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Keep Away
Charlie Davenport has never gotten over her freshman year fling with her best friend’s older brother. Now, five years later, he’s suddenly back in her life, much to Charlie’s displeasure. But Jeremy Jameson is one mistake she can’t make again. Her heart wouldn’t survive.
Jeremy’s made some poor decisions in the past, but the one thing he regrets the most is what happened between him and his sister’s best friend. Charlie is the only woman who ever made him believe in love, and like an absolute fool, he let her slip through his fingers.
When another bad choice finds Jeremy completing community service, he enlists Charlie’s help. Along the way he hopes he can convince her to give him the one thing he knows he doesn’t deserve.
A second chance.
Keep Away is a sports romance novella that will break your heart and then put it back together again.
Jeremy’s made some poor decisions in the past, but the one thing he regrets the most is what happened between him and his sister’s best friend. Charlie is the only woman who ever made him believe in love, and like an absolute fool, he let her slip through his fingers.
When another bad choice finds Jeremy completing community service, he enlists Charlie’s help. Along the way he hopes he can convince her to give him the one thing he knows he doesn’t deserve.
A second chance.
Keep Away is a sports romance novella that will break your heart and then put it back together again.
120 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 26, 2018
25 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Jillian Liota
34 books440 followersJillian Liota is a Southern California native currently living in Kailua, Hawaii. She is married to her best friend, has a three-legged pup with endless energy, and acts as a servant to two very temperamental cats.
Jillian writes contemporary and new adult romance, and her books have been praised for depth of character, strong female friendships, deliciously steamy scenes, and positive portrayal of mental health.
She has a master’s in Higher Education and Student Affairs, and she is passionate about all things improvement, development and organization.
She’s also a big fan of taking walks with her husband, reading romance, watching a handful of horrible reality TV shows, and exploring the island she calls home.
Jillian writes contemporary and new adult romance, and her books have been praised for depth of character, strong female friendships, deliciously steamy scenes, and positive portrayal of mental health.
She has a master’s in Higher Education and Student Affairs, and she is passionate about all things improvement, development and organization.
She’s also a big fan of taking walks with her husband, reading romance, watching a handful of horrible reality TV shows, and exploring the island she calls home.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 13, 2018
Liota's THE KEEPER was a definite highlight of my 2016 reading year, and from a debut author no less, so I was really looking forward to more from this world (the novella had already been announced!) but also more from this author in general.
In hindsight I do wish I had found time (or made time!) to reread Liota's first book because while I remembered a lot of the main plot, I forgot a lot about who Charlie was and how strongly she played a role in RJ's life (spoiler : I still don't remember beyond them being besties) and if we even see her interacting with Jeremy post-novella and during THE KEEPER. A lot of that is addressed, however, as the first half of the story takes place in the past, before jumping ahead, but because I know I'm hyper sensitive about wanting details like that, I don't think the average reader (or the reader with a better memory than I) will have the same problems.
"Alright Jeremy, you've overstayed your welcome."
"Fine, fine, I'll take the hint."
"It's not a hint if I'm telling you to get out of my room."
That being said, I did find the first half hard to get into, outside of my memory problems, and that's just because these characters are.. well. Not fully formed. They are young, figuring things out, a little caught up in material things.. but it was a good baseline for the later years of their association, when Charlie, especially, has settled into her life, her future, and who she is. I found Jeremy's POV easier to handle in the early days and then they traded off, where Charlie had her shit together in the present day, as opposed to Jeremy, who was struggling. It was an interesting dynamic in that sense but I liked that the older versions of them were more grounded in.. real struggles, facing adulthood, and having come out the other side of college, or career, and knowing a bit more of themselves.
"I realized that if I wanted something more than the shitty guys I was screaming around with, I had to stop screwing around with shitty guys."
If you've read THE KEEPER, you know this author is able to tackle, and handle, heavier subject matter and she touches on that again in KEEP AWAY. We see Jeremy possibly heading down the path his father took and I really appreciated that aspect of his story. There was a lot of self-awareness in his actions and yet he couldn't seem to help himself. I thought that to be very real. As for Charlie, I felt for her struggles with her family and I'm glad it ended on a more hopeful note but, other than the observation that she was fine to have her parents not support her career, as long as they supported her, they weren't very present, so (for me) some of the weight of that storyline didn't sink in as much. I could still appreciate it but the focus was definitely felt more in Jeremy's court (hah, you'll get the joke later).
I still enjoyed this little taste of THE KEEPER world, and know it can be tough to pack a lot into a novella and not rush through the storyline or emotional arcs, and I think Liota's pacing is really perfect for this. I think fans of the first book will definitely appreciate this installment for rounding out Jeremy's character and encourage new fans to dip back into the story that started it all.
** I received an ARC from the author (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
In hindsight I do wish I had found time (or made time!) to reread Liota's first book because while I remembered a lot of the main plot, I forgot a lot about who Charlie was and how strongly she played a role in RJ's life (spoiler : I still don't remember beyond them being besties) and if we even see her interacting with Jeremy post-novella and during THE KEEPER. A lot of that is addressed, however, as the first half of the story takes place in the past, before jumping ahead, but because I know I'm hyper sensitive about wanting details like that, I don't think the average reader (or the reader with a better memory than I) will have the same problems.
"Alright Jeremy, you've overstayed your welcome."
"Fine, fine, I'll take the hint."
"It's not a hint if I'm telling you to get out of my room."
That being said, I did find the first half hard to get into, outside of my memory problems, and that's just because these characters are.. well. Not fully formed. They are young, figuring things out, a little caught up in material things.. but it was a good baseline for the later years of their association, when Charlie, especially, has settled into her life, her future, and who she is. I found Jeremy's POV easier to handle in the early days and then they traded off, where Charlie had her shit together in the present day, as opposed to Jeremy, who was struggling. It was an interesting dynamic in that sense but I liked that the older versions of them were more grounded in.. real struggles, facing adulthood, and having come out the other side of college, or career, and knowing a bit more of themselves.
"I realized that if I wanted something more than the shitty guys I was screaming around with, I had to stop screwing around with shitty guys."
If you've read THE KEEPER, you know this author is able to tackle, and handle, heavier subject matter and she touches on that again in KEEP AWAY. We see Jeremy possibly heading down the path his father took and I really appreciated that aspect of his story. There was a lot of self-awareness in his actions and yet he couldn't seem to help himself. I thought that to be very real. As for Charlie, I felt for her struggles with her family and I'm glad it ended on a more hopeful note but, other than the observation that she was fine to have her parents not support her career, as long as they supported her, they weren't very present, so (for me) some of the weight of that storyline didn't sink in as much. I could still appreciate it but the focus was definitely felt more in Jeremy's court (hah, you'll get the joke later).
I still enjoyed this little taste of THE KEEPER world, and know it can be tough to pack a lot into a novella and not rush through the storyline or emotional arcs, and I think Liota's pacing is really perfect for this. I think fans of the first book will definitely appreciate this installment for rounding out Jeremy's character and encourage new fans to dip back into the story that started it all.
** I received an ARC from the author (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
June 26, 2018
*GRABBY HANDS* NO, I'm not patient.
Review to come!!
Review to come!!
June 15, 2018
3.5 - 4 stars
I've been pretty excited about being back in THE KEEPER world, RJ and Mack left such an impression that it's still with me over a year later. I knew KEEP AWAY was Charlie and Jeremy but I was a little grey on remembering them completely, so I did a skim through The Keeper to refresh myself.
Charlie is RJ's best friend so it was interesting to see Ms Perfect at the fore of this tale. I quickly realised that Charlie wasn't as privileged and peachy as I remembered. Jeremy, RJ's brother is a great brother, pretty ideal but he wasn't ideal boyfriend material.
KEEP AWAY is a tale of two halves, a past and present take on these two. I don't mind the past-present narrative style but I have to admit that Charlie and Jeremy were both immature and slightly irritating as their younger selves (aren't we all). We definitely see the best of them in the contemporary part of this book. I really enjoyed the flawed Jeremy, the slams of realisation he had over how he came across and his general character growth.
"Love isn't a feeling - it's a verb. It's an action word, Jeremy. It's something you do, not how you feel."
Charlie remained a character I liked but didn't love and I think some of that is probably because of this being a novella, there aren't more words to sketch the same depth of character.
The strengths of this read sit in the slow development of connection and feelings in adulthood, the move away from all things 'insta-love' and the general Keeper-world. This is definitely a lighter read than The Keeper and I could have handled a full novel of these two.
Jillian Liota has followed up well with KEEP AWAY and I remain excited about what she will write next, connected to this story and context or not. I am convinced she is a talent to watch.
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
I've been pretty excited about being back in THE KEEPER world, RJ and Mack left such an impression that it's still with me over a year later. I knew KEEP AWAY was Charlie and Jeremy but I was a little grey on remembering them completely, so I did a skim through The Keeper to refresh myself.
Charlie is RJ's best friend so it was interesting to see Ms Perfect at the fore of this tale. I quickly realised that Charlie wasn't as privileged and peachy as I remembered. Jeremy, RJ's brother is a great brother, pretty ideal but he wasn't ideal boyfriend material.
KEEP AWAY is a tale of two halves, a past and present take on these two. I don't mind the past-present narrative style but I have to admit that Charlie and Jeremy were both immature and slightly irritating as their younger selves (aren't we all). We definitely see the best of them in the contemporary part of this book. I really enjoyed the flawed Jeremy, the slams of realisation he had over how he came across and his general character growth.
"Love isn't a feeling - it's a verb. It's an action word, Jeremy. It's something you do, not how you feel."
Charlie remained a character I liked but didn't love and I think some of that is probably because of this being a novella, there aren't more words to sketch the same depth of character.
The strengths of this read sit in the slow development of connection and feelings in adulthood, the move away from all things 'insta-love' and the general Keeper-world. This is definitely a lighter read than The Keeper and I could have handled a full novel of these two.
Jillian Liota has followed up well with KEEP AWAY and I remain excited about what she will write next, connected to this story and context or not. I am convinced she is a talent to watch.
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
June 27, 2018
I really liked this but it wasn't fleshed out enough. I felt I got cheated out of an amazing novel with these two. I dunno, it wasn't enough. I wanted more. More of an epilogue or just more of the story. That dropped it a star for me. These characters deserved more than a little over 100 pages in my opinion.
June 16, 2018
Jillian Liota’s debut novel, THE KEEPER, was followed up well with her novella, KEEP AWAY.
These lighthearted books are great summer beach reads! I really appreciate the subtle lessons the author portrays in the character developments. There are several conflicts so many people face, but no one talks about anymore. Liota attacks these topics head on! I would love to see Liota delve a little deeper on some of these issues in future novels.
THE KEEPER, and novella, KEEP AWAY, will renew your confidence in love!
“Love isn’t a feeling –it’s a verb. It’s an action word, Jeremy. It’s something you do, not how you feel.”
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
These lighthearted books are great summer beach reads! I really appreciate the subtle lessons the author portrays in the character developments. There are several conflicts so many people face, but no one talks about anymore. Liota attacks these topics head on! I would love to see Liota delve a little deeper on some of these issues in future novels.
THE KEEPER, and novella, KEEP AWAY, will renew your confidence in love!
“Love isn’t a feeling –it’s a verb. It’s an action word, Jeremy. It’s something you do, not how you feel.”
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 20, 2019
Keep Away was as amazing as the Keeper! I had a perpetual smile on my face the entire time I was reading it. Both books have the best first date scenes ever. And Jeremy is so charming and sexy. I love the way Jillian writes incredibly steamy make out scenes. I’m surprised my Kindle didn’t burst into flames at times.
While the story is about the romance between Charlie and Jeremy, there were other strong relationships. We got a glimpse of Charlie’s relationships with her parents and her siblings. Jeremy and RJ are still close as well. But what I love the most, in both books, is that there is a strong theme of the characters taking care of themselves. They work hard to be the happiest and healthiest versions of themselves. There is always a ton of character growth, which is impressive in a novella.
It was great to see the story continue. I was worried about how Jeremy was doing after the events of the Keeper. So it was good to have that resolved. These are characters that will definitely stick with me.
While the story is about the romance between Charlie and Jeremy, there were other strong relationships. We got a glimpse of Charlie’s relationships with her parents and her siblings. Jeremy and RJ are still close as well. But what I love the most, in both books, is that there is a strong theme of the characters taking care of themselves. They work hard to be the happiest and healthiest versions of themselves. There is always a ton of character growth, which is impressive in a novella.
It was great to see the story continue. I was worried about how Jeremy was doing after the events of the Keeper. So it was good to have that resolved. These are characters that will definitely stick with me.
September 25, 2019
Great Book
I very much enjoyed this book.I would recommend it.Love Charlie and Jeremy’s story.Could not put this book down the story pulls you in.
I very much enjoyed this book.I would recommend it.Love Charlie and Jeremy’s story.Could not put this book down the story pulls you in.
November 11, 2018
You know you've found a good author when you read their book and are so drawn into the characters you devour the book in one sitting.... The Keeper, while a debut novel, was well developed, thoughtful, emotional, and RJ & Mack's relationship was so easy to become invested in.
You know you've found a GREAT author when you become equally obsessed with two side characters like Charlie and Jeremy who have you DYING to know what happens next. Thank you Jillian for hearing our pleas!!
While I struggled a little with the past and present narratives, It was nice to read a relationship that needed time to truly develop. Keep Away is love story that isn't so instant, accepts that people and timing aren't perfect, but that doesn't mean there isn't a better time for them if they take it slow, and that people can grow and mature if you let them. It's a lovely quick read, and though I would have loved to read more, it is a satisfying story to tie up some loose ends after The Keeper.
Love your work Jillian!!! can't wait for whats next!
* I received this novel in exchange for an honest review *
You know you've found a GREAT author when you become equally obsessed with two side characters like Charlie and Jeremy who have you DYING to know what happens next. Thank you Jillian for hearing our pleas!!
While I struggled a little with the past and present narratives, It was nice to read a relationship that needed time to truly develop. Keep Away is love story that isn't so instant, accepts that people and timing aren't perfect, but that doesn't mean there isn't a better time for them if they take it slow, and that people can grow and mature if you let them. It's a lovely quick read, and though I would have loved to read more, it is a satisfying story to tie up some loose ends after The Keeper.
Love your work Jillian!!! can't wait for whats next!
* I received this novel in exchange for an honest review *
July 16, 2019
For a novella, Jillian Liota packed a lot into Keep Away. This is a second chance romance between a college student and her roommate's slightly older playboy/soccer player brother. One secret date was all they had until Jeremy's sister R J, pleaded with him to not start something with her roommate --Charlie. This story spans 2012 to 2017 and the characters go through a lot with their families and with their friendships. I liked it.
June 27, 2018
I've been waiting on Charlie & Jeremy's story, and this was perfect. They hooked up her freshman year, Jeremy's sister declared Charlie off limits, and he went back to his old ways. Five years later he is finally realizing that he screwed up and begins making amends. The story was well written, told partially in flashbacks. I love how Liota describes sunsets (had never heard of the green flash) ...puts you right there on the beach. Lovely story...can't wait to see what is next for this author.
January 31, 2019
“Family and friends are in our lives to be our guideposts. They help us figure things out when we feel like we can’t handle it on our own.”
So I haven’t read The Keeper yet but I won Keep Away from the authors Instagram page and was so excited to start this novella right away. Since it was a novella it was obviously really short and a lot more could’ve been said about Jeremy and Charlie, but I still enjoyed the storyline. Overall it was a predictable but cute, lighthearted story!
So I haven’t read The Keeper yet but I won Keep Away from the authors Instagram page and was so excited to start this novella right away. Since it was a novella it was obviously really short and a lot more could’ve been said about Jeremy and Charlie, but I still enjoyed the storyline. Overall it was a predictable but cute, lighthearted story!
October 14, 2019
Finding Their Way
My only complaint is that I wished this book was full length. Charlie is RJ's roommate and best friend. Her freshman year if college she meets and falls for RJ's brother Jeremy. Unfortunately the timing is not right for them. They spend the next years apart. Also due to the way RJ begs her brother to leave her alone. So she can have a friend he doesn't run off. This book can be read as a standalone but makes more sense having read the other book first.
My only complaint is that I wished this book was full length. Charlie is RJ's roommate and best friend. Her freshman year if college she meets and falls for RJ's brother Jeremy. Unfortunately the timing is not right for them. They spend the next years apart. Also due to the way RJ begs her brother to leave her alone. So she can have a friend he doesn't run off. This book can be read as a standalone but makes more sense having read the other book first.
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March 9, 2021
This novella is a second chance romance. Could be read as a standalone but I suggest you read The Keeper first as it introduces you to Jeremy Jameson and Charlie Davenport. It also provides the history of this couple and explains some of their problems which affect them in this book. This well written story is in two parts - past and present.
The author starts with the funny tale of what happened the night Charlie found Jeremy sitting on her bed in only his boxers! He was in his senior year at college and Charlie was a freshman and his sister’s roommate. They went on a secret date and really connected and they were both excited about going on a second date even if it meant hiding it from Rachel. Jeremy reluctantly ends things when Rachel pleads with him not to start anything with Charlie because she was her only friend and he such a playboy. He a good man, wonderful brother but a horrible boyfriend. With Charlie off-limits he reverts back to his old ways but never forgets her. Charlie reacts in a similar way and uses guys to numb the pain while trying to make herself feel good.
“You are a rainbow that exploded out of a black and white movie. Don’t let the fact that someone else is colour blind rob you of your ability to brighten the world.”
Then we jump forward a few years and this links up to the ending of The Keeper. Jeremy is a professional soccer player for LA Galaxy and Charlie is now a senior, due to graduate with Rachel in a few months. Jeremy is really struggling with Rachel’s revelations and cross he wasn’t strong enough to go for the relationship he wanted with Charlie all those years ago. He is not a playboy anymore and desperately wants to prove this to Charlie. He is worried he could end up like his dad but doesn’t know how to stop it. Luckily it all comes to a head one morning when Charlie isn’t the only one who catches him out.
Charlie now finds herself helping Jeremy get back on track because they all knew he wasn’t himself but didn’t realise how bad it had got. She rejects his advances even though she still hung up on him. She is dealing with family issues and knows she needs to be strong for herself for a change because she has little self-worth. Both of them know using something to numb the pain isn’t healthy. Jeremy needs to find a way to show her how important and special she is to him.
“My point is, things happen in life, good and bad, easy and hard. To all of us. And what’s important is learning how to adapt to it.”
I felt this couple deserved a full length novel because I wondered if we missed any interactions they may have had in the intervening years and I wanted more on their reactions to Rachel and Mack’s relationship. I was glad the timing was wrong for them first time round because I think he needed to grow up and didn’t deserve Charlie. I did notice a few times the timeline didn’t totally link up with The Keeper and how this couples problems were similar to Rachel and Mack’s, however, the author did have them dealing with them in different ways. I loved the scenes with the sunsets and when they have fun together. Great ending, I was so glad Jeremy stepped up to the mark. Hopefully we will get another novella so we can catch up with both couples as adults.
Merged review:
This novella is a second chance romance. Could be read as a standalone but I suggest you read The Keeper first as it introduces you to Jeremy Jameson and Charlie Davenport. It also provides the history of this couple and explains some of their problems which affect them in this book. This well written story is in two parts - past and present.
The author starts with the funny tale of what happened the night Charlie found Jeremy sitting on her bed in only his boxers! He was in his senior year at college and Charlie was a freshman and his sister’s roommate. They went on a secret date and really connected and they were both excited about going on a second date even if it meant hiding it from Rachel. Jeremy reluctantly ends things when Rachel pleads with him not to start anything with Charlie because she was her only friend and he such a playboy. He a good man, wonderful brother but a horrible boyfriend. With Charlie off-limits he reverts back to his old ways but never forgets her. Charlie reacts in a similar way and uses guys to numb the pain while trying to make herself feel good.
Then we jump forward a few years and this links up to the ending of The Keeper. Jeremy is a professional soccer player for LA Galaxy and Charlie is now a senior, due to graduate with Rachel in a few months. Jeremy is really struggling with Rachel’s revelations and cross he wasn’t strong enough to go for the relationship he wanted with Charlie all those years ago. He is not a playboy anymore and desperately wants to prove this to Charlie. He is worried he could end up like his dad but doesn’t know how to stop it. Luckily it all comes to a head one morning when Charlie isn’t the only one who catches him out.
Charlie now finds herself helping Jeremy get back on track because they all knew he wasn’t himself but didn’t realise how bad it had got. She rejects his advances even though she still hung up on him. She is dealing with family issues and knows she needs to be strong for herself for a change because she has little self-worth. Both of them know using something to numb the pain isn’t healthy. Jeremy needs to find a way to show her how important and special she is to him.
I felt this couple deserved a full length novel because I wondered if we missed any interactions they may have had in the intervening years and I wanted more on their reactions to Rachel and Mack’s relationship. I was glad the timing was wrong for them first time round because I think he needed to grow up and didn’t deserve Charlie. I did notice a few times the timeline didn’t totally link up with The Keeper and how this couples problems were similar to Rachel and Mack’s, however, the author did have them dealing with them in different ways. I loved the scenes with the sunsets and when they have fun together. Great ending, I was so glad Jeremy stepped up to the mark. Hopefully we will get another novella so we can catch up with both couples as adults.
The author starts with the funny tale of what happened the night Charlie found Jeremy sitting on her bed in only his boxers! He was in his senior year at college and Charlie was a freshman and his sister’s roommate. They went on a secret date and really connected and they were both excited about going on a second date even if it meant hiding it from Rachel. Jeremy reluctantly ends things when Rachel pleads with him not to start anything with Charlie because she was her only friend and he such a playboy. He a good man, wonderful brother but a horrible boyfriend. With Charlie off-limits he reverts back to his old ways but never forgets her. Charlie reacts in a similar way and uses guys to numb the pain while trying to make herself feel good.
“You are a rainbow that exploded out of a black and white movie. Don’t let the fact that someone else is colour blind rob you of your ability to brighten the world.”
Then we jump forward a few years and this links up to the ending of The Keeper. Jeremy is a professional soccer player for LA Galaxy and Charlie is now a senior, due to graduate with Rachel in a few months. Jeremy is really struggling with Rachel’s revelations and cross he wasn’t strong enough to go for the relationship he wanted with Charlie all those years ago. He is not a playboy anymore and desperately wants to prove this to Charlie. He is worried he could end up like his dad but doesn’t know how to stop it. Luckily it all comes to a head one morning when Charlie isn’t the only one who catches him out.
Charlie now finds herself helping Jeremy get back on track because they all knew he wasn’t himself but didn’t realise how bad it had got. She rejects his advances even though she still hung up on him. She is dealing with family issues and knows she needs to be strong for herself for a change because she has little self-worth. Both of them know using something to numb the pain isn’t healthy. Jeremy needs to find a way to show her how important and special she is to him.
“My point is, things happen in life, good and bad, easy and hard. To all of us. And what’s important is learning how to adapt to it.”
I felt this couple deserved a full length novel because I wondered if we missed any interactions they may have had in the intervening years and I wanted more on their reactions to Rachel and Mack’s relationship. I was glad the timing was wrong for them first time round because I think he needed to grow up and didn’t deserve Charlie. I did notice a few times the timeline didn’t totally link up with The Keeper and how this couples problems were similar to Rachel and Mack’s, however, the author did have them dealing with them in different ways. I loved the scenes with the sunsets and when they have fun together. Great ending, I was so glad Jeremy stepped up to the mark. Hopefully we will get another novella so we can catch up with both couples as adults.
Merged review:
This novella is a second chance romance. Could be read as a standalone but I suggest you read The Keeper first as it introduces you to Jeremy Jameson and Charlie Davenport. It also provides the history of this couple and explains some of their problems which affect them in this book. This well written story is in two parts - past and present.
The author starts with the funny tale of what happened the night Charlie found Jeremy sitting on her bed in only his boxers! He was in his senior year at college and Charlie was a freshman and his sister’s roommate. They went on a secret date and really connected and they were both excited about going on a second date even if it meant hiding it from Rachel. Jeremy reluctantly ends things when Rachel pleads with him not to start anything with Charlie because she was her only friend and he such a playboy. He a good man, wonderful brother but a horrible boyfriend. With Charlie off-limits he reverts back to his old ways but never forgets her. Charlie reacts in a similar way and uses guys to numb the pain while trying to make herself feel good.
Then we jump forward a few years and this links up to the ending of The Keeper. Jeremy is a professional soccer player for LA Galaxy and Charlie is now a senior, due to graduate with Rachel in a few months. Jeremy is really struggling with Rachel’s revelations and cross he wasn’t strong enough to go for the relationship he wanted with Charlie all those years ago. He is not a playboy anymore and desperately wants to prove this to Charlie. He is worried he could end up like his dad but doesn’t know how to stop it. Luckily it all comes to a head one morning when Charlie isn’t the only one who catches him out.
Charlie now finds herself helping Jeremy get back on track because they all knew he wasn’t himself but didn’t realise how bad it had got. She rejects his advances even though she still hung up on him. She is dealing with family issues and knows she needs to be strong for herself for a change because she has little self-worth. Both of them know using something to numb the pain isn’t healthy. Jeremy needs to find a way to show her how important and special she is to him.
I felt this couple deserved a full length novel because I wondered if we missed any interactions they may have had in the intervening years and I wanted more on their reactions to Rachel and Mack’s relationship. I was glad the timing was wrong for them first time round because I think he needed to grow up and didn’t deserve Charlie. I did notice a few times the timeline didn’t totally link up with The Keeper and how this couples problems were similar to Rachel and Mack’s, however, the author did have them dealing with them in different ways. I loved the scenes with the sunsets and when they have fun together. Great ending, I was so glad Jeremy stepped up to the mark. Hopefully we will get another novella so we can catch up with both couples as adults.
May 10, 2021
𝘒𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘈𝘸𝘢𝘺 follows Charlie and Jeremy, whom we meet in the first book, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘒𝘦𝘦𝘱𝘦𝘳. Charlie, being the best friend and Jeremy, being the brother of RJ.
I personally didn't much care for their characters in the first book. There were times that they were alright but i just found them to be hypocrites. So going into this novella, i still didn't feel that connection/chemistry towards their characters or as a couple. I did warm up to Charlie though. I think she definitely grew as a character but Jeremy's role was just mehh. I hate the excuse of "I've always loved you" but then they've also slept with multiple people. I mean, understandable to what he had going on growing up and then hearing how his sister suffered but romance wise...
For a novella, it did cover all aspects, I'll give the author that. It wasn't bad by any means, bit slow in the beginning but all emotions and build-ups were present.
I personally didn't much care for their characters in the first book. There were times that they were alright but i just found them to be hypocrites. So going into this novella, i still didn't feel that connection/chemistry towards their characters or as a couple. I did warm up to Charlie though. I think she definitely grew as a character but Jeremy's role was just mehh. I hate the excuse of "I've always loved you" but then they've also slept with multiple people. I mean, understandable to what he had going on growing up and then hearing how his sister suffered but romance wise...
For a novella, it did cover all aspects, I'll give the author that. It wasn't bad by any means, bit slow in the beginning but all emotions and build-ups were present.
March 11, 2021
Keep Away is the follow up novella to The Keeper, and it's the story of RJ's (The Keeper) bestie, Charlie & brother, Jeremy. I do believe for the most part that it's best to read these in order, but I wasn't a big fan of Charlie in Book 1, so I felt like I didn't have time for her to actually grow on me with Keep Away not being full length. I was a big fan of how Jillian Liota creates real people with real issues & flaws at the end of the day though as these two had their issues at different times. Since it's a shorter read, I really don't want to get into many details since it may or may not explain the story away, so I'm going to keep this review short & sweet, and end with HIGHLY RECOMMENDING TO ALL!
July 3, 2020
Souls Mates that meet at the wrong time!
I loved this book! I was everything from the back story of the characters to the pivotal point I’m where they came back together after years of being in each other’s lives but not as the couple they were meant to be.
I loved this book! I was everything from the back story of the characters to the pivotal point I’m where they came back together after years of being in each other’s lives but not as the couple they were meant to be.
August 10, 2019
3.8 review to come!
April 24, 2021
Cute
This was a cute novella, but I really wished we had more of the love story for these two. Book one was great, this on had me looking for more.
This was a cute novella, but I really wished we had more of the love story for these two. Book one was great, this on had me looking for more.
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