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Bronze Bay SEALs #1
Keeping It
Tyler Holiday (Ta-hoe)
Tahoe. Badass. SEAL. Player. Powerful. Jerk. Available.
All words used to describe me for the past ten years. Wrapped up in the war, running and gunning constantly, has taken its toll on me. My next assignment is supposed to be a break, something to aid in taking the edge off; help open a new base in the miniscule, coastal, Florida town of Bronze Bay. A non-deployable position, I can work-out, decompress, and handle the mundane tasks of structuring a new SEAL command. Or, in other words, enjoy my free time with the tanned, toned, country women of the south.
Mission accepted.
Falling for a southern belle wasn’t supposed to happen. In fact, it’s more stressing than any challenge in my sordid past. Especially when she uttered the words, “I am a virgin.”
Someone cover me, I’m going in.
Caroline May
My first memory is in an airplane over the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. My daddy sitting beside me and my heart full of joy. When I was sixteen, I made my first solo flight over those exact same waters. My daddy owns and operates the little airport in Bronze Bay, so my eyes have been skyward for as long as I can remember. Things like men and college, never appealed to me. My days are spent waitressing in my Mama’s diner, counting down the hours until I can head to the airport.
Then the SEALs came and changed everything. Big, brutal, jerks, forcing themselves into our little slice of paradise. Demanding use of our airport. One man in particular, aiming to take more than I’m ready to give. He is beautiful. Magnetic. Strong. Convincing. For the first time in my life, I’m flying in a different, exhilarating way. Keeping it isn’t going to be easy when merely looking at the man makes me think of four words.
Foxtrot. Uniform. Charlie. Kilo.
Bless my heart, I’m in trouble.
Tahoe. Badass. SEAL. Player. Powerful. Jerk. Available.
All words used to describe me for the past ten years. Wrapped up in the war, running and gunning constantly, has taken its toll on me. My next assignment is supposed to be a break, something to aid in taking the edge off; help open a new base in the miniscule, coastal, Florida town of Bronze Bay. A non-deployable position, I can work-out, decompress, and handle the mundane tasks of structuring a new SEAL command. Or, in other words, enjoy my free time with the tanned, toned, country women of the south.
Mission accepted.
Falling for a southern belle wasn’t supposed to happen. In fact, it’s more stressing than any challenge in my sordid past. Especially when she uttered the words, “I am a virgin.”
Someone cover me, I’m going in.
Caroline May
My first memory is in an airplane over the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. My daddy sitting beside me and my heart full of joy. When I was sixteen, I made my first solo flight over those exact same waters. My daddy owns and operates the little airport in Bronze Bay, so my eyes have been skyward for as long as I can remember. Things like men and college, never appealed to me. My days are spent waitressing in my Mama’s diner, counting down the hours until I can head to the airport.
Then the SEALs came and changed everything. Big, brutal, jerks, forcing themselves into our little slice of paradise. Demanding use of our airport. One man in particular, aiming to take more than I’m ready to give. He is beautiful. Magnetic. Strong. Convincing. For the first time in my life, I’m flying in a different, exhilarating way. Keeping it isn’t going to be easy when merely looking at the man makes me think of four words.
Foxtrot. Uniform. Charlie. Kilo.
Bless my heart, I’m in trouble.
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First published February 10, 2018
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About the author
Rachel Robinson
29 books1,540 followersRachel grew up in a small, quiet town full of loud talkers. Her words were always only loud on paper. She has been writing stories and creating characters for as long as she can remember. After living on the west coast for many years she now resides in Colorado with her husband, two children, her hairless cat, and her dog, Polly.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
April 19, 2020
Pretty sure I will not read any more by this author.
The hero was the most immature, vapid SEAL character I have come across. Tyler and his blokey, dickhead SEAL mates were sent on anti-terrorist missions? God help America, because these guys were ridiculous.
Example: the tradition for the night before they went on a mission? Get blind drunk and do dumb-arse stuff like race a canoe, while seriously drunk, at night, when it's dark. The night before an anti-terrorist mission
WTAF?
What was worse, from a romance point of view, was the douchery that this hero commits.
Example 1: when Tyler's misogynist, man-ho mates make ribald suggestions and fish for details about his relationship with the heroine (who is a virgin), Tyler's masculine credentials feel so threatened at the thought of admitting that he hasn't slept with her yet, he lies and tells them that she has been giving him BJs. I kid you not! What a gentleman. What a stand-up guy. Then he's uncomfortable and angry with his friends when they treat the heroine in a suggestive, almost degrading way. Guilty conscience? Maybe, but not enough to confess to them that he LIED.
But it gets worse. Tyler has talked himself into going slow with Caroline. He wants to treat he differently from all the other women he has had. But he's fighting his true, nasty nature here. And failing.
Tyler is really drunk on his night-before-a-mission bender. He decides it's time to screw the heroine- he's waited long enough. He tries to do this in his truck, outside a bar where all their friends are. She resists, and says:
"Are you sure? ..When you're a complete drunk asshole? You pick now?"
Whereupon gentleman Tyler loses it. He pins her to the seat. There's little doubt that there could be rape happening at any time. She struggles and this charmer says:
"Stop being a cunt. I am not a drunk asshole. I fucking love you". He unzips his pants, and only then realises she is crying. He then stops, but upon her confession that she's a virgin, does a runner! Hang on- doesn't he "fucking love" her? Hmmm... maybe not, then.
Apparently, he believes he is not good enough for her. Now? Why now? Because she is a virgin? Was it ok to behave like a pig when he thought she was experienced? And calling her THAT?
Look, I finished the book because I wanted to make sure I hadn't missed anything and didn't want to be unduly harsh. I missed nothing. He was a horrible person and she tolerated way too much from him.
Yes, he grovelled a bit at the end, but I was never convinced that he had changed. He was an immature, selfish lad all the way through. Having read reviews by friends of some other books by this author, (for example, Crazy Good), I now know she is not for me.
His SEAL mates were just as obnoxious and I am not at all interested in their stories.
Only read if you enjoy sexist, insensitive, immature, man-ho, douchebag heroes and their doormat women.
The hero was the most immature, vapid SEAL character I have come across. Tyler and his blokey, dickhead SEAL mates were sent on anti-terrorist missions? God help America, because these guys were ridiculous.
Example: the tradition for the night before they went on a mission? Get blind drunk and do dumb-arse stuff like race a canoe, while seriously drunk, at night, when it's dark. The night before an anti-terrorist mission
WTAF?
What was worse, from a romance point of view, was the douchery that this hero commits.
Example 1: when Tyler's misogynist, man-ho mates make ribald suggestions and fish for details about his relationship with the heroine (who is a virgin), Tyler's masculine credentials feel so threatened at the thought of admitting that he hasn't slept with her yet, he lies and tells them that she has been giving him BJs. I kid you not! What a gentleman. What a stand-up guy. Then he's uncomfortable and angry with his friends when they treat the heroine in a suggestive, almost degrading way. Guilty conscience? Maybe, but not enough to confess to them that he LIED.
But it gets worse. Tyler has talked himself into going slow with Caroline. He wants to treat he differently from all the other women he has had. But he's fighting his true, nasty nature here. And failing.
Tyler is really drunk on his night-before-a-mission bender. He decides it's time to screw the heroine- he's waited long enough. He tries to do this in his truck, outside a bar where all their friends are. She resists, and says:
"Are you sure? ..When you're a complete drunk asshole? You pick now?"
Whereupon gentleman Tyler loses it. He pins her to the seat. There's little doubt that there could be rape happening at any time. She struggles and this charmer says:
"Stop being a cunt. I am not a drunk asshole. I fucking love you". He unzips his pants, and only then realises she is crying. He then stops, but upon her confession that she's a virgin, does a runner! Hang on- doesn't he "fucking love" her? Hmmm... maybe not, then.
Apparently, he believes he is not good enough for her. Now? Why now? Because she is a virgin? Was it ok to behave like a pig when he thought she was experienced? And calling her THAT?
Look, I finished the book because I wanted to make sure I hadn't missed anything and didn't want to be unduly harsh. I missed nothing. He was a horrible person and she tolerated way too much from him.
Yes, he grovelled a bit at the end, but I was never convinced that he had changed. He was an immature, selfish lad all the way through. Having read reviews by friends of some other books by this author, (for example, Crazy Good), I now know she is not for me.
His SEAL mates were just as obnoxious and I am not at all interested in their stories.
Only read if you enjoy sexist, insensitive, immature, man-ho, douchebag heroes and their doormat women.
February 16, 2018
I was super excited to read this book but it just wasn't what I was expecting it to be. I know that I shouldn't have any expectations going into books because it can either be just like the synopsis or totally different from what it suggests. I enjoyed this book enough to finish it in a day, but it wasn't amazing. I didn't love it and I didn't feel all that connected to the characters. I liked them both enough but I just wasn't able to feel what the characters were feeling, especially Caroline. I definitely had some issues with this story.
The first thing that bothered me was the beginning of the story. I totally got that Tyler was willing to do whatever it took to be able to make a deal to use the airport but I couldn't tell that he had one ounce of interest in Caroline. He kind of seemed like an asshole to her and then all of a sudden in the next chapter he is asking for her to be his girlfriend. It made no sense to me. I also was confused why we got no look into the month they spent together getting to know each other before Caroline made her decision. I had no idea that it happened until it was mentioned. I felt like for the beginning of the book Tyler was saying one thing but it was not conveyed to me in the slightest. I was also confused as to if he was just trying to sleep with her so he could get the deal with airport or if he was just actually liked her. It was so unclear and I was left feeling like a couple chapters were missing.
The next thing that was just odd and rubbed me the wrong way was the whole innocence thing. Usually stories that include an innocent main character it is sweet and endearing. In this story it is almost something to be ashamed of. Characters continually tell Caroline not to say anything about it yet when Tyler finds out and breaks things off they just say let's just find someone to get this over with for you so there won't be anything to worry about. Tahoe (stupid nickname and it is never explained) constantly made reference to her innocence but then was totally shocked when he found out. Either way he was already on my list because moments before he freaked out about this information he was going to have her in his old smelly truck while he was angry at her without any romance at all. Then to pot off the interaction, he called her the C word. God, I hate that word. Then the whole bullshit story about his ex leaving him in a letter while he was deployed was the reason for all of the drama. I took one girls innocence and she left me so naturally this same exact thing will happen again. Eye. Roll.
The last thing that pissed me off was the whole engagement thing. This girl literally almost dies, refuses to see or speak to you in like four months and your big plan is to get everyone to make her come to a party the whole town is at so you can get her alone, apologize, and the propose??? and Caroline just accepts??? Let's not discuss what happened or try to be together again to see if it's what we both want, NOPE. Let's get married. Better yet, let's get married in like a week. Perfect plan! I just felt like the whole thing was so unrealistic.
We also got almost no background on Tahoe at all. What we did get is that he sleeps with tons of women because he doesn't do commitment yet I got none of that from his character. It would be described one way by the characters but then in his chapters I never got that from him. It was just weird. I alway felt like I was missing something.
Overall, I did enjoy this book, even though it doesn't seem like it. It had its issues but it was entertaining. I definitely didn't cry or feel like I was on this emotional rollercoaster with the characters. It was missing the connection for me and that could just be due to the writing. I am not really sure.
The first thing that bothered me was the beginning of the story. I totally got that Tyler was willing to do whatever it took to be able to make a deal to use the airport but I couldn't tell that he had one ounce of interest in Caroline. He kind of seemed like an asshole to her and then all of a sudden in the next chapter he is asking for her to be his girlfriend. It made no sense to me. I also was confused why we got no look into the month they spent together getting to know each other before Caroline made her decision. I had no idea that it happened until it was mentioned. I felt like for the beginning of the book Tyler was saying one thing but it was not conveyed to me in the slightest. I was also confused as to if he was just trying to sleep with her so he could get the deal with airport or if he was just actually liked her. It was so unclear and I was left feeling like a couple chapters were missing.
The next thing that was just odd and rubbed me the wrong way was the whole innocence thing. Usually stories that include an innocent main character it is sweet and endearing. In this story it is almost something to be ashamed of. Characters continually tell Caroline not to say anything about it yet when Tyler finds out and breaks things off they just say let's just find someone to get this over with for you so there won't be anything to worry about. Tahoe (stupid nickname and it is never explained) constantly made reference to her innocence but then was totally shocked when he found out. Either way he was already on my list because moments before he freaked out about this information he was going to have her in his old smelly truck while he was angry at her without any romance at all. Then to pot off the interaction, he called her the C word. God, I hate that word. Then the whole bullshit story about his ex leaving him in a letter while he was deployed was the reason for all of the drama. I took one girls innocence and she left me so naturally this same exact thing will happen again. Eye. Roll.
The last thing that pissed me off was the whole engagement thing. This girl literally almost dies, refuses to see or speak to you in like four months and your big plan is to get everyone to make her come to a party the whole town is at so you can get her alone, apologize, and the propose??? and Caroline just accepts??? Let's not discuss what happened or try to be together again to see if it's what we both want, NOPE. Let's get married. Better yet, let's get married in like a week. Perfect plan! I just felt like the whole thing was so unrealistic.
We also got almost no background on Tahoe at all. What we did get is that he sleeps with tons of women because he doesn't do commitment yet I got none of that from his character. It would be described one way by the characters but then in his chapters I never got that from him. It was just weird. I alway felt like I was missing something.
Overall, I did enjoy this book, even though it doesn't seem like it. It had its issues but it was entertaining. I definitely didn't cry or feel like I was on this emotional rollercoaster with the characters. It was missing the connection for me and that could just be due to the writing. I am not really sure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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February 12, 2018It's here!!!!! Keeping It is LIVE across all platforms!!! I am so excited about this one. I love it and I hope you do too!!
Keeping It is a full STANDALONE!! Read today:
Amzn US: http://amzn.to/2someTF
Amzn UK: http://amzn.to/2G56dUC
iBooks: http://apple.co/2BLSwb0
B&N: http://bit.ly/2BKJFGR
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2BJtqtA
What are readers saying?
KEEPING IT is a phenomenal romance! I was invested, captivated and SO IN LOVE with everything about this novel. – Bookalicious Babes Blog
I took my time with this one; talk about a slow burn, the buildup to this book is insane. You see this relationship go from banter, friendship, romance, steam, angst, and love. It happens slowly and keeps you turning the pages to find out what’s to become of these two unique individuals. – TLBC
This is my first Rachel Robinson book and I am so happy to have found her because it won’t be my last! This book takes the reader on such an honest and emotional ride, I loved every minute of it. – Amazon Reviewer
I loved this book! I love Tahoe! I love Rachel Robinson’s writing! This book has it all, beautiful SEALs, a strong woman, hot love scenes, humor, angst and dangerous missions. But it’s this writers way with words. – Amazon reviewer
I'm swooning so hard after finishing this book. I'll be honest...virgin romances are not my thing. I find that most are unrealistic and just make me roll my eyes. I do love SEALs and Rachel Robinson though so I had to give this one a go, and I'm so glad I did. I've got two words for you...SLOW. BURN. The chemistry and tension between Tahoe and Caroline was simply perfect. – Amazon reviewer
My first read by the author and I am a fan! A truely enjoyable romance read that has a flawless and well written story with characters you won’t be able to help but love. Tahoe a typical hot alpha Navy Seal has met his match when he meets sweet, feisty Caroline. – Amazon reviewer
Keeping It is a full STANDALONE!! Read today:
Amzn US: http://amzn.to/2someTF
Amzn UK: http://amzn.to/2G56dUC
iBooks: http://apple.co/2BLSwb0
B&N: http://bit.ly/2BKJFGR
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2BJtqtA
What are readers saying?
