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Holding Back
Laura Matheson is a natural at avoiding romance, so when she is drawn to mystery guest Daniel Stone while helping out at her friends' hotel in Portugal, she assumes all she needs is a little extra willpower.
Daniel is at the hotel on business. The demands of work and a manipulative ex-girlfriend mean he doesn't have the time or energy for romance, but Laura is a distraction he finds hard to ignore.
As they negotiate a minefield of misunderstandings and mutual attraction, will they both continue to hold back? Or will they finally allow love into their lives?
Daniel is at the hotel on business. The demands of work and a manipulative ex-girlfriend mean he doesn't have the time or energy for romance, but Laura is a distraction he finds hard to ignore.
As they negotiate a minefield of misunderstandings and mutual attraction, will they both continue to hold back? Or will they finally allow love into their lives?
- GenresRomance
222 pages, Paperback
First published April 27, 2015
11 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Helen Pollard
11 books189 followersAs a child, Helen had a vivid imagination fuelled by her love of reading, so she started to create her own stories in a notebook.
Now a bestselling author of contemporary romance, she believes that good characterisation is the key to a successful book and loves infusing her writing with humour and heart.
Helen is a member of The Society of Authors.
You can find her online at:
viewauthor.at/HelenPollardAmazon
Now a bestselling author of contemporary romance, she believes that good characterisation is the key to a successful book and loves infusing her writing with humour and heart.
Helen is a member of The Society of Authors.
You can find her online at:
viewauthor.at/HelenPollardAmazon
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 3, 2015
The title of this book says it all, or everything except that is the most enchantingly romantic book I’ve read in a very long time. Laura and Daniel are both super-professional. Their jobs are their passion. Until, that is, they meet and fall in love. Each has excellent reasons why they are in denial about it, each takes a good long while figuring out the truth, and each suspects the worst of the other a couple of times. Readers, of course, are never in denial for one moment. They just hold their breath and hope these two will eventually figure it out.
Laura and Daniel could be like any “almost” couple who miss a lifetime together by an inch. That must happen in life, as it does in coastal Portugal, where the almost-lovers have been thrown together by circumstances, but remain blind to the truth in front of their faces. They hold back their feelings, hold in words they need to say, hold back their hearts. Readers take in this story about nothing but holding back, and they wait, and hope, and suffer along with Laura and Daniel. It is exquisite torture and it feels every inch natural and true, as do this couple who are not perfect, but are perfect for each other.
Helen Pollard has said she believes there will always be a place in the world of books for romance. She means the word in the sweetly old-fashioned way we don’t see much of anymore. If you’re looking for bedroom scenes, this is not the book for you. But if you want to believe again in the magic of love, just settle in and let Ms. Pollard lead you to Laura and Daniel’s hard won happily-ever-after.
Laura and Daniel could be like any “almost” couple who miss a lifetime together by an inch. That must happen in life, as it does in coastal Portugal, where the almost-lovers have been thrown together by circumstances, but remain blind to the truth in front of their faces. They hold back their feelings, hold in words they need to say, hold back their hearts. Readers take in this story about nothing but holding back, and they wait, and hope, and suffer along with Laura and Daniel. It is exquisite torture and it feels every inch natural and true, as do this couple who are not perfect, but are perfect for each other.
Helen Pollard has said she believes there will always be a place in the world of books for romance. She means the word in the sweetly old-fashioned way we don’t see much of anymore. If you’re looking for bedroom scenes, this is not the book for you. But if you want to believe again in the magic of love, just settle in and let Ms. Pollard lead you to Laura and Daniel’s hard won happily-ever-after.
May 29, 2015
A dedicated teacher and friend, Laura Matherson, spends a portion of her summer vacation tending to her friends hotel while they can take some much needed time off. Unattached and not the least bit interested in a relationship, she looks forward to the yearly ritual and enjoys having something to fill her days.
A headstrong workaholic, Daniel Stone, is on the constant move, travelling with little time to stop and enjoy any of beautiful places he visits. Keeping his business going is top priority. Putting distance between him and a pesky ex runs a close second. He's not looking for anything other than to stay put for a few days in the same place, but then he meets Laura and she becomes quite a distraction in more ways than one.
Ms. Pollard has written a lovely story that is simply about all the small details. I felt as if I were in Portugal without ever having visited there and her ability to pull out emotions is completely outstanding. At times I became so utterly frustrated with Laura, I wanted to smack her. But in the end, it all comes together and you sit back and realize, that's what makes a good story. One that makes you deeply feel and understand at the same time.
Set in sunny Portugal, Holding Back is a perfect summer read, filled with the right amount angst, a bit of humor and a sweet clean romance that leaves you happy in the end.
A headstrong workaholic, Daniel Stone, is on the constant move, travelling with little time to stop and enjoy any of beautiful places he visits. Keeping his business going is top priority. Putting distance between him and a pesky ex runs a close second. He's not looking for anything other than to stay put for a few days in the same place, but then he meets Laura and she becomes quite a distraction in more ways than one.
Ms. Pollard has written a lovely story that is simply about all the small details. I felt as if I were in Portugal without ever having visited there and her ability to pull out emotions is completely outstanding. At times I became so utterly frustrated with Laura, I wanted to smack her. But in the end, it all comes together and you sit back and realize, that's what makes a good story. One that makes you deeply feel and understand at the same time.
Set in sunny Portugal, Holding Back is a perfect summer read, filled with the right amount angst, a bit of humor and a sweet clean romance that leaves you happy in the end.
May 13, 2015
If you fancy a pleasant journey and holiday romance in sunny Portugal in summer, this is a novel for you.
Laura is a dedicated teacher who helps her best friend from college at her husband’s family’s delightful hotel, in exchange for a room and the run of the place for a few weeks of her summer holidays. Although she’s contented with her life, she has some unsolved personal issues which are obstructing her chances of happiness.
Daniel is an assertive and hard-working hospitality company manager who is tiring of travelling and avoiding his ex-girlfriend.
Daniel and Laura meet at the airport, and later at the hotel where he’s a guest.
They’re both afraid of emotional commitment, yet missing a more meaningful relationship, and although they meet at the right place and the right time, for a romantic interlude, they’re both reluctant to take their unexpected attraction any further than friendship. However the intervention of their family back home, months after the holiday will give them a second chance.
I read it in one enjoyable sitting. The main characters are authentic and likeable, the plot is plausible and unassuming. The setting is idyllic, small coastal towns in northern Portugal, and the happy ever after ending brings a tear of relief to the eye. What’s not to like about it?
Laura is a dedicated teacher who helps her best friend from college at her husband’s family’s delightful hotel, in exchange for a room and the run of the place for a few weeks of her summer holidays. Although she’s contented with her life, she has some unsolved personal issues which are obstructing her chances of happiness.
Daniel is an assertive and hard-working hospitality company manager who is tiring of travelling and avoiding his ex-girlfriend.
Daniel and Laura meet at the airport, and later at the hotel where he’s a guest.
They’re both afraid of emotional commitment, yet missing a more meaningful relationship, and although they meet at the right place and the right time, for a romantic interlude, they’re both reluctant to take their unexpected attraction any further than friendship. However the intervention of their family back home, months after the holiday will give them a second chance.
I read it in one enjoyable sitting. The main characters are authentic and likeable, the plot is plausible and unassuming. The setting is idyllic, small coastal towns in northern Portugal, and the happy ever after ending brings a tear of relief to the eye. What’s not to like about it?
February 11, 2016
Laura's best friend has a hotel in Portugal together with her husband. Every year during her summer break Laura will go to Portugal and help out for three weeks so that her friends can go on a holiday. Being a teacher Laura likes things organized. She is feisty with a thoughtful heart and knows exactly what she wants in life. What she doesn't want however is love. She has seen what love can do to a person when it goes bad and Laura will do anything she can to prevent that from happening to her.
Daniel is a businessman. He travels around the world looking for places he can recommend to his customers. He owns his own company with his brother. His brother cannot do the traveling so that part of the job is all for Daniel. In the past he has made some tough decisions because he put his family and the business first. Daniel is tired and worn out and is asking himself what he can do to change the current situation.
Laura and Daniel meet each other at the airport and get into a heated discussion together. They are both astonished when they meet again at the hotel Quinta Maria. Will they be able to find a way towards each other despite of everything that's holding them back?
I am always in the mood for a good love story and I got everything I needed from Holding Back. Laura is such a sweetheart combined with a fierce character. She will do anything for the people she loves and she will do it with all of her heart. My heart went out to Daniel. Underneath his heated comments actually hides a family man, someone who puts the needs of others before his own.
These characters warmed my heart and I was really hoping that they would find each other in the end. Helen Pollard has done an amazing job creating the scenery. I have been to Portugal myself and I had no troubles picturing the hotel. When I would close my eyes I could see myself walking there and taking in the beautiful surroundings.
This story proved to me that whatever you do to close up your heart and no matter how many walls you pull up love will always find you. Holding Back is a love story that will warm everybody's heart.
Daniel is a businessman. He travels around the world looking for places he can recommend to his customers. He owns his own company with his brother. His brother cannot do the traveling so that part of the job is all for Daniel. In the past he has made some tough decisions because he put his family and the business first. Daniel is tired and worn out and is asking himself what he can do to change the current situation.
Laura and Daniel meet each other at the airport and get into a heated discussion together. They are both astonished when they meet again at the hotel Quinta Maria. Will they be able to find a way towards each other despite of everything that's holding them back?
I am always in the mood for a good love story and I got everything I needed from Holding Back. Laura is such a sweetheart combined with a fierce character. She will do anything for the people she loves and she will do it with all of her heart. My heart went out to Daniel. Underneath his heated comments actually hides a family man, someone who puts the needs of others before his own.
These characters warmed my heart and I was really hoping that they would find each other in the end. Helen Pollard has done an amazing job creating the scenery. I have been to Portugal myself and I had no troubles picturing the hotel. When I would close my eyes I could see myself walking there and taking in the beautiful surroundings.
This story proved to me that whatever you do to close up your heart and no matter how many walls you pull up love will always find you. Holding Back is a love story that will warm everybody's heart.
December 27, 2016
Laura is a teacher who spends her summers in Portugal. There she runs a hotel for her friends, so they have a chance to go on holiday as well. When she arrives at the airport she has a conflict with another traveler. His name is Daniel and he later appears to be a guest of the hotel. They keep having misunderstandings and they often clash. Daniel is at the hotel for work though and Laura should keep him on her side. When they get to know each other better they find that they are very much attracted to one another. Only they both have reasons not to let anyone in...
Holding Back has an amazing setting. I loved the choice of the beautiful hotel and its surroundings in Portugal. It's the perfect location for a story. The main characters are likable and I was interested in what would happen to them from the start. Daniel doesn't have much time to relax and traveling is work, not leisure time. He's tired and has lost the joy that traveling should bring. Together with Laura he tries to find it back, but Laura doesn't trust men and doesn't want to let him in. Together that made a good foundation for a story.
I loved the romance, the sunny summer weather and the conversations between Laura and Daniel. They both have a strong personality and they fight for what they believe in. Laura is decisive which is something she needs in her work. I liked reading about everything that was going on in the hotel. I hoped the main characters would choose to take a leap and grab their chance at happiness. Choosing what's right is lovely advice to give to the readers. I really enjoyed reading this book and think Helen Pollard is a great romantic writer.
Holding Back has an amazing setting. I loved the choice of the beautiful hotel and its surroundings in Portugal. It's the perfect location for a story. The main characters are likable and I was interested in what would happen to them from the start. Daniel doesn't have much time to relax and traveling is work, not leisure time. He's tired and has lost the joy that traveling should bring. Together with Laura he tries to find it back, but Laura doesn't trust men and doesn't want to let him in. Together that made a good foundation for a story.
I loved the romance, the sunny summer weather and the conversations between Laura and Daniel. They both have a strong personality and they fight for what they believe in. Laura is decisive which is something she needs in her work. I liked reading about everything that was going on in the hotel. I hoped the main characters would choose to take a leap and grab their chance at happiness. Choosing what's right is lovely advice to give to the readers. I really enjoyed reading this book and think Helen Pollard is a great romantic writer.
May 26, 2015
It should have been instant attraction for Laura when she met tall, suntanned Daniel Stone at Porto airport but they both behaved rudely over a misunderstanding involving luggage and seeing him arrive at the hotel she was helping to run, was not good news.
Every year, language teacher Laura used part of her summer holiday to help out at Quinta Maria, a country Hotel in the Costa Verde region of northern Portugal. While her friends Rachel and Paulo visited family in England, Laura helped Paulo’s mother to run the hotel. But who was this evasive man, who wore suits while on holiday and asked so many questions?
Despite many disagreements, Laura and Daniel find themselves drawn together. We see the situation through both their perspectives and we enjoy the beautiful countryside and beaches of the Viana do Castelo area via Helen Pollard’s vivid descriptions.
Both Laura and Daniel are likeable but frustrating characters. Kind and considerate to others, they demonstrate the classic refusal to admit their feelings for each other, knowing that their personal circumstances are too complicated.
I read this book while staying in southern Portugal and wanted to jump in the car and head north to explore the setting of the story. A really enjoyable holiday romance with depth and credibility.
Every year, language teacher Laura used part of her summer holiday to help out at Quinta Maria, a country Hotel in the Costa Verde region of northern Portugal. While her friends Rachel and Paulo visited family in England, Laura helped Paulo’s mother to run the hotel. But who was this evasive man, who wore suits while on holiday and asked so many questions?
Despite many disagreements, Laura and Daniel find themselves drawn together. We see the situation through both their perspectives and we enjoy the beautiful countryside and beaches of the Viana do Castelo area via Helen Pollard’s vivid descriptions.
Both Laura and Daniel are likeable but frustrating characters. Kind and considerate to others, they demonstrate the classic refusal to admit their feelings for each other, knowing that their personal circumstances are too complicated.
I read this book while staying in southern Portugal and wanted to jump in the car and head north to explore the setting of the story. A really enjoyable holiday romance with depth and credibility.
July 19, 2015
Holding Back is a light romance, beautifully written, with characters that engage you from the first page. Told from two points of view, Laura and Daniel deal with the kinds of misunderstandings you might expect on the road to true love - and a few you might not expect! I found the characters believable, the storyline interesting, and the addition of the sumptuous setting of Portugal lifted the book out of the ordinary. I would have liked to have seen the ‘voices’ of the characters a little better differentiated, and the nature of the two viewpoint narrative did occasionally have you going over the same event twice, albeit seen through a different character’s eyes. But the writing carries you through, and the author clearly has a talent for bringing romance alive on the page. One small niggle was the formatting of the Kindle version I read - each paragraph was separated by a line break, usually reserved for section breaks, which made the experience of reading a little irritating until you got used to it. All in all, however, a good read for romance lovers, and an author on top of her game.
February 27, 2016
I felt satisfied after reading this book like after a really great meal, but even more. It's a wholesome romance with enough witty dialogue and sparring between the main characters, conflict, chemistry, deep emotions and lots of barriers to love to make it a really interesting and gripping read.
This book is one of the best romances I've read in a while.
I enjoyed the setting, the main characters and the complex evolution of their love from dislike in the beginning mixed with attraction to love in the end.
This book is one of the best romances I've read in a while.
I enjoyed the setting, the main characters and the complex evolution of their love from dislike in the beginning mixed with attraction to love in the end.
November 7, 2015
Though this romance is fairly predictable, the setting and circumstances are unique and the characters so delightful, it makes for really enjoyable read. I won't go in to the story itself as that has already been done in the description, but this is definitely a love/hate type of relationaship frought with misconceptions and misunderstandings. Thankfully, it does have a woderfully happy ending.
February 25, 2017
A fun summer read, so hang onto your lemonades and enjoy Laura and Daniel’s way to love, one mishap at a time!
Read full review in the 2015 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2015 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.
March 9, 2019
Great
Really enjoyed this book. Was a feel good story, and loved the characters. Will definitely be reading more by this author
Really enjoyed this book. Was a feel good story, and loved the characters. Will definitely be reading more by this author
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews