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Hold Me If You Can
Nellie Belanger and JP Marchand have the perfect
1. She comes to Montreal
2. He makes sure she comes when she’s in Montreal.
3. That’s it.
Despite missing out on her life-changing internship and committing herself to a summer of social obligations and stuffy events so she can afford to finish her final year of university, Nellie’s feeling pretty lucky. Between regular rendezvous with her former professor, Ben, and the sweet arrangement with JP, Nellie’s busy, satisfied after finding not one but two friends-with-benefits who are into her no-strings-attached philosophy.
When Anne-Marie—Nellie’s best friend and JP’s sister who wants nothing more than for Nellie and JP to add strings to their arrangement—catches Nellie returning home red-faced and sweaty one night, it sets off a series of events involving a charity fun run and an unexpected betrayal, leaving Nellie scrambling to meet her father’s unreasonable expectations.
But after her brilliant solution offends the wrong person and leads her father to issue a devastating ultimatum, Nellie must do something she swore she’d never do ask JP Marchand for a favour.
And JP knows exactly what he wants in return.
This is book 2 of the If You Can series, a series of books following an unapologetically sensual college student on her journey from bed to bed. They feature multiple love interests/spicy partners with no love triangles or cheating. The conclusion to this plot line will be released in Fall 2024.
Hold Me If You Can is not a standalone and is best read after Kiss Me If You Can, but a series summary can be found at the beginning of the book for readers who would rather jump into this story first.
1. She comes to Montreal
2. He makes sure she comes when she’s in Montreal.
3. That’s it.
Despite missing out on her life-changing internship and committing herself to a summer of social obligations and stuffy events so she can afford to finish her final year of university, Nellie’s feeling pretty lucky. Between regular rendezvous with her former professor, Ben, and the sweet arrangement with JP, Nellie’s busy, satisfied after finding not one but two friends-with-benefits who are into her no-strings-attached philosophy.
When Anne-Marie—Nellie’s best friend and JP’s sister who wants nothing more than for Nellie and JP to add strings to their arrangement—catches Nellie returning home red-faced and sweaty one night, it sets off a series of events involving a charity fun run and an unexpected betrayal, leaving Nellie scrambling to meet her father’s unreasonable expectations.
But after her brilliant solution offends the wrong person and leads her father to issue a devastating ultimatum, Nellie must do something she swore she’d never do ask JP Marchand for a favour.
And JP knows exactly what he wants in return.
This is book 2 of the If You Can series, a series of books following an unapologetically sensual college student on her journey from bed to bed. They feature multiple love interests/spicy partners with no love triangles or cheating. The conclusion to this plot line will be released in Fall 2024.
Hold Me If You Can is not a standalone and is best read after Kiss Me If You Can, but a series summary can be found at the beginning of the book for readers who would rather jump into this story first.
- GenresRomance
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2024
7 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
Cheryl Terra
37 books58 followersCheryl Terra writes romantic and adult fiction with drama, sass, and a whole lot of... spice. Emotional and humorous, her books focus on contemporary relationships, inclusive characters, and happily ever afters. Living with her husband in northern Alberta, Canada, Cheryl relies on the heat between her quirky and memorable characters to help keep the gas bill down in the winter.
For more information and to get free books, visit Cheryl’s website at cherylterra.com
For more information and to get free books, visit Cheryl’s website at cherylterra.com
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 7, 2024
What a surprisingly fun read! First of all, Hold Me If You Can was definitely not your typical contemporary romance, well, at least not for me. As a somewhat conservative romance reader, I seldom read such a smutty story filled with TONS of explicit and graphic R-rated scenes. Thus, when I learnt that this book would be all about that, I was a bit hesitant. Thankfully, I ended up giving it and this author a shot eventually. Secondly, what I liked most about this book was the characters and how well-written the entire story was! The author's, Cheryl Tera's, writing was so amazing that I finished devouring this book in one sitting.
Hold Me If You Can mainly revolved around the 21-year-old female main character, Nellie, and her group of friends from college, and her lover, a.k.a. her ex-professor, Ben, as well as her friend with benefits, 26-year-old Jean-Paul (JP). I may be biased, but I personally shipped Nellie and JP more than her and Ben. There was just something lovely about the way JP had been caring for her since their childhoods, and how he had pretty much been pining for her all this time. Also, both Nellie and JP took the whole friends-with-benefits trope to a brand-new level by trying out different kinks and including sweet talks & genuine confessions in the end. Now I couldn't wait for the next book and find out if they FINALLY ended up together.
Lastly, I'd recommend reading Hold Me If You Can if you fancied a quick, light-hearted, and extremely spicy romance for the summer! Oh, have I mentioned how hilarious JP and Nellie were? Their funny banters throughout the book were to die for!
***Thanks to InkSlinger PR and the author for generously providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.***
Hold Me If You Can mainly revolved around the 21-year-old female main character, Nellie, and her group of friends from college, and her lover, a.k.a. her ex-professor, Ben, as well as her friend with benefits, 26-year-old Jean-Paul (JP). I may be biased, but I personally shipped Nellie and JP more than her and Ben. There was just something lovely about the way JP had been caring for her since their childhoods, and how he had pretty much been pining for her all this time. Also, both Nellie and JP took the whole friends-with-benefits trope to a brand-new level by trying out different kinks and including sweet talks & genuine confessions in the end. Now I couldn't wait for the next book and find out if they FINALLY ended up together.
Lastly, I'd recommend reading Hold Me If You Can if you fancied a quick, light-hearted, and extremely spicy romance for the summer! Oh, have I mentioned how hilarious JP and Nellie were? Their funny banters throughout the book were to die for!
***Thanks to InkSlinger PR and the author for generously providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.***
July 11, 2024
What I’ve really enjoy about this series is just how real the characters are. Especially how Nellie is not at all timid or careful about how she enjoys herself and her dating life. I know this might be off putting for some people, but for me, it worked. And the banter and hilarious innuendos and puns that the characters engage in had me laughing as I was sitting in my doctor’s office waiting room.
This is the second book, and so I will do my best not to spoil anything, although I will say I thought it was going to be the conclusion, but no, we have at least one more book to finish up this story, and I was not expecting that! Another not cliffhanger exactly, but I wouldn’t call it a HFN this time really either. So be prepared. I knew as we got closer to the end, even as some things looked like maybe they were falling into place for a real relationship, more than just a FWB relationship, I could tell not everything that would need to be settled for that to be HEA was there yet.
Nellie is still enjoying her time with both of her FWBs, Ben – her former professor, and JP, her best friend’s older brother/her nemesis. However her dad is still being a real jerk, and ooh, I hated him so much in this one, even more than the first book if it was possible! We did get a bit of a different look at his latest wife Kimberlee, and maybe have to give her a little bit more credit and like her a bit more. And of course her friend Anne-Marie was her usual gossipy, hilarious debutante self. Even if there was one point that she did something that made Nellie unsure of their friendship.
JP also became someone Nellie actually got to know better, through both of them dealing with personal issues, and talking instead of just the physical aspects of their relationship the whole time. It made JP a little more lovable for me. Even if I had been rooting for him the whole time anyway. Because I could tell that he felt more than just the basic physical feelings Nellie had for him.
I don’t remember much about Nellie being neurodivergent discussed in the first two books, but maybe I just skimmed over it? Any way, there was a lot to do with that in this story. And it makes sense that she is based on how her life has been and how she deals with situations.
There were some new characters we met in this story that I adored, and I loved how they kind of came into her dealings with her dad at the end too. It was the perfect bit for her, even if her dad still didn’t give her any credit at first. Between those humorous bits as well as all the hilarious banter between JP and Nellie, especially about what she promised him in order to get him to do a favor for her, I found myself laughing quite a bit and speeding through this one!
This is the second book, and so I will do my best not to spoil anything, although I will say I thought it was going to be the conclusion, but no, we have at least one more book to finish up this story, and I was not expecting that! Another not cliffhanger exactly, but I wouldn’t call it a HFN this time really either. So be prepared. I knew as we got closer to the end, even as some things looked like maybe they were falling into place for a real relationship, more than just a FWB relationship, I could tell not everything that would need to be settled for that to be HEA was there yet.
Nellie is still enjoying her time with both of her FWBs, Ben – her former professor, and JP, her best friend’s older brother/her nemesis. However her dad is still being a real jerk, and ooh, I hated him so much in this one, even more than the first book if it was possible! We did get a bit of a different look at his latest wife Kimberlee, and maybe have to give her a little bit more credit and like her a bit more. And of course her friend Anne-Marie was her usual gossipy, hilarious debutante self. Even if there was one point that she did something that made Nellie unsure of their friendship.
JP also became someone Nellie actually got to know better, through both of them dealing with personal issues, and talking instead of just the physical aspects of their relationship the whole time. It made JP a little more lovable for me. Even if I had been rooting for him the whole time anyway. Because I could tell that he felt more than just the basic physical feelings Nellie had for him.
I don’t remember much about Nellie being neurodivergent discussed in the first two books, but maybe I just skimmed over it? Any way, there was a lot to do with that in this story. And it makes sense that she is based on how her life has been and how she deals with situations.
There were some new characters we met in this story that I adored, and I loved how they kind of came into her dealings with her dad at the end too. It was the perfect bit for her, even if her dad still didn’t give her any credit at first. Between those humorous bits as well as all the hilarious banter between JP and Nellie, especially about what she promised him in order to get him to do a favor for her, I found myself laughing quite a bit and speeding through this one!
July 1, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Hold Me If You Can." Although it is the second book in the series, I did not read the prequel or the first book, and I found that it can be read as a standalone book. I found myself laughing throughout the entire book, as the comedy and romantic elements were perfect. I particularly connected with the character of Nellie due to her free-spirited nature. JP was my favorite character, and the last chapter left me anticipating the next book in the series.
June 26, 2024
Nellie is by far my favorite literary character of all time. She’s funny, relatable, but also empowered in a way I dream I could be.
The characters in this book are so relatable and real. Cheryl did an amazing job incorporating neurodiversity without making anyone a token, or taking away from the story. Nothing came across as forced or preachy. The lived experience and dedication to incorporating feedback from sensitivity readers is evident.
I can’t wait for the next one!
The characters in this book are so relatable and real. Cheryl did an amazing job incorporating neurodiversity without making anyone a token, or taking away from the story. Nothing came across as forced or preachy. The lived experience and dedication to incorporating feedback from sensitivity readers is evident.
I can’t wait for the next one!
July 3, 2024
Wow! Just Wow! I am blown away by the ending. This book was absolutely amazing. I almost wished I had read the first book to get the full on Nellie experience. She is something. I love how quirky and crazy she is. She really has some crazy ideas that pop into her head and bless her friend Sinclair. "Sid Cunnilington" Sinclair is a wonderful true friend. Bless her.
This book had me rolling. I laughed so much, it kept me in stitches. It also has some pretty serious moments, like her father. Man I wanted to throat punch that guy so many times. Let's face it when he is laying into Nellie, she turns into a different person. She turns into a little mouse and and doesn't say what goes through that pretty little head of hers. But get her around JP and all bets are off. She turns into a tiger. She is strong and fierce. Take no prisoners.
Let's chat a second about JP. Oh JP! He is absolutely amazing. He is sexy, strong and gives as good as he gets. But I think he just might be in over his head with Nellie. I believe the next book is going to be a nasty turn of events and someone will be left picking up the pieces and destroyed. It will be epic.
Overall this book was an excellent mix of comedy and seriousness. It has an excellent line up of characters whom are very complex. The story is a steady paced read that burns up the pages. If you haven't read the first book, then don't fret because the author gives a quick run down of the books before this one begins. Which is totally helpful. But I suggest reading them in order to get the full experience. I bet it is so wonderful. These books are a complex story that is playing out book by book and the ending is sure to blow the readers out of the water.
This book had me rolling. I laughed so much, it kept me in stitches. It also has some pretty serious moments, like her father. Man I wanted to throat punch that guy so many times. Let's face it when he is laying into Nellie, she turns into a different person. She turns into a little mouse and and doesn't say what goes through that pretty little head of hers. But get her around JP and all bets are off. She turns into a tiger. She is strong and fierce. Take no prisoners.
Let's chat a second about JP. Oh JP! He is absolutely amazing. He is sexy, strong and gives as good as he gets. But I think he just might be in over his head with Nellie. I believe the next book is going to be a nasty turn of events and someone will be left picking up the pieces and destroyed. It will be epic.
Overall this book was an excellent mix of comedy and seriousness. It has an excellent line up of characters whom are very complex. The story is a steady paced read that burns up the pages. If you haven't read the first book, then don't fret because the author gives a quick run down of the books before this one begins. Which is totally helpful. But I suggest reading them in order to get the full experience. I bet it is so wonderful. These books are a complex story that is playing out book by book and the ending is sure to blow the readers out of the water.
July 11, 2024
This is not my typical style of books and wanted to give something else a try. And wow!! I was pleasantly surprised. This was such a fun, easy, light hearted read. Hold me if you can is the second book in the "If you can" series. This was an arc read for me, so I didn't get into this with the knowledge of the previous book, however, I think it still could be read as a standalone because I didn't feel like I was missing anything from the first book.
The story is about a 21 year old woman named Nellie. Nellie seems very confident in who she is, what she wants, what she doesn't want, and in exploring her sexuality. She is very relatable, funny, and down to earth. Throughout the book, Nellie goes back and forth with 2 main men, Ben, a former professor, and her best friends brother, J.P. She doesn't want a relationship with either and they understand that. Her best friend, Ann Marie, however, has no idea about the two of them and Nellie is trying to keep it that way. The spice is high with Nellie and both men, however, I find the intensity between Nellie and J.P. to burn hotter!
Nellie's father likes for her to attend fundraisers and events to help him maintain a "perfect family" image. And according to her father, she must always be accompanied by a man to these events. When Nellie bends his commands a little and does things her own way, her father reprimands her and tries to set her up with a man that it seems she can't stand. To get out of this, Nellie must ask JP for a favor, something she said she would never do.
Since there will be more to this series, the book ends without resolution. However, I really hope that J.P. and Nellie do end up together. Their dynamic is great and I know I would be as happy as Ann Marie to see them in a relationship together.
The story is about a 21 year old woman named Nellie. Nellie seems very confident in who she is, what she wants, what she doesn't want, and in exploring her sexuality. She is very relatable, funny, and down to earth. Throughout the book, Nellie goes back and forth with 2 main men, Ben, a former professor, and her best friends brother, J.P. She doesn't want a relationship with either and they understand that. Her best friend, Ann Marie, however, has no idea about the two of them and Nellie is trying to keep it that way. The spice is high with Nellie and both men, however, I find the intensity between Nellie and J.P. to burn hotter!
Nellie's father likes for her to attend fundraisers and events to help him maintain a "perfect family" image. And according to her father, she must always be accompanied by a man to these events. When Nellie bends his commands a little and does things her own way, her father reprimands her and tries to set her up with a man that it seems she can't stand. To get out of this, Nellie must ask JP for a favor, something she said she would never do.
Since there will be more to this series, the book ends without resolution. However, I really hope that J.P. and Nellie do end up together. Their dynamic is great and I know I would be as happy as Ann Marie to see them in a relationship together.
September 29, 2024
Okay… so this book! THIS book! Well this SERIES!
I’m gutted that I have to wait 13 days for the next one, because I have to know what happens next!!
I will start with comments on the whole series!
The novella, had me hooked on the characters I just wanted to know more about Nell and JP. I read it and most of the first book in a day… it was one of those days, where you don’t want to put the book down, but RL got in the way.
One negative for me, is Nell’s dad… I understand that a lot of what she does is for his approval or to make him happy, but I do worry that this does give the impression that being controlled is okay???? Hoping he eventually gets what’s coming to him.
This series does wonders for women empowerment, and for allowing a women to know what she wants and take it rather than being ashamed of what people will say was what made this book part of it being great. The male leads in this book also being 100% okay with this and not shaming is also IMPORTANT! The constant asking for consent to do things! 😍
The angst between Nell and JP in book 1 was intense, and had me wanting to scream for them to just hurry up and get on with it! 🤣
His cute little notes were a clear sign he couldn’t get her first time out of his head… and when they finally gave in… my god I was even more hooked on their “friendship”
Moving on to this book!
Again… THIS BOOK 🔥🔥
The spicy scenes are top spicy, the comedy is gold… the characters fantastic!
This book had me thinking I knew what was gonna happen, and in the long run I think I do… but omg was it all done in a way I didn’t see coming…
I’m more than excited for the next book, is it possible to sleep for 13 days so technically I only wake up when the next one is here? You know asking for a friend 🤣
I’m gutted that I have to wait 13 days for the next one, because I have to know what happens next!!
I will start with comments on the whole series!
The novella, had me hooked on the characters I just wanted to know more about Nell and JP. I read it and most of the first book in a day… it was one of those days, where you don’t want to put the book down, but RL got in the way.
One negative for me, is Nell’s dad… I understand that a lot of what she does is for his approval or to make him happy, but I do worry that this does give the impression that being controlled is okay???? Hoping he eventually gets what’s coming to him.
This series does wonders for women empowerment, and for allowing a women to know what she wants and take it rather than being ashamed of what people will say was what made this book part of it being great. The male leads in this book also being 100% okay with this and not shaming is also IMPORTANT! The constant asking for consent to do things! 😍
The angst between Nell and JP in book 1 was intense, and had me wanting to scream for them to just hurry up and get on with it! 🤣
His cute little notes were a clear sign he couldn’t get her first time out of his head… and when they finally gave in… my god I was even more hooked on their “friendship”
Moving on to this book!
Again… THIS BOOK 🔥🔥
The spicy scenes are top spicy, the comedy is gold… the characters fantastic!
This book had me thinking I knew what was gonna happen, and in the long run I think I do… but omg was it all done in a way I didn’t see coming…
I’m more than excited for the next book, is it possible to sleep for 13 days so technically I only wake up when the next one is here? You know asking for a friend 🤣
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2024
Nellie is once again having to attend events so that her father can impress important clients. She continues to be herself and not apologize for who she is. Unfortunately that gets her into some trouble and also it always manages to happen at one of the events she’s forced to attend.
In this book Nellie seems to grow more confident in herself. While she’s unapologetically herself it seems like she doubts just how capable she is. Especially with how her dad treats her. Hopefully there is a breakthrough in their relationship at some point. We got to see some vulnerability from Nellie which she seems to hide often. Lots of spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Also, the ending??? I just know that is something that will need to be addressed sooner rather than later. Can’t wait to read what happens next!!!
Thank you to InkSlinger PR and Cheryl Terra for the arc!!
In this book Nellie seems to grow more confident in herself. While she’s unapologetically herself it seems like she doubts just how capable she is. Especially with how her dad treats her. Hopefully there is a breakthrough in their relationship at some point. We got to see some vulnerability from Nellie which she seems to hide often. Lots of spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Also, the ending??? I just know that is something that will need to be addressed sooner rather than later. Can’t wait to read what happens next!!!
Thank you to InkSlinger PR and Cheryl Terra for the arc!!
July 11, 2024
*Thank you so much to Cheryl Terra for providing me with an ARC for an honest review!
I am so thoroughly enjoying this series. It is full of hilarious, relatable moments with some wonderful spice.
Nellie may be a flawed character, but she is one that you can't help but like. She may not be perfect, but she is living so authentically, and I am so obsessed with her for it. She is so hilarious and sexy. Seeing her relationship with the two men she is with is enjoyable, and they are so different. Ben is older and so mature and helps bring more of that to Nellie. JP is fun and sexy and their relationship is spicy and spontaneous.
While I fully enjoyed Nellie being so sex positive and confident, I can't help but have my favorite man and constantly want her to be with him throughout the book!
This book is pure fun and full of sexy times, and I love it! I am so excited for the next book!
I am so thoroughly enjoying this series. It is full of hilarious, relatable moments with some wonderful spice.
Nellie may be a flawed character, but she is one that you can't help but like. She may not be perfect, but she is living so authentically, and I am so obsessed with her for it. She is so hilarious and sexy. Seeing her relationship with the two men she is with is enjoyable, and they are so different. Ben is older and so mature and helps bring more of that to Nellie. JP is fun and sexy and their relationship is spicy and spontaneous.
While I fully enjoyed Nellie being so sex positive and confident, I can't help but have my favorite man and constantly want her to be with him throughout the book!
This book is pure fun and full of sexy times, and I love it! I am so excited for the next book!
June 27, 2024
I loved every second of Hold Me If You Can, the second full book in the 'If You Can series'!
Every page is full of life and brimming with energy. Nellie is a flawed but immensely likeable and loveable heroine who makes wonderfully terrible decisions and enjoys the hell out of the two friends-with-benefits situations she's got lined up at uni and back home in Montreal.
The wit and sass are amazing, there are some truly hilarious moments and the spicy scenes are not only full of heat but full of joy and authenticity too. I also love that there are lots of diverse characters (sexuality, ethnicity, neurodiversity) in this book, just like real life.
I read this book first (I was delighted to be a beta reader) and it does work as a standalone. However, for maximum enjoyment, I would definitely recommend reading the series in order.
Every page is full of life and brimming with energy. Nellie is a flawed but immensely likeable and loveable heroine who makes wonderfully terrible decisions and enjoys the hell out of the two friends-with-benefits situations she's got lined up at uni and back home in Montreal.
The wit and sass are amazing, there are some truly hilarious moments and the spicy scenes are not only full of heat but full of joy and authenticity too. I also love that there are lots of diverse characters (sexuality, ethnicity, neurodiversity) in this book, just like real life.
I read this book first (I was delighted to be a beta reader) and it does work as a standalone. However, for maximum enjoyment, I would definitely recommend reading the series in order.
June 28, 2024
I really like these books. It has been great to see how Nellie and JP's relationship is evolving from when they first met as little children, to their first time to now. Both are more experienced and familiar with each other.
JP cracks me up. The way that he knows how to get under Nellie's skin and tease her when his sister, Anne-Marie is around. Which I love Anne-Marie, but girl you can't be that clueless about JP and Nellie.
Nellie's interaction with her Professor, Ben are spicy too. He truly cared for Nellie. You get it girlfriend with Ben and JP.
I can't wait to read the next book and see where JP and Nellie end up with each other.
JP cracks me up. The way that he knows how to get under Nellie's skin and tease her when his sister, Anne-Marie is around. Which I love Anne-Marie, but girl you can't be that clueless about JP and Nellie.
Nellie's interaction with her Professor, Ben are spicy too. He truly cared for Nellie. You get it girlfriend with Ben and JP.
I can't wait to read the next book and see where JP and Nellie end up with each other.
July 27, 2024
This is a perfect fit for readers who crave a steamy and unapologetic romance, with a strong focus on female empowerment, independence, and the exploration of non-traditional relationships, making it a must-read for fans of contemporary romance and those who enjoy stories that celebrate the complexity of human desire.
July 3, 2024
Loved this book! The banter, in English and French, parfait!! The romance/spice 🥵🥵, the story- great. Other than a cliff hanger ( why?! 😩) I loved it all. It was juicy, sweet, spicy, and complicated, a well rounded book! Highly recommend reading, can’t wait for the next book!
October 31, 2024
Another brilliant Cheryl Terra read
December 14, 2024
Mehh
This book was so slow.. I don't know if I'm interested in reading the next book in the series. It's not a priority.
This book was so slow.. I don't know if I'm interested in reading the next book in the series. It's not a priority.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews