Keep My Heart

Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan

This book.......took me on a journey. A very raw, emotional, stripping of my soul journey. One that made me feel as if I was in the story experiencing all the highs and lows, the joys and sorrows, the hopes and fears, and the strength and determination of characters that engrained themselves into my soul. With the visual clarity of the author vivid, heartfelt, and passionate words, this story felt real, raw and painfully open and honest. A melancholy yet hopeful journey of life’s timing and the choices one makes over others.

This is a love story. A deep commitment of a feeling when you meet someone and can’t get them out of your mind. But, as there is always a but, life’s timing or the choice we choose can make life not as expected. And that feeling, has to be pushed aside until hopefully life’s timing can be on your side.

This emotional story is also about survival. And what we think we know about survival doesn’t really equate with what we think we know. The strength, the hope, and that determination of surviving against all odds is fierce and possessive in the face of fear, hurt and pain.

Iris Dupree is a smart, beautiful, and determined. She has survived so much and has turned out to be a survivor. She will not be like her mother, she has plans and dreams. Caleb Bradley is a star college basketball player and Iris’s boyfriend. But a chance meeting with August West, a fellow rival of Caleb’s, changes something in life’s cosmic plan.

But, as there is always that But.......Life’s Timing didn’t get the memo.

My review will stop here. There is nothing more that I can say without ruining this Epic Read. It needs to be read without prior knowledge or information. Just to be experienced in a pure moment. But know that there are twists and turns, choices and consequences, and dreams lost and taken back throughout the life of Iris Dupree. While the story is told in Dual POV, Iris is my hero in this story. Her life, her strength, her determination and her voice set the stage for an awakening. A story that will grab you, set you on a mesmerizing journey that will both slay you and ultimately heal your mind, your heart and your soul.

Kennedy Ryan

Author 64 books36k followers

Keep My Heart, an exclusive collection of Five Bestselling Novels, from Top Shelf Romance is AVAILABLE NOW!!!!!

Start Reading Now

The most loved romances, all in one place! Snag one of these beautiful collections and get all the happily ever afters you deserve!

These are top-rated books that have dazzled readers again and again. Top Shelf Romance is an exclusive collection of select authors.

Keep My Heart is a collection of five best-selling novels including:

Lex Martin - Reckless

Kennedy Ryan - Long Shot

Kennedy Fox - Travis & Viola Duet

W Winters - Knocking Boots

Top Shelf Romance represents the best of the best in romance. There are no cliffhangers. These are simply must-read novels for readers looking for the best in happily ever afters.

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Willow Winters

Author 156 books21.3k followers

Read

Keep My Heart, an exclusive collection of Five Bestselling Novels, from Top Shelf Romance is AVAILABLE NOW!!!!!

Start Reading Now

The most loved romances, all in one place! Snag one of these beautiful collections and get all the happily ever afters you deserve!

These are top-rated books that have dazzled readers again and again. Top Shelf Romance is an exclusive collection of select authors.

Keep My Heart is a collection of five best-selling novels including:
Lex Martin - Reckless
Kennedy Ryan - Long Shot
Kennedy Fox - Travis & Viola Duet
W Winters - Knocking Boots

Top Shelf Romance represents the best of the best in romance. There are no cliffhangers. These are simply must-read novels for readers looking for the best in happily ever afters.

118859466_306894817275582_4595876060814468319_n

Elle Golden

Author 5 books61 followers

Reckless by Lex Martin!

All you need is love...and a little bit of recklessness!

I love to read. Since I learned how to way back, I love to read. There are times That I really enjoy the book. There are times it's good, but not what I expected or needed at the time. There are times I feel confused. There are so many different outcomes. And there are times I speechless, I'm mesmerized by the writing and the plot, and I find myself torn between being mad at me for taking so long to try and take a shot on this or that book or author, and being grateful for taking the chance and choosing that book o read.

I'm the latter now.

I'm mad at my self because I've been planning on reading Lex Martin's books for a while now, and only now I read one. But I'm happy and so grateful for chossing it now and for reading it and for loving it.

This was my first book by her - and I probably started backwards - and it's not gonna be the last one!

This book was amazing, so beautiful, intense, angst, sexy, funny. It was so great full of strong characters full of mistakes and regrets, so real and relatable. I felt them at every page.

"This girl is gonna be the end of me. But I don't think I care."

Ethan is the whole package. He is hard worker, an incredible father (bye bye, ovaries), he is sweet and strong, he is loyal and responsible, he fights for what he thinks it's best, even if hurts him, just to help those he loves.

"You make me come undone. From the moment you strutte into my house, you have occupied most of my thoughts, half of my dreams, and at least two-thirds of my future plans, so do not for one minute think I'm not dying to be with you."

At the end of an awful divorce with a heartless and selfish wife and mother of his kids, he is struggling to keep everything together: his family, his children, his job, his heart, his hope. And when Tori comes in tearing down every wall he built, he finds himself addicted to her and her magic.

"In this moment, in our quiet bubble, all the heartache of the last few years is worth it. The divorce. The self-doubt. The loneliness. I'd do it again. Because it brought me to this place with this incredible girl."

Ethan is an incredible guy. He is so fair and willing to sacrifice himself, that you couldn't belive, you just could love him.
But he needs some help, He can't kkep going that path withoit something falling apart.
Enters Tori.

Tori starts working as his children's nanny after so much insistance of his sister, but as time goes by, she realizes that is probable the best thing that could have happend to her.

"For one in my life, I'm not afraid of the future or my place in this world. Because Ethan brings me hope that maybe my past happened for a reason. That it brought me to this place with him. And I wouldn't change that for anything."

Tori has been burnt really bad in the past. She was wild and naive, at the same time, but she was such a great person. She was just too brave and too real and too alive to stay ordinary.

She made mistakes, but she owned every single one of them. She started over, she continued walking even with a limp. She didn't let the world take her down. Because that is who she is: an amazing resilient woman who protects fiercely and loves with all her heart.

"'Why couldn't the princess climb outta the castle by herself? Why'd the prince climb in to sabe her?' I smile, loving her inquisitive mind. 'Because if the prince stayed outside of the castle any longer, the dragon would've gotten him. This way, the princess is really saving him.'"

You see? She is that kind of girl. She is no damsel in distress. She fights as an equal, she fights by Ethan's side. They are partners, they are friends, they are lovers.

And when I wasn't falling in love with them, I was loving the other characters! His mom and brother. Her sister and borther-in-law. His adorable kids.
It was all so intense, so real, so exciting, by the end of the book I was already wanting more and said to see the story come to an end.

This book is one of those that makes me feel happy just for having read it!

"Maybe she's what I needed all along."

Mandie

692 reviews34 followers

September 5, 2020

Amazing stories!! Most of these authors I have read before, and they always hit the mark! I love finding new authors to 1-click too. These stories were all beautiful and heartwarming! I loved them!

Thelma

771 reviews41 followers

Talking about having a great book hangover. I am having a hard time writing this review, not only because is a subject that is close to home.. but also because the emotions still flowing.. definitely an amazing story and so much to talk about.. so much to learn too.

August is fighting to have a place on the NBA, his future looks bright and all seems like he is going to get what he wants.. when he meets her at this bar.. a beautiful girl that will change his life and priorities forever.. he won't stop at anything, he will wait until the time is right.. to have her and to be with her.. no matter the cost, no matter the dreams, no matter anything ..

August was a Gentleman, he took his time and never rushed.. he always knew how to read Iris. I also love how August was always treating her with so much respect and giving her what others have stolen from her.. like the freedom to work and do what she wanted the most. August always saw Iris with joy, and some kind of brightness in his eyes because after all Iris was what brought light into his life..

Iris is a beautiful girl with so much future.. she has been working hard trying to get a good job in the sports industry .. she has everything she needs to get this job. but life has something else in her path.. in love with her boyfriend.. her life seems great.. until things started to change .. he is not what she thought... he is her worst nightmare... someone who will destroy her and still her soul.. if life doesn't bring a safe light.

Iris was a very strong heroine, a heroine who fought for her life and the life of whom she loved the most. Iris fought until the end.. and when you see the way she fought.. you want to cry and held her but at the same time you want to pick her up into your arms and celebrate.. that she finally did it!! that she didn't stop at anything and like Lo said "Don't let him win" she didn't let him win. she gave me hope, she gave me strength and made me believe that after all, justice will come sooner or later no matter in which lifetime..

Caleb.. he is evil, he is the devil.. he is the worst man you've ever met.. and he wants to destroy you and everything you have.. Caleb is the worst rival in the NBA history has had.. he hates August and he wants everything August has.. his titles, his trophies.. even the girl.. and he won't stop until he takes everything from him.. he won't stop until he finally gets what he wants.. I have never hate anybody in my life but Caleb can be the first one..

So many great characters Lo, Iris best friend. I love her mystic nature, her magic, her occultism.. her background.. I love that she was the friend we all want to have, the friend we need when everything is collapsing around us.. she was amazing and I hope we can see her story with Kenan soon!!!

MiMi another great wise character.. she was the "mother" Lo, kind of never had but also a safe and secure place for Iris when she needed.. love the mystical part of the story with MiMi and Lo all that is beautiful, and of coarse Sarai.. she is just a breathtaking baby with so much personality at such a young age..

I love her and melt with her every time she said, Gus!! especially in front of Caleb lol .. Go Sarai kill him softly!!!

Long Shot left me speechless... it was a very emotional ride, the story touches a subject that is hard to talk and listen as in a way I went through a similar situation..

Long Shot was a very eye-opening story like Kennedy says at the last page of her book.. we all have that sister, friend or even us who went through something similar.. and even though you can or can't relate to the story, there is always so much to learn .. so much to ask and so much to give..

"If you've never had to fight for your life in your own home if you've never had someone you thought to love you hurt you the most, then you don't know"

I hope this book helps other people who haven't live or who don't know anybody that went through this.. to understand more how the mind of a survivor works... to know what to do, to know how to see the signs and stop themselves before judging or making any assumption.. there is always a story behind.. sometimes I dream that we live in a more empathic world, people who feel and holds your pain as if it was theirs.. because they know that pain can be less when is carried as a team..

"If there's one thing I understand, it's team, and you and me" "We're a team, doing everything together"

Really love the book, the story, and the characters. I love how Kennedy always Stir us Up in so many directions but in the end, it always has a propose and a great conclusion.. something to share, something to learn.. a little something to make your life more worth it.. to feel your own feelings.

Karlyn Weldon

149 reviews

This is an amazing collection of fantastic stories! One of the stories in this collection is actually one of my absolute favorite romance stories! Reckless by Lex Martin on my "Top Favorite Reads EVER" list. This book is absolutely AH-MAZING!!! I knew after reading just the first few chapters that this was a story that would always stick with me. Everything about Ethan made me swoon and I could not put this book down until I read the very last page. I have even went back and read it a few times now! 😉 It is THAT good. It is sweet, real, funny (especially the spider/shower scene 😂😂😂) and had some extremely sexy times! Tori and Ethan are perfect for each other and I can only hope to see more of them in the future! If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I certainly would!!! This story is one that I highly recommend!

Jessica

860 reviews24 followers

Okay, this is my first Top Shelf Romance Collection book and I am so happy I picked it up! I've read one of the authors before, but found three new authors to love. I think the awesome part about these books is that they contain full length books for an affordable price! It is the perfect way to read some new-to-you authors, while reading stories you've been meaning to from authors you love! I will definitely be collecting these beauties in hardback, because these covers are beautiful!

Tiffany

639 reviews

My review is for the Lex Martin story.
WOW! In true Lex form this story will pull you right in and won’t let go. This story is heartfelt and truly emotional! You will fall in love with Tori and Ethan and their story.

Tami

259 reviews9 followers

Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog)

My Review is for Knocking Boots by Willow Winters

I am absolutely, hopelessly in love with Charlie and Grace! Winters never fails to draw me in and keep me hooked.

Kristy Odom

1,559 reviews40 followers

July 22, 2020

Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan

I thought this was a great read! I know none of us like to think domestic abuse happens, but it does. I felt the emotions were well told, and Iris’ happy ending was perfect. I have never known this kind of fear thank goodness, but so many out there live with that fear every day! I loved Sarai! I loved Lotus! I’m so glad we get their story too!

Sara Reads Romance

746 reviews122 followers

December 31, 2020

Review for Knocking Boots by Willow Winters:

Another great read from Willow Winters!

This is my very first time reading Knocking Boots and it pulled me in from the first page. First of all, I LOVED Grace and Charlie. They were so real and relatable. As per usual I was very invested into this book. Charlie and Grace have phenomenal chemistry that jumps off the page, but they don’t jump right into bed with one another. There are plenty of angst and swoon worthy moments! The connection between these two is undeniable and I did not want to put this book down. Willow is a true romance queen. She really knows how to pull a reader in and make you identify somehow with the main characters. Since I have not read the original story, I cannot attest to the changes made from the original to this one. But for me, I thought this book was great. The story was written well, it quickly pulled me in, full of chemistry and emotion.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

4-star-read

5,920 reviews212 followers

abuse-assault arcs bartender-brewery-distillery

Universal

A great collection of 4 stories that span the romance genre.

Reckless by Lex Martin: 4 stars

When Tori's hired as a nanny to Ethan's children, let's just say the kids love her but their dad...not so much. At first. But of course close confines and realizations by both parties lead them on a sexy journey toward an HEA. I really liked this one - Tori and Ethan have got that spark!

Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan: 5 stars

A hard to read at times, beautiful journey. Iris and August's story is painful but beautiful as they make their way through the hurt of her past (abusive, asshole ex), their forbidden love, and finally to the happiness this wonderful couple deserves. Kennedy Ryan is one of my favorite writers of all time, and Long Shot is a prime example of why she's on that short list of favorites.

Checkmate Duet Series, #1: Travis & Viola by Kennedy Fox: 5 stars

Travis is Viola's brother's best friend and all around pain in her ass. She holds a mean grudge for something he did years ago, and he does his level best to antagonize her and keep holding that grudge. But of course there's an underlying attraction that begs to be consummated once they become roommies. Oh boy...let the battle begin!

This is the first story I ever read by Kennedy Fox, and I loved it then and still do to this day. It's full of snark and shenanigans, it's seriously sexy, and Viola and Travis are hilarious even as they act far more immature than their ages say they should be.

Knocking Boots by W Winters: 3 stars

Grace loves going to Charlie's bar so she can look to her heart's content. But it's when they start a fake relationship that the looking turns into more. This one is steamy and fun, and perfect for the indoor days we're experiencing right now with the crazy state of the world outside. It's not particularly new or out of the box, but it is easy reading and entertaining.

ARC via Top Shelf Romance for an honest review.

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Christine

1,542 reviews20 followers

This collection is full of some amazing stories!! Highly recommend picking this one up!!

Reckless - Lex Martin (5 stars)

Reckless will definitely be one of my all-time favorite single dad stories. Absolutely loved Ethan, as he was an amazing dad, who did whatever it took to provide for his children. Navigating a messy divorce with two young children couldn't have been easy, but he did the best he could given the circumstances. Tori - she was awesome. Such a free-spirit in so many ways, yet she could easily be broken due to things from her past. The relationship that developed between Ethan and Tori seemed so natural.....starting as friends before gradually moving into something more.

This will definitely go on my favorites list for the year.....and I agree with other readers when I say that we need a book for Logan!!

