What do you think?
Rate this book
Fate We Make #2
Hold On
Sixteen long years behind bars. Almost half his life. But finally, freedom and a future Dominic can see. Yet as he steps into the world, a whispered threat shatters his hopes of a fresh start. He’ll never be able to stop looking over his shoulder.
Ren narrowly survives the most dangerous situation of his life, but at least his attackers think he’s dead. Spending the summer stuck on his brother’s archaeological dig isn’t his idea of fun, but it beats being fussed over by his mother. It’s as good a place as any to heal physical and mental scars, and he has plenty of those.
The roar of Ren’s motorbike is his lifeline, the one thing that makes him feel truly alive. But a moment’s lapse in concentration and he knocks Dominic off his feet. The accident brings together two damaged souls whose pasts won’t stay buried. With danger on their tail, hanging on to hope—and to each other—won’t be easy.
Join Dominic and Ren as they fight to keep the shadows of the past at bay and their future bright. In a world where love is fragile, two hearts learning to heal may just discover love is worth the risk.
WARNING
Please note that one of the main characters in the story is in prison for murder. Sexual, physical and psychological abuse of a child is mentioned but no on-page detail is given. Sexual abuse of an adult is also mentioned but not shown on-page. Suicide is also mentioned in passing but not part of the story.
Ren narrowly survives the most dangerous situation of his life, but at least his attackers think he’s dead. Spending the summer stuck on his brother’s archaeological dig isn’t his idea of fun, but it beats being fussed over by his mother. It’s as good a place as any to heal physical and mental scars, and he has plenty of those.
The roar of Ren’s motorbike is his lifeline, the one thing that makes him feel truly alive. But a moment’s lapse in concentration and he knocks Dominic off his feet. The accident brings together two damaged souls whose pasts won’t stay buried. With danger on their tail, hanging on to hope—and to each other—won’t be easy.
Join Dominic and Ren as they fight to keep the shadows of the past at bay and their future bright. In a world where love is fragile, two hearts learning to heal may just discover love is worth the risk.
WARNING
Please note that one of the main characters in the story is in prison for murder. Sexual, physical and psychological abuse of a child is mentioned but no on-page detail is given. Sexual abuse of an adult is also mentioned but not shown on-page. Suicide is also mentioned in passing but not part of the story.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2023
47 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Elsborg
101 books1,681 followersBarbara Elsborg lives in Kent in the south of England. She always wanted to be a spy, but having confessed to everyone without them even resorting to torture, she decided it was not for her. Volcanology scorched her feet. A morbid fear of sharks put paid to marine biology. So instead, she spent several years successfully selling cyanide.
After dragging up two rotten, ungrateful children and frustrating her sexy, devoted, wonderful husband (who can now stop twisting her arm) she finally has time to conduct an affair with an electrifying plugged-in male, her laptop.
Her books feature quirky heroines and bad boys, and she hopes they are as much fun to read as they are to write.
After dragging up two rotten, ungrateful children and frustrating her sexy, devoted, wonderful husband (who can now stop twisting her arm) she finally has time to conduct an affair with an electrifying plugged-in male, her laptop.
Her books feature quirky heroines and bad boys, and she hopes they are as much fun to read as they are to write.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
October 18, 2023
✰ 3.75 stars ✰
“ But if we let what happened in our past spoil our present and our future, then those who hurt us have won [...] We both survived. We’re allowed to falter every now and again but we keep going.”
When I read about Dominic in the first book, I was curious to see what direction Hold On would take his story. A story build upon two damaged and broken souls, who barrel their way into each other's hearts and start a relationship built on trust and understanding, longing and belonging, and a way to hold on to life without their personal traumas defining them. 🤍🤍
“We’ll do it all.” Ren stared into his eyes. “And more. We’ll do it together.”
“Why…?” Dominic hesitated. “Why do you want me?”
Ren’s heart hurt when Dominic put the emphasis on me. As though he thought he was worthless.
“Why wouldn’t I want you?”
There was a period of six months in my life where I didn't step outside of my house - minimal interaction with the outside world, except for my family members - the sky over our roof the only blueness I had the chance to see. The day I actually stepped outside into the world of the living - got into a mode of transportation - walked into a grocery store - it was a surreal moment. It was - in the nearly 13,000 days that I have lived, I have walked into countless department stores or supermarkets, but that day is forever etched into my mind. 😔 The simple wonder of standing in a grocery aisle - seeing the little things that have changed - it leaves you momentarily stunned - that the world kept on moving on, while you're at a standstill.
My six months is nothing compared to sixteen years - half a life without living - I can't even begin to fathom how Dominic survived. But, he did - the feelings that the author described for Dominic - that helplessness of thinking of all that you have to catch up on - the memories and moments that you missed out - to get to the point where you can finally fit in - 'this world was so alien to the one he’d left behind that sometimes he wondered if he’d ever fit in' is a thought that I felt with every fiber of my being. 🥺🥺 As much as he continued to feel alienated and struggling to catch up - afraid that his past was still going to haunt him into the world of the living - I loved that when Ren was the one who needed the comfort and reassurance, he gave it to him in spades. His soul - as damaged and broken as it had been - was still so pure and honest and kind. 'They were both recovering from something. Physical in Ren’s case. Mental in Dominic’s. They’d help each other out and move on,' - and they did. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
If my soul related to Dominic, my heart felt for Ren. I loved how much he cared for Dominic - how much he hurt for him and saw that he had lost so much and wanted to do everything to give him happy memories to replace the painful ones. As they got closer as he cared for him more, as he fought for him, reassured him 'tell the memories No. They’re not having you. I want you,', They both shared the comfort of healing their trauma together - find a way to overcome it, the best way they could. 😢 For Ren especially, it is minimally expressed, but enough for him to have the strength to learn to trust again - to get back what was stolen from him. That moment - just the softness of their intimacy for that scene - the way it was built up - the tenderness of their emotions unraveling - and when Ren painstakingly thought, 'Don't ask if I'm okay' it was just...
