I absolutely LOVED this book.
It was everything I’ve come to expect and more from this author.
Naughty, brilliant, humorous, heart achey.
I’m very intrigued by the mystery and very worked up!
Chapter 33 was divine.

The Heart You Kept by T.L. Swan is packed with love, passion, past mistakes, present truths, and the uncertainty of what’s still to come.

Edward is strong, commanding, and every bit the unapologetic playboy—you don’t cross him, and he always gets what he wants. But when Alora crashes into his life, everything changes. What starts as an undeniable pull quickly becomes a whirlwind of lust, emotion, and something much deeper.

Alora sees Edward in a way no one else ever has. She understands the man behind the tailored suits, and in doing so, she gives him something he never believed he could have. Their connection feels inevitable—like two magnets that can’t stay apart, no matter how hard they try.

This story will have you completely invested. You’ll swoon over their love, get frustrated with their choices, and still find yourself unable to look away because they’re just that captivating.

And that ending? Absolutely brutal—in the best way. I’m still in a chokehold over it and will be until book two which is to be released in 2027… and honestly, I am not okay!

Thank you Swan Society for gifting the ARC!

5⭐️/4🌶️

I’m not ok. Anyone that says they are ok after reading this book and being left on the emotional Everest sized cliff is a damn dirty liar!

From the very first page, PAGE NUMERO UNO, knowing Edward and Alora had that unforgettable weekend and then spent THREE WHOLE ASS YEARS apart?? The emotion was already high and my pearls were clutched. TL wasted no time giving us the goods in this one.

Edward Prescott is THAT man. He’s complex, brooding, seemingly unattainable. But there’s something deeper, something broken and uncovering those layers had me in a chokehold and not the fun kind. And Alora? She’s level headed, grounded, and completely out of place in his world of wealth and danger but that contrast is exactly what makes their story so freakin’ addictive. She’s not scared to walk away if he doesn’t get it together. She’s knows her worth and she’s not willing to sacrifice it. Yes, Queen!

I officially need to up my anxiety meds after this one. The intensity, the reconnection, the danger… Jear Desus… my heart can’t take it.

A moment of silence for the spice. I was fanning myself like I was sitting in the desert with a heater blasting me right in the face.

It’s intense and dripping with tension. Every moment between Edward and Alora felt like it had years of emotion that just needed to explode. There was no vanilla. It’s passionate, addictive, and perfectly woven in through the entire book.

But let’s talk about the real emotional damage:

THE CLIFFHANGER.

I am not okay. I am UNWELL. I’m deceased. I’ve passed away. I finished this book and just sat there like I had personally been betrayed. I immediately marched up the stairs, tossed my kindle down and YELLED at my husband asking why TL Swan hated me!

The way it ends?? The secrets, the tension, the danger in Edward’s world finally closing in… I need the next book immediately because HOW am I supposed to function after that?? And until 2027??? We aren’t gonna make it.

I’m heartbroken. I’m obsessed. And I will be thinking about that ending for an unhealthy amount of time… probably until book 2. TL… my girl… can we negotiate the timing of the next book?? Like… tomorrow?

ARC Review
4.5

This read was the most raw and emotional story I’ve read lately, presenting feelings that are relatable and sometimes uncomfortable.. The rollercoaster ride of Edward and Alora had me buckling up and holding on for dear life. The allure of this story had me wanting to continue, showing that all love is not rainbows and butterflies and you have to go through the hard stuff too. This is not an easy love story and so much goes down between these two, so many reasons why they may want to steer clear of each other. Both want totally different things in a relationship and their chemistry is what keeps them gravitating back to each other.

Edward is wealthy and has a playboy reputation. He is controlling, possessive, sensual and addictive and he is not letting Alora go. Alora is someone that likes the simple things in life, she is the light that brightens his darkness, but that may come at a cost. She is kind and different from what he is used to. What seems like the chase something that is lust, progresses to a love that may feel toxic, but a love nonetheless.

I could not put this down and I was absolutely devastated when it was over.

Thank you TL Swan and Arndell for my copy to read and review.

| Destination Romance | One Bed | Opposites Attract | Reformed Playboy | Billionaire Romance |

I can’t wait for book 2! Ms. Swan has outdone herself once again. This was one of my most eagerly anticipated books of the year, and it certainly lived up to the hype. I’ll keep the spoilers to myself, but let me just say, it’s a must-read! Three years after a secret weekend in the Swiss Alps, Alora Sorenson believed she had completely moved on from the enigmatic man who had turned her world upside down. That is, until Edward Prescott reappeared in her life—richer, more powerful, and even more irresistible. As the billionaire owner of the world’s largest casino empire, Edward embodies the epitome of untouchability. He’s a formidable presence in the world of high society, luxury yachts, and ruthless adversaries. Alora, on the other hand, craves a tranquil and simple existence, surrounded by antiques and vintage fashion. She feels out of place in his world, yet she can’t deny her enduring attraction to him. However, beneath his captivating charm lie hidden dangers, and in the shadows of the Riviera, will the past resurface and wreak havoc on everything they’ve built together?

WOW!! I adore TL Swan's books and Edward Prescott delivered as the Billionaire brought to his knees by the beautiful, simple (in lifestyle) Alora the antique shop owner in Nice and lady he met years earlier at a kink club! I loved the therapy sessions Edward had throughout the book with trying to deal with falling in love and the unknown feelings that were out of his control! There are twists and turns so no spoilers here but a must read!