paired at a kink hotel. It’s anonymous, but they somehow connect against all odds. Yes I know 🙄 but their chemistry was sizzling.
Three years later, they meet at a charity event in Monaco.
Alora is now an antique dealer in Nice and Edward an even more powerful casino owner in Monaco. Sparks fly when they reconnect and identities are revealed, but both have long-term partners and restraint must be had. They had both been searching for the other to no avail.
They circle each other like tigers for a long time, and they know they are soulmates, but soulmates living incompatible lives.❤️🩹
This was the sexiest slow burn I have read in a long time. The power struggle between them was intense and realistic, and it completely brought me back to my single days, where I would sit waiting for the phone to ring… yes I am eye rolling at my younger self.😂
However, it felt like a realistic portrayal of how a relationship actually starts, with insecurities and differences.❤️
Edward has never really loved, but he knows something is terribly wrong with him as his feelings intensify towards Alora 😂 and his conversations with his therapist were absolutely delightful and created comic relief as the angst was building.❤️
Can you love someone who doesn’t want to be loved 😢
He had it, love, but he didn’t want it.
Alora kept yearning for the softer man living deep inside him.
“What we nearly had. But what you couldn’t give me.”
The romance arc kept raising the stakes, and it was so well done. Standing ovation 👏
Edward is a realistic portrayal of what an obsessed man looks like, he crossed all boundaries to protect her while not wanting her. Until he couldn’t live without her….❤️
Alora was a great FMC, she knew what she wanted from Edward and didn’t settle for sex or crumbs. Finally.
Listen, I have a list of things that weren’t great, but in the end, I was wowed and had a fantastic time.
List:
1/ Ming lamps, really? You mean a Ming vase, right?
2/ Why could he have a relationship with Hermione?
3/ You can’t be a business owner in Nice without speaking French?
4/ It’s a long book.
So not perfect, but a fantastic time. If you like Laurelin Paige, you will love this. It ends on a mother of a cliffhanger.
Should you read it? ABSOLUTELY!
Chance of divorce? Can’t tell you.🤐
Ps. This is very Gen X coded, in the good way.
A new CR that was actually romantic 🙌 And it really, really was.❤️
Was it flawless? God no 😂 But not a million dollars could have made me put this away.
Do you know the movie The Way We Were? That’s the trajectory of this, or that of Twilight.
They love each other but are so, so different, with a world that wants them apart.😭 It was so well done. 🙌 Well done Mrs. Swan.
There are no obvious tropes, this is ORIGINAL and the 5 ⭐️’s are for that.
The beginning was a lot though😂 but here we go, give it the benefit of the doubt.
Edward and Alora meet when they are randomly paired at a kink hotel. It’s anonymous, but they somehow connect against all odds. Yes I know 🙄 but their chemistry was sizzling.
Three years later, they meet at a charity event in Monaco.
Alora is now an antique dealer in Nice and Edward an even more powerful casino owner in Monaco. Sparks fly when they reconnect and identities are revealed, but both have long-term partners and restraint must be had. They had both been searching for the other to no avail.
They circle each other like tigers for a long time, and they know they are soulmates, but soulmates living incompatible lives.❤️🩹
This was the sexiest slow burn I have read in a long time. The power struggle between them was intense and realistic, and it completely brought me back to my single days, where I would sit waiting for the phone to ring… yes I am eye rolling at my younger self.😂
However, it felt like a realistic portrayal of how a relationship actually starts, with insecurities and differences.❤️
Edward has never really loved, but he knows something is terribly wrong with him as his feelings intensify towards Alora 😂 and his conversations with his therapist were absolutely delightful and created comic relief as the angst was building.❤️
Can you love someone who doesn’t want to be loved 😢
He had it, love, but he didn’t want it.
Alora kept yearning for the softer man living deep inside him.
“What we nearly had. But what you couldn’t give me.”
The romance arc kept raising the stakes, and it was so well done. Standing ovation 👏
Edward is a realistic portrayal of what an obsessed man looks like, he crossed all boundaries to protect her while not wanting her. Until he couldn’t live without her….❤️
Alora was a great FMC, she knew what she wanted from Edward and didn’t settle for sex or crumbs. Finally.
Listen, I have a list of things that weren’t great, but in the end, I was wowed and had a fantastic time.
List:
1/ Ming lamps, really? You mean a Ming vase, right?
2/ Why could he have a relationship with Hermione?
3/ You can’t be a business owner in Nice without speaking French?
4/ It’s a long book.
So not perfect, but a fantastic time. If you like Laurelin Paige, you will love this. It ends on a mother of a cliffhanger.
Should you read it? ABSOLUTELY!
Chance of divorce? Can’t tell you.🤐
Ps. This is very Gen X coded, in the good way.
Did Not Finish
March 24, 2026ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
DNF.
I went into this book with very little sense of what to expect, as the synopsis felt somewhat vague. Unfortunately, it didn’t resonate with me. Within the first few chapters, I found myself skimming, struggling to stay engaged. The narrative shifts abruptly between scenes, which made it difficult to follow and left me feeling disoriented.
While I can understand why others might appreciate its style, it ultimately wasn’t a good fit for me. I seem to be in the minority on this one, but it just didn’t work for my reading preferences..
Not rating it of course. I don't think this author is for me. Also this does end in a cliffhanger and from what I am reading in other reviews it's a year wait.
DNF.
I went into this book with very little sense of what to expect, as the synopsis felt somewhat vague. Unfortunately, it didn’t resonate with me. Within the first few chapters, I found myself skimming, struggling to stay engaged. The narrative shifts abruptly between scenes, which made it difficult to follow and left me feeling disoriented.
While I can understand why others might appreciate its style, it ultimately wasn’t a good fit for me. I seem to be in the minority on this one, but it just didn’t work for my reading preferences..
Not rating it of course. I don't think this author is for me. Also this does end in a cliffhanger and from what I am reading in other reviews it's a year wait.
May 7, 2026
Are. You. Freaking. Kidding. Me?!?! Finally we get a “book” that was teased and started in the holiday book how long ago???? Only to discover it’s not even an entire freaking story?! Ends in a cliffhanger and want to know how it ends? See ya in 2027…but realistically this author is known to not live up to her dates so there’s that.
ETA: The beginning was in her holiday book in 2023 and said full book coming 2024. It's now 2026 and the book is released and it's a freaking cliffhanger! I feel like this is a big middle finger to all her readers who patiently waited and what did we get - zero payoff. Also - went to FB to see if I missed anything regarding this being an incomplete story. The author had the nerve to tell readers to go in blind and trust her process and don't read any reviews that gives anything away! You mean gives away your inability to write a complete story in 40 freaking chapters??!!
This could have been one book - maybe less back and forth and if the author had moved the romance faster. I thought the “The End” was a joke. Everything I saw made me believe this was a standalone book and I feel like I was misled.
Seriously so disappointed and mad - CLIFFHANGERS ARE FOR TV SHOWS NOT BOOKS!!!!!!
Moving on to something that makes me feel less rage…you know like a complete book with a beginning, middle, and end that doesn’t require a freaking year to get to.
ETA: The beginning was in her holiday book in 2023 and said full book coming 2024. It's now 2026 and the book is released and it's a freaking cliffhanger! I feel like this is a big middle finger to all her readers who patiently waited and what did we get - zero payoff. Also - went to FB to see if I missed anything regarding this being an incomplete story. The author had the nerve to tell readers to go in blind and trust her process and don't read any reviews that gives anything away! You mean gives away your inability to write a complete story in 40 freaking chapters??!!
This could have been one book - maybe less back and forth and if the author had moved the romance faster. I thought the “The End” was a joke. Everything I saw made me believe this was a standalone book and I feel like I was misled.
Seriously so disappointed and mad - CLIFFHANGERS ARE FOR TV SHOWS NOT BOOKS!!!!!!
Moving on to something that makes me feel less rage…you know like a complete book with a beginning, middle, and end that doesn’t require a freaking year to get to.
April 29, 2026
First of all, thank you netgalley for the advanced review copy. Not spending money on this book was possibly the best thing about it.
The writing was choppy, the plot was all over the place, the motives make zero sense, and for how long this was for a romance it ends on a massive cliffhanger. If you told me this was translated from another language I would’ve believed it with how choppy it was.
The writing was choppy, the plot was all over the place, the motives make zero sense, and for how long this was for a romance it ends on a massive cliffhanger. If you told me this was translated from another language I would’ve believed it with how choppy it was.
May 13, 2026
Well it’s a good read with amazing construction characters. At the beginning I think the male character is a little childish but the more I read about him I see the complexity of his personality.
I really love the author’s style.
It’s worth reading.
Warning ⚠️
The female character’s friend who was the cause they joined at the beginning isn’t remembered by hers in the whole book.
It’s strange!🤔
July 27, 2026
Underdeveloped characters ruined the potential of this book. And yes this book was cringing me out
June 2, 2026
I can’t believe this ends on a cliffhanger 😅
May 29, 2026
Did I just inhale this book? Yes, yes I did. The way that I could not put this book down. I stayed up way too late because I was so consumed with this messy and toxic relationship that I just needed to know how it ended. And then imagine my surprise when I came to a cliffhanger 😩 Like I went into this book blind. There was no mention of a cliffhanger. So I think it's important that if you pick this book up, please be warned that there is a cliffhanger. Now that we got that out of the way, let's rave about this book!
I don't want to give much away with this being a romantic suspense that's left on a cliffhanger BUT the plot of this book sucked me in. I was hooked from page one. I was fully invested on how Alora and Edward's story was going to progress. What kept me fully locked in was the pure messiness and toxicity between Alora and Edward. What started off as an anonymous fun weekend in Switzerland quickly became a miscommunication messy nightmare three years later when these two were back in each others orbit. Like the way Edward tried to convince himself that he wasn't in love with Alora was comical and at times made me wanna through my kindle at the wall and scream at him. But that only added to the messiness and toxicity. The tension and angst created this perfect push and pull between the characters that I gobbled up.
I haven't been this invested in a book in a hot minute. I never wanted to put to down because I just HAD to know how their relationship was going to work out. From the thick tension that's palpable on page, angst and suspense element, this book ate and I fear I didn't leave a single crumb. And if you have the ability to listen to the audio I HIGHLY suggest that's how you read this book. This book is a DUET NARRATION by Shane East and Victoria Connolly and oh my goodness, was this perfection! There are more POVs than just Alora and Edward's and the narrators did a fabulous job narrating every single personality. The voice dynamic with Shane East was truly a masterpiece. Also, if you listen to this book, there is a POV for "darkness" and this is told in a distorted voice which only adds and elevates the suspense element to the book. It was just an amazing surprise to hear. It was just literal perfection.
Dare I say this will be a top read for me?!? Because the way that I loved this book! Now idk what to do with myself as I wait for book two. I guess twiddle my thumbs as I try to put the pieces together. But oh my this book was so good!
You should most definitely read this book if you like:
- Billionaire Romance
- Romantic Suspense
- Second Chance
- Forced Proximity
- Set in France
- British Hero
- Alpha Hole MMC
- Messy, Toxic, Tension and Angsty
- Strangers to Lovers
I don't want to give much away with this being a romantic suspense that's left on a cliffhanger BUT the plot of this book sucked me in. I was hooked from page one. I was fully invested on how Alora and Edward's story was going to progress. What kept me fully locked in was the pure messiness and toxicity between Alora and Edward. What started off as an anonymous fun weekend in Switzerland quickly became a miscommunication messy nightmare three years later when these two were back in each others orbit. Like the way Edward tried to convince himself that he wasn't in love with Alora was comical and at times made me wanna through my kindle at the wall and scream at him. But that only added to the messiness and toxicity. The tension and angst created this perfect push and pull between the characters that I gobbled up.
I haven't been this invested in a book in a hot minute. I never wanted to put to down because I just HAD to know how their relationship was going to work out. From the thick tension that's palpable on page, angst and suspense element, this book ate and I fear I didn't leave a single crumb. And if you have the ability to listen to the audio I HIGHLY suggest that's how you read this book. This book is a DUET NARRATION by Shane East and Victoria Connolly and oh my goodness, was this perfection! There are more POVs than just Alora and Edward's and the narrators did a fabulous job narrating every single personality. The voice dynamic with Shane East was truly a masterpiece. Also, if you listen to this book, there is a POV for "darkness" and this is told in a distorted voice which only adds and elevates the suspense element to the book. It was just an amazing surprise to hear. It was just literal perfection.
Dare I say this will be a top read for me?!? Because the way that I loved this book! Now idk what to do with myself as I wait for book two. I guess twiddle my thumbs as I try to put the pieces together. But oh my this book was so good!
You should most definitely read this book if you like:
- Billionaire Romance
- Romantic Suspense
- Second Chance
- Forced Proximity
- Set in France
- British Hero
- Alpha Hole MMC
- Messy, Toxic, Tension and Angsty
- Strangers to Lovers
Read
August 2, 2026Look, I’m pausing this because it is waaay too long… bestie is still powering through the audio) - a few hours later bestie gave up too - she tossed her headphones and said: “what a douche”! 🤷🏻♀️
I need to write down a few things (not a proper review, I guess!?):
Audio is great in duet style 5/5!
This starts with a “bang” … yup, that type of bang 🥴😂they have a very steamy, very hawt 🥵one weekend stand - detailed , as it is the norm for T.L. Swan (she writes good steamy scenes)
Somehow (because he is a “constipated” alpha dom 🙄 and doesn’t believe in relationships - he never asks her to continue the exploration of their chemistry, beyond this anonymous hookup! 🙄
The place they hook up is OTT smex kink club, in Switzerland that costs 70K Euros (~ 80K USD for the whole weekend) he is ultra rich, she isn’t, but she decides to spend a small inheritance her friend left her, to fulfill said dead friend’s fantasy, which is to peg a random guy! 🤭
He is urged by his therapist to relinquish control and accept to be pegged - to “unclog”his emotional state 🤪😝)
He offers to give her the money back, but we never find out what happens to that or her friend’s bucket list … nor does the pegging happen! Bummer! 😂
FFW a few years later, they meet again (in Monaco) each with other partners, (she has a major career change from a math teacher to selling antiques in her own store, inherited- (again) from her uncle! How magically things resolve in novels … also she always keeps finding vintage designer stuff in random flea markets and shops… I want that IRL!)
Now things that bothered me:
Alora is the one pursuing more, wanting more but also with way more accountability and morality! (Why do women always take the brunt of responsibility and morality!?) She doesn’t want to be a cheater so she breaks up with her boyfriend first- not the MMC, no, it takes Edward quite some time to break his own relationship (even though he is supposed to be obsessed with Alora!?)
I didn’t like Edward- at all, he is a major manhoe- he has some type of sex addiction - has to have sex daily (there is nothing he hasn’t experienced to make him find sexual relationship with Alora unique… 🤷🏻♀️)
But the consolation is he always thinks about FMC regardless with whom he is, or was, during sex! 😵💫How nice…he lets FMC know that fact! 😣🙄
He is always surrounded by women and there is nothing saying he didn’t cheat on his fiancée before! Why did he have said fiancee in the first place?
Instead of Edward (MMC) chasing Alora (FMC) and earning her love, she is written as the one putting in the hard emotional labor. She has to act like his therapist to get him to love her back, which destroys the whole fantasy of a protective, obsessed MMC.
The setting is very nice, but there are many inconsistencies and plot holes, the story is too long, it turns into a romantic suspense!?… not to mention there is emotional cheating, delayed breakups and a hero who lacks any real accountability or exclusive respect for the heroine and I am not mentally prepared for all these…
I need to write down a few things (not a proper review, I guess!?):
Audio is great in duet style 5/5!
This starts with a “bang” … yup, that type of bang 🥴😂they have a very steamy, very hawt 🥵one weekend stand - detailed , as it is the norm for T.L. Swan (she writes good steamy scenes)
Somehow (because he is a “constipated” alpha dom 🙄 and doesn’t believe in relationships - he never asks her to continue the exploration of their chemistry, beyond this anonymous hookup! 🙄
The place they hook up is OTT smex kink club, in Switzerland that costs 70K Euros (~ 80K USD for the whole weekend) he is ultra rich, she isn’t, but she decides to spend a small inheritance her friend left her, to fulfill said dead friend’s fantasy, which is to peg a random guy! 🤭
He is urged by his therapist to relinquish control and accept to be pegged - to “unclog”his emotional state 🤪😝)
He offers to give her the money back, but we never find out what happens to that or her friend’s bucket list … nor does the pegging happen! Bummer! 😂
FFW a few years later, they meet again (in Monaco) each with other partners, (she has a major career change from a math teacher to selling antiques in her own store, inherited- (again) from her uncle! How magically things resolve in novels … also she always keeps finding vintage designer stuff in random flea markets and shops… I want that IRL!)
Now things that bothered me:
Alora is the one pursuing more, wanting more but also with way more accountability and morality! (Why do women always take the brunt of responsibility and morality!?) She doesn’t want to be a cheater so she breaks up with her boyfriend first- not the MMC, no, it takes Edward quite some time to break his own relationship (even though he is supposed to be obsessed with Alora!?)
I didn’t like Edward- at all, he is a major manhoe- he has some type of sex addiction - has to have sex daily (there is nothing he hasn’t experienced to make him find sexual relationship with Alora unique… 🤷🏻♀️)
But the consolation is he always thinks about FMC regardless with whom he is, or was, during sex! 😵💫How nice…he lets FMC know that fact! 😣🙄
He is always surrounded by women and there is nothing saying he didn’t cheat on his fiancée before! Why did he have said fiancee in the first place?
Instead of Edward (MMC) chasing Alora (FMC) and earning her love, she is written as the one putting in the hard emotional labor. She has to act like his therapist to get him to love her back, which destroys the whole fantasy of a protective, obsessed MMC.
The setting is very nice, but there are many inconsistencies and plot holes, the story is too long, it turns into a romantic suspense!?… not to mention there is emotional cheating, delayed breakups and a hero who lacks any real accountability or exclusive respect for the heroine and I am not mentally prepared for all these…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Did Not Finish
May 2, 2026I am heartbroken to do this. TL has been one of my favorite authors for years now. I’ve never not loved something she wrote, but to be completely honest this did not feel like a book from the TL that I know and love. It was a mess. It was so choppy that it was hard to keep up with. The writing was all over the place. The timelapses came out of no where and caused confusion. There was no chemistry between the main characters. I didn’t feel any yearning. I didn’t understand the random other POVs. This was unfortunately a fail for me.
Thank you so much to Arndell & Natgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review
Thank you so much to Arndell & Natgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review
September 20, 2026
Secrets, Suspense, and One Intense Romance
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💛💚🖤❤️
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏🌍
Character development: 😋😀😍😎😘
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Duet Narration
Main Characters and Plot Overview
Alora Sorenson meets Edward Prescott under some pretty unforgettable circumstances. Alora travels to a secretive resort in the Swiss Alps to complete one of her late best friend Misty’s bucket-list items, while Edward has been sent there by his therapist to learn how to give up control. They spend an intense weekend together without exchanging real names, but neither of them manages to forget the other.
Three years later, Alora is living in France, running Sorenson Antiques after inheriting her uncle’s business and home. She is dating Pascal, a Monaco council official, when Edward suddenly reappears at a charity auction. The chemistry between them is immediate, and things get incredibly complicated when Alora discovers that the mysterious man from Switzerland is actually a billionaire casino mogul and the very person Pascal considers a rival.
Edward is obsessive, possessive, and definitely not an easy man to love. I actually enjoyed watching Alora push back against him rather than simply giving in to everything he wanted. Their relationship becomes increasingly intense, especially once Edward finally admits that his fear of losing Alora is tied to the childhood trauma surrounding his mother’s murder.
And then there is the suspense plot. The “Darkness” chapters gradually reveal that someone is watching Alora, collecting disguises and equipment, and eventually building a hidden surveillance room above her bedroom. That along with the storyline of how obsessed Edward is with security add mystery and suspense to the plot along with a foreboding of what might be happening.
Highlights and Limitations
The chemistry between Alora and Edward was easily my favorite part. Their first reunion at the auction is fantastic because neither one can pretend the Swiss weekend meant nothing. I also loved the contrast between Alora’s quieter life surrounded by antiques and Edward’s extravagant world of private jets, yachts, casinos, and enormous estates.
Some of Edward’s behavior is deliberately over-the-top, and there were moments when I wanted Alora to put her foot down even harder. Some of his decisions nearly crossed a line for me, even within a dark romance. I appreciated that Alora questioned his controlling behavior instead of treating it as automatically romantic.
One scene that really worked for me was when Edward goes grocery shopping for the first time. For someone who has spent much of his life surrounded by wealth and employees, seeing him attempt something so ordinary made him feel more human. I also liked the scene where he reveals the truth about his mother’s death. It gave some much-needed context to why he has such a deep fear of losing control and getting emotionally attached.
The suspense kept getting darker, and I especially liked the way the “Darkness” sections gave us pieces of the threat before Alora understood what was happening. I did wish some of the relationship drama had been trimmed because there were moments when Edward and Alora seemed to circle the same emotional issues repeatedly.
Narration
Shane East and Victoria Connolly were a great pairing for this audiobook. Shane gives Edward the commanding, arrogant quality the character needs, but he also handles Edward’s more vulnerable moments well. His performance during Edward’s confession about his mother was particularly effective because the character finally drops some of that larger-than-life billionaire persona. Shane is one of my favorite male narrators and definitely my favorite with a British accent. Since I am American, some British accents, especially on men without a deep voice, just tend to sound foppish to me, but Shane East sounds manly and confident, exactly right for Edward. He is also able to do an American accent very well for other characters.
Victoria Connolly gave Alora plenty of personality and emotion, especially when she is angry with Edward or trying to decide whether she can actually trust him. The duet format also worked well for the alternating perspectives, and there are additional POVs woven into the story, including the unsettling “Darkness” sections. Those moments added another layer to the audio experience because the narration shifts to reflect the sinister perspective.
Final Thoughts
I had a lot of fun listening to The Heart You Kept. It is messy, steamy, dramatic, suspenseful, and packed with the kind of larger-than-life romance that T L Swan does well. Alora and Edward definitely frustrated me at times, but I cared enough about them that I kept wanting to know what they would do next.
The final stretch completely pulled me in. Many of T L Swan’s books that I have read and loved in the past, focus so heavily on the relationship between two people, that there hasn’t been any added suspenseful plot like in this book, and though there was plenty of relationship drama going on in much of the book, it went so fast and I really enjoyed that as well as the mystery and suspense added into this book.
I definitely finished this audiobook wanting the next book immediately. That cliffhanger is going to stick with me, whether I like being left there or not. Though I have to admit that if I knew there was a cliffhanger, I would have waited to read/listen to this one until the next one was out (April 2027).
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💛💚🖤❤️
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏🌍
Character development: 😋😀😍😎😘
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Duet Narration
Main Characters and Plot Overview
Alora Sorenson meets Edward Prescott under some pretty unforgettable circumstances. Alora travels to a secretive resort in the Swiss Alps to complete one of her late best friend Misty’s bucket-list items, while Edward has been sent there by his therapist to learn how to give up control. They spend an intense weekend together without exchanging real names, but neither of them manages to forget the other.
Three years later, Alora is living in France, running Sorenson Antiques after inheriting her uncle’s business and home. She is dating Pascal, a Monaco council official, when Edward suddenly reappears at a charity auction. The chemistry between them is immediate, and things get incredibly complicated when Alora discovers that the mysterious man from Switzerland is actually a billionaire casino mogul and the very person Pascal considers a rival.
Edward is obsessive, possessive, and definitely not an easy man to love. I actually enjoyed watching Alora push back against him rather than simply giving in to everything he wanted. Their relationship becomes increasingly intense, especially once Edward finally admits that his fear of losing Alora is tied to the childhood trauma surrounding his mother’s murder.
And then there is the suspense plot. The “Darkness” chapters gradually reveal that someone is watching Alora, collecting disguises and equipment, and eventually building a hidden surveillance room above her bedroom. That along with the storyline of how obsessed Edward is with security add mystery and suspense to the plot along with a foreboding of what might be happening.
Highlights and Limitations
The chemistry between Alora and Edward was easily my favorite part. Their first reunion at the auction is fantastic because neither one can pretend the Swiss weekend meant nothing. I also loved the contrast between Alora’s quieter life surrounded by antiques and Edward’s extravagant world of private jets, yachts, casinos, and enormous estates.
Some of Edward’s behavior is deliberately over-the-top, and there were moments when I wanted Alora to put her foot down even harder. Some of his decisions nearly crossed a line for me, even within a dark romance. I appreciated that Alora questioned his controlling behavior instead of treating it as automatically romantic.
One scene that really worked for me was when Edward goes grocery shopping for the first time. For someone who has spent much of his life surrounded by wealth and employees, seeing him attempt something so ordinary made him feel more human. I also liked the scene where he reveals the truth about his mother’s death. It gave some much-needed context to why he has such a deep fear of losing control and getting emotionally attached.
The suspense kept getting darker, and I especially liked the way the “Darkness” sections gave us pieces of the threat before Alora understood what was happening. I did wish some of the relationship drama had been trimmed because there were moments when Edward and Alora seemed to circle the same emotional issues repeatedly.
Narration
Shane East and Victoria Connolly were a great pairing for this audiobook. Shane gives Edward the commanding, arrogant quality the character needs, but he also handles Edward’s more vulnerable moments well. His performance during Edward’s confession about his mother was particularly effective because the character finally drops some of that larger-than-life billionaire persona. Shane is one of my favorite male narrators and definitely my favorite with a British accent. Since I am American, some British accents, especially on men without a deep voice, just tend to sound foppish to me, but Shane East sounds manly and confident, exactly right for Edward. He is also able to do an American accent very well for other characters.
Victoria Connolly gave Alora plenty of personality and emotion, especially when she is angry with Edward or trying to decide whether she can actually trust him. The duet format also worked well for the alternating perspectives, and there are additional POVs woven into the story, including the unsettling “Darkness” sections. Those moments added another layer to the audio experience because the narration shifts to reflect the sinister perspective.
Final Thoughts
I had a lot of fun listening to The Heart You Kept. It is messy, steamy, dramatic, suspenseful, and packed with the kind of larger-than-life romance that T L Swan does well. Alora and Edward definitely frustrated me at times, but I cared enough about them that I kept wanting to know what they would do next.
The final stretch completely pulled me in. Many of T L Swan’s books that I have read and loved in the past, focus so heavily on the relationship between two people, that there hasn’t been any added suspenseful plot like in this book, and though there was plenty of relationship drama going on in much of the book, it went so fast and I really enjoyed that as well as the mystery and suspense added into this book.
I definitely finished this audiobook wanting the next book immediately. That cliffhanger is going to stick with me, whether I like being left there or not. Though I have to admit that if I knew there was a cliffhanger, I would have waited to read/listen to this one until the next one was out (April 2027).
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May 4, 2026
DNF at 30%. I had heard really wonderful things about TL Swan’s books and was very excited to receive this ARC.
The premise was really fascinating and different. It had a lot of potential. The writing felt very choppy and the formatting was odd resulting in POV jumping in weird places and sudden scenes changes within chapters, which could just be because it was an ARC.
The random POVs from other characters were a little distracting and the writing felt…off, I think. I could not connect to the love story and I could not get past the plot holes. Honestly, the book wasn’t “bad” per se, it just wasn’t for me. But I can see how others may enjoy it.
I received an advance copy of this book at no charge. This is my honest, voluntary review.
The premise was really fascinating and different. It had a lot of potential. The writing felt very choppy and the formatting was odd resulting in POV jumping in weird places and sudden scenes changes within chapters, which could just be because it was an ARC.
The random POVs from other characters were a little distracting and the writing felt…off, I think. I could not connect to the love story and I could not get past the plot holes. Honestly, the book wasn’t “bad” per se, it just wasn’t for me. But I can see how others may enjoy it.
I received an advance copy of this book at no charge. This is my honest, voluntary review.
May 6, 2026
So Bored Of Tees Vaccuous Females That Allow Men To Project All Over Them. Genuinely, If You Enjoy Gagging For A Sexist, Miss Me With Your Presence
Really disgusting reading him submit a dom.
And her pretending she always was one.
Ugh.
I'm so glad interesting women never get on their knees for men.
Tee should be more responsible as she knows that Therapy does not work for Type A personalities.
They aren't there to recover, they're only there for affirmation and new vocabulary that they are not emotionally bonded with, at an Egotistical level.
Also, remember, all his reasons are mere excuses.
Hurt people do not hurt people.
That's an abusive Liberal lie.
Hurters of people have been allowed to weaponise all instances of negative emotions they have ever felt, to justify continuing to hurt people, for the entirety of their lives.
"A good life can't be stumbled upon..."
What a joke Tee is.
All Tee's MMC stumble back into their FMC's lives after socially and emotionally abusing them for months and then usually, after the FMC is vulnerable with him, and then he rapes her in return.
And yes, Tee specialises in making rapists feel sympathetic.
She claims you can dissociate while proactively denying a person consent.
No.
Dissociation is reactive.
He abuses her the whole way through this book.
Its an absolute privilege to watch Hasan Piker, a true authentic sexy rich cunt and know that E.L. James spawned a culture of Empathetic Narcissism over on BookTok.
Notice how all the toxic men lose their hair because their blood pressure is toxic?
Tee writes right wing men that look like left wing men.
Men like Edward, look like Palpatine and/or Jabba the Hutt or worse, Donald Trump.
I lived Operation Banner, and am also a Child Abuse victim that "has been through so much" and I don't perceive him, judging by how much her projects all over her, as having gone through enough.
I feel like Tee is so Patriarchial, theres a dick shes constantly gagging on.
A FUCKING PRENUP?
This social murderer of babies thinks he can financially coerce the woman he loves?
In a patriarchy?
A capitalist patriarchy?
Tee is so Toxic.
Was hoping an Orca attacked the yacht.
Are white colonisers still impressed by stuff like this?
How stunted and abusive.
The way hes yelling at her when she was chased by a car.
Tee, when is he supposed to be supportive?
Meanwhile hes allowed to mistreat her because of "his scars".
Tee part of the culture of why Ireland has weekly marches against Violence Against Women And Girls.
Just won't stop letting men pretend a negative emotion is mental illness.
Thus they don't murder people, they just be ill all over them to death.
Remember, trauma causes internalisation, not externalisation, its privilege that does that.
Narcissistic impulses are exercised by the narcissist all their lives.
Pretending its mere insecurity is kinda chronically pathetic and cultlike behaviour.
This is so out of touch.
He's benefitting from the modern genocides of Neoliberal Neocolonialism that we can all see on the news.
He calls her a nutcase after she has been attacked and has signed all of her domestic support as forever unpaid, ie depowered, once she marries him.
What an absolute toxic, misogynistic, ableist cunt.
Wow so many of your five star reviewers have no standards in men.
Communally abusing her by love bombing her in front of everyone when he knows shes hurt.
Ugh, Tee denies women agency over and over and punishes them, over and over when they try to take it.
Really disgusting reading him submit a dom.
And her pretending she always was one.
Ugh.
I'm so glad interesting women never get on their knees for men.
Tee should be more responsible as she knows that Therapy does not work for Type A personalities.
They aren't there to recover, they're only there for affirmation and new vocabulary that they are not emotionally bonded with, at an Egotistical level.
Also, remember, all his reasons are mere excuses.
Hurt people do not hurt people.
That's an abusive Liberal lie.
Hurters of people have been allowed to weaponise all instances of negative emotions they have ever felt, to justify continuing to hurt people, for the entirety of their lives.
"A good life can't be stumbled upon..."
What a joke Tee is.
All Tee's MMC stumble back into their FMC's lives after socially and emotionally abusing them for months and then usually, after the FMC is vulnerable with him, and then he rapes her in return.
And yes, Tee specialises in making rapists feel sympathetic.
She claims you can dissociate while proactively denying a person consent.
No.
Dissociation is reactive.
He abuses her the whole way through this book.
Its an absolute privilege to watch Hasan Piker, a true authentic sexy rich cunt and know that E.L. James spawned a culture of Empathetic Narcissism over on BookTok.
Notice how all the toxic men lose their hair because their blood pressure is toxic?
Tee writes right wing men that look like left wing men.
Men like Edward, look like Palpatine and/or Jabba the Hutt or worse, Donald Trump.
I lived Operation Banner, and am also a Child Abuse victim that "has been through so much" and I don't perceive him, judging by how much her projects all over her, as having gone through enough.
I feel like Tee is so Patriarchial, theres a dick shes constantly gagging on.
A FUCKING PRENUP?
This social murderer of babies thinks he can financially coerce the woman he loves?
In a patriarchy?
A capitalist patriarchy?
Tee is so Toxic.
Was hoping an Orca attacked the yacht.
Are white colonisers still impressed by stuff like this?
How stunted and abusive.
The way hes yelling at her when she was chased by a car.
Tee, when is he supposed to be supportive?
Meanwhile hes allowed to mistreat her because of "his scars".
Tee part of the culture of why Ireland has weekly marches against Violence Against Women And Girls.
Just won't stop letting men pretend a negative emotion is mental illness.
Thus they don't murder people, they just be ill all over them to death.
Remember, trauma causes internalisation, not externalisation, its privilege that does that.
Narcissistic impulses are exercised by the narcissist all their lives.
Pretending its mere insecurity is kinda chronically pathetic and cultlike behaviour.
This is so out of touch.
He's benefitting from the modern genocides of Neoliberal Neocolonialism that we can all see on the news.
He calls her a nutcase after she has been attacked and has signed all of her domestic support as forever unpaid, ie depowered, once she marries him.
What an absolute toxic, misogynistic, ableist cunt.
Wow so many of your five star reviewers have no standards in men.
Communally abusing her by love bombing her in front of everyone when he knows shes hurt.
Ugh, Tee denies women agency over and over and punishes them, over and over when they try to take it.
December 22, 2024
SLIGHTLY SPOILY
Ok so I’m finally reading the entire book and 50% of the way in I started getting pissed off- just a feeling I was going to be mad when I finished this. So I decided to check things out on Goodreads- the end is a cliffhanger and , well it sounds like something I would not enjoy. HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT. I’ve waited ages for this frickin book. I’m done. I’m basically over her writing, which isn’t the best. Her characters are generally over the top. I guess her books served a purpose in my life for a time I’m just not really sure what it was.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This book was a twisty, spicy, slightly emotional ride, that sucked me in and kept me hooked!
Alora loses her best friend and wants to finish her bucket list. It leads her to a kink club & a two night stand with Edward. This Billionaire MMC is dark, dangerous, and their connection is immediate!! However they leave the weekend with no names, contacts, and going their separate ways.
3 years later they find themselves back in each others lives, but they both have significant others. This book was a wild rollercoaster ride that gives so much heat, heart, and even some suspense that will keep you on your toes!! The ending has me so ready for what’s to come & I cannot believe we have to wait!!
Thank you Arndell & NetGalley for this early copy!
Alora loses her best friend and wants to finish her bucket list. It leads her to a kink club & a two night stand with Edward. This Billionaire MMC is dark, dangerous, and their connection is immediate!! However they leave the weekend with no names, contacts, and going their separate ways.
3 years later they find themselves back in each others lives, but they both have significant others. This book was a wild rollercoaster ride that gives so much heat, heart, and even some suspense that will keep you on your toes!! The ending has me so ready for what’s to come & I cannot believe we have to wait!!
Thank you Arndell & NetGalley for this early copy!
March 16, 2026
WHAT WAS THAT ENDING. WHAT DO YOU MEAN I HAVE TO WAIT TILL 2027?!
- Billionaire Romance
- Chance Meet
- Time Jump
- Second Chance
After the sudden loss of her best friend, Alora is on a mission to finish her best friend’s bucket list. This is how she finds herself in a kink club with a British billionaire. And even though they can’t exchange names, one night turns into two where they both can’t get enough of each other. The bucket list even gets forgotten while Alora spends 48 hours living for herself and herself only.
Fast forward 3 years and a chance meets finds Alora & Edward back in each others life, in more ways than one. But each with a significant other by their side. Alora has found a man who makes her happy, but doesn't give her the joy she found with Edward. While Edward has settled with an European princess, he also has found he has just settled to make his family happy. Especially when she is of noble blood. But when they can't stop thinking about each other - They know they need to end what they have to start something new with each other.
But what if it is too late? What if fate has other ideas that results in them having to not just fight for their love, but their life together? And what if once they win each other - Another past comes out to play turning it all into a downfall?
This story is full of heart break, love and angst. It will get you frustrated, it will make you laugh, cry and feel it all. I simply, could not get enough. I also went into it not knowing there was a cliffhanger? Tee - you are cheeky!!
5/5 stars with 4/5 steam.
- Billionaire Romance
- Chance Meet
- Time Jump
- Second Chance
After the sudden loss of her best friend, Alora is on a mission to finish her best friend’s bucket list. This is how she finds herself in a kink club with a British billionaire. And even though they can’t exchange names, one night turns into two where they both can’t get enough of each other. The bucket list even gets forgotten while Alora spends 48 hours living for herself and herself only.
Fast forward 3 years and a chance meets finds Alora & Edward back in each others life, in more ways than one. But each with a significant other by their side. Alora has found a man who makes her happy, but doesn't give her the joy she found with Edward. While Edward has settled with an European princess, he also has found he has just settled to make his family happy. Especially when she is of noble blood. But when they can't stop thinking about each other - They know they need to end what they have to start something new with each other.
But what if it is too late? What if fate has other ideas that results in them having to not just fight for their love, but their life together? And what if once they win each other - Another past comes out to play turning it all into a downfall?
This story is full of heart break, love and angst. It will get you frustrated, it will make you laugh, cry and feel it all. I simply, could not get enough. I also went into it not knowing there was a cliffhanger? Tee - you are cheeky!!
5/5 stars with 4/5 steam.
Did Not Finish
May 4, 2026Look, TL knows how to deliver a billionaire romance. That’s not up for debate. But this one felt messy in a way that pulled me completely out of the story. The choppy transitions and time jumps that didn’t feel smooth made it hard to stay immersed in what was actually happening.
There were also multiple POVs that just… didn’t add anything. So many plot points felt either underdeveloped or abandoned. Even considering this was an ARC, this felt like more than just early-draft roughness.
It definitely had moments that reminded me why I usually enjoy TL Swan, but they weren’t enough to save it.
There were also multiple POVs that just… didn’t add anything. So many plot points felt either underdeveloped or abandoned. Even considering this was an ARC, this felt like more than just early-draft roughness.
It definitely had moments that reminded me why I usually enjoy TL Swan, but they weren’t enough to save it.
May 9, 2026
Absolutely terrible. Very unlike TL’s other books. No attention paid to editing; choppy writing, completely pointless POVs that take the storyline nowhere. So disappointing after such a terribly long wait from this author. Skimmed the last 60% of the book.
May 8, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
And there comes the cliffhanger… 🤦🏻♀️
This book easily could’ve been 100 pages shorter. That’s honestly the reason it lost a star for me — there were too many repetitive thoughts and unnecessary scenes that dragged the pacing down. At times, Alora’s decisions felt completely out of character and a little frustrating.
But despite that? I was still hooked. 🙈
Edward is exactly the kind of MMC T.L. Swan writes so well — powerful, dominant, filthy rich, ridiculously attractive… and yes, an English aristocrat with a title 😉
His life is all business meetings, constant travel, polo matches, and glamorous parties. Edward has convinced himself he doesn’t do relationships.
Then there’s Alora — soft, artistic, and completely opposite to his chaotic world. She loves gardening, vintage fashion, slow mornings in Nice, and working in her antique shop.
Three years ago, they shared one unforgettable weekend that was supposed to remain just a memory. But some people leave marks on your soul that time simply can’t erase. And the moment they meet again, it becomes painfully obvious that resisting each other is only a matter of time before everything explodes into passion🔥
The chemistry between them? Absolutely insane.
The tension? Delicious.
The spicy scenes? T.L. Swan never misses 🥵🔥
As always with this author, the story is packed with drama and emotions — heartbreak, longing, frustration, happiness, obsession… the whole emotional rollercoaster 💘
And on top of the romance, there’s also intrigue and a criminal subplot that adds suspense and keeps the story interesting right until that cruel ending.
Now excuse me while I suffer waiting for the next book 😭
✨ Tropes ✨
💘 Second chance romance
💼 Billionaire MMC
🔥 Insane chemistry
🖤 Opposites attract
😮💨 Dominant / bossy MMC
💔 “I don’t do relationships” MMC
🕯️ Hidden past & secrets
🌶️ Very spicy romance
🎭 Emotional drama
🖤 Obsessive attraction
🔍 Crime / mystery subplot
✨ Rich MMC x soft artistic FMC
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
And there comes the cliffhanger… 🤦🏻♀️
This book easily could’ve been 100 pages shorter. That’s honestly the reason it lost a star for me — there were too many repetitive thoughts and unnecessary scenes that dragged the pacing down. At times, Alora’s decisions felt completely out of character and a little frustrating.
But despite that? I was still hooked. 🙈
Edward is exactly the kind of MMC T.L. Swan writes so well — powerful, dominant, filthy rich, ridiculously attractive… and yes, an English aristocrat with a title 😉
His life is all business meetings, constant travel, polo matches, and glamorous parties. Edward has convinced himself he doesn’t do relationships.
Then there’s Alora — soft, artistic, and completely opposite to his chaotic world. She loves gardening, vintage fashion, slow mornings in Nice, and working in her antique shop.
Three years ago, they shared one unforgettable weekend that was supposed to remain just a memory. But some people leave marks on your soul that time simply can’t erase. And the moment they meet again, it becomes painfully obvious that resisting each other is only a matter of time before everything explodes into passion🔥
The chemistry between them? Absolutely insane.
The tension? Delicious.
The spicy scenes? T.L. Swan never misses 🥵🔥
As always with this author, the story is packed with drama and emotions — heartbreak, longing, frustration, happiness, obsession… the whole emotional rollercoaster 💘
And on top of the romance, there’s also intrigue and a criminal subplot that adds suspense and keeps the story interesting right until that cruel ending.
Now excuse me while I suffer waiting for the next book 😭
✨ Tropes ✨
💘 Second chance romance
💼 Billionaire MMC
🔥 Insane chemistry
🖤 Opposites attract
😮💨 Dominant / bossy MMC
💔 “I don’t do relationships” MMC
🕯️ Hidden past & secrets
🌶️ Very spicy romance
🎭 Emotional drama
🖤 Obsessive attraction
🔍 Crime / mystery subplot
✨ Rich MMC x soft artistic FMC
May 6, 2026
I stopped at 35%. It was so choppy and most of the time, it made no sense.
The characters were quite immature and very unlikable. So much was not believable.
I’m definitely done with this author!
The characters were quite immature and very unlikable. So much was not believable.
I’m definitely done with this author!
May 9, 2026
Probably the worst book you’ve written. It was genuinely giving wattpad.
Want to Read
July 31, 2026Started the book.
Found out said book ends with a cliffhanger with over a year before the second book is released.
One thing I hate is cliffhangers, so this will go back on my TBR until book two is released and I don't suffer a breakdown with whatever said cliffhanger is <3
I still love me some T.L Swan but my heart can't do it, I need all the books!!
Found out said book ends with a cliffhanger with over a year before the second book is released.
One thing I hate is cliffhangers, so this will go back on my TBR until book two is released and I don't suffer a breakdown with whatever said cliffhanger is <3
I still love me some T.L Swan but my heart can't do it, I need all the books!!
April 19, 2026
Thank you to Keeperton/Arndell and TL Swan for an early copy in exchange for my honest opinion!
We follow Alora Sorenson who lives in America, but when her best friend passes away, she is left with her bucket list that she wants to try and complete. One of the things that's listed on her bucket list, ends up with her attending a kink club in Switzerland. She is matched with this handsome guy who wants all the control, and they end up spending the weekend together. They are forced to part ways, and after 3 years have passed, they end up running into each other at a charity auction. The connection that they had 3 years ago is still there, and they are immediately drawn back to each other, but they can't be together for certain reasons.
I ATE THIS BOOK UP. I don't want to say too much about the story because of spoilers, but if you're looking for a billionaire romance with an MMC who is possessive & obsessive, an FMC who isn't afraid to speak her mind and knows her worth, with a sprinkle of mystery, this book is for you! This book was so much fun. As soon as I started the book, I didn't want to stop reading -- I finished this book in 2 days! This book does have a decent amount of spice, especially in the beginning (this is your warning). Mr. Edward "GET ON YOUR KNEES" Prescott, THIS MANNNNN - I love him & all of his flaws, seriously new book husband! 🥰 I'm in love with Alora & Edwards story -- they are complete opposites, but they were made for each other. Edward is this mysteriously sexy billionaire who will kill anyone who even looks at Alora, he's powerful and intense, but has a soft spot for Alora. I really enjoy the multiple POVs, especially "Darkness," it made this book stand out more than other romance suspense books that I've read. The ending?? WHAT THE ACTUAL HELL WAS THAT?!?!?! TL SWAN, I NEED ANSWERS!!! I wasn't expecting this book to end in a cliffhanger! 2027 needs to come sooner because I miss these characters already (it's been 9 days since I've finished this book, and I'm still thinking about this story), and I need to know how their story ends 😭
We follow Alora Sorenson who lives in America, but when her best friend passes away, she is left with her bucket list that she wants to try and complete. One of the things that's listed on her bucket list, ends up with her attending a kink club in Switzerland. She is matched with this handsome guy who wants all the control, and they end up spending the weekend together. They are forced to part ways, and after 3 years have passed, they end up running into each other at a charity auction. The connection that they had 3 years ago is still there, and they are immediately drawn back to each other, but they can't be together for certain reasons.
I ATE THIS BOOK UP. I don't want to say too much about the story because of spoilers, but if you're looking for a billionaire romance with an MMC who is possessive & obsessive, an FMC who isn't afraid to speak her mind and knows her worth, with a sprinkle of mystery, this book is for you! This book was so much fun. As soon as I started the book, I didn't want to stop reading -- I finished this book in 2 days! This book does have a decent amount of spice, especially in the beginning (this is your warning). Mr. Edward "GET ON YOUR KNEES" Prescott, THIS MANNNNN - I love him & all of his flaws, seriously new book husband! 🥰 I'm in love with Alora & Edwards story -- they are complete opposites, but they were made for each other. Edward is this mysteriously sexy billionaire who will kill anyone who even looks at Alora, he's powerful and intense, but has a soft spot for Alora. I really enjoy the multiple POVs, especially "Darkness," it made this book stand out more than other romance suspense books that I've read. The ending?? WHAT THE ACTUAL HELL WAS THAT?!?!?! TL SWAN, I NEED ANSWERS!!! I wasn't expecting this book to end in a cliffhanger! 2027 needs to come sooner because I miss these characters already (it's been 9 days since I've finished this book, and I'm still thinking about this story), and I need to know how their story ends 😭
May 10, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
This book was an absolute whirlwind!!! The thriller vibes had me STRESSED! And the spice?? Deliciously unhinged. It was definitely on the longer side, but honestly I didn’t even care because I was fully invested the entire time. Emotional, intense, addictive, this one had me spiraling.
And THAT cliffhanger??? Actually rude. Waiting until 2027 for the next book feels criminal!!!!!!!!
This book was an absolute whirlwind!!! The thriller vibes had me STRESSED! And the spice?? Deliciously unhinged. It was definitely on the longer side, but honestly I didn’t even care because I was fully invested the entire time. Emotional, intense, addictive, this one had me spiraling.
And THAT cliffhanger??? Actually rude. Waiting until 2027 for the next book feels criminal!!!!!!!!
April 29, 2026
I received this early review copy in exchange for an honest review; this review will contain spoilers.
The Heart You Kept was an interesting read, but I had a hard time fully connecting with it. I liked the overall plot enough to finish, and the story definitely has potential. However, the execution made it difficult at times. The sentence structure often felt choppy, with little separation between scenes, which made transitions confusing and, at times, frustrating. There were also quite a few repetitive phrases that pulled me out of the story.
One of my biggest struggles was the “pick me, choose me, love me” dynamic in certain moments. I liked their chemistry, but the constant “will they or won’t they?” aspect didn’t really work for me.
That said, I did appreciate the underlying messages about self-worth, standing up for yourself, protecting your peace, and allowing yourself to accept love. Those were strong and meaningful takeaways.
I also found myself getting stuck on some of the smaller inconsistencies. For example, if Alora’s father was working three jobs when she was younger, why didn’t her wealthy uncle step in to help? His death also felt a bit too convenient for the plot. The best friend’s death was significant early on, especially with the bucket list, but she was barely mentioned later. It felt unrealistic that she wouldn’t continue to be remembered.
There were also continuity details that didn’t quite add up. At one point, she’s in the shower wearing AirPods—which aren’t waterproof. Clarifying the scene or adjusting the description to avoid them getting wet would make this moment feel more realistic.
Later, something is described as costing more than her car, even though earlier she was riding a bike and getting rides from her guards, with no mention of her owning a car until then.
The storyline itself felt a bit all over the place. It jumped from kink elements, to sudden wealth, to second chance romance, to an overprotective/mafia-adjacent vibe, to a billionaire grumpy/sunshine romance. It didn’t feel very cohesive.
Overall, I did enjoy parts of this story. I do think it could have been shorter, but I liked it enough to finish. but I’m a little miffed at the cliffhanger and likely will not read book two.
Since this is an ARC, I’m hopeful that final edits will help smooth out some of these concerns.
Rating: 3.75 stars
The Heart You Kept was an interesting read, but I had a hard time fully connecting with it. I liked the overall plot enough to finish, and the story definitely has potential. However, the execution made it difficult at times. The sentence structure often felt choppy, with little separation between scenes, which made transitions confusing and, at times, frustrating. There were also quite a few repetitive phrases that pulled me out of the story.
One of my biggest struggles was the “pick me, choose me, love me” dynamic in certain moments. I liked their chemistry, but the constant “will they or won’t they?” aspect didn’t really work for me.
That said, I did appreciate the underlying messages about self-worth, standing up for yourself, protecting your peace, and allowing yourself to accept love. Those were strong and meaningful takeaways.
I also found myself getting stuck on some of the smaller inconsistencies. For example, if Alora’s father was working three jobs when she was younger, why didn’t her wealthy uncle step in to help? His death also felt a bit too convenient for the plot. The best friend’s death was significant early on, especially with the bucket list, but she was barely mentioned later. It felt unrealistic that she wouldn’t continue to be remembered.
There were also continuity details that didn’t quite add up. At one point, she’s in the shower wearing AirPods—which aren’t waterproof. Clarifying the scene or adjusting the description to avoid them getting wet would make this moment feel more realistic.
Later, something is described as costing more than her car, even though earlier she was riding a bike and getting rides from her guards, with no mention of her owning a car until then.
The storyline itself felt a bit all over the place. It jumped from kink elements, to sudden wealth, to second chance romance, to an overprotective/mafia-adjacent vibe, to a billionaire grumpy/sunshine romance. It didn’t feel very cohesive.
Overall, I did enjoy parts of this story. I do think it could have been shorter, but I liked it enough to finish. but I’m a little miffed at the cliffhanger and likely will not read book two.
Since this is an ARC, I’m hopeful that final edits will help smooth out some of these concerns.
Rating: 3.75 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2026
Wow that was intense! So much spice to get this one started, emotional roller coaster to keep you on yours toes and then a twist that leaves you saying wtf! So so good!! I need book 2 like yesterday!!
April 26, 2026
Went in expecting a steamy billionaire romance and came out with trust issues 🤯
I’m not exaggerating when I say this book emotionally drop kicked me.
I went in expecting a classic spicy billionaire romance (which, yes… delivered), but what I wasn’t prepared for was how deeply it would get under my skin.
Alora and Edward’s story starts with intensity and never really lets up. When they find their way back into each other’s orbit years later, it’s not soft or nostalgic… it’s heavier, sharper, and tangled in everything they didn’t get right the first time
Edward is… a lot. Powerful, controlled, used to getting exactly what he wants but with Alora, you see the cracks. He’ll test your patience and then somehow pull you right back in. And honestly, i love him for it. I spent half this book wanting to shake him and the other half… obsessed.
This book has everything - obsession, frustration, emotional damage… and somehow also had me cackling in parts. Completely consuming in that “just one more chapter” way.
And the ending??? Sorry what?! Being yeeted off a cliff by T.L. Swan was not on my bingo card. I just sat there like… excuse me??? THAT’S IT???
Respectfully, I need answers immediately. Also: go into this one blind. Trust me. Fair warning — you will spiral.
I’m not exaggerating when I say this book emotionally drop kicked me.
I went in expecting a classic spicy billionaire romance (which, yes… delivered), but what I wasn’t prepared for was how deeply it would get under my skin.
Alora and Edward’s story starts with intensity and never really lets up. When they find their way back into each other’s orbit years later, it’s not soft or nostalgic… it’s heavier, sharper, and tangled in everything they didn’t get right the first time
Edward is… a lot. Powerful, controlled, used to getting exactly what he wants but with Alora, you see the cracks. He’ll test your patience and then somehow pull you right back in. And honestly, i love him for it. I spent half this book wanting to shake him and the other half… obsessed.
This book has everything - obsession, frustration, emotional damage… and somehow also had me cackling in parts. Completely consuming in that “just one more chapter” way.
And the ending??? Sorry what?! Being yeeted off a cliff by T.L. Swan was not on my bingo card. I just sat there like… excuse me??? THAT’S IT???
Respectfully, I need answers immediately. Also: go into this one blind. Trust me. Fair warning — you will spiral.
April 30, 2026
First off, thank you to T.L. Swan and Arndell (Keeperton) for the advanced reader's copy of "The Heart You Kept." This book will be published on May 5, 2026.
TL Swan is my GOAT author, so when I found out that I got to read her first release in two years early, I was jumping up and down!!! Beware... this book ends on a CLIFFHANGER. I'm going to need the next book like YESTERDAY!!
PLEASE GO INTO THIS BOOK BLIND! I'm not going to put any spoilers in this review, but stop reading this review now if you don't want read a quick synopsis.
This book follows Edward Prescott (MMC - if you read the MR. series, this is Charlotte's brother from Mr. Spencer) a billionaire casino owner in Monte Carlo, Monaco and businessman, who wants control of EVERYTHING. Enter Alora Sorenson (FMC), a woman who has just lost her best friend and uncle. She moves to Nice, France to run an antique store after one weekend with a man she doesn't know. What happens when she runs into that man again and they are both in other relationships?? (Ps.. its really hard to write a recap here without spoiling too much hehehe)
This is honestly the easiest 5 stars I've ever given to a book. Even though this book is over 500 pages, I read it SO quickly because I just couldn't get enough of it!! The yearning, lust, and forbidden vibes are just right up my alley! 100% Touch her and die vibes!!
I love the POV changes between the main characters and even the side characters at times. Unlike TL Swans other books, this book has a suspense element to it. I have so many theories in my head right now, but I guess I'll have to wait until the next book is out to know what will happen next.
I went to Nice and Monte Carlo on my honeymoon, so it was so amazing to be able to have a real picture in my head of where they were, including the super yachts and where the prince of Monaco lives!!
In true TL Swan fashion, this book contains lots of that spicy smut that we love! If anyone wants to talk with me about this book after they read it, PLZ dm me!! I'm dying to talk about it!
Should you read this book?? YES YES AND YES! I will be screaming this book from the rooftops!!
TL Swan is my GOAT author, so when I found out that I got to read her first release in two years early, I was jumping up and down!!! Beware... this book ends on a CLIFFHANGER. I'm going to need the next book like YESTERDAY!!
PLEASE GO INTO THIS BOOK BLIND! I'm not going to put any spoilers in this review, but stop reading this review now if you don't want read a quick synopsis.
This book follows Edward Prescott (MMC - if you read the MR. series, this is Charlotte's brother from Mr. Spencer) a billionaire casino owner in Monte Carlo, Monaco and businessman, who wants control of EVERYTHING. Enter Alora Sorenson (FMC), a woman who has just lost her best friend and uncle. She moves to Nice, France to run an antique store after one weekend with a man she doesn't know. What happens when she runs into that man again and they are both in other relationships?? (Ps.. its really hard to write a recap here without spoiling too much hehehe)
This is honestly the easiest 5 stars I've ever given to a book. Even though this book is over 500 pages, I read it SO quickly because I just couldn't get enough of it!! The yearning, lust, and forbidden vibes are just right up my alley! 100% Touch her and die vibes!!
I love the POV changes between the main characters and even the side characters at times. Unlike TL Swans other books, this book has a suspense element to it. I have so many theories in my head right now, but I guess I'll have to wait until the next book is out to know what will happen next.
I went to Nice and Monte Carlo on my honeymoon, so it was so amazing to be able to have a real picture in my head of where they were, including the super yachts and where the prince of Monaco lives!!
In true TL Swan fashion, this book contains lots of that spicy smut that we love! If anyone wants to talk with me about this book after they read it, PLZ dm me!! I'm dying to talk about it!
Should you read this book?? YES YES AND YES! I will be screaming this book from the rooftops!!
Did Not Finish
May 14, 2026I went into this one because the blurb and the tropes sounded really good but unfortunately, this ended up being a DNF for me. I struggled to connect with the characters and the relationship dynamics from the very beginning. As someone who has a hard time DNFing books, it bothered me to give up on this one because I really wanted to keep going. However, I kept feeling disconnected from the story, and eventually, I just had to stop reading.
I think this book just didn’t suit my reading preferences, though it may work well for other readers. Just make sure to check the TWs before diving into it. Overall, this simply wasn’t the right fit for me, and while I know I’m in the minority here, I can definitely see others enjoying it more.
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