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Don't Hold Back
Three countries.
Two months.
All expenses paid.
Just you and me.
About you: You’re fun loving, adventurous and you have a wicked sense of humor. You’re spontaneous, open minded and creative. You live for today because you never know what tomorrow holds.
I'm Erin and this isn't your usual Craigslist Ad. I’m twenty-four, and full disclosure, I’m dying. But I don’t want your pity. What I want is your help. I’m not looking for a nanny, or for someone to hold my hand. I want a friend, a confidante, a partner in crime.
I want you.
Two months.
All expenses paid.
Just you and me.
About you: You’re fun loving, adventurous and you have a wicked sense of humor. You’re spontaneous, open minded and creative. You live for today because you never know what tomorrow holds.
I'm Erin and this isn't your usual Craigslist Ad. I’m twenty-four, and full disclosure, I’m dying. But I don’t want your pity. What I want is your help. I’m not looking for a nanny, or for someone to hold my hand. I want a friend, a confidante, a partner in crime.
I want you.
239 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 12, 2017
107 people are currently reading
956 people want to read
About the author
Missy Johnson
85 books2,533 followersMissy lives in a small town in Central Victoria with her husband, and her confused pets (a dog who think she's a cat, a cat who thinks he's a dog...you get the picture).
When she's not writing, she can usually be found looking for something to read.
When she's not writing, she can usually be found looking for something to read.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
November 26, 2018
I like this cover. Good representation of the hero/heroine found within. Interesting typogrpahy and good composition.
OMG this book! I stayed up way past my bedtime (yes I have a bedtime. I am old) reading this thing. It grabbed me by the heart from page one and would not let me go until I read the last word. I had forgotten how much I love a good emotional read and this one had that is SPADES.It was fantastically well written. This author has a very engaging way of writing. It was nicely paced. It was full of FEELS. It was full of heartbreak, but it was also filled with hope. The secondary characters though just blips on the radar for most of the book added another layer to the story. That of the people left behind. How do you continue living your life when you know one of the people who make up your whole world has an expiry date on theirs. How do you grieve when that person is still standing before you? My heart broke for all of them.
Erin and Cade both were fantastic characters for entirely different reasons. Erin was SO strong in the face of her impending death. She wanted to make everything easier for those she was leaving behind. Life gave this young lady a bushel of lemons, and she wanted to make the sweetest of lemonade with the time she had left. Cade was a harder character to like. Here you have a girl who has no choice her life is going to end before her 25th birthday. Then you have Cade who is basically throwing his life away through resentment and bad decisions. You will want to throat punch him on more than one occasion. I know I sure did. I wanted to yell "wake the fuck up" at him so many times. Thankfully a 24-year-old terminally ill young lady does that job for you. I fell in love with Cade, and my heart burst with pride to see who he became at the end. A big part of me wants to see These two people just know each other for a minuscule amount of time in the grand scheme of things (less than two months), but the impact that they have on each other's lives stretches well beyond.
Since I have pretty much written a novella-length review at this point, I am going to wrap it up with these thoughts. Many people are going to give this one a pass because of the subject matter, and that is a damn shame IMO. Life isn't always unicorns farting rainbows. Sometimes people come into our lives and leave just as fast but what they leave behind shapes the people we become. So this might not be your typical romance it was still very much romance in my eyes and one worth reading. Two HUGE thumbs up from yours truly.
February 20, 2017
This is such a heart breaking, amazing story! Tears, sadness, laughter and so much emotion are felt in every word of Erin and Cade’s story. It will touch you in so many ways and you will be glad you read it! I felt utterly emotionally attached to these characters.
I loved Erin because of her strength and the love she freely gave others. She wanted to live life her way and I get that. She wanted certain experiences and she'd been working towards making it happen. Cade had his own set of issues. He was frustrating and addictive because for all his dark problems he had so much good in him.
Cade and Erin were quite the pair. Things focused pretty much on the two getting to know each other while travelling. Of course those types of relationship always end up having more drama than normal ones.
Don’t Hold Back is a fast read that touched my heart. This book is honestly something else, and I advise everyone to read it.
In short:
Hero 4/5 | Heroine 4/5 | Plot (Point, Originality) 4/5 | Writing Style 4/5 | Steam 2/5 | Romance 4/5 | Angst-Suspense 3/5 | Darkness 1/5 | Humor 3/5 | Secondary Characters 4/5 | Drama-Conflict 5/5 | Mystery 0/5 | Twists 3/5 | Pacing Fast | Action 4/5
I loved Erin because of her strength and the love she freely gave others. She wanted to live life her way and I get that. She wanted certain experiences and she'd been working towards making it happen. Cade had his own set of issues. He was frustrating and addictive because for all his dark problems he had so much good in him.
Cade and Erin were quite the pair. Things focused pretty much on the two getting to know each other while travelling. Of course those types of relationship always end up having more drama than normal ones.
Don’t Hold Back is a fast read that touched my heart. This book is honestly something else, and I advise everyone to read it.
In short:
Hero 4/5 | Heroine 4/5 | Plot (Point, Originality) 4/5 | Writing Style 4/5 | Steam 2/5 | Romance 4/5 | Angst-Suspense 3/5 | Darkness 1/5 | Humor 3/5 | Secondary Characters 4/5 | Drama-Conflict 5/5 | Mystery 0/5 | Twists 3/5 | Pacing Fast | Action 4/5
March 12, 2017
➳Cade and Erin will not only take you with their life altering journey, but they will welcome you with the way Missy Johnson wrote this magnificent love story…
➳This fast, sweet, and unforget-ful love story is not just only about finding that one person who has made you see that life is worth living to the fullest. It is also about the independence and strong mindset both Cade and Erin have towards each other, and the world itself. Though both of them have baggage that have turned the tables to realize that they should sometimes or sometimes should not give up on life, they end up in each other’s path making them completely compatible on every term.
➳The main story itself is about finding and exploring life to the fullest, something that both Cade and Erin do together. They travel places that are part of my fantasy bucket list, making me crave this sort of adventure that they both endured. Mixed emotions re present, as some scenes you will cry, and in others you will not stop laughing making this story have a perfect balance of everything; drama, plot twists, and chemistry to the fullest. I utterly enjoyed this story much more than what I was expecting since the synopsis made me question it. However, Missy ended up turning the pages for me and making me realize that her writing has a full potential of attracting a reader with a power of magnitude.
➳Hero rating: 5.0
➳Heroine rating: 5.0
➳Sexual tension rating: 4.5
➳Sex scenes rating: 4.5
➳Sex scenes frequency: 4.0
➳Plot rating: 5.0
➳Dialogue rating: 4.0
➳Storytelling rating: 4.5
➳Story ending rating: 5.0
➳ARC kindly provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review…
➳Follow Me On:
Blog ♕ Instagram ♕ Facebook ♕ Twitter
➳This fast, sweet, and unforget-ful love story is not just only about finding that one person who has made you see that life is worth living to the fullest. It is also about the independence and strong mindset both Cade and Erin have towards each other, and the world itself. Though both of them have baggage that have turned the tables to realize that they should sometimes or sometimes should not give up on life, they end up in each other’s path making them completely compatible on every term.
➳The main story itself is about finding and exploring life to the fullest, something that both Cade and Erin do together. They travel places that are part of my fantasy bucket list, making me crave this sort of adventure that they both endured. Mixed emotions re present, as some scenes you will cry, and in others you will not stop laughing making this story have a perfect balance of everything; drama, plot twists, and chemistry to the fullest. I utterly enjoyed this story much more than what I was expecting since the synopsis made me question it. However, Missy ended up turning the pages for me and making me realize that her writing has a full potential of attracting a reader with a power of magnitude.
➳Hero rating: 5.0
➳Heroine rating: 5.0
➳Sexual tension rating: 4.5
➳Sex scenes rating: 4.5
➳Sex scenes frequency: 4.0
➳Plot rating: 5.0
➳Dialogue rating: 4.0
➳Storytelling rating: 4.5
➳Story ending rating: 5.0
➳ARC kindly provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review…
➳Follow Me On:
Blog ♕ Instagram ♕ Facebook ♕ Twitter
March 8, 2017
3.5 Needing To Experience It All Stars
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
To read this book...you need to read the blurb first... and think on exactly what was said. Missy Johnson has dug deep and made a book about discovery, learning about yourself...through another person...but with a very serious backdrop...The life clock is ticking for our main gal...and that is the starting off point.
We have the journey of these two characters who both are at a juncture...and the way they first meet...has a bearing to how they meet the second time. It causes an accelerated feel of understanding, maybe.... and that helps them to feel more comfortable together when they start their trip.
We only have one life.... and sometimes if we allow ourselves to feel everything...fully, we will see what we need to to do to live more authentically. Missy Johnson gave readers a tool to ponder this ...and also gave a tissue needed romance, too.
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
To read this book...you need to read the blurb first... and think on exactly what was said. Missy Johnson has dug deep and made a book about discovery, learning about yourself...through another person...but with a very serious backdrop...The life clock is ticking for our main gal...and that is the starting off point.
We have the journey of these two characters who both are at a juncture...and the way they first meet...has a bearing to how they meet the second time. It causes an accelerated feel of understanding, maybe.... and that helps them to feel more comfortable together when they start their trip.
We only have one life.... and sometimes if we allow ourselves to feel everything...fully, we will see what we need to to do to live more authentically. Missy Johnson gave readers a tool to ponder this ...and also gave a tissue needed romance, too.
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
March 19, 2017
Don't mind me. I'm just over here, huddled under a blanket with wet eyes and a full heart. My hand occasionally peaks out of the blanket in search of M&Ms and I'm wondering how long I need to wait before starting this book again.
This book is definitely out of the ordinary in terms of storyline and plot. I mean, come on! The blurb gives you an excellent idea of what's going on. It tells you what to expect while not giving anything away, and there's even a few twists packed in as well. Do you believe it fate? I do. And Erin and Cade just proved that to me.
My first thought when I started reading was "Wow, this girl is incredible. She has such a brave and courageous story". Erin really is an inspiration to everyone out there. What would you do, if you found out you only had a few months to live? Her outlook and tenacity were incredible. Immediately, I sympathized with her character and it really got me thinking about my own life, regrets that I may have and things that I may want to change or try before it's too late.
I wasn't sure that it would happen, but there's a connection at the beginning between two unknown characters. I'm SO happy that the original saviour turned out to be who I thought it was. :)
I like how so out of the ordinary this story is. Not only in the terms of Erin's journey but Cade's as well. He didn't have a conventional upbringing. He has demons that he's running from. But even with this, I've never read another character like him. Plus, his past and issues aren't someone I've come across before so that's perfect to draw me in to his character from the get go!
Yes, this is a deep book. Yes, it has some angst. But it's definitely not overwhelming. It's still at times log and easy, the characters can laugh and joke and have fun. I think a lot of this has to do with Erin's personality and how Cade helps to let her shine. They can't sit around being sad when they have too much fun together to do anything but laugh.
I believe that Cade really was the perfect person to take Erin on the trip of her lifetime. He pushes and challenges her. He's as stubborn and hardheaded as she is, but they seem to get along and just flow really well together. He is the one who helped her come to terms with her sickness. He is the one who helped her realize why she was actually going in the trip. He was the one to change her outlook on the rest of her life. He was the one who was perfect for her to find.
Even early on, you could definitely feel the connection between these two characters. There was just an easiness to them and their relationship - even when they were just friends. You know the type of people who you could sit in silence with and be completely comfortable? They would be those people. They connected so well and so deeply, it feels like they would be together forever.
There were a few times that I noticed some (minor) inconsistencies in scenes, whether it be related to a characters clothing or body positioning. Another run through a proofreader could definitely help but overall, they were small details. I'm just nit picky like that and tend to notice the small stuff.
I do wish that there was a bit more of a development in the relationship between the two main characters. Personally. It felt a little rushed or fast to me. Granted, I understand the situation that they're in, but I mean more so because they were friends and attracted to each other one day and then the next it was so much more. So while I wish this was a bit more defined, I can't fault the author. There's still so much packed into this book. From Erin's outlook at the beginning, to Cade's decisions at the end, there's many other important things going on.
Erin feels like the kind of person who is just a joy to be around. Light hearted, witty, funny and has such a positive energy. She's scared, she feels alone and has no idea what to expect, but with all of this, she still manages to stay true to herself. I loved this about her. Her entire perception of the situation and everything that she was thinking - even her missteps - were valid in my opinion.
Some people may not like this ending, but I'm actually sort of in love with it. I think it's perfect for the story and makes sense. If things turned out another way, I may have even felt cheated or like everything wasn't as important as it was. I can respect what author did here and I actual,y really appreciate it.
Wow. Just wow. So given the blurb, you know what to expect in this story. I held a tight seal on my emotions but completely lost it at one point. Then I got a handle on things just to lose it again a minute later. I was (and still am) a mess. I feel like, not only was this a great story and fantastic journey, but it really helps to hammer home the idea of not wasting your life. Don't sit back and expect a tomorrow or a next month or a next year. Do. It. Now.
If you like A Walk to Remember, you'll need to pick up this book! And not only this one, I suddenly have a need to buy and binge on all of Missy's books. Look out world! I'm on a mission.
*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.
JOIN THE SISTERHOOD! FIND US ON: FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM / TWITTER / BLOG
“Now, be brave and don't look back.”
This book is definitely out of the ordinary in terms of storyline and plot. I mean, come on! The blurb gives you an excellent idea of what's going on. It tells you what to expect while not giving anything away, and there's even a few twists packed in as well. Do you believe it fate? I do. And Erin and Cade just proved that to me.
"I’m sick of being reminded every fucking day of what I’m losing. There is no winning. I can’t beat this, so why try?”
“Because I’m not ready to lose you.” My heart pounds as I stare at her.
“Cade—”
“I know.” I cut her off because I don’t want to hear her say it. “I’m selfish, a coward, and I’m a liar. I’m all the things you came here to avoid.”
“You’re all the things I want.”
My first thought when I started reading was "Wow, this girl is incredible. She has such a brave and courageous story". Erin really is an inspiration to everyone out there. What would you do, if you found out you only had a few months to live? Her outlook and tenacity were incredible. Immediately, I sympathized with her character and it really got me thinking about my own life, regrets that I may have and things that I may want to change or try before it's too late.
"How many people wake up and have no idea that they’re about to live their last day? Maybe I should be thinking of this as a blessing rather than a curse."
I wasn't sure that it would happen, but there's a connection at the beginning between two unknown characters. I'm SO happy that the original saviour turned out to be who I thought it was. :)
I like how so out of the ordinary this story is. Not only in the terms of Erin's journey but Cade's as well. He didn't have a conventional upbringing. He has demons that he's running from. But even with this, I've never read another character like him. Plus, his past and issues aren't someone I've come across before so that's perfect to draw me in to his character from the get go!
"I have two choices, Cal: I sit around and take care of myself, then die—or I live the fuck out of the time I have left, then die. The ending doesn’t change, does it?”
Yes, this is a deep book. Yes, it has some angst. But it's definitely not overwhelming. It's still at times log and easy, the characters can laugh and joke and have fun. I think a lot of this has to do with Erin's personality and how Cade helps to let her shine. They can't sit around being sad when they have too much fun together to do anything but laugh.
"You should be ashamed of yourself. I mean, what person over the age of ten hasn't seen Star Wars?” I shake my head sadly. “You’ve really disappointed me, Erin.”
I believe that Cade really was the perfect person to take Erin on the trip of her lifetime. He pushes and challenges her. He's as stubborn and hardheaded as she is, but they seem to get along and just flow really well together. He is the one who helped her come to terms with her sickness. He is the one who helped her realize why she was actually going in the trip. He was the one to change her outlook on the rest of her life. He was the one who was perfect for her to find.
"I saved her life, and she repaid me by saving mine."
Even early on, you could definitely feel the connection between these two characters. There was just an easiness to them and their relationship - even when they were just friends. You know the type of people who you could sit in silence with and be completely comfortable? They would be those people. They connected so well and so deeply, it feels like they would be together forever.
“Do you think we come back? After we die?” “I do,” he says. He studies my face, his eyes intense. “It can’t just end like that. I think we die, we’re born again, and we die. The cycle continues. Do you ever have moments where you feel like a situation is familiar? Like you’ve been somewhere, or met someone before, even though you know that’s not possible? I think we cross paths with our loved ones again and again, and little things spark a kind of response in us.”
“That’s a nice way of thinking about it,” I say with a small smile. “It’s not death itself I fear, it’s the thought of losing contact with the people that I love. So to think that we cross paths again is pretty comforting.”
There were a few times that I noticed some (minor) inconsistencies in scenes, whether it be related to a characters clothing or body positioning. Another run through a proofreader could definitely help but overall, they were small details. I'm just nit picky like that and tend to notice the small stuff.
I do wish that there was a bit more of a development in the relationship between the two main characters. Personally. It felt a little rushed or fast to me. Granted, I understand the situation that they're in, but I mean more so because they were friends and attracted to each other one day and then the next it was so much more. So while I wish this was a bit more defined, I can't fault the author. There's still so much packed into this book. From Erin's outlook at the beginning, to Cade's decisions at the end, there's many other important things going on.
Erin feels like the kind of person who is just a joy to be around. Light hearted, witty, funny and has such a positive energy. She's scared, she feels alone and has no idea what to expect, but with all of this, she still manages to stay true to herself. I loved this about her. Her entire perception of the situation and everything that she was thinking - even her missteps - were valid in my opinion.
Some people may not like this ending, but I'm actually sort of in love with it. I think it's perfect for the story and makes sense. If things turned out another way, I may have even felt cheated or like everything wasn't as important as it was. I can respect what author did here and I actual,y really appreciate it.
"No matter what happens, the world doesn’t stop moving, even if it feels like it should."
Wow. Just wow. So given the blurb, you know what to expect in this story. I held a tight seal on my emotions but completely lost it at one point. Then I got a handle on things just to lose it again a minute later. I was (and still am) a mess. I feel like, not only was this a great story and fantastic journey, but it really helps to hammer home the idea of not wasting your life. Don't sit back and expect a tomorrow or a next month or a next year. Do. It. Now.
"How can I possibly die when I feel so alive?"
If you like A Walk to Remember, you'll need to pick up this book! And not only this one, I suddenly have a need to buy and binge on all of Missy's books. Look out world! I'm on a mission.
*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.
JOIN THE SISTERHOOD! FIND US ON: FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM / TWITTER / BLOG
March 12, 2017
When I first read the blurb for this book I really wanted to read it but I knew my big girl panties would need to be pulled right up. It was obvious from the blurb that this was going to be one of those huge ugly cry books that need a bottle of wine and a box of tissues.
So when Missy offered me an ARC I was so wanting to read it and so scared to read it but I couldn’t say no. When it landed on my kindle my 16 year old daughter immediately stole it and read it and I can now officially tell you that little monster must be adopted. Why? After she finished the book she said “It was awesome you will love it.” Sounds good so far right? Yup, but when I asked was it sad will I cry like a baby? Her response was “it was sad and not at all what I expected but I didn’t cry at all when I read it.”
Cool I thought, I will read it while the boys have basketball training, what can go wrong? Well in short I cried and I cried and I fucking cried while messaging my husband to make sure our daughter doesn’t ever get to make any important end of life kind of decisions over us. Since obviously, her feelings button is so broken.
From page one I was a mess yet so completely addicted. I mean damn how do you face the end of your life at 24? Wel in Erin’s case she did it not just with dignity and grace but also with a heap of compassion for her friends and family but also a kick arse sense of humour and a need to live every last minute of it to the fullest and I adored her. She was amazeballs.
Cade was one of those characters who grew on me. At the start he had so much of his own drama going on but when it’s literally written on the pages next to a girl facing the end of her life I just wanted to junk punch him and tell him to suck it up. But before you think he is an insensitive acehole once he met her he put his own shit into perspective pretty quickly and he was just beautiful.
The best part of this book for me was that despite the fact I cried buckets of tears reading it I also laughed out loud (yes I looked like a crazy person but the basketball mums are used to me now so the men in white jackets weren’t called). The amount of pure emotions that were pulled out of me reading this book stunned me.
Ok so I am not in anyway going to tell you how the story ends since from the blurb my daughter and I both had completely different ideas on how this all was going to go and I think you need to experience it yourself but what I will tell you is that all the drama that Cade went through and overcome with the help of the perfect Erin was so well wrapped up with one big fucking exception but even my vengeful little conscience can understand and forgive that.
So for now I am off to buy a bottle of wine and maybe look into some kind of therapy for my lovely daughter.
Check out my reviews here
So when Missy offered me an ARC I was so wanting to read it and so scared to read it but I couldn’t say no. When it landed on my kindle my 16 year old daughter immediately stole it and read it and I can now officially tell you that little monster must be adopted. Why? After she finished the book she said “It was awesome you will love it.” Sounds good so far right? Yup, but when I asked was it sad will I cry like a baby? Her response was “it was sad and not at all what I expected but I didn’t cry at all when I read it.”
Cool I thought, I will read it while the boys have basketball training, what can go wrong? Well in short I cried and I cried and I fucking cried while messaging my husband to make sure our daughter doesn’t ever get to make any important end of life kind of decisions over us. Since obviously, her feelings button is so broken.
From page one I was a mess yet so completely addicted. I mean damn how do you face the end of your life at 24? Wel in Erin’s case she did it not just with dignity and grace but also with a heap of compassion for her friends and family but also a kick arse sense of humour and a need to live every last minute of it to the fullest and I adored her. She was amazeballs.
Cade was one of those characters who grew on me. At the start he had so much of his own drama going on but when it’s literally written on the pages next to a girl facing the end of her life I just wanted to junk punch him and tell him to suck it up. But before you think he is an insensitive acehole once he met her he put his own shit into perspective pretty quickly and he was just beautiful.
The best part of this book for me was that despite the fact I cried buckets of tears reading it I also laughed out loud (yes I looked like a crazy person but the basketball mums are used to me now so the men in white jackets weren’t called). The amount of pure emotions that were pulled out of me reading this book stunned me.
Ok so I am not in anyway going to tell you how the story ends since from the blurb my daughter and I both had completely different ideas on how this all was going to go and I think you need to experience it yourself but what I will tell you is that all the drama that Cade went through and overcome with the help of the perfect Erin was so well wrapped up with one big fucking exception but even my vengeful little conscience can understand and forgive that.
So for now I am off to buy a bottle of wine and maybe look into some kind of therapy for my lovely daughter.
Check out my reviews here
March 13, 2017
Wow... I'm a blubbering mess.
From the first pages of this book you are made aware that Erin is dying from cancer- I knew IMMEDIATELY that this would be a hard, emotional read.
The entire storyline is based around her last months- it is a book about living for ones self, taking chances and letting yourself be happy.
The pages flowed easily, the story was gut wrenching yet beautiful- Erin had such an amazing spirit, her love for family and friends was beautiful and the loss they were preparing for was heartbreaking.
She took a chance and left them behind to live for herself, create lasting memories and spending her last months making her mark on the world.
I cried, I laughed, I broke.... I can't stop thinking about how I would feel if it were me or my loved ones.
People are devastated every day from this ugly disease and this book gave a tiny glimpse to the suffering it causes.
Received ARC from author for honest review.. Thank you!!!!
From the first pages of this book you are made aware that Erin is dying from cancer- I knew IMMEDIATELY that this would be a hard, emotional read.
The entire storyline is based around her last months- it is a book about living for ones self, taking chances and letting yourself be happy.
The pages flowed easily, the story was gut wrenching yet beautiful- Erin had such an amazing spirit, her love for family and friends was beautiful and the loss they were preparing for was heartbreaking.
She took a chance and left them behind to live for herself, create lasting memories and spending her last months making her mark on the world.
I cried, I laughed, I broke.... I can't stop thinking about how I would feel if it were me or my loved ones.
People are devastated every day from this ugly disease and this book gave a tiny glimpse to the suffering it causes.
Received ARC from author for honest review.. Thank you!!!!
March 12, 2017
Thank you for ARC nice read, shoud have read the others in the siries,this was a very beautiful and heart breacking story what I woud call come of age,I cried a few times and defenetly feel for both Erin and Cade and I love books where characters travel and conect during a trip
March 13, 2017
ARC kindly provided by author.
Grab your tissues. Loads of them. You will need it.
This is a beautiful emotional, heart breaking book.
Please be aware, it is not a happy go lucky kind of read.
It literally broke me.
I usually avoid reading sad books, but Missy Johnson kindly provided me with an ARC and her writing was really good, so I gave it a go.
I would hate to spoil anything, so I will say just a few basic things.
Erin is dying of cancer. Yeah. I know. It's never easy to read about heavy subjects like that.
You basically know the outcome from the start.
Erin wants to live her life, at least the time she got left, traveling and enjoying every day to the fullest.
The whole plot is based around Erin's last months.
Somewhere along the way she meets someone who will make her final moments on this Earth worth living. He will take her on a adventure of a lifetime. If you want to embark on a journey with her, you will read this.
I will certainly read more of Missy's books.
Grab your tissues. Loads of them. You will need it.
This is a beautiful emotional, heart breaking book.
Please be aware, it is not a happy go lucky kind of read.
It literally broke me.
I usually avoid reading sad books, but Missy Johnson kindly provided me with an ARC and her writing was really good, so I gave it a go.
I would hate to spoil anything, so I will say just a few basic things.
Erin is dying of cancer. Yeah. I know. It's never easy to read about heavy subjects like that.
You basically know the outcome from the start.
Erin wants to live her life, at least the time she got left, traveling and enjoying every day to the fullest.
The whole plot is based around Erin's last months.
Somewhere along the way she meets someone who will make her final moments on this Earth worth living. He will take her on a adventure of a lifetime. If you want to embark on a journey with her, you will read this.
I will certainly read more of Missy's books.
March 12, 2017
Don't Hold Back releases ANY MOMENT NOW!!!!!
This is your LAST chance to save and pick it up for the special pre order price of $2.99
https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Hold-Back...
Or read it for FREE in Kindle Unlimited, along with the other books in the series.
ALL books in the Love Hurts series are COMPLETE standalone novels.
This is your LAST chance to save and pick it up for the special pre order price of $2.99
https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Hold-Back...
Or read it for FREE in Kindle Unlimited, along with the other books in the series.
ALL books in the Love Hurts series are COMPLETE standalone novels.