Knocking Boots - Willow Winters (4 stars)

Knocking Boots is a fun fake relationship romance from Willow Winters! I just loved Charlie and his sweetheart, Grace. They both were looking for different things in life (Charlie had been hurt in the past and didn't want a relationship; and Grace wanted marriage babies, everything).....but the attraction between them kept growing every time she walked into his bar. When his mom tries to set him up for a blind date for his sister's wedding, Grace offers to help him out.....and that's when things change between them. Loved their chemistry and connection and just everything about them together. I highly recommend this one.

Long Shot - Kennedy Ryan (5 stars)

This story is absolutely phenomenal!! My heart was pounding, hands were shaking, tears in my eyes......I just felt every emotion possible while reading Long Shot! Kennedy Ryan created a beautiful and powerful story of love, loss, heartbreak, and survival. It truly is one of those books that everyone needs to experience for themselves.

Travis & Viola Duet - Kennedy Fox (5 stars)

Part 1: Holy smokes!! This is one of the best enemies to lovers stories I have read!! Travis and Vi were amazing - the chemistry between them was ridiculous and watching them hate flirt was awesome. So many incredible one-liners that I lost track of how many I highlighted. And what can I say about their hate-sex......it was epic!

Part 2: I just love Travis and Viola and really enjoyed part 2 of this duet! Obviously, after the cliffhanger in book 1, I knew there would be some extra drama added to the story. There just had to be a logical explanation as to why Mia (who I absolutely do not like) was in his car that night - didn't like it one bit, even though nothing happened, but I just knew it was going to cause issues with Viola. But, seeing the connection that Travis and Viola had, I knew they could get through it. They also had the added stress of hiding their relationship from Drew, and what he would have to say about them together. Just everything about this story kept my attention and I couldn't get through it fast enough. Can't wait for the next duet!

Anakalia

1,846 reviews17 followers

This is another collection of romance novels that is a must-read and every romance lover should read it at least once in their life!
Every single one is an absolute page turner!

RECKLESS by Lex Martin

Heartbreaking ... gut-wrenching ... heartwarming ... romantic ... I'm so in love with this love story and these characters that I’m at a loss for words.

Tori is absolutely amazing, super woman and an angel, combined in one warm and caring woman. And Ethan is just as wonderful, upstanding and true to himself, even if sometimes a bit dense, when he should realize sooner what his woman needs. Mila and Cody are just adorable.
These characters sparkle with life, as do Tori's family and Ethan's brothers and mom.

There is just one tiny problem with this romance ... it ended way too soon!!!

LONG SHOT by Kennedy Ryan

This story breaks your heart, tears it apart and lets it bleed to death. It is not for the faint and weak of heart. It is an outcry to the world, to finally open their eyes and see behind the façade of the poor and weak and helpless, to save them from their misery and the endless suffering they have to endure, and to protect them from the monsters of this world.
God knows this story is not an easy one, but it is excellently written, with a topic that is unfortunately all too often glossed over and swept under the carpet: Violence and abuse against women, in whatever form!

TRAVIS & VIOLA DUET by Kennedy Fox

I’m at a loss for words.
Travis and Viola are very intense characters just like their story. Their hate and disgust for each other is palpable, even if it is not completely comprehensible at first. The reasons are revealed in flashbacks throughout the story and then make sense.
Their feelings for each other develop from hate to something more in a slow-burn way that makes you want to read even faster to see what happens next.
Both are very stubborn and I wanted to shake them not just once.
Their story sent me on quite the emotional roaller-coaster ride, that’s for sure!

KNOCKING BOOTS by Willow Winters

Charlie and Grace ... gahhh!

Those two have driven me crazy ... INTO MADNESS!!!
The way they both think they know what the other one wants, and that they're not enough for one another ... Oh my!
I wanted to shake them both and not just once!
Both are so sweet, both damaged by what life has handed them so far. Both are strong personalities in their own way.
Charlie though ... well, I've never met a more obtuse and ’stupid’ character. Sometimes I really wanted to strangle him for his indecision and denial of his feelings for Grace ...

This book is a real reading highlight, a page turner with all this sexual tension between these two great characters, with this constant back and forth, and the ever-present question: Do they get, or don't they get their happy ending?

Ptiteaurel

3,888 reviews61 followers

September 11, 2020

Les grands noms de la romance se sont unis pour nous offrir des histoires fortes où la romance est au coeur de l'intrigue et où les personnages nous font entrer dans leur univers avec leur hauts et leur bas, leur combats, leur inquiétudes et leurs questions. Je vous recommande la lecture de ces romances qui vous feront passer un excellent moment de lecture

Dans C'est la guerre, publié en VF vous découvrirez Travis et Viola. La tension sera présente dès les premières pages et c'est le genre de romance où on va adorer compter les points entre nos deux héros. Tous les coups seront permis et on va se délecter de cette tension qui ne peut qu'aboutir d'une seule façon. Je me suis régalée avec ce premier tome qui m'a clairement donné envie de lire la suite. Kennedy Fox nous offre une romance sensuelle où tous les jeux seront permis et où les joueurs ne reculeront devant rien pour faire plier l'ennemi. Je suis désormais très impatiente de connaître la suite car bien que le tome 2 soit sur des personnages différents, il est évident que l'auteur ne peut pas nous laisser sur une telle fin.

Dans C'est l'amour , qui sera publié en VF en janvier, nous retrouvons nos deux héros. Après avoir lu le premier tome d Échec et mat, j'avais hâte de connaître la suite des aventures de Travis et Viola car la fin nous laissait présager de nouveaux rebondissements et de nouvelles tensions . J'ai passé un excellent moment avec ces personnages qui nous feront vibrer une nouvelle fois au fil des pages . J'ai passé un excellent moment en leur compagnie et j'ai eu les réponses à mes questions concernant ce couple . J'étais vraiment ravie de les retrouver et de les voir évoluer au fil des pages . Kennedy Fox nous offre donc une suite à la hauteur du premier tome .

Dans Knocking Boots, c'est le charme des small town romances qui va opérer. Je découvre la plume de Willow Winters avec cette douce romance que j'ai adoré découvrir. L'histoire de Grace et Charlie est une romance comme on les aime et même si nous savons où l'auteur veut nous emmener, cela ne m'a pas empêché de passer un très bon moment de lecture. si vous envie de découvrir une romance doudou comme on les aime alors foncez vous ne le regretterez absolument pas . Willow Winters nous offre une romance addictive avec des personnages adorables et attachants qu'on a envie de voir heureux

KDRBCK

7,505 reviews70 followers

August 15, 2020

Keep My Heart is Top Shelf Romance Anthology 7 and contains a collection of five best-selling novels:
Lex Martin - Reckless
Kennedy Ryan - Long Shot
Kennedy Fox - Travis & Viola Duet
W. Winters - Knocking Boots

Lex Martin with Reckless

Reckless features Tori and Ethan and is a standalone companion to the USA Today bestseller Shameless. - the author.
Shameless is the previous book an tells Kat and Brady´s story.
Reckless is Tori and Ethan´s book.
Meet Tori - Victoria - Duran. She´s a 23 year old woman who managed to mess her life up pretty bad. Her relationship was toxic, she skipped college and she´s in a funk and has no plans for the future. Her sister Kat needs her nearby and she gets her a job as nanny.
Ethan Carter is co owner of a ranch and raises horses. He´s about to get divorced and has custody of his two children. He´s overworked and needs help, bad. When his family suggests a nanny he isn´t thrilled and his first sight of Tori isn´t a warm fuzzy one. They´re like cats and dogs.
Tori swore to never ever date her boss, but rigged rancher Ethan is irresistible. Both are burned and cautious but can´t witstand the crazy chemistry between them.

Reckless is a great read, a wonderful book with twists and turns. I connected with the characters from the beginning and read the book in one sitting. I couldn´t put it down. The writing is brilliant and I could feel the characters emotions in the words. I recommend Reckless and Shameless and give 5 stars.

Kennedy Ryan with Long Shot

Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan is a Hoops Novel and a completely standalone. Long Shot is a forbidden love set in a world of NBA.
Meet August West. He´s the NBA´s new and shining star, fresh from college with a degree under his bet and about to get drafted into the NBA.
It takes him one look at Iris DuPree and he can´t get her out of his head.
Iris DuPree is a survivor of hurricane Katrina. Her childhood and youth was a rough one. She´s driven to have a great career and be self sufficient. Her life seems on track, all her goals in sight when karma/fate throws a wrench her way. And it´s a big one. Her life´s about to change.

I started reading and was hooked from the beginning. My heart was bleeding for the characters. There´s so much hurt and pain. I wanted to shout out to Iris run as fast as you can, but I couldn´t. And she couldn´t run. Iris had to go through hell and back and I was right beside her. I suffered with her, I hoped for better with her and I wanted to put her in my pocket.
August is a good guy with good intentions and he would give everything for Iris. But he can´t. He has to stand helplessly on the back and see Iris fight for herself . I can understand how frustrating this situation is for August and I´m totally with him. I want my own August. He loves deep and does everything for the people he loves.

Long Shot is a nerve-racking, nail-biting read that kept me at the edge of my seat the whole time. More, I read the book in one sitting, I couldn´t put it down. I had to know what happens to the characters. The story is brilliasntly thought out, extremely well written and I love the words and the characters. I recommend the book and hope, Lo and Kenan´s story will be next.

Knocking Boots by W. Winters

Knocking Boots by Willow Winters and Vivian Wood is a sexy standalone contemporary romance novel.
Meet Charlie and Grace.
Grace wants the picked fence life, a husband and kids. But her odds are slim.
Charlie is a bartender and happy to be single.
They agree on a fake relationship to get his family from his back.
But neither can deny there are feelings.
I liked the characters and I liked the writing.
You can feel the characters emotions in the words.
Thank you Willow Winters and Vivian Woods. 4 Stars.

All in all, this is a fantastic anthology with high quality novels, 5 stars.

Kari Hansen

12.4k reviews93 followers

September 12, 2020

Reckless – Tori has recently moved in with her sister and brother in-law after the dreams she had for the future came to a crashing halt. Ever since Ethan’s wife left him and their two children behind, he has been struggling he agrees to hire Tori as his nanny. Neither is prepared for love or a relationship but sometimes fate has a bigger plan.

Long Shot - August and Iris had an intense connection from their first meeting but circumstances dictated that they were destined to be friends. Their story spans many years and is filled with setbacks as Iris must overcome a past filled with pain and violence while August is patient, understanding and there is no doubting his commitment to Iris as he shows her how she deserves to treated.

Knocking Boots - Grace has a successful career but she has just been advised that if she wants a baby she needs to do it soon however being single is a complication. She has forged a friendship with Charlie, a bartender at the pub she frequents so when he needs to pretend to be in a relationship to avoid family pressure. Not only are the feelings between them escalating but so is the relationship she is developing with his family. Is there any way for this to end other than in heartbreak?

With five stories by four different authors it gives you a chance to read stories that you may have missed and experience new authors as well.

Jenny B

1,297 reviews29 followers

Shaley- Pretty Little Book Blog

What a collection all in one little place <3

Long Shot
What a collection!!!

Long Shot ==
WOW!! Long Shot is an AMAZING story story that is full of so much raw emotion and honesty. Iris and all her trials and tribulations and all that she endured and the person she became because of all the she endured. She left me speechless and in complete awe. And August --- they really need to make men like him in reality. His patience, understanding were remarkable. While they both had their weaknesses the way the author developed their characters one can understand the weakness and feel for the characters with that much more intensity.

I am left in the aftermath of this book with tears that are both happy, joyful and the finish to an incredible ride. (And for the record when I finished this book I actually didn't even know the tears were coming out).

As much as this breaks my heart and I feel EVERYONE should read this story there are definitely some trigger issues in this story and if you are a sensitive reader please take these into consideration before purchasing

Reckless - Lex Martin
Holy single dad story!!! I am normally not a fan of the nanny/dad stories but this one was amazing. Lex Martin did an incredible job writing this story of Tori and Ethan. This story has everything built into it from humor, angst, emotions and smoking hot reads.

Definite page turner you won't want to end

480 reviews

All authors in their collection are must reads for me! I’ve only read Reckless and Knocking Boots, but definitely check out the other two as well!!

Knocking Boots Review:

“It’s different, and I like it. I want more of it. I want more of her.”

Charlie and Grace are so cute and so lovable. This story is about finding love when you’re not looking for it. It’s sweet, steamy, and loving.

Fake relationship. Check.
Hot hero. Check.
Steamy chemistry. Check.

Willow can always make me swoon and smile in her stories. Charlie’s whole persona made me swoon and Grace’s loving personality made me smile. Their chemistry was undeniable.

Another great read by Willow. A light, steamy romance that warms your heart.

“I’ve completely fallen for him. Even though I know I shouldn’t have, I can’t bring myself to regret it.”

Melenareads

3,327 reviews78 followers

Keep My Heart is another fabulous collection from Top Shelf Romance! In this case I had not read any of the books before but most of them were on my TBR list.

I especially enjoyed getting to read Kennedy Ryan and Lex Martin's books because they had been ones I've wanted to read for a long time. Each of the books, though, was a great read. I am looking forward to reading more from all of them.

I really like having all these bound up as one collection. It's the perfect way to try some of the best stories from new-to-me authors.

Thank you to the authors for providing an ARC for an honest review.

Michele

1,550 reviews9 followers

September 10, 2020

Love! Love! Love this collection. These are some of my favorite authors and they are very talented ladies!! The top shelf romance collections are a wonderful way to discover new authors and get srories from some of your favorite authors. This is a must have book. The stories transports so you feel like you are right there with the characters. My favorite in this collection is by Willow Winters, Knocking Boots. Fabulous characters and great story. Check this out for yourself and see. So worth it! I am voluntarily leaving my review after reading an advance reader copy from the author.

Sarah

582 reviews8 followers

Keep My Heart is the most amazing collection of not 1, not 2, but 5 of the best stories I have read this year. I'm not sure I have ever read an entire collection of stories from 4 different new to me authors and been blown away by every...single...one! In fact, I've already started working on the follow-up stories from each of these authors with plans to read through each one of their backlists. All of these stories were intense, with intriguing plots and engaging characters. They certainly pulled at my heartstrings and I didn't want these stories to end! Highly recommend!!

contemporary

Cheryl

545 reviews32 followers

LaToya (Readingbythebayou)

This review can also be found in Currant7 Recommends

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Overall, the compilation, the 5 stories offered provided a good balance and complements each other in contemporary romance. There are dark and dangerous stories while some are easy-to-relate but all have HEA that any reader will enjoy. The writing styles are different but they are also similar at the same time with the story’s purpose and ultimately love – themselves, to their partners, and to their families.

