Aspiring author Roxanne Wortham lives a comfortable life in Las Vegas. She spends her days at her nine-to-five job and comes home to her boyfriend, Ethan, and an unfinished novel that she can’t seem to crack. Her life is simple— that is, until she gets a phone call saying that her childhood best friend and ex-boyfriend, Maverick Sterling, has been in a near-fatal car crash.
As Roxanne discovers that she still has power of attorney over his affairs, she places her life on hold and rushes to Maverick’s side in Scranton, Pennsylvania. While helping him to recover, memories of childhood and old relationships resurface, making it difficult for Roxanne to balance her new life with her old one. Roxanne is left to sort through complicated feelings from her past alongside the realization that Maverick may still have feelings for her— and even worse, she may still have feelings for him, too.
All You Hold On To by K. T. Egan is the first book in the Anderson Creek romance series, and my first book by this author. This book is a second change romance, that I really enjoyed. I love the quirky people and situations in this book, and watching the characters grow. Once I started this book, I kept reading until I was finished. Perfect escape read, which is so needed now. I found this book to be a quick read, and recommend it to all readers who enjoy romances. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received an ARC from GenZ Publishing through NetGalley for an honest review. When I saw this book I expected the story of Maverick and Roxanne who was childhood best friends and then, boyfriend and girlfriend until they broke up. Years later Maverick is in a serious car accident and Roxanne is listed as his emergency contact person. This is different because as I was reading, I could see the difference in Roxanne from when she was with her current boyfriend, Ethan, and when she was with Maverick. Sometimes it is the subtle things that run throughout a story that make it unique and more interesting. The book was a wonderful story with friends that had created a bond early on and it was still there now but when you can see the hidden treasures that K.T. Egan slips in it felt more personal and well thought out. After reading this book I started looking at me to see if I had subtle things about myself because I had never thought of this before. It is a wonderful book full of hidden treasures.
Maverick and Roxanne were best friends since they were seven years old. Their friendship turned into love but then, unexpectedly he broke off their relationship. She moved away, met Ethan, fell in love with and moved in with him. Then, four years later she got the chilling call, Maverick was in a car accident, seriously injured and she was named as his next of kin. She did not hesitate to go, even if Ethan asked her not to. And then she ended up staying for two months. In that time Maverick realized that he could not let her go again, not make the same mistake he did all those years ago. But Roxanne was not ready to hear that, would she ever be ready. This is a story about lifelong friendships, old loves who never really died and forgiveness.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a beautifully written book about two kids who desperately love each other, but in a moment of panic, he lets her walk away. And he hasn't had a moment's peace or happiness until he pushed her away. He knew that from the beginning but felt like it was too late when he finally swallowed his pride. Years later she has a new boyfriend, and thinks she happy. It's not until her first live needs her that she realizes that she hasn't been happy since was with him. It's really sweet and romantic but more than that? It's real. It's relatable. It's absolutely perfect.
I'm not sure how additional books will play out for this series because the other characters were so focused on the Maverick and Roxanne show that they felt undeveloped in comparison. The big reveal of why they broke up the first time was a letdown and felt generic. I kept expecting a juicy or shocking reveal but that didn't end up happening. Also, at the end of the book their first breakup was glossed over and never discussed (just the whole "I made a mistake, give me another chance and I'll be a better person from now on" speech) and therefore there was no closure.
Kindly received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Here's to hoping that, like Roxanne's novel, there will be some revisions made before final publication.
Two small things I noticed right away in the ARC: It should be peeked, not peaked, on the first page. I believe I saw the wrong peek/peak a few other times as well. The friend who owns a bakery said it was her day off but then stated a few pages later that she was working a half day and went to work.
Best friends since they were seven years old, Maverick and Roxanne were always meant to be together until Maverick called an end to their relationship. Their lives fall apart, yet Roxanne finds herself in a relationship with Ethan, trying to move on from what she had thought would be her ‘forever’. Yet four years after breaking up, Roxanne finds herself returning back to Maverick when he has a car accident. Having never changed the paperwork that named Roxanne as Maverick’s next of kin, she has to make many decisions for him and to care for him as he struggles with his injuries over the next two months. Soon they find themselves wondering what went wrong. This was a touching story about a friendship that has grown into love, yet despite the breakup, the feelings between Maverick and Roxanne are still evident. I also enjoyed that their close friends, stood by both of them, never taking sides. A realistic and heartfelt story. I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
All You Hold On To by K.T. Egan follows Roxanne as she visits her ex-boyfriend Maverick, so she can take care of him following a rough car accident. Roxanne has a boyfriend (Ethan), whom she lives with now in Nevada, and this novel primarily focuses on Rox as she’s trying to figure out where she stands in her relationships with each man. This book is the first in the Anderson Creek series. The thing about this book is that it felt like reading the middle book in a series in a way. There was so little introduction to the story, absolutely no character development, nothing really happened the entire novel, and I was left feeling like I still knew nothing about these characters after reading nearly 300 pages of their lives. It starts off with a flashback to when they were kids, but this flashback doesn’t accomplish its intended goal of setting the scene and showcasing the bond of these characters we’re about to embark on a journey with. It feels disjointed, with the only thing getting established being that there are 6 characters in this friend group. The first actual chapter is also a flashback, which very successfully showcases just how many pacing issues there are within this novel. You go from reading about these little kids, to reading about a breakup, and you still barely know the characters names. You have no real reason to care about them, and we’re never really given a reason to care about them in the next forty chapters either. I felt like the author has the ability to be a decent author. But the plot was so underdeveloped and so cold, I just couldn’t care about anything that was happening. And not much even happened, but what was happening, there wasn’t any emotion written into it. The basics of the plot could lend itself to being a very gripping and compelling storyline, but when there’s no chemistry between the two main characters, there isn’t a reason to root for them to work it all out. There could be so many different emotions in this scenario, with Rox going back to the former love of her life, who she hasn’t seen in years, to take care of him after he almost died. However, there aren’t any emotions being explored. Instead of exploring the interpersonal relationships that are present in this book, we just get to explore the relationship between Roxanne and the novel she’s trying to finish. When Roxanne is living with Maverick in Pennsylvania, you get so few scenes of them actually interacting you don’t even get a chance to see if they have any chemistry. You’re given these snippets of what they were like as a couple, but you’re only ever told it, not shown it. Even immediately after reading this book, I cannot tell you a single character trait that anyone had. We’re not really given descriptors of what the characters look like, except that Maverick is 5 foot 7 and has dark hair. Ethan, the current boyfriend of Roxanne, has red hair. These are the only little descriptors that get used. There are so many different characters, but each of them only has one purpose towards the story, so they never get explored as actual characters, just explored as plot devices. The narration on this book alternates every couple of paragraphs between the 6 friends, but sometimes it switches within the same paragraph. Again, I bring this back to my issue I had with the pacing. There needed to be more of an in-depth narrative here. I’ve read a few books that have been able to have frequent narrator switches like this, but the difference is they have a reason to be narrating. This felt clumsy and incoherent. There were times I had to read the past several pages again just to keep track of everyone who was in the scene, and who was talking to who. When there aren’t any factors you can use to keep characters apart, they all bleed together too much to be able to follow the story. Lastly, the ending felt rushed and inconsequential. We know from the beginning that Rox and Ethan aren't going to end up together. That's made clear by the fact that one of the first things to be said about him is that they made love and it was quick, as always. Very strange to write some kind of love triangle when you're gonna immediately put an emphasis on how one point of the triangle is a quick lay. But everything starts to move incredibly fast in Maverick and Roxanne getting together, especially since I didn't even want them to be together. I hated every character in this book, and I didn't really think any of them deserved to be happy. Maverick didn't even communicate with Roxanne before they got back together in the end, and it just felt so cheap. There was no insta-love, no slowburn, nothing. There was so little chemistry between them that for the majority of this book, if you told me I was reading about two distant cousins, I would believe you. I do think K.T. Egan has the ability to be a good author in the future. But this definitely read to me as a debut, and it didn’t have the magic that some romance debuts are able to hold. I don’t even think I could classify this as romance, because the actual relationship that dominates this book is so completely underdeveloped. My last problem with this book is from the editor. There were so many typos, words that just didn’t make sense in the sentences they were in, and repeated words that it felt frustrating to read. In addition to that, the editor is credited as an author on Goodreads, despite the fact that they didn’t even do their job well. There’s also no real information about this book anywhere. I get that smaller publishers don’t have the financial reach to market a book as heavily as, say, Avon or Berkley, but the least you can do for your authors is fill in the description on Goodreads. I will not read another book published by GenZ Publishing, but I might be open to reading more books by the author K.T. Egan if she were to release another that caught my eye. I also will not be continuing with this series. Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy for review!
***Thank you to NetGalley, GenZ Publishing and K.T. Egan. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own.***
This book was not for me. I didn’t mesh with the author’s style of storytelling or writing. I found the plot generic and lacking enough depth to elicit emotion from the reader. The author used odd phrasing and expressions that pulled me out of the story while I read and re-read the sentences trying to understand what she meant. The main characters—Roxanne and Maverick—had no chemistry. The parts of their past that were shared seemed largely inconsequential, and felt more like filler. The reason for their original breakup was built up—including the near ruination of a friendship—but was a complete letdown. The characters very rarely talk about anything, and when they do, they never finish a conversation. The story and characters are just too passive.
As someone that generally does not partake in reading romance novels, I was a little skeptical of the level of enjoyment I would get out of K.T. Egan's first novel. For everyone thinking the same thing, I want to put all your minds at ease: the story and characters in this novel are extremely compelling, and they make you feel transported into their small slice of Northeastern Pennsylvania life. You're thrown almost immediately into the middle of a love triangle, where you're not sure who you should be rooting for to come out on top; it makes every small encounter throughout the story feel more meaningful and worth taking a second look at for the sake of discerning some of those less obvious details.
Overall, I would highly recommend giving All You Hold On To a chance at winning you over. It definitely gave me a different outlook on a genre I would have otherwise stayed away from.
Roxanne drops everything to rush to an old flame's side when she finds out he's in intensive care and his life is in her hands! What a delightful read. It's a nail biter not knowing what to expect next. Feelings come back full strength for the united broken up couple as she helps him recover. Roxanne is asked to make a choice...stay with her current boyfriend or leave him for the ex that is determined to get her back for good. But is Roxanne willing to give it another try and leave what she has? I enjoyed this read, as I am also from PA and I enjoy romance novels. This is a really good one..I had no idea which road she was gonna go on until the end! This book is also a good gift for anyone who needs to work on forgiveness.
Maverick and Roxanne had one of those romances that everyone thought would last a lifetime. They were friends and then turned into more. Their whole lives and friends all thought they would get married and live happily ever after. Then they broke up. Roxanne never even knew why Maverick broke her heart. She packed up her shattered heart and move to Vegas.
Now, years later Maverick is in a horrible car accident. His emergency contact is Roxanne and even though she has moved on with someone new, she rushes back to nurse Maverick back to health.
Both Maverick and Roxanne realize that there might still be feelings left for each other. And this could be their second chance,
This was a one sitting read. I set in my cozy chair and read it from start to finish. I can't say that this was a wow or life changing read. But it was sweet, and ok. I couldn't connect with characters on the deeper level. It is not a shallow read, but it is not very deep. They loved each other, he got scared, they broke up and they after few years find the way back... Because they never moved on. Stuck in between... This could be a good intro to the story.... And I just don't know what is with the date. Why is the story line in 2016/2017? Just didn't get that one... This was just a 2.5 stars read for me...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Roxanne and Maverick are childhood friends that sparked a beautiful romance, until suddenly Maverick breaks her heart. With no explanation or closure, Roxanne decides to move to Las Vegas to start a new life. She has a new relationship, job and is working on her first novel when she gets the call that changes everything. This book was such a sweet second chance romance, and it truly left you wondering who Roxanne will end up with. Her current boyfriend Ethan or her first love Maverick? While I felt the end of the book was sped up too fast, I loved the storyline. If you love a sweet story and an easy read this is a perfect book to pick up!
This is my first time reading something by this author. It is a beautiful story of friendship, forgiveness, and love that never dies. Maverick and Roxanne had been friends since they were children. Friendship grew into love as they grew older. But Maverick unexpectedly broke up with her and broke her heart. Roxanne moved away and later met someone, Ethan, and fell in love with him. Years later she is happy with Ethan and is informed that Maverick has been in a terrible accident and she is listed as his next of kin. Ethan doesn't want her to go, but she does. She ends up staying a while and Maverick realizes what a big mistake he made letting her go. Is Roxanne willing to give him another chance? I was captivated by the story from the very start and became invested in Maverick and Roxanne's story. Both were such endearing and strong characters. This was a very well-written book and I really enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author soon.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Maverick and Roxanne are childhood friends. As their love blossoms, the pair grow into young lovers. Roxanne though moves from Pennsylvania, where she meets a new man innEthan. All was going well until...the phone call. Maverick had a serious automobile accident, and Roxanne was his next of kin.
Roxanne hurried to Maverick’s side, to Ethan’s dismay. For two months, Roxanne looks over Maverick, and the pair reignite their old passion., This puts Roxanne on a crossroad that she can never turn back from. Roxanne isn’t sure if she wants to pursue Maverick. She cares for Ethan. Yet, something is urging her to consider all possibilities, from friendship to love.
Check out “All You Hold Onto” for a wholesome, good natured love story. It’s a charming book that has a solid ending.
I really enjoyed this book. I liked how close knit the group was and how they took care of each other. The only thing I really didn’t like was the original break up, the reason of the breakup seemed kind of lame for how bad the breakup was and how it was handled. I thought it would have been more scandalous then it was. Overall though it didn’t make me not like the book any less. The dynamics of the characters made up for that.
The author did a great job of painting a picture to introduce us to the main characters as well as the Anderson Creek crew of a small town in Pennsylvania as a whole. Knowing that this is leading up to a series, she gave just enough for us to care about each character we met from the beginning. She hit the ball out of the park by starting with Rick and Rox. They were the glue.
I love how real the story was. From the romantic relationships to the friendships. We've all come across childhood sweethearts or had one of our own. The stories all sound sweet and happily ever after. But lets be real, there's bound to be hiccups along the way. Just like in any relationship. But with those, I'm sure there are even more. Not only are you growing as an individual and learning who you are as you experience more of the world, but you're doing it alongside someone else. I love that K.T. showed us the nitty gritty of what can come when you're in a relationship from your adolescent years that makes its way into adulthood.
The story showed growth, self reflection, and lots of love. It was relatable. I'm looking forward to see which of the Anderson Creek crew members we get to dive into next.
"I can be all you hold on to - I want to be all you hold on to - from now until the end of your life". K.T. Egan. What a stunning debut, what a nostalgic, beautiful story. Love like no other, love that stays alive through the years as strong as the day it was born. This gem will leave you wanting more and sad that it is over.
Entertaining and enchanting story with great characters. Intense and complex tale of romance and love. What would you do if an ex made you in charge? Love the journey. Good read. Your next beach read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed this book. I liked how close knit the group was and how they took care of each other. The only thing I really didn’t like was the original break up, the reason of the breakup seemed kind of lame for how bad the breakup was and how it was handled. I thought it would have been more scandalous then it was. Overall though it didn’t make me not like the book any less. The dynamics of the characters made up for that.
Great characters that will keep your interest extremely well. I'm not going to go into detail, no spoilers, just read the book if you are even mildly intrigued by the blurb. You'll thank me later!
The chemistry, sweetness, and twists in plot kept things interesting. Add in drama and passion and you have a good read.
This review has been voluntarily submitted for your consideration.
Perfect summer read, grab your favorite beverage finda nook or blanket under a tree and indulge. A coming of age romance, will friendships survive adulthood and the choices we make? Sweet and engaging characters. I can't wait to see what happens next.
Summer read at it's finest, grab a beverage, a cozy nook or blanket under a tree and indulge. Interesting characters in a modern love story. Will childhood friendship survive the choices we make. Looking forward to more from this author.
Well, I attempted to get in this one. I really liked the concept of the story. But I don’t like skipping around in time and I hate not knowing (at first) what happened. I had too many questions throughout the first half of the book. I will admit I then started skipping around. Then I just gave up. Not the book for me.
This story follows a group of childhood friends into adulthood, Focusing on Roxanne and Maverick and their love story. Roxanne and Maverick were totally in love with each other until they broke up and Roxanne moved to vegas and got a new boyfriend.
The story was a cute easy read without too many twists and turns, this allowed me to really get into their world and explore the friendships between the group. I would have loved to learn a little more about the characters and although I was invested in the relationship between Roxanne and Maverick I don't feel like I really got to know them that well. The supporting characters were not really developed into individual people that could exist without the main characters so maybe the next books will focus on somebody else.
I liked the style of writing in this book and did find it pretty easy to read. I really like the cosy vibes of the cover too. I dont think I will be rushing to pick up the next book in the series but it definitely has potential.
I would like to thank NetGalley for providing this book in exchange of an honest review.
The premise and cover caught my attention immediately. I enjoyed the first 20-30% of the book but it started to go downhill for me after that. While I still liked the characters, I felt like there were some issues with them.
First of all, there were too many characters in my opinion. The friend group was not fleshed out enough to keep bringing new people into the scenes. The author could have paired it down to four or five characters and it would not have changed the book at all. The relationships were not deep enough for me to keep up with "who was who" and what their purpose was. I made it to about 60% before I stopped. I skimmed the rest of the book. You know who is going to end up together but there was no real development between the characters. The author "told" rather than "showed" you how they felt. I wanted to like them together but it fell flat for me. Plus, the reasoning behind the main characters separation was a load of hooey.
Additionally, there were a number of errors throughout the book (mostly with word choice). It could use another round of editing.
I received this book through NetGalley for my honest review.
First, I want to thank K.T. Egan for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.
All You Hold Onto is a cute, second chance at love, very short read by K.T. Egan.
The cover for the book I felt was so cute and cosy. However, I didn’t feel it captured the book's theme.
I loved the unique names K.T. Picked out in this book for her characters. For example Maverick, Silas, and Wesley. It shows how creative as a writer she is and that she can think outside of the box. I commend her for that.
The storyline in this book was unique too. I don’t know many people who would leave their ex’s on as an emergency contact.
One of the things I absolutely loved in the book was that Roxane was an inspiring author.
However, I wanted to smack Maverick for being so reckless when driving that caused him to get into the accident to begin with.
The storyline went from modern day to past so we could find out a little more why Maverick and Roxane broke up.
4 stelle scarse La storia è buona, ma non sono entrata in sintonia col modo in cui è raccontata (sul finale mi sembra che ci fossero anche un paio di frasi senza senso, mal scritte, per quanto possa dire io che ho imparato l'inglese da autodidatta) e ho trovato la fine un po' affrettata. Credo che darò una seconda possibilità a questa serie.