Hold Me

Hold Me is book 3 in the Rom-Com series Cherry Blossom Lake by Tawna Fenske. Up next is Zoe and Cal’s story. Zoe has had her life turned upside down with health issues but is now in remission and is determined to live life to the fullest and first on her list is losing her V-card and set her sights on the town hottie, playboy and ladies man, Cal. What happens next is such fun, laugh out loud, sizzling attraction, shared secrets, heartwarming and so much more…this is an amazing read and series! I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Zoe has had medical issues her entire life that have prevented her from having a normal life. She's been isolated from everyday activities. Now that she is in remission, she wants to experience everything. Including her first up close and personal relationship. So she sets her sights on Cal. Cal has been a serial dater, one night stand kind of guy since his mother passed away. He's afraid to become attached to another woman and lose her like he did his mother. Not to mention the issues his father causes him. Watching Zoe flirt and her boldness is entertaining. She has no filter. But she also has a good heart. Cal is shocked by her boldness, but learns to accept it and expect it from Zoe. They can read each other. They know when to press and when to back off. The old saying "If you love something, set it free. If it comes back to you it was meant to be." fits Cal and Zoe.

I loved, loved Zoe and Carl’s opposites attract, virgin, learning new things tutor, just a fling romance with a side of all the really big feels. This story had the perfect balance of snort worthy laughs, heartwarming love, real life issues, and heat up the room spice. And the double entendres will have you sniggering through whole sections of the book. Zoe is a sweet, quirky and naive 24 year old. Her chronic and life threatening medical condition has forced her to live an insular life and now that she’s finally in remission without any restrictions, she’s ready to do all the things on her recently penned ”normal” life list. Carl is sweet, handsome and a good guy who is the first mate on Zoe’s sister’s fiancée’s boat. With Carl’s reputation as a lady’s man, Zoe thinks he’s the perfect person to learn all the things from. Of course, feelings quickly complicate their initial agreement for him to help her cross things off her list. There is baggage unpacking and messy mistakes and beautiful character growth. I have a soft spot for the people who are a bit uncomfortable in their skin because they don’t feel like they fit in or are worthy, like Cal. So I love when they finally see their truth and their worth, and they get swoon worthy HEAs. I loved the twist that it was the MMC who thought he was only good for a night but not for forever, rather than the FMC. As always with this author, this deceptively deep romcom will give you all the swoony swoons while also pulling at your heartstrings with all the emotions. I am loving this series filled with relatable characters that are really just trying to do their best as messy humans who are learning to show up as the best versions of themselves. I can’t wait to read Kaleb’s book next.

Another wonderful visit to Cherry Blossom Lake, this time we get Zoe’s happily ever after. After a lifetime dealing with illness and being in and out of hospitals Zoe finally gets the all clear to live her life without restrictions. Her first order of business is to make a life to-do list, anything and everything that was off limits before is on that list. And when Cal knocks on her door Zoe knows exactly what item is at the top of that list. Cal has a reputation with the ladies so Zoe thinks he will be perfect to be her sex tutor and Cal knows he is up for the job after all he believes that is the only thing he is good for with women. Little do Zoe and Cal know but they are exactly what the other needs. Zoe growing up like she did just says what she wants but in a good way, she isn’t afraid to ask questions even if it might be embarrassing or uncomfortable. Cal always questioned if he wasn’t smart enough and if he was only good for what he could do for women in the bedroom and not much else. Zoe fell for Cal because of the conversations they had and not just because he was hot. I loved watching these two overcome their childhood/teen issues and realized that they are both worthy of love and each other. I am really enjoying this series and can not wait for Kaleb’s story next. Then Hazel’s or Mason’s…. So many to look forward too.