KEEPING IT is a phenomenal romance! I was invested, captivated and SO IN LOVE with everything about this novel. – Bookalicious Babes Blog
I took my time with this one; talk about a slow burn, the buildup to this book is insane. You see this relationship go from banter, friendship, romance, steam, angst, and love. It happens slowly and keeps you turning the pages to find out what’s to become of these two unique individuals. – TLBC
This is my first Rachel Robinson book and I am so happy to have found her because it won’t be my last! This book takes the reader on such an honest and emotional ride, I loved every minute of it. – Amazon Reviewer
I loved this book! I love Tahoe! I love Rachel Robinson’s writing! This book has it all, beautiful SEALs, a strong woman, hot love scenes, humor, angst and dangerous missions. But it’s this writers way with words. – Amazon reviewer
I'm swooning so hard after finishing this book. I'll be honest...virgin romances are not my thing. I find that most are unrealistic and just make me roll my eyes. I do love SEALs and Rachel Robinson though so I had to give this one a go, and I'm so glad I did. I've got two words for you...SLOW. BURN. The chemistry and tension between Tahoe and Caroline was simply perfect. – Amazon reviewer
My first read by the author and I am a fan! A truely enjoyable romance read that has a flawless and well written story with characters you won’t be able to help but love. Tahoe a typical hot alpha Navy Seal has met his match when he meets sweet, feisty Caroline. – Amazon reviewer
February 14, 2018
LOVED IT!! A slow burn even though it follows an unpopular trope (virgins). I loved how strong, independent, and driven Caroline was as a character. Tyler aka Tahoe had the typical SEAL qualities but so much more. The cat and mouse chase that they have is fun, sexy, and touching. I loved every moment of their journey. As always Rachel Robinson brings such a real feeling to her stories about SEALs that it is like reading a story about an actual person.
This specific video review will be included in the #Contemporaryathon Round 2 Wrap-up and February Wrap-up.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Rom Book Talk.
This specific video review will be included in the #Contemporaryathon Round 2 Wrap-up and February Wrap-up.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Rom Book Talk.
February 11, 2018
KEEPING IT is a phenomenal romance! I was invested, captivated and SO IN LOVE with everything about this novel.
Rachel has taken the NAVY SEAL trope, the Virgin trope, the small town romance trope and mixed them all together in such a classy fashion.
Everything about this is FLAWLESS. From the writing to the development to the passion that flows from the pages, Rachel NAILS IT!
Rachel has taken the NAVY SEAL trope, the Virgin trope, the small town romance trope and mixed them all together in such a classy fashion.
Everything about this is FLAWLESS. From the writing to the development to the passion that flows from the pages, Rachel NAILS IT!
March 20, 2021
Ok, I really don't like giving one-star reviews, but honestly, what the heck was that? Everything about this book is a mess. The characters make no sense, there's some weird backstory that's never properly introduced, the pacing is off, there's no actual story in here - this is just 230 pages of terrible romance cliches smashed together.
Let's start with the characters. First you have Caroline. Caroline is the Mary-est Sue of every Mary Sue you have ever read about. Obviously, she's a virgin. And of course, she's the most gorgeous woman in the world, but has no idea how beautiful she is. She doesn't even sweat! (Yes, the author actually put that in there. But don't worry, Caroline is sooooo embarrassed that she can't sweat like everyone else when she's working out.)
Little miss perfect also doesn't swear. And she never gossips....even when she gossips. Yes, when she tells Tahoe about a couple in town and all their drama, he jokes about her gossiping, and she gets angry at him and says it's not gossip because it's true. Oh, and she doesn't want to be with a Bronze Bay boy because all they know or think is important is Bronze Bay, and even though she only wants to live in Bronze Bay and has never been anywhere else either, she knows there's more out there because she flies a plane and can imagine what other parts of the world are like. So she totally can't relate to them at all.
Then, we have Tahoe. Apparently a navy SEAL, but there's really nothing in here that screams SEAL except for the fact that he says he is one. At the beginning of the book, he claims to be a super big player and doesn't care about women. He talks about how much he wants to bang Caroline, and even lies to his friends about her giving him BJs, and then? He asks Caroline to be his girlfriend before they've even kissed, and then won't have sex with her because he wants to do the relationship "right", and then we find out that he was actually in a three-year relationship with a woman he was in love with and never got over her leaving him.
And the coup de grâce? One night, he gets super drunk and wants to do some canoe race with a bunch of the townies. Caroline gets pissed because she thinks he's acting like an idiot. They go to his truck to talk, and the dude tries to force himself on her. Like pins her down, about to go at it without her consent. Caroline starts crying and asks him to at least kiss her, and he's like WTF, and then she admits she's a virgin. And this is what gets the douche to stop! He assumed Caroline had been with guys before, so I guess that made what he was doing ok? Apparently, a "whore", as pretty much every other woman in this book is referred to at one point or another, is totally fine to assault under the guise of dating, but a virgin is completely off limits because they're so good or whatever.
But after he gets off her, Caroline begs him to just do it anyway because she's sick of being a virgin. When he refuses, she gets angry at him.
It's all good, though, because Tahoe breaks up with her; even though, just the day before, he told all of his SEAL buddies that he was in love and Caroline was "it" for him. Apparently, he can't date a virgin because it's too much pressure.
So, yeah, this relationship is a dumpster fire, the characters are constantly contradicting themselves, and then there is this weird world building that the author never really explains.
Throughout the book, there are mentions of terrorist attacks on America, and how there are SEAL bases all over the place now. At one point, Tahoe says something about there still being fighting around the outskirts of big cities, like New York City, but it's never expounded on. He also makes tons of references to San Diego. I guess he used to live there, but is it supposed to be an important SEAL base or something, too? The main hub for everyone working to fight the terrorists? It's mentioned in passing so many times, but with no good reason why. I also have no idea if this book is supposed to take place now in an alternate reality, or is some kind of dystopian thing. I cannot for the life of me figure out why the author added in these things for what appears to be no reason at all. It's confusing and does nothing for the story.
Added to all of this is some of the cringiest dialogue I've ever come across. Seriously, it's just really bad. The word choices are often either ridiculously old-fashioned, cheesy, or overly crude for no reason. Tahoe fluctuates between buttering Caroline up with the most over-the-top cheeseball lines imaginable (seriously, how many times did he tell little-miss-perfect that she was perfect?) or talking about how hard his junk was and how much he wanted to bang her but would hurt her because he wanted it so bad. It all felt really fake and overdone. There are also several instances where characters assume someone meant something despite no evidence to the reader that they did, like when Caroline assumes all the SEALs think she's sleeping with Tahoe after one of the guys says she must be special. Or one time, Tahoe kept saying "the g-word" with no nearby reference to what he was talking about. It took me almost until the end of the chapter to realize that he was referring to girlfriend. Things like this are confusing for the reader. Also, sometimes during characters' conversations, the author will put in a sentence that explains what a person said instead of just having them say it as a line in the dialogue. It makes the flow of the conversation really weird.
And the dirty talk was kind of the opposite of sexy. Like, so far overboard that it just kind of hurt to read. When the MCs finally have sex in the last chapter? It sounded more like the most awkward PAP smear ever. I don't think I've ever seen the sentence "It's going to hurt when I pull out" used as a way to end a bout of lovemaking in a romance before.
And after all of that, there really isn't a story in here. The are just a bunch of little random things with no overall plot linking them together - like Tahoe spending a month trying to get Caroline to let the SEALs rent her airport (and then they use it once throughout the whole book), Tahoe fixing up the old B&B (and really, on what planet would an active duty SEAL be able to settle down at a small town base because he was basically retired and wouldn't be transferred elsewhere?), Caroline wanting to run the airport herself, and the ridiculous plane crash at the end that Caroline claims changed her forever and her recovery was the the hardest thing she ever went through and the entire four-month recovery period is given a measly two paragraphs in the second to last chapter.
This really was just too scrambled for me to get into. I don't think this is an author that can work for me.
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November 19, 2018No rating I just couldn’t even muster up a star:(
Ughhhhh not sure where to start or where to end:( I was really intrigued by the synopsis but everything from the storyline straight to the main characters were just flat, boring, one-dimensional and I could not get into it, nor relate or connect and honestly Caroline was a huge turn off for me. She got called an old spinster at one point and yep, that’s exactly how I saw her!
For me this book was a huge mess and miss!
Ughhhhh not sure where to start or where to end:( I was really intrigued by the synopsis but everything from the storyline straight to the main characters were just flat, boring, one-dimensional and I could not get into it, nor relate or connect and honestly Caroline was a huge turn off for me. She got called an old spinster at one point and yep, that’s exactly how I saw her!
For me this book was a huge mess and miss!
December 3, 2025
Vibes Sam Axe young Bruce Campbell
small coastal town slow build
"There’s no white knight coming after me."
“She’s my friend,” I say, emphasizing the middle word through tight lips. “Mine. Got it?” I say again, meeting their eyes one by one.
"Sure, he says stupid things once in a while, but what man doesn’t?"
"Let’s go grab a drink. Gaston will let you out of his grip, yeah?”
small coastal town slow build
"There’s no white knight coming after me."
“She’s my friend,” I say, emphasizing the middle word through tight lips. “Mine. Got it?” I say again, meeting their eyes one by one.
"Sure, he says stupid things once in a while, but what man doesn’t?"
"Let’s go grab a drink. Gaston will let you out of his grip, yeah?”
January 22, 2018
SWOON! RR does it again! She paints the perfect FL picture. Caroline will make you want cooler hobbies as a female and Tahoe is nothing short of a testosterone fueled, iron pumping gift to women. Buy it, read it, review it. You’ll love it!
March 12, 2019
Wow! I just love Tahoe & Caroline’s love story! This is my first Rachel Robinson book and I am so happy to have found her because it won’t be my last! This book takes the reader on such an honest and emotional ride, I loved every minute of it. Tyler “Tahoe”Holiday, is nothing like any man Caroline has ever met. He is larger than life, a beautiful sexy “man-beast” as she first calls him, and just so alpha. Yet this Navy SEAL can be so very sweet and tender at the same time with a nice healthy dose of vulnerability. Caroline May is the “ good girl” who has always managed to stay out of trouble and away from the small town drama that knowing everyone in town often creates. She is has a pretty bada$$ career and is very independent despite her innocence in some other areas. They have so much sizzling hot chemistry but their relationship is complicated to say the least; yet they rise to the challenge and work towards such a beautiful HEA. This is a well written story that is as much sweet and tender as it is flirty and sexy; and I just couldn’t get enough. I look forward to the next sexy SEAL's story.
I received an ARC from this author in exchange for my honest review. And I am honestly telling you I will most definitely add Rachel to my go-to author list when I’m looking for a sexy romance.
I received an ARC from this author in exchange for my honest review. And I am honestly telling you I will most definitely add Rachel to my go-to author list when I’m looking for a sexy romance.
February 8, 2018
Tahoe is looking forward to a chilled assignment compared to the guns and battles he is used to as a SEAL. Helping to organise a new command centre Tahoe hopes to de-stress with the beautiful women of Bronze Bay. He doesn’t expect to meet the beautiful and sweet….and virgin Caroline. Caroline is used to the small town life and doesn’t have much time for men. So when the SEALS arrive and start bossing and demanding she isn’t best pleased. But she can’t help but not notice one SEAL in particular- Tahoe. Now her simple life is about to be thrown off kilter by the hot, sexy, strong and powerful Tahoe. Will these two people from two very different lives be able to rise above it all and get their HEA?
“I want Tahoe in every single way a woman can possibly want a man. His kindness bleeds into his masculinity in a way that makes his whole package something close to perfection.”
This was a sweet romance- a slow burner that gradually builds the passion and chemistry between the two characters until you are at bursting point wanting them to come together. A mixture of love, sadness, plenty of angst and some drama thrown in made this an easy and enjoyable romance read; great for cuddling up and reading in the cold weather.
“There’s always a point in life, a moment that stands out as the one. The moment that changes things—forces you to realize that despite what you want, the world is giving you something else.”
Tahoe and Caroline were the perfect example of opposites attract. They complimented each other perfectly. Tahoe was hot, badass, confident navy SEAL but he also had this kind, gentle, sweet side to him when it came to Caroline. Caroline was a sweet young woman; she was easy to smile and loved her small town life. She was one of those people you know you would meet and couldn’t help but instantly like. And yet she was also a strong woman who was determined to be her own person no matter what!
“Found and lost. Love and loss. Promises and lies. Floating and falling. Forever and never.”
So even though this was a slow build romance I actually really enjoyed it. It kept us going right to the very end and the passion just kept building throughout- it was a refreshing change to a lot of insta love/sex stories out there. Even though the romance is a slow build there is plenty in the story to keep us entertained. I loved the banter between the characters, some real LOL moments. There are some low moments and some really frustrating, shout at your kindle moment. Overall this story just had a real believability to it; a story you could connect with and two main characters you can pretty much fall in love with! A epic epilogue to finish it off as well!
~Bethany
“I want Tahoe in every single way a woman can possibly want a man. His kindness bleeds into his masculinity in a way that makes his whole package something close to perfection.”
This was a sweet romance- a slow burner that gradually builds the passion and chemistry between the two characters until you are at bursting point wanting them to come together. A mixture of love, sadness, plenty of angst and some drama thrown in made this an easy and enjoyable romance read; great for cuddling up and reading in the cold weather.
“There’s always a point in life, a moment that stands out as the one. The moment that changes things—forces you to realize that despite what you want, the world is giving you something else.”
Tahoe and Caroline were the perfect example of opposites attract. They complimented each other perfectly. Tahoe was hot, badass, confident navy SEAL but he also had this kind, gentle, sweet side to him when it came to Caroline. Caroline was a sweet young woman; she was easy to smile and loved her small town life. She was one of those people you know you would meet and couldn’t help but instantly like. And yet she was also a strong woman who was determined to be her own person no matter what!
“Found and lost. Love and loss. Promises and lies. Floating and falling. Forever and never.”
So even though this was a slow build romance I actually really enjoyed it. It kept us going right to the very end and the passion just kept building throughout- it was a refreshing change to a lot of insta love/sex stories out there. Even though the romance is a slow build there is plenty in the story to keep us entertained. I loved the banter between the characters, some real LOL moments. There are some low moments and some really frustrating, shout at your kindle moment. Overall this story just had a real believability to it; a story you could connect with and two main characters you can pretty much fall in love with! A epic epilogue to finish it off as well!
~Bethany
February 12, 2018
I have a love/hate relationship with Rachel Robinson’s books. I love the stories and the characters, but the angst… Sometimes I want to scream, sometimes I want to cry, but I still keep reading them. I think I’m a bit of an angst-addict. Keeping It however, is very different. Yes, it’s set in the same world as the ‘Real SEAL Series’, but the story is very different. I never ever expected Tahoe and Caroline to be this sweet.
Tahoe is a badass SEAL through and through. The military has been a major part of his life for a long time, it’s all he knows. He has learned the hard way relationships and being a SEAL don’t mix, so fun is all he allows himself. Being send to Bronze Bay, Florida is almost a vacation for him and he plans on enjoying himself very much. That’s the plan until he meets Caroline, but meeting her changes everything.
Caroline is a sweet southern woman who has lived her whole life in the small town of Bronze Bay. After terrorist attacks changed the world, her beloved town stayed the same, but the arrival of a SEAL team changes that. Caroline is partial responsible for the town’s little airport, and that bring her into contact with Tahoe. She doesn’t have much experience with men, but she can’t ignore what she feels for him.
Keeping It is a standalone book which happens to be set in the ‘Real SEAL’ world, but it’s nothing like those books. To be honest, for a large part of the book I kept waiting for the metaphorical bomb to drop. This is what normally happens in a Rachel Robinson story, but in this case it didn’t. And weirdly enough I didn’t even miss it. Keeping It is a sweet story told from a dual POV, and I love that the author didn’t put these two characters through the wringer.
I love Tahoe and Caroline, not only as a couple, but also for the people they are. Since I know Tahoe from other books, I expected a different man. Yes, he’s not ‘innocent’, but he didn’t keep bringing up his past hookups like so many book-heroes do. He also has his own ‘insecurities’, thinking he’s not good enough for a woman like Caroline. I love his realness. Caroline is innocent when it comes to the opposite sex, but not because of religious believes or to save herself for marriage. All she wants is her first time to be special, to be meaningful. And Tahoe turns out to be special to her. Caroline and Tahoe are absolutely each other’s match in every way, I adore them together.
www.mariekesbooks.com
“I told you I’m not a gentleman, Caroline. I don’t play by the rules. For me, there are no rules, just what I want and what you’re willing to give me.”
