200 books
—
2,452 voters
Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.
Start by marking “Keeping You Away (Tyler & Gemma #1; Ex-Con Duet #1)” as Want to Read:
Keeping You Away
(Tyler & Gemma #1)
by
The last time I saw my first love was twelve years ago. We fell hard and fast, but it didn’t stop me from leaving.
I never expected to see her again, but when I move back to my small hometown, there’s no avoiding it—especially since her dad’s my new boss.
The more time we spend together, the more I want a second chance to be the man she deserves. As old sparks resurface, we ...more
I never expected to see her again, but when I move back to my small hometown, there’s no avoiding it—especially since her dad’s my new boss.
The more time we spend together, the more I want a second chance to be the man she deserves. As old sparks resurface, we ...more
Get A Copy
Kindle Edition, 1st Edition, 280 pages
Published
July 16th 2020
(first published July 13th 2020)
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Reader Q&A
To ask other readers questions about
Keeping You Away,
please sign up.
Be the first to ask a question about Keeping You Away
Community Reviews
Showing 1-30

Start your review of Keeping You Away (Tyler & Gemma #1; Ex-Con Duet #1)

4 stars
Keeping You Away is a best friend's brother/second chance romance that had me captivated from start to finish. This is one of those books you won't want to put down. I can't wait to get to the second part!
Tyler and Gemma started off as friends and pen pals when Gemma was still in high school and Tyler was in the military. Through the 4 years Tyler was enlisted, they got to know each other through those letters and fell for each other. When he came home, they spend one magical summer tog ...more
Keeping You Away is a best friend's brother/second chance romance that had me captivated from start to finish. This is one of those books you won't want to put down. I can't wait to get to the second part!
Tyler and Gemma started off as friends and pen pals when Gemma was still in high school and Tyler was in the military. Through the 4 years Tyler was enlisted, they got to know each other through those letters and fell for each other. When he came home, they spend one magical summer tog ...more

A small town second chance romance book (part one of it at least) but I don’t know if I’m interested enough to read part two...

➳ Rate: 4,5 / 5 stars
Did you read Liam and Maddie's duet? Do you remember Tyler? Did you fall in love with him like I did? If you answered yes to any or all of these 3 questions, then you'll be super happy to know that his story is here!!!
I love that we got to see Tyler reunite with Liam and Maddie in the first chapter. Tyler and Maddie's friendship cracks me up and warms my heart at the same time. I love the bond they have. We also get to hear from these two a lot throughout the book and I lov ...more
Did you read Liam and Maddie's duet? Do you remember Tyler? Did you fall in love with him like I did? If you answered yes to any or all of these 3 questions, then you'll be super happy to know that his story is here!!!
I love that we got to see Tyler reunite with Liam and Maddie in the first chapter. Tyler and Maddie's friendship cracks me up and warms my heart at the same time. I love the bond they have. We also get to hear from these two a lot throughout the book and I lov ...more

Kennedy Fox bring the best of suspense, angst, swoon and hotness in Keeping You Away. Tyler and Gemma's heartaching journey ripped my heart out. And at the same time the explosive storyline kept me on the edge. The writing just blew me away!
Tyler came out of prison after five years and decided to set his roots down in his home town. He was framed by the evil mafia princess Victoria O'Leary after he helped his best friends Liam and Maddie to escape her clutches. Now he needs a new start. But some ...more
Tyler came out of prison after five years and decided to set his roots down in his home town. He was framed by the evil mafia princess Victoria O'Leary after he helped his best friends Liam and Maddie to escape her clutches. Now he needs a new start. But some ...more

Keeping You Away is Book 1 of Tyler and Gemma’s Duet. It’s a slow-burn sister’s best friend/second chance romance with all the small town vibes. Tyler enlisted in the Army right after high school graduation. During his deployment his little sister’s best friend, Gemma, began writing him letters. Their relationship gradually developed from friendship to more. Tyler and Gemma began dating once he returned home from his tour. They spent three months together before Tyler left. He felt there was mor
...more

This story packs a punch. I think for me it was the circumstances from the past more than what was happening in the here and now, but also because the here and now is just the beginning of their story. As it goes with most duets, the first book tends to lay the foundation down for the real story/journey that will happen in the second half. If you’re a fan of this author duet, then you probably remember Tyler from the Always Mine/Yours duet that released earlier this year. I’m a fan LOL so I reme
...more


Keeping You Away is the first novel in Tyler and Gemma's duet. If you love the slow build romances with a second chance twist and sexual tension by the truck full, you are in for a treat!
About Keeping You Away:
Keeping You away is the first novel in the Ex-Con duet series by Kennedy fox. The first duet is based on Gemma and Tyler's second chance romance, and is told from both Gemma and Tyler's point of view.
Since the moment Gemma can remember, she's always had a crush on her best friend's older b ...more

I'm a long time fan of this amazing wiritng duo, and I have been eagerly awaiting for the day where this ARC would be on my kindle. I fell in love with Tyler when he was introduced in Maddie and Liam's duet, but now that we have is own book, I love him so much more.
The events in this book take place agree Tyler's stint in prison (which if you remember, he was set up by bitch-toria.) He's definitely not the same man that he used to be, and feels like he no longer fits in. So he takes off to his h ...more
The events in this book take place agree Tyler's stint in prison (which if you remember, he was set up by bitch-toria.) He's definitely not the same man that he used to be, and feels like he no longer fits in. So he takes off to his h ...more



Grab Your Copy Here!
Tyler has never forgotten his beautiful Gemma, nor gotten over her. But after having served in the military and having gotten out of prison for a crime he didn't commit, he's not in any state to be thinking of starting anything with her. Not to mention that she's an engaged woman now. In a way he wishes he wouldn't have to see her again, but he's going to be working for her dad, so seeing her is inevitable. He'll just have to suck it up.

Gemma's less than pleased t ...more

Gemma is the one that got away. Tyler will always be the love of her life. It’s been 12 years since they’ve seen each other and he returns after some tough years and being setup. When he returns Gemma is no longer his but you can tell that they still have feelings for each other. Tyler respected her new relationship and she kept questioning her current one along with insecurities. I loved how Tyler kept in contact with Maddie and Liam. And his relationship with his Everleigh was beautiful. But h
...more

What a start to this duet! This slow burn, angsty and drama filled romance is a little different from anything I have ever read by Kennedy Fox. They pulled off one of the angsty romance while still keeping me wanting more. This story follows Tyler and Gemma. Tyler is an ex con, recently released from jail and now living back in his hometown. Tyler is hardworking, caring and one of my favorite heros by Kennedy Fox. Gemma is determined, loving and always there for her dad. Gemma never really left
...more

Keeping You Away is Book 1 of Tyler and Gemma’s Duet. It’s a slow-burn best friend’s brother/second chance romance with all the small town vibes.
Tyler enlisted in the Army right after high school graduation. During his deployment his little sister’s best friend, Gemma, began writing him letters. Their relationship gradually developed from friendship to more. Tyler and Gemma began dating once he returned home from his tour. They spent three months together before Tyler left. He felt there was mor ...more
Tyler enlisted in the Army right after high school graduation. During his deployment his little sister’s best friend, Gemma, began writing him letters. Their relationship gradually developed from friendship to more. Tyler and Gemma began dating once he returned home from his tour. They spent three months together before Tyler left. He felt there was mor ...more


⭐️ 4.5 "Sweet Home Alabama" Stars ⭐️
It's not a secret that I'm a huge fan of Kennedy Fox. I've read all their books and since meeting Tyler Blackwood in Always Yours, I just couldn’t wait to get my hands on his story. His beautiful friendship with Liam and Maddie was so amazing. I felt he was such a great guy and I wanted for him to find his own happily ever after. Kennedy Fox strikes again with Keeping You Away which is such a lovely second chance romance that had me delighted all read lon ...more

When I first read about Tyler in Liam and Maddie's duet (Always Mine and Always Yours), I fell for how selfless he was in support of his friends. I love the friendship he builds with Maddie and I was beyond excited to get Tyler's story! Lucky, Kennedy Fox did not disappoint with the first half, which means I'm dying for the second book in the duet, Needing You Close (thankfully it's coming August 13th). The way Gemma and Tyler fell for each other when they were younger is so Tyler--I'm seriously
...more

5 STARS
Keeping you Away is just the beginning of Tyler and Gemma’s story. It is filled with drama, tension, angst, love, passion and a cliffhanger that has me needing more!
We met Tyler in Liam and Maddie’s duet in the Roommate Series and since then I’ve been dying to get my hands on his story! Kennedy Fox did not disappoint. Tyler is EVERYTHING I knew he would be but SO much more. His protective nature in Always Mine and Always Yours was just the beginning. He is caring, kind, loving, charming, ...more
Keeping you Away is just the beginning of Tyler and Gemma’s story. It is filled with drama, tension, angst, love, passion and a cliffhanger that has me needing more!
We met Tyler in Liam and Maddie’s duet in the Roommate Series and since then I’ve been dying to get my hands on his story! Kennedy Fox did not disappoint. Tyler is EVERYTHING I knew he would be but SO much more. His protective nature in Always Mine and Always Yours was just the beginning. He is caring, kind, loving, charming, ...more

I read this book in one sitting! I couldn’t wait for Tyler’s story and this first book did not disappoint!
We first meet Tyler in Liam and Maddie’s duet and I immediately loved him. He’s a loyal friend and kept to himself just enough that had me chomping at the bit for more. He proved his loyalty in Liam and Maddie’s duet and now, after serving time in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, he's ready to start over in his hometown. Gemma is Tyler’s sister’s best friend and has had a crush on him fo ...more
We first meet Tyler in Liam and Maddie’s duet and I immediately loved him. He’s a loyal friend and kept to himself just enough that had me chomping at the bit for more. He proved his loyalty in Liam and Maddie’s duet and now, after serving time in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, he's ready to start over in his hometown. Gemma is Tyler’s sister’s best friend and has had a crush on him fo ...more

I'm a little late reading Kennedy Fox's books, so I'm not caught up on this series. That being said, you really didn't need to know much going into this one. Other characters and problems from the past are mentioned and I felt like you're brought up to speed fairly well. I loved the angst and forbiddenness between Tyler and Gemma. There's this pull between them even though its been years since they were together. Love his sister and all the girl friends that give Gemma so much support. Not a hug
...more
![Amy [Book Addict Reviews]](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1572307419p2/47676940.jpg)
I DEVOURED this book. I read it in a matter of hours. I was sucked into Tyler and Gemma’s story and just couldn’t put it down until I about through my kindle across the room at the cliffhanger.
Tyler Blackwood was first introduced in Liam and Maddie’s duet and from that moment I was hooked. I wanted to know about him. Now, out of prison for the crimes he didn’t commit, he returns to his hometown in Alabama. Gemma has had a crush on Tyler forever, she wrote him while he was in the military and on ...more
Tyler Blackwood was first introduced in Liam and Maddie’s duet and from that moment I was hooked. I wanted to know about him. Now, out of prison for the crimes he didn’t commit, he returns to his hometown in Alabama. Gemma has had a crush on Tyler forever, she wrote him while he was in the military and on ...more

Ever since getting a taste of Tyler in Always Yours I wanted more of him. I needed his full story after a few breadcrumbs were dropped only whetting my appetite and making me want more.
After spending the last five years behind bars for a crime he was framed for, Tyler needs a fresh start now that he’s released. Desperately wanting to put the last years behind him, he decides to go back home and make a place for himself after leaving twelve years ago. But Gemma, the one person who he has ever lov ...more
After spending the last five years behind bars for a crime he was framed for, Tyler needs a fresh start now that he’s released. Desperately wanting to put the last years behind him, he decides to go back home and make a place for himself after leaving twelve years ago. But Gemma, the one person who he has ever lov ...more

Tyler was introduced, or at least we really got to know him, in the last two parts of the Roommate Duets by Kennedy Fox, starring Liam and Maddie, beginning with Always Mine. And after how much he did to help them out of their hard times I just knew I wanted his story too. Tyler has just got out of jail, and is going back to his hometown, the town he had to get out of when he was younger, even though it meant leaving the one girl he’d ever really loved, Gemma, behind. Gemma is also besties with
...more

Okies…. I adore Kennedy Fox. I knew things were coming. BUT OMG!!! My mind is just wow! I swear I keep saying this is my favorite one by them, but honestly they all are and Keeping You Away is just perfect. It is passionate, angsty, sizzling and SO many more things. The history between Tyler and Gemma melts your heart. These two are made for each other. But life happens and now that they are thrown back together, the same chemistry from years ago is still so undeniable. With everything that Tyle
...more

“Keeping You Away” is an amazing book and is the perfect beginning to Kennedy Fox’s new Ex-Con Duet Series. I found it captivating, exciting, and definitely a page turner. From the first page I was fascinated by the story of a man who wanted to start over and the woman he allowed to get away many years ago. I was familiar with Tyler’s character and I was eagerly anticipating his story. Tyler is a complex man who proudly served his country and unfortunately, also served time in prison. He is a tr
...more

This book was amazing. After waiting impatiently for Tylers story we finally got it and it was brilliant.
After being released from prison, Tyler returns to his hometown for a fresh start. As fresh as returning to your past can be. Tyler is a wonderful guy who has been dealt a few pretty bad cards in his life. His childhood definitely wasn‘t the best but he tried to make it better for his younger sister Everleigh.
Gemma is Everleighs best friend and Tyler‘s first love. She stayed in their hometown ...more
After being released from prison, Tyler returns to his hometown for a fresh start. As fresh as returning to your past can be. Tyler is a wonderful guy who has been dealt a few pretty bad cards in his life. His childhood definitely wasn‘t the best but he tried to make it better for his younger sister Everleigh.
Gemma is Everleighs best friend and Tyler‘s first love. She stayed in their hometown ...more

If you read Liam & Maddie's duet, then one, you fell in love with Tyler, and two, you were probably completely blindsided by what happened to him.
This has been one of my most anticipated reads since I finished Always Yours and realized Tyler would be getting his story!
After being released from prison, Tyler is going back to his hometown, Lawton Ridge, Alabama. Back to the place he left the woman he was in love with, Gemma.
Gemma works with her dad as his office manager. What she doesn't know is ...more
This has been one of my most anticipated reads since I finished Always Yours and realized Tyler would be getting his story!
After being released from prison, Tyler is going back to his hometown, Lawton Ridge, Alabama. Back to the place he left the woman he was in love with, Gemma.
Gemma works with her dad as his office manager. What she doesn't know is ...more

I really enjoyed reading Keeping You Away by Kennedy Fox. It's the story of a young woman named Gemma, who is engaged to a man who is about 15 years older than she is whose name is Robert; Gemma is 30 years old. When Gemma was in high school she had a huge crush on her best friend, Everleigh's brother, whose name is Tyler. Tyler joined the military after he graduated from high school, and he and Gemma wrote to each other the entire four years that Tyler served in the military. Gemma admitted to
...more

Jul 13, 2020
Melissa J (Book Addicts Reviews)
rated it
it was amazing
Shelves:
part-of-a-series,
arc-read
4.5 stars!! Can these authors make a ex-felon any sexier?!?!
This is book one in the “Ex-Con Duet Series” and can not be read as a stand alone. In true Kennedy Fox fashion each couple will have a duet that then interlink between each other. I think it’s my favorite thing about all of these series.
This duet is Tyler and Gemmas story. Tyler we met in Liam and Maddie’s story. I couldn’t wait to find out more about him. Damn O’Leary’s!!
I love Tyler so much. Gemma I’m not so sure on. I do like her. ...more
This is book one in the “Ex-Con Duet Series” and can not be read as a stand alone. In true Kennedy Fox fashion each couple will have a duet that then interlink between each other. I think it’s my favorite thing about all of these series.
This duet is Tyler and Gemmas story. Tyler we met in Liam and Maddie’s story. I couldn’t wait to find out more about him. Damn O’Leary’s!!
I love Tyler so much. Gemma I’m not so sure on. I do like her. ...more

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Keeping You Away is the first book in Tyler and Gemma’s story in the Ex-con duet series. Although this can be read as a standalone, personally I would have preferred to have read Liam and Maddie’s story from the Roommate series first, just so I could have had a bit more background knowledge on the characters.
Tyler and Gemma’s relationship has evolved and devolved so much over their lifetime. From being acquaintances through siblings and friends, pen pals spanning years, lovers to finall ...more
Keeping You Away is the first book in Tyler and Gemma’s story in the Ex-con duet series. Although this can be read as a standalone, personally I would have preferred to have read Liam and Maddie’s story from the Roommate series first, just so I could have had a bit more background knowledge on the characters.
Tyler and Gemma’s relationship has evolved and devolved so much over their lifetime. From being acquaintances through siblings and friends, pen pals spanning years, lovers to finall ...more

Kennedy Fox never fails to deliver an amazing read! And this book is killer! I was so in love with Tyler in Liam’s and Maddie’s book! And it’s only amplified after reading his and Gemma’s book!
Tyler has a lot of baggage after being in prison for five years for a crime he didn’t commit, he’s returning back home. Though he never thought he would find himself back, that’s exactly where he finds himself. And looking into the eyes of the one girl that he’s only ever loved.
After breaking Gemma’s hea ...more

4 Star Keeping You Away (Ex-Con Duet #1) by Kennedy Fox
This is a second chance at love story that drew me in and kept me invested from the first to the last chapter.
It’s true what they say that you can never go home and now that Tyler has returned to Lawton Ridge he begins to understand why it is said. He left years ago and has avoided going back as he knows how badly he hurt his sister’s best friend, Gemma who is now engaged to someone else. .
There is so much unfinished business that lies be ...more
This is a second chance at love story that drew me in and kept me invested from the first to the last chapter.
It’s true what they say that you can never go home and now that Tyler has returned to Lawton Ridge he begins to understand why it is said. He left years ago and has avoided going back as he knows how badly he hurt his sister’s best friend, Gemma who is now engaged to someone else. .
There is so much unfinished business that lies be ...more

OMG! I am on pins and needles and want book 2 now! Tyler and Gemma knew each other as kids then Tyler joined the military and Gemma began writing him letters. Even though she is his sister’s best friend and 4 years younger, these two found that spark and connection. When he left the military, they shared an amazing summer but Tyler didn’t want to stay in Lawton Ridge and Gemma didn’t want to leave with him. It’s now 12 years later and Tyler has just gotten out of prison and returned home. What G
...more
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
Brooke Cumberland & Lyra Parish are a duo of romance authors who teamed up to write under the USA Today Bestselling pseudonym, Kennedy Fox. They share a love of Hallmark movies & overpriced coffee. When they aren't bonding over romantic comedies, they like to brainstorm new book ideas. One day, they decided to collaborate and have some fun creating new characters that'll make you blush and your he
...more
Other books in the series
Tyler & Gemma
(2 books)
Related Articles
Some people love books. Some people fall in love. And some people love books about falling in love. Every month our team sorts through the new...
64 likes · 11 comments
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »