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Hold
Will she be all in, or will they call her bluff in the continuing Why Choose adventures of a once-shy librarian?
Sheila's most recent adventure involved flirting with her dear friend, Derek, and they got up to some pretty naughty behavior in public. Now Derek's friend Alexander has invited the two of them to continue their evening–and their play–at his apartment for a rousing game of poker.
Sheila doesn’t know how to play poker, but she’s confident she’s going to win tonight, regardless of the outcome of the cards. The real question is exactly how far she wants to take things. She holds all the cards, but it's hard to overcome a lifetime of insecurities and bad hands.
Is this once-shy librarian ready to commit to a full house, or will she fold before things get that far?
Sheila's most recent adventure involved flirting with her dear friend, Derek, and they got up to some pretty naughty behavior in public. Now Derek's friend Alexander has invited the two of them to continue their evening–and their play–at his apartment for a rousing game of poker.
Sheila doesn’t know how to play poker, but she’s confident she’s going to win tonight, regardless of the outcome of the cards. The real question is exactly how far she wants to take things. She holds all the cards, but it's hard to overcome a lifetime of insecurities and bad hands.
Is this once-shy librarian ready to commit to a full house, or will she fold before things get that far?
116 pages, Unknown Binding
Published December 20, 2025
1 person is currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
Penny Heart
16 books86 followersI live in the southern US with my husband, kids, and a cat who rules the house. I spend way too much time on the computer, and only some of it is looking at cat videos, laughing at writing memes, or reading romance novels. You can find me online (way too much of the time) at https://linktr.ee/pennyheart
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 23, 2025
Will Sheila be all in, or will they call her bluff in the continuing Why Choose adventures of a once-shy librarian?
Sheila's most recent adventure involved flirting with her dear friend, Derek, and they got up to some pretty naughty behavior in public. Now Derek's friend Alexander has invited the two of them to continue their evening–and their play–at his apartment for a rousing game of poker.
Sheila doesn’t know how to play poker, but she’s confident she’s going to win tonight, regardless of the outcome of the cards. The real question is exactly how far she wants to take things. She holds all the cards, but it's hard to overcome a lifetime of insecurities and bad hands.
Is this once-shy librarian ready to commit to a full house, or will she fold before things get that far?
YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that are not suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first at all times.
Tropes: Erotic Romance, Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Librarian, MFM, Strip Poker, Insecurities, Full House,
Hold is book 4 in the Booked for Lust Series by Penny Heart.
I really enjoyed that we got the opportunity to see Shelia’s story continue in this book. And I enjoyed the recap at the start of this book.
I will have to say that there’s a lot of smut in this book and for me, that’s not an issue at all, I love smut, and there more smut the better. And I love the way that Shelia wants more and more and just wants to keep going. It’s like she’s not ever going to get enough. Not even when Alexander called her a b in heat.
Both Alexander and Derek also praised Shelia in a positive way as well. They cheer her on just the way she likes it; they keep going, they go hard, and it’s absolute. And of course, they ensured that Shelia got her after care in between intensely spicy and hot sessions.
This series began as Shelia setting out to discover her own kinks, her fantasies, and she’s always saying yes, liberating herself and finding her limits. Shelia, who does some very filthy and dirty things with her men, she finds that even though she is liberating herself s3xually she can’t actually have an adult conversation about s3x. She finds it awkward. Sadly, while she is trying to be open and liberated, if she can’t be open and have a conversation about s3x, she’s not really all that liberated or ready mentally.
I did find Shelia a little bit annoying when she would become whiny all because she wanted more. And then came the embarrassment for wanting it. I loved that Derek had the patience to encourage her and would explain to her that it was ok to feel things and that you could feel this way or that about things.
Of course there’s also the disfunction. All Shelia can think about is s3x and this includes as she returns to work, as she is looking at other men. Thinking, like an addict searching for their next fix, who she can pull away from their desk. Shelia is constantly searching for a physical connection in order to make herself feel like she’s wanted. This allows her to skip over working on her own insecurities or her past traumas.
I really appreciated that Hold, while really very spicy, it focused and emphasized the importance of consent and care that Shelia got from both Derek and Alexander.
With the cliffhanger that this book ends on I can’t wait for the next book and I can’t wait to see where Shelia, Derek and Alexander go from here.
Sheila's most recent adventure involved flirting with her dear friend, Derek, and they got up to some pretty naughty behavior in public. Now Derek's friend Alexander has invited the two of them to continue their evening–and their play–at his apartment for a rousing game of poker.
Sheila doesn’t know how to play poker, but she’s confident she’s going to win tonight, regardless of the outcome of the cards. The real question is exactly how far she wants to take things. She holds all the cards, but it's hard to overcome a lifetime of insecurities and bad hands.
Is this once-shy librarian ready to commit to a full house, or will she fold before things get that far?
YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that are not suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first at all times.
Tropes: Erotic Romance, Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Librarian, MFM, Strip Poker, Insecurities, Full House,
Hold is book 4 in the Booked for Lust Series by Penny Heart.
I really enjoyed that we got the opportunity to see Shelia’s story continue in this book. And I enjoyed the recap at the start of this book.
I will have to say that there’s a lot of smut in this book and for me, that’s not an issue at all, I love smut, and there more smut the better. And I love the way that Shelia wants more and more and just wants to keep going. It’s like she’s not ever going to get enough. Not even when Alexander called her a b in heat.
Both Alexander and Derek also praised Shelia in a positive way as well. They cheer her on just the way she likes it; they keep going, they go hard, and it’s absolute. And of course, they ensured that Shelia got her after care in between intensely spicy and hot sessions.
This series began as Shelia setting out to discover her own kinks, her fantasies, and she’s always saying yes, liberating herself and finding her limits. Shelia, who does some very filthy and dirty things with her men, she finds that even though she is liberating herself s3xually she can’t actually have an adult conversation about s3x. She finds it awkward. Sadly, while she is trying to be open and liberated, if she can’t be open and have a conversation about s3x, she’s not really all that liberated or ready mentally.
I did find Shelia a little bit annoying when she would become whiny all because she wanted more. And then came the embarrassment for wanting it. I loved that Derek had the patience to encourage her and would explain to her that it was ok to feel things and that you could feel this way or that about things.
Of course there’s also the disfunction. All Shelia can think about is s3x and this includes as she returns to work, as she is looking at other men. Thinking, like an addict searching for their next fix, who she can pull away from their desk. Shelia is constantly searching for a physical connection in order to make herself feel like she’s wanted. This allows her to skip over working on her own insecurities or her past traumas.
I really appreciated that Hold, while really very spicy, it focused and emphasized the importance of consent and care that Shelia got from both Derek and Alexander.
With the cliffhanger that this book ends on I can’t wait for the next book and I can’t wait to see where Shelia, Derek and Alexander go from here.
December 11, 2025
For some reason, the continuation of shy librarian Shelia going on her adventures, didn't quite make the cut. This book did pick up where the previous story ended, not to worry there's a recap before this book starts the next chapter. But tbh, there was soooo much smut, I'm not kidding, and very little plot. I got bored and exhausted with its non-stop OTT escapades. It's over and Shelia wants more. Again. And again. Keep going. Not done. More. Alexander even called her a b in heat.😬 Did they praise her in a positive way. Of course. Cheer her on that she likes it, keep going, go hard, absolutely. The word hot was used quite extensively between Derek and Alexander.😄 They did the after care but it was back on again.
What started as a series of a woman discovering her kinks, fantasties, always saying yes, liberating her limits has turned into something else. Shelia, who does filthy and dirty things with her men, can't even have an adult conversation about s3x with them. It's awkward. That's not someone liberated or ready mentally, is it? She even became whiny b/c she wanted more. Then there was embarrassment for wanting it. Derek had to encourage her and tell her how to feel about... things.🙄 There's disfunction. Shelia can't stop thinking about s3x even as she goes back to work, as she looks at other men. Wondering. Like a person looking for their next fix, or needing a drink, Shelia is looking for that physical connection to make herself feel wanted but without working on her insecurities or past hurts. Addiction. Maybe. I know it's a made-up story but that's the impression I'm getting over this situation. Especially with the ending that I knew was happening. How else will she function and ignore certain things? There's a cliffhanger.
If you like raunchy smut, less plot, this book might be for you. The book cover is nice. For me as a reader, I needed more plot. I'm sorry. Maybe the next book will have that. Happy reading.*•>§<•*🖤🖤🖤
🚩🚩Read the TWs. This book is intended for adults.🚩🚩
👷🏽👩🏼🏫🧑🔧Thank you to Ms Heart for an ARC. The opinions shared here are my own.🧑🔧👩🏼🏫👷🏽
What started as a series of a woman discovering her kinks, fantasties, always saying yes, liberating her limits has turned into something else. Shelia, who does filthy and dirty things with her men, can't even have an adult conversation about s3x with them. It's awkward. That's not someone liberated or ready mentally, is it? She even became whiny b/c she wanted more. Then there was embarrassment for wanting it. Derek had to encourage her and tell her how to feel about... things.🙄 There's disfunction. Shelia can't stop thinking about s3x even as she goes back to work, as she looks at other men. Wondering. Like a person looking for their next fix, or needing a drink, Shelia is looking for that physical connection to make herself feel wanted but without working on her insecurities or past hurts. Addiction. Maybe. I know it's a made-up story but that's the impression I'm getting over this situation. Especially with the ending that I knew was happening. How else will she function and ignore certain things? There's a cliffhanger.
If you like raunchy smut, less plot, this book might be for you. The book cover is nice. For me as a reader, I needed more plot. I'm sorry. Maybe the next book will have that. Happy reading.*•>§<•*🖤🖤🖤
🚩🚩Read the TWs. This book is intended for adults.🚩🚩
👷🏽👩🏼🏫🧑🔧Thank you to Ms Heart for an ARC. The opinions shared here are my own.🧑🔧👩🏼🏫👷🏽
January 6, 2026
In "Hold," Penny Heart delivers another irresistibly steamy and character-driven installment in Sheila's "Why Choose" adventure. This novella picks up with perfect momentum, as the once-shy librarian follows a flirtatious public encounter with Derek straight into a high-stakes, privately intimate poker game at his friend Alexander's apartment.
The real game here isn't cards, it's about trust, desire, and Sheila claiming her burgeoning confidence. Heart masterfully uses the poker night setting as a metaphor for Sheila's journey: she's learning the rules, deciding when to bet, and ultimately discovering that she does hold all the cards in her evolving relationships with these compelling men. The chemistry is electric, the consent is clear and sexy, and the progression of Sheila's character from hesitant to empowered is deeply satisfying. For fans of the series, it's a perfect next chapter; for new readers, it's a tantalizing introduction to a world where a woman's exploration of her own desires is always the winning hand.
The real game here isn't cards, it's about trust, desire, and Sheila claiming her burgeoning confidence. Heart masterfully uses the poker night setting as a metaphor for Sheila's journey: she's learning the rules, deciding when to bet, and ultimately discovering that she does hold all the cards in her evolving relationships with these compelling men. The chemistry is electric, the consent is clear and sexy, and the progression of Sheila's character from hesitant to empowered is deeply satisfying. For fans of the series, it's a perfect next chapter; for new readers, it's a tantalizing introduction to a world where a woman's exploration of her own desires is always the winning hand.
January 31, 2026
Hold is book four in the Booked for Lust series. Just like the other three books in this series, it does not disappoint at all! It turns up the tension as Sheila steps into a higher-stakes game, emotionally and otherwise. The dynamic between Sheila, Derek, and Alexander is charged with confidence, curiosity, and just enough vulnerability to keep things compelling.
What stands out most to me is Sheila’s internal struggle: wanting control while learning how to trust herself and others. The poker setup is a fun metaphor, and watching her test her limits makes this installment feel playful, sexy, and meaningful all at once.
A strong entry in the series that balances heat with character growth, Hold is perfect for readers who love Why Choose stories with confidence-building arcs and smart chemistry.♠️🔥
I cannot wait to see what Penny has in store next!
As always be mindful of any trigger warnings, what I like you may not.
Happy Reading!
What stands out most to me is Sheila’s internal struggle: wanting control while learning how to trust herself and others. The poker setup is a fun metaphor, and watching her test her limits makes this installment feel playful, sexy, and meaningful all at once.
A strong entry in the series that balances heat with character growth, Hold is perfect for readers who love Why Choose stories with confidence-building arcs and smart chemistry.♠️🔥
I cannot wait to see what Penny has in store next!
As always be mindful of any trigger warnings, what I like you may not.
Happy Reading!
December 20, 2025
Hold is the 4th book in the Booked for Lust series. This book is part of an interconnected standalone series. You can read all 4 or only read one but if you start with Browse I promise you won't stop before you get to Hold!
The series is about a once shy librarian who decides that shes tired of the way life is and decides to shake it up. Before she knows it there are more options then she knows what to do with but why should she have to choose.
Read along while Sheila experiences all life has to offer her! I promise you won't regret it.
The series is about a once shy librarian who decides that shes tired of the way life is and decides to shake it up. Before she knows it there are more options then she knows what to do with but why should she have to choose.
Read along while Sheila experiences all life has to offer her! I promise you won't regret it.
December 21, 2025
This is the 4th Book in the Booked for Lust Series. The books can be read out of order and have a handy recap at the beginning of each book, so you can pick up what you might have missed or need to know. The Librarian has been on an exploration with her friends with benefits. This book picks up where book 3 left off on the very same evening. When Shelia and her date, Derek, are invited to his friend Alexander's house, the action begins with drinks, but where will it end? This is, of course, a spicy and fun read. I enjoy this and other Penny Heart books and will continue to read her books.
December 22, 2025
I started reading this series with this book, even though is a standalone, I feel like the previous books are necessary to really get into the story. Casey is a girl opening into her sexuality and enjoying the things she likes without the relationships, but with Derek is not working as much as she thinks. Her adventures in this book are really spicy, but you can see the conflict with her emotions. I will start reading from book 1 until book 5 comes out, but in my heart, I really hope she ends up with someone to love.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Need a very spicy/ smutty story to get you out of your reading slump? You definitely need to read Hold, a short story about a librarian who finds her confidence and explores her sexuality with the different guys she goes on dates with. One of which becomes an “advanced friendship”. I will say even though Hold was very spicy, I appreciate the importance of consent and care that the male characters have for the FMC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely loved this one! So much spice and great characters. I want to go and read the first books. The prologue gave me a great rundown but I need all the details. I liked the story for Hold.
Sheila is in her head but also a very adventurous person. She is trying to go after what she wants. Derek and Alexander are assisted with taking Sheila to the next level. Their story was very spicy. What will happen moving forward?
Can’t wait for the next book!
Sheila is in her head but also a very adventurous person. She is trying to go after what she wants. Derek and Alexander are assisted with taking Sheila to the next level. Their story was very spicy. What will happen moving forward?
Can’t wait for the next book!
December 21, 2025
Hold is the fourth book in the Booked for Lust series. The author provides a clear recap at the beginning, so I never felt lost despite jumping in late.
It made me curious about the earlier books without feeling like I was missing anything. Overall, this was a fun, engaging read, and I’m glad I picked it up.
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
It made me curious about the earlier books without feeling like I was missing anything. Overall, this was a fun, engaging read, and I’m glad I picked it up.
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
December 11, 2025
OMG! This was hot!!! Sheila is enjoying her new found confidence in herself. She has the weekend of her life! Shes spreading… well… go read it to find out!
📗Librarian
📗 MFM
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
📖110 pages
📚Booked For Lust bk 4
📗Librarian
📗 MFM
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
📖110 pages
📚Booked For Lust bk 4
December 24, 2025
fast read. lots of heat.
This fourth book really brings the spice. Sheila’s explorations of being a strong independent woman in control of her body and how she plays with it rocket to space in this book!
This fourth book really brings the spice. Sheila’s explorations of being a strong independent woman in control of her body and how she plays with it rocket to space in this book!
December 25, 2025
One shy librarian she once was, bored off her life and needing some excitement. No dating , just loads of fun, fantasies and full on steamyness. I couldn't get enough of shelia and her men. It's action packed , fucking hot and delicious.
It's a must read series. Highly recommend.
It's a must read series. Highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another great library romance!!! Very Spicy!! If you haven’t read the first 3 books in the series, you should!! 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
January 4, 2026
I love that Ms. Heart gives readers a summary of the story and what has happened so far. If you have not read the previous books, no worries. Ms. Heart gets readers up to speed real quick. Sheila is still having a good time. She is finally on a date with Derek. Derek is the one that started it all. He has been a constant through all of Sheila's escapades. Now, they are finally able to spend time together. Derek took her to restaurant that is owned by his friend, Alexander's family. Alexander is ready to be tagged in if Sheila is ok with it. Sheila is still very new to all of this. She is very willing to explore. She doesn't know if she is ready for dealing with more than one person at a time. Sheila is ready to have some fun. A little strip poker has never hurt anyone. Readers get thrust into one wild night that also brings up some unexpected feelings. I am loving this series. Ms. Heart gives Sheila an awakening and gives readers a story. I can't wait to see where this is going next.
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