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Boston Brothers #1
Keep Paris
Enemies to lovers, a standalone workplace romance with a twist.
Two rivals vying for one job. This is an all-out war. And then those pesky feelings get in the way. Perhaps signing each other up for Nanny employment agencies or registering the other with the Church of Scientology is child's play compared to what they really want to do to each other. Tensions have never been higher, and you know the best way to relieve tension...
♦️
Charming and collected, Hayden never hears no, except from the seductively voiced harpy at the other end of his conference calls. There's not a woman alive who says no to him, except one. And he's buried himself in all the women he could find, to forget his past.
But this one, she's the most infuriating, shrewish, unforgiving rival ever. And it would all be fine if he could just destroy her. But there's something that's so damn intriguing. There's something about this woman that makes him dig deeper even though he's dodging her pranks and jabs all day long. It's probably that she sees through him, and they've never even seen each other.
♦️
Bette has never hated anyone as much as she hates Hayden Corelli. Well, there was that one boy who broke her heart into a million pieces ten years ago, but this is different. This is a seething, unadulterated hatred of a smug man who thinks he's got everything all locked up. The pranks have been clever and occasionally funny. He may have won a battle or two, but this is war.
Bette has shoved down all the pain of her ultimate heartache and used it to fuel her career. Each morning she shakes it off and tries again to forget Danny Danson and the twelve weeks they spent falling in fated love in Paris. Her mantra is always the same. There's that famous movie line that says, 'We'll Always Have Paris.' Well, screw that he can - Keep Paris.
♦️
The battle and the spoils of war are set- one gets the job, and the other one gets let go. But in the end, will their hearts survive?
Two rivals vying for one job. This is an all-out war. And then those pesky feelings get in the way. Perhaps signing each other up for Nanny employment agencies or registering the other with the Church of Scientology is child's play compared to what they really want to do to each other. Tensions have never been higher, and you know the best way to relieve tension...
♦️
Charming and collected, Hayden never hears no, except from the seductively voiced harpy at the other end of his conference calls. There's not a woman alive who says no to him, except one. And he's buried himself in all the women he could find, to forget his past.
But this one, she's the most infuriating, shrewish, unforgiving rival ever. And it would all be fine if he could just destroy her. But there's something that's so damn intriguing. There's something about this woman that makes him dig deeper even though he's dodging her pranks and jabs all day long. It's probably that she sees through him, and they've never even seen each other.
♦️
Bette has never hated anyone as much as she hates Hayden Corelli. Well, there was that one boy who broke her heart into a million pieces ten years ago, but this is different. This is a seething, unadulterated hatred of a smug man who thinks he's got everything all locked up. The pranks have been clever and occasionally funny. He may have won a battle or two, but this is war.
Bette has shoved down all the pain of her ultimate heartache and used it to fuel her career. Each morning she shakes it off and tries again to forget Danny Danson and the twelve weeks they spent falling in fated love in Paris. Her mantra is always the same. There's that famous movie line that says, 'We'll Always Have Paris.' Well, screw that he can - Keep Paris.
♦️
The battle and the spoils of war are set- one gets the job, and the other one gets let go. But in the end, will their hearts survive?
ebook
First published November 3, 2022
76 people are currently reading
273 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Kay
42 books283 followersI used to create "dreams" with my best friend growing up. We'd each pick a boy we liked, then we'd write down a meet-cute that always ended with a happily ever after.
Now I get to dream every day, although it's a little steamier these days. And I've discovered I can and will write anywhere I can. Keep tuned to Instagram to see all the times I fit in a sentence or two.
I'm a writer, married to a writer, mother of a creative dynamo of a nine-year-old boy and currently a little sleepy. I'm a klutz and goofball and love lipstick as much as my Chuck Taylors.
Good things in the world: pepperoni pizza, Flair pens*, wine, coffee, laughing with my friends until my stomach hurts, a musician at the top of their game, getting lost somewhere I've never been, matinee movies on a weekday, the Chicago Cubs, a fresh new notebook full of possibilities, bourbon on a cold night, Fantasy Football, witty men, walking through the local zoo in the rain and that moment when a character clicks in and begins to write their own adventure. I'm just the pen.
Now I get to dream every day, although it's a little steamier these days. And I've discovered I can and will write anywhere I can. Keep tuned to Instagram to see all the times I fit in a sentence or two.
I'm a writer, married to a writer, mother of a creative dynamo of a nine-year-old boy and currently a little sleepy. I'm a klutz and goofball and love lipstick as much as my Chuck Taylors.
Good things in the world: pepperoni pizza, Flair pens*, wine, coffee, laughing with my friends until my stomach hurts, a musician at the top of their game, getting lost somewhere I've never been, matinee movies on a weekday, the Chicago Cubs, a fresh new notebook full of possibilities, bourbon on a cold night, Fantasy Football, witty men, walking through the local zoo in the rain and that moment when a character clicks in and begins to write their own adventure. I'm just the pen.
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November 7, 2022The first part was beautiful and sweet where I was engrossed. I liked Danny and Lizzie’s romantic relationship so much! I was thrilled. I was thinking it would be a 5🌟s read for me!
The second one lessened my excitement. The alternation of their names was tiring as well as the back and forth between those personalities.
The third part was a great struggle for me. All those misconceptions and misunderstandings wore me out.
Dnf @ 89%
I simply didn’t care to finish it...
The second one lessened my excitement. The alternation of their names was tiring as well as the back and forth between those personalities.
The third part was a great struggle for me. All those misconceptions and misunderstandings wore me out.
Dnf @ 89%
I simply didn’t care to finish it...
November 3, 2022
Keep Paris gave my heart a true workout. It has incredibly touching moments, divine laugh-out-loud ones and a second and then third-chance romance that is all kinds of wonderful. Kelly Kay sets the bar high with Lizzie and Danny and the whirlwind relationship they endure throughout a ten year period. Kay starts us off with a truly sweet love at first sight kind of affair that has all the promise of a forever kind of happily ever after for Lizzie and Danny. But with outside forces setting in motion the true destruction of their young hearts, what happens when they are face-to-face again is almost unimaginable. What follows is the careful rebuilding of what they could have been together with what they could still have that is filled with more than one bump in the road. But Kay guides us through all of it with her unique flair for storytelling and I was left with my soul overflowing with emotion.
The steam factor is through the roof since the rechristened Danny and Lizzie find that rare chemistry between them once again. With their careers at stake right along with their hearts, I was forever waiting for that proverbial shoe to drop at a moments notice.
With both Danny and Lizzie having trust issues due to truly horrible fathers, it's no wonder everything has the potential to fall apart just as that forever they have both longed for is within their reach. I loved how Kay kept me guessing wrt how it might turn out and how she allowed her characters to find their way even when it the absolute hardest thing they have ever done. To admit mistakes was really difficult especially for the spirited Lizzie but the lessons each learn when forced apart by pride and hurt were heartfelt and showed just how much they had grown.
I can't get enough of a great second/third-chance romance and what Kay delivers is one of the best I've had the privilege to read in recent years. I also appreciated that she used a bit of her own life when it came to Kris and the bittersweet relationship she had with the fierce Lizzie.
Keep Paris gave me all the feels and more as Danny and Lizzie get lost in each other, fight each other almost as hard and still love each other when the dust settles on their passionate reunion. Fate most surely had her hand in making sure this couple found their happy and I'm thrilled I could be along for the ride.
5 huge stars!!!
The steam factor is through the roof since the rechristened Danny and Lizzie find that rare chemistry between them once again. With their careers at stake right along with their hearts, I was forever waiting for that proverbial shoe to drop at a moments notice.
With both Danny and Lizzie having trust issues due to truly horrible fathers, it's no wonder everything has the potential to fall apart just as that forever they have both longed for is within their reach. I loved how Kay kept me guessing wrt how it might turn out and how she allowed her characters to find their way even when it the absolute hardest thing they have ever done. To admit mistakes was really difficult especially for the spirited Lizzie but the lessons each learn when forced apart by pride and hurt were heartfelt and showed just how much they had grown.
I can't get enough of a great second/third-chance romance and what Kay delivers is one of the best I've had the privilege to read in recent years. I also appreciated that she used a bit of her own life when it came to Kris and the bittersweet relationship she had with the fierce Lizzie.
Keep Paris gave me all the feels and more as Danny and Lizzie get lost in each other, fight each other almost as hard and still love each other when the dust settles on their passionate reunion. Fate most surely had her hand in making sure this couple found their happy and I'm thrilled I could be along for the ride.
5 huge stars!!!
November 2, 2022
Crazy cute story. Starts out with a high school love that is quick to form but deep. Transport to present day after heartbreak and we get taken on a journey of pranks and witty banter. When Bette and Hayden finally meet, it is everything you’d expect and more! Plus the seggsy times will have you panting! A well done tale of high school lovers to enemies to friends.
Kelly Kay does a great job at transporting you to another world. The side characters add a lot to the story and aide in the character’s growth. My heart hurt for both MC’s and felt very invested in their HEA.
I truly loved everything about this book and really didn’t want it to end. Great start to a new series. Now I just need to figure out how to get over this book! Does end with an epilogue and a HEA.
Kelly Kay does a great job at transporting you to another world. The side characters add a lot to the story and aide in the character’s growth. My heart hurt for both MC’s and felt very invested in their HEA.
I truly loved everything about this book and really didn’t want it to end. Great start to a new series. Now I just need to figure out how to get over this book! Does end with an epilogue and a HEA.
November 9, 2022
A “French twist,” indeed!
A good friend recently posted her review – and I agree with her point of view regarding Part 2 -- this one did in fact, go off the tracks. But I kept reading and eventually it evened out once again.
I might like to try another book by this new-to-me-author. There were things I really enjoyed about her writing – and I admit to liking the characters here most of the time. There’s a lot of emotions exposed throughout this story. Sometimes things took a slide towards whacko, but then again young and in love sometimes goes a bit whacko.
All in all, I liked parts of this storyline and some parts didn’t work. I love the cover on this book. Like I mentioned above, Part 2 really bogged down and slowed things to an almost DNF for me. In the end, I’m glad that I muddled through to the end – the Paris effect had a lot to do with it. And I loved that Epilogue!
A good friend recently posted her review – and I agree with her point of view regarding Part 2 -- this one did in fact, go off the tracks. But I kept reading and eventually it evened out once again.
I might like to try another book by this new-to-me-author. There were things I really enjoyed about her writing – and I admit to liking the characters here most of the time. There’s a lot of emotions exposed throughout this story. Sometimes things took a slide towards whacko, but then again young and in love sometimes goes a bit whacko.
All in all, I liked parts of this storyline and some parts didn’t work. I love the cover on this book. Like I mentioned above, Part 2 really bogged down and slowed things to an almost DNF for me. In the end, I’m glad that I muddled through to the end – the Paris effect had a lot to do with it. And I loved that Epilogue!
November 7, 2022
Lizzie and Danny meet at the age of eighteen on a school program in Paris. They fall deeply in love in just twelve weeks, promise each other the world and make life changing plans to spend their life together. Until they get back home and Danny never picks her up for Prom night. Devasted, Lizzie tries to contact Danny when she realise he ghosted her.
After Danny was told that Lizzie didn't want to be with him anymore and that he should leave her alone, Danny couldn't move on. For years, he held the pain of losing his first love.
Ten years later, Bette and Hayden, two rivals fighting for the same position in a company, finally meet for the first time. When they both discover the person they have hated for the past five years are none other than their childhood love. Having both changed their names to change their lives, Bette (Lizzie) and Hayden (Danny) find themselves trying to work out the confusing mystery of their past and rekindle their love.
My thoughts:
This was a beautiful story to read. I loved the amount of background we were given into their past relationship. The book starts out when they meet and skips forward when they finally loose contact. You experience their lives in a completely different way as you see how the characters have matured since their love affair in Paris. It's a whirlwind, it's heart-wrenching and all I wanted was for them to find their way back to each other.
After Danny was told that Lizzie didn't want to be with him anymore and that he should leave her alone, Danny couldn't move on. For years, he held the pain of losing his first love.
Ten years later, Bette and Hayden, two rivals fighting for the same position in a company, finally meet for the first time. When they both discover the person they have hated for the past five years are none other than their childhood love. Having both changed their names to change their lives, Bette (Lizzie) and Hayden (Danny) find themselves trying to work out the confusing mystery of their past and rekindle their love.
My thoughts:
This was a beautiful story to read. I loved the amount of background we were given into their past relationship. The book starts out when they meet and skips forward when they finally loose contact. You experience their lives in a completely different way as you see how the characters have matured since their love affair in Paris. It's a whirlwind, it's heart-wrenching and all I wanted was for them to find their way back to each other.
October 31, 2022
This book was down right hilarious! Like tears in my eyes funny.
Lizzie and Danny meet on a trip to Paris. They fall desperately in love even though they are 18. They make a plan to stay together after graduation. Lizzie becomes devastated when Danny doesn't show for her prom. Fast forward 10 years and both have reinvented themselves, and they become reacquainted in the most unusual and amazing way.
This book was amazing! I laughed so hard then towards the end I'm crying and feeling so, so many emotions. It's such a complicated relationship that becomes even more complicated as they go along. The twist was fantastic!
I loved this so much and will definitely be picking up more books by this author! Five ⭐️ all around, about 4.5 🌶 on the spice scale.
Lizzie and Danny meet on a trip to Paris. They fall desperately in love even though they are 18. They make a plan to stay together after graduation. Lizzie becomes devastated when Danny doesn't show for her prom. Fast forward 10 years and both have reinvented themselves, and they become reacquainted in the most unusual and amazing way.
This book was amazing! I laughed so hard then towards the end I'm crying and feeling so, so many emotions. It's such a complicated relationship that becomes even more complicated as they go along. The twist was fantastic!
I loved this so much and will definitely be picking up more books by this author! Five ⭐️ all around, about 4.5 🌶 on the spice scale.
October 20, 2022
I started reading this book and I will admit I didn’t like it at first. But, Kay does a great job of writing from two voices. Danny is so believable and so is Lizzie. They have stark personalities but some similarities in their childhoods that make their attraction seem very real.
Later when they meet again, their banter is some of the best I’ve seen in romance novels - and their relationship reminds me a lot of the Hating Game in a way - or maybe it’s just how they talk to each other.
She has gems like this:
“Do you go home and practice patter at night?” She doesn’t hesitate. “When I’m not busy creating work superior to yours.”
Honestly, this is the perfect lovers to enemies to lovers. The characters are amazing, the story is fresh and I didn’t want the book to end. I savored each of the final chapters and loved every minute of it. This was my first Kelly Kay novel and I’m excited to read more of her work!
Seriously, if you love Tessa Bailey novels, The Hating Game or even Emily Henry, I would recommend this as a wonderful novel to get your romance fix.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Later when they meet again, their banter is some of the best I’ve seen in romance novels - and their relationship reminds me a lot of the Hating Game in a way - or maybe it’s just how they talk to each other.
She has gems like this:
“Do you go home and practice patter at night?” She doesn’t hesitate. “When I’m not busy creating work superior to yours.”
Honestly, this is the perfect lovers to enemies to lovers. The characters are amazing, the story is fresh and I didn’t want the book to end. I savored each of the final chapters and loved every minute of it. This was my first Kelly Kay novel and I’m excited to read more of her work!
Seriously, if you love Tessa Bailey novels, The Hating Game or even Emily Henry, I would recommend this as a wonderful novel to get your romance fix.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 9, 2022
The first story in this book is my absolute favorite. Lizzie reminds me of every girl in high school that does not believe she is beautiful when she is. Lizzie is solely focused on school and getting into the perfect college to appease her father. Danny is determined to fix that. Danny is an all star jock that also draws, and wants to be seen as more than just a sports star. The two together are a perfect match even though Lizzie cannot believe what is happening. Both struggle with impressing their parents and use each other to learn how to take life into their own hands. Even though this is not the main story of the book, it is the one that stood out the most to me.
November 3, 2022
I would firstly just like to say a big thank you to the author who very kindly forwarded me an arc copy of her book, for my Kindle, in return for my honest review.
Keep Paris is a wonderful and very funny enemies to lovers book and I absolutely, thoroughly enjoyed it.
It is a workplace romance with a gorgeous French twist!!
Oh wow!!! This book was so full of emotions, i think that I went through every single emotion that there is and it left me exhausted - in a good way!
It was funny, sweet, romantic, saucy and also had the all important happy ever after.
The authors style of writing was wonderful and the characters are all so real and believable and I absolutely loved the ongoing banter between them.
