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A BATTLE OF WILLS… When the Marquess of Taverham married at eighteen, he was certain his life would be smooth and well ordered—right up till the moment his exuberant bride ran away on their wedding night, never to be seen again. Ten years later, when Kit is finally prepared to set his rash marriage aside by having his wife declared dead, she makes a shocking return, still beautiful but distrustful, and once more throws his life off-balance by refusing to live with him and resume their marriage. …A WAR OF PASSION Despite some lingering attraction, Miranda Reed has no love left for the heartless rogue she married. Older and wiser, she refuses to be a convenient wife for a man who expects everything to be his way with no care for her feelings. Keeping her husband at arm’s length is essential; her secrets will bring him to his knees. But in a battle of wills where hope and trust are both the prize and the casualty of war, the victor isn’t always the winner. Sometimes it takes an act of rebellion to recapture a fragile love.

260 pages, Paperback

First published September 8, 2014

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283 people want to read

About the author

Heather Boyd

105 books753 followers
USA Today Bestselling Author Heather Boyd believes every character she creates deserves their own happily-ever-after—no matter how much trouble she puts them through. With that goal in mind, she writes steamy romances that skirt the boundaries of propriety to keep readers enthralled until the wee hours of the morning. Heather has published over sixty regency romance novels and shorter works full of daring seductions and distinguished rogues. She lives north of Sydney, Australia, with her trio of rogues and a four-legged overlord. To learn more visit www.Heather-Boyd.com

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5 stars
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55 (16%)
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Letschat1974.
821 reviews10 followers
July 13, 2021
4/3.5 stars (enjoy Maureen Driscoll, Elisa Braden, Sophie Jordon, Samantha Holt, Stacy Reid)

The development and interest in main characters and secondary characters was enjoyable. I really did like the H/H for this book; very well paired as a couple.

I loved the writing around the women empowerment (it wasn’t over the top for me). Badass women rock.

writing style is easy to follow, humorous moments, the give and take dialogue enjoyable.

Romantic/sexual content (kissing, oral, love making scenes) was throughout the book. Nothing over the top; again nicely intertwined in the story. 2/5 hotness and steam.

I love series around family members or a group of friends. I love the series even more when the author intertwines those characters throughout the book series (it’s a pet peeve when authors don’t do that because what’s the point of the series and introducing the characters if they are not going to interact throughout the series). Past book characters intwined nicely in the storyline.

would recommend this book and series (you don’t have to read them in order however it wouldn’t hurt to read them in order to get the full story throughout the series).
Profile Image for Carol.
1,091 reviews10 followers
January 1, 2024
A Bit of a Tease

Kit and Miranda are enticing characters; he’s a villain & she’s the badly treated heroine. Yet the humour comes through & some of the players appear rather like pantomime characters. The wicked mother, the conniving & evil friend, three ‘fairy godfathers’, Buttons the faithful friend & support. They’re all there in this emotional rollercoaster, leading to a happy ever after, as all good pantomines do.
Lost a star for far too many ponderous passages.
Highly recommended
Profile Image for Elaine.
4,205 reviews92 followers
May 19, 2019
I loved everything about this book, although I wasn't so keen on Kit at first, but he did get better along the way. What a roller-coaster of a story. I think this is the one I prefer most in this series to date.
To put it simply, I loved reading this!

2nd reading: Just so lovely. 5☆
Profile Image for Janette.
860 reviews22 followers
September 16, 2014
**This review can be found at www.3chicksafterdark.com.

Heather Boyd, you clever, clever woman. After finishing Keepsake, I don't know whether to laugh or cry. It's been a while since a book was able to lead me on such an emotional wild goose chase. What a fantastic tale of heartache and forgiveness - the twists and turns had me hooked. I absolutely couldn't put it down.

I was really enamored by Miranda and Kit's story, and I couldn't get through it fast enough. There's nothing unfamiliar about this romance - the Ton is rather predictable after all - yet Boyd's fresh view on this historical trope is captivating. Like many good historicals, it's full of lies, deceit and scheming, adding to the mystery and intensity.

Miranda's a likable heroine, and it's evident she doesn't hold back. She's a passionate, caring woman, and that means when she gives her heart, she gives it entirely. Unfortunately for her, others take advantage of that commitment, and Miranda's confidence is irrevocably shaken. Her steadfast determination is one quality I loved. She knows what must be done and vows to see it through to the end. Of course there are a few unforeseen complications - like her attraction to her husband - to keep things interesting.

Speaking of Miranda's husband, I spent about the first half of this book absolutely hating Kit Reed. It's not that Heather Boyd didn't adequately create his character, that's not it at all. I simply couldn't figure out how someone so smart and genuine could be so clueless as to why his wife would abandon their marriage. Did he never once in all those ten years apart consider something had happened? His ignorance and innocence were a little infuriating. I guess he and Miranda didn't really know each other that well, since they were brought together by unbridled passion and young love. About half way through is when I realized maybe I should cut Kit some slack. It was looking like we hadn't gotten the whole picture, and as the secrets and lies are finally revealed, I realized I'd been quick to judge. I assumed the Marquess to be the rogue I expected to find in a historical, but the true nature of his character proved to be a surprise and a revelation.

In the end I realize it's Boyd's fantastic storytelling that really drew me into this book. Without it I don't think I would have cared as much. Any story that can move you so fiercely, even in anger, is a good one, and Keepsake definitely did just that.
Profile Image for JG.
1,494 reviews60 followers
September 28, 2014
I found Keepsake an excellent read with well developed characters that slowly became more interesting as the story progressed. Kit and Miranda had a marriage of convenience, not uncommon during those times. However, these two young people were also highly attracted to one another, so much so that the anticipated wedding night was already celebrated every night prior to the big event. Miranda was so in love with her handsome new husband that it was devastating to find out on her wedding day that he had a mistress all along. Fast forward 10 years and we find Kit, still searching for his runaway wife at the cusp of giving up. He never understood how she could have just disappeared on him specially since they seem so attracted to one another. He was ready to declare her dead until Miranda reappeared into his life with a lot more secrets in tow. I love how Kit and Miranda were written initially as very young lovers then later on as mature adults. The emotions at play, the dialogue, the interactions between this two, they were well portrayed to display how they both changed thru time. Kit seemed cold at first and Miranda so innocent. This was a love story that was slow to burn but almost boiling over with the emotions by the time it ended. The plot devices were well played, moving the story along quite satisfactorily. The secondary characters also had a part to play but did not overwhelm the story line with too much drama. This was engaging, captivating and heartwarming read.

*ARC provided by the publisher thru NetGalley in return for an honest review*
Profile Image for Amy Alvis.
2,041 reviews83 followers
September 13, 2014
This is book 5 in the Distinguished Rogues series.

Having anticipated their wedding vows, Miranda Reed is devastated when her new husband goes off with his mistress on their wedding night. Not wanting to live that life, she runs off to live her life with their unborn child.

Ten year later, Kit, the Marquess of Taverham, has finally given up hope that his wife is ever coming back or is even alive. He is about to declare her dead so he can move on with his life when she suddenly pops up at the theatre.

Knowing that her husband was about to have her declared dead, Miranda comes out of hiding to give her son his rightful place in society and as Taverham's heir. What she doesn't count on is her attraction to Kit. It is still as strong as ever. But she must find her son, who is not with the caretaker Miranda left him with during her illness.

Can Miranda and Kit have the marriage that both of them dreamed of so long ago? What happens when Kit finds out he has a son?

I really enjoyed Kit and Miranda's story. I didn't like Kit at the beginning of the story. I thought he was trying to have his cake and eat it too but he grew on me as the story unfolded.

Boyd did a good job of keeping the story interesting with many plot twists, a villain and a little bit of mystery. I'll definitely be reading more of her work.

Thanks go to LLD Press via NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
25 reviews
December 6, 2016
Not a nice heroin.

She sees her new groom kissing a woman and assumes the worst and runs away for ten years. She is also pregnant and never tells her husband. when she finally returns he is happy to see her and relieved she is alive, she acts like a brat. oh and his friends? they also believe the worst of him and then turn on him. personally I could not see why he took her back
918 reviews
November 20, 2022
Nothing about this book hit the spot so to speak. I didn't like the heroine OR the hero all that much. I thought the hero was a super douchy mama's boy who was clueless and put the heroine last in all things. SPOILERS....Granted he was young but WHY did he have to leave his own wedding immediately after the vows? It was never explained - and he had told the heroine ahead of time he wasn't going to be present at most of their wedding. He had other things to do - on their wedding day AND night. What things?? Then his best female friend (who was married) got wasted at his wedding and threw herself at him. Many witnesses saw them kissing and groping eachother but allegedly he stopped her and then HE LEFT HIS OWN WEDDING TO ESCORT HER HOME. If he didn't want her husband to find out surely he could have sent her home with HER OWN BROTHER or one of his people. How stupid was this contrived drama? And then he couldn't for the life of him figure out what would upset his bride? This guy is seriously stupid.

The heroine grew a backbone while she was gone which I appreciated but her own storyline was weird and the illness required her to abandon her son for 2 years? Speaking of the son, he was apparently a 40 year old man in a child's body. I'm not sure I've ever read a more unrealistic child before.

Emily, the mother, Acton...I didn't feel any of them were punished like they should have been and our "hero" wasn't as mad as he should have been. I love a secret baby trope but this was dragged out so long that the reveal didn't happen until like the 85% mark and it was anti climactic at best. Overall I do not recommend this at all.
1,231 reviews24 followers
August 4, 2019
So, I read 1-3 in a bundle and enjoyed it, but wasn't convinced (I didn't much like H 3).

I already had #7 for free, so decided to knock it off, and enjoyed it enough to actually spend money (I'm a huge cheapskate) on the 4-6 bundle. Again, I enjoyed them, but there was another H I didn't really like.

I was all set to buy the next bundle... but it's not been released. The series is up to book 10 or 11 I think, but not sure if it's going to bundle up or not... and I am a huge cheapskate and the 'world' is just not 'tight' enough for me to buy the individual books at a higher (but still decent) price.

The writing doesn't really leave loose ends, but doesn't really square all the details away either. So the mother who racked up $30k in debt costing her daughter her entire fortune leaving them both potentially on the streets, is just a no worries, we'll give her grandkids so she won't spend so much. The bad guys aren't always completely sorted. The social mores are not only loose, but not always the same... Unescorted young ladies are a big no no, but they all seem to do it with no thought or consequences, mistresses are bad but then they talk about marrying mistresses if they get pregnant, illegitimate children are not great but are sometimes a horror (situation not kid) and sometimes part of the scenery. Scandals are a horror but then brushed over. Widows are free to have lovers but her having a lover is a horror. It's all just a bit loose.

(Same review for 4-7)

0819
Profile Image for Heidi Meaton.
144 reviews1 follower
August 25, 2018
Married for her dowry, Miranda escapes a loveliness marriage to return with secrets 10 years later.

Heartbroken Miranda sees her marriage spiral out of her control and hopes on the evening of her wedding. And disappears.
10 years on she reappears on the eve of being declared dead.
Kit sees a chance to have the marriage he dreams of. But do the 'newly weds' want the same thing? Did they ever?
Emotionally charged with twists and turns, unlikely allies and secrets upon secrets. If ever there were a couple who needed to talk this would be they.
Heather Boyd does it again.
Profile Image for Linda Adams.
99 reviews
July 14, 2018
Wonderful book wonderful

I absolutely love this book I read it and I think 3 hours 4 hours I couldn't put it down I just I just couldn't wait to see what happened it was a very well written book the characters was so real so defined and the book was just amazingly written very clear I just loved it Heather Boyd is a very good author and one of my favorites she never disappoints me
Profile Image for Queen Talk Talk.
1,246 reviews3 followers
January 31, 2019
A woman scorned.

Young love is never easy. In a time when a woman was considered her husband's property her dowry was his to spend. Her body his to use; her heart the only thing she could protect.
Profile Image for Heather.
950 reviews7 followers
June 7, 2019
This is my first I've read by this author... I absolutely loved it... A must read ..... I will be reading other books by Heather.... The plot was great... A young woman in love just to be crushed by a misconception .... Buy it you won't regret it
Profile Image for Rock Starr.
96 reviews
August 13, 2021
Never did get around to liking the heroine

Or the hero. Or their kid. This entire story became weird and convoluted after the 50% mark. You want me to believe that a 9 year old speaks as this child did? Planned and plotted as this child did? Nope.
147 reviews
December 27, 2021
The road to love can be rocky, or knot!

This was a good read, though the explanation of the love scene seemed a little unreal, that he looked for her 10 years was the reason I could believe in their love story. Happy ending was great!
Profile Image for Rachel.
366 reviews2 followers
May 22, 2020
I enjoyed this very much. I liked seeing our hero and heroine work through their issues and admit that they were both quick to hurt feelings.
15 reviews
February 12, 2022
A wonderful Read

My type of book: a hidden pregnancy, a runaway bride and a hero deceived. Needs to be on audible with maybe Kate Reading or Philip Battley.
Profile Image for Crystal.
500 reviews1 follower
August 31, 2014
Heather Boyd has done it again! She has once again written another fabulous historical romance story that kept me completely spellbound throughout the whole story. Keepsake is a fabulous story that kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what in the world could possibly happen next. As some of you may know I just absolutely adore Heather Boyd and her work. She writes fun and creative stories that I just can not put down.

I have to say I had an instant connection with Miranda Reed. I really liked this young lady. She is doing what is expected of her but she is hoping that she is marring a man that can love her. When she discovers something on her wedding night she disappears.

I have to say at first I did not like Kit, I thought he had completely taken advantage of a situation. However as the story went on I found that I really admired Kit and all he did to find his wife and all that he does to try to regain her trust. He really isn't the no good dirty rascal I thought he was to begin with.

When Miranda returns, she certainly does it in style and has society talking about it. I love this woman sense of humor and style. She has something that she needs to share with Kit but she has to find the special item first. Miranda ask for some help from her friends in finding the missing item. I was completely engrossed in this part of the story and could not wait to see how it would unfold.

I enjoyed watching Miranda and Kit get to know each other and this time really get to know each other. Unlike when they were to be married and things were run by his mother and friend.

There is an interesting twist that I did not see coming at all and it threw me for a loop but after the secret is revealed I have to say I wasn't all that surprised that this person was capable of the act.

Keepsake is full of drama, many twist and turns, a little mystery, some romance, some humor, and a few steamy scenes. What more could a girl ask for in a story?

Heather Boyd is one of my very favorite historical romance authors. She is the one responsible for me re finding my love for historical romance stories. I am always exciting when I hear she has a new book coming out. I can't wait to see what she may have in store for her next release. What ever it is, I will be anxiously awaiting it's release.

If you enjoy a fun historical romance with some drama and a little steam then you really should check out one of Heather Boyd's books. I have LOVED each book of hers I have had the delightful pleasure of reading.

This book is part of the Distinguished Rogues series, however it can easily be read as a stand alone. I don't think you would have any problems at all, if you have not read the previous books in the series.

I was given the opportunity to read this book so that I may share my thoughts with you. As always it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you on Keepsake.

You may find more of my reviews on Heather Boyd's work here.
2,373 reviews20 followers
September 8, 2014
This is part of the Distinguished Rogues series. I have not read the other books in this series (most are on my TBR stack) but this book can be read as standalone. This book is all about how misunderstandings can almost ruin happiness. On their wedding night Miranda sees what she thinks is infidelity from her husband Kit. She leaves Kit only to return ten years later so that her son can claim his rightful place as the next heir. Miranda also keeps her son a secret from Kit while she is trying to locate him however Kit does not know what is going on and it puts a strain on their renewed relationship because Miranda will not talk with him. I must admit I struggled through the first forty percent of the book. I was furious with the way Miranda acted towards Kit. Oh no, do not confront him with what you think happened, just be aloof and let him try to figure out why you are mad all of the time! Kit on the other hand really wanted to make their renewed relationship work and does everything he can to make it work out. When Kit finds out he has a son at first he is skeptical but fortunately is made to reconsider and realizes that Christopher is his son. His trying to build a relationship with Christopher is a very sweet part of the book. There is a little mystery in this book and the villain will probably not come as a surprise. I also liked the characters Lord Louth and Lord Acton (at the end when his part in the mystery is resolved). By the end of the book you definitely feel Kit and Miranda’s love. The epilogue is fantastic!
I received a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
Profile Image for Emily Finch.
400 reviews
August 28, 2019
Again a re-read. I really, really enjoyed this. I think I even enjoyed it more the second time. I had forgotten the story, at least I think I did, but then about 75% through I remembered the storyline but it definitely didn’t take anything away. Anyway, I couldn’t wait to finish this to see everything all fall into place.

I truly do love Heather Boyd’s work and her wonderful world building. There’s just something to easy-going about it but also informative. She has a way with her words that you just get soaked in and need to read her stories in its entirety.

Oh Miranda. You broke my heart a few times. She has a special place in my heart, I don’t know what I would’ve done in her position. I think she handled herself quite well to be honest. If I discovered that on my wedding night, would I of spoken to my new husband? It’s so difficult to tell what you would do, I think it’s an interesting take on a difficult situation. When Miranda returns to society? By god does she do it in style. It was amazing to read. A pleasure to read. Her sense of humour was perfect in this moment.

It definitely took me a while to warm to Kit. But I believe that was Boyd’s intention there. We wasn’t supposed to know the full situation, she wanted to give us bits and pieces and for us to form our opinions and our version of the story together ourselves. She’s a bit of a tease. By the end of the book I really did like Kit, he had the best intentions he just didn’t execute them in the best way.
Profile Image for Mnms.
1,609 reviews5 followers
September 22, 2018
I started out very sceptical about this story, as accusations and grudges isn't my thing. And this scepticism I retained for most of the story.
The story isn't among her best, a lot of it is quite predictable and it has a lot of bickering and high-handedness that I personally was put off by. But it is a Heather Boyd story so there was still plenty to love.
21 reviews204 followers
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September 18, 2014
How to remain sympathetic to a heroine who deprives a father of his son, whatever her reasons, is a mystery. Will have to solve that one before proceeding beyond the book sample. Epitome of crass.
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