It’s been a long while since the last time I read a Kristen Ashley book, and this is the first time I’ve listened to an audiobook of hers, but listening to Hold On reminded me of just how much I love KA and her kickass books. It’s just so easy to get sucked into her writing and her wonderful cast of characters. Hold On is the sixth and final book in The ‘Burg series, though it can be read as a standalone. This is Cher and Merry’s story, one that’s heartfelt, romantic, and absolutely fantastic to listen to.

Kristen Ashley’s books are long, which means the audiobooks are loooong, and I love it. I love getting to spend so much time in her world, with her characters, because everything is so detailed and fleshed-out. Hold On is 21 hours of KA goodness, and I couldn’t be happier about it. It took me quite a few days to finish it, but I was happy about the time I spent with this book, because listening to this practically lifted my spirits. Cher and Merry’s romance is one about fighting for one another, about holding on to the best thing that could happen to them, and not letting go.

“You got it good, you don’t let it go. It lets you go, you hold on. It slips through your fingers, you pull out all the stops to get it back. You got somethin’ worth fighting for, you fight for it. You do not sit on your ass waitin’ for it to come back to you. You show whoever that is they mean something and you go all out on that, and the only way you go down is doin’ that shit swinging.”

Cher Rivers’ life has been through the wringer, but she comes out stronger on the other side. A single mom, she’s got a boy to take care of, so she’ll do whatever it takes to give him a good life. THIS is the kind of woman who never lets anything bring her down, and I admired her so much for it. After the mess that happened with serial killer Dennis Lowe, she doesn’t have room for romance in her life, but it doesn’t stop her from unrequitedly loving Garrett “Merry” Merrick.

Cher and Merry are great friends, but Merry is oblivious to Cher’s feelings for him, because all he can feel is regret at losing his ex-wife. But one night, when he’s drowning in his sorrows, it’s Cher who’s there for him, and he quickly realizes she’s always been there for him. And that one night together for them is enough to make Merry open his eyes and see what’s been in front of him all along.

I really enjoyed listening to Cher and Merry’s wonderful romance. This is a bit of the friends-to-lovers trope, which I adore. Cher is a fantastic, strong, independent woman who is definitely a one-of-a-kind heroine. Merry is also an incredible hero – alpha (as KA’s hero’s always are), fiercely protective, and unwavering in his loyalty, he’s certainly the perfect man for Cher and her son. Their romance is slow, but heartfelt, full of laughter, sexytimes, and love. And Ethan, Cher’s son, is a definite highlight of this book – he’s absolutely adorable and hilarious!

“It happens … For people like us, baby. It happens, eventually. Just as long as we hold on.”

Erin Bennett’s narration meshed perfectly well with the tone of this book. She did a fantastic job conveying both Cher and Merry’s POVs, and it was easy to distinguish between the dialogue of different characters. I would most likely listen to another audiobook of hers.

Overall, Hold On is an entertaining book that fans of KA should not miss. It wasn’t perfect – I felt like the suspense and action in this was a bit lacking compared to the romance – but it was a great listen all the same. Now I’m very much looking forward to listening to KA’s other audiobooks!

Reading Order: The ‘Burg series

#1 ~ For You: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ At Peace: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Golden Trail: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Games of the Heart: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#5 ~ The Promise: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#6 ~ Hold On: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

Here’s an audio excerpt from Hold On!

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