March 14, 2017
- ARC kindly provided by the lovely author, thank you! -
Don't Hold Back is a book you need to prepare yourself for. There's no sugarcoating it, the blurb says it all. Don't expect a romantic HEA dipped in whipped cream and chocolate, just clear your mind and prepare to be taught a lesson about life and how unexpectedly it can be cut short. There are things you can change and there are things you can't, no matter how hard you try. But it's true what they say, it's possible that there's one person who comes along and changes your life for good.
This book is very real, full of emotions and surely will break your heart. I'll admit I cried through the last several chapters, I felt so attached to these wonderful characters. It's a touching, stunning story that sure will get you to tear up, but it's also one you won't soon forget.
Give it a try if you're not afraid of books that are not all hearts and flowers.
This book is part of the Love Hurts series but can be read as a standalone!
Don't Hold Back is a book you need to prepare yourself for. There's no sugarcoating it, the blurb says it all. Don't expect a romantic HEA dipped in whipped cream and chocolate, just clear your mind and prepare to be taught a lesson about life and how unexpectedly it can be cut short. There are things you can change and there are things you can't, no matter how hard you try. But it's true what they say, it's possible that there's one person who comes along and changes your life for good.
This book is very real, full of emotions and surely will break your heart. I'll admit I cried through the last several chapters, I felt so attached to these wonderful characters. It's a touching, stunning story that sure will get you to tear up, but it's also one you won't soon forget.
Give it a try if you're not afraid of books that are not all hearts and flowers.
This book is part of the Love Hurts series but can be read as a standalone!
May 24, 2017
Thanks to ARC for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
It took me a lot of trials before I finally got into this book. The writing is okay but I think it could have been better. I like both the secondary and primary characters. The plot is nice but I have lot of issues with it. So many things was left out during their trip that could have made the book more interesting and their love is way too cheesy
The whole parent paying a guy to take care of their daughter, and the guy later falling for he has being used way too many times, Also the perfect big brother cliche is way common among romance books. The book would have been way better if this two things were not included in it.
It took me a lot of trials before I finally got into this book. The writing is okay but I think it could have been better. I like both the secondary and primary characters. The plot is nice but I have lot of issues with it. So many things was left out during their trip that could have made the book more interesting and their love is way too cheesy
The whole parent paying a guy to take care of their daughter, and the guy later falling for he has being used way too many times, Also the perfect big brother cliche is way common among romance books. The book would have been way better if this two things were not included in it.
March 19, 2017
English / Português
*ARC provided by the author. Thank you, Missy!
3,5 stars
"They say when you lose someone you go through five stages of grief, but what about when you love yourself?"
Was I supposed to turn into this sobbing mess?
The blurb got me. I think these kind of book is good to us, even when in the end our eyes is red because of all that crying. These books usually makes us realize life is short. And we got to enjoy it more.
The story is cute and at the same time sad. The idea of the trip that Cade and Erin did was great because all Erin wanted was to enjoy her last months. However, I wanted to read more about this trip. So much happened and the time went by really fast. I wanted to enjoy their journey with them. And maybe because of it I didn't connect with them as a couple. I loved them individually, but I dont think it had the necessary emotion to make them look like they were in love.
Despite this, like I said before, this kind of story gets me every time and I finished this book with my head hurting because how much I had cried. And because of it, to make me want to appreciate more life, this slap with kid gloves, already made it worth the reading.
" Being here reminds me of how innocent I was as child, thinking nothing could hurt me, when truth is that nothing is guaranteed in life."
-------------
English/ Português
*ARC fornecido pela autora Obrigada, Missy!
3,5 estrelas
"Dizem que quando você perde alguém você passa pelos cinco estágios da dor, mas e quando você perde a si mesma?"
Era pra eu virar essa chorona?
A sinopse me chamou muita atenção. Acho que ler esses tipos de livros de vez em quando faz bem pra gente, mesmo que no final nossos olhos fiquem vermelhos de tanto chorar. Esses tipos costumam nos fazer acordar pra vida e perceber o quando ela é curta. Temos que aproveitá-la mais.
A história do livro é fofa ao mesmo tempo triste. A ideia da viagem de Cade e Erin foi ótima pois tudo que Erin queria era aproveitar seus últimos dias. Entretanto, queria ter lido mais sobre a viagem. Aconteceu muita coisa e o tempo passou rápido demais. Queria ter aproveitado a jornada com eles. E talvez por isso, não me conectei com eles como casal. Adorei os dois individualmente, mas não acho que teve a emoção necessária para torná-los apaixonados.
Apesar disso, como eu disse antes, esse tipo de história sempre mexe comigo e eu terminei esse livro com dor de cabeça de tanto chorar. Só de me fazer querer aproveitar mais a vida, de dar esse tapa de luvas, já vale a pena.
" Estar aqui me faz lembrar o quanto era inocente quando criança, pensando que nada poderia me machucar, quando a verdade é que nada é garantido na vida."
----------------------
* Pick a Book
facebook / instagram / twitter
pb.responde@gmail.com
*ARC provided by the author. Thank you, Missy!
3,5 stars
"They say when you lose someone you go through five stages of grief, but what about when you love yourself?"
Was I supposed to turn into this sobbing mess?
The blurb got me. I think these kind of book is good to us, even when in the end our eyes is red because of all that crying. These books usually makes us realize life is short. And we got to enjoy it more.
The story is cute and at the same time sad. The idea of the trip that Cade and Erin did was great because all Erin wanted was to enjoy her last months. However, I wanted to read more about this trip. So much happened and the time went by really fast. I wanted to enjoy their journey with them. And maybe because of it I didn't connect with them as a couple. I loved them individually, but I dont think it had the necessary emotion to make them look like they were in love.
Despite this, like I said before, this kind of story gets me every time and I finished this book with my head hurting because how much I had cried. And because of it, to make me want to appreciate more life, this slap with kid gloves, already made it worth the reading.
" Being here reminds me of how innocent I was as child, thinking nothing could hurt me, when truth is that nothing is guaranteed in life."
-------------
English/ Português
*ARC fornecido pela autora Obrigada, Missy!
3,5 estrelas
"Dizem que quando você perde alguém você passa pelos cinco estágios da dor, mas e quando você perde a si mesma?"
Era pra eu virar essa chorona?
A sinopse me chamou muita atenção. Acho que ler esses tipos de livros de vez em quando faz bem pra gente, mesmo que no final nossos olhos fiquem vermelhos de tanto chorar. Esses tipos costumam nos fazer acordar pra vida e perceber o quando ela é curta. Temos que aproveitá-la mais.
A história do livro é fofa ao mesmo tempo triste. A ideia da viagem de Cade e Erin foi ótima pois tudo que Erin queria era aproveitar seus últimos dias. Entretanto, queria ter lido mais sobre a viagem. Aconteceu muita coisa e o tempo passou rápido demais. Queria ter aproveitado a jornada com eles. E talvez por isso, não me conectei com eles como casal. Adorei os dois individualmente, mas não acho que teve a emoção necessária para torná-los apaixonados.
Apesar disso, como eu disse antes, esse tipo de história sempre mexe comigo e eu terminei esse livro com dor de cabeça de tanto chorar. Só de me fazer querer aproveitar mais a vida, de dar esse tapa de luvas, já vale a pena.
" Estar aqui me faz lembrar o quanto era inocente quando criança, pensando que nada poderia me machucar, quando a verdade é que nada é garantido na vida."
----------------------
* Pick a Book
facebook / instagram / twitter
pb.responde@gmail.com
March 20, 2017
3,5
A descoberta do amor e a perda. É sobre isso o livro.
Erin e Cade tem seus problemas para enfrentar mas optam por fugir deles momentaneamente. Serão poucos meses um ao lado do outro, descobrindo e explorando novas culturas e lugares enquanto a vida segue seu curso. O que eles não imaginavam é que a paixão iria acompanhá-los e fazer parte das descobertas que eles estão vivenciando.
Cade aceita o anúncio para viajar ao lado de Erin com um objetivo específico mas o convívio ao lado de uma doente terminal tão cheia de vontade de viver faz com que sua forma de encarar a vida mude completamente, de acordo com o passar dos dias dessa viagem e do prazo final da vida de Erin. Ele é especial para ela. Ele não a trata diferente e com olhos de pena, sentimentos dos quais ela foge por notá-los através de sua família e suas amigas próximas. A viagem é para ela uma chance de viver intensamente e realizar sonhos antigos, tendo ela como foco principal e não a sua doença.
Enquanto ela aproveita o tempo que lhe resta, Cade terá que descobrir sua força interior para encarar sua vida mais seriamente .
O livro para mim é mediano, ele emociona mas a autora poderia ter desenvolvido mais o drama dos personagens, poderia ter nos envolvido mais na doença de Erin e nos problemas pessoais de Cade. Ela foi leve, fui com muita sede em sentir e o resultado não foi como eu estava aguardando e para mim o relacionamento ocorreu rápido demais, mas devido ao tempo que restava a eles dois juntos, foi algo até compreensível.
Um elemento bom do livro foi envolver o leitor no momento em que ocorre uma mudança no curso da história. Eu torci junto, ela foi capaz de acender uma chama de esperança em mim, de que tudo ia ficar bem ao final de tudo.
O mais interessante foi acompanhar como esse amor de Erin e Cade surgiu despretensiosamente e foi capaz de mudar a forma como eles mesmos encaravam as próprias vidas e a das pessoas ao redor.
Arc gentilmente cedido pela autora e Give-me Books. Obrigada.
A descoberta do amor e a perda. É sobre isso o livro.
Erin e Cade tem seus problemas para enfrentar mas optam por fugir deles momentaneamente. Serão poucos meses um ao lado do outro, descobrindo e explorando novas culturas e lugares enquanto a vida segue seu curso. O que eles não imaginavam é que a paixão iria acompanhá-los e fazer parte das descobertas que eles estão vivenciando.
Cade aceita o anúncio para viajar ao lado de Erin com um objetivo específico mas o convívio ao lado de uma doente terminal tão cheia de vontade de viver faz com que sua forma de encarar a vida mude completamente, de acordo com o passar dos dias dessa viagem e do prazo final da vida de Erin. Ele é especial para ela. Ele não a trata diferente e com olhos de pena, sentimentos dos quais ela foge por notá-los através de sua família e suas amigas próximas. A viagem é para ela uma chance de viver intensamente e realizar sonhos antigos, tendo ela como foco principal e não a sua doença.
Enquanto ela aproveita o tempo que lhe resta, Cade terá que descobrir sua força interior para encarar sua vida mais seriamente .
O livro para mim é mediano, ele emociona mas a autora poderia ter desenvolvido mais o drama dos personagens, poderia ter nos envolvido mais na doença de Erin e nos problemas pessoais de Cade. Ela foi leve, fui com muita sede em sentir e o resultado não foi como eu estava aguardando e para mim o relacionamento ocorreu rápido demais, mas devido ao tempo que restava a eles dois juntos, foi algo até compreensível.
Um elemento bom do livro foi envolver o leitor no momento em que ocorre uma mudança no curso da história. Eu torci junto, ela foi capaz de acender uma chama de esperança em mim, de que tudo ia ficar bem ao final de tudo.
O mais interessante foi acompanhar como esse amor de Erin e Cade surgiu despretensiosamente e foi capaz de mudar a forma como eles mesmos encaravam as próprias vidas e a das pessoas ao redor.
Arc gentilmente cedido pela autora e Give-me Books. Obrigada.
June 1, 2017
Erin’s doctor just told her that she has less than one year left to live. She can’t believe it, because she had hoped to be finally cured. She has been fighting cancer for many years. Erin wants to travel around Europe and visit many things. She doesn’t want to travel alone. Cade wants to be away from college and he wants to travel with Erin. Erin and Cade get to know each other better and they are attracted to each other.
I loved Erin and Cade. Erin is so strong, beautiful and loving. She is devastated that she’s dying. She’s not ready for it and wants to live. She wants to enjoy her trip. Erin doesn’t know how to act around her family and friends, so she avoids them. Her family want to be with Erin all the time and they aren’t too happy she decides to travel with a stranger, but they also want her to enjoy her life.
Cade isn’t perfect and he has his own problems that control his life. Erin makes him look at things differently and he can finally move on. Cade likes Erin a lot and he isn’t sure how he’s going to say goodbye to her. She has started to mean a lot to him. He loves the time they are spending together in Europe and he makes sure that Erin enjoys every minute of her trip. For me, the trip could have been longer and more in detail.
I want to say more about this book and the characters, but I don’t want to give away the ending or much about the story. I loved this book! Don’t Hold Back is definitely an emotional book. When I start a book about a sick character, I always hope that the character gets better. It wasn’t any different with this book. I never read if the book has a HEA or not. I prefer a HEA, because I usually fall in love with the characters and I want them to get that. But I also know that not every story has a HEA and the writer needs to write what she feels.
-- My honest review is based on an advanced reader copy of this book. --
I loved Erin and Cade. Erin is so strong, beautiful and loving. She is devastated that she’s dying. She’s not ready for it and wants to live. She wants to enjoy her trip. Erin doesn’t know how to act around her family and friends, so she avoids them. Her family want to be with Erin all the time and they aren’t too happy she decides to travel with a stranger, but they also want her to enjoy her life.
Cade isn’t perfect and he has his own problems that control his life. Erin makes him look at things differently and he can finally move on. Cade likes Erin a lot and he isn’t sure how he’s going to say goodbye to her. She has started to mean a lot to him. He loves the time they are spending together in Europe and he makes sure that Erin enjoys every minute of her trip. For me, the trip could have been longer and more in detail.
I want to say more about this book and the characters, but I don’t want to give away the ending or much about the story. I loved this book! Don’t Hold Back is definitely an emotional book. When I start a book about a sick character, I always hope that the character gets better. It wasn’t any different with this book. I never read if the book has a HEA or not. I prefer a HEA, because I usually fall in love with the characters and I want them to get that. But I also know that not every story has a HEA and the writer needs to write what she feels.
-- My honest review is based on an advanced reader copy of this book. --
March 30, 2017
This book is hard to describe in words. It left me feeling so much that, my emotions overwhelmed me. Bottom line I can say that's it's sweet, so sweet that it will make you cry and leaves you with a Happy and yet melancholy feeling. I finished it late yesterday night and even in my dreams, I could see references and connection to the story of Erin and Cade. Theit story is so deep and heart felt that it says behind in our mind and gives room for a lot of thought.
Erin is dying but she wants to live the days she is left with, her way and make the best of those days without being around her family and seeing their pain. She puts up an ad on Craigslist aksing for a travelling partner and her parents, without informing her approach Cade and are ready to pay him to accompany her. Cade is into gambling and has lost lot of money and most importantly trust because of his habits
He takes up their offer to distract himself and get away from it all. This starts their journey which morphs into a beautiful love story.
This story is as real as it can get and all the emotions, dialogues are so crisp and clear. Nothing is done over the top and it feels so connectable. Her family's concern and pain, her own dilemma and how she comes to terms with her dying and the way she goes about it, planning everything. The way Cade feels around her, his guilt and the hope he stirrs in her, and the way he makes peace with his dad just for her sake. The realness of it all tore me apart and made me cry. No scene is over emotional as such and yet it managed to break my heart, because it just happens the way it does and nothing we hope, do or fight for can change certain things in life but yet we move on, retaining the hope that one fine day it will all be okay.
This wasn't a long story and yet it conveyed so much, making me think about how precious life is and how we waste it away, always demanding more and more, but it's all about living in the moment and making best of these moments. This book reminded me of that and I am so glad that I picked it up.
The ending was tearfully beuatiful and it resonated with my heart. Cade is a nice guy, struggling and yet being there for her at every step. Erin is so brave and careless. I loved them both so much.
This is not a tragedy, this is a moral story. You can learn so much from it. It will take me days to get over this book hangover.
Erin is dying but she wants to live the days she is left with, her way and make the best of those days without being around her family and seeing their pain. She puts up an ad on Craigslist aksing for a travelling partner and her parents, without informing her approach Cade and are ready to pay him to accompany her. Cade is into gambling and has lost lot of money and most importantly trust because of his habits
He takes up their offer to distract himself and get away from it all. This starts their journey which morphs into a beautiful love story.
This story is as real as it can get and all the emotions, dialogues are so crisp and clear. Nothing is done over the top and it feels so connectable. Her family's concern and pain, her own dilemma and how she comes to terms with her dying and the way she goes about it, planning everything. The way Cade feels around her, his guilt and the hope he stirrs in her, and the way he makes peace with his dad just for her sake. The realness of it all tore me apart and made me cry. No scene is over emotional as such and yet it managed to break my heart, because it just happens the way it does and nothing we hope, do or fight for can change certain things in life but yet we move on, retaining the hope that one fine day it will all be okay.
This wasn't a long story and yet it conveyed so much, making me think about how precious life is and how we waste it away, always demanding more and more, but it's all about living in the moment and making best of these moments. This book reminded me of that and I am so glad that I picked it up.
The ending was tearfully beuatiful and it resonated with my heart. Cade is a nice guy, struggling and yet being there for her at every step. Erin is so brave and careless. I loved them both so much.
This is not a tragedy, this is a moral story. You can learn so much from it. It will take me days to get over this book hangover.
March 10, 2017
Review by Jen Hagen
Not a moment goes by where I don’t wish things could be different. I’m embarking on a journey and I have no idea how or when it will end, and I’m scared.
I have read several of Missy Johnson’s books and I can say her blurbs never lie. Prepare yourself. If you do this going in, you will experience a wonderful read of what adventures one can have if you have the “time.” (Yes, pun intended). Missy writes an easy to read book that is fast-paced and filled with emotions. One cannot help but smile while reading this as you will be able to feel the joy radiating from the characters. But make no mistake…there is a reason why an adventurous journey is being had…Erin has only months to live.
Erin is a very pleasant 25 year old with the an easy-going and carefree personality for somebody who has been dealt the horrible inoperable cancer diagnosis. She takes it in stride…She is going to live her life to the fullest in the least amount of time. But to make certain that she is safe, she is going to hire a companion. That is how Cade enters the story.
Cade has a story of his own and he himself could fill a book with pages of his backstory. He has his own issues and is easily running from them.
“Let’s just say getting away for a couple of months can’t hurt my life. I’m kind of hoping things just fix themselves while I’m gone.”
Both Erin and Cade are attractive, funny, and seem to have a natural chemistry around each other. Of course you know what’s going to happen. They are attracted to each other as anybody would be in these close situations and they are going to act on it, to heck with the consequences as Erin would say.
Times is slow but yet moves so fast. There is still so much to see and so much to do. The world is big and there’s a lot of fascinating places to go.
In the blink of an eye, a week has gone. I feel like the end is approaching way too fast, and at the same time, I’m excited for the next leg of our trip…Maybe if I wasn’t enjoying myself as much, time would slow down.
Even as much as Erin has planned her itinerary, sometimes a detour needs to be taken and sometimes that detour is the best unplanned event. Cade comes from a family of affluential doctors. Is it possible there is one doctor that has hope? Does Erin have confidence to hope?
Do I have the surgery and risk dying or live the heck out of the next few weeks and be happy with that?
I hope I am never faced with this dilemma, but if I am I wish for the grace and dignity that Erin empowered. One can never know what the final plan is for us even though we go through great detail to make it our destiny.
Not a moment goes by where I don’t wish things could be different. I’m embarking on a journey and I have no idea how or when it will end, and I’m scared.
I have read several of Missy Johnson’s books and I can say her blurbs never lie. Prepare yourself. If you do this going in, you will experience a wonderful read of what adventures one can have if you have the “time.” (Yes, pun intended). Missy writes an easy to read book that is fast-paced and filled with emotions. One cannot help but smile while reading this as you will be able to feel the joy radiating from the characters. But make no mistake…there is a reason why an adventurous journey is being had…Erin has only months to live.
Erin is a very pleasant 25 year old with the an easy-going and carefree personality for somebody who has been dealt the horrible inoperable cancer diagnosis. She takes it in stride…She is going to live her life to the fullest in the least amount of time. But to make certain that she is safe, she is going to hire a companion. That is how Cade enters the story.
Cade has a story of his own and he himself could fill a book with pages of his backstory. He has his own issues and is easily running from them.
“Let’s just say getting away for a couple of months can’t hurt my life. I’m kind of hoping things just fix themselves while I’m gone.”
Both Erin and Cade are attractive, funny, and seem to have a natural chemistry around each other. Of course you know what’s going to happen. They are attracted to each other as anybody would be in these close situations and they are going to act on it, to heck with the consequences as Erin would say.
Times is slow but yet moves so fast. There is still so much to see and so much to do. The world is big and there’s a lot of fascinating places to go.
In the blink of an eye, a week has gone. I feel like the end is approaching way too fast, and at the same time, I’m excited for the next leg of our trip…Maybe if I wasn’t enjoying myself as much, time would slow down.
Even as much as Erin has planned her itinerary, sometimes a detour needs to be taken and sometimes that detour is the best unplanned event. Cade comes from a family of affluential doctors. Is it possible there is one doctor that has hope? Does Erin have confidence to hope?
Do I have the surgery and risk dying or live the heck out of the next few weeks and be happy with that?
I hope I am never faced with this dilemma, but if I am I wish for the grace and dignity that Erin empowered. One can never know what the final plan is for us even though we go through great detail to make it our destiny.
February 20, 2017
Don't Hold Back
Missy Johnson
4 stars
Ok so ... this isn't my normal read but its a good one. Now if you are looking for a happy .. nope. But you will find your heart happy at the events that take place. A Craigslist ad -- someone to share moments with because you are dying and your are 24.
Cade and Erin go out into the world together. No pity -- no looking back. A man hell bent on ruining his life and a woman who was dying who saved his. If you ever questioned what life is about then you need to read this release. Erin is a strong woman who has accepted her fate. I'm not telling you anything you wont find out in the first sentences of the book.
In their journey Cade and Erin both find out things about themselves that they needed to find out. Both strong characters but each in their own way. Cade had so much he needed to face and Erin was fulfilling her dreams before she leaves. I don't want to say anything else but its a rough but really good read. Again be warned you know the fate of Erin so be prepared and move past it --see the beauty in the story and the healing of life.
Thank you for the ARC -- Review to post to Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets.
Missy Johnson
4 stars
Ok so ... this isn't my normal read but its a good one. Now if you are looking for a happy .. nope. But you will find your heart happy at the events that take place. A Craigslist ad -- someone to share moments with because you are dying and your are 24.
Cade and Erin go out into the world together. No pity -- no looking back. A man hell bent on ruining his life and a woman who was dying who saved his. If you ever questioned what life is about then you need to read this release. Erin is a strong woman who has accepted her fate. I'm not telling you anything you wont find out in the first sentences of the book.
In their journey Cade and Erin both find out things about themselves that they needed to find out. Both strong characters but each in their own way. Cade had so much he needed to face and Erin was fulfilling her dreams before she leaves. I don't want to say anything else but its a rough but really good read. Again be warned you know the fate of Erin so be prepared and move past it --see the beauty in the story and the healing of life.
Thank you for the ARC -- Review to post to Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets.
February 15, 2017
Wow! This is another phenomenal book by Missy Johnson!
Don’t Hold Back is extremely well written. It left me instantly connecting with Erin and Cade.
The love, friendship, family, drama, pain, and surprise- everything was incredible. I couldn’t put it down! I honestly felt I was right there with Cade and Erin and cried along with them.
I loved this story. I have to say this is my favorite to date of Missy’s. I loved how real this story felt and despite the pain there was hope. Even when we experience pain there is also happiness in there to be found……
I’m choking up even with this review and don’t want to spoil anything. Just let me say, if you’re looking for another incredible book by Missy Johnson--- I can’t stress enough how much I recommend Don’t Hold Back.
I swooned, I laughed, I cried, and so felt this story! I will be remembering Don’t Hold Back for a long time to come!
5 I’d do anything for you stars! <3
Don’t Hold Back is extremely well written. It left me instantly connecting with Erin and Cade.
The love, friendship, family, drama, pain, and surprise- everything was incredible. I couldn’t put it down! I honestly felt I was right there with Cade and Erin and cried along with them.
I loved this story. I have to say this is my favorite to date of Missy’s. I loved how real this story felt and despite the pain there was hope. Even when we experience pain there is also happiness in there to be found……
I’m choking up even with this review and don’t want to spoil anything. Just let me say, if you’re looking for another incredible book by Missy Johnson--- I can’t stress enough how much I recommend Don’t Hold Back.
I swooned, I laughed, I cried, and so felt this story! I will be remembering Don’t Hold Back for a long time to come!
5 I’d do anything for you stars! <3
March 12, 2017
What an incredibly moving book this is. Erin and Cade meet and Cade immediately misunderstands what Erin is doing. But they do not forget each other and soon find themselves together for a trip of a lifetime. Erin has a life threatening condition and wants to have one incredible adventure before her life changes.
Cade is a college student who needs some money fast! He has been heartbroken and is also in need of a great adventure.
Through the months and the countries they begin a sweet love. But who is saving who? Who is truly learning to love again? This book will make you laugh and cry and perhaps swoon a bit over Cade. Loved it!!
Cade is a college student who needs some money fast! He has been heartbroken and is also in need of a great adventure.
Through the months and the countries they begin a sweet love. But who is saving who? Who is truly learning to love again? This book will make you laugh and cry and perhaps swoon a bit over Cade. Loved it!!
March 7, 2017
✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ FOUR & 1/2-STAR ✩ REVIEW ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩
> > Judging a Book by it's Cover < <
It kind of has that cute, feel-good vibe, but with their backs turned away from us, there's a little bit of wondering. Synopsis is unique. That, along with the author, is what originally pulled me in.
> > Looking Deeper < <
POV ~> Alternating first-person.
Lead characters are both Australian, but the story is also set in Italy, Spain, France, and England.
*** WARNING *** This story may contain triggers for some readers that are more sensitive to topics such as addictive behaviors (gambling), cancer patients / final plans.
It's been quite a while since I've read a book as emotional as this that sunk it's claws in deep and demanded it be read darn-near in one sitting. Oh man... where do I start?
Cade was not without his flaws, but once he agreed to be Erin's travel companion, he really tried to be the best person he could be for her. Erin was so REAL... her story is heartbreaking and hopeful in turns, she made me laugh and cry. The chemistry was sweet with some slow-building heat.
The secondary characters were nicely varied, from her friends and family to his, and all those along the journey. Dialogue was believable, interaction felt natural. The plot was engrossing and magnetic and it flowed like a dream. There were several conflicts along the way ~ most of which were resolved in a timely manner. Predictability was a non-issue. The conclusion was mostly solid and satisfying enough.
That's about all I can say without risking spoilers.
Overall... I thought it was an amazing story, packed full of emotion.
There were some terminology conflicts / errors that were in the advanced readers' copy that I received and am hoping were caught before it went to publication.
.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.45 ~ Stars: 4 (4.5, if I could!)
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from Give Me Books (blog and promotions) and the Author/Publisher with the hope that I would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
> > Judging a Book by it's Cover < <
It kind of has that cute, feel-good vibe, but with their backs turned away from us, there's a little bit of wondering. Synopsis is unique. That, along with the author, is what originally pulled me in.
> > Looking Deeper < <
POV ~> Alternating first-person.
Lead characters are both Australian, but the story is also set in Italy, Spain, France, and England.
*** WARNING *** This story may contain triggers for some readers that are more sensitive to topics such as addictive behaviors (gambling), cancer patients / final plans.
It's been quite a while since I've read a book as emotional as this that sunk it's claws in deep and demanded it be read darn-near in one sitting. Oh man... where do I start?
Cade was not without his flaws, but once he agreed to be Erin's travel companion, he really tried to be the best person he could be for her. Erin was so REAL... her story is heartbreaking and hopeful in turns, she made me laugh and cry. The chemistry was sweet with some slow-building heat.
The secondary characters were nicely varied, from her friends and family to his, and all those along the journey. Dialogue was believable, interaction felt natural. The plot was engrossing and magnetic and it flowed like a dream. There were several conflicts along the way ~ most of which were resolved in a timely manner. Predictability was a non-issue. The conclusion was mostly solid and satisfying enough.
That's about all I can say without risking spoilers.
Overall... I thought it was an amazing story, packed full of emotion.
There were some terminology conflicts / errors that were in the advanced readers' copy that I received and am hoping were caught before it went to publication.
.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.45 ~ Stars: 4 (4.5, if I could!)
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from Give Me Books (blog and promotions) and the Author/Publisher with the hope that I would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
March 2, 2017
ARC given by the author in exchange of an honest review
This one start with a punch, not micing on words or finality.
One jump, one though and revelation... it was also about selfish and selflessness. Ending and the after.
Be ready with your heart and tissues because I did cry a lot but I did smile.
Can I spoil this book? I don't think so but I did smile without bittersweet.
It was really a thoughtful book in many side, an openess, process that could be more understandable.
So dear Missy Johnson, you did it! Such a beautiful book with happiness, love, family, dedication, understanding and after.
This one start with a punch, not micing on words or finality.
One jump, one though and revelation... it was also about selfish and selflessness. Ending and the after.
Be ready with your heart and tissues because I did cry a lot but I did smile.
Can I spoil this book? I don't think so but I did smile without bittersweet.
It was really a thoughtful book in many side, an openess, process that could be more understandable.
So dear Missy Johnson, you did it! Such a beautiful book with happiness, love, family, dedication, understanding and after.
March 18, 2017
Missy Johnson has been one of my favorite authors for awhile now. Ever since I read the first book in this series. Every book in the Love Hurts Series tore me apart. Every. Single. One. Don't Hold Back was no different. I'm STILL a mess over it, and probably will be for awhile.
Erin MADE this book!!! She was so incredibly brave and someone to look up to. I admired her for everything she did.
I literally SWOONED over some of the writing in this. Here are some examples so you know I'm not messing with you.
“I’m not going to say goodbye, because then you have to come back to me,”
Our story has a happy ending, because it began in the first place.
I saved her life, and she repaid me by saving mine.
The reason that I'm giving this book four stars instead of five was because I felt disconnected during a chunk of it. I was invested pretty quickly, but then like a fire I burned out. I didn't feel any chemistry between the two main characters. It felt like their relationship was forced. I didn't even really care for Cade at first so that added to it as well. At about 60% it was like a switch flicked. The characters had chemistry, I loved Cade, and I was TOTALLY invested.
I'm curious now if there's going to be another book in this series. If there is I need to be better prepared and stock up on tissues.
Erin MADE this book!!! She was so incredibly brave and someone to look up to. I admired her for everything she did.
I literally SWOONED over some of the writing in this. Here are some examples so you know I'm not messing with you.
“I’m not going to say goodbye, because then you have to come back to me,”
Our story has a happy ending, because it began in the first place.
I saved her life, and she repaid me by saving mine.
The reason that I'm giving this book four stars instead of five was because I felt disconnected during a chunk of it. I was invested pretty quickly, but then like a fire I burned out. I didn't feel any chemistry between the two main characters. It felt like their relationship was forced. I didn't even really care for Cade at first so that added to it as well. At about 60% it was like a switch flicked. The characters had chemistry, I loved Cade, and I was TOTALLY invested.
I'm curious now if there's going to be another book in this series. If there is I need to be better prepared and stock up on tissues.
March 12, 2017
If you were told, you had a 3% chance to live with the surgery or a 0% to live without it, which would you choose? Live life as though you weren’t holding anything back; that’s what you do.
Erin, Ez, is a bright, strong, vivacious, and sassy young woman in her 20s. She loves her friends, loves her job, and I get the impression she’s an ‘old soul’; she’s deep, thoughtful, and brave and can have a calming effect on a crowd of hyper animals.
Cade is agnsty, troubled, conflicted, and torn for loving a woman that will never be his, his best friend who happens to be his brother’s girlfriend.
When Erin and Cade meet, Erin is at a low point, dealing with the certainty of dying. Together, they embark on a whirlwind of an adventure, a last ‘hurrah’ for Erin. They leave Australia for two months to tour first Italy, then Paris, ending in London.
Over the course of their journey, I’ve come to love both of these characters. Missy Johnson leads you through their anguish and discovery as though you’re following them through a twisty and windy path along the cliffs overlooking the sea; the beauty is awe inspiring but the danger is just over the edge. Sometimes the path is prickly, sometimes it’s like skipping through grassy fields on warm spring day. What starts out rather unconventionally, a dying woman, placing a Craigslist add for a travel partner, looking to find life through a European adventure and a down on his luck med school dropout trying to escape his life, turns into an epic love story of life, death, and the reemergence of purpose.
Erin, Ez, is a bright, strong, vivacious, and sassy young woman in her 20s. She loves her friends, loves her job, and I get the impression she’s an ‘old soul’; she’s deep, thoughtful, and brave and can have a calming effect on a crowd of hyper animals.
Cade is agnsty, troubled, conflicted, and torn for loving a woman that will never be his, his best friend who happens to be his brother’s girlfriend.
When Erin and Cade meet, Erin is at a low point, dealing with the certainty of dying. Together, they embark on a whirlwind of an adventure, a last ‘hurrah’ for Erin. They leave Australia for two months to tour first Italy, then Paris, ending in London.
Over the course of their journey, I’ve come to love both of these characters. Missy Johnson leads you through their anguish and discovery as though you’re following them through a twisty and windy path along the cliffs overlooking the sea; the beauty is awe inspiring but the danger is just over the edge. Sometimes the path is prickly, sometimes it’s like skipping through grassy fields on warm spring day. What starts out rather unconventionally, a dying woman, placing a Craigslist add for a travel partner, looking to find life through a European adventure and a down on his luck med school dropout trying to escape his life, turns into an epic love story of life, death, and the reemergence of purpose.
February 25, 2017
10 breathtakingly beautiful stars! This is my first Missy Johnson novel but it won't be my last!
Don't Hold Back is a heartbreakingly beautiful story about one woman's courageous journey. . What would you do if you knew you were dying? Would you surround yourself with family and friends or would you do exactly as Erin did and post an add on Craigslist? Lets face it, most of us wouldn't have the balls to leave our loved ones and set out to explore the world with someone they'd just met. However, Erin's not like most of us. She's brave, strong and selfless...
Don't Hold Back is not your typical romance with a happily-ever-after. But I will say, it's a labor of love that's so emotive, you need to experience it yourself. So, curl up on the sofa with a box of tissue, beverage of your choice and get lost in this beautifully crafted masterpiece by Missy Johnson.
Don't Hold Back is a heartbreakingly beautiful story about one woman's courageous journey. . What would you do if you knew you were dying? Would you surround yourself with family and friends or would you do exactly as Erin did and post an add on Craigslist? Lets face it, most of us wouldn't have the balls to leave our loved ones and set out to explore the world with someone they'd just met. However, Erin's not like most of us. She's brave, strong and selfless...
Don't Hold Back is not your typical romance with a happily-ever-after. But I will say, it's a labor of love that's so emotive, you need to experience it yourself. So, curl up on the sofa with a box of tissue, beverage of your choice and get lost in this beautifully crafted masterpiece by Missy Johnson.
March 12, 2017
* A review copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review *
~ 5 It's All About the Journey Stars ~
What would you do if you were given a diagnosis and a life expectancy of 6 months or less??
Don’t Hold Back tackles that question. If you go into this book thinking it is going to be a light read and all happiness and rainbows, I am here to tell you it’s not. I will say this, the book does have a happy ending but not in the normal sense of the word.
This book is truly about the journey Erin goes on with Cade, more than it is the ending or destination. I will warn you to have a full box of tissues next to you when you read this book, and don’t read it in public!!! I learned my lesson ;)
Don’t Hold Back is part of Missy Johnson’s Love Hurts Series. Each of these books are standalones and can be read in any order. There is just the common theme of being an “ugly cry” type book as to why there listed as a series.
This book is all about the question I started this review with. Erin is giving a prognosis of 6 months or less to live and she needs to figure out what to do with her time. Deciding she can’t just sit around and wait to die, she decides to go on a two month world tour of places she wants to see. Knowing she can’t ask her family along, she enlists the help of a stranger to go with her. Funny thing is when she picks Cade, she is shocked to see he isn’t really a stranger after all. Over the course of this story, we see how Erin and Cade come to grips about her life and how Cade needs to fix things in his own life as well. I loved watching these two change each other for the better. I really liked both Erin and Cade’s characters.
If this story taught me anything, it was that life is short and to live each day to the fullest because you don’t know when or how it could all be taken away. I know this might be hard to believe but I did actually end this book with a smile on my face and my heart feeling full. You’ll understand this better once you read this book.
If you are a fan of the ugly cry love story and more about the journey then the ending, then this is the book to read. I will say that you will probably want a funny story to follow this one, to help lighten the mood again.
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~ 5 It's All About the Journey Stars ~
What would you do if you were given a diagnosis and a life expectancy of 6 months or less??
Don’t Hold Back tackles that question. If you go into this book thinking it is going to be a light read and all happiness and rainbows, I am here to tell you it’s not. I will say this, the book does have a happy ending but not in the normal sense of the word.
This book is truly about the journey Erin goes on with Cade, more than it is the ending or destination. I will warn you to have a full box of tissues next to you when you read this book, and don’t read it in public!!! I learned my lesson ;)
Don’t Hold Back is part of Missy Johnson’s Love Hurts Series. Each of these books are standalones and can be read in any order. There is just the common theme of being an “ugly cry” type book as to why there listed as a series.
This book is all about the question I started this review with. Erin is giving a prognosis of 6 months or less to live and she needs to figure out what to do with her time. Deciding she can’t just sit around and wait to die, she decides to go on a two month world tour of places she wants to see. Knowing she can’t ask her family along, she enlists the help of a stranger to go with her. Funny thing is when she picks Cade, she is shocked to see he isn’t really a stranger after all. Over the course of this story, we see how Erin and Cade come to grips about her life and how Cade needs to fix things in his own life as well. I loved watching these two change each other for the better. I really liked both Erin and Cade’s characters.
If this story taught me anything, it was that life is short and to live each day to the fullest because you don’t know when or how it could all be taken away. I know this might be hard to believe but I did actually end this book with a smile on my face and my heart feeling full. You’ll understand this better once you read this book.
If you are a fan of the ugly cry love story and more about the journey then the ending, then this is the book to read. I will say that you will probably want a funny story to follow this one, to help lighten the mood again.
Follow Us at :: Book Bitches Blog | Facebook | Twitter
March 12, 2017
Final Score - 5 Ugly Cry Stars!!!
I was immediately captured with this book as soon as I read the synopsis. Of course, I didn't immediately save/write down about it and lost it for a while, but as luck would have it, I saw the sign up for it and couldn't get on it fast enough. As a result, not only I will be checking out more of Ms. Johnson's work, but I bought the first book of this series as well!
This one of those stories that I needed to read, but I had to be prepared for it. There are lots of things that I felt could be touched up, and some parts that felt too rushed. I had to pace myself with this one and savor the words, thoughts, impressions it gave me. I laughed, I cried (ugly cry's galore!), but in the end I was semi-satisfied with the outcome. I won't give the plot away, but I wanted just once to believe that dreams come true and miracles do happen.
Now for the warning (cuz, lets face facts - a warning is needed!) - this books is very sad, heartfelt, and an emotional love story that will leave you questioning why you read it in the first place. But please don't let that statement detour you. This book left me with serious #bookhangover, but what I found is that it shows more than just a beautiful romance, it shows the strength of the human spirit. As I'm sure we all know, real life is not always dreams come true or miracles occurring. Life is hard - its making tough decisions, holding those you love close and living it the fullest that you can in face of great adversity.
I look forward to reading more from Ms. Johnson ... and if her previous books to this series are like this one, I'm sure I'll be suffering from #bookhangover in the weeks to come.
I was immediately captured with this book as soon as I read the synopsis. Of course, I didn't immediately save/write down about it and lost it for a while, but as luck would have it, I saw the sign up for it and couldn't get on it fast enough. As a result, not only I will be checking out more of Ms. Johnson's work, but I bought the first book of this series as well!
This one of those stories that I needed to read, but I had to be prepared for it. There are lots of things that I felt could be touched up, and some parts that felt too rushed. I had to pace myself with this one and savor the words, thoughts, impressions it gave me. I laughed, I cried (ugly cry's galore!), but in the end I was semi-satisfied with the outcome. I won't give the plot away, but I wanted just once to believe that dreams come true and miracles do happen.
Now for the warning (cuz, lets face facts - a warning is needed!) - this books is very sad, heartfelt, and an emotional love story that will leave you questioning why you read it in the first place. But please don't let that statement detour you. This book left me with serious #bookhangover, but what I found is that it shows more than just a beautiful romance, it shows the strength of the human spirit. As I'm sure we all know, real life is not always dreams come true or miracles occurring. Life is hard - its making tough decisions, holding those you love close and living it the fullest that you can in face of great adversity.
I look forward to reading more from Ms. Johnson ... and if her previous books to this series are like this one, I'm sure I'll be suffering from #bookhangover in the weeks to come.
March 12, 2017
So Sad..
This story was inspiring, romantic, and so so sad. I am not a crier, but this story made me feel like I should be. The struggles feel real, and the characters are strong. Every character, big and small, has something to overcome. The ending isn't happy, but bittersweet. You find yourself really rooting for Erin and Cade. The situations are relatable, and they really put things into perspective. You will love this book, If you love sad stories with real issues. Books that I could relate this story to, would be books like "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Greene, "If I Stay" by Gayle Forman, or "A Thousand Letters" by Staci Hart. I would, definitely, recommend this book to all of my sappy friends that wear their hearts on their sleeves.
Reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood
This story was inspiring, romantic, and so so sad. I am not a crier, but this story made me feel like I should be. The struggles feel real, and the characters are strong. Every character, big and small, has something to overcome. The ending isn't happy, but bittersweet. You find yourself really rooting for Erin and Cade. The situations are relatable, and they really put things into perspective. You will love this book, If you love sad stories with real issues. Books that I could relate this story to, would be books like "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Greene, "If I Stay" by Gayle Forman, or "A Thousand Letters" by Staci Hart. I would, definitely, recommend this book to all of my sappy friends that wear their hearts on their sleeves.
Reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood
March 7, 2017
Life. isn't. fair.
Erin - exhibit A.
Cade - exhibit B.
Erin is rushing headlong into death. Cade is running away from life. Each has a lesson for the other and for us, the reader.
Don't Hold Back is a both a love letter and a lesson. In the style of "Me Before You" this breathtakingly beautiful book reminds us to live each moment as if it's your last. It teaches us to grab life by it's teeth and suck the marrow from it's bones; to look at a sunset and steal every last moment of warmth. There are no guarantees in life but I guarantee you will be touched by this book.
If ever you need a moment that remind you to Carpe the crap out of the diem, this is your book. Well done, Ms. Johnson!
Review by AnnMarie
Erin - exhibit A.
Cade - exhibit B.
Erin is rushing headlong into death. Cade is running away from life. Each has a lesson for the other and for us, the reader.
Don't Hold Back is a both a love letter and a lesson. In the style of "Me Before You" this breathtakingly beautiful book reminds us to live each moment as if it's your last. It teaches us to grab life by it's teeth and suck the marrow from it's bones; to look at a sunset and steal every last moment of warmth. There are no guarantees in life but I guarantee you will be touched by this book.
If ever you need a moment that remind you to Carpe the crap out of the diem, this is your book. Well done, Ms. Johnson!
Review by AnnMarie
March 6, 2017
What have I gotten myself into "Don't Hold Back" was a very emotional roller coaster ride, warning you will need tissues, while reading I felt like I was going along on this Journey, Erin is dying she knows her family and friends are worried about her but Erin needs to find herself and do the things she enjoys to do. Erin decided to post an ad on Craigslist for someone to join her journey. That's when she meets Cade that's all I'm going to say, a very heartfelt and very well written 5 star read.
Happy Reading
Lisa " I voluntarily reviewed a advanced reader copy of this book"
Happy Reading
Lisa " I voluntarily reviewed a advanced reader copy of this book"
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