To Keep and to Love

Keeping You #2

by Serena Yates

Ryan Johnston and Daniel Miller, reunited at Ryan's twin sister's wedding after four years of forced separation, are hoping to build a happy life together. Ryan wants nothing more than to be an equal partner to his lover, but his self-confidence is very low and his biggest fear is that he has nothing to contribute to their future. Daniel, thinking all is well now that Ryan has accepted his marriage proposal, is unprepared when their relationship is threatened.

Ryan's homophobic parents plan to break up the couple, and they let nothing stand in their way as they attack Ryan, hoping to force him to end the engagement and leave town forever. It almost works—Ryan is ready to give in to protect his lover—but Daniel isn't willing to let him go. Ryan can fight the outside forces trying to tear them apart, but only if he realizes what his fears of unworthiness are doing to the man he loves. Daniel and Ryan will have to stand together to protect their right to keep each other and their love.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Gay, Ebooks, Erotica, LGBT

298 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 31, 2009

About the author

I’m a night owl and start writing when everyone else in my time zone is asleep. I’ve loved reading all my life and spent most of my childhood with my nose buried in a book. Although I always wanted to be a writer, financial independence came first. Twenty-some years and a successful business career later I took some online writing classes and never looked back.

Living and working in eight countries has taught me that there is more than one way to get things done. It has instilled tremendous respect for the many different cultures, beliefs, attitudes, and preferences that exist on our planet.

I like exploring those differences in my stories, most of which happen to be romances. My characters have a tendency to want to do their own thing, so I often have to rein them back in. The one thing we all agree on is the desire for a happy ending.

I currently live in Canada, sharing my house with a vast collection of books. I like reading, traveling, spending time with my nieces and listening to classical music. I have a passion for science and learning new languages.

Reviews

[Bubbles Hunty Honest & Direct Opinions · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was really nice seeing these guys again and I really enjoyed the story. The only thing I didn’t like was that there was too much sex for me. The sex kind of interfered with the pacing of the story for me, I know most readers like sex in their stories but I just wanted to skip the sex and continue with the numerous other things going on.

I really loved the twins they were so cute and funny. I normally don’t care for kids too much, if they’re there ok they’re there no big deal but these two kids I just loved, I could read a book about them.

Possible spoilers I have questions too, like how did Acton and the lawyer meet? How long have they known each other? Is Acton crazy? Is he over Daniel? I was wondering if these weren’t answered because maybe they would get a book?

Also wonder about the architect and the construction guy, like did they already start a relationship? Is the guy gay? Is he engaged? Did he cheat on the fiancé with the architect? (I hope he wasn’t engaged because I don’t like cheaters, but at same time he may not have slept with architect, I just don’t know)

I also want to know what happened to the evil parents

So much I want to know

[Karen K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah man - I knew I should have run over Ryan's parents with my truck in the first book. They are truly evil people. Ryan stole my heart in this just like in the first one - I love his compassion and emotion. Daniel's not so bad himself - yeah, I fell for him, too. I really enjoy the two of them together and the twin sister, Nicole, is a great secondary character, I'm glad the boys have her. And of course, the twins are freaking adorable. AND the ending... *wipes tear*. Great follow-up read - can't wait for the next one.

[Lena Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever wondered what happens when a love story ends? I certainly have. When you close a book, don't you wish to peek into the future and see if they really live happily after? Yes, they love each other and are together, but their success isn't automatically guaranteed. Good relationships don't just happen; they require a great deal of hard work and willingness to compromise. Daniel and Ryan, in 'To Find and To Keep' by Serena Yates, are standing at the door of their happily ever after, yet, as we who've been there know, this is not the end of the journey; it's merely the beginning.

Ryan may not appreciate me calling him Daniel's damsel in distress, but in the beginning, that's essentially what he is; I'm certain that Daniel will have no qualms about being Ryan's knight in shining armor who has come to rescue him. Ryan needs rescuing in the beginning. He is lost and vulnerable; he needs the protection that Daniel can offer him. However, when Daniel continues in the role of savior, long after Ryan has outgrown this need, inadvertently, Daniel does Ryan a great disservice. By keeping him in a cocoon of safety, he's also not giving him the opportunity to mature and to learn to protect himself. It may seem paradoxical, this idea of being together yet separate, but it lays a strong foundation in a relationship. Two whole persons coming together to form one are much stronger than two halves.

I enjoyed watching Ryan grow into his own, despite Daniel's misguided efforts to protect him. Daniel loves him so much and wants to protect him from further pain, but at the same time, part of moving past that pain is learning how to more effectively deal with it. I didn't think for a moment that Daniel was acting out of a need to control and dominate Ryan. He simply doesn't realize what he's doing by overprotecting him. I think for a while Ryan needs the protection, but as he recovers, he begins to feel uneasy. At first doesn't know why. When he finally realizes that it's his need for independence that's causing the rift between them, he rebels, leaving Daniel confused and at a loss as to what's wrong much less how to fix it. Even soul mates have to learn to work together, becoming better listeners and being more aware of each other’s needs not just in bed, but out of it as well. Although painful to watch at times, their love for each other is so strong that I always had faith that they would find a way through all the adversity, whether it be Ryan's hateful, homophobic parents or the misunderstandings between each other, and come out of it with their love shining brighter than ever.

'To Keep and To Love' is a wonderful story of love, hope, and redemption, which had me in tears more than once. Serena's characters are so real, so vivid that I can't help becoming emotionally invested in them. This is one of Serena's earliest books and, although technically speaking, her books are improving, her talent for excellent story telling here is as stronger as ever. Even though it's possible to read and enjoy this story alone, I'd like to strongly recommend reading 'To Find and To Keep' first. The second book picks up immediately after the first one ends and by reading volume one first, the experience you'll receive will be more intense and gratifying. Thank you, Serena, for sharing your outstanding gift with us. I'm looking forward to hearing more about Daniel and Ryan in the future.

[Mandy*reads obsessively* · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story itself and read straight through but I did have a few niggels.
This is a sequel and much longer story, here we see Ryan and Daniel settling in together and moving forward.
Planning a wedding and Ryan getting back on his feet and gaining some well deserved self confidence.
The OTT baddies and the almost stereotypical opposite families ( one family is hateful, destructive, delusional, dangerous and overly 'religious' and the other couldn't be more loving and supportive) the constant use of 'love' and my Ryan and my Daniel and Ryan's decision to do ' what was best and safest' for Daniel and Daniel's reaction were a little too much for me.
But, it was a sweet, heavy on the sex and love, that might actually be a good read for the right mood.

[Andrew Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story picks up where To Have and to Keep leaves off. Daniel and Ryan have reunited and started to build a life. Their happiness is threatened by a number of factors. I'm not going to say anything more because I don't want to spoil the story, but this was an enjoyable read that I couldn't put down. The characters were full and rich with great supporting characters that added richness and depth. I expecially loved the twins.

I enjoyed Keeping You #1 and this follow up doesn't disappoint.

[Em Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just like in "To Find and to Keep", Ryan and Daniel stole my heart. I love the way Ryan finally came into his own, and they finally get their HEA.

If you loved the first, you'll love the second.

[Raevyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

The book was decent and I really liked Ryan and Daniel. There were a lot of great scenes where you really go to know them. However, there was more sex scenes that necessary. I found myself just skipping over them because I felt like I was reading a recycled sex scene. I'm not saying the scenes weren't hot, but there was just too much.

Also, the dialog between Ryan and Daniel seemed stilted at some points. They were beyond mushy, to the point of over the top at times. I can say that I felt the love between them and the sorrow. I just felt that the conversations were forced.

Overall, I like them as characters and I will read the next book when it comes out.

[Janean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed watching the relationship between Ryan and Daniel develop fully. Ryan is a sweetheart, Daniel as well. I liked the flow of the story and the development of the characters and the relationship dynamics of all the characters in the book. I look forward to reading more of this series.

[Tory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book – Great sequel to ‘To Find & to Keep’
Winterjade’s review said it more eloquently then I can.
Except for: If like me you had missy eyes during the first book, get the tissues ready.
The acceptance of Ryan by Daniel’s parents was just one instance that had me reaching for them.

[A.J. Llewellyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very romantic story and Daniel is a compelling hero. His love for Ryan is inspirational. There were a few scenes that were a little over the top but that said, at heart there is a tender love story and I look forward to reading the next chapter in the Daniel-Ryan saga.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first book, and the second did not disappoint. While it would be easy to criticise the stories for being a little too sweet and for the evil parents being a bit over the top, there is something truly engaging about Ryan and Daniel's romance. I look

[Sara Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this one as much as the first book in the series. I plan to add Serena Yates to my autobuy list.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far, I have been touched, cried and bonded with the characters and can't wait to see what is in store next!

I just finished and this is one incredible story!!!

[Jane (PS) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is really more 2 stars, mainly due to the volume of extraneous information; it detracted from the story. There are also an incredible number of sex scenes. But the ending is very satisfying and the author ties up a lot of loose ends.

[Ric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well being a true romantic here, I love nothing better than when the story has a happy ending, s was not disappointed with this masterpiece, (although I felt the sex passages were a bit overdone at times, especially when the carcass of the story was so truly excellent without the amount of them in itself, if anything I felt it may of laboured the story slightly, as I was so engrossed with the behind the scenes events and feelings I felt they got in the way at times; but hey that just my opinion).
Being a sad old single gay guy I find myself drawn to this type of book, and can lose myself in it's pages quite happily (sad I know). Hence, I was certainly not disappointed in the quality of this book. From the very start it captures you and draws you in so effortlessly, that you can feel the pain and suffering the characters endure. I loved the characters, they seemed so alive and passionate, like two peas in a pod by the end.

For me personally I adored the whole book, and would highly recommend it to everyone, as I felt it touches your very soul in so many ways. The ending is so beautiful that I found myself in sobbing like a baby, yes it is that good.

I certainly congratulate Serena, (and hope my negative comment early is not offending to her. I have to say though that her writing style if flawless, it's clear, warm, compassionate and easy to read, and riveting at the same time, her characters are totally believable and she can play on your emotions like a fine tuned piano. Will certainly be reading more of her work. Thank you for sharing this piece of excellence literature Serena.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will be honest, I gave this book 4-stars because of the wonderful characters... not the 20 plus sex scenes, not the use of "my lover" more times than I could even be bothered to count and NOT for the two dangling threads that we have NO answers for... I am hoping that I will be able to find those two stories when I do a search for them! :(

I feel that this story could have been great if it had been a 100 pages shorter and minus about 10 or 15 of the sex scenes lighter... IMHO

The truth of the matter is there were so many wonderfully supportive characters that I don't know where to start... I just want to thank Ms. Yates for each and every one of them and let her know that she did good! There is nothing more heartwarming than to find out that your family by choice is there for you even when your "blood" family throws you away.

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Before I really start the review, I just want to say that I've read a few of Serena's books and I've really enjoyed some of them. Unfortunately, this wasn't one of those. I didn't really care for the first book in this series and I'm afraid I liked this one even less. The dialogue didn't feel genuine to me. The words didn't seems natural and I had a really hard time imagining Ryan and Daniel saying all those things to each other. The conflict felt a bit contrived and the overall unrealistic feel to the book really kept me from enjoying it.

On a brighter note, I loved that the book was set in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I'm from Grand Rapids and I don't think I've ever read a book set there before. So, thank you for that. :)

[Riayl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not badly written, but way too... gushy-sweet. I liked the characters well enough, but the dialogue, not so much. Usually I find myself skimming descriptions to get to the dialogue, but here I was skimming dialogue to get to... something else. To me there was just way too much "You're beautiful, I love you, I worship you." And I was seriously frustrated with Daniel's inability to understand why Ryan wanted to contribute something to their relationship and why he didn't just want Daniel to "take care" of him. *shrug* It wasn't a bad book, just not my thing.

[Usagi Tsukino · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to read again the first book, because I almost didn't remember anything. ^^;

It was so long, unlike the first book. And it's not necessarily a good thing. Yeah, I'm not a fan of long books. XD

I loved Ben and Kare, they were such great friends, and the twins, Eric & Edward-- they were so damn cute. <3
I also loved Daniel's parents, Thomas and Susan, they were so nice. Have I said that I love the twins?! I so love them! XD

It was a good read. :3

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book with this many pages has to be interesting or I won't finish it. I finished this book in one morning. It was great. The rushed almost insta-love getting-together of the main characters in the previous book was not present in this book. I liked that the relationship was deepened and I liked the other characters in the book too. There was a hint of at least 2 future novels. I would love to read those too.

[Ravyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

At least ten times better written and more well-developed than its prequel, To Find and to Keep. But still not crazy about it. Too predictable, too contrived...just not very realistic overall.

[Shierra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to like this because ryan and daniel are great together.. buti have a problem with how the author view relationship. I just dont know how to explain it but i dont like how the author create ryans character. Ryan is a self pitying person, he seems to tell every person he met about his life story.

[Dutchgirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sequel to "To find and to keep" It's nice to see the story continue.
Very sweet story maybe to sweet, i didn´t mind it in the first book but i did feel in this book it was a bit to much. There is a bit of angst but not much.

But i did enjoy reading it, and i would recommend it to everybody who read the first part.

[Betryal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Less sex scenes and this story would have been mint. Other than that I liked it.

[Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty boring.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting, fresh, has depth.

Note: From First Reads

[Clare]

I think this will be my first official gay romance novel.

[MsMiz (Tina) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come

[Nikko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these 2!!

[Kavisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

NOW THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!!!!! FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!!!