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Chasing Gold #1
Hold Me Up
Can second chance love survive past trauma?
Reece has one goal: to compete in the Olympic Games. With the gymnastics World Championships looming, his dream is one step closer to becoming a reality.
When his childhood sweetheart, Alex, walks back into his life unexpectedly, Reece’s world is turned upside down. Alex was the boy who inexplicably pushed him away and broke his heart; the boy he still loves.
When the truth behind their break-up is revealed, Reece wants to hold Alex up and give him the strength to heal.
But can Reece be Alex’s rock, and remain focused on his training, or will his Olympic dreams suffer in the process?
Hold Me Up is a MM second chance romance, with a slow-burn relationship and lots of hurt/comfort. It’s the first in a series of books that follows male artistic gymnasts as they chase gold.
Trigger warnings: Hold Me Up features a character who suffers from anxiety and panic attacks, due to a past event that is briefly described.
Reece has one goal: to compete in the Olympic Games. With the gymnastics World Championships looming, his dream is one step closer to becoming a reality.
When his childhood sweetheart, Alex, walks back into his life unexpectedly, Reece’s world is turned upside down. Alex was the boy who inexplicably pushed him away and broke his heart; the boy he still loves.
When the truth behind their break-up is revealed, Reece wants to hold Alex up and give him the strength to heal.
But can Reece be Alex’s rock, and remain focused on his training, or will his Olympic dreams suffer in the process?
Hold Me Up is a MM second chance romance, with a slow-burn relationship and lots of hurt/comfort. It’s the first in a series of books that follows male artistic gymnasts as they chase gold.
Trigger warnings: Hold Me Up features a character who suffers from anxiety and panic attacks, due to a past event that is briefly described.
Kindle Edition
First published January 29, 2020
21 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
About the author
Colette Davison
66 books431 followersI'm an indie author from the UK, who writes contemporary and paranormal M/M romance. My books have flawed characters, happy endings, and lots of heart.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
January 29, 2020
Reece’s biggest dream is to compete in the Olympic Games and it is closer than ever. It all depends on how the team performs on the World Championship. A few weeks before the Championship, Alex, Reece’s high school boyfriend who is now a journalist, walks in the gym to interview him. The break up with Alex was bad and left Reece heartbroken for a long time. As the two of them start reconnecting the truth about why Alex broke up with him is revealed and they get closer.
This book has one of my favorite tropes, second chance love. And I adore gymnastics! It was the perfect book for me and I loved every single word. Beautifully written, heartwarming, Reece and Alex were wonderful together, so sweet and loving and I really enjoyed the descriptions of the gymnastics competition.
I cannot wait for the second book, I wish I could read it right now!
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
This book has one of my favorite tropes, second chance love. And I adore gymnastics! It was the perfect book for me and I loved every single word. Beautifully written, heartwarming, Reece and Alex were wonderful together, so sweet and loving and I really enjoyed the descriptions of the gymnastics competition.
I cannot wait for the second book, I wish I could read it right now!
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
February 1, 2020
A great second chance romance!
Second Chances are my favorite and I love sports romance, so this book was one I had high expectations on. And they weren't disappointed at all.
Reece is such a strong and caring man, and I loved both how understanding he is when he learns the reason why Alex left him four years prior, and how take charge and caring he is in the new relationship with Alex and with Alex's wellbeing.
Alex struggles through his mental health and panic attacks were gut-wrenching and put me through an emotional roller-coaster.
Definitely a five-star book for me, and I can't wait for the next installment, I definitely hope it will be Garrett's story.
Second Chances are my favorite and I love sports romance, so this book was one I had high expectations on. And they weren't disappointed at all.
Reece is such a strong and caring man, and I loved both how understanding he is when he learns the reason why Alex left him four years prior, and how take charge and caring he is in the new relationship with Alex and with Alex's wellbeing.
Alex struggles through his mental health and panic attacks were gut-wrenching and put me through an emotional roller-coaster.
Definitely a five-star book for me, and I can't wait for the next installment, I definitely hope it will be Garrett's story.
January 30, 2020
I just loved this book. Reece and Alex are totally lovable characters whose feelings are completely credible. I was happy with them and suffer with them. I loved so much how patiently and gently they approached each other again after all the hurt they went through. The slow burn is beautiful and well developed.
I was very touched by this book and the story of these sweet men got under my skin, it was so sad and very profound and all the wonderful moments both spend together makes me so happy. Alex' trauma is very sensitive and emotionally processed and Reece is such an incredibly lovely boyfriend, his caretaking and patience are amazing.
We got so many loving kisses and when they get intimate with each other, I adored the beautiful and tender love making. That fits perfectly with these two.
Highly recommended.
I was very touched by this book and the story of these sweet men got under my skin, it was so sad and very profound and all the wonderful moments both spend together makes me so happy. Alex' trauma is very sensitive and emotionally processed and Reece is such an incredibly lovely boyfriend, his caretaking and patience are amazing.
We got so many loving kisses and when they get intimate with each other, I adored the beautiful and tender love making. That fits perfectly with these two.
Highly recommended.
January 29, 2020
I read this book one week ago, but I clearly remember everything about this. I loved reading it and I just couldn't put it down. I'm glad I had a few days off because I had one thing in mind - wake up in the morning and read this awesome book without any distraction. So I did read it in one sitting and loved every minute of it.
The story was unique, loved this theme, it's not a common sport and it was really good to read about this. Colette Davison did an awesome work on this one too, I believed everything the book said and it felt like I was with them. I love it when a book is so real I can feel the characters beside me.
The romance level was so high and so cute, it warmed my heart, I was so happy and full of smiles the whole time. Alex and Reece were really good characters with lovely personalities.
And the hurt/comfort scenes between them because of their past, ahhh all the hate-love, but not really hate just pure and undying love. It was PURE LOVE. Loved their relationship.
So what am I saying now is - this is my favorite from Colette. Until the next comes out LOL. How she does it IDK, but every time I fell in love with every word she writes.
HIGHLY recommend this!
The story was unique, loved this theme, it's not a common sport and it was really good to read about this. Colette Davison did an awesome work on this one too, I believed everything the book said and it felt like I was with them. I love it when a book is so real I can feel the characters beside me.
The romance level was so high and so cute, it warmed my heart, I was so happy and full of smiles the whole time. Alex and Reece were really good characters with lovely personalities.
And the hurt/comfort scenes between them because of their past, ahhh all the hate-love, but not really hate just pure and undying love. It was PURE LOVE. Loved their relationship.
So what am I saying now is - this is my favorite from Colette. Until the next comes out LOL. How she does it IDK, but every time I fell in love with every word she writes.
HIGHLY recommend this!
July 18, 2022
The mechanics of
gymnastics way outweighed
the MCs and plot.
gymnastics way outweighed
the MCs and plot.
January 21, 2020
FR- Alors alors... alors Colette Davison est une auteure que j'aime énormément et qui ne m'a jamais déçue. J'avais super hâte de lire ce tome surtout qu'il porte sur un univers que je ne connais pas du tout et que j'avais hâte de découvrir.Et j'ai découvert un univers vraiment intéressant et très maitrisé par l'auteure. Je dois avouer que j'ai passé mon temps à regarder des vidéos de gymnastes sur Youtube.
J'ai beaucoup aimé toute la partie qui portait sur la gymnastique, que ce soit les entraînements de Reece ou la partie compétition. C'était intense et prenant et quand les routines étaient décrites on visualisait très bien ce qu'il se passait.J'ai aimé l'esprit d'équipe qu'il partage avec Garrett et l'ambiance présente dans ce roman.
J'ai beaucoup aimé également la relation entre Reece et Alex. Au début, j'ai été un peu surprise qu'ils se mettent aussi vite ensemble. Du fait du passé d'Alex j'avais peur que ça aille trop vite mais ce n'est pas du tout le cas.
Reece est vraiment présent pour Alex et respecte ses doutes et ses peurs. C'est d'ailleurs un aspect du roman qui est vraiment bien traité.
On a là deux sujets principaux (la gymnastique et les troubles anxieux) qui sont extrêmement bien traités par l'auteure. On sent le travail de recherche et la maîtrise des sujets proposés.
Ce tome introduit plusieurs personnages secondaires et je ne sais pas si l'auteure va nous proposer des tomes compagnons ou un deuxième tome sur Reece et Alex mais en tout cas j'ai hâte d'en découvrir plus sur cet univers.
Une fois de plus, un très bon roman. Une auteure dont la plume est toujours aussi agréable , fluide et touchante. Une auteure 1-Click que je ne peux que recommander.
ENG- So well well well... well Colette Davison is an author whom I love very much and who has never disappointed me. I was really looking forward to reading this volume, especially since it deals with a universe that I don't know at all and that I was in happy to discover. And I discovered a really interesting universe and very well mastered by the author. I must admit that I spent my time watching videos of gymnasts on Youtube.
I really liked the whole gymnastics part, whether it was Reece training or the competition part. It was intense and addictive and when the routines were described we visualized very well what was going on. I liked the team spirit that he shared with Garrett and the atmosphere present in this novel.
I also really liked the relationship between Reece and Alex. At first, I was a little surprised that they got together so quickly. Because of Alex's past I was afraid it would go too fast but it is not at all the case.
Reece is really there for Alex and respects his doubts and fears. This is an aspect of the novel that is really well treated.
We have here two main subjects (gymnastics and anxiety disorders) which are extremely well treated by the author. We feel the research work and the mastery of the subjects.
This volume introduces several secondary characters and I don't know if the author will offer us new main characters or a second volume on Reece and Alex, but in any case I can't wait to discover more about this universe.
Once again, a very good novel. An author whose pen is always as pleasant, fluid and touching. A 1-Click author that I can only recommend.
J'ai beaucoup aimé toute la partie qui portait sur la gymnastique, que ce soit les entraînements de Reece ou la partie compétition. C'était intense et prenant et quand les routines étaient décrites on visualisait très bien ce qu'il se passait.J'ai aimé l'esprit d'équipe qu'il partage avec Garrett et l'ambiance présente dans ce roman.
J'ai beaucoup aimé également la relation entre Reece et Alex. Au début, j'ai été un peu surprise qu'ils se mettent aussi vite ensemble. Du fait du passé d'Alex j'avais peur que ça aille trop vite mais ce n'est pas du tout le cas.
Reece est vraiment présent pour Alex et respecte ses doutes et ses peurs. C'est d'ailleurs un aspect du roman qui est vraiment bien traité.
On a là deux sujets principaux (la gymnastique et les troubles anxieux) qui sont extrêmement bien traités par l'auteure. On sent le travail de recherche et la maîtrise des sujets proposés.
Ce tome introduit plusieurs personnages secondaires et je ne sais pas si l'auteure va nous proposer des tomes compagnons ou un deuxième tome sur Reece et Alex mais en tout cas j'ai hâte d'en découvrir plus sur cet univers.
Une fois de plus, un très bon roman. Une auteure dont la plume est toujours aussi agréable , fluide et touchante. Une auteure 1-Click que je ne peux que recommander.
ENG- So well well well... well Colette Davison is an author whom I love very much and who has never disappointed me. I was really looking forward to reading this volume, especially since it deals with a universe that I don't know at all and that I was in happy to discover. And I discovered a really interesting universe and very well mastered by the author. I must admit that I spent my time watching videos of gymnasts on Youtube.
I really liked the whole gymnastics part, whether it was Reece training or the competition part. It was intense and addictive and when the routines were described we visualized very well what was going on. I liked the team spirit that he shared with Garrett and the atmosphere present in this novel.
I also really liked the relationship between Reece and Alex. At first, I was a little surprised that they got together so quickly. Because of Alex's past I was afraid it would go too fast but it is not at all the case.
Reece is really there for Alex and respects his doubts and fears. This is an aspect of the novel that is really well treated.
We have here two main subjects (gymnastics and anxiety disorders) which are extremely well treated by the author. We feel the research work and the mastery of the subjects.
This volume introduces several secondary characters and I don't know if the author will offer us new main characters or a second volume on Reece and Alex, but in any case I can't wait to discover more about this universe.
Once again, a very good novel. An author whose pen is always as pleasant, fluid and touching. A 1-Click author that I can only recommend.
January 20, 2020
This book made me remember how, a few years back, I had a huge crush on one of my country's representative gymnast. I would follow all his competitions and watch videos of him on repeat. I'm not even ashamed to admit that it was all for the eye candy, not in the least interested in the sport's technicalities.
I was pretty much like Alex. He would get mesmerized by Reeces's body, and he often spaced out just watching the gymnast's muscles moving. And I think we can all understand that,right?
Talking about technicalities, Colette Davison did an awesome job at explaining the exercises, at offering a great visual of what the gymnastic programs entail. I'm thankful for the behind the scenes explanations,because being a witness to the training regiment and the amount of work behind what seems a simple exercise, definitely increased my appreciation for the sport.
I often asked myself about how hard it can be for athletes to juggle the separate parts of their lives, and how romace would effect their concentration. In 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗠𝗲 𝗨𝗽, Reece has had good and bad concentration, all mostly influenced by Alex. In the past, Alex has brusquely cut Reece out of him life, causing an obvious drop in Reece's athletic performance. But now he's back, bearer of ugly revelations and I was afraid he would mess up Reece's future.
Just like every other book I've read by this author, 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗠𝗲 𝗨𝗽 has been an emotional ride. Alex is weighed down by debilitating anxiety attacks, which in turn makes Reece feel guilty and powerless to help. It was overwhelming to watch them together, each step forward laden with uncertainty, trying first to be just friends and hoping for more.
I read this in one sitting, glued to the pages. It was a beautifully written love story about healing,second chances and giving it all fighting to make dreams reality. Loved it.
I was pretty much like Alex. He would get mesmerized by Reeces's body, and he often spaced out just watching the gymnast's muscles moving. And I think we can all understand that,right?
Talking about technicalities, Colette Davison did an awesome job at explaining the exercises, at offering a great visual of what the gymnastic programs entail. I'm thankful for the behind the scenes explanations,because being a witness to the training regiment and the amount of work behind what seems a simple exercise, definitely increased my appreciation for the sport.
I often asked myself about how hard it can be for athletes to juggle the separate parts of their lives, and how romace would effect their concentration. In 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗠𝗲 𝗨𝗽, Reece has had good and bad concentration, all mostly influenced by Alex. In the past, Alex has brusquely cut Reece out of him life, causing an obvious drop in Reece's athletic performance. But now he's back, bearer of ugly revelations and I was afraid he would mess up Reece's future.
Just like every other book I've read by this author, 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗠𝗲 𝗨𝗽 has been an emotional ride. Alex is weighed down by debilitating anxiety attacks, which in turn makes Reece feel guilty and powerless to help. It was overwhelming to watch them together, each step forward laden with uncertainty, trying first to be just friends and hoping for more.
I read this in one sitting, glued to the pages. It was a beautifully written love story about healing,second chances and giving it all fighting to make dreams reality. Loved it.
January 28, 2020
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the first in a new series, and I will definitely be looking out for the next installment. I really enjoyed the author's style, the pace and the subject. I love Sports romances in all their forms, and dipping into the world of male competitive gymnastics was very interesting. I love watching them in the Olympics, and could well believe just how intense their training was to achieve such feats!
Reece and Alex were together at school, but then suddenly Alex pulls away and more or less disappears. Reece is left to try and get over him and get on with his life, never understanding what happened. So when Alex turns up as a journalist from the local paper to do a feature on him and his teammate, it is uncomfortable to say the least. As an uninformed reader, we can only have empathy for Reece and wonder what on earth had Alex been thinking.
As the story progresses we watch two men who clearly care for each other try and decide how they could move forward, now they are men, not boys. Combined with the pressures of competition, Alex hiding a huge secret, and suffering from severe anxiety, it is an emotional read. However once the truth is revealed, I felt a huge sigh of relief that there can be a way forward, along with a significant dose of sadness.
If you enjoy a sports romance with a second chance element and some real sadness which can finally be overcome, then this should be lined up on your e-reader immediately.
This is the first in a new series, and I will definitely be looking out for the next installment. I really enjoyed the author's style, the pace and the subject. I love Sports romances in all their forms, and dipping into the world of male competitive gymnastics was very interesting. I love watching them in the Olympics, and could well believe just how intense their training was to achieve such feats!
Reece and Alex were together at school, but then suddenly Alex pulls away and more or less disappears. Reece is left to try and get over him and get on with his life, never understanding what happened. So when Alex turns up as a journalist from the local paper to do a feature on him and his teammate, it is uncomfortable to say the least. As an uninformed reader, we can only have empathy for Reece and wonder what on earth had Alex been thinking.
As the story progresses we watch two men who clearly care for each other try and decide how they could move forward, now they are men, not boys. Combined with the pressures of competition, Alex hiding a huge secret, and suffering from severe anxiety, it is an emotional read. However once the truth is revealed, I felt a huge sigh of relief that there can be a way forward, along with a significant dose of sadness.
If you enjoy a sports romance with a second chance element and some real sadness which can finally be overcome, then this should be lined up on your e-reader immediately.
February 2, 2020
4 Stars!
Alex and Reece were best friends and boyfriends back when they were 16, but out of the blue Alex broke up with Reece claiming Reece's gymnastics training left no time for Alex. Now, 4 years later, they meet again when Alex has to write an article about Reece and his friend Garrett making the British team for the Gymnastics World Cup with the possibility of making it to the Olympic Games. Reece is still hurt by the way Alex ended up their relationship, but even when he finds out the real reason why Alex broke up with him, can they fix their friendship and perhaps resume their relationship with Reece still training non-stop for the Games?
I liked Reece and Alex, they were quite sweet, but their characters lacked a bit of depth. My favorite was definitely Reece, because he was so supportive of Alex, helping him with his panic attacks and anxiety and helping Alex mend his relationship with his mom.
I found it strange that while we saw Alex's mom, we didn't see much of Reece's, especially since he was still living at home and they seemed to have always backed him in his desire to be a world-class gymnast.
But, otherwise, this was a lovely second chances romance with a bit of a YA/NA vibe, low-heat, sweet, emotional, although not as angsty as it could have been all things considered. Recommended!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Alex and Reece were best friends and boyfriends back when they were 16, but out of the blue Alex broke up with Reece claiming Reece's gymnastics training left no time for Alex. Now, 4 years later, they meet again when Alex has to write an article about Reece and his friend Garrett making the British team for the Gymnastics World Cup with the possibility of making it to the Olympic Games. Reece is still hurt by the way Alex ended up their relationship, but even when he finds out the real reason why Alex broke up with him, can they fix their friendship and perhaps resume their relationship with Reece still training non-stop for the Games?
I liked Reece and Alex, they were quite sweet, but their characters lacked a bit of depth. My favorite was definitely Reece, because he was so supportive of Alex, helping him with his panic attacks and anxiety and helping Alex mend his relationship with his mom.
I found it strange that while we saw Alex's mom, we didn't see much of Reece's, especially since he was still living at home and they seemed to have always backed him in his desire to be a world-class gymnast.
But, otherwise, this was a lovely second chances romance with a bit of a YA/NA vibe, low-heat, sweet, emotional, although not as angsty as it could have been all things considered. Recommended!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
January 29, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
Hold Me Up, the first in the Chasing Gold series, is an innocuous story with likeable characters, but it’s too underdeveloped to earn an unqualified recommendation from me. The problems are threefold: the characterization of the protagonists is severely lacking; it’s hard to maintain interest; and the world-building is inadequate.
Although they are likeable – which is the saving grace of this book – Alex, and to a greater extent Reece, are one-dimensional characters. Reece carries the strength of forgiveness, and is caring, patient, and compassionate, but he has literally no backstory. He’s a gymnast and Alex’s boyfriend, that’s it. We know nothing about his family and the fact that they don’t even show up at the Worlds, less than two hours away by air, is never even addressed. Alex is a sympathetic character for all he’s suffered and for how hard he’s finally working to recover. His healing is portrayed realistically; he knows there will be no overnight cure for his complex fears. But again, there’s not much more to him. The new job would’ve been the ideal opportunity to expand on the character.
Read Valerie’s review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
Hold Me Up, the first in the Chasing Gold series, is an innocuous story with likeable characters, but it’s too underdeveloped to earn an unqualified recommendation from me. The problems are threefold: the characterization of the protagonists is severely lacking; it’s hard to maintain interest; and the world-building is inadequate.
Although they are likeable – which is the saving grace of this book – Alex, and to a greater extent Reece, are one-dimensional characters. Reece carries the strength of forgiveness, and is caring, patient, and compassionate, but he has literally no backstory. He’s a gymnast and Alex’s boyfriend, that’s it. We know nothing about his family and the fact that they don’t even show up at the Worlds, less than two hours away by air, is never even addressed. Alex is a sympathetic character for all he’s suffered and for how hard he’s finally working to recover. His healing is portrayed realistically; he knows there will be no overnight cure for his complex fears. But again, there’s not much more to him. The new job would’ve been the ideal opportunity to expand on the character.
Read Valerie’s review in its entirety here.
February 1, 2020
This testament to love and friendship, with a sweet and heartfelt second chance romance, is the first in a new series about men chasing gold and love. It's nice to see mental health issues portrayed in this more realistic light. Your deeply rooted fears and insecurities--however irrational or irrelevant they might now be--won't disappear overnight. Not with the love of friends, a lover, family, and not with medication. It's an ongoing process. I wanted to snuggle them both and tell them it would be okay. It does get better. It can always get better. Motivation, dedication, and perseverance can get you very far in life. But sometimes we all need a little push to do better, a helping hand, someone to lean on. No one is ever truly alone. Or at least you don't have to be. Though they had a long road to travel, mostly alone, the way these two are there for each other is inspiring. I can’t wait to see whose story comes next!
January 29, 2020
I enjoyed reading “Hold Me Up” and found myself hooked from the first few pages. Ms Davison had me rooting for Reece and Alex to get their happily ever after, which was a hard battle. Kudos to Ms Davison for having mental illness in the story and not just glossing over it. If you’re looking for a book with a slow burn, lots of hurt/comfort, second chance romance and plenty of gymnast action then look no further, “Hold Me Up” will check all the boxes. I’m looking forward to Garrett maybe getting a story, either way I’m looking forward to more in the series.
I give this book 4 stars.
I received an ARC from the publisher.
I give this book 4 stars.
I received an ARC from the publisher.
January 21, 2020
Hold Me Up is the first book in the Chasing Gold series by Colette Davison. It is a contemporary m/m romance with second chance theme that burns slowly but wonderfully. There is alot of drama, hurt/comfort, anxiety, emotion, and a beautiful love story. The characters pulled me in and made me care about them and their journey. Reece and Alex are great and I needed to see them get a Happily Ever After.
January 28, 2020
Trudna i smutna historia z HEA i nadzieją
January 31, 2020
Reece had always had two passions - gymnastics and Alex, his boyfriend. Unfortunately, after Alex broke his heart, which also affected his beloved sport, Reece had to put the pieces of his life back together. Four years later, Alex reappears in his life, and brings back pain and memories. However, it turns out that years ago Alex had a very good reason to hurt Reece. Truth brings forgiveness, which revives feelings. But is the young athlete able to cope with everything that is happening in his life and not lose sight of his goal which is competing in the Olympic Games?
"Hold Me Up" begins our adventure with the new Colette Davison's series entitled "Chasing Gold". As in this story the most important place occupies the theme of hurt/comfort, the characters' emotions, their feelings and psyche are of great importance. And this is one of the greatest advantages of this book, as is often the case with this author. Colette Davison has an amazing gift to present everything that happens in the souls and minds of her characters in a real, believable and very vivid way. Thus, we don't only read "Hold Me Up" but also feel it. Thanks to this unique, emotional style of this author, to some extent we are able to imagine what the characters experience, or we even put ourselves in their situation, if their life experiences resemble ours. For it is worth noting that in this novel we don't find a single problem to be falsely exaggerated. Everything is wonderfully possible here.
What I really like about "Hold Me Up" is the topic of innocence. The author really moves her readers as she shows them the youthful innocence, and then truly beautifully outlines its image in the adult life of her characters. For Reece and Alex cease to be children, but they still have much of that innocence, faith in a better day, hope and dreams. Unfortunately, the positive is followed by suffering, fear and sacrifice for the other person. In this context, I also liked the fact that the characters are able to look at the events of the past through the prism of their age at that time and rationally evaluate what happened four years earlier. Reece doesn't care about pain and resentment, and Alex at some point starts to forgive himself for what he was forced to do as a teenager and heals his own wounds. And that's why in all these, we can see both the maturity of the characters and their wonderful innocence.
Another advantage of "Hold Me Up" is undoubtedly the fact that the novel refers to a topic of sport, and more specifically to the gymnastics, which is one of the most important elements of the plot. I admit, gymnastics is not my story, so I know rather little about it, but it was this sport that conquered my heart in this novel. Why? Because the author managed to present it with passion, in a way that arouses interest and does not require any knowledge about it. What's more, thanks to the fact that the author creates this story around the sport that is not particularly close to me, reading "Hold Me Up" I had the opportunity to look at gymnastics a little differently, get to know it from a different angle. To tell the truth, I'm sure that from now on I will always think about this novel and its characters whenever someone mentions gymnastics and the Olympics.
I would also like to write a few words about the characters who are just great. Reece and Alex made a huge impression on me and I immediately loved them. Both are gentle and innocent in their own way, ready to sacrifice themselves for a beloved, they are affectionate, loving, brave. Each of them, however, proves his value and shows us his positive qualities and strengths in a different way. And that's what I really like about their creation. They are similar in some respects, but the most important is that they complement each other in terms of their differences. What's more, thanks to the author, reading "Hold Me Up" we are able to really get to know our two leading characters, we have an insight into their psyche, thoughts, hopes and fears, we really feel their passion, and thus we can share it to some extent. We just love them and we have the impression that they are real.
To sum up, "Hold Me Up" is a really fantastic and beautiful novel, which in the blink of an eye conquers the heart of the reader. In this book we can find passion, love, sadness and tears, joy and happiness. It is a novel about feelings, emotions and life. I highly recommend it to you!
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Reece od zawsze miał dwie pasje – gimnastykę i Alexa, swojego chłopaka. Niestety po tym, jak Alex złamał mu serce, na czym ucierpiał także ukochany sport nastolatka, Reece musiał na nowo poukładać swoje życie. Cztery lata później, Alex ponownie pojawia się w jego życiu, a wraz z nim ból i wspomnienia. Okazuje się jednak, że Alex miał bardzo dobry powód, by przed laty zranić Reeca. Prawda niesie ze sobą wybaczenie, a ono odżywające na nowo uczucia. Tylko, czy młody sportowiec będzie w stanie poradzić sobie ze wszystkim, co dzieje się wokół niego i nie straci z oczu celu, jakim jest występ na Olimpiadzie?
„Hold Me Up” rozpoczyna naszą przygodę z nową serią Colette Davison zatytułowaną „Chasing Gold”. Jako że jest to historia, w której jedno z najważniejszych miejsc zajmuje motyw zranienia/komfortu, w powieści ogromne znaczenie mają emocje bohaterów, ich uczucia, psychika. I właśnie to jest jedną z największych zalet tej powieści, jak to często w przypadku tej autorki bywa. Colette Davison posiada bowiem niesamowity dar do przedstawiania wszystkiego, co dzieje się w duszach i umysłach jej bohaterów w sposób prawdziwy, prawdopodobny i bardzo żywy. Tym samym, „Hold Me Up” nie tylko czytamy, ale także czujemy. Dzięki temu wyjątkowemu stylowi autorki, w pewnym stopniu jesteśmy w stanie wyobrazić sobie to, co przeżywają bohaterowie, lub nawet postawić się w ich sytuacji, jeśli tylko ich życiowe doświadczenia przypominają nasze. Albowiem warto zauważyć, że w tej powieści nie znajdziemy ani grama fałszywej przesady. Tutaj wszystko jest cudownie prawdopodobne.
Tym, co bardzo podoba mi się w „Hold Me Up” jest przedstawiona tam niewinność. Autorka w sposób wzruszający ukazuje młodzieńczą prostolinijność, a następnie naprawdę pięknie zarysowuje jej obraz w późniejszym, dorosłym już życiu bohaterów. Albowiem Reece i Alex przestają być dziećmi, jednak wciąż mają w sobie wiele z tamtej niewinności, wiary w lepsze jutro, nadziei i marzeń. Niestety za tym, co pozytywne, ciągnie się także widmo cierpienia, strachu, poświęcenia się dla drugiej osoby. W tym kontekście spodobało mi się także to, że bohaterowie są w stanie spojrzeć na wydarzenia przeszłości przez pryzmat wieku w jakim byli i racjonalnie ocenić to, co wydarzyło się przed czterema laty. Reece nie trzyma się kurczowo bólu i urazy, z kolei Alex w pewnym momencie zaczyna wybaczać samemu sobie to, co był zmuszony zrobić jako nastolatek i zaczyna leczyć swoje własne rany. I właśnie w tym wszystkim możemy dostrzec zarówno dojrzałość bohaterów, jak i ich pełną piękna niewinność.
Zaletą „Hold Me Up” niewątpliwie jest również fakt, iż powieść nawiązuje do sportu, a dokładniej mówiąc do gimnastyki, która jest jednym z najważniejszych elementów fabuły. Przyznaję, gimnastyka nie jest moim konikiem, toteż wiem na jej temat raczej niewiele, ale właśnie ona podbiła w tej powieści moje serce. Dlaczego? Ponieważ autorce udało się przedstawić ją z pasją, w sposób rozbudzający zainteresowanie i niewymagający od nas wiedzy na jej temat. Co więcej, dzięki temu, że autorka tworzy tę historię wokół sportu, który nie jest mi szczególnie bliski, czytając „Hold Me Up” miałam okazję spojrzeć na gimnastykę trochę inaczej, poznać ją od innej strony. Prawdę mówiąc, jestem pewna, że od teraz już zawsze będę myśleć o tej powieści oraz jej bohaterach ilekroć ktoś wspomni o gimnastyce oraz Olimpiadzie.
Kilka słów chciałabym napisać również na temat bohaterów, którzy są po prostu wspaniali. Reece i Alex zrobili na mnie naprawdę ogromne wrażenie i od razu przypadli mi do gustu. Obaj są na swój sposób łagodni i niewinni, gotowi do poświęceń dla ukochanej osoby, uczuciowi, kochający, odważni. Każdy z nich udowadnia jednak swoją wartość i pokazuje nam swoje pozytywne cechy i mocne strony w inny sposób. I właśnie to bardzo podoba mi się w ich kreacji. Są bowiem do siebie pod pewnymi względami podobni, ale najistotniejsze jest to, że dopełniają się nawzajem swoimi różnicami. Co więcej, dzięki autorce czytając „Hold Me Up” jesteśmy w stanie naprawdę dobrze poznać dwójkę naszych wiodących bohaterów, mamy wgląd w ich psychikę, myśli, nadzieje i obawy, naprawdę czujemy ich pasję, a tym samym możemy ją w pewnym stopniu dzielić. Po prostu kochamy ich i mamy wrażenie, że są prawdziwi.
Podsumowując, „Hold Me Up” to naprawdę fantastyczna i piękna powieść, która w mgnieniu oka podbija serce czytelnika. Znajdziemy tu pasję, miłość, smutek i łzy, radość i szczęście. To powieść o uczuciach, emocjach, życiu. Gorąco Wam ją polecam!
"Hold Me Up" begins our adventure with the new Colette Davison's series entitled "Chasing Gold". As in this story the most important place occupies the theme of hurt/comfort, the characters' emotions, their feelings and psyche are of great importance. And this is one of the greatest advantages of this book, as is often the case with this author. Colette Davison has an amazing gift to present everything that happens in the souls and minds of her characters in a real, believable and very vivid way. Thus, we don't only read "Hold Me Up" but also feel it. Thanks to this unique, emotional style of this author, to some extent we are able to imagine what the characters experience, or we even put ourselves in their situation, if their life experiences resemble ours. For it is worth noting that in this novel we don't find a single problem to be falsely exaggerated. Everything is wonderfully possible here.
What I really like about "Hold Me Up" is the topic of innocence. The author really moves her readers as she shows them the youthful innocence, and then truly beautifully outlines its image in the adult life of her characters. For Reece and Alex cease to be children, but they still have much of that innocence, faith in a better day, hope and dreams. Unfortunately, the positive is followed by suffering, fear and sacrifice for the other person. In this context, I also liked the fact that the characters are able to look at the events of the past through the prism of their age at that time and rationally evaluate what happened four years earlier. Reece doesn't care about pain and resentment, and Alex at some point starts to forgive himself for what he was forced to do as a teenager and heals his own wounds. And that's why in all these, we can see both the maturity of the characters and their wonderful innocence.
Another advantage of "Hold Me Up" is undoubtedly the fact that the novel refers to a topic of sport, and more specifically to the gymnastics, which is one of the most important elements of the plot. I admit, gymnastics is not my story, so I know rather little about it, but it was this sport that conquered my heart in this novel. Why? Because the author managed to present it with passion, in a way that arouses interest and does not require any knowledge about it. What's more, thanks to the fact that the author creates this story around the sport that is not particularly close to me, reading "Hold Me Up" I had the opportunity to look at gymnastics a little differently, get to know it from a different angle. To tell the truth, I'm sure that from now on I will always think about this novel and its characters whenever someone mentions gymnastics and the Olympics.
I would also like to write a few words about the characters who are just great. Reece and Alex made a huge impression on me and I immediately loved them. Both are gentle and innocent in their own way, ready to sacrifice themselves for a beloved, they are affectionate, loving, brave. Each of them, however, proves his value and shows us his positive qualities and strengths in a different way. And that's what I really like about their creation. They are similar in some respects, but the most important is that they complement each other in terms of their differences. What's more, thanks to the author, reading "Hold Me Up" we are able to really get to know our two leading characters, we have an insight into their psyche, thoughts, hopes and fears, we really feel their passion, and thus we can share it to some extent. We just love them and we have the impression that they are real.
To sum up, "Hold Me Up" is a really fantastic and beautiful novel, which in the blink of an eye conquers the heart of the reader. In this book we can find passion, love, sadness and tears, joy and happiness. It is a novel about feelings, emotions and life. I highly recommend it to you!
____________________
Reece od zawsze miał dwie pasje – gimnastykę i Alexa, swojego chłopaka. Niestety po tym, jak Alex złamał mu serce, na czym ucierpiał także ukochany sport nastolatka, Reece musiał na nowo poukładać swoje życie. Cztery lata później, Alex ponownie pojawia się w jego życiu, a wraz z nim ból i wspomnienia. Okazuje się jednak, że Alex miał bardzo dobry powód, by przed laty zranić Reeca. Prawda niesie ze sobą wybaczenie, a ono odżywające na nowo uczucia. Tylko, czy młody sportowiec będzie w stanie poradzić sobie ze wszystkim, co dzieje się wokół niego i nie straci z oczu celu, jakim jest występ na Olimpiadzie?
„Hold Me Up” rozpoczyna naszą przygodę z nową serią Colette Davison zatytułowaną „Chasing Gold”. Jako że jest to historia, w której jedno z najważniejszych miejsc zajmuje motyw zranienia/komfortu, w powieści ogromne znaczenie mają emocje bohaterów, ich uczucia, psychika. I właśnie to jest jedną z największych zalet tej powieści, jak to często w przypadku tej autorki bywa. Colette Davison posiada bowiem niesamowity dar do przedstawiania wszystkiego, co dzieje się w duszach i umysłach jej bohaterów w sposób prawdziwy, prawdopodobny i bardzo żywy. Tym samym, „Hold Me Up” nie tylko czytamy, ale także czujemy. Dzięki temu wyjątkowemu stylowi autorki, w pewnym stopniu jesteśmy w stanie wyobrazić sobie to, co przeżywają bohaterowie, lub nawet postawić się w ich sytuacji, jeśli tylko ich życiowe doświadczenia przypominają nasze. Albowiem warto zauważyć, że w tej powieści nie znajdziemy ani grama fałszywej przesady. Tutaj wszystko jest cudownie prawdopodobne.
Tym, co bardzo podoba mi się w „Hold Me Up” jest przedstawiona tam niewinność. Autorka w sposób wzruszający ukazuje młodzieńczą prostolinijność, a następnie naprawdę pięknie zarysowuje jej obraz w późniejszym, dorosłym już życiu bohaterów. Albowiem Reece i Alex przestają być dziećmi, jednak wciąż mają w sobie wiele z tamtej niewinności, wiary w lepsze jutro, nadziei i marzeń. Niestety za tym, co pozytywne, ciągnie się także widmo cierpienia, strachu, poświęcenia się dla drugiej osoby. W tym kontekście spodobało mi się także to, że bohaterowie są w stanie spojrzeć na wydarzenia przeszłości przez pryzmat wieku w jakim byli i racjonalnie ocenić to, co wydarzyło się przed czterema laty. Reece nie trzyma się kurczowo bólu i urazy, z kolei Alex w pewnym momencie zaczyna wybaczać samemu sobie to, co był zmuszony zrobić jako nastolatek i zaczyna leczyć swoje własne rany. I właśnie w tym wszystkim możemy dostrzec zarówno dojrzałość bohaterów, jak i ich pełną piękna niewinność.
Zaletą „Hold Me Up” niewątpliwie jest również fakt, iż powieść nawiązuje do sportu, a dokładniej mówiąc do gimnastyki, która jest jednym z najważniejszych elementów fabuły. Przyznaję, gimnastyka nie jest moim konikiem, toteż wiem na jej temat raczej niewiele, ale właśnie ona podbiła w tej powieści moje serce. Dlaczego? Ponieważ autorce udało się przedstawić ją z pasją, w sposób rozbudzający zainteresowanie i niewymagający od nas wiedzy na jej temat. Co więcej, dzięki temu, że autorka tworzy tę historię wokół sportu, który nie jest mi szczególnie bliski, czytając „Hold Me Up” miałam okazję spojrzeć na gimnastykę trochę inaczej, poznać ją od innej strony. Prawdę mówiąc, jestem pewna, że od teraz już zawsze będę myśleć o tej powieści oraz jej bohaterach ilekroć ktoś wspomni o gimnastyce oraz Olimpiadzie.
Kilka słów chciałabym napisać również na temat bohaterów, którzy są po prostu wspaniali. Reece i Alex zrobili na mnie naprawdę ogromne wrażenie i od razu przypadli mi do gustu. Obaj są na swój sposób łagodni i niewinni, gotowi do poświęceń dla ukochanej osoby, uczuciowi, kochający, odważni. Każdy z nich udowadnia jednak swoją wartość i pokazuje nam swoje pozytywne cechy i mocne strony w inny sposób. I właśnie to bardzo podoba mi się w ich kreacji. Są bowiem do siebie pod pewnymi względami podobni, ale najistotniejsze jest to, że dopełniają się nawzajem swoimi różnicami. Co więcej, dzięki autorce czytając „Hold Me Up” jesteśmy w stanie naprawdę dobrze poznać dwójkę naszych wiodących bohaterów, mamy wgląd w ich psychikę, myśli, nadzieje i obawy, naprawdę czujemy ich pasję, a tym samym możemy ją w pewnym stopniu dzielić. Po prostu kochamy ich i mamy wrażenie, że są prawdziwi.
Podsumowując, „Hold Me Up” to naprawdę fantastyczna i piękna powieść, która w mgnieniu oka podbija serce czytelnika. Znajdziemy tu pasję, miłość, smutek i łzy, radość i szczęście. To powieść o uczuciach, emocjach, życiu. Gorąco Wam ją polecam!
January 30, 2020
"It feels like the sky is falling." "Then let me hold it up for you." (my favorite quote from the book)
Though this book deals with anxiety and panic attacks, it's surprisingly drama-free and fluffier than I expected. From the very beginning I could see how much Reece cherishes Alex, and while that got buried under hurt feelings, it never really went away. Alex has been through a difficult experience, and it caused him to push away from his friends, family, and love. I really appreciated how patient and persistent Reece was about getting back into Alex's life. While Alex's doubts are frustrating, because it seems obvious to the reader that Reece cares for him, if I put myself in Alex's mindset I can completely understand how warped your thinking is when you have a mental illness. I think Colette perfectly captured the essence of living with anxiety and panic attacks without over dramatizing them. That being said, I got a little annoyed every time Alex freaked out about how he "wasn't whole" because of his anxiety. I understand why Colette wrote it this way and why Alex would have those distorted thoughts, but I still really didn't like it. Another thing I was iffy about is the anxiety medication. I admit that I don't know anything about them, but I find it very hard to believe that minutes after taking them the effects kick in. Maybe that's true, but it felt a bit unbelievable to me.
Although this book follows Reece's journey to being an Olympic gymnast, this story was much more about the second-chance romance than anything else. I kept waiting for some big plot development to happen with Reece's competitions. I don't know what I was expecting--an injury, a huge loss of focus, or something else, but it just didn't happen. For some reason I felt less satisfied that everything went according to plan, and I'm not really sure why. Maybe because at the beginning of the book Garrett kept warning Reece to not let Alex distract him, or because the competition doesn't happen until the very end of the story? Or maybe it's because the epilogue didn't really feel like the end of Reece and Alex's story. I know this is a start to a new series, so maybe we'll see glimpses of this couple again, but I felt like there was no payoff to the non-romance elements of this book. We don't get to see Reece compete in the Olympics, and Alex has barely begun counseling for his anxiety and panic attacks. I don't even think we found out how the rest of Alex's articles were received and if his boss promoted him.
All in all, I thought the romance was spot-on in this book, but the other plot points were a bit weak. Still a very sweet read!
**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Though this book deals with anxiety and panic attacks, it's surprisingly drama-free and fluffier than I expected. From the very beginning I could see how much Reece cherishes Alex, and while that got buried under hurt feelings, it never really went away. Alex has been through a difficult experience, and it caused him to push away from his friends, family, and love. I really appreciated how patient and persistent Reece was about getting back into Alex's life. While Alex's doubts are frustrating, because it seems obvious to the reader that Reece cares for him, if I put myself in Alex's mindset I can completely understand how warped your thinking is when you have a mental illness. I think Colette perfectly captured the essence of living with anxiety and panic attacks without over dramatizing them. That being said, I got a little annoyed every time Alex freaked out about how he "wasn't whole" because of his anxiety. I understand why Colette wrote it this way and why Alex would have those distorted thoughts, but I still really didn't like it. Another thing I was iffy about is the anxiety medication. I admit that I don't know anything about them, but I find it very hard to believe that minutes after taking them the effects kick in. Maybe that's true, but it felt a bit unbelievable to me.
Although this book follows Reece's journey to being an Olympic gymnast, this story was much more about the second-chance romance than anything else. I kept waiting for some big plot development to happen with Reece's competitions. I don't know what I was expecting--an injury, a huge loss of focus, or something else, but it just didn't happen. For some reason I felt less satisfied that everything went according to plan, and I'm not really sure why. Maybe because at the beginning of the book Garrett kept warning Reece to not let Alex distract him, or because the competition doesn't happen until the very end of the story? Or maybe it's because the epilogue didn't really feel like the end of Reece and Alex's story. I know this is a start to a new series, so maybe we'll see glimpses of this couple again, but I felt like there was no payoff to the non-romance elements of this book. We don't get to see Reece compete in the Olympics, and Alex has barely begun counseling for his anxiety and panic attacks. I don't even think we found out how the rest of Alex's articles were received and if his boss promoted him.
All in all, I thought the romance was spot-on in this book, but the other plot points were a bit weak. Still a very sweet read!
**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
February 9, 2020
CONGRATULATIONS ON A STUNNING STORY
I love to watch gymnastics. I loved this behind the scenes look at the strength and conditioning these individuals have. The tough grueling training, the strong mind set and the determination these athletes endure. To compete they have to be single minded to be excellent to the extreme. Reece is a gymnast getting ready for World Champions Competition and his chance for the Olympics. This is what he has dedicated his whole life to. When Alex, the boy who destroyed his heart four years ago returns, Reece knows his heart never lost hope. Alex is struggling to explain the incident that destroyed his life. His anxiety is crippling in its strength and ruining any chance he has at a normal life. Reece is determined to help him recover. This is a STUNNING story on how debilitating certain anxieties can be. It's a beautiful story about how these men support each other to achieve their goals. Once again COLETTE DAVISON has brought a GREAT story forward to introduce a world I would otherwise know nothing about. With every book she gives love and life to subjects that as spectators we take for granted. I love seeing the depths of these subjects from a different angle. I love the dedication she gives to her characters in every situation. If you've ever watched a gymnastics competition, take a look behind the scenes at how these athletes dedicate their lives to the sport. FANTASTIC characters, GREAT subject and MAGNIFICENT research. BEAUTIFUL love story. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!!!
I love to watch gymnastics. I loved this behind the scenes look at the strength and conditioning these individuals have. The tough grueling training, the strong mind set and the determination these athletes endure. To compete they have to be single minded to be excellent to the extreme. Reece is a gymnast getting ready for World Champions Competition and his chance for the Olympics. This is what he has dedicated his whole life to. When Alex, the boy who destroyed his heart four years ago returns, Reece knows his heart never lost hope. Alex is struggling to explain the incident that destroyed his life. His anxiety is crippling in its strength and ruining any chance he has at a normal life. Reece is determined to help him recover. This is a STUNNING story on how debilitating certain anxieties can be. It's a beautiful story about how these men support each other to achieve their goals. Once again COLETTE DAVISON has brought a GREAT story forward to introduce a world I would otherwise know nothing about. With every book she gives love and life to subjects that as spectators we take for granted. I love seeing the depths of these subjects from a different angle. I love the dedication she gives to her characters in every situation. If you've ever watched a gymnastics competition, take a look behind the scenes at how these athletes dedicate their lives to the sport. FANTASTIC characters, GREAT subject and MAGNIFICENT research. BEAUTIFUL love story. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!!!
January 30, 2020
Colette Davison combines sometimes exaggerated tropes with subtle elegance in Hold Me Up. It’s the first of her Chasing Gold series, which I really look forward to completing.
Alex and Reece were best friends and budding teen lovers when something went horribly awry and Alex abruptly ended their romance with no explanation. Reece, a Junior Champion gymnast, was nearly gutted. It’s amazing he’s gotten to the top of his game. So, when Alex reappears four years later, as a reporter ready to cover Reece’s possible assent to Olympian… well, the plot could take many paths.
Colette Davison could have focused on Alex’s mysterious abandonment and created continuous tension until Reece learned the truth. She could have stuck with Alex’s angst or have let Reece wallow in hurt. Instead, a quarter of the way through, all is unsentimentally revealed; just what we would expect of Alex, a reporter, a man of facts. And Reece, a man who expresses himself physically, responds with the commitment one assumes of an Olympic athlete. In this choice Ms. Davison proves herself a keen observer of personality, who believes in her characters’ will to flourish.
Furthermore, as a writer Davison doesn’t dramatize. She illuminates the hard work of competition, pairing it with the difficulties of recovery. And in so doing, she makes a point. Moving forward takes equal perseverance whether we are running unbridled or recovering from a fall.
Because Alex and Reece had been early friends and have had almost no experience beyond one another, their quick return to old routines seems natural, despite the four-year interlude. And Ms. Davison has painted their personalities as plodders, individuals for whom routine is consolation. This makes their reconnection entirely plausible.
Colette Davison treats trauma respectfully, not expecting love to heal, only to motivate. She treats competition with equal reverence. And her gorgeous descriptions of intricate gymnastic moves made me feel like I was watching them on television. For once, we get an Olympic story about the thrill of excellence, rather than the need to win!
Hold Me Up is a perfect enticement to the summer Olympic Games and a well-crafted novel about two men I would love to meet. If you want real people, who happen to be extraordinary in their ability to love, this is the novel for you.
Alex and Reece were best friends and budding teen lovers when something went horribly awry and Alex abruptly ended their romance with no explanation. Reece, a Junior Champion gymnast, was nearly gutted. It’s amazing he’s gotten to the top of his game. So, when Alex reappears four years later, as a reporter ready to cover Reece’s possible assent to Olympian… well, the plot could take many paths.
Colette Davison could have focused on Alex’s mysterious abandonment and created continuous tension until Reece learned the truth. She could have stuck with Alex’s angst or have let Reece wallow in hurt. Instead, a quarter of the way through, all is unsentimentally revealed; just what we would expect of Alex, a reporter, a man of facts. And Reece, a man who expresses himself physically, responds with the commitment one assumes of an Olympic athlete. In this choice Ms. Davison proves herself a keen observer of personality, who believes in her characters’ will to flourish.
Furthermore, as a writer Davison doesn’t dramatize. She illuminates the hard work of competition, pairing it with the difficulties of recovery. And in so doing, she makes a point. Moving forward takes equal perseverance whether we are running unbridled or recovering from a fall.
Because Alex and Reece had been early friends and have had almost no experience beyond one another, their quick return to old routines seems natural, despite the four-year interlude. And Ms. Davison has painted their personalities as plodders, individuals for whom routine is consolation. This makes their reconnection entirely plausible.
Colette Davison treats trauma respectfully, not expecting love to heal, only to motivate. She treats competition with equal reverence. And her gorgeous descriptions of intricate gymnastic moves made me feel like I was watching them on television. For once, we get an Olympic story about the thrill of excellence, rather than the need to win!
Hold Me Up is a perfect enticement to the summer Olympic Games and a well-crafted novel about two men I would love to meet. If you want real people, who happen to be extraordinary in their ability to love, this is the novel for you.
November 25, 2020
Oh, get your box of tissues handy, you are going to need them. Colette Really pulls your heart strings, almost to snapping point with this book. The book has every emotion there is from anger, guilt, rejection to hope strength and forgiveness and a whole lot more.
We start 4 years before the main story starts. Two young men Reece a budding and upcoming Gymnast and Adam his best friend and boyfriend. After saying goodbye to Reece at the Gym. Adam is brutally attacked and threatened. So, brakes up with Reece.
Reece can not understand why Alex would push him away.
Move on four year. Reece is competing in the world Championship for a place in the British Olympic team. And Alex a budding reporter for the newspaper is sent to interview and follow Reece and his teammate at the championship.
What follows is a very rocky start to them learning to deal with the suffering both men have been through. Alex is in a really bad state with fear and guilt, but Reece soon learns the truth about their breakup, and they slowly learn to trust and forgive and love each other once more.
They become each other’s support their Rock. Reece helps to get Alex to seek help for his ptsd, and Alex is there for Reece when he starts panicking about the championships.
Their love is so strong that they find a way forward from all the lies, hurt and fears.
I loved both guys, Reece is so gentle with Alex, and Alex is so brave for finally facing his fears head on.
The book is a masterpiece of a very emotional journey. Yes you will cry tears for both characters, you will also get a warm and proud feeling for them as they fight for their future.
We start 4 years before the main story starts. Two young men Reece a budding and upcoming Gymnast and Adam his best friend and boyfriend. After saying goodbye to Reece at the Gym. Adam is brutally attacked and threatened. So, brakes up with Reece.
Reece can not understand why Alex would push him away.
Move on four year. Reece is competing in the world Championship for a place in the British Olympic team. And Alex a budding reporter for the newspaper is sent to interview and follow Reece and his teammate at the championship.
What follows is a very rocky start to them learning to deal with the suffering both men have been through. Alex is in a really bad state with fear and guilt, but Reece soon learns the truth about their breakup, and they slowly learn to trust and forgive and love each other once more.
They become each other’s support their Rock. Reece helps to get Alex to seek help for his ptsd, and Alex is there for Reece when he starts panicking about the championships.
Their love is so strong that they find a way forward from all the lies, hurt and fears.
I loved both guys, Reece is so gentle with Alex, and Alex is so brave for finally facing his fears head on.
The book is a masterpiece of a very emotional journey. Yes you will cry tears for both characters, you will also get a warm and proud feeling for them as they fight for their future.
January 27, 2020
3 1/2 stars
I've read a few books by this author, but what really drew me in was that the one main character was a gymnast. We get tons of baseball, hockey and football players. Lots of dancers (although I could always use more dancers), but gymnasts? Few and far between I'm afraid.
The author definitely did their research as far as the technical portion of the gymnastics. That was refreshing. I am going to ignore that Reece had zero recovery time after training.
Instead, let's focus on the relationship. Reece and Alex were high school sweethearts. There was no closet for them to come out of. Their parents were totally accepting. Until Alex suddenly broke up with Reece for seemingly no reason.
Fast forward a few years when their paths cross. Actually their paths sort of crash into each other. And even though Reece was the one left blindsided with the break up, he is willing to forgive and forget. Once he gets a valid reason for the break up.
I am going to call this book NA because they are young-ish. I want to say 21 or 22? Alex has no experience outside of the teenage fumbling they did together and Reece has very little experience. Together they rediscover each other, first as friends, then again as lovers.
Reece is incredibly patient with Alex. Working to help Alex overcome past trauma and eventually heal the relationship with his mother.
Reece and Alex are the type of adorable couple that you just root for. High school sweethearts that just belong together.
I've read a few books by this author, but what really drew me in was that the one main character was a gymnast. We get tons of baseball, hockey and football players. Lots of dancers (although I could always use more dancers), but gymnasts? Few and far between I'm afraid.
The author definitely did their research as far as the technical portion of the gymnastics. That was refreshing. I am going to ignore that Reece had zero recovery time after training.
Instead, let's focus on the relationship. Reece and Alex were high school sweethearts. There was no closet for them to come out of. Their parents were totally accepting. Until Alex suddenly broke up with Reece for seemingly no reason.
Fast forward a few years when their paths cross. Actually their paths sort of crash into each other. And even though Reece was the one left blindsided with the break up, he is willing to forgive and forget. Once he gets a valid reason for the break up.
I am going to call this book NA because they are young-ish. I want to say 21 or 22? Alex has no experience outside of the teenage fumbling they did together and Reece has very little experience. Together they rediscover each other, first as friends, then again as lovers.
Reece is incredibly patient with Alex. Working to help Alex overcome past trauma and eventually heal the relationship with his mother.
Reece and Alex are the type of adorable couple that you just root for. High school sweethearts that just belong together.
January 28, 2020
This is a lovely second chance romance and a great start to a new series. Hold Me Up is well written, the characters are great, it has a fairly realistic depiction of competitive gymnastics, the storyline is intriguing and I really enjoyed it. Reece and Alex were best friends and boyfriends when they were sixteen years old until Alex blindsided Reece one day by breaking up with him for no apparent reason. Four years later when they are pushed together due to Alex's new job Reece is shocked to see that Alex is suffering from crippling panic attacks and anxiety. I love how amazing Reece is as he helps Alex and how understanding and supportive he is when he learns the real reason behind their breakup. Even though Alex is almost paralyzed by fear he tries so hard to get better for himself and for Reece. They are so perfect for each other as they are exactly what the other needs. There are some interesting secondary characters, a sweet romance and a perfect ending. I wish that the pace was a bit faster in the beginning and that there was more background information about Reece and Alex during the four years they were apart but overall this is an excellent story and I can't wait to read the next book in this new and exciting series.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
January 31, 2020
Hold Me Up is a captivating second chance sports romance by Colette Davison.
Four years after Alex broke up with Reece, completely ghosting him, they are reunited. Alex, a man of self sacrifice, is led by his need to support, from afar, the one that he loves. He's haunted by the demons of his past, spending the past four years with panic attacks, distancing himself to the point of putting off everyone.
And poor Reece has no idea that any of this has happened. His focus has firmly been on making the Olympic team, and suddenly he's faced with his ex.
Both men are well developed, interesting characters. Both are written in a manner that draws the reader right into their emotions and actions. And both are positively loveable.
The author excels in her extraordinary illustration of Alex's anxiety stemming from trauma. She does a fantastic job handling the writing of panic attack hangover. It's all written with knowledge, compassion, and care.
I enjoy the uniqueness of this story. We don't get to read about gymnast often. And the strength of their love is extraordinary. For them to be so young, and yet so purely devoted to each other is inspirational and all consuming. It's absolutely beautiful.
Hold Me Up is a wonderful story of healing through love and support. A tough subject matter, Colette Davison handles it well, creating a riveting and complex amazing read that I couldn't put down. You can't go wrong with this book. The storyline, the characters, the emotions, and the love are superb. Just read it.
January 29, 2020
If you are looking for a fluffy read about an instant attraction with only a few bumps along the way, this is not the book for you. The happy ending for these two is a hard fought one. Each has to deal with an event in their past that tore them apart from each other and essentially kept them from developing health, loving relationships. When they reconnect several years later they have to decide if it is worth the excruciatingly painful work it is going to take to reestablish trust, face reality and heal. The emotions are so raw but so well described you get inside both men and come to love and appreciate them for finding the strength to be together. I loved the characters but I also loved the sports setting which can sometimes be a turn off for me if it overshadows the personal story, if the author takes it for granted I already know about the sport and doesn't explain enough or if I do know something and can tell the research on the sport was shoddy. None of those problems arise here. The balance and integration are superb and the information is accurate. A heart wrenching, emotional and wonderful read.
January 31, 2020
Reece is a skilled gymnast on the path to the Olympics. Alex is a journalist tasked with writing his first feature article about Reese's journey. The problem...Reese and Alex grew up together and were inseparable sweetheart until one day, without explanation, Alex ends their relationship. They haven't spoken since that day when they were both 16. Now, forced to communicate in order to get the article completed they must decide how to put the past behind and move forward. When Alex finally reveals the reason why he ended their relationship it opens a new door that offers the chance for healing and renewal to both of them. Though the physical trauma was suffered by Alex the emotional aftereffects were a struggle for both of them. The path to the Olympics will take Reese and Alex through an emotional battle that will earn both of them the gold if they succeed in overcoming the physical and emotional toll. This wasn't an easy read because of the nature of the content but the way it was handled was believable and the path to recovery for both of them, though not smooth, was realistic and rewarding. This was a good start to a new series!
January 18, 2020
Second chance romances are one of my favourite reads, so I was keen to read Hold Me Up.
Reece and Alex were obviously meant to be together, but due to judgmental attitudes, misunderstanding and a lack of communication that can come with being young, they spent a long time apart and both harboring hurt and heartache due to an incident in their pasts.
When they finally meet again they're in a situation which forces them to spend time together. Watching them rekindle their feelings, work through their emotions and get to the truth of what happened to them turned into an entertaining read.
Ms Davison successfully conveys all of the angst and emotion that comes with this romance. I thought the MC'S were sweet and both came across as very young. I must admit that I could've done without the copious descriptions of gymnastic moves, they seemed to take up a massive amount of page time , however, overlooking this, the book gives you a sweet read of two young guys who fight their way to be together again. 3 and a half stars.
Reece and Alex were obviously meant to be together, but due to judgmental attitudes, misunderstanding and a lack of communication that can come with being young, they spent a long time apart and both harboring hurt and heartache due to an incident in their pasts.
When they finally meet again they're in a situation which forces them to spend time together. Watching them rekindle their feelings, work through their emotions and get to the truth of what happened to them turned into an entertaining read.
Ms Davison successfully conveys all of the angst and emotion that comes with this romance. I thought the MC'S were sweet and both came across as very young. I must admit that I could've done without the copious descriptions of gymnastic moves, they seemed to take up a massive amount of page time , however, overlooking this, the book gives you a sweet read of two young guys who fight their way to be together again. 3 and a half stars.
January 27, 2020
Reece had his heart broken by Alex when they were in high school. He had no idea what happened, there was no reason, nothing at all, he was just cut out of Alex's life. Fast forward a few years... and Reece has moved on. He's on the verge of fulfilling one of his dreams ... going to the Olympics. Alex is suddenly back in the picture when he shows up as the reporter who is supposed to write about Reeces's journey to the top.
Reece and Alex come to a fragile agreement to work together and very slowly, Alex begins to reveal details about what happened to him in High School.
Alex is an interesting character. He's dealing with PTSD and has severe panic attacks as a result of the events that prompted him to break up with Reece in high school. He has managed to get a job and live on his own, but it's because of sheer determination and the things that he has given up. He isn't in a relationship.. and left Reece because he didn't want to hurt him.
This is a fast-moving, simple gay romance. There's a bit of a reveal in terms of what happened to Alex when both men were young.
Reece and Alex come to a fragile agreement to work together and very slowly, Alex begins to reveal details about what happened to him in High School.
Alex is an interesting character. He's dealing with PTSD and has severe panic attacks as a result of the events that prompted him to break up with Reece in high school. He has managed to get a job and live on his own, but it's because of sheer determination and the things that he has given up. He isn't in a relationship.. and left Reece because he didn't want to hurt him.
This is a fast-moving, simple gay romance. There's a bit of a reveal in terms of what happened to Alex when both men were young.
January 29, 2020
This book packed an emotional punch and didn't let up.
Poor Alex nearly broke my heart.
He suffered through a traumatic event when he was a teenager and shame and the fear of the repercussions on Reece and his future hopes of achieving Olympic gold led him to lash out and drive Reece away which in turn broke his heart.
4 years have passed and Alex is not any better. He's never told anyone about what happened and he's barely holding on.
When their paths cross due to Alex's job as a reporter writing up a series about the hot gymnast team vying for Olympic glory, the past reaches out and very nearly crushes Alex.
Reece was devastated and when he pushes Alex and the truth is revealed, he's bowled over by it and determined to help Alex find peace.
They struggle through Alex's issues and it was truly wonderful to see them being tackled with such aplomb and not simply brushed over.
These two young men, especially Alex suffered through so much and it was immensely gratifying to see them get their very richly deserved HEA.
Poor Alex nearly broke my heart.
He suffered through a traumatic event when he was a teenager and shame and the fear of the repercussions on Reece and his future hopes of achieving Olympic gold led him to lash out and drive Reece away which in turn broke his heart.
4 years have passed and Alex is not any better. He's never told anyone about what happened and he's barely holding on.
When their paths cross due to Alex's job as a reporter writing up a series about the hot gymnast team vying for Olympic glory, the past reaches out and very nearly crushes Alex.
Reece was devastated and when he pushes Alex and the truth is revealed, he's bowled over by it and determined to help Alex find peace.
They struggle through Alex's issues and it was truly wonderful to see them being tackled with such aplomb and not simply brushed over.
These two young men, especially Alex suffered through so much and it was immensely gratifying to see them get their very richly deserved HEA.
January 30, 2020
I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This is the sweet story of a second chance romance between an Olympic gymnast and his childhood boyfriend. I enjoyed the English setting and both Reece and Alex are likeable characters.
This story is a little bit too cute for me and the whole second chance element of this romance relies on overly complicated miscommunication and teenage angst. The premise doesn’t quite work but it would be more believable if the writing wasn’t so clunky. I’m not sure the writer quite manages to convincingly capture the new adult characters or their voices. The gymnastics in this story caught my attention but it wasn’t quite enough to keep me engaged with the story.
As a whole, this book didn’t really work for me. I wasn’t really able to engage with either Reece or Alex and the romance between them didn’t quite grab me.
This is the sweet story of a second chance romance between an Olympic gymnast and his childhood boyfriend. I enjoyed the English setting and both Reece and Alex are likeable characters.
This story is a little bit too cute for me and the whole second chance element of this romance relies on overly complicated miscommunication and teenage angst. The premise doesn’t quite work but it would be more believable if the writing wasn’t so clunky. I’m not sure the writer quite manages to convincingly capture the new adult characters or their voices. The gymnastics in this story caught my attention but it wasn’t quite enough to keep me engaged with the story.
As a whole, this book didn’t really work for me. I wasn’t really able to engage with either Reece or Alex and the romance between them didn’t quite grab me.
January 21, 2020
He was my best friend, we were together and then we weren't, I never knew why. When we meet up again it's been 5 years since we last saw each other, Alex is a reporter now and chasing a story and I'm still a gymnast getting ready to compete in the World games. I can't believe it's still there the friendship, the love, maybe this is our chance, but first I need to find out how to fix what was broken, and hopefully move forward into a future together, he left me once before, maybe this time he'll stay. I loved this book, it drew you in because the characters had you so emotionally invested in their story that you had keeps reading, because you had to know if this love story was going to give you the happy ending these two guys deserved.
January 27, 2020
Who doesn't like a good second chance romance? Hold me up is the first in a series and it's a contemporary novel with dual POV.
Reece and Alex are meant to be together. Reece is anabsolutely amazing guy. He's very understanding when Alex finally divulges the reason they broke up. Loved the progress of their relationship and especially Alex becoming more self confident.
A lot of the gymnastic stuff went over my head but that didn't have any impact on my enjoyment of the novel. It's heartbreaking to see Alex's struggle with anxiety. The book is really well written and it just sucks you in. Really looking forward to read the next book in the series!
*ARC provided by the author via Gay Book Promotions in exchange for an honest and unbiased review
Reece and Alex are meant to be together. Reece is anabsolutely amazing guy. He's very understanding when Alex finally divulges the reason they broke up. Loved the progress of their relationship and especially Alex becoming more self confident.
A lot of the gymnastic stuff went over my head but that didn't have any impact on my enjoyment of the novel. It's heartbreaking to see Alex's struggle with anxiety. The book is really well written and it just sucks you in. Really looking forward to read the next book in the series!
*ARC provided by the author via Gay Book Promotions in exchange for an honest and unbiased review
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