Hold My Breath

by Ginger Scott

Fractions of seconds can do lots of damage. One decision can ruin lives. A blink can be tragic. And loving a Hollister…can hurt like hell.

I would know.

They say the average person can hold their breath under water for two full minutes when pushed to the extremes. Will Hollister has been holding his for years. The oldest of two elite swimming brothers, Will was always a dominant force in the water. But in life, he preferred to let his younger brother Evan be the one to shine.

Evan got the girl, and Will…he got to bury all of the secrets. A brother’s burden, the weight of it all nearly left him to drown.

The daughter of two Olympians, my path was set the day my fingertips first touched water. My future was as crystal clear as the lane I dominated in the pool—swim hard, win big, love a Hollister.

My life with Evan burned bright. He gave me arms to come home to, and a smile that fooled the world into believing everything was perfect. But it was Will who pushed me. Will…who really knew me.

And when all of the pieces fell, it was Will who started to pick them up.

In the end, the only thing that matters are those few precious seconds—and what we decide to do while we still have them in our grasp.

Genres: Sports, Romance, New Adult, Sports Romance, Contemporary, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary Romance

Unknown Binding

First published November 18, 2016

About the author

Ginger Scott is a USA Today, Wall Street Journal and Amazon-bestselling author from Peoria, Arizona. She was also nominated for both the Goodreads Choice and Rita Awards. She is the author of several young and new adult romances, including bestsellers The Moon and Back, The Varsity Series, The Hard Count, This Is Falling and Wild Reckless.

A sucker for a good romance, Ginger's other passion is sports, and she often blends the two in her stories. She has been writing and editing for newspapers, magazines and blogs for a hella long time. She has told the stories of Olympians, politicians, actors, scientists, cowboys, criminals and towns. For more on her and her work, visit her website at http://gingerscottbooks.com.

When she's not writing, the odds are high that she's somewhere near a baseball diamond, either watching her son field pop flies like Bryce Harper or cheering on her favorite baseball team, the Arizona Diamondbacks. Ginger lives in Arizona and is married to her college sweetheart whom she met at ASU (fork 'em, Devils).

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Reviews

[Jennifer Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 STARS

”You’re the only thing that doesn’t make me want to drown.”

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A plane crashed four years ago involving the hero and his entire family. Will Hollister is the sole survivor. Today, Will has strengthened his body back in top swimming shape all the while struggling to juggle secrets his brother Evan left behind. Will is determined to return to the swimming circuit and hopefully swim for team USA.



Will is invited to train with his childhood coach, Curtis Woodsen, who just so happens to be Maddy Woodsen’s father. Maddy is the love of his life, yet she has no idea how special she is to Will. Maddy is hoping to dominate this swim season and the Olympics. The spark between Will and Maddy is still there however, Will’s brother who was Maddy's longtime boyfriend Evan is wedged between them. When Will/Evan’s secret comes out it brings Will and Maddy closer together.

”So many times, I’ve wanted to tell her the truth about who he really was, what he did. But that would crush her.”



Will and Maddy find the ease of their childhood friendship, they push each other hard in the pool, and when all the truths are revealed, Maddy falls for the brother that has always loved her.

”Is Will Hollister in love with me? Has he always been? And, more importantly, why do I hope so?”

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The fall between Will and Maddy was perfectly paced and completely swoon worthy and had the inspiring feel of two people who were stronger together.

”I’ve wanted Maddy since she dared me to beat her when we were kids racing in the pool. I’ve wanted to kiss her since I wrapped my hands around hers on the rope swing, and I know in my gut that I loved her first. I loved her more…and I loved her first.”



When other characters come into play a reader can’t help but get choked up in the harshness and beauty of life. This couple was definitely drowning separately. However, once they fell in love, and stood together, all the situations surrounding them are handled by the terrific team they make together.

”My story with Evan – it doesn’t matter. This is the only story that does. Our story.”




**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**

[Patty ~ Wrapped Up In Reading Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

*****FOUR STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}


All of me is under his spell. I need Will Hollister, and whatever hurt I felt is nothing compared to the things his touch can do to me. I am numb. I am his.






I would have to categorize HOLD MY BREATH as a forbidden romance & friends to lovers story. Although after certain secrets are revealed, the “forbidden romance” aspect all but evaporates. I’ve read a few of Ginger Scott’s books and I can see a reoccurring theme in them. One of her main characters always experiences some sort of adversity and love is what ultimately heals them. The hero is beautiful and extremely broken. You can’t help but fall for this character. I found the heroine to be misguided with regards to her resentment towards the hero in the beginning of the story but once she opens her eyes to the truth I feel that she fully redeems herself.



Will Hollister has returned home after having fallen from grace for a while. He did survive something truly horrifying. He was on his family’s private airplane with his parents and younger brother when it crashed. Will was the only survivor. The extreme guilt and depression that seemed to consume him, had him turning to alcohol and even drugs for a means to escape. Unfortunately, since he was once an Olympic swimmer he is considered a celebrity and so his angst made for some scandalous tabloid fodder. But almost a year later, he has cleaned up his act and he’s come back home in hopes of trying out for the Olympics-bound U.S. swim team. There’s also the added bonus that the girl he’s always been in love with will also be training at the same camp that he will be at. Maddy Woodsen has been Will’s secret crush for years. When he finally had the courage to confess his feelings to her, his brother, Evan, beat him to it. Maddy and Evan ended up becoming a couple and Will was left with a broken heart.







Maddy has been mourning the death of her ex-boyfriend for over a year. The thought of Will coming back to her father’s training camp has her feeling mixed emotions. The irrational side of her blames him for surviving. She along with many others, view Will as the “bad” Hollister brother. But in reality that couldn’t be any farther from the truth. When she finally sees Will for the beautiful person he is, old feelings that she too, kept buried, come up to the surface, and maybe Maddy realizes that she picked the wrong Hollister brother back when they were all teenagers.



Their relationship develops rather quickly but Will fears that he will lose Maddy when she ultimately finds out about the secret he has been keeping from her. Will is practically a martyr. I often felt like this character had already gone through one of the biggest tragedies of his life, and to add to his suffering was just cruel and unusual punishment. Just when I thought things couldn’t get any worse for him, the author goes and adds a nice little cherry on top. That was one of the reasons why this became a four-star read. There was just too much suffering to be had for the Hero and I thought it was overkill to have such a lovable character go through more than his share of adversity. Although the author explains why she tortured our hero so much at the end of the book, I still wished that she could have cut that last gut-wrenching bit of the story out.







Can Will and Maddy’s relationship survive once his secret is revealed? When tragedy strikes again, can Will remain strong and not let the demons from the past send him on another downward spiral?



HOLD MY BREATH is currently available!! It’s definitely worth one-clicking. I mean did you see that book cover???



Amazon: https://amzn.com/B01MXFXWRP
iBooks: http://apple.co/2ehJysd
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2dxZZkQ
BN: http://bit.ly/2dl9THZ

[Maria✦❋Steamy Reads Blog❋✦ · Rating 3 out of 5]

➦Maddy is an Olympic swimmer training to break the world records. Her parents own a swim club, which is on the brink of bankruptcy. To help the club out Maddy's father brings in Will Hollister to train for the upcoming Olympic Games.

➦Will is an elite swimmer whose career was put on hold when his parents and brother died in a private plane crash. Will was the only survivor and went off the deep end after the traumatic event. Now he is ready to claim back what's his.

➦Maddy and Will have history and now, years later, their reunion is very painful for both of them. Maddy used to train with Will and his brother Evan since they were kids. They all were very close friends. Eventually Maddy started dating Evan and Will was left on the sidelines. Did she pick the right brother? Was Evan everything she hoped he would be?

➦Maddy and Will's journey to repair their friendship was interesting to read about. They help each other grief and realize what is important for them in life. Definitely a captivating read that held my attention until the last word. The characters were well developed and I was fond of many secondary characters as well.

➦You are probably wondering why the 3 star rating. This is totally just me as I can see all the 5 star ratings from my blog friends. It was the editing "thing" that bothered me all the way through the book. And not in a "hey, there's a typo" kind of way but in a "hey, I have 50+ highlights of people smiling a crooked smile" kind of way.

