Holding Out

Serena Bell

May 2019 · Returning Home Book 4 · Jelsba Media Group

About this eBook

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 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

Ratings and reviews

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.

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.

This is another really good story in this series. This time it's Becca and Griff's turn. Two people who don't feel worthy but see nothing but the best in each other.

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Serena Bell writes contemporary romance with heat, heart, and humor. A former journalist, Serena has always believed that everyone has an amazing story to tell if you listen carefully, and you can often find her scribbling in her tiny garret office, mainlining chocolate and bringing to life the tales in her head. 

Serena’s books have earned many honors, including a RITA finalist spot, an RT Reviewers’ Choice Award, Apple Books Best Book of the Month, and Amazon Best Book of the Year for Romance. 

When not writing, Serena loves to spend time with her college-sweetheart husband and two hilarious kiddos—all of whom are incredibly tolerant not just of Serena’s imaginary friends but also of how often she changes her hobbies and how passionately she embraces the new ones. These days, it’s stand-up paddle boarding, board-gaming, meditation, and long walks with good friends.