Book Review: Keep Me Never (Boys of Avix #4)
I always seem to pick the wrong book to read on release day, and Keep Me Never by Megan Brandy was no exception. After diving headfirst into this concluding chapter of the Boys of Avix series, I can’t help but feel a sense of relief that it’s finally over. To be honest, I believe this story should’ve been a standalone—none of the previous installations quite matched the emotional punch of Say You Swear, which remains the shining star of this universe.
First off, Chase—a character who has continued to vex me through the series—didn’t win me over in this installment. Instead, he spiraled into a whirlwind of self-inflicted chaos that left me rolling my eyes more often than not. His gaslighting of himself about situations that hadn’t even happened felt more frustrating than engaging. I hoped for a redeeming arc, but what I got was Chase continuing to unearth the baggage he brought with him, skimming over pivotal moments in his past without full acknowledgment. For a character who has caused so much angst throughout the series, the brief nods to his past were disappointing at best.
Then there’s Paige—where on earth did her storyline come from? This unexpected shift towards a ‘grandfather mafia billionaire’ narrative felt utterly disjointed, pulling me out of the contemporary romance vibe that I thought I was reading. I was completely bewildered when the plot veered into territory I didn’t see coming, which left me scratching my head rather than engrossed.
Let’s not forget the mother, who, despite being the catalyst for much of the conflict, appeared only twice and left us with more questions than answers. I kept waiting for her to play a more significant role, like, perhaps a "never speak to me again" kind of text?! Instead, we were left hanging, and that was a letdown.
The dialogue often leaned into an obsession with height—“tiny” was mentioned so frequently that it became a running joke, overshadowing the potential depth of their relationship. Her character is older—can we drop the childlike description? It felt patronizing rather than romantic. It’s moments like this that highlight the inconsistencies throughout the writing.
In terms of pacing and structure, the plot felt cobbled together, as if the author dropped in every potential drama to try to reach the intensity of Say You Swear but missed the mark entirely. The superficial tension and copious plot holes only emphasized this disconnect.
A brief shining moment was the ending, and the bonus chapter with Ari and Noah was probably the most satisfying part of the read. It serves as a reminder of the brilliance of Say You Swear—a benchmark that Keep Me Never simply does not reach.
If you’re a die-hard fan of Chase, you might still find some elements enjoyable. However, if you’re looking for anything approaching the depth and richness of Say You Swear, I suggest you keep your expectations in check. Personally, I think I’ll stick to the first book and possibly delve into novellas featuring Noah and Ari instead. Thank goodness this series ended, as my love for Say You Swear remains unwavering, while the subsequent reads have left my heart feeling more bruised than fulfilled.
In summary, if you’re curious about Chase’s journey and appreciate closure—even if it comes with plots that occasionally miss the target—give it a shot. But for those who adored the raw emotional honesty of the first book, prepare for a different, less gratifying ride.
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