A Journey of Unexpected Affection: Review of Keep Me Never by K.P. Huling
Okay, guys, let’s be real: I could hardly contain my eye rolls when I picked up Keep Me Never, the fourth installment in the Boys of Avix series by K.P. Huling. My previous encounters with Chase didn’t exactly leave me warm and fuzzy; in fact, I had pegged him as the character whose redemption arc might take a miracle. But as fate would have it, this book somehow wormed its way into my heart. Initially rated at four stars, I’ve decided to settle at a solid 3.5—because honestly, half-star ratings are just how I roll.
What I didn’t expect was how much I genuinely ended up loving this book. Chase and Paige’s dynamic turned out to be delightful, and I found myself rooting for them, despite my previous hesitations. The little ritual they had of expressing gratitude felt so tender, adding layers to their relationship. Sure, it might sound a bit corny, but when Chase is grappling with personal demons, the sweetness of those scenes became a major highlight for me. Paige, the heart and soul of this story, is simply irresistible. Her sunny disposition reminded me of my favorite heroines, and the moments she shared with her found family had me smiling like a goofball.
One of the more surprising elements of this read was the vibe it gave me—almost reminiscent of my all-time favorite Twisted Games by Ana Huang. It might not have offered the thrill and chaos that some books do, but its charm lay in its simplicity—making it a fun and easy read. To me, sometimes a straightforward yet sweet romance is just the ticket, and this book delivered that with aplomb.
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, though; there are a few bumps in the road. For one, the longer chapters felt like a slog at times, and the constant references to Paige’s petite stature became somewhat off-putting. Furthermore, I found their rapid feelings for one another borderline implausible—even if it was hinted in the previous book. And oh my goodness, the antics of Chase’s grandfather? Purely ridiculous and somewhat less than compelling—a thorn in the otherwise sweet narrative.
Yet, amidst nitpicking, I found myself enchanted by the sheer affection radiating from Paige and Chase. Their blend of lightheartedness and deeper connection created a captivating dip into young love. And hey, who knew I’d be experiencing emotions during a wedding scene instead of rolling my eyes at the obligatory smut? The quaint ending left me misty-eyed, making me rethink my stance on these boys.
As I close the (metaphorical) book on this series, I can’t help but admit that I might miss the ensemble of characters that Huling has crafted. For anyone who loves emotionally rich romances packed with touching moments, Keep Me Never and its relatable characters will surely etch a place in your heart. While it hasn’t fully transformed my opinion on Chase, I’m pleased to find that sometimes love finds its way home, and I’m grateful for the journey.
Overall, if you’re seeking a cozy, character-driven romance that’s tinged with humor and warmth, Keep Me Never is definitely worth a look. Now excuse me while I contemplate grabbing a slice of shortcake—because the way this book played with food metaphors has me curious! 💕
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