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Holiday Hostage
Life for Chicago’s rebellious rich girl Cassidy Kavanaugh isn’t as perfect as everyone thinks. She’s miserable and can’t work out why, given all her privilege.
While Christmas shopping for her pseudo-girlfriend at the trendy Graffiti Chic, her whole world changes in a split second.
Meeting an intriguing woman amid the colorful graffiti art is just the start. Then she’s caught up in a terrifying botched robbery with the stranger.
As police close in, tempers fray, and chaos reigns, Cassidy is forced to face who she really is, deep down. And what she stands for.
But can love ever come from such an adrenalin-charged meeting? Or is it just an illusion spun from high stakes and danger?
An opposites-attract lesbian romance about discovering what lies underneath our masks.
While Christmas shopping for her pseudo-girlfriend at the trendy Graffiti Chic, her whole world changes in a split second.
Meeting an intriguing woman amid the colorful graffiti art is just the start. Then she’s caught up in a terrifying botched robbery with the stranger.
As police close in, tempers fray, and chaos reigns, Cassidy is forced to face who she really is, deep down. And what she stands for.
But can love ever come from such an adrenalin-charged meeting? Or is it just an illusion spun from high stakes and danger?
An opposites-attract lesbian romance about discovering what lies underneath our masks.
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 29, 2024
118 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
About the author
Rita Potter
19 books137 followersRita Potter has spent most of her life trying to figure out what makes people tick. To that end, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and an MA in Sociology. Her favorite pastime is crawling around inside peoples’ brains. Her loved ones are grateful that she now has characters whose minds she can explore, so maybe she’ll stay out of theirs.
Rita’s writing reflects her belief that in some way we are all damaged and must conquer our demons in order to create a fulfilling life. Being an eternal optimist, she maintains that the human spirit is remarkably resilient and can overcome even the most challenging obstacles. That optimism is the wellspring of her life goal- to provide encouragement and support to help people thrive.
In her spare time, she enjoys the outdoors. She is especially drawn to the water, which is ironic since she lives in the middle of a corn field. Her first love has always been reading, which has spurred her writing. She rides a Harley Davidson and has an unnatural obsession with fantasy football. More than anything she detests small talk, but can ramble on for hours given a topic that interests her.
She lives in a small town in Illinois with her wife, Terra, and their cat, Chumley, who actually runs the household.
Rita is a member of American Mensa and the Golden Crown Literary Society. She is currently a student of the GCLS Writing Academy 2021.
Rita’s writing reflects her belief that in some way we are all damaged and must conquer our demons in order to create a fulfilling life. Being an eternal optimist, she maintains that the human spirit is remarkably resilient and can overcome even the most challenging obstacles. That optimism is the wellspring of her life goal- to provide encouragement and support to help people thrive.
In her spare time, she enjoys the outdoors. She is especially drawn to the water, which is ironic since she lives in the middle of a corn field. Her first love has always been reading, which has spurred her writing. She rides a Harley Davidson and has an unnatural obsession with fantasy football. More than anything she detests small talk, but can ramble on for hours given a topic that interests her.
She lives in a small town in Illinois with her wife, Terra, and their cat, Chumley, who actually runs the household.
Rita is a member of American Mensa and the Golden Crown Literary Society. She is currently a student of the GCLS Writing Academy 2021.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
November 21, 2024
Just discovered another author I'll be binge-reading for the next couple of weeks.
November 4, 2024
Cassidy's from a very wealthy family. But she feels like she's drifting, until she meets Shay! But circumstances happen that should tear the burgeoning attraction apart!
At Graffiti Chic buying Christmas presents, Cass is helped by Shay. Then 2 shady young men come in and start to rob the store. Only problem is, Shay helps them. What an insightful, beautiful opposites attract romance/love story! When I was half way through, I wanted to know how it ends BUT I didn't want it to end! Cassidy and Shay are so wonderful and caring. This is A FAVORITE! Worth more than 5 stars!
At Graffiti Chic buying Christmas presents, Cass is helped by Shay. Then 2 shady young men come in and start to rob the store. Only problem is, Shay helps them. What an insightful, beautiful opposites attract romance/love story! When I was half way through, I wanted to know how it ends BUT I didn't want it to end! Cassidy and Shay are so wonderful and caring. This is A FAVORITE! Worth more than 5 stars!
December 15, 2024
This is my first book by Rita, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The storyline was brilliantly written and expertly crafted. The connection between Shay and Cass was undeniable from the start, and I particularly enjoyed the initial twist. It was a delightful surprise, as I avoided reading the blurb; I prefer to approach books with an open mind. Naturally, the title gave me some clues, but it was still a pleasant surprise. I found this book to be thoroughly enjoyable and highly entertaining. I would absolutely recommend this captivating romance novel, which features an exciting and thrilling opposites-attract storyline.
Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 23, 2025
One of those authors who have crept up on me… a really good story that bounded along, keeping me entertained and enthused all the way though. Don’t think too hard, go with the flow! Loved it.
November 9, 2024
Unexpected
When I read the blurb, I thought "oh, another one of those books, huh?" Poor little rich girl meets gritty poor girl and bla, blah blah. Needless to say, the plot pulled me in and I couldn't put the book down. The book took some interesting turns that gave the story and characters depth. I didn't expect to enjoy this book but I'm so glad I gave it a chance.
When I read the blurb, I thought "oh, another one of those books, huh?" Poor little rich girl meets gritty poor girl and bla, blah blah. Needless to say, the plot pulled me in and I couldn't put the book down. The book took some interesting turns that gave the story and characters depth. I didn't expect to enjoy this book but I'm so glad I gave it a chance.
December 15, 2024
Read the sample, had to know more!
Well! I am so glad I got the whole book.
Obviously one of the mains has done something wrong and I was intrigued how this would be handled. In my opinion it was handled beautifully. 4.5. Although on one hand I wouldn't describe this as a holiday feel good book, it did make me feel good during the holidays!
Well! I am so glad I got the whole book.
Obviously one of the mains has done something wrong and I was intrigued how this would be handled. In my opinion it was handled beautifully. 4.5. Although on one hand I wouldn't describe this as a holiday feel good book, it did make me feel good during the holidays!
November 6, 2024
Cute story
I really enjoyed the development of each character. I particularly liked that Cass found herself because of the situation. Another great book by Rita Potter.
I really enjoyed the development of each character. I particularly liked that Cass found herself because of the situation. Another great book by Rita Potter.
December 22, 2024
I loved this book. The tagline really should be - if die hard is your favourite Christmas movie … this sapphic extension just might be for you.
December 3, 2024
Okay Read
I felt like the romance portion of this was rushed. I get that it's fiction, but 3 days to fall madly over someone under their circumstances? I don't know. I enjoyed the writing, especially the flirty banter but the pace is what threw me.
I felt like the romance portion of this was rushed. I get that it's fiction, but 3 days to fall madly over someone under their circumstances? I don't know. I enjoyed the writing, especially the flirty banter but the pace is what threw me.
January 14, 2025
Wow, I hated this book. Not a single likable character and the dialogue was atrocious. The premise was solid but there was no actual danger or anything to call home to your mom about. I will not be reading another book by this author.
November 4, 2024
I was looking forward to another Rita Potter book. I really like her stories. This one, not so much.
It centers around a rich, rebellious 30 year old perennial student, who has no idea what she wants. She is trapped in a store just before Christmas and is captivated by the sales girl. I won't go too much into the story without giving it away, but I went thru half the book just to give it a chance but I didn't finish. It's slow, boring, nothing is happening. We read books to be entertained, to have that 'can't put it down' feeling. I didn't have that, even a little bit, with this book. I won't give up on this author as I have enjoyed some of her other books. But this one, I do not recommend.
It centers around a rich, rebellious 30 year old perennial student, who has no idea what she wants. She is trapped in a store just before Christmas and is captivated by the sales girl. I won't go too much into the story without giving it away, but I went thru half the book just to give it a chance but I didn't finish. It's slow, boring, nothing is happening. We read books to be entertained, to have that 'can't put it down' feeling. I didn't have that, even a little bit, with this book. I won't give up on this author as I have enjoyed some of her other books. But this one, I do not recommend.
November 25, 2024
I rarely give out 5 stars, but Holiday Hostage is definitely a five star book. This is perhaps Rita Potters best book to date. The story is solid, and the characters compelling. Rita Potter has grown into a first rate storyteller.
December 21, 2025
I was really surprised by where this story went. I couldn’t connect with the characters, and the romance felt uncomfortable and unconvincing given the circumstances.
That said, the book was very suspenseful and definitely kept me turning the pages, which is why I didn’t hate it. It just leaned into a dynamic that I personally couldn’t get on board with. Overall, this one just wasn’t for me.
That said, the book was very suspenseful and definitely kept me turning the pages, which is why I didn’t hate it. It just leaned into a dynamic that I personally couldn’t get on board with. Overall, this one just wasn’t for me.
January 18, 2025
Loved this!
Like all of Rita Potter's novels, I couldn't put it down. Shay and Cass' love story unfolds in quite the interesting way and is quite believable. Highly recommend!
Like all of Rita Potter's novels, I couldn't put it down. Shay and Cass' love story unfolds in quite the interesting way and is quite believable. Highly recommend!
Read
March 23, 2025Dnf. I could not get through this book at all. The plot was a bit too bizarre and coupled with the insta love made it lacklustre and just plain boring. The cheating certainly didn't win me over.
November 4, 2024
Really enjoyed this book. I generally don't care for first person but for this story it was not noticeable. Really liked how the drama/suspense inside was treated, not what the outside world thinks is happening in a tense standoff. Highly recommend
December 22, 2024
The characters are beautifully flawed. And that is reality. People are beautifully flawed and I love realism. This is a beautiful love story of love and waiting for the one you love under the most unusual circumstances.
It is unique and special and touching. What would you do for your family? What would you do for love? Why is money discrepancy in the US so polarized? Why? Why are people all not truly equal in all ways in this over privileged country with some people living in tent cities on the streets? (No - that isn’t in the book - it just should make you think.)
Rita Potter delivers another humanitarian story of love and crisis and the wealth divide. Beautifully narrated but you miss the lovely narrator because of the raw tension of the marvelous book.
Low spice. Angst medium high. No sexual abuse.
Highly recommended.
***I received a free advance audible copy for an honest review. I NEVER play games with reviews. This is 100% a sincere review.
It is unique and special and touching. What would you do for your family? What would you do for love? Why is money discrepancy in the US so polarized? Why? Why are people all not truly equal in all ways in this over privileged country with some people living in tent cities on the streets? (No - that isn’t in the book - it just should make you think.)
Rita Potter delivers another humanitarian story of love and crisis and the wealth divide. Beautifully narrated but you miss the lovely narrator because of the raw tension of the marvelous book.
Low spice. Angst medium high. No sexual abuse.
Highly recommended.
***I received a free advance audible copy for an honest review. I NEVER play games with reviews. This is 100% a sincere review.
December 28, 2024
It can be really hard to write a story with the vague idea of a robbery gone wrong that eventually turns into a romance. But Rita Potter somehow managed to write a compelling romance that was just realistic enough. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The main character Cass had great emotional depth, and character growth throughout the book. The lessons she learned were inspiring, and despite going through a robbery it was interesting how she used that event to transform her life. It was more than just falling in love with Shay who through the enigmatic portrayal of her through Cass' eyes was still vulnerable and ultimately also a victim of an unfair social system.
I loved the humour in this book. It was funny where it needed to be, but not too much as to overplay the seriousness of the entire situation. I would recommend this as a book where a memorable Christmas ends up changing one's life for the better.
I loved the humour in this book. It was funny where it needed to be, but not too much as to overplay the seriousness of the entire situation. I would recommend this as a book where a memorable Christmas ends up changing one's life for the better.
November 14, 2024
Holiday Hostage is one of the most extraordinary books I've ever read. It's definitely not your typical love story but is full of pure grit, determination and growth on the part of both MCs and the character development as the story progess is incredible. Rita Potter has well and truly outdone herself with this one.
I loved seeing both sides of each of the main characters. Cass had been raised in an extremely wealthy family and was full of resentment for that fact. She was lost and stumbling through life with no sense of purpose apart from trying to pretend she was someone else. Everyone just sees her as a rebellious rich girl with no thought for anyone else. Meanwhile, Shaw had been born into poverty and was struggling to afford suitable care for her mother who had suffered a stroke following a major motor vehicle accident but was unable to receive adequate care because of their socioeconomic situtation.
When Shay's grand plan to obtain the money needed to help her Mom move to a better health care facility goes badly awry, Cass finds herself caught up in a potentially terrifying hostage situation over Christmas. However, a bond is formed between the captor and the hostage as both fight to ensure that no one comes out of the situation hurt.
The overall journey is difficult for both women with each one wanting to protect the other and it takes a lot of growth, particularly on Cass' behalf to help them come out the other side, stronger and with a renewed sense of purpose.
This is a fantastic story which I will likely read again and again as there are so much information in there. I suspect that each time I read it, I will learn something new about the characters and I can't wait!
I loved seeing both sides of each of the main characters. Cass had been raised in an extremely wealthy family and was full of resentment for that fact. She was lost and stumbling through life with no sense of purpose apart from trying to pretend she was someone else. Everyone just sees her as a rebellious rich girl with no thought for anyone else. Meanwhile, Shaw had been born into poverty and was struggling to afford suitable care for her mother who had suffered a stroke following a major motor vehicle accident but was unable to receive adequate care because of their socioeconomic situtation.
When Shay's grand plan to obtain the money needed to help her Mom move to a better health care facility goes badly awry, Cass finds herself caught up in a potentially terrifying hostage situation over Christmas. However, a bond is formed between the captor and the hostage as both fight to ensure that no one comes out of the situation hurt.
The overall journey is difficult for both women with each one wanting to protect the other and it takes a lot of growth, particularly on Cass' behalf to help them come out the other side, stronger and with a renewed sense of purpose.
This is a fantastic story which I will likely read again and again as there are so much information in there. I suspect that each time I read it, I will learn something new about the characters and I can't wait!
November 11, 2024
This is an unconventional take on a Christmas holiday story. It made it more interesting as it isn't a traditional rom com type of book - yet it looks to provide the same HEA ending.
This book looks to explore What happens when a good person makes a bad decision? and the difference money (family wealth and resources) makes to a person and their decision making.
It is written in the first person which I liked.
The rich kid who has been struggling with her wealthy lifestyle ( and carries around fake ID so that she can pretend to be a regular person) makes a connection with a shop assistant. Then gets caught up in a hostage situation.
There is of course an epilogue which is set 3 years after the main story ends.
This story seems to be written by someone who is not afraid of the reality of a situation. There is no dodging the outcome of holding people hostage, no sugar coating it because we want a HEA and them running off together into the sunset.
So whilst this is a nonconventional storyline it works.
I got a little distracted in the middle of the book - but I suspect that might have been election related rather than a story problem.
This book looks to explore What happens when a good person makes a bad decision? and the difference money (family wealth and resources) makes to a person and their decision making.
It is written in the first person which I liked.
The rich kid who has been struggling with her wealthy lifestyle ( and carries around fake ID so that she can pretend to be a regular person) makes a connection with a shop assistant. Then gets caught up in a hostage situation.
There is of course an epilogue which is set 3 years after the main story ends.
This story seems to be written by someone who is not afraid of the reality of a situation. There is no dodging the outcome of holding people hostage, no sugar coating it because we want a HEA and them running off together into the sunset.
So whilst this is a nonconventional storyline it works.
I got a little distracted in the middle of the book - but I suspect that might have been election related rather than a story problem.
November 19, 2024
Wow Great Story
This is not your normal Christmas story... It's better Cass is a rich daughter that has been given everything but is having issues with her parents and rebelling. She has a somewhat girlfriend that she is looking for a gift. After walking into a shop she is looking into the greenish eyes she every seen Shay the employee of the Graffiti Shop. While flirting is on both side things change in a hurry when to guys come into the shop. Hostage was not what she thought but it changes your life. A wild story with twists and turn you don't is come a wonder story you NEED to Read
This is not your normal Christmas story... It's better Cass is a rich daughter that has been given everything but is having issues with her parents and rebelling. She has a somewhat girlfriend that she is looking for a gift. After walking into a shop she is looking into the greenish eyes she every seen Shay the employee of the Graffiti Shop. While flirting is on both side things change in a hurry when to guys come into the shop. Hostage was not what she thought but it changes your life. A wild story with twists and turn you don't is come a wonder story you NEED to Read
December 3, 2024
I Was A Literal Hostage To This Story!
I love holiday stories. It seems writers can get creative in ways that make them shine. No writer wants to deliver a romance story that is cute but…. They want their Holiday romance to stand out, something different. Rita Potter has delivered that present to us. There are so many things happening in this story that takes it to a higher level. You love the characters and what they stand for, even being on the wrong side of the law. There is love buried under hate and disappointment. It is a must read with lessons learned. I tip my hat to Rita Potter and another heartfelt piece of art.
I love holiday stories. It seems writers can get creative in ways that make them shine. No writer wants to deliver a romance story that is cute but…. They want their Holiday romance to stand out, something different. Rita Potter has delivered that present to us. There are so many things happening in this story that takes it to a higher level. You love the characters and what they stand for, even being on the wrong side of the law. There is love buried under hate and disappointment. It is a must read with lessons learned. I tip my hat to Rita Potter and another heartfelt piece of art.
December 24, 2024
Honestly this was incredible disappointing, long and dull. So many things felt off in this book. Rich girl falls for personal shopper turn criminal in a Christmas Eve hostage takeover. So far fetched and honestly Stockholm syndrome much plus white girl with some form of Irish name and dreadlocks who is a buddhist agreeing to be a criminal for her mother’s stroke after care! Ridiculous story! Not for me!
November 1, 2024
Love this author! The stories are always engrossing and the characters well drawn. In this case the MC's are from very different worlds and being driven by really different motivations. Watching Shay and Cassidy bond over a robbery gone wrong over Christmas is really fascinating. I was rooting for them in an impossible situation. Don't miss this one.
December 10, 2024
Not so much a holiday story as one of characters evolving and healing (with the crisis that just happens to begin a few days before Christmas). It could have taken place during any holiday - or any day at all. Still, Potter is an excellent writer, and the story is truly a great one of love and redemption, so it still rates 5 stars in my book!
December 14, 2024
Wow!! Definitely an unexpected holiday romance that you should definitely read. What happens when you fall in love with your capture!? Honestly, wasn’t expecting to fall in love with both of the characters but having Shay (the capture) protect Cass (the hostage) at all cost, makes my heart happy.
Just read it because it’s nothing like you’d expect!
Just read it because it’s nothing like you’d expect!
December 24, 2024
Realising one’s potential
A well written story, showing that you can change when you meet the right person. During a hostage situation two people got very close, but what happened after was wonderful.
This book was a wonderful read and you will not be disappointed when you read it too.
Take care all.
A well written story, showing that you can change when you meet the right person. During a hostage situation two people got very close, but what happened after was wonderful.
This book was a wonderful read and you will not be disappointed when you read it too.
Take care all.
May 27, 2025
DNF @62% and read last 2 chaps, but nosey enough by this strange plot that I went back the next day to finish
It honestly felt like reading a reddit post (1st POV - which I'm not fond of) and unable to believe that the story is real. 3/5. Interesting premise, but I didn't like Cass enough to care... although, curious enough to read though ig.
It honestly felt like reading a reddit post (1st POV - which I'm not fond of) and unable to believe that the story is real. 3/5. Interesting premise, but I didn't like Cass enough to care... although, curious enough to read though ig.
November 24, 2025
An unlikely pair
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Cassidy had so much character and depth to her. Two women thrown together in what should have been the worst of circumstances find something they could never imagined.
Is Cassidy crazy to risk her freedom for someone who was her capture?
Take.a.journey.%= we
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Cassidy had so much character and depth to her. Two women thrown together in what should have been the worst of circumstances find something they could never imagined.
Is Cassidy crazy to risk her freedom for someone who was her capture?
Take.a.journey.%= we
January 6, 2026
Truly Riveting!
I loved the unusual and different story line. So many of the stories are a lot alike.....but not this one. Different and so good, I had a hard time putting it down. I just recently discovered Rita and have already decided she has become one of my newest favorite authors. I am on to my next book of hets!!!!
I loved the unusual and different story line. So many of the stories are a lot alike.....but not this one. Different and so good, I had a hard time putting it down. I just recently discovered Rita and have already decided she has become one of my newest favorite authors. I am on to my next book of hets!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews