He wants her as he’s never wanted anyone…but he’s certain she can’t be trusted.

Merrick Knowles and Aly Garwood hate each other…and crave each other. Before they knew one another’s identities, they had a scorching one-night stand. 

But Merrick, the Grantham family’s protector, becomes suspicious of Aly’s true intentions when he discovers her living at the family estate.

Aly has a complicated connection to the Granthams—and she senses there’s some unfinished business at Calcott Manor. Merrick agrees to help if only to hasten her departure.

As their antagonism becomes passion and family secrets are revealed, Merrick must trust her or risk losing everything…

Titles in the Dynasties: Calcott Manor series include — Just a Little Jilted —♥— Their Temporary Arrangement —♥— The Trouble with Little Secrets —♥— Keep Your Enemies Close —♥—

This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.

Title:  Keep Your Enemies Close…
Series:  Dynasties: Calcott Manor #4
Author:  Joss Wood
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Published:  August 22, 2023
Publisher:  Harlequin Desire
My Rating:  4.5

I can’t imagine a better way for the Dynasties: Calcott Manor series to wrap up than with Merrick and Aly in Keep Your Enemies Close… – oh my goodness, they are on fire, and the sparks flying off of these two could start a bonfire!

In a lot of ways, it’s a bit difficult to talk much about the dynamics between this couple without giving away information from the entire series, and even though this is the conclusion to the series, well, there are those folks who haven’t read the earlier books yet.  So.  We finally get to understand just what caused Merrick’s animosity toward Alyson throughout the series.  It all makes sense, plus we get to see how promises of the past have shaped Merrick into the man he is today – a guardian of the men who all are as close as brothers to him.  Merrick is an amazing man, but still, there were times when I needed to tell him to get over himself.  Stubborn is also one of his major points of view; there is Merrick’s way, or there is no way, pretty much describes him.  I enjoyed watching this man fall as hard as he did.  Everyone deserves love and happiness, and Merrick is no exception to that rule.  But did he ever fight his way to that realization?!

I was so glad to get Aly’s side of what she’s been experiencing throughout this series.  Her attraction to Merrick is obvious, and it never really lessens, even when he is so distant toward her.  I especially loved the detective work she and Merrick were doing to find the answers that they so desperately needed.  Together, they are a compelling, sexy couple, and I simply adored them in so many ways.

All the loose ends are neatly tied up.  That second romance that’s been running in the background of the series gets a very well-deserved happy ending.  And the other mysteries have a satisfying explanation, somewhat sad, maybe, but it all makes sense.  That’s what I want most from the concluding story in any series: for those tiny details to be brought to their end, for the strings to finally make sense for the characters… all that and more was my reward in Keep Your Enemies Close…

If you love a well-written, thoughtful, emotional, and steamy romance with characters who will keep you on your toes and a romance to swoon for – then you’re going to love this one.

I own a Kindle edition of this title.

Available in print or for your favorite e-reader