Tahoe is a badass SEAL through and through. The military has been a major part of his life for a long time, it’s all he knows. He has learned the hard way relationships and being a SEAL don’t mix, so fun is all he allows himself. Being send to Bronze Bay, Florida is almost a vacation for him and he plans on enjoying himself very much. That’s the plan until he meets Caroline, but meeting her changes everything.
Caroline is a sweet southern woman who has lived her whole life in the small town of Bronze Bay. After terrorist attacks changed the world, her beloved town stayed the same, but the arrival of a SEAL team changes that. Caroline is partial responsible for the town’s little airport, and that bring her into contact with Tahoe. She doesn’t have much experience with men, but she can’t ignore what she feels for him.
“I can’t deny how it makes me feel. I’ve never felt like this before. This sort of mix between lusting for something I know is bad for me, and the vulnerability of knowing I don’t have the first clue how to deal with a man like Tyler.”
Keeping It is a standalone book which happens to be set in the ‘Real SEAL’ world, but it’s nothing like those books. To be honest, for a large part of the book I kept waiting for the metaphorical bomb to drop. This is what normally happens in a Rachel Robinson story, but in this case it didn’t. And weirdly enough I didn’t even miss it. Keeping It is a sweet story told from a dual POV, and I love that the author didn’t put these two characters through the wringer.
I love Tahoe and Caroline, not only as a couple, but also for the people they are. Since I know Tahoe from other books, I expected a different man. Yes, he’s not ‘innocent’, but he didn’t keep bringing up his past hookups like so many book-heroes do. He also has his own ‘insecurities’, thinking he’s not good enough for a woman like Caroline. I love his realness. Caroline is innocent when it comes to the opposite sex, but not because of religious believes or to save herself for marriage. All she wants is her first time to be special, to be meaningful. And Tahoe turns out to be special to her. Caroline and Tahoe are absolutely each other’s match in every way, I adore them together.
“For us, our love was destined, a mark in time that came hurtling toward us without our consent. Found and lost. Love and loss. Promises and lies. Floating and falling. Forever and never. Defined simply: happily ever after.”
www.mariekesbooks.com
February 12, 2018
I love me some Rachel Robinson. I read Black and White Flowers, and it was a top read of 2016 for me. I also really loved Life Plus One that released last year. I was stoked to read Keeping It, but while Keeping It is a sweet, sexy love story. It just became incredibly predictable.
Keeping It is a story about Navy SEAL Tahoe being moved to Bronze Bay from San Diego. He and his team wanted to takeover the May's airport, but Caroline would have no part of it. Once an agreement is made, Tahoe and Caroline become essentially inseparable and do find their happily ever after eventually.
I love the military aspects that Rachel writes into her stories. She had me googling mask squeeze... don't do it. Seriously. I also love that the military aspects do not weigh terribly heavy in her stories. I know I'd be a lost puppy if someone tried to talk military with me. But Rachel can write. Her writing is always so good. Keeping It is no exception. If you're in the mood for a quick, sexy read, Keeping It is a fabulous pick.
Keeping It is a story about Navy SEAL Tahoe being moved to Bronze Bay from San Diego. He and his team wanted to takeover the May's airport, but Caroline would have no part of it. Once an agreement is made, Tahoe and Caroline become essentially inseparable and do find their happily ever after eventually.
I love the military aspects that Rachel writes into her stories. She had me googling mask squeeze... don't do it. Seriously. I also love that the military aspects do not weigh terribly heavy in her stories. I know I'd be a lost puppy if someone tried to talk military with me. But Rachel can write. Her writing is always so good. Keeping It is no exception. If you're in the mood for a quick, sexy read, Keeping It is a fabulous pick.
February 12, 2018
My Review (ARC provided)
https://triciaciak.blogspot.com/
The prologue of this book had my mouth hanging open and wanting to know what was going to happen. Rachel has a way of doing that to her readers. Her prologues get you every time.
“If the island was an organ, it would be my heart. Isolated, lost and misunderstood.”
I took my time with this one; talk about a slow burn, the buildup to this book is insane. You see this relationship go from banter, friendship, romance, steam, angst, and love. It happens slowly and keeps you turning the pages to find out what’s to become of these two unique individuals.
As they learn more and more about each other, they form an intense bond. Tahoe, our hero, has relocated to a small town in Florida and all his sights are set on one thing, and that one thing didn’t include the heroine. It did include her and her father’s airport, but in the process of trying to convince Caroline (heroine) to use it, his heart has other plans. Once Tahoe has committed to something he isn’t going to give up, (whether it is the girl or the airport). This is where the slow build to the story happens.
“Heartbreak tells you the love was real. You can’t be afraid of the end at the beginning. Go full throttle and see what happens.”
Tahoe has had his own heartbreak and has had a hard time moving on from it. Caroline never thought she’d find love in her small town and never wanted to give herself to anyone until she starts dating Tahoe.
“You get this feeling when you want to keep something. It’s scary and vulnerable. It makes you feel like your skin is flipped inside out. It changes everything. Keeping that quality, keeping it, has to be protected at all costs. You become obsessed with keeping that which you can’t sacrifice.”
The both start falling hard and it scares them but as I said earlier, Tahoe is committed, but he is also obsessed with perfection.
“Her world is already open. I’m excited to show her another piece of it.”
This is a sweet story of two people that find each other at the right time.
This is a favorite quote of mine between the two characters; it is simple but so clever and really made me feel.
“I’m falling for you, Caroline May.”
“I’m flying for you, Tahoe Holiday.”
I’m going to lie and say Tahoe didn’t piss me off, he definitely screws up and Caroline is a tough girl and held her ground with him, I loved that.
One thing I found that I really enjoyed about this book was it’s not the typical virgin romance, and you’ll understand that once you read it.
Rachel brings you another beautifully written story that will have you quoting her words.
https://triciaciak.blogspot.com/
The prologue of this book had my mouth hanging open and wanting to know what was going to happen. Rachel has a way of doing that to her readers. Her prologues get you every time.
“If the island was an organ, it would be my heart. Isolated, lost and misunderstood.”
I took my time with this one; talk about a slow burn, the buildup to this book is insane. You see this relationship go from banter, friendship, romance, steam, angst, and love. It happens slowly and keeps you turning the pages to find out what’s to become of these two unique individuals.
As they learn more and more about each other, they form an intense bond. Tahoe, our hero, has relocated to a small town in Florida and all his sights are set on one thing, and that one thing didn’t include the heroine. It did include her and her father’s airport, but in the process of trying to convince Caroline (heroine) to use it, his heart has other plans. Once Tahoe has committed to something he isn’t going to give up, (whether it is the girl or the airport). This is where the slow build to the story happens.
“Heartbreak tells you the love was real. You can’t be afraid of the end at the beginning. Go full throttle and see what happens.”
Tahoe has had his own heartbreak and has had a hard time moving on from it. Caroline never thought she’d find love in her small town and never wanted to give herself to anyone until she starts dating Tahoe.
“You get this feeling when you want to keep something. It’s scary and vulnerable. It makes you feel like your skin is flipped inside out. It changes everything. Keeping that quality, keeping it, has to be protected at all costs. You become obsessed with keeping that which you can’t sacrifice.”
The both start falling hard and it scares them but as I said earlier, Tahoe is committed, but he is also obsessed with perfection.
“Her world is already open. I’m excited to show her another piece of it.”
This is a sweet story of two people that find each other at the right time.
This is a favorite quote of mine between the two characters; it is simple but so clever and really made me feel.
“I’m falling for you, Caroline May.”
“I’m flying for you, Tahoe Holiday.”
I’m going to lie and say Tahoe didn’t piss me off, he definitely screws up and Caroline is a tough girl and held her ground with him, I loved that.
One thing I found that I really enjoyed about this book was it’s not the typical virgin romance, and you’ll understand that once you read it.
Rachel brings you another beautifully written story that will have you quoting her words.
December 21, 2025
✨ Thank you to Rachel Robinson and Hambright PR for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. ✨
Keeping It started off a bit slow for me, but I’m happy to say I ended up really enjoying it! Tyler “Tahoe” Holiday is a Navy SEAL who has recently transferred to Florida for an assignment, fully intending to keep things simple and temporary. Enter Carolina May—a sweet, down-to-earth virgin who draws Tyler in like kryptonite. 💫
As their connection deepens, both Tyler and Carolina are forced to revisit parts of their past and reconsider what they truly want. If you enjoy small-town military romance with emotional growth, genuine chemistry, and the idea that the right person can change everything—even when love wasn’t part of the plan—this one is for you. 💙🇺🇸
#HPRKeepingIt #RachelRobinson #HambrightPR #MilitaryRomance #BookReview
Keeping It started off a bit slow for me, but I’m happy to say I ended up really enjoying it! Tyler “Tahoe” Holiday is a Navy SEAL who has recently transferred to Florida for an assignment, fully intending to keep things simple and temporary. Enter Carolina May—a sweet, down-to-earth virgin who draws Tyler in like kryptonite. 💫
As their connection deepens, both Tyler and Carolina are forced to revisit parts of their past and reconsider what they truly want. If you enjoy small-town military romance with emotional growth, genuine chemistry, and the idea that the right person can change everything—even when love wasn’t part of the plan—this one is for you. 💙🇺🇸
#HPRKeepingIt #RachelRobinson #HambrightPR #MilitaryRomance #BookReview
December 1, 2025
Caroline & Tahoe
Did I read this rather quickly? Yes.
Did it captivate me? Yes.
Was it the best book? No.
When I saw Hambright PR offering an ARC of this book, I jumped at it. It sounded right up my alley and from an author I’ve never read before which pulled me in even more.
I liked the concept of this book, I don’t think it lived up to its full potential and I have read better but I did enjoy it.
The characters had their moments. I loved how he was all in with her and how soft he was at times. I loved how free she seemed to appear when in the air and how sweet she was but still had gumption.
I did have issues with their connection and chemistry. I don’t like how a month of their friendship building was glossed over, I feel like this took away from the reader building a connection with both the characters separately and together as a couple. I did find I found their connection was a little better towards the middle.
I wasn’t a fan of how the ‘virgin’ trope played out but I have witnessed this actually occur so it wasn’t far out and unbelievable for me.
This book is clearly being repromoted. I do think it not having a proper edit and maybe another go at the character development and some tweaks isn’t allowing this book to meet its full potential. I really wish the author went through it and felt the characters out more and enhanced the chemistry.
Overall, I still read it. I still enjoyed it. I liked it but didn’t love it. I will probably read book 2 as well. Just to see if there is growth with the authors writing.
I did enjoy the side character. I’m interested to see what happens next.
Did I read this rather quickly? Yes.
Did it captivate me? Yes.
Was it the best book? No.
When I saw Hambright PR offering an ARC of this book, I jumped at it. It sounded right up my alley and from an author I’ve never read before which pulled me in even more.
I liked the concept of this book, I don’t think it lived up to its full potential and I have read better but I did enjoy it.
The characters had their moments. I loved how he was all in with her and how soft he was at times. I loved how free she seemed to appear when in the air and how sweet she was but still had gumption.
I did have issues with their connection and chemistry. I don’t like how a month of their friendship building was glossed over, I feel like this took away from the reader building a connection with both the characters separately and together as a couple. I did find I found their connection was a little better towards the middle.
I wasn’t a fan of how the ‘virgin’ trope played out but I have witnessed this actually occur so it wasn’t far out and unbelievable for me.
This book is clearly being repromoted. I do think it not having a proper edit and maybe another go at the character development and some tweaks isn’t allowing this book to meet its full potential. I really wish the author went through it and felt the characters out more and enhanced the chemistry.
Overall, I still read it. I still enjoyed it. I liked it but didn’t love it. I will probably read book 2 as well. Just to see if there is growth with the authors writing.
I did enjoy the side character. I’m interested to see what happens next.
Read
November 27, 2025The prologue of this book had me HOOKED, but unfortunately... it was not for me. The MMC was a jerk. While I appreciated the alpha male vibes, it was a little too much. His character development felt off and he went to being absolutely smitten so quickly. To be fair, the author did point out a month had passed of them getting to know each other, but the relationship development was lacking. I also felt like the whole virgin heroine thing was looked at as a negative thing, which I didn't love.
February 12, 2018
I enjoyed the Slow-burn with super hot tone! Lots of chemistry between these characters that heated up my ereader!!
“Never in my life have I wanted to kill someone and kiss them at the same time. It’s a deliciously volatile feeling.”
My full review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
“Never in my life have I wanted to kill someone and kiss them at the same time. It’s a deliciously volatile feeling.”
My full review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
April 10, 2019
3.5 stars
Awful cover but surprisingly well written. Characters have some depth: loved both hero/heroine and secondary characters. Not so ordinary
Awful cover but surprisingly well written. Characters have some depth: loved both hero/heroine and secondary characters. Not so ordinary
February 14, 2018
DNF- I downloaded the first few chapters to see if I wanted to buy the book. I couldn't even finish those. It was boring and never had my attention.
February 18, 2018
This was such a good love story! Rachel always writes the best SEALs and she writes them well. I loved the challenges Caroline and Tahoe had to both overcome. To open yourself up to someone new or different. I loved their chemistry. Their love. Just their whole dynamic. I thought there was no way Rachel would be able to top Maverick in Crazy Good, but Tahoe definitely gives him a run for his money. I swooned. I got angry. I laughed. I couldn’t ask for more with this story...except maybe a little continuance of what was revealed at the end. ;)
July 13, 2018
Expected better
This book had so much potential for me with the storyline but it really fell flat. I feel like there are things that could have made it so much better. I read the whole books but there were several things I found issue with. Keep reading if you want to know.
This review has spoilers so beware.
They keep mentioning some attacks but never explain what attacks they are talking about. There is also a chunk of time missing. They go from enemies to girlfriend boyfriend a month later. We never get any interactions of what happened during that month that changed everything. She is also very naive and asking her friend what will just make fun of her. She believes everything anyone tells her, even if its a bad person tellung her, and lets it affect her relationship. Didn’t really see any character development. He called her the c word! I mean how much more insulting can you be. And right before saying you love her and while drunk. He almost forced her to have sex in a parking lot at a party. How can she think its her fault that she should have let him do that? Her friends suck. Telling her not to tell him she is a virgin as if its all her fault. Her friends give awful advice! Telling her to have sex with just anyone to get it over with. If you are so in love why does it matter that she is a virgin?
This book had so much potential for me with the storyline but it really fell flat. I feel like there are things that could have made it so much better. I read the whole books but there were several things I found issue with. Keep reading if you want to know.
This review has spoilers so beware.
They keep mentioning some attacks but never explain what attacks they are talking about. There is also a chunk of time missing. They go from enemies to girlfriend boyfriend a month later. We never get any interactions of what happened during that month that changed everything. She is also very naive and asking her friend what will just make fun of her. She believes everything anyone tells her, even if its a bad person tellung her, and lets it affect her relationship. Didn’t really see any character development. He called her the c word! I mean how much more insulting can you be. And right before saying you love her and while drunk. He almost forced her to have sex in a parking lot at a party. How can she think its her fault that she should have let him do that? Her friends suck. Telling her not to tell him she is a virgin as if its all her fault. Her friends give awful advice! Telling her to have sex with just anyone to get it over with. If you are so in love why does it matter that she is a virgin?
February 13, 2018
3.5 Stars!
Rachel Robinson is a 1-click author for me. I have LOVED her previous novels, so I was looking forward to reading Keeping It. Unfortunately, I really struggled with Tahoe and Caroline's story. Caroline was unique and super sweet, but Tahoe frustrated me. I couldn't connect with his character and I often felt like he really didn't care for Caroline at all. I don't know if it was his macho bravado (I typically love alpha males!) that he put forward in front of his fellow SEALs or his struggle with allowing himself to truly feel something for Caroline. Whatever it was, it made it hard for me to emotionally connect. I think I needed to see more of Tahoe's vulnerability earlier on in the storyline. In the end, I appreciated the growth and maturity that Tahoe experienced on his journey to happily ever after. It was a sweet redemption, and it left me a happy reader and prepared me for the next book in the Real Seal series. Even though Keeping It wasn't my favorite Rachel Robinson novel, it is definitely not my last!
♥ Review by Lys
Rachel Robinson is a 1-click author for me. I have LOVED her previous novels, so I was looking forward to reading Keeping It. Unfortunately, I really struggled with Tahoe and Caroline's story. Caroline was unique and super sweet, but Tahoe frustrated me. I couldn't connect with his character and I often felt like he really didn't care for Caroline at all. I don't know if it was his macho bravado (I typically love alpha males!) that he put forward in front of his fellow SEALs or his struggle with allowing himself to truly feel something for Caroline. Whatever it was, it made it hard for me to emotionally connect. I think I needed to see more of Tahoe's vulnerability earlier on in the storyline. In the end, I appreciated the growth and maturity that Tahoe experienced on his journey to happily ever after. It was a sweet redemption, and it left me a happy reader and prepared me for the next book in the Real Seal series. Even though Keeping It wasn't my favorite Rachel Robinson novel, it is definitely not my last!
♥ Review by Lys
February 11, 2018
Tahoe is happy to receive an assignment that is not as hectic as the battles he has had to face recently as a SEAL. A new command center in Bronze Bay means relaxation and beautiful woman.
Caroline is a small town girl used to the small town life. She could care less what people think and has no time for men. Caroline is a virgin and naive to a certain extent but yet knows what she wants out of life.
Tahoe and Caroline are complete opposites which makes this story so fun. A badass SEAL and a sweet young woman spending time together with great, fun banter and a storyline that was refreshing.
Keeping It is a slow burning, sweet romance that has so much passion and chemistry, you’ll be begging for Tahoe and Caroline to get together already. I enjoyed watching Caroline and Tahoe fall in love, all of the drama and the angst that this book brings.
Caroline is a small town girl used to the small town life. She could care less what people think and has no time for men. Caroline is a virgin and naive to a certain extent but yet knows what she wants out of life.
Tahoe and Caroline are complete opposites which makes this story so fun. A badass SEAL and a sweet young woman spending time together with great, fun banter and a storyline that was refreshing.
Keeping It is a slow burning, sweet romance that has so much passion and chemistry, you’ll be begging for Tahoe and Caroline to get together already. I enjoyed watching Caroline and Tahoe fall in love, all of the drama and the angst that this book brings.
February 11, 2018
Reviewed on behalf of The Book Boyfriend Addict (www.bookboyfriendaddict.com). A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
I am delicate. He is a storm. Carnage was inevitable.
Tyler Holiday aka Tahoe, was happy to accept his new assignment helping to open a new Navy SEAL base in a small coastal town in Florida. After fighting the bad guys for so long, he sees this as a chance to recharge and hopefully to kick back and relax a little bit, maybe enjoy the company of some of the beautiful Southern ladies around town. What he didn’t plan for was to actually fall for one of them, but that’s exactly what happens once he starts hanging around Caroline May. It started as an unlikely friendship while he tries to get her to agree to let the SEALs use her family’s airport for their training but quickly evolves into more. Caroline’s innocence and light are so opposite of what Tahoe is used to in his lifestyle that he can’t help but be attracted to her. They fall fast and hard but when Tahoe learns just how innocent Caroline really is, will he end up running for the hills?
“I’m not in the business of getting my heart destroyed,” Caroline says, her tone quiet, vulnerable.
Grabbing her waist, I turn her to face me full on. She takes the wine and has a sip. “Lucky for you I’m not in the business of destroying hearts. Bad men, lives, terrorist hideouts, my own life, maybe, but not hearts,” I reply, watching her eyes dance across my face.
Rachel Robinson writes some of the best Navy SEALs romances out there. SEALs have a certain reputation but I love how Rachel manages to mix it up and show us that while all SEALs are elite talents, as men they aren’t all the same. Tahoe certainly proved that in this book. He was not at all what I was expecting, but it was a pleasant surprise. Don’t get me wrong, he still had plenty of traits that you would expect to find in a SEAL but he was so much sweeter than I was expecting. I think I was expecting a player and for him to be a bit of a jerk, but this guy had such a great heart and I loved seeing him fall for Caroline. I also really liked Caroline, she never quite fit in with the rest of the residents of Bronze Bay but she was content with the life she’s been living. I enjoyed seeing her blossom as her relationship with Tahoe developed. These two were so sweet together and they really did have great chemistry. The angst does hit though and things are certainly rocky for a while there but the payoff is more than worth it. I look forward to reading more about the Bronze Bay SEALs in future books!
“I’m falling for you, Caroline May.”
Her smile is beatific, something that simultaneously takes my breath away and gives me life. “I’m flying for you, Tahoe Holiday.”
I am delicate. He is a storm. Carnage was inevitable.
Tyler Holiday aka Tahoe, was happy to accept his new assignment helping to open a new Navy SEAL base in a small coastal town in Florida. After fighting the bad guys for so long, he sees this as a chance to recharge and hopefully to kick back and relax a little bit, maybe enjoy the company of some of the beautiful Southern ladies around town. What he didn’t plan for was to actually fall for one of them, but that’s exactly what happens once he starts hanging around Caroline May. It started as an unlikely friendship while he tries to get her to agree to let the SEALs use her family’s airport for their training but quickly evolves into more. Caroline’s innocence and light are so opposite of what Tahoe is used to in his lifestyle that he can’t help but be attracted to her. They fall fast and hard but when Tahoe learns just how innocent Caroline really is, will he end up running for the hills?
“I’m not in the business of getting my heart destroyed,” Caroline says, her tone quiet, vulnerable.
Grabbing her waist, I turn her to face me full on. She takes the wine and has a sip. “Lucky for you I’m not in the business of destroying hearts. Bad men, lives, terrorist hideouts, my own life, maybe, but not hearts,” I reply, watching her eyes dance across my face.
Rachel Robinson writes some of the best Navy SEALs romances out there. SEALs have a certain reputation but I love how Rachel manages to mix it up and show us that while all SEALs are elite talents, as men they aren’t all the same. Tahoe certainly proved that in this book. He was not at all what I was expecting, but it was a pleasant surprise. Don’t get me wrong, he still had plenty of traits that you would expect to find in a SEAL but he was so much sweeter than I was expecting. I think I was expecting a player and for him to be a bit of a jerk, but this guy had such a great heart and I loved seeing him fall for Caroline. I also really liked Caroline, she never quite fit in with the rest of the residents of Bronze Bay but she was content with the life she’s been living. I enjoyed seeing her blossom as her relationship with Tahoe developed. These two were so sweet together and they really did have great chemistry. The angst does hit though and things are certainly rocky for a while there but the payoff is more than worth it. I look forward to reading more about the Bronze Bay SEALs in future books!
“I’m falling for you, Caroline May.”
Her smile is beatific, something that simultaneously takes my breath away and gives me life. “I’m flying for you, Tahoe Holiday.”
February 12, 2018
4.5 stars
I'll be honest I didn't get to read the book where Tahoe/Tyler is introduced so I'm taking him as he is here. He has a past that burned him. He seems like the strong silent type and good at his job. Now Caroline was a tad touchy and prickly in the start especially to the new in town Tyler. That becomes a frinedship of sorts getting to know each leads to more as uneasy as they are about relationships.
It's first love for Caroline and there's something honest and sweet in the way she's all in with all her innocence. For a small town girl she's capable and headstrong in her ways. I find it interesting how her virginity comes into play later on. It actually plays a big part of the plot and defines the story. I like how the author used it though as part of the plot, it definitely was part of their relationship going forward. Caroline and Tahoe has this crackling chemistry though and while it was pretty slow they definitely had sparks along the way. I felt their romance blossom in the the time they were together.
So that prologue was ominous in that it felt like waiting for a shoe to drop. I expected the angst and drama with doses of emotion that came along but done in the right balance. While I feel like it could have been dealt with easier and no pain it's part of their story and they needed to realize and deal with things on their own. Saying that I was still glued to the pages waiting to see what happens. Tahoe and Caroline has sweet moments that offset the painful moments between them.
Rachel Robinson's writing always hit you and it's beautiful in the way its conveyed. The main characters are compelling and emotions heartfelt with a sincere love story. The whole small town setting was very fitting in how things unfolded. The secondary characters definitely gave this more color and glad to hear one of the others will get the next book.
*** ARC provided for an honest review ***
I'll be honest I didn't get to read the book where Tahoe/Tyler is introduced so I'm taking him as he is here. He has a past that burned him. He seems like the strong silent type and good at his job. Now Caroline was a tad touchy and prickly in the start especially to the new in town Tyler. That becomes a frinedship of sorts getting to know each leads to more as uneasy as they are about relationships.
It's first love for Caroline and there's something honest and sweet in the way she's all in with all her innocence. For a small town girl she's capable and headstrong in her ways. I find it interesting how her virginity comes into play later on. It actually plays a big part of the plot and defines the story. I like how the author used it though as part of the plot, it definitely was part of their relationship going forward. Caroline and Tahoe has this crackling chemistry though and while it was pretty slow they definitely had sparks along the way. I felt their romance blossom in the the time they were together.
So that prologue was ominous in that it felt like waiting for a shoe to drop. I expected the angst and drama with doses of emotion that came along but done in the right balance. While I feel like it could have been dealt with easier and no pain it's part of their story and they needed to realize and deal with things on their own. Saying that I was still glued to the pages waiting to see what happens. Tahoe and Caroline has sweet moments that offset the painful moments between them.
Rachel Robinson's writing always hit you and it's beautiful in the way its conveyed. The main characters are compelling and emotions heartfelt with a sincere love story. The whole small town setting was very fitting in how things unfolded. The secondary characters definitely gave this more color and glad to hear one of the others will get the next book.
*** ARC provided for an honest review ***
February 14, 2018
Caroline May has grown up in Bronze Bay and helps her mom as a waitress at her diner and her dad by helping out at the airport they own. Her passion is flying and she knows what ever she ends up doing it will involve flying.
Tyler "Tahoe" Holiday is a Navy SEAL that is now being stationed in Bronze Bay and he needs access to the airport in order for his team to run drills and practice. It is up to him to negotiate with the May family to either buy or use the airport.
As Caroline and Tyler begin to grow closer Caroline wonders if Tyler plans on being in town for the long haul or if this is just a brief stop. But when Tyler learns something about Caroline he pulls away and breaks her heart. Will Caroline risk everything in the aftermath?
This was a great story with a few twists and turns along the way to keep you involved.
I really liked Caroline and I wish the title did not state that she was a virgin as I wish it was more of a surprise as the story went on. I liked how she knew what she wanted to do with her life and her goals with flying. I liked that she was not prepared to give up the property that had been with her family so long but that she also knew how much the money could help.
Tyler was interesting for sure as he was definitely a smooth talker and used to getting what he wanted yet as the book goes on we also learn about what he lost and how that impacted everything else in his personal life. I hated what he did to Caroline at a certain moment and I was so mad at what happened in the aftermath. I liked the closure he was able to get with Stella and how they were able to find a friendship again.
The big twist was a little scary and I was worried about what was going to happen to Caroline. I felt bad for what Tyler was going through at the same time, not seeing her.
I liked the B&B and what happened there - it was a good surprise!
Great read and hopefully we get more from these characters!
Tyler "Tahoe" Holiday is a Navy SEAL that is now being stationed in Bronze Bay and he needs access to the airport in order for his team to run drills and practice. It is up to him to negotiate with the May family to either buy or use the airport.
As Caroline and Tyler begin to grow closer Caroline wonders if Tyler plans on being in town for the long haul or if this is just a brief stop. But when Tyler learns something about Caroline he pulls away and breaks her heart. Will Caroline risk everything in the aftermath?
This was a great story with a few twists and turns along the way to keep you involved.
I really liked Caroline and I wish the title did not state that she was a virgin as I wish it was more of a surprise as the story went on. I liked how she knew what she wanted to do with her life and her goals with flying. I liked that she was not prepared to give up the property that had been with her family so long but that she also knew how much the money could help.
Tyler was interesting for sure as he was definitely a smooth talker and used to getting what he wanted yet as the book goes on we also learn about what he lost and how that impacted everything else in his personal life. I hated what he did to Caroline at a certain moment and I was so mad at what happened in the aftermath. I liked the closure he was able to get with Stella and how they were able to find a friendship again.
The big twist was a little scary and I was worried about what was going to happen to Caroline. I felt bad for what Tyler was going through at the same time, not seeing her.
I liked the B&B and what happened there - it was a good surprise!
Great read and hopefully we get more from these characters!
December 1, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
•Tyler & Caroline
Bronze Bay SEAL book 1
*I was provided an ARC of this book by the the author and their promotion team
I am a huge fan of military romance and I was so excited to get back into the SEAL world with Tyler and Caroline's story!
Navy SEAL Tyler "Tahoe" Holiday has spent the last few years dedicating his life to serving his country. Now, his team is setting up a new base in the small coastal town of Bronze Bay, FL. The quaint town is polar opposite from the combat zones Tyler is used to but he's ready for the change of scenery and to put down roots. Tyler's first task is to secure hanger space so the team can store equipment and practice jumps from. What he thought was going to be a quick negotiation, turns into his first meeting with Caroline May--part owner of the local airport, and the first woman in a long time to make him want to settle down and create a home.
Caroline May is known as Bronze Bay's golden, good girl. Born and raised in the small town, unlike her peers, Caroline's never had the desire to leave. She's content working at the local diner with her mom, and learning the ropes of aviation with her dad in hopes to fully taking over May's Airfield in the near future. When the SEALS set up base in town, suddenly things that have been the same for decades are now changing. Caroline is fully aware of the "play boy" reputation of the SEALS so when she catches Tahoe trying to get her father to sell the airport, she's prepared to stand her ground. But for one full month, Tahoe shows up everyday showing Caroline he is trustworthy and how coming to an agreement about the airspace will be beneficial for both on them. In that time, Tahoe has also chipped away the walls Caroline has built around her heart. For the first time, she's learning how big the world really is outside of Bronze Bay and now, she wants to explore it...with Tahoe.
Tyler & Caroline's book was overall an enjoyable read! I admired Caroline as the fierce, female pilot who really established her independence in this story! This story definitely has the "insta-lust" trope from the MMC's perspective which may not be for everyone, but Tahoe definitely put in work to earn Caroline's trust! This was another good read from @rachelrobinsonauthor for me, and I'm excited to learn more about these Bronze Bay boys!
*available on KU
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
•Tyler & Caroline
Bronze Bay SEAL book 1
*I was provided an ARC of this book by the the author and their promotion team
I am a huge fan of military romance and I was so excited to get back into the SEAL world with Tyler and Caroline's story!
Navy SEAL Tyler "Tahoe" Holiday has spent the last few years dedicating his life to serving his country. Now, his team is setting up a new base in the small coastal town of Bronze Bay, FL. The quaint town is polar opposite from the combat zones Tyler is used to but he's ready for the change of scenery and to put down roots. Tyler's first task is to secure hanger space so the team can store equipment and practice jumps from. What he thought was going to be a quick negotiation, turns into his first meeting with Caroline May--part owner of the local airport, and the first woman in a long time to make him want to settle down and create a home.
Caroline May is known as Bronze Bay's golden, good girl. Born and raised in the small town, unlike her peers, Caroline's never had the desire to leave. She's content working at the local diner with her mom, and learning the ropes of aviation with her dad in hopes to fully taking over May's Airfield in the near future. When the SEALS set up base in town, suddenly things that have been the same for decades are now changing. Caroline is fully aware of the "play boy" reputation of the SEALS so when she catches Tahoe trying to get her father to sell the airport, she's prepared to stand her ground. But for one full month, Tahoe shows up everyday showing Caroline he is trustworthy and how coming to an agreement about the airspace will be beneficial for both on them. In that time, Tahoe has also chipped away the walls Caroline has built around her heart. For the first time, she's learning how big the world really is outside of Bronze Bay and now, she wants to explore it...with Tahoe.
Tyler & Caroline's book was overall an enjoyable read! I admired Caroline as the fierce, female pilot who really established her independence in this story! This story definitely has the "insta-lust" trope from the MMC's perspective which may not be for everyone, but Tahoe definitely put in work to earn Caroline's trust! This was another good read from @rachelrobinsonauthor for me, and I'm excited to learn more about these Bronze Bay boys!
*available on KU
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