A figure from Dexter’s past has uprooted all the memories he has tried so desperately to bury… to forget. The terrible events of his past have been blown wide open once again, immersing him a pool of guilt deeper than he’s even experienced before. Dexter feels powerless. The future he foolishly allowed himself to conceive is falling apart around him and there’s nothing he can do about it. But there’s one thing he can control – one thing he’s an expert at… blocking everything out. Losing all control, Dexter copes the only way he knows how – he dives so far into the well of addiction, the only thing that matters anymore is where his next fix is coming from. Mission accomplished – there’s no one left. He’s successfully pushed everyone away. Nobody left to care about means no more guilt, right? You can’t hurt people who aren’t there… But has he really pushed Emily as far away as he thinks he has? She’s given up everything for him – her home, her friends… her whole life. And she doesn’t regret a single thing. But can she save him from drowning, or has he finally sunk too far?
(Not suitable for under 18’s due to language, sexual content and explicit drug use)
This book is definitely
worth holding on tight…
It is amazing. It is
brilliant. It is indescribable. In fact, there are literally no worthy words
for it. I am awed and dumbfounded by Nicola’s talent and writing. I loved Saving
Amy and Take my hand, but Hold on tight is the best book she has written (that
I’ve read so far, at least!).
Nowadays, the world is
too messed up. There are so many cruelties happening all over the world, so I
don’t usually read so heart aching books, since books is my outlet. But Nicola’s
books just pierce your heart and stay there. You’re practically crying while
reading them and you still want more. You want to kick the characters while
absolutely loving them. I honestly believe Nicola’s writing is getting more and
more mesmerizing, as time passes. And if you’re wondering where that does leave
us? Well it leaves us as a puddle on the freaking floor.
Hold On Tight is one of the BEST books I have ever
read and despite the fact we’re still in January, I think it’s one of the best
books of the year.
It speaks about the ugly
truth of being an addict and being someone who loves an addict. It speaks about
your love about him/her and your love about yourself. It speaks about this
unconditional limitless feeling that’s called love. It speaks about the ugly
truth that sometimes everything is dark and you can’t see any light in your
life. But most of all, it speaks about the strength of a person, who fights to
survive his demons and be better. Who fights for the people he loves. It’s the
ugly truth some people hide, some despise, some ignore, some live with and some
overcome.
I think I’ve said this
before. But I admire so much the authors who write books that reflect
situations like these. So many people live in a bubble and books is a great way
to broaden your horizon. To see what others live with and struggle. So, I want
to congratulate Nicola and any other author who has done this incredible task.
About the characters now…I
would LOVE to write about them..to comment on them…to praise or even kick them
for what they may have done..But I won’t..
Hold On Tight is the book you read
without having read anything about it. You don’t want any spoilers. You don’t
want to hear a thing about it. You want to read it without interruptions and
without spoilers. It is an amazing book
that your heart needs. And it’s the one that will make it beat so much faster…
EXCERPT
I leaned over the marble counter with one finger pressed against my right nostril. I didn’t have a bill so it was trickier this way and I had to go back for seconds.
“Dexter?”
Fuck.
I snapped my neck towards the door which I didn’t hear opening over the stream of the shower pelting against the tiles. Emily was standing there with a horrified look on her face. Her tiny body was trembling and her eyes were red and swollen – just like they always were lately.
“What are you doing?” she asked shakily.
“Nothing,” I answered sharply. “Just… leave.”
“I said what are you doing!” she blared, striding towards me with her shaking hand reaching out for the almost empty baggie next to the sink.
“I said LEAVE!” I ordered, turning hastily to stop her reaching it. But she was closer than I thought and as I swung my arm out in front of her, it smacked into her chest – shoving her to the ground. “Shit, Emily!” I bent down to help her but she wriggled away from me.
That was the moment the last piece of my heart died inside my chest. The moment I looked into her eyes and saw… fear.
“Fuck, Emily I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean… it was an accident. I’d never hurt you, doll. You know I’d never hurt you. I’m so fucking sorry.” I was naked and crouching next to her on the cold floor – trembling from both the effects of the high… and the shame.
“Look at yourself,” she spat, the fearful look in her eyes morphing into disgust.
“Emily please…” I begged, reaching for her again.
“Don’t touch me.” She clambered awkwardly to her feet but I couldn’t find the strength or the courage to rise with her. Shaking her head and letting her tears fall freely down her beaming cheeks, she added “what have you done to us, Dexter?” Then she left, leaving me alone – huddled in a crumpled ball and crying into my knees.
I was wrong before. That was the moment the last piece of me died.
Nicola lives in Rochdale, England with her husband and four children (six if you include the dogs!) She is the author of New Adult/Contemporary romance novels Inevitable, Saving Amy and the Take My Hand series. When she is not busy playing with her imaginary book friends (or talking about them with real life friends!) she can usually be found carrying out her ordinary mum/housewife/all round slave duties. Oh, and if the kids ever ask, she moonlights as the Pink Power Ranger while they’re sleeping…
Other Books by Nicola Haken
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