Declan Young—single dad, friend to all three of my brothers, and the man who can’t walk into a room without getting under my skin. He’s too confident, too charming, and from the day he moved back to our small town, the golden boy everyone adores.
Growing up, he was older, and I thought of him only as my rival. I still do … except now he’s hotter, infuriatingly helpful, and living next door. Oh, and his daughter? Best friends with my son. Which means Declan is suddenly everywhere—in my kitchen, in my backyard, in my head when I’m trying to sleep.
When I invite them to live in my basement for the summer, I tell myself it’s about helping out, but the extra income is an added bonus I desperately need to take my life back.
It’s my house. My rules.
But Declan has this way of looking at me like I’m the only thing in the room that matters.
And the more I see him as a father, the more dangerous he becomes to my heart.
I thought I was in control.
Turns out, love doesn’t play by any rules—especially mine.
Holding You is one of the loveliest romances of the year! It's a story truly full of love; love for family, love for self, and love for trying at romance once more.
Leads Ruby and Declan are a pile of saucy fun. Their banter is delicious. Ruby is all barbed wired bite that Declan gladly eats up just to push her buttons even more. You'd think it would make their unexpected living co-habitation a stress bomb, instead the only explosion is all that fabulous chemistry! Chemistry these two have in spades, I tell ya! I looooved how long they fought that attraction; that initial push-and-pull is the stuff I live for! But in equal measure I love how they, in good time, begin to construct, explore, and form that romantic relationship once they dare take the plunge. They go in not only with their hearts open, but their eyes open too, leading to one's certain belief what they have can't go the distance. That brings some light angst which then became the cue for me eating this plot up! I love some angst thrown into a gorgeous romance, and that's absolutely found here!
I also adored the time taken on page to explore each parent's bond with their child, while also exploring the dynamic between both families. This is a single parent romance and I appreciate how that's never forgotten. The kids are also part of the plot and they help to elevate it. I loved the familial bonds explored on page. It brought Ruby and Declan closer together and showcased how beautifully they can work as a family.
If there's any stumble, it's quite minor. I thought the climax in the final act was a bit rushed. Otherwise, I truly left this journey with such a satisfied and full heart.
I absolutely recommend this one to all! Happy Reading!
Thank you Grey's Promotions for this complimentary eARC, I leave this honest review voluntarily.
-Roommates to lovers -Force proximity -Single parents -Small town
It has been such a long time and I’ve now realises why I’ve missed reading This in a book was where both of the main characters are single parents and I ate this book up in one sitting so I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading this 💕
The story follows Ruby and Declan and Declan actually needs a place to stay while his place is being built and Ruby‘s family offers her basement which she is not keen with at the start due to not exactly vibing Declan but in the end she does say yes as both of their kids are our best friends 💕💕
From him moving in that’s when you do see their friendship evolve and from that slowly they’re feeling starting to come to the surface a new sort of set the push and pull of what will happen when they do expressed their feelings
I am so obsessed with the kids in this book that I am dying for a second generation series with these characters so please tell me we will get one 😂😂😂
Thank you to authorjamirogers and greys for an arc copy of this book. I recommend everyone if you love the single parent trip to definitely read this one. ❤️
5 ⭐️ 📕:Holding You by Jami Rogers Why you’ll love this book!! Single Mom Small Town The Banter frenemies To Lovers Single Dad Spicy Romance This is my first book by Jami Rogers and it won’t be the last! This book will suck you in from beginning to end. I loved getting to know Declan and Ruby. Their banter and rivalry is entertaining. The connection these two have is amazing to watch unfold. Declan is an amazing man patient and caring for Ruby and he is totally a new book boyfriend who doesn’t love a kind and sweet man. Ruby is mule headed at time but I think that’s just because she is so independent and feels she can do a lot on her own. This book has all the emotions plus the bonus of their kids being friends and their friends being friends it was awesome to watch.
What a fantastic love story this one was! I fell in love with book instantly. Ruby and her son Max become neighbours to Declan and his daughter Susie. Susie and Max become instant best friends where Ruby absolutely despises Declan. She only puts up with him over the course of a year because their kiddos are besties. Declan was instantly smitten with Ruby and has no idea why she hates him so much! The banter between these to is so hilarious and fun. And the hatred Ruby has for Declan definitely changes on their trip to Vegas. What happens in Vegas never stays in Vegas 😉
Declan and Ruby are amazingly sweet together! This book goes from a one sided hate to i cant live without you!
In school she was always second best to Declan which made her hate him for it. But once she gets to know him she questions why she didn’t get to know him sooner.
I love the family dynamic they have! And their kids were instantly best friends i think they knew they were supposed to be siblings! Loved this book!!!!!
I always enjoy Jami’s books and this one was no exception! I loved how well Declan and Susie fit into Ruby and Max’s life. They were such a cute family! The teasing and banter from their friends and family was fun too. I’m definitely going to be sad when this series wraps up
Thank you Jami Rogers and Grey's Promotions for the opportunity of receiving an ARC.
Small town romance, single dad and single mom, banter, frenemies to lovers....what could a reader want from a romance book? All of the above!
I really loved Ruby's and Declan's story. Loved their banter, their character growth, and their kids. I loved how patient our MMC was and how snarky our FMC was, complementing eachother in a hot way. First book I read from the author, but it was a good introduction to the world written by her.
💜 Single parents ✨ Small Town 💜 Frenemies To Lovers ✨ Single Dad 💜 Roommates to lovers ✨ Force proximity
Holding You by Jami Rodgers is the perfect blend of heart, heat, and “did Ruby really just say that?” energy and I loved every second of it.
From the moment Ruby and Declan meet, you feel the spark… mostly because Ruby cannot resist throwing a sneaky, razor-sharp remark his way every chance she gets. She’s queen of the side-eye and professional at keeping Declan on his toes. And Declan? The man pretends he’s unbothered, but you just KNOW he’s secretly living for every one of her sassy little jabs. The tension? Delicious.
But beneath all the snark and slow-burn chemistry, their story really blossoms when they get that little trip, that slice of freedom where they’re not drowning in responsibilities, routines, or guilt. For once, they get to just be themselves: Ruby, soft under all that sass, and Declan, who finally lets himself relax and laugh again. That trip is where the walls crack, the feelings spill, and suddenly they’re not just two exhausted single parents… they’re two people who deserve joy. And each other.
And let’s talk about the kids, because Susie and Max absolutely steal the show. Their friendship is pure sunshine, gentle, sweet, and way too precious. Susie’s softness blends perfectly with Max’s wild, goofy energy, and the way they look out for each other is the kind of heart-melting you don’t recover from. It’s the kind of bond that makes you think, “Yep, these kids are already the found-family glue, the adults just haven’t caught up yet.” Declan and Ruby fall for each other, sure… But it’s the way their children fall into step together, forming their own little duo, that makes everything feel inevitable.
Funny, emotional, and full of sass, this book is a second-chance-at-happiness romance that hits you right in the feels and then winks at you while doing it.
Thank you so much Grey’s Promotion for this arc opportunity!
Eeeeeeeek 🥹 We finally have Declan and Ruby's book 🥵 This couple owned me since page one! The tension, angst, enemies to lovers, yearning, slow burn and spice 😈 Hawt dayum Jami, you gave them and us everything 🤭 Thank you so much for the ARC 🥹❤️
Declan Young 🧎♀️ One of the hottest single dad, billionaire Ceo's I have read 😈 Declan's presence owns you in such a way that you can't look away 🤭 Tall, handsome, seductive, billionaire, protective, patient, gentleman, golden retriever, loves to banter, the hottest single dad, older, celibate, fierce, obsessed and won't back down without a fight 🥵 Declan has no idea why Ruby hates him so fiercely, and he won't back down until he finds out. Now that he lives next to her, and his daughter is best friends with her son, he finds every chance to be around her 🤭 Declan makes Ruby his absolute everything and doesn't miss a chance to show her that 🥹 I thought the Asher brothers were my favourite, but dayum, Declan stole my heart!
Ruby Asher 😈 This single mom brings him to his knees, and they both love it! Beautiful, intelligent, a succesful graphic designer, loving, protective, a brilliant single mom, feisty, despises the hot single dad, independent, brave, confident, celibate, sassy, and lives to see Declan beg and run circles around her 🤭 Ruby has never let anyone know why she can't stand Declan, and she's not about to admit it either. With her son becoming best friends with Susie, she can't help slowly falling for Declan! There is so much about her that she hides from everyone. Her character made me giggle and smirk so much. When she had her man on his knees, she wasn't the only one smirking 😌
The chemistry was absolutely sizzling. The spice had me gasping and fanning myself because Holy eff 🥵 Jami!! Your writing is magnificent and gripping! i can't wait for the next series 😌
“Holding You” by Jami Rogers was such an absolute joy from start to finish! I was beyond excited to read this ARC and want to thank the author for letting me dive into Ruby and Declan’s story early. From the first page, I was hooked—I made all the reader noises, laughed out loud more than once, and honestly bounced happily in my seat the whole time. I could not put this book down. The chemistry between Ruby and Declan is electric, and their dynamic had me fully invested. The “only one bed” moment was so sweet and perfectly executed, making my heart both happy and a little fluttery.
I adored seeing the entire Asher family again; their presence added so much depth and warmth to the story, and I loved the way their interactions made the small-town setting feel alive. Ruby and Declan’s journey is full of humor, tender moments, and just the right amount of tension, and the ending left me completely satisfied and smiling long after I finished reading.
This book hits all the tropes I love in a small-town romance: age gap, dual POV, frenemies-to-lovers, single mom x single dad, roommates, and brother’s friend. Every element felt balanced and contributed meaningfully to the story. Beyond the romance, I loved how the author gave each character layers and personality—you can really feel their histories, motivations, and growth throughout the book.
Spice Level (for future readers): Chapters 17, 18, and 22.
“Holding You” is a fun, heartfelt, and engaging story that perfectly blends humor, emotional depth, and romance. I laughed, swooned, and smiled all the way through, and I’m already looking forward to whatever Jami Rogers writes next. If you’re a fan of small-town, character-driven romances with a slow-burn romance and lots of heart, this one is a must-read.
Happy release to the new addition to #TheAsherFamily series 🥳🥳 I received this arc in exchange for an honest review . Declan. The towns golden boy who has come back as a successful single dad to his daughter Susie. He is very hands on and doting to Susie that everyone admires him for it. He himself feels guilt as he believes it’s his fault Susie’s mom left. He is waiting for his home to be completed and is staying in a rental until then. When his rental sells, he is stuck with the dilemma of going back out of town to Chicago as there’s no available homes to rent in the meantime time. His friends(and Ruby’s brothers) suggest he moves into her basement while he waits for his house to be done. (He’s such a cinnamon roll) Ruby. Our young mom who left with her son, Max, and his dad out of town when she got pregnant at 17. She is a successful entrepreneur and businesswoman(this girl can bake) who comes back home when her and Max’ dad agree it would be better for him to be in that environment. (Side note: loved how healthy her and Colt coparent, I wish it was that easy). She grew up resenting Declan bc as smart as she was, her teachers constantly reminded her that Declan held all the records. They moved back to town the same week and their kids are best friends. While Declan has a secret crush on Ruby, she does everything to avoid him (our girl can hold a grudge). I enjoyed the banter bc he went along with her just so he had an excuse to talk to her and she was constantly swerving him. When him and Susie are about to go back to Chicago, she decided to let them & they decide to establish some rules as they both can’t help but be attracted to one another. The more they try to stay out of each other’s way, the more they seem to blend as one. Susie bonds with Ruby and Max is thrilled when Declan and Colt get along. Overall, it was a sweet read that was cohesive and had you rooting for everyone(except colts dad we hate him)The banter and relationship development were top tier! Congrats on the release Jami🫶🏽
Enemies, cohabitation & banter: the small-town romance that stole my Saturday.
5 ⭐️ | 3.75 🌶️
Well, well, well… look who just turned me into a full-blown Jami Rogers fangirl. Holding You, the fourth and final book in The Asher Family series, was my first Rogers read and all I can say is: fuck yeah, I love small town romances.
From page one, I was hooked. Ruby Asher, the youngest of the chaotic, loveable Asher crew, returns home with her son, trying to rebuild her life on her own terms. Enter Declan Young: single dad, golden boy, and the man who seems to breathe just to irritate her. (Naturally, I adored him immediately.) Their chemistry? Off the charts. Their banter? Sharp enough to cut glass. Their tension? Let’s just say I was giggling and kicking my feet like a teenager… and I’m 32.
This story has everything: 💞 Single mom x single dad 🏡 Small-town charm and meddling families 🔥 Frenemies-to-lovers slow burn 💬 Banter so good it deserves its own chapter 🌶️ Spice that’s deliciously teasing but emotionally grounded
Sure, the overall arc follows a familiar small-town pattern but Jami Rogers doesn’t just rely on the tropes; she elevates them. The emotional growth, the heart, the way she writes love as both healing and terrifying, it all hit me right in the feels. And that tension? Electrifying in the best way possible.
I closed the book grinning, blushing, and immediately looking up the first three Asher stories because I am not done with this family.
Run, don’t walk, to pre-order or grab your copy on release day (November 18th).
Huge thanks to Grey’s Promotions for the e-ARC and a massive congrats to Jami Rogers, I can already feel this one’s going to be a hit.
This rivals to lovers romance is heartwarming, entertaining and entrancing. Ruby and her son have just returned to town and are now neighbours to Declan and his daughter. In the past, Ruby viewed Declan as the enemy, and unfortunately antagonism colors, their present encounters, at least on her side. Their children, however, connect and form a deep bond. While Ruby does her best to avoid or push Declan away, he is enjoying riling her up. Having him around all the time is at first annoying, but something subtly shifts between them, and she is beginning to see him in a different light. Then they are sharing her house for the summer, which makes their kids ecstatic and serves to push the two adults closer. Denying their attraction for each other and their intense chemistry proves to be impossible. Their kids, friends and family all notice the change and are happy to offer both support and encouragement. Just as the four of them are seeing a future as a happy unit, unforeseen complications in his professional life threaten to derail everything. Can they find their way through and build a future together?
I laughed, smirked and sighed my way through this book. The snark and banter were very enjoyable, as were the slow burn and sizzle. I loved Ruby’s feisty attitude and Declan’s calmer one. They gel together well and bring out the best of each otherwise once they decided to let go of the past and open their hearts to love again. The kids were so cute together and made adorable matchmakers. This fascinating and endearing book has my wholehearted recommendation.
*4,5 stars* It's not my first read by the author but I have not read all the books in this series as it's my first one but that definitely wasn't an issue as you could read it as a standalone. I'll definitely go back to the other ones when I have some more time as I truly enjoyed reading this story. I loved the journey of Declan & Ruby throughout the book but of course it's a single parent story which is a genre I love to read. The characters just swept me of my feet and wormed their way into my heart. It's definitely that read that will take you by storm and that you wish has a happy ending.
When Declan moves into the house with his daughter as his house is being renovated, he hopes that this is a new beginning but when he meets his new neighbour next door, he never expected to see Ruby who he has known when he was a teenager. Everything has changed and Ruby has a son of her own but it's clear that she doesn't want to have anything to do with him. As their kids hit it off and become good friends, they don't have much choice to be near one another but no matter how hard Declan tries to make things right, Ruby doesn't want to give him any chance but when something happens that could break up their kids, Ruby starts to have a change of heart. As their relationship continues to change, Ruby starts to see a different side to Declan. Will they find their way in the end?...
4.5🌟 stars This story ticked plenty of my favorite boxes. Single dad, he falls first, start off animosity, cute kids with a bit of a matchmaker complex who conspire to get their households together and a major hurdle to overcome. The backstory on Declan's and Ruby's exes is good, too. For me it moved at a good pace, had bursts of steam that I could take or skim over, and Ruby's supportive siblings and their partners (each pair featured earlier in the series).
Pretty perfect except for a few small things like a Las Vegas getaway (I am not a big fan of LV as a setting) and an epilogue that I thought out of place (the extra epilogue was great; the first epilogue seemed a total set up for future stuff in the series and I don't think bringing in background info on additional characters is needed or desired to happily end a good romance, even if it is part of a series).
It can be read as a standalone, but Ruby's brothers and better halves are frequently part of the action and reading books 1-3 for their stories would flesh out their relationship origins.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
Ruby is the final Asher sibling to find love and happiness. Her journey starts of with her nemesis moving in next door the same week she returns home to Lovers WY with her young son. Ruby is obvious with her displeasure and takes every opportunity to let Declan know it. Meanwhile Declan is clueless on what he did to cause Ruby to not like him, but he enjoys her sassy attitude.
I enjoyed the organic development of this relationship - two single parents pushed together due to the close friendship between their children. The movie and game nights the kids begged for forced Ruby to allow ongoing interactions and outings with Declan.
Close proximity, simmering attraction and sassy attitude has the sexual tension building. Ruby’s attitude towards Declan changes from animosity to tolerance and then outright attraction that she doesn’t hide very well.
This story is fun, hilarious at times and so enjoyable. I’m curious if the author will have additional books featuring some other side characters introduced or mentioned in this book, most especially Colter Davenport, Max’s dad.
I received a free ARC from the author and Grey’s PR; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
4th book in series and the final Asher sibling to get their story. Ruby Asher the only girl in her family and a young single mum. Declan is also a single dad and is Ruby's brothers friend. By coincidence they both just moved back to their small home town and they are neighbours. Declan is instantly attracted to her but for some reason she is giving him the stink eye. Haha. Ruby doesn't like Dec and he has no idea why, so they really didn't hang around or speak back then. I won't tell you why so you can find out. I do like that she eventually realises how silly her grudge is. Despite the tension between them, they have to try and get along because their children have become instant best friends. Then we get the close proximity, as they're living together temporarily. I loved all the banter, they were funny. The children were absolute delight. They made the story extra good. I loved how Luca was cheering and meddling for Dec and Ruby to get together. Oh oh, we also get. What happens in Vegas.......... And a lot of hot stuff happens. When Ruby finally gives her heart, Dec might not be staying after all. Read and find out how it ends. Great found family, friends groups, emotional, fun sweet and spicy.
Declan and Ruby's story was full of fun, flirty banter, and I enjoyed it so much!
Single parents Declan and Ruby both move back to their small hometown around the same time and end up being next-door neighbors, and their kids, Max and Susie, become instant best friends. Even though Declan is a few years older than her, Ruby doesn't like him, and Declan has no idea why. Her sass and spice and the barbs she tosses at him are like foreplay for these two, and things really heat up when Declan ends up moving into Ruby's basement for a few weeks while his house is finished. Movie nights with the kids, family dinners, and all the small everyday minutiae cement that there is something more between these two than Ruby's hate of Declan.
During a trip to Vegas with the rest of the Asher clan, things change between Declan and Ruby — but when they bring what happened in Vegas back home with them, pressures from Declan's work life threaten to burst their happy bubble.
I really loved how the bromance developed between Declan and Ruby's ex, Colt. And the friendship between the kids, Max and Susie, was just too cute, and I was so happy to see them become one big, happy family at the end!
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
Declan is a town favorite in Loving. When he moves back with his daughter, Susie, the town is happy to have him back. Especially Ruby's brothers. Everyone is happy except Ruby. Ruby has never liked Declan. All through her school years she was always compared to or told she just missed a record and didn't beat Declan. He is 9 years older too.
Ruby moved back to Loving with her son, Max. What she didn't know is her enemy was living in the house he was renting nextdoor. Of course Max and Susie became best friends that did everything together and Ruby wasn't going to let her feelings about Declan get in the way of their friendship. A situation even happens where Declan and Susie move into Ruby's house!
That's when the walls start coming down and Ruby starts seeing Declan for the amazing man he is. Even Max's dad really likes Declan. When Ruby and Declan go with their friends and family to Vegas with no kids, the temptation heats up even more when there is only bed.
Once the spice hits, this book becomes a five alarm fire! The emotional journey will have so invested and you will find yourself cheering for Declan. You won't be able to put this one down!
Ruby has moved back to Loving with her son. She is renting a home and is happy to be back near her family. Loving, her home town holds many memories. One set of memories is no matter how hard she tried to be the best, she finds herself falling second in all she accomplished. This name is a thorn in her side. Declan went to school the same time as her brothers and is friends with all of them. Declan, a single dad with a daughter moves back to loving and as fate will play jokes, the house is right next door to Ruby's. The kids become magneted best friends, bringing the adults together. Declan has no clue why Ruby hates him, but life for the two get even more complicated. Declan has to move from his rental. Two options. Move back to Chicago for 3 months waiting for his house to be complete OR move into Ruby's home where she has a basement with 2 bedrooms , bath , and living room. That is where this book gets even more exciting. Both adults work from home and with the kids friendship they find themselves doing many things together. Will they take the lemons tossed their way and make lemonaid?
All the stars for Ruby and Declan. Not only did Jami Rogers write realistic characters that were entertaining, she gave us a cast of side characters that were just as lovable. They all really made this story perfection. Max and Susie were adorable and their baking thievery was hilarious....not to mention the mishap in Ruby's bedroom. 😂
The banter in this story was 🤌🏽 and the chemistry off the charts. While I thought a few things were silly, it did not take away from the story. I was basically grinning and giggling for most of this story as their romance unfolded.
Ruby's relationship with Colt was very unconventional but I adored it. He was just a GOOD man. I loved when he texted Ruby saying please tell me he kissed you.
🫶🏾 Lines I Liked: I've been told my facial expressions speak louder than words. It's something I'm working on.
I'll be honest. This is my first time holding a dildo, and I jumped right in with two. 😂
I want to be that house. The hangout house.
The things we want in life change when we change, Ruby. It's just a matter of how you accept that change and what you're going to do about it.
I am loving this whole series! I actually just binged 3 of the books all back to back because I got so invested in the family. I did read them (somewhat) out of order but that seemed fine overall. I would definitely recommend the whole series honestly. It is a very well done small town romance series.
This book is a small town, enemies to lovers trope. I loved both characters who you actually meet in previous books. Declan and Ruby are meant to be. Both single parents, both own their own business and their kids are best friends. Except Ruby hates Declan and he has no idea why. He's gotten to the point where he just enjoys her sass and in fact tries to provoke her when he can. But when Ruby relents and allows Declan and his daughter move in for the summer, she starts soften towards him. Her reasons for disliking him really aren't as valid as she thinks but can she put herself out there again? One weekend in Vegas with all their friends changes everything. But when they get back, there are external factors that may keep them apart.
Declan and Ruby are literal GOALS. The way they go from enemies to something so soft, so real, and so full of chemistry — it’s that kind of connection that sneaks up on you and then completely consumes you. Every look, every tiny touch, every “I shouldn’t but I want to” moment had me screaming internally. Declan being this charming, steady single dad and Ruby trying so hard to keep her heart safe? Perfection. She’s fierce, independent, and stubborn as hell — and he just gets her.
And don’t even get me started on Susie and Max — those two kids are absolute friendship gold. Every scene with them melted me into a puddle. They brought so much warmth and heart, and seeing how their bond mirrored their parents’ growing connection just made it all hit harder.
The small-town vibes, the second-chance energy, the delicious tension of “we shouldn’t but we will anyway”… I was living for it. Jami Rogers nailed that blend of sweet, steamy, and emotional in a way that felt so genuine.
Ruby Asher is a single mom, moved back home to give her son a good life. She is independent, stubborn, but she is also an amazing mom, trying to live her life and not repeat old mistakes. Declan Young is a single dad, he is the town’s golden boy, and he moved back home after his wife left him and his daughter.
Meeting Ruby Asher was just a bonus. Unfortunately, it seems like she hates him. And he has no idea why… And now they end up sharing a house for the summer, and their kids absolutely love it, but the adults, well Ruby not so much. Declan just enjoy pushing her buttons, lol
I loved the story, I loved the banter and the chemistry between Ruby and Declan. Loved their two adorable kids who became instant best friends. The story was sweet, swoony and lol with the way Declan kept on riling her up was just too good. I loved her brothers and the way they look out for their sister.
Loved the characters, loved the story and definitely loved their happy ending.
Ruby and Declan are frenemies but Declan has no idea why Ruby doesn't like him. They both have recently moved back to their small hometown where everyone knows everyone's business, and Declan is considered the golden boy, hometown hero who can do no wrong. Even though they are both single parents, Declan gets praise for being a great dad, and Ruby it's just expected of her with no recognition.
Because they end up living next door to each other (which irritates Ruby) there adorable kids, Max and Susie, become best friends. When they end up living with each other, what could possibly go wrong?
I enjoyed how we got to see the parent child dynamic between each character and their child, and with extended family. I loved the back and forth banter, the family dynamics, the will they or wont they aspect of the story as well.
This was the first ARC I have received from Jami Rogers, and even though this was the 4th book in the series, I had no trouble with any backstory's.
Ruby is a single mother to a little boy, who she adores. Her new neighbor is someone she has known for years and just so happens to be friends with her brothers. She isn’t happy, but she offers him a place to stay, the extra money is great but the feelings that she also gets isn’t part of the bargain. Declan is a successful businessman and is returning to his hometown. He decides to push Ruby’s buttons but that just makes their chemistry spark that much brighter.
This was a great addition to this series, and I enjoyed this book. That being said, Ruby had moments when she was a bit annoying and I wanted to shake her. But at the same time, she was mature and we got to see her bond with her son and the relationship she built with Declan’s daughter. They took the time to build a foundation for their relationship, with their hearts wide open. I loved how they included the kids and the bond they all share which brings all of them closer together. This was a beautifully written sweet story about true love.
Received ARC from author and Grey’s Promotions for honest review. 5 stars
Ruby moved back to her hometown with her son Max and ended up being neighbors with Declan and his daughter, Susie. Ruby has always disliked Declan because she always came in second best to him when it came to anything in their small town, but Declan has no clue why Ruby cannot stand him. Regardless of their feelings for each other, their children, Max and Susie, become best friends and want to do everything together.
When something happens to Declan’s rental, they must move and the only option until their home is built is to move back to Chicago. After some convincing, Ruby begrudgingly agrees to let Declan and Susie move into the basement which is like a mini apartment.
While they try to keep their space from each other, it isn’t always possible because they both work from home and the kids want to spend every waking minute together.
Ruby and Declan slowly give into the banter and the close quarters and start to come together in the most beautiful way.
I loved Holding You by Jami Rogers and I cannot wait to read more by Jami in the future!
Holding You is another wonderful addition to Jami Rogers’ Asher Family series, which I’ve been following from the very beginning. This installment focuses on Ruby Asher, a single mum who maintains a healthy, supportive relationship with her son Max’s father, Colt. Ruby’s world intersects with Declan Young, also a single father to his daughter Susie and a close friend of Ruby’s three brothers.
I found Holding You to be extremely well-written, with characters who feel genuine and relatable. The storyline is heartfelt and romantic, and the chemistry between Ruby and Declan is both spicy and compelling. Their connection unfolds beautifully, making this book another standout in the series.
Overall, Holding You delivers everything I love about Jami Rogers’ writing—warmth, depth, and a romance you can truly feel. A lovely read for fans of the series and newcomers alike. I highly recommend this book to all.
A swoon worthy single parent romance! Ruby and Declan have a history from growing up in the same town and she isn’t a fan of him but he can’t figure out why. When he ultimately needs a place to live for a short time with his daughter, she offers her basement since her son Max and Susie are best friends. The connection is magnetic but she continues to resist while he’s determined they will at least be friends. When they take a trip to Vegas with their friends and family, the room situation doesn’t work out as planned and they have to share. Now sparks start to fly and the steam begins! They are both amazing single parents with strong love for their kids and also an incredible connection with each other. Love their dynamic and the inclusion of all the friends and family makes this story even more wonderful! It definitely pulls at your heart strings and leaves you rooting for them!
These books just keep getting better and better, and Holding You is hands down my favourite of the series. Single mom, single dad, forced proximity, and frenemies-to-lovers—honestly, how could I not be obsessed? Declan and Ruby completely stole my heart. I’ve been smitten with Declan since we first met him in the earlier books, so finally getting his story and watching his perfectly earned road to an HEA was everything I hoped for and more. This book is overflowing with love, heart, and emotion. Max and Susie are absolutely adorable as besties, and the kids add so much charm to the story—especially the hilarious moments involving the toys they discover in Ruby’s room. Laugh-out-loud goodness! The witty banter, the heartfelt moments, and the deep emotional journey make this a truly touching read. I’m completely obsessed with these characters and the Ashers, and I honestly can’t get enough of this series. 💛