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Keeper of My Heart
Katie McCullough doesn’t know it, but Max Sawyer, the over confident, irritatingly handsome hotel developer who outbid her for the lighthouse property, is none other, than her mystery lighthouse sailor. The one man who captured her heart five years earlier, the one man who has since been the plumb line for every other unsuspecting male who has crossed her path. Unfortunately for Max, he doesn’t measure up either. Still reeling from losing the property she’d planned to call home, sparks fly when Katie assumes Max is turning her beloved lighthouse compound into one of his ‘Serenity Spa Resorts.” Outraged, Katie sets out on a mission to dismantle the property…and his plans. Except Max’s plans have absolutely nothing to do with hotels and everything to do with winning Katie’s heart. This is the second edition of Keeper of My Heart.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 8, 2016
4 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
About the author
Darcy Flynn
13 books95 followersDarcy Flynn is known for her heartwarming, sweet contemporary romances. Her refreshing storylines, irritatingly handsome heroes and feisty heroines will delight and entertain you from the first page to the last. Miss Flynn’s heroes and heroines have a tangible chemistry that is entertaining, humorous and competitive.
Darcy lives with her husband and a menagerie of other living creatures on her horse farm in Franklin, Tennessee. She stargazes on warm summer nights and indulges daily in afternoon tea.
Darcy lives with her husband and a menagerie of other living creatures on her horse farm in Franklin, Tennessee. She stargazes on warm summer nights and indulges daily in afternoon tea.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 19, 2012
3.5/5.0
This is one of those stories that is so heart-warming that even the TSTL heroine can't stop one from enjoying the book! Ms. Flynn's gift with the pen in describing the charm of the beautiful sea-side lighthouse and it's properties makes one yearn for the salt-scented peace and warm community it invokes. The strength of the story comes from that warmth which threads through, not only the feel of area, but the very people and their interactions.
The only exception to this is the heroine herself. Katie McCullough's character, her absurd choices and unimaginable reasons are the one thing that tempts the reader to chuck the book at the wall (then angrily pick it up again to read on.) WHY can she NEVER just tell the truth?!?! And, why does she constantly act like a spoiled two-year old? Max's actions, while at first seem a little heavy-handed, are at least understandable given his frustration with her unexplainable proclivities. He repeatedly asks for her honesty only to be rebuffed and confused again. *head-shaking, eye-rolling frustration* Still, the sparks are palpable as the tiny mysteries unravel one by one until the much anticipated HEA is relished. Everyone (including the reader) truly is happy in the end.
This is one of those stories that is so heart-warming that even the TSTL heroine can't stop one from enjoying the book! Ms. Flynn's gift with the pen in describing the charm of the beautiful sea-side lighthouse and it's properties makes one yearn for the salt-scented peace and warm community it invokes. The strength of the story comes from that warmth which threads through, not only the feel of area, but the very people and their interactions.
The only exception to this is the heroine herself. Katie McCullough's character, her absurd choices and unimaginable reasons are the one thing that tempts the reader to chuck the book at the wall (then angrily pick it up again to read on.) WHY can she NEVER just tell the truth?!?! And, why does she constantly act like a spoiled two-year old? Max's actions, while at first seem a little heavy-handed, are at least understandable given his frustration with her unexplainable proclivities. He repeatedly asks for her honesty only to be rebuffed and confused again. *head-shaking, eye-rolling frustration* Still, the sparks are palpable as the tiny mysteries unravel one by one until the much anticipated HEA is relished. Everyone (including the reader) truly is happy in the end.
February 18, 2013
Cute story -
Katie has had things rough in her life, but one thing she always was able to fall back on, was her love for her sailor. Even though it has been years, she still held on to that phantom of a guy she fell in love with.
When Max met with Katie at first, he didn't recognize the beautiful woman she had become. And that mouth! Since when did she get so sassy!?!
Katie lost a lot in her life, and she tried hard to hold onto the things that mattered the most to her. After her parents died, she and her brother Davy went to live with Pop - Pop is getting old now and needs her help. She had planned on buying the Light Station and having him move in with her. She spent years keeping the Light Station in tip top shape, so she was beyond shocked with Max waltzed into town and bid over her for the Light Station!
Katie was so shocked she didn't know what to do! And when she and her BFF Jill found out he was rich because he bought up old historical buildings and turned them into 5 star hotels, She was freaked out! There was no way she'd let him turn her special place into a hotel. She had too much at stake!
Trying to sabotage his plans she decided to take things into her hands.
But that only lead to backfiring on Katie. Because Max knew right from the start it was her doing, and then he actually had the gull to have her arrested!
Luckily for Katie, Max dropped the charges, but not without his own conditions. Conditions that Katie had no other option but to agree with.
These two had a special relationship. only Max knew who Katie was, but Katie had no idea that Max was her Sailor.
Max is learning more about Katie, And the more he learns about her, the more he's seeing someone different than the girl he knew years ago....
Way cute story - I really enjoyed the light house effects - the small town and the cute little moments these two stole when they thought no one was looking :)
Happy Reading
upallnightreviews@gmail.com
Katie has had things rough in her life, but one thing she always was able to fall back on, was her love for her sailor. Even though it has been years, she still held on to that phantom of a guy she fell in love with.
When Max met with Katie at first, he didn't recognize the beautiful woman she had become. And that mouth! Since when did she get so sassy!?!
Katie lost a lot in her life, and she tried hard to hold onto the things that mattered the most to her. After her parents died, she and her brother Davy went to live with Pop - Pop is getting old now and needs her help. She had planned on buying the Light Station and having him move in with her. She spent years keeping the Light Station in tip top shape, so she was beyond shocked with Max waltzed into town and bid over her for the Light Station!
Katie was so shocked she didn't know what to do! And when she and her BFF Jill found out he was rich because he bought up old historical buildings and turned them into 5 star hotels, She was freaked out! There was no way she'd let him turn her special place into a hotel. She had too much at stake!
Trying to sabotage his plans she decided to take things into her hands.
But that only lead to backfiring on Katie. Because Max knew right from the start it was her doing, and then he actually had the gull to have her arrested!
Luckily for Katie, Max dropped the charges, but not without his own conditions. Conditions that Katie had no other option but to agree with.
These two had a special relationship. only Max knew who Katie was, but Katie had no idea that Max was her Sailor.
Max is learning more about Katie, And the more he learns about her, the more he's seeing someone different than the girl he knew years ago....
Way cute story - I really enjoyed the light house effects - the small town and the cute little moments these two stole when they thought no one was looking :)
Happy Reading
upallnightreviews@gmail.com
March 19, 2012
Set around a beautiful old lighthouse, we are introduced to strong-willed and opinionated Katie McCullough who has spent the last two years restoring our scene. She hopes to one day buy it for herself and her “Pops.” Just as she tastes the fruits of her determination, as her uncontested bid is to be announced, fate sucker punches her and when it turns an unknown thief has swooped in the last minutes to steal her light house. Max Sawyer, a former naval officer now a developer, makes his mark by transforming historic places into lavishly exclusive spas has come back to ask Katie for forgiveness for a past indiscretion. Realizing Max was her thief Kate rages a hilarious war.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book because it was light and fun. Darcy Flynn did an amazing job describing her scenes, though I wish there had been more to a few of the scenes themselves. That notwithstanding, for being a shorter book I couldn’t put it down. I loved the romance between Max and Katie with kisses and simple affection, rather than the reliance upon more carnal scenes found in most romance novels.
As always if you have any requests or recommendations email me.
Be sure to visit my blogs at:
http://reflectionsofabookworm.wordpre...
http://bookwormrflects8.blogspot.com/
You can even follow me on Twitter
@BookWormRflect
I thoroughly enjoyed this book because it was light and fun. Darcy Flynn did an amazing job describing her scenes, though I wish there had been more to a few of the scenes themselves. That notwithstanding, for being a shorter book I couldn’t put it down. I loved the romance between Max and Katie with kisses and simple affection, rather than the reliance upon more carnal scenes found in most romance novels.
As always if you have any requests or recommendations email me.
Be sure to visit my blogs at:
http://reflectionsofabookworm.wordpre...
http://bookwormrflects8.blogspot.com/
You can even follow me on Twitter
@BookWormRflect
June 11, 2012
This was a cute romance. Sweet and fun, the story dragged you in to share in great emotions and fabulous love. the beginning was a little choppy and the background never completely explained, so I did feel like I missed out on some of the premise and explanation, but it recovered well. There were some great scenes that pulled me through and made it fun. Katie is spunky, sweet and devoted to the past and those who made her life what it is. She is a bit volatile and sentimental. Max is inexplicably rich and both wonderful and sweet. In other words the classic hero. Their romance is fun and makes you smile. Altogether a cute story once you get into it.
www.cleanromancereviews.com
www.cleanromancereviews.com
November 8, 2013
3.5 Stars
February 13, 2012
This review is also posted on Always a Booklover.
I really enjoyed Keeper of My Heart. It was a really sweet romance. Nothing heavy, just a light, simple read that left me smiling at the end of it. The plot was good and the characters in the book were mostly likable and really enhanced the storyline.
Katie was a very strong character. Though everything seemed to be going wrong for her, she somehow managed to keep living on and didn’t give up through it all. She’s really ingenious heh. Her ideas throughout the book especially the stealing part left me laughing and totally in awe of her. Not about the act, but about her thought processes.
As for Max, he was a great character too. However, I felt myself unable to completely like him. It seemed as if I was waiting for him to do something but that never happened. I found him very high-handed. Though it isn’t that bad on its own, I just feel that he was extremely proud and kept looking down on Katie. Sure, she wasn’t the most sensible of people. I guess I just didn’t like the way he treated her and the way he felt. I was hoping that he would really get hit by his conscience but he never did. Alright, he did, but it wasn’t really emphasized.
The plot of the whole book was good. I remember that when I first saw the blurb a month ago, I just knew I had to read it. And when I finally did, I can only say that I have no regrets. The book is impossible to dislike because of the way it was written. So sweet and simple, but yet, it had so much meaning. The whole plot fell together really nicely and was well thought out. I felt that the pace of the book was perfect and the events flowed really smoothly.
All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book. I guess the only reason why I didn’t give it 5 stars was because it lacked that spark in it. A spark of passion. Sure, it was talked about, but I never felt it. That was what was lacking. However, I still really enjoyed the book. The dialogues the characters had were rather witty and I found myself smiling along with them at different intervals in the book.
Now, there really isn’t much that I can say about this book. Firstly, its really short. Secondly, about everything was fine with the book. There were no real problems, but at the same time, there wasn’t any part that really stood out. Thirdly, I’m so tired I can’t think. Oh wait. I do remember some things that I enjoyed. I really liked it when Max finally got struck by his conscience. I was really annoyed with him throughout quite a bit of the book. He just expected Katie to fall into his arms and obey his every command right from the start. I couldn’t stand that, and hence, I was secretly delighted when he was put in his place. Everytime he discovered how much he had hurt Katie, I was just right there laughing at him.
Hmm, what else is there to say? Alright, just a short bit about the storyline. I found it rather interesting most of the time. I mean, I was addicted to it; I couldn’t put the book down. I guess it really did appeal to me and all I wanted was to see Katie and Max get their HEA. Though both had their own share of problems, especially Katie in the beginning, I’m glad to say that most of the problems were worked through and resolved. The character development in this book is really good. Though there wasn’t much space, Darcy managed to show how the characters matured over the course of the book. In the end, they both finally did grow up.
I really liked this book. Though there isn’t anything really special about it, I guess its unique in the sense that it’s a sweet, clean romance. I don’t read many of these type of genre and I must say, I’m glad that I read this book. Not because I have to read it for the blog tour, but because I really enjoyed it. Definitely a recommended read.
I really enjoyed Keeper of My Heart. It was a really sweet romance. Nothing heavy, just a light, simple read that left me smiling at the end of it. The plot was good and the characters in the book were mostly likable and really enhanced the storyline.
Katie was a very strong character. Though everything seemed to be going wrong for her, she somehow managed to keep living on and didn’t give up through it all. She’s really ingenious heh. Her ideas throughout the book especially the stealing part left me laughing and totally in awe of her. Not about the act, but about her thought processes.
As for Max, he was a great character too. However, I felt myself unable to completely like him. It seemed as if I was waiting for him to do something but that never happened. I found him very high-handed. Though it isn’t that bad on its own, I just feel that he was extremely proud and kept looking down on Katie. Sure, she wasn’t the most sensible of people. I guess I just didn’t like the way he treated her and the way he felt. I was hoping that he would really get hit by his conscience but he never did. Alright, he did, but it wasn’t really emphasized.
The plot of the whole book was good. I remember that when I first saw the blurb a month ago, I just knew I had to read it. And when I finally did, I can only say that I have no regrets. The book is impossible to dislike because of the way it was written. So sweet and simple, but yet, it had so much meaning. The whole plot fell together really nicely and was well thought out. I felt that the pace of the book was perfect and the events flowed really smoothly.
All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book. I guess the only reason why I didn’t give it 5 stars was because it lacked that spark in it. A spark of passion. Sure, it was talked about, but I never felt it. That was what was lacking. However, I still really enjoyed the book. The dialogues the characters had were rather witty and I found myself smiling along with them at different intervals in the book.
Now, there really isn’t much that I can say about this book. Firstly, its really short. Secondly, about everything was fine with the book. There were no real problems, but at the same time, there wasn’t any part that really stood out. Thirdly, I’m so tired I can’t think. Oh wait. I do remember some things that I enjoyed. I really liked it when Max finally got struck by his conscience. I was really annoyed with him throughout quite a bit of the book. He just expected Katie to fall into his arms and obey his every command right from the start. I couldn’t stand that, and hence, I was secretly delighted when he was put in his place. Everytime he discovered how much he had hurt Katie, I was just right there laughing at him.
Hmm, what else is there to say? Alright, just a short bit about the storyline. I found it rather interesting most of the time. I mean, I was addicted to it; I couldn’t put the book down. I guess it really did appeal to me and all I wanted was to see Katie and Max get their HEA. Though both had their own share of problems, especially Katie in the beginning, I’m glad to say that most of the problems were worked through and resolved. The character development in this book is really good. Though there wasn’t much space, Darcy managed to show how the characters matured over the course of the book. In the end, they both finally did grow up.
I really liked this book. Though there isn’t anything really special about it, I guess its unique in the sense that it’s a sweet, clean romance. I don’t read many of these type of genre and I must say, I’m glad that I read this book. Not because I have to read it for the blog tour, but because I really enjoyed it. Definitely a recommended read.
June 5, 2013
Enough reviews posted to get you in the loop. So I’ll get straight to it.
So slow. I got dizzy with the constant back and forth and withheld secrets. It seemed to take forever to get anywhere and every time it looked like it was going to get a little exciting and a lot hot nothing happened.
Katie’s character was meant to come across as feisty yet she alternated between mature and childish too often for it to be convincing. Half way through the book she cried and never seemed to bloody stop.
Max I never did warm to. Controlling, smug, manipulative, aggressive and the occasional softening self talk to show he wasn't a complete jerk.
Max to Katie. “If I ever catch this vandal stealing from me again, this master will command her.”
He was sure of one thing though: she needed reining in, guidance, and a firm hand. And he’d be the one to do it.
He gets her jailed, forces stipulations on her, one of them she cannot leave the confines of the property and like a little lamb she follows. What? Where's that acclaimed feisty brat when you need her? She should have called his bluff and forced him to press theft charges against her again. Now that's feisty and a load more exciting. He ran over her and she let him despite all her surface bravado. And this is a man who claimed to love her since she was 16. Bah his actions made that claim unbelievable.
With his attitude I’m too easily reminded of the pirate romances I used to read a long time ago.
February 22, 2012
Summary:
Katie McCullough’s plans to renovate the town’s lighthouse are crumbled by Max Sawyer who glides into town. Max is a hotel developer and Katie believes he wants to turn her beloved lighthouse into a big hotel/spa. Katie sets out to destroy Max and his plans. What she doesn’t know is that Max and Katie have already met. When Katie was a young teen she met a sailor. She and her sailor wrote letters to each other for years. Max knows he’s Katie’s sailor, but worries about telling her. He thinks she blames him for the death of her brother. Once Katie figures out who Max is, she realizes that all he wanted was to win her heart.
My Take:
Let me start by saying that I love books set in seaside towns! *Sigh* Ok, I was really sick when I read this book, so I had time to sit and enjoy it. The story is predictable, but it’s a nice, light, easy, romance. Katie was spunky, sassy, and a bit of a brat sometimes. She got on my nerves occasionally, until I reminded myself that she didn’t know who Max was. Max was adorable to me. He was so thoughtful, even though Katie didn’t see him that way. I LOVE that he came back for her! There are just a few things that I have to nag about. Some of the paragraph transitions were rough and the romance developed a little slow for me. Overall, it’s a great, short read for a beach day or if you need something light and romantic.
www.autumnreview.com
Katie McCullough’s plans to renovate the town’s lighthouse are crumbled by Max Sawyer who glides into town. Max is a hotel developer and Katie believes he wants to turn her beloved lighthouse into a big hotel/spa. Katie sets out to destroy Max and his plans. What she doesn’t know is that Max and Katie have already met. When Katie was a young teen she met a sailor. She and her sailor wrote letters to each other for years. Max knows he’s Katie’s sailor, but worries about telling her. He thinks she blames him for the death of her brother. Once Katie figures out who Max is, she realizes that all he wanted was to win her heart.
My Take:
Let me start by saying that I love books set in seaside towns! *Sigh* Ok, I was really sick when I read this book, so I had time to sit and enjoy it. The story is predictable, but it’s a nice, light, easy, romance. Katie was spunky, sassy, and a bit of a brat sometimes. She got on my nerves occasionally, until I reminded myself that she didn’t know who Max was. Max was adorable to me. He was so thoughtful, even though Katie didn’t see him that way. I LOVE that he came back for her! There are just a few things that I have to nag about. Some of the paragraph transitions were rough and the romance developed a little slow for me. Overall, it’s a great, short read for a beach day or if you need something light and romantic.
www.autumnreview.com
February 22, 2012
This entire review is also posted on my blog Forever Book Lover, you will also find an interview with Darcy Flynn.
You will love this book!! It was that good. The storyline was refreshing, it was a lovely tale proving once again that love triumphs despite obstacles along the way. If you are looking for a hot passionate romance book, you won't find it in this but what you will find is a sweet romantic story of two people finding their way to one another.. You will be delighted in the bantering between Katie and Max, you may even find yourself chuckling out loud a time or two. Max sometimes may have come across pompous, but Katie had a tendency to do "over the top" things. The author created some great secondary characters which added to the depth of Katie and Max. Ms. Flynn brought to life a realistic fishing town and within a few short pages, you felt that you were a resident in the quaint town of Paige Point.
The love that Katie has for Pop is sweet, it made me think of my own grandfather and what I would do for him if he asked. It was cute to find that love can still happen even in your twilight years.
Ms. Flynn spun a wonderful tale and I am sure you won't be disappointed . She is offering 5 copies of her book to 5 lucky winners. I recommend you filling out the form and enter to win this book.
July 3, 2013
This sweet romance is the story of a never forgotten kiss and the way Katie and Max's love finally comes to fulfillment. In the beautiful seaside setting the lighthouse at the center of the story becomes a character in itself. Katie, a feisty young woman is renovating the lighthouse when it's bought from out under her. Her fury knows no bounds and she instigates various schemes to best Max Sawyer. What she doesn't realize is that Max is her mystery sailor from 5 years before and he keeps secret the fact he's doing this in an effort to make up for his part in her brother's death. I enjoyed seeing their relationship fight its way through the obstacles and would recommend this to anyone looking for a light sweet romance for their summer reading.
August 16, 2014
Darcy Flynn sets this story, and at times amusing character antics, against the beauty of Chesapeake Bay while capturing an affection for yesteryear in this contemporary romance.
Full review in February 2013 issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Full review in February 2013 issue of InD'tale Magazine.
February 25, 2012
I loved the story of Katie and Max. Wonderful characters and vivid descriptions. Darcy Flynn writes a heartwarming story of young love that will leave you tingling with warmth.
March 14, 2012
Loved.It.To.PIECES!!
July 15, 2014
This was a great story. Darcy has a unique and engaging way of getting the story across. I loved this book.
March 2, 2012
Review coming soon.
April 15, 2012
Keeper of My Heart by Darcy Flynn
Review by Kara Grant
Minor Spoilers
My Review
I did not know what to expect when I started this ebook. I loved the summary and I needed something different from the suspense novels I’ve been reading. Keeper of My Heart DID NOT DISAPPOINT. It’s such a light read, but more than once I couldn’t BELIEVE some of the pranks Katie pulled. Wow, they definitely got my attention and kept me glued to the story to see what would happen next. I could never pull such pranks on a person, but they were fun to read about!
Katie works part-time at a hardware store, takes art classes, and spends all her free time renovating and restoring the cottage at the light house. When she has time she enjoys painting, riding her bike around town, and visiting her grandpa, “Pop,” in his retirement home. Her Pop is a retired lighthouse keeper and she’s determined to make a real home for the two of them as soon as she wins the bidding on the cottage.
Max Sawyer is a sailor. He was deployed to Afghanistan and then became a hotel developer with the intention of returning to Paige Point, Maryland to oversee the renovation of the cottage for Katie in honor of her deceased brother, Davy, his best friend. Little does he realize that Katie has gotten a head start on this renovation and not realizing who he is when he wins the bid, he quickly turns Katie into his foe.
Even though Katie and Max exchanged letters for years, they really haven’t met and need to get reacquainted.
Their first encounter in this story is a disaster. Max injures Katie while she’s bike riding and damages her bike.
The second time they meet he orders her down from a rickety ladder so she doesn’t break her neck.
The third time they see one another, he outbids her on the cottage which results in her hasty exit.
Throughout the story, they have nicknames for each other. Katie called him “My Sailor” in her letters and he called her “Keeper Girl” in his letters. In person he calls her “angel” and she considers him “insufferable.” He calls her a thief after she pulls off her first prank and thinks of her as a delinquent. After Max catches Katie pulling another prank he has her put in jail and will only agree to drop the charges if she agrees to move in to the cottage and oversee the landscaping being done. Her pranks earn her the nickname, mishief maker, from her Pop.
Here’s an excerpt:
“By the way, the scones and sandwiches were delicious.”
Katie scowled. She’d forgotten all about her scones.
“But somehow I get the feeling that you’d rather I’d choked on them.” He flashed her a smile and she wondered again how he could read her mind so accurately.
“Look, I’m sorry I jumped all over you yesterday,” he said.
Katie’s breath caught in her throat. He was apologizing?
“Call me old-fashioned, but I stand by the fact that little girls shouldn’t be dangling from the tops of ladders, rickety or otherwise. Am I forgiven?” His brown eyes held a twinkle in their depths.
The ringing of Max’s phone startled her. “Excuse me,” he said as he walked a few feet away to take his call.
“Oh, I can tell he’s real sorry,” she muttered to herself.
“What do you mean she’s disappeared?” Katie heard him say into his phone.
Who disappeared? she wondered.
Lily was locking the door so no one else could come in when Tom walked up with the two long hoses. “Last two.” He smiled, then leaned toward her. “Hey Kate,” he whispered. “Is that the guy?” Kate groaned and nodded her head, letting out a long sigh.
“Sorry,” Max said as he returned to the counter. “Business associate. Oh, great you had them.” He smiled and placed his credit card on the counter.
Max accepted Tom’s outstretched hand with a firm grasp in a welcoming handshake. After they exchanged a few pleasantries, Tom took himself off to the nether regions of the store.
Katie began to ring him up. “You know, I found that the three fifty-foot hoses that are already at the station were plenty sufficient for any need that could arise.”
“Did you? And how would you know that?” he drawled as he signed the ticket.
Katie’s hackles started to rise. “Well, I did take care of the houses and grounds for quite some time, doing things like watering the trees, the shrubs, and the flowerbeds, and cleaning the windows.”
“Really? I was actually planning to hire someone to do that. You got any interest?” His lips quirked, revealing a crooked smile that pulled endearingly at the corners of his mouth.
Katie’s lips clamped shut. Then taking a deep steadying breath, gave him a look that said drop dead. “No, I do not.”
“I wondered, since you seemed hell bent on working there yesterday.”
“Well, that was yesterday.”
Then after a moment of silence as she waited for the credit card to go through, she added, “You know if you’re going to be replacing things, I would suggest the ladder. As you noticed yourself, it’s terribly rickety, unsafe as a matter of fact.”
He looked up from signing the ticket, suddenly changing the tone of the conversation, his eyes becoming more serious. “How are you, Katie?”
Caught off guard by his sincerity, Katie lowered her gaze from his as she pretended to busy herself with some papers on the counter.
“I was worried about you after you left last night.”
He took her chin between his fingers, forcing her to meet his gaze. She raised her eyes to his briefly, then lowered them to stare at his shirt collar.
“Look at me.” He spoke softly but with a firmness that commanded her attention, and she found herself unable to disobey.
She could drown in those gold-flickered eyes. Fighting it with every fiber of her being, she pulled her chin out of his lean fingers and said, “I’m perfectly fine, Mr. Sawyer. But we’re closed now so if you don’t mind, I have to balance the cash drawer.”
Max Sawyer clenched his jaw, hardening his handsome features. “Thanks for the hoses.” He strode out of the store, his words still reverberating against her eardrums.
Max has a secret and considers telling Katie several times in the story, but after seeing what a mishief maker she is around him he decides to keep the sparring between them going. Katie is also tempted to tell Max more than once what her connection is to the cottage and why she’s so determined to make life difficult for him, but backs out each time. She also enjoys the sparring between them and doesn’t trust this arrogant man. She has memories of her sailor man that she doesn’t want to let go of and this keeps her from getting close to anybody else.
As I was writing this review, the song Mr. Big Stuff by Jean Martin came to my mind and I decided to include this youtube video for your hearing pleasure :) This song illustrates so well how Katie views Max in the story and explains her response to him (please see karathewriter.blogspot.com for the song and for the book trailer).
Katie and Max have a tangible chemistry throughout the story that was both entertaining, humorous, and competitive. Her pranks and their dialogue really kept the story interesting. I didn’t like how proud they both act due to misunderstandings and miscommunication, but it made the story play out really well and teaches them both a lesson. I thought Max was too demanding and didn’t like how he wanted to tame Katie’s childish ways, but he knew how to handle her and his instincts were accurate. There was very little profanity: da*n was mentioned a couple of times and he** was also spoken a few times. I wasn’t happy to see the language, but there was so little of it I simply ignored them and the story didn’t suffer for it. Considering the pranks they pull on one another, those words were a tame reaction in the narration. Max smokes in one scene. Max kisses Katie several times in the story even while the sparring is going on and there’s one scene where he sleeps in the same bed with her to keep warm while a storm is raging outside, but nothing happens. The pictures I’m posting with this review do not reflect the story at all, but they are simply illustrating how I pictured the story.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good romance that isn’t typical or inappropriate. The setting of the story was also breathtaking if you enjoy the beach, a small town, and the light house. One of my favorite parts of this review was looking up light house photos online for this post. There is something heroic, romantic, and even Godly about the light house image that never fades. They are a guide to sailors; a light in the darkness as Christians are called to be; and they make me think of safety and adventure simultaneously. I love the light house in this story and I’m glad that both Max and Katie fight for it while learning to let go of the past. Please visit Darcy Flynn at her website, http://www.darcyflynnromances.com/.
I want to thank Darcy for sending me this ebook for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
*please see karathewriter.blogspot.com for images*
Review by Kara Grant
Minor Spoilers
My Review
I did not know what to expect when I started this ebook. I loved the summary and I needed something different from the suspense novels I’ve been reading. Keeper of My Heart DID NOT DISAPPOINT. It’s such a light read, but more than once I couldn’t BELIEVE some of the pranks Katie pulled. Wow, they definitely got my attention and kept me glued to the story to see what would happen next. I could never pull such pranks on a person, but they were fun to read about!
Katie works part-time at a hardware store, takes art classes, and spends all her free time renovating and restoring the cottage at the light house. When she has time she enjoys painting, riding her bike around town, and visiting her grandpa, “Pop,” in his retirement home. Her Pop is a retired lighthouse keeper and she’s determined to make a real home for the two of them as soon as she wins the bidding on the cottage.
Max Sawyer is a sailor. He was deployed to Afghanistan and then became a hotel developer with the intention of returning to Paige Point, Maryland to oversee the renovation of the cottage for Katie in honor of her deceased brother, Davy, his best friend. Little does he realize that Katie has gotten a head start on this renovation and not realizing who he is when he wins the bid, he quickly turns Katie into his foe.
Even though Katie and Max exchanged letters for years, they really haven’t met and need to get reacquainted.
Their first encounter in this story is a disaster. Max injures Katie while she’s bike riding and damages her bike.
The second time they meet he orders her down from a rickety ladder so she doesn’t break her neck.
The third time they see one another, he outbids her on the cottage which results in her hasty exit.
Throughout the story, they have nicknames for each other. Katie called him “My Sailor” in her letters and he called her “Keeper Girl” in his letters. In person he calls her “angel” and she considers him “insufferable.” He calls her a thief after she pulls off her first prank and thinks of her as a delinquent. After Max catches Katie pulling another prank he has her put in jail and will only agree to drop the charges if she agrees to move in to the cottage and oversee the landscaping being done. Her pranks earn her the nickname, mishief maker, from her Pop.
Here’s an excerpt:
“By the way, the scones and sandwiches were delicious.”
Katie scowled. She’d forgotten all about her scones.
“But somehow I get the feeling that you’d rather I’d choked on them.” He flashed her a smile and she wondered again how he could read her mind so accurately.
“Look, I’m sorry I jumped all over you yesterday,” he said.
Katie’s breath caught in her throat. He was apologizing?
“Call me old-fashioned, but I stand by the fact that little girls shouldn’t be dangling from the tops of ladders, rickety or otherwise. Am I forgiven?” His brown eyes held a twinkle in their depths.
The ringing of Max’s phone startled her. “Excuse me,” he said as he walked a few feet away to take his call.
“Oh, I can tell he’s real sorry,” she muttered to herself.
“What do you mean she’s disappeared?” Katie heard him say into his phone.
Who disappeared? she wondered.
Lily was locking the door so no one else could come in when Tom walked up with the two long hoses. “Last two.” He smiled, then leaned toward her. “Hey Kate,” he whispered. “Is that the guy?” Kate groaned and nodded her head, letting out a long sigh.
“Sorry,” Max said as he returned to the counter. “Business associate. Oh, great you had them.” He smiled and placed his credit card on the counter.
Max accepted Tom’s outstretched hand with a firm grasp in a welcoming handshake. After they exchanged a few pleasantries, Tom took himself off to the nether regions of the store.
Katie began to ring him up. “You know, I found that the three fifty-foot hoses that are already at the station were plenty sufficient for any need that could arise.”
“Did you? And how would you know that?” he drawled as he signed the ticket.
Katie’s hackles started to rise. “Well, I did take care of the houses and grounds for quite some time, doing things like watering the trees, the shrubs, and the flowerbeds, and cleaning the windows.”
“Really? I was actually planning to hire someone to do that. You got any interest?” His lips quirked, revealing a crooked smile that pulled endearingly at the corners of his mouth.
Katie’s lips clamped shut. Then taking a deep steadying breath, gave him a look that said drop dead. “No, I do not.”
“I wondered, since you seemed hell bent on working there yesterday.”
“Well, that was yesterday.”
Then after a moment of silence as she waited for the credit card to go through, she added, “You know if you’re going to be replacing things, I would suggest the ladder. As you noticed yourself, it’s terribly rickety, unsafe as a matter of fact.”
He looked up from signing the ticket, suddenly changing the tone of the conversation, his eyes becoming more serious. “How are you, Katie?”
Caught off guard by his sincerity, Katie lowered her gaze from his as she pretended to busy herself with some papers on the counter.
“I was worried about you after you left last night.”
He took her chin between his fingers, forcing her to meet his gaze. She raised her eyes to his briefly, then lowered them to stare at his shirt collar.
“Look at me.” He spoke softly but with a firmness that commanded her attention, and she found herself unable to disobey.
She could drown in those gold-flickered eyes. Fighting it with every fiber of her being, she pulled her chin out of his lean fingers and said, “I’m perfectly fine, Mr. Sawyer. But we’re closed now so if you don’t mind, I have to balance the cash drawer.”
Max Sawyer clenched his jaw, hardening his handsome features. “Thanks for the hoses.” He strode out of the store, his words still reverberating against her eardrums.
Max has a secret and considers telling Katie several times in the story, but after seeing what a mishief maker she is around him he decides to keep the sparring between them going. Katie is also tempted to tell Max more than once what her connection is to the cottage and why she’s so determined to make life difficult for him, but backs out each time. She also enjoys the sparring between them and doesn’t trust this arrogant man. She has memories of her sailor man that she doesn’t want to let go of and this keeps her from getting close to anybody else.
As I was writing this review, the song Mr. Big Stuff by Jean Martin came to my mind and I decided to include this youtube video for your hearing pleasure :) This song illustrates so well how Katie views Max in the story and explains her response to him (please see karathewriter.blogspot.com for the song and for the book trailer).
Katie and Max have a tangible chemistry throughout the story that was both entertaining, humorous, and competitive. Her pranks and their dialogue really kept the story interesting. I didn’t like how proud they both act due to misunderstandings and miscommunication, but it made the story play out really well and teaches them both a lesson. I thought Max was too demanding and didn’t like how he wanted to tame Katie’s childish ways, but he knew how to handle her and his instincts were accurate. There was very little profanity: da*n was mentioned a couple of times and he** was also spoken a few times. I wasn’t happy to see the language, but there was so little of it I simply ignored them and the story didn’t suffer for it. Considering the pranks they pull on one another, those words were a tame reaction in the narration. Max smokes in one scene. Max kisses Katie several times in the story even while the sparring is going on and there’s one scene where he sleeps in the same bed with her to keep warm while a storm is raging outside, but nothing happens. The pictures I’m posting with this review do not reflect the story at all, but they are simply illustrating how I pictured the story.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good romance that isn’t typical or inappropriate. The setting of the story was also breathtaking if you enjoy the beach, a small town, and the light house. One of my favorite parts of this review was looking up light house photos online for this post. There is something heroic, romantic, and even Godly about the light house image that never fades. They are a guide to sailors; a light in the darkness as Christians are called to be; and they make me think of safety and adventure simultaneously. I love the light house in this story and I’m glad that both Max and Katie fight for it while learning to let go of the past. Please visit Darcy Flynn at her website, http://www.darcyflynnromances.com/.
I want to thank Darcy for sending me this ebook for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
*please see karathewriter.blogspot.com for images*
August 11, 2017
My Sailor
-“Katie, this is unbelievable. This is like Lois Lane finding out that Clark Kent is Superman.”-
Hidden identities, a young girl coming of age and falling in love with her deceased brother's friend... lots going on in this story! This story, like all of Darcy Flynn's work, is very well written. I truly enjoy reading her work.
I didn't like the guy in this story. I thought he was too domineering and I found him to be a bully. He was a military man, though, and he felt he needed to look out for Katie, a promise he'd made to her brother, Davy, before he died. He felt that Katie, like Kate in "The Taming of the Shrew", needed to be taught a lesson.
This story has good pacing, lots of clean, romantic kisses, and it's the perfect length. I highly recommend it. 4.5 stars
-“Katie, this is unbelievable. This is like Lois Lane finding out that Clark Kent is Superman.”-
Hidden identities, a young girl coming of age and falling in love with her deceased brother's friend... lots going on in this story! This story, like all of Darcy Flynn's work, is very well written. I truly enjoy reading her work.
I didn't like the guy in this story. I thought he was too domineering and I found him to be a bully. He was a military man, though, and he felt he needed to look out for Katie, a promise he'd made to her brother, Davy, before he died. He felt that Katie, like Kate in "The Taming of the Shrew", needed to be taught a lesson.
This story has good pacing, lots of clean, romantic kisses, and it's the perfect length. I highly recommend it. 4.5 stars
June 12, 2017
Really enjoyed my first book by this author. I will definitely be reading more from her! This book was the perfect mix of love and emotion from the characters and very refreshing to read a clean, romance. If you are looking for a sweet love story, this is definitely the book for you.
August 16, 2013
I picked this book up on my own. What can I say? Since I discovered Maureen A. Miller I can't help but tryout new books set upon a rocky coastline. The beginning was just that, a bit rocky, but once the story set it's pace the characters and I settled in quite nicely. Overall I really enjoyed Keeper of My Heart and found it to be a quick clean read. Even so, the characters offered the imagination a hint of sultry romance for the mature reader. You know... just in case that is your thing.
Katie was a bit of the damsel in distress and Max turns out to be the knight in shinning armor, all though as you read along with this story their statuses can be quite debatable at times since they are both equally stubborn. The beauty behind these two characters and Ms. Flynn's writing is that each character knows something the other doesn't and there is a little bit of serendipity happening in the background. Which is executed nicely and without plot holes. Katie needs Max to save her, and all the while Katie's surety is all that Max needs. Of course neither can just openly say that to one another we are put into this somewhat predictable, yet so sweet of a plot. This is guilty pleasure reading at it's best.
Overall, it may not be for you, but for me it's just the romantic escape I wanted. I did find some of the transitions between paragraphs to be a little rough; finding the authors voice and method in the beginning is what threw me off at first. Still when it ended I was left craving so much more! This one is only 192 pages long, and I wanted to be in love with Max for much longer. But then again I would also like this one to be made into a Hallmark movie and we can't always get what we want. Or can we?
Katie was a bit of the damsel in distress and Max turns out to be the knight in shinning armor, all though as you read along with this story their statuses can be quite debatable at times since they are both equally stubborn. The beauty behind these two characters and Ms. Flynn's writing is that each character knows something the other doesn't and there is a little bit of serendipity happening in the background. Which is executed nicely and without plot holes. Katie needs Max to save her, and all the while Katie's surety is all that Max needs. Of course neither can just openly say that to one another we are put into this somewhat predictable, yet so sweet of a plot. This is guilty pleasure reading at it's best.
Overall, it may not be for you, but for me it's just the romantic escape I wanted. I did find some of the transitions between paragraphs to be a little rough; finding the authors voice and method in the beginning is what threw me off at first. Still when it ended I was left craving so much more! This one is only 192 pages long, and I wanted to be in love with Max for much longer. But then again I would also like this one to be made into a Hallmark movie and we can't always get what we want. Or can we?
December 29, 2014
I won a copy of this book at TRR YES party.
This was an enjoyable, easy, sweet read that gives a warm cosy glow when you've finished. I'd rate 3.5 but rounded up in this case.
Katie, the heroine, first met Max as a 16 year old though, 5 years later she does not connect that he and her mystery sailor are the same. In some ways, Katie annoyed me a bit as she seemed much younger than 21 a lot of the time. She had had to deal with a lot of turmoil in her life and taken on a lot of responsibility but still managed to throw a tant quite often!
Max on the other was very much the brooding hero, keeping all his cards close to his chest and acting about 45 not 25!
If only they could talk to each other!!
The story has all the romance requirements aside from the two MC's - misunderstandings, self sacrifice, wicked auntie in this case, supportive community and friends, hidden talents and the happy ending! A definite sweet confection. And I really like the cover too.
This was an enjoyable, easy, sweet read that gives a warm cosy glow when you've finished. I'd rate 3.5 but rounded up in this case.
Katie, the heroine, first met Max as a 16 year old though, 5 years later she does not connect that he and her mystery sailor are the same. In some ways, Katie annoyed me a bit as she seemed much younger than 21 a lot of the time. She had had to deal with a lot of turmoil in her life and taken on a lot of responsibility but still managed to throw a tant quite often!
Max on the other was very much the brooding hero, keeping all his cards close to his chest and acting about 45 not 25!
If only they could talk to each other!!
The story has all the romance requirements aside from the two MC's - misunderstandings, self sacrifice, wicked auntie in this case, supportive community and friends, hidden talents and the happy ending! A definite sweet confection. And I really like the cover too.
April 4, 2013
I actually loved almost all of this story. You may be curiously looking at the one star up there and wondering what that's about, then. The male love interest was a dick. SPOILER ALERT He kills her brother(y'know, accidentally and years ago) and finally comes back to town all contrite wanting to make it up to her in someway. Then, because she looks at him sideways because he stepped all over her dreams, he spends the rest of the book telling her she better learn to take commands, threatening to spank her, and just generally commanding this woman he doesn't really know. A little bit of comandeering within a comfortable friendship, even, can be a little sexy, but randomly dominating total strangers, not an appealing quality. I couldn't get past it.
April 8, 2014
Loved it - could't put it down
Katie and Max have now grown up since they first shared an anonymous kiss on the day of Davy's funeral. Katie is an artist working 2 jobs to buy her precious lighthouse, while Max is a successful developer who comes back to down with sole purpose of reconnection with Katie and buying the lighthouse. Max is success in his bid for the property which in Katie's firing range. After stilling back her own property she is forced to work for Max instead of jail time.
Will this 'punishment' bring Katie and Max together or tear them apart.
I can't wait to read other books by this Author
Katie and Max have now grown up since they first shared an anonymous kiss on the day of Davy's funeral. Katie is an artist working 2 jobs to buy her precious lighthouse, while Max is a successful developer who comes back to down with sole purpose of reconnection with Katie and buying the lighthouse. Max is success in his bid for the property which in Katie's firing range. After stilling back her own property she is forced to work for Max instead of jail time.
Will this 'punishment' bring Katie and Max together or tear them apart.
I can't wait to read other books by this Author
May 4, 2015
I read the prequel to this book last year and wanted to see Katie reunited with her sailor. When he finally returns, she sees him only as her nemesis because he has purchased the home she had been saving for. But she can't fight her attraction to him. She doesn't recognize Max as the sailor she met long ago, and she pulls some awful pranks to get back at him. I cringed at times and kept wondering why she didn't just tell him why she couldn't just talk to him. Still, it's a lovely, heartwarming story.
April 2, 2013
The characters in this book captured my heart and had me pulling for them through the entire story. From "bratty" but endearing, Katie, to hunky and strong, Max, I feel like I made some new friends. Their story is realistic and heart-warming. I loved the setting and felt like I was there. Would love to spend Christmas with them!!
February 12, 2014
I love this book a lot. This is a small town romance. Very clean and very sweet. The puppy love of a marine with a teenage girl, turned mature and become "love of the life" is very natural and it's not without rough spots in the relationship. But how those get ironed out is very heart warming. Love it.
March 15, 2014
This is a sweet heartwarming book with a very warm kind-hearted 21yo h and a sexy 24yo H. The romance pretty clean -a few kisses about sum up all the action we see on that front. Still a good read. The plot is a little simplistic but enjoyable anyway. Had I been 15 years younger, this would have been an ideal romance book for me.
May 15, 2012
Excellent story. I just couldn't put it down. Well done, Darcy.
July 18, 2014
A heart-warming story.
June 15, 2013
What an amusing a sweet story. I had to laugh at the antics of Katie, and cried with her anguish.
July 7, 2013
Cute story, wasn't amazing, but kept my interest.
Moral Note: Romance clean, a few hecks & dangs
Moral Note: Romance clean, a few hecks & dangs
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