Hold On

By: Kristen Ashley

Narrated by: Erin Bennett

Since she was young, Cher Rivers knew she was not the kind of girl who got what she wanted. A girl who could hope. A girl who could dream. She knew a happily ever after just wasn't in the cards for her. In love for years with the last bastion of the 'burg's eligible bachelors, Garrett Merrick, Cher worked hard at making him laugh. Being one of the guys. Having him in her life the only way she could. All this, knowing he was in love with another woman.

The Merrick family is known for loving deep. So when Cecelia Merrick was murdered, it marked the Merricks in a way none of them recovered from. Both Cecelia's children found love. Both turned their backs on it. But Garrett "Merry" Merrick knew in his soul: The woman he divorced years ago was the one for him. Until the night when Cher took Garrett's back, and things changed.

The Merrick family loves deep. They also protect fiercely. And with his eyes finally open, Garrett sees the woman who truly is for him, and he goes after her.

©2015 Kristen Ashley (P)2015 Audible, Inc.

Interesting characters, mystery, romance

A good intertwining of characters, mystery and romance. Explores some interesting physiological and emotional issues Some really good insight into parenting a 10 year old.

Main mystery and suspense component treated far too lightly and incompletely.... Missed excellent opportunity to develop this aspect of story line.

But oh to be loved by "Merry"!!!!!!

3.5 Stars

I was in the mood for an easy read and I prepared myself for the inevitable. The inevitable was the expected and typical elements you find in a KA story. From my experience, you don't go into books by this author thinking it will be refreshingly different. Surprisingly, I enjoyed it much more than some of her stories published prior to this one. Overall, I think The ‘Burg is one of her better series (with The Promise being the exception.)

Going into this one, I wasn’t sure how I would feel about Cher and Merrick being the leads. I liked Merrick in previous books, but Cher was a bit over-the-top in previous books and she never felt like main character material. The author did a great job with her characterization by making her the heroine while still keeping her consistent with who she was in previous books.

What I didn’t care for at all was how the author addressed the situation with Merrick's ex-wife. The author kept trying to convince me that it was mostly the responsibility of the ex-wife to fight for their marriage. First, Cher, ceremoniously, laid it out before Merrick by telling him the ex-wife should have known that his past affected him enough to warrant his retreat from their relationship. Really? Like his ex had a degree in psychology and should have known the signs and fought harder to “Hold On” after he was the one to call it quits? I don't think so. Merrick basically conceded to Cher's synopsis of the situation and became empowered by it. Therefore, his ex-wife suddenly became the harpy ex. I wasn't convinced no matter how many times the author tried to tell me. Merrick finally and half-heartedly admitted his role in the relationship's demise, but it came too late and without conviction. Not every ex in a book needs to be a villain in order to convince me that their divorce was warranted and that their new romance will be solid.

Throughout most of the book, Hold On was earning my typical 3-star rating, but the last couple of chapters and an amazing epilogue were 4-star worthy and bumped it to an overall 3.5-star rating.

Audio: Erin Bennet is one of the better narrators of this author's books. It takes a good narrator to get me past some of the redundant writing and Bennett did a great job.

Fun

Loved the suspense and love story. Wasn’t ready for it to be finished. Should continue more dialogue to this group of books

Awesome conclusion to an awesome series!

Once again, I am sad to come to the end of a series written by K.A.! I can't seem to get enough of her audiobooks. She makes me laugh and cry and really seem to know the characters for real!

Loved It

I loved the ending so you can see so far into the future for everyone in this series. I love the families and KA does such a great job of telling a story, I enjoyed this last book.

Utter perfection

Just the best way to end a series. I loved this book from start to finish and felt the narration was spot on!

Tugged at the Heartstrings *sigh*

Any additional comments?

I LOVED this whole series and Kristen Ashley never disappoints me. Hold on, is a perfect end to the burg series! I recommend everyone to read it. it was as Kristen Ashley said "Based in my hometown of Brownsburg, Indiana, The ‘Burg Series is six books following the interweaving tales of friends, family, love and crime in a small town." You will fall deeply in love with the characters and go through a roller coaster of emotions and come out inspired!

She does it again!

This is a rich and great read. Sherry is a kick a-- girl and totally love her. Kristen Ashley you rock !

a great ending

I have loved every book in the burgh series. this one is no exception. it's beautifully written and engaging. a great end of this series.

End of the series

This book was a great way to end the burg series. Love all of her books and this one does not disappoint.