My Heart to Keep

I really enjoyed the book, I thought the storyline was good but I would have liked to learn more background on Jocelyn and Luke. Can’t wait to learn more about the other characters. So far I love this series.

Everything you expect in a fake marriage is in Jocelyn and Luke's story. It has all the family drama, the awkwardness and the sexual tension. I am team Jocelyn for this story. She is strong yet vulnerable. She is hard yet soft. She has the weight of the world on her shoulders and no one seems to notice. She cares for those around her and yet no one has her back. As far as Luke goes, he's a good guy but, misguided. He is selfish and determined to "earn" his inheritance by marrying Jocelyn. What bothers me about their story is that Luke and Jocelyn have a past which, has affected their present relationship. Jocelyn hates Luke and Luke knows why. He can't blame her but, he gets upset with her when he thinks her feelings aren't real. I kept thinking, "are you kidding me?" in regards to Luke's perceptions. He and Jocelyn have known each other since they were in school. They live on a small island where everyone's business is everyone's business. How can Luke possibly be surprised by Jocelyn's family issues or motives to agree to their marriage? Also, this whole marriage for an inheritance scenario is a bit off on timing. Jocelyn needs to help her father who is getting foreclosure notices and past due medical bills that seem to be of immediate importance. This is the whole reasoning behind her getting past her hatred of Luke and marrying him. But, Jocelyn has to be married to Luke for a year and be convincing it's a love match before any of that money can be disbursed. What is going to happen to Jocelyn's dad before that happens? How will Jocelyn manage all of this? It doesn't detract from the story but, it is something that jumped out at me while reading. I really like this story and feel good about Jocelyn and Luke. They hit some big bumps but, come out the other end with a beautiful happy ending and a promise of forever love. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Two frenemies find love under the most difficult circumstances. Iris Moreland returns to Hazel Island in this second book of the series to provide readers with a riveting storyline accompanied by delicious dialogue. I jotted down the ones that appealed to my heart, and at the end, I was able to experience once again, in a condensed version, Jocelyn’s and Luke’s journey from childhood to adulthood surrounded by families who have multiple psychological issues that prevent them from supporting each other. At the end, Luke and Jocelyn are faced with the question of whether or not they can give themselves the freedom to tear down the walls that keep them apart. A brilliant and beautiful love story, “My Heart to Keep” is definitely a “keeper.” I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.