Holding The Universe: A Single Mom, Marriage of Convenience Romance

Asian Heirs Club #2

by Sol Winter

This marriage is a strict business deal until he demands a kiss to seal their vows.

From an early age, Jin all ever want is to inherit her family’s hotels. She almost lost her chance when she became a single mother instead of marrying someone to save face after her ex-boyfriend jilted her. Two years later, she’s more than determined to claim what’s rightfully hers, and she’d do anything to fulfill her promise to her late grandfather to protect the family’s business, even if it means taking a husband. Only she’d choose for herself and her twins.

Dalton Lee only wants one thing or someone—Jin Song. He’s certain he’d marry her before he even knew what love is, and he’d do it by hook or crook. But before he could tell his wife how he truly feels, he needs to fulfill the bargain he struck with his father. To serve the Song International Hotel on a platter.

They exchange vows of fidelity and mutual support, but not of love, until a kiss solidifies that their union is anything but an arrangement. Can their vows withstand when secrets and hidden plots come to light?

From high school academic rivals to man and wife, this power couple weaves through domestic and corporate life in this steamy, single mom, marriage-of-convenience romance novel. Holding The Universe is the second book of the Asian Heirs Club Series, but can be read as a standalone. No cheating. Guaranteed HEA.

Unknown Binding

Published November 4, 2026

Reviews

[Thyra Allestria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Sol Winter for providing me with an ARC copy of Holding the Universe.

Okay, I actually really enjoyed this one!! I mean, obviously, Jin and Dalton's relationship was definitely one of my favorite parts of the book, and the arranged marriage setup made everything even more interesting (because i love an arranged marriage trope with my life, heart and fucking souuul). And the fact that Dalton had wanted Jin for SO long while they were stuck navigating a marriage that wasn't exactly built on love (i mean, obviously. IT'S ARRANGED) at first was such a fun dynamic to read. I love when one character is already completely gone for the other, and the other person is still trying to figure out what the actual fuck is happening 😭

Dalton was definitely a highlight for me and I really liked seeing how much he cared about Jin, especially knowing that his feelings weren't something that had appeared overnight, because if those VERY strong feelings developed overnight, I would have gone like 'MAN WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU?!!'. Plus, there was something really satisfying about watching their relationship develop with all that history between them and he made me want to keep reading just to see how things would play out between them, and I was always interested in seeing how their dynamic would (idk) play out.

I also reallyreallyreally enjoyed their banter!! Their interactions were fun, and I especially liked the online gaming aspect of their relationship, and honestly, I don't think that happens very often in books, where they play video games in an arranged marriage, but obviously, HERE'S ONE!! I always appreciate when a couple has moments where they can just be themselves around each other, without every interaction having to be super serious or romantic. Those were the super cute, really well-written parts of the book

Jin was also an interesting FMC. I liked that she had her own responsibilities and things going on in her life outside of Dalton, especially with her career and her family. This woman, she wasn't just there to be the love interest, and I appreciated that the story gave attention to the different parts of her life. So, seeing her navigate everything while also dealing with the complications of her marriage made her story feel like it had more going on than just the romance, because I don't really want just BOOM romance, I want to know EVERY SINGLE DETAIL OF THEIR LIVES.

The family drama was another part I enjoyed! The pressure surrounding Jin's inheritance and the expectations placed on her added another layer to the story. I liked that there were other things, in a way, influencing the characters' decisions, because it made the arranged marriage feel connected to the bigger picture of their lives, and it also gave the story some extra tension and made me curious about how everything would eventually work out.

One thing I particularly liked was the contrast between the way Jin and Dalton approached their relationship. They weren't necessarily on the same page at the beginning, and watching them navigate that was entertaining. I enjoyed the moments where their feelings started to become harder to ignore, and I liked seeing their relationship become more than just an arrangement. Their existing history made their connection especially interesting, because there was already so much behind the way they interacted.

That being said, I did have a few issues with the book. I felt like the pacing was a little inconsistent, and some sections dragged more than others. There were also emotional moments I wish had a lil' more depth to it, because I wanted more time to sit with certain scenes, and I feel like some of those small but moderately pivotal moments were written the best, and I would've loved a bit more development in some parts of the relationship, too, especially when it came to really feeling the changes between Jin and Dalton.

Even with all that baggage I had to unload, even if it wasn't mine to unload, I still had a really good time reading this! The characters, the relationship dynamics, and the overall setup kept me interested, and there were plenty of things I enjoyed. It wasn't a perfect read for me, but I liked the romance enough that the positives definitely outweighed the things I wasn't as keen on. Dalton was a big part of that, and I loved the whole 'he's been wanting her for ages' dynamic. Overall, it was a really fun read! <33

[Baani · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW | HOLDING THE UNIVERSE BY SOL WINTER ⭐

Thank you to Sol Winter for providing me with an ARC copy of Holding the Universe. 🤍

Okay, first of all, CAN WE TALK ABOUT JIN AND DALTON?! BECAUSE I HAVE THOUGHTS. 😭❤️

I went into this book for the romance, but I ended up enjoying so much more than just the relationship. The family drama, gaming, business complications, and the history between the main characters made this such an enjoyable read!

Let's talk about Dalton Lee because THIS MAN. 😭💗

A male lead who's had feelings for someone for a long time? An arranged marriage? Years of history between the characters? YOU ALREADY KNOW I'M SOLD.

I loved that Dalton and Jin weren't strangers suddenly falling in love. They already had a connection, and watching them navigate marriage while figuring out their feelings made their dynamic so interesting. Dalton's affection for Jin was one of my favourite things about this book, and I especially enjoyed his playful, teasing side. SIR, PLEASE. 😭🤚🏻

And Jin? I genuinely liked her! She's ambitious, practical, and determined to secure her future. I appreciated that she had her own goals and responsibilities outside the romance. The inheritance situation and the complications surrounding Song International Hotel added another layer to her character and made her decisions feel more meaningful.

NOW, THE ARRANGED MARRIAGE TROPE. MY BELOVED. 😭💗

What I loved most was that getting married didn't magically solve everything between them. They still had to figure out their relationship, understand each other, and adjust to sharing their lives. Their banter, everyday interactions, and gradual shift towards becoming more comfortable with each other were some of my favourite parts.

I also enjoyed the gaming element because it added another dimension to their connection. It was nice seeing their personalities come through in different ways instead of having every interaction revolve around romance.

And the family drama? OH, WE ARE NOT IGNORING THAT. 👀

The expectations, business politics, and inheritance complications gave the story more than just romantic tension. I liked that both characters had things to deal with outside their relationship, and getting both Jin's and Dalton's perspectives helped me understand their feelings and motivations better.

Of course, not everything was perfect. There were a few moments when I wished certain emotional developments had more room to breathe. I would have loved to spend a little longer with some of those transitions, but they didn't take away from my overall enjoyment.

OVERALL, I REALLY ENJOYED THIS ONE! 🥹🤍

[Deb New · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holding the universe was a quick, enjoyable, sweet, and spicy Read. Once I started, it was hard to stop.
I just couldn't get enough of Daltons love for Jin and her girls. What a fantasy to have someone so devoted not only to you but to your daughters from another man whom no one else even accepted.
His consideration for Jin and the girls is every woman's dream and after the father's they both grew up with a much needed contrast. They were what the other always needed, secretly and not so secretly for Dalton always wanted, and deserved.
I love how everyone but Jin knew Dalton's feeling's for Jin and I loved watching her slowly find out. I love the banter between Dalton and his friends and especially with Jin. I love the history and the years of preparation.
This book had my heart the entire time and I read it with a lame little smile on my face because it warmed my heart so. I appreciate the added drama and suspense making it that much more tantalizing. I think I could have read about Dalton and his chosen family for hours more.
This is book 2 of an interconnected series that can be read as a stand-alone and I'll definitely read Jay's story now and whatever may follow.
For now back to reality, and without a freakishly prepared, obsessively considerate, genuinely kind, and magnificently loving MMC, how boring.

[Udeme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for giving me an ARC copy

With that being said i think between the two books in the series this is my favourite book, i loved the dynamic between Dae and Jin

The fact that he absolutely loved her from the beginning

He was such a major green flag, i was scared he was gonna betray her for his dad but he proved to us that he never planned on doing that. I hate the fact that she sometimes doubted him … i mean he proved himself time with numbers, i also acknowledge her character growth especially when she knew if dae had come to her when he had nothing she wouldnt have been able to risk it all for him. I hate the fact his mum never left(but i guess this was realistic) even though she lost her child it wasnt enough of a wake up call. Good to see him finally leaving her over her decisions. But the jump to 5years later and we seeing her pregnant i didnt love that. I mean we needed to see enough more plot between them after he told his mum no
I felt cheated like we skipped. Overall i dont think jin ex was punished enough.. i really loved this book. It was a very binge worthy read.

[MacKenzie Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holding the Universe honestly felt like a K-drama in book form, and I mean that in the best way. We follow a single mom working in her family’s hotel business while her family pushes her toward marriage, and things get a lot more complicated (and a lot more fun) from there.

What I loved most was how quickly this one pulled me in. The family dynamics are messy and dramatic in that addictive, can’t-look-away way, and there’s a real warmth running through the whole story. The chemistry between the leads is there from the start, with plenty of heat and some genuinely funny moments along the way. The kids also stole my heart every time they were on the page.

My only small critiques: toward the end, the business side of the story got a little heavy for me, and I found myself wanting less boardroom and more romance. The ending also felt a bit rushed. I would’ve loved a little more time with these characters before it wrapped up.

If you love K-drama vibes, big family energy, swoony chemistry, and a story with a lot of heart, definitely add this one to your TBR.

[Stacy's Reads · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Well, there went my entire day... and honestly, I have absolutely no regrets! 😂🖤

I picked up Holding the Universe thinking I'd read a few chapters, and somehow ended up finishing the entire book in ONE DAY. Once I started, I just couldn't put it down. I kept telling myself one more chapter, and we all know how that goes! 🤭

I loved how easily this story pulled me in and kept me turning the pages. There's something so satisfying about getting completely lost in a book, losing track of time, and realising you've spent hours doing absolutely nothing but reading.

Sol Winter definitely knows how to keep me entertained and invested. I was hooked from beginning to end, and I genuinely didn't want the story to be over.

Another fantastic read that completely stole my day (not that I'm complaining). Not quite a five-star read, but pretty damn close!

Sol Winter, thank you for yet another reason to ignore my responsibilities and choose books instead. 😂📚🖤

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5 Stars!

[JB · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

This book kept me hooked, I couldn't put it down. I had to see what happend next.
The flow of the book was so smooth. The main characters chemistry was on point, the build up was perfect. I loved that they never rushed into things and built a bond between them first. I felt like that was very relatable. Dalton is my new favourite book boyfriend. Sexy but sweet, understanding but still determined to get the girl and not afraid to go after what he wanted. Jin was a baddass, so strong but she could also turn and lean of him when she needed to. No doubt they suited each other perfectly. The drama and the pain they went through only made them stronger.  I love how everything unfolded the way it did, marriage first, but then they built their relationship and trust over time. The build up was top notch. Now I need to go back and read the first book in this series!

[Chelsey Black · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

Things I liked it does have kdrama vibes and I loved the it's always been you trope. Dae was likable and I did like the dedication to jin and her twins. Jin was a woman who embraced what life through her way. She loved her twins and she didn't back down when it came to protecting people.

I felt it was so slow leading up to the actual marriage part. I was beyond frustrated with both of leads parents. The grandma was the only one I found likable of the elders. The ending felt rushed and I didn't like how the people who were doing wrong didn't actually have any consequences like they all just live how they want.

There is a happy ending and if you want a story that gives Kdrama vibes this could work. Thank you for the chance to arc this story!

*Single mom of twins
*Celibate mmc
*Domestic violence not between leads

There is a few different Triggers i could see people struggling with.

[Cathy Moir-Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

All through high school and college, Jin and Dalton had completed for top spot at everything. All those years, they had secretly held feelings for each other, but family drama and life had always seemed to conspire to keep them apart. They'd both gone on with their lives, but now Jin's grandmother had declared that her single mom granddaughter had to marry in order to take her rightful place as head of the family's hotel chain. Suddenly Dalton was showing up everywhere Jin went and the thought of marrying him didn't seem as off base as it once did. In fact, it was starting to feel like he was the only real choice.

[Mrs A]

The romance was heart warming but their history was a bit confusing and not really explained. I thought it was a rivals to lovers story but it didn't take much for the FMC to agree to marriage. Thought it maybe a second chance but wasn't clear what their history together was.
The business and external family politics did not hold my attention. The Korean way of doing things took a few chapters to understand.
Some of the sentences were a bit jarring either from the grammar or sentence structure.
An ok read but could be better.

[Naomi kimbrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has to be my new favorite book!  It was an absolutely amazing read.  I haven't read any books based in Asian culture, so that was readlly fun and interestingto me.  I love the storyline, the depth of the characters and the twists and turned the plot took.  Never a dull moment; there were twists I didn't see coming and loved every minute of it!  If you like romance, found family and spice you will love this book.  I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Crystal Harbour · Rating 3 out of 5]

An exceptional storyline. I am obsessed with Dae’s love for Jin!
There are a few inconsistencies I found, which I shared with Sol. She is going to triple-check all are fixed, so by the time this is released, it will be so much improved.
Some grammar and misspellings I attributed to as English not being her first language. So completely understandable!
The spice is decent 🌶️🌶️🌶️ It takes a while to get to, but when it does… yes!
Overall, I enjoyed it. Excellent characters. Hot spice.

[Dayna DW · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the hospitality setting and all the messy family dynamics that came with it, especially the pressure of being expected to take over a business empire when you have worries of your own. The main characters history as academic rivals made it fun to watch them reconnect, and the single-mom storyline and a secret from the past added just the right amount of drama. Throw in some cheeky banter and a little spice, and this was a quick, easy read.

[RoseyLovesBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

An arranged marriage, years of unspoken feelings and a man who's already head over heels? Yes, please! Sol Winter’s Holding The Universe had me hooked on Jin and Dalton. Their banter is brilliant, the gaming moments are such fun, and Dalton's love for Jin and her daughters is enough to melt anyone's heart. Add hotel family drama, a strong single-mum heroine and plenty of chemistry, and I was happily glued to the pages.

[Lacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Sol Winter for giving me an ARC for this book!

I really enjoy the arranged marriage concept of this book. I think Jin and Dalton have great chemistry and banter. I was slightly annoyed that Dalton went through so much to help his mom out of the bad relationship but she decided to stay. Overall, the book was easy to read and very bingable!

[Britt Atkinson · Rating 2.5 out of 5]

ARC review. This is my honest opinion
This was a cute story.
I really liked Dalton. He was charming and funny. I loved how well he knew Jin and what she likes.
The writing is choppy at times which got confusing. The pacing was a little inconsistent. Overall I liked the story and the characters.

[Kittykat2103 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easily read. Good take on single mum arranged marriage.
Very well written with good chemistry & banter.

[Sara Niklasson]

ARC Review

Sadly dnf. Way too confusing. It might be more comprehensible if you would’ve read the first one?

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jin & Dalton

RTC