Keeping Kaitlyn
by Megyn Ward
Six years ago, I asked Kaitlyn Barrett to marry me, and she said yes.
Three weeks later, I left her to set right the mess that led me to her in the first place. I promised to come back, and she promised to stay. When I came back for her, two weeks later, she was gone—the only thing left to prove that she’d even been there in the first place were the signed divorce papers she left behind. Even though I wanted to go after her with every fiber of my being, I didn’t because Kait had decided what she wanted and it wasn’t me. I signed the papers that said we weren’t married anymore and did my best to move on—and failed miserably.
When I took the security job at Gilroy’s I thought the most I’d have to deal with were a few bored paparazzi trying to get a photo of me roughing up a drunk college bro, or someone recognizing me from my brief stint as a tabloid badboy. Imagine my surprise when I come face-to-face with the woman who vanished on me six years ago without a trace. When she tried to explain what she’s doing in Boston, I’ll admit I was too busy trying to get her naked to pay much attention.
When I told her I didn’t care why she was here, that I wanted her to leave, she told me no. That she had friends. A life here that she wasn’t willing to walk away from. Turns out the life she was unwilling to walk away from was my life. My friends.
So, since neither of us were willing to walk away, we decided to compromise. Divide the space we both occupied, cleanly down the middle—you stay on your side of the Gilroys and I’ll stay on mine. And it worked. Until it didn’t. Suddenly, the walls we’ve build between our lives come crashing down and just when it becomes obvious that avoiding her is the last thing I want to do, the life I helped Kaitlyn run away from, calls her home and the only question left is, just how far am I willing to go to keep her.
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Martial Peak Reviews
Megyn Ward's Keeping Kaitlyn is a compelling exploration of love lost and found, a narrative that delves into the complexities of relationships, the weight of past decisions, and the enduring hope for redemption. The novel is a poignant reminder of how the past can shape our present and future, and how love, despite its challenges, can be a guiding force in our lives.
At the heart of the story is the tumultuous relationship between the protagonists, Kaitlyn Barrett and her former fiancé. The narrative begins with a powerful premise: six years ago, Kaitlyn and her fiancé were on the brink of a life together, only for it to be shattered by circumstances that forced them apart. The protagonist's decision to leave Kaitlyn to resolve his past is a testament to the novel's theme of sacrifice and the difficult choices that love sometimes demands. The signed divorce papers Kaitlyn leaves behind serve as a haunting symbol of their broken promises and the life they could have had.
The novel's structure is built around the unexpected reunion of the two characters, which occurs in the most unlikely of places—a security job at Gilroy’s. This setting provides a rich backdrop for the unfolding drama, as it is not just a physical space but a metaphorical battleground where past grievances and unresolved emotions come to the fore. The author skillfully uses this setting to explore the tension between the characters, as they navigate the complexities of their shared history and the new lives they have built in each other's absence.
Character development is one of the novel's strongest suits. Kaitlyn is portrayed as a resilient and independent woman who has carved out a life for herself, despite the heartbreak of her past. Her decision to stay in Boston, even when confronted with her former fiancé, speaks volumes about her strength and determination. She is not merely a passive participant in the story but an active agent of her destiny, a refreshing departure from the often one-dimensional portrayals of women in romance novels.
The protagonist, on the other hand, is a man burdened by regret and longing. His journey is one of self-discovery and redemption, as he grapples with the consequences of his past actions and the realization that Kaitlyn is still an integral part of his life. The author does an excellent job of portraying his internal conflict, making him a relatable and sympathetic character. His transformation from a man who once walked away from love to one who is willing to fight for it is both believable and inspiring.
The novel's themes are universal and resonate deeply with readers. The idea of second chances is a central motif, as the characters are given an opportunity to rewrite their story and find happiness together. The narrative also explores the notion of compromise and the importance of communication in relationships. The decision to divide their shared space at Gilroy’s is a metaphor for the boundaries they have erected around their hearts, and the gradual dismantling of these walls is a testament to the healing power of love.
Ward's writing is both evocative and engaging, drawing readers into the emotional landscape of the characters. Her prose is imbued with a sense of urgency and longing, capturing the intensity of the protagonists' emotions and the stakes of their relationship. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, adding depth to the characters and their interactions. The pacing of the novel is well-balanced, with moments of tension and introspection interspersed with scenes of tenderness and humor.
In comparison to other romance novels, Keeping Kaitlyn stands out for its nuanced portrayal of love and its challenges. It shares thematic similarities with works by authors like Nicholas Sparks and Jojo Moyes, who also explore the complexities of relationships and the transformative power of love. However, Ward's novel distinguishes itself with its focus on personal growth and the idea that love is not just about finding the right person but becoming the right person.
Overall, Keeping Kaitlyn is a beautifully crafted story that will resonate with anyone who has ever loved and lost. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of love to heal and transform. Megyn Ward has created a memorable and moving narrative that will stay with readers long after they turn the final page.
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