“The past had to be banished if they were to make the most of their future.”
I liked how the mystery from their past was an integral part to their relationship; a lot of their actions was centered around it, and when it finally came to a climax, it unfolded in a very believable way, that also gave both of them the chance to shed their past doubts and fears. By finally facing their demons head on, Ren and Dominic were able to move on - to let go and I liked how it didn't just happen - it was built over time in a believable way that while I figured out who was initially the target, I was happy enough that they both got the closure they needed.
There's also a helpful heap of brotherly love littered throughout the narrative, which I enjoyed. Yes, Will is Ren's older brother who is going to be skeptical of Dominic; yes, he's going to protect him at all cost, knowing the extent of his pain - doubt and judge Dominic - keep him at lengths and warn him off - behaving like a jerk. But, I loved that Dominic didn't shy away from it, and understood where his concern and love was coming from. 😟😟 He didn't hesitate to look it at it from his view, the honesty and openness he shared with him, despite Ren's protestations and justification that his fears were unwarranted. As an older brother, Dominic has been there - gone to Hell and back for his younger brother. And just to see the little moments shared between Dominic and Col, too - Col, still so guilty and remorseful that for him his brother lost years of living, but Dom wouldn't have it any other way. To think otherwise is inconceivable. And just to see it included, even in the most minimal of forms, was very much appreciated. 👍🏻👍🏻
“All’s well that ends well.”
“This isn’t ending yet. It’s only just beginning.”
I think I finally understand now why I seem to find some hidden comfort from reading her works - she gives her broken characters a second chance at life. Another chance to make their lives more meaningful, not only to find love, but for living for themselves. It's something that I can so very relate to, and no matter how it comes across or in what hardships they've come out of or difficult situations she presents her characters in, it's more than just their happily ever after with someone else that makes me happy. It's the happiness that they have a chance to live a better life than what they have had is something I would not ever tire of reading. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
“ But if we let what happened in our past spoil our present and our future, then those who hurt us have won [...] We both survived. We’re allowed to falter every now and again but we keep going.”
When I read about Dominic in the first book, I was curious to see what direction Hold On would take his story. A story build upon two damaged and broken souls, who barrel their way into each other's hearts and start a relationship built on trust and understanding, longing and belonging, and a way to hold on to life without their personal traumas defining them. 🤍🤍
“We’ll do it all.” Ren stared into his eyes. “And more. We’ll do it together.”
“Why…?” Dominic hesitated. “Why do you want me?”
Ren’s heart hurt when Dominic put the emphasis on me. As though he thought he was worthless.
“Why wouldn’t I want you?”
There was a period of six months in my life where I didn't step outside of my house - minimal interaction with the outside world, except for my family members - the sky over our roof the only blueness I had the chance to see. The day I actually stepped outside into the world of the living - got into a mode of transportation - walked into a grocery store - it was a surreal moment. It was - in the nearly 13,000 days that I have lived, I have walked into countless department stores or supermarkets, but that day is forever etched into my mind. 😔 The simple wonder of standing in a grocery aisle - seeing the little things that have changed - it leaves you momentarily stunned - that the world kept on moving on, while you're at a standstill.
My six months is nothing compared to sixteen years - half a life without living - I can't even begin to fathom how Dominic survived. But, he did - the feelings that the author described for Dominic - that helplessness of thinking of all that you have to catch up on - the memories and moments that you missed out - to get to the point where you can finally fit in - 'this world was so alien to the one he’d left behind that sometimes he wondered if he’d ever fit in' is a thought that I felt with every fiber of my being. 🥺🥺 As much as he continued to feel alienated and struggling to catch up - afraid that his past was still going to haunt him into the world of the living - I loved that when Ren was the one who needed the comfort and reassurance, he gave it to him in spades. His soul - as damaged and broken as it had been - was still so pure and honest and kind. 'They were both recovering from something. Physical in Ren’s case. Mental in Dominic’s. They’d help each other out and move on,' - and they did. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
If my soul related to Dominic, my heart felt for Ren. I loved how much he cared for Dominic - how much he hurt for him and saw that he had lost so much and wanted to do everything to give him happy memories to replace the painful ones. As they got closer as he cared for him more, as he fought for him, reassured him 'tell the memories No. They’re not having you. I want you,', They both shared the comfort of healing their trauma together - find a way to overcome it, the best way they could. 😢 For Ren especially, it is minimally expressed, but enough for him to have the strength to learn to trust again - to get back what was stolen from him. That moment - just the softness of their intimacy for that scene - the way it was built up - the tenderness of their emotions unraveling - and when Ren painstakingly thought, 'Don't ask if I'm okay' it was just...
“The past had to be banished if they were to make the most of their future.”
I liked how the mystery from their past was an integral part to their relationship; a lot of their actions was centered around it, and when it finally came to a climax, it unfolded in a very believable way, that also gave both of them the chance to shed their past doubts and fears. By finally facing their demons head on, Ren and Dominic were able to move on - to let go and I liked how it didn't just happen - it was built over time in a believable way that while I figured out who was initially the target, I was happy enough that they both got the closure they needed.
There's also a helpful heap of brotherly love littered throughout the narrative, which I enjoyed. Yes, Will is Ren's older brother who is going to be skeptical of Dominic; yes, he's going to protect him at all cost, knowing the extent of his pain - doubt and judge Dominic - keep him at lengths and warn him off - behaving like a jerk. But, I loved that Dominic didn't shy away from it, and understood where his concern and love was coming from. 😟😟 He didn't hesitate to look it at it from his view, the honesty and openness he shared with him, despite Ren's protestations and justification that his fears were unwarranted. As an older brother, Dominic has been there - gone to Hell and back for his younger brother. And just to see the little moments shared between Dominic and Col, too - Col, still so guilty and remorseful that for him his brother lost years of living, but Dom wouldn't have it any other way. To think otherwise is inconceivable. And just to see it included, even in the most minimal of forms, was very much appreciated. 👍🏻👍🏻
“All’s well that ends well.”
“This isn’t ending yet. It’s only just beginning.”
I think I finally understand now why I seem to find some hidden comfort from reading her works - she gives her broken characters a second chance at life. Another chance to make their lives more meaningful, not only to find love, but for living for themselves. It's something that I can so very relate to, and no matter how it comes across or in what hardships they've come out of or difficult situations she presents her characters in, it's more than just their happily ever after with someone else that makes me happy. It's the happiness that they have a chance to live a better life than what they have had is something I would not ever tire of reading. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Read
September 22, 2023Hi everyone! This is the second in the Fate We Make series and follows up on Col's brother Dominic plus a new character. This can be read as a standalone. But if you want to know what happens prior to this, then He's The One is the book to read.
I hope you enjoy this . It's been written during a period of high angst for me personally which has eaten into my writing time. But Dominic and Ren are a lovely pair and they deserve their happy ever after.
As always - please pay attention to the warning.
I hope you enjoy this . It's been written during a period of high angst for me personally which has eaten into my writing time. But Dominic and Ren are a lovely pair and they deserve their happy ever after.
As always - please pay attention to the warning.
October 15, 2023
Beautiful Emotional Romance
Ms Elsburg brings so much depth to both her stories and characters. I loved this book. I found the story beautiful, painful, heart-breaking, but ultimately heartwarming, it had me hooked right from the start. It's very well written and has just the right amount of suspense and romance. I liked the purity she brought to the character of Dominic, despite his tragic past. Both he and Ren are in a bad place emotionally, them meeting and getting to know one another, was wonderful to behold. I felt so much anger towards some of the characters and absolute loathing for others. I found it a totally compelling story, an emotional rollercoaster, and unputadownable.
Beware, the trigger warnings. Read the blurb carefully.
I received an ARC of this story, which in no way influenced my opinion.
Ms Elsburg brings so much depth to both her stories and characters. I loved this book. I found the story beautiful, painful, heart-breaking, but ultimately heartwarming, it had me hooked right from the start. It's very well written and has just the right amount of suspense and romance. I liked the purity she brought to the character of Dominic, despite his tragic past. Both he and Ren are in a bad place emotionally, them meeting and getting to know one another, was wonderful to behold. I felt so much anger towards some of the characters and absolute loathing for others. I found it a totally compelling story, an emotional rollercoaster, and unputadownable.
Beware, the trigger warnings. Read the blurb carefully.
I received an ARC of this story, which in no way influenced my opinion.
September 27, 2023
There’s such depth to the strong but flawed main characters of Dominic and Ren in this beautifully complex storyline that kept me turning the pages from start to end. My heart hurt as I learned of the tremendous difficulties these two wonderful men had to endure, Dominic from childhood onwards and Ren in his adulthood, when their lives were turned upside down. Circumstances bring them together and they slowly begin to heal their battered minds and bodies but not without some difficulties along the way. Difficulties that lead to some drama and angst but nothing and no one can stop them from getting a well deserved and hard earned HEA.
The smooth and seamless plot formation, perfect pacing and fantastic main and secondary characters are all beautifully balanced, brought together and wrapped up in the wonderful story telling ability of this talented author. There’s some sweet and some heat, some fun banter mixed in amongst some very difficult break your heart conversations and a make you smile till your face hurts HEA.
This is book two in the series. It can be read as a standalone but reading book one would enhance the reading experience as characters appear from it and play an integral part in Dominic’s story.
The smooth and seamless plot formation, perfect pacing and fantastic main and secondary characters are all beautifully balanced, brought together and wrapped up in the wonderful story telling ability of this talented author. There’s some sweet and some heat, some fun banter mixed in amongst some very difficult break your heart conversations and a make you smile till your face hurts HEA.
This is book two in the series. It can be read as a standalone but reading book one would enhance the reading experience as characters appear from it and play an integral part in Dominic’s story.
April 7, 2026
I want to be the mum that Dominic Hammond never had. I would love him, be kind to him, and be super proud of the man that he grew up to be. This beautiful, clever man who passed every exam, got not just one, but two degrees off his own back, deserves to be cherished.
When I read about Dominic’s character in Coll and Theo’s book - He’s The One, he intrigued me and scared me in equal measures. Although he had committed a despicable crime, he had done it out of love for his brother. Could I forgive him? It seems I could, because I adored him. What a beautiful soul. He deserved his new chance of happiness.
Ren is another damaged soul, tying to keep his head down and get over the horrors that he’s experienced at the hands of evil Levan.
Ren and Dominic are lovely together. They heal each other. Of course there’s going to be fish and chips and malteasers. There’s trips to the seaside and lots and lots of quirky, snarky banter.
I do love Barbara’s boys.
When I read about Dominic’s character in Coll and Theo’s book - He’s The One, he intrigued me and scared me in equal measures. Although he had committed a despicable crime, he had done it out of love for his brother. Could I forgive him? It seems I could, because I adored him. What a beautiful soul. He deserved his new chance of happiness.
Ren is another damaged soul, tying to keep his head down and get over the horrors that he’s experienced at the hands of evil Levan.
Ren and Dominic are lovely together. They heal each other. Of course there’s going to be fish and chips and malteasers. There’s trips to the seaside and lots and lots of quirky, snarky banter.
I do love Barbara’s boys.
November 10, 2024
I felt so sad for Dom.
February 24, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up. Enjoyed this story about two guys who have two very different but violent backstories. They meet by accident at the home of an old English family where a "dig" is taking place to locate Roman antiquities.
Ren is an undercover cop whose cover was blown and the bad guys tried to kill him by stabbing him multiple times, sexually assaulting him with a gun and then throwing him in a cold, deep river(the opening scene in the book). A miracle that he survived.
