CAN'T HOLD BACK is one of those novels where the characters
find it difficult to put into words what they want. There
is
the soldier who feels obligated to fulfill his fellow
soldier's wishes after that soldier is killed. Then there
is
the physical therapist who has always taken care of her
sister
who has a learning disability. This novel covers addiction
to
pain medications, survivor guilt, and feeling the need to
put
others first. Following the story of the soldier and the
physical therapist was almost painful at some points when
you
observe how they put their feelings aside because they
can't
or won't say what they really want. I enjoyed CAN'T HOLD
BACK and
Serena Bell did a terrific job in writing about the
evolution
of this relationship.
Nate Riordan is a soldier who was injured while serving.
That
injury leads to him becoming addicted to his pain
medication.
His friend Jake invites him to come to his veterans
retreat.
Nate comes face to face with the girl he had feelings for,
but he
never acknowledged those feelings. Physical therapist Alia
Drake had feelings for Nate the first time she met him
years before. But instead of
acknowledging those feelings, she
pushed Nate and her sister together, which has had lasting
effects
for the three of them. The physical therapy treatment with
Nate will bring those feelings back to the surface and
result in compromising patient/client boundaries.
Both Nate and Alia spend so much time putting others first,
out of obligation, they are willing to deny themselves a
life with
each other. CAN'T HOLD BACK provides a great lesson in
learning to
be honest and say what you want and admit you deserve
to be happy. Once these two finally admit what they want
they
CAN'T HOLD BACK.
In this tender military romance from the bestselling author of HOLD ON TIGHT—perfect for fans of Jill Shalvis and Susan Mallery—a war-shattered veteran gets a second chance at love with the one that got away. No girl can resist a man in uniform—especially if that man is Nate Riordan. But after an injury in the line of duty leaves Nate broken, body and soul, the soldier finds himself addicted to his pain meds, with no place to call home. Desperate for an escape, Nate reluctantly accepts a friend’s invitation to a new veterans’ retreat. Expecting a little R&R, Nate is shocked when the sight of his physical therapist opens up another old wound: heartbreak. Years ago, Alia Drake fell hard for Nate, but never made her move. Instead, she set up her sister with the sexy, confident military man, a foolish decision that continues to haunt all three of them. Now, with Nate as her patient, she can make things right—even if it means getting too close for comfort. A healing touch and a little honesty work wonders, fueling a physical intimacy that crosses professional boundaries. This time, with desire in the air once more, Alia won’t hold anything back.