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Catskill Crew Romance #2
Hold Me Tight
Skylar is usually the one who makes the matches.
What happens when a matchmaker finally meets her match?
What happens when a matchmaker finally meets her match?
- GenresLesbian RomanceRomance
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 11, 2020
122 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 13, 2020
I really enjoyed the previous installment Melt My Heart but you don't really have to read them together. While it's set in the same town, and features some cross-over characters, it can still be stand-alone.
I appreciated that both characters were women of color, but had different experiences with family and career. Skylar is the owner of the local coffee shop known as The Snuggery in town, she and her shop had appeared in the previous novel. She's seen as a more hippie type of character, intuitive, friendly, well loved by all, loves matchmaking and is well known for it. Very personable and will do anything for anyone. But has feelings of detachment and lack of value because of her father kicking her out for being lesbian, and her mother siding with him. She also appears to have a fear of commitment and dating. But she's just such a doll, deserving of love and clearly has so much love and care to give.
Joy is the CEO of her own social media website, which is run ethically and without selling information or targeting people with advertisements by tracking their behavior online. That is important to her, but her board of directors thinks she needs to sell out for them to earn money. She's very analytical and logical. Often failing with the more emotional and social aspect of things, fumbling over things to say, or what is or isn't appropriate in humor. Even Sky admits she is awkward and kind of a weirdo. But both are enamoured by each other.
Her family life is supportive and idealistic in many ways, her being gay isn't an issue, however she was always pushed and primed for success, which left her socially inept. In coming home for the first time in ages after a forced holiday by her board - she starts to see cracks showing in the 'perfect' family dynamic she had always took for granted and had assumed would always be a constant non-changing thing. She ends up coming to terms with the fact that parents are just people, who aren't perfect, and that people have secrets, and that things change. This appears to rock her to her core, and she struggles along with her new found feelings for Skylar. Feelings threatening to overwhelm her, as she has no idea how to handle such things.
Sky is too struggling with her feelings, being vulnerable to her is scary and she finds herself sabotaging the relationship.
Both women had me empathizing along with them, and also wishing them to just be more honest and communicative. They do get their heads outta their butts eventually and it was great - but again drama swells around them, and doubt causes rifts and basically a couple of black moments, which frustrated me.
There's also secrets about Joy's family and specifically her mother that come out - but we never get a full revelation about the details of that, which disappointed me. We get a HEA ending, but again it seemed a little anti-climatic, to me. I felt they could have communicated far better than they did, and established the couple better.
There's that thing which bugs me in romances - where the author presents the characters and their feelings and backstories in the inner monologue - but fails to showcase that to the interested partner and vice versa, meaning we never get them fully connecting or relating as such, sharing that information together and forming a bond on the page. It's just assumed that because the author put a backstory and inner monologue in there, that no ground-work needs to be done in the relationship - but that's really not the case - at least for me.
So I was a little disappointed in this installment in some ways, I remember enjoying the previous so much more - but perhaps my own tastes have changed in months. I also found it a little too long at times. A Kindle Unlimited Read that I'm 50/50 on.
I appreciated that both characters were women of color, but had different experiences with family and career. Skylar is the owner of the local coffee shop known as The Snuggery in town, she and her shop had appeared in the previous novel. She's seen as a more hippie type of character, intuitive, friendly, well loved by all, loves matchmaking and is well known for it. Very personable and will do anything for anyone. But has feelings of detachment and lack of value because of her father kicking her out for being lesbian, and her mother siding with him. She also appears to have a fear of commitment and dating. But she's just such a doll, deserving of love and clearly has so much love and care to give.
Joy is the CEO of her own social media website, which is run ethically and without selling information or targeting people with advertisements by tracking their behavior online. That is important to her, but her board of directors thinks she needs to sell out for them to earn money. She's very analytical and logical. Often failing with the more emotional and social aspect of things, fumbling over things to say, or what is or isn't appropriate in humor. Even Sky admits she is awkward and kind of a weirdo. But both are enamoured by each other.
Her family life is supportive and idealistic in many ways, her being gay isn't an issue, however she was always pushed and primed for success, which left her socially inept. In coming home for the first time in ages after a forced holiday by her board - she starts to see cracks showing in the 'perfect' family dynamic she had always took for granted and had assumed would always be a constant non-changing thing. She ends up coming to terms with the fact that parents are just people, who aren't perfect, and that people have secrets, and that things change. This appears to rock her to her core, and she struggles along with her new found feelings for Skylar. Feelings threatening to overwhelm her, as she has no idea how to handle such things.
Sky is too struggling with her feelings, being vulnerable to her is scary and she finds herself sabotaging the relationship.
Both women had me empathizing along with them, and also wishing them to just be more honest and communicative. They do get their heads outta their butts eventually and it was great - but again drama swells around them, and doubt causes rifts and basically a couple of black moments, which frustrated me.
There's also secrets about Joy's family and specifically her mother that come out - but we never get a full revelation about the details of that, which disappointed me. We get a HEA ending, but again it seemed a little anti-climatic, to me. I felt they could have communicated far better than they did, and established the couple better.
There's that thing which bugs me in romances - where the author presents the characters and their feelings and backstories in the inner monologue - but fails to showcase that to the interested partner and vice versa, meaning we never get them fully connecting or relating as such, sharing that information together and forming a bond on the page. It's just assumed that because the author put a backstory and inner monologue in there, that no ground-work needs to be done in the relationship - but that's really not the case - at least for me.
So I was a little disappointed in this installment in some ways, I remember enjoying the previous so much more - but perhaps my own tastes have changed in months. I also found it a little too long at times. A Kindle Unlimited Read that I'm 50/50 on.
August 5, 2021
A great sequel!
We are back at the Catskill Crew and this time it's Skylar turn to shine. Like the first part of this series, Hold Me Tight draw you in instantly. It's a great small town romance in which a lot of stuff is going on. From a crash to drama due to family secrets. From matchmaker to a reunion of old lovers and so much more. The characters are fantastic and captivating. I loved every minute of this second installment and thankfully, I don't have to leave Love Falls. Book number 3 is already waiting for me.
We are back at the Catskill Crew and this time it's Skylar turn to shine. Like the first part of this series, Hold Me Tight draw you in instantly. It's a great small town romance in which a lot of stuff is going on. From a crash to drama due to family secrets. From matchmaker to a reunion of old lovers and so much more. The characters are fantastic and captivating. I loved every minute of this second installment and thankfully, I don't have to leave Love Falls. Book number 3 is already waiting for me.
January 28, 2022
Hold me tight is a nicely worked slow burn romance between two strong women of colour. Joy, who has made her idea of an ethic social platform (no data sales) into a multi million dollars enterprise, is in trouble with her partners about the funding and gets sent away to find something new to make money for her company. She goes home to Love Falls and her supportive family still living in the town she grew up in.
Skylar, on the other hand, has started “The Snuggery”, an electronics free cafe and restaurant. She isn’t at all keen on that ”new” kind of world and has bet on personal encounters and an ambiance of art and culture, that she has made a success.
When Joy runs her fathers Mustang into the back of Skylar’s stationary car two worlds collide in more than just one sense … but opposites attract, don’t they?
Still, neither of the two has a successful track record in love, so there is quite some reluctance (not to say fear) to fall in love to overcome on both sides.
What then goes on between the two and the meddling friends or family members leads to funny situations and occasionally hilarious dialogues, as well as emotional troubles on both sides and the two have to abandon comfy habits of denial or self preservation. How they finally find a way to be together I’ll leave you to find out yourselves. I promise it is a great read!
Skylar, on the other hand, has started “The Snuggery”, an electronics free cafe and restaurant. She isn’t at all keen on that ”new” kind of world and has bet on personal encounters and an ambiance of art and culture, that she has made a success.
When Joy runs her fathers Mustang into the back of Skylar’s stationary car two worlds collide in more than just one sense … but opposites attract, don’t they?
Still, neither of the two has a successful track record in love, so there is quite some reluctance (not to say fear) to fall in love to overcome on both sides.
What then goes on between the two and the meddling friends or family members leads to funny situations and occasionally hilarious dialogues, as well as emotional troubles on both sides and the two have to abandon comfy habits of denial or self preservation. How they finally find a way to be together I’ll leave you to find out yourselves. I promise it is a great read!
November 12, 2020
This is the second book featuring the Catskill Crew. You'll still love this book without reading book 1, BUT I highly reccomend book 1 Melt My Heart.
Anyway, Joy is a technophile with limited people skills who's forced to take a break from her job as CEO of her own company. She returns home and runs into (literally) Sky. Sky is a classic luddite who runs the local technology free coffee shop and does matchmaking on the side. They are (of course) an unlikely pair who have an immediate connection. The way these two find their way together despite a number of obstacles was delightful to read. Joy's family also plays a huge role in this book and their dynamic is so real and sweet and also infuriating. Of course in the end all the secrets must come out for everyone to move forward and find their happy ending
Anyway, Joy is a technophile with limited people skills who's forced to take a break from her job as CEO of her own company. She returns home and runs into (literally) Sky. Sky is a classic luddite who runs the local technology free coffee shop and does matchmaking on the side. They are (of course) an unlikely pair who have an immediate connection. The way these two find their way together despite a number of obstacles was delightful to read. Joy's family also plays a huge role in this book and their dynamic is so real and sweet and also infuriating. Of course in the end all the secrets must come out for everyone to move forward and find their happy ending
November 16, 2020
There is so much to like about this book. One is that the characters are well-developed, even the secondary characters. And without weighing down the story.
All the secrets that Joy’s family has! OMG! I was getting irritated near the end, because I really thought they wouldn’t be tied up. And while it’s okay if not everything is “fixed “ by the end of the book, leaving that many secrets hanging would have been wrong. Sorry if this seems to be a spoiler. (But this is an HEA, so maybe it’s not a spoiler?)
I love the interactions between Joy and Skylar. Especially how they first tried to be absolutely honest. I get why they didn’t maintain that - you can’t be honest about feelings you don’t have words for.
And the growth of the characters. Joy and Sky really helped each other grow into themselves.
And Joy’s mom! I really wanted to learn more about her. But I can fill in some of the blanks.
All in all, a great story.
All the secrets that Joy’s family has! OMG! I was getting irritated near the end, because I really thought they wouldn’t be tied up. And while it’s okay if not everything is “fixed “ by the end of the book, leaving that many secrets hanging would have been wrong. Sorry if this seems to be a spoiler. (But this is an HEA, so maybe it’s not a spoiler?)
I love the interactions between Joy and Skylar. Especially how they first tried to be absolutely honest. I get why they didn’t maintain that - you can’t be honest about feelings you don’t have words for.
And the growth of the characters. Joy and Sky really helped each other grow into themselves.
And Joy’s mom! I really wanted to learn more about her. But I can fill in some of the blanks.
All in all, a great story.
February 17, 2022
Two Black Woman Leads? In a Lesbian Romance? Yes Plz!
I really like this book and I wasn't sure that I would. I'm not super into series romance so when a friend told me about this is one that you could read it as a stand alone. I decided to give it a try. I am so glad I did. I really felt the experiences of both characters and while I am no familiar with the social media work world it was nice to get a glimpse of it through Joy. The sexual tension between Joy & Sky was a slow build but when it got started, I enjoyed the ride. The secondary characters are ones I assume to have books of their own . I've never read them but it was nice to see the tribe Sky had built for herself and their support of her. I would tot recommend this book and I also plan look for new ones from the list the author has at the end for more POC lesbian romantic fiction. So it was a win-win for me on this one.
I really like this book and I wasn't sure that I would. I'm not super into series romance so when a friend told me about this is one that you could read it as a stand alone. I decided to give it a try. I am so glad I did. I really felt the experiences of both characters and while I am no familiar with the social media work world it was nice to get a glimpse of it through Joy. The sexual tension between Joy & Sky was a slow build but when it got started, I enjoyed the ride. The secondary characters are ones I assume to have books of their own . I've never read them but it was nice to see the tribe Sky had built for herself and their support of her. I would tot recommend this book and I also plan look for new ones from the list the author has at the end for more POC lesbian romantic fiction. So it was a win-win for me on this one.
November 24, 2020
Well done
As a black lesbian, I enjoyed this book with an ease that doesn't usually come when I read books featuring black leads written by white authors.
I could tell the research had been done, particularly when it touched on the experience of being black in a nearly all white town, something I have experience with. I also feel that many lesbian romance authors are afraid to pair black women together, usually I see interracial pairings. Which is fine, but this book provides black on black love that I'm excited to see more of on the bookstore shelves. A good story certainly can exist without a white lead, and I'm happy to see authors embracing this concept.
Aside from that the story was solid, and a great second book to the series. I'll be continuing to follow the series and the author.
As a black lesbian, I enjoyed this book with an ease that doesn't usually come when I read books featuring black leads written by white authors.
I could tell the research had been done, particularly when it touched on the experience of being black in a nearly all white town, something I have experience with. I also feel that many lesbian romance authors are afraid to pair black women together, usually I see interracial pairings. Which is fine, but this book provides black on black love that I'm excited to see more of on the bookstore shelves. A good story certainly can exist without a white lead, and I'm happy to see authors embracing this concept.
Aside from that the story was solid, and a great second book to the series. I'll be continuing to follow the series and the author.
December 15, 2020
Two souls ... one life
Brilliant piece of work that includes the angst of living for others without self concern. Regardless of the family drama and insidious secrets,Joy and Skylar were an ideal, complementary couple. Nia, the young daughter of a colleague of Joy’s, was inspiring in her thirst for knowledge in all things computers. She is our future. The secondary characters were also well developed and crucial to the plot of this wonderful journey. What a ride! A very good read that I enthusiastically and unequivocally recommend or any other works by this author. Well done! Thank you Peace
Brilliant piece of work that includes the angst of living for others without self concern. Regardless of the family drama and insidious secrets,Joy and Skylar were an ideal, complementary couple. Nia, the young daughter of a colleague of Joy’s, was inspiring in her thirst for knowledge in all things computers. She is our future. The secondary characters were also well developed and crucial to the plot of this wonderful journey. What a ride! A very good read that I enthusiastically and unequivocally recommend or any other works by this author. Well done! Thank you Peace
April 23, 2025
Spending time learning more about Skylar and her unique view of the world was delightful. I had already ready several Catskill Crew books before I came back to this one, so it was great to get the know character who was so available and supportive to all her friends.
Skylar gives so much more than she receives from people, especially her parents whom she still feels the need to assist financially despite being discarded for being who she is. It is only right that someone as caring as Skylar will find her match in a person who is so ethical they cleanse the very ground they walk on.
Anna does such a wonderful job of pulling the reader into her characters feelings and emotions.
Skylar gives so much more than she receives from people, especially her parents whom she still feels the need to assist financially despite being discarded for being who she is. It is only right that someone as caring as Skylar will find her match in a person who is so ethical they cleanse the very ground they walk on.
Anna does such a wonderful job of pulling the reader into her characters feelings and emotions.
January 17, 2021
Relatable
This was a great relatable story because of the characters and the plot. It also goes to show you that no matter how successful one may be, doesn’t mean they can’t be barred down by insecurities and low self esteem. I really like how the story developed between Sky and Joy. I would’ve liked to see how things happened between MJ and Liliah from beginning to end. Their secret was a big part of the story that intrigued us but we never got the full story. Great story otherwise.
This was a great relatable story because of the characters and the plot. It also goes to show you that no matter how successful one may be, doesn’t mean they can’t be barred down by insecurities and low self esteem. I really like how the story developed between Sky and Joy. I would’ve liked to see how things happened between MJ and Liliah from beginning to end. Their secret was a big part of the story that intrigued us but we never got the full story. Great story otherwise.
August 15, 2021
Skylar was such a loveable character, even when lifes handed her lemons she found a way to see the positive, loved the no electonics cafe The snuggery. Meeting her polar opposite or rather being rammed by her was something that set her on a different course. Was lovely to learn about the regatta, the way that corporates do some stuff - i mean kinda harsh but hey so much reality. The mystery of the letter writer, i had guessed who before it was revealed but still a lovely nugget.
So far loving this series :-)
So far loving this series :-)
July 16, 2022
“In Love Falls, she spent every day trying to act likeable for her customers, to help her friends, so much so that she didn't know what she truly wanted. But here, lying on Joy's chest, she felt free. Completely herself. Like she didn't have to pretend or act. Like she didn't have to fill silent spaces with words. Like she didn't have to work to make anyone feel comfortable around her. Like she didn't have to be someone else to be loved. She hadn't even realized she'd felt like this until this moment, until she could lie here, listening to the heartbeat of a woman she adored. She wished she could capture that fluttering thing and hold it close and never let it go.”
Heroine: 30 year old Skylar Woodhouse
Heroine: Joy Zahara
Joy was an absolute… well joy. The way she talked. Her mannerisms. Everything about her worked. Skylar was a bit harder for me to connect with. Just something I didn’t like.
Cliffhanger – no (book #2 in series)
POV - Skylar & Joy
Heroine: 30 year old Skylar Woodhouse
Heroine: Joy Zahara
Joy was an absolute… well joy. The way she talked. Her mannerisms. Everything about her worked. Skylar was a bit harder for me to connect with. Just something I didn’t like.
Cliffhanger – no (book #2 in series)
POV - Skylar & Joy
December 2, 2020
Nice Romance
There were a few twists and turns , some introspection on what the characters actually want in their life and where they want to live. Also what makes them happy as a job rather than what parents think or others think they should do.Its difficu when you realise you're not happy in your job and whic is better for what you think is important as well as deciding on city or small town life.
There were a few twists and turns , some introspection on what the characters actually want in their life and where they want to live. Also what makes them happy as a job rather than what parents think or others think they should do.Its difficu when you realise you're not happy in your job and whic is better for what you think is important as well as deciding on city or small town life.
September 7, 2022
Second book in the series but they can all be read as stand alones. A great portrayal of two strong black women who have gone through very different upbringings. I really related to Joy as a computer geek who does not have very good social interaction skills as this hit quite close to home for me. Anna does an amazing job of giving us well rounded characters which extends beyond just the main characters and immerses you into the lives of just about everyone that you meet in her books.
August 17, 2021
The Geek Finds Her Match
Joy is the CEO of a tech company they manages a safe space for women who love women. She forced to take a leave of absence by her business partner and Board President she returns to Her hometown. An awkward geek meets her perfect match who just happens to be a matchmaker.
Joy is the CEO of a tech company they manages a safe space for women who love women. She forced to take a leave of absence by her business partner and Board President she returns to Her hometown. An awkward geek meets her perfect match who just happens to be a matchmaker.
November 21, 2020
Enjoyed
I really enjoyed this story. Both Skye and Joy are not perfect. They each have their own little quirks that life has given them. But sometimes you just have to find the ting to your yang, quirks and all. Good story. I would definitely recommend it.
I really enjoyed this story. Both Skye and Joy are not perfect. They each have their own little quirks that life has given them. But sometimes you just have to find the ting to your yang, quirks and all. Good story. I would definitely recommend it.
December 13, 2020
Sweet
This is a sweet love story with Skylar and Joy. Skylar is known as the matchmaker in town and Joy is a nerd who is CEO of her own company. They fall in love and have a nice ending.
This is a sweet love story with Skylar and Joy. Skylar is known as the matchmaker in town and Joy is a nerd who is CEO of her own company. They fall in love and have a nice ending.
July 25, 2025
Hold Me Tight
Good read. Writer is very articulate. Plot flows and builds each character very well. I do wish that all of the authors books didn’t have basically the same story line. I enjoy their writing but it is becoming quite predictable.
Good read. Writer is very articulate. Plot flows and builds each character very well. I do wish that all of the authors books didn’t have basically the same story line. I enjoy their writing but it is becoming quite predictable.
January 24, 2021
Awesome
Thanks for writing more about Sky, you fleshed out her character in ways that fit with her past so well. I can’t wait to see what you do next.
Thanks for writing more about Sky, you fleshed out her character in ways that fit with her past so well. I can’t wait to see what you do next.
February 6, 2021
My Second Catskill book
Intriguing characters and wonderful interests. I was unable to leave it alone, I was so caught up with the story.
Intriguing characters and wonderful interests. I was unable to leave it alone, I was so caught up with the story.
February 10, 2021
Loved the characters
First time reading a book from this author. I'm hooked. I loved the characters. The book a is great read. Now I know I need a hammock in my house!
First time reading a book from this author. I'm hooked. I loved the characters. The book a is great read. Now I know I need a hammock in my house!
June 7, 2021
Two different types of worlds
Joy loves technology and Skylar likes the world tech free. Well these two ladies met, talked then fell in love.
Joy loves technology and Skylar likes the world tech free. Well these two ladies met, talked then fell in love.
June 25, 2025
Amazing
This book really has it all. Character development, family drama, love. I resonate with the whole vibe of the book and wish I could love in such a cool place.
This book really has it all. Character development, family drama, love. I resonate with the whole vibe of the book and wish I could love in such a cool place.
October 8, 2022
I,m not black, but loved this book. Anna is a very good writer.
November 30, 2020
Great story
I have enjoyed this wonderful moving story of Sky who world was turned upside down when she found her match.
I have enjoyed this wonderful moving story of Sky who world was turned upside down when she found her match.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews