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sinbetweenthelines's review
4.0
I want to both shake and kiss Ella and Zander for what they made me feel during this book.
Zander is no longer working for the Firm due to his personal - very, very personal - relationship with Ella, who is showing progress in her healing journey after leaving a psychiatric hospital and rehabilitation center. Zander knows that giving up control can be a way of regaining control, and he is more than happy to bring some peace to Ella through a Dominant/submissive relationship where that is the goal.
I loved Ella and Zander's relationship, and I wish they knew they loved it too. The spicy scenes are worth the roller coaster, and the depiction of healing from trauma through intimate relationships really gave me warm, happy butterflies. The plot felt solid, and depicted what spiraling depression and mental health issues can really manifest into without being too much for the reader to handle. I felt so bad for Ella, but thankful she has a hot Dom to give her what she needs and craves.
One thing that frustrated me a lot was their inability to accept their love for each other and continually deflecting it onto other situations and guilt. It showed itself almost like a miscommunication trope, but obviously deeper and more ridden with hard emotions. But the way they just kept questioning their growing love for each other turned me off at times. I know romance isn't smooth, but I love the kind of love that knows it's there even when times are hard. Not doubt. Doubt doesn't work so well for me, especially in intense relationships like 24/7 Dominant/submissive ones. You can still love people from your past without blaming every feeling in the future on them (under the guise of being misguided). I guess without that plot point, there would have been little to work through in this book working up to the next book, Love Me.
Perhaps a little less doubt and always more spice, but nonetheless, I devoured this delicious book.
*I received a free eArc from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
Zander is no longer working for the Firm due to his personal - very, very personal - relationship with Ella, who is showing progress in her healing journey after leaving a psychiatric hospital and rehabilitation center. Zander knows that giving up control can be a way of regaining control, and he is more than happy to bring some peace to Ella through a Dominant/submissive relationship where that is the goal.
I loved Ella and Zander's relationship, and I wish they knew they loved it too. The spicy scenes are worth the roller coaster, and the depiction of healing from trauma through intimate relationships really gave me warm, happy butterflies. The plot felt solid, and depicted what spiraling depression and mental health issues can really manifest into without being too much for the reader to handle. I felt so bad for Ella, but thankful she has a hot Dom to give her what she needs and craves.
One thing that frustrated me a lot was their inability to accept their love for each other and continually deflecting it onto other situations and guilt. It showed itself almost like a miscommunication trope, but obviously deeper and more ridden with hard emotions. But the way they just kept questioning their growing love for each other turned me off at times. I know romance isn't smooth, but I love the kind of love that knows it's there even when times are hard. Not doubt. Doubt doesn't work so well for me, especially in intense relationships like 24/7 Dominant/submissive ones. You can still love people from your past without blaming every feeling in the future on them (under the guise of being misguided). I guess without that plot point, there would have been little to work through in this book working up to the next book, Love Me.
Perhaps a little less doubt and always more spice, but nonetheless, I devoured this delicious book.
*I received a free eArc from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
crystalbeth's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Honest review - no spoilers.
I already loved the first book and second is just as good. Willow Winters and Amelia are successfully writing a story that we are all enthralled by.
This is a romance but with plot twists, mysteries and some insanely sexy scenes.
This picks right up after the cliffhanger of an ending of book 1. (If you haven't read it, go do that now). This book gives us more back story, more explanations to things, and we get to learn about the mysteries at the same the characters do. I didn't see the ending coming though. Can't wait to finish book 3 now!
I already loved the first book and second is just as good. Willow Winters and Amelia are successfully writing a story that we are all enthralled by.
This is a romance but with plot twists, mysteries and some insanely sexy scenes.
This picks right up after the cliffhanger of an ending of book 1. (If you haven't read it, go do that now). This book gives us more back story, more explanations to things, and we get to learn about the mysteries at the same the characters do. I didn't see the ending coming though. Can't wait to finish book 3 now!
jensreadsromancebooks's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
crystal_reads22's review
4.0
The story continues
Zander and Ella's story continues in this epic story of two broken soles that are having a hard time confessing their true feelings toward each other! Ella's story of trying to get back to a "normal" life is a hard long ride but she is slowly making progress! Zanders story comes to light as he is also on the road to recovery and unsure of his feelings...I cannot wait for book three!!!
Zander and Ella's story continues in this epic story of two broken soles that are having a hard time confessing their true feelings toward each other! Ella's story of trying to get back to a "normal" life is a hard long ride but she is slowly making progress! Zanders story comes to light as he is also on the road to recovery and unsure of his feelings...I cannot wait for book three!!!
kodom251999's review
4.0
Wow! This book was deep. The author dives into some deep things for Ella. She mistakenly starts thinking things that are not evenly close to true. It was heartbreaking to read her thoughts. They were both warned that they should put a label on their relationship, but they don’t. So… drama drama drama. I loved it! I can’t wait to see what comes next.
jamies_bookreads's review
5.0
Review: 4.5/Stars
Hold Me starts right where we left off with Kiss Me (book 1). Originally it was only supposed to be a duet but now it is a series. The emotional depth of these characters and the world that Willow Winters and Amelia Wilde have created is wonderful and just too big for two books. Ella (FMC) is recovering from a substantial loss and suicidal attempts that have her in private care within her home. Zander (FMC) still recovering from the murder of his ex-girlfriend, has crossed the personal professional line with Ella and their exposed relationship hangs on a slippery slope. Things change...they fall into a new routine. Ella slowly shows more progress. The problem is they both have so much inner suffering that they make mistakes. As Dom/sub they fit, but unsaid wishes and feelings hinder them. Their personal communication hampers their relationship, they are like a puzzle with missing pieces. No matter how well they fit together, their unspoken words are not letting them be complete. So once again we are left with a cliffhanger that leaves you wanting more. I really recommend this story, please be aware of sensitive subjects addressed.
