Hold On

by Tierney Eddy

She saved my life that day we met in detention on her eighteenth birthday. Then she crushed my soul when she disappeared three weeks later. I thought I had lost her for good. But our reunion was a ballad straight from hell. Regardless, I’m still in love with Alina Timber.

I’ve been wanting to die since tragedy struck my family, before I was forced to leave the love of my life three weeks after meeting him. He went on to fail at fame, while I was sold off to settle a debt. I’m not who he remembers. But I’m trying to hold on long enough to be Sebastian Cox’s girl once more.

Genres: Dark Romance, Second Chance

333 pages, ebook

Published January 24, 2023

Reviews

[Anne]

DNF at 73%

The story here is a good one. Unfortunately, I couldn't connect with the characters. For me, there was too much trauma focus and so much crying that by the end of it, I was just numb and frustrated. I had to be in the right mindspace to read this book.

⚠️Check trigger warnings before reading!

[Hollylovesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

• Tierney. Babe. This book. I was crying at parts that probably didn’t call for tears, but these two grabbed onto me from page one, and didn’t let me go. I felt every moment. Every raw feeling. I’ve been there, felt that, I needed this one. So thank you.

• Sebastian & Alina meet in detention, HS obviously. A meeting so meaningful, it changed both of their paths. There’s both HS years and present years. Their characters are not all fluffy and sweet, they’ve been 𝚝𝚑𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑 𝚒𝚝. Stubborn as hell, relatable. There’s trauma, it’s gritty, heavy, spicy, raw, beautiful, crazy, wild… I could keep going. Tierney just knows how to dig into me and pull me under and I welcome it every damn time.

• I don’t want to give too much away because it’s just too good for too many details. Just know I’m all in on this one. I cannot wait for the next book. : 𝚒𝚗𝚜𝚎𝚛𝚝𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚐𝚒𝚖𝚖𝚎 𝚐𝚒𝚏: (if you know me you know the one 😂)

• You’re lucky because this book? Comes out 𝙼𝙾𝙽𝙳𝙰𝚈. So yanno, do your thang. Add it to your stuff, carts, Kindles, I swear, you’ll be so happy you did.

• 𝙷𝚘𝚕𝚍 𝙾𝚗 😉 it’s a rollercoaster ride.

[Jess Michalski · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
4🌶️

First and foremost, I want to point out, that this IS a dark romance, is labeled as such, and there IS an extensive list of trigger warnings before you ever see the first chapter.

With that being said, holy smokes emotions. Eddy takes us on a roller coaster of them with this book. Sebastian “Bash” Cox and Alina “Lina” Timber start as high school students who met in detention. They fall hard, they fall quickly and then life happens. Turmoil happens. They go different, HARD directions and when they meet again, years later, it's not under good circumstances. Where she once saved him, they are saving each other this time.

This book is filled with relatable song lyrics that I found myself singing in my head and found myself laughing along the funny parts while wanting to cry and scream with Lina during the hard parts.
Eddy does an amazing job at making these characters relatable and while keeping the story fresh.

This story goes deep, there is a LOT of emotional trauma for both characters from childhood all the way through their adulthood ending with a very large ending scene that could be VERY triggering for some.

I highly suggest taking your mental health into consideration and know your triggers. While the book is fantastic, it's not your typical romance. There is a high amount of spice and loads of potentially triggering events.

If you do need mental health support, dial 988 or text 741741. You're loved. You matter.

Thank you for the ARC. This review is entirely my own.

[Heather Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

He did make this place for me, but it’s more than just that. It’s a place for us. For the kids we used to be. The ones who had no idea how the world was going to rip us apart.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🖤🖤🖤🖤

This book is dark, gritty, and one hell of an emotional ride. We start with Sebastian (Bash) and Alina (Lina) in high school, and we revisit them again when Bash returns home after tanking his career as a rockstar.

Alina is being pimped out by a scary POS as repayment for her father’s debt when Bash finds her again. Both still harbor immense, unresolved feelings for each other and when Bash finds out the position she’s in, he makes it his mission to do anything he can to save her from her life.

Please read the trigger warnings on this one. This book is hella freaking spicy, but it is very dark and deals with some heavy issues. Something about this book spoke to my still broken, traumatized teenage self. I see pieces of my first love in this book. I literally sobbed reading it, but I truly enjoyed every moment!

[Aly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was definitely heavy. Wasn't expecting exactly how heavy it was, but it was just as beautiful.

I knew from the first paragraph I had to be in the right headspace to dive into this read, as you do with all dark romance. Once that day, hour, moment came? I was sucked into the world of Bash and Lina Girl ❤️

This book healed something in the 14 yr old traumatized emo kid in my heart. It is full of the music we listened to to drown it all out, the love we imagined would save us from it all, and the vengeance the adult versions of us wish we received then.

Highly recommend taking the trigger warning list seriously, but if that doesn't deter you, then be prepared to ache with this couple, want to kick their asses, and root for them through it all. They show you the strength it takes to hold on when you wanna let go, and the beauty in what can come after ❣️

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first rockstar romance and oh man did it deliver!

As always check TW!!!

I love these two! You can get a little mad at both of them at some points they are both stubborn! Lol but I loved this book and the spice!! 🥵 🥵

We start out with bash and Alina meeting in detention then we skip to years later and we find out that they haven’t talked. She just ghosted him? Then we find out why…. Bash spots her at a five bar with a stranger. Well a stranger to him.. But Sebastian(bash) isn’t stopping until he gets to the bottom of why this girl he met just leaves without a word and why she’s with this stranger outside of a bar. What he does next could mean life or death.

If you like rockstar romance and maybe murder? I recommend this one! I will be reading more by this author since this is a first for me!

[Alonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hold this book close to my heart. It was my first Tierney book and Alina and Bash mean so much to me. These two characters go through so much trauma, alone and together but yet they still show so much strength. Their bond is very trauma based, so they still have plenty of growing to do, but even if it gets worse before it gets better, they will be finding not only themselves but what they mean to each other. I love the song references and the spice is top tier. Since this books first release Tierney's writing style has definitely grown and I was happy to dive back into Alina and Bash. Can't wait for book two. Keep in mind this book has some really dark themes, so check warnings before reading.

[Danielle Joyner · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first I was hesitant about this book. The way it began really threw me for a loop and I didn’t understand where it was going. As I continued to read, it really started to make sense and then I couldn’t put it down. I love how it goes from the male and female characters as young adults, then back to the ‘current time’ which is in there 30s. I loved how they were able to come back together and grow together and move passed their passed haunting life experiences. The male role is so loving of the female role and he isn’t afraid to cry, which is something you don’t see often in books. I feel like it came together perfectly and the author did an amazing job of tying everything together at the end. I would definitely re-read.

[Angel McGregor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heavy, gritty and somewhat twisted... but pretty darn epic too! I couldn't put it down!
I wasn't a fan of the amount of lyrics and found myself skimming over them by the end once I got the gist of what they were highlighting. I also understand why they say victims shouldn't be together as I found some of the scenes hard due to the conflicting issues. I get that they both had their trauma but it seemed that every time Lina had a moment, that it got overshadowed by Bash because he had trauma too. Hers got pushed to the side because she was there for him... not sure how healthy that was but I have no experience there so...
I am however looking forward to the next book! ☺️

[Yvonne Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️.25

I read this in anticipation for the BBM tour for Sinister Purpose ...

This book was very heavy, but it was believable because it spoke on the sense of reality. *I already knew about the warnings, so my rating has nothing to do with that.

I felt for Sebastian and Alina right from the very beginning. I related to them in some sense. It is very challenging to not feel for them at all.

I loved reading the dual POV in the chapters, I have never seen it quite done like the author did here. I enjoyed reading their side of the story ... them expressing their feelings in detail.

I am truly looking forward to reading Sinister Purpose. ✨️🖤

[Melissa McSherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love love!
Bash and Alina have my heart!
Their story is dark and twisted but so captivating and easy to fall in love with! The characters are written beautifully OFC! Cause Tierney knows how to swoon you with Bash. Hold on to your seats while you get a glimpse into their teenage romance that lead them to the NOW chaos of their life and love. These two will literally kill for each other, maybe even kill with each other 👌😉
A must read if you’re a fan of rockstar romance. It’s got you covered with the perfect amount of story and spice 🥰

[Alexis C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a rockstar romance that packed A LOT of emotion and angst. So much of Bash and Lina Girl resonated with me and tugged at my heartstrings. This gave me all the emo, pop-punk vibes that I absolutely l loved and as someone who closely ties music to their own writing, I really liked how Tierney incorporated lyrics and songs throughout the book; they tied perfectly into the moments themselves and added to the scene.

These characters have a special place in my heart and all I want is them to be happy and safe together after all they’ve been through.

I can’t wait to read the next book!

[Aurora Lane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boy is this book an emotional rollercoaster ride. I read this as an ARC read. The plot was just so good at first I was woah this is different and then as the plot went on I fell in love. As always read trigger warning but let me tell you the characters development and the writing style was AMAZING. I was not expecting what I read. The romance in it was just 🔥. The author has some amazing talent

[Desiree · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was morbid, shocking, sexy, and messed up. 😂 I flipping LOVED it!! I was having moments of questioning everything and then yelling at the book! If you are ok with a little crazy … and I mean crazy love story with a little murder this is your book!

[Haley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hold on - a second chance rockstar romance. Two morally grey main characters who would do anything for each other. It is dangerous, it is swoon worthy, and it is spicy.

[Kory Gardner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has many trigger warnings! But I was on the edge of my seat, throwing out this book. And I loved that in the end they saved each other.

[Ashley Bolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally met Bash when I read the book Creep by this author. I was intrigued by Bash and could not wait to read his story. I knew it would be a good one. I absolutely love Bash. He is so beautifully broken in so many ways. He is struggling not only with getting off of drugs but dealing with a lot of past trauma. He has literally lived a life of pain and misery. His only bright spot is his Lina Girl. She is the girl from his high school days. They met in detention and fell madly in love with each other. They had an instant connection that never faded even when life circumstances pulled them a part. When Bash comes back to town after being kicked off of his tour he doesn't know that he will come face to face with the girl of his dreams that left him without a word so many years ago. Little does he know that Lina girl has been living the life of pain and misery. He wants nothing more than to save her. They both have so many demons that they need to deal with both past and present. Can they make it work or are they really just setting themselves up for failure? You will have to read to find out. Tierney Alina Eddy did it again with this book. I seriously could not put it down. She has the best way of writing characters that are real and deal with real life emotions and real life trauma. She is not afraid to show the true impact of life in her stories. She writes true to life and authentic stories. I love how she combines her stories with just the right amount of plot but also with lots of spice. She has great character development. You cannot help but love her damaged character and root for them to get their lives together in only a way that she can write them. Her world building is also top notch. I cannot wait to read more in this rockstar world that she has built. Hopefully we get to see my twins in the next story.

[Britney Ballard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay! OMG. Don’t let the fact that this took me so long to read fool you life has just been crazy. If I could I would’ve read this in one sitting!! I absolutely loved this book. Before I say anything, this is a dark romance so please please please check trigger warnings and make sure you are in the best place to read this. Your mental health is most important. Okay with that being said.. READ IT. I loved Bash and Lina’s story. This book pulled every emotion out of me probably at parts that weren’t even supposed to. This book is told in both of their perspectives and from then and now and when I first started I wasn’t sure because they were in high school (both 18 so nothing weird) but the further I got into it, the more I loved it. This was the first rockstar romance I’ve read and they’ll live in my head forever! I don’t wanna go into too much detail and spoil things but I personally didn’t expect the ending it had! Remember there are talks of trauma, abuse, drugs, some bad thoughts.. (don’t know what I can and can’t say on here) so just be mindful. But I will be recommending this to everyone I know. I loved it!!!!

[GroceReadsAfterDark · Rating 4 out of 5]

First I would like to start with, please read the trigger warnings! This is Heavy, and talks about sensitive subjects. This story shows how trauma can really mess someone up. How it affects your life and others around you Alina and Sebastian are fell in love the moment they met. I loved the relationship they had. How they wanted to save and protect each other. They pushed one another through their trauma. Letting each other know it’s okay they are not alone. Alina disappears one day without a trace. Sebastian’s life changed because of that. So when he finally sees her again, He wasn’t expecting what he learns. The revenge Alina gets to have with the help from Sebastian is amazing!! Alina deserved to have revenge and she did it beautifully. Let’s not forget about the spic, it was delicious. Definitely had me rubbing my thighs at moments.

This story shows how deep trauma can go, and how it truly affects you. But just know it’s okay to not be okay. When you have the right person by your side, you can heal from them, It is not easy, nor pretty.

[Lu Lu Promises · Rating 2 out of 5]

                                  HOLD ON

                          by Tierney Alina Eddy


⭐⭐/5

🌶️🌶️/5


**Please read the list of triggers before reading**

                 ** Your mental health matters **


This book is definitely a dark romance. Please ensure you read all trigger warnings before reading as it starts off strong.


The book just wasn't my cup of tea honestly.


Dual POV between our MMC Sebastian (aka Bash) Cox and FMC Alina (aka Lina Girl) Timbers. It also follows a dual timeline, the present and the past when both characters met at 18 years old.


Personally I wish there was more plot to the story, the entire 300+ pages span the timeline of a week


There is a lot of spicy scenes in this book. Again I didn't love these scenes and the way they were written. Just not my cup of tea.


Overall, I wasnt overall enthralled in this book. 

[Darkbookghoul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hold On: A Rockstar Romance by Tiernay Alina Eddy took me through a rollercoaster of emotions, this book broke me and fixed me over and over again. Our FMC, Lina girl is a sexy badass chick who’s life gets turned upside down after the suicide of her brother, parting her with the love of her life Bash our MMC. Bash is a washed up rockstar who turned to addiction after losing Lina girl. This book is about their second chance at love and through finding each other helping each other recover from their traumas. Please check your trigger warnings as there are some scenes in this book that are raw but this book is 🔥 so buckle up for a wild ride! Stunning book 🖤 and very well written, it kept me gripped.

[D.Mariie_Sinful.Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I know some say it’s dark and triggering and I’m sure it is for some but for me I LOVED IT. Tierney is always on point for me. She has yet to write something I don’t like. But I could see why it was too heavy for some.

Bash and Lina Girl are everything. The chemistry they have is undeniable. Their story started out in high school when Bash was at a very very low point in his life. And Alina was known as the goody two shoes, so she was always talked about. They basically saved each other the day they met. I can’t go into much detail or else I would be spoiling it.

Tierney takes you on their journey of love/hate and lust, with a few twists on the way. As always read the trigger warnings !!! This book is heavy!!!!

[Danielle stories_and_coffee_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second chance romance between highschool sweethearts is a lot darker than the cover might trick you into thinking, so mind your triggers. With that being said, I really enjoyed Alina and Bash's story. They both have their own share of personal trauma but they help each other through it and to heal as they face their demons, some in the past and some present. I love the way that they were so in tune with each other still that they didn't have to question much, just understood each other. Again, this has a lot going on in it and I really liked it, but mental health matters so peep those triggers.

[Paige Gunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for this ARC!

Wowza… there is a lot to unpack and a bunch I have no words for. Some of this was difficult for me to read, and I HIGHLY recommend reading trigger warnings at the beginning of this book before starting.

It’s a whirlwind. I felt there was a bit too much crying but it definitely allows you to see just how broken the main characters are. There’s a LOT of smut, and some sadistic smut, as well as a lot of cussing. If you aren’t open to that, this probably isn’t your book. If you aren’t easily triggered by cuss words and sex, you’re probably fine (pending the other triggers).

[Melissa Raylene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very emotional at times ! Honestly I felt like I was brought back to my highschool days a lot of the bands mentioned where what I listened to so it brought up a lot but I love this even more because of it!I loved the way Bash and Lina where put together like they truly completed each other 🖤 and whooooo was this spicy 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ four out of 5 ! Overall a great read ! But the ending is my favorite 🖤

[book _nerd .uk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

This book was fantastic. From the very first page I was hooked.

Bash and Lina’s story was like being in an emotional rollercoaster in the best way. I don’t want to say too much and give anything away but the trauma and the bonding were written so well.

The character building, the way this book changed from present to past was so smooth and seamless. The plot was great and the spice was definitely spicing!!

I absolutely cannot wait for the next book Tierney writes.

[Desiree · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all THANK YOU for letting me ARC read this book! This was five star for me and so spicy! I don’t know how Tierney does it but the characters are so incredibly relatable and I love them. This book had me laughing yelling and crying..so much crying! There is so much trauma unpacked here though so make sure you read the tw and buckle up for the ride babes!

[Kata]

DNF after 200 pages (58%)

The premise of the book sounded interesting and the story wasn’t bad or anything, I just didn’t connect with the characters. I liked their interactions in the past (the story is told in two timelines, when the main characters are 18 and now that they’re older), but unfortunately didn’t enjoy their interactions in the present.

Check the TW/CW before reading!


Receiving ARC didn’t affect my opinion of the book.

[mid.nightmasterpiece · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m honestly speechless. I was hooked from the first page! So much emotion in this story and never a boring moment. I loved everything about this book it truly is a must read

[Kailey Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this love story and healing journey so much it made me cry. The MCs deserved their happily ever after and I was so happy to read their story! Thank you Tierney