Scan barcode
bribreez's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
*Check Trigger Warnings before reading.
4.75⭐️/ 3-4🌶️
Suffering the lost of a loved or a friend is always a heartbreaking experience. For, Logan she lost her best friend, Sofia, and on top of losing the one person who knew her best, she was now faced with the biggest change to her life, becoming the legal guardian of Sofia’s children. Logan found herself in the role as a single parent trying to help care and get to know Sofia’s children, and always trying to maintain a good relationship with Sofia’s parents. Luckily, Logan wasn’t alone since Sofia’s older brother, Alvaro was there to help. This emotional story had a lot of heart, sadness, love, and tropes ranging from slow burn romance, best friend’s brother, single parent, and age gap romance.
If you like the single parent trope then I think you’ll enjoy reading this book. I also think you’ll like this book if you’ve read, Mariana Zapata’s book, “Wait for It” that had a similar plot line to Logan’s. In Logan’s case, she wasn’t the kids actual parent, but became their legal guardian after their mom passed away. Logan became a parent to Sofia’s kids, and it was a new adjustment not just for her, but the kids and Alvaro as well. I could tell that Logan wanted to make sure everything went according to plan from making sure the kids had everything they needed to ensuring they felt comfortable with her. Although, with all the planning and organizing Logan did, some things you couldn’t control as seen by Dash, the oldest of the three kids constantly at odds with her or even with Vienna’s temper tantrums, and the youngest, Lachlan. While I’m no expert when it comes to kids, I could see that Logan was always trying her best, and not just to honor her late best friend’s wishes, but also trying to be there for the kids. At times, I just wanted to hug Logan and let her know it was ok, and to take a breather, my girl was going through it, but at least she had Alvaro to help along the way.
Best friend’s brother/sister’s best friend is one of my favorite tropes, and seeing how Alvaro was, it was easy to fall for the six foot tall retired MMA fighter! Alvaro was literally a strong man both physically and mentally. Alvaro was the kind of man who tried to do right by his family, but even when his parents didn’t agree with him becoming an MMA fighter, he still sought to mark his dream a reality. I was expecting Alvaro to be more off stand-ish towards Logan in the beginning, but I was glad to see that he fought for Logan to raise the kids just as his little sister, Sofia wanted. Plus, seeing Alvaro take on a parenting role to his nephews and niece made him more aware of their needs as well as helping Logan. As much as Alvaro agreed into helping Logan with the kids, the sparks were bound to fly with them essentially living together in Logan’s penthouse and coincidentally enough having alone time when the kids weren’t there! Alvaro was a “take charge” kind of man, and OH BOY DID HE TAKE CHARGE WITH LOGAN! WOO! The way Alvaro dirty talk to Logan, commanded her intimately with trust was sexy, and called her, “Jefe” (boss) was both sexy and at other lighthearted. Alvaro was just all around GREAT!
Omg I feel like I haven’t read a book this fast in a while that was so good and held my attention all the way through! This was an emotional story with lots of heartfelt moments as well as equally heartbreaking sadness that really tugged on my heart strings. Logan became not just a legal guardian to her best friends kids, but a parent who did the utmost to give them the best life possible after suffering a terrible loss of their mom. Alvaro was a great advocate to support Logan through the new transition of being the sole caretaker of his nephews and niece. I really felt sympathetic towards all the characters from Logan to Alvaro to even the kids as they worked their grief and adjusting to a new life. The tropes in this book were absolutely amazing from, single parent, retired MMA fighter, best friend’s brother/ sister’s best friend, age gap romance, forced proximity, and a sprinkling of slow burn romance. Logan and Alvaro had great chemistry and oh boy were those two intimately connected when it came to those heated scenes together! OMG! IT WAS HOT! A tall, muscular, former fighter who was wholeheartedly in love with his sisters best friend, YES I LOVED IT! I wasn’t expecting the bit of danger in this storyline but I actually liked how it played into Alvaro’s storyline which made it a bit suspenseful. As a whole, this book had me captivated all the way through, and I loved every moment of it! I was really happy to see Logan find her way towards happiness and even after suffering the loss of her best friend, she managed to find her own family, not those of blood, but by choice. I also really loved the epilogue since it further showed a happy ending for Logan and Alvaro and (sigh) it was really satisfying to read! Highly recommend reading this story!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Suicide, Domestic abuse, Death of parent, Grief, and Death
hiddenirises's review
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
This book has been on my tbr for the longest and I am so glad that I managed to find the time to get to it. This story is one of grief, finding strength after loss, found family, finding love with an interracial couple.
Logan was really that girl. She is a successful financially stable woman who appears to have it all. When her best friend dies after years of having no contact, she is surprised with the legal custody of all 3 of her friend's children. Despite the unexpectedness of it all, she takes it all in stride while mourning the loss of a friend who was like a sister. With her character, the author explores themes of endometriosis, anxiety, strained parental relationships, perfectionism, and so much more. There were so many internal struggles that Logan was faced with and her resilience was so admirable. Her anxiety and stress when it came to making sure the kids were well taken care of was adorable and heartwarming. It was beautiful to see her overcome every challenge and be the warm safe place that those kids needed after all the trauma they have endured. I would also like to just add how much of a queen she is for speaking Spanish as a white woman so the kids wouldn't lose their roots!
Alvaro is an ex-MMA fighter and brother to Sofia (the best friend), who is left to pick up the pieces of his torn family after tragedy strikes. He is this burly Latino man with such a huge heart that essentially becomes a coparent with Logan. Although he too isn't familiar with his own niece and nephews as a result of his absence, he puts in the work to make sure that he is yet another pillar of support for their healing journey. He was so patient with the kids + Logan adding a layer of security and protection for them.
Logan and Alvaro together were too freaking cute. They were a perfect balance to one another and exactly what they both needed to grow not only as people, but as parental figures for the kids. I loved how Alvaro had nothing but faith in Logan from the get go. He was always willing to defend her from his mother and help her in any way that she needed. I adored their development and small intimate moments. The spice was also spicing !!
The kids were hands down my favorite part of the story. They have my whole heart. These poor babies have been through so much and to see them slowly begin to heal brought me such happiness. They each have such big personalities and they never failed to make me smile or cry.
I will admit that some minor issues that I had revolved around some typos/editing . I read this as a paperback and was able to see some noticeable things that should have been caught, but it didn't take away from my overall enjoyment of the story. I also wish that the story would have been a little longer so that a deeper dive could be done into topics like endometriosis and so much more.
In conclusion, I had an amazing time and it was such a quick read that did good things for my heart while simultaneously breaking it at certain parts. I highly recommend checking this book out for a great time.
Logan was really that girl. She is a successful financially stable woman who appears to have it all. When her best friend dies after years of having no contact, she is surprised with the legal custody of all 3 of her friend's children. Despite the unexpectedness of it all, she takes it all in stride while mourning the loss of a friend who was like a sister. With her character, the author explores themes of endometriosis, anxiety, strained parental relationships, perfectionism, and so much more. There were so many internal struggles that Logan was faced with and her resilience was so admirable. Her anxiety and stress when it came to making sure the kids were well taken care of was adorable and heartwarming. It was beautiful to see her overcome every challenge and be the warm safe place that those kids needed after all the trauma they have endured. I would also like to just add how much of a queen she is for speaking Spanish as a white woman so the kids wouldn't lose their roots!
Alvaro is an ex-MMA fighter and brother to Sofia (the best friend), who is left to pick up the pieces of his torn family after tragedy strikes. He is this burly Latino man with such a huge heart that essentially becomes a coparent with Logan. Although he too isn't familiar with his own niece and nephews as a result of his absence, he puts in the work to make sure that he is yet another pillar of support for their healing journey. He was so patient with the kids + Logan adding a layer of security and protection for them.
Logan and Alvaro together were too freaking cute. They were a perfect balance to one another and exactly what they both needed to grow not only as people, but as parental figures for the kids. I loved how Alvaro had nothing but faith in Logan from the get go. He was always willing to defend her from his mother and help her in any way that she needed. I adored their development and small intimate moments. The spice was also spicing !!
The kids were hands down my favorite part of the story. They have my whole heart. These poor babies have been through so much and to see them slowly begin to heal brought me such happiness. They each have such big personalities and they never failed to make me smile or cry.
I will admit that some minor issues that I had revolved around some typos/editing . I read this as a paperback and was able to see some noticeable things that should have been caught, but it didn't take away from my overall enjoyment of the story. I also wish that the story would have been a little longer so that a deeper dive could be done into topics like endometriosis and so much more.
In conclusion, I had an amazing time and it was such a quick read that did good things for my heart while simultaneously breaking it at certain parts. I highly recommend checking this book out for a great time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia, Toxic relationship, Infertility, Grief, and Suicide
luchikreads's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Suicide
glubglubglub's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicide, and Death of parent
Moderate: Sexual content, Panic attacks/disorders, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Rape and Sexual assault
readers_together's review against another edition
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Death of parent, Suicide, Domestic abuse, Grief, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Infertility and Injury/Injury detail
tenderbench's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Violence, Grief, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicide, Domestic abuse, Death of parent, and Infertility
daisycantread24's review
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Blood, Suicide, Violence, Sexual content, Death of parent, and Toxic relationship
kbairbooks's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I have too much to say so I need to get this out of the way first. I am so unbelievably blessed to be a part of Amy’s arc team. I got an early copy of Keepsake in exchange for an honest review.
I am enraptured. I thought I saw someone say this as well, but the way this book broke me and then put me back together and gave me a kiss on the head was every f****** thing. I don’t even know how to describe how special this book was, how well it talked about grief, and how grief presents differently in different people. The difficulties of family and the tragedies we experience in life and the small moments that bring people together and the way hard conversations are necessary, but can also be healing and the hardest thing you’ve ever done at the same time. It was vulnerability and kindness and fear and failure and joy and elation and love and hurt and suffering all wrapped into one incredible story.
For the first 30% of the book I thought I wasn’t Vibing with the story. Keyword being I thought. It felt cold to me and I wasn’t connecting with the characters and I wasn’t sure how the story was going to go for me. But then the tables turned, and I’m not gonna spoil it here, but there was one specific moment that happened that completely changed the game for me. I loved, loved, loved seeing how the characters grew together, watched their love grow, their connections grow and it was just so beautiful. All the talk of therapy and healing and again it was just incredible. This is one of those books that’s going to stick with me long after I’ve read it and I am so thrilled and blessed to have been able to read it. Amy, I am in awe of you.
I am enraptured. I thought I saw someone say this as well, but the way this book broke me and then put me back together and gave me a kiss on the head was every f****** thing. I don’t even know how to describe how special this book was, how well it talked about grief, and how grief presents differently in different people. The difficulties of family and the tragedies we experience in life and the small moments that bring people together and the way hard conversations are necessary, but can also be healing and the hardest thing you’ve ever done at the same time. It was vulnerability and kindness and fear and failure and joy and elation and love and hurt and suffering all wrapped into one incredible story.
For the first 30% of the book I thought I wasn’t Vibing with the story. Keyword being I thought. It felt cold to me and I wasn’t connecting with the characters and I wasn’t sure how the story was going to go for me. But then the tables turned, and I’m not gonna spoil it here, but there was one specific moment that happened that completely changed the game for me. I loved, loved, loved seeing how the characters grew together, watched their love grow, their connections grow and it was just so beautiful. All the talk of therapy and healing and again it was just incredible. This is one of those books that’s going to stick with me long after I’ve read it and I am so thrilled and blessed to have been able to read it. Amy, I am in awe of you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicide, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Abandonment, Domestic abuse, Grief, Infertility, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Moderate: Child abuse, Chronic illness, and Classism
Endometriosis rep, mental health/anxiety rep, grief, trauma, family, latine charactersdawnstrickland's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Dynamic Duo
This is a story about loss, grief, friendship, found family, and love. Logan has a career she enjoys. She is an introvert and a perfectionist. On paper, her life looks ideal. However, when she tragically loses her best friend, her dream of a family is placed within her grasp.
Alvaro "El Toro" Castillo is struggling with guilt over the loss of his sister, Sofia. To add to his turmoil, he must face off with his parents to carry out his sister's wishes.
Logan and Alvaro form an unlikely alliance to protect Sofia's children. The forced proximity shines a light on both of their cracked facades. It also fans the flames of attraction. The steam between these two was a slow burn that sparked an inferno.
Ms. Oliveira did a wonderful job addressing heavier topics like grief, anxiety, and trauma. Her delicate approach was both visceral and hopeful. The foundation for this found family was based in love and the nurturing of good mental health habits. Keepsake is an emotional story. It is also one that showcased partnership and passion.
This is a story about loss, grief, friendship, found family, and love. Logan has a career she enjoys. She is an introvert and a perfectionist. On paper, her life looks ideal. However, when she tragically loses her best friend, her dream of a family is placed within her grasp.
Alvaro "El Toro" Castillo is struggling with guilt over the loss of his sister, Sofia. To add to his turmoil, he must face off with his parents to carry out his sister's wishes.
Logan and Alvaro form an unlikely alliance to protect Sofia's children. The forced proximity shines a light on both of their cracked facades. It also fans the flames of attraction. The steam between these two was a slow burn that sparked an inferno.
Ms. Oliveira did a wonderful job addressing heavier topics like grief, anxiety, and trauma. Her delicate approach was both visceral and hopeful. The foundation for this found family was based in love and the nurturing of good mental health habits. Keepsake is an emotional story. It is also one that showcased partnership and passion.
Content Warnings
Minor: Emotional abuse and Suicide