Nic is a guy that has just been released from prison after 16 years for killing his parents that had sexually abused him for years and were about to start abusing his younger brother.
So these guys were wounded, both mentally and physically and one of the things I really liked in the story were their dynamics together.
Lots of steam in this one, some OTT moments, but a dynamic shoot-em-up ending. This is book #2 in a series (the couple from book #1 are significant participants in #2) but I DNF'd it quite early but still don't think I missed anything.
Ren is an undercover cop whose cover was blown and the bad guys tried to kill him by stabbing him multiple times, sexually assaulting him with a gun and then throwing him in a cold, deep river(the opening scene in the book). A miracle that he survived.
Nic is a guy that has just been released from prison after 16 years for killing his parents that had sexually abused him for years and were about to start abusing his younger brother.
So these guys were wounded, both mentally and physically and one of the things I really liked in the story were their dynamics together.
Lots of steam in this one, some OTT moments, but a dynamic shoot-em-up ending. This is book #2 in a series (the couple from book #1 are significant participants in #2) but I DNF'd it quite early but still don't think I missed anything.
November 8, 2023
5+ stars
Hold On is my favorite title by this author yet, as well as one of my top reads of the year. Combining humor, suspense, action, character redemption, and a sweet romance, this book had so much for me to love. I found myself eager to carve out little pockets of time to pick the book back up for just a few more pages or time with the characters.
Dominic and Ren have both led very different lives, but both men have faced their share of adversity and when they meet are attempting to move forward from traumatic experiences. I love a good hurt-comfort romance, but what made Hold On stand out for me was the way the book dealt with the characters’ pasts honestly, without feeling like that was the sole purpose of the story. Instead, watching Ren and Dominic move forward individually and together was a moving and inspirational read.
Hold On had great character development. I thought both Ren and Dominic were clearly outlined, making it easy to grow attached to them and become invested in their stories. I also loved how the author perfectly balanced some snarky humor with the serious elements of this plotline and the men’s lives. Not only did these fun moments keep the tone from feeling too heavy, but they also brought the story to life and highlighted the men’s personalities.
Finally, the suspense and story arc of Hold On was really interesting. There were plenty of twists along the way that kept me engaged, and the action scenes were incredibly well done. If you enjoy a good mix of tropes, especially romantic suspense stories and those with character redemption, I would highly recommend Hold On. I cannot imagine this story would disappoint any reader.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Hold On is my favorite title by this author yet, as well as one of my top reads of the year. Combining humor, suspense, action, character redemption, and a sweet romance, this book had so much for me to love. I found myself eager to carve out little pockets of time to pick the book back up for just a few more pages or time with the characters.
Dominic and Ren have both led very different lives, but both men have faced their share of adversity and when they meet are attempting to move forward from traumatic experiences. I love a good hurt-comfort romance, but what made Hold On stand out for me was the way the book dealt with the characters’ pasts honestly, without feeling like that was the sole purpose of the story. Instead, watching Ren and Dominic move forward individually and together was a moving and inspirational read.
Hold On had great character development. I thought both Ren and Dominic were clearly outlined, making it easy to grow attached to them and become invested in their stories. I also loved how the author perfectly balanced some snarky humor with the serious elements of this plotline and the men’s lives. Not only did these fun moments keep the tone from feeling too heavy, but they also brought the story to life and highlighted the men’s personalities.
Finally, the suspense and story arc of Hold On was really interesting. There were plenty of twists along the way that kept me engaged, and the action scenes were incredibly well done. If you enjoy a good mix of tropes, especially romantic suspense stories and those with character redemption, I would highly recommend Hold On. I cannot imagine this story would disappoint any reader.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
October 1, 2023
I will say it time and time again. I just love Barbara’s stories and characters. She just knows how to create a world we don’t want to leave. She brings in secondary characters we know and new one, I adored.
The banter is amazing. I loved the trust that Ren and Dominick put in each other from the beginning.
So we know Dominick from book 1 as he’s Col’s brother and we know what he’s been though. He deserves to find happy. In comes Ren on his motorcycle and their friendship starts off with a bang.
I loved the development of trust they gave each other and most of all the communication with each other. Ren was the funny Dominick needed to let go and live free. They needed it after what BOTH men have been through.
I adored meeting up with Theo (he’s still so funny) and Col. I would love to see a book for Will, REN’s brother, in the future. I say these two men I’ve brothers that love them hard and would protect them at all costs.
The banter is amazing. I loved the trust that Ren and Dominick put in each other from the beginning.
So we know Dominick from book 1 as he’s Col’s brother and we know what he’s been though. He deserves to find happy. In comes Ren on his motorcycle and their friendship starts off with a bang.
I loved the development of trust they gave each other and most of all the communication with each other. Ren was the funny Dominick needed to let go and live free. They needed it after what BOTH men have been through.
I adored meeting up with Theo (he’s still so funny) and Col. I would love to see a book for Will, REN’s brother, in the future. I say these two men I’ve brothers that love them hard and would protect them at all costs.
October 14, 2023
Great Story
This story hooked me quickly and I couldn't put it down. I had to see what happened next for Ren and Dominic and I really appreciated their happily ever after.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
This story hooked me quickly and I couldn't put it down. I had to see what happened next for Ren and Dominic and I really appreciated their happily ever after.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
October 7, 2023
Hold On is the second book in Barbara Elsborg’s Fate We Make Series. You can read it as a standalone, but I urge you to read He's The One first. I fell in love with Col and Theo in He’s the One, and they have some really great scenes in Hold On. Plus, it adds a lot to Dominic’s character, to get the extra insight into his story.
Fans of Barbara Elsborg know going in that this kind of novel is going to be a heartwrencher - I swear nobody does it better! But Hold On is more of an uplifting tale. Elsborg manages to find someone with almost as much trauma in his past to match up with Dominic. Ren has been through the wringer, so from the very first page I was plugging away for their happily ever after.
Elsborg writes amazing action/adventure scenes, and the adrenaline rush is powerful in this one. So very exciting! Plus Hold On is filled with lovely family moments, a smoking hot romance, and an incredibly rewarding hurt/comfort journey for two very special men.
Reading this novel was an absolute pleasure, and I certainly hope there are many more books to come in Barbara Elsborg’s Fate We Make universe.
thank you to the author for providing me with an arc of Hold On for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
Fans of Barbara Elsborg know going in that this kind of novel is going to be a heartwrencher - I swear nobody does it better! But Hold On is more of an uplifting tale. Elsborg manages to find someone with almost as much trauma in his past to match up with Dominic. Ren has been through the wringer, so from the very first page I was plugging away for their happily ever after.
Elsborg writes amazing action/adventure scenes, and the adrenaline rush is powerful in this one. So very exciting! Plus Hold On is filled with lovely family moments, a smoking hot romance, and an incredibly rewarding hurt/comfort journey for two very special men.
Reading this novel was an absolute pleasure, and I certainly hope there are many more books to come in Barbara Elsborg’s Fate We Make universe.
thank you to the author for providing me with an arc of Hold On for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
January 29, 2024
Heart Poundingly Good
Ren is a former undercover police investigator recuperating from being stabbed and thrown over a cliff to die. Dominic is a just released convict who spent sixteen years in jail for killing his parents and another inmate. Somehow fate has decided that their paths must cross and they end up meeting after Ren accidentally hits Dominic with his motorbike. This story is set in the English countryside and I loved all the English references. It just makes the book that more richer in my opinion. Both have brothers who mean the world to them and they factor in throughout the story. Danger is all around as Ren and Dominic try to adjust to their new realities and get to know each other. I was on the edge of my seat reading this book. I've always loved Barbara's books and appreciate the epilogue and the bonus scene she gives us. I did not read the first book which is about Dominic's brother Col but they can be read as standalones. I highly recommend this book.
Ren is a former undercover police investigator recuperating from being stabbed and thrown over a cliff to die. Dominic is a just released convict who spent sixteen years in jail for killing his parents and another inmate. Somehow fate has decided that their paths must cross and they end up meeting after Ren accidentally hits Dominic with his motorbike. This story is set in the English countryside and I loved all the English references. It just makes the book that more richer in my opinion. Both have brothers who mean the world to them and they factor in throughout the story. Danger is all around as Ren and Dominic try to adjust to their new realities and get to know each other. I was on the edge of my seat reading this book. I've always loved Barbara's books and appreciate the epilogue and the bonus scene she gives us. I did not read the first book which is about Dominic's brother Col but they can be read as standalones. I highly recommend this book.
October 16, 2023
another amazing tear jerker from Barbara Elsborg
The problem with reading any of Barbara Elsborg books is that you'll lose any sense of time and lose sleep because you're so engrossed in the story and you get so invested in the main characters that you don't want to put the book down to go to bed or do life. And that's what happened to me for Hold On. I got sleep deprived because I stayed up until 3am to finish the book. So now I'm dead tired and I need to get ready for class. Oh yeah, I need to do my homework.
The problem with reading any of Barbara Elsborg books is that you'll lose any sense of time and lose sleep because you're so engrossed in the story and you get so invested in the main characters that you don't want to put the book down to go to bed or do life. And that's what happened to me for Hold On. I got sleep deprived because I stayed up until 3am to finish the book. So now I'm dead tired and I need to get ready for class. Oh yeah, I need to do my homework.
October 18, 2023
Really liked Dominic and Ren
Dom and Ren were amazing together.
See you can have a brilliant book with the two main characters telling the truth to each other. Loved that bit the most. Love Theo.
Hate Col's foster parents. What Dominic did was brave, maybe didnt need to do it but he was 15 and oh so broken.
Really great story about two perfect men so scarred, coming together to be whole.
Just have to say the honesty between these two guys made the book all that better.
Dom and Ren were amazing together.
See you can have a brilliant book with the two main characters telling the truth to each other. Loved that bit the most. Love Theo.
Hate Col's foster parents. What Dominic did was brave, maybe didnt need to do it but he was 15 and oh so broken.
Really great story about two perfect men so scarred, coming together to be whole.
Just have to say the honesty between these two guys made the book all that better.
November 30, 2023
Intrigue!
Love Barbara’s books and so glad I picked this one up to read. I wasn’t sure what to think about Dom after Colin’s story, but very glad to read about Dom and Ren and all the hurdles they had to cross for their HEA.
Love Barbara’s books and so glad I picked this one up to read. I wasn’t sure what to think about Dom after Colin’s story, but very glad to read about Dom and Ren and all the hurdles they had to cross for their HEA.
October 16, 2023
Could do with a better edit (eg the “Alex” issue), but the characters are likeable and funny as per.
October 21, 2023
So devastating and so gorgeous!
January 9, 2024
Great balance of sweet loving moments and those of suspenseful danger. Trauma for both protagonists, that they work hard to overcome. No way readers aren't going to cheer for their HEA.
More to come maybe? I will be better at keeping an eye out.
More to come maybe? I will be better at keeping an eye out.
February 8, 2024
Love this author.
November 11, 2023
Great characters!
This is the second in the series and can be read as a standalone but the first book is just as good so read it too! This one was pretty intense and I loved following the journey the two MCs took as they learned to trust and fell in love.
This is the second in the series and can be read as a standalone but the first book is just as good so read it too! This one was pretty intense and I loved following the journey the two MCs took as they learned to trust and fell in love.
January 15, 2024
4.5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
So far each book I've read of Barbara Elsborg's has been fabulous and Hold On was no exception. Book #2 in the Fate We Make series and we get Will's story. In He's the One, we met Col whose big focus was saving money and making a place for when his big brother Will was released from prison. In Hold On, after 16 years of imprisonment, most of those years unfairly so, Will is free and Col is there to give him whatever hand he needs to make a life in a world he is now so unfamiliar with.
Oh, my heart hurt for Will and all he had endured, both before and during his imprisonment. On his first day out he meets Ren, another troubled man who is also being helped out by his brother who is working on uncovering the hidden treasures on the estate Will is staying with his brother and partner Theo. When Ren and Will meet the connection is instant and I could feel all the mixed-up emotions both were struggling with when deciding what to do about it.
Both men have pasts which may be following them and which could put those they love at risk. Their pasts also play a huge role in who they are as a person now and whether they can get past all that they have been through and make a future for themselves.
The emotional support and understanding each gave the other was exactly what was needed and I loved seeing each man slowly start to take steps to heal as they were held up by the other. I really enjoyed the connection between Ren and Will and especially loved the lack of judgment for what they had done. Especially on Ren's side when his brother was trying to pull them apart due to his judgement and opinions.
Col and Theo and Theo's dad and his partner were also so supportive of Will, I loved seeing him surrounded by all that support even though he didn't feel he deserved it.
There are bad guys after one of them and we are kept guessing for a long while who those people are and which man they are after, both thinking it is them. They both show how strong they are when push comes to shove and they are up against these people and how strong their connection is.
Another wonderfully emotive read that had me turning pages well past my bedtime in order to find out what was going to happen.
So far each book I've read of Barbara Elsborg's has been fabulous and Hold On was no exception. Book #2 in the Fate We Make series and we get Will's story. In He's the One, we met Col whose big focus was saving money and making a place for when his big brother Will was released from prison. In Hold On, after 16 years of imprisonment, most of those years unfairly so, Will is free and Col is there to give him whatever hand he needs to make a life in a world he is now so unfamiliar with.
Oh, my heart hurt for Will and all he had endured, both before and during his imprisonment. On his first day out he meets Ren, another troubled man who is also being helped out by his brother who is working on uncovering the hidden treasures on the estate Will is staying with his brother and partner Theo. When Ren and Will meet the connection is instant and I could feel all the mixed-up emotions both were struggling with when deciding what to do about it.
Both men have pasts which may be following them and which could put those they love at risk. Their pasts also play a huge role in who they are as a person now and whether they can get past all that they have been through and make a future for themselves.
The emotional support and understanding each gave the other was exactly what was needed and I loved seeing each man slowly start to take steps to heal as they were held up by the other. I really enjoyed the connection between Ren and Will and especially loved the lack of judgment for what they had done. Especially on Ren's side when his brother was trying to pull them apart due to his judgement and opinions.
Col and Theo and Theo's dad and his partner were also so supportive of Will, I loved seeing him surrounded by all that support even though he didn't feel he deserved it.
There are bad guys after one of them and we are kept guessing for a long while who those people are and which man they are after, both thinking it is them. They both show how strong they are when push comes to shove and they are up against these people and how strong their connection is.
Another wonderfully emotive read that had me turning pages well past my bedtime in order to find out what was going to happen.
October 16, 2023
It was a very happy "accident" that became the first encounter of two MCs in the new book of Barbara Elsborg "Hold On"
This title is so suitable to everything that this book is about. I was so involved from the first chapter, that truly scared me, but I needed to go ahead and see what happens next. The danger was lurking around the corner of every page I turned and I was waiting and worrying that some really terrible things would happen to our characters until they reached their HEA.
I can't put in words how much angst, hurt, and unfairness Dominic survived since he was merely a boy, until his release from prison and even later on. Despite all the circumstances he managed to keep his soul so pure, so open to love and devotion. He is an example of how you can overcome the worst and keep going on. He missed so much, his childhood was ruined, and he never experienced the loving touch, things that brought simple joy until meeting Ren.
And let me tell you that Ren went through such a traumatic experience, so much physical and emotional pain that I was silently screaming at Barbara for making him suffer so much, lol.
Despite all the angst, suspense, and horror, what you will find in the book is a special dry humor that Barbara delivers so well, you will keep loving adorable Theo with his motor mouth, and gentle, extremely talented Col who loves unconditionally both his boyfriend/fiance and his brother. There are a lot of characters that made cameo appearances and it was nice to get updates on their lives.
I loved this book, it is very intense but when you get to the finish line you would want to read it again, slowly, trying to savor it.
This title is so suitable to everything that this book is about. I was so involved from the first chapter, that truly scared me, but I needed to go ahead and see what happens next. The danger was lurking around the corner of every page I turned and I was waiting and worrying that some really terrible things would happen to our characters until they reached their HEA.
I can't put in words how much angst, hurt, and unfairness Dominic survived since he was merely a boy, until his release from prison and even later on. Despite all the circumstances he managed to keep his soul so pure, so open to love and devotion. He is an example of how you can overcome the worst and keep going on. He missed so much, his childhood was ruined, and he never experienced the loving touch, things that brought simple joy until meeting Ren.
And let me tell you that Ren went through such a traumatic experience, so much physical and emotional pain that I was silently screaming at Barbara for making him suffer so much, lol.
Despite all the angst, suspense, and horror, what you will find in the book is a special dry humor that Barbara delivers so well, you will keep loving adorable Theo with his motor mouth, and gentle, extremely talented Col who loves unconditionally both his boyfriend/fiance and his brother. There are a lot of characters that made cameo appearances and it was nice to get updates on their lives.
I loved this book, it is very intense but when you get to the finish line you would want to read it again, slowly, trying to savor it.
October 15, 2023
This is the follow up to He’s The One and in book two we get Dominic’s story. Fresh out of prison, but still not able to fully have a fresh start because of a veiled threat made upon his release, we see him trying to adjust to a new normal after spending half his life in prison for a crime he committed to protect his younger brother, and one that he was set up for while inside.
On his first day of freedom he meets Ren, who is also recovering both physically and mentally from his own traumatic experience. Despite feeling damaged, Ren has an optimism about him - and a touch of verbal diarrhoea that reminds me of this author’s famous Jonty Bloom character.
At the heart of it, this book is a romance between two broken characters who are recovering and learning to start over. Despite the things they have in their pasts, they are both strong people to have survived it all and were both extremely likeable. There is some suspense to the story as there is a fear of retribution hanging over them both for large parts of the book - I’m not a massive fan of romantic suspense, yet I loved this.
I have to admit a favourite part of the book for me was the marquess, who was so uptight in the first book but in this one was seen to be very caring about his son, his partner and extended family. I loved that he had contacts he could call up to help, it was like he was an aristocratic James Bond with less spies and gadgets!
This book can definitely work as a standalone, but Col & Theo’s book is very good too so I would always suggest reading a series in order.
On his first day of freedom he meets Ren, who is also recovering both physically and mentally from his own traumatic experience. Despite feeling damaged, Ren has an optimism about him - and a touch of verbal diarrhoea that reminds me of this author’s famous Jonty Bloom character.
At the heart of it, this book is a romance between two broken characters who are recovering and learning to start over. Despite the things they have in their pasts, they are both strong people to have survived it all and were both extremely likeable. There is some suspense to the story as there is a fear of retribution hanging over them both for large parts of the book - I’m not a massive fan of romantic suspense, yet I loved this.
I have to admit a favourite part of the book for me was the marquess, who was so uptight in the first book but in this one was seen to be very caring about his son, his partner and extended family. I loved that he had contacts he could call up to help, it was like he was an aristocratic James Bond with less spies and gadgets!
This book can definitely work as a standalone, but Col & Theo’s book is very good too so I would always suggest reading a series in order.
October 21, 2023
When I read He’s the One by Barbara Elsborg, my heart broke for Col’s incarcerated brother, Dominic. His story was so tragic, and I was intrigued to see what happened to him. Now he gets his own book in Hold On.
Dominic did the awful things he spent 16 years prison for, but what drove him to that dark place is something no child should ever have to experience. And that he did it to protect his younger brother - oh my heart…
Doing what he had to to survive, and his sentence complete, Dom is facing the unknown. With Col and Theo in his corner, he’s taking baby steps into a world he doesn’t recognize.
While wandering on Theo’s family estate he and Ren run into each other. Literally. Ren has his own secrets and is hiding out on his brother’s archeological dig.
So many surprising turns. I didn’t expect Dominic to confess all so early on after a nearly perfect day at the shore with Col, Theo, and Ren. But that action shows who he is. Despite all he’s been through, there’s a kind of purity to Dom.
Together, Ren and Dom have a lot to overcome. Both have secrets and are under threat. Watching these flawed, beautiful men help heal each other and find peace is the ultimate hurt/comfort read. They both looked evil in the eyes and survived. As they plan a future together, you desperately want their HEA. Ren, too, but Dom most of all deserves all the good things.
As always, heed the triggers.
Finally, Dominic getting a little bit of long overdue justice? It’s everything. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Dominic did the awful things he spent 16 years prison for, but what drove him to that dark place is something no child should ever have to experience. And that he did it to protect his younger brother - oh my heart…
Doing what he had to to survive, and his sentence complete, Dom is facing the unknown. With Col and Theo in his corner, he’s taking baby steps into a world he doesn’t recognize.
While wandering on Theo’s family estate he and Ren run into each other. Literally. Ren has his own secrets and is hiding out on his brother’s archeological dig.
So many surprising turns. I didn’t expect Dominic to confess all so early on after a nearly perfect day at the shore with Col, Theo, and Ren. But that action shows who he is. Despite all he’s been through, there’s a kind of purity to Dom.
Together, Ren and Dom have a lot to overcome. Both have secrets and are under threat. Watching these flawed, beautiful men help heal each other and find peace is the ultimate hurt/comfort read. They both looked evil in the eyes and survived. As they plan a future together, you desperately want their HEA. Ren, too, but Dom most of all deserves all the good things.
As always, heed the triggers.
Finally, Dominic getting a little bit of long overdue justice? It’s everything. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
November 6, 2023
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
Hold On is the second book in Barbara Elsborg’s Fate We Make series. It takes place in the English countryside and features a law-enforcement officer and a convicted murderer as our main characters. What drew me to this book was the premise of these two characters getting together. Even though the labels “convict” and “cop” are objectively true, their personal histories make it abundantly clear that these two men have so much in common. For instance, they were both abused by people they were obligated to trust. The systems that typically protect people from harm failed them. They’ve both kept their families at arms length to keep them safe–Ren by not sharing all the details about his job (and outright lying about what exactly he does as police officer) and Dominic by trying to disappear. As interesting as all that is, however, I frankly found it sort of repetitive. It felt like Dominic tried to convince himself to walk away once a chapter and even had a few aborted attempts at doing exactly that. When I got to the climax of the story, though, I saw that this repetition helped build a sort of smokescreen that shifted focus enough to make the climax a bigger surprise than I think it would have otherwise been.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
Hold On is the second book in Barbara Elsborg’s Fate We Make series. It takes place in the English countryside and features a law-enforcement officer and a convicted murderer as our main characters. What drew me to this book was the premise of these two characters getting together. Even though the labels “convict” and “cop” are objectively true, their personal histories make it abundantly clear that these two men have so much in common. For instance, they were both abused by people they were obligated to trust. The systems that typically protect people from harm failed them. They’ve both kept their families at arms length to keep them safe–Ren by not sharing all the details about his job (and outright lying about what exactly he does as police officer) and Dominic by trying to disappear. As interesting as all that is, however, I frankly found it sort of repetitive. It felt like Dominic tried to convince himself to walk away once a chapter and even had a few aborted attempts at doing exactly that. When I got to the climax of the story, though, I saw that this repetition helped build a sort of smokescreen that shifted focus enough to make the climax a bigger surprise than I think it would have otherwise been.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
October 11, 2023
Heavy Trigger Warnings for this book
❤️A fantastic story for both these guys with lots of feels, good and bad.
Hold On has a horrible start to the book as Ren fights for life after being made working undercover. (Heavy scenes for those triggers)
Dominic was freed after spending 16 years in prison for killing his parents and another inmate in horrible circumstances.
Ren 31 years was now helping out on a dig site to be near his brother when he runs into Dominic litterally with his 🏍️motorbike.
I loved Ren when he was being funny with a little banter with Dominic. OMG Ren is so flippn funny as scenes play out on the dig site, don't spill your coffee's when reading this with Ren.
Things get serious, and Dominic had to tell his story to Ren which he takes it in his stride.
Suspense scenes play out as they don't know who to trust. Characters in the first book, Theo and Col are included in this, but Hold On can be read as a standalone.
The ending of this has heavy dramas again which brings the story to a closure.
Overall a brilliantly written book by the author for the series. This does have triggers that are not nice to read to what Ren and Dominic have and to go through.
A gorgeous ending to the book with an HEA and I’m wondering if they’ll be a book 3 for the series.
❤️A fantastic story for both these guys with lots of feels, good and bad.
Hold On has a horrible start to the book as Ren fights for life after being made working undercover. (Heavy scenes for those triggers)
Dominic was freed after spending 16 years in prison for killing his parents and another inmate in horrible circumstances.
Ren 31 years was now helping out on a dig site to be near his brother when he runs into Dominic litterally with his 🏍️motorbike.
I loved Ren when he was being funny with a little banter with Dominic. OMG Ren is so flippn funny as scenes play out on the dig site, don't spill your coffee's when reading this with Ren.
Things get serious, and Dominic had to tell his story to Ren which he takes it in his stride.
Suspense scenes play out as they don't know who to trust. Characters in the first book, Theo and Col are included in this, but Hold On can be read as a standalone.
The ending of this has heavy dramas again which brings the story to a closure.
Overall a brilliantly written book by the author for the series. This does have triggers that are not nice to read to what Ren and Dominic have and to go through.
A gorgeous ending to the book with an HEA and I’m wondering if they’ll be a book 3 for the series.
December 4, 2023
I struggled with this one - there is so much to unpack.
Both characters "survived" traumatic sitations - seriously traumatic situations - but I can't feel it in their personalities.
There is still danger but they act like there isn't.
I can't put my finger exactly on what it was but it just didn't feel believable most of the time.
It was still entertaining enough to read.
Both characters "survived" traumatic sitations - seriously traumatic situations - but I can't feel it in their personalities.
There is still danger but they act like there isn't.
I can't put my finger exactly on what it was but it just didn't feel believable most of the time.
It was still entertaining enough to read.
October 14, 2023
This author is always a one click author for me, i have been waiting for the second book in this series, and the wait was so worth waiting for, this story broke me and put me back together again for what these two broken souls had been through.
This starts with Dominic on his release day after being in prison for 16 years and how he copes with being released after being in there for over half his life. Then we meet Ren who has been injured and is hiding from the people who think he is dead. These two characters are broken souls with the heartache they have both been dealt, but together this makes them stronger and the trust they have to have with each other is heart warming. Loved how they came to meet after only being in the same hall grounds for there first day.
This story will pull at your heartstrings but also have you routing for this couple with all the drama and angst they go through to get to there hea. This is Barbara at her best with two characters that are so different but together just works, loved the banter between Dominic and Ren plus the steamy chemistry was smoking hot! Can't wait for the next instalment which i hope will be Ren's older brother Will.
This starts with Dominic on his release day after being in prison for 16 years and how he copes with being released after being in there for over half his life. Then we meet Ren who has been injured and is hiding from the people who think he is dead. These two characters are broken souls with the heartache they have both been dealt, but together this makes them stronger and the trust they have to have with each other is heart warming. Loved how they came to meet after only being in the same hall grounds for there first day.
This story will pull at your heartstrings but also have you routing for this couple with all the drama and angst they go through to get to there hea. This is Barbara at her best with two characters that are so different but together just works, loved the banter between Dominic and Ren plus the steamy chemistry was smoking hot! Can't wait for the next instalment which i hope will be Ren's older brother Will.
October 13, 2023
When two alpha males with a ton of baggage and mental health issues actually collide, settle in for an incredible ride. You just know that Barbara Elsborg will dig deep into every painful memory of their pasts and bring them back into the light.
Dominic, oh boy what a strong, selfless yet very unlucky and beautiful man you are. The sacrifices this man made for the love of his brother is incredible and heartbreaking, after years of fearing for his life he deserves to be made special. With his horrific story nobody is likely to see the real man.
Ren is an undercover officer with a ton of secrets and lies he has to keep juggling. But after a disastrous case leaves him broken, he needs time and peace to recover, but when he accidentally collides with a man he panics.
So I cried then swooned then laughed then got cross and finally nearly had a heart attack in the final chapters. Have their enemies finally caught up?
This story has everything that makes me want to keep reading. All the angst at the injustices and love of strong family ties but mostly two men who have lost so much and keep trying to bring each other peace and pleasure. So intense, so good.....
Dominic, oh boy what a strong, selfless yet very unlucky and beautiful man you are. The sacrifices this man made for the love of his brother is incredible and heartbreaking, after years of fearing for his life he deserves to be made special. With his horrific story nobody is likely to see the real man.
Ren is an undercover officer with a ton of secrets and lies he has to keep juggling. But after a disastrous case leaves him broken, he needs time and peace to recover, but when he accidentally collides with a man he panics.
So I cried then swooned then laughed then got cross and finally nearly had a heart attack in the final chapters. Have their enemies finally caught up?
This story has everything that makes me want to keep reading. All the angst at the injustices and love of strong family ties but mostly two men who have lost so much and keep trying to bring each other peace and pleasure. So intense, so good.....
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews