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.