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A Hold Series Spin-off #1
Take Hold of Me
She has a body that needs guarding. He has the muscle to do it … but he’s turned his back on that life. And her.
Wills Sumner wants a fresh start after years as an A-List bodyguard. Watching his partners die on their last job cemented his belief that he’s toxic. So, with the money from that soul-crushing assignment, he embarks on a new life. Everything would be perfect if only the French beauty Emilie Dubois would lose his number.
After a decade as a supermodel, Emilie’s career needs a makeover. So her agency devises a PR stunt—hire a bodyguard to make her look more relevant. And she knows the perfect guy for the job, the only man who ever made her heart race. No matter that he currently is as radio silent as a mime on the Champs- Élysées.
Wills lets down his defenses to do one final job. When it’s over, Emilie refuses to let him walk away and forces him to face his deepest fears. His journey leads him to discover there are some things he can’t protect her from—including himself. Yet Emilie is battling with her own demons. When both are stripped bare, will they decide love isn’t worth the danger, or beg the other to Take Hold of Me ?
Arell’s Rivers’ fifth book, the full-length novel Take Hold of Me, is the fourth installment in The Hold Series, following characters met in the series’ opener, No One to Hold .
Here’s what readers say about No One to Hold :
Wills Sumner wants a fresh start after years as an A-List bodyguard. Watching his partners die on their last job cemented his belief that he’s toxic. So, with the money from that soul-crushing assignment, he embarks on a new life. Everything would be perfect if only the French beauty Emilie Dubois would lose his number.
After a decade as a supermodel, Emilie’s career needs a makeover. So her agency devises a PR stunt—hire a bodyguard to make her look more relevant. And she knows the perfect guy for the job, the only man who ever made her heart race. No matter that he currently is as radio silent as a mime on the Champs- Élysées.
Wills lets down his defenses to do one final job. When it’s over, Emilie refuses to let him walk away and forces him to face his deepest fears. His journey leads him to discover there are some things he can’t protect her from—including himself. Yet Emilie is battling with her own demons. When both are stripped bare, will they decide love isn’t worth the danger, or beg the other to Take Hold of Me ?
Arell’s Rivers’ fifth book, the full-length novel Take Hold of Me, is the fourth installment in The Hold Series, following characters met in the series’ opener, No One to Hold .
Here’s what readers say about No One to Hold :
- GenresContemporaryRomance
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 7, 2018
158 people are currently reading
256 people want to read
About the author
Arell Rivers
31 books499 followersFor as long as Arell Rivers remembers, she has been lost in a book. During her senior year in college, she picked up a romance novel … and instantly was hooked.
She started writing her first novel, No One to Hold, because the characters were screaming at her to do so. The story started coming out in Arell’s dreams and attacking her in the shower, so she took to the computer to shut them up. But they kept talking.
Born and raised in New Jersey, Arell has what some may call a “checkered past.” Prior to discovering her passion for writing romance, she practiced law, was a wedding and event planner and even dabbled in marketing. She lives with a very supportive husband and two mischievous cats. When not in her writing cave, Arell can be found making dinner in the crock pot, working out with Shaun T or hitting the beach.
She hopes you enjoy her stories about flawed men, strong women and the passions that ignite!
She started writing her first novel, No One to Hold, because the characters were screaming at her to do so. The story started coming out in Arell’s dreams and attacking her in the shower, so she took to the computer to shut them up. But they kept talking.
Born and raised in New Jersey, Arell has what some may call a “checkered past.” Prior to discovering her passion for writing romance, she practiced law, was a wedding and event planner and even dabbled in marketing. She lives with a very supportive husband and two mischievous cats. When not in her writing cave, Arell can be found making dinner in the crock pot, working out with Shaun T or hitting the beach.
She hopes you enjoy her stories about flawed men, strong women and the passions that ignite!
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July 22, 2025🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/9/2020)! 🎁
July 22, 2025
This one starts out very hard and heartbreaking. To lose a twin and have to keep going would be impossible. I loved seeing how Wills works through the loss and PTSD of his past. Emilie is also working through some work issues and trying to decide what she wants for her future. The past that they share comes up and you can see how much they both care for each other. I loved watching them fall in love and making their life work for them. The ending was perfect and I was so happy with how everything worked out.
