Book review: KEEP ME IN YOUR HEART, by Monica Murphy

Lancaster Prep Next Generation #2

Rowan & Arabella

Monica Murphy is, in my opinion, the undisputed queen of YA.  And what better than one of her Lancaster Prep YA’s? A  second generation of a previous Lancaster Prep couple!  Imagine my delight in reading the story of Wren and Crew’s son, from A Million Kisses in Your Lifetime.  

Rowan is the perfect epitome of the Lancaster men, in his broodiness and as@holic ways.  Arabella has been crushing on him for years, and like the impulsive and needy girl she has always been, she doesn’t hide it but flaunts it.  And what does Rowan do? Close in on himself, of course.  Their story almost repeats his parent’s story in that there was initial hate, then it changes to love.  Rowan is definitely Crew’s son, with a little softening influence from sweet Wren.  I loved the parts when Rowan seeks advice from his father, who has lots to tell his son.

I loved seeing Crew and Wren as parents, their love still shining through, and the good life they gave their kids.  I hurt for Arabella, or “Bells” as Rowan calls her, a very neglected and ignored daughter of self-centered parents.  Her father is a workaholic, her mother is his arm candy and cares only for the wealth trappings that her marriage gives her.  When Arabella visits Row’s home, you can tell how thirsty she is for a hug or a moment of caring from a mother figure.

I liked that, needy as Arabella is, she gives as good as she gets from Rowan, and as Row gets to really know her, he’s initially compassive, then angry for the treatment she gets from her parents, then attracted to her sparkling personality.  In spite of the neglect from her parents, she’s sweet and hopeful, a great student, and a great girlfriend.  

I liked that the story is a slow burn, loved that they learned about sex together, loved seeing Row’s parents again, and loved the angsty part of Arabella’s parents neglect. My favorite parts were the family moments, and seeing Row being so supportive with Bells.  There’s a dramatic scene towards the end of the book that makes reading the story completely worthwhile and thrilling. It was lovely to read, entertaining as I find all YA youngsters finding their way in life and love.

Purchase links

FREE with Kindle Unlimited

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3VdtNs4

Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/KMIYH

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/44VxWnI

About the author

Monica Murphy is a New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling romance author. Her books have been translated in almost a dozen languages and have sold over two million copies worldwide. Both a traditionally published and independently published author, she writes young adult, new adult and contemporary romance.

A native Californian, she lives on fourteen acres in the middle of nowhere with her husband, son, their goofy dog, and three cats. When she’s not writing, she’s thinking about writing. Or reading. Or binge watching something.

 

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