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MJ spent her whole life raising her little sister and building a small cooking empire. Men have never been part of her recipe for success. Then Cullen Castile waltzes into her life sits down at her kitchen counter and refuses to move until he’s put a ring on her finger. How can one woman resist the charms of a persistent officer of the law determined to keep her? 

Answer: She doesn’t know. It’s hard when he's too perfect to be real!

Cullen Castile likes law, order, and the happiness of his family. When he learns his brother is committing crimes in order to capture the woman who has won his heart, Cullen figures it’s time for him to step in only to find his own heart in jeopardy. He’s never met a woman like MJ before and now that he has, he’s not going to let her go. How can one detective win over the reluctant heart? 

Answer: He’s not sure, but he’s not giving up! Ever.

MJ may try to escape, but in the end, she’ll see her own happily ever after is waiting.

115 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 31, 2019

1526 people are currently reading
755 people want to read

About the author

Ella Goode

115 books2,553 followers

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5 stars
939 (39%)
4 stars
720 (30%)
3 stars
545 (23%)
2 stars
127 (5%)
1 star
36 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
Profile Image for Fiona Fog.
1,461 reviews86 followers
May 29, 2019
Cullen knew the instant he spotted MJ she was going to be his now he just needed to convince her of that. This Detective is not above stalking his little Chef if need be. Forcefully inviting himself to move in with her. Once he's in and had a taste? All bets are off. He's addicted.

MJ is at a lost, she is happy her sister has someone who loves her and adores her. Admittedly it was fast, the romance, and the wedding only days away she is going to be on her own. She took Luna with her when she left her parents house and has been looking after her ever since. She does not know what she's going to do now.

But when she meets Maddox's older brother Cullen shes instantly attracted. His blonde good looks and smirk set her on fire. When he invites himself to move in with her she doesn't hesitate thinking maybe a friends with benefits thing could work. It couldn't be more because she's never had anyone just want her. Even though she's secretly longed for it.

If you thought Maddox was over the top you have to experience his brother Cullen.

A fast read, but it's super dirty with a hot caveman who has no problem using his filthy dirty talking mouth everywhere.
Profile Image for *CJ*.
5,097 reviews624 followers
June 17, 2019
My half chub grows into a full erection.

"Kept" is the story of MJ and Cullen.

I undo my pants and pull my aching cock out. She’s quite the sight. In this position, her tits hang down like juicy peaches, ripe for the picking. One boob has escaped the top while the other is barely hanging on to one erect nipple. I reach around and pinch it, leaving it wet from her cunt milk. She sucks in a harsh breath, which makes those babies jiggle even more erotically.

I mean..the cover page was HOT.

Cream is dripping down her thighs. I’m about to nut so hard I’m gonna pass out.

And then I found gems like these..

The orgasm spirals through my veins and bursts through my cock as I send at least five gallons of seed inside her scorching pussy.

TBH, this is some JS shit right here.

Also, the whole thing about them wanting to have sex while babysitting and him getting turned on..Ah..NO DUDE. BAD MAN.

Read it for its sheer ridiculousness and giggles. WTF LMAO.

Safe
3/5
Profile Image for Elizabeth Neal.
1,792 reviews146 followers
June 27, 2024
MJ, wanting to spare her younger sister, Luna (see Captured for her story), took her from their childhood home and raised her by herself at the mere age of eighteen. There were some hard times, but they always had each other. When MJ's cooking took off, things improved, the bond between them has only grown stronger. Now that Luna has found love, for the first time in years MJ finds herself alone, unsure what to do. And then she meets Maddox, her soon-to-be-brother-in-law's, older brother, Cullen, she's speechless, yet hesitant.

Cullen knew immediately MJ wants meant to be his. Her beauty, her heart, her pure selflessness and love for her sister proving that angels do exist. As a cop, Cullen has seen his fair share of bad things, and MJ is all that's good in the world. But she's cautious, guarding herself, but when she offers him a chance, even if he wants to be more than friends with benefits, he takes it, intent on making her fall in love with him.

Their relationship is a whirlwind, but it seems to run in the family, starting with his parents. Can Cullen show MJ that they're meant to be? Does true love exist? Is a HEA possible?

One-click now and follow along as two soulmates find one another by chance...or was it fate?

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**
Profile Image for Darlene I read WAY to many books.
3,675 reviews2,430 followers
June 2, 2019
We met MJ and Cullen in Capture and i couldnt wait for their love story!! And it was super fun, sweet and a fast pace.

Like his younger brother Cullen is just as OTT  and i love it, he enjoys Mj's company qnd sorta invites himself to live with her when she informs him she'll be lonley now that her sister moved in with his brother, Beside that he is charming, adorable and a great guy, MJ has some insecurities that Cullen would just be intrested in just sex and boy is she wrong he wants the whole enchilada. As for MJ she is a trooper taking care of Luna since she was 18 with no help, little money she is a super sister so i understood when she had tiny doubts that Cullen would want more, We also get to meet Savannah their baby sister i loved their adventure with her and i think she has some sparks with bodyguard/bouncer Aaron.. can't wait to see their story.

No ow/om drama, no cheating, secondary charas, sexy times, No virgins

Recommend- yes/maybe
Cover-⭐⭐⭐⭐

Instalove/lust
Slight push/pull from h
Slight exabition
Hea
Safe
Epilogue
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Melissa.
1,676 reviews111 followers
June 2, 2019
Loved

I really loved this story, more than book one! Cullen is the perfect male specimen, he is absolutely OTT perfect! This book is all sweet and sexy! I loved that Cullen didn’t push MJ for more even though he really wanted to. He gave her time to see the real him and fall for him by his sweet actions and through many orgasms! The ending was wonderful! I can’t wait for Savannah’s story!
Safety and Spoilers
Completely safe! No op drama and both are not virgins. Even though his past is not discussed Cullen doesn’t come off like he is a manwhore. His sister did mention quickly that he avoids women. No abuse!
Profile Image for One chapter more.
788 reviews152 followers
July 5, 2019
Quite pleasant and entertaining. I love cooking and I love heroines that can take care of themselves and having a man is not out of necessity but out of wanting something. MJ has been taking care of her little sister since the day she was born, and this is her happy ending story she deserves.

Beautifully written, it looks like Ella Goode is only getting better and better with her stories. I'm really glad she's starting developing more heroines like MJ and not her little sister Luna. Sometimes I am just too tired for these little hopeless women (even though some could call me one too) that seems to be in most of the romances so it is a nice change.

Short and absolutely lovely made my evening entertainments just nice and cozy.

Keep the great job, Elle!
Profile Image for Jami.
617 reviews13 followers
May 30, 2019
MJ skipped her childhood to raise her sister Luna and wouldn't change it for the world. Now with Luna going off to get married, MJ realizes that she is now going to be alone. Cullen has always been one to follow the rules. When his brother needs help "stalking" the love if his life, he goes to keep his brother from going to jail. Only Cullen didn't realize that one move would change his life forever. Once he met MJ, all bets were off and he would do anything to make her his. What started out as a "living" arrangement/no strings attached, turned into so much more.

-safe read
Profile Image for phoebess.
1,521 reviews98 followers
August 1, 2019
Hm, I think this series wasn't meant for me. Main characters in Kept hadn't managed to intrigue me and I wasn't feeling it—the chemistry and the story itself.
Profile Image for Ren || Reading What I Want.
1,927 reviews152 followers
May 2, 2021



Okay, I freaking loved this book! Maddox and Luna were sweet in Captured...but damn, Cullen and MJ were straight fire up in here. From page one I could sense their chemistry. Toss in Cullen's dirty mouth and I was hooked. I knew this would become a favorite by the end of the first chapter.

I laughed. Full on cackled during some parts (the club scene??? 🤣). Cullen was an alpha-possessive dude. Him and Maddox together were a hoot. Seriously hilarious. They had no boundaries.

And then you add in the steamy bits? Pure magic, y'all. So swoony, and sexy, and hot AF.

This is a knock-out Ella Goode book. LOVED the story, the humor, the romance. And it's more novella in length so you can read it in less than a few hours.
Profile Image for Alba M. .
1,724 reviews149 followers
July 30, 2019
Cullen está decidido a seguir los pasos de su hermano y conseguir a la mujer de sus sueños. En su caso es MJ, la hermana de Luna. El problema es que MJ es demasiado independiente y todavía no está segura de depender de alguien. Cullen solo necesita esforzarse un poco más...

Está bien... No es Alexa pero vale para pasar el rato. Me le faltan algo a estas historias pero no puedo deciros exactamente el que. Pero vamos que son historias cortas y están bien para lo que son, para pasar el rato tampoco se puede pedir más.
Profile Image for Sandy.
1,214 reviews4 followers
May 28, 2019
OMG! Another great story. I know people love angst and there are a lot of great stories with that out there. However, there is something to be said about books that make you smile and laugh out loud. Cullen and MJ are the best! Can't wait for more.
Profile Image for Kate V.
1,840 reviews365 followers
June 2, 2019
3.5 - 4 stars

Such a cute, quick, smutty read. And the heroine in this one didn't make me want to stab my eyeballs out. When I want a sweet read with a growly alpha Ella Goode delivers every time.
Profile Image for Nikki.
972 reviews257 followers
June 22, 2019
Another great one!

I loved this one just as much as the first! So Cullen want as stalkery as Maddox but it was close lol.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,426 reviews19 followers
October 25, 2020
this was funny as hell. I laughed and I had to fan myself. loved it! I love this family!!


“Let’s go inside, shortcake. I need your mouth on my cock. You’re going to let me come in that sweet mouth and then you’re going to climb up on me and ride my cock until that sweet pussy remembers who it belongs to.”


yup. I'm. DONE.
July 21, 2019
Review: 5/5 stars. I like the character of Cullen. I like that he’s the older brother and that his younger brother is getting married to the main female characters younger sister. I think starting the book out with a marriage is pretty unique and I enjoyed seeing that sort of twist. Usually don’t go for the detective types but something about Cullen’s possessive behavior has me captivated. I do think the book was a little wham bam thank you ma’am though. It seemed very fast but maybe I’m just more used to longer, more slow burn books. The found family aspect was pretty great. I haven’t read many of those so far and it was pretty intriguing. Has all my favs. Cooking, sex and marriage proposals. Final thoughts: Perfect swoon worthy romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Booked  Every Night.
484 reviews25 followers
June 2, 2019
MJ and Cullen met because their siblings fell in love. Little did they know that that connection would lead to forever for them also.

I loved that we got MJ and Cullen's story. They are perfect for each other. Cullen wants to take care of MJ and MJ has been taking care of herself and Luna for so long that she needs someone to take care of her.

MJ has been a mother to her sister for so long she doesn’t know how to be ANYTHING ELSE. She has made a name for herself in the culinary world and did it all while raising her sister. MJ is used to being in complete control and taking care of everything. She has a hard time letting her control go but when Cullen takes over she realizes it is exactly what she needs.

Cullen thought his brother was crazy for stalking his Luna but as soon as he sees Luna’s sister MJ he understands everything Maddox did to get Luna. He is willing to do whatever he needs to, to make sure MJ is his. I love that he got creative with how he wedged himself into MJ’s life. He knew what she needed and he made it possible to give it to her without taking away her pride. He thought about nothing but her from the beginning.

I really enjoyed this book and can see how the author continues to grow in her writing. I look forward to her next book.
Profile Image for MichelleG.
314 reviews17 followers
May 31, 2019
A companion novel to Captured, Kept follows the sister and brother of the prior novel’s heroine and hero respectively.

MJ was outspoken, independent and slightly acerbic, which was understandable considering how she had taken on the role of raising her sister at such a young age. Callum was everything you could want in a protective, supportive and territorial hero. Although he is all in with the marriage and babies from the second he lays eyes on MJ, he is smart enough to treat lightly and sneakily.

Watching MJ grow and allow herself to be vulnerable to Callum as well as develop relationships with his family was really sweet to watch, and I sincerely hope that there is a book coming for Callum's sister, Savannah. There IS one coming, right?

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was the perfect blend of sweet, steam, family and couple building. The epilogues were stunning adorable, also. As much as I enjoy reading about OTT alphas, I wouldn't be able to tolerate one IRL as a partner. Callum is someone that I could DEFINITELY spend the rest of my life with.

I received an ARC in exchange for am honest and unbiased review.

Profile Image for Genieinachanelbottle.
364 reviews35 followers
May 30, 2019
Kept is dripping with Sexy Hot Sauce! 😉
Ella Goode has Me absolutely Hooked! Cullen N MJ's story is everything I was craving N more!

Cullen has seen his brother get struck by Cupid's arrow but he never thought it would be his turn next! When he meets MJ aka "The Mad Chef" a Feisty knife welding Beauty, all bets are off. He knows she's the one! But MJ is reluctant to give him a chance, she has never trusted a man with her heart and has always taken care of herself and her little sister. Meeting The Delicious Detective aka Cullen has her Hungry for a life she didn't know she wanted and doesn't think she can have. But Cullen wants her for keeps so he's about to turn up the heat in her Kitchen, get ready things are going to get seriously spicy! hehe 😉

5 Stars all the way I love these characters and can't get enough of them so excited for Savannah's book can't wait!!!  🖤🖤🖤
Profile Image for Emily.
5,866 reviews547 followers
August 14, 2019
MJ raised her sister and has spent her life raising her and building her career as a chef. She has not had time for relationships and the few she did ended in disaster. Now her sister is getting married and she finds herself being pursued by Cullen Castile, her sisters fiancee's brother.

Cullen knows MJ is going to be his but she is not as willing to enter a relationship as he is. Cullen plans to make MJ realize quickly that she is meant to be his, will he able to change her mind about keeping him at a distance?

Cullen is a charmer. I liked that MJ had realistic fears and Cullen takes them to heart, even if he doesn't quite understand. Great read.
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
May 31, 2019
Kept Ella Goode is the story of Cullen and MJ. Kept is a spinoff of the book 'Captured' but it can be a standalone book. Captured was the story of Cullen's brother and MJ's sister.
Cullen knew that MJ was his love and his women as soon as he seen her. MJ has been raising her sister and trying to make a career for herself. Now that her sister is getting married she is somewhat loss but Cullen isn't letting a minute go by that he isn't making his way into MJ world permanently.
Quick Hot Read!
162 reviews
June 4, 2019
Not as “cute” as the companion novel Captured but still enjoyed the story. I liked MJ the heroine who was always the solid sister always practical and striving to make her own way for herself and her younger sister. Who can’t get behind a chick like that! Cullen was a good hero but damn if Twilight didn’t ruin the name “Cullen” for me so I couldn’t keep those damn sparkly vampires out of my mind every time I read his name. Looking forward to the sister Savannah’s story too!
Profile Image for Christina Pannell.
534 reviews23 followers
October 16, 2019
This is Mj (Luna's sister) and Cullen's (Maddox's brother) story. Just like in Captured this book is full of steamy smut goodness.
Cullen does what he feels he needs to to show Mj that they are meant to be together even if he has to tell a lie.
Will she fall madly in love with him? Is it a booty call? Is it more?
Be sure to read this steamy book to find out.
Profile Image for C.J..
Author 4 books392 followers
July 22, 2019
Another sweet read in this series.
Profile Image for Sara.
1,170 reviews4 followers
August 31, 2019
1.5 Stars

It didn't make me laugh as much as the previous one but it was still fun.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews

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