She has a body that needs guarding. He has the muscle to do it … but he’s moved on and refuses to look back.A Woman Fighting to Stay on TopAfter a decade as a supermodel, a younger version of me is scooping up my contracts. To regain my status in the industry, my agency devises a strategy—which so happens to require a bodyguard. And I know the perfect guy for the job: Wills Sumner, the man who … Sumner, the man who saw beneath my veneer. Who currently is evading my texts like a Parisian taxi driver in the rain.
A Man Surrendering Hope
I need to start over. Watching my partners die on the job cemented my belief that I’m toxic. So, with the money from that fateful gig, I buy my sister’s gym. At least I can honor her in death—considering I failed to step up when she was alive. Now, if only the French beauty Emilie Dubois would lose my number.
Emilie is fixated on having me at her side. I’m resigned to doing one final turn and escaping with my heart intact.
But neither of us expected to be stripped bare … In the end, she may be the only one who can Take Hold of Me.
***WARNING: Due to strong language and sexual situations, this book is intended for mature audiences. It is the first standalone novel in A Hold Series Spin-off.
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Take Hold of Me
By Arell Rivers
This book is a Spin-off from the Hold Series which I have not had the pleasure of reading yet but is not required as it is a stand alone. Yes many of the characters from the Hold Series are included but they are also expained well so you are not lost.
Take Hold of Me is a wonderful story of true love. Emilie and Wills are not a couple you would expect to be together. They come from completely different worlds. Emilie is a french supermodel, Wills is a bodyguard leaving the job to become the owner of a gym in LA. As friends, Wills is able to see after 10 years as a model Emilie is nolonger in love with the job but afraid to admit it. Wills refuses to see he suffering from PTSD after two of his partners are killed by their client’s stalker. Emilie and Wills see past the exterior shells they each wear for the public and help each other heal and grow.
The book has its share of angst and a captivating story that keeps your interest and for me created a desire to read the Hold Series to know more about the both these characters as well as their friends. I also look forward to the next book in the series. I am a new Arell Rivers fan but she has captured me attention and my loyalty.
Arell Rivers never fails to amaze me, and this is my favorite book of hers yet!! It gave me all the feels, and Wills is the sort of hero who you want to claim as your own and fend off anyone else with a pitchfork. He’s funny. He’s sweet. He’s a little tortured. He can be a harda** when the situation calls for it. Simply put, I am so in love with this book!
Wow! I got all the feels with this book You will fall in love with Willis and Emilie. Their chemistry is off the charts just like their sexy times. You won’t be disappointed with this book. I would recommend this book and author.
4 1/2 STARS!
Quite an emotional read! If you read the Hold Series previously, you will recognize several of the key players in this book. We met them during Cole and Rose’s tumultuous story, now they’re the main characters themselves! There was something about Cole and Rose that just can’t be compared with, so they will always be my favorite couple, but Wills and Em really turned on the heat and turmoil in their story. A really enjoyable read! I’m looking forward to more spin-offs!
Former bodyguard turned gym owner Wills Sumner is convinced he’s to blame for everything bad that happens in his life. His sister died and he feels like he should have done more to keep her in a safe place. His partners were killed by Cole’s crazy stalker, and he feels like he should have been able to save them in addition to Cole and Rose. He might still be alive, but he’s living in a dark place in his mind, just going through the motions.
French supermodel Emilie Dubois isn’t sure why Wills suddenly disappeared from her life when she thought they were just getting started. Now she can’t get him to answer her calls or texts at all. She’s having a mini career crisis and decides she’s going to track him down once and for all and see if she can get him to help her out. She’s not willing to take no for an answer when she can clearly see he still wants her just as much as she wants him … but can she get him to commit in the long run when he’s so convinced that he’s bad news?
Love Sees You!
Take Hold of Me is a wonderful love story. It touches on so many real life issues, but ultimately focuses on love. Self love, love of family, and romantic love. The characters are vivid and flawed and endearing. Their journey to love makes them question if they are truly happy. If the path they are on is the path they are meant to take.
Wills and Emilie are both dynamic characters that have fought to be where they are today. Wills has suffered great loss and carries guilt associated with those losses. He also suffers from PTSD. He is at a place in life where he questions his ability to protect those he loves. He has built up walls and keeps everyone from penetrating them. However, he still feels a connection with the beautiful and successful Emilie Dubois no matter how hard he tries to ignore it.
Emilie is a supermodel. She has worked hard to maintain her professional reputation. She is dedicated, beautiful, and starting to feel the pressure to stay on top. Her agency and competition from a new star in the modeling world have her working overtime to stay in the spotlight. Emilie isn’t sure who she is outside of modeling. She feels like so much more than a pretty face when she’s with Wills. Emilie is persistent in her pursuit of Wills and sparks definitely fly.
The connection between Emilie and Wills is palpable from the beginning. The push and pull between them is filled with passion and a bit of angst. When they are together, they see each other’s hearts. They can be open and vulnerable without fear of humiliation. They are a great team because they support each other. They must both face their demons and learn to follow their passions in life. Let love guide them and not fear.
The foundation for this love story is the characters. Ms. Rivers builds great characters that evolve and tackle difficult situations. The story flows effortlessly with an authentic and empowering feel. Take Hold of Me will make you think and feel and hope. I look forward to reading more of her work in the future.
This was a wonderful romance! It was beautifully written, that had me hooked from the first page. I just loved Wills and Emilie! They overcame so much to try to be together! I would highly recommend it!!