This book was a perfect enemies to lovers story and I loved every single second of it…….
Keep Paris is a wonderful and very funny enemies to lovers book and I absolutely, thoroughly enjoyed it.
It is a workplace romance with a gorgeous French twist!!
Oh wow!!! This book was so full of emotions, i think that I went through every single emotion that there is and it left me exhausted - in a good way!
It was funny, sweet, romantic, saucy and also had the all important happy ever after.
The authors style of writing was wonderful and the characters are all so real and believable and I absolutely loved the ongoing banter between them.
This book was a perfect enemies to lovers story and I loved every single second of it…….
October 30, 2022
I don’t always read a synopsis before I start a new book, but I always immediately check how many chapters there are when I open a new book. When I saw the book had 4 different names for the chapters I was thoroughly confused but luckily my curiosity won out and I continued reading.
The Lizzie/Bette and Danny/Hayden story was a rollercoaster! I don’t generally like rollercoasters but I loved this one. I needed to keep reading to get all the answers so I finished this in a day.
They both had rough childhoods and shitty dads which sort of outlined their life and issues that they had to work through. They were destined for each other at a young age but it took time apart to become themselves in order to become an us. This was a great story and I will certainly be reading more Kelly Kay books!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥 Scene: Hotel Kitchen
The Lizzie/Bette and Danny/Hayden story was a rollercoaster! I don’t generally like rollercoasters but I loved this one. I needed to keep reading to get all the answers so I finished this in a day.
They both had rough childhoods and shitty dads which sort of outlined their life and issues that they had to work through. They were destined for each other at a young age but it took time apart to become themselves in order to become an us. This was a great story and I will certainly be reading more Kelly Kay books!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥 Scene: Hotel Kitchen
November 20, 2022
First off, I loved every part of this story! It was so cute and the banter between the MCs was to die for! This is my first Kelly Kay book and definitely not be my last! I love her writing and the characters she creates! This is a perfect example of hallmark meets spice!
Lizzie and Danny are perfect and some would say to good to be true, but not for them. When certain a certain family member sticks a nose where it doesn't belong, our dynamic duo get crushed in the worse way possible. Later in the story we meet Bette and Hayden. We find out right off the bat that they are the polar opposite of Lizzie and Danny....but are they and to what extent.
I love the growth of the MCs in this story and enjoyed the emotional journey that Kelly Kay put us through. I can't say enough that the banter she gives them is outstanding and had me cracking up frequently!
Lizzie and Danny are perfect and some would say to good to be true, but not for them. When certain a certain family member sticks a nose where it doesn't belong, our dynamic duo get crushed in the worse way possible. Later in the story we meet Bette and Hayden. We find out right off the bat that they are the polar opposite of Lizzie and Danny....but are they and to what extent.
I love the growth of the MCs in this story and enjoyed the emotional journey that Kelly Kay put us through. I can't say enough that the banter she gives them is outstanding and had me cracking up frequently!
November 3, 2022
This was my first book by Kelly Kay, and I loved it.
Lizzie and Danny meet in Paris, fall in love, and think this will last forever. But than something happens, and dreams are being crushed.
Ten years later, they cross paths again. They are both applying for the same job, from different cities, but they don’t know who the competition is.
The way they try to outsmart each other with pranks is hilarious.
This book is se well-written, funny, but also very emotional pieces. I couldn’t keep my tears away with this book.
The banter between the main characters is so funny, you want to tag along for their pranks.
This will not be my last book by Kelly Kay.
Lizzie and Danny meet in Paris, fall in love, and think this will last forever. But than something happens, and dreams are being crushed.
Ten years later, they cross paths again. They are both applying for the same job, from different cities, but they don’t know who the competition is.
The way they try to outsmart each other with pranks is hilarious.
This book is se well-written, funny, but also very emotional pieces. I couldn’t keep my tears away with this book.
The banter between the main characters is so funny, you want to tag along for their pranks.
This will not be my last book by Kelly Kay.
November 1, 2022
Whoa!!!!!!
Danny and Lizzy.... Bette and Hayden... Elizabeth and Hayden
Wow!!! This was a beautiful love story!
This book is filled with so much self growth and love its astonishing! I absolutely loved this, I can say I wanted to make them butt heads a couple of times so they would get it lol but in the end it was perfect... I was on the edge of my seat entranced following their journeys!!!
Bring on keep vegas!!!
Danny and Lizzy.... Bette and Hayden... Elizabeth and Hayden
Wow!!! This was a beautiful love story!
This book is filled with so much self growth and love its astonishing! I absolutely loved this, I can say I wanted to make them butt heads a couple of times so they would get it lol but in the end it was perfect... I was on the edge of my seat entranced following their journeys!!!
Bring on keep vegas!!!
June 9, 2023
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
SPICE: 🔥🔥🔥
THIS. BOOK. ::deep breath:: This read definitely took me on quite a journey that I might need a vacation..in Paris.
Bette Miller and Hayden Corelli were rivals and enemies. Both creative directors within the same agency for different cities, they are always competing with each other not only when it comes to projects but also epic pranks that frankly should have had HR managers shaking them.
As their rivalry grew, they also started to become more aware of their attraction to the other, which they immediately suppress with tons of denial. When their firm decided to consolidate regional offices and puts them in competition for the singular spot in New York City, this only ramped up the rivalry and the pranks. A chance meeting in New York finally has these two seeing each other in person..and realizing that there is more to their connection than pent-up tension between dueling colleagues.
I have to admit the first act of this book was a bit ho-hum. The beautiful and elaborate details about Paris definitely overshadowed the connection, and whether it was by design, the chemistry certainly gave fleeting romance.
I stood corrected by the subsequent acts and was so glad I stuck with it because Kelly Kay turned the knob on sexual tension to spicy, mixed in a nice blend of comedy, romance, and angst, and left me an emotional mess in the end..and in a good way.
Bette and Hayden's journey definitely had its heart-wrenching trials, but I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of peeling away the different layers of their story.
This book is a standalone and promises to be the first of a series. If you love workplace rom-coms with fierce rivals-turned-lovers, this is a great pick. Get through the first act, and I promise you that you'll love it as much as I did.
** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. Thank you to Kelly Kay and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for providing an ARC. **
SPICE: 🔥🔥🔥
THIS. BOOK. ::deep breath:: This read definitely took me on quite a journey that I might need a vacation..in Paris.
Bette Miller and Hayden Corelli were rivals and enemies. Both creative directors within the same agency for different cities, they are always competing with each other not only when it comes to projects but also epic pranks that frankly should have had HR managers shaking them.
As their rivalry grew, they also started to become more aware of their attraction to the other, which they immediately suppress with tons of denial. When their firm decided to consolidate regional offices and puts them in competition for the singular spot in New York City, this only ramped up the rivalry and the pranks. A chance meeting in New York finally has these two seeing each other in person..and realizing that there is more to their connection than pent-up tension between dueling colleagues.
I have to admit the first act of this book was a bit ho-hum. The beautiful and elaborate details about Paris definitely overshadowed the connection, and whether it was by design, the chemistry certainly gave fleeting romance.
I stood corrected by the subsequent acts and was so glad I stuck with it because Kelly Kay turned the knob on sexual tension to spicy, mixed in a nice blend of comedy, romance, and angst, and left me an emotional mess in the end..and in a good way.
Bette and Hayden's journey definitely had its heart-wrenching trials, but I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of peeling away the different layers of their story.
This book is a standalone and promises to be the first of a series. If you love workplace rom-coms with fierce rivals-turned-lovers, this is a great pick. Get through the first act, and I promise you that you'll love it as much as I did.
** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. Thank you to Kelly Kay and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for providing an ARC. **
December 7, 2022
Lizzie and Danny meet as teenagers in Paris, think they will be together forever, but then something happens. Fast forward ten years and we find two rivals competing for the same job, one of them in Chicago and the other one in Boston. They have never met or even seen each other’s faces but the dislike is mutual and their pranks to outsmart the other are inventive to say the least. They are both quick and witty, though, and start enjoying their on-going banter online…
This book. Wow. I’m a huge fan of everything Kelly Kay writes and boy has she done it again! Kelly has created characters that are flawed but lovable, stubborn but warmhearted, insecure but brave, and these two people are so, SO unfairly treated in their lives but still rise above it all. When they eventually get what they deserve they grab it with both hands and I get the feeling they never stop being grateful for what they have. And all the love, and the steam, and the banter – oh my!
And they'll always have Paris.
This book. Wow. I’m a huge fan of everything Kelly Kay writes and boy has she done it again! Kelly has created characters that are flawed but lovable, stubborn but warmhearted, insecure but brave, and these two people are so, SO unfairly treated in their lives but still rise above it all. When they eventually get what they deserve they grab it with both hands and I get the feeling they never stop being grateful for what they have. And all the love, and the steam, and the banter – oh my!
And they'll always have Paris.
October 22, 2022
I was lucky to get a chance to read this book, and let me tell you something you didn’t know about me, but I am a FAN of Kelly Kay, and here are a few reasons why.
1) She writes real people, they are flawed and make mistakes but if you give them a minute they will redeem themselves.
2) She will make you laugh, she has such a smart wit and it comes through with her words. The banter in this is top tier!
3) At the core, her books all have heart and makes it worth they time you are going to spend reading.
This is a story of two people with history, even if they don’t realize it. But once they do it’s magic!
If you have never read a book by Kelly Kay then this is a great place to start. But let me warn you, like potato chips, once you read one of her books you aren’t going to want to stop!
1) She writes real people, they are flawed and make mistakes but if you give them a minute they will redeem themselves.
2) She will make you laugh, she has such a smart wit and it comes through with her words. The banter in this is top tier!
3) At the core, her books all have heart and makes it worth they time you are going to spend reading.
This is a story of two people with history, even if they don’t realize it. But once they do it’s magic!
If you have never read a book by Kelly Kay then this is a great place to start. But let me warn you, like potato chips, once you read one of her books you aren’t going to want to stop!
August 19, 2024
Epic intensity. Killer banter. Real, flawed characters with baggage and big emotions and individual voices that jump out from the page. And so much tension for the reader, who knows (kind of) what's coming but not how, or when, or what the fallout will be. Read it in a day. Will probably read again.
November 10, 2022
This is a story of fated lovers fulfilling their destinies despite all odds - the cruelty of control-freak fathers, the mismatching of the pieces of their brutally fractured lives and the never-ending pain of heartbreak resulting in epically bad decisions.
I don't see this as an enemies to lovers trope, the background was set in the first part with Danny and Lizzie - we would never understand where Hayden and Bette are coming from without it. They fell in love at first sight and it shaped their hearts and let them mature and grow through pain, despair, ambition, distrust and a very big chunk of bad luck. Who said there's a very thin line between love and hate? I don't think they ever hated each other - it was fascination and the singular attraction of their fated chemistry, always burning bright.
I found the writing beautiful and poignant, evoking the very real, human feelings which would irrevocably change such young people, who were everything to each other but were easily manipulated and almost broken by the very men who should have held them up and depended on. They go through their life being pushed by bitterness and unhappiness, but their inner talent, value and goodness remain at their core until the circle closes in their very satisfying happy end.
To paraphrase the author (in order to avoid some words which would trigger the event of this review not being published), this book gave me that feeling of good bourbon or a job well done, the sunshine after a hard winter, and the taste of everything good in this messed-up world.
I don't see this as an enemies to lovers trope, the background was set in the first part with Danny and Lizzie - we would never understand where Hayden and Bette are coming from without it. They fell in love at first sight and it shaped their hearts and let them mature and grow through pain, despair, ambition, distrust and a very big chunk of bad luck. Who said there's a very thin line between love and hate? I don't think they ever hated each other - it was fascination and the singular attraction of their fated chemistry, always burning bright.
I found the writing beautiful and poignant, evoking the very real, human feelings which would irrevocably change such young people, who were everything to each other but were easily manipulated and almost broken by the very men who should have held them up and depended on. They go through their life being pushed by bitterness and unhappiness, but their inner talent, value and goodness remain at their core until the circle closes in their very satisfying happy end.
To paraphrase the author (in order to avoid some words which would trigger the event of this review not being published), this book gave me that feeling of good bourbon or a job well done, the sunshine after a hard winter, and the taste of everything good in this messed-up world.
November 8, 2022
Its dramatic, but comedic and very well written. Structured in three parts each distinctive for story telling purposes, this is a master stroke to keep the narrative clear and concise. Part One is the story of young love between Lizzie and Danny when they meet in Paris, spring semester, their last year in high school, and their loss when they are torn apart. Part Two is brilliant! Bette and Hayden are each other’s nemesis, the pranks they pull, the way they rile each other up, it's relentless as they claim hatred of the other but still flirt, never having met, with her in Chicago and him in Boston. Lots of laugh out loud moments. Eventually calling a truce as they compete for the top job in NYC
Part Three.... Everything comes to a head when they meet in NYC, cue the dramatics. Ms. Kay has crafted the final part of the story with so much emotion, wonderful highs, and heartbreaking lows, but manages to cleverly tie all the loose threads together and gives us a fabulous ending.
I was a little sad, when it was all over, I was so invested in the lives of these characters, I loved reading their story, every word from start to finish.
Part Three.... Everything comes to a head when they meet in NYC, cue the dramatics. Ms. Kay has crafted the final part of the story with so much emotion, wonderful highs, and heartbreaking lows, but manages to cleverly tie all the loose threads together and gives us a fabulous ending.
I was a little sad, when it was all over, I was so invested in the lives of these characters, I loved reading their story, every word from start to finish.
November 26, 2022
This was my first read from this author and I really enjoyed it. I liked the first person point of view which is a deal breaker for me. This was a emotionally strong story and I loved it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 4, 2022
Keep Paris is a standalone enemies to lovers, second chance romance by Kelly Kay.
In my opinion, Keep Paris is superior to every book Kelly Kay has written before. (And if you haven't read her other books, you are missing out)
This story is unique, it's a journey of two people who grow up, change, get a second/third chance and work to make it happen.
Lizzie and Danny felt so real. They are opposites, people who weren't perfect and made mistakes but they felt and loved deeply. Kelly Kay's unique but realistic writing style made me feel like the MCs were my friends. I was able to feel their every emotion, and left me teary eyed a few times. But there also was plenty of humor, the banter between the MC's is from the highest level and left my belly aching from all the laughing.
I'm going through a hard time in my life but Keep Paris managed to take me away and make me forget everything for a while. It's a contemporary romance with tropes like second chance/enemies to lovers.
Lizzie and Danny's love story was addictive because it had everything I want in a book real characters, realistic situations, deep emotions, humor, steam, etc.
I received an ARC but am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
In my opinion, Keep Paris is superior to every book Kelly Kay has written before. (And if you haven't read her other books, you are missing out)
This story is unique, it's a journey of two people who grow up, change, get a second/third chance and work to make it happen.
Lizzie and Danny felt so real. They are opposites, people who weren't perfect and made mistakes but they felt and loved deeply. Kelly Kay's unique but realistic writing style made me feel like the MCs were my friends. I was able to feel their every emotion, and left me teary eyed a few times. But there also was plenty of humor, the banter between the MC's is from the highest level and left my belly aching from all the laughing.
I'm going through a hard time in my life but Keep Paris managed to take me away and make me forget everything for a while. It's a contemporary romance with tropes like second chance/enemies to lovers.
Lizzie and Danny's love story was addictive because it had everything I want in a book real characters, realistic situations, deep emotions, humor, steam, etc.
I received an ARC but am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
October 30, 2022
Imagine it’s your senior year and you get to spend 3 months in Paris. It leads you to your first love. What happens after Paris?
Oh my heart! I loved everything about this story. There’s so much romance, lots and lots of steam, and of course conflict too! It has so many layers and it’s written so beautifully. I was so invested and completely caught up in the story. It captured my heart and my attention. I fell so in love with the characters and it’s written so vividly that I felt like I got to know them on such an intimate level. The way this story plays out and how all of the intricate pieces connect is done so perfectly! Just wow! It’s so entertaining with lots of misunderstandings, reconnections, and so much steam! There are so many steamy scenes and I don’t think I could even pick a favorite! Stop what you’re doing and order this incredible book ASAP and thank me later!
Thank you so much Kelly for the arc!
Oh my heart! I loved everything about this story. There’s so much romance, lots and lots of steam, and of course conflict too! It has so many layers and it’s written so beautifully. I was so invested and completely caught up in the story. It captured my heart and my attention. I fell so in love with the characters and it’s written so vividly that I felt like I got to know them on such an intimate level. The way this story plays out and how all of the intricate pieces connect is done so perfectly! Just wow! It’s so entertaining with lots of misunderstandings, reconnections, and so much steam! There are so many steamy scenes and I don’t think I could even pick a favorite! Stop what you’re doing and order this incredible book ASAP and thank me later!
Thank you so much Kelly for the arc!
June 3, 2025
great story
Can’t wait to read the next. I love second chance romance stories and this did not disappoint. It was just the right amount of steamy too. Xoxo Kelly
Can’t wait to read the next. I love second chance romance stories and this did not disappoint. It was just the right amount of steamy too. Xoxo Kelly
March 31, 2023
Such a great story of true love. Loved the first part that was all about young love. The second part breaks your heart when you see how jaded they are, even though the banter is EVERYTHING! And the HEA is amazing, but they really have to slog through some stuff to get there.
April 26, 2023
I was in a book-reading slump and dove into my signed paperback while on a cruise. This is my first time reading anything by this author and I have to tell you, I absolutely LOVED this story! I knew I was going to enjoy this book before I even opened the first page because, hello? That book cover! And of course, the beautiful setting of Paris. Ooo-la-la!
I have to admit, I was a bit confused at first because it started out as a YA story (young lovers studying abroad) and I’m not a huge fan of that trope. But I kept going, and was thrilled when the author transitioned to part two, ten years later. I was not prepared for the huge character arc Lizzie went through when she became Bette. And then Danny (the perfect book boyfriend) became Hayden. Brilliantly written mistaken identity trope in a work-place environment – I was absolutely hooked and couldn’t put this book down. And it wasn’t all fun and games. There are some serious and painful family matters these characters had to overcome that left me shook.
Ms. Kay’s writing style is another component I enjoyed. Witty, clever, and poignant at times. She is a master word smith and often had me laughing out loud. I can totally see this story being made into a movie. Five fabuleux stars for Keep Paris!
I have to admit, I was a bit confused at first because it started out as a YA story (young lovers studying abroad) and I’m not a huge fan of that trope. But I kept going, and was thrilled when the author transitioned to part two, ten years later. I was not prepared for the huge character arc Lizzie went through when she became Bette. And then Danny (the perfect book boyfriend) became Hayden. Brilliantly written mistaken identity trope in a work-place environment – I was absolutely hooked and couldn’t put this book down. And it wasn’t all fun and games. There are some serious and painful family matters these characters had to overcome that left me shook.
Ms. Kay’s writing style is another component I enjoyed. Witty, clever, and poignant at times. She is a master word smith and often had me laughing out loud. I can totally see this story being made into a movie. Five fabuleux stars for Keep Paris!
November 8, 2022
Wow, this book wasn't at all what I expected. It was soooo much more.
This book had me feeling all sorts. Feeling high in love, then broken, then laughing then everything all over again!!! I love it when authors can make you feel connected to the characters like you are them.
Book was in 2 halves. First part was 10 yrs ago when they 1st met in Paris.
Both have horrible fathers and this was a nice break for them.
The way they fell in love at 18,was pure magical. I felt giddy with them. I do think the 1st part was very long but understand why it had to be.
Then we get the ultimate heartbreak.
10 yrs later they are working for the same promotion from 2 different city's and don't know that it's them. They don't know because both have changed names because of their tragic family life.
When they do meet again, their chemistry is still hot.
They hate each other for the betrayel and eventually find out the truth.
I was so happy and sad for them. They lost so much because of her dad.
But things don't as smoothly as expected. You need to read this book. It is everything you want in a romantic book.
The epilogue was the best,I loved it.
This book had me feeling all sorts. Feeling high in love, then broken, then laughing then everything all over again!!! I love it when authors can make you feel connected to the characters like you are them.
Book was in 2 halves. First part was 10 yrs ago when they 1st met in Paris.
Both have horrible fathers and this was a nice break for them.
The way they fell in love at 18,was pure magical. I felt giddy with them. I do think the 1st part was very long but understand why it had to be.
Then we get the ultimate heartbreak.
10 yrs later they are working for the same promotion from 2 different city's and don't know that it's them. They don't know because both have changed names because of their tragic family life.
When they do meet again, their chemistry is still hot.
They hate each other for the betrayel and eventually find out the truth.
I was so happy and sad for them. They lost so much because of her dad.
But things don't as smoothly as expected. You need to read this book. It is everything you want in a romantic book.
The epilogue was the best,I loved it.
November 18, 2022
The story
Lizzie is in Paris for three months before finishing high school. She’s away from her controlling father and can’t wait to immerse in the experience. When she meets athlete Danny, they become entwined in each other’s lives, sharing new and wonderful experiences. Fast forward and Bette and Hayden are colleagues and enemies. They haven’t met and always keep their cameras off. But the gloves are off in this fight. What will happen when they do meet?
My thoughts
In a way, this story felt like there were three stories, three personas. The young lovers in Paris are replaced by two enemies, finally finding a way forward. It’s an unusual concept as I would have expected the origin story to have been shorter, but the way the story has written “fits“ cleverly. The miscommunication trope is super strong here, and it’s something I do struggle with. The spice is just as strong though, and be prepared, it doesn’t hold back 🌶😉
Read an eARC copy courtesy of Booksirens and the author
My rating 4/5 - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Lizzie is in Paris for three months before finishing high school. She’s away from her controlling father and can’t wait to immerse in the experience. When she meets athlete Danny, they become entwined in each other’s lives, sharing new and wonderful experiences. Fast forward and Bette and Hayden are colleagues and enemies. They haven’t met and always keep their cameras off. But the gloves are off in this fight. What will happen when they do meet?
My thoughts
In a way, this story felt like there were three stories, three personas. The young lovers in Paris are replaced by two enemies, finally finding a way forward. It’s an unusual concept as I would have expected the origin story to have been shorter, but the way the story has written “fits“ cleverly. The miscommunication trope is super strong here, and it’s something I do struggle with. The spice is just as strong though, and be prepared, it doesn’t hold back 🌶😉
Read an eARC copy courtesy of Booksirens and the author
My rating 4/5 - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
August 26, 2024
Lizzie and Danny… Bette and Hayden….. Whatever you feel like calling them…. They were so good! I really enjoyed their story. ❤️ I loved that their second chance knocked them on their asses when they realized what was going on! They had spent YEARS bickering and fighting as “other” people, only to have been right there under each other’s noses the whole time.
I love where they ended up going with their HEA! The city, the home, their families, their careers- I mean, what more could you ask for in a romance?!
They went through a lot individually before meeting each other and so much more after they were torn apart. Her father, his father and how both fathers were horrible people was absolutely maddening. It brought out all the rage and sadness regarding what they went through. Once you find out that both dad’s are out of the picture it is such a relief!
I love being able to connect with the characters in the story and being able to really feel all of the emotions tied to them and this book definitely did that! Their banter, their heartache, their passion, their complete aggravation with each other, followed by their completely unbendable love for one another- it makes for such a great experience while reading.
Also, I think we need little novellas for their moms! They deserve HEA’s too! 😘
I love where they ended up going with their HEA! The city, the home, their families, their careers- I mean, what more could you ask for in a romance?!
They went through a lot individually before meeting each other and so much more after they were torn apart. Her father, his father and how both fathers were horrible people was absolutely maddening. It brought out all the rage and sadness regarding what they went through. Once you find out that both dad’s are out of the picture it is such a relief!
I love being able to connect with the characters in the story and being able to really feel all of the emotions tied to them and this book definitely did that! Their banter, their heartache, their passion, their complete aggravation with each other, followed by their completely unbendable love for one another- it makes for such a great experience while reading.
Also, I think we need little novellas for their moms! They deserve HEA’s too! 😘
November 18, 2022
I’m not a big romance fan but I’m always up for something new so I told myself why not read this book. After all Paris has always been one of the top places on my bucket list. A book that’s set in the City of Love and the City of Lights? Bring it on!
Couldn’t relate to the first part of the book when Danny and Lizzie were teenagers and I found the beginning quite slow but maybe it’s just my late 30s age talking.
I loved the second and third parts though, especially when Bette and Hayden traded barbs and fantasized about each other afterwards. I laughed hard and laughed often while reading this but Let me tell you what surprised me most though, the amount of SPICE on this book!
True love always has a way of bringing two people back in each other’s arms or haunting you for the rest of your life with what-ifs.
Bette/Lizzie and Danny/Hayden had to suffer heartbreak but got to meet each other again when they were mature adults who were more sure of themselves. And they got their chance at the happily ever after they thought they’d lost forever.
Couldn’t relate to the first part of the book when Danny and Lizzie were teenagers and I found the beginning quite slow but maybe it’s just my late 30s age talking.
I loved the second and third parts though, especially when Bette and Hayden traded barbs and fantasized about each other afterwards. I laughed hard and laughed often while reading this but Let me tell you what surprised me most though, the amount of SPICE on this book!
True love always has a way of bringing two people back in each other’s arms or haunting you for the rest of your life with what-ifs.
Bette/Lizzie and Danny/Hayden had to suffer heartbreak but got to meet each other again when they were mature adults who were more sure of themselves. And they got their chance at the happily ever after they thought they’d lost forever.
November 4, 2022
4 Stars
2.5 Chili Peppers
Tropes:
Enemies to Lovers
Forced Proximity
Work Place Romance
Second Chance
Mistaken Identities
Dual POV
I really liked this book. Lizzie/Bette and Danny/Hayden were amazing characters. I really loved how we saw the transition from Lizzie to Bette. Her growth was amazing. She learned to stand up for herself, and to her dad. Can I just say how much I hated Lizzie and Danny's dads? What horrible people.
The banter between Bette and Hayden was off the charts. Bette had some great comebacks. I even really liked Kris, Sophie, and Dax. There were parts that made me laugh, but there were parts that made me tear up. I felt the emotions coming off the pages.
Something that did bother me and was addressed was the fact that they didn't recognize each other's voices on the phone, but I guess like it was said, it was 10 years. But I don't know if I would forget the voice of the person I loved. Other than that, this book was so good and took me back to my high school days of sitting in my french class. This is one I will recommend.
Thank you to Kelly Kay and Wildfire Marketing for this ARC
2.5 Chili Peppers
Tropes:
Enemies to Lovers
Forced Proximity
Work Place Romance
Second Chance
Mistaken Identities
Dual POV
I really liked this book. Lizzie/Bette and Danny/Hayden were amazing characters. I really loved how we saw the transition from Lizzie to Bette. Her growth was amazing. She learned to stand up for herself, and to her dad. Can I just say how much I hated Lizzie and Danny's dads? What horrible people.
The banter between Bette and Hayden was off the charts. Bette had some great comebacks. I even really liked Kris, Sophie, and Dax. There were parts that made me laugh, but there were parts that made me tear up. I felt the emotions coming off the pages.
Something that did bother me and was addressed was the fact that they didn't recognize each other's voices on the phone, but I guess like it was said, it was 10 years. But I don't know if I would forget the voice of the person I loved. Other than that, this book was so good and took me back to my high school days of sitting in my french class. This is one I will recommend.
Thank you to Kelly Kay and Wildfire Marketing for this ARC
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