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The Inheritance
Two extraordinary women, two vastly different worlds, one enchanting love story...
In this compelling sapphic romance, Phyla McGuire, a captivating Ice Queen who commands fear and respect with her fierce drive and unparalleled success, finds herself isolated from the love and connections she once cherished.
Meanwhile, Ash Redux, a former army K9 handler, struggles with severe PTSD while living on the streets.
When the death of one of the world’s wealthiest men sparks a search for his missing heir, two remarkable women find their lives intertwined. As they navigate two vastly different worlds, can they find a connection strong enough to bridge the gap between them?
If you enjoy sizzling hot romance, you'll love this enchanting sapphic love story.
In this compelling sapphic romance, Phyla McGuire, a captivating Ice Queen who commands fear and respect with her fierce drive and unparalleled success, finds herself isolated from the love and connections she once cherished.
Meanwhile, Ash Redux, a former army K9 handler, struggles with severe PTSD while living on the streets.
When the death of one of the world’s wealthiest men sparks a search for his missing heir, two remarkable women find their lives intertwined. As they navigate two vastly different worlds, can they find a connection strong enough to bridge the gap between them?
If you enjoy sizzling hot romance, you'll love this enchanting sapphic love story.
376 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2023
64 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
Alison Naomi Holt
35 books158 followersAlison is devoted to giving her readers strong female characters who go about life with zest and abandon. Whether they solve mysteries or fight epic fantasy battles, they all have one trait in common; they are people you'd love to call friend. Alison has worn many hats in her life and, as a result, writes in several genres. From twenty years as a cop to being a lifelong horsewoman and an avid reader of fantasy fiction, she writes what she knows. Alison has a bizarre sense of humor, a realistic look at life, and an insatiable desire to live life to the fullest. She loves all horses and hounds and some humans… Alison enjoys hearing from her readers. Visit her website at https://www.AlisonHoltBooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 22, 2024
**'Never fear whenever you have idleness and a bit of solitude because once you have the skills in telling really good stories then you should know ideas do come welling up into you for you to have something to write..'
Compelling read!
A very good, well-paced, well written and even enlightening at times book #1 of 'The Code One Club' chronicle.
Highly recommended!
Compelling read!
A very good, well-paced, well written and even enlightening at times book #1 of 'The Code One Club' chronicle.
Highly recommended!
March 4, 2024
To enjoy a book the characters must have at least some saving grace, I want them as my friends. Ash and her friends did but no one else, driven by money and lust.
January 13, 2024
The Inheritance
I loved it. The characters were beautifully created. Angsty, but not in terms of the relationship. The banter was so much fun. I hope we see more of these characters. The MC was a wonderfully developed ice-queen. I enjoyed both ice-queens in the book, even though one was a secondary character. This is my first book by Alison Naomi Holt and will be one I continue to follow.
I loved it. The characters were beautifully created. Angsty, but not in terms of the relationship. The banter was so much fun. I hope we see more of these characters. The MC was a wonderfully developed ice-queen. I enjoyed both ice-queens in the book, even though one was a secondary character. This is my first book by Alison Naomi Holt and will be one I continue to follow.
April 21, 2024
Ended far too abruptly :(
The opening concept grabbed my attention. Basically, it opens with a lawyer named Allegra who is forced into meeting a wealthy (and dying) client who confesses a dark secret to her, on his death bed. As long-standing business rivals, he essentially blackmails her into searching for his long estranged daughter/only surviving heir and carrying out the terms of his will. I was eager to find out how the "missing heir" would be found. I was eager to find out more about her past (i.e. the years she spent surviving after running away at age twelve). I was eager to witness her year of apprenticeship, as per the stipulations of her inheritance. Once I realized who the main characters were supposed to be (it wasn't obvious to me for a while), I was expecting a sort of corporate thriller with main characters that happened to be lesbians. Instead, the story was more of a dominant/submissive "romance," that happened to be set in a corporate world. I was shocked to swipe the page and suddenly see the word "epilogue."
Too much crucial information was either told-not-shown, revealed off screen, or skipped over until ... bam, we're at the end, and somehow everybody knows everyone else's secrets.
When did Phyla confide in Ash about her son?
When did Ash find out that Allegra knew about her reason for running away, at such a young age?
Was Ash's doctor ever aware about this?
Was Darby?
And when did Ash ever tell Phyla?
I was waiting for these scenes but they never came. I'm really bummed.
P.S. Just FYI, this book popped up in my recommendations and I started reading the sample before I knew anything about the plot. Then, I downloaded it and kept reading? I don't think I've ever done that before. I wish the sample had offered a more satisfactory payout.
The opening concept grabbed my attention. Basically, it opens with a lawyer named Allegra who is forced into meeting a wealthy (and dying) client who confesses a dark secret to her, on his death bed. As long-standing business rivals, he essentially blackmails her into searching for his long estranged daughter/only surviving heir and carrying out the terms of his will. I was eager to find out how the "missing heir" would be found. I was eager to find out more about her past (i.e. the years she spent surviving after running away at age twelve). I was eager to witness her year of apprenticeship, as per the stipulations of her inheritance. Once I realized who the main characters were supposed to be (it wasn't obvious to me for a while), I was expecting a sort of corporate thriller with main characters that happened to be lesbians. Instead, the story was more of a dominant/submissive "romance," that happened to be set in a corporate world. I was shocked to swipe the page and suddenly see the word "epilogue."
Too much crucial information was either told-not-shown, revealed off screen, or skipped over until ... bam, we're at the end, and somehow everybody knows everyone else's secrets.
When did Phyla confide in Ash about her son?
When did Ash find out that Allegra knew about her reason for running away, at such a young age?
Was Ash's doctor ever aware about this?
Was Darby?
And when did Ash ever tell Phyla?
I was waiting for these scenes but they never came. I'm really bummed.
P.S. Just FYI, this book popped up in my recommendations and I started reading the sample before I knew anything about the plot. Then, I downloaded it and kept reading? I don't think I've ever done that before. I wish the sample had offered a more satisfactory payout.
December 21, 2023
Alison Naomi Holt
The Inheritance
This story shattered my heart in a way that Harcourt's account of his daughter's tragic past as a child was profoundly sorrowful. It reminded me of the importance of protecting, loving, and supporting our children. Sometimes, as parents, we must prioritize the well-being of others over our own desires. Harcourt may not have been a con man, but he was undeniably a despicable individual who acknowledged his wickedness on his deathbed. Allegra was burdened with fulfilling his final wish of finding his daughter, but learning about the mistreatment his daughter endured left her feeling sickened. Ash, too, had endured immense hardships in her life.
This story delves into the complex layers of three women who have each suffered their own unique pain. Yet, even in death, the man responsible for causing them pain continues to inflict suffering in some form. Phyla, who lost her son, desperately seeks to reclaim what was taken from her. Mari, also known as Ash, finds solace and unexpected love with Phyla, despite the pain they both carry. The book resonated with me, although there were moments that saddened me due to the hardships one of the main characters faced as a child. However, delving into their backstory provided a deeper understanding of Ash's character.
All the women in this book exhibit strength and determination to improve their lives, regardless of the pain they endure. Doc, a compassionate woman, helps Ash navigate her emotions as she discovers the truth about her father. There are other women who offer their support as well. I was heartbroken when Ash lost her beloved friend, but she ultimately finds a home and a love she never could have imagined with Phyla. They both carry their past pain, yet find solace in each other's arms.
The book addresses some challenging issues that may require trigger warnings, but it allows for a better understanding of each character and their personal growth throughout the story. The writing is compelling, and the characters are fully developed. You can find the book on Amazon.
The Inheritance
This story shattered my heart in a way that Harcourt's account of his daughter's tragic past as a child was profoundly sorrowful. It reminded me of the importance of protecting, loving, and supporting our children. Sometimes, as parents, we must prioritize the well-being of others over our own desires. Harcourt may not have been a con man, but he was undeniably a despicable individual who acknowledged his wickedness on his deathbed. Allegra was burdened with fulfilling his final wish of finding his daughter, but learning about the mistreatment his daughter endured left her feeling sickened. Ash, too, had endured immense hardships in her life.
This story delves into the complex layers of three women who have each suffered their own unique pain. Yet, even in death, the man responsible for causing them pain continues to inflict suffering in some form. Phyla, who lost her son, desperately seeks to reclaim what was taken from her. Mari, also known as Ash, finds solace and unexpected love with Phyla, despite the pain they both carry. The book resonated with me, although there were moments that saddened me due to the hardships one of the main characters faced as a child. However, delving into their backstory provided a deeper understanding of Ash's character.
All the women in this book exhibit strength and determination to improve their lives, regardless of the pain they endure. Doc, a compassionate woman, helps Ash navigate her emotions as she discovers the truth about her father. There are other women who offer their support as well. I was heartbroken when Ash lost her beloved friend, but she ultimately finds a home and a love she never could have imagined with Phyla. They both carry their past pain, yet find solace in each other's arms.
The book addresses some challenging issues that may require trigger warnings, but it allows for a better understanding of each character and their personal growth throughout the story. The writing is compelling, and the characters are fully developed. You can find the book on Amazon.
April 16, 2025
Mixed Feelings at the Beginning
As the story opened, I felt the author was just trying too hard, with one after another name-dropping of high end attire. When at last, that ended, it felt like a road smoothing out, unfolding a story told with a much more polished voice by a very capable author.
As the story progressed, the richness of the very diverse characters came to the forefront, couched in a story that was hard to put down.
In short, I almost stopped reading after the second chapter, but, in the end, I'm glad I pushed on.
By the end of the story (with emphasis on "story," itself), although it was consistently terrific, I found myself asking about some of the sexual positions the two mc's got into, "is it even possible to hold that position - and for that long?"
That aside, the characters and their individual stories, along with their developing relationship and the quality of the writing (after chapter two, when uber-expensive fashion name-dropping tapers off) grabs the reader and doesn't let go across most of the remaining pages. I'm glad I stuck with it because I thoroughly enjoyed it after my initial thoughts of giving up!
As the story opened, I felt the author was just trying too hard, with one after another name-dropping of high end attire. When at last, that ended, it felt like a road smoothing out, unfolding a story told with a much more polished voice by a very capable author.
As the story progressed, the richness of the very diverse characters came to the forefront, couched in a story that was hard to put down.
In short, I almost stopped reading after the second chapter, but, in the end, I'm glad I pushed on.
By the end of the story (with emphasis on "story," itself), although it was consistently terrific, I found myself asking about some of the sexual positions the two mc's got into, "is it even possible to hold that position - and for that long?"
That aside, the characters and their individual stories, along with their developing relationship and the quality of the writing (after chapter two, when uber-expensive fashion name-dropping tapers off) grabs the reader and doesn't let go across most of the remaining pages. I'm glad I stuck with it because I thoroughly enjoyed it after my initial thoughts of giving up!
July 29, 2024
Block out your weekend because after you rip through this book, you are gonna go headlong right into the next. Best. Weekend. Ever.
Heavy feels will knock you for a loop, but damn, the love is worth it. PTSD and all its intricacies laid out in the spotlight to see how one person's journey with this disorder envelops so much more than just triggers and swings.
Phyla and Ash? They are incendiary. One long sigh from the reader and the pages will go up in smoke.
Their chemistry is addictive, and Phyla's psyche is deeper than an abyss so be sure to wear a helmet because the punches just keep coming. Ash? I just want to buy her a ginger ale and stare at a wall together contemplating life while Darby watches from her perch.
Highly recommend this read, the steamy scenes are unexpected but hot... the dialogue is poignant... the book is fabulous. Read onto the second book- you will love it too.
Heavy feels will knock you for a loop, but damn, the love is worth it. PTSD and all its intricacies laid out in the spotlight to see how one person's journey with this disorder envelops so much more than just triggers and swings.
Phyla and Ash? They are incendiary. One long sigh from the reader and the pages will go up in smoke.
Their chemistry is addictive, and Phyla's psyche is deeper than an abyss so be sure to wear a helmet because the punches just keep coming. Ash? I just want to buy her a ginger ale and stare at a wall together contemplating life while Darby watches from her perch.
Highly recommend this read, the steamy scenes are unexpected but hot... the dialogue is poignant... the book is fabulous. Read onto the second book- you will love it too.
May 12, 2024
So captivating!
The Inheritance is a very emotional and captivating story. I didn't want to put it down! Ash & Phyla's journey is not an easy one. Ash has PTSD and lives on the streets. Phila has built an empire, but the cost has left her alone at the top of her game. Ash inherits a multibillion dollar empire with the stipulation that Phyla serve as mentor to Ash for a year. Their lives couldn't be more different, but as they start to work together, and get to know one another, they also start to develop feelings for one another. The story of these very complex individuals accompanied by some very interesting additional characters is an exception read you won't want to end.
The Inheritance is a very emotional and captivating story. I didn't want to put it down! Ash & Phyla's journey is not an easy one. Ash has PTSD and lives on the streets. Phila has built an empire, but the cost has left her alone at the top of her game. Ash inherits a multibillion dollar empire with the stipulation that Phyla serve as mentor to Ash for a year. Their lives couldn't be more different, but as they start to work together, and get to know one another, they also start to develop feelings for one another. The story of these very complex individuals accompanied by some very interesting additional characters is an exception read you won't want to end.
May 13, 2024
The Inheritance follows a long-lost heir meme to bring Phyla and Ash together. Between Phyla’s drive to succeed in the world of high-finance and Ash dealing with PTSD they are not obviously compatible. Their relationship develops in fits and starts until a destabilizing event and ensuing crisis drives them to overcome their mutual trust issues. There is a decent supporting cast helping the plot along. However, the background stories for each of the main characters is a little thin, making it difficult to fully empathize with either. The HEA is sweet if both sudden and not entirely believable.
July 12, 2024
The publisher lets you know this is a sapphic romance, but only hints at the bigger story. Ash carries the story. It is her struggles with PTSD that will make you her biggest fan. She unfortunately is the victim of multiple trauma events which are the driver of her condition.
Life deals her difficult situations that reveal the person she has made herself. The side story there is just how cutthroat people can be to achieve their goals. That brings out her best self supported by subtle and acerbic humor
She demonstrates the power of her convictions to be a persuasive argument.
Life deals her difficult situations that reveal the person she has made herself. The side story there is just how cutthroat people can be to achieve their goals. That brings out her best self supported by subtle and acerbic humor
She demonstrates the power of her convictions to be a persuasive argument.
March 30, 2025
Pretty soon after I started this I knew it was going to score high on my personal barometer of great reads. It didn’t make me laugh and cry (which a book usually has to do to get 5 stars from me) but it was SO good in so many ways that it gets there. I’d have liked a tiny bit more on Ash and Phyla’s relationship after Ash’s meltdown and their reconciliation (eg. how does Phyla provide the support Ash needs; does Ash ever share with ANYONE what she went through as a child? etc) but maybe that’s just me being greedy for more…I’m certainly tempted to read the second book before too long passes…
November 19, 2023
awesome story
I loved The Inheritance so much. This is definitely different from Alison Naomi Holts other books but it’s exceptional. Ash and Phylla are so different from each other and that the story was so good is awesome. I think that it was surprising for Ash to see the depth of Phylla as well as what Phylla saw in Ash. I highly recommend reading The Inheritance. Well done!
I loved The Inheritance so much. This is definitely different from Alison Naomi Holts other books but it’s exceptional. Ash and Phylla are so different from each other and that the story was so good is awesome. I think that it was surprising for Ash to see the depth of Phylla as well as what Phylla saw in Ash. I highly recommend reading The Inheritance. Well done!
December 6, 2023
So excited about this author!
After enjoying the 3 Elyon’s Blades books by Alison Naomi Holt, I purchased The Inheritance immediately. Although very different from that series, The Inheritance was hard to put down and I enjoyed learning about each of the main characters. I definitely recommend this book. I do not believe the very light dominance/submission will offend too many readers. It is more like teasing and very spicy!
After enjoying the 3 Elyon’s Blades books by Alison Naomi Holt, I purchased The Inheritance immediately. Although very different from that series, The Inheritance was hard to put down and I enjoyed learning about each of the main characters. I definitely recommend this book. I do not believe the very light dominance/submission will offend too many readers. It is more like teasing and very spicy!
December 16, 2023
Inheritance
Two very strong women, Ash & Phylla. One needs to heal, the other needs to learn patience. Life isn’t always fair and not everyone is after what or who you are. Trust is a precious commodity and patience a learning process. Very good read, homelessness by choice, rich beyond belief. Opposite absolutely.
Can a year accomplish the wishes of a will? The tug of war begins, read and enjoy the road to love.
Two very strong women, Ash & Phylla. One needs to heal, the other needs to learn patience. Life isn’t always fair and not everyone is after what or who you are. Trust is a precious commodity and patience a learning process. Very good read, homelessness by choice, rich beyond belief. Opposite absolutely.
Can a year accomplish the wishes of a will? The tug of war begins, read and enjoy the road to love.
October 11, 2024
Ash is the main character and she inherits billions after her father has died. Their relationship was strained as she ran away after some things happened in that house. This could've been a two book series, it feels squeezed together but it was still a good story, sad at times for what a little girl lost. This story shows that not all family is good and that you can make family out of great friends.
November 18, 2023
The characters in this book were captivating. Phyla the hard nosed business woman and Ash the PTSD afflicted who is kind and loving. The story unfolded beautifully and I couldn't put it down! This type of novel was a real departure from what I have read of Alison Naomi Holt and a great success.
November 27, 2023
Fantastic Read
I can’t recommend it enough. It had me hooked from the start with the plot but just got better and better and I got more and more invested in the two main characters and couldn’t put it down. This is the first book I’ve read from this author but it won’t be the last.
I can’t recommend it enough. It had me hooked from the start with the plot but just got better and better and I got more and more invested in the two main characters and couldn’t put it down. This is the first book I’ve read from this author but it won’t be the last.
June 25, 2025
I was very impatient at times, thinking, "Get to the point! What's with all these characters? How is this moving the story?" I also found myself not buying certain aspects. In the end, though, I was entertained. The BDSM aspect of the story was hot, and the love scenes were hot as well. I enjoyed the writing style. It felt short at the end, a bit rushed to the conclusion.
November 18, 2023
Fantastic
This book covers so many emotions. The PTSD, the sex club, ice queen and other things going on in the companies.
The only time I put this down, reluctantly, was to go to bed then picked it right back up to finish.
Enjoy.
This book covers so many emotions. The PTSD, the sex club, ice queen and other things going on in the companies.
The only time I put this down, reluctantly, was to go to bed then picked it right back up to finish.
Enjoy.
December 1, 2023
Fantastic book and beautifully written. My only complaint is that I wish there had been more pages dedicated to the resolution of the story, I can't say the end felt rushed, it just felt like it ended unexpectedly. That said, everything else was fantastic
December 10, 2023
Great read
This book was amazing. I was hooked from the first chapter. The story line was very interesting combining PTSD and an inheritance and dominance and submission. Couldn't put it down and wanted the story to keep going.
This book was amazing. I was hooked from the first chapter. The story line was very interesting combining PTSD and an inheritance and dominance and submission. Couldn't put it down and wanted the story to keep going.
January 3, 2024
Wow!
The most intelligent book I have read in this genre! Great story with well developed characters. Could not put it down. Can hardly wait. To read more of Alison Bolts books. Highly recommend!!!
The most intelligent book I have read in this genre! Great story with well developed characters. Could not put it down. Can hardly wait. To read more of Alison Bolts books. Highly recommend!!!
January 10, 2024
Moving
I loved the interaction between Ash and Phyla. The learning curve between them was well written. They both had to alter their minds to accomplish what was needed. I enjoyed reading this book, twice. It was still fresh the second time around.
I loved the interaction between Ash and Phyla. The learning curve between them was well written. They both had to alter their minds to accomplish what was needed. I enjoyed reading this book, twice. It was still fresh the second time around.
January 14, 2024
Terrific rich girl/ice queen meets poor girl/sweetheart. Reminds us to not judge a book by the cover! And thank our military for their service, while supporting those that comeback with PTSD, etc.
January 21, 2024
A must read
This is by far the best book I’ve read in a very long time! I didn’t want it to end. This is my first book by this author and now I’m going to be checking out what other books she has to offer!
This is by far the best book I’ve read in a very long time! I didn’t want it to end. This is my first book by this author and now I’m going to be checking out what other books she has to offer!
March 15, 2024
Bravo!!
It's been a long time, since I've read a novel with such a build up to love. This was tastefully done and did I enjoy it, yes.....the first love scene blew my mind. It just proves, there is someone for even the most difficult of people.
It's been a long time, since I've read a novel with such a build up to love. This was tastefully done and did I enjoy it, yes.....the first love scene blew my mind. It just proves, there is someone for even the most difficult of people.
May 4, 2024
The Inheritance.
Alison Naomi Holt is an incredibly skilled and talented writer. She makes her characters come alive! This is the fifth book of hers that I’ve read and I’m TOTALLY hooked!
Alison Naomi Holt is an incredibly skilled and talented writer. She makes her characters come alive! This is the fifth book of hers that I’ve read and I’m TOTALLY hooked!
July 20, 2024
Beautiful slow burn
By the end of the first chapter, I was ready to give up. By the end of the 3rd, I was hooked. It's not the kind of book that you jump into headfirst and expect to find everything at once. It takes a while to uncover everything, but oh is it worth it.
By the end of the first chapter, I was ready to give up. By the end of the 3rd, I was hooked. It's not the kind of book that you jump into headfirst and expect to find everything at once. It takes a while to uncover everything, but oh is it worth it.
November 25, 2023
Great read
Alison Naomi Holt never seems to disappoint. She creates characters that are strong, humorous, vulnerable and heroic. She writes in different genres and I like them all.
Alison Naomi Holt never seems to disappoint. She creates characters that are strong, humorous, vulnerable and heroic. She writes in different genres and I like them all.
January 21, 2024
A great Ice Queen story
I loved this book. I cheered for the characters, and though they are over the top, they are people I loved. The depiction of PTSD is also well done.
I loved this book. I cheered for the characters, and though they are over the top, they are people I loved. The depiction of PTSD is also well done.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews