Secretly dating Coach Parker’s daughter was never part of the plan. Neither was becoming her dealer…
ADAMReturning to my drug-dealing past wasn’t on the agenda when I accepted the full ride to play ball at Cypress U. But Mom lost her job. And my sister’s medical bills are mounting. So, I’ve no choice but to change the playbook.When Emily walks into my life, like a fallen goddess with the … Emily walks into my life, like a fallen goddess with the ultimate power to destroy me, I know I’m screwed. I should steer clear, but I’m the one supplying her poison of choice. Falling for her is a complication I don’t need, but the more she’s around, the harder it gets to walk away. She needs me, and I crave her more than the sport I love.
Now, it’s all on the line. Including the NFL career that’s tantalizingly close.
The stakes are high, but family means everything, so I’ll take my chances.
EMILY
It’s only a problem if it’s out of control. And I have it in hand.
Except a certain a-hole discovers I’m using again, and he threatens to rat me out to my folks. Mom’s president of Cypress U, and Dad’s the illustrious football coach. Appearances mean everything to them, and I’m a continuous disappointment. They told me I’d be out on my ass if I fell off the wagon, so keeping it a secret is my number one priority.
Until the super-hot all-star QB takes more than a passing interest in me. Adam gets me, in a way no guy ever has, filling my head with ideas of forever—and now, I want more.
Dating my dealer is a recipe for disaster, especially when it’s forbidden, but I can’t help myself.
Because I’ve fallen too deep.
And the hole is too large to crawl out of.
Due to mature content and possible triggers, this book is recommended to readers aged eighteen and older. Please refer to the note at the start of the book. This is a full-length novel (93k words).
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I really adore S. B. Alexander’s books and I really like most of Sioban Davis’s books but I just couldn’t get into this one. I found myself quitting this one so many times but then picking it back up only because it was an ARC book. I even went as far as to quit in the first half and write a DNF review but decided to delete that review and give it one last chance but it didn’t really help. I did end up finishing the book and did give it one more star than the first time but I didn’t really like it much better.
I couldn’t stand Emily at all. I found her to be a childish, selfish, stupid liar. I don’t really know what Adam seen in her. I didn’t buy their relationship. There was just nothing there to prove that they really were in love. It just seemed like he saw her at the hospital one day and the next he’s confessing his love. I don’t know a man alive who would want to be with a woman after her pretty much telling him, he’s useless if he doesn’t give her drugs. Especially since they hadn’t dated but maybe a month and it didn’t sound like they saw each other much in that month.
Adam felt like he had to sell drugs to pay for his sister’s medical expenses. Why not try to get financial help through the government or through the hospital first. They do have programs to help with medical burdens. I don’t get it. Surely his mom wasn’t so proud that she wouldn’t try that first. I didn’t buy that either.
It was said that Emily had to go into rehab the first time she used Molly, to help her get clean yet, she went a whole month without taking any. Then once she fell off the wagon, she couldn’t go a minute without it. No, that’s not how drug addiction works. I don’t know a person alive who could go a month without a drug that is an addict like Emily was supposed to be. It seemed like she was only an addict when she didn’t want to deal with things.
Emily let Wes get away with too many things. I didn’t get why she didn’t tell anyone. I mean she was okay with having orgies with her friends but not tell them that some sicko was blackmailing her. Really? I found the whole thing with Wes to be unnecessary anyway. It was like it was added to add to the word count. It really did nothing for the story other than make Emily look even stupider than she already looked.
I really thought there was too much going on in this book and that was the only thing that kept it going because the relationship between Adam and Emily didn’t really do anything for me. I found my self rolling my eyes for a lot of it.
I did like the idea of what happened to Adam in the end. Although, I found that Emily got off a little too easy.
Over all, I’m sad that I didn’t like this book. I had high hopes for it with the quality of the authors’ other books.
This book shines a light on just how far some people are willing to go to save their families. Anything Siobhan Davis writes is an instant read for me, so of course I had to read this one. This definitely is a different kind of book. It’s dark and delves deep into addiction and desperation. The idea that this could be a love story between a drug addict and her dealer wasn’t something I was sure I could handle. But this ended up being a story I really enjoyed.
Adam is a star quarter-back and Emily is the daughter of two very important people within the university. He needs money to support his family and she needs to escape her painful reality. I really feel like we don’t get this viewpoint in many books. The other side of both drug selling and drug addiction, because sometimes we feel like we have no choice in the matter. I found the whole story to be very heartwarming. I really enjoyed the dual POV, because you really get a sense of Adam and Emily’s relationship this way.
The only thing I didn’t love about this book was the writing. I just felt that it was a bit off from Siobhan’s other books. This of course makes sense, because it was written with another author whose books I’ve never read. I normally don’t read books written by more than one author, but I wanted to give this one a try. I’m absolutely glad I did, but sometimes the flow and pacing were a bit tough to follow. Overall though I absolutely recommend this book for fans of both authors especially if you love angst!
This book is a first from Siobhan and Alexander. And it hit the mark…it was great! This a college romance that also deals with some heavy stuff. Such as drug addiction, assault in a couple of different ways and illness. So, if that is not your cup of tea, then I wouldn’t recommend this book for you. However, if those are not triggers for you then this is actually a great book! So much love in this book. Also, awesome friendships to the point that everyone is family. How everyone that matters pulls together to be there for one another. Even if the circumstances of they way Adam and Emily met are not the best. They found something in one another worth Fighting for. And it just brought a smile to my face. I don’t want to say to much and give the book away, but it is a must read if you can handle the dark issues in it. Great job ladies!
Her mother is the president of the college and her father is the head coach of the football team. Emily has everything under control, or so she thinks, a family acquaintance has his sights set on her and will resort to blackmail to get what he wants. Adam is the star quarterback, his sister is sick, and he will do anything to help his mother with the medical bills, including doing something he swore he would never do again. Coach has a hard and fast rule, his football players will never date his daughter. Adam instantly falls for Emily and helps her with her habit, even though he was guilty of enabling her for a time. She seems to be doing well, and then she sees a man from her past, and spirals out of control.
These are all fascinating, unique, and beautifully written characters. Emily and Adam are determined to live their own lives, but there will be seemingly insurmountable physical, and emotional obstacles to overcome. Heartbreaking, gut wrenching, and tear inducing read with sexual violence that may not be for every reader, as well as some shocking twists that had me reeling. I think this is a must read, absolutely fantastic book.
I am voluntarily leaving an honest and non-incentivized review of this ARC.
Holding on to forever by s.b. Alexander
And siobhan Davis was one amazing read.
Both Susan and siobhan knocked this book out of the park.
This book gripped me from the beginning.
Emily is the football coach’s daughter and her mother is the university principal.
Her mother is bitch and needs a good slapping.
Emily as a lot of demons she needs to over come. she was raped when she was 15 years old. She started taking drugs to numb the pain she was in.
Adam is the new quarterback at his university.
Is sister is very sick. She suffers with cystic fibrosis. Adam starts to deal drugs to help his mother out with all the healthcare that his sister needs.
When they first met it was for drugs but then it grew into more. Adam saved emily from something bad. This book as all the feelings you can feel when reading a great book. In the end it was beautiful. You will needs tissues. I highly recommend this book
A life of addiction, of losing control, of chasing a high to block out the pain. Shes in self destruct mode.
He gave it all up, stopped the selling but now his family is heading back down the slippery slope, desperate for money. What else can he do but return.
They meet in an hour of vulnerability, both feeling wretched. One glance and he sees her pain.
The night is his, the task at hand to unload his wares, and there she is..
Oh wow what a compelling and engrossing read!
Their struggles and desperation grip your heart and squeeze it so tight it hurts.
Adam wants to be their hero and Emily essentially just wants to be loved. Put them together and they become each others light in the dark.
These two characters really buried in my heart and mind. I could read about them forever and a day!
The storyline gives you enough of everything that makes for an unforgettable read. Drama, suspence, love, and hope perfect perfect perfect!
What a fantastic duo these two authors make! and I for one hope they pair up again!
A new edgy, angsty, and at times very dark, new adult romance by Siobhan Davis and S.B. Alexander. This is a hard look at what’s currently happening all over the this country, addition and drug use. Holding On To Forever is not an easy read, but a look at both sides of drug life. Please mind, I’m not condoning either, but the authors did an excellent job of writing the reasons why someone would jump into the lifestyle.
Initially when I read the blurb I was on the fence about whether I wanted to read this particular book. I typically don’t have an issue about reading much and obviously if I don’t enjoy a genre I don’t read it because at the end of the day reading is all about enjoyment and it invokes very real feelings while we do it. I’ve had family affected by drug use and reliving it is never easy.
I will admit the debate over reading this title was hard. What finally drew me in was Adam’s story. I wanted to know what would drive someone to sell drugs. Adam Miller had it all. A full scholarship, football QB, NFL dreams in his sights. Why would a guy chance everything to sell drugs? This is the story I had to read. Adam was the storyline that kept pulling me through the story. That was entirely personal due to my own family past, but for that alone his story was heartfelt and intriguing.
Holding On To Forever is sometimes troubling to read. It’s graphic and the authors don’t hold back as to what drugs can do to you, or what dangers await when you commit to selling them. This is not a flowery, romantic look at this life. It’s a story of what drives two people together even under the toughest situations.
So I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this book—the blurb made me a little nervous and I was stepping out of my comfort zone, but Siobhan has never written a book that I didn’t love so I decided to go for it. SO GLAD I DID!
I alternated between wanting to smack and wanting to hug the heroine, Emily. I got so frustrated with her that I wanted to throw my Kindle, and in the next breath I wanted to reach in it and comfort her. I love her evolution from perceived party girl to brave survivor.
And the hero? YES PLEASE. He’s flawed, sure, but his good intentions only make it better. I struggled a little with how opposite his roles were but it all comes together.
I’m a sucker for a HEA, so I really really adore how the book ends. I would absolutely tell you to add this to your MUST READ shelf.
I will say a word of caution though—-this book could definitely have some triggers, especially with rape and addiction. Just be aware if that’s something you pay attention to!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
Holding On To Forever is a standalone novel by the duo, Siobhan Davis and S.B Alexander. I have been reading Siobhan’s books for years but this is the first one I have read by S.B. I will now have to look at her backlist. I thought their writing flowed together perfectly. The synopsis explains so much so I will make this fast.
Adam loves the game but he loves his family even more. That was the only reason why he was hitting the clubs to sell drugs. Something he never thought he would have to do again after getting a full football scholarship. It is however, the way he finds her. Emily. A gorgeous girl who intrigues him from the moment he sees her. He instantly wants to protect her. Find out why she had turned to drugs in the first place and wants her to see what he sees. A beautiful woman who is smart, funny, and doesn’t need this addiction. And that he was truly there for her.
Emily has hidden demons. She has them under control and only lets herself party on the weekends. She is already an embarrassment to her mother. She doesn’t also want to be kicked out on the streets if she does anything stupid on campus. But, someone has the dirt on her and he isn’t playing nice. He wants her. No matter what. She didn’t think anyone was truly on her side until Adam shows up to the rescue. Except he doesn’t just want to be her knight in shining armor. He wants her to be her own savior. He wants to know what happened to her to make her so unsteady.
Can Emily let her best friend Molly go? She has been there for her when she needed to forget.
That’s really all I can say about the story. I can say it’s definitely not a hearts and flowers romance. It’s twisted and oh…so addictive. I didn’t want to put it down. I had to know what was going to happen next. I knew that was going to happen going in. It happens every time I open a Siobhan book. I get hooked. I am not sure if we will see any of these characters again but I hope we do.
Quotes:
“I’m so ashamed.”
“Don’t be.” He gently cups my face. “You take all these hits and keep getting back up. I think you have more inner strength than you know.”
“What are you doing to me, Adam Miller?”
I pop my head back against the seat. “I could ask you the same thing.”
“Since when did you become all badass?”
“Since you got me into this shit.”
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
This book is nothing like anything I’ve read before. It’s gritty, sad and real.
The writing was seamless, I’m a huge fan of Ms Davis and I could not tell who was writing what. Bravo! I’d love to see these Two authors write more together.
Thank you for the Arc
ANOTHER HOMERUN!!
I voluntarily received this advance copy for my honest review.e
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK! This book deals with some dark difficult issues that could be a trigger for some people. It’s a very emotional read. At times I cried. Most of the characters are easy to fall in love with but some are absolutely evil hateful people. Adam is this gorgeous, sweet, kind, caring, sexy as sin drug dealing Hero. The knight in shining armour, he’s the protective big brother to Phoebe this sweet beautiful young girl fighting a horrible disease and son of an incredibly strong beautiful mother Megan. He also has some amazingly loyal and trusted friends Sam his roommate and Carter and he’s the star Quarterback for Cypress University. Emily is our Heroine she’s beautiful and strong and has suffered way to much for someone so young. Her monster of a mother is the President of the college and her father is the head football coach. This book hits everything for me the excitement, the mystery, the darkness, the complete joy not to mention the amazing sex. It’s both heartbreaking and heart warming at the same time and I loved every minute of it. When things start to be revealed some of it shocked me. The ending is perfect. I extremely recommended this book to everyone.
Holding Onto Forever is definitely one of the lighter reads I’ve currently read. Adam and Emily are relatable characters. There’s humor and there’s real seriousness. This book was definitely needed after finishing a series that left me in a MAJOR book funk!
S.B and Siobhan did a great job collabing on this book. And from previous experiences I’ve found it’s very difficult to do. I would definitely recommend reading this book for something light and to get you through until your next series.
Adam isn’t a typical jock; he doesn’t sleep with everything that has two legs, is deeply compassionate about his family, and is an all around a great guy. Emily is the coaches daughter and president of CU. She’s had trauma that she didn’t know how to cope well with and ends up meeting Adam. Things started off friendly and escalated (rather quickly) to becoming more than friends. With all of Emily’s self loathing she relapsed multiple times and Adam was there to pick her up and try to help her get clean. Things didn’t work out as planned due to some unforeseen circumstances and caused trouble between the couple thus Emily relapsing again. After overdosing she finally realized that it’s time for her to get her shit together. And a HEA is set in place for them (duh).
This did not disappoint one bit. Siobahn Davis and S.B. Alexander and two amazing authors. And together this story is one of a kind
It touches lots of dark subjects and I applaud these ladies for bringing it out of the dark. This story is about addiction, depression, abuse, sexual abuse. And all the trauma that comes along with that.
Emily and Adam are ment to be. I loved how they did POV from both. Adam is hot shot QB that Emily’s dad coaches. Em is a lost soul struggling in her addiction. Then they meet and sparks fly. I loved how in debt the authors went with their background stories. You could connect with them on so many levels. I also liked how it wasn’t rushed between Em and Adam. There is so much I want to say without spoiling it but I find that hard to do. I can’t recommend this book enough, definitely and 1-click no brainer.
Thank you ladies for a phenomenal story and hope to see more of you two collaborating together!
I recieved this ARC in exchange for a honest review.
This is a no brainer if your familiar with both authors and love their work your going to love this story.
I really liked this book! Adam is swoooonnnyyy . Very good read, great emotions, great love, a few good steamy scenes!
This book is everything love is about: Crazy and Messy!
Adam and Emily are two lonely people just trying to make it through this crappy things called life. Their meeting is by chance, but their love is destined by fate!
This book deals with real life issues, and every day struggles. It definitely tugs at the heart strings, and made me see things from a different perspective. Their battle to get from where the book starts to where is ends had me rooting for them every step of the way.
This is the first book I have read where S.B. Alexander has been an author. The co-writing between Siobhan and S.B. was flawless and so fluid. Together they told an amazing story dealing with addiction, and financial issues that many in this world can relate too. I truly felt like I was witnessing a real life story of two people just trying to make it work, and I was given the insiders view to all of their thoughts and feelings. As a reader we are able to see exactly where these two are coming from, and why they make their choices. This book will definitely get a second read from me to catch everything I missed. Hopefully S.B. and Siobhan work together again as they definitely have some great author chemistry!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I have loved siobhan and her books ever since I read The Kennedys boys series. And I was so happy when I got a ARC. And this book did not disappoint. It has a great story line and discuss so many important topics. It shows how an addict’s life can be. The two main characters were wrote so well. I will admit, sometimes it was hard to read. I had to pause at times. But only because of things Emily had been through were hard to read. I just wanted to give Emily a hug. And Adam was just what she needed. Honestly the best kind of guy. And at other times I just wanted to hurt some if the other characters. It was just so good.
I had the privilege of beta reading this book. I cannot say enough just how much I adore the brilliant mind of Siobhan Davis, and while I didn’t particularly care for the h in this story, I still very much enjoyed this book. You won’t be disappointed!
I received an advance reader copy of this book.
This book had me on the edge of my seat. The gut wrenching storyline of past abuse and addiction was so honestly portrayed the reader feels like they are walking in the character’s footsteps. Add in the lovable but so misunderstood Emily and the Superman Adam and you will not be able to put this book down. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars – this is a must read!!
I feel like I literally have no words good enough to describe this book. It’s exactly the type of read that I’ve needed. A story that grips your heartstrings, has you ugly crying but then sat there fist-bumping the air. Holding on to Forever is a beautiful story that draws on many issues but shows the strength and struggles perfectly associated with them. The writing is amazing and I couldn’t put it down.
I’m glad I got to read this in one sitting because I definitely would of sounded a bit crazy shouting at my kindle whilst reading it and grinning like a Cheshire Cat.
If you haven’t had the opportunity yet to read it, it’s a must read!
Adam Miller isn’t your typical college athlete. Sure he’s the starting quarterback and he is darn good at what he does, but he’s also a family guy. He would go to the ends of the earth for his mom and sister. When he finds out that his mom lost her job and the health insurance that went along with it, he revisits a part of his past he would have liked to have left behind to help make cash to help his family out. He starts dealing drugs. It’s a quick way to make the cash he needs to help out, nothing more. Until the day he meets Emily Parker.
Emily has been using drugs as a way to escape her reality. Her family has to keep up appearances, so her drug use has to be on the down low. When she meets her new drug dealer, Adam, she never expected him to be more. Keeping both of their secrets safe is the end game, but when lines become blurred it’s hard to deny that they are attracted to each other. Will their secrets be safe? Or will everything come to a boiling point that could change their lives forever?
‘Holding On To Forever’ is an absolutely phenomenal book. From start to finish the entire story is heart wrenching and amazing. This book touches on some very difficult topics and the author’s handle these topics with delicacy but also without sugar coating either. I was not expecting this book, to say that this book is a journey is an understatement. Just when I thought I had something figured out, I was thrown for another loop! You will be drawn in from the start, and I promise if you think you have it all figured out, you are wrong, but in the best way possible! I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book.