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Held Against You
Accused of a horrible crime and on the run, Kat has been rejected by everyone she loves. She’s a fugitive from her past, flitting from town to town with nothing but the clothes on her back. Until she meets a man who literally stops her in her tracks.
This notorious bounty hunter, with his stunning good looks and powerful instincts, never fails to capture his prey. But there’s something about his newest mark that gets under his skin–and it’s not just the naked innocence he sees in her eyes. Behind his ice cold demeanor, he has his own secrets... and now his lively, vulnerable captive is about to crack him wide open.
As they drive across the country together, neither of them can deny the spark of attraction between them. Will their journey force these two passionate opposites together…or will their dangerous secrets be too much to bear?
This notorious bounty hunter, with his stunning good looks and powerful instincts, never fails to capture his prey. But there’s something about his newest mark that gets under his skin–and it’s not just the naked innocence he sees in her eyes. Behind his ice cold demeanor, he has his own secrets... and now his lively, vulnerable captive is about to crack him wide open.
As they drive across the country together, neither of them can deny the spark of attraction between them. Will their journey force these two passionate opposites together…or will their dangerous secrets be too much to bear?
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 13, 2015
About the author
Season Vining
13 books518 followersSEASON VINING is a romance author, penning adventurous and sexy stories with a dash of humor. She grew up in southern Louisiana where food, culture, and family mean everything. She has lived in Cincinnati, San Diego, and NYC—all of them providing colorful experiences and tons of writing material. She is a graphic designer by day, a complete font snob, and enjoys all forms of art. Her obsessions include live music, tattooed bad boys, vintage cars, and people who know the difference between their, there, and they’re. Season currently lives in Texas with her husband, daughter, and the hungriest corgi that ever lived.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
February 28, 2015
2.5 wasn't for me stars
Held Against You was not a story I connected with at all, I tried but failed. I couldn't quite grasp my head around what was going on and when it was all said and done I had to stop and think if I believed it. I for one like to think I can open my self to the world the author has written, but I didn't see how it could have all been tied up nicely in a big red bow. This was a me issue and not the book issues, sadly it just wasn't for me. When I initially read the premise, I was excited, looked like it would be a fun exciting read, and maybe it was my expectations... who knows. I'd still recommend it to others since this is a personal problem rather than the book.
ARC kindly provided by St. Martin's Press, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
***Quotes above are taken from the ARC version of the book and may differ upon publication.
In the oddest of circumstances, in the darkest of hours, I saved her life and in return, she saved me right back.
Held Against You was not a story I connected with at all, I tried but failed. I couldn't quite grasp my head around what was going on and when it was all said and done I had to stop and think if I believed it. I for one like to think I can open my self to the world the author has written, but I didn't see how it could have all been tied up nicely in a big red bow. This was a me issue and not the book issues, sadly it just wasn't for me. When I initially read the premise, I was excited, looked like it would be a fun exciting read, and maybe it was my expectations... who knows. I'd still recommend it to others since this is a personal problem rather than the book.
ARC kindly provided by St. Martin's Press, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
***Quotes above are taken from the ARC version of the book and may differ upon publication.
December 16, 2014
3.75 HOLD ME TIGHT STARS
This is an oddly fun, yet somewhat taboo romance set in a "cat-mouse" game of danger. Held Against You is a dual POV tale where captor and the captive discover that their time on the run will rock them to the core.
Kat Percle is THE running girl...
She is a ball of laughs, smart, sassy, and an unexpected criminal. Her expected dreams...not attained. The harsh reality of wealth and power hit her home life hard and she grew up in a violence fighting to the deadliest circumstances.
"Steel", aka Duckie, Johnny, Theo, Lucas, and finally Samuel is THE chaser.
From target to target he finds the baddest of runners and collects on his bounty with no emotion, no conscience, no regrets...until KAT.
Is it her deflective humor? Her constant 80's movie references? Her young and innocent looking beauty? Perhaps to much time has been invested in this chase! Whatever the case, Steel's world is chaos since catching Kat. 14 hours of boring travel has turned into a journey of want and need.
This is filled with the unexpected. It is an adrenalin pumping ride with flirty/quirky banter. I smiled, laughed out loud, and then found myself panting for some more.
This is a tale more about finding redemption and happiness in the dark. Steel's life could begin with Kat's freedom. Kat could see the love she has wanted in a stone cold man's eyes.
HEA will not come easily. Together they will discover a web of lies...try to learn to trust one another...and then try to see a future...a sense of real peace. They just have to simply survive the run!
ARC provided per published via NetGalley in exchange for honest review.
This is an oddly fun, yet somewhat taboo romance set in a "cat-mouse" game of danger. Held Against You is a dual POV tale where captor and the captive discover that their time on the run will rock them to the core.
Kat Percle is THE running girl...
She is a ball of laughs, smart, sassy, and an unexpected criminal. Her expected dreams...not attained. The harsh reality of wealth and power hit her home life hard and she grew up in a violence fighting to the deadliest circumstances.
"Steel", aka Duckie, Johnny, Theo, Lucas, and finally Samuel is THE chaser.
From target to target he finds the baddest of runners and collects on his bounty with no emotion, no conscience, no regrets...until KAT.
Is it her deflective humor? Her constant 80's movie references? Her young and innocent looking beauty? Perhaps to much time has been invested in this chase! Whatever the case, Steel's world is chaos since catching Kat. 14 hours of boring travel has turned into a journey of want and need.
This is filled with the unexpected. It is an adrenalin pumping ride with flirty/quirky banter. I smiled, laughed out loud, and then found myself panting for some more.
This is a tale more about finding redemption and happiness in the dark. Steel's life could begin with Kat's freedom. Kat could see the love she has wanted in a stone cold man's eyes.
HEA will not come easily. Together they will discover a web of lies...try to learn to trust one another...and then try to see a future...a sense of real peace. They just have to simply survive the run!
ARC provided per published via NetGalley in exchange for honest review.
January 16, 2015
3.5 - 4 STARS
Genre: Romance with a Road Trip theme
Cover: 8/10
Writing: 8/10
Heroine: 8/10
Hero: 7/10
Humour: 4/10
Hotness: 3/10
Romance: 6/10
Extra book Details: Heroine & Hero POV; 1st person. Approx 260 Kindle pages. Stand alone.
Katherine's life has been turned upside down, she's on the run, stealing, lying & scraping to get by. That is, until her bounty hunter eventually catches her and takes her on the road trip of a lifetime.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I'm a little conflicted to what my rating should be. The storyline could have been stronger towards the end. All the real action was saved for the very end & at that point, I didn't really care for it. The sex & romance could have done with being more.
Buuuuuuut......
Our heroine was really funny, adorably so, passionate & a flirt. The hero was an average moody tough guy with a sensitive side, but it worked. I lurrrrved the road trip. I'm a big fan of those. It had the classic parts that I usually go for, the 'having to share a bed', meeting different characters, the wonder. And there were some really awesome scenes, for those of you who read it, I really liked it when
Recommend for a casual read, don't expect too much, but enough.
January 13, 2015
4 On The Run Stars
Held Against You is a funny, crazy, suspenseful story told in dual POV's. Kat is on the run and wanted for murder when she is hunted down by, I'll just call him "Steel," and he takes her into his custody. "Steel" is a no nonsense bounty hunter only in it for the money. When he finally catches Kat her constant 80's movies quotes and singing grabs his attention, and they end up on an adventure together. "Steel's" world is surrounded by mystery, he doesn't even share his name, but when he gets a taste of the crazy Kat he starts to open up.
The story of Kat and "Steel" was a lot better than I was expecting. This isn't a typical romance, guy chases girl and they fall in love. No, this is the story of two people finding peace in one another. I really liked "Steel" and his tough, protective side (yummy!). Kat was funny and kooky and made me laugh so hard at parts. There were a lot of parts to this book, the suspense mixed with the funny, the sexy mixed with the scary and it all worked wonderfully together. Season Vining did a great job taking all of the emotions and putting them together to make a great book.
A few problems I had with the book were that "Steel" seemed to have a spontaneous personality change later on in the book. He started to gradually open up to Kat but then it was like BAM completely different person. The ending was a too abrupt for me. I think a lot of what happened at the end of the book could have been explained in more detail.
Overall Held Against You was fun read that kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved reading about Kat and "Steel" and their journey to finding each others secrets.
This book is a perfect read for anyone that loves a quirky heroine and a tatted up alpha hero. Warning: Not to be read in public unless you want people to stare at you like you are crazy because you're laughing to yourself (I speak from experience).
ARC kindly provided by St. Martin's Press, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Held Against You is a funny, crazy, suspenseful story told in dual POV's. Kat is on the run and wanted for murder when she is hunted down by, I'll just call him "Steel," and he takes her into his custody. "Steel" is a no nonsense bounty hunter only in it for the money. When he finally catches Kat her constant 80's movies quotes and singing grabs his attention, and they end up on an adventure together. "Steel's" world is surrounded by mystery, he doesn't even share his name, but when he gets a taste of the crazy Kat he starts to open up.
The story of Kat and "Steel" was a lot better than I was expecting. This isn't a typical romance, guy chases girl and they fall in love. No, this is the story of two people finding peace in one another. I really liked "Steel" and his tough, protective side (yummy!). Kat was funny and kooky and made me laugh so hard at parts. There were a lot of parts to this book, the suspense mixed with the funny, the sexy mixed with the scary and it all worked wonderfully together. Season Vining did a great job taking all of the emotions and putting them together to make a great book.
A few problems I had with the book were that "Steel" seemed to have a spontaneous personality change later on in the book. He started to gradually open up to Kat but then it was like BAM completely different person. The ending was a too abrupt for me. I think a lot of what happened at the end of the book could have been explained in more detail.
Overall Held Against You was fun read that kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved reading about Kat and "Steel" and their journey to finding each others secrets.
This book is a perfect read for anyone that loves a quirky heroine and a tatted up alpha hero. Warning: Not to be read in public unless you want people to stare at you like you are crazy because you're laughing to yourself (I speak from experience).
ARC kindly provided by St. Martin's Press, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
January 7, 2015
2.5 stars
****Full Review****
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Kat is on the run, accused of murdering her stepfather and out on bail she decides Canada sounds better than a lifetime in jail. On the road Kat finds herself behaving and doing things she never would have thought herself capable of before. Only one man has been able to catch up with her, a bounty hunter she calls Steel because of his hard grey eyes and refusal to tell her his real name. Steel has been in the game a long time and plans on retiring after he collects this last bounty. The only problem is the closer to giving Kat up the more he doesn't want to. It becomes a game of who captured who and who will save who?
This story is written in first person pov with chapters alternating between Kat and Steel, this is not my favorite writing technique and is a personal prejudice that probably added to a lower rating, I feel it disrupts the flow of the story. If this doesn't bother you then please consider that when looking at my rating. The author also has a tendency to write with lyrical prose, very over descriptive and flowery, which I didn't really connect with. The suspense side of the story had a broad arc that was intriguing and good but some of the finer points were missing. The USB key around Kat's neck is mentioned sporadically throughout alerting the reader it is probably important but not until the very end is it explained and utilized in the story. Also, Kat is said to be a computer genius but her or Steel never take a moment to sit down and think about how they keep getting tracked down, seems like something people on the run would focus on. These were just two examples of the problem I had with the storyline, solid connecting puzzle pieces were left out in favor of creative writing side tangent ones.
The relationship between Kat and Steel worked better for me. Steel was alluring with his distant, hard, and cool personality. Kat is in her early twenties (Steel is in his early thirties) and their age difference with Kat's good-natured, pop culture spouting, light attitude ,and personality appeal mightily to his tired world weary soul. It is clear they both sense something in the other that each other needs and wants, Steel and his strength and Kat with her humanity. They play well off of one another, if not quite delving too far below the surface. This is in the vein of a New Adult so while Kat and Steel are extremely attracted to each other the sex scenes are muted.
There is an abrupt ending with everything wrapped up far too cleanly but also satisfactorily. There are a lot of hands in the pot, clingy ex-girlfriend, psycho sister-in-law, mother murder drama, and competing bounty hunter that fill out the puzzle, if not entirely click together. Held Against You is a quick read with a mysterious, sexy, and dangerous lead male that will capture your attention even if the surrounding story falls a bit short.
****Full Review****
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Kat is on the run, accused of murdering her stepfather and out on bail she decides Canada sounds better than a lifetime in jail. On the road Kat finds herself behaving and doing things she never would have thought herself capable of before. Only one man has been able to catch up with her, a bounty hunter she calls Steel because of his hard grey eyes and refusal to tell her his real name. Steel has been in the game a long time and plans on retiring after he collects this last bounty. The only problem is the closer to giving Kat up the more he doesn't want to. It becomes a game of who captured who and who will save who?
This story is written in first person pov with chapters alternating between Kat and Steel, this is not my favorite writing technique and is a personal prejudice that probably added to a lower rating, I feel it disrupts the flow of the story. If this doesn't bother you then please consider that when looking at my rating. The author also has a tendency to write with lyrical prose, very over descriptive and flowery, which I didn't really connect with. The suspense side of the story had a broad arc that was intriguing and good but some of the finer points were missing. The USB key around Kat's neck is mentioned sporadically throughout alerting the reader it is probably important but not until the very end is it explained and utilized in the story. Also, Kat is said to be a computer genius but her or Steel never take a moment to sit down and think about how they keep getting tracked down, seems like something people on the run would focus on. These were just two examples of the problem I had with the storyline, solid connecting puzzle pieces were left out in favor of creative writing side tangent ones.
The relationship between Kat and Steel worked better for me. Steel was alluring with his distant, hard, and cool personality. Kat is in her early twenties (Steel is in his early thirties) and their age difference with Kat's good-natured, pop culture spouting, light attitude ,and personality appeal mightily to his tired world weary soul. It is clear they both sense something in the other that each other needs and wants, Steel and his strength and Kat with her humanity. They play well off of one another, if not quite delving too far below the surface. This is in the vein of a New Adult so while Kat and Steel are extremely attracted to each other the sex scenes are muted.
There is an abrupt ending with everything wrapped up far too cleanly but also satisfactorily. There are a lot of hands in the pot, clingy ex-girlfriend, psycho sister-in-law, mother murder drama, and competing bounty hunter that fill out the puzzle, if not entirely click together. Held Against You is a quick read with a mysterious, sexy, and dangerous lead male that will capture your attention even if the surrounding story falls a bit short.
March 26, 2015
ARC kindly provided by St. Martin's Press, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review .
Held Against You by Season Vining is beautiful story about two people with a damaged past that learns to depend on each other for support and healing. Ms. Vining was able to showcase two flawed characters who brought out a raw, emotional and touching story line that will grip and stay with you. So if you are looking for a fun, sexy, humorous and suspenseful read that is filled with heart and emotions then I highly recommend this book. Season Vining will not disappoint you with her beautifully well-written and crafted book.
Held Against You by Season Vining is beautiful story about two people with a damaged past that learns to depend on each other for support and healing. Ms. Vining was able to showcase two flawed characters who brought out a raw, emotional and touching story line that will grip and stay with you. So if you are looking for a fun, sexy, humorous and suspenseful read that is filled with heart and emotions then I highly recommend this book. Season Vining will not disappoint you with her beautifully well-written and crafted book.
March 23, 2015
Quirky love story with tons of eighties references. My kind of book! Did I forgot to mention the hot tattooed guy? Yeah, he's definitely there!
December 29, 2014
Has the hunter been captured by the prey? Held Against You by Season Vining takes a young woman caught in the crosshairs of a bounty hunter and turns her running from justice into a tale of running toward a future that promises to erase the darkness of the past. Kat is full of life, humor and running scared for a crime she has been accused of committing. Her goal, Canada, get lost, stay lost and heal from the pain of the world she knew having turned its back on her.
The Bounty Hunter is looking to do one last job, the biggest of his life and then heading for the healing waters of his tropical hideaway. There is just something about Kat that screams to his soul, she is not what he expected, not what he planned for, and she is being hunted by more than just him. An unfamiliar emotion is roiling inside of him, he likes her, he believes her story and he has become determined to save her from the others, no matter what. Their journey is long, fraught with peril and their connection is undeniable. As the heat and tension rise on their tentative truce, the outside world has become a thing to be wary of as they are repeatedly found and repeatedly must outwit their pursuer.
Has Kat broken through his well-constructed barriers? Is he revealing too much to this amazing woman? They are falling fast and he hasn’t even been honest enough to give her his real name. Then, again, what is normal about their relationship?
With a touch of humor, witty banter and delightfully intriguing characters, Season Vining has filled her world with fear, loneliness and mistrust, but buffers it with a relationship that is blooming slowly, through need to believe in goodness, love and a future for two people who have seen enough ugliness to last ten lifetimes. I wanted these two to find happiness; I wanted Kat to never have to face the “justice” being demanded. Last, I wanted to know the Bounty Hunter’s name! Once again, Season Vining has created the great escape in more ways than one!
I received an ARC edition from St. Martin's Press in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: January 13, 2015
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
ISBN: 9781250048790
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Print Length: 289 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
The Bounty Hunter is looking to do one last job, the biggest of his life and then heading for the healing waters of his tropical hideaway. There is just something about Kat that screams to his soul, she is not what he expected, not what he planned for, and she is being hunted by more than just him. An unfamiliar emotion is roiling inside of him, he likes her, he believes her story and he has become determined to save her from the others, no matter what. Their journey is long, fraught with peril and their connection is undeniable. As the heat and tension rise on their tentative truce, the outside world has become a thing to be wary of as they are repeatedly found and repeatedly must outwit their pursuer.
Has Kat broken through his well-constructed barriers? Is he revealing too much to this amazing woman? They are falling fast and he hasn’t even been honest enough to give her his real name. Then, again, what is normal about their relationship?
With a touch of humor, witty banter and delightfully intriguing characters, Season Vining has filled her world with fear, loneliness and mistrust, but buffers it with a relationship that is blooming slowly, through need to believe in goodness, love and a future for two people who have seen enough ugliness to last ten lifetimes. I wanted these two to find happiness; I wanted Kat to never have to face the “justice” being demanded. Last, I wanted to know the Bounty Hunter’s name! Once again, Season Vining has created the great escape in more ways than one!
I received an ARC edition from St. Martin's Press in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: January 13, 2015
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
ISBN: 9781250048790
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Print Length: 289 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
January 13, 2015
This ARC was provided to me by St. Martin’s Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I truly feel like Ms. Vining has really done a fantastic job with her newest book, Held Against You. This story is very easy to read and quite addicting to say the least. I was hooked right from the prologue because I quickly formed an instant connection with the female character, Kat. She’s one of those women that everyone wants to have as their best friend, simply because her courage, compassion, humor and random 80’s knowledge make her a amazing person to know!
There were several times throughout the story where I had this feeling that Held Against You could easily be one of the stories that could become a hit movie one day on the big screen! I think the reason that I felt so strongly on this is because all the timelines flowed very smoothly, scene and POV changes were perfectly written and the characters were extremely realistic!
The main male character, whom remains unnamed until over halfway through the book, is a perfect mix of sexy, intriguing and mysterious. Kat nicknames him “Steel.” We all know that Steels main goal is to capture Kat and deal with her accordingly, but nobody knows his true intentions until later in the story. Along this journey he starts to fall in love with Kat without even realizing it himself. I think it’s partly because he has never felt emotionally involved with anyone prior to Kat, let alone a female he’s supposed to be capturing. He questions his own actions throughout the story many times and it’s really fun as the reader to watch him discover his own feelings of love for the first time.
“It’s as if I’m a divided man, half of me wanting to set her free and the other half needing to hold on tighter.”
The two together are a force to be reckoned with. Their chemistry is off-the-charts HOT! They are both insanely crazy about each other, although at the same time are both a little unsure of the others true intentions. This dynamic makes the story VERY entertaining to read.
“Katherine Percle, a force so strong and sweet, hasn’t changed who I am, but who I want to be.”
This book took me on an adventure to places that I was clearly not expecting. Ms. Vining has more than exceeded my expectations with Held Against You. I recommend this story to every Contemporary/New Adult romance reader because I think this story has everything you’d be looking for in a fun, sexy, humorous, suspenseful and easy to read story.
I give Held Against You, 4 HEART CAPTURING STARS!
XOXO
Jamie, The Book Enthusiast
I truly feel like Ms. Vining has really done a fantastic job with her newest book, Held Against You. This story is very easy to read and quite addicting to say the least. I was hooked right from the prologue because I quickly formed an instant connection with the female character, Kat. She’s one of those women that everyone wants to have as their best friend, simply because her courage, compassion, humor and random 80’s knowledge make her a amazing person to know!
There were several times throughout the story where I had this feeling that Held Against You could easily be one of the stories that could become a hit movie one day on the big screen! I think the reason that I felt so strongly on this is because all the timelines flowed very smoothly, scene and POV changes were perfectly written and the characters were extremely realistic!
The main male character, whom remains unnamed until over halfway through the book, is a perfect mix of sexy, intriguing and mysterious. Kat nicknames him “Steel.” We all know that Steels main goal is to capture Kat and deal with her accordingly, but nobody knows his true intentions until later in the story. Along this journey he starts to fall in love with Kat without even realizing it himself. I think it’s partly because he has never felt emotionally involved with anyone prior to Kat, let alone a female he’s supposed to be capturing. He questions his own actions throughout the story many times and it’s really fun as the reader to watch him discover his own feelings of love for the first time.
“It’s as if I’m a divided man, half of me wanting to set her free and the other half needing to hold on tighter.”
The two together are a force to be reckoned with. Their chemistry is off-the-charts HOT! They are both insanely crazy about each other, although at the same time are both a little unsure of the others true intentions. This dynamic makes the story VERY entertaining to read.
“Katherine Percle, a force so strong and sweet, hasn’t changed who I am, but who I want to be.”
This book took me on an adventure to places that I was clearly not expecting. Ms. Vining has more than exceeded my expectations with Held Against You. I recommend this story to every Contemporary/New Adult romance reader because I think this story has everything you’d be looking for in a fun, sexy, humorous, suspenseful and easy to read story.
I give Held Against You, 4 HEART CAPTURING STARS!
XOXO
Jamie, The Book Enthusiast
December 20, 2014
I surrender!
Ok. I'm a grown up, with a job and responsibilities. So for me read a book in one night REALLY says something about the book. (I like my sleep).
This book is outside my normal preferred genre. I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review. It was awesome.
"Kat". Quirky, 80s junkie. A good girl who gets caught up in a bad situation.
"Insignificant". A bad boy bounty hunter who just wants a nice big payout and to get this weird, beautiful creature out of his life.
Thankfully for us readers, nothing is ever that simple.
My favorite part of this story was the switch in POV. I LOVE seeing a love story from the man's perspective. Seeing his confusion, vulnerability, resignation, acceptance, fear, and joy over this twist in his life and his emotions. His care for her well-being, both physical and emotional. His willingness to let her go.
Kat, at the heart of things, is a survivor. She rolls with the punches and still tries to find the humor and the joy in life. She knows her days are numbered and instead of lashing out, or running away scared, she runs TOWARD things she left undone.
I love the way she constantly makes up names for him and he sometimes just seems at a loss with what to do with her.
Also, I know this is a kind of superficial thing, but I HATE when the cover of a book had nothing to do with the actual book. And while this kind of has nothing to do with the writing, just the experience of the book in general (which, let's face it, that's what this is all about, right?), I love the moment in the book when I realized that the scene I was reading was EXACTLY what was on the cover! The rose tattoo on his hand, the bump in his nose, her flaming hair, her on his lap with her ankles crossed behind his back. And he was holding her like he didn't ever want to let her go. Just like on the cover. It made them real to me. *Heart pitter-patters* Sigh.....
All in all, this is an astounding second book for Vining! In my opinion, it surpasses her first, showing the lighter side of love, while skating on the razors edge of danger. Great job!
Ok. I'm a grown up, with a job and responsibilities. So for me read a book in one night REALLY says something about the book. (I like my sleep).
This book is outside my normal preferred genre. I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review. It was awesome.
"Kat". Quirky, 80s junkie. A good girl who gets caught up in a bad situation.
"Insignificant". A bad boy bounty hunter who just wants a nice big payout and to get this weird, beautiful creature out of his life.
Thankfully for us readers, nothing is ever that simple.
My favorite part of this story was the switch in POV. I LOVE seeing a love story from the man's perspective. Seeing his confusion, vulnerability, resignation, acceptance, fear, and joy over this twist in his life and his emotions. His care for her well-being, both physical and emotional. His willingness to let her go.
Kat, at the heart of things, is a survivor. She rolls with the punches and still tries to find the humor and the joy in life. She knows her days are numbered and instead of lashing out, or running away scared, she runs TOWARD things she left undone.
I love the way she constantly makes up names for him and he sometimes just seems at a loss with what to do with her.
Also, I know this is a kind of superficial thing, but I HATE when the cover of a book had nothing to do with the actual book. And while this kind of has nothing to do with the writing, just the experience of the book in general (which, let's face it, that's what this is all about, right?), I love the moment in the book when I realized that the scene I was reading was EXACTLY what was on the cover! The rose tattoo on his hand, the bump in his nose, her flaming hair, her on his lap with her ankles crossed behind his back. And he was holding her like he didn't ever want to let her go. Just like on the cover. It made them real to me. *Heart pitter-patters* Sigh.....
All in all, this is an astounding second book for Vining! In my opinion, it surpasses her first, showing the lighter side of love, while skating on the razors edge of danger. Great job!
January 18, 2015
I was given an ARC copy of this book in exchange of a review.
And when I started reading it, I remembered why I loved Season Vining in the first place.
Her writing is amazing because she transforms the random in astonishing. I remember when I read her first book
I was transported into another world but always with my "feet on earth". Because she has the ability of telling you a story so real and so pure that you forget you're reading.
Her details are very good and even when she doesn't describes much the scene, you can feel all the emotions that it is supposed to bring. In both her books, I wished the book wasn't ending, and when that happens, I remember why I love so much read.
You have the good and the bad together, crossing paths and explaining why all of us are humans just needing our
better half. Kat and Samuel find their better half in an unexpected place... but the better place ever, because
you'll see how much their differences bring them together, making them more alike of than they thought.
I loved so much this story!!
Once again Season... Bravo!
***
"I wait for the girl who's had me on the road for over four weeks, making me laugh when I don't want to, and confess things I never have before. I wait for the girl who tears down my walls like they're made of paper.
She makes me crazy and yet, I want to see her again."
And when I started reading it, I remembered why I loved Season Vining in the first place.
Her writing is amazing because she transforms the random in astonishing. I remember when I read her first book
I was transported into another world but always with my "feet on earth". Because she has the ability of telling you a story so real and so pure that you forget you're reading.
Her details are very good and even when she doesn't describes much the scene, you can feel all the emotions that it is supposed to bring. In both her books, I wished the book wasn't ending, and when that happens, I remember why I love so much read.
You have the good and the bad together, crossing paths and explaining why all of us are humans just needing our
better half. Kat and Samuel find their better half in an unexpected place... but the better place ever, because
you'll see how much their differences bring them together, making them more alike of than they thought.
I loved so much this story!!
Once again Season... Bravo!
***
"I wait for the girl who's had me on the road for over four weeks, making me laugh when I don't want to, and confess things I never have before. I wait for the girl who tears down my walls like they're made of paper.
She makes me crazy and yet, I want to see her again."
September 22, 2017
I picked up this book at the bargain section at Barnes and Noble for $5.00 bucks and it was worth it. This is the first book I read from Season Vining and I really enjoyed it. While I'll consider this a romance it had a lot of suspence that kept me guessing and wanting to know what was going to happen.
I absolutely loved Kat. She's outgoing and smart yet afraid of the unknown. Although she is on the run for murder, I was rooting for her from the beginning. I truly loved the 80's references as I'm an 80's junkie.
I liked Samuel's character, however, I will say that I thought he'd be a little "tougher" and deny his feelings for Kat for longer than he did. I believe that as soon as Kat shared with him the abuse her mother and her endured throughout the years, Samuel felt an instance sence of protecting her because he always felt he failed to protect his own mother from domestic violence.
All and all I really enjoyed this read and it got me out of my reading slump. I'll definitely read other books from this author.
I absolutely loved Kat. She's outgoing and smart yet afraid of the unknown. Although she is on the run for murder, I was rooting for her from the beginning. I truly loved the 80's references as I'm an 80's junkie.
I liked Samuel's character, however, I will say that I thought he'd be a little "tougher" and deny his feelings for Kat for longer than he did. I believe that as soon as Kat shared with him the abuse her mother and her endured throughout the years, Samuel felt an instance sence of protecting her because he always felt he failed to protect his own mother from domestic violence.
All and all I really enjoyed this read and it got me out of my reading slump. I'll definitely read other books from this author.
January 14, 2015
I loved this! Kat is on the run and is finally caught by a bounty hunter. He has to take her back home, which is several days of driving. On the way back they spend time together and he starts to think of her as more than just a job. They also encounter someone else who is set on taking her back. Danger, romance, secrets, and a tattooed bounty hunter. A recommended read for readers of romance and romantic suspense.
January 18, 2015
This review was originally posted on Fifty Shades of Books
Being accused of murder, 23-year-old Katherine Percle is on the run and trying to escape the law, but she doesn't know that a notorious bounty hunter is already following her every step. As the broody but gorgeous man finally catches her somewhere close to the Canadian border, the two of them embark on a journey across the country. After all this time spent with him in the confines of a car, Kat can't help but wonder what it is about this no-nonsense bounty hunter who she certainly feels attracted to, but who won't give her his name - and she is dead-set on breaking his walls.
However, everything changes when her captor notices his competition, and that's when the whole story suddenly turns into a thrilling pursuit race.
What I loved about this book:
The plot was unusually refreshing, and not at all based on some sort of Stockholm Syndrome plot, since the attraction was mutual.
What I felt needed improvement:
There was definitely an emphasis on the romantic development. The actual criminal intrigue was put aside when the MCs were on the run, and was "dealt with" a bit too hurriedly in the end.
The characters - especially Kat's captor - had a way too hasty change of heart in my opinion - felt a bit unrealistic.
I wanted to find out more! An epilogue wouldn't have been too much to ask.
Held Against You is my second book by Season Vining. I received it as an ARC, and remembered that the first book I read was good, so I just agreed to it and started reading it without really having taken a look at the synopsis so you can imagine my surprise at the rather unusual story.
It's the perfect setting for ambiguous romance, where there is mutual attraction and strong underlying tension, but morally conflicted minds! How could she possibly want him when he is the one taking her freedom away from her? And how can he want her when he was commissioned to track her down and do his job?
Through a similar past and through her lively personality, Kat gets to Steel (Kat's given name for her captor) like no one else does, and he soon begins to question himself. Of course he has a tough time dealing with these unknown and unwelcome feelings, but he will eventually have a change of heart, which means he will have to let Kat in on his secrets...
I received this as an ARC and the editing was perfect. Then again Season Vining's writing is perfect too, and absolutely enticing, with a dual-POV that's guaranteed to keep you on your toes. Now as far as the criminal intrigue went, it was at the original at the book, but only really surfaced toward the end of the book, and was being dealt with too hurriedly. Although then again I must say it all made sense (somehow), even though it might have been a slight bit far-fetched.
In terms of pace, I was definitely hooked from the start, especially since the beginning of the book was hilarious. Unfortunately, it lost a bit of its humour once the 45% bar was passed, and I even have to say that it started to stall until the 60% mark. I also regretted the lack of steamy scenes, and wouldn't have minded something more graphical/detailed (that really sounds weird coming from an alleged lady, I know...).
While the story picked up again around the 65% mark, and allowed us to "witness more" than a car ride and a night at the hotel with a rather interesting change of scenery and addition of new people (note: I loved Steel's friends, and would have loved to find out more about them), I still felt less engaged than I had been at the beginning. Especially since the romantic development also kind of came to a stall (for no apparent reason). And what the freckle is it with books that don't have a proper epilogue? In the end I just felt something was missing.
But anyway, I still enjoyed Held Against You and would recommend it because it goes beyond your usual romance plot and bring a nice dose of thrill.
Upcoming author? Need help with a book cover design?
I'm a freelance graphic designer happy to help you out in exchange for a reader's copy. Contact me!
Being accused of murder, 23-year-old Katherine Percle is on the run and trying to escape the law, but she doesn't know that a notorious bounty hunter is already following her every step. As the broody but gorgeous man finally catches her somewhere close to the Canadian border, the two of them embark on a journey across the country. After all this time spent with him in the confines of a car, Kat can't help but wonder what it is about this no-nonsense bounty hunter who she certainly feels attracted to, but who won't give her his name - and she is dead-set on breaking his walls.
However, everything changes when her captor notices his competition, and that's when the whole story suddenly turns into a thrilling pursuit race.
What I loved about this book:
The plot was unusually refreshing, and not at all based on some sort of Stockholm Syndrome plot, since the attraction was mutual.
What I felt needed improvement:
There was definitely an emphasis on the romantic development. The actual criminal intrigue was put aside when the MCs were on the run, and was "dealt with" a bit too hurriedly in the end.
The characters - especially Kat's captor - had a way too hasty change of heart in my opinion - felt a bit unrealistic.
I wanted to find out more! An epilogue wouldn't have been too much to ask.
Held Against You is my second book by Season Vining. I received it as an ARC, and remembered that the first book I read was good, so I just agreed to it and started reading it without really having taken a look at the synopsis so you can imagine my surprise at the rather unusual story.
It's the perfect setting for ambiguous romance, where there is mutual attraction and strong underlying tension, but morally conflicted minds! How could she possibly want him when he is the one taking her freedom away from her? And how can he want her when he was commissioned to track her down and do his job?
Through a similar past and through her lively personality, Kat gets to Steel (Kat's given name for her captor) like no one else does, and he soon begins to question himself. Of course he has a tough time dealing with these unknown and unwelcome feelings, but he will eventually have a change of heart, which means he will have to let Kat in on his secrets...
I received this as an ARC and the editing was perfect. Then again Season Vining's writing is perfect too, and absolutely enticing, with a dual-POV that's guaranteed to keep you on your toes. Now as far as the criminal intrigue went, it was at the original at the book, but only really surfaced toward the end of the book, and was being dealt with too hurriedly. Although then again I must say it all made sense (somehow), even though it might have been a slight bit far-fetched.
In terms of pace, I was definitely hooked from the start, especially since the beginning of the book was hilarious. Unfortunately, it lost a bit of its humour once the 45% bar was passed, and I even have to say that it started to stall until the 60% mark. I also regretted the lack of steamy scenes, and wouldn't have minded something more graphical/detailed (that really sounds weird coming from an alleged lady, I know...).
While the story picked up again around the 65% mark, and allowed us to "witness more" than a car ride and a night at the hotel with a rather interesting change of scenery and addition of new people (note: I loved Steel's friends, and would have loved to find out more about them), I still felt less engaged than I had been at the beginning. Especially since the romantic development also kind of came to a stall (for no apparent reason). And what the freckle is it with books that don't have a proper epilogue? In the end I just felt something was missing.
But anyway, I still enjoyed Held Against You and would recommend it because it goes beyond your usual romance plot and bring a nice dose of thrill.
Upcoming author? Need help with a book cover design?
I'm a freelance graphic designer happy to help you out in exchange for a reader's copy. Contact me!
December 16, 2014
In Held Against Me by Season Vining, the action starts out on the first page and does not let up until the very end! We meet Katherine, who is on the run for a serious crime that could land her in jail for life – or worse – death row. She will stop at nothing and do everything in her power to escape the authorities and try to get to Canada. As the story progresses, the reader learns that she is not the cold-hearted killer the authorities believe she is – in fact, the reason behind the murder is very understandable - far from acceptable, but very understandable. I loved Katherine’s character with her witty remarks and her 80’s music and movie trivia. She is definitely a force to be reckoned with!
And then there is the man who shall be unnamed until halfway through the story. Kat nicknames him ‘Steel’ which is very appropriate. He’s a sexy as sin Bounty Hunter wanting the huge payout for bringing Katherine in. He will stop at nothing to find her – and he will find her – for he is the best at what he does. When he does finally catch up with her, he finds more than he ever bargained for. He is tough as nails and cold as steel, but along the way, we find out that he and Kat aren’t that much different.
Add in a tough biker/bounty hunter who is hot on their trail, a bitter ex-girlfriend, a money embezzlement scheme, some super-hot sex and you have the perfect ingredients for an enthralling story that will keep you on the edge of your seat guessing the entire time!
From the very first chapter I was hooked on this awesome story! It’s intense, action-packed and full of so many twists and turns it kept me up reading until the wee hours of the morning wanting to know how the story ended. Not only was it sexy and fun, it was full of mystery and intrigue. The writing flowed effortlessly and the characters are fun and exciting. I loved every single second of this book and I would highly recommend to anyone who loves an action-packed, engrossing romance with characters you want to end up with the happily-ever-after we all crave and desire!
5 Stars
A special thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Quotes taken from an Uncorrected Digital Galley and subject to change.
- See more at:The Avid Book Collector
And then there is the man who shall be unnamed until halfway through the story. Kat nicknames him ‘Steel’ which is very appropriate. He’s a sexy as sin Bounty Hunter wanting the huge payout for bringing Katherine in. He will stop at nothing to find her – and he will find her – for he is the best at what he does. When he does finally catch up with her, he finds more than he ever bargained for. He is tough as nails and cold as steel, but along the way, we find out that he and Kat aren’t that much different.
“We’re all fucked up. Some of us are just better at pretending.”
Add in a tough biker/bounty hunter who is hot on their trail, a bitter ex-girlfriend, a money embezzlement scheme, some super-hot sex and you have the perfect ingredients for an enthralling story that will keep you on the edge of your seat guessing the entire time!
From the very first chapter I was hooked on this awesome story! It’s intense, action-packed and full of so many twists and turns it kept me up reading until the wee hours of the morning wanting to know how the story ended. Not only was it sexy and fun, it was full of mystery and intrigue. The writing flowed effortlessly and the characters are fun and exciting. I loved every single second of this book and I would highly recommend to anyone who loves an action-packed, engrossing romance with characters you want to end up with the happily-ever-after we all crave and desire!
“Apart, we were lost and tumbling through life. We were only surviving, getting by. Together we’re a mess – a beautiful, promising mess.”
5 Stars
A special thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Quotes taken from an Uncorrected Digital Galley and subject to change.
- See more at:The Avid Book Collector
January 5, 2015
Kat is a troubled young woman working desperately to get away from a crime she is accused of. The cops are looking for, her own mother seems to have turned against her, so there’s nothing for her to stick around for. One day, when she has her guard down, a bounty hunter catches up to her. She’s sort of resigned to it remarking that even she is surprised that she had gotten so far before finally being caught.
Her bounty hunter is a mysterious, tight-lipped loner who sees this as just another job. He keeps a distinct boundary between himself and his captive. Kat, however, becomes the exception. She’s unafraid to speak her mind and isn’t intimidated by this man. Against his will, she draws him out of his own isolated thoughts and has him engaging with her. Despite their current circumstances, these two actually have something in common – they’ve watched people they love stay in abusive relationships. In Kat’s case, it’s the reason she’s in her current jam. The boundary between the two gets slightly blurred except that he absolutely refuses to give her his name. It’s the one thing that allows him separate the job from the rest of his personal life. In response, Kat takes to giving him a new name whenever she can. It’s one among many games she has going to keep herself amused but the nickname that sticks for most of the book is Steel.
I really liked this story. While there's an intense attraction between them, what made the story for me was how they connected on an emotional level. They’re both damaged individuals who have reacted to life differently. Kat’s still a dreamer thanks to the loving relationship she had with her father. Steel is too entrenched in his past and with the things that he has done as a bounty hunter, he feels he’s unworthy and not redeemable. Kat makes no judgment. Perhaps because of her own dire predicament she understands that there’s always more to the story. As they become closer, they feel more responsible for each other’s impending outcome. Kat, who feels her freedom slipping away fast, wants to live in the present as much as possible. Steel faces a moral crisis in light of his growing feelings for her and has to decide if he’s in or out of the bounty hunting game forever.
This is my first Season Vining book and I enjoyed it a ton. I liked how she developed the characters and laid out their personal, complicated stories. She also adds excitement in the form of a mysterious third party chasing after Kat. There's no absolute clean ending in this but heightened emotions, broken hearts, futures on the line and running out of places to hide are all a perfect recipe for adventure. The romance is the cherry on top!
~ Bel
Her bounty hunter is a mysterious, tight-lipped loner who sees this as just another job. He keeps a distinct boundary between himself and his captive. Kat, however, becomes the exception. She’s unafraid to speak her mind and isn’t intimidated by this man. Against his will, she draws him out of his own isolated thoughts and has him engaging with her. Despite their current circumstances, these two actually have something in common – they’ve watched people they love stay in abusive relationships. In Kat’s case, it’s the reason she’s in her current jam. The boundary between the two gets slightly blurred except that he absolutely refuses to give her his name. It’s the one thing that allows him separate the job from the rest of his personal life. In response, Kat takes to giving him a new name whenever she can. It’s one among many games she has going to keep herself amused but the nickname that sticks for most of the book is Steel.
I really liked this story. While there's an intense attraction between them, what made the story for me was how they connected on an emotional level. They’re both damaged individuals who have reacted to life differently. Kat’s still a dreamer thanks to the loving relationship she had with her father. Steel is too entrenched in his past and with the things that he has done as a bounty hunter, he feels he’s unworthy and not redeemable. Kat makes no judgment. Perhaps because of her own dire predicament she understands that there’s always more to the story. As they become closer, they feel more responsible for each other’s impending outcome. Kat, who feels her freedom slipping away fast, wants to live in the present as much as possible. Steel faces a moral crisis in light of his growing feelings for her and has to decide if he’s in or out of the bounty hunting game forever.
This is my first Season Vining book and I enjoyed it a ton. I liked how she developed the characters and laid out their personal, complicated stories. She also adds excitement in the form of a mysterious third party chasing after Kat. There's no absolute clean ending in this but heightened emotions, broken hearts, futures on the line and running out of places to hide are all a perfect recipe for adventure. The romance is the cherry on top!
~ Bel
January 13, 2015
Oh, I really liked this one. Full review soon!
This book was originally reviewed on The Book Hookup.
4-4.5 stars LOOK. AT. THAT. COVER. Wowza. It certainly caught my eye. But better yet, the story is just as good and perfectly fitting for this cover. Win!
I devoured this suspenseful sexy tale of the bounty hunter falling for his target. At first glance everyone would want to label both of them. But as we read we learned there was so much more to them than just a murderer with a pretty face who was on the run held captive by the sexy tatted up hard bodied gun carrying bounty hunter. Ahem. But he wasn’t the only one was after Kat. They too were on the run from another bounty hunter. The lines became blurred between right and wrong, job and friendship, and lust and love. And that’s the part of the story that drew me in.
There were plenty of tense moments, moments that forced these two to cross emotional lines where they trusted each other. It was just as thrilling to read those parts as it was the chasing, gun to your chest parts. Before I knew it I was rooting for the people on the wrong side of the law even though I shouldn’t have. I loved their stories and knew they had been wronged. I loved watching them open up, even though sometimes it would be only for a moment. However, those moments were glorious.
Now the best part: the romance. I want to touch that compass. The relationship between Kat her her bounty hunter (I can’t tell you his name for a reason! ;) ) was special from the beginning. The physical attraction was there from the start, but watching the two of them fight it was even better. While it was a bit of insta-love/lust I found it totally believable because of their circumstances which just made everything more intense. It seemed totally natural to be on the fast track considering all they had been through in such a short time. There was also plenty of humor right along side of the love story, and I found myself smirking more than once as I was reading. Loved that!
Twists and turns along side of suspense? Yes, please and thank you. While there was a situation that I was definitely right about, there was another I didn’t see coming….at all…and I loved it.
The only think I wanted was more. It was a short-ish book and I felt like every aspect could have been fleshed out just a little bit more and we could have delved a little deeper into the minds of the characters. However, the chemistry and the writing itself was so good, so this is partially me being greedy.
Rec it? YES YES YES. A great ride that ends in a sexy heart warming story. It’s a great addition to your TBR!
This book was originally reviewed on The Book Hookup.
4-4.5 stars LOOK. AT. THAT. COVER. Wowza. It certainly caught my eye. But better yet, the story is just as good and perfectly fitting for this cover. Win!
I devoured this suspenseful sexy tale of the bounty hunter falling for his target. At first glance everyone would want to label both of them. But as we read we learned there was so much more to them than just a murderer with a pretty face who was on the run held captive by the sexy tatted up hard bodied gun carrying bounty hunter. Ahem. But he wasn’t the only one was after Kat. They too were on the run from another bounty hunter. The lines became blurred between right and wrong, job and friendship, and lust and love. And that’s the part of the story that drew me in.
There were plenty of tense moments, moments that forced these two to cross emotional lines where they trusted each other. It was just as thrilling to read those parts as it was the chasing, gun to your chest parts. Before I knew it I was rooting for the people on the wrong side of the law even though I shouldn’t have. I loved their stories and knew they had been wronged. I loved watching them open up, even though sometimes it would be only for a moment. However, those moments were glorious.
Now the best part: the romance. I want to touch that compass. The relationship between Kat her her bounty hunter (I can’t tell you his name for a reason! ;) ) was special from the beginning. The physical attraction was there from the start, but watching the two of them fight it was even better. While it was a bit of insta-love/lust I found it totally believable because of their circumstances which just made everything more intense. It seemed totally natural to be on the fast track considering all they had been through in such a short time. There was also plenty of humor right along side of the love story, and I found myself smirking more than once as I was reading. Loved that!
Twists and turns along side of suspense? Yes, please and thank you. While there was a situation that I was definitely right about, there was another I didn’t see coming….at all…and I loved it.
The only think I wanted was more. It was a short-ish book and I felt like every aspect could have been fleshed out just a little bit more and we could have delved a little deeper into the minds of the characters. However, the chemistry and the writing itself was so good, so this is partially me being greedy.
Rec it? YES YES YES. A great ride that ends in a sexy heart warming story. It’s a great addition to your TBR!
January 6, 2015
Kat is on the run. She’s been running from the law for the past 4 weeks and she hates the person she’s had to become – a liar and a thief – but it beats life in prison.
She’s finally apprehended in Seattle by a bounty hunter who is determined to get her back to San Antonio. He’s attracted to her but tries to ignore it. The problem seems to be that Kat keeps getting under his skin and he can’t find a way to get her out. No matter how he tries to keep the emotional walls he’s built up and strong, Kat seems to keep tearing them down.
Between running from a guy that the bounty hunter says is a hit man and fighting their own attraction, Kat and the man that she has named Steel (as he won’t give her his true name) end up on a journey that will change both of their lives forever.
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from this book when I read the blurb. I knew it sounded incredibly interesting and I loved the cover but beyond that I didn’t have a clue what would happen. In the end it was so much more than I anticipated.
Kat is a woman who would do just about anything for those she loves. We find that she’s accused of murdering her step-father but when we found out the reasons behind it all – and that it was an accident – I couldn’t hate the girl too much. Kat was trying to save her mother and ended up screwing up her own life. Once she’s caught, she wants away from Steel, yet…there’s something about the man that draws her and she can’t seem to make herself hate him. I loved how their relationship wasn’t smooth sailing and ebbed and flowed as I thought it should. I mean, hello, the guy is there to turn her in so she can serve time in prison. There are ISSUES!
Steel (we do eventually learn his first name) is a man who has all he’s ever wanted and is the best in his business – but he’s not happy. He wanted what his mentor had – money and notoriety – and he got it to a certain extent but he was lonely. I loved how he didn’t just open up to Kat – in fact she annoyed the crap outta him at first. He was a hard nut to crack but once he cracked he was a good guy that I thought was perfect for strong-willed Kat.
The story took us places I never thought we’d go when the story began and I was glued to the pages from the minute I started. This is SO not your typical romance! It was a love story, however, just with a rougher and grittier twist to it that I really enjoyed reading.
Rating: 4 out of 5
This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Tracy. You can see the review here.
She’s finally apprehended in Seattle by a bounty hunter who is determined to get her back to San Antonio. He’s attracted to her but tries to ignore it. The problem seems to be that Kat keeps getting under his skin and he can’t find a way to get her out. No matter how he tries to keep the emotional walls he’s built up and strong, Kat seems to keep tearing them down.
Between running from a guy that the bounty hunter says is a hit man and fighting their own attraction, Kat and the man that she has named Steel (as he won’t give her his true name) end up on a journey that will change both of their lives forever.
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from this book when I read the blurb. I knew it sounded incredibly interesting and I loved the cover but beyond that I didn’t have a clue what would happen. In the end it was so much more than I anticipated.
Kat is a woman who would do just about anything for those she loves. We find that she’s accused of murdering her step-father but when we found out the reasons behind it all – and that it was an accident – I couldn’t hate the girl too much. Kat was trying to save her mother and ended up screwing up her own life. Once she’s caught, she wants away from Steel, yet…there’s something about the man that draws her and she can’t seem to make herself hate him. I loved how their relationship wasn’t smooth sailing and ebbed and flowed as I thought it should. I mean, hello, the guy is there to turn her in so she can serve time in prison. There are ISSUES!
Steel (we do eventually learn his first name) is a man who has all he’s ever wanted and is the best in his business – but he’s not happy. He wanted what his mentor had – money and notoriety – and he got it to a certain extent but he was lonely. I loved how he didn’t just open up to Kat – in fact she annoyed the crap outta him at first. He was a hard nut to crack but once he cracked he was a good guy that I thought was perfect for strong-willed Kat.
The story took us places I never thought we’d go when the story began and I was glued to the pages from the minute I started. This is SO not your typical romance! It was a love story, however, just with a rougher and grittier twist to it that I really enjoyed reading.
Rating: 4 out of 5
This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Tracy. You can see the review here.
March 13, 2015
Why, oh why, did I let this book sit on my shelf for so long? It was funny, suspenseful and interesting, and I truly regret not picking it up sooner, but loved that I finally did.
Kat is on the run. Fleeing after making bail, she's alone and headed as far from trouble as she can get. She has nothing to her name, no one to protect her and no true hope for the future. And when she's captured by a dark and dangerous bounty hunter, she knows her days of freedom are numbered.
But she's not counting on the attraction that burns between them. He's a mystery to her -- to everyone -- and as they make their way back to Texas and her fate together, Kat and her bounty hunter start to lose the fight against their need for one another. Will their secrets and mistakes destroy them, or can they build something strong from the ashes of their broken pasts?
After letting this book sit on my bedside table for a few weeks, I finally picked it up, only to finish it in one night, all the time wondering why I didn't read it sooner. Held Against You was a little gem. The references to '80's music and film, the increasingly silly nicknames given to her captor/HIM (as per the chapter titles), and the banter between these two were great. The mystery was a little predictable but still very enjoyable, it had a couple twists that were delightfully left of center and the steam factor was spot on.
I really wanted to get to the end of this book, for all the right reasons -- I wanted to know about the mysterious bounty hunter and what his story was, I wanted them to realize they had a good thing and make their escape, I wanted to cuss at them for their blindness and bad decision-making at times. I just wanted to read it. It was enjoyable. Nothing taxing or horrifically trying to read; nothing heart-shattering, but not complete fluff, either. There was good balance here, between nail-biting story and romance and sexiness.
Season Vining is a new-to-me author, and one I will be very interested to read more from in the future. If her males are as sexy as this "fugitive recovery agent" and her females as playfully fun and strong as this eighties lovin' fugitive, then she has a fan in me. ~ Beth, 4.5 stars
Kat is on the run. Fleeing after making bail, she's alone and headed as far from trouble as she can get. She has nothing to her name, no one to protect her and no true hope for the future. And when she's captured by a dark and dangerous bounty hunter, she knows her days of freedom are numbered.
But she's not counting on the attraction that burns between them. He's a mystery to her -- to everyone -- and as they make their way back to Texas and her fate together, Kat and her bounty hunter start to lose the fight against their need for one another. Will their secrets and mistakes destroy them, or can they build something strong from the ashes of their broken pasts?
After letting this book sit on my bedside table for a few weeks, I finally picked it up, only to finish it in one night, all the time wondering why I didn't read it sooner. Held Against You was a little gem. The references to '80's music and film, the increasingly silly nicknames given to her captor/HIM (as per the chapter titles), and the banter between these two were great. The mystery was a little predictable but still very enjoyable, it had a couple twists that were delightfully left of center and the steam factor was spot on.
I really wanted to get to the end of this book, for all the right reasons -- I wanted to know about the mysterious bounty hunter and what his story was, I wanted them to realize they had a good thing and make their escape, I wanted to cuss at them for their blindness and bad decision-making at times. I just wanted to read it. It was enjoyable. Nothing taxing or horrifically trying to read; nothing heart-shattering, but not complete fluff, either. There was good balance here, between nail-biting story and romance and sexiness.
Season Vining is a new-to-me author, and one I will be very interested to read more from in the future. If her males are as sexy as this "fugitive recovery agent" and her females as playfully fun and strong as this eighties lovin' fugitive, then she has a fan in me. ~ Beth, 4.5 stars
January 13, 2015
Great story with really intriguing characters! I was hooked from the beginning! I like how the characters were introduced and the story line as well, a really good foundation was made from the beginning. It had light moments mixed with animosity, drama, and a bit of sexiness.
I liked Kat a lot. In such a bad situation but in the middle of the everything there were moments of humor. Those moments added just the right amount of lightness it needed. Kat really was super sweet! The bounty hunter who was after her was fascinating. I seriously wanted to know everything about him. This is told from dual POV's which I loved. They have this back and forth animosity which was great. They had a nice push and pull going on. He doesn't tell her his name until much later and she makes up names for him which I think is extremely funny. I loved watching the bounty hunters struggle and vulnerability, he had such inner turmoil. Him opening up and really gaining personal growth was great. It loved how Kat could break through his armor. I liked both of their internal thoughts and learning about their struggles. It all made for a great story.
I had so many questions throughout and it had a good build to all the answers even though some parts were slow for me. There was drama and conflict throughout that maintained a nice level of intensity and kept me on the edge of my seat. There were actually a few parts that caught me by surprise. That being said, some things wrapped up a bit to easy but overall I thought it was an excellent read.
This story had everything I'm a fan of: animosity, a bit of funny and sexy, drama and intensity, and characters that really make me want to get inside their heads.
Complimentary copy received for honest review.
I liked Kat a lot. In such a bad situation but in the middle of the everything there were moments of humor. Those moments added just the right amount of lightness it needed. Kat really was super sweet! The bounty hunter who was after her was fascinating. I seriously wanted to know everything about him. This is told from dual POV's which I loved. They have this back and forth animosity which was great. They had a nice push and pull going on. He doesn't tell her his name until much later and she makes up names for him which I think is extremely funny. I loved watching the bounty hunters struggle and vulnerability, he had such inner turmoil. Him opening up and really gaining personal growth was great. It loved how Kat could break through his armor. I liked both of their internal thoughts and learning about their struggles. It all made for a great story.
I had so many questions throughout and it had a good build to all the answers even though some parts were slow for me. There was drama and conflict throughout that maintained a nice level of intensity and kept me on the edge of my seat. There were actually a few parts that caught me by surprise. That being said, some things wrapped up a bit to easy but overall I thought it was an excellent read.
This story had everything I'm a fan of: animosity, a bit of funny and sexy, drama and intensity, and characters that really make me want to get inside their heads.
Complimentary copy received for honest review.
January 16, 2015
I’ve thought for hours on how to write this review because I honestly don’t know how I feel about this book. First, the blurb seems kind of like a lie. Sure, Kat is a fugitive but she’s not just accused of a heinous crime, she actually did the crime. Granted, she had a very good reason and she’s didn’t exactly mean to do it, but still….she did it. She’s not exactly an innocent. Her nameless bounty hunter is much more than that as well and he not only skirts the gray area, he immerses himself in the black. He may also do a few things throughout the book that need done, but again, he’s not innocent.
I really loved this book up till the half way mark. It grabbed me from the beginning with it’s unique story line of a fugitive and her bounty hunter falling for each other during a cross county drive. But as the book progressed I felt myself not liking nameless hero as much. I never felt the heat the author was trying to portray. I liked them together but hero’s unwillingness to even give Kt his name really irked me. Especially when it becomes clear that she’s not the horrible person he thought she was AND she even cares for him when he get hurt. When the truth of his involvement finally comes out I felt like Kat forgave him way to soon. In fact, I’m not sure she should have forgiven him at all. But being this is a romance novel, I get it.
The ending gives readers a bit action but I found the resulting legal ramifications a bit far fetched. It all seemed a bit too easy for me to believe it. Overall I liked this authors voice and I will most likely try something else of hers in the future, but in the end this one left me conflicted.
I give Held Against You by Season Vining 3 stars!
I really loved this book up till the half way mark. It grabbed me from the beginning with it’s unique story line of a fugitive and her bounty hunter falling for each other during a cross county drive. But as the book progressed I felt myself not liking nameless hero as much. I never felt the heat the author was trying to portray. I liked them together but hero’s unwillingness to even give Kt his name really irked me. Especially when it becomes clear that she’s not the horrible person he thought she was AND she even cares for him when he get hurt. When the truth of his involvement finally comes out I felt like Kat forgave him way to soon. In fact, I’m not sure she should have forgiven him at all. But being this is a romance novel, I get it.
The ending gives readers a bit action but I found the resulting legal ramifications a bit far fetched. It all seemed a bit too easy for me to believe it. Overall I liked this authors voice and I will most likely try something else of hers in the future, but in the end this one left me conflicted.
I give Held Against You by Season Vining 3 stars!
January 27, 2015
3.5 Stars
Held Against You by Season Vining is a romance novel with an intriguing premise. It’s a story of a woman running from the law and the bounty hunter that catches up with her. As they travel across the country, feelings develop on both sides. The hero struggles against doing his job verses what his heart is telling him. It’s about falling in love, in the most unlikely circumstances.
I liked Held Against You. It’s a story that held my attention and one that I found interesting. I enjoyed finding out how Kat and the hero were able to get past all the obstacles in their way. It isn’t an easy journey but it was an entertaining one. There is danger, escape attempts and humor. I liked Kat and I found the hero to be rather stoic and mysterious. He tried his best to keep himself uninterested and uncaring towards her but Kat managed to cajole, wiggle and worm her way into his heart.
One thing that jumped out at me is how, neither of them stopped to think about how they kept getting found, over and over again. Especially Kat, since computers and technology are her specialty. While probably necessary for the plot, it still bugged me. Beyond that, I felt this novel was well written. The pace is flowing and the characters are well drawn. The romance is a good one as it sneaks up on the characters and slides under their defenses. It’s different from most romances, a little dark with moments of humor and melancholy. I enjoyed it and would read more by this author.
*ARC (Advanced Review Copy) received from the publisher, St. Martin's Press, via NetGalley.
Held Against You by Season Vining is a romance novel with an intriguing premise. It’s a story of a woman running from the law and the bounty hunter that catches up with her. As they travel across the country, feelings develop on both sides. The hero struggles against doing his job verses what his heart is telling him. It’s about falling in love, in the most unlikely circumstances.
I liked Held Against You. It’s a story that held my attention and one that I found interesting. I enjoyed finding out how Kat and the hero were able to get past all the obstacles in their way. It isn’t an easy journey but it was an entertaining one. There is danger, escape attempts and humor. I liked Kat and I found the hero to be rather stoic and mysterious. He tried his best to keep himself uninterested and uncaring towards her but Kat managed to cajole, wiggle and worm her way into his heart.
One thing that jumped out at me is how, neither of them stopped to think about how they kept getting found, over and over again. Especially Kat, since computers and technology are her specialty. While probably necessary for the plot, it still bugged me. Beyond that, I felt this novel was well written. The pace is flowing and the characters are well drawn. The romance is a good one as it sneaks up on the characters and slides under their defenses. It’s different from most romances, a little dark with moments of humor and melancholy. I enjoyed it and would read more by this author.
*ARC (Advanced Review Copy) received from the publisher, St. Martin's Press, via NetGalley.
December 7, 2014
********************MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS**************************************
Steel/Samuel or whatever else the boy calls himself cracks me the hell up, "mine wasn't bad. When you're a sixteen-year-old boy, all sex is good sex. You are so excited you're getting laid, it doesn't matter what goes wrong. Anyway, they'll hate each other next week." He takes a bite of his sandwich and hums in satisfaction." Kat I totally didn't blame her I couldn't pee with a man in the next stall either, "I sit in the stall and listen as he empties his bladder next to me. I will my body to cooperate, but nothing happens. "I can't pee with you listening," I whine." Obviously our boy has no issues what so ever. I loved Kat's feistiness, that girl wouldn't give up and she knows what to say to get her man riled, "well, yeah. I thought...I shaved my legs and wore this dress. You ordered for both of us." Samuel watches me flounder for a while. He doesn't say a word while I talk myself around the elephant in the room. "I mean, you flirted with the bar girl. But then I pretty much promised you sex, soooo...there's that." Sometimes Samuel takes things a little to literally, "you should feel how worked up I am." His entire body stiffens, blood rushing south. Samuel runs his fingers up my thigh, but I slap his hand away." I enjoyed this book I loved the characters and I loved Kat she had charisma, spunk, and she was sassy.
Steel/Samuel or whatever else the boy calls himself cracks me the hell up, "mine wasn't bad. When you're a sixteen-year-old boy, all sex is good sex. You are so excited you're getting laid, it doesn't matter what goes wrong. Anyway, they'll hate each other next week." He takes a bite of his sandwich and hums in satisfaction." Kat I totally didn't blame her I couldn't pee with a man in the next stall either, "I sit in the stall and listen as he empties his bladder next to me. I will my body to cooperate, but nothing happens. "I can't pee with you listening," I whine." Obviously our boy has no issues what so ever. I loved Kat's feistiness, that girl wouldn't give up and she knows what to say to get her man riled, "well, yeah. I thought...I shaved my legs and wore this dress. You ordered for both of us." Samuel watches me flounder for a while. He doesn't say a word while I talk myself around the elephant in the room. "I mean, you flirted with the bar girl. But then I pretty much promised you sex, soooo...there's that." Sometimes Samuel takes things a little to literally, "you should feel how worked up I am." His entire body stiffens, blood rushing south. Samuel runs his fingers up my thigh, but I slap his hand away." I enjoyed this book I loved the characters and I loved Kat she had charisma, spunk, and she was sassy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2015
4.5 stars
What a fun and enjoyable read Held Against You turned out to be, loved it!
Loved both Steel and Kat, their banter and the chemistry between them had me turning the pages until I reached the end, I didn't want it to end =)
Kat was such an enchanting character, she made me laugh so many times, her annoying chatter and questions made the relationship between her and Steel fun to read.
Poor Steel for a man who was closed off and never allowing anyone get to know the real him didn't know what hit him with Kat, she drove him nuts! Her love of everything eighties and references and Steel's cluelessness had me cracking up. LOVED IT!!! =D
The storyline was very entertaining, it had everything from light hearted jokes to heartwarming moments. I loved seeing Steel bring down all the walls he had up and to let Kat in, she was his perfect match.
I highly recommend Held Against You, excellent writing and a truly entertaining read.
Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
What a fun and enjoyable read Held Against You turned out to be, loved it!
Loved both Steel and Kat, their banter and the chemistry between them had me turning the pages until I reached the end, I didn't want it to end =)
Kat was such an enchanting character, she made me laugh so many times, her annoying chatter and questions made the relationship between her and Steel fun to read.
Poor Steel for a man who was closed off and never allowing anyone get to know the real him didn't know what hit him with Kat, she drove him nuts! Her love of everything eighties and references and Steel's cluelessness had me cracking up. LOVED IT!!! =D
The storyline was very entertaining, it had everything from light hearted jokes to heartwarming moments. I loved seeing Steel bring down all the walls he had up and to let Kat in, she was his perfect match.
I highly recommend Held Against You, excellent writing and a truly entertaining read.
Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
December 17, 2014
Katherine Percle is on the run after killing her stepfather. Samuel is the bounty hunter sent to catch her and take her home. He’s the best bounty hunter there is, and he doesn’t fail, but there is something about Kat that gets to him and makes him doubt his calling.
This story is told in first person with each main character taking turns. This threw me a little at first, even though I don’t mind first person. Sometimes the voice wasn’t distinctive enough for me to remember whose head I was in. That said, I really enjoyed this story as it unfolded.
The layers of the characters are revealed a little at a time, and gradually the reader comes to know them, their quirks and their backgrounds. The entire time this is happening, there is another bounty hunter on their trail who wants to seize Kat so he can claim the bounty. Kat is also taking every opportunity to try to escape.
The action is fast, the danger real and the plot makes for compulsive reading. Despite my blip with the first person narrative, I really enjoyed this story all the way through until the exciting climax at the end. Ms. Vining has made me a fan, and I look forward to seeing what she comes up with next.
Received a copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This story is told in first person with each main character taking turns. This threw me a little at first, even though I don’t mind first person. Sometimes the voice wasn’t distinctive enough for me to remember whose head I was in. That said, I really enjoyed this story as it unfolded.
The layers of the characters are revealed a little at a time, and gradually the reader comes to know them, their quirks and their backgrounds. The entire time this is happening, there is another bounty hunter on their trail who wants to seize Kat so he can claim the bounty. Kat is also taking every opportunity to try to escape.
The action is fast, the danger real and the plot makes for compulsive reading. Despite my blip with the first person narrative, I really enjoyed this story all the way through until the exciting climax at the end. Ms. Vining has made me a fan, and I look forward to seeing what she comes up with next.
Received a copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 14, 2015
Kat is on the run after committing a terrible crime. She is picked up by a bounty hunter who is known in the business for always getting his target. They have several days to drive to where he will turn her in, and during that time things get complicated. People aren't always what they seem in many ways.
This was a story that I read straight through once I'd started it. The dynamic between Kat and her bounty hunter is really interesting and both are engaging characters that are easy to connect to. There is all kinds of action going on, and twists and turns which just adds to the unique environment where Kat and her bounty hunter's relationship begins to grow. It's sometimes tough to know who to trust, but my instincts proved pretty accurate in the end. There are a lot of times when it is unclear how these characters are going to make it through, and what possible outcome they could have. The sexual chemistry between Kat and her bounty hunter is undeniable and very hot. I would gladly read more by this author in the future.
*an ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review
This was a story that I read straight through once I'd started it. The dynamic between Kat and her bounty hunter is really interesting and both are engaging characters that are easy to connect to. There is all kinds of action going on, and twists and turns which just adds to the unique environment where Kat and her bounty hunter's relationship begins to grow. It's sometimes tough to know who to trust, but my instincts proved pretty accurate in the end. There are a lot of times when it is unclear how these characters are going to make it through, and what possible outcome they could have. The sexual chemistry between Kat and her bounty hunter is undeniable and very hot. I would gladly read more by this author in the future.
*an ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review
January 25, 2015
I found this to be a very good read. This book had a bit of everything, from drama, action, romance, and lots of hot sex. What more can you ask for in a romantic suspense. The book was well written and had a good flow to it. I really enjoyed reading both characters feelings, I felt like I got to know them at a different level.
Kat is running for her life and she is running from Samuel, the sexy bounty hunter that can't seem to bring himself to do his job right when he finally captures her. Their interactions are shaky at first but as they spend more time together the chemistry becomes combustible between them. The sexual tension is hot and thick. I loved their interactions and how they bring out the best in each other. Kat is no wall flower, she speaks her mind and does a great job of getting under Samuels skin and into his heart, against his better judgment and he can’t treat her like just another job.
If you love a good romantic suspense then you would enjoy this book. It kept my imagination peaked and the plot had many twists and turns and that made this a very entertaining read.
Reviewed by Kim P. for Cocktails and Books
Kat is running for her life and she is running from Samuel, the sexy bounty hunter that can't seem to bring himself to do his job right when he finally captures her. Their interactions are shaky at first but as they spend more time together the chemistry becomes combustible between them. The sexual tension is hot and thick. I loved their interactions and how they bring out the best in each other. Kat is no wall flower, she speaks her mind and does a great job of getting under Samuels skin and into his heart, against his better judgment and he can’t treat her like just another job.
If you love a good romantic suspense then you would enjoy this book. It kept my imagination peaked and the plot had many twists and turns and that made this a very entertaining read.
Reviewed by Kim P. for Cocktails and Books
January 8, 2015
ARC receive from St Martin's Griffin via Netgalley for an honest review.
3.75-4 stars
I adored Ms Vining's first book Beautiful Addiction so the chance to read Held Against You was a no brainer.
Kat is a girl on the run. Samuel is the bounty hunter sent to bring her in.
Right from the get go I loved Kat. She is my kind of girl, a bit of a geek. Loves everything 80's. And she is stronger than you think.
But is the hunter about to become the hunted?
I loved how Kat and Sam bonded over their troubled pasts. As much as they didn't want to like each other they just can't seem to help it.
There were a few twists and turns that kept me interested right from the get go.
I really did enjoy the game of cat and mouse they played with each other, and with others throughout their journey.
I love forward to what Ms Vining has for us next.
3.75-4 stars
I adored Ms Vining's first book Beautiful Addiction so the chance to read Held Against You was a no brainer.
Kat is a girl on the run. Samuel is the bounty hunter sent to bring her in.
Right from the get go I loved Kat. She is my kind of girl, a bit of a geek. Loves everything 80's. And she is stronger than you think.
But is the hunter about to become the hunted?
I loved how Kat and Sam bonded over their troubled pasts. As much as they didn't want to like each other they just can't seem to help it.
There were a few twists and turns that kept me interested right from the get go.
I really did enjoy the game of cat and mouse they played with each other, and with others throughout their journey.
I love forward to what Ms Vining has for us next.
December 27, 2014
I really really liked how this story panned out. I liked the twists and turns, and the unexpected feelings. I liked the story behind our characters and how they bonded over their ugly pasts. I liked the twist with the exgirlfriend. I liked the way that Kat never stopped fighting. She knew what she had to do to survive and she kept at it, even when she was 'captured.' I liked the twist of who was after her. I loved the twist of having another person after her. I just loved so much about how Season wrote this book.
The writing was very smooth and flowed very well. The characters were very relateable and you immediately connect with them and Kat. As you find out more and more about her you like and connect even more. I also liked the originality of the story line.
The writing was very smooth and flowed very well. The characters were very relateable and you immediately connect with them and Kat. As you find out more and more about her you like and connect even more. I also liked the originality of the story line.
September 15, 2016
Full review posted on my blog Sorry I'm Booked: https://sorryiambooked.wordpress.com/...
Not as thrilling as I hoped. The characters and their behaviors didn't feel realistic to me at all. And their chemistry was nowhere in sight for me and felt like a romance of proximity rather than mutual passion and attraction. It unfortunately was not a book for me.
Not as thrilling as I hoped. The characters and their behaviors didn't feel realistic to me at all. And their chemistry was nowhere in sight for me and felt like a romance of proximity rather than mutual passion and attraction. It unfortunately was not a book for me.
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