Holding Out

Hawks Motorcycle Club #1

by Lila Rose

Not everything is roses, chocolates and vibrators in Zara's life...until Talon, Hawks MC President, wants to claim her as his.

Zara Edgingway is a twenty-six-year-old secretary. She has a daughter that apparently knows-it-all and a best friend that could possibly have the mouth of Satan, but she's been with her through hell and back. Then there's the hunk'a'licious biker neighbour finally showing interest in her.
If only she isn't about to face her next obstacle in life, the one she ran from six years ago: her ex husband.

Talon Marcus is the president of the Hawks Motorcycle Club. For two years he's had his eye on the quiet, reclusive, yet sassy, neighbour Zara. Finally, he has the chance to claim her as his woman. Just when her past catches up with her, she'll need, not only his protection, but the help from his biker brothers.

Now, if only she'd stop fighting him along the way.

NOW FREE WITH ADDED BONUS SCENES

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Abuse, Humor, Adult, Erotica

252 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 3, 2013

About the author

Lila Rose is also known as L. Rose.

Lila Rose has moved about Australia a lot of her life. Currently, she lives in country Victoria Australia with her husband and two children.

Lila is addicted to coffee, chocolate and reading.

She also loves to write humorous romance. For all novels that come from her weird brain, check out her website!

Reviews

[Belle · Rating 1 out of 5]

1/5 stars

HOLY HELL ON A CRACKER I CAN'T WITH THIS BOOK. WHAT DID I JUST READ? this will spoil the *cough* story, so don't read if you want to pick this one up.

I must be a sadist. Not only did I pick this book up, I actually finished this horrifying mess. This has to be one of the worst written books I have read in a long time, the style was juvenile and the plot was ridiculous.

And not the fun kind of ridiculous, it was just plain unbelievable. I was crying real tears of pain with this one.



Zara has been on the run from her abusive husband for six years with her best friend Deanna and daughter. She ends up moving in next to a MC compound where she catches the eye of the MC’s President, Talon. Talon watches Zara for two years before making his move and that’s where the book starts.

Talon makes his move and within the first day he is basically living with her and they’re playing happy families. The only drama that comes from this story is two different kidnappings (in the same fraking day), by two different people. There were things thrown in left, right, and centre to create some cheap shock value (which didn’t work, I was just rolling my eyes the entire time) and plot holes galore.

Then add in the random ‘sluts’ always after Talon, Zara being an immature and brainless twit, and no plot anywhere to be seen



you have the basis of this book.

There was of course the standard ex-wife/girlfriend drama, which conveniently ends when Talon and Zara storm her house and catch her on film in the middle of an orgy with her child upstairs?



I honestly am flabbergasted at what I just read. And confused, real bloody confused. I’m just gonna leave it at that because I don’t even know what else to say.

[*J* Too Many Books Too Little Time · Rating 2 out of 5]

2----Stars!!!

I am a definite sucker for MC books...but unfortunately this one just didn't work for me.

It felt like a Saturday Night Live version of a MC book...almost like a parody of sorts. IDK! I found it silly more than anything. I'm all for humor in my books and love some good banter but this was just OTT



and eye roll inducing. It followed the typical MC storyline. Troubled heroine (Zara) running from her abusive past with her 6 year old daughter in tow. This one also included a mouthy best friend and a gay brother and his partner.

Zara just happens to live across the street from the Hawk Motorcycle Club headquarters where Talon, our hero, is the current Pres. For two years Talon and Zara don't speak but one day when she's walking home he decides to talk to her and "make her his woman".



I'm pretty sure the whole book takes place over about 3-4 days MAX. Why Talon never talked to Zara before now is beyond me. I think it was the sheer volume of things that happened over those 3-4 days that was so shocking.

I just couldn't get over...
*The insta-love between Talon and Zara
*The fact that the brother found her so quickly after being gone for 6 years.
*The whole situation regarding her parents "death"
*He brother's gay partner showing up and finding them just as qucikly
*Violet and Talon being brother/sister
*The whole "fake" kidnapping involving the swim lesson lady

And of course, in typical MC fashion the ex comes back.



IDK...everything was just too unrealistic. Too many coincidences. It was just too much. Too quick. Too silly. Too juvenile. I didn't get Talon and Zara's connection or the story at all.

Moving on....

[Len · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really excited to read this after I saw the blurb, I thought, wow another MC book, since I'm a MC sucker.
The H/h, I don't felt the connection to them, and even between the two of them. The heroine trying to be cute annoyed me big time.

The dialogue, I don't know if just read too much biker books, or expected too much. I love to read humor, sweet banter, but this was bit off for me. I don't feel it.

The story, well it's like a compilation of most MC books I'd read(IMO). Alpha male, sassy heroine,foul-mouthed bestfriend, hot bikers dudes, dickhead ex. The suspense/action didn't even work for me. Same with secondary characters. I don't like the bestfriend. Being supportive and her foul-mouth was over the top. I don't want to rant over o book, but this I can't helped it. I may not continue the series. But again this was just my opinion. This was the time that I say, everybody loved it but me.

[Two Nerds With Words · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewer: Justine
Rating: 5 out of 5 Fairies

If Kristen Ashley and Madeline Sheehan had an illegitimate love-child, she’d go by the name of Lila Rose.

This book contains so much that I love: alpha male, motorcycle-riding hotness mixed with liberal amounts of gritty real life action and foul-mouthed humor. SERIOUSLY! All of this on one hefty amazing book.

If you're the type of stick in the mud to find offence with certain words, for certain body parts, this is NOT the books for you. Lila was born with a mouth on her that would make a seasoned prostitute blush! And I loved every second I read.

Her ending was Justine approved. Giving us an HEA that was well earned by the characters. She really put the poor things through the ringer! I can't wait to see what she has planned for book two Climbing Out ETA Spring 2014.

I'm giving FIVE Fabulously Foul-Mouthed Fairies!

[Alpha Possessive Heroes · Rating 2 out of 5]

30% and slapping this as a DNF.

unbelievable , unrealistic and ridiculous! I don't mind some humor in MC but this one was awkward and forced I felt like throwing up.

But what really bothers me is the heroine... she's a fuckin' airhead! I'm guessing the author is "trying" to make her look cute? witty? down to earth? nice? likeable? but can I just say that she is dumb as fuck? Seriously. Reading her thoughts makes me feel stupid! Her character felt wrong in so many levels..



This was a painful read. I guess I'm just picky with my MC books.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Aussie Biker Tale…

3.5 Stars

Once upon a time there was a young woman named Zara who got very cranky at a biker named Talon because he was playing his music too loud. Talon thought it was amusing to see this little kitten yelling at him, President of the Hawks Motorcycle Club, dressed in her nightie and cammo boots. Zara, didn’t find it so amusing, but she also couldn’t help but notice that this guy she was cranky at, was one smoking hot man. A long flirtation started after that night, but it wasn’t until Zara and her daughter Maya’s life was in danger that Talon claimed his woman.

I enjoyed this story set in Ballarat Australia. I’m an Aussie, so I understood the slang and the terms used by the characters, but I could imagine that an overseas person would probably struggle with some of the terms. Our heroine was not a fan of foul language being used around her daughter (good for her) so some made up words helped to get her frustrations out. I can honestly say though that if I read the word fandola one more time, my kindle may have a shorter life than what I planned for it. Fandola was Zara’s term for her lady bits. I didn’t think it was funny and I’m not sure where the author came up with it. Zara’s goofy talk was funny at first, but got a little tiresome as the story progressed.

The storyline revolves around Zara’s escape from her psycho, abusive ex-husband that she is on the run from. When Talon finds out the full story of the abuse Zara had received, he makes it his and his clubs mission to protect her and her loved ones in case he returns. We do see some violence towards the end of the book which was quite graphic, but it didn’t phase me too much as I have read biker books before. The Hawks MC is not the main part of this story, but we are given enough information to know that they don’t dabble in illegal stuff.

Zara has known Talon for 2 years before they are together, so she has seen the women he has ‘entertained’ in that time. There is one scene that Zara walks in on, between Talon and another woman, but it wasn’t what it seemed. Even though it didn’t excuse Talon’s behaviour his regret and remorse is obvious and I was able to get over it.

Overall I enjoyed it and had a few good laughs, but I could tell that it would not suit all. The humour is a little OTT. Zara is a little too goofy, Talon is a little too sweet for a biker president, her best friend is a little too mouthy, her brother’s boyfriend a little too flamboyant and her Mum is a little too zaney. Luckily I was in the mood for a little bit of this and a little bit of that so it worked out okay for me. Thanks Lila Rose for the gifted copy of Holding Out to read and review.

This review and more can be found at http://edgyreviews.com/

[Vallsykes · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't hold out! DNF at 40%
The whole time, I kept coming across:
A. caricature-like depictions of the alpha[rip-off of KA-style]...you know-the giving the heroine a nickname (in this case: Kitten), and the overbearing behavior that "claims" her as his woman abruptly and out of the blue with no lead in; OR

B. the hokey/ditzy damsel in distress with no clue, told in the 1st person point of view, that's supposed to be KA Rock Chick heroine cute but it is really NOT!; OR

C. the bad boy motorcycle gang members that stride in after their President, supposed to have their own star quality (but in this one there were two many names introduced at the start for the reader to really care); AND

D. the crazy BFF sidekick, who the author is just gearing up for her own sidestory, but in this one the BFF just made the plot more delayed and the dialogue so trying, because she is depicted as a skinny, blonde blue-eyed chick who "Whenever anyone heard her over the phone without seeing her, they always thought she was a black chick with 'tude." And I was like "yeah, da fuck, right! So not, though." **roll eyes**

Furthermore, the dialogue was the one element that, in all cases of the characters, killed the story for me. It tried too Effin' hard to be witty. NOT! That and the 1st person annoying-narrative of the heroine, I mean.

I just kept feeling like this...
)

[Need more convincing? Read J's review]

[Ratatosk · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ouch, painful to read. Was just so poorly written. 6 years ago Zara was beaten and raped by her husband. Runs away with her friend Deanna, has a daughter, and moves across the street from the Hawks MC compound. Catches the eye of the club pres Talon when she storms over the first night in her nightgown and combat boots and asks him to turn down the music. Fast forward a few years and the day Talon decides to claim her as his old lady, her brother shows up and tells her that their parents were killed in a car accident. Apparently nobody bothers to attend the funeral or mourn..... Brother's boyfriend shows up, Talon moves in... Women hit on Talon, Zara gets jealous...... And the book just continues to progress in a painful facsimile/cliche of other mc romances currently being published. Was almost a DNF, but I powered thru. Barely

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a lot too Zara Edgingway that President of the Hawkes Motorcycle Club, Talon Marcus doesn't know but he is about to find out. Talon has waited two years to get close to his neighbor and her precocious daughter. He knows she is meant to be his old lady, but everytime he gets close Zara gets flustered. Finally seeing his in, Talon makes his move. If he thought he would have an easy acceptance for what he wanted, he was sadly mistaken.

Quite humorous take on a biker story. Zara mumbles, speaks her mind, and has a tendency to create mischief wherever she is. Talon I think is smitten, no matter how much of a whirlwind Zara creates. There is a suspense aspect with her ex trying to hunt her down but overall this had me laughing out loud throughout the story. Very fun.

[Kylie Harrison (The Reading Cow) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh WOW! Holding Out by Lila Rose was AMAZING! It was the breath of fresh air that I didn't know I needed!

Zara is a single mother, and lives across the road from the Hawks Motorcycle Club's compound. She has a six year old daughter, Maya, and her best friend Deanna is a constant presence in her life. Zara is a fun character, with her wit and humor. I easily connected with her, and her inner monologue was fantastic!

Talon is the leader of the Hawks Motorcycle Club. He's hot as hell and a definite alpha male. He's had his eye on Zara ever since she went over to the compound in her pajamas to ask them to turn the music down. When Talon and Zara finally get their acts together, we get to see a softer, more caring side to Talon, although he's still all alpha!

When Zara's brother, Matthew, shows up at her house one night, her terrible past isn't all that far behind. Zara has to learn to trust Talon and his club and accept their protection in order to save herself, her family and friends, and her relationship with Talon.

Lila Rose has blown me away with her debut novel! I loved her writing style, and all the inner monologue that was going on. I felt it gave me a deeper insight to who Zara was. And it was humorous! Literally laugh out loud funny!

Her characters were well developed and extremely lovable. They were easy to connect with, and they felt REAL. I loved how Zara was a "real" woman, and not a stick figure.

To sum things up, Holding Out by Lila Rose is a cross between Bella Jewel's The MC Sinners series and Stacey Wallace Benefiel's Crossing, with Dani's inner monologue.

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[~Nichole~ Sizzling Pages Romance Reviews · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot till 70%
I need loyal heroes throughout. I think this author has a really great ability at writing an engaging and funny story.. but if I can't respect the characters then I'll never believe in their HEA Can't take cheating. Kissing someone else is cheating.. No matter the circumstances if its on purpose and he didn't try to stop it..its cheating. So disgusted right now. The thing is you can't rewrite it to say he tried to stop...even the heroine knew he was kissing her back. He's not loyal. He should have said no

[Coco.V]

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(Updated version with added extra, why not give this quirky biker ebook a try)

Not everything is roses, chocolates and vibrators in Zara's life...until Talon, Hawks MC President, wants to claim her as his.

Zara Edgingway is a twenty-six-year-old secretary. She has a daughter that apparently knows-it-all and a best friend that could possibly have the mouth of Satan, but she's been with her through hell and back. Then there's the hunk'a'licious biker neighbour finally showing interest in her.
If only she isn't about to face her next obstacle in life, the one she ran from six years ago: her ex husband.

Talon Marcus is the president of the Hawks Motorcycle Club. For two years, he's had his eye on the quiet, reclusive, yet sassy, neighbour Zara. Finally, he has the chance to claim her as his woman. Just when her past catches up with her, she'll need, not only his protection, but the help from his biker brothers.
Now, if only she'd stop fighting him along the way.

[Book Junky Girls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zara has been in hiding from her ex husband for six years. When she moved into her house 2 years ago the last thing she expected was head biker and hottie Talon to be her neighbor. She knows she doesn't stand a chance to have him when his usual type is blond and big boobed. But when he comes in and shows her how he really feels in all his Alpha male goodness she knows things will never be the same. But before they can get a chance at happiness Zara's past come back to bite her in the ass, and only Talon and his guys can keep her safe.

So where do I even start with this one? I think I'm in LOVE!!!! I had a blast reading this between the hilarious banter between all the characters and all the yummie Alpha males you get all packed in, makes this story truely come to life between the pages. Zara was packed full of attitude and I loved her strength. Talon, phew, I think he's best described as a hot, dominering, biker good-bad boy, Alpha. I enjoyed the every character in this one from loud mouthed Deanna and Griz and everyone else. Can't wait to read more.

This is a stand alone but companion novels will be coming soon. <3

[C.J. Duggan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sexy, witty, sassy and smart. Lila Rose blew me away with her debut novel 'Holding Out' She will definitely be one Aussie Author to watch! 5 stars!

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book as a beta reader.

What a fun and quick read! Holding Out is full of suspense and Lila Rose has a great sense of humor.

The characters are each unique in their own way. The main character, Zara, is probably the most “normal” of the bunch. Her best friend has a mouth that would make a sailor cringe. The bikers are all rough on the outside and pussycats on the inside.

Even though there is some serious stuff going on in the story, Lila Rose keeps it light with her humor.

I recommend Holding Out as long as you don’t mind swearing. There is a lot but, since bikers play a big part, it does make it more realistic.

[Flavs is Mrs David Gandy♥~♥’ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an AWESOME BOOK!

I loved it from the fist page right till the end.
It was funni/drama/emotional/total badass biker! What's not to love.

The other characters in the book are just amazing! Deanna and Julian are hilarious!

I will definitely be reading the rest of the series.

And totally, totally recommend that anyone read this book if you in the mood to have a good laugh!

[Tpagirl Loves Romance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Holding Out by Lila Rose was the first book in her Hawks MC series. It was my first book by the author but I can’t wait to read more.

Talon was the President of the Hawk’s MC. Zara was the feisty single mom that moved in next door to the MC compound. The chemistry was strong from the beginning but Zara’s past wouldn’t let her trust anyone except her daughter and her best friend.

Rose took us through the initial meeting and the relationship development. The women (Zara and her best friend, DeAnna) were crazy, funny and independent which added tremendously to the storyline. Rose also allowed us to get to know the MC brothers as a teaser for the series. Lastly, Rose added suspense through Zara’s past catching up with her. There were a few loose ends that I expect / hope to unfold in the rest of the series.

In the end, it was a quick, entertaining and enjoyable read. DeAnna and Griz are next up in Climbing Out and it has the promise to be another enjoyable adventure.

[Jac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lila Rose is going to be an Aussie author to watch out for in 2014. "HOLDING OUT" is her debut novel which will be released in December 2013. What a way for Lila to end 2013!!!

Zara aka Zee Edgingway is single mum with a 6 year old daughter called Maya. Zara has had a rough couple of years and with the help of her crazy best friend Deanna, they all move to Ballarat where Deanna has a house. Zara is able to move into her own place with Maya into a quiet safe neighborhood or so she think she does. One faithful night Maya is unable to sleep as there is loud music coming from the place across from the street. Zara goes over in her kitten nightie and combat boots to tell them to turn down the music but that is when hot on wheels sexy biker man boss of Hawks MC comes out TALON!!! From here on, all that Talon can call Zara is "Kitten". For two years every so often Zara smiles at Talon and Talon smiles back. They have little chats here and there but she would never think that sexy as hell biker man would fall for a girl like her. Zara is short with long brown curly hair, green eyes and has curves and her belly even jiggles. Finally one night Talon kisses her and all that it takes is one kiss and Talon has claimed her as his woman. Zara doesn't believe it until her world comes crashing down and her past has finally caught up with her present. Zara's ex husband is after her and Talon will do everything and anything in his power to protect Zara, Maya, Deanna (Hell Mouth) and the rest of her family. Zara is now Hawks property. With the help of Talon and his brothers Zara and everyone in her life is well protected. In between the serious moments there is a lot of funny moments as well and you can thank Deanna and Julian for this one. Talon, Maya & Cody are her family.

Talon Marcus is the president of Hawks MC. Talon is a ladies man what he sees is what he gets. One night a spunky wild cat comes over to his compound to tell him to turn down the music. From this day on for two years Talon watches Zara closely and tries to work out when will be the right time to claim Zara and call her his woman. Finally one night he just kisses Zara and that is all it has to be and Zara is his woman... NO ONE ELSE CAN HAVE HER!!! Also this same night Zara's life becomes very difficult and all he knows is to protect her. Talon gets frustrated at times with Zara but knows she is different and hoping he can love again. With a conversation Zara and Deanna have over the phone Talon learns how Zara feels. Zara is the only person who can stand up to Talon. Zara, Maya and Cody are his family.

Zara is 26 years old and is mature for her age as she has a 6 year old daughter Maya. With being married to an abusive ex husband and having a daughter at such a young age Zara has had it rough but has become a strong individual because of it. When Zara & Deanna are together they are sisters from another mother. Zara at times can be so immature and act like a child when Deanna is around and this got on my nerves but I think it is a nerve mechanism that helps Zara. Zara has a low self esteem because of what she has been through but Talon helps her with this. Talon loves the way she is. Zara pissed me off at times but I understood why she did or said the things she did.

Maya is 6 years old but is going on 26 LOL For such a little girl she is very outspoken and I love it. My youngest is niece is the same age and is exactly like Maya. Wouldn't change it any other way. But when your mother has a best friend like Deanna you will learn to know why!!!

Deanna (Hellmouth) is my favourite character and what comes out of her mouth I LOVE. You either love or hate Deanna and no in between with her, my kinda girl. Deanna has a way with words and is very clear in what she says and you may walk or run away in the other direction. Deanna is loud but has a soft side to her. She is a person who will put everyone else before her and will do anything for you. I also think Deanna bottles a lot of her emotions up inside her and won't let them out. Deanna is a person who won't ask for help unless she really, really needs to. I can't wait to read Deanna's story!!!

Talon is gorgeous looking, rides a harley, has tattoos and is the president of Hawks MC. What more can I say about Talon. Only wish he had piercings LOL ;)

Lila has done a fantastic job of Holding Out and I am very proud to call her my friend. For her very first book I don't think she could have done any better. At times Zara really got on my nerves for the main character but I wouldn't want Lila to change her in any other way. Lila Rose as an author is up there of one of my favourite authors of 2013!!! I cannot wait to read her next book in the Hawks series and all future books!!!

Wench, Congratulations on your debut novel and I can't wait until everyone else is able to read it. I know you are going to be nervious but you don't have anything to worry about. You will do great with this one and all future books you are going to be an Aussie author to watch out for.

Love you Sac Sucker & MWAH xoxo

[Books&Dreams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book as an ARC for an honest review
I gave this book 5 stars.



This is a Biker book!! I love Biker books:)
And it is a story about Talon and Zara.
Zara is a woman who has been running from her past for the last 6 years.
She left her husband because he was abusive and had to move far away to stay safe from him. Now her and her daughter Maya live a state over in secret, and have to stay away from her friends and family, so he doesn't find out where they are.

Zara is very careful who she gets involved with, but she is crushing on her neighbor Talon, but she also sees that he is a bad Biker boy and knows that he is a player and she is definitely not his type. But Talon has been watching her since she moved in 2 years ago and he has other ideas he is just as smitten with her and wants to call this sassy, mouthing woman his own.

Finally he makes his move and decides she is going to be mine, but right after he makes his move, she has other plans and decides to fight him on this and tells him in her so unique way this is not going to happen. Just as she starts to warm to the fact that maybe he does really like her and give him a chance, her past catches up to her.
And she wants to do what she always does when this happens .. RUN!

Talon again has other ideas and tells her you are my woman and you are going to stay and we are going to fight this together. Can she give in to this beautiful man and trust him and finally put down the roots for her and her daughter? Will it all work out?

This book had me swooning from the beginning .. these bad boy Bikers are GORGEOUS!! And so so sweet!! (In a bad boy way lol). I loved Talon he knew what he wanted and he went for it and he didn't take no for an answer. He took nothing but yes for an answer. He decided that Zara was his woman and that was just that.

This book had me laughing and I didn't expect that. There were some very comical moments in this book thanks go Zara and her BFF Deanna. I also really enjoyed Lila's side Characters I could not pick a favorite if you asked me to, there were so many of them that just captured me and had me loving this book more and more.

I can't wait to read the next book in this series I just know that Deanna is going to have her own book that woman is a wild one waiting to be tamed by a sweet lovin' man:)

Lila thank you for this story I was so caught up in it, and I hated for it to end. It is full of Hot Bikers, mouthy women, sweet adorable children, Nasty ex's, and a few twists you will not see coming. I definitely recommend this book for anyone looking for a great read.

[B.E.Love · Rating 2 out of 5]

Let me start by saying you can see the number of stars and I can't even say for sure that I wouldn't rate this a 1 1/2 stares instead of 2, so know going into this review that it's not hearts, rainbows, horses, and blue moons.

I really struggled to finish this book, the story was good but the characters and I mean everyone outside of the MC well let me take that back Talon's son and Zara's daughter didn't bother me but everyone else got on my last nerve. They were all very immature (I couldn't believe they weren't teens). And I don't mind silly or carefree but my gosh you are all adults correct. One minute the heroine Zara had no control and acted like a child the next she was scolding everyone for cussing. Zara's best friend was even worse she would fight and argue with Zara's daughter like they were sisters, and Zara's Brother and his partner were just as bad ( I don't know but I don't want to hear about anything that turns my brother on and vice versa) If I heard one more weird nickname for Zara I thought I was going to die.

And then **SPOILERS** the whole other woman situation was just stupid all around and when I say stupid I mean stupid, Talon owns strip clubs and Zara see's him making out with a woman and she justifiably gets mad (and can we stop here why did Talon let all these woman paw all over him after he has Zara then laughs or smiles when she got mad), then we find out that it's NO BIG DEAL because they are friends and they always kiss after their strip club meetings but thats all that happens oh and its ok because she's a lesbian.......say what **END SPOILERS**

I don't know why this book rubbed me the wrong way in so many ways but it did, the premises was great and I really though I would have enjoyed this book, I love MC books. But this one was a fail for me. Had the author taken this a different route and it actually felt like we were dealing with adults this book would have been great but, it. Just. Wasn't. The bare bones of this book is actually really good but all of the filler and stuffing was just bad.

[Rochelle Roth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I reviewed the ARC of Holding Out by Lila Rose for an honest review. This book is not out for sale yet but I will definitely leave the information when they do! This is honestly the first time I have read a romance novel about Bikers, I’m not a big biker girl but from all the teasers that Lila Rose has but up on her author page it sounded really interesting. It’s about this 26 year old woman who ran away from her abusive husband and 6 years late he comes to look for her, at the same time her neighbor Talon Marcus wants to be with her and will do anything to protect her. I give this novel 5 stars! I absolutely loved the flow of the book, it kept you intrigued and it was funny, romantic and exciting at times. I had to keep reading to see what happened with Zara, wondering the whole time if her ex was going to find her and hurt or kill her. Also, with her relationship with Talon if it would last or not, It is a fast read but it is awesomely written and doesn’t rush the love story or any action. There is sex in it obviously, but it went with the story and did not take over the story or take away from the plot. There are so many romance novels that have so much sex that the plot gets overlooked and luckily, Holding Out is not one of them!!! Only complaint I would have was there a lot of cussing that at times I didn’t feel was needed. I understand I am not really involved in the biker world so maybe it is a normal thing to cuss so much but I didn’t think it needed it. At times, I didn’t feel like it made sense with the story. I still give this story 5 stars because as it went on the cussing dimmed down and when she did use it it was needed. Thank you Lila Rose for a great story and I really look forward to Deanna and Grizs’ story!!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I was given an ARC for an honest review*

Just when I needed a biker fix too, this gem was uploaded. There's a new Alpha in town and his name is Talon ♥... While there were a couple steamy scenes, the book wasn't panty melting HAWT; however I loved the banter of the characters with their volleyed insults; it reminded me so much of my own personality and relationship. Since it's set in Australia where the author is from, I can't help myself but sound like cheesey Crocodile Dundee in my head. There are a couple dark issues in the book rape, domestic abuse so some may avoid, however (thankfully) they are brief and not much detail goes into them and the comedy makes up for the icky, imho.

I laughed in parts, cried in others as well as celebrated Talon and Zara. For a breakout novel, Ms. Rose showed her talent; I loved her wit which was transcended through each character ten-fold.

[Becca Booksreview · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book to read by Lila Rose, its the first book of hers that I have read, but I can say that it won't be the last.

Zara and her daughter have moved a few times, but now that they have settled in a new place, meeting people, having friends, all of that plus a sexy motorcycle club with hot members that are just across the street what more could a girl want.

Talon has been waiting and watching Zara since she moved in, he knows that she is the one that he wants but he isn't in the position just yet to make a move, but when push comes to shove and he needs to protect her and her daughter time isn't always on their side.

I really liked this book a lot, the characters are wonderful, Zara and Talon were well suited for each other, Tara is going to make a great "old" lady for him. I can't wait for more of this series and hopefully we won't have to wait to long.

I want to thank Lila Rose for a great book to read, and can't wait for more from you!

[-S♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️

⚪️ I really had high expectations for this book but unfortunately not even half way through this book, I know this book is not for me.
Way too short.
Not much character development.
The story got right down to business on the first chapter which made me confused.
God, I just wish it was more. I wish it was everything I expected.
Some of my favorite stories involves bikers and children and I really wanted this to work out. I rarely ever choose a book and it's bad so I'm very disappointed.


⚪️ Would you recommend this story: No, but I do think that everyone has their own taste. What may not be for me, may be for them.

[That Scottish Chick · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Fantastic debut novel from Lila Rose

Review coming soon

[Jenn · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 WHAT THE HELL DID I JUST READ Stars

This book, I'm pretty positive, takes place in a span of 3 days.

It opens up with, BAM STRAIGHT IN YOUR FACE EVERYTHING, has loads of drama the whole way through that is fixed majorly fast, and insta love. Well, the insta love...hmmm... it is but it isn't as this couple danced around each other for 2 stupid years. So...while it seems fast, it also didn't at the same time. Although, I wanted it to go slower with them.

This story was chalked full of KA-isms as well.

This book can be read in one full sitting...or just one day as it moves so dang fast.

I ended this story shaking my head and laughing and thinking what in the world did I just read? There were definitely funny parts and a lot of major eye rolling. So much cheesy over the top stuff too. Things happened so dang fast and I wish I had better resolution on some things and more info on others.

I didn't like the stupid name calling. These people didn't feel 26 or mid 30's half of the time.

There was some ridiculousness as well...especially with the Pam Anderson wanna be in two parts. Or maybe it's more like how she played in to the over all plot.

And really, when Talon is caught doing something at the club later, I wanted to smack him and then Zara for letting it go in the end. I don't care what the deal was with this other person, it was still wrong on all levels.

I loved Blue and Griz and Pick, until Pick does something ...but I better not say so there's no spoilers.

In the end, this was a whacky, crazy, sometimes funny, sometimes OTT, roll your eyes, ridiculous, mostly not believable story.

Overall, it needed more plot development. It needed more in depth everything I think. The characters needed to be less childish as well. And what was with the shirts Zara wore? She hated swearing but her shirts didn't read mother of the year to me ... it's like it didn't fit with her no swearing or make out session in front of the kids. I don't know.. it was definitely off for me. She also sounded like she had bad fashion sense.

I can't wait to see what happens with Hell Mouth (Deanna) and Griz in book 2. I know...I'm prob nuts but after everything that happened with these two, I want to know more. Then I will probably move on to book 3 because I loved BLUE! I want to see what happens with him too.

[★¸. • * ° * ༺*Blanka*༺*°°*•.¸. ♥★ · Rating 3 out of 5]

<3 Talon

Zara Edgingway is a twenty-six year old secretary. She has a daughter that apparently knows it all and a best friend that could possibly have the mouth of Satan, but she's been with her through hell and back. Then there's the hunk'a'licious biker neighbor finally showing interest in her. If only she wasn't about to face her next obstacle in life, the one she ran from six years ago; her ex-husband.

Talon Marcus is the president of the Hawks Motorcycle Club. For two years he's had his eye on the quiet, reclusive, yet sassy, neighbor Zara. Finally, he has the chance to claim her as his woman. Just when her past catches up with her, she'll need, not only his protection, but the help from his biker brothers.

Now, if only she'd stop fighting him along the way.



-muffin head; pussy flaps; thunder cunts??? I mean seriously Brilliant!!!
It was a good,, quick, fun read. My favorite part was Zara's best friend. She had a mouth of a sailor! Loved her!

[Carrie ✨ The Blinging Bibliophile✨ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Insta-love.
Insta-family.
Wacky internal dialogue from our h.
Wacky h is so "cute" other members of the club want a shot.
Wacky BFF.
Alpha H that lays his claim in 2.2 secs for NO reason.
Wacky h charms the bad guys by being "cute".

Another MC book of caricatures instead of characters.

But I'm conflicted about this book... there were a lot of likable elements. I laughed out loud quite a few times. The plot... a bit predictable but I wasn't bored.

If the author let up on the gas instead of shoving the pedal to the floor, I think we'd get to hear her voice instead of a mash-up of who she thinks she should sound like. This wasn't a hack job book. The potential for a really good read was there. I'd like to see a developed story that unfolds over a realistic timeline. More character development so I can feel actual chemistry between our H & h. Less tell, more show.

Kudos for excellent editing and formatting.

[Luvtoread45 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the characters in this book Lila....Zara and Deanna were hilarious together...Talon of coarse is the hot biker living next door,deciding that Zara is his after he kisses her....Zara's abusive ex comes back and Talon will do anything to keep her and Deanna safe. ....I loved the way Zara tried to fight the relationship between her and Talon....he wasn't having any part of it..always called her "kitten"..they have a great connection. Can't wait for the next book because these characters have such personalities...I LUV it! ....thank you for letting me read Holding Out Lila, it was a great book.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy smokes what an awesome debut into the Hawks MC!!! Talon is just wow he was the right amount badass tender man so in love with his Kitten!!! Zara was awesome, a wonderful mother who was on the run from an abusive ex but had a great support system in Deanna and Mattie, Julian and Vi they told her it was okay to stay and fight and fight she did!! *winks* all the hot guys in this book made my fandola catch on fire! Can not wait for the next installment!!!