1. Reckless by Lex Martin
The story revolves around the chemistry of Tori, the kids, and Ethan which shows it to be perfect. Tori’s and kids’ interaction is so natural she might not have given birth to them but she seems to act as their own mother. She says and acts like she’s not good at it but is wrong. She’s caring, thoughtful, and loves the kids. She might complain that they are like “sunshine on crack” but she loves them dearly as the weeks went by. It all felt organically done even if the kids are not here.
Tori and Ethan’s daily interaction is so ‘compatibly organic’, based on the way their minds and body reacts to each other. They tread a fine line between ‘passion’ and ‘lust’. They work well together as a team with the kids but need to realize faster that they are also good for each other – to heal the past and stand together for the future.
Both Ethan and Tori have their own “issues”/’laundry’ that they needed sorting out before they can even consider any of their feelings for each other. Expect messy things to unfold as Tori sorts her head and heart while Ethan handles the finality of his divorce with a sudden vindictive ex-wife, Allison.
For Ethan, Allison goes cruelly crazy especially when readers already know the backstory of abandonment and regret on both character’s sides. Divorce can bring the “ugliness” as negotiations happen. The reasons for Allison’s actions are mentioned later on (thank goodness else I would start thinking crazy stuff also) and as expected, for selfish reasons again. I really hate her character. I’m sorry if it’s harsh but how she acted in the whole book was horrible.
Tori’s sassy, fierce independent attitude, aside from having her own self-doubt. Her awful experience with her ex-boyfriend tarnished her outlook on men and a rough childhood puts her on her own and relationships at the very bottom of the list of her priorities. She closed out her heart and built her walls up to never be vulnerable again…even if readers can see her mind and body wanting to do the opposite. **Note that aside from the appearance of the ex-wife, the ex-boyfriend makes a startling appearance and does a lot of ‘stunts’ also that cause a lot of harm between Ethan and Tori. I love the twist with this part of the story also since it is not unheard of. You would have to read the book to get this part especially because it becomes really good!

2. Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan
**Fair warning: There are a few scenes of violence and abuse that may cause triggers to some readers. **

This is not your insta-love book. It is a deeper, ‘fated-love’ story. The plot may look simple and straight forward but what Kennedy shares with us is what happens when you are the faced with the consequences of your decisions and in the midst of the wrong decision, how one can find the strength within themselves to ‘take back’ what is their’s from the start.

There were a lot of underlying meanings and issues addressed in this one book – many layers that when peeled off, another one comes out and lets you go through the motions of internal checks. Iris goes through all the big decisions during the final stage of her senior year; while August has his path laid out for him to trek. Each one pursues their own careers brought about its own complexities and consequences.

I really appreciate the extensive research on various topics as Kennedy imparts a lot of insider stories that outsiders like ourselves do not get to see. There is a lot of pushing and pulling of sponsors, coaches, schools then there’s the violence that goes unseen the shadows. The balancing act between these – the light and dark makes it heavy but manageable enough for an emotional reader like me. I cheated on a few places that I couldn’t handle. The writing is sophisticated yet raw and realistic – there is impact, intensity, and integrity to what was said by the characters and their actions. Their self-acceptance and internal strength were discussed at length.
Kennedy also discusses depression and loss in the book which is why it goes heavier in the middle – as therapy and counseling methods are used. I’m glad that she did not shy away from this issue that plagues a lot of women after birth.

Iris starts preparing for a career in sports marketing to ensure that she’s the opposite of what her mother is–someone who will not need a man to complete her while Caleb, her boyfriend, is the one trying to place her in that category. She’s torn with having to discuss that they both need to have a career path that they would be happy with, without having their partners give up their own dreams in the process…but the usual dominant male ego of Caleb comes in and starts demanding at some point versus rationalizing what is best for the both of them. There were a lot of ‘twists’ that made things a lot complicated.

As the story progresses, it works up a few years as things develop as familiarity and longing happen. Iris has to face certain life choices while August had to work his way towards a career win. They seem to be growing in parallel but hardly in touch save for the occasional games that both Caleb and August are part of then later apart due to circumstances.

This book is for:
1.) readers who are sports fans;
2.) readers who enjoy controversial love-triangles;
3.) readers who love brave heroines who rise up to the challenge of “taking back” their lives and finding renewed hope…inspiring survivors in life and love;
4.) readers who appreciate twists and turns that capture us further into the world of sports, family, friendships, relationships, and self-discovery that you won’t be able to put down till the end as per my experience…but mostly, its main theme is hope and unconditional love beyond time and space. It is a book that gets you to wake up and think of the ones who may be in the same situation.

3. Checkmate: This is War (Checkmate Duet Series #1): Travis and Viola Duet by Kennedy Fox
The chemistry of Viola and Travis stems from passion – love and hate are within that category. Readers can see all of the angry banter that later morphs to extreme pranks all throughout the book. Although the heated word and pranks are pretty extreme, nothing beats the truth of what their respective bodies’ are saying – pure, unadulterated attraction. This is an enemies-to-forever story, with childhood friendships tested through time. The banter can only go so far before they start realizing that the frustration they feel is them wanting each other.

The irony of this relationship that they somehow ended up thrust together on a spring break weekend. Their dynamic goes further…nuclear with them having to get along and set “rules” to make sure they don’t kill each other from the pranks.
Travis acts arrogant but it wasn’t always this way in the past when he was younger. There was a point in time that he cared for her and treated her well…but those days are gone. Now, he gets a kick when he works up Viola. One of the best ways is to pick on her and her geeky ways to set her off, why? I never understood it – maybe it’s one of those ‘he likes her so he pulls the hair of the girl he likes” thinking. He could have just tolerated her and went on his way.
Viola’s frustration with Travis was that he broke her heart in the past. Travis made her question and toyed her self-esteem as he turned from a kind prince to an inconsiderate toad, which is why she vowed never to be caught to have any relationship with him. She resorts to putting her lust/passion into hatred to keep her at bay.

Note that both are NOT saints. They both have their issues to sort out within themselves but it takes longer. The last few chapters showed us a lot of pent-up energy. Good thing they got friends to help them. Courtney for Viola and Drew for Travis. They are a god-send to these characters with their witty retorts and ideas – that pushed them together, whether they realize it or not.

Aside from the craziness in the “big brother’s house” (pun intended!), there’s also craziness that Travis goes through with another external threat but this time, it’s to his career and reputation that he worked his whole life on. It’s ironic since his “having fun, casual” philosophy on relationships is the reason that he landed in this situation.
I’m always hesitant to cliffhanger books especially I invest so much in the characters.

4. Checkmate: This is Love(Checkmate Duet Series 2): Travis and Viola Duet by Kennedy Fox
Firstly, the story continues a few hours before the cliffhanger left readers. I have to say…everything that unfolded on the first two chapters was not what I thought…I was so wrong in some assumptions of Travis but I was partially right that Travis wants to make everything right with Viola. It’s all one crazy event after another that no one seems to want to whole truth when it comes time until it’s too late. If Travis was able to tell everyone what happened, it would all have been a simple story – and not an extra novel in our hands.

I realized that there is a dynamic shift from Book 1 to Book 2 that made me relaxed more. There are lesser frustrations between the Viola and Travis and instead, are replaced with playful, teasing banter. Viola and Travis start exploring their relationship together and help each other navigate through each other’s problems as they grow together than against each other.

Secondly, the intimate scenes sizzle in this book since there’s no more holding back how both of them feel for each other. Making sure that their “secret’ safe is the interesting part as they do it all behind everyone as Viola is Travis’ assigned morning nurse. Travis appointed himself to “handle” telling Drew when the time comes. There are a few more hilarious retorts and book references that still got me chuckling that is how Travis and Viola work.

Viola may be a wiz in academics and garnered recognition for her work but she’s been marred by disappointments in her personal lifelike her parents’ divorce and Travis’ past treatment of her. She is scared of entering into a relationship with Travis after seeing so many disappointments and has a hard time trusting Travis again, aside from an offer she couldn’t refuse. She later discovers that not all things are as valuable as love and family in the end.

On the other hand,in this book, Travis has been awesome in the honesty department. He is not afraid to tell her what he thinks and feels. He was the one who insisted they “talk” which is rare in male dominant characters. He will also take a big decision with his career to keep a future with Viola. Nothing is smooth for them and will venture into what happens when they pursue separate futures. I love seeing Travis slowly become a new person – generous, giving, and a great man. This book really highlights it best with his vow of being the best version of himself for the people around him!

The writing is still as good as the previous book – clear and easy-to-relate/understand. I appreciate the new “outlook” of Travis and you hear it in what he says and shows to Viola. Book 2 serves both Viola and Travis’ POVs. There is a lot of “maturing” for Travis and some “hard decisions” for Viola as she embarks on her future after graduation. Readers get to see how these “new couple” navigate their own futures.

5. Knocking Boots by Willow Winters
Grace’s answer to finding her husband is Tinder with the proper field of “looking for a serious commitment” highlighted. I laughed at this since I understand Tinder is NOT the place for such things as per reputation…but hey, Grace might find the diamond in the rough there. She hasn’t been out on dates for a long time and watching her date around these “freaks’ just wasn’t fun but I run with it since it is part of what Grace will have to go through to weed out Mr. Right in the dating pool.

A moment of drunken spontaneity and a selfie photo turned into a deal of being Charlie’s girlfriend for two weeks shifted Charlie and Grace’s world upside down – from getting a family off of one’s back to possibly getting knocked up. Charlie’s family is over the moon when they found out about Grace’s existence and was ecstatic with her being Charlie’s date at the wedding. Everything seems to snowball into something bigger than what Charlie and Grace anticipated. As a thought, Grace might just have what she wished for when she entered into this arrangement.

Somewhere along the way to the wedding, Charlie thought it would be good if they went out to get connected so as when they do attend his sister’s wedding, things wouldn’t be uncomfortable. This is a good and bad idea as he realized. Good idea since they seem to gel well during those “dates”; bad idea since Charlie had ‘some feelings’ for Grace even before entering this deal but it intensified even more as he started to see her more at the bar and take her out during his off-hours. He’s starting to reassess his life after being broken down and if his priorities are what he wants for the future. The anti-relationships guy turned into someone who wanted specifically to know Grace more than just at the bar and as a client. He wanted her but internally kept fighting to avoid hurting her in the end. He’s trying to change what Grace would want, a casual non-commitment relationship, but he doesn’t realize that she’s changing him in the end – making him want to do the total opposite of what he is saying.

I like this story – it’s got the first date, “never too late to find the one” vibe and it’s easy to relate for a feel-good ending to Charlie and Grace’s story. There is a lot of misconceptions between both main characters but I am glad that somehow, they became honest and it all turned out HEA.

**Note: There are some issues discussed in the book that might trigger some readers especially on child-bearing topics so be warned. What Grace goes through is something a lot of women go through and not even with a partner can this be solved. I know I felt her pain, as a mother, since there is only so much a woman can ask from her body as she tries to focus on the path of – degree – career – partner – children.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.

895 reviews45 followers

September 21, 2020

All the stars!

Another amazing collection that will leave you gasping. Five top notch stories by some of the best authors out right now in one book is treat! All of these stories were five star reads. A great chance to read authors that are new to you. These are must read novels with something for everyone. I absolutely loved it!

Dora Harvey

1,129 reviews12 followers