Member Reviews

Eeeek. This was such an awesome enemies to lovers/marriage of convenience story.
I really loved Killian. He was so grumpy and really mean to our heroine. But don't be fooled. She gave as good as she got! The chemistry was off the charts, and I loved the character development so much!!!!
The third act break up was a bit cliché but I enjoyed it anyway.
I cannot wait for more from this universe!

Was this review helpful?

Another Sara Cate novel to check off the list and she didn't disappoint again! What more could you ask for... A Scottish brute that has anger issues and an American girl that has her own set of insecurities and then they get married.. what could go wrong.. or right?

This was honesty so fun. I laughed so hard at Killian and Sylvie arguments. I will admit that the way they talk to each other is down right degrading and it may be hurtful to some that are reading it. But I did find it so funny and every time he called her names I just could imagine the look on her face. In the beginning of the book you honestly can't find a reason to like either one of these main characters and they are both deeply flawed with issues that run DEEP. But as the year goes by, they start to come out of their shells and you start to understand the way they are and feel for them. As always, Sara knows how to write a spicy book and she definitely delivers in this one as well. Funny enough, it actually seemed a bit more tame for what we have come to expect from her, but still so good.

Thank you to Sara Cate and her team for providing me with the ALC for this.

Was this review helpful?

I'm honestly not sure why it's taken me this long to finally read a Sara Cate novel. After reading this I will definitely be moving those up on my 'tbr pile'. It took me literally no time at all to get hooked on the story and fall for Sylvie and Killian.

The character development and depth to Sylvie and Killian are completely out of this world phenomenal. IT not often you find such depth and development in a smutty romance novel but it was unmatched here. The grumpy banter and that turned to loving bullying is top tier for sure and genuinely added so much. Now, let talk about the spice... theres just something about a kinky Scotsman oh lordy. There was just the right mix of bdsm spice and plot that it didn't take away from the story at all.

The audiobook is definitely well worth the listen... the casting for Killian was probably some of the best audio casting I've ever heard. I do sometimes have some issue understanding heavy accents in audiobooks (especially since I'm one who ups the speed on audiobooks) but I had absolutely no issue understanding it here. The Scottish accent was so clear and sexy it definitely made this book so much better.

Was this review helpful?

Keep Me is the first book in the Sinful Manor series. This book is about Killian and Sylvie and is told from both of their points of view.

Killian and Sylvie meet when Sylvie breaks into his house to get a picture of a typewriter for her boyfriend. They had some funny words, he broke her phone, and she was on her way. Then something happened and she's no longer with her boyfriend and has some issues with her parents.

Something happens and Sylvie agrees to a fake engagement/marriage with Killian. While Killian and Sylvie live together Sylvie realizes there is more going on with Killian than she originally seemed. I loved the banter between these two characters. What happens when their time is up? Will Killian and Sylvie have real feelings? Can Killian get past what happened in his past? Can Sylvie fix things with her parents?

I enjoyed this book, and am excited to read more in this series!

Was this review helpful?

3.5✨rounded up.

For the most part I would say I enjoyed this. However both FMC/MMC were extremely Whiney, and immature and needed an immense amount of therapy stat. I love a broody grumpy man, but there draws a line when he’s verbally abusive towards her and calling her a cow and many other things. Let’s not forget about how the mmc is an actual a-hole and was basically actively cheating with his bffs wife?? I thought that was bizarre and I love a cheating trope. I listened to this when I was driving for work, and it kept me entertained for the most part.

I will say, the narration by Kelli Tager and Will Watt was fantastic! Both of these narrators were new for me but I really enjoyed Will Watt and his accent. I love a good Scottish accent and he did a good job.

What to expect:
- Marriage of Convenience
- Kink
- Forced Proximity
- Age Gap
- Enemies to Lovers
- Scottish MMC/Scottish setting

3.5✨
2.5 🌶️

Was this review helpful?

Story rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (0-5)
Narration: 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧 (0-5)
Overall: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 (0-5)
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 ☄️ (0-5) I bump up for public places/outdoor spaces, and they like it rough. The ½ is the paddle.

What I’m Starry-Eyed Over:
🤩 Sara Cate writes intense stories, and she totally captivates me. And these narrators, Kelli Tager & Will Watt, make the reader feel even more immersed in Sylvie & Killian’s story.
🤩 Arranged marriage for an American woman to a Scottish man in Scotland, billionaire family!
🤩 Quite the characterization. Killian is horrible. I’m not sure I can be made to love him.
🤩 Part two—Will Watt might make me looooove Killian, though!
🤩 I actually do love how he describes and thinks about Sylvie, and just wants to push her buttons.
🤩 House party! When they have to pretend in front of his friends! 🙌🏻❤️‍🔥🥵🌶️
🤩 When Killian wants to protect Sylvie from his drunk friends.
🤩 The back and forth enemies banter plus back and forth narration parts—just all the back and forth is intense!!
🤩 Sylvie is perfect for Killian & I loooooove how she’s perfect for dealing with Claire.
🤩 Just a peek! 👀 I’ll sweeten the deal. Yeah, I adore Sylvie!!
🤩 I’m a sucker for jealousy, especially when the party boy doesn’t want to share. “All mine.”
🤩 When they support each other. 🥰 I love them. I love him.
🤩 All the feels. 😭
🤩 One of the sweetest (still heart wrenching) third act breakups I’ve read.

What I’m Wishing/Dizzy About:
💫 Family hurt & trauma. They could probably use some therapy. Thank goodness there was some therapy representation for Killian.
💫 The paddle—it might be too much for me, but it didn’t last long.

Was this review helpful?

This was so so good! The way Sara has me feral for every book she writes is an understatement I own them all and she’s definitely an auto buy author for me I love her work

Was this review helpful?

Thank you Sara and Sourcebooks for the ARC & ALC.

“I never intended to fall in love with my wife.”

I’m not sure what I was expecting but this was different and I really loved it. A grumpy Scotsman. A spirited American. Two goals. One arrangement.

Sylvie and Killian enter into a marriage of convenience. One year. That’s all they have to last, yet for both, that’s 364 days too long. These two share some of the best hate to love I’ve ever read. Cutthroat banter. Sizzling chemistry. And it’s even better when you watch them slowly morph into something more.

Killian has his issues but so does Sylvie. Watching them both overcome and transform had me in my feelings. It felt like a monumental shift and it was done really well. I definitely cried.

Dual narration by Kelli Tager and Will Watt only elevated my experience. I was hooked from page one and couldn’t get enough. The accents and tone exemplified Killian’s and Sylvia’s distinct personalities and various range of emotions. This was a great listen.

“I need to be inside you, Sylvie. I need to make you my wife.”

“I picture your belly growing big with my child, and it just does something to me. I never thought like that before.”

“Just because I can do it without you doesn’t mean I want to.”

“I just need you, mo ghràidh,”

“Thank you for waiting,”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥🔥

Was this review helpful?

3.75⭐
3🌶️

.Marriage of convenience
.Forced proximity
.Caring when sick
.Hurt/comfort
.Scottish MMC
.Dual POV

I listened to the audiobook for this one, and it was the best decision ever. Both narrators were amazing, but the male narrator had a deep Scottish accent that could melt anyone. Sooooo good.

This isn’t my first book by this author, and while it’s not my favorite of hers, it was still a fun ride. Does it have much of a plot? No. Was it sexy? Absolutely, yes. And honestly, do we pick up books like this for the plot? Nope. It’s exactly what it promises to be: a steamy marriage-of-convenience romance with a splash of BDSM.

The only thing I have to add is about the FMC, Sylvie. She started off as a spoiled brat, and I wasn’t sure I’d warm up to her. But her character growth surprised me in the best way. She learned from her mistakes and turned into a strong, supportive partner for Killian, our tortured-soul MMC.

If you’re in the mood for something steamy and fun, this one’s worth a listen. Bonus points if you enjoy accents.

Was this review helpful?

Audiobook review
Narrated by Kelli Tager & Will Watt

I’m blown away at how much I enjoyed this book. I went in blind as I normally do & I was so intrigued with the story from the get go, especially with the setting being in Scotland. Also hearing the characters’ accent made it a whole experience! It truly put me in the story and I felt like I was there watching it all unfold!

Killian & Sylvie fought so much and I truly felt a part of their journey as they broke each others’ walls down. Yes, Killian is an asshole but Sylvie lets him know as much and gives as good as she gets.

The writing and story telling in this book was so good! I loved it so much!
I found myself crying at one point 🥺 lol

Definitely recommend esp if you like:

- Marriage of convenience
- Hate to love
- Name calling
- Forced Proximity


Thank you Sara & team for the ALC copy. 🫶🏼

Was this review helpful?

As someone who has read Sara Cate's Salacious Players Club books, this one was a little tamer than I was anticipating - but it was still so good!

The grumpy x grumpy dynamic of Sylvia and Killian was fantastic. Their "meet cute" - if you want to call it that - was hilarious. The deceptive nature of their relationship and the significant lack of trust from both made for so much entertainment in the early stages of their marriage of convenience.

But the best part was how much of a tortured softie Killian was beneath his grumpy, almost cruel outer shell.

Although I typically don't love a third act breakup, I ADORED how the ending came together on this one. The character growth and development for both Sylvia, but especially Killian was everything I didn't know I wanted.

The narrators, Kelli Tager and Will Watt were great. Listening to Will Watt's scottish accent was *chef's kiss* - he truly embodied Killian and brought his character to life.

Thank you to NetGalley, Sara Cate and Dreamscape Audio for the ARC.

Was this review helpful?

"𝐇𝐞'𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧'𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐢𝐭. 𝐈 𝐝𝐨".

This review is for the audio version of this book which I DEVOURED it was so good.

Kelli Tager and Will Watt do such a terrific job and really elevate the story with their incredible narration. Blown away.

I absolutely loved this book. I'm already a big fan of Scotland and Sara Cate's books so the two things together made it a sure thing that I would be reading this and it did not disappoint.

Killian is a Scottish recluse living in his Manor and Sylvie kind of sort of breaks into his house and she runs into him. Soon after, his family see's an opening to get Killian to stop his lifestyle and get out of his house and convinces Sylvie to marry him for one year.

I LOVE a marriage of convenience trope. I especially love a marriage of convenience where the two characters just HATE each other. The banter is SO GOOD. And of course with the force proximity, these two were bound to catch feelings.

"𝐈 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐦𝐨 𝐠𝐡𝐫𝐚́𝐢𝐝𝐡"

It's spicy and k!nky as I would expect from Sara's books but with a more realistic take on it that I found really refreshing. Though I am wondering what happened to those parties...

I loved the deep dive into parental relations and Killian's agoraphobia. It gave the book a deeper more emotional depth that was needed and really twisted my heart in knots.

It was so tender and loving and just such a great book. And no one was knocked up by the end. All the stars.

Was this review helpful?

Honestly PERIOD PERIOD PERIODDDDDD. 4.75/5 stars!
Sara Cate, I literally don't understand how you can so perfectly write a steamy romance.

I loved Cate's Salacious Player's Club series and this newest series is definitely going to deliver. Marriage! Of! Convenience! I was giggling, screaming, cackling during this audiobook. I absolutely loved the narrators and the SCOTTISH ACCENT YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING. I will be listening to this at least 5 more times this month.

I love the characters in this book. I love the banter. I love it all. (The only thing that brings book down is a nickname that Killian calls Sylvie. I don't love it so I must be true to myself)

Thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media. I am so excited for the rest of the Sinful Manor series!

Was this review helpful?

Wow. Just Wow. This is the best book I've read in 2024. Hands down.

Sylvie is a lost free spirit, always craving something more; something that can spice up her humdrum life. She's searching for her happiness and purpose in life but she doesn't even begin to find it until her entire world implodes around her. After misadventures in Scotland, where she has a not-so-pleasant meet-cute with a Scottish brute named Killian, she is stuck alone with an ex-boyfriend, an ex-best friend, and estranged horrible parents. Unexpectedly she is thrust into the opportunity of a lifetime; an arranged marriage with Killian for one year for a hefty payout. Killian is a grumpy recluse who never leaves his home, and over the span of 10 years has turned the family estate into a house of debauchery, so when his family approaches him with this opportunity of an arranged marriage, he believes that the house will become his at the end of the year sentence. But Sylvie secretly has to sign his family home away to the rest of his family.

Their dynamic is volatile, aggressive and is the perfect example of the thin line that exists between love and hate. They hate each other so fervently and as their time together grows they end up loving each other just as fervently. They both face their biggest demons together, pushing each other to step outside their comfort zones, and supporting each other through their darkest moments. Choosing love over all their fears, for the sake of the other. When everything crumbles and they split, I WEEPED. I was beside myself watching them have to navigate their lives alone. But their reunion was perfection and their love is something that I think everyone should aspire to; strong, solid and unwavering.

I've talked about this before, but what makes Sara's writing so special is that while her stories are full of taboo and kinky spice, they are just as rich, if not richer in story and character development. The spice is not necessarily the focal point of the story, but how their preferences in bedroom activities speaks to the complexities of them as a person. The development of their relationship outside of the bedroom translates into trust and care in the bedroom, only adding to the depth of their love for one another. While this book is not as spicy as some of her past novels, its intentional, it brings the heat but serves so much purpose to their story.

Kelly Tager and Will Watt blew me away. If I could add applause sound effects to this I would! What a performance from them both and I love Will and his portrayal of Killian was fantastic, but Kelly stole the show for me. I felt everything that Sylvie felt viscerally and Kelly's performance brought that to life in a way I don't know I've experienced in an audiobook before. What a talent. Bravo!

Was this review helpful?

The idea of getting paid $10 million for one year of marriage to a broody, hunky Scot had me hook, line, and sinker. Sign me up! However, the main female character, Sylvie, was so selfish, entitled, and whiny from the get-go, that I had a hard time getting into this one. I stuck with it because I was listening to the audio version and the narrators did a decent job of keeping my attention, even if the female narrator was a bit off on her Scottish accent at times. There was a definite 50 Shades of Grey vibe going on, but with a marginally better writing style. One other thing that bugged me was that I never really understood the tipping point from lust to love here--it seemed...arbitrary. In any case, it was mildly entertaining and a good one to listen to while driving back and forth to work (as long as you don't have any kids in the car!)

Was this review helpful?

A huge thank you to Sara Cate and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to review the advanced listener’s copy of Keep Me!

I absolutely loved this audiobook. The narrators were fantastic and brought the novel to life. I felt like I was truly in Scotland, which made me want to visit even more!

This enemies-to-lovers story features Sylie, who has been through a lot—from her boyfriend cheating on her to being completely broke. She finds herself agreeing to a deal no one could refuse: $10 million to marry Killian Barclay. The reasons behind this arrangement? You’ll have to read the book to find out!

The forced proximity was executed perfectly, with plenty of bickering and constant sexual tension between Sylie and Killian.

If you’re looking for a captivating romance, explore Keep Me. You won’t be disappointed!

Was this review helpful?

Sara Cate, a grumpy-grumpy romance, and a mercurial billionaire Scottish hero (with kilts?!) Such a recipe for so much delicious!! Keep Me is intriguing and tension-fueled enemies to lovers page turner, brimming with sassy banter and kinetic chemistry. Throw in some beauty in the beast vibes- heroine takes a deal to willingly be trapped in a Scottish mansion with a beastly lord of the manor - and a bit of kinky scandal, and I was hooked.

Our meet cute happens with a Scottish manor invasion…of the more fun kind, as Sylvie recklessly breaks into Killian’s house in order to lay eyes on a historical typewriter for her boyfriend. Said intrusion leads to quite a vitriolic meeting for the two…not to mention causes a domino effect as Sylvie, already broken after being cut off by her parents, suddenly finds herself single and pretty much alone and hopeless. Until an intriguing offer comes her way from Killian’s family- marry the rude Scottish lord for a year to help his reputation (and help the family get control of the house) in exchange for 10 million.

Sylvie and Killian are so deliciously hostile to each other at first- both also drawn to and intrigued by each other. True enemies to lovers here- in fact, Killian says some pretty nasty things to her in his notorious tantrums, and Sylvie really can get under his skin. They are both grumpy and a bit anti-people, but under it they both have some really heavy baggage stemming from their history with their families, primarily their parents. Killian has true unaddressed trauma, insecurities, and paralyzing fears…..let’s just say, there’s a reason this man is so attached to his manor, and it’s not his kinky parties. And Sylvie, will at first seems pretty entitled and recklessly privileged, is actually tragically lonely and unseen. She’s the quintessential bad attention is better than no attention- she’s lost, thirsty for love, and desperate to matter.

Truthfully, they aren’t easy characters to love at first- their flaws are flags they both wave proudly. But as the story unfolds, we see the layers and dynamics unfold. And they start to connect more authentically, as Killian sees Sylvie in a way that is validating to her. His protection of her, his care for her comes often with edges, but it’s a visibility and concern she’s never experienced before. And she cares about Killian’s baggage in a non-judgemental way. She breathes new life into him and settles him. IN both they find the first real connection either has every experienced, earth shattering for both of them. And it’s not easy- there is angst and drama and they fight it tooth and nail, but ultimately they settle into an unexpected romance where the marriage no longer feels fake.

I’ll say the first half of this felt a bit slow for me, I think in part because the characters take a minute to sink your teeth into and love. Their personalities are very strong- and they sure do fight.. Killian is truly a brute, and Sylvie seems petulant and bratty at times. But I really loved the second half of this, and while their love did feel a bit fast for me, I did really buy into their connection and chemistry. I loved how they helped each other grow- Sylvie felt more grounded and mature and selfless, and Killian softened and addressed his past.

As someone who is a huge Sara Cate fan, the spice in this one is definitely softer and lighter, and some of the triggers or warnings are even unnecessary/ misleading. Don’t expect some SPC level kink here. Which honestly, the story didn’t need it, it’s beautiful enough and the spice was enjoyable! But I felt like it warned a lot of kink and BDSM and kinky parties, and while this was there, it wasn’t a huge element and didn’t really play a part of the characters or get too kinky (which I’m actually glad about). In fact, the kinky party piece (and past cheating) felt almost unneeded for their story, and as such it almost felt a bit unresolved. Like it was added for the shock/kink of it. I’m so used to Sara Cate stories having the sex be a huge catalyst to the character growth vs. it just being there, and in this story that didn’t feel like it was the case. It might just be that there was just too many elements in the expanse of the story (that also had some timehops, with off page character growth that I wish we’d seen more) so a few pieces felt less essential or not as developed/resolved (the parties, her family element, his past affair, etc). But the romance itself was the star of the show, and while there might be some loose ends, I did love how their arcs resolved and they found their together, and the ending was super cute and satisfying. This definitely felt on the sweeter side for Sara Cate, which I loved after such a turbulent beginning for these two.

Will Watt and Kelli Tager are amazing on the audio. Will and his Scottish accent as Killian pretty much melted me- and I loved the layers he brought to the performance, both the angry/grumpy Killian side as well as the vulnerable, broken side of him. And Kelli brought so much empathy and emotion to Sylvie, even when the character was being petulant or reckless, she leveled a gravitas to the performance that brought Sylvie to life.

I hope we get more from the characters (the brothers, his sister) in this world- I’d love some more time in Scotland, and perhaps with his brothers we’ll also get to more outside of the manor Scottish fun too.

💍 Marriage of Convenience
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Grumpy X Grumpy
💍 Family drama and secrets
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scottish Broody Billionaire (and yes, kilts!)
💍 Enemies to Lovers
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Forced Proximity
💍Strangers to hateful enemies to lovers
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿Age gap (10+ years)

Was this review helpful?

Just trust me and RUN to grab this book!!! I devoured this book in less than 2 days! It was fun, heartfelt and 🌶️🌶️🌶️

I listened to the audiobook and LOVED it!! The narrators were phenomenal! Their accents were perfect!! I highly recommend listening to this audiobook!!

Also, a man in therapy NEEDS to be a more common trope!! I loved the personal development of the MMC so much and how he worked on himself so he could be deserving of the love of his life💕💕💕

While that was super sweet, the MMC is definitely not a sweet man. He is rugged and rough around the edges. A brute really 😉 the MC’s really hate eachother for most of the book and give off true enemies to lovers vibes🔥🔥 The tension they create is palpable and scorching!!

Overall I think you should read this one!!

Was this review helpful?

This book is for all my fellow enemies-to-lovers in forced proximity friends! Killian needs to clean up his act and be a more active participant in his life, so his family gets him to agree to a marriage of convenience. Enter Sylvie, who was recently cut off from her family and needs to find a way to keep her head above water. The two bicker constantly but eventually give into their attraction for one another.

While I loved the premise of the book, it fell a bit flat for me. I struggle with books where one of the main character is in sexual relationships outside of the core relationship; and Killian was with. multiple women in the beginning of the book. I also wish there wouldn't have been so much time spent on all of these women that he's been with in the past; it took me away from the main storyline so often, I don't know if I would have finished if this wasn't an audiobook. With that said, I did love how Killian was a protector and willing to do what he needed to be better for Sylvie later in the book. Seeing growth in main characters is one of my favorite things to see, especially when they started where Killian was at the beginning.

This book may not have been for me but I do still believe others would enjoy it! Sara Cate is one of my favorite authors, and I still look forward to more books from this series!

Was this review helpful?

🔥Sylvie has discovered that her fiancee has cheated on her with none other than her best friend. Needing money, and fast, she resorts to marrying the one man she detests to help his family out. One year, no cheating, no love involved. What's the worst that can happen?

🔥 Killian has lived in the same family home for the past six years, struggling to leave his residence. When his family begs him to marry Sylvie, someone he can't stand, he agrees. What's the worst that can happen?

🎧 Kelli Tager does a fantastic job of transporting the listener into Sylvie's word, rooting for her and truly hating her family. I LOVED Will Watt and his ACCENT. I immediately yearend for more of Killian's story, finding his to be the most emotional. While I don't think this Sara Cate his the most spicy scenes, what it lacks for in spice it makes up for in emotion. There were definitely some "awwww teary face" emoji moments and I look forward to seeing who is the nexrt books FMC!

Was this review helpful?