He’s a rockstar who lost his muse. She’s a graphic designer who discovers that kickstarting his imagination is the easy part…Ozzy Martinez is smoldering.Ripped.Tatted and pierced. Everywhere.With his sold-out Vegas residency ending, he’s scheduled to record his next album soon. Only problem? His creativity—and trust—are both MIA following a soul-crushing, deeply personal double betrayal.McKenna … double betrayal.
McKenna James is feisty.
A Las Vegas original.
Brunette with an ever-changing shock of dyed hair.
She’s vying for a spot in a national competition that will give her the funds she desperately needs to care for her mother. But her contest submission hinges on new songs—from the one man whose productivity has run dry. Not to mention he embodies everything she’s vowed to leave behind.
For McKenna, he can’t be anything more than a ticket to success. For Ozzy, she’s an honest straight-shooter with a curvy body he remembers well. But then he finds himself divulging his darkest secrets. With every confession about his past, with every heart-pounding kiss, all the reasons why a romance between them can never happen fades.
Until he discovers her secret.
And another.
To have a chance at a life together, they both must learn how to Hold Still.
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This was my first time reading Arell Rivers and she killed it like a rockstar with Hold Still. I was hooked from page one and held captive until the end.
Ozzy Martinez is your typical rockstar. Tall, dark, gorgeous and abs for days. And let’s not forget the tats and piercings. He also has a “hit and quit it” mentality when it comes to women. He has been burned in the past and he isn’t about to repeat that mistake.
McKenna James is a graphic designer. She’s an only child, dealing with all the responsibilities of taking care of her mother. Her family has been ripped apart, and she’s trying so hard to keep it together. She doesn’t have the time or energy for a relationship.
Ozzy is in a writing slump and McKenna is working on a project that involves Ozzy’s work. She wants to help him get his creative side moving in the right the direction….it’s just sex, right? Until it isn’t…
Arell Rivers has me hooked! Hold Still is a must-read in my opinion! This was a great taste of the rock-star lifestyle. It was a steamy and yet lovely and sweet and all around just wonderful book!
Rock star Ozzy Martinez is struggling to write new music. McKenna needs him to write these songs in order to design for him so she can win a contest and provide for her ailing mother, and keep her promise to her dead father. They both are harboring secrets, but when she becomes his muse for writing, things start to look (and steam) up!
I really, really enjoyed this book! I loved the way the storyline went and the descriptions, events, and struggles the characters had. I loved the supporting characters, including Ozzy’s dog, Bans. I struggled with the fact that Ozzy used “Molly”. I know it happens, but I don’t condone the use, and I cringed when I read it. I also wanted to punch Ozzy in the face when he showed up at the awards show. Anyway…I loved it!!!
This was a first book for my by Arell Rivers.
I thought it was very good. I loved the story and I loved how they helped each other by just being there for one another. Building one another up.
I didn’t want it to end but at the same time it couldn’t end fast enough–I just had to know what happened to them.
I will need to go back and read the other books by Arell.
This was a hot and steamy read that’s for sure. I loved the chemistry between these two. The secondary characters were great as well. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Ozzy and McKenna’s story is hot and steamy in all the right places. Two please who can not deny the chemistry between them, who build something more. These two were romantic and sweet and one another’s muse. Loved when they had fun!!! A great book that I could not put down!!
A Beautiful Love Story.
I am a newbie when it comes to Arell Rivers.
I have to say that I intend to go and purchase all the past books as I am now a big fan, after this book.
Ozzy, is a writer and performer.
He is doing a stint in Las Vegas and is expected to get back in the studio and create a new album.
McKenna, is a graphic designer who has been assigned to four artists to come up with some designs using their music for her project. Ozzy, is one of them and is to provide her with new music to work with.
This means a lot to her as her future hangs on these designs as they will be used for the care of her mother.
They have hooked up in the past, but Ozzy, is known as a player.
When she see’s him at mutual friends wedding he is high, due to the fact that he just signed divorce papers that took three years in the making and cost him 10 Million dollars in alimony which has wiped him out. A wedding is emotionally taxing on him, but he made a promise.
When she finds herself in a tough spot, she must ask for his help to get back to her mom who has dementia.
When she realizes that he has no songs for her project, she decides she must help to get his creative side engaged, and also to do this without hooking up again.
Through many twists and turns they take each other on a journey in which they must trust each other to let the other into their sorted pasts.
This is a great story of healing, as well as a look into a disease that affects so many people and families in our society.
It moved a long at a nice pace and also picked up where another book ended so it helps previous readers to have a finality to the previous stories.
Consider me a new fan for life.
Hold Still (Hold Series Spin-off Book 2) by Arell Rivers is a contemporary, rockstar romance told in dual POV. Although it’s the second book in a series it can be read as a standalone.
