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Sometimes the best way to hold on is to let go.

Smart mouthed, pig headed, and the best bull rider in Missouri, I'm following in my father's footsteps. He named me after his rodeo heroes, Cody and Lane, hoping I'd become a legend like they were. There's only one little problem.

Girls aren't supposed to ride bulls.

That's never stopped me before, though. Riding in the PBR is my chance to get out of my small town. It's the one shot I have for a better life. If I want to change my future, then the only way that's going to happen is if I can make a check big enough to buy me a new life.

I expected hazing. What I didn't expect was the making out in hotel rooms, stealing kisses behind the chutes, and sweet smiles in the arena. The guy keeping the bulls off me is clearly on my side. The rider I've idolized for years is hitting on me. Then there's J.D. Adkins. That man is trouble, and everyone knows it, but he calls me his rookie.

There has to be a catch, and I'm waiting for the manure to hit the fan. I just need to stay focused and - more importantly - keep my head down. Because in this sport, the pranks are the kind that can be fatal. If I want that better life, I need to make sure I hold on for all eight seconds.

The question is what I want to hold on to.


Triggers include: Slight bullying and hazing of the main character.

Just Hold On is a 149,000 word novel where the relationships are fluid and the main female character (and some of the men!) will have multiple, often complicated relationships with different men.

Life (and love) are messy, but it's worth it to get to the end.

499 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 4, 2022

142 people are currently reading
624 people want to read

About the author

Kitty Cox

27 books291 followers

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5 stars
526 (64%)
4 stars
194 (23%)
3 stars
75 (9%)
2 stars
16 (1%)
1 star
10 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
Profile Image for Audrey.
105 reviews
March 5, 2022
Another hit from Kitty Cox

Cody has always been "not enough" until she tries to prove herself on the PBR circuit by trying to keep her female self under the radar.

Enter quickly a group of friends willing to fight for her right to bullride, her right to be a woman on the circuit.

Those friends come with some juicy romantic entaglements and some secrets to find out and keep.

The characters are likable and not perfect, and neither are the relationships. This book introduces everyone and sets up the problems that they will face throughout the series, both in and out of the arena.

Eagerly awaiting the next installment in this 5 book series.
Profile Image for Kasumatata.
1,140 reviews23 followers
March 4, 2022
Hooked by the Bull Riders

Just Hold On pulled me right in as a reader. FMC Cody has battled against judgemental people forever and finally made it to the 'big boys league' for bull riders. It's safe to say that not every boy in said league is pleased to be bested by a rider of the female variety *gasp*.
But Cody quickly finds herself surrounded by a group of people that back her up, without holding her back from her goals and Cody needs to learn that not everyone is out to get her.

I loved the introduction to the different characters and the bonds forming between them. While the author definitely set up some dynamics I could see becoming a problem in the future, this book left me in a good place and makes me crave the next book already. Very well done indeed!
Profile Image for Kim Whitehead.
2,835 reviews
March 6, 2022
This was one of the most unique and brilliant books I’ve had the privilege of reading! The story line and the depiction of the sport of bull riding was unbelievable! So vivid and definitely made for a page turner! The excitement of bull riding, the injuries, the pain they experienced could be felt through the pages! But what made over the top was the relationship that is beginning to bloom between all of them! Girl power! The first female bull rider along with a few cute cowboys! Kitty Cox gives you just enough to have you craving more! Hold on for an incredible ride! Phenomenal book!!
Profile Image for Sandi Devlin.
246 reviews3 followers
March 4, 2022
fantastic new series

This is a new series by Kitty Cox. It is in the same world as her Shades of Trouble series.

It’s has a strong yet vulnerable FMC, Cody is such a great lead. She is such a great character. I love all the guys too how much they support Cody. And they are cowboys!!! I don’t usually read books with cowboys but this has me hooked!!!

Kitty writes such great books with found families I really love just how supportive everyone is to each other.

This is a fabulous start to a new series and I can’t wait to see where it goes. I definitely recommend this to everyone!
210 reviews4 followers
February 26, 2022
Absolutely and utterly hooked!!! I never thought I would pickup a book with a bull riding theme, but here we are and I am so very glad I did. Kitty is just one of those authors, that I will automatically read anything she writes and know that it will be everything!!! And this was no exception. I can not wait for book two and I am so here to hold on for the rest of this ride!!!
Profile Image for Toma.
835 reviews
February 26, 2022
It took me a week to read because this story was based on emotions rather than action. I mean it was very good but a bit slow, which worked for me perfectly.

I have no knowledge about rodeos, but this was so well written I feel as if I could ride myself now lol
Author 3 books1 follower
March 5, 2022
amazing

This book is nothing short of absolutely fantastic. So real - I don’t know a lot about bull riding but it feels like the real thing. The characters are interesting and diverse in their backgrounds and outlooks. They developed and grew and we learned more throughout the story, which led to a very compelling read.

Kitty Cox proves once again she is a terrific author. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
Profile Image for H.
941 reviews
July 15, 2024
Really liked this. When I first started it reminded me a lot of 8 seconds to fly by another author. But as it went on I was able to separate the two stories & I like the characters and their struggles. Book 1 ends with things ok.. but I feel the trouble coming. On to book 2.
Profile Image for K.
1,382 reviews1 follower
September 30, 2024
You know what they say, save a horse (or in this case a bull) ride a cowboy (or really in Cody’s case multiple cowboys). You go girl. Good for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
39 reviews
September 17, 2025
Love this!

I don't review a book often, but I absolutely love this author. I was reluctant to start this series because I didn't think it would be something that would peek my interest. I was sooooo wrong. I could not put it down. This book made me giggle so much. It's such a cute read, and I love the main female characters' names!
3 reviews
January 29, 2024
I am stumped by the high reviews for this book... Am I missing something?

The dialogue sounds like it was written by AI. The book tries to teach a few different feminist ideals, but the dialogue could not be more unimaginative. If the author things that they are being subtle, then my intelligence is insulted.

I'm 65% through the book and waiting for something interesting to happen. I feel more brain cells expire with each page turned.
Profile Image for SM2024L.
105 reviews
did-not-finish
June 21, 2025
Too long, too many unnecessary scenes. Each chapter has a statement that women can be ‘sluts’ as well as men. Ok, but why she acts on it on the 80%+ of the book and it’s some lame sex scene for 1 page? 2 men who were having all the sex they could get unexpectedly became sooo committed in 1 week? Dad who tells his daughter to have threesomes? Really?
And all of this in the cowboy world…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
555 reviews
September 12, 2022
Meh. 1.5 stars. The amount that they talked about sharing was too much for me. So much talking about the same dang thing. I felt like the whole 2nd half of the book was the same conversation reworded.
Profile Image for Phoebe B.
25 reviews3 followers
February 12, 2025
Man I didn't know I was going to love this story as much as I did! It was everything I didn't know that I needed in a RH/Country story. Can't wait to read the rest of the story when the series is complete!
365 reviews7 followers
February 19, 2025
Wow!!

I picked up this book on a recommendation for bullriders. I got that and so much more. The relationships and characters in this book are amazing. Each one is so different but somehow they all fit.

I am glad this one didn't end in a cliffhanger, but I am so ready for book two.
Profile Image for Renee Garcia.
17 reviews4 followers
Read
January 29, 2024
Made it 80% the story line was different never read about PBR before. I just couldn’t do it anymore the story was so slow found myself skimming the pages..
Profile Image for Karly Colton.
53 reviews1 follower
June 21, 2025
The start was cute. Didn’t realize it was a poly romance so lost my interest fast then. Which is to bad since I loved the plot.
Profile Image for Cassandra MADEUP BookBlog.
458 reviews9 followers
January 2, 2023
This was a brilliant story to get stuck into, addictive from start to very end with an easy to read style, sweet yet fast paced and surprising storyline, and characters that have you wishing you really did know them!

The writing style is perfectly done, itself so easy to relax into reading that I found myself doing just that. One page became a chapter, became half the book before I knew what had happened! And then I found myself excited to get back to the story and carry on learning about the characters and seeing what they got up to next. I was so engrossed in the tale that It would seem I was often smiling away to myself or outright giggling at their antics, even cringing in sympathy at certain points.

One of the things that I adore about the way this Author writes is that there are SO many quotes that are relatable, I find myself constantly saying “Ooo listen to this bit!” whether it’s a quote explaining the importance of being yourself, the invaluable love and loyalty of found family, or a sweet romantic moment, there are so many points or comments made that are done wonderfully!

Another thing I love is that Kitty continues to subtly and effectively create strong, independent female lead characters that remain feminine whilst being true to themselves and being Unique, rather than the oh so common situations of the female lead being strong only until a man appears to be strong on her behalf.

The characters are fun to read about, and you fast find yourself knowing them all individually and wishing personally, to a point that you can slide into the next chapter and know which characters perspective yourself in without even glancing at the name at the start. Each Personality is the characters own, meaning that the multiple perspectives not only isn’t confusing, but instead makes the story that much more engrossing, because it feels like you know everyone personally, whether you want to cheer for them in that moment, or slap some sense into them.

So to summarise… another bloody brilliant story from Kitty, thats wholly engrossing and yet relaxing to sink into for hours at a time, with Characters that are diverse and endearing even when you want to kick some sense into them! If you’re looking for a story that’s a bit unique, fast paced without being rushed, utterly addictive and yet not heavy to read. You absolutely cannot go wrong here!
Profile Image for Elissa Greyson.
64 reviews5 followers
December 14, 2025
Just Hold On isn’t just a sports romance; it’s a full-blown emotional ride that grabs you by the heart and doesn’t let go until long after the last page. Kitty Cox drops you straight into the grit, danger, and adrenaline of the rodeo world, and into the life of a girl who refuses to accept the limits the world keeps trying to place on her.

Cody Lane is the kind of heroine who stays with you. She’s stubborn, smart-mouthed, determined to a fault, and so heartbreakingly aware of the stakes stacked against her. Girls aren’t “supposed” to ride bulls, yet she’s better than most of the men trying to keep her out. That tension, the push to prove herself and the fear of being crushed, literally and figuratively, pulses on every page.

But what truly makes this story glow is the relationships. They’re messy, unexpected, tender one moment and explosive the next. There’s the guy who protects her, the idol who suddenly sees her as more than just a rookie, and then there’s J.D. Adkins, the walking red flag that somehow feels like a lifeline. Kitty Cox writes their dynamics with so much tension you can feel it in your chest.

And the hazing? The danger? The behind-the-scenes chaos of the PBR world? It adds a layer of realism that makes you anxious for Cody, every risk, every ride, every eight seconds where her entire future hangs in the balance. You want her to win. You want her to get out. You want her to finally breathe.

What surprised me most is how deeply emotional the story becomes. It isn’t just about riding bulls; it’s about choosing yourself, letting go of who people expect you to be, and figuring out what, and who, is worth holding on to.

It’s long, but never slow. Messy, but in a way that feels absolutely real. Romantic, but not in the predictable way. Life, love, pain, ambition, all tangled together in a way that makes the book feel alive.

If you love sports romance with grit, complicated chemistry, high stakes, and a heroine who fights for every inch she gets, Just Hold On is the kind of book that will stay with you long after you finish it.
Profile Image for Kaitlin Brock.
34 reviews2 followers
January 24, 2023
Did I just read a bullrider romance?

I had no interest in bullriding. At all. I dont know a lick about it despite being raised in a rural area with family who barrel raced and participated in those types of events. Honestly, the author couodve made up every bit of the details and I'd be none the wiser.

However, the author clearly researched this (or has a lot of first hand experience). The editing was on point. The writing style was phenomenal. The dialogue was fantastic. Every character had their own "voice" and at no point will you feel like the men are blurring together or find it difficult to tell personalities apart.

The spice is low, this is a slooooowwwwww burn. So if you're looking for hot steamy pounding in chapter 2, this isn't for you so don't read it and then rate it low for that just because it isn't what you expected or were looking for. Its graphic though, no fade to black, no harlequinn novel type language about flowers or velvet wrapped anything. I'm betting that the next book will have high spice because it was slow burn for a reason and now there's nothing really holding them back.

This is well worth the read and I'll be following the author for more. I was not expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did, given I'm really not a bulkrider/cowboy/country living romance type reader. Cody is a fantastic FMC that feels REAL and genuine. She's soft and strong, bada$$ and vulnerable, all at the same time. Her men all bring something to the table unique to them with interesting back stories.
Profile Image for Lydia.
427 reviews4 followers
March 15, 2022
AMAZING, AMAZING, AMAZING

I’m not even remotely shocked that I was straight up obsessed with this book. I’ve read other books written by Kitty and as a co-author with Auryn Hadley and they are always superb. They both do female empowerment and inclusivity unlike any writer I’ve ever read. Kitty has written a book that you will be unable to put down. The way she writes poly and less common relationships is masterfully done and absolutely believable!
The characters always have grit, perseverance, and charm that jumps off the page immediately!

To top that off I’m always completely hooked in the setting. You can without a doubt see the research that goes into making it all totally believable. The word usage, terms, and sport references pertaining to bull riding were amazing. I learned a lot; so much so that halfway through the book, I heard a radio commercial saying that the PBR circuit was coming to my town, and I think I might buy tickets. We’ll see if there really are real life sexy cowboys and girls haha. Truthfully I just think it was some masterful writing inside the genre, and I’m hooked.

I’ll be desperately awaiting the next in this series, and I’ll be sending it as a recommendation to everyone I know!

Such a stellar read!
Profile Image for Maris.
89 reviews
March 8, 2022
What a ride!

I was already a massive KC fan after reading Shades of Trouble. This has just cemented her place in my list of top authors.
As a pretty British Brit I have only the vaguest knowledge of Bull Riding and would never have picked up a series based around it had I not known her previous writing. The only time I’ve put this book down (willingly) was to search PBR videos so I could better appreciate what these amazing characters go through more fully. If a character can make you choose to expand your horizons then that’s a really telling sign of just how phenomenally they’re written - especially as I found myself nodding along with what was going on, something I definitely couldn’t have done this morning!
I rarely give 5* reviews straight off the bat, I like to see if the characters drag me back in for a re-read and then re-rate. But there’s no need to wait with this. I already know I’ll be back.
Profile Image for Amanda Crossland.
1,189 reviews12 followers
May 14, 2024
Absolutely Incredible

Saw someone post this book on a fb group and she went on about how amazing it was and was now in a book slump. It caught my eye and I’m so freaken GLAD I took a chance. This is the first Kitty Cox book I’ve read of hers and I am listing her as one of my favourite contemporary authors. I usually learn towards paranormal rh so was very unsure until I read the first chapter. The descriptions, the feelings described with each event, the bull riding and meeting the guys just Hooked me. It was So easy to picture being that specific character, while reading their point of view (its multiple point of view). Sure there is some bullying but Cody has the top bullridfers on her side, as well as the bullfighters (clowns that keep the bulls off the riders when they are tossed). I grew up in this kind of setting and Kitty did an incredible job researching for this series. Truly, I couldn’t put the book down. Take a chance! You won’t regret it!!
Profile Image for Angela Armstrong.
434 reviews5 followers
March 8, 2022
I have a new book fetish

I'm nit usually into cowboys. Yeah, I've read a few, but they're not my "go to" kind of book.

This is not that kind of book. It's better. More. Amazing.

I love the natural flow of Kitty's writing. The depth if the characters and the serious amount of detail that she uses. Now, stop there.

Detail.

It's not wordy or boring or information dumps. It's so intricately woven into the story, you don't realise you're learning anything until you hear it referenced elsewhere. Then you realise you can put that in context because you read this Amazing book about bull riders.

I felt every buck. Every soul juddering landing. Each ache and pain. These characters are real in way you don't often get to experience, and I can't wait for more.
Profile Image for Sondra.
606 reviews1 follower
May 8, 2022
Strong female!! Wow!

I loved this start to a new series! Cody is one strong female! She keeps getting back up as men try to bring her down and she wins! Great writing where you fall right into the story and can't put the book down. Be aware of an LGBTQ poly relationship and bi men who love both men and women. Story about bull riders, rodeo atmosphere, loving daddies, protective men who want the women to succeed and win. Ended really good at no cliffhanger but I still need more so I will get book 2 when it comes out. I thought it ended in quite a happily ever after or the path to get one. Loved it!
Profile Image for Elise  W.
47 reviews4 followers
December 3, 2022
Best hangover

Kitty, you're killing me here! I swear you and Auryn Hadley must have a meeting scheduled before every new release just to discuss the best ways to give us the best/worst book hangovers. I keep telling myself I won't continue with the torture and wait until the series is complete so it's not bad... and then you release a new book and I immediately devour it, thus beginning the cycle all over again. But I did find out that if I read one of your books I can turn to one of Auryn's for the cure. I'm double fucked if you co-write though like the gamer girls series. 💚

Loved every page, can't wait until I get to devour the next one.
Profile Image for Lacie.
626 reviews1 follower
March 14, 2022
Another one bites the dust

Kitty you wonderful writer, you've done it again. Stolen my heart and left me wanting for more. Cody is strong yet vulnerable and so passionate about what she wants for her career. With her friends at her side that have her back and her dad's support she will change this sport for the better. Men like Austin and Cole don't deserve to be anywhere near her light. She shines like the sun and her men will learn to orbit around her negate she deserves to be seen!!
Profile Image for Nicole Hoffman.
Author 4 books2 followers
May 17, 2022
Holy hot cowboys

How did I not know books like this existed? The h is hard ass and the guys treat her as such. Is it totally realistic nope. She rides her first 2 comps in the big leagues and places... Yeah a male rookie would have a hard time with that but a female in a sport no woman has been able to break into is pretty unbelievable. That and why pink? Purple, teal, hell black and silver with another color popped in. That is cliche. But other than that, well written, something I haven't read before. I hope the next book delves more into the boys and their stories.
Profile Image for T..
Author 13 books573 followers
August 25, 2023
Just Hold On, the first book of the Falling for the Bull Riders series, is an ebook I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited (KU). Reading the Shades of Trouble and Falling for the Bull Riders back-to-back, I found myself comparing the traits and personalities of the men to each other. Many characteristics were in common, so I recommend spacing a few other books between the two. Once again, the storyline is what holds my interest the most. I found myself looking up terms and watching videos (Bodacious, rosining the rope, etc) to enhance my reading experience.
5 reviews
March 9, 2022
LOVE IT!

I cannot wait for the next book in the series!! It was very interesting and you could tell that the author, Kitty Cox, put a lot of time in to get the details as close as possible to the real deal for the PBR. Not saying that I know what all is up besides watching it on tv, but everything that I read made sense and went into what bull riding is. Overall it was an amazing read and I cannot wait for the next book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews

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