Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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Book Description
Ava Sinclair doesn’t do roots. She does movement—new towns, new adventures, and definitely no strings. Love? Hard pass. But when her quick pit stop in Saxville turns into a summer that won’t quit, she finds herself tangled up in small-town charm, nosy neighbors, and one maddeningly steady man who kisses like he’s got all day.
The problem? She’s made a career out of leaving. He’s made a life out of staying.
Between lakeside sunsets, flirty banter, and a chemistry that refuses to cool down, Ava has to decide if she’s ready to stop running and let herself be caught.
Holding You is a small-town, slow-burn romance about second chances, late-night sparks, and falling for the one person who feels like home—even when home terrifies you.
About J.J. Hart
J.J. Hart is a contemporary romance author who simply loves love. She’s inspired by all those HEAs authors who have turned their ideas into unforgettable love stories. An introvert at heart, J.J. enjoys her quiet time writing stories that come to life on the page with characters that you love.
When J.J.’s not writing, she is living her own happily ever-after with her loving, supportive hubby, volunteering, catching up with friends at the local coffee shop, and soaking up her good life.
Her books are for anyone who believes that love is always worth writing (and reading) about.
My Thoughts
J.J. Hart’s Holding You serves as a solid weekend pick-me-up, delivering a cozy small-town romance that balances cute moments with a surprising sprinkle of spice. The story centers on the clash between Ava Sinclair, a woman who has made a career out of leaving, and Kai Hastings, a man who has made a life out of staying. When Ava’s quick pit stop in Saxville turns into an extended summer stay, she finds herself unexpectedly tangled in local gossip, lakeside charm, and the affections of a man who kisses like he has all day.
The dynamic between the two leads is the highlight of the book. Kai is the definition of a "green flag" hero—dirty-mouthed yet big-hearted, steady, and willing to do anything to win over Ava. Their chemistry is palpable, fueled by flirty banter and a connection that refuses to cool down. Ava, on the other hand, is energetic and wild, bringing a beautiful tornado of chaos into Kai’s quiet world of renovations and Friday night barbecues.
However, the pacing does hit a few snags. While the town of Saxville feels wonderfully alive and the romance is swoony, the slow burn occasionally feels a bit too slow. Ava’s repetitive resistance to commitment causes her character arc to drag in the middle, and seasoned readers of the genre will likely spot the familiar plot beats coming from a mile away.
Despite those pacing issues, the book remains a sweet, comforting read that leaves you with a warm feeling. It works well as a standalone, though the series as a whole comes highly recommended. Ultimately, this is a solid 4-star read: not necessarily groundbreaking, but an enjoyable and heartfelt escape for anyone looking for a cozy romance.
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