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Ribbon Ridge #2
Yours to Hold
Years ago, golden-boy Kyle Archer left Ribbon Ridge without a word. Now, with heartbreak on the verge of tearing his family apart, the black sheep is back and he’s determined to earn their trust by uncovering the truth behind Alex’s death. But the moment he confronts Maggie Trent—the therapist his parents blame for the tragedy—Kyle is stunned by his powerful attraction to the beautiful doctor… and drawn to her like no woman he’s ever met before.
When gorgeous, charismatic Kyle approaches Maggie about his brother’s death, she agrees to help him search for answers. And as they piece together Alex’s last days, their undeniable chemistry turns too hot to ignore. After their relationship becomes more serious than either anticipated, Kyle may be forced to choose between the woman he’s desperate to hold on to and the family he almost let slip away.
When gorgeous, charismatic Kyle approaches Maggie about his brother’s death, she agrees to help him search for answers. And as they piece together Alex’s last days, their undeniable chemistry turns too hot to ignore. After their relationship becomes more serious than either anticipated, Kyle may be forced to choose between the woman he’s desperate to hold on to and the family he almost let slip away.
416 pages, ebook
First published March 24, 2015
54 people are currently reading
392 people want to read
About the author
Darcy Burke
206 books2,278 followersDarcy Burke is the USA Today Bestselling Author of sexy, emotional historical and contemporary romance. Darcy wrote her first book at age 11, a happily ever after about a swan addicted to magic and the female swan who loved him, with exceedingly poor illustrations. Join her Reader Club at http://www.darcyburke.com/readerclub.
A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, their two hilarious kids who seem to have inherited the writing gene, two Bengal cats and a third cat named after a fruit. In her “spare” time Darcy is a serial volunteer enrolled in a 12-step program where one learns to say “no,” but she keeps having to start over. Her happy places are Disneyland and Labor Day weekend at the Gorge.
A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, their two hilarious kids who seem to have inherited the writing gene, two Bengal cats and a third cat named after a fruit. In her “spare” time Darcy is a serial volunteer enrolled in a 12-step program where one learns to say “no,” but she keeps having to start over. Her happy places are Disneyland and Labor Day weekend at the Gorge.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
November 19, 2015
4.5 stars
Yours to Hold is, without a doubt, my favorite book of the series so far, and not just because I fell hard for Kyle and Maggie – which I did – but because I fell hard for Kyle and Maggie and the entire Archer family!!
Blurb…
Years ago, golden-boy Kyle Archer left Ribbon Ridge without a word. Now, with heartbreak on the verge of tearing his family apart, the black sheep is back and he’s determined to earn their trust by uncovering the truth behind Alex’s death. But the moment he confronts Maggie Trent—the therapist his parents blame for the tragedy—Kyle is stunned by his powerful attraction to the beautiful doctor… and drawn to her like no woman he’s ever met before.
When gorgeous, charismatic Kyle approaches Maggie about his brother’s death, she agrees to help him search for answers. And as they piece together Alex’s last days, their undeniable chemistry turns too hot to ignore. After their relationship becomes more serious than either anticipated, Kyle may be forced to choose between the woman he’s desperate to hold on to and the family he almost let slip away.
My thoughts…
In my review of the last book, Only In My Dreams, I lamented the fact that we didn’t learn much about Alex’s death which has been a dark shadow in the stories so far. In this book we've been given a lot more insight into his suicide, but while some questions were answered, more questions have arisen… and that, along with an amazing cast of characters, is what has me looking forward to what’s to come next.
The bottom line…
I’m a long time fan of small town Contemporary Romance and have enjoyed my time in Ribbon Ridge a lot. That said, Yours to Hold has propelled this series from charming and intriguing to poignant and compelling, and I loved every word of it, start to finish!
An ARC was generously provided by Avon Books, and to show my appreciation I’m giving them an honest review.
Yours to Hold is, without a doubt, my favorite book of the series so far, and not just because I fell hard for Kyle and Maggie – which I did – but because I fell hard for Kyle and Maggie and the entire Archer family!!
Blurb…
Years ago, golden-boy Kyle Archer left Ribbon Ridge without a word. Now, with heartbreak on the verge of tearing his family apart, the black sheep is back and he’s determined to earn their trust by uncovering the truth behind Alex’s death. But the moment he confronts Maggie Trent—the therapist his parents blame for the tragedy—Kyle is stunned by his powerful attraction to the beautiful doctor… and drawn to her like no woman he’s ever met before.
When gorgeous, charismatic Kyle approaches Maggie about his brother’s death, she agrees to help him search for answers. And as they piece together Alex’s last days, their undeniable chemistry turns too hot to ignore. After their relationship becomes more serious than either anticipated, Kyle may be forced to choose between the woman he’s desperate to hold on to and the family he almost let slip away.
My thoughts…
In my review of the last book, Only In My Dreams, I lamented the fact that we didn’t learn much about Alex’s death which has been a dark shadow in the stories so far. In this book we've been given a lot more insight into his suicide, but while some questions were answered, more questions have arisen… and that, along with an amazing cast of characters, is what has me looking forward to what’s to come next.
The bottom line…
I’m a long time fan of small town Contemporary Romance and have enjoyed my time in Ribbon Ridge a lot. That said, Yours to Hold has propelled this series from charming and intriguing to poignant and compelling, and I loved every word of it, start to finish!
An ARC was generously provided by Avon Books, and to show my appreciation I’m giving them an honest review.
April 23, 2025
Enjoyed audiobook #1 more than this although this one was a good listen.
July 6, 2015
This is by far my favorite addition to the Ribbon Ridge series, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Kyle and Maggie's story. Their story grabbed my attention right from the start, and kept me up reading until the wee hours of the morning, because the suspense was killing me and I had to know what was going to happen!
Kyle returns home to Ribbon Ridge, after a four year hiatus, in an attempt to reclaim his spot in the family and also try to re-earn the respect that was long ago lost because of his poor choices. Which proves to be quite a challenge for him, but while on his mission to redeem himself, he sets out to find out more about his brother's death, and seeks the help of his brother's therapist, Maggie. With each of their encounter's he begins to let go of the anger he once had for her, and replaces it with a deep desire to know more about her, so he turns on his playboy charm in hopes of winning her over. Which doesn't go according to plan for him, because she is a wounded and very guarded soul who has no desire to fall in love or have anything to do with the likes of Kyle. The chemistry between these two is like a slow burning flame, and the longer it smolders the hotter it gets, which in turn, makes for some REALLY intense and steamy scenes that will leave you blushing!
This series has been truly been a literary treat for me to read, and I cannot wait to see what Ms. Burke has in store for the Archer Family next!
Kyle returns home to Ribbon Ridge, after a four year hiatus, in an attempt to reclaim his spot in the family and also try to re-earn the respect that was long ago lost because of his poor choices. Which proves to be quite a challenge for him, but while on his mission to redeem himself, he sets out to find out more about his brother's death, and seeks the help of his brother's therapist, Maggie. With each of their encounter's he begins to let go of the anger he once had for her, and replaces it with a deep desire to know more about her, so he turns on his playboy charm in hopes of winning her over. Which doesn't go according to plan for him, because she is a wounded and very guarded soul who has no desire to fall in love or have anything to do with the likes of Kyle. The chemistry between these two is like a slow burning flame, and the longer it smolders the hotter it gets, which in turn, makes for some REALLY intense and steamy scenes that will leave you blushing!
This series has been truly been a literary treat for me to read, and I cannot wait to see what Ms. Burke has in store for the Archer Family next!
March 9, 2015
Yours to Hold is a perfect companion to Only in My Dreams. I received an ARC of this story for an honest review. Yours to Hold by Darcy Burke draws in a family that has been touched by tragedy and is falling apart. This book continues to show the effect the tragic death of a loved one can have on a family. In this book Kyle returns home to help carry out his brother's dying wish. He also has an ulterior motive. Kyle wants answers. Why is his brother dead? What could have been done to prevent this tragedy? He seeks out Maggie Trent, a therapist who had treated his brother. The Archer family blames her. Together Kyle and Maggie start a journey. As they delve into the days before the suicide for answers-they start to fall in love. The premise of this series intrigues me. Can a dead loved one really unite a family that had been breaking apart piece by piece for years? THIS SERIES IS PROVING TO BE A REAL MUST READ.
April 1, 2015
4.25 stars-
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 24, 2015
Years ago, golden-boy Kyle Archer left Ribbon Ridge without a word. Now, with heartbreak on the verge of tearing his family apart, the black sheep is back and he’s determined to earn their trust by uncovering the truth behind Alex’s death. But the moment he confronts Maggie Trent—the therapist his parents blame for the tragedy—Kyle is stunned by his powerful attraction to the beautiful doctor… and drawn to her like no woman he’s ever met before.
When gorgeous, charismatic Kyle approaches Maggie about his brother’s death, she agrees to help him search for answers. And as they piece together Alex’s last days, their undeniable chemistry turns too hot to ignore. After their relationship becomes more serious than either anticipated, Kyle may be forced to choose between the woman he’s desperate to hold on to and the family he almost let slip away.
~~~
NOTE: If you have NOT read the previously two storylines, there may be some spoilers.
REVIEW: 4.25 stars--YOURS TO HOLD is the second full length installment in Darcy Burke’s contemporary adult Ribbon Ridge romance series focusing on the Archer family sextuplets (Evan, Sara, Alex, Tori, Kyle & Liam) of Ribbon Ridge and their younger brother Hayden. This is chef and Archer family black sheep Kyle Archer, and therapist Maggie Trent’s storyline. The Archer family owns several successful breweries and pubs, and most of the siblings play a role in the daily business operations. YOURS TO HOLD takes place a few months after the events of books 1-Only in My Dreams-as the family begins preparations for Derek and Chloe’s wedding and rebuilding the old Monastery left to the siblings in Alex’s will. Derek is the Archer family’s ‘adopted’ son. The series should be read in order as each timeline follows on the events of the previous book.
Told from alternating third person perspectives, the storyline follows Kyle’s investigation into his brother Alex’s suicide and the first person he is going to confront is Alex’s therapist Maggie Trent. Maggie closed up practice and moved out of town within days of Alex’s death, and Kyle is determined to place blame directly on Maggie’s lap. What ensues is a building relationship between Kyle and Maggie as they begin a search for the person responsible for supplying Alex with a means to end his life. But Kyle has a secret of his own; one that has caused a major tear in the family and sent Kyle in search of a new start in life. After a four year absence Kyle’s returns comes with accusations and family tension, and yet he is still unwilling to reveal the truth behind the reason he left.
The relationship between Kyle and Maggie begins acrimoniously as Kyle is determined to blame Maggie and find fault with her therapy methods. His need to uncover the truth behind his brother’s death finds our hero at continuous odds with both Maggie and his family. As their relationship turns sexual, Kyle is reluctant to reveal her true identity to the family knowing that her presence in their lives will only cause more heartache and blame. The $ex scenes are seductive, provocative and emotional; Maggie is caught between professional ethics and a relationship with Kyle Archer.
The entire Archer family is present as they prepare for the upcoming nuptials of Derek and Chloe, although family matriarch Emily Archer remains in France with her youngest child Hayden. The family dynamics are stressful and heartbreaking; there are a number of emotional, physical and mental issues the family continuously endures- most likely due to the early birth of the sextuplets. In this, there is plenty of anxiety and problematic scenarios addressed throughout the series. The Archer’s are a once close-knit family whose secrets are slowly revealing-one child at a time.
YOURS TO HOLD is an emotional storyline. Before his death, Alex Archer wrote a letter to each family member, in the hopes that lessons learned will begin to heal their broken hearts. Kyle received his letter following his admission and reconciliation with his father. Each letter is heartbreaking, tear inducing and painfully honest; there is an intimacy between siblings in death that was never there in life.
Darcy Burke will astonish you with her remarkable and realistic look at the dysfunctional family dynamics of the Archers of Ribbon Ridge. There are moments of incredible family love and support followed by accusations, jealousy and intense pain. The RIBBON RIDGE series is passionate and addicting; Darcy Burke will pull you into a world of emotional highs and lows. You will want to return to Ribbon Ridge again and again.
www.thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 24, 2015
Years ago, golden-boy Kyle Archer left Ribbon Ridge without a word. Now, with heartbreak on the verge of tearing his family apart, the black sheep is back and he’s determined to earn their trust by uncovering the truth behind Alex’s death. But the moment he confronts Maggie Trent—the therapist his parents blame for the tragedy—Kyle is stunned by his powerful attraction to the beautiful doctor… and drawn to her like no woman he’s ever met before.
When gorgeous, charismatic Kyle approaches Maggie about his brother’s death, she agrees to help him search for answers. And as they piece together Alex’s last days, their undeniable chemistry turns too hot to ignore. After their relationship becomes more serious than either anticipated, Kyle may be forced to choose between the woman he’s desperate to hold on to and the family he almost let slip away.
~~~
NOTE: If you have NOT read the previously two storylines, there may be some spoilers.
REVIEW: 4.25 stars--YOURS TO HOLD is the second full length installment in Darcy Burke’s contemporary adult Ribbon Ridge romance series focusing on the Archer family sextuplets (Evan, Sara, Alex, Tori, Kyle & Liam) of Ribbon Ridge and their younger brother Hayden. This is chef and Archer family black sheep Kyle Archer, and therapist Maggie Trent’s storyline. The Archer family owns several successful breweries and pubs, and most of the siblings play a role in the daily business operations. YOURS TO HOLD takes place a few months after the events of books 1-Only in My Dreams-as the family begins preparations for Derek and Chloe’s wedding and rebuilding the old Monastery left to the siblings in Alex’s will. Derek is the Archer family’s ‘adopted’ son. The series should be read in order as each timeline follows on the events of the previous book.
Told from alternating third person perspectives, the storyline follows Kyle’s investigation into his brother Alex’s suicide and the first person he is going to confront is Alex’s therapist Maggie Trent. Maggie closed up practice and moved out of town within days of Alex’s death, and Kyle is determined to place blame directly on Maggie’s lap. What ensues is a building relationship between Kyle and Maggie as they begin a search for the person responsible for supplying Alex with a means to end his life. But Kyle has a secret of his own; one that has caused a major tear in the family and sent Kyle in search of a new start in life. After a four year absence Kyle’s returns comes with accusations and family tension, and yet he is still unwilling to reveal the truth behind the reason he left.
The relationship between Kyle and Maggie begins acrimoniously as Kyle is determined to blame Maggie and find fault with her therapy methods. His need to uncover the truth behind his brother’s death finds our hero at continuous odds with both Maggie and his family. As their relationship turns sexual, Kyle is reluctant to reveal her true identity to the family knowing that her presence in their lives will only cause more heartache and blame. The $ex scenes are seductive, provocative and emotional; Maggie is caught between professional ethics and a relationship with Kyle Archer.
The entire Archer family is present as they prepare for the upcoming nuptials of Derek and Chloe, although family matriarch Emily Archer remains in France with her youngest child Hayden. The family dynamics are stressful and heartbreaking; there are a number of emotional, physical and mental issues the family continuously endures- most likely due to the early birth of the sextuplets. In this, there is plenty of anxiety and problematic scenarios addressed throughout the series. The Archer’s are a once close-knit family whose secrets are slowly revealing-one child at a time.
YOURS TO HOLD is an emotional storyline. Before his death, Alex Archer wrote a letter to each family member, in the hopes that lessons learned will begin to heal their broken hearts. Kyle received his letter following his admission and reconciliation with his father. Each letter is heartbreaking, tear inducing and painfully honest; there is an intimacy between siblings in death that was never there in life.
Darcy Burke will astonish you with her remarkable and realistic look at the dysfunctional family dynamics of the Archers of Ribbon Ridge. There are moments of incredible family love and support followed by accusations, jealousy and intense pain. The RIBBON RIDGE series is passionate and addicting; Darcy Burke will pull you into a world of emotional highs and lows. You will want to return to Ribbon Ridge again and again.
www.thereadingcafe.com
September 13, 2015
A very enjoyable read! I am loving this Archer family and Kyle's story was intriguing. Now that he is back home he is determined to find out who gave Alex the drugs he used in his suicide. He wants to dislike Alex's therapist, Maggie Trent, but that seems impossible. She's nothing like he expected and finds himself inexplicably drawn to her. Getting close to her and talking things through with her has given him the confidence to talk to his family about his problems and exactly what sent him running from Ribbon Ridge in the first place.
I definitely recommend this one and can't wait to read the next in the series.
I definitely recommend this one and can't wait to read the next in the series.
February 22, 2015
I liked this one a lot more than the first one in this series. Kyle and Maggie seemed to be much more relatable than Sara and Dylan were. Their problems were serious, but they didn't take over the entire story.
There's still a lot going on character wise, but I think I'm getting it under control. I liked seeing Sara and Dylan again and how the rest of the family stories progressed. The opening for the next book sounds interesting; I can't wait to see what's next.
**Huge thanks to Avon Impulse and Edelweiss for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review**
There's still a lot going on character wise, but I think I'm getting it under control. I liked seeing Sara and Dylan again and how the rest of the family stories progressed. The opening for the next book sounds interesting; I can't wait to see what's next.
**Huge thanks to Avon Impulse and Edelweiss for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review**
March 27, 2015
3.5 Stars
This was my first Darcy Burke book and as far as adult contemporary romance goes, I liked it. The issues surrounding Kyle's departure and return were unique and interesting. I did struggle a bit to keep track of all the secondary characters, but overall, an enjoyable story.
This was my first Darcy Burke book and as far as adult contemporary romance goes, I liked it. The issues surrounding Kyle's departure and return were unique and interesting. I did struggle a bit to keep track of all the secondary characters, but overall, an enjoyable story.
May 22, 2017
This was a nice read although it starts out rather slow and doesn't really pick up speed until Kyle and Maggie become lovers. Kyle, the black sheep of the Archer family because of his gambling addiction (which only his father and former best friend Derek know about) and the fact he's he only one of the kids who didn't finish college, comes home to fulfill Alex's last request and earn back the family's approval and trust. To do this he sets out to discover who provided brother Alex with the the drugs he used to commit suicide. In that effort he enlists our heroine Maggie Trent, Alex's therapist. The Archers are extremely upset with Maggie thinking she blew it by not knowing Alex had suicidal leanings. Unbeknownst to them Maggie had already heaped so much guilt upon herself for Alex's death that she was unable to work for nearly six months and had to move and join another practice elsewhere. The unlikely duo has immediate chemistry which eventually turns them into lovers. But the odds are stacked against these two. Kyle has his gambling addiction as well as a desperate need for approval from his father and family which aren't likely to approve of his relationship with Maggie. Maggie has even more issues, with her parents, her ex and her chosen profession as she has serious trouble maintaining professional distance from her patients and not taking her work home with her. These is a romance novel so of course in the end love conquers all.
January 2, 2022
Yikes. There are so many issues with this book. I hate the way Maggie is written. There is this shame that she has over being a therapist who is in therapy herself, when in reality all the therapists I personally know in my life are also in therapy themselves, because therapy isn't just for people dealing with debilitating mental health issues, as this book would suggest. I also didn't like that there are so many lines crossed between Kyle and Maggie. They are in an intimate relationship but there are so many scenes where their relationship seems much more doctor/patient. The dynamic between them just never felt okay to me. Also, I don't understand why she ever agreed to help him in the first place with the way he treated her when they first met. And their physical relationship happens so fast. I would be very interested in reading a review from someone who has a therapy background because it's possible I'm just being too sensitive here, but so much of the story surrounding her career really rubbed me the wrong way.
I do think this series does some interesting things, but there are so many story threads that are introduced that don't get real resolution. Also, it feels very repetitive, especially since I just read the first book yesterday. Not sure I'll keep going in the series at this point, although looking ahead there are some of my favorite tropes in some of the future installments.
I do think this series does some interesting things, but there are so many story threads that are introduced that don't get real resolution. Also, it feels very repetitive, especially since I just read the first book yesterday. Not sure I'll keep going in the series at this point, although looking ahead there are some of my favorite tropes in some of the future installments.
September 14, 2019
"Yours To Hold" Is the 2nd Book on the Ribbon Ridge Series. This Book is truly Wonderful. I had a hard time putting this Book down. A page Turner for sure.
Kyle a member of The Archer Family of 7 children who all are mourning the death of their Brother Alex's death. He left 4 years ago to Florida because of his gambling addiction & returns home but is hiding the truth about why he is back from his Family. He is now trying to find out who gave his Brother Alex the drugs he took to kill himself.
Kyle is mad & goes to the 1 person his Family blames for Alex's death, Maggie Trent Alex's Therapist.
Maggie Trent a Therapist who doesn't give out prescription medications out to her patients & feels guilty about Alex's death.
After a few bad attempts to talk to Maggie, Kyle finally gets Maggie's attention & together they embark on a Journey to find the person who gave Alex the drugs.
On their Journey they struggle with falling for each other.
Will the Archer Family forgive Maggie for Alex's death? Will Kyle & Maggie be able to have a relationship without Kyle's Family casting him away from them?
I am embarking on to the next Book in this Series "When Love Happens" 😉
Kyle a member of The Archer Family of 7 children who all are mourning the death of their Brother Alex's death. He left 4 years ago to Florida because of his gambling addiction & returns home but is hiding the truth about why he is back from his Family. He is now trying to find out who gave his Brother Alex the drugs he took to kill himself.
Kyle is mad & goes to the 1 person his Family blames for Alex's death, Maggie Trent Alex's Therapist.
Maggie Trent a Therapist who doesn't give out prescription medications out to her patients & feels guilty about Alex's death.
After a few bad attempts to talk to Maggie, Kyle finally gets Maggie's attention & together they embark on a Journey to find the person who gave Alex the drugs.
On their Journey they struggle with falling for each other.
Will the Archer Family forgive Maggie for Alex's death? Will Kyle & Maggie be able to have a relationship without Kyle's Family casting him away from them?
I am embarking on to the next Book in this Series "When Love Happens" 😉
September 9, 2020
Kyle left home because he's a secret gambling addict and was too ashamed to admit it to his family. His dad became the executor for his trust fund and Kyle fled home in shame. While gone, he gets his life together until Alex commits suicide.
He returns home and in an effort to earn his dad's approval and pride, he confronts Alex's therapist and decides he must figure out who sold Alex the pills he used to kill himself. But he didn't expect to be so attracted to Maggie, the vulnerable therapist.
Maggie can barely offer counseling after losing Alex and is realizing maybe she's in the wrong profession. Helping Kyle overcome his addiction and helping his family find some peace by identifying the source of the pills offers her some solace. She takes charge of her life again.
But Kyle has to come clean to his family about who Maggie is. The therapist who failed their family by not seeing the signs of impending suicide.
I really like reading about the Archer family and how they struggle in their own ways but pull together as a family.
He returns home and in an effort to earn his dad's approval and pride, he confronts Alex's therapist and decides he must figure out who sold Alex the pills he used to kill himself. But he didn't expect to be so attracted to Maggie, the vulnerable therapist.
Maggie can barely offer counseling after losing Alex and is realizing maybe she's in the wrong profession. Helping Kyle overcome his addiction and helping his family find some peace by identifying the source of the pills offers her some solace. She takes charge of her life again.
But Kyle has to come clean to his family about who Maggie is. The therapist who failed their family by not seeing the signs of impending suicide.
I really like reading about the Archer family and how they struggle in their own ways but pull together as a family.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2017
Read it in 24 hours!!!!! Great. I was completely immersed in this book from beginning to end.
Spoiler:
The only problem I had with it was the last chapter (epilogue) wrapped up things a bit too neatly. Would've been more believable if Maggie hadn't been so easily accepted by everyone in the family. Since there's a sequel, this could've been explored further in next book. Or Epilogue could've been set as a few months down the line rather than the next day (everyone loves her by the next day?)... then it would've made more sense. Also the way Kyle was explaining everything to everyone in that chapter didn't seem like the same "voice" of Kyle as throughout the rest of the book.
Spoiler:
The only problem I had with it was the last chapter (epilogue) wrapped up things a bit too neatly. Would've been more believable if Maggie hadn't been so easily accepted by everyone in the family. Since there's a sequel, this could've been explored further in next book. Or Epilogue could've been set as a few months down the line rather than the next day (everyone loves her by the next day?)... then it would've made more sense. Also the way Kyle was explaining everything to everyone in that chapter didn't seem like the same "voice" of Kyle as throughout the rest of the book.
December 29, 2018
I'm enjoying the characters and plot of this series, but this particular novel wasn't the easiest to read. Kyle and Magnolia are perfect for each other, and I called it from the beginning that his brother Alex was match making from the great beyond. Having read through series writing before and throughly enjoying it, I cannot say that I am into this series just yet.
April 23, 2021
Awesome!
I’m in love with the Ribbon Ridge series. The reader quickly gets invested in lives of the family and those close to them. The issues of mental health and addiction are realistically portrayed. The author makes these people all come to life vividly and you the reader feel a part of the family with all the good, bad, love and angst that comes with it.
I’m in love with the Ribbon Ridge series. The reader quickly gets invested in lives of the family and those close to them. The issues of mental health and addiction are realistically portrayed. The author makes these people all come to life vividly and you the reader feel a part of the family with all the good, bad, love and angst that comes with it.
May 22, 2018
First actual book I’ve read in a while. I discovered Darcy’s Facebook page and group from an email/mailing list. I then asked my library to order her books. I had high expectations but I really enjoy her characters! I can’t wait to read more Darcy Burke books!
July 9, 2018
Fun summer read! Can't wait to keep reading this series!
May 13, 2024
Really a good book to listen to how being together helped everyone deal a little better with the death of the brother.
September 3, 2025
Wow, I loved this book! So intense, so real. No sugar coating to make it all happy, just the raw emotions with addiction, depression and therapy.
March 15, 2015
Yours to Hold, the 2nd book in the Ribbon Ridge story, continues delving into the lives of the Archer family. We are introduced to Kyle in a previous book, but in Yours to Hold, the author provides us a deep look into the demons that Kyle has been fighting, long before Alex's death. Kyle's demons have a tight hold on Kyle, and he continues to fight them, even as he returns home. We see Kyle begin to heal through his relationship with Maggie, and she helps him to heal his relationships with other members of his family. These relationships are important to Kyle and while his shame kept him away from them, his deeply held love for his family is what ultimately drove him to see how their actions reflected their love for him. He eventually found himself worthy of that love. In getting to know Kyle in this story, the reader also gets possibly the deepest look into the lives and emotions of the entire Archer family. The author writes an emotionally-deep, heart-wrenching story of a son estranged from his family, and how love for Maggie also returns him to the love of his family.
We meet Maggie as Alex's former therapist. She is like no therapist I've known or heard of. Maggie is as much a mental mess as the patients she is treating. She has internalized her guilt over Alex's death and has not been able to move forward. She continues to take her patient's emotions on herself and, perhaps because of Alex's death, can't separate herself from her patients. She also has violence, or the threat of violence, in her past and that also jades her perspective and reactions to her patients, and to Kyle as she gets to know them. I would say the best way to describe Maggie is that she is a "hot mess."
Maggie's parents are a riot, but they love her deeply. She may not be able to deal with their choice of lifestyle but its clear they live by their convictions and they love Maggie with their whole heart. Ultimately, Maggie realizes that while her "convictions" may be different than her parents, living by those convictions is the easiest way to a happy life. I was happy to see that she finally came to the conclusion of where her life should lead.
Yours to Hold is a book about love, grief, guilt, and healing. Maggie and Kyle help each other to heal, and each helps bring the other closer together with their respective families. This healing helps Maggie find her ultimate "happily ever after", both in life and in love. It also guides Kyle to a reunion with his estranged family and a recognition of what how family love and romantic love, can really help a person feel truly complete in life.
Disclosure: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
We meet Maggie as Alex's former therapist. She is like no therapist I've known or heard of. Maggie is as much a mental mess as the patients she is treating. She has internalized her guilt over Alex's death and has not been able to move forward. She continues to take her patient's emotions on herself and, perhaps because of Alex's death, can't separate herself from her patients. She also has violence, or the threat of violence, in her past and that also jades her perspective and reactions to her patients, and to Kyle as she gets to know them. I would say the best way to describe Maggie is that she is a "hot mess."
Maggie's parents are a riot, but they love her deeply. She may not be able to deal with their choice of lifestyle but its clear they live by their convictions and they love Maggie with their whole heart. Ultimately, Maggie realizes that while her "convictions" may be different than her parents, living by those convictions is the easiest way to a happy life. I was happy to see that she finally came to the conclusion of where her life should lead.
Yours to Hold is a book about love, grief, guilt, and healing. Maggie and Kyle help each other to heal, and each helps bring the other closer together with their respective families. This healing helps Maggie find her ultimate "happily ever after", both in life and in love. It also guides Kyle to a reunion with his estranged family and a recognition of what how family love and romantic love, can really help a person feel truly complete in life.
Disclosure: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 25, 2015
Kyle Archer is the Archer who left without telling anyone. Now his family and his best friend are all pretty unhappy with him. Some because they know why he left, and others, because they do not. He can only think of one way to earn back their respect and trust, to find out the truth behind his brother's suicide. To do this, he must "engage the enemy" so to speak. His brother's therapist seems like the best place to start, but he does not count on actually liking the woman. As a matter of fact, he hates her. He holds her accountable for Alex's death. She is the one person who was supposed to stop things like that from happening and she failed, miserably.
Magnolia Trent feels exactly the same way Kyle does. She is a failure. She never saw this coming. She is tied up and twisted emotionally and needs her own therapist. Her childhood was not the ideal childhood, to say the least. A failed relationship has also made her very skittish around men. She would rather just avoid it all together. Too bad her mother won't let it be.
These two damaged people find that they are drawn to each other like a moth to a flame and that flame is pretty hot. But it can not possibly go anywhere so Maggie decides to just have some fun while it lasts. There is no way the Archer family would ever accept her. Not the therapist who let their son kill himself.
The closer Kyle and Maggie get to finding the person who helped Alex, the closer they get to each other. Kyle realizes that he has feelings for Maggie and that she is the only person he can go to when things get really bad for him. But does she have feelings for him? She has enough issues without having to deal with his family and he has enough issues with his family that are just starting to get worked out, is this the right time to add another very big issue?
You will have to read the book to find out what happens! And who is responsible for helping Alex. Will the family accept Maggie or will Kyle call it off?
I love this series!! I don't read many contemporary romance novels, but this series has captured my attention and the family it surrounds is one that anyone would love to be in, I think. Darcy Burke knows how to pull the heartstrings! The characters are very well written and the situations they find themselves in are current and completely believable! Reading this book after Ribbon Ridge 0.5 and 1 I feel like I know these people! And I want more!
I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!
*I received an ARC copy for my honest review*
Magnolia Trent feels exactly the same way Kyle does. She is a failure. She never saw this coming. She is tied up and twisted emotionally and needs her own therapist. Her childhood was not the ideal childhood, to say the least. A failed relationship has also made her very skittish around men. She would rather just avoid it all together. Too bad her mother won't let it be.
These two damaged people find that they are drawn to each other like a moth to a flame and that flame is pretty hot. But it can not possibly go anywhere so Maggie decides to just have some fun while it lasts. There is no way the Archer family would ever accept her. Not the therapist who let their son kill himself.
The closer Kyle and Maggie get to finding the person who helped Alex, the closer they get to each other. Kyle realizes that he has feelings for Maggie and that she is the only person he can go to when things get really bad for him. But does she have feelings for him? She has enough issues without having to deal with his family and he has enough issues with his family that are just starting to get worked out, is this the right time to add another very big issue?
You will have to read the book to find out what happens! And who is responsible for helping Alex. Will the family accept Maggie or will Kyle call it off?
I love this series!! I don't read many contemporary romance novels, but this series has captured my attention and the family it surrounds is one that anyone would love to be in, I think. Darcy Burke knows how to pull the heartstrings! The characters are very well written and the situations they find themselves in are current and completely believable! Reading this book after Ribbon Ridge 0.5 and 1 I feel like I know these people! And I want more!
I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!
*I received an ARC copy for my honest review*
July 20, 2015
Originally posted at http://kimheniadis.com
Another great book in The Ribbon Ridge series. Darcy Burke continues to expand the town, adding new characters that wonderfully add to the story.
You don’t need to read this series in order, but I highly suggest that you do. While Burke explains the backstory well enough, reading the previous books will only enhance the pleasure you receive as you get to know the Archer family more.
In this book, Kyle Archer, the black sheep of the family, comes home after deciding his need to find out who supplied the drugs for his brother to commit suicide, is more important than his desire to keep his past a secret.
Kyle approaches his brother’s therapist, Maggie, as a possible suspect, but she is as distraught over over Alex’s death as Kyle. Maggie reluctantly agrees to help Kyle. They quickly realize that there is a spark between them, but they both have so much baggage. Add to that Alex’s death, and they feel as if it is impossible for them to continue a relationship.
You’ll need to read the book to see just how their relationship ends up!
What I love about Burke’s writing is how she incorporates issues that can be difficult to talk about into her novels. Various health issues including suicide and asperger’s, as well as addiction. To be able to take a romance story, and have the reader learn about issues that may be affecting their loved ones, neighbors, or even themselves, is very cool.
The other thing I really enjoy about the Ribbon Ridge series is the way the Archer’s significant others not only become part of the family, but their areas of expertise are incorporated into the Archer’s family business. The world of Ribbon Ridge keeps growing, and I’m excited to see where the story goes.
Another great book in The Ribbon Ridge series. Darcy Burke continues to expand the town, adding new characters that wonderfully add to the story.
You don’t need to read this series in order, but I highly suggest that you do. While Burke explains the backstory well enough, reading the previous books will only enhance the pleasure you receive as you get to know the Archer family more.
In this book, Kyle Archer, the black sheep of the family, comes home after deciding his need to find out who supplied the drugs for his brother to commit suicide, is more important than his desire to keep his past a secret.
Kyle approaches his brother’s therapist, Maggie, as a possible suspect, but she is as distraught over over Alex’s death as Kyle. Maggie reluctantly agrees to help Kyle. They quickly realize that there is a spark between them, but they both have so much baggage. Add to that Alex’s death, and they feel as if it is impossible for them to continue a relationship.
You’ll need to read the book to see just how their relationship ends up!
What I love about Burke’s writing is how she incorporates issues that can be difficult to talk about into her novels. Various health issues including suicide and asperger’s, as well as addiction. To be able to take a romance story, and have the reader learn about issues that may be affecting their loved ones, neighbors, or even themselves, is very cool.
The other thing I really enjoy about the Ribbon Ridge series is the way the Archer’s significant others not only become part of the family, but their areas of expertise are incorporated into the Archer’s family business. The world of Ribbon Ridge keeps growing, and I’m excited to see where the story goes.
March 24, 2015
Yours to Hold the second book in the Ribbon Ridge Series finds the family still struggling with the death of their beloved Alex and mourning him by making his last wishes come true.
The prodigal son Kyle has returned and along with him all of the unanswered questions that the family is still asking. He doesn't want to have to tell his family how bad he messed up and what caused him to leave or the tailspin that Alex's death sent him in after he went back to Florida.
Kyle does know that he wants answers and he believes that the best and most likely place to get them is from Alex's therapist Maggie Trent, but there was no possible way that he could have expected the attraction that he felt for her.
Maggie hasn't been the same since Alex's death. She keeps telling herself that she wasn't responsible, but how is she supposed to get past the grief when she is carrying so much guilt around. Did she ask the right questions? What could she have done better? or different? Now on a daily basis she questions everything she did or said. Was she doing a good job? or maybe she was supposed to be doing another job.
Meeting Kyle just made her have to face her grief and answer the many questions she had, but nowhere in the scheme of things did that include falling in love with him.
I'm loving this series. Darcy Burke writes stories about broken and flawed characters that suffer and deal with difficult and tragic life experiences. She makes you root for their HEA.
I was given an ARC for an honest review. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
The prodigal son Kyle has returned and along with him all of the unanswered questions that the family is still asking. He doesn't want to have to tell his family how bad he messed up and what caused him to leave or the tailspin that Alex's death sent him in after he went back to Florida.
Kyle does know that he wants answers and he believes that the best and most likely place to get them is from Alex's therapist Maggie Trent, but there was no possible way that he could have expected the attraction that he felt for her.
Maggie hasn't been the same since Alex's death. She keeps telling herself that she wasn't responsible, but how is she supposed to get past the grief when she is carrying so much guilt around. Did she ask the right questions? What could she have done better? or different? Now on a daily basis she questions everything she did or said. Was she doing a good job? or maybe she was supposed to be doing another job.
Meeting Kyle just made her have to face her grief and answer the many questions she had, but nowhere in the scheme of things did that include falling in love with him.
I'm loving this series. Darcy Burke writes stories about broken and flawed characters that suffer and deal with difficult and tragic life experiences. She makes you root for their HEA.
I was given an ARC for an honest review. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
February 7, 2017
I hope you have already read the first book with me.
In this book we learn what made Kyle leave for years. We, also got a few more secrets out-of-the-way involving Alex. Some questions were answered but, toward the end of the book more questions arose for me and I am looking to get to the bottom of them. I am glad the next book will hopefully answer some of them since they are about the person the book is about.
Kyle wanted to blame who ever he could about Alex but, when he went to he one person that was supposed to be helping him to get answers he never knew that he would be attracted to her. he agreed to help him find answers and along that journey they found themselves. She helped Kyle fight demons that he had been battling and he helped her fight some too.
I don't want to give too much away because I like for you to find these things out for yourself and not have them told to you.
Maggie also comes to terms with her job and what she should do.
I know I am not giving a lot away but I really do think you should read this series. You will have more questions at the end of each book about someone who is not the main character but I am sure they will get answered in the book they are supposed to. So go and get your copy today and join me on watching these siblings fight their battles and find love.
Thanks for reading my review.
Until Next Time: Happy Reading.
In this book we learn what made Kyle leave for years. We, also got a few more secrets out-of-the-way involving Alex. Some questions were answered but, toward the end of the book more questions arose for me and I am looking to get to the bottom of them. I am glad the next book will hopefully answer some of them since they are about the person the book is about.
Kyle wanted to blame who ever he could about Alex but, when he went to he one person that was supposed to be helping him to get answers he never knew that he would be attracted to her. he agreed to help him find answers and along that journey they found themselves. She helped Kyle fight demons that he had been battling and he helped her fight some too.
I don't want to give too much away because I like for you to find these things out for yourself and not have them told to you.
Maggie also comes to terms with her job and what she should do.
I know I am not giving a lot away but I really do think you should read this series. You will have more questions at the end of each book about someone who is not the main character but I am sure they will get answered in the book they are supposed to. So go and get your copy today and join me on watching these siblings fight their battles and find love.
Thanks for reading my review.
Until Next Time: Happy Reading.
March 25, 2015
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
WOW!!! Darcy Burke does it again!! Another MUST READ in the Ribbon Ridge Series!!! Darcy has such an amazing way of writing and she tells such amazing stories. Her books are full of twist and turns and surprises, they always keep me on my toes. The VERY BEST kind of book!!! I am so hooked into this series!! I just love and adore it. The Archer camaraderie is just something that I can NOT get enough of! I am ready for the next book!!
In Book 2 of the Ribbon Ridge series we get to know more about Kyle Archer. And boy am I glad. He's the bad boy of the family and a total hunk! We finally get to know what he has been hiding for all these years. Throw in a forbidden love and you have a TOTAL PAGE TURNER!! Maggie Trent is absolutely perfect for Kyle and it is so much fun getting to know these two!
If you have not started reading Darcy Burke's Ribbon Ridge series, you are TOTALLY missing out!!! I totally recommend this book to any romance reader out there. I am sure you will fall in love with the Archer's as much as I have! I hope this series lasts forever! <3 The Archer's are my all time favorite!
WOW!!! Darcy Burke does it again!! Another MUST READ in the Ribbon Ridge Series!!! Darcy has such an amazing way of writing and she tells such amazing stories. Her books are full of twist and turns and surprises, they always keep me on my toes. The VERY BEST kind of book!!! I am so hooked into this series!! I just love and adore it. The Archer camaraderie is just something that I can NOT get enough of! I am ready for the next book!!
In Book 2 of the Ribbon Ridge series we get to know more about Kyle Archer. And boy am I glad. He's the bad boy of the family and a total hunk! We finally get to know what he has been hiding for all these years. Throw in a forbidden love and you have a TOTAL PAGE TURNER!! Maggie Trent is absolutely perfect for Kyle and it is so much fun getting to know these two!
If you have not started reading Darcy Burke's Ribbon Ridge series, you are TOTALLY missing out!!! I totally recommend this book to any romance reader out there. I am sure you will fall in love with the Archer's as much as I have! I hope this series lasts forever! <3 The Archer's are my all time favorite!
December 24, 2015
The second installment of the Ribbon Ridge series came across as both realistic and not. It was interesting to see how the couples we had already been introduced to had progressed in their lives and with the project that had been left to them.
Kyle is a very relateable hero, one struggling to beat addiction. However, his methods to do so seemed destined to fail, especially since he winds up falling into the same pattern that got him into trouble in the first place.
Maggie came across as totally unrealistic! How could she keep being a therapist, when she herself was in therapy?! She also had a lot of unresolved issues with her parents and an ex that wound up stalking her that didn't feel resolved or even necessary by the end of the book.
Their relationship was one where one of them always ended up always propping up the other somehow, which was not exactly healthy. They did make attempts to resolve some of their issues, but the ending was too abrupt for complete resolution.
I did like how Kyle wound up coming clean about what drove him from Ribbon Ridge in the first place and how it helped to change his dynamic with his family and friends. All things considered, it was a good installment to the series, but one I'm not sure is realistic.
Kyle is a very relateable hero, one struggling to beat addiction. However, his methods to do so seemed destined to fail, especially since he winds up falling into the same pattern that got him into trouble in the first place.
Maggie came across as totally unrealistic! How could she keep being a therapist, when she herself was in therapy?! She also had a lot of unresolved issues with her parents and an ex that wound up stalking her that didn't feel resolved or even necessary by the end of the book.
Their relationship was one where one of them always ended up always propping up the other somehow, which was not exactly healthy. They did make attempts to resolve some of their issues, but the ending was too abrupt for complete resolution.
I did like how Kyle wound up coming clean about what drove him from Ribbon Ridge in the first place and how it helped to change his dynamic with his family and friends. All things considered, it was a good installment to the series, but one I'm not sure is realistic.
April 3, 2016
3.5 stars. This is the second book in the Ribbon Ridge series and while you don't have to read the first one to understand this one, it does help with backstory and knowing the characters a little better.
Kyle is back in town for good. No one believes he'll stick around, he's known for running when things get tough. Kyle has a plan to find out who supplied Alex with the drugs he used to kill himself and the first person he seeks out to help implement that plan is Alex's therapist, Maggie Trent. He doesn't like Maggie, has no respect for her, after all, she's a crappy therapist who didn't even know Alex was suicidal. Then he meets Maggie and things aren't really what he thought they were. No one is tougher on Maggie than herself. Alex's death hit her hard and she is having a rough time moving on in her life and in her practice. Eventually, Kyle and Maggie join forces to find out Alex's supplier. Will the answers tear them apart or pull them together. How will Kyle's family feel about their relationship? There are lots of obstacles to overcome, can they do it?
Yours to Hold takes you a little deeper into the lives of the Archer sextuplets. A fun read with intrigue, but not really a lot of drama, at least the drama doesn't go on forever.
Kyle is back in town for good. No one believes he'll stick around, he's known for running when things get tough. Kyle has a plan to find out who supplied Alex with the drugs he used to kill himself and the first person he seeks out to help implement that plan is Alex's therapist, Maggie Trent. He doesn't like Maggie, has no respect for her, after all, she's a crappy therapist who didn't even know Alex was suicidal. Then he meets Maggie and things aren't really what he thought they were. No one is tougher on Maggie than herself. Alex's death hit her hard and she is having a rough time moving on in her life and in her practice. Eventually, Kyle and Maggie join forces to find out Alex's supplier. Will the answers tear them apart or pull them together. How will Kyle's family feel about their relationship? There are lots of obstacles to overcome, can they do it?
Yours to Hold takes you a little deeper into the lives of the Archer sextuplets. A fun read with intrigue, but not really a lot of drama, at least the drama doesn't go on forever.
March 21, 2015
Oh Kyle Archer, the bad boy of the family. Now that he's back and staying, he wants to earn the respect back of the family. The only thing he can think of is finding out who gave Alex the drugs to kill himself with. On a mission he meets Alex's therapist to find answers, only she doesn't know and they both are attracted to each other. On the hunt to find answers they find they have a lot of great chemistry and are in this awkward relationship. They both are great for each other but with tension high as things unfold, can Kyle finally own up to his past and tell the truth. Not only about himself but Maggie, who not only did he first blame but the family still does. With a great deal about his addiction and Maggie's own internal struggles, this story helps touch base that life is not always easy especially when dealing with addiction. Darcy did an incredible job with this story and these characters! I so loved this story and the journey. I can't wait for more of the Archer family!
September 18, 2015
this book has so many story lines. the return of kyle; who killed alex; will kyle and derek ever become friends again? what's going mom & dad archer? addiction? depression? of course there's the anger, laughter and tears and boy, did i get hungry reading book!
as i've been dealing with depression for most of my life due to being a type 1 diabetic, i could certainly relate to what alex goes through. i've also thought about suicide when i can't stand it any more. unlike alex, i didn't hide it. i wish i had had a therapist like maggie in my life.
depression can also lead to addiction, just as addiction can lead to depression. meet kyle. As in Kyle's case, it's impossible to tell which came first.
when you get to the letter from alex to kyle make sure you have tissues. nearby. when you find out who helped alex that's when the anger appears. it's a well-deserved anger.
what will happen next in ribbon ridge? which sibling do we meet? stay tuned!
as i've been dealing with depression for most of my life due to being a type 1 diabetic, i could certainly relate to what alex goes through. i've also thought about suicide when i can't stand it any more. unlike alex, i didn't hide it. i wish i had had a therapist like maggie in my life.
depression can also lead to addiction, just as addiction can lead to depression. meet kyle. As in Kyle's case, it's impossible to tell which came first.
when you get to the letter from alex to kyle make sure you have tissues. nearby. when you find out who helped alex that's when the anger appears. it's a well-deserved anger.
what will happen next in ribbon ridge? which sibling do we meet? stay tuned!
April 2, 2015
*sigh*
Best book in the Ribbon Ridge series yet! Book drunk lady right here, folks.
Kyle Archer, 'The Family Disappointment' has returned to ribbon ridge following his brother Alex' suicide. He sets out to find the person involved in giving his brother a lethal combination of drugs, meanwhile facing the fact that despite following his own dreams, his family has viewed him as a failure. Maggie Trent, Alex's former therapist, is the first in Kyle's line of fire. A fiery first meeting turns into a relationship providing solace for two broken souls: In each other, they find the safe haven and refuge they both so desperately need.
My absolute favorite part of this book was seeing two very broken individuals recognize their hurt, and in turn, grow, heal and come together to form something beautiful out of enormous grief. So very well written, a fabulous story!
Best book in the Ribbon Ridge series yet! Book drunk lady right here, folks.
Kyle Archer, 'The Family Disappointment' has returned to ribbon ridge following his brother Alex' suicide. He sets out to find the person involved in giving his brother a lethal combination of drugs, meanwhile facing the fact that despite following his own dreams, his family has viewed him as a failure. Maggie Trent, Alex's former therapist, is the first in Kyle's line of fire. A fiery first meeting turns into a relationship providing solace for two broken souls: In each other, they find the safe haven and refuge they both so desperately need.
My absolute favorite part of this book was seeing two very broken individuals recognize their hurt, and in turn, grow, heal and come together to form something beautiful out of enormous grief. So very well written, a fabulous story!
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