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Keeping Miss Kalila
With a job that she loves, an adorable senior dog, and a baby she fought hard to conceive on the way, life is going well for thirty-one-year old school teacher Kalila Rayos. That is, until her ex-boyfriend and first love, filmmaker Datu Alvez asks if they could try again.Saying yes shouldn’t be too difficult. After all, she’s still also in love with him and Datu’s efforts to be there for her make her feel she truly has it all. But on top of her worries as a soon-to-be mom, a crisis that hits her school forces her to shift her priorities away from her own desires.Will the one who got away be strong enough to stay, or will their second chance at love crumble and break her heart once more?** Please note the following content warnings for this miscarriage (backstory), casual sexism, and verbal and physical abuse from a parent.This book follows #romanceclass guidelines requiring HEA/HFN for romance, and is Heat Level 3 (at least one “open door” sex scene). **
- GenresRomance
214 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2020
7 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Tara Frejas
17 books58 followersTara Frejas is a cloud-walker who needs caffeine to fuel her travels. By day, she works in project management and events, and she writes down her daydreams at night. She began publishing fiction for public consumption in 2004, posting her pieces on various online channels like fan forums and Blogspot, eventually exploring other avenues like Livejournal, Soomp!, Tumblr, and most recently, Wattpad.
Aside from her obvious love affair with words and persistent muses, Tara is very passionate about being caffeinated, musical theatre, certain genres of music, dancing, dogs, good food, and romancing Norae, her ukelele. She owns a 6-month-old male bunny named Max who sometimes tries to nibble on her writing notes.
Fun fact: She's a Piscean. Go figure.
Aside from her obvious love affair with words and persistent muses, Tara is very passionate about being caffeinated, musical theatre, certain genres of music, dancing, dogs, good food, and romancing Norae, her ukelele. She owns a 6-month-old male bunny named Max who sometimes tries to nibble on her writing notes.
Fun fact: She's a Piscean. Go figure.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 14, 2022
TW: pregnancy, past miscarriage, verbal and physical parental abuse, past parental neglect, sexism
you know what, i don't hate second chance romance as much as I thought
you know what, i don't hate second chance romance as much as I thought
April 8, 2020
#datunatics
October 9, 2020
Second chance romance (or TOTGA romance) is one of my favorite romantic tropes ever. A back story and a shared past just adds so much more depth and complexity to the yearning. And Keeping Miss Kalila has yearning in spades.
Datu Alvez (the older brother of Pio Alvez from Like Nobody’s Watching, one of my most favorite romances books ever!) wants to reconnect and try again with his ex-girlfriend Kalila, only to discover she’s pregnant via IUI. Kalila expects that Datu won’t want to give their relationship another try, given that being with her now means that he’ll need to learn how to be a father. But Datu surprises her by being willing and committed.
This is one of the few romance novels involving pregnancy that didn’t leave me feeling icky. All the pregnancy romance novels I’ve read prior to this one involved reinforcement of gender roles, sexist alpha male love interests, and spineless heroines with no agency. Still, I was willing to read this because I already trusted Tara Frejas’s romances since I’m a big fan of her work, and I was absolutely not let down.
I loved how the characters were portrayed. Kalila is a strong, independent woman who wants to fulfill her desire for a child with or without a partner, and she has an identity, passions, and ambitions beyond becoming a wife and mother. I truly loved how she was dedicated to the school she teaches at and how she consistently fought for funding for her students from the government.
On the other hand, Datu undergoes a lot of growth and development in this book, learning to trust himself and his dreams, and to believe that the people around him won’t hurt him. He undergoes a really meaningful journey of overcoming the abuse his father committed when he was younger. And also he really takes on the commitment to be with Kalila and be a father to her baby admirably.
Overall, this book was just a really great breath of fresh air. It put me in such a good mood and was just such a wonderful book to read during this difficult time. If you need a book that’ll pick up your mood some and give you some serious warm and fuzzies, read Keeping Miss Kalila!
Read my full review here.
Find more from me:
Blog || Instagram || Twitter || YouTube
Datu Alvez (the older brother of Pio Alvez from Like Nobody’s Watching, one of my most favorite romances books ever!) wants to reconnect and try again with his ex-girlfriend Kalila, only to discover she’s pregnant via IUI. Kalila expects that Datu won’t want to give their relationship another try, given that being with her now means that he’ll need to learn how to be a father. But Datu surprises her by being willing and committed.
This is one of the few romance novels involving pregnancy that didn’t leave me feeling icky. All the pregnancy romance novels I’ve read prior to this one involved reinforcement of gender roles, sexist alpha male love interests, and spineless heroines with no agency. Still, I was willing to read this because I already trusted Tara Frejas’s romances since I’m a big fan of her work, and I was absolutely not let down.
I loved how the characters were portrayed. Kalila is a strong, independent woman who wants to fulfill her desire for a child with or without a partner, and she has an identity, passions, and ambitions beyond becoming a wife and mother. I truly loved how she was dedicated to the school she teaches at and how she consistently fought for funding for her students from the government.
On the other hand, Datu undergoes a lot of growth and development in this book, learning to trust himself and his dreams, and to believe that the people around him won’t hurt him. He undergoes a really meaningful journey of overcoming the abuse his father committed when he was younger. And also he really takes on the commitment to be with Kalila and be a father to her baby admirably.
Overall, this book was just a really great breath of fresh air. It put me in such a good mood and was just such a wonderful book to read during this difficult time. If you need a book that’ll pick up your mood some and give you some serious warm and fuzzies, read Keeping Miss Kalila!
Read my full review here.
Find more from me:
Blog || Instagram || Twitter || YouTube
April 11, 2020
"... but getting hurt is inevitable. It's what you do to keep it from happening again that matters."
Before I start my review, let me gather my feels first before I scream "Datu, I love you!".
Oh God, the whole book is a good read. I'm in love with the way Tara Frejas wrote this. I was hooked from the start and I can't barely put this down. I think I've been highlighting lines on almost every chapter because the dialogues were that good and makes you suddenly nod on the air while whispering "yes, yes, relationships should be like that".
The main characters - Datu and Kalila are best friends/childhood sweethearts/ex-lovers - who are testing the waters for another chance in love.
I love the usage of Filipino endearments such as sinta and itinatangi, it makes me hug my pillow extra hard because #SanaAll 'di ba? Ahhh, I love reading adults falling in love then they flirt like they are in high school so they are extra cute.
Also!!! The food in this fic are extra detailed, one of my highlights just literally reads "heavenly bacon, mushroom, and cheese omelet and buttered vegetables - and".
Really, the amount of Filipino things you can relate to while reading this fic is huge, from the Alvez's group chat name up to the Tagaytay road trip itinerary with Rainbow! It was fun to read and the lines like "Landi mo.", "Affected ka?" made me smile a lot while reading.
I wasn't really expecting a lot on the epilogue, but oh boy, I was wrong. That was a good one.
In summary, Keeping Miss Kalila is an ex-lovers fiction that showcases Filipino family relations, ex-lovers that aren't jerks, a very adorable senior dog, and a precious jelly-belly ;) It comes with mild angst but lots and lots of tooth-rotting fluff. If you're up to that, I suggest you to pick this book up :-)
* ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Before I start my review, let me gather my feels first before I scream "Datu, I love you!".
Oh God, the whole book is a good read. I'm in love with the way Tara Frejas wrote this. I was hooked from the start and I can't barely put this down. I think I've been highlighting lines on almost every chapter because the dialogues were that good and makes you suddenly nod on the air while whispering "yes, yes, relationships should be like that".
The main characters - Datu and Kalila are best friends/childhood sweethearts/ex-lovers - who are testing the waters for another chance in love.
I love the usage of Filipino endearments such as sinta and itinatangi, it makes me hug my pillow extra hard because #SanaAll 'di ba? Ahhh, I love reading adults falling in love then they flirt like they are in high school so they are extra cute.
Also!!! The food in this fic are extra detailed, one of my highlights just literally reads "heavenly bacon, mushroom, and cheese omelet and buttered vegetables - and".
Really, the amount of Filipino things you can relate to while reading this fic is huge, from the Alvez's group chat name up to the Tagaytay road trip itinerary with Rainbow! It was fun to read and the lines like "Landi mo.", "Affected ka?" made me smile a lot while reading.
I wasn't really expecting a lot on the epilogue, but oh boy, I was wrong. That was a good one.
In summary, Keeping Miss Kalila is an ex-lovers fiction that showcases Filipino family relations, ex-lovers that aren't jerks, a very adorable senior dog, and a precious jelly-belly ;) It comes with mild angst but lots and lots of tooth-rotting fluff. If you're up to that, I suggest you to pick this book up :-)
* ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
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April 21, 2020"She finally understood what Datu meant when he said, "I wish I could have been there."
•
I honestly don't know where to begin, but let me just say I didn't expect to love this book so much! For starters it has a pregnant MC and the LI isn't the baby daddy. The complexity of that situation in itself is interesting and also scary, untested waters (this is my first romance with pregnancy written in the entire story) but I never should've worried about it. Tara Frejas touches this subject respectfully and head-on, and while the baby isn't central to the romance (I'll explain later) it is significant in shaping Kalila's character and what it represents to her life.
This book contains a lot of my favorite tropes but the childhood bestfriends-to-exes-to-lovers one is so good and so well-written, I still can't get over how a premise this layered felt and read quite light and fun. It was also sexy, and Kalila x Datu were perfect for each other. In fact, i thought they were so perfect together, I didn't anticipate how *heartbreaking* the conflict would be (for me) and, no surprise, I cried so hard.
I cried even harder in the grovel scenes bec omg, Datu was so wrong in what he did, but also I can't blame him for it bec i get it. I GET IT SO HARD. And Kalila had every right to be angry and it hurt me when she was hurting! AGH. THE FEELS.
So anyway, before this turns into a reflection paper instead of a review, I'll go back to saying I loved how even if Kalila wasn't with child, their romance would still make sense. The love is there, it's always been there, it just needed a little push. BUT bec of the fact that she is, the stakes were a little bit higher, and Jelly Belly adds an even more satisfying happy ending for Kalila and Datu.
•
"What I'm trying to say is I know you don't need me, but I'm choosing to be here for you on the off-chance that you would. Just like you chose to be a friend to me all these years, I'm choosing to stay. I'll be your back-up, your ally, your ride-or-die. Just say the word, Kali. I'm ready."
•
*The eARC was provided by the author for free in exchange for an honest review. It doesn't affect my opinion of the book. Thank you.
•
I honestly don't know where to begin, but let me just say I didn't expect to love this book so much! For starters it has a pregnant MC and the LI isn't the baby daddy. The complexity of that situation in itself is interesting and also scary, untested waters (this is my first romance with pregnancy written in the entire story) but I never should've worried about it. Tara Frejas touches this subject respectfully and head-on, and while the baby isn't central to the romance (I'll explain later) it is significant in shaping Kalila's character and what it represents to her life.
This book contains a lot of my favorite tropes but the childhood bestfriends-to-exes-to-lovers one is so good and so well-written, I still can't get over how a premise this layered felt and read quite light and fun. It was also sexy, and Kalila x Datu were perfect for each other. In fact, i thought they were so perfect together, I didn't anticipate how *heartbreaking* the conflict would be (for me) and, no surprise, I cried so hard.
I cried even harder in the grovel scenes bec omg, Datu was so wrong in what he did, but also I can't blame him for it bec i get it. I GET IT SO HARD. And Kalila had every right to be angry and it hurt me when she was hurting! AGH. THE FEELS.
So anyway, before this turns into a reflection paper instead of a review, I'll go back to saying I loved how even if Kalila wasn't with child, their romance would still make sense. The love is there, it's always been there, it just needed a little push. BUT bec of the fact that she is, the stakes were a little bit higher, and Jelly Belly adds an even more satisfying happy ending for Kalila and Datu.
•
"What I'm trying to say is I know you don't need me, but I'm choosing to be here for you on the off-chance that you would. Just like you chose to be a friend to me all these years, I'm choosing to stay. I'll be your back-up, your ally, your ride-or-die. Just say the word, Kali. I'm ready."
•
*The eARC was provided by the author for free in exchange for an honest review. It doesn't affect my opinion of the book. Thank you.
March 31, 2020
Going #Datunatics
If you know me, you would know that my favorite trope ever is second chance romance. So imagine me thrilled when I learn that Datu's book would serve that trope.
"But what I'm sure of now is this: I want to keep choosing you."
Alright let me list a few things that I loved about this book:
- Kalila, who is very determined and not at all afraid to pursue what she wants
- Datu, who is a lovesick puppy (just like his younger bro, Pio, actually), yes, but also just a good man overall
- The difference between younger Kalila and Datu's relationship to present time K & D where they are both mature adults dealing with problems of their own and problems that they would eventually have with each other.
- Pio being the epal (and I say this in the most loving way) bunso that he is
- Lenlen
- Of course, Tita Ces <3 I remember crying so hard reading "What mother would be disappointed with a child who's always tried to be a better person?"
- An ex who isn't an asshole
P.S. Everybody needs a Datu
I loved Kalila and Datu just like how I loved Aji and Pio. That being said, see you soon, Kuya Gani!
ARC generously provided by author.
If you know me, you would know that my favorite trope ever is second chance romance. So imagine me thrilled when I learn that Datu's book would serve that trope.
"But what I'm sure of now is this: I want to keep choosing you."
Alright let me list a few things that I loved about this book:
- Kalila, who is very determined and not at all afraid to pursue what she wants
- Datu, who is a lovesick puppy (just like his younger bro, Pio, actually), yes, but also just a good man overall
- The difference between younger Kalila and Datu's relationship to present time K & D where they are both mature adults dealing with problems of their own and problems that they would eventually have with each other.
- Pio being the epal (and I say this in the most loving way) bunso that he is
- Lenlen
- Of course, Tita Ces <3 I remember crying so hard reading "What mother would be disappointed with a child who's always tried to be a better person?"
- An ex who isn't an asshole
P.S. Everybody needs a Datu
I loved Kalila and Datu just like how I loved Aji and Pio. That being said, see you soon, Kuya Gani!
ARC generously provided by author.
April 17, 2020
Well well well. Another reading slump down the drain thanks to a #romanceclass book. Seriously, I’ve DEMANDED a story for Datu Alvez after reading WITW and LNW because how could I not? The man is the quintessential knight in shining armor. I’ve read most of the author’s books and the writing just keeps getting better every single time. The banter, the dialogues, the descriptions...amazing (mad props to the book editor as well *wink wink*). I am truly grateful there were tons of Pinoy-ness from food, to Filipino words, and other references. It made me feel like I was back in PH. So many emotional moments, but I loved that scene with Datu and his mom (made me miss my mom, GDI). I would have wanted to see higher stakes, but nevertheless it was an easy, enjoyable read. The epilogue scene was perfect and it left me smiling after reading the last word. What a great story.
Now where is Gani’s book?!
Now where is Gani’s book?!
April 25, 2020
Second-chance romance between best friends-turned-lovers-turned-exes. Datu is a filmmaker, Kalila a teacher—and pregnant, but not his! Story reminds of a few important messages: 1) women are strong, responsible, resourceful—and they can choose however and whenever they want to conceive; 2) not many things can hinder the bond of a love that's real, not a baby bump or a Netflix deal; 3) the preciousness of being able to come home. Big bonus for lessons in altruism, and of course, I can't forget mentioning the sTeAaam because this author is heat-leveling up fast! Congrats, Mrs. Tara Frejas-Alvez!
“Besides, she wanted them to know that she was proud of the decision she’d made, that it was a decision other women could make too, if they so wished.”
Everything I read in 2020 here :)
“Besides, she wanted them to know that she was proud of the decision she’d made, that it was a decision other women could make too, if they so wished.”
Everything I read in 2020 here :)
April 22, 2020
Never underestimate a Scorpio on a love mission. Datu Alvez doesn't swoop in. He knocks, and he takes careful steps, and he is patient and he goes all in. If you know his brother Pio from Waiting in the Wings and Play It By Ear (as you should), you'd know from Keeping Miss Kalila that this is a wholly different spectrum of Alvez brother altogether. Intense and unyielding, as shown in his courtship of his ex Kalila, who is a headstrong, independent person all her own. Both have their own goals and dreams (Kalila and Jellybean omg queen), and it's beautiful seeing them make the effort to achieve the things together. Angst abound, but there's also brothers building things, real bayanihan at work, a good politician (ikr a unicorn) and food aplenty. All awesome things <3
April 4, 2020
Itinatangi kita Datu
I thought one Alvez brother was enough to capture my heart, but oh boy this dimple bearing rekdi is out to get your heart (you’ve been warned). I’ve always been wary of second chance romances (mostly because the way some are written) but Tara was able to weave a beautiful story with very realistic (super relatable to the point na masyado nang spot on) issues, challenges and struggles. I love how strong the female MC is, Kalila is hands down my queen!
From mouthwatering food to steamy hot scenes you’ve got one amazing story that will bring out all of them FEELS 💕
I thought one Alvez brother was enough to capture my heart, but oh boy this dimple bearing rekdi is out to get your heart (you’ve been warned). I’ve always been wary of second chance romances (mostly because the way some are written) but Tara was able to weave a beautiful story with very realistic (super relatable to the point na masyado nang spot on) issues, challenges and struggles. I love how strong the female MC is, Kalila is hands down my queen!
From mouthwatering food to steamy hot scenes you’ve got one amazing story that will bring out all of them FEELS 💕
September 3, 2021
immediately added to my fave second chance romance books!! this was such a good read t_t made me feel lots of emotions even though the book wasn't really that long huhu.
ily datu, kalila, and baby ami + rainbow!! :') looking forward to reading kuya gani's own story too, if ever there will be haha <3
ily datu, kalila, and baby ami + rainbow!! :') looking forward to reading kuya gani's own story too, if ever there will be haha <3
January 21, 2021
Oh, Datu. Now I understand the fuss over you. Now, where do I get someone like you?
Quick, light, read that I needed in between my fantasy TBR! This book made me grin and laugh and swoon in a span of 2 hours! Much needed dose of kilig for the week~
Quick, light, read that I needed in between my fantasy TBR! This book made me grin and laugh and swoon in a span of 2 hours! Much needed dose of kilig for the week~
October 19, 2024
Datu❣️thank you for saving my day!
September 1, 2025
4.5⭐️
When a TOTGA finds their way back, will love be strong enough to stay?
📚 Genre: Contemporary Romance 📅 Pub Date: 4.1.2020 ⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5
🌶️Rating: 2/5
From the very first chapters, Keeping Miss Kalila had me feeling all the kilig. 💖 Kalila and Datu’s chemistry is Undeniable!!
Best friends ➡️ lovers ➡️ ex-lovers who never really stopped loving each other = second-chance romance done right.
But what I really loved is how this book has so much heart. Kalila is a strong FMC who chose IUI to fulfill her dream of motherhood while balancing teaching and saving Bahay Munti, the preschool close to her heart. Datu may be a little temperamental, but his steady gestures of love for Kalila made me swoon.
Add in film production, paw rescue, fundraising, and a whole community rallying together – it’s a warm, feel-good read with all the modern bayanihan vibes. And meeting Pio here as Datu and Isagani's youngest brother made me want to dive into The Lakambini Universe next!
❤️🩹 Second chance romance 🍎 Teacher FMC (Kalila) 🎬 Filmmaker MMC (Datu) 🏘️ Saving a school 👶 Pregnancy (IUI) & motherhood journey 🐶 Adorable senior dog 🌱 Fresh starts & new beginnings
When a TOTGA finds their way back, will love be strong enough to stay?
📚 Genre: Contemporary Romance 📅 Pub Date: 4.1.2020 ⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5
🌶️Rating: 2/5
From the very first chapters, Keeping Miss Kalila had me feeling all the kilig. 💖 Kalila and Datu’s chemistry is Undeniable!!
Best friends ➡️ lovers ➡️ ex-lovers who never really stopped loving each other = second-chance romance done right.
But what I really loved is how this book has so much heart. Kalila is a strong FMC who chose IUI to fulfill her dream of motherhood while balancing teaching and saving Bahay Munti, the preschool close to her heart. Datu may be a little temperamental, but his steady gestures of love for Kalila made me swoon.
Add in film production, paw rescue, fundraising, and a whole community rallying together – it’s a warm, feel-good read with all the modern bayanihan vibes. And meeting Pio here as Datu and Isagani's youngest brother made me want to dive into The Lakambini Universe next!
❤️🩹 Second chance romance 🍎 Teacher FMC (Kalila) 🎬 Filmmaker MMC (Datu) 🏘️ Saving a school 👶 Pregnancy (IUI) & motherhood journey 🐶 Adorable senior dog 🌱 Fresh starts & new beginnings
February 21, 2021
Live tweet review here
Full review and feelings here
I love Waiting in the Wings and obviously I love Like Nobody's Watching but I think Keeping Miss Kalila is my favorite out of the Lakambini Universe books so far huhu
I absolutely LOVED and enjoyed every page of it 😭
Thou shall not play favorites but I think this is Tara's best work to date. The writing, the characters, the references, the tropes, the HEART, everything is *chef's kiss*
Full review and feelings here
I love Waiting in the Wings and obviously I love Like Nobody's Watching but I think Keeping Miss Kalila is my favorite out of the Lakambini Universe books so far huhu
I absolutely LOVED and enjoyed every page of it 😭
Thou shall not play favorites but I think this is Tara's best work to date. The writing, the characters, the references, the tropes, the HEART, everything is *chef's kiss*
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews