Friday, May 31, 2019

Release + Review - Anjelica Grace - Hold on Tight





Two and a half years ago, we made a plan—had our life all mapped out—knew where we were going and how we were getting there.


It was the four of us against the world and we were so close to having everything we wanted.

But life had other plans for us.

Now, rodeo has become Chase's primary focus, and he leaves our girls and me home while he follows his dreams week in, and week out.

We've lost so much already. I'm afraid if he doesn't come back to us soon, resentment will set in and our marriage will fail.

Do we have what it takes to make it through one more season? Or will this be the end of our dreams? And our marriage?

Eight seconds...

That's all it takes to change our lives forever.



PURCHASE LINKS
Free in Kindle Unlimited
EXCERPT
“I won, you realize that, right?”
“Yes, cocky one, I do. What’s your point?” she retorts, clearly not realizing where I’m going with this.
“I won, therefore you arrived last…”
Realization flashes across her features and she looks up at me, where I’m still perched atop Thor, with her hand providing shade over her eyes and her lips slightly parted. “You can’t be serious. Right now?”
“Mhmm, right now.” I nod my head and fold my hands over the horn of Thor’s saddle. “I need to see you gloriously naked and getting into the water.”
“You really are serious.” She shakes her head and starts to pull her hair back. “You can tell me you’re joking anytime.”
“Allie, I’m serious as a heart attack. You agreed, last one here is the first to skinny-dip. And I want to watch every second of you doing exactly that.”
“My God, you are so full of yourself. I suppose you’re going to stay there on top of Thor, like you’re the ruler of the lands?”
My only answer is to smile at her.
“Impossible. You’re impossible.” She pulls the band off her wrist and secures her hair into a messy pile above her head then she works her boots off with a huff. “How am I supposed to dry off?”
“I brought two blankets, we can share one so you can use the other to dry yourself.”
“And what are you going to—you know what—never mind.” She steps up in front of Thor and slides her hand over his face. “You’re a traitor, Thor. You should’ve lost for me.”
She makes me laugh loudly. “He knows whose horse he is. Now, quit stalling”
ALSO AVAILABLE 
More Than Winning – the FREE prequel short story!!

AUTHOR BIO
I was born and raised about twenty minutes north of Denver, Colorado where school and soccer were always my primary focus growing up. Though, I read and wrote as often as humanly possible, too. I’ve always loved doing both, and my love for words has only grown since my childhood.
I stayed local for college and majored in Biology, with every intention of going to medical school. That never panned out. I realized right before I took the MCAT that what I wanted most out of life was to have a family of my own one day, and to be able to write a book. It was then that I decided that being a doctor wouldn't have left much time to accomplish either of those things.
Since then, I've done child care, and tried to figure out where to go next, while also finally working on my own stories that I can share with the world.
And I hope that the amazing people that give me a chance fall as in love with my characters as I have.


AUTHOR LINKS



Erin's Review 

I love a good cowboy romance, and this one had sexy cowboys and romance, but also plenty of real life thrown at you.  I’m torn on if I loved it, or if it was too much real life and not enough escape-from-life-romantic-fiction.  The plot is about a married couple reconnecting and prevailing over obstacles in their lives.  This is the first in a series by a new to me author. 


The blurb hints at something tragic happening in less than 8 seconds to change their lives, and in both rodeo and life and with kids, that leaves a lot of possibilities.  The plot was a little to “real” for me, as I read to escape life, and married with kids and relationship concerns is not as fun to escape into as hot cowboys rescuing me from the drudge of my own marriage and kids.  Nonetheless, the plot seemed fairly believable as Allie and Chase deal with life’s ups and downs in ways that are too realistic and true.  They have the greater good of their marriage in mind, but fail to communicate and take each other for granted, which leads to some of the struggles they face.


Chase is a manly man, providing for his family by riding broncs in the rodeo circuit.  Allie is a faithful wife, wanting Chase to do what he loves, but resenting the time spent apart.  Their characters are wholesome and life like and easy to understand and follow.  I connected with Allie as a mom, one who is with her kids more than the husband.  At the same time it was easy to see Chase’s motivations to provide and be able to do what he loves for as long as possible while making money for his family.  Sacrifice and compromise.  But the separation and lack of true communication leads to strife.  They manage to bring it around and re-connect and make it work, so good for them!


Our married couple Chase and Allie are still in love after years of marriage.  Despite some strife, they still set each other on fire, and know how to push each other’s buttons (for better or worse!).  And sometimes the makeup sex is worth the fight!


The beginning of the book seemed a bit slow, as we delved into the backstory and struggles.  The characters were a bit predictable and boring then until the girls provided some extra flair.  I didn’t get fully sucked in at any point.  And while I’m glad for the outcome Chase had, I wonder at the timing and feasibility.  Everything wrapped up very neatly for the whole family, and I wish real life were that way.


The book ended on a particularly emotional note for me as the Epilogue uses a name for one of my children, for some of the same reasons.  I appreciated the epilogue, and that everything worked out for the family.  I would reccomend this book for those who are in the mood for a romance, but a romance that’s more real life and not just hot and steamy “fluffy” romance. 


Favorite Quotes:

“There are mornings when you wake up, and everything feels a little brighter, a little happier, and a little calmer.  It’s like a blanket of happiness has settled over everything dreary and sad, and all you can see are the stunning colors of the world.”

“She is the most stunning, incredible woman, and I have the backdrop of a perfect Colorado skyline to highlight every single feature on her.”

“Never thank me for loving you.  That’s just stupid.”

“Be teh woman he knows you are.  Do right by your girls, and take up the slack that he’s going to need your help with.”

“Life has given us some pretty unexpected ups and owns, but today is the first day of the rest of our lives …, and we’ve got everything we could’ve ever possibly dreamed of having.”


Star Ratings:

Plot = 3/5 Characters = 4/5 Heat = 4/5 Writing Style = 3/5 Overall Rating = 4/5



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