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The Prototype #3
Keeping Willow
*This book focuses on a new couple and can be read as a standalone.
Devin Walker, drummer for The Prototype, has one priority: turning his alt-soul band into the superstar act it's destined to become. Singularly focused on his music, his creative passion is all-consuming—that is, until he crosses paths with his best friend’s college roommate, Willow Harden.
Willow was drawn to Devin from the moment she first saw him. And when Devin does, finally look Willow's way, she's easily seduced from her protective bubble into the lure of his fast-paced ambitions, though at times, she wonders if she can handle it.
Unable to resist their potent chemistry, Devin and Willow free fall into a relationship that makes them question each other and doubt themselves. Devin knows he should probably leave her alone; Willow knows life for her might not be any good without him. Can they possibly make their love work? And if so, at what cost?
Devin Walker, drummer for The Prototype, has one priority: turning his alt-soul band into the superstar act it's destined to become. Singularly focused on his music, his creative passion is all-consuming—that is, until he crosses paths with his best friend’s college roommate, Willow Harden.
Willow was drawn to Devin from the moment she first saw him. And when Devin does, finally look Willow's way, she's easily seduced from her protective bubble into the lure of his fast-paced ambitions, though at times, she wonders if she can handle it.
Unable to resist their potent chemistry, Devin and Willow free fall into a relationship that makes them question each other and doubt themselves. Devin knows he should probably leave her alone; Willow knows life for her might not be any good without him. Can they possibly make their love work? And if so, at what cost?
1 pages, Audio CD
First published August 4, 2017
147 people are currently reading
283 people want to read
About the author
Jacinta Howard
21 books509 followersJacinta Howard is an Atlanta-based culture journalist, editor and author with more than a decade of experience across genres of media. Her bylined articles have appeared at Eater, Atlanta magazine, Shondaland, Denver Westword, BET, and Rock The Bells, LL Cool J’s media company, where she served as managing editor. Jacinta’s 2022 article about the chicken wings served at Magic City, Atlanta’s world-famous strip club, was nominated for an American Society of Magazine Editors Award, and her novels have been featured in USA Today, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Book Riot and OkayAfrica. She digs summertime, flip flops, old fashioneds, deep bass lines, good lyrics, goofy jokes, and kind people. She also believes there’s an Andre 3000 lyric to fit any situation. Her happy place is hanging on the beach somewhere with her family, preferably with a good book and a dope playlist.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
August 18, 2017
No one sounds like Jacinta Howard. I mean it. I think if she wrote under another name, I would know it was her. Her stories have mood and music, and a cadence that is all her own. I always approach her books with two distinctly conflicting emotions: the first is excitement and eagerness; and the second is trepidation.
The excitement and eagerness is self-explanatory--she's just a damned good writer, so I want to read what she writes. The second emotion is more complicated. Reading her books is like going to a movie where you know you're probably going to cry. You both welcome and dread the depth of emotion you know you'll likely feel. She's only once made me legit-cry (okay, maybe twice), but what almost always happens is that I feel a quiet, wistful longing for the achy, heady, torment of "new love" with all it's crazy ups and downs. I remember, and re-experience what it is like when for the first time, you love harder than you think your heart can take.
In 'Keeping Willow', the third installment in the 'Prototype' series, we get to know the innocent, starry-eyed roommate and friend of Jersey, from the first book in the series 'Happiness in Jersey'. Willow is as sheltered as Jersey was worldly, and she is infatuated with Jersey's equally worldly best friend Devin. It was just delicious, watching that infatuation turn into friendship, and then, finally love. In this, as in almost all Jacinta Howard's books, there's no tedious pussyfooting around between the characters about whether they will, or won't succumb to love. They do so naturally, organically and (this is the best part) ... completely. When they do it, it's with their whole hearts. Once they're in, they are in, and the story really begins when we watch them navigate the challenges that come with learning to love while life happens.
Among the things that make this book, and all Jacinta Howard's books unique is that while her characters are fairly young, they are in grown-ass love and that's where even more of my trepidation comes in. I watch them grow and change, and I'm tense, wondering whether that growth will keep them together or tear them apart, which is almost silly since this is romance, and odds are, they'll be together. But that's what makes her work so good--you actually have doubt, just as the couple has doubt. Not about their love, but about whether because they love each other, and because they're young, and their lives are changing, maybe, just maybe that love requires that they let each other go.
That was the central conflict in 'Keeping Willow'. Devin is a musician-on-the-rise, focused and determined and completely aware of who he is and where he wants to be. And Willow is like her name--blowing whichever way the wind dictates, unsure of who and what she wants to be. Devin's certainty extends to his love for Willow, but her uncertainty about who she is threatens to mar that. The decision to let go with love was a plausible outcome for this couple, and at times, even the better outcome. I ached for them to be together, even though I knew I would understand if they were not. [I can't say anymore about that, because I don't want to spoil it for you.]
I read this one slowly, because I didn't want it to end, waking up at 5 AM each day and allowing myself to savor a few chapters until I saw the sun begin to rise. It was me, alone with the characters in my head, and it was ... amazing. And when finally there were no chapters left to read, my feelings were just as conflicting as when I began reading--except this time, it was exuberance at how good it was, and sadness that all too soon, it was done.
The excitement and eagerness is self-explanatory--she's just a damned good writer, so I want to read what she writes. The second emotion is more complicated. Reading her books is like going to a movie where you know you're probably going to cry. You both welcome and dread the depth of emotion you know you'll likely feel. She's only once made me legit-cry (okay, maybe twice), but what almost always happens is that I feel a quiet, wistful longing for the achy, heady, torment of "new love" with all it's crazy ups and downs. I remember, and re-experience what it is like when for the first time, you love harder than you think your heart can take.
In 'Keeping Willow', the third installment in the 'Prototype' series, we get to know the innocent, starry-eyed roommate and friend of Jersey, from the first book in the series 'Happiness in Jersey'. Willow is as sheltered as Jersey was worldly, and she is infatuated with Jersey's equally worldly best friend Devin. It was just delicious, watching that infatuation turn into friendship, and then, finally love. In this, as in almost all Jacinta Howard's books, there's no tedious pussyfooting around between the characters about whether they will, or won't succumb to love. They do so naturally, organically and (this is the best part) ... completely. When they do it, it's with their whole hearts. Once they're in, they are in, and the story really begins when we watch them navigate the challenges that come with learning to love while life happens.
Among the things that make this book, and all Jacinta Howard's books unique is that while her characters are fairly young, they are in grown-ass love and that's where even more of my trepidation comes in. I watch them grow and change, and I'm tense, wondering whether that growth will keep them together or tear them apart, which is almost silly since this is romance, and odds are, they'll be together. But that's what makes her work so good--you actually have doubt, just as the couple has doubt. Not about their love, but about whether because they love each other, and because they're young, and their lives are changing, maybe, just maybe that love requires that they let each other go.
That was the central conflict in 'Keeping Willow'. Devin is a musician-on-the-rise, focused and determined and completely aware of who he is and where he wants to be. And Willow is like her name--blowing whichever way the wind dictates, unsure of who and what she wants to be. Devin's certainty extends to his love for Willow, but her uncertainty about who she is threatens to mar that. The decision to let go with love was a plausible outcome for this couple, and at times, even the better outcome. I ached for them to be together, even though I knew I would understand if they were not. [I can't say anymore about that, because I don't want to spoil it for you.]
I read this one slowly, because I didn't want it to end, waking up at 5 AM each day and allowing myself to savor a few chapters until I saw the sun begin to rise. It was me, alone with the characters in my head, and it was ... amazing. And when finally there were no chapters left to read, my feelings were just as conflicting as when I began reading--except this time, it was exuberance at how good it was, and sadness that all too soon, it was done.
January 9, 2023
It took me a while to warm up to Devin and Willow’s story but I will say that in the end I enjoyed their journey. Willow always presented as a spoiled airhead in Jersey and Kennedy’s book but after getting to know her story, she grew on me. Willow had some serious insecurities when it came to Devin. While he had no problem verbalizing how he felt about Willow, the constant groupies, chicks in his inbox and birds flocking at every performance, it did nothing to ease her mind. After Willow and Devine gave their relationship a real try, she eventually lost herself in him and had an unhealthy attachment to him. Devin tried to handle Willow with kid gloves as best as he could but with the heavy responsibility of providing for himself and his family he found it difficult splitting himself in 40 different directions. Despite everything they went through, the way Devin loved Willow was crystal clear! This was a nice continuation to this series! I’m looking forward to Bam and Cassie!
August 16, 2017
There was a wait for this, the third book in the series, and I for one, could never be mad or impatient about the wait when the books read the way this one did. This book is so lovely it left me content and satisfied like I’d just been tucked in with a warm blanket on a brutally, cold night.
It struck me as I read the last few pages of 'Keeping Willow' that one of the things I like best about Jacinta Howard’s writing, especially here in the Prototype series, is you know as she tells us the story she loves her characters so unequivocally that somehow in that head space she practically wills you to love them too. It’s definitely no challenge at all to invest in the outcome of this couple, Devin and Willow, almost immediately, because of the simple yet deeply sensual way they describe the things they see and fall for in each other.
In some ways, this arguably seems like the least drama filled of all the Prototype stories, which is interesting since this is the only couple thus far that has to deal with both vastly disparate career paths as well as the natural anxiety and loneliness of being a long-distance couple. But it is the inherent sweetness of the relationship, that is a feast for the reader's eyes and emotions, and not sweet in a cloying or timid way, but sweet, like only love and passion can be when it’s fresh, radiant, and unsullied.
Yeah, I seriously dug Willow and Devin. I even dug their problems and how they forged through them to get to what’s really on the other side of love… peace.
It struck me as I read the last few pages of 'Keeping Willow' that one of the things I like best about Jacinta Howard’s writing, especially here in the Prototype series, is you know as she tells us the story she loves her characters so unequivocally that somehow in that head space she practically wills you to love them too. It’s definitely no challenge at all to invest in the outcome of this couple, Devin and Willow, almost immediately, because of the simple yet deeply sensual way they describe the things they see and fall for in each other.
In some ways, this arguably seems like the least drama filled of all the Prototype stories, which is interesting since this is the only couple thus far that has to deal with both vastly disparate career paths as well as the natural anxiety and loneliness of being a long-distance couple. But it is the inherent sweetness of the relationship, that is a feast for the reader's eyes and emotions, and not sweet in a cloying or timid way, but sweet, like only love and passion can be when it’s fresh, radiant, and unsullied.
Yeah, I seriously dug Willow and Devin. I even dug their problems and how they forged through them to get to what’s really on the other side of love… peace.
April 6, 2018
I had been waiting for this story. I don’t know why these two characters resonated so much with me. Perhaps Willow’s innocence and Devin’s sexiness combined to make me anticipate this particular tale more than any other after I read Happiness in Jersey. Lucky for me, Keeping Willow more than met my expectations and satisfied my appetite for romance.
I liked reading about how they came to be a couple, but also the mistakes and missteps they made during the course of their relationship. Willow was sweet, but don’t mess with her man! When she talked about hitting someone with a beer bottle, I had to laugh.
The author has a very intimate way of writing scenes that immerse you in the story--the love scenes, the conversations, even the tension between the main characters. All of it leaps off the page and sucks you in so that you experience every emotion. I think this is my favorite of the series so far. Looking forward Bam’s story.
I liked reading about how they came to be a couple, but also the mistakes and missteps they made during the course of their relationship. Willow was sweet, but don’t mess with her man! When she talked about hitting someone with a beer bottle, I had to laugh.
The author has a very intimate way of writing scenes that immerse you in the story--the love scenes, the conversations, even the tension between the main characters. All of it leaps off the page and sucks you in so that you experience every emotion. I think this is my favorite of the series so far. Looking forward Bam’s story.
August 19, 2017
This Series Is Everything!
Do I detect a fourth? Bam and Cassie perhaps? A reader can dream, can't she?
Do I detect a fourth? Bam and Cassie perhaps? A reader can dream, can't she?
March 20, 2024
I have one question, it only took her two months to mature?
College sweethearts with all the college messiness. This girl was exhausting. He had so much patience. Of the series this one had the most organic relationship.
College sweethearts with all the college messiness. This girl was exhausting. He had so much patience. Of the series this one had the most organic relationship.
June 9, 2020
Talk about timing!
80% done: This is my least favorite book in the series so far. Willow is unlikeable and annoying and Devin is an A1 asshole. They have the same argument every time and in my mind I'm thinking " girl leave him". They're both toxic af and they need to cut it out. 2.5 stars.
80% done: This is my least favorite book in the series so far. Willow is unlikeable and annoying and Devin is an A1 asshole. They have the same argument every time and in my mind I'm thinking " girl leave him". They're both toxic af and they need to cut it out. 2.5 stars.
January 12, 2021
Jacinta has done it again! 3rd book down from the Prototype Series! Her writing is so good that I can't believe these are supposed to be college students that I'm listening/reading about. Wishing this was my mindset when I was that age!
Honestly, Willow's character annoyed the crap outta me from the previous books. She still annoyed me on here but not as much. Devin was so patient with her until she left without a word. I almost wanted Devin to find someone else to have a HEA but Willow matured so I gave her another chance. I'm glad Devin made her work for his love and glad Willow took that time to get her life together. She really needed to find herself so she knows how to love and be loved by Devin.
As usual, narration was perfect! Wesleigh Siobhan and Jakobi Diem are the perfect pair to perform this story. These two can do no wrong in my ears. On to book 4!
Honestly, Willow's character annoyed the crap outta me from the previous books. She still annoyed me on here but not as much. Devin was so patient with her until she left without a word. I almost wanted Devin to find someone else to have a HEA but Willow matured so I gave her another chance. I'm glad Devin made her work for his love and glad Willow took that time to get her life together. She really needed to find herself so she knows how to love and be loved by Devin.
As usual, narration was perfect! Wesleigh Siobhan and Jakobi Diem are the perfect pair to perform this story. These two can do no wrong in my ears. On to book 4!
September 4, 2017
Love This Series!
This book draws you in and keeps you there for Willow and Devin's story. It was an emotional journey that ends beautifully.
This book draws you in and keeps you there for Willow and Devin's story. It was an emotional journey that ends beautifully.
August 18, 2017
I honestly don't know where to start. Jacinta has a way of telling stories that hit you deep, yet make you feel light. Empty yet full. This one was no different. I ached for Devin and Willow. The journey of their love was so rich. It wasn't just a frilly romance with swoon worthy moments and no substance. It was real.
May 26, 2019
APB Perspective Review :
I thought Zay was my man , but now I know Devin ....
I loved this book, and Devin turned me out , I'm a groupie too!!
I thought Zay was my man , but now I know Devin ....
I loved this book, and Devin turned me out , I'm a groupie too!!
August 17, 2017
Another great read!!!
I've been reading this author's books for awhile and she is definitely one of my must read authors. Her books are engaging and the characters reach out and touch your soul.
This is Devin and Willow's story and it drew me in from the first page. I love the growth in their lives; they weathered the storm of young love and eventually found their "happy" in each other.
This is a highly recommended read and I recommend all her books.
I've been reading this author's books for awhile and she is definitely one of my must read authors. Her books are engaging and the characters reach out and touch your soul.
This is Devin and Willow's story and it drew me in from the first page. I love the growth in their lives; they weathered the storm of young love and eventually found their "happy" in each other.
This is a highly recommended read and I recommend all her books.
February 25, 2021
I love Devin so much. So much. He is to me what Bam is to many of my reader friends. And I love Willow so much, too. This series lives in my mind rent free - cannot say enough about how moving, trauma-informed, and healing Howard's writing is! Gorgeous and poetic! And Wesleigh Siobhan and Jakobi Diem?! EVERYTHING. #Weskobi
Love, love, LOVE this story, series, and narration!
Love, love, LOVE this story, series, and narration!
August 11, 2017
Finally...
I've been intrigued by this couple in more ways than one since the initial book of this series. I had many questions about Devin and Willow. Jacinta Howard answers them all in "Keeping Willow", which provides answers to all of the questions that I had for this Dynamic Couple. Being able to read their back story in complete detail provided understanding to how and where their relationship all began.
Now I'm fiending to read more on Bam and Cassie, 😂.
If for some strange reason you have not been privy to Jacinta Howard's work, stop ✋ denying yourself of some amazing writing from a very Gifted and Talented writer...
I've been intrigued by this couple in more ways than one since the initial book of this series. I had many questions about Devin and Willow. Jacinta Howard answers them all in "Keeping Willow", which provides answers to all of the questions that I had for this Dynamic Couple. Being able to read their back story in complete detail provided understanding to how and where their relationship all began.
Now I'm fiending to read more on Bam and Cassie, 😂.
If for some strange reason you have not been privy to Jacinta Howard's work, stop ✋ denying yourself of some amazing writing from a very Gifted and Talented writer...
August 12, 2017
4.5 stars
August 2, 2023
Where were these 20 year old men who were this good, faithful and finding their soul mates when I was growing up?
Book three is my favorite so far. Beautiful love story.
Book three is my favorite so far. Beautiful love story.
August 11, 2017
Mannnn
Man I vibed with these two from beginning to end. I felt this book in my soul. Awesome Jacinta! In ready for Bam and Cassie now....
Man I vibed with these two from beginning to end. I felt this book in my soul. Awesome Jacinta! In ready for Bam and Cassie now....
January 26, 2021
Aquarius & Gemini
Keeping Willow (The Prototype #3) by Jacinta Howard is about The Prototype Drummer Devin Walker and his dancer girlfriend Willow Harden. Devin and Willow began dating in book 1, Willow is the roommate of Jersey another member of the Prototype and also Devin’s best friend. The book picks up at them having been separated for 2 months and flashes back to the past 2 years. I like that we got to see the progression of their relationship and how they got to this point. Devin has somewhat of a reputation of being a ladies man before he and sweet innocent Willow get together. Monogamy and abstinence seem like they’d be the areas of concern in their relationship but they’re not! Devin has no problem being faithful to Willow or waiting until she’s ready. They love each other so deeply but relationships are difficult. They’re both college students but they have very different home lives. Devin is in school, The Prototype and produces tracks for other artists, there’s never enough time or funds for the life he thinks Willows deserves. Willow is privileged with parents that help her out but with dance team and being wrapped up in Devin her grades are suffering. Not only that but she doesn’t know what she wants to do with her life, she’s losing herself in this relationship. Devin and Willow’s issues are fixable but they haven’t quite figured out how to communicate effectively yet. I’ve talked about their issues but the their relationship is more than that, Devin may not have a lot of money but his date plans are thoughtful. He’ll feed Willow before he feeds himself. Willow is very supportive of Devin, she does what she can to help the band. She doesn’t make him feel bad about his situation, she has no problem sharing ice cream or splitting a meal with him 🥰🥰🥰 Willow is truly a sweetheart and Devin is certainly deserving of her love! This story is an awesome addition to the series! Aquemini ♒️ ♥️ ♊️
P.s. I like that the band and their family members did not get involved. They were understanding, supportive and gave them space to figure it out (with a few nudges of course but they weren’t overbearing).
Keeping Willow (The Prototype #3) by Jacinta Howard is about The Prototype Drummer Devin Walker and his dancer girlfriend Willow Harden. Devin and Willow began dating in book 1, Willow is the roommate of Jersey another member of the Prototype and also Devin’s best friend. The book picks up at them having been separated for 2 months and flashes back to the past 2 years. I like that we got to see the progression of their relationship and how they got to this point. Devin has somewhat of a reputation of being a ladies man before he and sweet innocent Willow get together. Monogamy and abstinence seem like they’d be the areas of concern in their relationship but they’re not! Devin has no problem being faithful to Willow or waiting until she’s ready. They love each other so deeply but relationships are difficult. They’re both college students but they have very different home lives. Devin is in school, The Prototype and produces tracks for other artists, there’s never enough time or funds for the life he thinks Willows deserves. Willow is privileged with parents that help her out but with dance team and being wrapped up in Devin her grades are suffering. Not only that but she doesn’t know what she wants to do with her life, she’s losing herself in this relationship. Devin and Willow’s issues are fixable but they haven’t quite figured out how to communicate effectively yet. I’ve talked about their issues but the their relationship is more than that, Devin may not have a lot of money but his date plans are thoughtful. He’ll feed Willow before he feeds himself. Willow is very supportive of Devin, she does what she can to help the band. She doesn’t make him feel bad about his situation, she has no problem sharing ice cream or splitting a meal with him 🥰🥰🥰 Willow is truly a sweetheart and Devin is certainly deserving of her love! This story is an awesome addition to the series! Aquemini ♒️ ♥️ ♊️
P.s. I like that the band and their family members did not get involved. They were understanding, supportive and gave them space to figure it out (with a few nudges of course but they weren’t overbearing).
August 13, 2017
Everything about this book felt like home. Reading Devin and Willows story felt like I was reconnecting with old friends I haven't heard from in a while. It was great to see them grow in their love. I highlighted so many quotes throughout this one because everything Jacinta writes is just so dope. I can't wait to read about Bam and Cassie next.
May 15, 2023
My oh my!!! Jacinta Howard wrote this book like say the rent was DUE!!
I felt this so deeply, I need time to recover. Devin & Willows story felt so real, so visceral. I was really looking forward to Finding Willow but JH surpassed all expectations 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
I felt this so deeply, I need time to recover. Devin & Willows story felt so real, so visceral. I was really looking forward to Finding Willow but JH surpassed all expectations 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
November 26, 2024
In a world where opposites truly attract, Devin Walker and Willow Harden are a living testament to this electrifying truth! With backgrounds as different as night and day, Devin grew up in a tough environment, raised by a single mother who fought tooth and nail to provide for him and his younger brother. Meanwhile, Willow enjoyed the cozy comforts of a two-parent household, where love and support were in abundance and worries seemed a world away.
But as their worlds collide, they’ll discover that attraction is just the beginning. The journey ahead will test their limits, challenging them to embrace the art of communication, understanding, and compromise. Buckle up, because Devin and Willow's rollercoaster of emotions is about to unfold, and they’ll have to learn the hard way that love is not just fireworks—it’s also the grit and grace of building a genuine connection!
Devin Walter, the electrifying drummer of The Prototypes, is on a relentless mission to catapult his band into superstardom. Music isn’t just his passion; it’s his ticket to a brighter future for his beloved mother and little brother. With an unwavering determination, Devin keeps his eyes on the grand prize—until fate introduces him to Willow, his best friend Jersey's captivating roommate. Despite knowing he should probably keep his distance, the undeniable chemistry between them pulls him in like a magnet. Will Devin be able to focus on the band’s rise to fame, or will his heart lead him down a thrilling new path?
From the moment Willow Harden laid eyes on Devin, she felt an irresistible pull toward him. She convinced herself that he was oblivious to her presence, allowing her to linger in the shadows. That is, until fate intervened one fateful day when car troubles left her stranded. Who should come to her rescue but none other than Devin himself? In an instant, the spark ignited, and these two became inseparable.
But Willow, with her sheltered upbringing and innocent outlook, was unprepared for the whirlwind of Devin's star-studded life. As she steps into his glamorous yet chaotic world, she faces a daunting question: Can she summon the strength to navigate the glitz and challenges of his high-profile lifestyle? Or will the overwhelming pressures prove to be too much for her to bear? The stakes are high, the excitement palpable, and their journey is just beginning!
Side-Note: Wow, what a rollercoaster these two took us on! I was absolutely thrilled to see Willow finally put herself first—she totally deserved that moment! It had me on the edge of my seat for a while, but I'm so glad Devin and Willow worked things out in the end! What a ride!
Tropes: Opposite Attract, Strangers to Lovers, She Falls First, Second Chance
Book: Keeping Willow
Author: Jacinta Howard
Genre: Black Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🥵🥵🥵
TW: Police Injustice, Racial Discrimination, BLM
But as their worlds collide, they’ll discover that attraction is just the beginning. The journey ahead will test their limits, challenging them to embrace the art of communication, understanding, and compromise. Buckle up, because Devin and Willow's rollercoaster of emotions is about to unfold, and they’ll have to learn the hard way that love is not just fireworks—it’s also the grit and grace of building a genuine connection!
Devin Walter, the electrifying drummer of The Prototypes, is on a relentless mission to catapult his band into superstardom. Music isn’t just his passion; it’s his ticket to a brighter future for his beloved mother and little brother. With an unwavering determination, Devin keeps his eyes on the grand prize—until fate introduces him to Willow, his best friend Jersey's captivating roommate. Despite knowing he should probably keep his distance, the undeniable chemistry between them pulls him in like a magnet. Will Devin be able to focus on the band’s rise to fame, or will his heart lead him down a thrilling new path?
From the moment Willow Harden laid eyes on Devin, she felt an irresistible pull toward him. She convinced herself that he was oblivious to her presence, allowing her to linger in the shadows. That is, until fate intervened one fateful day when car troubles left her stranded. Who should come to her rescue but none other than Devin himself? In an instant, the spark ignited, and these two became inseparable.
But Willow, with her sheltered upbringing and innocent outlook, was unprepared for the whirlwind of Devin's star-studded life. As she steps into his glamorous yet chaotic world, she faces a daunting question: Can she summon the strength to navigate the glitz and challenges of his high-profile lifestyle? Or will the overwhelming pressures prove to be too much for her to bear? The stakes are high, the excitement palpable, and their journey is just beginning!
Side-Note: Wow, what a rollercoaster these two took us on! I was absolutely thrilled to see Willow finally put herself first—she totally deserved that moment! It had me on the edge of my seat for a while, but I'm so glad Devin and Willow worked things out in the end! What a ride!
Tropes: Opposite Attract, Strangers to Lovers, She Falls First, Second Chance
Book: Keeping Willow
Author: Jacinta Howard
Genre: Black Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🥵🥵🥵
TW: Police Injustice, Racial Discrimination, BLM
August 18, 2017
Wow!
I had some reservations about Devin and Willows story. I felt because they were featured in all of the previous books, their story was already told.. Boy was I wrong. Jacinta is truly a genius, she went back into their history, and showed us how they got together ,and fell in love. I found myself seeing them in a whole different light. I loved how connected and committed they were to each other, even when they were struggling. Devin just got Willow, and she just loved him almost to a fault. I got why she left the way she did, but I also understand his reservations when she came back. It was just so realistic to me. Even though Kennedy and Travis will always be my favorite couple , Devin and Willow are giving them a serious run for their money. I can't wait for Bam and Cassie's story, but I'm not worried it won't be good, because Jacinta hasn't written a bad book yet. Keep doing your thing girl, you are truly gifted.
I had some reservations about Devin and Willows story. I felt because they were featured in all of the previous books, their story was already told.. Boy was I wrong. Jacinta is truly a genius, she went back into their history, and showed us how they got together ,and fell in love. I found myself seeing them in a whole different light. I loved how connected and committed they were to each other, even when they were struggling. Devin just got Willow, and she just loved him almost to a fault. I got why she left the way she did, but I also understand his reservations when she came back. It was just so realistic to me. Even though Kennedy and Travis will always be my favorite couple , Devin and Willow are giving them a serious run for their money. I can't wait for Bam and Cassie's story, but I'm not worried it won't be good, because Jacinta hasn't written a bad book yet. Keep doing your thing girl, you are truly gifted.
September 2, 2017
Awesome Emotional Rollercoaster Ride!
This was a great, exciting and emotional rollercoaster ride. This story is very informative for all people young or old especially women. Sometimes we forget to complete our growth as a single person before becoming a WE with someone and we lose ourselves. I'm glad Willow took a mental break because she was losing herself in the relationship. I wish she could've expressed herself a little more to Devin, but she felt it was necessary to distant herself to mature mentally to become better for herself and their union. I think Devin matured as well. He became a little more aware of people feelings and learned a little more patience. I have to say though I was a little worried that they were not going to reunite. My favorite story out of the three. Great Read. Thanx
This was a great, exciting and emotional rollercoaster ride. This story is very informative for all people young or old especially women. Sometimes we forget to complete our growth as a single person before becoming a WE with someone and we lose ourselves. I'm glad Willow took a mental break because she was losing herself in the relationship. I wish she could've expressed herself a little more to Devin, but she felt it was necessary to distant herself to mature mentally to become better for herself and their union. I think Devin matured as well. He became a little more aware of people feelings and learned a little more patience. I have to say though I was a little worried that they were not going to reunite. My favorite story out of the three. Great Read. Thanx
August 15, 2017
Keeping Willow by Jacinta Howard is the kind of story that pulls you deeply down into it making you feel the characters, their emotions and will have you rooting for them. It is also NICE when you LOVE both main characters and I adored Devin and Willow. I loved their deep well of feelings for each other and I also loved their backstories and the people in their lives who made them who they are and react as they do. Howard is an amazing storyteller who does not use theatrics or overarching drama to tell her stories, she does not need to because once the reader is inside those beautifully written pages... it is like living alongside them.
Angelia Vernon Menchan, Author of WHEN HE LOVERS HER...
Angelia Vernon Menchan, Author of WHEN HE LOVERS HER...
August 12, 2019
JACINTA HOWARD...WOW!!!!!!👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
I really love this series, and while the first two books were really, really good, this third book is otherworldly. The emotional rollercoaster of emotions that you have to endure while hoping things work out between the two main characters... just outstanding, and so well written.
At different junctures you get frustrated with one or the other of the protagonists, sometijes both at the same time, but then you remember YOUR young love. The ups AND the downs. The highs AND the lows. The good AND the bad. All those moments you have to absorb and learn from if you desire something truly meaningful. This book encapsulates those types of moments so, so well.
Buy it, read it and enjoy.🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾
I really love this series, and while the first two books were really, really good, this third book is otherworldly. The emotional rollercoaster of emotions that you have to endure while hoping things work out between the two main characters... just outstanding, and so well written.
At different junctures you get frustrated with one or the other of the protagonists, sometijes both at the same time, but then you remember YOUR young love. The ups AND the downs. The highs AND the lows. The good AND the bad. All those moments you have to absorb and learn from if you desire something truly meaningful. This book encapsulates those types of moments so, so well.
Buy it, read it and enjoy.🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾
August 11, 2017
A Fabulous Love Story.
The Prototype Series has proven to be a true labor of love for this author. It is certainly worth every single page.. When I heard about this installment, I was excited to see Devin and Willow's relationships' development. Devin the perfectionist, and Willow the young beauty. Although, their love had a few dry patches and bumps in the road, they perceived and endured. The love was nicely developed throughout the story. A lovely story...
The Prototype Series has proven to be a true labor of love for this author. It is certainly worth every single page.. When I heard about this installment, I was excited to see Devin and Willow's relationships' development. Devin the perfectionist, and Willow the young beauty. Although, their love had a few dry patches and bumps in the road, they perceived and endured. The love was nicely developed throughout the story. A lovely story...
August 17, 2017
Chill bumps!!!
Read the last line and seriously got goosebumps...wow Low an Devin. Where do I begin let's just say I am so glad I took a chance on their love journey...yes it's a journey and was so worth the adventure. I loved their chemistry I respect a male character who is seriously all in an Devin loves him some Willow. Now Miss Willow worked my nerves a few times but hey she's young but by the end you could see the growth!!! Best book ever.
Read the last line and seriously got goosebumps...wow Low an Devin. Where do I begin let's just say I am so glad I took a chance on their love journey...yes it's a journey and was so worth the adventure. I loved their chemistry I respect a male character who is seriously all in an Devin loves him some Willow. Now Miss Willow worked my nerves a few times but hey she's young but by the end you could see the growth!!! Best book ever.
August 16, 2017
Aquemini
This indeed was a long time coming and it was worth the wait. Willow and Devin's story was definitely about growth and communication in a relationship. I loved how patient he was with her and how she supported and understood him. I also enjoyed the raw emotion and development of the characters especially Willow. Lastly I was super excited about how their love for each other was centered around the music. Looking forward to Cassie and Bam's story. #aquariuswomenrock
This indeed was a long time coming and it was worth the wait. Willow and Devin's story was definitely about growth and communication in a relationship. I loved how patient he was with her and how she supported and understood him. I also enjoyed the raw emotion and development of the characters especially Willow. Lastly I was super excited about how their love for each other was centered around the music. Looking forward to Cassie and Bam's story. #aquariuswomenrock
August 14, 2017
Great Story
I've loved all of the books in this series and Keeping Willow didn't disappoint. Willow and Devin's story was great. Devin was so patient with Willow. Looking forward to Cassie and Bam's story.
I've loved all of the books in this series and Keeping Willow didn't disappoint. Willow and Devin's story was great. Devin was so patient with Willow. Looking forward to Cassie and Bam's story.
August 15, 2017
Loved it!
I was so happy that they finally got it together. When Devon was drinking that ginger ale.. I thought willow was preggers! Keep up the good work
I was so happy that they finally got it together. When Devon was drinking that ginger ale.. I thought willow was preggers! Keep up the good work
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