Review: Yours to Keep by Serena Bell #COYER

Yours to Keep 
by Serena Bell 
Released Date: Published November 11th 2013 by Loveswept 
Pages: 304
View/Purchase: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N

Ana Travares has been looking over her shoulder her whole life. Her U.S. visa expired when she was a young girl, and if her secret is discovered, she’ll be forced to return to the Dominican Republic. Ana allowed herself to get close to someone once before—and after he broke her heart, she swore never to make the same mistake again. But when a handsome doctor asks for her assistance, she fantasizes about breaking all her rules.
 
Even though pediatrician Ethan Hansen is a natural when it comes to little kids, as the single father of a teenage son he just can’t seem to get it right . . . except for the Spanish tutor he’s hired for his son, Theo. Ana has managed to crack Theo’s shell—and he isn’t the only one taken with her. The sexy tutor has fired up Ethan with a potent mix of lust and protectiveness. But as he starts to envision a future with Ana, Ethan is devastated to learn the truth about her citizenship. Somehow he’s got to find a way to help her—and hold on to the woman he’s falling hopelessly in love with.
(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)

My Review:

Serena Bell does a good job describing the issues in the novel as well as the characters. I found myself intrigued at what was happening to them and the overall picture. Hiding in the shadows has become part of Ana Travares ever since she was a little girl. After coming to the States with her family, she suffers from a series of events that have changed her life and that of those around her. When she discovers that her visa has expired, her older brother has to take action and protect his family after the sudden death of their mother. Now, twenty years later and she is still living in fear of getting caught and deported. Ana has learned not to trust anyone, and that includes any love interest in her life. But when she meets Ethan Hansen, it becomes very clear that not trusting him will be a hard thing to do. 

Ethan Hansen, a pediatrician and a widower has had trouble connecting with his teenage son, Theo. After the death of his wife, he was left to take care of his son all on his own. But having a teenage son isn't easy, especially when his son starts rebelling against him. When he finds out that his son is in need of an Spanish tutor, he hires Ana. It didn't take long before his son's tutoring sessions become some more for Ana and Ethan. But what he doesn't know is that she is hiding a secret from him, one that he'll have to decide whether to help her or move on. 

I really enjoyed reading this book, it was fresh and it gives audiences a new perspective to a subject such as illegal immigration. Serena does a outstanding job by focusing more on the story rather than on the politics of the issue. Although it was part of the story, it didn't overshadow the romance within the book. The characters are very well developed and the story flowed well. Overall, I recommend everyone to give this story a try, you will not regret it. *ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

My Rating: 4.5/5