Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Holding on to Forever

Rate this book
Secretly dating Coach Parker’s daughter was never part of the plan. Neither was becoming her dealer…

ADAM
Returning to my drug-dealing past wasn’t on the agenda when I accepted the full ride to play ball at Cypress U. But Mom lost her job. And my sister’s medical bills are mounting. So, I’ve no choice but to change the playbook.

When Emily walks into my life, like a fallen goddess with the ultimate power to destroy me, I know I’m screwed. I should steer clear, but I’m the one supplying her poison of choice. Falling for her is a complication I don’t need, but the more she’s around, the harder it gets to walk away. She needs me, and I crave her more than the sport I love.

Now, it’s all on the line. Including the NFL career that’s tantalizingly close.

The stakes are high, but family means everything, so I’ll take my chances.

EMILY
It’s only a problem if it’s out of control. And I have it in hand.

Except a certain a-hole discovers I’m using again, and he threatens to rat me out to my folks. Mom’s president of Cypress U, and Dad’s the illustrious football coach. Appearances mean everything to them, and I’m a continuous disappointment. They told me I’d be out on my ass if I fell off the wagon, so keeping it a secret is my number one priority.

Until the super-hot all-star QB takes more than a passing interest in me. Adam gets me, in a way no guy ever has, filling my head with ideas of forever—and now, I want more.

Dating my dealer is a recipe for disaster, especially when it’s forbidden, but I can’t help myself.

Because I’ve fallen too deep.

And the hole is too large to crawl out of.

306 pages, Paperback

First published September 15, 2019

Loading interface...
Loading interface...

About the author

Siobhan Davis

100 books8,816 followers
Download a free copy of Tell It to My Heart: https://bit.ly/TITMHDLGR

Siobhan Davis™ is a USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Amazon Top 5 bestselling romance author. Siobhan writes emotionally intense stories with swoon-worthy romance, complex characters, and tons of unexpected plot twists and turns that will have you flipping the pages beyond bedtime! She has sold over 2 million books, and her titles are translated into several languages.

Prior to becoming a full-time writer, Siobhan forged a successful corporate career in human resource management.

She lives in the Garden County of Ireland with her husband and two sons.

Connect with Siobhan:

Website: www.siobhandavis.com
Facebook: AuthorSiobhanDavis
Instagram: siobhandavisauthor
Email: siobhan@siobhandavis.com
TikTok: @siobhandavisauthor
Readers Group: https://bit.ly/35yTX14

I don't read messages on Goodreads or check my inbox. If you need to contact me, email is the best.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
510 (49%)
4 stars
310 (30%)
3 stars
148 (14%)
2 stars
38 (3%)
1 star
18 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 326 reviews
Profile Image for Catherine Russell.
109 reviews271 followers
March 25, 2021
Book: Holding on to Forever
Author: Siobhan Davis & S.B. Alexander
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: 4 Stars!

Age: Emily Parker - 19, Adam Miller - 20/21.

Triggers: Drug abuse, Sexual Assault, Violence, Rape and motherfucking emotions that hit you like a brick, directly in your face. .

I’m in love with Adam Miller. I love him with every part of me. Enough to want to be a better version of myself because he deserves the absolute best.







You know that meme? Of a cat with its paw on its heart saying, Damn it hurts right here in my meow meow. That's how I feel right now. It hurts in my meow meow. I almost shed literal tears. I bawled like a motherfucking newborn baby.



This book was the in-your-face reminder of why I freaking love Siobhan Davis. She always manages to surprise me with her stories. She has an amazing way of writing. She really knows how to tell a story and keep your attention during the whole book. If you haven't checked her books out, do it now. I've yet to read S.B. Alexander's books but after this I'm definitely willing to give her a try. Holding on to Forever was an epic story about love and healing. I wanted to read about broken characters falling in love. And I got so much more than I wanted. I loved everything about Emily and Adam. Broken into pieces, their love made them whole. It was godsdammed emotionally beautiful.

Molly is the one who loves me. Molly is the one who shows me how good life can be.




With that said, Emily is not your typical heroine. I'm gonna be honest, she didn't appeal to me at the start. She drank like a sailor, she was addicted to Molly, she participated in orgies and threesomes and she made stupid mistakes. But slowly, she grew on me. And by the end, I realized she was one of the strongest, bravest characters that I've ever read. Her scars were ugly, but her strength was mind-blowing.

She’s everything I’m looking for in a woman—beautiful inside and out despite her addiction to drugs.