➦The heroine is pretty unique with her crooked Elvis smile and I could have probably overlooked the fact that her smiling in such a way was mentioned on many more occasions that I would have liked. But by the end of the book I have found out that the hero, his uncle, heroine's best friend and her mother were all sporting a signature "Elvis smile" on multiple occasions. It was very distracting for me as a reader and took away from my experience.

➦If you are looking for an emotional second chance romance with likable characters give this one a try. I quite enjoyed the sport aspect of it with amazing descriptions of athletes gliding through the water. :)

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has been 4 years since tragedy struck, when a plane crash claimed the lives of Will’s parents, and brother. Since then, Will has been struggling to deal with the loss of his family and the secrets his brother left behind. After falling off the wagon a bit, he has gotten back into swimming and the opportunity to train with his old coach brings Maddy Woodsen back into his life.



Maddy grew up with the Hollister boys, training and competing under her father. She is a dedicated swimmer and is training to break some records. But when Will shows up, she struggles to deal with the pain of losing Evan, and the guilt associated with her feelings for Will. Will has always loved Maddy, but she was Evan's, but things have changed and as secrets are revealed, Maddy finally accepts the truth about where her heart lays.



A twist of fate can change everything. Hold My Breath is a story of two people connected by the past and touched by tragedy, finding the strength to move forward, and overcome the pain of the past.

  

[Astrid - The Bookish Sweet Tooth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review @ Vanilla & Spice Books


5 "Eighteen" Stars





Will Hollister is drowning, despite him being one of the best swimmers in the US. The responsibilities he is buried under would be too much for everybody yet he tries to shoulder them. Alone, under a mountain of lies and duties.

Avoiding conflict is half the reason I’m as miserable as I am. If I’d embraced it, once— the important time— I wouldn’t be carrying half of the misery that I walk around with every minute of the day. But I can’t change who I am, and I’m a lying chicken shit.

Maddy's future took a completely unexpected path when tragedy struck. She hasn't been living ever since. Not really. Existed. Yes. Survived. When her childhood friend and her former boyfriend's brother Will announces that he wants to attempt trials for the Olympic games she has more than mixed feelings about it. Maddy is the daughter of two Olympic swimmers, there is no question that she wants to swim during the summer games. Her training happens at the same place she spent every summer with the Hollister boys. The same place Will is going to train at for his own trials, her father's swim club. For her own peace of mind she needs to stay away.

The competitor in me is back, with the hunger of a thousand dragons. And Will Hollister is just going to have to be okay with the line I need to draw between us. I can’t get close to him. We can’t be friends. There’s too much Evan there. It will only slow me down.

Maddy was hard to read in the beginning. I think her own confusion with her feelings made it so. She has to wade through a lot of conflicting emotions. The farther I got into the story the more my admiration grew. Maddy takes care of Will when she realizes that he shoulders more than she was aware of. She is there for him, taking some of his weight and making life easier for him. And when she finally learns the truth she goes all in. She has come a long way and I loved the new Maddy she grew into. I adored her for being a worthy heroine for an amazing hero. Speaking of...

Will...the things he has gone through? The person he has become? OMG. Besides juggling his life he feels he has to hold in all the lies and secrets he is left with. And those aren't small untruths, they are life changing ones and I think everybody would buckle under them.

“You’re the only thing that doesn’t make me want to drown,” Will says, and my hands fall softly into his hair. My lungs fill at the touch. “I think I came here knowing that you were my only shot at peace.”

He is amazingly strong but you can feel how he starts to crumble. Beside all that there is his love for Maddy which began when he was a teenager. He is very perceptive and in tune with her feelings and reservations. Will's character is sweet and kind and caring, yet hot and funny and this mix makes him irresistible.



I loved how natural they are together. How there are no insecurities or lies. Not even the little white lies. They "get" each other, there is no room for pretense. Of course, that they were childhood friends helps. When you read an emotional book it can be heavy on the angst. While there was some angst and heartbreak it never got too hard. There was humor and hope peppered in between.

“And you better not cheat. If I find out, I’ll do something really shitty to your shampoo bottles when you’re not home. And you know Duncan would help me.” I pull in my brow and laugh out a breath.

The competitive nature of the two main characters made for some funny moments. The description of Will competing and giving his all to crack the elusive eighteen had my heart pounding. The side cast is fabulous and Will's uncle is a cunning man with Will's and Maddy's best interest at heart. The steam factor was higher than I expected and some of the scenes were seriously hot. Like, really hot.



This was my first book by Ginger Scott and I'm happy I followed my friend's advice to read this one. This is definitely one of those stories that stays with you and keeps you thinking about the characters and their decisions.
I'm still wondering why I haven't read The Hard Count yet. It has been waiting on my Kindle forever. I'll remedy this oversight as soon as possible.

“Why did you leave Indiana?” My voice breaks the silence, but nothing follows.
I breathe. My chest in and out. My pulse quickens.
“You transferred to Michigan with one year left. You never came back here. You were… gone.”
Will’s body rises with a long slow breath, and his head rolls to the side, his cheek flat against the back of his hands, his blue eyes opening on mine. Crystal. Honest.
“I couldn’t be here… because you were here,” he says.

Graphics courtesy of Ginger Scott

[Aestas Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

::: FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED :::


What a beautiful story! If you need any convincing to read this book, just read the prologue. That's it. Literally just the prologue. As soon as I read it, I WAS HOOKED!! The beautiful writing was immediately captivating and the angsty feels brought on by the emotional complexities of this story tugged my heart-strings even before I knew anything about the characters. At that point, I couldn't stop and just kept right on reading until the very last page!

This was both an incredibly painful and yet heart-warmingly inspiring love story that both surprised me and kept me guessing. It was deep, full of heart, and I didn’t want to put it down!! But this is also definitely one of those books that I think you should read knowing as little as possible in advance. Go in as blind as you can because the author did a phenomenal job of keeping you guessing about the characters' pasts and wondering about what was going to happen next and I really don't want to spoil anything for you at all. If you're curious though, here's the blurb...

Fractions of seconds can do lots of damage. One decision can ruin lives. A blink can be tragic. And loving a Hollister…can hurt like hell.

I would know.

They say the average person can hold their breath under water for two full minutes when pushed to the extremes. Will Hollister has been holding his for years. The oldest of two elite swimming brothers, Will was always a dominant force in the water. But in life, he preferred to let his younger brother Evan be the one to shine.

Evan got the girl, and Will…he got to bury all of the secrets. A brother’s burden, the weight of it all nearly left him to drown.

***

The daughter of two Olympians, my path was set the day my fingertips first touched water. My future was as crystal clear as the lane I dominated in the pool—swim hard, win big, love a Hollister.

My life with Evan burned bright. He gave me arms to come home to, and a smile that fooled the world into believing everything was perfect. But it was Will who pushed me. Will…who really knew me.

And when all of the pieces fell, it was Will who started to pick them up.

In the end, the only thing that matters are those few precious seconds—and what we decide to do while we still have them in our grasp.

I had so many questions... What happened to Evan? Why were Will and Maddy estranged? If so, what was the cause? What had their relationship been like before? What would it be now? And what was Will's secret? But I don't want to discuss the plot any further than this really because I don't want to take away even a second of the reading experience by saying too much so if you're intrigued by the story, my best advice is to just dive right in!

Will and Maddy had a lot of shared pain and history and yet in many ways experienced such different sides of thing that they both had a lot to learn from each other. Given the complexity of their past and all the unresolved and unspoken emotions between them, there was too much pain to acknowledge, but too many feelings to ignore, and so they rode this delicate and fragile line knowing that any moment, everything could come crashing down around them... especially with the big secret Will was keeping that had the power to turn her world upside down.

“It isn’t his fault he survived.”
My eyes flutter to a close again and my chest burns. I hate her honesty. Perhaps because I’ve never mastered it.
She’s right, of course. Every single word out of her mouth is truth. But I still don’t know if my heart can handle seeing him again, and I think maybe there’s a part of his heart that can’t bear to see me too.
Too many reminders.
Too much that’s familiar.
Too much…

This book is a complete standalone and I will say that it's not a love triangle (I know it kind of sounds like one, but it's not -- especially not in the way you might think it is). There's a resolved ending and beautiful epilogue. It's a New Adult romance, it's told in alternating first person POVs, and it's very beautifully written.

As a personal confession, I can say that I'm not really a morning reader. I prefer to read books at night. But I read the prologue of this book at 7AM and quite literally didn't stop reading until I'd reached the very last page! This is the second book by this author I've read this year -- I also read another unrelated standalone called The Hard Count (my review) a few months ago -- and now I'm definitely looking forward to reading more from this author!

This is a story of love, loss, and second chances. It's a story of losing hope, but having the strength and perseverance to keep pushing forward to overcome the odds. It's a story where an unexpected twist of fate can change everything, but also of realizing that sometimes the hardest roads can lead to the most beautiful endings.

If you're looking for something new and different to read, check this book out!

Rating: 4 - 4.5 stars! Standalone New Adult Romance.


Buy HOLD MY BREATH (Kindle)

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[Sonya ♕Chatterbooks book blog♕ · Rating 4 out of 5]

☆☆☆☆4 Stars☆☆☆☆


Ever wonder what could’ve been when the one person you knew you couldn’t have, becomes the one person that breathed life back into your body and gave you something that you didn’t even know you wanted? They gave you hope, purpose, and ignited a fire within you that will ultimately burn down all the reservations you’ve ever had about the past. That’s what this story was for Will and Maddy and their journey was filled with heartache and ambition but through it all, they found their way to each other and their love only made them stronger.

“I wonder if exceptional comes along twice in a lifetime?

Will has been through a rough couple of years. Losing his entire family in a horrific tragedy, he’s now at a point in his life where he’s ready to get back to his first love which is swimming competitively. Going back to his childhood coach and knowing that the ghosts of his past isn’t far behind, Will is more than determined to come out on top and get a little bit of closure from the one girl who stole his heart from the moment they met.




It’s been four years since Maddy lost her boyfriend and even though they say time heals all wounds, having someone who reminds her of him isn’t going to be so easy. Having come from a professional swimming background, being in the water is second nature to her so when she learns her Dad is going to be training her long time childhood friend who also happens to be the brother of someone she loved completely, is not only complicated but messy.

Can they both survive each other or will their longtime passion finally ignite their spark?

I have to say that I absolutely LOVED the connection between Will and Maddy. Their relationship bordered on a forbidden current that had me holding my breath with what was going to happen. They each had their own personal struggles and I liked how the author portrayed that and made them more appealing to each other. I did have some issues with how some things were said and the repetitive smirking with each other but aside from that, I really liked this story.

If you’re in the mood for a sweet romance with a side of angst, then this book is for you.

[Christie«SHBBblogger» · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Hold My Breath
Series: Standalone
Author: Ginger Scott
Release date: November 18, 2016
Cliffhanger: No
HEAYes



This is my eighth Ginger Scott book. She is one of those authors who has cemented herself as an auto-read for me. I don't even need to read the blurb or think twice, I jump at the opportunity to read whatever story she decides to tell me. Will and Maddy's story managed to strike a particularly perfect chord with me and I can't rave enough about it.

The cover is simple...but the words inside are anything but. Hold My Breath was more than just two Olympic hopefuls in training who happen to fall in love. In fact, it's not like that at all, it goes deeper. Their pasts, twining together, lead to some fascinatingly complex character studies. They are wonderfully imperfect, genuine to a point that will have you rooting for them to reach their HEA.

This story is about two brothers and their complicated relationship with Maddy spanning back to their childhoods. Evan and Will were both amazing swimmers, but it was always Evan who was the golden boy. But it wasn't until spending a summer at Maddy's father's swim club that they found their passion for the sport. Maddie played a big part in igniting their fire and drive to compete. The three of them pushed, encouraged, and inspired each other to be the best they could be. Their friendship had a strong foundation. It wasn't until they were teens that everything began to change, words unspoken having an irreversible effect.

In the four years since Maddy has seen Will, so much has transpired. Tragedy and secrets led Will down a dark path that he is only now healing from and trying to move past. Being back in her home has resurrected a lot of painful emotions and memories, and from the first moment I met Will, I knew he had a heavy burden sitting on his mind and heart. Maddy is no less unsettled. Feelings she has long since tried to bury are in danger of being exposed and she's not sure she'll ever be ready to accept that.



The somewhat forbidden nature of what was between them led to some amazing angst. I liked Maddy, I empathized with her, but it was Will's selflessness and beautiful heart that made him steal the show for me. Even in his shattered, glued back together state, he was always putting the needs of others above his own. Always sacrificing his deepest desires to make others happy. I just wanted him to have someone in his life who would fight for him, who would give him everything he deserved for a happy life.

“You’re the only thing that doesn’t make me want to drown,” Will says, and my hands fall softly into his hair. My lungs fill at the touch. “I think I came here knowing that you were my only shot at peace.”



There were so many elements that made this the perfect read for me. I loved the unpredictable revelations. The heat that these two generate between them as they discovered each other all over again was searing. And there was no unnecessary drama. Tons of emotion, but every bit of it genuine and faced with maturity. Plus, the epilogue was just what I needed to make me confident in this couple's future and left me nothing but satisfied. If you're looking for a NA book with multi-faceted characters and a well developed, emotional plot, this book will be for you. It was simply beautiful.



I’ve been wandering the world half a man, and Maddy, she made me whole.

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[Wil Loves Books! · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I’ve been wandering the world half a man, and Maddy, she made me whole.”


I don’t even know where to start with this one. This was such a beautiful and inspiring, yet heartbreaking story. Needless to say, I loved it, a lot. On one hand I want to write this super long review with super long explanations about everything that happens in the book. I also want to share all the beautiful quotes I highlighted! But on the other hand, I think sharing too much might affect your own reading experience, especially since the book has many twists and turns that make it so special, some I guessed from the first moment, others, left me speechless. So, this review might make sense or it might just be a bunch of rambling, we’ll see.

I will say, Ginger Scott is definitely becoming one of my favorite authors.  This is my second Ginger Scott book, the first was The Hard Count, which I loved so much and it’s definitely in my top favorite books of 2016. She’s ridiculously talented and a great story-teller.

As the blurb states, Will is the oldest of two elite swimming brothers. He and his brother Evan used to train at a facility owned by a former Olympian couple, who are the parents of the heroine, Maddy. Maddy, an elite swimmer herself, grew up with Will and Evan and eventually developed a relationship with Evan. However, Evan and his parents died in a tragic plane crash, where will survived. Needless to say, Maddy and Will’s lives completely changed after that. Now 4 years later, Will comes back to train with Maddy and her dad, and both Will and Maddy have their goals set on the Olympics.  However, there’s so much history, heartbreak and baggage between them and so much personal stuff to overcome.

“I want to remember what exceptional felt like so I make sure I never settle for less. I wonder if exceptional comes along twice in a lifetime? I wonder what this feels like for him? I wonder if the hurt is the same? Will and Evan were more than brothers; they were best friends. One ended and one began.”

The connection between Maddy and Will is very clear since the first moment, and it’s super intense. Will has been in love with Maddy all his life, that is pretty evident through the book. But obviously, Evan’s presence is something they both struggle with. Will is also keeping a huge secret (about Evan) from Maddy, which I will not spoil. Poor Will, I felt for him the entire time, he truly had the weight of the world on his shoulders.

“Maddy looks at me and still sees him, she sees the man we all kept on a pedestal. So many times, I’ve wanted to tell her the truth about who he really was, what he did. But that would only crush her. And maybe she wouldn’t even be able to look at me at all then, and that…I can’t go back to that. I missed her too much. I can keep the secret. But I can’t avoid getting close to the fire. Temptation and I have always been codependent.”

There are many things I loved about this story. I loved that although there are huge dramatic plot twists, there’s no huge drama between Will and Maddy. They’re amazing together. Once all the secrets are out and everything is in the open, they just become stronger, they definitely act like the adults they are.

 “You’re the only thing that doesn’t make me want to drown,” Will says, and my hands fall softly into his hair. My lungs fill at the touch. “I think I came here knowing that you were my only shot at peace.”

I loved their entire love story, from beginning to end, their friendship, their love, the pacing of the story. I absolutely loved both main characters. Will, he was the center of the book, he was amazing through and true, a survivor.


“I’ve wanted Maddy since she dared me to beat her when we were kids racing in the pool. I’ve wanted to kiss her since I wrapped my hands around hers on the rope swing, and I know in my gut that I loved her first. I loved her more…and I loved her first.”


Maddy was a great, strong heroine, she was simply remarkable. The way she faced everything that was thrown at her, and how she just found the strength to be there for Will the way he needed her to be, was just amazing.


“My eyes are locked on Will’s, a silent battle, each of us trying to save the other. But he doesn’t see what I see—a man whose soul is so tired that it may not have much fight left in it.”

 

“He’s breaking himself trying to save so many people, but nobody has ever stepped up to save him.”


I also loved that this didn’t feel like a “second best” story. You know how much I hate those. Yes, Maddy was Evan’s girlfriend, yes, Will and Maddy got together after Evan died, but it never felt like she was choosing Will because of that, she chose Will in spite of that. I just loved that, for me, I have to be able to feel the love between my MC’s without any doubt, and well it was really clear here.

 

“Please,” I whisper.

“I love you, Will Hollister,” she says, and I let my lips dust hers just at the sound of those words.

“It has been forever, Maddy. That’s how long,” I say against her skin. “I have loved you…forever.”

“I loved the idea of your brother,” she says. “And the safety that came along with letting myself fall for him. But my love for you is deeper than that. It’s the real kind of love. It’s not about ideas or fantasies. It’s just something my heart can’t help. And I know with every single beat of it ..., I’m with the man I was truly meant to be with. My story with Evan—it doesn’t matter. This is the only story that does. Our story.”


Overall, this was a great read. Like I said before, there’s lots of beautiful mixed with lots of heartbreak. Lots of things happen, and a lot of unexpected turns. The two main characters, and also the secondary ones are amazing. There’s  lots of love, lots of loss, lots of grief but also a lot of forgiveness. It kept me hooked the entire time. I loved it, and I absolutely recommend it.


“Seconds slow, yet my breath feels endless. I don’t look left. I don’t look right. I know that the storm around me is thick and furious, and every single lane is occupied with someone who feels just as worthy as I do—no doubt, more. But they’re still not going to win. They can’t have today. Today is mine, and doubters can go to fucking hell, because I’m done serving my sentence. I’m done feeling like I owe the universe. I don’t owe anyone shit. I swim for me and that beat that’s picking up pace. My arms follow it—chase that sound. I drive faster. I race…for her.”





**An ARC was generously provided by the author and Wordsmith Publicity in exchange for an honest review"**

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[NiCoLeTa E. {Addicted To Books} · Rating 4 out of 5]

***4,5 "Eighteen seconds!!!" stars***



Another one wonderful story by Mrs. Scott's pen!!! This woman never disappoints...
To be totally honest with you, this one was my second book by this author and it was equal good with my previous reading, even though that it was much different...

Mrs. Scott's stories feel very real and it is impossible to not suck you inside of them and take a strong hold on you...
This was Maddy and Will's story.... And it was capturing...

“I want to remember what exceptional felt like so I make sure I never settle for less. I wonder if exceptional comes along twice in a lifetime?”

Will had live a tragedy before four years... He had lost his parents and his brother in a plane crash in which he was fighting for his own life...
After that incident, Will is spiraling down... Booze, drugs, a car crush...

Everything led him outside the water... the only thing that he was ever good at...
The last year, Will is clean and he is trying to come back from the deads... and now, the opportunity is appearing to make his come back in the pool for good!!!!


"Losing my family left an enormous emotional scar, one that I will never get rid of completely, but my heart was broken long before that plane went down."

Maddy had witnessed loss before four years when the love of her life was killed and ripped away from her life so abruptly...

But she didn't lost only Evan, but also his brother Will, which with whom they were very close...
Maddy is one of the best swimmer and at this moment, she is training for the Olympics in her father's club...
The things are getting complicated when after all those years Will is coming back to train with her for the same reason...


"“It isn’t Will’s fault he survived.”
...I hate her honesty. Perhaps because I’ve never mastered it.
She’s right, of course. Every single word out of her mouth is truth. But I still don’t know if my heart can handle seeing Will Hollister, and I think maybe there’s a part of his heart that can’t bear to see me either.
Too many reminders.
Too much that’s familiar.
Too much…Evan."

Their reconnection is very awkard and very painful, but as the time is passing by, Maddy and Will will manage to find out their lost connection....

Since they were kids, they were very close to each other and they were be able to push the other to be better....
Maybe they are for each other what they really need...


"The competitor in me is back, with the hunger of a thousand dragons. And Will Hollister is just going to have to be okay with the line I need to draw between us. I can’t get close to him. We can’t be friends. There’s too much Evan there. It will only slow me down." {Maddy}

"Maddy’s my motivator, even though she has no clue. Maybe, just maybe, I can find the old Will deep down inside me somewhere. Maybe I can find the guy who used to motivate her to win—even if it was just by pissing her off." {Will}

Will always loved Maddy, but she had chosen the wrong brother...
Maddy didn't want to be near Will because he was the wrong brother...
But what if... he was the right one from the beginning???


“I’ve been wandering the world half a man, and Maddy, she made me whole.” {Will}

“Is Will Hollister in love with me?
Has he always been?
And, more importantly, why do I hope so?” {Maddy}

The only problem is that Will is keeping too many things inside of him... Things that may hurt Maddy even more and his heart can't handle it!!! He has a big burden that he is carrying upon his shoulders...

Will he manage to get free of all this burden and to find out his right place on life and in the water????

“You’re the only thing that doesn’t make me want to drown... I think I came here knowing that you were my only shot at peace.”

"I’m going to break her heart. Those demons—they’ll destroy her. But I can’t give her up."

Maddy is very heartbroken too, but she was also a little bit unfair toward Will...
I think that she knew what was right for her from the beginning, but she let it slip throught her fingers...

Will she make the same mistake or this time everything will be different???

"Evan was the safe choice, and I let myself fall for him because of it, but there’s a part of me—a part of my heart—that always wanted Will more."

I really loved Will and Maddy.... My heart was aching for both of them...
They got through lots of things, but they were strong...

Especially Will broke my heart... He was carrying so much sorrow, so many guilts, too much burden and i think that the pressure was too much.... but he was a fighter and he was a man in love... And Maddy's presence was fueling his strength...

Maddy was a little bit lost because she was mourning the life that she had lost and she forgot how to live the life that she was having... Will show her that nothing is ending...
What i really enjoyed was all those silly and childish bets between them... They were so cute nd funny!!! And also very sweet and sexy...


"I’ve wanted Maddy since she dared me to beat her when we were kids racing in the pool. I’ve wanted to kiss her since I wrapped my hands around hers on the rope swing, and I know in my gut that I loved her first. I loved her more…and I loved her first."



***ARC generously provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review***

[Jacqueline's Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Hold Out Stars

Hold My Breath is a dramatic New Adult standalone by the fabulous Ginger Scott.

Athletic books aren’t usually my cuppa. I don’t even know how to swim, but I was ready for a dramatic read.

Will is a swimmer. He trains hard and wants to be the best. A tragic past changes all of that. I felt for Will and the more you read you will feel even more for him. You think you break to the surface of the problems he has endured, but it really isn’t anything. There are just so much more.

Maddy is the girl Will grew up with, but Maddy is the girl who ended up with Will’s brother. She’s the untouchable girl Will could never have. Now they are back in each other’s lives. Just like Will, Maddy has to get over her tragic past too. She is training to be the best swimmer as well, but Will is a distraction.

I like how Maddy and Will relate to each other. I like the slow burn tension they have and I like the angst of their relationship. The beginning was a bit slow and it’s truly a slow burn read, but once you get into the book, it starts to pick up and more and more things unravel. At times I did want things to turn up a notch, call me crazy, but I wanted an over-the-top issue. I did appreciate the somewhat mysterious element of the book though.

I like how not everything is not as it seems. I also like that Hold My Breath is more dialogue based and I got into the banter between the characters. Maddy and Will are in their mid-twenties, but I would at times see them younger, I think it’s because they both wanted their parents approval so badly.

This book is emotional and heartwarming. If you are a swimmer or like athletic books then this one will hit all the right spots.

AN ARC was provided

AMAZON

[KAS · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5 Really. Enjoyed. Stars*

What happens when you have hit rock bottom? You have two choices! Stay where you are, prostrate on the jagged, broken pieces of your life, or deliberately but carefully remove yourself from the excruciatingly painful serrated edges that have all but destroyed you.

Ginger Scott has yet to disappoint. Second chance stories are right up my alley, and then there is Will ...... let's see, how do I put this ...... he is a tortured soul and a selfless hero, who made me totally swoon. And yes, I am on another quest to find an exquisite bottle to place this gorgeous man inside of and sit him on my imaginary fireplace mantel. To be honest there are a few of these beautiful, finely crafted bottles adorning this shelf ;)

Christmas Eve, four years ago, the Hollister family traveled to their annual destination spot in their plane the father loved to fly. During their flight, the plane fell to earth killing the father, mother and one of their two sons. The only survivor was Will, twenty-one years old, and fighting for his life.

Will Hollister hit rock bottom a year a ago. He was, in his words, "A Disaster In The Making. An Embarrassment. The Wrong Hollister Brother." He and his younger brother, Evan, were the best of friends and also the fiercest competitors, always vying for first place in every swimming event ...... until that fateful night. Soon after, drinking to the bottom of a Jack Daniels bottle and then reaching for the next became his life's ambition and ultimate destruction. His goal now is focused on winnng a spot on the US Olympic swim team and to win HER!

Maddy Woodsen grew up in the racing lanes of a swimming pool and is now hoping to win gold for the US Olympic swim team. She met the Hollister brothers when she and Evan were in the sixth grade, and Will in the eighth. The three swam together as competitors and ran around together as friends. As years passed, she and Evan fell in love and went on to the same college. He was her world, her everything ...... until he wasn't.

I loved rooting for Will. I loved the storyline. I loved the push/pull relationship between Will and Maddy. Yep, it's a keeper!

Oh, and Will's Uncle Duncan, and Maddy's best friend, Holly, are just pure icing on the already scrumpdillyicious cake.

*I received this book, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review*

[CristiinaReads୨ৎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A TEAR JERKER IN EVERY SENSE!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars!
Love Ginger Scotts books! That cover!!! Yummmmm!!! I wish she could write faster so I could read one all the time. She always brings out all the feels in her books and this one was no different.

Will, Evan and Maddy grew up together. They were all best friends and did everything together. Will was two years older and when he left for college it was just Maddy and Evan and they fell in love. Will and his family are flying and there was an accident and Will is the only one that survives. After recovering from the accident Will goes down the wrong path and gets into some trouble. After a year of being clean he decides it's time to come home and start training to swim again with Maddy and her dad. Maddy is scared to see Will for the first time in four years. Will is also scared to see Maddy. I really loved Maddy and Will. I loved their banter and how they always challenged each other to be their best. Did I say I really loved Will?? I did! He was so sweet and sexy!! You could tell right away that Will had feelings for Maddy.

I’ve wanted Maddy since she dared me to beat her when we were kids racing in the pool. I’ve wanted to kiss her since I wrapped my hands around hers on the rope swing, and I know in my gut that I loved her first. I loved her more…and I loved her first.~Will

I was also on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what secret Will was keeping. After I figured it out it just made me love Will even more! And Maddy I thought she was very strong and I really liked how she handled everything that came at her.

Will these two be able to make things work between them and go for the gold? Will Maddy's father get his head out of his ass and do right by Will? Will the secret that Will is hiding destroy his relationship with Maddy? You will have to read this awesome book to find out. I hope you love it as much as I did if you do!

“I won’t let you fall,” I say against her mouth.~Will

[Rachel L · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars!

“The hurt is almost good. It reminds me that something real was in my heart once, and as much as I want to run away from it, in this moment, I also want to hold onto it.”

Hold My Breath is the story of two swimmers, Will and Maddy. Growing up Maddy was in love with Will’s brother, until a tragic accident happens and Will survives and his brother dies. Four years later and Will wants to reenter the swimming world and he’s been training for it. This brings Will back into Maddy’s life, and all of his feelings for her from years ago return. The more time they spend together the more they ease back into their old friendship.



Ginger Scott knows how to pack an emotional punch into her books, I always know I can expect a good drama from her. This was a good slow burn romance, a bit slow at the beginning but it picked up pace near the end. Good for fans of sports romance and emotional romance.

”I’ve wanted Maddy since she dared me to beat her when we were kids racing in the pool. I’ve wanted to kiss her since I wrapped my hands around hers on the rope swing, and I know in my gut that I loved her first. I loved her more…and I loved her first.”

ARC provided by author in exchange for review

[Sharon ∞❥ is an emotional book junkie ❥∞ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ★'s


Maddy grew up with brothers, Will and Evan. They met at her Dad's swim club where they all swam competitively but they were so much more than that...they were all very close friends.

So when tragedy strikes, it's too much for all of them and they don't see each other for four years. Will's been through a lot and he's been working furiously to get himself in shape for the trials to be on the US Olympic team. He comes back to the best place to be, Maddy's Dad's swim club.

It's difficult for Maddy to see Will...there's so many memories but also a lot of other feelings. Feelings that are messing with her focus on swimming the best she can.

I loved all the swimming scenes between Will and Maddy...their bets were pretty hilarious and the competition between the two of them was pretty fierce. But so was the attraction. Will certainly doesn't want to fight it and really, Maddy doesn't want to either.



But there is a lot of secrets going on with Will and for good reason. I thought that main reason was definitely enough drama and I felt the author went over the top with what else came up. :(

I thought there was a real insider's view of an Olympic swim team's dynamics and I really loved Maddy's Mom and Dad. I especially loved how Maddy's Dad came around.

Will's relationship with his Uncle Duncan was really amazing. I loved the connections with the watches...it just added a little something extra to the story.

I was happy with the way things ended even with the one sad part. This is a standalone (so far) but I would really love a story for Maddy's best friend, Holly...she's quite the character!

[Sophie "Beware Of The Reader" · Rating 4 out of 5]

Find some more at: http://bewareofthereader.com/?p=164

An ARC has been kindly provided by the author, via NetGalley.com, in exchange for an honest review.


This book is worth at least 4 stars but Will… WILL HOLLISTER IS WORTH A THOUSAND STARS!!!!

I know what to ask Santa this year: an inspirational T-Shirt with Will Hollister’s picture.
Why? Because my husband would never agree to me ordering the real Will in flesh and bones, duh!
What?
He is not real you say?
He is just a fictional character?
You’re so evil!!! You just shattered my dream …

Now seriously, back to the story.
Maddy and Will are both great swimmers they know each other since childhood. Will and Evan’s father asked Maddy’s dad, coach Curtis, to train his young boys. From that moment on the three kids were inseparable. Evan became Maddy’s boyfriend but years later he died in a plane crash. Will was the sole survivor.
Maddy and Will were both devastated. Will’s promising career as a swimmer was cut short when he followed a path to self-destruction. Instead of taking solace in each other Will followed his uncle in another state.
Four years later he is back in Maddy’s life as her father wants to build a swimming team racing for the Olympics.
Will feels like an impostor. He should be dead. His brother should be the one competing for a medal. “The fact that I know everyone in this room, including myself, wishes it were Evan sitting in this chair instead of me is what burns the most. And then there’s her. Maybe deep down, a small part of her wishes Evan were sitting here, too, but still…”

Many conflicting emotions arise with Will’s comeback. Maddy is torn between her “duty” to Evan’s memory and all the feelings Will is stirring. And Will… Will is riddled with guilt and want and fear and hope.
Step by step they had to be born anew.
It was a slow and painful process.

What should be known about Ginger’s writing

When Ginger Scott writes about grief you feel it deep in your guts. There’s this muted sadness following me the wole day and I was not able to shake it off for a long time. Don’t hope for light and fluffy because you’ll get heart wrenching and emotional instead interspersed with highs and hope.
And when Ginger writes about drive and competitive spirit I felt like I could win the Olympics. OK maybe my specialty would rather be the “shopping bags lifting” or “racing for the last ice cream left in the fridge” rather than swimming free style but still…
She is a talented author writing stories you fall right in and live along the characters. Stories to make you evade your everyday life.


What kind of main characters can you expect?

I’m all gushing about Will but you’ll love Maddy as well.
She is a competitor and the glue to every team. She has spunk and I loved reading about her daring the boys to race her in the swimming pool. She’s overcome her grief and wants to win as well. She is very loyal and the girl you can count on when things get difficult. Her reaction to Will’s secret was truly admirable. She has a golden heart.

But Will deserves a special mention!
He is a hero following my heart: broken, nearly annihilated but resurrecting like a Phoenix.
Strong even if he feels weak.
Flawed but determined to be better.

Selfless and so worthy even if he does not see it.
He decided to shoulder so many responsibilities, to atone for others fault all alone in his quest and my heart broke every time I saw him close to drowning.
“None of this is Will’s responsibility. He chose to carry it. He inserted himself where a blank space was left, and he’s been holding worlds together for people when he had every right to walk away.”
“He’s breaking himself trying to save so many people, but nobody has ever stepped up to save him. I’m not sure I’m strong enough to, either.”

He belongs with heroes like Archer and Kyland by Mia Sheridan or Yossarian by Meredith A Walters.

I wish everyone to have a Will Hollister in his/her life.

[Talia · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

I feel bad giving this book 4 stars. And I think the only reason the last star fell is due to me and to my current situation. I have very little time this month to dedicate to reading thanks to finals at uni, so it took me a bloody long time to finish it and it felt as if it were dragging.

Anyway, it was a great read. Ginger Scott, as usual, shows her superpower: amazing characterization. Every character is rounded, complex, shaded. The people portrayed in her novels could be the ones you meet in the street, the ones who live in your house. It could be you.

"The hurt is almost good. It reminds me that something real was in my heart once, and as much as I want to run away from it, in this moment, I also want to hold onto it. I want to remember what exceptional felt like so I make sure I never settle for less."

I think Will Hollister might be the best character she's ever shaped so far (at least of the ones I've read). As she states in the acknowledgement, she has tortured this poor guy like no other character before, and what a fabulous result it had. Will Hollister is self-lessnesss personified. He's this incredibly tortured man, who's both lost and a rock for those around him. He's so human, not a cocky athlete. He's just a guy who's been dealt a shitty hand in life and who is now trying to piece his life together starting from Maddy, the girl he's loved for his whole life but who wasn't his to have.

"None of this -- me, Evan, Tanya, Dylan, and all the damn ghosts -- is Will's responsibility. He chose to carry it. He inserted himself where a blank space was left, and he's been holding worlds together for people when he had every right to walk away."

Someone could say there's OM drama since Maddy used to date Will's brother, who passed away, something we find out in the very first chapter. But the truth is that, as the story progresses, you understand the real two people who are meant to be are Will and Maddy.

The plot twists were unexpected, they shocked me and saddened me. I liked how secrets were revealed one tidbit at the time and how they weren't held above the characters' heads until the end, so that we get to see Maddy and Will together for more than the last few chapters.

Their relationship went through many phases but two things were always clear: 1. they bring the best out of each other (athletically and as people) and 2. they make the other happy.

There were also a few scenes that were priceless: the "skinny dipping", the "strip club". They were light, fun, and care-free... and also much needed, since the general tone of the novel wasn't really that upbeat.

Another thing I loved is how Will and Maddy had history. They were childhood friends, and that's a trope that gets to me every time.

I also liked the setting. Both Maddy and Will are athletes, but while we're sure Maddy will make the Olympic team, Will, thanks to his shady past, is kind of a comeback star, a sensation, an unstable talent. Even if they trained at morning and lots of interactions were set in the Swimming Club owned by Maddy's parents, the sport part only really picked up the last 25% of the book, while the first 75% was more focused on the romance. There were also a couple of very heated scenes that were a great improvement from the tamer ones in the "falling series". It made for a more passionate relationship between the characters, and also matched their ages better.

I would definitely recommend it, and the only flaw I found is probably that it didn't grip me from the beginning to the end, leading to me partly skimming some paragraph in the last chapters. This could also be because of my crazy schedule and I'm sure that, had I read the book in a couple days, I would have enjoyed it much more, so I don't know how reliable my opinion is.

Anyway, relatable, broken yet amazing characters, a love story that is complex yet meant to be and effortless, plot twists that will have your brows rising and your eyes misting. This is what you can expect from this book.

Lastly, the writing was truly beautiful, conveying emotions in a way that makes all the difference in a such highly emotionally-charged book like "Hold My Breath"

[TeriLyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Hold My Breath generously provided in exchange for an honest review.**

5 "God, I love the rush." Stars

Ginger Scott without question stands as one of my favorite New Adult story tellers as she once again made gritty NA magic. Another beautifully compelling, adrenaline-filled rush of a story that I couldn't put down. Hold My Breath ranks up there in my top favorite stories from this authors catalog. Always perfectly expressing the essence of growing up with difficulty, in Will Hollister’s case extreme difficulty, layering her stories with the adrenaline rush of athletics and how that can center you, and building on a foundation of love, trust, and loyalty that may have been overlooked Ginger Scott captivates with her books. Hold My Breath is a definite shining star example of her clout as a gifted writer and the emotional, compelling journey she provides for her readers.

This is one of those reviews that will be quite vague in terms of plot because Hold My Breath is a story and an experience. Scott’s writing urges readers to feel the gambit of emotions her characters feel throughout the story. She accomplishes this by making both hero and heroine vulnerable. Will Hollister and Maddy Woodsen are connected beyond the pool in which they train. They’re souls entwine in ways even they don’t fully realize. As a reader, we get to witness first hand as this realization dawns and crests throughout this book. They have so much to overcome after all they’ve been dealt. From the prologue to the end, Ginger Scott had me hooked. During my weekend and the times I was busier, Will and Maddy were constantly on my mind. I relived parts I’d already read in my mind constantly wondering where this story was going next. It’s a beautiful feeling for a reader to be completely transfixed by the evocative story telling of a favorite author.

Hold My Breath tells a story childhood friendship, loss, grief, battle, betrayal, acceptance. It’s about family and friendship tied with loyalties you feel for each. It’s about redemption, perseverance, and forgiveness. For me, it’s also about reveling in the gorgeous writing style and tone of delivery in which Ginger Scott consistently presents. It’s about Will Hollister fighting his demons and carrying the weight of the world alongside the girl that’s always been his dream. Most of all, it’s about love and how that love shapes us every single day. It’s a beautiful journey that will you make smile. It’s a wonderful story any romance reader will enjoy.

[Jess-i-ca · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Really liked until 79% and then got a little annoyed. How many tragedies can someone stick in one book. Still decent overall

[AJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

An emotional, heart-wrenchingly beautiful sports romance

Wow, what an amazing book! A beautifully written story with lots of feels, lots of heart and a great mix of sweet and sexy with a gorgeous love story.

Maddy Woodsen is a swimming champion. Coached by her father from a young age, she is about to commence his training camp in preparation for Olympic trials. But a surprise late addition to the camp brings her past, and all of the grief and torment that she has tried so hard to move on from, screaming into her present.

Maddy grew up with Evan and Will Hollister. They were swimmers just like her, and she doesn’t have one childhood memory that doesn’t contain the two brothers. Will is the oldest of the trio and when he turned 18 and went off to College, 16 year old Maddy and Evan became a couple and were together until a tragic accident left Will as the only surviving member of his family. He hit rock bottom and after overcoming his physical injuries, emotional trauma and highly publicised drug and alcohol use, he is back on the swimming circuit and attending the training camp with his old coach in a bid to win his final shot at glory.

It’s been four years since the devastating accident that took Will’s brother and parents and Maddy and Will haven’t seen each other in all of that time. Their reunion is awkward and uncomfortable, and full of all of the emotion that they have never addressed. Hints are given at the type of relationship that they had as teenagers, but it’s not until they finally face each other and start to find their way back to the friendship they had lost that we really start to see the chemistry between them. It’s always been there, but circumstances kept them apart and now they are brought back together, sharing their grief, recapturing the spark that was always been them, and allowing themselves to feel more.

“You’re the only thing that doesn’t make me want to drown,” Will says, and my hands fall softly into his hair. My lungs fill at the touch. “I think I came here knowing you were my only shot at peace.”

I don’t want to go into details about everything that happens in this story because you just need to dive in and experience, but let me say that I felt absolutely everything that these characters went through - the fun, the friendship, the sweet moments, the heartache and all of the emotion that their reconnection brings. And the love story is absolutely beautiful – emotional, meaningful, intense, natural and so, so functional, it’s beautifully written and I loved watching their relationship develop.

Our worlds have been on this slow descent, but they’ve collided together here and now. Our truths have tangled, and it’s clear now as I look at him that there is no going back for us.

The emotion between these two is so, so beautiful, and parts of this book had me in tears.

I hold her head in my hands, my forehead against hers, and I let myself beg for it. Because I need to hear it. I don’t think I can come back from this now – I’m too far gone.
“Please,” I whisper.
“I love you, Will Hollister,” she says, and I let my lips dust hers just at the sound of those words.
“It has been forever, Maddy. That’s how long,” I say against her skin. “I have loved you…forever.”

*sniff*

OMG, Will Hollister absolutely stole my heart. He is the ultimate tortured good guy who has been through SO much yet persevered through it all. He’s been broken over and over again, but he remains strong, and I want to hug him so badly! The story is written in dual POV so we get to see all that he is thinking and feeling, and I thought he was an amazing hero.

And Maddy is just as fantastic. She’s incredibly strong, and the way she opens up to Will, at the same time standing firmly by his side, dealing with all that happens with them, is just amazing. And she’s still relatable, and I could empathise with everything that she was feeling, and I was cheering for her happy ending as much as I was Will’s.

Ginger Scott has again given us an amazing book. She has put her characters (and therefore the reader) through the wringer, but with all the twists, turns and emotional upheavals there is also healing, and finding the strength to follow your heart and move forward. And the love story that is woven through every aspect of that is just gorgeous.

I really loved this one. 4.5 stars.

An Advanced Reader Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Michelle]

ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review

~Full Review to Come

[Jessica Hull · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed joy.
My joy.

Reading this book at a time when I needed it the most feels like some kind of fate. I've felt incredibly discouraged lately about the world around me. But I've been consistently reminding myself to look for joy, even when it's hard. Well, I found joy within these pages, between the lines of this heartbreaking yet hopeful story of two swimmers drowning in tragedy, in memories, in impossibility. This book is a beautiful reminder to push on even when things look bleak, that nothing is impossible, that no matter how dark things feel, all you need is love and good people in your corner. The story of Will Hollister and Maddy Woodsen quite simply stole my breath, broke my heart, and then left me bursting with joy. Hold My Breath is inspirational, it's powerful, it's painful, it's uplifting. I don't think I could have possibly loved this book more.

The hurt is almost good. It reminds me that something real was in my heart once, and as much as I want to run away from it, in this moment, I also want to hold onto it.

Will and Maddy's story is both devastating and magical. The course of events that have paved the last few years of their lives are tragic. But their reunion, their chemistry, the all consuming attraction between them can't be described as anything less than delicious. The juxtaposition of pain with pleasure, between humor and heartbreak, been loss and love in this book is everything. It's why I read, to feel all these things, to volley between hurt and hope, to both love and hate the circumstances that threaten to break me right along with these characters. It's why I read.

As far as leading men go, you'll be hard pressed to find a character more battered by tragedy than Will Hollister. I won't give you the details of all the ways life has tried to defeat this man, I'll just tell you that, while my heart broke for him, he completely captivated me with his determination and his strength, even when he didn't believe he had it in him. Will is the hero in a story he wasn't trying to win. And Maddy is the light and the hope and the fire Will needs to bring them both back to life. Together, Will and Maddy just explode. I already can't wait to re-read this book, to relive every moment, every memory, every smirk and kiss, every secret and every breath. From the first page to the very last, this story owned me.

Ginger Scott has quickly become one of my absolute favorite authors because of how she tells a story, because of how she develops her characters, because of how she so sharply and smartly paints such a luminous picture with her words. Hold My Breath is everything my romance-reader dreams are made of. Heartbreak. Longing. Fierce attraction. Second chances. A reluctant hero carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. A heroine who can't escape the past. Sexual tension and swoon-worthy dialogue that I just couldn't get enough of. A complex storyline woven seamlessly within a sexy sports romance that is heavy and emotional but peppered perfectly with moments of tenderness, humor and joy. It's everything, this book, and I never wanted it to end. Breathtaking. Captivating. Heartbreaking. Unforgettable. Hold My Breath is a MUST read.

[Annika · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having been a big fan of Ginger Scott's previous work, I was surprised and a little disappointed to find that this book was just okay for me.

For one, there's a difference between a sad, emotional mood and a depressing one. It may be a fine one, but even after finishing this book and getting my HEA, I'm feeling sort of down.
Also, considering all the feels this book was obviously supposed to conjure, I was pretty bored throughout. There was just too much swim talk for my liking, and too little story and development to back it up. The one aspect that really had potential and intrigued me most, namely Dylan's character, was cut extremely short and left me wanting more. And, while I did sort of like the two leads and I felt for them, I was never able to really connect with them.
Then, there was Ginger Scott's repetitive writing that I don't remember from her other books. This strange obsession with telling us (over and over!) how exactly the left eye closes just a tad more than the right one when squinting, how Maddy lifts her top lip on the right when smiling (calling it an Elvis lip, wtf?) and so on. I'm all for detailed writing, but come on... there's got to be a limit somewhere.

Of course, there were things I liked, too, otherwise I wouldn't have finished this book (though I do admit to skimming a few passages here and there).
Dylan and his story, for one, was a great addition to the plot, and I was really touched by his and his mother's unkind fate.
Aforementioned flaws aside, Ginger Scott's writing was as beautiful as always. She definitely has a way with words.
The love story was nice and angsty and had me swooning a few times, especially during the first half of the book.

Still it took me over two months to actually finish this book.

But, I seem to be in the minority with my opinion, so if the blurb appeals to you and you like emotional reads with a sports theme, don't let my review stop you from reading this.

ARC provided by the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The depth of this story is unreal. It moved me. It was written with dignity and grace that only this author can deliver. That only a story like this could deserve. And she did this story and her characters justice. If you’ve read Ginger before, you think you know what to expect, but you have no idea. And if you haven’t read her, then you must. Because this book is probably one of her best written works yet.

Will Hollister carries a heavy load because of his past. A past that’s full of darkness. And secrets. Even lies. The weight is overwhelming. Stifling. But through it all, he perseveres. He pushes himself to be a better man. While his past is full of despair and regret, he finds himself back in the same vicinity as he trains for the Olympics with Maddy Woodsen, his childhood friend. The girl that wasn’t his to love. But he did. And always will. The girl that never belonged to him. But somehow she does. Their shared sorrow is palpable. The electricity between them will leave you breathless.

I cannot talk about the plot as this book is something to live and experience. I’ve never read anything of this caliber before. There’s an intensity to this story. You will feel your heart pounding as you hang on to every word as this the story unravels. Will and Maddy find themselves accepting their time together as they train and something between them breaks. A wall of some sort. Their souls exhale. And you are in the moment it happens. The other puts you there. Guilt about their past remains, but their feelings for each other become much more powerful. While their souls are tethered by tragedy, their hearts only know love.

Your heart will ache while reading this book, but do not despair, there is so much hope weaved throughout Will and Maddy’s story. Determination to live and love again is something that Will never thought would happen. Until it did. With Maddy. Their story is devastatingly beautiful. Will holds a secret that could devastate everything. Including what he has with her. But secrets and lies never stay buried. Things always come to the light. And this includes Will. He is all the good in the world despite being weighed down by despair and tragedy. His love is light. He loves with a fierceness that you will feel jumping off the pages. His love is magic. It shatters all the darkness that threatens to keep him away from Maddy.

The writing brought me to tears. The author writes with a beautiful precision that touches every part of your literary soul. She writes as if every word comes directly from the hearts of her characters. The author places you there. This poignant story is poetic in its delivery. The storyline enthralling. It’s exquisite prose will leave you speechless and there are no words to truly even describe just what this story meant to me. To say I was inspired is an understatement. With every word I read, I can easily say that I was blown away by the sheer beauty and complexity of the story and its characters. And how they survived. Thought provoking and compelling, this poignant story is one that I will never forget. Hold My Breath is a captivating story of love, hope, loyalty and courage even in the face of tragedy and adversity. It reminds you that through darkness and despair, love endures. It prevails. Love always wins.

[book bruin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook Review

Overall 4.5 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 4 stars

This was such a heartbreaking and uplifting listen. Kai Kennicott and Wen Ross really capture all the regret, sorrow, triumph, and joy in this one. Both gave such poignant performances that will have listeners hanging on every word. Wen Ross especially shined as Will, bringing listeners along for all the heartache and longing. Maddy and Will have known each other since childhood and though swimming introduced them, it was tragedy that irrevocably intertwined them. Their joy is coupled with deep sadness and I struggled right along side them as they faced the brutal truths of the past and met the present head on. I was definitely surprised by the twist and it gave me a much greater understanding of Will and everything he has struggled and continues to battle. I loved how these two found their way back to each other and I couldn't help but root for them (both as a couple and in their swim meets). I read/listen to a lot of sports romances, but this is the first time encountering one set in the swimming world and it was really refreshing. This is not an easy listen and deals with some very emotional issues, but at its heart, it is an inspiring and heartfelt second chance romance.

[em · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You are the only thing that doesn’t make me want to drown”

read the full review in the bibliothèque

Hold My Breath confirmed my suspicions. This is a new Ginger Scott and this book is prove of it. This book made me feel. It did make my feels messy and it did leave me all mushy. Oh boy if it did.

From the way it’s written to the way the characters are portrayed and presented, the thought put into every single emotion this book reflects… everything about it was shouting in my head “5 stars”. I seriously, seriously loved it. All of it, really.

If you know me a little bit, you know how I like my love interests. It was really no surprise for me when I found myself quickly falling for Will. And I dare anyone out there not to, because it’s basically impossible. Will’s character is a work in progress since page one. A tragic event changes his life the way he knows it. The reader slowly learns the details of how everything goes downhill from that point until he hits rock bottom. But what the book is really about is present Will, it’s more about him coming out to the surface again and finally taking a breath. About him finally letting the air fill his lungs.

Enters Maddy. She is the air Will needs in order to keep living – pardon my cheesiness, but I can’t help to get carried away by the feels. By reading the blurb you know that Will’s brother is the one that had Maddie’s heart in the first place, and you might guess that he is now out of the picture. Well, you guessed right. This is not a love triangle of brothers fighting over a girl’s heart. Hold My Breath is Will and Maddy’s present story, but what makes it really special is the fact that they’ve been childhood friends. Their history together goes back to a time of friendship. And back to that moment when that first spark took flight. You know, when that spark lights up for the very first time and once one knows it’s there it can’t be ignored anymore. It’s not that simple. And sometimes, it’s all about the timing. The thing is that Will and Maddy’s timing comes with a tone of baggage. A huge suitcase filled with too many painful memories and too much hurt.

“Those demons – they’ll destroy her. But I can’t give her up. I need her to stay too.”

Both Maddy and Will were hurt, in very different ways. But the one that carries all the weight is Will. He carries that tone of baggage on his shoulders, and when you think he is just about to collapse under the weight, he goes and takes some more. That’s what made me fall for him so easily. He is that selfless and he cares that deeply. But he also knows what he wants, even if he doesn’t allow himself to have it – and you know where I am going with this. Oh yes.

As you see, it was very easy to fall for Will’s character and to feel through his story. The book it’s written in alternating pov’s – 10 points for Griffindor. The story was absolutely engaging from the start, and I loved how both characters were – metaphorically – undressing throughout the novel, letting go of the pain and showing their emotions to each other. Plus, I really loved the fact that the main character here was Will, and the love interest Maddy.

All in all, I just loved everything about Hold my Breath. It tackles a few important issues that I would love to discuss with you, but I would be giving away too many details. I want you to get a first hand experience with the surprises hidden in the story.

So, again: this book made me feel. It did make my feels messy and it did leave me all mushy. Oh boy if it did. AND THE EPILOGUE? Ginger Scott pulled at my heart strings so hard I basically exploded into a freaking cloud of glittery happiness – and this is not me being overdramatic, just a tad cheesy again.

I think you will absolutely love this book. I am that sure, so just go read it – I’m ready to share Will with you too.

*I received an eARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.*

[Veronika's ReaderFeeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 - Fighting - Stars

http://veronikasreaderfeeder.com/ging...



*ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*

There was so much emotion and depth in this story and it touch my heart in so many ways. The book dealt with some serious subject matters like grief, depression, illness and my heart ached so many times for the characters, but maybe this is the main reason why Will Hollister is one of the most layered characters I've ever met.

Will is a man who is constantly in battle with his daemons, and who carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. But at the same time Will is also a swimmer, an athlete who despite it's hard, so damn hard, doesn't give up and who swims not just for the gold medal but for himself and for the girl who in a way helped him to get up after the biggest fall in his life. A few years back Will have lost his parents and his brother in a plane crash where he was the only survivor. After the accident he lost the solid ground for a long time, and he broke all the connections with his former life.

Will was just a child when he found the swimming offered joy though the Woodsen family. He met with Maggie when her father became Will’s and his brothers swimming coach. Will’s little child heart immediately started to beat faster when he saw Maddy at the first time, yet in the senior year of high school she ended up with Easton. Now, after long years Will returns to the Woodsen house where memories, grief, ghosts and big challenges wait for him, but he feels that this is the only place where he will find his only and final chance for preparing for the Olympic trials.

This book was truly beautiful and so many times really sad. All of the characters were well developed but what amazed me the most was Will's fight with the past, his endurance and his selflessness. Maybe there was a little too much tragedy in the book and maybe this was the reason why it didn’t convince me entirely that the future of the characters has been completely resolved at the end, but it was absolutely amazing.

Ginger Scott's writing style was outstanding and heart-touching as always. My only pain is that this cover cannot do justice to this amazing book, and can’t show how much depths are hidden in this amazing story. This is not an easy read and it touches some serious topics but it’s truly beautiful and I honestly recommend it.

For more of my reviews please visit my blog:
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[Ashleigh Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

You ever read a book that totally consumes you? Forcing you into the story as an innocent bystander, watching as the story unfolds right in front of you. Feeling every emotion, experiencing the heartache, the guilt, the pain, and the victory as if it were happening to your best friend? Hold My Breath was that book for me. I found myself smiling ear to ear to slamming on the breaks and my heart doing a complete 180 and crying in public over the struggles Will and Maddy experienced.
Hold My Breath is a touching story about two swimmers who have been best friends training together nearly their entire lives. Maddy and Will grew up in the pool together, along with Will's brother Evan.
4 years ago tragedy struck Will and Evan's family. Will was the sole survivor in a horrific accident that claimed his entire family. Though he healed physically, the scars run much deeper and the ghosts and secrets he's bearing are weighing him down in more ways than one.
I'm not going to reveal to much more, because I'm afraid I'll spoil the entire plot for you. I could gush on and on about Hold My Breath, but it's really one of those books that is so beautifully written, words just don't do it justice.
It's a story of second chances, or finding your own way, allowing yourself to let go of the burdens preventing you from being who you want to be, redemption, making peace with your past and your future, and a beautiful, all consuming kind of love between best friends. I definitely recommend this one!

[Tracy C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lord have mercy...the heartache! So much angst right from the beginning. Will just gave me all the feels and I loved every minute of it. He turned into such a remarkable man, despite the difficult path to get there. Poor Maddy was inadvertently in the middle of a mess and she handled the truth with such aplomb. Her acceptance and support of the true Will made all the sad parts worth it.