Hold Me starts right where we left off with Kiss Me (book 1). Originally it was only supposed to be a duet but now it is a series. The emotional depth of these characters and the world that Willow Winters and Amelia Wilde have created is wonderful and just too big for two books. Ella (FMC) is recovering from a substantial loss and suicidal attempts that have her in private care within her home. Zander (FMC) still recovering from the murder of his ex-girlfriend, has crossed the personal professional line with Ella and their exposed relationship hangs on a slippery slope. Things change...they fall into a new routine. Ella slowly shows more progress. The problem is they both have so much inner suffering that they make mistakes. As Dom/sub they fit, but unsaid wishes and feelings hinder them. Their personal communication hampers their relationship, they are like a puzzle with missing pieces. No matter how well they fit together, their unspoken words are not letting them be complete. So once again we are left with a cliffhanger that leaves you wanting more. I really recommend this story, please be aware of sensitive subjects addressed.
thebookishmonarch's review
4.0
Oh wow...
The tension in this book starts from the very beginning. Hold Me starts off from where Kiss Me ends.
Zander and Ella have been separated in Kiss Me and now they're fighting to be together. In the eyes of The Firm, Zander cannot be jn their payroll for this case if he wants to be with Ella.
Zander chooses to be with Ella, seeing as theyve already established a relationship that may interrupt her mental health process is taken away.
Ella wants to be with Zander. She'll do anything in order to receive it, even blackmail. Despite it all, she still has feelings for her late husband. James is someone sheoved deeply and isn't really to let go quite yet.
The tension in this book starts from the very beginning. Hold Me starts off from where Kiss Me ends.
Zander and Ella have been separated in Kiss Me and now they're fighting to be together. In the eyes of The Firm, Zander cannot be jn their payroll for this case if he wants to be with Ella.
Zander chooses to be with Ella, seeing as theyve already established a relationship that may interrupt her mental health process is taken away.
Ella wants to be with Zander. She'll do anything in order to receive it, even blackmail. Despite it all, she still has feelings for her late husband. James is someone sheoved deeply and isn't really to let go quite yet.
theliterarygamer's review
4.0
Why did I think this series was a duet?
I don’t know but I was looking forward to having some closure with Ella and Zander’s story.
But no, I’m left with more questions now.
This book is full of emotion, it’s raw and gritty.
Ella and Zander have a complicated relationship. But one that is addictive to read about. They both have their own issues but they are learning to deal with them.
I was glad that we had some questions answered from book 1, mainly about their pasts. I don’t think I trust Kam, but I can’t put my finger on why. Maybe I’m wrong about him but book 3 will tell us all.
I don’t know but I was looking forward to having some closure with Ella and Zander’s story.
But no, I’m left with more questions now.
This book is full of emotion, it’s raw and gritty.
Ella and Zander have a complicated relationship. But one that is addictive to read about. They both have their own issues but they are learning to deal with them.
I was glad that we had some questions answered from book 1, mainly about their pasts. I don’t think I trust Kam, but I can’t put my finger on why. Maybe I’m wrong about him but book 3 will tell us all.
morganreadsoccasionally's review
4.0
Even though it usually drives me crazy, the pacing that WW and AW chose for this series makes sense.
Kiss Me was a tad slow but Hold Me sees the storyline picking up a bit more speed. My only complaint is still all the secrets. My anxiety makes me stressed out when I have to learn secrets at a character's pace. (I'm the same with movies too.)
One thing Hold Me has that is stressing me out the most is all the GUILT. Guilt makes people do crazy things. And I'm on the edge of my seat to watch everything unfold.
This doesn't really feel like a body guard romance anymore. I wouldn't know what troupe to put this under actually but I'm still intrigued.
I'm starting to see the "why" that was missing from book one. Why should I care about these people and their story? Well WW and AW are doing a dman good job of showing me.
Kiss Me was a tad slow but Hold Me sees the storyline picking up a bit more speed. My only complaint is still all the secrets. My anxiety makes me stressed out when I have to learn secrets at a character's pace. (I'm the same with movies too.)
One thing Hold Me has that is stressing me out the most is all the GUILT. Guilt makes people do crazy things. And I'm on the edge of my seat to watch everything unfold.
This doesn't really feel like a body guard romance anymore. I wouldn't know what troupe to put this under actually but I'm still intrigued.
I'm starting to see the "why" that was missing from book one. Why should I care about these people and their story? Well WW and AW are doing a dman good job of showing me.