Book: keeper by Anna P
Reviewed by Anonymous
Rating: 5/5
I loved this book. Full stop. The characters had me completely enthralled for days- and even more since. Kaia is the badass I wish I was. Varun is completely gone for her from the start. Circumstances kept getting in the way for years, until a need for a fake boyfriend sends Kaia straight to her best friend's older brother.
I know nothing about cricket. I know very little about India. I loved learning so much about both through this book. And, bonus, the footnotes the author includes are the best thing ever. I love the additional factoids included. They really made the book for me. As well as the feeling of breaking the fourth wall and seeing inside the author's head at times. I have never seen that in a novel before and I wish more authors would utilize it.
I think one of my favorite parts of this book was Varun's former fiancee and the abuse he suffered. I know men who have been abused, physically and sexually, and I think his character's struggles are so raw and real to what a lot of survivors face. I don't think men who are abused by women are talked about enough. Especially strong, otherwise confident men. It really can happen to anyone. He is vulnerable while dealing with things be brought up publicly, but he doesn't let it destroy him. And because he has already done so much work in therapy, he is able to still help Kaia navigate her own publicity problems.
Varun and Kaia also have excellent chemistry from the beginning. They have wonderful banter and tension while they are both denying themselves. And when they give in, the spice is top notch. It's adventurous and fun, while still being hot and romantic all at once.
I'm so glad I read this book. It will definitely be one I come back to and read again. And I will also be reading more from Anna P. I love her writing style. And if her other books are the same, they are like taking a trip to India without leaving my home. Her descriptions of all the food the characters make made my mouth water continuously.
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.