Holding Out for Special

by K.T. Raine

Happy ever after is just a fantasy ... isn't it?

After no luck in the true love department by age 32, sweet, unassuming school teacher, Emory Dockins, has pretty much given up on ever finding the right guy. Someone to love her and cherish her loyalty and traditional values, not mock her for them and then break her heart.

Never in a million years does she expect to catch the eye of the intimidating, but swoon-worthy Secret Service agent, Vince Murano, who comes to question her about death threats against an aunt she never knew existed. Yep, life's funny like that. And maybe Emory shouldn't give up on her happy ever after just yet.

After all, it sometimes gets worse before it can get better.

If you enjoy the engaging, heartwarming, family based love stories of Emmy Eugene, Kelly Collins and Oliva Sands, you're sure to enjoy Holding Out for Special.

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 16, 2021

About the author

Love a good, clean, happy ever after as much as me? Then hop on over to my site at http://www.ktraineromance.com and grab your free copy of my short story "Twice a Fool," by signing up for my monthly Dog-gone Short and Sweet Update. It is indeed short and sweet and always contains a pic of a dog guaranteed to make you smile.

My favorite stories involve spunky, sweet heroines and strong, swoon-worthy guys who aren't afraid to take charge ... oh, and a dog in the mix never hurt either. So those are the type of books I write!

I live in the beautiful mountains of North Idaho--inspiration for my Huckleberry Ridge Romance series--with my hubby of 30 years and our adorable Beagle mix Stella.

When I'm not reading or plotting my next novel, I enjoy gardening, hiking, and soaking in my hot tub during the cold months. I do housework when I must and laundry when we run out of clean underwear. If you want to know more, visit my website or reach out to me directly at kt@ktraineromance.com. I promise to answer.

Be sure to follow me on BookBub:
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/k-t-r...

Happy reading!

Reviews

[Nana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emory Dockins is a 32-year-old teacher, who has given up on finding love and decided to try to have a baby through IVF, only to learn she will probably never be able to carry a baby. She lost her mother and has no family, but she has the kids she teaches.
Politician, Margaret Faizan, has been getting death threats, and the Secret Service is protecting her and her young daughter. They discover by a DNA test that Emory had sent in that Emory was Margaret's niece. Emory had never gone into get the results, so when Secret Service agent, Vince Murano, showed up at Emory's house to question her in regard to threats to her aunt, Emory didn't know what he was talking about. Emory and her aunt did meet up, and she met her niece, Macy.
The story will continue with the uncertainty of life, a woman killed, and discovering what life has in store for them. When Macy had to hide because someone had come to the door, she hid in a room that was locked and when
Vince went to get her, he discovered her dog Max on the outside of the door and the two of them was holding hands under the door. This is life's journey with all that goes with it. It is beautifully written, with a calmness that will, even when bad things happen, you realize that life has to keep moving, and how it can happen.
I received an ARC from BooksGoSocial through NetGalley.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly beautiful and sensitive love story. Teacher Emory Dockins has given up on finding “the one” and decides to try IVF only to learn that she most likely won’t be able to carry a baby to term. When politician Margaret Faizan is threatened, the police and Secret Service Agent Vince Murano arrive to question her about the threats. Believing that she has no relatives, she had no idea that Margaret is her aunt. Meeting Margaret and her eight-year-old daughter Macy is one of the happiest days of her life. Vince has been protecting Macy and has become quite fond of the little girl who seems to be alone, with her dog, most of the time. When Macy’s world is torn apart, will Emory be able to step in, with Vince’s help, to ensure Macy’s well-being? (The part when Macy is holding her dogs’ paw with her little hand underneath the closed door was particularly sweet). I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

[Eris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over all I really enjoyed this book. It was sweet and fluffy. Just like I like my romance.

The story is about Teacher Emory Dockins who has totally given up on finding romance, so she decides that she wants to have a baby instead. Sadly she finds out that she is unable to carry a child full term. There is light at the end of the tunnel for Emory though. She discovers that Margaret Faizan, a politician, is her Aunt when Secret Service Agent Vince Murano comes to investigate threats against Margaret. I wont give away anything else but Emory does find the family she has always wanted and does find love.

Over all this is an enjoyable book. If you want a good contemporary romance with just enough fluff. I highly recommend this.

I reviwed this book from an ARC copy I got from Netgalley and this is an honest review of the book.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks Netgalley for a arc copy of this book for a honest review..  


Oh wow I loved reading Holding Out for Special. A sweet clean commentary 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 stars read.  I will be getting this book when it comes out for sale.  









Happy Reading Lisa 📚 























 

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holding Out for Special is a fantastic contemporary romance by K T Raine. This was such s wonderful book that I hated when it ended. Emory Dockins is a fifth grade teacher who has no family. Margaret Taiwan has been nominated for Secretary of Interior and she is having death threats. Vince Murano, Secret Service Agent, is guarding her 8 year old daughter, Macy. Emory finds out that her father is Margaret's older brother. I found this story to be inspirational and sweet, love grows, tragedy hits, family pulls together. I can't wait to read another book by this author. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Sure, it was predictable, but since we all want a happily ever after that worked fine for this story. Some misty moments. A dog, cat, and young girl. What more do you need in a tale? Sweet, clean romance. Interesting (sad) back story for the teacher. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. I look forward to reading more by this author.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It is well written and holds your attention from the first page until the last. This book is full of emotions and will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. I'm so glad I requested this book on NetGalley, it was wonderful!
I received a complimentary copy from BooksGoSocial and K.T.Raine via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[CAH - malphrusc · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sweet! 💕

I think I found my new favorite author! I just absolutely loved this book - such an amazing storyline with sweet realistic characters. The author did an amazing job creating a sweet and believable romance that didn’t leave you with a toothache….highly recommend this read!

I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 👍🏻

[Gija · Rating 4 out of 5]

#Holding Out for Special #NetGalley #Romance
Holding Out for Special is a sweet romance novel written by K. T. Raine. I enjoyed reading this book.
Emory Dockins is a 32-year old fifth-grade teacher who completely gave up on finding love in her life. She is very fond of children. Due to her medical conditions, she won't be able to carry a child. She has lost her mother and has no other family. All she has is her students who loved her so much. When politician Margaret Faizan's life is threatened, the Secret Service Agent Vince Murano is assigned to protect her and her sweet little daughter Macy. Later, Emory finds that Margaret is her aunt when Agent Vince came to question her about the death threats against her aunt who she never knew existed. Emory was very happy and thrilled to find and get to know about her aunt and her niece.
From the first meeting itself, Agent Vince is intrigued by Emory and they started to see each other. Both of them are very fond of little Macy and her dog. When terrible things happen in Macy's life, they were ready to protect her and nourish her with love.
This is a sweet contemporary romance. If you are looking for a happily ever after, this is definitely a book to read.

[Ellen Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful compassionate story. Emory had a hard life growing up. Vince, a Secret Service Agent was protecting little Macy. They meet when Emory's aunt Margret received death threats. Vince and Emory are great main characters. They have lots of chemistry and loved their bantering. Macy is a sweetheart, and Max and Mr. Puddins add a lot.  A sweet, clean book.

I was given this advanced copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sherri Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this story via Netgalley.
This was an absolutely wonderful, clean, and sweet romance. This is one of those stories you’ll want to come back to over and over again when you want some romance, but not something too over-the-top romantic. On the plus side, there’s a Secret Service Agent hero! Yummy! Also, the heroine of the story is one of those ladies you really want as a friend, because she’s such a sweetheart.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time reading this author but it won't be the last. Very enjoyable read about 32 year old teacher who has given up on love and then meets the man of her dreams. Throw in a little girl, cat, and dog and you have a winner.

[C bond · Rating 4 out of 5]

ok read, I liked

This is a nice clean read. Most definitely the first time I had ever read of this unique medical condition. I liked.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some time back I fell in love with this author’s middle-grade books. If you haven’t read them, I’m going to highly recommend you start with A Million Ways Home. So when the author offered me a copy of her first book for adults, I jumped at the opportunity to review it.

The story begins with a suspenseful situation that immediately captures my interest. Secret Service Agent Vince Murano who is providing protection for Macy, a young girl, is sent to give Emory some exciting news regarding Macy. When he does, both Vince and Emory realize very quickly that there is chemistry between them. The POV then goes back and forth between Vince and Emory.

Though this story is predictable, the dialog and story are handled beautifully. In fact, a brief glance at this book cover alone will beckon you to open the cover.

My Concerns
My concerns are very insignificant, but I try to always list them, large or small.

~Emory’s giggle, which happened often, continued to make me think she was more of a teenager than a woman.
~I would have loved to have had more suspense, whether it was linked to Vince’s job or their romance.

Final Thoughts
This is the perfect season for happily ever after stories. So if you want a quick, entertaining, happy ending, romance, this is the book for you. And what story isn't better when you add a family with a sweet dog? Max the spaniel who is loved by a cute little girl will easily win your heart.

My thanks to the author for a copy of this book and the opportunity to review it without any stipulations.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was fully drawn into the story of Emory and how she was traced to a family member. This author draws one in with emotions, firm beliefs and love. Vince tried to stand firm in his training, but the actions of a little girl and her dog, breaks through his tough exterior.
Well written and a page-turner to get through the sorrow and fear to reach the end of the rainbow.
I received a copy from BookSirens and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has sweet romance, mystery and family secrets. The characters are strong and authentic. The storyline is completely believeable and I enjoyed the twists and turns. It will keep your interest till the very end. A well written book that fills you with all the feels.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[K.T. Raine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodreads will never leave me alone until I rate my own books ... so ... 5 stars of course. LOL!
Actually, Holding Out for Special is my very first sweet romance and I just love the characters. I'm also thrilled by the great reviews and ratings it's received so far. (Besides mine :)

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. A sweet, charming, predictable romance. I thoroughly enjoyed K. T. Raine's writing from the first page to the last. Pleasant characters. Heart-warming. Many misty-eyed moments. Thrilled to have won a copy from the author. I am eager to read more of her books.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this lovely story.

[Larissa (That Baker That Reads)]

DNF at 40%
Very cute, but not for me.

Tropes:
Found Family
Secret Service Agent
Healing Traumas
Sweet Romance

[Jesskriley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cheesy but sweet enough and an easy predictable read

[Robin Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

*received via BookSirens and voluntarily reviewed*

This was an absolute delight. When you pick a random book from an author you’ve never heard of, you never know for sure what you’ll get. Sometimes you get a dud, and sometimes you get a gem.

It’s billed as a “Clean and sweet contemporary romance with a dollop of suspense”. It is sweet, and it is clean, with just some kissing between the hero and heroine, but there is also some heat and palpable chemistry. I love a law enforcement hero, and I think this is the first romance I’ve read where the hero was a Secret Service agent. Emory and Vince both have some baggage, and I wouldn’t have been surprised to get a lot of angst, but it was light in that department. What we do get a lot of is amusing banter. I smiled a lot, and I laughed out loud, and then suddenly I was crying, real tears running down my face. And I was only at the 50% mark!

The narrative alternates between Emory’s and Vince’s POV, and I loved both of them. Emory is a teacher, and I really liked how Vince was very respectful of her profession, describing her as “An underpaid, self-sacrificing teacher…”. When she asks how does he know she’s underpaid, he responds “All teachers are underpaid in my book”.

There’s also a cute little girl named Macy, whose mother, a politician, has been receiving threats. Vince’s current assignment is protection detail for the child, and the relationship that he develops with her was just adorable.

This is a breezy, fun and heartwarming story, with well written characters, including the child and her dog, that I probably would’ve finished in just a couple of days if I didn’t have a freakin job to go to. From what I read about the author, this is her first adult book, with her previous books being for young readers, but she has more coming, and now that she’s on my radar I’m eager for more from her!