His to Keep

Quintessentially Theirs #1

by Serena Akeroyd, G.A. Mazurke

She’s the future Queen of Veronia.
I come from a notorious British family.
We’ve been best friends for as long as I can remember…
Until one day she broke us.
I woke up in Vegas, hungover and married.
Betrayed, I left her.
Hurt, I stayed away.
But then I almost died, and I realized she would always be mine to keep.


You may have read part of Tin and Alice's story in Hers to Hold, but this is a revised, reedited, and extended version where you get to meet new characters and learn more about Veronian Christmas traditions, while getting a deeper look into Tin and Alice's love story.
______________________

Tropes:

Best Friends to lovers
Royals
Second Gen
Secret wedding

Genres: Contemporary, Second Chance, Contemporary Romance, Friends To Lovers, Romance, Royal Romance, Christmas

313 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 11, 2021

About the author

USA Today and International Best Selling Author Serena Akeroyd aka G. A. Mazurke is most known for her mafia and MC series set in the Five Points Mob Universe. 


Avid reader of all things romance, she first started her career as a why choose author in both contemporary and paranormal.

She eventually made her way to MF romance where she found her groove with the O’Donnelly brothers, the Satan Sinners and most recently the Valentini Family. 



In her back list you can find some MM, MF, MFM and Why Choose romances. 
HEA guaranteed!

When not writing Serena is either reading, traveling or coloring. 





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Reviews

[Serena Akeroyd]

AVAILABLE NOW! His to Keep, the first book in the Quintessentially Theirs Collection part of the Quintessence Universe


Read about the first born children from both The Quintessence Collection and Theirs in this next Gen Holiday Story of Valentin Dubois and Princess Alice DeSauvier. And get an update on your favorite characters!


Amazon Worldwide

[Norma's Nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This childhood sweetheart, second-chance, royalty romance checked all of my boxes. It was sweet, spicy, with a hint of betrayal, a whole lot of forgiveness, and enough political intrigue that I was riveted from the start.

Valentin and Etta are soul mates. It's evident from the very first page. However, Etta being the crown princess of Veronica, this connection doesn't come without its downsides, and those are immense and overwhelming.

However, when they do put everything aside and decide to choose each other, it's an everything type of love, and it's amazing. Tin is possessive, smart, and overly protective. Etta/Alice is unique, strong, and sure in what she wants. They're relationship is a true partnership, and though there are plenty of forces trying to come between them, there's no doubt in the minds of the MCs. They are steadfast in they're love, and I love that in my romance.

With Christmas as a background theme, and a royal wedding on the horizon, His to Keep was a great way to warm my blood up this winter!

[Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5)
Trope: second chance
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: none

For the most part, Etta was a good girl, did what was expected, but liked to grumble. Having to consider marriage to anyone other than Tin pushed her limits though and caused her to make a rash decision that will affect her relationship with Tin for years to come. A brush with death makes Tin realize he must move to forgive and forget to get the girl he was meant to keep.

Eeek! I really love next gen books and this one did not disappoint! While slowing a bit in spots, overall the story was well paced and definitely kept my interest with lots of action and twists and turns. Etta was great. I loved how she didn't let herself get pushed around, despite having a deep sense of duty. Tin is her perfect consort. Super protective, but supportive of her at the same time. A true partner. A really cute read and I can't wait for the next one!

[Serena Nicholls · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just super sweet and charming with of course the added Serena's usual twists and turns. Its a second generation story following on from the cast of her previous books Quintessence collection but centering around Tin (Valentin) and Etta (Alice) both children from both previous sets of families. They grew up together and were always meant to be together....but of course there's plenty of mischief and mayhem, heartbreak and growing up to be done before you get that happy ending!!! Its a wonderful ride and you are introduced to all the other kids as well which makes me so excited to look forward to the next book installment!!! Loved it!!

[liz_loves_reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to read His to Keep, book #1 in the next generation Quintessentially Theirs). A steamy, second chance romance set in Veronia.

This story follows on from The Quintessence collection and centres around Valentin (Tin) Dubois and his childhood friend Alice (Etta).

Alice is now the Crown Princess, but due her past error of judgement is estranged from Tin and they have to fight to regain their mutual trust, respect and love

We get to meet old favourites, Sascha and her 5 geniuses, Perry and her 3 Royal suitors.

During the story we are also introduced to Tin's siblings. The twins Rosie and Bethan his little brother Jack... and get to meet Bash.

There are many plots and twists entwined in this book: the UnReals (anti-monarchy terrorist group) rear their ugly heads again, people are shot, there are threats aplenty and of course there is love and hope.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next installment.

[Romance Reader Obsession · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Tin and Alice from the beginning in the Quintessence Collection so I was super excited to read the Next Gen series to see them blossom into something more. AND let me tell you I WANT ME a TIN! He may have been tricked into tying the knot but he truly loves Alice, and you can see just how much with his passion and protectiveness over her.
This is a beautifully written Friends to Lovers story that I highly recommend!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the next generation from the Quintessence series this is the story off Tin and Etta the two oldest children off sascha and Perry. Tin and Etta have grown up together they have known each other all there life’s and over the years there relationship has grown from friends to lovers. But a betrayal see them not see each other for four years until Tin goes to Etta.

This is a beautiful story off love betrayal and conspiracy theories and all the politics that are involved in been a royal princess but loved will love win. Tin and Etta are meant to be together they are soulmates I absolutely loved this story it leaves you feeling all warm , fuzzy and soppy and wanting more off there story Serena Akeroyd you have wrote an amazing story I loved it. I would recommend you read this book it’s full off love.

[Kathryn Barr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh! Well done, Serena!!! This beautiful little standalone is the next generation for some favorite Serena characters. The Crown Princess of Veronia, Etta, is the daughter of Perry and her merry band of royal men and Tin, the son of Sascha and her men from the Quints series. Lifelong friends and childhood sweethearts, Etta and Tin belong together. Until Etta does something that Tin finds unforgivable. This is the adorably sweet and sometimes steamy story of how they found each other again. 💜

[jamies_bookreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I fell in love with Tin & Alice in the Quintessence collection, which I read early this year. I have been looking forward to reading their story since.

Alice (Alexandra Lisetta Diana Eugenie Alice DeSauvier), crowned princess of Veronia, felt like her back was against the wall with the possibility of an arranged marriage. While in her heart only one man ever loved, Tin.

Tin (Valentin Dubois) was just in love with Alice, she was the only woman he ever saw. But after she tricks him one night while in Vegas, things turn distant.

Now 4 years have past and Tin is ready to come home, only home means something a little different than his family thinks. When he finally reaches Alice, unrest within Veronia puts both their lives and families on the line.

The story is intriguing and more of a slow burn, I truly enjoyed it.

[Joy Whiteside · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is out of this world. There was no putting it down once I started and I proceeded to finish it within a couple days. It moves along at a pace which is perfect for the story. It has amazing characters that you will love and the story will not disappoint and keep you reading till the end. This is a must read.

[Deborah Peach · Rating 5 out of 5]

This next-generation, second-chance love story is full of all the feelings. You will never go wrong picking up a book written by Serena Akeroyd. You will meet some characters from previous books, but you don't have to have read them to enjoy this part of the Quintessence world.

Tin (Valentin) and Etta (Crown Princess Alexandra Lisetta Diana Eugenia Alice), or Alice to her family, have known each other almost their whole lives. Their families first met during unrest in Veronia, and they have remained friends, spending time together every year as the two children grew up through periods of turmoil and peace. It only makes sense that love would bloom between them. They aren't interested in the polyamorous lifestyle that both sets of their parents have chosen to live. Tin's family, with his five fathers, is well known for their intellect. Etta, who has three fathers but only one can be acknowledged, is the crown princess of Veronia. Etta has always known that Tin was her soulmate, and she took steps when they were 18 to secure him as her consort. Unfortunately, the methods she used to manipulate him into marriage caused a terrible four-year rift between them. Tin returns to Etta's life when he is ready to be the husband she needs and when circumstances demand that he protect the love of his life. They may be young, but together they are ready to handle what will be the toughest time of their life. Tin and Etta reunite to save the relationship. Join them and their families from Quintessence and Theirs as they prove that loyalty really does conquer all, against the odds, and that love is meant to last a lifetime when you find the perfect person to be by your side.

[TINA WILLIAMS · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored Tin and Etta’s story. It was so wonderful to catch up with these families that I love so much again. This story has fantastic writing, heartfelt and gut-wrenching emotion and wonderful characters that you can’t help but love. I devoured this book in one sitting foregoing sleep and food, I didn’t want to put it down!

[Christine Greenfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Childhood friendship to young eternal love that will last the ages. Through the bad and the good, distance and togetherness Tin and Etta fight to keep their lives and their love alive. Danger, suffering, growth, family drama and above all love will have you waiting to see what the next chapter brings. A truly beautiful continuation of the Quintessence and Theirs collections.

[Tiffany Barnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tin and Etta went from childhood friends to something much more! Etta is the royal heir of Veronia while Tin is the son of her parents' friends. They fall in love and then something happens to make Tin leave. Four years later he's back, but are the people they are now still destined to be together! The answer is yes!

I've been looking forward to Tin and Etta's book. I'm not normally a second chance romance reader but I would definitely make an exception with this one! I loved how Etta was so open about things and was willing to do whatever it took. Tin came back and realized what he needed.

We met their parents in the Quintessence series (Tin) and in Theirs (Etta). It was great seeing them again and being reminded of their love while reading about their kids. I cannot wait for the next one in line!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A phenomenal read! I love Tin and Alice (Etta)! These two are childhood best friends and then become something much more. There is a betrayal that ends up splitting these two apart. But they eventually come back to one another. A beautiful story that I devoured from beginning to end. I highly recommend!!

[Jemma Newby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the Quints and Sascha. I Also loved Perry and her guys. So honestly for me Tin and Alice's story was perfect. I slid straight back into this world and it's like i never left it. Tin is Alpha just like his daddies and Alice is Sassy just like her mum. Together they're a match made in heaven and it's got me wanting to reread the whole universe again. I'm super excited for Jack’s book.

[CarolAnn Lovell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always loved Serena's books. But I think I'm obsessed with this one, there's so much love, understanding and care. Terror points and soooooo realistic. I absolutely loved Tin and Etta. They're a perfect fit. I started this book knowing I should have slept first, by the time daily duties and finishing this was over I had happily been awake 25 hours and would gladly do it again. It was impossible to put down ❤️🖤❤️🖤

[BookishLeoReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had been waiting so long for Tin and Etta's story and the wait did not disappoint! They are explosive together and real life relationship goals. I love how hard Tin loves Etta and how possessive of her he is. Etta is loyal to those she loves and her love for Tin is swoon-worthy. I'm so happy to have been able to dive back into the Quints world with this book!

[Emily Franzen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic read! I love Tin and Etta as a couple, and as individuals they are so well written that I got sucked into the story from page 1. I love the "next generation" of romances, and I can not wait to read the next!

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tin and Etta are probably going to be my new quick relaxing read! I love this story. Plus you get to catch up with all the parents!!

[Glowstars · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Quintessence series holds a special place in my heart, as it was my introduction to reverse harem novels, back when I was reading a lot of lighter romance (and by lighter, I mean dove grey). When the series ended in the future, with the harem’s kids all grown up, you could tell there would be a follow on series. Enter His to Keep, the first book in the Quintessentially Theirs series, featuring Sascha’s oldest son Tin.

If you’ve read the Quintessence series, particularly Hers to Hold, much of this book is going to seem incredibly familiar. In fact, this book is a marginally expanded version of the second part of Hers to Hold. If I bought the book without realising this (and it’s not mentioned in the blurb on Amazon or Goodreads) I’d be a tad pissed.

If you’ve not read Hers to Hold and this is your introduction to the Quints and Veronia, then this is a heartwarming read. It’s the reunion of two people that were always meant to be together but were pushed apart by circumstances and poor choices. There’s emotional recovery, action and heartbreak but, most of all, two lovers fighting for each other when the odds (and most of their parents) are stacked against them.

[Jens_Book_Cubby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been excitedly awaiting this first book in the Quintessence New Generation series (Quintessentially Theirs) since I heard about it, and OMG, it is everything I wished for and more!

It is a fantastic second chance romance. The storyline is addictive, I seriously could not stop reading! It is action packed, emotionally compelling, intriguing, and oh so steamy!

The story is Tin and Etta’s. I simply loved them both! Etta is so headstrong, I just loved her to pieces, and Tin is extremely lovable! I loved the character growth that takes place in this story, as well as how their relationship evolves!

This is an incredible read and I highly recommend it! I personally consider it a Must Read and am super excited for the next book!

[Shauni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

His To Keep was everything, I didn't know that I needed. Thoroughly enjoyed getting to see the characters that I've come to love in the Quintessence collection and Theirs. It was amazing to see how they were older, and how they parented their fully grown children. I loved it!
Tin & Alice's devotion to each other is something to hope for. I loved how sweet their romance is and I can't wait for what's next. If you love friends to lovers then this would be a perfect for you.

[Angelica Andersson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good Christmas book to read. It is about Alice (Etta) and Valentin (Tin), they have been best friends for a very long time and yes they love each other. But if you are betrayed then sometimes love and friendship might not be enough.. or could it be?
Three years later they meet again, but can they still be friends and do they still love each other?

Yet another very good read from Serena Akeroyd and I can't wait to read the next one in the next generation of Quintessentially Theirs.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

His To Keep is the first book in the Quintessentially Theirs collection and it focuses on Tin and Etta. Childhood friends turned sweethearts but events of the past force them apart. But in true Akeroyd fashion their coming back together is beautifully done! Readers will swoon for Tin, feel for Etta and want more of the siblings! Oh and as a bonus treat this holiday season we get to see Sascha and her quints and Perry and her men rocking the parenting game! This is just what the Dr ordered for the holidays! All of this is set perfectly with Christmas as the backdrop and includes political intrigue and the plot twists that Akeroyd is well known for!

[Lourene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Second Chance Love Story

Tin did a vanishing act after Etta "tricked" him into marrying her in Vegas. He worked for MI6 and stayed away for 4 years. When he decides to return to the love of his life things just seem to go wrong all around.
Telling the parents that they were already married was actually funny, Tin's family took it well, Era's family weren't very happy with the way they went through with it. After all Etta is a crown Princess, there are protocols that Tin should have gone through.
Throughout the book they faced trials and tribulations with danger always lurking in the shadows in Veronia with the UnReals. Tin's experience with MI6 came in handy throughout the storyline.
He was always very romantic when Etta would come down hard on him for keeping something from her, like that he knew how to use a gun, or that the day he showed up had to do with he had seen something he shouldn't have and he needed to make sure she was safe. I loved him telling Etta I would kill for you Etta.
I also loved when Tin admitted that "I wish I'd been half the man you needed back then to be worthy of all the woman you were." Confessing to Etta that was why he didn't stick around after the Vegas wedding. Admitting that he wasn't ready for the responsibility that came with being married to the crown princess of Veronia.
I absolutely loved this book, seeing Tin and Etta getting their happy ending and revisiting with their parents again. Although you don't need to read the Quintessence series or Theirs book. His to Keep is a stand alone book, no need to read their parents book.
Serena Android has once again given us a beautiful love story from one our favorite book series.

[Ms reads a lot · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 64%

Literally NOTHING has happened! I downloaded this before Christmas and started reading it but lost interest. I thought I would dive back in to see if it gets interesting. It doesn’t.

This read like a Christmas novella for a finished series — a feel good, filler story, where nothing really happens and you just get to catch up with your favourite characters, while they have inane conversations about a whole lot of nothing, but it’s still charming because you loved the series and it’s cute catching up with all the characters. EXCEPT, that this was a whole new book! I didn’t know these characters! In fact it’s a DUET! If nothing happened 64% in, I really couldn’t be bothered with a whole other book after this one.

This is supposed to be a second generation book, the author has other books that deal with each of the character’s parents. Maybe if I had read those, I would have found the conversations about nothing more interesting. But the beginning of this book says that this is a brand new story and readers don’t have to read the parents’ books.

What a waste of time. I seem to be having bad luck with books lately.

[P · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to say first time reading from this author ...

Okay so I'm a little torn. I loved the Royal aspect, the second chance romance, the Christmas theme, loved so much the heroine standing up for her man and defending him. This was low angst i wanted more from the second chance aspect everything seemed to happen off page. Lots of time jumps. Spicy wise was not that spicy. I just wanted more. I kinda felt like a novella storyline wise. I did enjoy both Main characters.

ARC provided for free in exchange for a Honest review all opinions are my own.

[Beyond The Covers Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tin and Etta have been inseparable since tots. They tried to give off the vibes of a brother/sister relationship since she was the princess of Veronica and he was an analyst for M16 but there was much more going on behind closed doors.
Out of desperation one night Etta did the unthinkable hoping Tin would forgive her.
With the UnReals targeting their families everyone is in danger.

[whatjtreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

His to Keep is a next gen book, based off of Serena Akeroyd's Quintessence series and Theirs series. As the first born children of each of the families, both Etta and Tin have grown up together. Their platonic relationship quickly blossomed to romance as they entered adulthood, though they both have some insecurities and heavy expectations on their shoulders. This is a . bit of a coming of age story, as you do see Etta and Tin grow into their relationship, their roles within their families, and in their own self confidence. 

Etta is the princess of Veronia, living under the harsh scrutiny of the public, trying to find a balance between her royal and personal life. She feels pressured to be the perfect princess, though she's still young and has the urge to explore. Etta's highly independent and in order to have some semblance of control over her life, she makes a decision that will change both her life and Tin's. Growing up with parents in a polyamorous relationship, Tin's childhood is as unique as Etta's. He's had loving parents, but even Tin struggles to find his place. His place, as he later realizes, is next to Etta as he does everything in his power to love and protect her. Tin comes back to Etta's life at just the right time, to make sure that she's safe and to support her as she takes her place as heir.

Etta and Tin finds romance in Veronia, but they also come up against political strife and have to deal with the many concerned family members always in their business. However, Christmas is special in Veronia, and you're certain to find a happy ever after for Etta and Tin even after all the threats and danger. Looking forward to seeing more of these families!