October 26, 2023
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
June 14, 2018
Take Hold of Me by Arell Rivers took hold of my heart and didn’t let go! I loved everything about this book. It is sexy, sweet, angsty with unexpected twists that kept me turning pages.
Wills is your next book boyfriend. He is a gorgeous, protective, alpha male. He is perfectly flawed. I loved him in The Hold series and I must admit, as much as I love Cole, Wills had me saying, “Cole who?” Not an easy feat. It is author Arell Rivers fantastic writing that brings this character to life. I just want to hold him! He will tug on your heartstrings and get your pulse racing with his seductive ways!
Emilie is beautiful inside and out. She is not your stereotypical supermodel. She is so much more. I love how she comes into her own. I must admit, I loved her from the start. She is sassy and sweet. She has that something. I clicked with her character.
I love that author Arell Rivers uses alternating POV to tell their story. It really lets you get to know the characters and understand why they do what they do. The push/pull is intense. The banter is sexy, witty and fun. Their journey isn’t smooth or easy. Wills drive me a little crazy because it could’ve been easier but then author Arell Rivers wouldn’t have been able to enjoy the anxiety she caused me!
Take Hold of Me is a fantastic story. It will touch your heart. It is relevant, romantic, and rich with emotion. I loved it!
~ Maria
Wills is your next book boyfriend. He is a gorgeous, protective, alpha male. He is perfectly flawed. I loved him in The Hold series and I must admit, as much as I love Cole, Wills had me saying, “Cole who?” Not an easy feat. It is author Arell Rivers fantastic writing that brings this character to life. I just want to hold him! He will tug on your heartstrings and get your pulse racing with his seductive ways!
Emilie is beautiful inside and out. She is not your stereotypical supermodel. She is so much more. I love how she comes into her own. I must admit, I loved her from the start. She is sassy and sweet. She has that something. I clicked with her character.
I love that author Arell Rivers uses alternating POV to tell their story. It really lets you get to know the characters and understand why they do what they do. The push/pull is intense. The banter is sexy, witty and fun. Their journey isn’t smooth or easy. Wills drive me a little crazy because it could’ve been easier but then author Arell Rivers wouldn’t have been able to enjoy the anxiety she caused me!
Take Hold of Me is a fantastic story. It will touch your heart. It is relevant, romantic, and rich with emotion. I loved it!
~ Maria
June 6, 2018
I received a complimentary copy of Take Hold of Me !!!!! This is my honest review of Take Hold of Me Wow I couldn't put it down!! I have loved Arell's books from the start!! Arell's books have anyways the right balance for me!! I have my tissues with me as there are a few tears ! Her books bring out the giggles in me !! And Arell's always has the right amount of twists and turns to keep you on your toes!! I love her in-depth of emotions that she brings out in her books!! This book touched me in moments that I had in my life too!! Wills and Em are a awesome couple !! I love that Em doesn't give up on Wills !! And I love that Wills bring s out Em's fight for what she stands for !! This one book you don't want to miss reading !!
June 11, 2018
Love Sees You!
Take Hold of Me is a wonderful love story. It touches on so many real life issues, but ultimately focuses on love. Self love, love of family, and romantic love. The characters are vivid and flawed and endearing. Their journey to love makes them question if they are truly happy. If the path they are on is the path they are meant to take.
Wills and Emilie are both dynamic characters that have fought to be where they are today. Wills has suffered great loss and carries guilt associated with those losses. He also suffers from PTSD. He is at a place in life where he questions his ability to protect those he loves. He has built up walls and keeps everyone from penetrating them. However, he still feels a connection with the beautiful and successful Emilie Dubois no matter how hard he tries to ignore it.
Emilie is a supermodel. She has worked hard to maintain her professional reputation. She is dedicated, beautiful, and starting to feel the pressure to stay on top. Her agency and competition from a new star in the modeling world have her working overtime to stay in the spotlight. Emilie isn't sure who she is outside of modeling. She feels like so much more than a pretty face when she's with Wills. Emilie is persistent in her pursuit of Wills and sparks definitely fly.
The connection between Emilie and Wills is palpable from the beginning. The push and pull between them is filled with passion and a bit of angst. When they are together, they see each other's hearts. They can be open and vulnerable without fear of humiliation. They are a great team because they support each other. They must both face their demons and learn to follow their passions in life. Let love guide them and not fear.
The foundation for this love story is the characters. Ms. Rivers builds great characters that evolve and tackle difficult situations. The story flows effortlessly with an authentic and empowering feel. Take Hold of Me will make you think and feel and hope. I look forward to reading more of her work in the future.
Take Hold of Me is a wonderful love story. It touches on so many real life issues, but ultimately focuses on love. Self love, love of family, and romantic love. The characters are vivid and flawed and endearing. Their journey to love makes them question if they are truly happy. If the path they are on is the path they are meant to take.
Wills and Emilie are both dynamic characters that have fought to be where they are today. Wills has suffered great loss and carries guilt associated with those losses. He also suffers from PTSD. He is at a place in life where he questions his ability to protect those he loves. He has built up walls and keeps everyone from penetrating them. However, he still feels a connection with the beautiful and successful Emilie Dubois no matter how hard he tries to ignore it.
Emilie is a supermodel. She has worked hard to maintain her professional reputation. She is dedicated, beautiful, and starting to feel the pressure to stay on top. Her agency and competition from a new star in the modeling world have her working overtime to stay in the spotlight. Emilie isn't sure who she is outside of modeling. She feels like so much more than a pretty face when she's with Wills. Emilie is persistent in her pursuit of Wills and sparks definitely fly.
The connection between Emilie and Wills is palpable from the beginning. The push and pull between them is filled with passion and a bit of angst. When they are together, they see each other's hearts. They can be open and vulnerable without fear of humiliation. They are a great team because they support each other. They must both face their demons and learn to follow their passions in life. Let love guide them and not fear.
The foundation for this love story is the characters. Ms. Rivers builds great characters that evolve and tackle difficult situations. The story flows effortlessly with an authentic and empowering feel. Take Hold of Me will make you think and feel and hope. I look forward to reading more of her work in the future.
January 22, 2020
Just when you think it couldn't get better.
After reading the first trilogy in the to hold series I thought the spin offs couldn't get any better but finishing Emielie and wills story was just as good. There story takes you on a journey of a tortured soul and his fight for the life he thinks he does not deserve. But with the love of a good woman by his side he sees a little light until he looses that sight and things go wrong. Can wills fight his way back?
The tournament in this book will have you wanting to reach in and help wills come to terms with his life and grief that he holds so close.
A great read that can be read as a standalone but to get the full story I recommend you read the whole series from the beginning.
After reading the first trilogy in the to hold series I thought the spin offs couldn't get any better but finishing Emielie and wills story was just as good. There story takes you on a journey of a tortured soul and his fight for the life he thinks he does not deserve. But with the love of a good woman by his side he sees a little light until he looses that sight and things go wrong. Can wills fight his way back?
The tournament in this book will have you wanting to reach in and help wills come to terms with his life and grief that he holds so close.
A great read that can be read as a standalone but to get the full story I recommend you read the whole series from the beginning.
June 24, 2021
Wonderful!
So glad that Wills got happiness after so much horror with both of his partners being murdered. Being a bodyguard can be dangerous but the perk of working for Cole Manchester was that he met Emilie. Emilie has set her sights on Wills but he doesn't feel he is in her league and worthy to be her partner. She sets out to prove him wrong! A series of events occur that finally brings his love to the surface but it just could be too late. Thankfully it all works out.
As with the rest of this series, this book was excellent!
So glad that Wills got happiness after so much horror with both of his partners being murdered. Being a bodyguard can be dangerous but the perk of working for Cole Manchester was that he met Emilie. Emilie has set her sights on Wills but he doesn't feel he is in her league and worthy to be her partner. She sets out to prove him wrong! A series of events occur that finally brings his love to the surface but it just could be too late. Thankfully it all works out.
As with the rest of this series, this book was excellent!
July 25, 2025
Emilie and Wills were the first supermodel and bodyguard couple I ever read about. Their story was cute and steamy.
TW: The storyline touched on trauma and PTSD. However, it was inspiring that the author touched on mental health, and how if one partner is stagnant in their mental health journey it can affect the overall relationship.
PS. I was reading all of Emilie’s dialogue in a French accent ehehehe 😂😊
TW: The storyline touched on trauma and PTSD. However, it was inspiring that the author touched on mental health, and how if one partner is stagnant in their mental health journey it can affect the overall relationship.
PS. I was reading all of Emilie’s dialogue in a French accent ehehehe 😂😊
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2020
Wow
Love Emilie and Wills story. The highs, the lows and everything in between. The physical and mental abuse shows what truly happens in these fields. Can’t wait to read Ozzie and Mckenna’s story
Love Emilie and Wills story. The highs, the lows and everything in between. The physical and mental abuse shows what truly happens in these fields. Can’t wait to read Ozzie and Mckenna’s story
Read
March 3, 2021I love this book because it's kinda unexpected that Wills and Emilie fit together so well. This is an emotional read, but well worth the ride. You won't be disappointed.
September 2, 2021
Great read
I loved Will & Emilie's story. They had a long road to travel! I love this author's wiring and the world she creates!
I loved Will & Emilie's story. They had a long road to travel! I love this author's wiring and the world she creates!
December 29, 2021
I enjoyed reading about Wills and Emilie what is happening with them and how they deal with it and love the ending. I recommend this book!!!!!
October 20, 2023
Truly enjoyed Emilie and Wills' story 💞💞
May 8, 2024
Enjoying this series with characters from previous books in the series popping up. Good romance. Almost enough steam in the pages.
Definitely worth the read
Definitely worth the read
April 15, 2025
Enjoyable Series
Really liked Wills and Emilie's story. Even through issues in both their life's they fall in love. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series!
Really liked Wills and Emilie's story. Even through issues in both their life's they fall in love. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series!
September 7, 2025
Emotional
This was such a delightful read. It had a captivating and emotional plot with plenty of spice. The characters were awesome. Wills and Ems are a force to be reckoned with.
This was such a delightful read. It had a captivating and emotional plot with plenty of spice. The characters were awesome. Wills and Ems are a force to be reckoned with.
August 20, 2025
too many name drops
Liked the story but didn’t like that the brand of purse or clothing, shoes, etc. was constantly named over and over. Almost like she was getting paid for every time she named the brand. Got annoying.
Liked the story but didn’t like that the brand of purse or clothing, shoes, etc. was constantly named over and over. Almost like she was getting paid for every time she named the brand. Got annoying.
March 13, 2021
I've read the other books in the series and have enjoyed them all but this one was my absolute favorite. These characters have sizzling chemistry, LOVED Wills and Emilie!!!!!
June 14, 2018
Wills and Emilie can love heal the one man Emilie refuses to give up on?
Wills was a bodyguard but after a job gone wrong and the lost if two of his friends and also the lost of his sister his gives this job up and he now wants to run a gym as a personal trainer. Emilie can't get her mind off of Wills the man she spent countless nights with talking and kissing. When Wills got hurt she was there, but shortly after Emilie has to leave for a job.
Emilie is a French model and stays busy traveling and Dirty no shoots, but now a younger version of herself is getting all of the jobs. Emilie moves to LA to try to savage her career. She now needs a bodyguard and she only wants one man to do it Wills. After many attempts at trying to reach him she dissent give up. One day Wills finally answers her call, but he dissent want the job , but he does agree to help her with driving lessons.
There is still an attraction between these two, poor Wills does not think he is good enough and this all started with his father wanting him to follow in his footsteps when Wills didn't his father always made him feel like anything he did was not good so he cut off contact and communication with him. I truly felt for Wills, his angel Emilie does not give up on him
Is it enough, can she make will see that they will be good together and he dies deserve love. This story truly puts you through the feels, it breaks your hear, fills you with frustration, but then it pick you back up again and that what I truly love about stories like this I like that it was slow burning and it takes time, which in real life it does, Wills and Emilie are truly in for a journey. Arellano really hit it out of the ballpark with this one.
Xoxo,
Meme Chanell Book Corner
June 7, 2018
All the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This is such a enthralling,and Romantic read by Arell Rivers.Wills and Emilie will capture your heart and your imagination.
A very reluctant retired bodyguard Wills finds himself guarding Emilie a famous French model.They know eachother and have a past,shared in a few steamy kisses and witnessed some soul destroying stuff together.So when Emilie needs a favour at first a driving teacher which turns into the need for a bodyguard.She automatically thinks of Wills there is no other man she trusts or wants more than Wills.But Wills does not want to be reminded of the past,and the traumatic event that made him retire from being a bodyguard.Emilie triggers those painful memories but he cannot say No to her.
So here we have two people attracted to one another,with electrical chemistry,spending time and getting to know eachother,but Wills doesn't feel good enough for this beautiful famous model.Even though feelings towards her begin to stir inside him,he keeps backing away.But Emilie keeps pushing forward knowing Wills is the man for her.
Can Wills over come his fears from the past and learn to love and be loved? He may be protecting Emilie from unwanted attention,but can he protect their hearts from falling in Love.
Will Emilie and up saving him instead of Wills saving her.
I loved the way they supported eachother,and tried to make the other stronger.
This is a Magnificent story full of Twists and turns,tender moments,emotional and Romantic.I really enjoyed reading this couples journey to reach a possible HEA.
I Loved it.
I highly recommend this Amazing book.
This is such a enthralling,and Romantic read by Arell Rivers.Wills and Emilie will capture your heart and your imagination.
A very reluctant retired bodyguard Wills finds himself guarding Emilie a famous French model.They know eachother and have a past,shared in a few steamy kisses and witnessed some soul destroying stuff together.So when Emilie needs a favour at first a driving teacher which turns into the need for a bodyguard.She automatically thinks of Wills there is no other man she trusts or wants more than Wills.But Wills does not want to be reminded of the past,and the traumatic event that made him retire from being a bodyguard.Emilie triggers those painful memories but he cannot say No to her.
So here we have two people attracted to one another,with electrical chemistry,spending time and getting to know eachother,but Wills doesn't feel good enough for this beautiful famous model.Even though feelings towards her begin to stir inside him,he keeps backing away.But Emilie keeps pushing forward knowing Wills is the man for her.
Can Wills over come his fears from the past and learn to love and be loved? He may be protecting Emilie from unwanted attention,but can he protect their hearts from falling in Love.
Will Emilie and up saving him instead of Wills saving her.
I loved the way they supported eachother,and tried to make the other stronger.
This is a Magnificent story full of Twists and turns,tender moments,emotional and Romantic.I really enjoyed reading this couples journey to reach a possible HEA.
I Loved it.
I highly recommend this Amazing book.
May 30, 2020
Wills and Emilie are both awesome characters and have fought to be where they are today. Wills has suffered the loss of his friends and his twin sister and he carries guilt associated with their deaths. Wills is dealing with PTSD but, doesn't want to admit. He is unsure of his ability to protect those he loves. He feels that people around him get hurt or die. He does everything he can to keep people from breaking down his walls. However, he feels a connection with the Supermodel Emilie Dubois even though he tries to ignore it.
Emilie has worked very hard to keep her professional reputation. She is under a lot of pressure to stay on top. Her agency and competition from a new model have her working overtime to stay in the spotlight. Emilie starts to question if she wants to continue to be a model. When she is with Wills she feels she can relax and she continues her pursuit of Wills and sparks definitely fly. Wills agreed to be her bodyguard and at one of her appearances Wade gets her alone and tries to assault her and she did manage to use a self defense move she learned at Complete, then Wills appears and beats the crap out of Wade and Wills had to go to the Police Station. Wills decided that Emilie was better off without him in her life. Emilie decides to go to his apartment and Wills said some hurtful things to her and she did the same to him and then she walked out. Wills decided to go to Therapy to deal his demons. Then there was a plane crash and that is when Wills admitted to himself that he needs Emilie in his life. To find out what happens you really need to read this book. I truly loved this book a lot!!
Emilie has worked very hard to keep her professional reputation. She is under a lot of pressure to stay on top. Her agency and competition from a new model have her working overtime to stay in the spotlight. Emilie starts to question if she wants to continue to be a model. When she is with Wills she feels she can relax and she continues her pursuit of Wills and sparks definitely fly. Wills agreed to be her bodyguard and at one of her appearances Wade gets her alone and tries to assault her and she did manage to use a self defense move she learned at Complete, then Wills appears and beats the crap out of Wade and Wills had to go to the Police Station. Wills decided that Emilie was better off without him in her life. Emilie decides to go to his apartment and Wills said some hurtful things to her and she did the same to him and then she walked out. Wills decided to go to Therapy to deal his demons. Then there was a plane crash and that is when Wills admitted to himself that he needs Emilie in his life. To find out what happens you really need to read this book. I truly loved this book a lot!!
June 13, 2018
4 1/2 STARS!
Quite an emotional read! If you read the Hold Series previously, you will recognize several of the key players in this book. We met them during Cole and Rose's tumultuous story, now they're the main characters themselves! There was something about Cole and Rose that just can't be compared with, so they will always be my favorite couple, but Wills and Em really turned on the heat and turmoil in their story. A really enjoyable read! I'm looking forward to more spin-offs!
Former bodyguard turned gym owner Wills Sumner is convinced he's to blame for everything bad that happens in his life. His sister died and he feels like he should have done more to keep her in a safe place. His partners were killed by Cole's crazy stalker, and he feels like he should have been able to save them in addition to Cole and Rose. He might still be alive, but he's living in a dark place in his mind, just going through the motions.
French supermodel Emilie Dubois isn't sure why Wills suddenly disappeared from her life when she thought they were just getting started. Now she can't get him to answer her calls or texts at all. She's having a mini career crisis and decides she's going to track him down once and for all and see if she can get him to help her out. She's not willing to take no for an answer when she can clearly see he still wants her just as much as she wants him ... but can she get him to commit in the long run when he's so convinced that he's bad news?
Quite an emotional read! If you read the Hold Series previously, you will recognize several of the key players in this book. We met them during Cole and Rose's tumultuous story, now they're the main characters themselves! There was something about Cole and Rose that just can't be compared with, so they will always be my favorite couple, but Wills and Em really turned on the heat and turmoil in their story. A really enjoyable read! I'm looking forward to more spin-offs!
Former bodyguard turned gym owner Wills Sumner is convinced he's to blame for everything bad that happens in his life. His sister died and he feels like he should have done more to keep her in a safe place. His partners were killed by Cole's crazy stalker, and he feels like he should have been able to save them in addition to Cole and Rose. He might still be alive, but he's living in a dark place in his mind, just going through the motions.
French supermodel Emilie Dubois isn't sure why Wills suddenly disappeared from her life when she thought they were just getting started. Now she can't get him to answer her calls or texts at all. She's having a mini career crisis and decides she's going to track him down once and for all and see if she can get him to help her out. She's not willing to take no for an answer when she can clearly see he still wants her just as much as she wants him ... but can she get him to commit in the long run when he's so convinced that he's bad news?
June 15, 2018
I'm already a big fan of the talented Arell Rivers, so I knew that I was going to LOVE Take Hold of Me, and I wasn't disappointed in the slightest. This is Wills, and Emilie's story, as a spin off from A Hold Series, and it's just as amazing. See, Wills is filled with all kinds of guilt, (not telling why), so he's not quite filled with a bunch of confidence lately. But he still can't get rid of that whole protective Alpha male, protective gene, though it wars with the guilt. When Emilie, a sweet supermodel, calls him because he's ignoring her texts, he can't turn her away, although he doesn't think he's good for her. And this starts their journey from alternating POVs. There is a crazy push & pull thing going on here had me wanting to pull my own hair out because it was so frustrating, mainly on Wills part, and if he wasn't a good man, I would have wanted to junk punch him for it. Emilie was so sweet, without a mean bone in her body so I wanted the best for her the whole time. Of course, I did love the witty banter between them, as it showed her sassy side with him, not to mention the chemistry firing sparks off. Plus, no romance is fun if the journey is easy, right? Anyway, this was a great story, and I'm exciting to read more of the spin-off! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
June 8, 2018
Take Hold of Me
By Arell Rivers
This book is a Spin-off from the Hold Series which I have not had the pleasure of reading yet but is not required as it is a stand alone. Yes many of the characters from the Hold Series are included but they are also expained well so you are not lost.
Take Hold of Me is a wonderful story of true love. Emilie and Wills are not a couple you would expect to be together. They come from completely different worlds. Emilie is a french supermodel, Wills is a bodyguard leaving the job to become the owner of a gym in LA. As friends, Wills is able to see after 10 years as a model Emilie is nolonger in love with the job but afraid to admit it. Wills refuses to see he suffering from PTSD after two of his partners are killed by their client's stalker. Emilie and Wills see past the exterior shells they each wear for the public and help each other heal and grow.
The book has its share of angst and a captivating story that keeps your interest and for me created a desire to read the Hold Series to know more about the both these characters as well as their friends. I also look forward to the next book in the series. I am a new Arell Rivers fan but she has captured me attention and my loyalty.
By Arell Rivers
This book is a Spin-off from the Hold Series which I have not had the pleasure of reading yet but is not required as it is a stand alone. Yes many of the characters from the Hold Series are included but they are also expained well so you are not lost.
Take Hold of Me is a wonderful story of true love. Emilie and Wills are not a couple you would expect to be together. They come from completely different worlds. Emilie is a french supermodel, Wills is a bodyguard leaving the job to become the owner of a gym in LA. As friends, Wills is able to see after 10 years as a model Emilie is nolonger in love with the job but afraid to admit it. Wills refuses to see he suffering from PTSD after two of his partners are killed by their client's stalker. Emilie and Wills see past the exterior shells they each wear for the public and help each other heal and grow.
The book has its share of angst and a captivating story that keeps your interest and for me created a desire to read the Hold Series to know more about the both these characters as well as their friends. I also look forward to the next book in the series. I am a new Arell Rivers fan but she has captured me attention and my loyalty.
Currently reading
August 25, 2025This spinoff series about Cole Manchester's former bodyguard, Wills turned gym owner, and French supermodel Emilie Dubois is an awesome story; I loved the interactions between the two main characters, you can instantly tell they have a connection. I love how caring and protective Wills is, he's a great bodyguard and totally swoon-worthy. I loved how he was teaching Emilie to drive, so sweet! And I thought Emilie was great too; she is much more complex than meets the eye, with an interesting point of view into the world of modeling, that is maybe not quite so glamourous as everyone thinks. Wills is struggling with demons from his past, but with love and understanding Emilie tries to help the man she loves.
Loved it! Definitely worth the read!
Loved it! Definitely worth the read!
June 10, 2018
I enjoyed Wills and Emilie's love story. I enjoyed the fact that it was not just a fairytale romance. Love is hard. Life is hard. Loving yourself can be even harder. I thought this book was very well written and kept my attention. I didn't want to stop reading. I really felt Wills and Emilie complimented each other. She's a model. He's a former bodyguard, now business owner. He doesn't think he deserves her, but Emilie knows who and what she wants and she's not one to give up. I cannot wait to read more of Arell's books. I would definitely recommend, especially if you love a great romance story❤
July 4, 2018
Take Hold of Me
Arell Rivers
A Hold Series Spin-off, Book 1
Will’s tried hard to resist the gorgeous French model Emilie who now she has moved to LA has her sights firmly set in his direction.
Wills is a shell of his former self after tragedy struck while guarding Cole Manchester (Hold Series). He struggles with nightmares and the demons of his past that he unfairly blames entirely on himself. He thinks Emilie deserves the absolute best not a man who is toxic.
Will Emilie get her man? Can Wills live without her?
While this novel references events from Cole and Rose’s story it can still be read as a stand-alone.
Arell Rivers
A Hold Series Spin-off, Book 1
Will’s tried hard to resist the gorgeous French model Emilie who now she has moved to LA has her sights firmly set in his direction.
Wills is a shell of his former self after tragedy struck while guarding Cole Manchester (Hold Series). He struggles with nightmares and the demons of his past that he unfairly blames entirely on himself. He thinks Emilie deserves the absolute best not a man who is toxic.
Will Emilie get her man? Can Wills live without her?
While this novel references events from Cole and Rose’s story it can still be read as a stand-alone.
October 19, 2018
This is the first book of Arell’s that I have read and absolutely loved it! I felt like I was right there with Wills and Emilie. She is so stinkin’ cute! I loved how Wills tried so hard to keep a distance from Emilie, but it didn’t matter. They were drawn together from the beginning. This is a spin off from her other series but I was not lost at all. Now to go back and read the other books!
November 12, 2018
At first I didn't know if I wanted to read a story about a supermodel...but it was definitely a welcome surprise and I am super glad I did. Arell's characters pull you in and make you love them...even though some are stubborn as heck! I loved how she made me like Emilie even though she was the supermodel and made me both swoon and want to throttle Wills. Don't pass this one up!
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