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Lawton Ridge Duet #1-2

Tyler & Gemma Duet

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Although Tyler’s her best friend’s brother, Gemma can’t deny the way she’s always felt about him. While he’s in the military, they exchange letters and their friendship transforms into something much more. After spending a summer between the sheets, Tyler leaves town. Devastated and heartbroken, Gemma tries to move on. She’s constantly reminded of the lifelong memories they made and the love she lost. Twelve years later, Gemma’s about to settle down and start a family, but it’s not until Tyler returns to Lawton Ridge that turns her world upside down. Tyler’s never forgotten about his first and only love—the one woman who’s held his heart. When he starts working for her father’s business, the last thing he anticipates is still having feelings for Gemma. He’s only ever wanted her to be happy, but now that she’s engaged to a man who’s all wrong for her, he can’t stay away. He’ll risk everything to protect her.

The Tyler & Gemma duet includes Keeping You Away & Needing You Close .
Suggested for mature readers only.

552 pages, Paperback

Published September 30, 2021

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About the author

Kennedy Fox

80 books5,762 followers
Brooke Cumberland and Lyra Parish are a duo of romance authors under the USA Today pseudonym, Kennedy Fox. Their characters will make you blush and your heart melt. Cowboys in tight jeans are their kryptonite. They always guarantee a happily ever after!

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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Profile Image for Jessica Alcazar.
4,097 reviews574 followers
January 15, 2022
Keeping You Away: Book 1

This story packs a punch. I think for me it was the circumstances from the past more than what was happening in the here and now, but also because the here and now is just the beginning of their story. As it goes with most duets, the first book tends to lay the foundation down for the real story/journey that will happen in the second half. If you’re a fan of this author duet, then you probably remember Tyler from the Always Mine/Yours duet that released earlier this year. I’m a fan LOL so I remember. The shared history that Tyler and Gemma have made me emotional. I feel it’s a poignant history and these ladies unfolded this story so far, very well. I wanted it to keep going. I was upset we actually had to stop and pause and even more wait, WHAT? at the pause/end of this installment! I mean …….

I’ve been a fan of this author duo for quite a while. There are a bunch of their books that don’t have reviews by me but that’s only because when I put just my reader cap on and not my blogger cap, I tend to get lost in just reading and forget to review LOL So I’ve read a ton of their work and I’m comfortable saying these ladies are always a good investment of your time! #trust

Needing You Close: Book 2

This story ... this couple ... these people ... these authors ... just wow .

I feel like a broken record saying this, but Kennedy Fox just does not disappoint. The depth and layers to their books is outstanding. I never feel like I’m reading a superficial story. They mirror real life situations with relatable and believable characters. It is always a phenomenal reading experience.

I was already fully invested in the success of Tyler and Gemma going into this book. I already loved them beyond reason. They were already settled very comfortably in my heart. Despite all of that, this author duo still had me on the edge of my seat completely enraptured at every turn! Their journey was completely unexpected in the best of ways. I live for these types of stories where I am absolutely certain of the end result but getting to it is one surprise after another. Well done once again ladies!!
869 reviews11 followers
January 13, 2022
"Keeping You Away"

“Keeping You Away” is an amazing book and is the perfect beginning to Kennedy Fox’s new Ex-Con Duet Series. I found it captivating, exciting, and definitely a page turner. From the first page I was fascinated by the story of a man who wanted to start over and the woman he allowed to get away many years ago. I was familiar with Tyler’s character and I was eagerly anticipating his story. Tyler is a complex man who proudly served his country and unfortunately, also served time in prison. He is a true friend, a hard worker and is devoted to his sister, Everleigh. Moving back home was his only option, and Tyler hoped he would be accepted back into the community. His biggest fear was seeing Gemma again. She had always been in his heart, but he knew that forgiveness may not be in the cards for him. Being around Gemma every day would test his patience, his courage and his heart. Tyler wondered if Gemma could ever forgive him, and would he be able to accept that she only wanted to be friends. Can Tyler and Gemma forget about the past or will their memories be too strong to ignore?

"Needing You Close
I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading “Needing You Close.” I read half the book in one sitting, but I was so afraid of what might happen next that I needed to take a break! I thought about what had transpired so far with Gemma and Tyler and hoped that their love would be strong enough to withstand any more obstacles that came their way. Gemma and Tyler may have been apart for a long time, but their love for each other had never left their hearts -- it was just waiting for the right time for them to be together.

They both have families who will support them unconditionally, which I feel gave them the hope and strength to not give up when faced with making decisions that could change their lives forever. Gemma and Tyler have a passionate, tender and honest relationship, and I was cheering for them to have the happy ending that they deserved. I laughed and cried along with them, and their beautiful romance took me away from everyday life to a place filled with happiness, love and magical nights.

Profile Image for Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance).
1,790 reviews58 followers
January 13, 2022
This is Kennedy Fox at their best. A slow burn, second chance story that not only revolves around a second chance at love, but a second chance at life.

After Tyler was released from prison he just wants to live a quiet life. He moves back to his home town in Alabama, keeping his head down, looking for a fresh start. The one place willing to give an ex-con a job happens to be Gemma's father, the only girl he ever loved and walked away from a little over a decade ago. She's now engaged to be married to another man and as awkward as it will be be to be around her again all Tyler ever wanted was for Gemma to be happy. While Tyler is dealing with his decade old feelings and just when he thought his quiet life was finally settling in, his past comes calling and he has to debate on whether he should answer the call.

Gemma had been in love with Tyler forever. He was her first for so many things in her life, but when he left town and broke her heart she never could quite move on. It was only about two years ago that she really gave up hope of Tyler returning and Gemma started dating her now fiancé, Robert. She was happy, content in her life, but now that Tyler has returned she finds herself confused and questioning everything in her life.

This box set contains the duet, so you don't have to wait to read in between the cliffhanger and find out how Tyler and Gemma end up. Also this is the start of the Lawton Ridge series which is southern, small town good reading.
Profile Image for Nicole.
3,769 reviews48 followers
January 13, 2022
Keeping You Away:
This is the first book in Gemma and Tyler's duet. We got to know Tyler in Maddie and Liam's duet. I'm so glad we get Tyler's story. I devoured this one. Tyler and Gemma are going to pull you right in. The thing is Gemma is engaged to another man. Boy this book is a good one. I have my suspicions about few characters in this one. Some shady stuff going to go down I can feel it. Vegas is going to come haunt Tyler right as he gets his life started over. The cliffhanger at the end has me wanting the second part of this duet now!!!
Needing You Close:
This is the conclusion to Gemma and Tyler's duet. The bombshell we were left with in the previous book had left me eagerly awaiting this book. I want Gemma and Tyler find their HEA, but it's not going to be easy. Robert is a nasty piece of work and makes me hope Gemma can get him out of her life. Neither Gemma and Tyler anticipated how dirty Robert can get. Plus Tyler's past is looming over his shoulder. I just gobbled up this book. I needed to know the fate for Gemma and Tyler. It was so worth the wait. This book made me laugh, cry, gasp in shock, and swoon. It's a must read!
Profile Image for Moriah.
2,579 reviews22 followers
January 14, 2022
This story was amazing! So many surprises I didn't see coming! So many emotions! One moment I was giddy and happy and the next I was like WTF! I wasn't sure what I was reading! Kennedy Fox hit it out of the park with this one. I couldn't put it down. It was perfect! I loved the angst and forbiddenness between Tyler and Gemma. There's this pull between them even though it’s been years since they were together. Love his sister and all the girl friends that give Gemma so much support.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews

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