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Caine Cousins #1

Hard to Hold

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Wolfe Caine and his cousin Lynx know the small town of Embers Ridge like the backs of their hands. They grew up here, started more than their fair share of trouble on these back roads. They’ve been called wild, untamable, even crazy at times. And they’re okay with that.

Settling down has never been in Wolfe’s plan, but that was before they caught his eye. As far as Wolfe’s concerned, the two of them together … that’s his greatest temptation.

Getting close to either of them is difficult. But when Wolfe gets them both in his grasp, he’s determined he’s going to hold on, no matter how hard that proves to be.

364 pages, ebook

First published May 30, 2017

257 people are currently reading
696 people want to read

About the author

Nicole Edwards

128 books6,069 followers
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Nicole Edwards spends her days stringing words together to make complete sentences. Sometimes not. Her best friend is coffee, and she has a love/hate relationship with sarcasm. She’s been accused of having a filthy imagination, which she admits is true.

Nicole lives in the suburbs of Austin, Texas. She proudly claims one husband, three grown children, and two bosses (better known as the dogs). When she isn’t writing, watching football or hockey, or keeping her bosses happy, you can probably find her with a book in hand.

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5 stars
716 (54%)
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406 (31%)
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148 (11%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
Profile Image for Barbara➰.
1,662 reviews459 followers
August 9, 2017
Well, my first ever Nicole Edwards book. What did I think? I f'n loved it! It grabbed me from page one and kept my attention the whole time. I will definitely be reading more of her books.

This was fabulous. My favorite type of ménage is MMF. There's just something about two men lovin' on each other and add into the mix a soft female. Of course, I'm imagining myself in the middle of that hot sandwich....

I wasn't sure about Amy at first but she quickly had me rooting for her. I love how easy it was for her to accept both Wolfe and Rhys and how SHE wanted it to be public. She was proud to be with her two men. I also loved how she didn't "martyr" herself and run away even though she thought Wolfe and Rhys might be in danger. She wanted to protect herself but she also knew they would do whatever was in their power to protect her too.

And lawd have mercy....Wolfe...

Can I just say how freaking hot his dominant ass is???

And not to downplay Rhys because..

Yeah, I'll take him too...

So what I didn't like...the ENDING! Ugh! A cliffy...

Lucky me already has the next book...
Profile Image for The Sassy Bookworm.
4,064 reviews2,872 followers
August 11, 2017
descriptionThis cover is pretty good. Nice representation of the characters found within. Good composition and title work. The brown is a little drab, but otherwise, it's a pretty well-done cover.description

No time for a fancy schmancy review with this book. Suffice it to say I enjoyed it for the most part. I would have preferred that the first sexual encounter had included all three of them and not just the two guys as that felt a bit like cheating to me. Obviously, it wasn't, but the heroine wasn't ready to have sex with them yet, and I just felt it would have been more respectful (and special) to have had them wait until ALL parties were ready to take it to the next level.

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I also wasn't a huge fan of the cliffy mostly because I have no interest in reading about the couple featured in book two. Unfortunately, the whole "baddie" situation from book one was left hanging so now I am going to have to quiz my #bestie Barb to find out what the hell happens. But as I said, I enjoyed it for the most part so two thumbs up from yours truly.

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Profile Image for Snow.
2,323 reviews727 followers
August 7, 2017
well, HAWT DAMN...



FUCK, damn, that was...well, fuck damn...those scenes



Nicole Edwards...hands down...you know the business *wink*

So, about the story-it's a classic 'damsel in distress with a horrid past who finds herself in the hands of two men who'll cherish her and make her renew her inner strength that was shattered and those two men will find more in each other than just an attraction and a physical pull' kinda scenario and not just that...

it s a story of pushing boundaries of love, facing the stigma and labels of society that would judge the union outside the formal framework...

And that is a substence, Nicole Edwards maestrally intertwines with the sex scenes...that are as usual, off the charts in any aspect...

Wolfe Caine/Rhys Trevino/Amy Manning aka Amy Smith will take you on a road of self-discovery in this uncharted waters
I don’t know how this fucking works. I don’t know what I’m supposed to do or say … or … fuck. I don’t even know what I’m supposed to feel.

Taking on the chance of love in this unconventional relationship...
But I know one goddamn thing,” Wolfe growled, moving even closer, their lips practically touching. “I’m not about to let you shut me out. I’m all in where you and Amy are concerned. I want every damn thing you’ll give me. Not just tonight. Not just tomorrow night. I want every goddamn night, Rhys. From here on out.

While trying to erase every single bad thing that happened to the woman they love and try to mend the consequences of her past that once again come to haunt her...threatning her life...these two alphas will go the distance to make sure no harm comes to her...while the only thing she needs to do is 'feel' them...with them...for them...
We can figure that out together.

One day at a time.

But the danger is still out there...waiting and plotting Amy's demise...the monster that abused her is still hunting her...

And the book 2 will reveal hopefully this abusive fucker's own dismisal...

BUT

I m also looking forward to see the unraveling of a pent up tension between the secondary characters Lynx Caine & Reagen Trevino a long time friends but also unrequited lovers that never came to be...until now...

cause he wants her...and he wants her forever...but she s adamant to stay clear of any relationship...until she s not...

and i would love to see them snap and finally give into each other...

Cause if the sparks are any indication, their spasmic encounter will be more fueled than the bursting of the Supernove!!!
Darlin’, you can’t handle me.”

“Try me, Lynx.”

He shook his head and sat up, turning to look out the front window.

“That’s the problem, Reagan. I’m not interested in a taste test.” He looked directly at her. “If I get my hands on you, it will be forever. And until you accept that—”

The door slammed and he chuckled as he watched Reagan and her cute little ass march right up to the front door.

One day, that hellcat was going to give in. It was just a matter of time.

See what i mean?! 😏
Profile Image for Erin.
394 reviews57 followers
July 20, 2017
The entire time I'm reading this book I am thinking, "Why haven't I read everything Nicole Edwards?!?". This isn't my first book by her, but I think I always forget how talented this author is. I don't think there is a better author out there that can write a triad story. I love some MMF, but most of the stories are just sex. I want a relationship! Miss Edwards delivered. There were so many feels... and the plot! There was an actual plot!! Amazing, right?

Btw, Wolfe is mine. MINE!

Also, this ends in a little cliffy. The characters are together and happy with each other in the end, but there is still more story to come. It continues on in the second Caine Cousins book (different MCs) Can't wait!
Profile Image for ⚣Michaelle⚣.
3,662 reviews233 followers
April 4, 2018
4.0 Stars

Well...hell. For most of this book I thought I'd found that elusive Unicorn MMF story, that had plot, characterization and hot sex. And, damn it, it was. Despite the odd self-pimpage of having your FMC mention the kinky sex she's read about - in your own books, as well as mentioning you by name? - and then having some of those characters turn up near the end to help with bringing down the man responsible for hurting said FMC...I was totally on board.

These characters were not 2 dimensional stereotypes; each had their own burdens and flaws and somehow were just broken enough that their jagged edges fit together to form something solid and wonderful. The guys were rough on each other (in the most delicious of ways) but until she was ready for more, were complete gentlemen toward their woman. There was wooing. WOOOING. Sweet dates and kissing and some making out that gradually progressed into more.

And the plot? Where Amy is hiding from her past, scared and jumping at shadows? She also gradually comes out of that shell; she doesn't want Wolfe or Rhys solve all her problems, won't let them "fix" her or come to her rescue. Instead, she's ready to face it head on. All it took was a family - not just the guys, but their families, their town - to have her back. Oh, and some familiar faces who have the means and knowledge to help.

Gah, I was so happy with this book.

And then...well, then it was done. No, not done done. The book had come to a close but not the story. That was left on the mother of all cliffhangers and I am so effing angry about that. Because the next one is an MF story that I really had no intention of reading but now feel compelled to in order to see how this turns out for our Triad. The contrarian in me is ready to write it off, as though it had never been resolved.

See, this book was well on its way to being a 4.5 star read that I was ready to pimp to my friends who are also looking for a well-written, engaging, interesting and hot as hell MMF story. And now I can't in good conscience rec it to them...despite it being almost as good (even with the pimpage and ending) as my favorite MMF story Beyond Eden - without the BDSM found in that one that a lot of people aren't interested in reading. Yes, it really was that good, with a similar emotional content, conflict and connection simmering between all the MCs. But unless you're willing to write off the ending, or move on to an MF story for the conclusion, then even as much as I liked it I wouldn't rec it to my MMF loving friends. And that kind of breaks my heart and pisses me off at the same time.

I'm terribly conflicted, in case you can't tell.

Damn it.

I still couldn't give it less than 4 stars.
Profile Image for Princess J. Antoinette.
1,000 reviews106 followers
March 4, 2018
🚨*********Spolier Alert*********🚨


Wow, this book took me by surprise.. When I went in to read this novel I was expecting one thing but ohhh did I get more... It exceeded my expectations...

As the saying goes "Never judge a book or it's title by its cover" or something like that.. Anyway, I thought I was just going in for a quick read of some good old sexy smut.. But boy was I wrong. Don't get me wrong I got my smut.. Lol I got quite a bit of it and it was delicious... Lips smacking good! But what I wasn't expecting was this book to make me, angry, and teary eyed, sad, and down right pissed off... Okay let's be real.. Yes I cried for this character.. If you read it you would understand why.. Don't judge me.. Well let me explain why I had these feelings ..

See our sweet, little,naive heroine found her self with a sadistic, psychopath who beat and abuse her in ways no human should have to endure.. This is why I had those feelings... But I also felt captivated, and reassured by her inter strength, and her will power to make it out on her own.. Then she meets two handsome guys who fall in love with her and wants to protect her from the monster that almost destroyed her.

Oh my Alpha's.... In this story was top notch.. Those boys, whew they knew how to make a girl head spin.. Oh and the sex scenes these boys had with her or just the two of them ... Whew they blew the top of my head off, it was that damn hot...🔥

I don't think I've ever read anything by this author before, but I will say it won't be my last time.. The girl knows how to write a damn good story; job well done Nicole Edwards

The only thing this book loses points on is she left me with a damn cliffhanger and I really hate those with a damn passion!!😡😤

Overall rating:
3.8*~ A Pretty Good Read
Profile Image for Melanie A..
1,245 reviews559 followers
July 16, 2017
Yay!! This was REALLY good! But to write this review, I'm going to have to divide it into two parts.

5+ STARS for the portrayal of a serious menage relationship. So many books in this genre are just throw-away smut romps. This one was not. It was well-thought out and had some real intelligence to it. I loved the way the relationship between Wolfe, Amy, and Rhys developed; it felt real and so, so intimate, and the chemistry between them was SCORCHING, especially between Rhys and Wolfe. Who doesn't love the idea of two tall, dark, and handsome cowboys who are just as hot for each other as they are for Amy? And the way they treated her? Amazing. The care and patience they showed her was wonderful. Which brings us to the second part . . .

3 stars for Amy's backstory. For the first half of the book, the reader knows that Amy has gotten out of an abusive relationship and is constantly looking over her shoulder. It was very well-done and really added to the story. Then the completely over-the-top details of her past emerge and start poking holes in the plot. First, for the level of trauma Amy endured, she was way too well-adjusted and open to a relationship with two men. Second, why would she buy a house when she may have to go on the run? Third, I very much doubt it's possible to be hospitalized as a Jane Doe in a small town and have no one know what had happened to her when she settles there. Rhys is the sheriff, wouldn't he have interviewed her? Then, considering the extent of her injuries, I feel that Amy would have needed physical therapy, and would have suffered residual pain and ill-effects that were never once mentioned. If the author had resisted the urge to sensationalize the abuse Amy endured, this book would have made my all-time top 15.

Having said that though, I know that I'm a lot pickier than most readers. If menage is your thing, you'll almost certainly love this book.
Profile Image for Chris.
2,070 reviews
June 1, 2017
Are you for real Nicole ???? Finishing on the greatest of cliffhangers ? OMG - seriously I almost choked thinking what in the ever loving fuck. Am I frustrated? YES am I annoyed ? YES - why You may ask ? Because I loved it. I'm a big Nicole Edwards fan and her Walkers Brothers are some of my all time favorite characters, so reading this book was like stepping back into a much loved world. Wolfe, Rhys & Amy made for a smokin ménage. Typical dominant Alphas taking care of their vulnerable little woman. These guys were HOT in their Alpha possessive way and were perfect for Amy and each other. Amy had been horribly abused and left for dead. She began a new and anonymous life in Embers Ridge where she reluctantly found two protectors. While she was not looking for love, the patience and persistence of Wolfe & Rhys allowed her to slowly trust. As the story unfolded I was more hooked so needless to say I'll be waiting for part 2 in July !
If you enjoy Nicole's books I think you'll love this ❤️
Profile Image for Janja.
863 reviews14 followers
June 13, 2017
When will I learn???? Fricking cliff??
An interesting and mysterious story and holly hell it's hot..I mean realy hot.... but some of the scene could be out (nothing new in sex department if I could say so) and than maybe I wouldn't have to wait for the next part.
Profile Image for AG Reads.
464 reviews14 followers
August 13, 2017
This author is getting break, because normally a cliffhanger ending with no warning in the book blurb gets an automatic one star. I'm still seriously considering it, but will leave it at three for now. The only reason this book gets 3 stars is because I loved the characters and it is so hard to find mmf books that have a likeable, sweet heroine and do not have overblown, OTT drama between the three characters.

So for that, I will reluctantly give 3 stars and once again remind authors that cliffhangers like this are not a series, they are a serial. There are ways to continue to the next book without just stopping the previous one. Learn the art of the wrap up, or catagorize the books correctly.
Profile Image for GimmeAllTheWerdssss.
597 reviews257 followers
August 14, 2017
I know some thought it was funny that the author mentioned her own books - more than once - but I found it distasteful.

Story was good till the sex (around 50%) but then it was sex sex and some more sex. I would have gladly taken less sex and more relationship building because it began to feel that the relationship was based on lust and sex. The ILY felt out of place due to that.
Profile Image for Elaine.
142 reviews5 followers
August 9, 2017
Didn't like it that much tbh. I honestly think the author shouldn't have made the book that long imo. It was good but I'm not reading the next one
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,212 reviews220 followers
May 30, 2017
5 Star review of Hard To Hold (Caine Cousins #1) by Nicole Edwards

This is book 1 in Nicole Edward’s exciting new Caine Cousins series set in the small town of Embers Ridge and what a way to start. A fair warning that this book sort of ends on a cliff hanger but don't worry you will not have to to wait long for the next book.

This is the story of Wolfe, Amy and Rhys and oh boy what a story this was. No one does menage like Nicole Edwards. This book was exactly what I have come to expect from one of her books it was smoking hot menage at it's finest.

There is also mystery and intrigue in Hard To Hold which kept me riveted to the pages. Once I started this book I didn't want to put it down.

Amy has secrets that she must keep, otherwise it could cost her her life and those of the men she has come to care for. Wolfe and Rhys are strong determined men who want to protect her and will do whatever it takes.

When Amy's past comes back to haunt her, will she leave the men she loves and make a run for it or will she stay and fight for what she deserves? Once click and you will find out. As with all previous books written by Ms.Edwards, this one was well written and the story line captivating. Not only do the hot and steamy scenes capture and keep your attention, but the danger adds another element.

I cannot wait for the next book to see what happens.


Profile Image for Opinionated and Brutally Honest Reviews.
361 reviews8 followers
August 21, 2017
“Is this like one of those situations in those Nicole Edwards books?”
Name dropping yourself is like 'liking' your own FB status or giving yourself a high-five. Other Authors have used lines similar to the one she used. Except they said other authors names and usually more than one. I have even looked them up after. But using your own name is just tacky. We are already reading your work. No need to advertise some more.

This book doesn't even end. I read the other reviews and knew there would be a cliffhanger but it basically just stops.
It is too long with not enough happening for it to be a cliffhanger. A cliffhanger is supposed to keep you on the edge of your seat wanting more. Not wanting it to hurry up and end.
I do think this has potential but it needs a lot of work.
Amy's behavior changed in one afternoon. She went from being scared of everything to laughing and acting like a little girl. It wasn't gradual like it should have been. She was raped repeatedly but she wasn't scared to have sex. It wasn't even brought up.
There were many things that didn't make sense.
Profile Image for Chris.
1,928 reviews17 followers
May 25, 2017
Nicole is at it again with those hot cowboys! Wolfe and Rhys have grown up in the same small town and Amy is the newcomer. Both men find the need to protect her, but from what they don't know. For Amy, if one strong man is good then two is even better. Enjoy the smoldering heat as the chemistry between these three characters builds.
Nicole has again brought a sensitive subject to light in another book and as always handles it so well. This book does end in a bit of a cliffhanger so get ready for part 2 coming soon!
Profile Image for Marcia.
500 reviews7 followers
May 31, 2017
Nicole Edwards has delivered yet another sexy, steamy, sassy, suspenseful, but most of all emotionally stirring story with Hard to Hold, the first book in the Caine Cousins series. Hard Hold features two very gorgeous, dominate, alpha male cowboys, one who happens to be the sheriff, Rhys Trevino, and the other just happens to be related to those fabulous Walker Brothers, Wolfe Caine, and Amy Smith, one very lovely lady who appears to be have a secret. Yet, despite Amy trying to hide her secret and go about things as inconspicuously as possible, Wolfe and Rhys sense that Amy is hiding something, and it makes them feel very protective of her, even before they really get to know her.

Hard to Hold was a wonderful read about three people learning and discovering who they are and what they truly wanted in a relationship...and trying to find their way to an HEA. Amy, Wolfe and Rhys are absolutely perfect for each other. Hard to Hold starts out slower than most other Nicole Edwards books, but then the story just takes off and keeps you holding on to the edge of your seat..and hoping for a particular ending. Hard to Hold does have a story line that may present triggers for some people, but it is a subject that does not get enough attention or rather, I should say, the aftereffects of what a person who has experienced what Amy has experienced and what it does to a person's psyche, does not get enough attention. I applaud Nicole Edwards for tackling this subject matter in the way that she did, and she did not hold back either.

Hard too Hold, which takes place in a small town by the name of Embers Ridge, which some of us avid Nicole Edwards readers may have heard of before...Dead Heat Ranch series, anyone?, introduces us to a whole new batch of characters, including Lynx Caine, Wolfe Caine's cousin who is more like a brother to him, as well as Reagan Trevino, Rhys' sister and Amy's boss, but we also get to see some of our favorite Nicole Edwards' characters, like Travis Walker. So, hold on to your seats and prepare to read a Nicole Edwards' story that is like no other Nicole Edwards' story you have read before. I cannot wait for book 2 in this series. Great job on this one, Nicole Edwards!

Profile Image for Jamie .
1,489 reviews2 followers
June 5, 2017
What happens when you have Two Alpha males and a scared girl that are attracted to each other. Well Wolfe was never a relationship mind if your in fact Sheriff Rhys either but when the new girl in town catches their eye, then know she is hiding something but it doesn't stop them from going after what they want. Their feeling turn into something more and these two men are determined to protect Amy at all cost but when the monster she is running from comes looking to finish what he started can Amy's men keep her safe or will the monster from her past take her from the two men she trust and love 💘 with all her heart. This book keeps you on your toes. Can't wait for book 2.
Profile Image for Marybeth.
1,756 reviews
May 24, 2017
What can I say, nobody writes a hot, sensual and steamy menage like Nicole Edwards, nobody! But no matter how smokin’ hot it is there is always such a fantastic story there too and seriously awesome character development. Wolfe, Rhys and Amy are clearly meant for each other. They all feel it almost immediately. The chemistry and connection the three of them share is simply undeniable as well as unparallelled. There is no way they cannot act on it. The protective qualities that Amy triggers in both Wolfe & Rhys is everything Amy needs as you find out more about her and learn about her past.
Although this book deals with a sensitive issue, it is handled with grace.
Without giving anything away, I love the nods to a certain author in this book as well as a visit from some very special people towards the end.
5 plus stars for another deliciously hot and sexy read!!!!!
93 reviews1 follower
May 30, 2017
Holy hotness! This is the start of a 2 book series by Nicole Edwards. There is a bit of a cliffhanger, which should be wrapped up in book 2 and also find out what's happens with lynx. I love me a good menage, and this does not disappoint. M/M scenes as well. Very well written and sexy! The story/suspense aspect was very good. I want to kill the ex myself and can't wait to see that storyline tied up. The only thing that seemed far fetched was how quickly she trusted and started messing around while swimming when she had just been so timid. The author quoting herself as an author in the book was weird too, especially when the characters made an appearance. Overall very entertaining and I highly recommend. Bring on book 2 please!
Profile Image for Caroline.
1,092 reviews5 followers
June 3, 2017
I really enjoyed reading Wolfe, Rhys, and Amy’s story by my Queen of Ménage. Hard to hold is book #1 in the Caine Cousins two-book series, and spinoff from the Alluring Indulgence and Coyote Ridge series. It’s a MMF romance thriller set in the small town of Embers Ridge. Two rough and passionate men, their sweet girl, and a monster…

Happy reading!

An addicted reader.

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Profile Image for Julie.
1,143 reviews4 followers
June 1, 2017
I love all of Nicole's books and this one didn't disappoint. Great ménage with incredible alpha males in Rhys and Wolfe. Where does she find these men I wish I knew! Anyway...I couldn't put the book down loved it right until the cliffhanger at the end! Guess I'll be counting down to the next book in a few months!loved it
Profile Image for Tinabooklover.
660 reviews2 followers
February 21, 2018
I think that was the hottest book I have ever read....ok, maybe I'm exaggerating....all NE books are this hot! But this one, I think it's hotter then the rest. Go ahead, read it, you'll see! Trust me on this!
Profile Image for Jane.
509 reviews20 followers
February 19, 2021
OMG! This was sizzling hot and the cover says it all. Yet the characters were well developed, the relationship well written and the back-story was thrilling and left you on a cliff-hanger waiting for more. Ate this one up in less than 24 hours and can't wait to read the next one.
Profile Image for Christine.
153 reviews1 follower
June 15, 2017
OMG!!! You killed me with that ending!!!!! But holy HOTNESS!!!! Can't wait till July
Profile Image for ⚜️ Lacey ⚜️.
505 reviews2 followers
October 16, 2017
THIS BOOK HAS A CLIFFHANGER ENDING!!!!!!

Wish I’d have known this is a cliffhanger going into it. I don’t know how I did not know this beforehand! How did I miss this? Since it took me 3 entire days to read a book it normally should have taken me less than 2 days to read, I’m now trying to decide if I care enough to keep with it and read book #2.
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