Member Reviews
Hold On to Me by Jules Bennett is a fun romance in the Return to Haven series. Jade and Cash have are the only two single friends left in their group and they have always picked on each other. Was it chemistry from the beginning that they were trying to hide from?
Cash is flying Jade to a family wedding that she doesn’t really want to attend. Jade’s family is snooty (my words not the authors ). She doesn’t feel that she fits in with anyone except her nana. Due to some circumstances that I will not spoil for you; Cash ends up at the wedding with her. I thoroughly enjoyed how he would come to her defense with her family. That is what I am looking for in a hero. And Cash was definitely hero material.
As a result they start sneaking around both at the wedding and when they return to their small town. The author created some fun scenes with them. My favorite was when he visited her yoga studio.
The book can be read alone although part of the series. Hold on to me was my favorite of the series. Cash was just perfect and they were a great couple together.
Sexual content – lots of chemistry and several physical scenes
Violence – well Cash does have a black eye
Drinking – there was casual drinking, Jade was almost drunk once.
Language – mild profanity
I received this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.
I just finished reading Hold On To Me by Jules Bennett. I absolutely adored this book. I’ve read a few mediocre books lately and I think I’d forgotten how amazing a romance can be when it’s well done.
Cash and Jade are almost instantly sizzling with chemistry and not only that but with just the initial chapter Bennett sold me on them as individuals. Both are independent and stubborn but other wise very different. Cash and Jade are a ton of fun.
I loved Jade’s backstory. It felt real and emotional to me. I loved Cash’s protective nature and his humble spirit. I love a rough and tumble man with a heart of gold.
The pressures of their friends and family seemed absolutely relatable and I adored the way their relationship grew and deepened. The way the author built the intimacy between them was lovely.
And that ending! Well, I won’t spoil it for you but it was beyond satisfying. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a fun and steamy read!
Three best friends and three cousins. They've all hooked up except the last two. Jade and Cash though have been like oil and water so far though. Rubbing each other the wrong way. Then when they experience their plane having to crash land Jade sees Cash in a different light. Enlisting Cash to be her plus one for her pretentious cousins wedding helps too. Jade comes from money so most people think she's a stuck chick. That's not Jade not that her mother hasn't tried to hook her up with the "right" people. Cash had a alcoholic father whose in and out of rehab. It's something he doesn't share with a lot of people. These two are a bit of opposites attract when in reality they aren't that opposite as you might think. Both struggle with pride and feeling unworthy of love. Jules Bennett makes you love them both even as you want to give them a shake sometimes. She puts you right in the story and makes you want to be one of those friends .
Find out more about Jules Bennett and this series here www.julesbennett.com
3.5 stars - Hold On to Me is a decent enemies to lovers romance. Any only following the series could read the writing on the wall for these two nearly from the beginning. Cash is a wonderful hero— handsome, hardworking, reliable and not at all conceited. While I enjoyed the romance, I do think this story fails in one area. We never learn the real whys to the character’s back stories. Beyond wanting to appear as humanitarians, why did Jade's parents adopt her and then ignore her. The mom seems shallow, so that almost makes sense, but then she pops up in the late middle of the story and seems to want to share something. We never learn what. That dangler was a let down. I think that was a perfect opportunity to allow us to really see what’s up with this mom/daughter pair. What are mom’s true motivations? Yes, appearances are important to her, but does she care beyond that? Same too for the hero. Why did his ex-wife cheat? Is she just a terrible human being? Was the stuff with his dad really just too much? Also, him sharing how differently his ex would’ve responded during the 2am call would have been a perfect example to show the differences between the two women.
Suffice it to say, I liked the read, but it felt a little surface. I feel like I only know these characters as friends of people I’ve already read about, but that no new knowledge was shared, especially about the heroine, to feel satisfied with this read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I enjoyed returning to Haven, in book 3 of the series. Even though this book could be read as a stand alone, I would highly recommend reading books 1 & 2 in the series before reading this one. This time it's Jade's turn to find love, which she does with someone she has known for a long time, Cash. They were in school together as kids but weren't friends back then. Her family had certain expectations for her. Cash is working as a pilot now & Jade needs him to fly her to a wedding. When they have an unexpected landing they have time to get to know each other better & re-evaluate how they feel about each other. This is a story of hope, of finding that one special person.
Hold On to Me was perfection from start to finish! Jules Bennett knows how to draw the reader in to the heart of a story, and take them on an emotional journey they won't forget.
Terrific conclusion to the series. Jade was happy to leave her snooty family behind and return to her hometown with her two best friends. She's much happier in Haven than she was in Atlanta. In Haven, Jade teaches yoga and does public relations for the airport that she and the others are renovating. If she butts heads with Cash now and then, well, that keeps life interesting. Cash is one of the pilots and cousin to Jade's best friends' husbands. He is quite the flirt and has a reputation with women. Jade isn't too happy when he's the only pilot available to get her to a family wedding, but she'll put up with him if she must.
Engine trouble and a crash landing have Jade seeing a different side of Cash. And when he offers to stand in as her "plus one" for the wedding, she takes him up on it. Cash may not fit in with the rest of the crowd at the wedding, but he has his own set of standards. One thing he doesn't put up with is anyone putting down his friends. When Jade's mother starts in on her, Cash can't stop himself from standing up for her.
I loved the development of the relationship between Jade and Cash. The sparks have been flying between them since the beginning of the series, and in this book they burn out of control. The weekend in Nashville brings those sparks to a head, and the fire between them is nearly out of control. Both of them are shocked by the strength of their passion and agree that what happened in Nashville, stays in Nashville. That doesn't last more than a couple of days after they return to Haven and can't stop thinking about each other. However, neither wants a relationship, nor do they want their friends thinking that something is going on between them, so they agree to keep their time together secret.
There were times I wanted to shake them both. Both have issues that make them hesitant to open their hearts to another person. Jade's recent breakup with a cheating boyfriend has her reluctant to trust another man. Her upbringing has made her wary of strong emotions. Cash was lied to and cheated on by his ex-wife affecting his willingness to trust. Besides Jax and Tanner, the only family Cash has is his alcoholic father, with whom has a difficult relationship. Both of them keep their emotions buttoned-up, reluctant to share those things that show their vulnerabilities. When they feel the other person getting too close, each finds a way to push the other away emotionally though their physical closeness continues to grow. Jade also has trouble believing that anything between them will last, and Cash believes that the gap between them is too wide.
Nothing can stop the feelings that continue to grow between them. I loved Jade's worry over Cash when he got sick, and Cash's appearance at Jade's hot yoga class was a riot. Things move along quite well for them, and Cash is ready to take the next step when trouble appears in the shape of Jade's mother. I ached for Jade, as in her panic, she says things that hurt Cash deeply. Cash's pain was evident as all the dreams he'd been spinning came crashing down. I loved how their friends helped them work through their troubles and see that they belonged together. The ending was sweet and romantic and perfect for both of them.
I liked seeing more of the couples from the previous books, and also from the Monroe brothers series. The relationship between Cash and his cousins is a good one, and their support of each other is terrific. Jade's relationship with her two friends is as close as sisters, and I loved the scenes they had together. There are some funny times as Jade and Cash try to keep their activities secret and their friends stumble on things that make them suspicious.
I really enjoyed this book. I haven't read the first two and I didn't feel like I was lost. This can definitely be read as a standalone. I liked the authors writing. She created really likeable characters. After reading this I want to go back and read rue first two to find out the other stories. I liked the attraction between jade and cash and how they don't get along. I think that always makes for a great romance.
A sweet and poignant “enemies” to lovers story. Not sure enemies is the right word for Cash and Jade - more like they annoyed each other because of attraction. Jade has never lived up to her mother’s expectations and has never had a real relationship. Cash has been burned with an alcoholic/addict father and a cheating ex-wife.
The romance is sweet and I enjoyed their path to finding happiness. This can be read as standalone, but it is nice to catch up with previous characters and Melanie has the baby! My only complaint is there is a plot point brought up about his dad that is mysterious, but it’s never explained.
Thanks to the publisher for a review copy via NetGalley.
I have certainly enjoyed Jules Bennett’s Haven GA books. This book is part of the second series, and the third book of this group. Having said all that, it is truly a standalone. That is what is so what is wonderful about her books. Each one can be read alone, and when you get so caught up in even the secondary characters, it is hard not to go back and read the previous ones. Cash and Jade do not get along, and although each is attracted to the other, they “irritate” the bejeezus out of each other. But fate throws them together and the book takes off. I loved every minute of this book and read it in one session. Not sure what Ms. Bennett will do next, but i can’t wait!
4 1/2 STARS!
HOLD ON TO ME is book three in Jules Bennett’s Return to Haven series and centers around a Pilot/Gym Owner and public relations whirlwind joining forces to not only revamp the airport that means so much to their group of friends, but also a hookup or two on the sly! This yummy enemies to lovers story is sure to entice.
If you’ve been reading this series from the start, you will recognize the setting of Haven, George as well as the airport that three best friends got hooked on seeing succeed. Two of them have already fallen for the loves of their lives, and now it’s Jade’s turn to settle in for the long haul. With a close-knit group like this, we always get a feel for what’s going on in the previous couples lives as the new couple starts to evolve.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a small town romance centering around a group of best friends. You can’t go wrong with any of the three books in this series as each couple has been well developed and very satisfying.
Hold On to Me is the third book in Jules Bennett's Return to Haven series. It could probably be read as a stand alone but I definitely recommend reading the first two books first (they were great)! We met Jade and Cash in the first two books of the series. Cash is Jax and Tanner's cousin and Jade is best friends with Livie and Melanie. Jax & Livie and Tanner & Melanie are the couples from the first two books.
Jade and Cash do not get along. They butt heads every time they talk - which is a lot more often now that their best friends are together. Jade needs a plane ride to Nashville for a family wedding and Cash is the only available pilot. While this is not an ideal situation for either of them at the start it gets significantly worse when the plane crashes and Cash has to stay in Nashville with Jade. Making the best of a bad situation, Cash acts as Jade's plus one (and fake boyfriend) for the wedding to get her mom off her back.
What follows is a lesson in chemistry and how first impressions aren't always accurate. What starts as a secret fling turns into much more, but will the two of them be able to handle it?
This was a great finale to the Return to Haven series. Jules Bennett wrote this story wonderfully and I definitely recommend it. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This is the first book that I have read from this author and I am glad that I took the chance. This is book 3 of the Return to Haven series but can be read as a standalone. Cash and Jade were great characters. They were not friends but they weren’t enemies. They basically just tolerate each other. Jade is traveling to Nashville to be a bridesmaid for her cousin but on the way, disaster happens and now they are stuck together. They have to figure out how to co-exist with each other just until they can get to the wedding. Once at the wedding, Jade will need Cash again. This was a fun story and I am going to read the other two books in the story just because this one was so much fun.
This was a new author for me and I was pleasantly surprised. Although part of a series, this story could be read as a standalone. Jade and Cash along with 4 friends are working together opening/refurbishing the airport in their hometown. They are like oil and water until an airplane crash on the way to a fAmily wedding, brings them together.
They each have issues (family and relationship) that affect their willingness to trust and open their life to someone else. I laughed and cried and look forward to reading more stories from this author.
I received a free ARC eBook from Net Galley and the publisher for my honest opinions.
The last of the three cousins who revitalize the Haven, Georgia local airport receives his story in Hold On to Me. Jules Bennett gives the reader two characters who are wounded individuals who have worked so diligently not to like each other. Then puts them in a situation where they must spend time together, finding out that they are indeed attracted to each other. As the story progresses there is friendship, growth for each and some “a-ah” moments.
Cash Miller and Jade Mackenzie are part of the group of friends from the first two books. On the surface it would seem to be an opposites attract story but it is much deeper than that. They have struggles and baggage that weighs them down, creating distrust in romance and causes self-doubt. Authentic story with characters that are believable and realistic..
It is a stand-alone story even though the friends from the first two books are around.
4 ½ stars for this return to Haven. Jade and Cash have no idea how to be near each other without butting heads. They see each other and just have to argue, banter or leer. Neither wants to accept the fact that they are wildly attracted to the other. When Jade needs Cash to fly her to a family wedding she has to put aside whatever feelings she has for him temporarily. They agree to disagree and deal with close quarters in the plane, oh well until that emergency landing.
Jade has been trying to live up to some dream of a perfect daughter her mother has for her. Nothing she does is ever good enough for her adopted mother. Oh yea, she was adopted which didn’t help the situation at all. Now she is on her way to this disastrous wedding, which has her wearing an orange gown (clash city with her flame red hair) and down a date since her boyfriend decided he was interested in someone else now. Having to be in such close proximity with the uber sexy Vincent “Cash” Miller has her ready to explode.
Cash has been harboring his crush for Jade McKenzie for a while now. She was a little older than him back in school and then she left town for a while. They get on about as well as oil and water but he loves to verbally spar with her. It gets his blood flowing. Having to fly her to this wedding from hell sounds just up his alley. And finding out she needs a date is icing on the cake. They agree to put on a ruse to fool her family, and shock them a little (he isn’t a country club poster boy by any means). And it works, a little too well.
Cash and Jade seem opposite on the outside but inside they couldn’t be more perfect for each other. They have deeper feelings than they’d ever admit to and keep themselves closed off to keep their hearts safe. Can they find a way to navigate this new normal within the close group of friends?
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy without expectations. I love getting to catch up with the Haven crew. Not sure if another book is coming down the pipeline but I can’t wait to see who’s story is up next.
Jade has to go to Nashville to attend a wedding where she has to be a bridesmaid. She hates it, she doesn't want to be near to her high society family, what worse she just broke up with her boyfriend.
Cash is a pilot and he is going to fly her to Nashville, but something goes wrong and they crash.
When they get to Nashville, Jade is lying to her family that Cash is her boyfriend.
What happen when the lines between lie and truth become blurry?
Loved this story, awesome characters.
Hold on to Me, by author Jules Bennett is a wonderful read! This third book in the Return to Haven series gives the love story of pilot/gym owner Vincent “Cash” Miller and Jade Mackenzie, a graduate of Haven but a woman expected to be a part of her high-society family life, who has returned to Haven.
Jade and Cash have known each other for years, and are working together to revamp the airport. They are definitely not friends, but are stuck together for a flight she has to take to a wedding. He is her pilot…whether she likes it or not. After saving her life, she re-evaluates her relationship with him.
This book is so good! I love this series, the characters (main and supporting), the author, the storyline…all of it! I completely felt this book! My husband was up flying when I read the beginning, and could personally picture the airplane malfunction. Later in the story, I felt my heart completely sink when Jade has to make a decision on what comes out of her mouth…heartbroken!!! This enemies-to-lovers book has heat, lies, betrayal, drama, family issues, friends, and pilots! I totally recommend it with 5 flying stars! Absolutely LOVED it!!!
This is the third book in the Return to Haven series but it can definitely be read as a stand alone novel. However, I would recommend reading all three in order simply because the books are all worth the read. All of the books feature wonderful characters in a small town setting. This story focuses on Cash and Jade who even though they appear to not be able to stand one another's company have more in common than they think. This was a very enjoyable enemies to lovers romance.
Jade Mackenzie doesn't particularly like Cash Miller. So when he ends up being the pilot taking her to her cousin's wedding, she's really not thrilled. Especially when they end up making a crash landing and getting to the wedding late. But when Cash steps up as Jade's "date,", she's confused. They don't do nice things for each other. But somehow, making him her fake boyfriend makes it easier to imagine all the things they could do with each other if they were in a real relationship. And then they start doing them... even after they get home. Neither is very interested in telling their friends (at least at first) because what is the point? They're just going to break up eventually. But then fate steps in and forces Jade and Cash to face the fact that they are going to be tied together one way or another for the rest of their lives.
I don't particularly love the game-changing trope in this book but I do like friends-to-lovers and Ms. Bennett in general. I think the regular Return to Haven readers won't be disappointed and new poeple won't have had to read the other books in the series to like this one.
Three stars
This book comes out August 27th
ARC kindly provided by Kensington Books and NetGalley
Opinions are my own