Hold on Tight A Returning Home Novel

Serena Bell — 2014

USA TODAY BESTSELLER • In Serena Bell’s heartwarming novel, a young mother and a battle-scarred veteran must decide if they can rekindle the sparks they once shared. Fighting for his country gave Jake Taylor’s life shape and meaning. Now as an injured war hero he struggles to find purpose, until he runs into the gorgeous woman he dated briefly—and disastrously—before being deployed eight years ago. Turns out Jake doesn’t just need to figure out how to be a civilian . . . he also needs to learn how to be a dad. Eighteen, pregnant, and totally lost, Mira Shipley couldn’t track down the soldier who fathered her child, so she put college on hold and focused on making a good life for her son. Now she’s determined to be something more than Sam’s mom, her parents’ daughter, or Jake’s girl—as hot as she finds her old flame’s take-charge attitude in and out of bed. Soon Mira and Jake realize that their passion didn’t disappear when Sam was conceived—and that instead of running away, sometimes it’s better to hold on tight. Praise for Hold on Tight “Sweet, sexy and real . . . In Hold on Tight, Serena Bell has written a beautiful story about a wounded soldier and the woman strong enough to love him.”—Jessica Scott, USA Today bestselling author of Because of You “Hold on Tight is intensely sensual, with three-dimensional characters and a romance worth rooting for. Serena Bell is a master of sumptuous realism.”—Cara McKenna, author of Hard Time “The authenticity of their story is resounding. This isn’t a story of instant love, but of an uphill battle and determination, of making decisions, and of living in the here and now.”—Heroes and Heartbreakers “I was engaged and entertained and glad to see Mira and Jake and Sam get their HEA.”—Dear Author “One of those romance stories that warms you right through to your very soul.”—Nicci’s Book Blog “Bravo to Serena Bell for some truly astounding character work in this book!”—Smitten with Reading Don’t miss any of Serena Bell’s delightful romances: YOURS TO KEEP | HOLD ON TIGHT | AFTER MIDNIGHT | TURN UP THE HEAT | CAN’T HOLD BACK | TO HAVE AND TO HOLD | GETTING INSIDE | DO OVER | HEAD OVER HEELS Includes a special message from the editor, as well as excerpts from other Loveswept titles.

Reviews

Candyce Kirk@thebookdutchesses

Dec 9, 2021

Serena Bell is a new to me author, but definitely didn't disappoint! Hold On Tight starts off eight years ago when Jake and Mira were kind of together! After an evening of bad 'almost sex', they never expect to meet again. Except that night changes their lives more than they'll ever know. I have to say this could've gone either way. I'm not a fan of books where a child is hidden or the mother doesn't think the father deserves to know. I loved that that wasn't the case in Hold on Tight. Mira tried looking for him the moment she found out she was pregnant. Even if everyone was telling her not to. The only reason Jake doesn't know, is because Mira just doesn't have enough information. Fast forward eight years later. A lot has happened in both of their lives. Mira and Jake running into each other at a physical therapist was something neither expected. I loved the awkward feel to these moments and the fact that Mira was honest without a second thought! Mira thinks he deserves to know and doesn't let his grumpy mood stop her. Hold On Tight gave me all the feels. I love that it's about healing, finding something to fight for, learning to go after what you want and that love is never a bad thing. I loved Mira, because she is so strong. Getting pregnant that young could've changed a lot. It didn't slow her down though, even if she gave up part of her dream. She is an amazing mother and learning how to think for herself (her father is rather controling). Mira is caring and Jake definitely brought some emotions along. Jake went through a lot being deployed. He didn't only lose his leg, but his best friend. Jake doesn't know how to let go of the guilt of what happened before losing his leg. Finding out he's a father changed him though. Once he started looking through the eyes of a boy who is still learning so much about the world, he started thinking and fighting. The connection he feels with Mira lets him open up and really feel and start to heal. Mira and Jake have great chemistry and it only feels right that they get a second chance after their one night eight years ago. What I loved about their chemistry is it was not insta-love at all. It's clear there's history and they slowly let themselves connect again. It felt all really natural! Sam was the icing on the cake and I love how honest kids are. He really completed this story! My only 'issue' (that doesn't seem like the right word, because it's not that big of a thing) is the switch in POV. This happens at times in the middle of a chapter without warning. I could catch on quick, but it made the story flow a little less at times for me. All in all, this author had me sucked in from the start and I could really feel for these characters! If you're looking for a romance with family, healing, growing up, learning to love, humor and some romance, Hold on Tight is definitely for you!

Neva Davies@booksofunknownorigin

Nov 18, 2021

Elise Riley@thebookwytch

Sep 2, 2021