Someone to Hold

Wild Widows #2

by Marie Force

Iris

Two and a half years after suddenly losing the love of my life, I’m coming out of the fog of early grief and taking a hard look at the rest of my life. With three young children to care for on my own while also managing their grief, I haven’t had a lot of time to ponder what’s next for me.

When I think about what I really want, I keep coming back to one thing. Or I should say one person, someone who understands what I’ve been through because he's been there, too, only his losses were far worse than mine. I find myself thinking about him all the time, but is he ready for the things I want? I have no idea, but I’m determined to find out.

Read Iris’s story in book 2 of Marie’s new Wild Widow’s Series.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Audiobook, Friends To Lovers, Medical

312 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 15, 2022

About the author

Marie Force is the New York Times bestselling author of contemporary romance, romantic suspense and erotic romance. Her series include Gansett Island, Fatal, Treading Water, Butler Vermont and Quantum.

Her books have sold more than 12 million copies worldwide, have been translated into more than a dozen languages and have appeared on the New York Times bestseller more than 30 times. She is also a USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestseller, as well as a Speigel bestseller in Germany.

Her goals in life are simple—to finish raising two happy, healthy, productive young adults, to keep writing books for as long as she possibly can and to never be on a flight that makes the news.

Join Marie’s mailing list on her website at marieforce.com for news about new books and upcoming appearances in your area. Follow her on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/MarieForceAuthor and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/marieforceauthor/. Contact Marie at marie@marieforce.com.

Reviews

[Bookstagrambrielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this series, but I have to admit that they are a little hard to read sometimes. I've never experienced the kind of loss that these characters have and can only imagine that kind of pain and grief. So reading about it while never having experienced it can be a little depressing. It's really sad to hear how they struggle, especially in this particular book.

Iris, one of the founders of the Wild Widows Club gets her second chance at love, after her husband, who was a pilot, died in a plane crash a few years ago, leaving her to raise their 3 young children alone. When Gage joins the group after losing his wife and twin daughters in an accident caused by a drunk driver, Iris is intrigued and drawn to him but doesn't do anything about it for years. It isn't until the group goes away for a long weekend at the beach, that Iris decides to see how Gage would respond to her advances. It goes over well, and despite his reluctance to be in a relationship, that's pretty much what happens anyway. Then Iris is hit with more devastating news, that I won't spoil. Just when she thinks it can't get worse, and so do I, it does when she is hit with something even more devastating. Gage is there for her, the group is there for her, and she somehow gets through it. When things are looking really good with Gage, she is once again hit with another bombshell and this is where her relationship with Gage starts to crumble. She has to wonder if she's better off without him or if she can forgive him for freaking out.

My favorite part was obviously the two of them falling in love. Iris was funny and strong and despite being kicked by life over and over, she just kept pushing through. Gage was a bit sad and shy at first, but when he started talking for Iris, you could see who he really was and he was sweet, caring, supportive and loving. My least favorite was all the devastation that kept hitting Iris all these years later. The good part about it was she had an amazing group of people to support her and help her through it all. There were many great quotes and sayings about loss and learning how to live without the person you thought you'd be spending your life with. It was quite inspirational. But just know that it was also really sad too. It might actually be helpful to someone who has experienced this kind of grief.

Bookstagrambrielle

[Anne OK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another hit for the Wild Widows! Iris makes you want to stand up and cheer for strong and self-sufficient women. As Iris's story unravels, readers will delight in being along for the ride. Hold on tightly to your heart -- shocking surprises and a load of emotions are heading your way as the story hits some bumps in the road to happily-ever-after. And I'll admit to kleenex and tears being involved on this end.

A wonderfully diversified cast of characters only adds to the enjoyment and love for this new series from Marie Force. Can't wait for more!

[Nadine Bookaholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

ALL THE FEELS!

Iris has been put through the ringer in this story, the poor woman just couldn't catch a break. You would think that the worst thing to happen to her would be that her pilot husband was killed in a plane crash leaving her alone to raise their three children but NO that was the least of her worries. My heart broke for all that she was going through and I was so happy that Gage was by her side through the majority of it.

Iris along with two of her widow friends joined forces and started the Wild Widows Group for young widows to get together and share their stories and just plain be there for one another, in the years since they started the group it has grown and a couple of people have found their second chapter in life, which is what Gage and Iris are starting in SOMEONE TO HOLD, even though Gage was reluctant to call what they were doing a relationship...typical man LOL as they grow closer Iris' life is turned upside down....now the question is will Gage stand with her or leave her in her time of need.

I really loved the chemistry between the two and while there were plenty of sad moments there were enough laugh out loud moments to balance things out. This story was very different from the first book in the series, and can be read as a standalone if that is the way you choose to read it, as this story had a LOT more angst to it.

If you enjoy Steamy Contemporary Romances, Friends to Lovers Romances, or 2nd Chapter Romances I would recommend this book to you.

Happy Reading!!!

Find out more here ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewStH




**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books
You can find me here:  https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic

[Mags · Rating 5 out of 5]

Someone to Hold is a beautifully poignant emotional and heartfelt story. That continues where Someone Like You left off.

But this time the focus is on Iris co-founder of the Wild Widows and mum to the group; and Gage, who joined after the devastating loss of his wife Nat and twin daughters.

And the pair who are best friends find themselves becoming much more. When Iris accidentally on purpose ends up naked in Gage's bed. Although Gage is adamant it's not a relationship.

However, when Iris receives devastating news about the accident that her husband Mike died in and his life whilst away from home, Gage is right there to support her. And quickly sees that relationships aren't so bad. Especially ones with the lovely Iris and her three adorable children.

But then disaster strikes and the pair are left to question whether they're strong enough for their chapter two.

And with humour, situations you can relate too, beautiful characters and lots of emotion. This was a fantastic read, and I loved that we got a little peak at Sam and Nick too. Not to mention that ending!!!

I now can't wait for 2023 and Adrian's story.

I would highly recommend Someone to Hold and Someone Like You to others.

I was kindly provided with an ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Adanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iris started the Wild Widows group after her pilot husband died in a plane crash. Gage joined the group after his wife and two daughters were killed by a drunk driver. These best friends realize that they are ready to take a second chance on love. However, fate won’t make it easy for them to move on. Grief brought them together. Will it tear them apart too?

I’m loving this Wild Widows series, Iris and Gage’s story is yet another reason why. Their story is heavy and emotional, but it makes their happily ever after so sweet and well deserved. Iris and Gage’s journey shows how life can give you whiplash from being wonderful, awful, joyful, and tragic all in a short span of time. However, they never stop showing up for each other and pursuing joy amid grief that never fully goes away.

”It’s about two people who’ve been to hell and back and found each other along the way and who give each other something new and sweet and wonderful to focus on amid all the heartache.”

Each person in the Wild Widows group has a unique story and circumstances. Their support of each other is amazing. Marie Force tells their inspiring stories with such tenderness and love. I can’t wait for the next book!

[Nate Brightman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the author’s Wild Widows Club. I’ve come to consider contemporary romance a sub-category of Women’s Literature since it’s primarily written by women and its main audience is other women making me a male a bit of a reader anomaly. That said I think this book could easily be classified Women’s Lit. as easily as contemporary romance because this book is as much about other raw emotions as it is romance. For the record the Wild Widows Club isn’t a bunch of card carrying AARP widows trying to act like college sorority sisters on a Friday night. Although the members do occasionally let their hair down when they get together. It’s an informal, closely knit support group for younger widows, mostly women but some men who have lost their significant other and in the case of our male protagonist Gage Collier, his twin eight year old daughters as well in a car crash involving a drunken driver. The group was founded by Iris (this book’s female protagonist) a single mother of three young children who lost Mike, her commercial pilot husband in a plane crash, Christy and Taylor. Although Taylor is no longer an active member of the group. I enjoyed the first book in this series Someone Like You enough to convince me to pre-order this book. But don’t worry if you haven’t read it. Force does an admirable job of giving you a summary of the group’s membership. Most of the book alternates chapters giving either Iris or Gage’s P.O.V. but Force even takes the unusual step of throwing in some chapters that feature Roni, Someone Like You’s female protagonist who in a short time has become one of Iris’s closest friends among a group of close friends brought together by tragedy. Iris is the bedrock and heart of this group. She always has a kind word and sage advice for other members and her home generally serves as the meeting place for the group.
Since it had been several months and probably several hundred books since I’d read Someone Like You I really didn’t remember much about that book until I began this one. I especially don’t remember it being quite as emotionally raw as this one despite the fact that both Roni’s and Derek’s spouses were murdered leaving Derek with a toddler and Roni pregnant with her late husband’s child. I don’t know what the author’s personal experience with the loss of a loved one is, but you’d swear reading this book that she’s been through it the way she expresses the impact grief has on the story’s characters. Iris is a loving mother but she talks about how somedays she wishes she could give her three children to someone else to raise being a single parent is so exhausting. Roni lies in bed with her now fiancée Derek whom she’s madly in love with and sobs about missing Patrick her late husband. Its difficult to feel happy without feeling guilty for being happy. The message that life goes on even after suffering a brutal loss and it often offers unexpectedly beautiful moments but grief over our loss is never far away is frequently hammered home in this story. As is the idea to live every moment in the present because you never know when it will be yours or someone you love last.
After the loss of his wife Natasha and his twin daughters Gage is committed to never falling in love again because he feels he couldn’t survive that sort of loss again. Which is in direct violation of the one stipulation for joining the Wild Widows Club, being open to find love again. So years later he admits to Iris he lied in order to be part of the group because he was desperate for their support. There has been an underlying attraction between himself and Iris since he first joined the group a couple of years ago. They’ve become close friends. Both have been celibate for years. On a group weekend retreat to the beach and after some wine Iris decides she wants to break Gage’s “widow cherry” as she refers to it. Iris herself had forced herself to go out and have a random hookup after her husband’s death just to get it over with. But she’d never been tempted to sleep with anyone since that unsatisfying encounter. She slips naked into Gage’s bed pretending she’s a little drunk and confused, hoping he’ll make a move. Which after some initial hesitation he does leading to her having multiple explosive orgasms (while this story has plenty of sex scenes they’re hardly the most graphic you’ll find in this genre). But afterwards he tells her he doesn’t regret what they did and isn’t opposed to doing it again if it doesn’t damage their friendship but it can never be more than a friend’s with benefits arrangement. Which Iris being a pragmatic woman with needs agrees to. But I’m never really sure why because from the start its not the relationship she wants with Gage? Iris is at a point in her life that she wants a life partner not a fuck buddy. They continue to have sex and without any pressure from Iris but just by their natural attraction to each other Gage’s walls gradually come down and he almost reluctantly agrees they’ve fallen not only into bed but into a real relationship. While this is going on Iris discovers some highly upsetting news about Mike’s death and his life before he died which Gage and the widows help her through. Things are developing quickly between Gage and Iris and they’re even discussing cohabitating until something happens to spook Gage because as is the case in most contemporary romance novels he’s another male idiot who struggles with his emotions. (See never going to fall in love again). Maybe I’m just too old fashion but in the end we have Iris and Gage professing their undying love for each other and telling the kids Gage might move in but when he’s asked if he and Iris are going to get married and will he be their new daddy, he defers saying it’s too early to tell. Really? You’re in love with the woman and she’s in love with you. You’ve learned how short and unpredictable life can be. You’re willing to sleep in her bed every night in the same house as her young children. You’ve told her you’re committed to her forever. But marriage isn’t a foregone conclusion? Why not? “No kids, we’re sort of in love but not so in love we’re ready to make that commitment so we’ll just play house and I’ll be your friend.” Gag me!
Despite my issues with the male protagonist IMHO being a sometime emotional coward, I found this story captivating and emotionally moving. All the characters were great. Even Gage although he could be an idiot at times.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Iris is working through the grief of having lost her husband 2 while also raising and being strong for their three young children. She has a good support system around her, including her parents, her in-laws, and the Wild Widows group she helped co-found.

Gage lost his entire family and vowed he would never let anyone close enough to leave him feeling that much pain again. His membership in Wild Widows has helped him move on from the initial pain of loss, but he is in a bit of a holding pattern now. When Iris crawls into his bed he begins to wonder if there isn’t more out there than the pain and loneliness he’s been living with.

This was my first foray into the Wild Widows series, though I have read enough of the Fatal Series that I recognized the characters that cross over into this series. I struggled connecting with the main characters early in the book, and part of me wonders if it has to do with not having read the first book. I felt like I was missing details about the backstories of both Iris and Gage, and the opening scenes felt jarring as a result. Not having read the first book, I didn’t have a sense of their friendship before Iris was sneaking into Gage’s bed. But once I continued further and some of those details were added, I enjoyed watching the journey both characters found themselves on.

I loved watching Gage find a place in Iris’s family. Her children are so sweet and curious, and though they still miss their father, they adjust relatively well to a new friend in their lives. I love the way Gage is sensitive to what the kids need without trying to take over.

Despite the depths of pain that each character has had to go through, this book does a good job of showing the hope for the future and the possibilities that can come from opening up after a loss. Even though both characters are still in the grieving process, the emotions never overwhelmed the story. I figured I’d be a blubbering mess with the shared grief, but was pleasantly surprised by the direction the story took. Yes, there was pain to deal with, but there was also so much more.

The Wild Widows are a group of widows who have become friends through their support group and they show up for each other in every way. I am interested in the stories that were teased in the background and some of the additional characters that make up this ensemble of friends.

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[BookAddict · Rating 3 out of 5]

Right out of the gate, this series started with an amazing, heart-wrenching, hopeful story, and this is the second couple from the Wild Widows support group to find love. It's set in the same Fatal Series world, so there is a little crossover with those characters.

Iris is one of the original founding members of the Wild Widows, and in addition to having lost her husband, she has three young children who give her a reason to get out of bed every morning. She's good friends with Gage, another member of the group, who lost his wife and two children. He and Iris lean on each other and help each other through the difficult times, and their attraction to each other begins to grow. It's a precarious place to be, wanting to explore where their attraction can go but wanting to protect their friendship at all costs.

I love the idea of this series so much, and I applaud the author for taking on the difficult subject matter. Grief is such a personal thing, and it's tough for someone who hasn’t experienced loss to understand. Finding friends who have been there but also realize each person's situation is unique and offer unwavering support through the process is a precious gift.

I loved both Iris and Gage's characters and empathize with everything they were going through. The book lost me in places with repetitious contemplation, excessive internal dialog and pieces of real life that are the very reasons I read in order to escape from. I found myself skimming quite a bit to get back to the meat of the story.

Despite this, the foundation of the story is solid. The characters are relatable and endearing, and their story is told well. This one may not be suited for those of us who read a lot and read quickly, but for the reader who likes to take her time and spend days in a book, it should be a good match.

[Ranie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book was phenomenal. The context, creatively, compassion, and dedication were purely unpredictable and beautifully capativing.

I just love Marie Force's writing techniques. They are genuinely incredible and intriguing. I cried throughout this entire book. The love, support, and thoughtfulness radiant brightly in every single character.

I felt every ounce of pain and triumph for Iris, Gage, and all the other members of the "Wild Widows" group. I, wholeheartedly, admired Iris's strengths and abilities to confront her tragedies and turned it around into something so powerful. She is an inspirational woman, who loves and supports everyone, unconditionally.

As always, I highly recommend this book and any and everything written by this extraordinary writer.
💔❤💖💞

[Read All About It · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Crap why do you keep doing this to us.

This story is about Iris and Gage. The Wild Widows are a close knit group that have all lost a loved one.
Iris is one of the founders and a strong quirky woman raising her three children alone.

I respond with a giddy laugh. “Have I told you yet today that you are the awesomest?”

Gage was devastated by his loss and doesn’t even want to think about the R word but the more time he spends with Iris and her children the more the shell he’s built around his heart is cracking.

“Don’t do anything to hurt my friend Iris. She means a lot to me.”

There are times when this story hit a little to close to home. It’s heartbreaking but also uplifting. Sam and Nick do make a brief cameo. The characters in this new series have definitely captured my heart and I’m so excited for whatever comes next.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Iris lost her husband she had no choice but to pick up the pieces of her life as she had three children who needed her. She has started to heal, and she is ready to allow another man into her life and she knows that she wants it to be Gage.

Gage is still trying to move forward after the tragic death of his family and isn’t sure that he will ever be ready to let anyone close enough to feel that pain again. When the friendship he shares with Iris turns into something deeper they will both have to decide how much they are willing to fight to be together when they are tested more than once.

There is no one more deserving of happiness than Iris and Gage. They have already been through so much and continue to go through so much as they take us on an emotional journey that at times is heartbreaking and at times uplifting.

[Read.Review.Repeat Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I can’t even imaging the things Iris and Gage have gone through, losing the love of your life is just unimaginable to me. Every emotion you can think of will be your journey through this book.

Iris is left to raise her three kids after the death of her husband. Gage, not only lost his wife, but also his two young daughters. The Wild Widows was a great place for both of them to get their feelings out, and talk with other in the same boat as them.

A story of love loss, betrayal, heartbreak and love, their story will pull at your heart strings and make sure to have tissue handy. "

[Anne - Books of My Heart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I REALLY enjoyed reading this. I stayed up late because I couldn't put it down. The discussions on grief are heart grabbing. The other things like cheating spouses, cancer and children are bad and good but part of life. These Wild Widows are just so there to support each other. Everyone needs a close supportive group like them.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very well written story about grief, loss and losing your special someone and the chance to move on and have second chances. This was at times so sad. Despite the numerous curve balls life through, Iris, she remained optimistic, and persevered with hope and grace. I liked how Force tied the friend group together and how everyone in the widows group supported each other.

[Patty Branthover · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the first book in this series but this one just dragged. There was way too much introspective dialogue and nothing exciting happening. I’m willing to give the series one more chance since I love Marie Force as an author.

[KK · Rating 5 out of 5]

You’re in for a treat when reading this one!

[MB · Rating 3 out of 5]

Notable excerpts:

Hard to believe sometimes the way time goes by after the worst kind of loss. It marches on with no consideration whatsoever for broken hearts or shattered lives

life goes on, even when you think it won't

Tell your heart to get on board the life-goes-on train

It's funny how you miss things you used to disdain

why it is that life has to kick us in the teeth for us to wise up about what's important

I'm spinning like an out-of-control comet heading for a crash landing that'll break me into a million tiny pieces that'll never be put back together the way they once were

I'm sure it will hurt like hell again in the bright light of day, but for right now, I'm relieved to carry on as if I haven't taken another blow that would've leveled a lesser person. I refuse to be a lesser person. I refuse to backtrack to the early days of my grief when I could barely get out of bed or care for my kids and relied on my parents and siblings for everything. I can't go back there, because dragging myself up and out of that took everything I had

you have no choice but to carry on, no matter how big the losses are

finding our way through the swamp of loss and looking for meaning in what remains

people putting their late spouses on pedestals, as if we forget the things about them that drove us crazy and only focus on the good things

I've always had a hard time with conflict. I had a screamer for a teacher...Fighting and conflict make me sick, so I avoid it

I'd probably want all the dirty details, too, even if I knew I was better off not knowing

We got through something we would've thought impossible to survive. We've carried on with all the dignity and grace we could find

I need to feel like I'm still here, that I'm a survivor and not a victim

you never know what's coming around the next curve in the road and how it's a good idea to appreciate any peace or serenity you can find while you have it

what we know is awful enough. The dirty details aren't going to make it better

if you spend the rest of your life alone out of fear or more loss, you'll be compounding the tragedy you've already suffered

When you're grieving the loss of the person you loved the most, anything and everything is normal. No one else gets to decide that for you

Sometimes I can't believe the way life marches on like the worst possible thing never happened

We're all stronger than we think we are until life tests us and shows us just how strong we can be when needed

I think it's time to lighten my load a bit and figure out whether there's more to life than work

I don't know what it is about some guys who are just never satisfied no matter how good they have it

she'd love to hate her if she wasn't so damned nice

we're somehow stronger now than we were before, and that strength gets us through a lot of things that would've flattened us in the past

You are not a mess. You're grieving, and that is messy. You need to be kinder to yourself

life has a way of laughing in your face when you think you've got all your plans in place

Anyone who has you has it all

I'm closer to them than my own parents

celebrate getting through the year. We're still here, still capable of joy and love and wonder, which is a surprise to me

I love the way she melts into my embrace, her body pressed against mine as we sway to the music...the two of us have walked through fire together, and we've come out on the other side stronger and wiser for the journey

This must be what it feels like to literally rise from the ashes to discover there's still so much living left to do

I saw right away that you were a fierce warrior and somehow knew you were going to be essential to me surviving something that should've killed me

There was a time, not that long ago, when it would've been inconceivable for me to be in this place with you. I guess that's what people mean when they say that healing happens when you're not looking. Not that I'll ever be completely healed, but at least I'm capable of more than misery

we have to grab on to happiness where we can and not worry about what anyone else thinks

Life is crazy, strange, devastating and wonderful all at the same time

That there can be such joy amid the grief still amazes me

Life is so f*cked up and crazy and wonderful and terrible all at the same time

sometimes I feel sorry for people who don't know how lucky they are every minute of every day they get with the people they love

I like to think I was grateful for all my many blessings before I lost M, but my gratitude is different now. It's sharper and more immediate. I see it as it's happening rather than realizing later that something was rather wonderful

here we are in the 'after,' where life is never the same, but still beautiful in so many startling ways

Living in fear of what might happen is no way to live

We're all going to die. Some of us sooner than we should

But you can't be so afraid of loss that you forget to live what's left of your life

Life as you know it is over forever. Nothing is ever the same. The three most important people in your world are gone, and they're never coming back

[CarolKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wild Widows gather at Bethany Beach for the weekend and Iris takes a big chance. As fate would have it, Iris's room shares a bathroom with Gage's. After downing some liquid courage, she pretends to get turned around and instead of her bed she gets into his, with him. There's an attraction between them but neither had taken any steps to progress a relationship, fearing the loss of friendship should things go wrong. This night, however, changes all that.

They've been friends and each other's biggest supporters within the group. Gage also writes a blog post daily reflecting on his journey in widowhood. Now they've taken this to a different level, and they are willing to see what happens.

Hallie is cooking for everyone, Roni and Derek are there with newborn Dylan, Joy with her outspoken personality, Wynter with her unfiltered commenting and Adrian who's struggling with the loss of not only his wife in childbirth, but now his mother-in-law who had been helping care for his infant son. Then there's Kinsley, Naomi, and Lexi all with their own stories and trials. The weekend is a successful break for all of them and over too quickly.

Once home both of them feel alone without the other. It's an unusual feeling for both of them. Gage writes a post about the weekend and Iris struggles to sleep alone.

The next day things start to fall apart for Iris as she's woken by a phone call from her late husband's partner Steve. The NTSB report is in, and they are calling the crash pilot error. Gabe immediately heads to Iris when he hears and promises to stay as long as she needs him. He also calls the Wild Widows to give additional support. Before the Wild Widows meeting Iris is dealt yet another blow from Steve that he delivers in person.

This latest blow to Iris only serves to solidify the relationship with Gage even though there's more to come.

We get to see the snag in Christy's new relationship, more insight into Wynter and also her wanting to be Xavier's nanny. We learn a bit more Hallie and Lexi, along with glimpses of Brielle. We also learn more of Adrian's reluctance to hire Wynter.

There are plenty of ups and downs in this book, just like real life. The way grief plays into everything is also enlightening. I really wish I knew about this type of group when I lost my husband years ago.

I am already reading the next book.

[PepperP0t · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great outing for a somewhat personal journey through widow life with Iris, co-founder of the Wild Widows, who’d lost her hubby and her three small children’s father. She’s become attracted to one of the few males in their group. blogger, Gage, who’d lost his wife and two daughters two years ago.

During a ‘Wild Widows Weekend’ at the beach, Iris makes an “innocent” mistake that she decides to take advantage of, much to Gage’s surprise and pleasure. They’re both glad about the turn of events but a call from Iris’ brother-in-law, Rob, breaks up their embrace, Gage wonders if Rob’s interested in Iris for himself. Awkwardly, Gage tries to back off, thinking it might best for her kids despite Iris’ protests.

Iris struggles to not to let a romantic setback send her to the feelings of early widowhood. Adding to that drama, Iris’ gets news her husband is blamed for the plane crash, sends Iris reeling and more unexpected news rocks her world completely. Gage does the best he can and pulls in the Wild Widows as the usual touchstone for the group reels.
Rating: 4.75stars

[Karen ♐ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this series. It's hard to read at times but so beautifully written. Iris' husband died in a plane crash where he was the pilot and Gage's wife and two daughters were killed by a drunk driver. Gage, understandably does not want to be in a "relationship" with anyone ever again. His fear is losing another family.

He and Iris are slowly moving closer together and one night she takes a chance and climbs into bed with him. This starts a friends with benefits non-relationship but gradually this couple gets closer and closer. I really enjoyed watching how this progressed and the other characters in their orbit were great. I really liked seeing how Roni and Derek are doing after reading the first book. I would really recommend reading this series in order even though each book is about a different couple as the overall story continues.

[Ian Mcnamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another grate book in this series, I loved the book as much as the first and really enjoyed getting to know the widows better.

The second story was focused on Iris the founder of the group along with Christie she is the one who keeps the rest of the group together and is always there for everyone else. I loved Iris and Gage's story and what they both went through was horrible. Gage Colliar has lost his wife and daughters to a drunk driver, this couple had a lot to battle through and it was amazing seeing how the characters grew throughout the book given the revilations that came out.

[Donna Rutledge · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book about Iris and Gage and Iris's children. This book starts with a widow and a widower. Gage lost his wife and twin daughters to a drunk driver and Iris lost her husband to a flying accident. They have known each other for two years when they finally get together.

They start a relationship and find that they love each other. Then something happens that triggers Gage's healthy recovery. They have to find a way to pull together to make things work between them. They visit with Gage's wife's parents and bring the kids.

[Bella · Rating 3 out of 5]

In my opinion 4.59 rating is too much for this story. I didn't find cute or memorable scenes between hero and heroine's kids. Even in half of the story kids were with their maternal grandmother. I didn't get it why Heroine's 1st husband (Mike) cheated (more than once)bcz it was shown they were in love and he asked for 3rd child???Even it was not clear either Mike was involved in plane crashing or not bcz report was saying he was involved but Heroine Iris said it's not possible... For me lots of things were incomplete...

[Kate Vale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another in the Wild Widows series, in which Iris, one of the founders of the group, finally steps up and crawls into bed with Gage, one of the widowers she has had a mad crush on since he joined the group after the deaths of his wife and two daughters.

Over the course of the story, how these two adults begin to navigate their second chance at love--in the midst of fearsome concerns that includes breast cancer and the sudden appearance of another child fathered by Iris' late husband.

How will this all work out? We'll have to keep reading the next installment...

[Ginny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iris was instrumental in Roni's book so glad we didn't have to wait too long for her story. I loved her and Gage and Marie got us into the action straight away. I loved these two together and boy did Iris go through the twists and turns in this story. I loved every second of this story and couldn't put it down and now ready for more.

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wild Widows are a group of widows and widowers who talk about their trials and tribulations of grief. Co-founder Iris has thought about Gage, and decides to make the first move. Soon the two are navigating the tightrope of children who have suffered a loss.

A great book that I whipped through in 24 hours. Marie Force is a great writer.

[Kelly Corrigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I have just enough produce to make a salad to go with it and eat in front of the TV while watching the Patriots play the Ravens. I’m a low-key Ravens fan because I just can’t stick with the Washington team that’s broken my heart so many times—I’m done with them.”

Excerpt From
Someone to Hold
Marie Force
This material may be protected by copyright.


Patriots are New England. Reedskins/Commanders are the Washington team.

[Christine Jalili · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book.

I loved this book and was hooked from page one. Loved Gage and Iris together. They are both widowers and I loved their Wild Widows group. It’s an emotional book and I did cry. Loved that they got their happy ever after and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

[Shelly Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best series

Wild Widows has helped me through some very tough times of my own. I love reading about people who have gone through just a portion of what I have. It gives me hope for chapter 2.

As always with a Marie Force book, the story is good, the characters are good, and you just can’t put it down.

[Janet's Fire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Hit Series for Marie!

The Wild Widows is great! Sad, sweet, funny-so real! If a loss as huge as these people have suffered ever occurred I would hope for such a tremendous support network! Thank you Marie for sharing your talent!