3 stars. To be honest, Joey was not my favorite character. Nor was Ryder. So it took me awhile to get into this book. I did like Siobhan (Shiv) a lot. I found the stroke component of the book interesting, since almost 2 years ago; I had a stroke. I also enjoyed the character of Peter., although he was written way too stereotypically, which is surprising since Ms. Finz has written gay characters before. Overall, i enjoyed the book and found the ending satisfying. I wish I would have enjoyed the book more than I did, but it was no fault of the author I hope there will be more Nugget books sometime in the future,

This is the first of this series I have read so when the book opens with a continuation of an event that ends at the end of the previous book it was a bit confusing and took me a moment to catch up. I’d suggest reading book 11 first, but I caught up and on quickly and truly enjoyed the book. I will be going back to read the series as this one was fabulous and I want to meet everyone else from this adorable small town. The story is multi-themed themed. Romance, redemption, recovery, dealing with the past, lust, loss, love, family drama, starting over, forgiveness, acceptance and moving forward to name a few. Both Ryder and Joey are trying to get through the day and make their lives and those that they love better. Through a twist of fate their paths cross again and it takes some cajoling for then to both emotionally deal with it and figure out what is best for themselves, their families independently and collectively. Small town life, Joey dealing with her history and trying to find her way with her ex-husband, reestablish her relationship with her daughter, get her career back on track, Ryder trying to ignore his emotions while trying to best care for his mother who is recovering (ish) from a serious health issue all make for an emotional read that has left me you awaiting the next in the series because even with all of the tumult in this story, there is of course a wonderful ending to this book. It’s a lovely read that will leave you smiling and glad you got to visit Nugget.

This is the first book I’ve read of this series and now I NEED to read the others. I adored the love story between Joey and Ryder and the small town aspect.

Holding On by Stacy Finz is the 12th book in the Nugget romance series, and my second book in the series. I read the 11th book, Choosing You which tells the love story between Brynn Barnes and Ethan Daniels. This book tells the story of Ethan's ex wife, Joey Nix and a stranger she kissed, code name Matthew McConaughey. His real name is Ryder Knight. Joey and Ryder are both wounded souls. I really enjoyed this book, I am going to go back and read the previous book in this series. If you enjoy romances, I highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A perfect sequel! This series is just so good! A heart warming romance... a must read! Contemporary small town love blossoming romance. Highly recommend

What a sweet second chance romance. I've read some of the other books in the series so I wasn't as lost as I could have been. I think you really do need to read at least the few books before hand to understand this one. Overall it has all the things we love about this series: the characters, the atmosphere, and the fact that the characters act like real people. Always well written, this was a pleasure to read.

I enjoyed this book so much! The author writes endearing characters. Showing so much emotion. This book took place in the Sierra Nevada and Reno area. The author hit the mark for me as this is my home area. Places such as Doughboy Donuts and Cascade Village are easily recognizable. I look forward to another by Stacy Finz!

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley for my voluntary honest review.

Holding On by Stacy Finz is another romance taking place in the small town of Nugget. In this story we read the wife's wife of the story of the divorce, which allowed the romance of Ethan and Brynn and Ethan and Joey's daughter, Roni, all of whom we know from a previous book. Joey was ad rug addict. She had fallen and hurt herself and started on legitimate drugs, but like so many, she got hooked. The divorce finally happened when she took her toddler daughter one night to buy drugs and they got carjacked. Ethan had stuck by her even when she had stolen his prescription pad and written out false prescriptions for herself, but endangering their child pushed him a step too far. She has been clean now for two years and has petitioned the state board to reinstate her nursing license. I the meantime she has been working in-home health care jobs. They have all been in Reno, which is over an hour away, but now there is one available in Nugget, so she could be close to her daughter. Ryder Knight is an ex-rodeo start who now runs a rapidly expanding trucking/transport business, and has just purchased some land with a house on it as home base and a place for his mother, who has recently had a stroke and needs 24-hour care. When he opens the door to find Joey there, he is taken aback. He has to hire here. There are no other choices. For his mother.

Ryder and Joey had been eying each other when they had been in the same bar/restaurant in Nugget. Then one night, she walked up to him, pushed him against his truck, grabbed his shirt, and kissed the h**l out of him and then walked away. Then she showed up at his door to apply to be his mother's caregiver. He had not choice, and she was good. He could see she knew what she was doing. His mother liked her. This was a fantastic read, full of twists and turns and situations what made this all impossible. He had been hurt and didn't plan to be hurt again. There was one way to guarantee that: stay away from women. He loved Toni, Joey's daughter, and she loved him. His mom continued to improve; so much she got a part time job and a roommate and moved out. It was all so complicated, until it wasn't. Loved it! Stacy Finz always comes through!

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Holding On by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #holdingon

This is a great addition to the series. Joey and Ryder and two people struggling to overcome their pasts and maybe find love again. This book is full of wonderful characters.

A beautiful love story about two broken souls finding happiness again, about friendship, family and risking your heart, even if it can be broken again, but it is worth to fully enjoy life. You will fall in love with Joey, Ryder and everybody in Nugget.

Synopsis: In New York Times bestselling author Stacy Finz's Nugget romance series, a picturesque California mountain town is the perfect place for fresh air—and fresh starts, especially when it comes to love.

One divorce, one mind-blowing kiss with a stranger (code name: Matthew McConaughey), and one year later, Joey Nix desperately needs to find a job in Nugget. It's the only chance she'll have of sharing custody of her sweet little daughter with her soon to be remarried, renowned surgeon ex-husband. Luckily, Joey's qualified to work as an in-home caregiver. Coincidentally, a job offer comes from the afore mentioned unforgettably sexy stranger (real name: Ryder Knight). It's a terrible, irresistible idea . . .

Ryder needs help with his ailing, depressed mother, and darn if Joey isn't the best candidate. Good thing he'll be sleeping in his camper, because their chemistry is still crackling. Besides, the loss of his wife and unborn child five years earlier have left Ryder squarely focused on his trucking company—and even that's on shaky ground. Still, Joey knows how to lift his mom's spirits. And his too—despite a troubling secret she's shared with him. But when she asks him to accompany her to her ex's wedding, Ryder “I don't do weddings" Knight will have to do a lot of soul searching. What he discovers just might surprise them both . . .

Review: This sweet and lovable romance is perfect for fans of small town romances. I got a lot of Hart of Dixie and Virgin River vibes without all the will they? won't they?. Joey and Ryder are well developed and I loved the story of how they come together and all the obstacles inbetween.

I hadn't read any of the previous books in the NUGGET series before reading this one and I don't think it hindered my experience in any way. I loved this book. I loved that the characters were complex, not one dimensional, and had many layers that unravelled as the story progressed. Each of the characters' lives were well developed and added so much depth and emotion to the story. Maybe I wouldn't have loved it so much if I had read more of the series and met some of the characters before, but because I was going in blind I think that helped shape my thoughts and opinion on this novel.

Holding On was a good book. I really liked Ryder, and I'm glad Joey didn't give up on him for being emotionally unavailable. She was his perfect match and was also great with his mom, Shiv. I enjoyed reading about the friendship that developed between Joey, Shiv and Peter, the fun and lovable caregiver who filled in when Joey had time off. I look forward to my next visit to Nugget, CA.

4.5 Stars!

The small town of Nugget, California, has become one of my favorite places to spend some time in. Holding On, the twelfth book from Stacy Finz's Nugget series, is an entertaining read with down-to-earth characters. Nugget is surrounded by the beautiful landscape of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. After enjoying this book and many others in the series, I may have to experience the scenic area for myself once we are able to travel again.

Joey Nix has worked very hard to kick her opioid addiction. She is finally able to begin planning her future, and settling in the town of Nugget to be near her young daughter is the first step. Furthermore, getting her nursing license reinstated would be the icing on the cake. Joey is lucky to find a job as a caregiver to a woman who is rehabbing from a stroke. Her new boss who is also her patient's son, is Ryder Knight, a former rodeo champion that now runs his own trucking business. His tragic past has kept him from finding love for a second time. Joey and Ryder are perfect for each other and overtime they fall into lust and happiness.

Holding On is a quick-paced story with well-defined and exciting characters. Joey and Ryder are easy to get to know, and there was never a moment that I did not want them to be together. The secondary characters and subplots are compelling, and add a lot of interest to the story. If you are looking for a contemporary romance with a hot couple, an engaging plot, and a happily ever after that will leave a smile on your face, then read this book.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

Stacy's newest book was just as charming and fun as the others in the series. I did not want this one to end!

It is funny because I really did not like Joey from the previous book but I quickly changed my mind in this book.. She owned up to her past, her mistakes, and proved she was a good mother.

I really liked Ryder and how he was looking out for his single mom who had just had a stroke. It was funny how Joey and Ryder first met and how circumstances kept bringing them together, although Ryder was not too happy about that.

The characters pulled me right into this story and I liked returning to the small town of Nugget. I was so glad Joey and Ryder found their happy ever after because they both deserved it. I really liked the last line in the book too. I also liked how Joey's ex-husband treated her and what he said to her at the end. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

Synopsis: In this small town of Nugget people know each other and about all of your business whether you want them to or not. Most everyone knew Joey before she moved to Nugget due to her ex husband living in the community but she did not let that stop her from being closer to her daughter and being a good mom. When Joey takes a job as a live-in nurse helping a patient recover she becomes close to her patient's son while balancing the challenges of co parenting with her ex and his new soon to be wife.

Thought: If you haven't read any of the books from the nugget series you are missing out. I truly love reading these books and the connections of the small town make it easy to read them out of order but still have benefits of the connections. In this book I was worried that I would not like Joey given her previous history and what I knew of her from Choosing You but I quickly fell in love and was rooting for her to have love in her life. I love how this book was connected to the one previously and can't wait to read earlier books in the series and see what happens next in the fun small town. I love the connections in relationships and how there are multiple levels of romance. I also really enjoyed the discussion and connections to real life of parents getting older and what issues are faced with that. I think this is such a fun series and highly suggest it to anyone looking for a small town, real life romance.

Picking up directly after the end of Choosing You, we are plunged immediately into Ethan's ex-wife Joey's story.

Joey and Ryder Knight enjoyed a passionate kiss at a time when Joey was feeling desperately low. Choosing not to act on it further, we catch up with them a year later when Ryder moves to Nugget. His mother is recovering from a stroke and needs a full-time carer. That's where Joey steps in.

I will hold my hands up, I flip-flopped between feeling really sorry for Joey and disliking her in Choosing You. With much more time devoted to her perspective and her recovery story, I found myself really liking her, and ultimately rooting for her. Having been the ex, forced to attend events for the benefit of my young child, I really empathised with Joey on so many occasions. The chemistry between her and Ryder was just as tangible as in Choosing You and the intimate scenes did not disappoint.

I really loved the third POV in this story, which came from Ryder's mum. Having now read two of Stacy's 'Nugget' series, I assume that the third POV is a regular occurrence. There's a warmth and depth to the story with each secondary character treated with care. Again, even if you haven't read previous stories, you can pick this up and not feel that you're missing parts of the story.

Overall Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤
Heat Rating: 🔥🔥🔥
Emotional Rating: 🥰🥰😭😂

*Thank you to #Netgalley for the opportunity to leave an honest review*

(I have also uploaded review to Amazon UK but am awaiting moderation) Many thanks.

Holding On is an adorable romance that takes place in Nugget, California. It's a nice small town with some really nice people. I didn't realize this was a book was in a series, but I guess that explains why the prologue felt different. I don't think you need to read the other books first to read this one. While there is a romance in this book, the book also deals with past substance abuse, spousal loss, child loss and cancer.

In the prologue Joey Nix and Ryder Knight share a passionate kiss before she walks away. Fast forward to Joey moving to Nugget trying to put her life back together. She has now 2 years clean and is working on getting her nursing license back. In the meantime, she moved to Nugget to be closer to her daughter -- who is living with her ex (he has full custody) and has to find a job. She takes a job as a caretaker for Siobhan Knight, a 66 year-old woman who is recovering from a stroke. Joey is shocked to discover that Siobhan's son is Ryder aka "Matthew McConaughey". While Joey can't deny there is an attraction there, she doesn't want to be involved anyone. Especially not a widower who is still mourning the loss of his wife and child.

This is a heartwarming about two people trying to put their lives back together and end up falling in love. I loved it so much that I might have to read the other books in the series!

Special thanks to NetGalley for providing me with the ARC. This review is my unbiased opinion of the book.

While this book does feature a romance, the main storyline is one of healing and redemption. Both the hero and the heroine have to wrestle with the demons of their pasts .... the guilt, the pain and the self-loathing ... in order to move forward in their lives. It is not an easy task and the path forward has a few nasty speed bumps, but somehow Fate has brought Joey and Ryder together to help heal each other and hopefully build a future together. Their story is written with great skill, empathy and insight. It is impossible not to admire these two characters or to want a happily ever after for them.

Joey is the divorced mother of a young daughter who is looking for a job that will use some of her nursing skills while she waits to hear if her nursing license will be reinstated. She lost her license, her marriage, custody of her daughter and self-respect when she became addicted to pain pills and did anything she had to in order to feed her addiction. She is working for an agency that supplies in-home care for patients who need full-time care. When she discovers the son of her next prospective patient and her interviewer to be none other than the guy she has fantasized about for the past year, Joey is stunned. She needs this job in order to be close to her young daughter and share custody. Ryder is none to pleased to find the woman who kissed him passionately a year ago before him. Even though her credentials are top notch, he can’t have the star of his frequent sexual fantasies looking after his mother. She would be too close, too tempting and he refuses to examine why that bothers him. The deaths of his wife and unborn child still haunt him and refuses to allow anyone to undermine his pledge to himself to keep clear of entanglements that could touch his heart. His efforts to find someone else to care for his mother who is recovering from a stroke go unrewarded. Joey is the only one available who is willing to come to Nugget, a rather remote location, who can provide the care his mother needs.

Joey is everything Ryder’s mother needs and more. It doesn’t matter that his desire for her is straining his control, testing his resolve and generally making him extra surly and irritable. Of course it doesn’t take too long before they are stealing passionate kisses, then indulging in much more intimate activities away from his mother’s eyes. When he learns of Joey’s past addiction and what it cost her, Ryder believes he is no position to judge her. He admires her strength, her determination to move forward and work with her ex in order to share custody of the daughter she adores. Though he believes she has earned her redemption, he fails to give himself the chance for his own. While he is determined to punish himself, to deny himself love and lasting relationships, Joey has fallen for Ryder. When he tells her it is just sex between them, she finds it painfully necessary to remove herself from the situation. Will Ryder find the strength, the courage and healing he needs in order to listen to his his inner voice that is screaming not to let Joey go?

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.