'Did she really just say that? I am fifteen again, except the reality is I am experiencing full parental horror, aged twenty-five. I want to die.'
Life hasn't quite worked out how Arielle Lockley imagined it would. Becoming the next Coco Chanel was always her childhood dream, but she's spent the past four years living a dizzying whirl of glitzy parties, luxurious holidays and daily shopping sprees - all paid for by boyfriend Piers - and not doing anything to make her Coco dreams happen.
When the recession hits, it's not just the economy that takes a tumble and Arielle finds herself living back with her parents, on bad terms with Piers, and having a CV that's as welcome as a pair of knock-off Jimmy Choos. And maybe it's the location, but she's also finding unwelcome thoughts of her childhood sweetheart are popping into her head...
What's a girl to do? Can Arielle figure out what it is she now wants to do with her life and move on, or will she be doomed to spend the rest of her life dwelling over her worst mistakes, stuck listening to her parents' embarrassing dinner table talk each night?
I was enticed into buying Kept by the promise of London life and designer names.
Did it live up to my expectations?
PERFECTLY!
I loved Arielle from the start of her journey in the present day where she is depressed and penniless, heading home to her parents in the New Forest on a train (First class - of course). You realise something is wrong when designer clad Arielle has a stand off with the ticket inspector, quivering with nerves as she has no ticket, but is desperately blagging to keep her seat.
We then flash back to her freak accidental meeting with Piers when he trips her up in the street after a traumatic job interview and breaks her ankle. After his chivalrous rescue you're left wondering how things went so badly wrong with the kind, adoring gentleman who wanted to pander to Arielle's every wish, and why Arielle is in the position she is.
When the truth is finally revealed I began to find it a little difficult to pity Arielle, in short, she should have seen it coming and she really was starting to take advantage.
Being back at her parents with her tail between her legs (and missing her trunks of designer apparel rather more than Piers) Arielle realises that her life has been on hold for the past four years, just playing the dutiful and well-kept wife to Piers. Her childhood dream of being Coco Chanel had evaporated into a badly chosen economics degree, which even as a graduate had not helped her to gain employment.
Best childhood friend, Obelix comes to the rescue and we see Arielle slowly begin to re-piece her life together, and rediscover the independent woman that Piers fell in love with.
I loved Kept! I loved the storyline which was a perfect read for me, I absolutely loved Elle's writing style; intelligent, witty and heartwarming. For me she is very much like Lindsey Kelk (with tamer language). The fashion descriptions were spot on and it all helped to paint a fabulous picture in my mind.
The characters are well thought out and wonderfully imaginable. I loved Arielle although her naivety left me wanting to shake her at times (she redeemed herself well!). I flitted between loving and hating Piers, much like Arielle herself I guess? Arielle's parents added a good dose of humour as did Felicity (I loved her!) but my overall favourite has to be Obelix. Just read the book - you'll agree!
Oh, and I vehemently disliked Noah. He's a bad man.
Kept is a brilliant tale of self discovery with the added bonus of romance and fashion!
And the best news ever - Elle is busy writing a sequel!!! HURRAH!