Joey Nix is trying to get her life back on track and it isn't easy. Addiction to pain medication blew up her nursing career and her relationship with her husband and young daughter. Now she has to get a job and prove to her ex-husband that she can be a good mother. The only job she can get near her daughter is as a caregiver to an elderly woman recovering from a stroke. Unfortunately, when Ryder Knight, retired rodeo cowboy, finds out about her past, he would rather not have her take care of his mom. Of course the explosive chemistry between Joey and Ryder complicates everything too. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more books by Stacy Finz. Recommended.

Another wonderful book by Stacy Finz. This book is about Joey, a recovering addict, trying to get her life back together. I've read and enjoyed the other books in this series and loved being able to read more about Nugget.

This is another winner in the Nugget series. We originally met Joey in the previous book, and I was not a fan. However, this book showed all of her redeeming qualities and the struggles she’d gone through to get herself cleaned up and moving forward. Enter Ryder - their chemistry is off the charts from the moment they meet, but he is battling his own demons. Together they navigate their way through issues with family, forgiveness, healing, and opening up to relationships. The book is emotional and heartwarming, and I loved it!

A lovely story with a romantic couple slowly going from instant lust and attraction to deeper feelings and a meaningful connection, while encompassing some serious issues in the plot.
Ryder and Joey are both complex characters, troubled in different ways, and each of them found a certain inner peace after some difficult times. They also seem very normal people, with families, problems and a lot of baggage.
Of course, Ryder turns out to be even sexier and more attractive than he seems, when his multidimensional character shows the son, the husband, the business man, and all the hurt he carries. He’s such a solid, decent person.
In my opinion, the heroine was a rather unsympathetic character in the previous story (“Choosing You”); however, I really warmed up to her in this “Holding On” watching her find a kind of inner strength and stability and being generous with others (although I definitely don’t like what she did with Shiv’s letter).
I liked how Ryder and Joey did things together, how they communicated, and how their relatives played a role in the story, too. I wasn’t expecting at all that these two characters from the previous story in the "Nugget" series turned out to be so compelling; it was really a great surprise (particularly with the hero and all that hidden sadness).
Tackling some serious subjects through her characters, Stacy Finz gives the story depth and keeps the reading engaging.

Another winner by Stacy Finz in the Nugget series. I could not put it down. All my favorite characters showed up. I love the inclusion of broken people scrambling to find a way out of despair. I have worked with many addicted RNs and the way back can be very painful and public. Joey’s story really works for me. Excellent writing by the always wonderful Finz.

This is the 12th book in the Nugget series. I hadn't read any of the others but I am a sucker for a good illustrated cover.

This novel was well explained as a standalone but for those who have read the entire series you definitely see the others from the past.

While I loved many parts of this book it just wasn't a home run for me.

It was quite predictable in many ways. This is not a bad thing, however, I was hoping to be surprised. This is a wonderful filler for when you are getting over a pretty heavy book.

I recieved an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for honest feedback. Thank you Kensington and netgalley.

This book is #12 in the Nugget series, but you do not need to read the other books first.

it was my first stacy finz book and it was a really nice read! If you like small town romances, this series are waiting for you.

The characters were real, with all the imperfections. Humans.

This book was a quick read and I enjoyed it. a lot. Nice for a sunday evening.


Thanks NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read this. I reaaly want to read more in the series.

The town of Nugget, California is really stinking adorable. Its a small town in northern California not far from Reno and filled with a lot of good people. In other words, it is a great place to start over. Joey was a nurse practitioner and wife to a prominent orthopedic surgeon. Along the way, after a back injury, she became addicted to opioids and has battled her way back from that - but her life is still messy. She is waiting to see if she can get her nursing license back and struggling to find a new balance with her ex-husband, daughter, and his new family. She's really trying hard to overcome what she has been through - and put others through - and end up on the other side.

Ryder is starting over in Nugget too, after a successful rodeo career - he's created a business out of hauling farm animals and driving big rigs. He lost his wife and unborn child in an accident and is now trying to help his mother after a devastating stroke. He and Joey had connected a couple of times when Ryder passed through Nugget - but only in a flirty way. They shared one devastating kiss - and hadn't seen each other in a long time - when Joey shows up for an interview to be a caregiver to Ryder's mom.

There are so many parts to this book that were wonderful and emotional and hard. I appreciated that through it all - even when Ryder is pushing Joey away - they are both extremely loyal and dedicated to each other. The book also makes a strong case - for how to successfully blend families, even in the most difficult of circumstances. Joey and her ex are definitely way more emotionally tough and stable than I would ever have been in their shoes!

A lot of Nugget stories have been told - and this one is definitely a lovely one to read. My main wish for this book had been that we could have seen more depth to the relationship between Joey and Ryder. There were some amazing moments - but at the same time I wanted more. I felt like they went from 0 - Love in a surprising way. When Joey tells Ryder she loves him - I was surprised. You could see it growing but - it felt off to me. Like it wasn't the right time - I think maybe she should have fought a little harder for him as well. Ryder was definitely the problem - but Joey also gave up really easily. I get it - with the back story - but still.

Overall - I recommend it and luckily - if you love this one you have a BUNCH of other books about Nugget you can dig in to!

I received this as a an ARC from NEtGalley, but these opinions are all my own.

3.5 stars

Some books are like a gourmet meal. Unforgettable.

Some books are like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich - tasty and satisfying but the memory won't stick with you forever..

This "Nugget" series is like a PB & J. I don't mean anything bad by that. I squealed when Holding On popped onto my shelf. I'd read Choosing You, the previous book in the Nugget series, back in January and enjoyed it. Was it unforgettable? Not at all. Did it satisfy a craving? Sure did.

Holding On picks up where Choosing You left off. Joey Nix is the ex-wife of Dr. Ethan Daniels, the male hero in Choosing You. Joey was a nurse until a prescription drug problem not only destroyed her marriage but also derailed her career. She's starting over as a companion for a woman who's recovering from a stroke. One night she shared an unforgettable kiss with an unknown cowboy. Wouldn't you know that it's the son of the woman she's been hired to take care of? His name is Ryder Knight and he's a retired rodeo star turned trucking company owner. Needless to say, sparks fly.

This book is cute and a quick read and I enjoyed it. a lot. I'll read more in the series.

P..S. I love PB & Js.

Thanks NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read this digital ARC in return for an honest review.

Joey is a recovering addict who is trying to rebuild her life in order to obtain partial custody of her daughter. She lost her nursing license due to her abuse of drugs, so while waiting to see if she can have it reinstated, she finds work as a home healthcare nurse. The job situation would be perfect except the growing attraction between Joey and her employer's (adult) son. Ryder has his own issues to deal with that keep him from getting too close to Joey.

I liked the small town romance of this book and the camaraderie between the characters. Stacy Finz is a new author to me and one that I would check out again. I gave this book three stars because while it was a sweet love story, there wasn't anything particularly poignant or any emotional draw pulling me in. There were many parts that seemed redundant and/or repetitive. I'd find myself skimming pages to get through some unnecessary details. I enjoyed the characters, but felt like there wasn't much development - and in some instances, "life" and
"relationships" seemed to progress at an unnatural rate in some instances. I know this is a series, so I did question if maybe I should give other books in the series a try as this just wasn't "the couple" for me....

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I received a copy from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book is #12 in the Nugget series, but you do not need to read the other books first. It can be a stand alone novel.

When we were first introduced to these characters in the previous book, "Choosing You," I really didn't like the main character Joey. However, in this book, she really redeemed herself and I appreciated her journey and growth as a person. I would argue that the love story in this book isn't just between Joey and Ryder, but about Joey becoming a person she can be proud of. I also liked the other characters in this book. I want to go back and read the series from the beginning. The town of Nugget, California, is also a main part of the book and it was also easy to like - beautiful scenery, good people, and the small town community.

I would recommend this book.

it was my first stacy finz book and it was an enjoyable read. it was a solid story and contained everything you can expect from a small-town romance. portrayal of the characters was great, probably my favourite element of the book. characters were real, human and imperfect. and although i normally prefer when characters are acting mature and logically all the time, i appreciate showing that what you’re feeling and what your brain tells you you should feel do not always go together.
im rating it 3 stars because even though i did like it, it wasnt an amazing read. but i must say, it is perfect for a relaxing evening with a tea of coffee in hand. it was also interesting enough to make me want to read previous books in the series (brynn&ethan and harlee&her husband’s stories). i will probably read them some time in the future.
the only downside was that the story was repetitive at times. im all for reading about daily activities and getting to know how day-to-day life of the characters looks like but there were too much fillers and at some point it was impossible not to notice them. but except for that, i have nothing to fault.

Joey Nix is a hot mess. She had it all and lost it by her own actions. Now she’s working her way back. She lost her husband and custody of her daughter because of her addictions. She also lost her nursing license. Her priority is being a good mom for her daughter. Ryder Knight owns a trucking company hauling livestock. He is a retired rodeo champion now taking care of his recovering mom. He hires Joey for in-home care while she waits to hear whether her license will be reinstated. Their chemistry is immediate, but boy do they both have baggage. Author Stacy Finz has a way of writing characters that makes you care about them even when you don’t really want to. [For reference, Joey is the ex-wife in Finz’s Choosing You]. Joey was hard for me to like, but her caring for Shiv and her determination to be a good mom to Roni made me reconsider. I felt so bad for her during the wedding scene. Ryder is a good guy and it was nice to see him work through his issues. It was also great fun to catch up with other couples in the small town of Nugget. Finz has a great series going here, with all of the Nugget stories. Each book can stand alone, but there’s so much more depth when you know the backstories of the side characters in each book. Holding On surprised me. I didn’t think I would like it, but I was so wrong. This story made me consider the other side of the story in so many ways. Give this one a chance. You’ll be glad you did!

Super cute story! You will fall in love with the characters in this one. Definitely one to check out if you like small town romance.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book. Readers got a chance to meet Joey the ex wife from Choosing You. Joey a nurse is trying to get her life back on track, she lost her nursing license when she became addicted to pain killers which put the final nail in her marriage. Now getting a job as a live in caretaker is the best she can do until the board restores her nursing license. Joey is in shock when the job is for a strangers Mother whom she had met in a bar a year earlier and shared a passionate kiss. I loved this story of second chances and happily ever after in a town that everyone wants to live in...toss in some annoying neighbors - this made for a fun read. I couldn't sleep last night so I stayed up all night reading....great book!

After what seems like a difficult divorce and with her ex having custody of their daughter, Joey moves to Nugget to be close to them. She accepts the only job she can find, as a live in carer although things don't go according to plan when she finds out she is being hired to care for the mother of Ryder, the guy she could fall for.
As you learn more about both of their past's you hope they can move forwards together.

I really enjoyed this read from Stacy! This was my first book by her and it won't be my last!
She knows how to grab the attention of the reader and keep you engaged!
Thanks NetGalley publishers and author for this advance readers copy!

Loved reading this book and series. Looking forward to the next book in the series. I highly recommend her books. You will enjoy them

Joey got her story! And it’s quite the ride, too. She’s trying to put her life back together while living in limbo and ends up working for Ryder, the one man who makes her want to risk it all for lust. Or is it love? Not if Ryder has anything to say about it. Of course, he never expected to come face to face with his “I had to have imagined her being that perfect” stranger. And he definitely doesn’t want to want her now, but he’s in a bind and Joey is the only feasible option.

I loved how Joey and Ryder fell for each other, even if one or both fought it many times along the way. And it was very refreshing to see how others react to the proverbial big happy blended family that Joey is on the outside looking in of. While Brynn and Ethan may not have intended to come off as they did, this side of the story shows just how much it can hurt to be treated the way Joey was. But once it all works out, everything manages to seem right just the way it is.

This series just keeps giving me reasons to come back for the next couple and to catch up with those who’ve already had their roads to happy written. And I especially hope to catch up more with Peter, because that character grabbed me the second he was introduced. Anyone who knows good coffee and isn’t afraid to deride the bad is a winner in my eyes!