Rockstar, Ozzy, has been suffering from writers’ block. Dealing with painful personal issues has left him uninspired and he hasn’t been able to write any songs for his new album. Graphic designer, McKenna, is working on a project with ties to a national competition. She desperately needs the prize money and recognition in order to care for her ailing mother.
But McKenna can’t complete her submission without Ozzy’s new songs, so she determines to help him find some inspiration. As they work together creativity is unleashed along with scorching hot chemistry. Their connection is undeniable. But can they trust each other with the truth? Or will secrets from the past destroy their budding relationship?
I loved McKenna and Ozzy’s story. It was angsty and emotional, sexy and steamy, heartwarming and sweet. There was some humor and suspense as well. A highly enjoyable read about love, communication, and trust.
*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. ***
Oh my gosh. Just finished the book. I totally got all the feels with this book! Ozzy is one hot rocker and McKenna is a good girl trying to care for her mother. You will fall in love with this couple. It definitely made my heart sing! Reading the Gratitude brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for your kind words. I’m so glad I met you and have had the honor of reading your work.
Great book lots of emotions involved. McKenna has a lot to deal with not only making sure her career is successful but handling her mom with dementia. Dementia alone is a very heartbreaking disease that unfortunately there is no cure at this time for. Ozzy is a rockstar that hits a dry spell until McKenna comes along and his eyes and writing ability goes crazy. McKenna is exactly what he needed. The connection between the two is just off the charts. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to see what else Ms Rivers has in store for us.
This was a fun read. Ozzy and McKenna are two broken people who I adored. They have both been through so much!
Rockstars and romance, this book could totally be a movie!
Arell Rivers has outdone herself in this emotionally raw, steamy and just plain fun story! It was sexy, steamy and yet lovely and sweet, and all around just a wonderful book!
The rock star magic of the Hold Series continues as we get Ozzy and McKenna’s long awaited story. We got teasers and glimpses of them during Cole and Rose’s trilogy, and now we finally get to read about it as Ozzy reconnects with McKenna at a time that he needs her the most. Both of them each have a past that is holding them back from trusting themselves and each other but the sizzling connection and chemistry between them just might be the saving grace to pull them through to the other side with each other.
Ozzy; the great rock star, has many personal problems and issues and this has affected his inspiration and as such he has not written any new songs in a long time. McKenna also has her own problems, both economically and family. Certain and shocking events of her past has resulted in her to being extremely reserved and private. With both of them harbouring secrets, and when she becomes his muse for songwriting, their relationship begins to blossom and quickly heats up!
Loved, loved McKenna & Ozzy’s story! Flawlessly written and will take you on an emotional journey in the best way possible. Their story is so heartfelt and will leave you breathless. I especially loved the well-developed storyline along with the descriptions, events, and struggles the characters had.
Highly recommended!!!
Ozzy Martinez is a sexy, tattooed, and pierced singer who lost his muse.
McKenna James is a curvy, Las Vegas native, with an ever changing shock of died hair who is determined to help Ozzy find his new muse in order for her to complete her contest submission.
For McKenna, she won’t let Ozzy be anything other than her key to success. For Ozzy, she’s an straight shooting hottie with a body he can’t seem to forget. But as time goes on Ozzy finds himself revealing his biggest secrets and through every kiss he starts to wonder why she can’t be everything he needs.
Until he finds out her secret.
And then another.
They will need to learn to Hold Sill to figure out if they belong together.
Definitely recommend!
Hold Still by Arell Rivers is a spin off from her earlier Hold series, it isn’t necessary to read the others before this one but it is recommended. If you read the others first, you will have a more in depth knowledge of the characters but you will still get to know them and love them either way.
I love that Ms. rivers takes two “broken” or “mixed up” people who without trying to “fix” each other. In the earlier books Ozzy and McKenna had great “meaningless” sex and they thought that was all it was. Well, McKenna wanted more but knew it was impossible and her life had taken a turn leaving her no time for a personal life anyway. Ozzy was being what he believed a rock star should be. He enjoyed being with a different girl every night until he didn’t.
McKenna reconnected with Ozzy for her work. She needed to learn about him and his music for a project she was working on. She vowed to keep it casual, she didn’t have time for more anyway. By keeping it casual, Ozzy had time to realize how empty his life had become and McKenna taught him how to have fun again and really live life. She helped him reconnect with his music and was his muse, allowing him to write music again. He opened up new creativity in McKenna too making her so much better. Together they were both better
Of course, eventually they couldn’t deny their their attraction to each other and their great sex became awesome and something they both needed and couldn’t live without giving us our HEA.
I love Ms. Rivers’ writing, her depth of characters and her stories are unparalleled.
Arell Rivers has outdone herself with this story. I am not going to give to much away because this is a must read for everyone. Once you start reading it you will not be able to put it down. I was so taken from page one that I couldn’t put it down because I needed to know what was going to happen next.
Ozzy is a rockstar at the end of his tours. He is getting ready to have a break and start making music for his next album but there is one thing missing his muse his inspiration for writing. McKenna is his muse but she has lots of things going on in her life and she has no time for him. Plus she is over him after they have spent time together.
But you know what they say life’s a biatch and when she deals out shizz you better watch out because she is coming for you.
OMG, I want an Ozzy!!! Holy hotness and the piercings! I loved the storyline with the secrets, danger lurking around the corner and the tension. But what I loved most was the time McKenna and Ozzy spent together and what they were able to accomplish together for each other. Makes me wish I could go back in time and have a do-over.
Ozzy and McKenna have had to deal with hardships and betrayals. They had a brief encounter in the past and Ozzy is looking for a repeat performance at Rose and Cole’s wedding. Unfortunately, the wild and crazy McKenna is now trying to change her ways, which includes not falling back in bed with Ozzy. She now has the responsibility of taking care of her mother, and with nonstop bills she desperately needs to make money fast. Her chance at winning a contest depends on Ozzy’s writing, which turns to be a problem when he confesses that he has hit a brick wall and can’t think of any lyrics to write. McKenna tries to bring Ozzy out of his funk, and while doing so they spend time together and Ozzy begins to write again. He knows it’s because of McKenna. But she’s hiding something from Ozzy and everyone. And Ozzy has been lied to and betrayed by the two people he loved and trusted the most. What will happen when Ozzy catches on to McKenna’s lies? Will McKenna be able open her heart and learn to trust Ozzy?
This was a great read! McKenna tried her best to change for the better, but Ozzy made her realize she doesn’t need to change anything about herself, and that it’s okay to accept help and to let others in. Looking forward to the next book!
4 1/2 STARS!
Emotionally raw, steamy and just plain fun! The rock star magic of the Hold Series continues as we get Ozzy and McKenna’s story! We had a glimpse of them during Cole and Rose’s trilogy, and now we get to see what it’s all about as Ozzy reconnects with McKenna at a time that he needs her the most. They each have a past that is holding them back from trusting in themselves but the connection between them just might be the saving grace to pull them through to the other side with each other!
Ozzy Martinez has been ruling the roost during his Vegas residency, but it’s almost over and the powers that be are coming down on him hard for a new album. Only problem is, life has beaten him down and he’s at a point where he can no longer create. He tries to drown the pain in booze and women, but when he runs across the one woman who has made him feel in recent times, he sees how empty it all has been.
McKenna James has a past she’s trying to overcome as well, and to do so, she needs to be able to provide the care that her mother needs. This art project she’s become a part of is her ticket to better things, but it’s now hinged on the last person she really wants to see. He makes her feel at a time when she needs to turn off that side of her and simply produce. When she discovers Ozzy’s creative block, she sets out to make him connect with something again instead of simply numbing life away. Can she help him find the muse he needs to make the music the world wants to hear? And as they spend time together, will it all become more than just a passing fancy between them?
Ozzy and McKenna are two broken souls that had me wrapped up in their stories from the beginning. Each suffered an emotional event within in their lives that changes them. When they get together to collaborate on a project both are shown what respect, love and trust truly means. Can they both trust each other enough to get them through the drama and surprises that await them? This was a terrific story that kept me intrigued with a great storyline and characters. Loved reading this story.
What I can say is that I really enjoyed this book. It was my first read from this author and I do love me a good rocker romance book.
I was led to this author from another authors recommendations and I was not disappointed. The love/almost hate relationship with Mckenna and Ozzy had me laughing or wanting to throw my kindle at times. Ozzy is what we all see bad boy rokers as party hard live hard. What we don’t see is the person off stage. I loved how he just wanted a normal life and since his divorce didn’t think it was possible. Mckenna was trying to honor a promis she made to always take care of her mother in good time and bad. Little did she know a blast from the past would help her in keeping the promise. This also shows to us that communication is key in any new and lasting relationship as if you do not have it things will go south in a heartbeat when you jump to conclusions. I also loved this as Ozzy is Pueto Rican and I just visited there just under 2 years ago before Hurricane Maria hit. It took me back to my trip that I adored and hopefully will make it back in the future.
I need to go back and read the first book in the series and will definately be reading more from this author in the future.
I was give an ARC for my honest opinion and I was not disappointed!
Arell Rivers is my new favorite author, can’t stop reading her books. Hold Still is book 2 in the so amazingly hot Hold series Spin-off. I’ll recommend you read the Hold Me box set first so you have a bit of background on the characters. This is Rock star Ozzy Martinez and graphic designer McKenna James steamy, realistic and beautiful romance story. This is a very well written story with real life problems and taking control of your life future. Loved that Ozzy’s life begins in Puerto Rico and all the Latin references about his family back in the island, I’m Boricua too, :)! I don’t want to give anything away but this is A MUST READ STORY!!!