She wants him to be her first. He’s willing to help her out. Only now he can’t stop wanting more.
The answer has to be no, of course. No way Griff Ambrose is going to help Becca Drake lose her virginity. Sure, she’s beautiful and hot as hell, but she’s his friend’s little sister. And Griff won’t ever risk being hurt again the way he was the day he came home from war to find his house empty and … to find his house empty and his wife gone. But he can’t get Becca’s request—or pretty much anything else about her—out of his head.
Becca has turned her life around, and she’s proud of how much butt she’s kicking. There’s just one more demon she has to exorcise: her virginity. Griff is the perfect candidate to do the deed: He’s her friend, he knows how to get her going with a glance, and neither of them wants anything serious. Until Becca takes a job at the veterans’ retreat where Griff works. Now she and Griff can’t stay out of each other’s way. Worst of all, it’s getting harder and harder for Becca and Griff to lie to themselves about what they really want…
“I loved this book. A friends-to-friends-with-benefits-to-lovers romance that is fun, sweet and heartfelt with fantastic characters and a sexy and emotional love story, I was completely hooked!” —Escapist Book Blog
“Wow. This was such a great book! I loved that both Griff & Becca had to work on themselves before they could find their HEA. I also loved that they both saw the best in each other, and had more faith in the other person than themselves. I didn’t want to put the book down!!” —Messy Bun Book Blog
“A wonderfully emotional and captivating romance, Holding Out by Serena Bell is truly a lovely read. It’s well-written, absolutely charming, incredibly touching, and so beautiful in many ways.” —Sincerely Karen Jo
“This was a great story. I loved the banter. These characters so obviously should be together. The pace was good, the heat was such a good build, and goes great with the series.” —Kitty’s Book Spot
“5 Steamy Stars! <3 If you are looking for a great book full of romance and good background stories then I would highly recommend reading this book and any other by the author!” —Jackie’s Book World
“I absolutely loved Holding Out! Griff and Becca’s story was just wonderful. It was sexy, funny, and fun.” —Becky on Books and Quilts
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4.25 stars rounded to 4.5
Holding Out is a delightfully sweet, steamy and swoony romance that made me smile, filled me with wonderful feels, and undeniably captured my heart.
Becca is done being a virgin. She wants to lose her V-card and sets her eyes on her sister’s ridiculously sexy friend, Griff. While reluctant at first, Griff can’t seem to forget about Becca and soon finds himself unable to resist her request. They make a deal. One and done. But, is it? What happens when they realize they want more?
I love these types of stories. I think they’re funny, seductive, and wildly entertaining. When Serena Bell asked me to read and review this book, I obviously couldn’t resist! The premise for Holding Out sounded so much fun and I just knew I would really enjoy it. And, I definitely did and was simply enamored with Bell’s writing. With a heartfelt storyline, intriguing and lovable characters, deliciously irresistible romance, and so much heart, I easily fell in love with this book and could not stop reading.
Griff and Becca are both a bit protective with their hearts. They have a painful and sad past that makes them both very cautious when it comes to love. It was heartbreaking at times to read about their insecurities and fears, but it was also beautifully real and incredibly affecting. I enjoyed their character development and how they both supported, encouraged, and helped each other. Griff and Becca were a good fit. I loved seeing their relationship become something more and for them to finally realize that they deserve a HEA. I adored them as individuals and loved them even more together. The chemistry between them is sexy, intense, and hot, and I enjoyed every moment.
I really liked the supporting characters. I loved the amazing friendships and how they are all very supportive of each other. They are just so charming and I could just picture myself having dinner with them and playing Taboo. They’re just so awesome and adorable. I’m definitely interested in reading their own stories.
A wonderfully emotional and captivating romance, Holding Out by Serena Bell is truly a lovely read. It’s well-written, absolutely charming, incredibly touching, and so beautiful in many ways. Cannot wait to read more books by Bell and fall in love with her stories.
If you’re looking for a romance that’s adorably funny, steamy, and full of heart, then I HIGHLY recommend you add this book on your TBR.
I received an advance reader copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Enjoy great stories of veterans who fight through the process of dealing with returning home from their tour of duty. Romance is a struggle but worth doing the work.
I absolutely enjoyed this book. Interesting from start to finish. Romance is my favorite category read. I must say, the author did not disappoint
This is the fourth book in Serena Bell’s Returning Home series and fans will recognize the two main protagonists, Griff and Becca, since they’ve been a part of the series from the beginning. They get their own book now and what a story it is, with Becca wanting to get rid of her V-card and Griff being allergic to being The One but at the same time hates the thought that some idiot might do the deed without taking Becca’s feelings into consideration. It sounds like a fluffy story with lots of laughs and sexy times, which by the way Ms. Bell delivers in spades! But its also about two people who appears not quite what they seem. Both Griff and Becca suffers from some insecurities that to the present still affects them and whatever decisions they make. I do love how everything plays out but probably not so much the big misunderstanding that occurs between Becca and Griff. I do understand that its a plot device to get these two to realize something in their personal life that needs fixing before they can actually be together, so it does serve a purpose plus it was short live, so definitely just a minor blip. Still Holding Out is definitely sweet, extremely hot and poignant. A definite winner in romance.
Becca was holding out for that special man who deserved to take what she saw as her most valuable possession, but he hasn’t come along yet, and she isn’t getting any younger or happier about her situation. Why not turn to the man who wants no commitment, wants a one and one relationship and has the experience to make losing her virginity one to remember with passion forever? It doesn’t hurt that Griff is handsome and charming, either. Too bad he is her brother-in-law’s best friend which puts him clearly in the off limits category.
Serena Bell’s HOLDING out has its moments of humor, pain and heat in spades. It also brings two very damaged people together in a very intimate way. Did they really think they could have a “one and done?” Would they discover it’s their personal demons and interfering friends and family that are a bigger threat to their cautious attraction?
I loved Griff’s development, Becca was a little too infatuated with her virginity and feelings of self-worth to really make me like her. And all of that interference from friends and family? A bit much, perhaps, as they are both adults, not children.
Seriously, it was a good read, topped off with some fun “sexy” times and amazing moments unrelated to losing the V Card that made this book for me. Serena Bell is an excellent creator of wonderful romances and this series is definitely worth the read. I guess this one just isn’t one of my favorites.
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Serena Bell!
Series: Returning Home – Book 4
Publisher: Jelsba Media Group (May 21, 2019)
Publication Date: May 21, 2019
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 303 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
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First rule of Operation V-Card is, there is no Operation V-Card…
I absolutely loved Holding Out! Griff and Becca’s story was just wonderful. It was sexy, funny, and fun–with a refreshing lack of BS (beyond the traditional “we’re just going to do a one and done and move on like nothing happened” that a premise like this demands–but let me tell you, when the delusional “one and done” is as good as this one is, I am here for it). They did attempt to hide their “Surprise! Even a ‘three and free’ isn’t enough!” sexcapades from their friends, but that lasted about a hot minute (with a painfully funny and awkward moment) and that too was a big ol’ checkmark in the plus column of this book.
Even when the relationship’s black moment comes–and boy, does it come–the way Becca and Griff each reacted to it meshed up perfectly with their characters. They both had a part to play in the disaster, and they both had realizations to come to and reparations to make. It’s more of a mutual confession and declaration that gets them back together than a grovel–and it was perfect.
Since Griff and Becca are both invested in the R&R community, past series characters are throughout the book. If you haven’t read their stories yet, it’s not a problem–this book works fine as a standalone. I’m going to bet, though, that you’ll enjoy them all so much you’ll want to go back and read all the rest of the books in the series–you have been warned!
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
So far every book in this series has made me love the characters even more. Holding Out definitely isn’t an exception. Once again this book pulled me right in from the start and made me love the characters. The way Serena Bell writes sucks you in and won’t let you go!
We already met Becca in Can’t Hold Back so I was really excited to see she was also getting a story. She’s had enough of being a virgin, but just can’t seem to find a guy that’s suitable. Griff is a part of her sister’s friend group and she could see herself with him. He fits everything with being sexy, single, they’re friends and she knows he doesn’t want anything more. So they agree he’ll help her out and it will be a one time thing, but can it stay that way?
I loved both characters in this book and the journey they are on. Becca didn’t have an easy childhood and adding a learning disability to the list and that didn’t really help her be confident. Her sister still treats her like she needs help to make decisions and doesn’t see her as the adult she’s become. I loved how Becca started seeing herself as a new person and going after what she wanted. Becca can be a feisty one and I loved seeing her discover a new side of herself.
Griff is also another character we’ve gotten a glimpse of in other stories and I liked how he finally got into the story! What I loved the most about Griff’s story is that we don’t know everything right away. In the previous books, we know a bit of what happened. This time we learn about Griff’s story gradually. His body came back whole, but his spirit needs some more guidance.
Griff is a special one. After a failed marriage, he isn’t sure how to open his heart again. There’s something about Becca though. Even though it’s just a deal, he’s so sweet wanting to make everything special for her. Also, Griff may seem like a macho guy, he’s actually really sweet and caring. For him this was also a story of healing. Opening up about what happened and how he’s feeling was such an incredible journey to read about.
Don’t get me started on Becca and Griff together. They’re so much fun. The flirting, joking, sexy moments and their very serious conversations. I think they bring out the best in each other and needed each other more than they realized!
On top of a great love story, I loved reading about all of the characters we’ve met along the way. That’s my favorite thing about series like this, little glimpses into the lives of the characters we get in previous books. I also think that’s a compliment to the author for making me love all of her characters. Holding Out and the other three books in this series will be ones I won’t forget about.
4 stars!
I loved this book. A friends-to-friends-with-benefits-to-lovers romance that is fun, sweet and heartfelt with fantastic characters and a sexy and emotional love story, I was completely hooked!
This is book #4 in the Returning Home series, but you can read this as a standalone. The characters from previous books all appear as the main group of friends, but you don’t have to have read their stories to enjoy this one.
Becca is the younger sister of Alia from book #2, Can’t Hold Back. She had a difficult childhood, she struggled at school and she never really felt good enough. She has pushed past that though, and has created a good life for herself. There’s just one problem – she’s 24 years old and still a virgin, and that is becoming a barrier in her love life as her virginity either scares guys away or attracts weirdo fetishists. So she’s on the hunt for somebody to help her pop her cherry without drama so that she can hopefully move forward and find a normal relationship.
Griff is a good friend of Becca’s brother-in-law, Nate, and is a member of their close circle of friends. An Army veteran, he battles PTSD, and was left even further shattered when he came home from deployment to find his wife had left him for somebody else. He now wants nothing to do with relationships and enjoys short hook-ups with woman with no fear of relationships or feelings becoming involved.
Becca and Griff are already friends, but when an attraction flares between them, she realises that he could be the perfect man to help her with her situation – he’s gorgeous, he’s a sweetheart, and he wouldn’t make things weird between them. And just being around him brings her body to life like nothing she’s ever experienced. Griff is, understandably, stunned by Becca’s offer but after some intense deliberation he realises that Becca deserves for her first time to be special and perfect, and that he’s just the man for the job. And, of course, there’s the fact that he can’t get the little spitfire out of his head.
“He wanted to find out what would happen when the chemistry between them had a chance to play itself out.
It could be epic.”
OMG, Griff is so gorgeous! Yes, he’s a bit of a player, but he’s so freaking gorgeous when it comes to Becca. He’s sweet and playful, he puts her at ease and he treats her like a goddess, and he handles the whole thing so beautifully!
“I know you don’t want to make a big deal of it. So I’ll just say this. It’s an honor, okay?”
But their plan for ‘one and done’ is tossed out the window when Becca accepts a job at the veteran’s retreat where Griff lives and works, and they very quickly realise that once is not going to be enough. And so begins a whole lot of hotness as they throw themselves into exploring everything that is brewing between them. And more than just sex, they open up and talk, they learn each other, and they easily and naturally fall into something that neither of them have any desire to stop.
“He couldn’t help himself—he kissed her. Her mouth was soft and hot and so, so hungry. As if up to this point, she’d been holding something back, and now she was giving everything to him. He wasn’t sure he could take it. He was going to catch fire and burn up.”
It’s passionate and intense, and I fell right along with them as everything began to change.
“You killed my fear of complications. Killed it dead. I want complications with you.”
The character development is fantastic as Griff and Becca expose their hearts and their deepest vulnerabilities with each other, and support and encourage each other to truly start living their lives. I loved watching things shift and deepen between them, and I love the impact that they have on each other as they grow closer and closer.
But they have a lot they need to deal with, and the demons from the past are not easy to overcome. My heart ached for them through the ups and downs as they sorted through their issues and worked to figure out what they truly wanted, and I couldn’t put my kindle down as it all played out.
“It was actually painful to want that. To feel like this again. He was walking on a tightrope and he was going to fall, any minute.”
I loved this story. It’s wonderfully character-driven, and Becca and Griff both shine as two people fighting hard to move forward with their lives. The sexy time is steaming and the love story is fun, emotional, and so, so beautiful.
4 stars!
Holding Out is the first book from this series as well from this author that I have read. I loved following Griff and Becca’s friends to lovers story. I enjoyed the other characters and look forward to reading their stories as well.
This is book #4, in the Returning Home series. This book can be read as a standalone novel. For reader understanding, and to avoid spoilers, I recommend reading this series in order.
Griff finds himself attracted to the most off limits woman. She is the little sister of his friend. He also does not do commitment. Best to avoid her for now. If only she wasn’t so attractive……
Becca has a thing for Griff. If he could help her with her predicament, things would be so much better for her. She just needs someone she trusts for a one and done. As long as nobody starts to have feelings for the other…..
This was a great story. I loved the banter. These characters so obviously should be together. The pace was good, the heat was such a good build, and goes great with the series.
***This early copy was given in exchange for an honest review only.
If ever a book were suitably named, it would be this one. Griff and Becca certainly know how to hold out on each other – except in bed, that is. Both are so closed off to relationships, each with their own reasons, which makes them kind of perfect for each other. They certainly have great chemistry, and I loved how they pulled each other out of their comfort zones without even trying. This fourth in the series can be read as a standalone, but for those who have followed from the beginning, we get lots of time with the whole gang, so we see where each couple is now. As for this book. Griff and Becca are a great addition to a wonderful series.
I simply adored Holding Out. It was sweet and sexy. I especially loved the way the things started between Griff and Becca and how their relationship progressed. I also loved their journeys individually and collectively. I definitely recommend this book and series.
Copy provided by author
Becca has had with all the guys that are turned off when they find out she’s a virgin. She’s on a mission now to take care of what she sees as a problem, and she decides that Griff would be the right guy to help her. I really loved how Becca talked about her virginity being an issue — it’s a reality that some guys think that a woman will expect forever under those circumstances.
After Griff’s wife left him without telling him, he’s sworn off any relationships, preferring to just settle for one-nighters. At first, he’s shy about helping Becca with her problem, but then realizes that if he doesn’t help her, someone else will, and that just won’t do.
I really loved these two together. The totally connected for me and I was rooting for them all the way. But when Griff’s ex-wife shows up in town, miscommunications and old hurts take everything that Becca and Griff have built together and it could be the end of something good. You probably know how this ends, since it’s a romance and all, so I won’t spoil it with the details.
I was left with a smile on my face after reading Holding Out. I can’t ask for much more by way of a terrific reading experience. Recommended.
Wow. This was such a great book! I loved that both Griff & Becca had to work on themselves before they could find their HEA. I also loved that they both saw the best in each other, and had more faith in the other person than themselves. I didn’t want to put the book down!!
Another great read by Serena Bell! I think Holding Out was my favorite yet in the series! I absolutely adored the story line. I was pleasantly surprised because I found myself not liking Becca in Alia’s book. However, she definitely turned herself around and made me like her in her own novel. And Griff. UGH. I knew I was going to love him. I found myself liking him in the other series as a secondary character so I was super excited to find more about him.
Now, with all of that said, even if you don’t read the other books first, you won’t be lost. This can definitely be read as a standalone – I think it just increases the enjoyment if you have read the previous books because all of the secondary characters are more formed for you. However, that is my personal opinion.
Holding Out is a heart warming, inspiring, steamy romance between Griff and Becca. The way the relationship was formed was a bit unconventional but definitely worked for them. The writing was great and kept me entertained. I definitely always want more of Serena’s writing! *Also, one of my favorite things is the donuts and coffee remark but you have to read to find out what I am talking about* Don’t worry – it is swoon-worthy!
*Received this book from the author for my honest opinion*
Holding Out Returning Home # 4 Serena Bell
Griff Ambrose is a former Green Beret, working at a veteran’s retreat started by his best friends. The work is good, and they understand his occasional bouts of PTSD, and help him work through it. While he’s with great friends, their spouses and a family like atmosphere, he wishes he could have the same. His dreams of family were shattered when he returned from deployment to find his wife, Marina, had emptied the house of all her things, a note left for him that she wanted a divorce. He still hasn’t recovered, and tends to do a lot of one night stands with no commitment to forget her, or try.
Becca Drake is young beautiful woman, living in Seattle, but since the salon she works for as a receptionist is closing, looking for a new job. Visiting her sister and all her sisters friends always cheers her up, especially seeing Griff. She has a problem she thinks he would be the perfect person to resolve. She’s a virgin, wants to to move on with her life, and trusts Griff to be the perfect guy…..”one and done” as far as she is concerned. Griff is really attracted to her, but since her sister is one of his best friends, he thinks it would be a big problem. Becca understands, but really wants this done, and says she’ll find someone else. Griff was not going to let that happen!
Griff makes the whole experience perfect, but somehow one and done just doesn’t seem right. They spend more time together and realize maybe committing to another person might work. But the past creeps in and ruins Becca new found confidence.
A wonderful contemporary romance, can be a stand alone, but the series is a great read. The romance is sweet, lots of laughs, and an adorable little guy names Robbie.
Pat Fordyce
This is a hard one for me to review. While I have loved all the prior books in this series this story just wasn’t for me. While I personally didn’t care for the story I do think it will appeal to others. So my rating of this book is based on the writing and story structure. It is very well written with an easy pace to the story. The characters, specifically Becca and Griffin, are interesting and developed nicely. Their story is full of emotion. Overall I would recommend this book.
Holding Out is the fourth in Serena Bell’s Returning Home series, about veterans returning to civilian life after service. It’s about Griffin Ambrose and Becca Drake. Becca’s sister Alia is married to Nate (the focus of Can’t Hold Back, the second in this incredible series), who works with Griff at R&R, a retreat focused on serving veterans and providing care and services to help them heal and reintegrate.
Griff’s been deeply wounded by the devastation of his wife leaving him while he was overseas. He’s determined to protect his heart by guarding his emotions more securely than Fort Knox. If you want orgasms, he’s your man. But he doesn’t do relationships, period.
Becca’s finally got a handle on her life, and New Becca is going to stand up for herself, whether is at the workplace or with dates. One of the things on her to-do list is finding someone to help her get rid of that now inconvenient virginity.
Becca and Griff have had a chance to get to know each other a bit as friends through get togethers, and during one of their conversations, Becca reveals that she’s been looking for someone to help her punch that V-card. Griff declines, but he can’t stop thinking about her request.
Becca figures Griff’s perfect for the job–they’re friends, and he doesn’t want more than a one-and-done anyway. But reality sometimes has a way of being different than we originally plan…
Serena Bell’s story is sexy and emotional and incredibly satisfying. Not only are the characters real and three-dimensional, they are a part of a warm and supportive community of the same. The Returning Home universe is one where the characters exist not in a vacuum but in a thriving network, where friends and family lend us strength and support and also don’t pull their punches when that is needed. Becca and Griff navigate the sometimes choppy waters from a single night to understanding what they truly want, and being brave enough to work for that. And never alone.
Holding Out is a deeply satisfying read. I look forward to more of Ms Bell’s writing.
After a painful divorce Griffin Ambrose has turned himself into somewhat of a ladies man, the kind that doesn’t do attachments and can only promise one night of fun… the emotionally unavailable kind of man. The last time he put his whole heart into a relationship it wound up shattered into a million pieces and his girl ended up in the arms of another man. So the idea of opening himself up to love again is a hard no, and keeping someone around long enough to catch feelings is far too dangerous so it’s a one and done kind of thing these days. That is until… Becca Drake comes crashing into his world and makes him an offer he can’t bring himself to refuse.
She has forbidden written all over her, being that she is the sister of one of his best friends, but the idea of letting another man take from her what she wants to offer up to him, is something he can’t let happen. She has never given herself to a man, and for some reason she has sets her sights on him, saying that a tumble between the sheets with him would be the perfect way to relinquish her of her “V” card. In her eyes he’s safe because one: she knows him; and two: he’s not into commitments or love, and neither is she. She just wants one night of fun, what harm could really come of that?
Holding Out is a perfectly penned tale that will rattle your emotions, touch your heart, and keep you captivated from start to finish. As soon as these two wounded souls wandered onto the page I found myself becoming enamored with them and the story they had to tell. They had pain radiating off of them, but I also saw a lot of hope there too. They were so adamant that they couldn’t catch feelings from one night, but they were sorely mistaken. You could see that they needed each other, there was an instant chemistry, but there was also a deep emotional connection too. This story did a number on me, I felt every ounce of pain, but I also felt the hopeful stirrings new love brings, and that did my heart SO good, what a beautiful story. I highly recommend you get your hands on this one, what you find waiting for you is certain to squeeze your heart!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
Unique plot