I really enjoyed the connection between Emily and Adam. There's beauty, suspense, passion, and unbelievably intense sexual tension between the main characters. I don't want to give much of the story away, it better to go in blind and experience it yourself. I liked Emily, how even after experiencing such a horrible ordeal, she was quite strong. She went after what she wanted and didn't shy away from her scars. I really liked that about her. The chemistry between her and Adam was wonderful. Their journey towards a relationship was well developed. It took its time because of their circumstances and their willingness to accept one another.

No woman could ever excite me as much as Emily. She’s my addiction. A craving I experience every minute of every day, and I can’t get enough.




Emily and Adam's journey is not an easy one. It's not hearts and flowers, it's not pretty. But it's theirs and it's FREAKING BEAUTIFUL. It's 50 shades of ugly and heartbroken. Nothing ever worth fighting for is easy. This is that book which you can't stop reading once you've started it. I loved every word and every minute of this book.

And I really, really loved the side characters. Sam - gosh, I wanted more of Sam. And Phoebe, that little girl is pure sunshine. I wish she had her own book. Is it kinda wrong that I was shipping Phoebe and Sam together? Obviously not now, but when she's older.. don't come at me with your pitchforks, they were adorable together.

“My knight in shining armor.” I give her a weak grin. “I wish I could agree. But you need to be your own knight. You need to save yourself. I’m just here to catch you if you fall.” “Promise?” she whispers. My hand hooks around her neck, and I kiss that pouty bottom lip. “As sure as it’s raining outside.”




HOLDING ON TO FOREVER is a heartstirring romantic tearjerker that resonated deeply. It's a heart-warming story about true love that comes from within and never giving up hope.



And if you do, keep the Kleenex handy because you will need it.


Profile Image for ABookLover73.
375 reviews217 followers
September 15, 2019
Five emotional stars for Emily and Adam 💞!

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I love Siobhan's and Susan's writing style and this is the first book I've read that it was written by both authors. I love their co-writing and can't wait for their next book.

I have to admit that this book shocked but in a good way because I didn't expect that this book will be so emotional.

I thought it will be typical college romance but it wasn't and because of that, I love it more.

It was more than romance...

It was a story about a broken person who finds her soul mate and then everything had changed.

"Holding on to Forever" is the book which will break your heart a thousand times but it will show you that with a right person who believes in you everything can change and that person can love you, no matter of your past.

I would love to read more books like this one because it's not a book filled with flowers and rainbows but after all, it still has HEA.

If you're looking for a not typical romance book with emotional parts in it, you should read this book!

Highly recommended!!!

I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book.
Profile Image for Meredith Wilson.
383 reviews39 followers
September 10, 2019
Wow! This is a heartbreaking depiction of college life and how they process and deal with some difficult situations. It was such a real and raw portrayal of addiction and the toll that it takes on all of those involved. My heart absolutely ached for Emily and what she was going through. And Adam too. He had such a big heart and loved so hard. He sacrificed so much to protect and take care of those that he loved. It was the sole reason that he was driven to sell drugs. It was dangerous and reckless, but it was how he first met Emily. He was immediately drawn to her beauty, but there was just one problem. She was the coach's daughter and completely off limits. But the two of them simply couldn't fight this attraction, and what unfolds is a beautiful and heartfelt romance.

Holding on to Forever is a well written, emotional tale with some real gut-wrenching moments. This story will tear out your heart and then put it back together again. It is one that will touch everyone's life as it takes you on the most soul-stirring journey. The whirlwind of events had me completely captivated and furiously turning the pages. If you're looking for a story about love that's not always easy, then make sure to pick this book up. I can promise you that it's not one to be missed. Without a doubt, one of my favorite reads of the year!

SIGNATURE_JPEG
Profile Image for Tasha Mahoney.
1,090 reviews48 followers
September 16, 2019
Now, before I go any further. I should tell you that this book deals with the dark subjects of sexual assault and the drug world. Does  it deal with them well? I believe that it represents just how dark these things are and how they impact someones life so yes, they deal with them well.

Due to the subject matter this is predominantly not a warm fuzzy romance. It is raw and shows both the good and bad in people and that while some people are pure evil, many people are not and they cannot be easily categorised into a good/ bad box.

Adam is a drug dealer but at the heart of the matter he is not an evil character and while Emily does take drugs, she is an intelligent young woman who has a warmth to her character. Should they be together? That is a question that you will draw your own conclusions on.

While I found this a hard book to read, I do feel that overall, this was a good book. The characters were well developed and not once did I feel that the book was dragging. My real fault is that parts of the story felt a bit rushed.

This was a story that deals with difficult subject matters and while this is a romance, there is no point that the story goes at all easy or glosses over those difficult subjects. 

This is a book that deserves being discussed at length once read, however this is a spoiler free review and as such I cannot delve further into the story-line. Due to this I do not feel that I have sufficiently bolstered the content. The overall plot is very intense and intricately woven.
Profile Image for Mali Mor ❤️ The Romantic Blogger.
433 reviews571 followers
Read
September 18, 2019
📚 “...𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒌𝒏𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕. 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇. 𝑰’𝒎 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒄𝒉 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒊𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍.” 📚

ezgif-com-video-to-gif

Review to come...
Profile Image for Nicole*bookaholic*.
559 reviews27 followers
March 17, 2021
This was different then your typical love story. Emily is a drug addict and Adam is a drug dealer to help his family. This was a great story.
Profile Image for TheSassyNerdBlog.
877 reviews361 followers
September 15, 2019
So I’m not new to Siobhan Davis but S.B Alexander is a new to me author, so when I saw that SD had calibrated with her... someone I had never read before I was intrigued, and holy crap... I’m not sure what I was expecting when I went it to this book, but it sure as hell wasn’t what I go, but that’s not a bad thing. This book had me clenching my kindle, on the edge of my seat and totally and utterly obsessed with this plot.

It’s definitely not a light hearted read. It hit some pretty real and relatable topics for me. The past abuse, addiction, and heartache, all things I can relate to on a deep level.

Now to give a spoiler free review!... gah!

In this we’ve got Emily and Adam,
Adam is collage student, young, his whole life a head off him, he’s a quarterback for his school, but there are two sides to this guy. The Quarterback and the drug dealer. He’s forced to sell drugs to support his family. For that level of responsibility and the fact he had to sell drugs for his family, that broke my heart... but for him, it’s what he had to do to make sure his family were okay. He was so sweet, he caring and loving, I could help but fall for then character and it was much the same for Emily, now she comes into the picture when Adam and her cross each other’s paths and she turns out to be one of his customers,. things take a turn, and everything starts to change as we progress into the book.
Emily was definitely different to what I usually look for in a female lead character, but that isn’t a bad thing, she was misunderstood and the things she was going through made my heart ache... and she was trying to mask her demons...


These two were on fire and have that familiar push and pull, the angst factor is high as fuck and it was enough to send crazy.... but I I loved every god damn word of it..

I went into this book blind and I’m glad I did, because as soon as I hit half way through the first chapter, I was hooked.
I couldn’t get enough. The way the authors played these characters out was pure perfection!! Boys personalities were different yet, the balanced each other out an in way their personality bounced off each other.

Seriously, I wouldn’t get enough. It was captivating, all-consuming, adding and I struggled to put it down!

I came recommend this book enough.

5 angsty stars!!!


Profile Image for Dianne.
6,789 reviews585 followers
September 12, 2019
How deep into the dark side of life would you go again, to save your family? Adam took that chance to leave his drug dealing days behind, but as his sister’s life lay in the balance and medical science needs money to perform its miracles, he resumes his old profession. Little did he know, he would be an enabler to the girl who steals his heart…can he save her from herself? Can he save his own soul or must he choose between family and his heart?

Siobhan Davis’s HOLDING ON TO FOREVER is a painful look into the world of addiction, guilt, and the price one is willing to pay when they have nowhere else to turn. Raw, gritty and filled with grueling, graphic detail, this one is not for the faint of heart or those who cannot believe in the possibilities that this is not a fantasy, but a possibility when people hit rock bottom and pride, ego and fear are the closest things they have to grab on to.

Once again, Siobhan Davis holds nothing back as she pushes the envelope of creativity and sometimes steps over the line of horror.

Did I believe in all of the characters? No, but I also know it wasn’t necessary as this twisted tale unfolded. It was the lack of perfectly drawn characters that made this one so magnetic.

I received a complimentary ARC edition from Siobhan Davis! My review is honest and voluntary.

Publication Date: September 15, 2019
Publisher: Siobhan Davis
Genre: New Adult Romance
Print Length: 316 pages
Available from: US: https://amzn.to/2k5bZR2
UK: https://amzn.to/2lEIhT8
CA: https://amzn.to/2m26FhW
AU: https://amzn.to/2m2YnX9
Universal: https://smarturl.it/HoldingOntoForever
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Profile Image for Anne OK.
3,689 reviews526 followers
November 5, 2019
Full up and over-flowing with angst -- imagine college campus frat parties on steroids + nightmarish sexual abuse and drug addiction. I don't think I was prepared for what this book put these characters through and how it was accomplished. Too far-fetched in too many areas and didn't fully convince me either in the ongoing storyline or the final wrap (although a happy ending is accomplished).

I didn't care much for any of the characters -- except for Sam, the nerdy computer genius.
Profile Image for Siobhan.
4,666 reviews584 followers
September 18, 2019
I’m always happy to dive into a new Siobhan Davis release, but I fear I’m going to be in the minority with this one. I was ready for an emotional book, one that broke me, but I found myself unable to connect with this one. Whilst the story had me reading to the end, I was never invested in the way I had hoped to be.

Siobhan Davis and S.B. Alexander make a great writing team, the story flowed so well together. Although I was able to work out who wrote what, this was nothing to do with their styles not matching. They matched really well, I simply know Siobhan Davis a bit too well after so many books. I can certainly see them writing more together, with the stories flowing as well as this one did.

As well as they worked together, Holding on to Forever failed to bring out the emotions I had expected. I was waiting for the feels to hit me, for me to become invested and in love with the characters, but that moment never came. I kept turning the pages to see how everything came together, yet it wasn’t enough for me to love this one.

I think, in part, it was due to my inability to believe the addiction storyline in this one. It’s something I’m a bit critical about, having known many people with addictions, and with Holding on to Forever it felt like it was put into the storyline and used when was necessary. The rest of the time, it seemed to slip away. Which, trust me, is not how addiction works. It’s always there, an insidious beast, in the back of the mind. Due to this, I had trouble accepting that part of the storyline.

Don’t get me wrong, the story came together well. It was interesting enough to have me turning the pages, but I didn’t believe it in the way I’d hoped. Add in the fact that I never really felt the chemistry between the two characters, and I find myself in the minority about this one.

I’m sure many will love this, but, unfortunately, I’m going to be sitting here in the minority corner.
Profile Image for Bookgasms Book Blog.
2,834 reviews1,425 followers
September 11, 2019
The minute I heard that Siobhan Davis and S.B. Alexander had an angsty NA romance coming I knew I had to read it. Emily and Adam's story was a huge angsty trip! It was sexy and engaging but also dealt with some pretty serious topics including drug addiction and sexual abuse. I was hooked from the start and did not look up once!

Without giving away and spoilers, just know this story is so addicting and will make your head spin. Adam, a college quarterback and NFL prospect is in a difficult position as he is forced to sell drugs to support his family. But when he crosses paths with Emily, his coach's daughter (and customer!!), the connection between them explodes. 

Ahh!! This story is one huge adrenaline rush. So many things happened at once and I honestly had to catch my breath. Adam was delicious and I loved his connection to Emily. It was wrong but so genuine and exciting. I also loved the jaw dropping moments and the fact that the strong emotional ties they had between them could be felt off the pages! 4 stars! ~Ratula 
Profile Image for Donna (BookDragonGirl).
1,100 reviews7 followers
September 4, 2019
Prepare to cry, swoon and fall in love with Adam & Emily. This is such a heartfelt and romantic story, that you’re not going to want to miss.

Written by two of my favorite authors, they wrote as one. It was seamless. It was such an honest, raw depiction of addiction. I cried so much through this book for Emily and what she was going through. Adam loved so hard. It was one of the things that drove him to sell drugs. A stupid and dangerous idea, but it is how he first met Emily. He was drawn to her from that very first moment. Then he found out that she is the Coach’s daughter. He doesn’t want to get kicked off the team, but he can’t help his feelings towards this girl. Emily feels the same way. And what unfolds is a really beautiful romance. Add in lots of ups and downs, twists and turns, some shocking revelations, and you have the perfect book!!

Hands down one of my favorite reads this year!!!
Profile Image for Jessica Robbins.
2,592 reviews45 followers
September 22, 2019
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.

Whoa buddy what a romance! Adam is the star QB with a home life of debt thanks to a sickly sister and a runaway dad. With no other option to help he finds himself agreeing to something sketchy. Emily has plenty of her own issues when the two of them meet through circumstance. Neither wants a relationship but I do believe fate has other plans. Can they save each other in time? An emotionally edgy romance that will give you all the feels while handling some tough issues. A fantastic story you won't be able to put down in true Siobhan fashion. An explosive writing duo!! I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
Profile Image for Paula White.
585 reviews31 followers
September 10, 2019
Loved loved Adam, Emily took a bit more warming up to. Adam would do anything for his mum and sister and because of this he has to do something that he knows is wrong. Through this he encounters Emily and feels a connection. Emily is a drug addict due to something that happened in her past. Adam supports her through a raft of things - blackmail, abuse, the mother from HELL. They have a rocky road with twists and turns. We do get a HEA and two rather satisfying epilogues.
Profile Image for The Book Lover.
2,074 reviews32 followers
September 15, 2019
This book is not what you expect it to be! its sooooo good and soo different! Miss Davis has become a go to author to go when I want something different.
September 15, 2019
Confessions 4 Stars

Holding On To Forever by Siobhan Davis and S.B Alexander have blown me away with this tragic and emotional, new adult, college romance! This book was sp seamlessly written and just flowed so well that there’s no way I would have known it was a collaboration between TWO authors if I hadn’t already known. Siobhan is one of my TOP 3 all-time favorite authors and although S.B Alexander is a new to me, author, I most definitely wouldn’t be upset if these two decided to do another collaboration!😉



Adam Miller is the talented quarterback of Cypress University in South Carolina. But Adam’s home life has been a struggle. When his mother loses her job and his little sister who has cystic fibrosis gets sick, he makes a decision that could cost him everything…

Emily Parker, daughter of the University President AND the head football coach. From the outside looking in, it looks like Emily has everything that she could ever ask for. But on the inside… Emily and her family are falling apart. With a mother that’s so cruel, she wishes her own daughter was never born, and an absentee father who just doesn’t notice the change and the emotional turmoil happening within his daughter, Emily is struggling. The horrific events of one night set her out on a path towards absolute destruction and after that, it’s one bad choice after another.

Their bad decisions lead them into each other's paths.

Both of them are making mistakes.

Both of them stands to lose everything.

Can they save one another before it’s too late?
You’ll have to check out Holding On To Forever to find out!



What an emotional college romance! This one was a bit different than the books I’ve been reading lately and I really enjoyed it. This book really hit home for me. Honestly, more then I wish it did. This is NOT something I broadcast, and I’m pretty sure this is the FIRST (and probably last) time I have ever mentioned this in or on my blog and reviews and I am really hoping I don’t receive negative backlash for this but… I am a recovering drug addict. I have been clean and sober for 5 years. Some days are harder than others but I couldn’t ask for a better life than what mine is now. I credit a lot of my recovery to my husband. He has been my biggest cheerleader and the greatest support system I could have ever asked for. So, yea… Holding On To Forever hit me RIGHT in the feels!



Adam Miller is far from the normal cocky star quarterback football player. He’s just a GOOD, wholesome guy and EXACTLY the kind of man Emily needed in her life. Adam makes some bad decisions but his motivations behind those decisions were good, Adam will do anything in the world to protect and provide for his family… no matter the consequences. It was so refreshing to see a character like Adam! I have gotten sooo used to bully romances and enemies to lovers, that I’m used to seeing the male protagonist being a total asshole, especially in a sports romance that Adam came outta left field! He is most definitely one of a kind. You could NOT ask for a better book boyfriend then Adam!

Emily Parker, I could FEEL what Emily was going through and could relate to her so, so much. Her life was spinning out of control and she had all these chaotic debilitating thoughts and emotions inside of her… so she found a way to quiet her thoughts. She’s a sassy, tough chick but everyone needs help now and again and without a support system, she was drowning. Despite her mistakes, you can’t help but root for Emily to get the help she needs and to pull through. Gahhh, yea this one hit home.



These two. Gahh… they found each other at exactly the right time. These are two people that NEEDED to find each other. Emily seems tough but she has an air of vulnerability to her that Adam’s instincts immediately reacts to causing him to want to wrap her up and help her. Adam is literally Emily’s knight in shoulder pads and a helmet!

There was an amazing cast of secondary characters! Sam and Phoebe made my heart pitter-patter! You honestly can’t ask for a better friend then Sam is to Adam. And little Phoebe, I won’t give away spoilers but I’ll just say I thought something really, really bad was going to happen and when I got to the end of the book I was so, soo relieved that it hadn’t. Emily’s friends… Scarlett and Zach. Ugh. I really wanted to like Scarlett, I really did. And at first I did, but BOTH of them went from friends to enablers when they were pretty much pressuring Emily NOT to quit doing the things she was doing. I would like to see Scarlett or even Zach have a story of their own and be getting their life together… I haven’t heard of any follow-up books and I know this is a standalone so not sure if it’ll happen or not.



This one was a more of a “sweet” romance then I’m used to seeing from Siobhan, and I must admit that it wasn’t my favorite BUT I did enjoy it! If you like more of a sweeter but sexy romance with some angst, and conflict then I highly recommend checking out Holding On To Forever!

Confessions Of A Bibliophile Overall Ratings:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- I liked this one! It wasn’t my favorite, but I enjoyed it! Readers who enjoy YA/NA, college romance, sports romance, sweet romances with a little angst and conflict would really enjoy this one!

🔥🔥🔥- Not a whole ton of steamy scenes, but the scenes that are there are pretty spicy!

🌪 Cliffhanger Warning – No cliffhanger, the ending was all wrapped up in a sweet little epilogue! 💜💜💜

Goodreads Reviewed ARC Blog|Facebook|Instagram|Goodreads|BookBub|Amazon
Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,346 reviews199 followers
September 18, 2019




Adam would do anything for his mom and his sister, Phoebe. Even if he has to deal drugs to make enough money to pay for Phoebe's necessary medical vest, he'll do it. He just didn't know, couldn't have known, that he'd end up selling to the woman he'd fall in love with. The very off-limits woman who happens to be his coach's daughter. Yikes...



I absolutely hate to admit this, because I normally LOVE Siobhan Davis' writing, but I just could not really connect with Holding on to Forever. I think the reason why is because of Emily. I didn't like her character, didn't think she was good enough for Adam, and didn't really believe he'd fall for someone like her. It can be a tricky thing writing about addicts and addiction, because usually the addict is not very nice while in the throes of their addiction. The trick is making him or her redeem themselves once they've sobered up (if they sober up). Unfortunately neither author made Emily into a likable character, not even at the end when things were going better with her. Yes, she had a hard life, had something horrible happen to her, but it did absolutely nothing for character, instead made her already obnoxious personality even more obnoxious. Sigh... So I give this 3 stars because the actual story is good, but Emily is completely unlikable. I did like Adam, and his roommate/friend, Sam, though, and they helped save this from an even lower rating. I will still read all of Siobhan Davis' stories in the future, even though I didn't like this particular one, because she's proven to me that she's normally a sure bet.



ARC via Social Butterfly PR for an honest review.

Full review ---> Live Through Books Blog.

Blog | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
42 reviews
September 16, 2019
I really adore S. B. Alexander's books and I really like most of Sioban Davis's books but I just couldn't get into this one. I found myself quitting this one so many times but then picking it back up only because it was an ARC book. I even went as far as to quit in the first half and write a DNF review but decided to delete that review and give it one last chance but it didn't really help. I did end up finishing the book and did give it one more star than the first time but I didn't really like it much better.

I couldn't stand Emily at all. I found her to be a childish, selfish, stupid liar. I don't really know what Adam seen in her. I didn't buy their relationship. There was just nothing there to prove that they really were in love. It just seemed like he saw her at the hospital one day and the next he's confessing his love. I don't know a man alive who would want to be with a woman after her pretty much telling him, he's useless if he doesn't give her drugs. Especially since they hadn't dated but maybe a month and it didn't sound like they saw each other much in that month.

Adam felt like he had to sell drugs to pay for his sister's medical expenses. Why not try to get financial help through the government or through the hospital first. They do have programs to help with medical burdens. I don't get it. Surely his mom wasn't so proud that she wouldn't try that first. I didn't buy that either.

It was said that Emily had to go into rehab the first time she used Molly, to help her get clean yet, she went a whole month without taking any. Then once she fell off the wagon, she couldn't go a minute without it. No, that's not how drug addiction works. I don't know a person alive who could go a month without a drug that is an addict like Emily was supposed to be. It seemed like she was only an addict when she didn't want to deal with things.

Emily let Wes get away with too many things. I didn't get why she didn't tell anyone. I mean she was okay with having orgies with her friends but not tell them that some sicko was blackmailing her. Really? I found the whole thing with Wes to be unnecessary anyway. It was like it was added to add to the word count. It really did nothing for the story other than make Emily look even stupider than she already looked.

I really thought there was too much going on in this book and that was the only thing that kept it going because the relationship between Adam and Emily didn't really do anything for me. I found my self rolling my eyes for a lot of it.

I did like the idea of what happened to Adam in the end. Although, I found that Emily got off a little too easy.

Over all, I'm sad that I didn't like this book. I had high hopes for it with the quality of the authors' other books.
Profile Image for Nadine.
1,230 reviews224 followers
September 16, 2019
3.5 Stars

Holding on to Forever is a new adult romance with heavy themes and topics, which is par for the course with any Davis book. So, trigger warnings for substance abuse, rape, and sexual assault.

Holding on to Forever follows Adam and Emily who are both in impossible situations. Adam returns to dealing drugs when his sister's medical bills become unmanageable. Adam ends up dealing to Emily, who is quickly spiraling out of control. Throw in a whirlwind romance and things turn ugly.

The chemistry between the main characters sizzles, as their attraction is almost instantaneous. The angst is real for many of the scenes and I am here for it. Unfortunately, many of the hot scenes are extinguished because of the clunky and sometimes over the top dialogue.

What exacerbates the problem dialogue is Adam's perspective. His perspective does not always ring true as male. You can take my criticism with a grain of salt because I am clearly not a male, but like many male writers writing female perspectives, something feels off.

I do not mind serious and heavy topics in my romance novels. These topics usually enhance the stakes in an otherwise by the numbers novels romance. However, Holding on to Forever piles on the issues making it hard to truly enjoy the novel because the amount of suffering.

While the trigger warning issues are not used as plot devices, they are used in a slightly convenient way to push certain characters and plot points along.

Overall, Holding on to Forever was not the perfect fit romance I wanted it to be. If you are a fan of issues heavy romance novels, Holding on to Forever is sure to please.


***I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Profile Image for Stefan Eveline.
218 reviews76 followers
September 15, 2019
I received this Arc for an honest review. Thank you.
This book is about Emily and Adam two teenagers who have problems and both of them choose the wrong way to deal with their problems. But both of them feel that it's the only way and they don't feel that they have a choice.
I loved Adam because he will sacrifice everything for his family. Adam is a football player who has the chance to be draft by the NFL but he will risk his career for his family. He adores his family.
Adam meets Emily and he is drawn to her. Adam wants to get to know her because he is intrigued by her and he wants to be her friend and more. Adam realizes that Emily is a drug addict and he wants her to be healthy. Adam was kind and patient with Emily and he supported her to be free of drugs.
Emily is a lost teenager who becomes addicted to drugs because of her past. She decided to bury her past with drugs and to forget about her problems. She meets Adam, her new dealer and she felt attracted to him but he is for her off-limits because he is a football player and her dealer. She can’t stay away from him and she began to form a friendship with him. He giver her attention and love and she feels that she is loved for who she is. Adam becomes her reason to be sober but Emily realizes that she has to be sober for herself.
Their relationship is beautiful because both of them fight to be together and they love each other. I enjoyed the book and I can’t wait to read more by these authors.
Profile Image for Amber Hodges.
306 reviews23 followers
August 28, 2019
This is a book that grabs you from the get go and makes you not able to stop reading until you finish the last page. I couldn't help but want to keep going to find out what happens to Emily and where things are going to go.

Emily is one of those characters that even though she does some things that are annoying you can't help but have her in your heart and want to help her along the way. She is a super smart give that makes bad decisions until you find out why she does them then you will have your jaw on the floor.

Adam sucks you in from the start and you can't help but stay on his team through it all. He is the quarterback that isn't your typical jock that makes you love him right away and holds your heart as you keep turning each back.

There are secondary characters that also make you love them too, Sam is one of them. I could easily follow a story on him *hint hint* The authors do a great job of making you feel for all the characters whether it is bad or good, they have you hooked. The emotion that they could pack into each and every one is incredible and proves their skills.

I love this book, and I know it will suck anyone else into it as well. Even with the touchy subjects it will still hold your grasp until the very end and even after that. I still find myself rehashing the book in my mind and wanting to follow them all some more.
Profile Image for Sandy Knox.
1,189 reviews17 followers
September 11, 2019
ANOTHER HOMERUN!
I voluntarily received this advanced copy for my honest review.
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK! This book deals with some dark issues that could be a trigger for some people. It's a very emotional read. At times I cried. Most of the characters are so easy to fall in love with but some are absolutely evil hateful people. Adam is the gorgeous, sweet, kind, caring sexy as sin drug dealing Hero, the Knight in shining armour, he's the big protective brother to Phoebe this sweet beautiful young girl fighting a horrible disease, he's the son of an incredibly strong beautiful mother Megan, he has some amazing loyal trusted friends Sam his roommate and Carter and he's the star Quarterback at Cypress University. Emily is our Heroine she's beautiful and strong and has suffered way too much for someone so young. Her monster of a mother is the President of the College and her father is the head football coach. This book hits everything for me the excitement, the mystery, the darkness, not to mention the amazing sex. It's both heartbreaking and heart warming all at the same time. I loved every minute of it. When things start to be revealed some of it shocked me. The ending is perfect. I extremely recommend this book to everyone.
Profile Image for Jess Boschock.
438 reviews6 followers
September 10, 2019
This did not disappoint one bit. Siobahn Davis and S.B. Alexander and two amazing authors. And together this story is one of a kind
It touches lots of dark subjects and I applaud these ladies for bringing it out of the dark. This story is about addiction, depression, abuse, sexual abuse. And all the trauma that comes along with that.
Emily and Adam are ment to be. I loved how they did POV from both. Adam is hot shot QB that Emily's dad coaches. Em is a lost soul struggling in her addiction. Then they meet and sparks fly. I loved how in debt the authors went with their background stories. You could connect with them on so many levels. I also liked how it wasn't rushed between Em and Adam. There is so much I want to say without spoiling it but I find that hard to do. I can't recommend this book enough, definitely and 1-click no brainer.
Thank you ladies for a phenomenal story and hope to see more of you two collaborating together!
I recieved this ARC in exchange for a honest review.
This is a no brainer if your familiar with both authors and love their work your going to love this story.
September 10, 2019
4.5

I love when authors take on the tough subjects and bring issues to light! There were many in this book from drug addiction, sexual assault, and dealing drugs just to get by! The story shows you that there are shades of grey and life isn’t just black and white, right or wrong! We make choices based on what we feel is necessity and Adam and Emily did just that!

Though Emily was dealing with her addictions she was also dealing with a much bigger monster! She had secrets and was scared to reveal them because speaking it out loud made it all the more real! It isn’t until she meets Adam that she begins to see just how wrong she is but with her demons lingering in the dark she doesnt know if love can be stronger this time!

Adam has his eye on he prize; the NFL but when family issues arose Adam has to make sacrifices to be there for the ones he loves. As he is trying to find a way out he might just end all their lives if he doesn’t start making smarter decisions!
Profile Image for Penny Leidecker.
2,493 reviews25 followers
September 11, 2019
This is a beautifully written story that deals with some tough subjects. Holding on to Forever centers around Adam and Emily. Emily and Adam attend Cypress University and Adam is very attracted to her from the first time he sees her. Emily is off-limits, since she is Coach Parker’s daughter. Adam is the quarterback. Emily has an addiction to “Molly” and when Adam’s family has some financial troubles, Adam starts dealing. I won’t leave any spoilers as to what lead Emily to using, but no one should have to endure what she did, especially not with Carole for a mother. This book has some wonderful characters and some horrible characters, but I’m so glad I read this amazing story.
Profile Image for Abby J Capps.
412 reviews34 followers
September 9, 2019
I was lucky enough to get an ARC for this and I’m so glad I did!!
In the face of struggles with family, money, addiction and trauma, love is born. Adam and Emily cross paths and start up something that should be off limits. The struggles they go through are realistic and so well written. Their love is believable. This story was so good, you won’t want to stop reading! I even stayed up until 4 am to finish it! Plus who doesn’t love a hot, quarterback with pretty green eyes! Read this book! It’s worth it!
155 reviews1 follower
September 11, 2019
I absolutely loved this book, I couldn’t put it down. Emily has had a tough go at life and really isn’t in a good place but once she meets Adam who has problems of his own you really get to see the type of person that emily could be. I adored Adam. The way he loves is amazing. His mother and sister are his world and you can tell he’s do anything for them. Siobhan and really becoming a new favorite author of mine. She writes the type of stories that you just have to know what’s going to happen next. S.B. Alexander is a new to me author but I will definitely be reading more of her books!
Profile Image for Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase .
3,990 reviews158 followers
September 10, 2019
This book had me on the edge of my seat. The gut wrenching storyline of past abuse and addiction was so honestly portrayed the reader feels like they are walking in the character's footsteps. Add in the lovable but so misunderstood Emily and the Superman Adam and you will not be able to put this book down. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars - this is a must read!!
Profile Image for Rhonda Ziglar.
3,887 reviews39 followers
September 16, 2019
5 OMG MOMENT STARS!! This book was crazy busy that sucked me in from the first page. Adam and Emily both have had lots of drama, but these two will touch your heart. Their story will hit all your emotion button with some tough subjects and keep you turning pages. These two authors compliment each other writing and turned out a fantastic story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 326 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.