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Holding Space
After thirty-seven years of heartache, Hannah Bradshaw has every reason to be cynical about love—except she’s not, which turns out to be a real problem when she meets Charlie on an alleged blind date.
Just out of a relationship, love is the furthest thing from Charlie Meyer’s mind, although she is open to the idea of having one night of fun with the beautiful stranger she’s been set up to meet on the evening of her birthday.
What starts off as a casual arrangement between Charlie and Hannah quickly becomes complicated as their feelings for one another begin to grow because Charlie isn’t ready for anything serious, but Hannah’s been waiting for someone like Charlie all her life.
If two people who are right for each other fall in love at the wrong time, do they stand a chance?
Just out of a relationship, love is the furthest thing from Charlie Meyer’s mind, although she is open to the idea of having one night of fun with the beautiful stranger she’s been set up to meet on the evening of her birthday.
What starts off as a casual arrangement between Charlie and Hannah quickly becomes complicated as their feelings for one another begin to grow because Charlie isn’t ready for anything serious, but Hannah’s been waiting for someone like Charlie all her life.
If two people who are right for each other fall in love at the wrong time, do they stand a chance?
- GenresLesbian RomanceLesbian
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 5, 2020
116 people are currently reading
220 people want to read
About the author
Michele L. Rivera
17 books228 followersMichele L. Rivera is a Massachusetts native who has been writing lesbian romance since 2013. It all started with the release of her first book, “Taking the Lead,” which is a fictional story loosely based on her own coming out experience.
Through her writing, Michele strives to share her strong personal beliefs that love is love and that happily ever afters do exist.
When she’s not writing love stories or poetry, she enjoys cuddling with her adorable cats, sipping on whiskey, watching movies, and searching for artistic inspiration within the human experience.
Through her writing, Michele strives to share her strong personal beliefs that love is love and that happily ever afters do exist.
When she’s not writing love stories or poetry, she enjoys cuddling with her adorable cats, sipping on whiskey, watching movies, and searching for artistic inspiration within the human experience.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 16, 2020
WOW!
Despite the many rules, the boundaries, Hannah managed to get under her skin. Charlie knows Hannah spells trouble and yet she can't resist the pull. Two broken women, an addicted ex, great friends, hot sex but no strings attached. Holding Space is a great romance just not in the conventional way. It has intriguing characters, it’s written with a dash of humor and the emotions are high. I loved how they adapt, struggle and change. The friends are awesome and a good sounding board for the main characters. I really liked the conversation between them. Holding Space swings wildly from ecstasy to the depths of misery and I loved it. Highly recommended.
Despite the many rules, the boundaries, Hannah managed to get under her skin. Charlie knows Hannah spells trouble and yet she can't resist the pull. Two broken women, an addicted ex, great friends, hot sex but no strings attached. Holding Space is a great romance just not in the conventional way. It has intriguing characters, it’s written with a dash of humor and the emotions are high. I loved how they adapt, struggle and change. The friends are awesome and a good sounding board for the main characters. I really liked the conversation between them. Holding Space swings wildly from ecstasy to the depths of misery and I loved it. Highly recommended.
did-not-finish
October 20, 2020DNF 17% - not for me and not rating it either to be fair. But I really didn't think the characters were charming or endearing at all.
Not to mention the whole setup was so cringe and their attitudes so demeaning to themselves and eachother - it honestly made my skin crawl.
When Charlie says to Hannah not to show off so much because she only there to fuck her, I noped out. Sorry I get casual hook ups, but I don't see how being a shit-eating bitch like that is charming and I felt no more respect for either character for going along with this. Maybe I'm a prude.
You have Charlie who has spent 4 years dealing with an addict spouse, and they have just broken up 2 months ago, and her best friends response is to act like Charlie's grieving process of such a long and arduous relationship is stupid, and so concocts this plan to set her up with a new seemingly unsuspecting employee/volunteer of hers - to casually fuck.
Which Charlie is at first reticent to do, and gets rightfully upset at her friend for being so shady but only decides to go along with it because Hannah the fuckable is 'Goddess level Hot' and in turn the woman set up only agrees in turn because Charlie, too, is a hot babe. Nothing more.
Great character development there. Sorry I just couldn't connect at all and it made me hate everyone and myself for reading so I had to put it down. Won't be finishing it.
I liked the authors book A Trick of Light previously, so I recommend that one.
Not to mention the whole setup was so cringe and their attitudes so demeaning to themselves and eachother - it honestly made my skin crawl.
When Charlie says to Hannah not to show off so much because she only there to fuck her, I noped out. Sorry I get casual hook ups, but I don't see how being a shit-eating bitch like that is charming and I felt no more respect for either character for going along with this. Maybe I'm a prude.
You have Charlie who has spent 4 years dealing with an addict spouse, and they have just broken up 2 months ago, and her best friends response is to act like Charlie's grieving process of such a long and arduous relationship is stupid, and so concocts this plan to set her up with a new seemingly unsuspecting employee/volunteer of hers - to casually fuck.
Which Charlie is at first reticent to do, and gets rightfully upset at her friend for being so shady but only decides to go along with it because Hannah the fuckable is 'Goddess level Hot' and in turn the woman set up only agrees in turn because Charlie, too, is a hot babe. Nothing more.
Great character development there. Sorry I just couldn't connect at all and it made me hate everyone and myself for reading so I had to put it down. Won't be finishing it.
I liked the authors book A Trick of Light previously, so I recommend that one.
October 7, 2020
What a way to start a book off! Strong with emotion right in the prologue.
Charlie is trying to figure her way out of love through a process. Her heart was broken by her ex. A heroin user and thief. Getting set up by her friend Nell to meet a "hottie". Maybe a casual sex night will help her over her grieving process. Hannah is a counselor who feels strongly with her heart. She's willing to be what Charlie needs her to be.
We go through the counseling process with Peyton, the ex., as well. I felt that was very insightful.
May we all be lucky enough to have such good friends to support and love us.
There is a lot of hot sex as that is the basis for their relationship. I couldn't read this in public.
Charlie is trying to figure her way out of love through a process. Her heart was broken by her ex. A heroin user and thief. Getting set up by her friend Nell to meet a "hottie". Maybe a casual sex night will help her over her grieving process. Hannah is a counselor who feels strongly with her heart. She's willing to be what Charlie needs her to be.
We go through the counseling process with Peyton, the ex., as well. I felt that was very insightful.
May we all be lucky enough to have such good friends to support and love us.
There is a lot of hot sex as that is the basis for their relationship. I couldn't read this in public.
November 11, 2020
Holding Space is the second Michele L. Rivera book I've read. I must say the author is really good at writing romances.
Charlie just got out of a broken and painful relationship and wasn't ready to date. Even after meeting Hannah, she still wasn't ready to admit that she wanted anything more than physical. Charlie set the rules to their relationship, only to break them one by one until she couldn't deny her true feelings anymore.
Rivera's books are slightly shorter than most romance books but the relationships have much more depth. I love how sparks between the main characters were instant, but the relationship isn't rushed. And also I love that there was a gradual healing process rather than a one step forward, two steps back kinda relationship.
Charlie just got out of a broken and painful relationship and wasn't ready to date. Even after meeting Hannah, she still wasn't ready to admit that she wanted anything more than physical. Charlie set the rules to their relationship, only to break them one by one until she couldn't deny her true feelings anymore.
Rivera's books are slightly shorter than most romance books but the relationships have much more depth. I love how sparks between the main characters were instant, but the relationship isn't rushed. And also I love that there was a gradual healing process rather than a one step forward, two steps back kinda relationship.
October 14, 2020
Beautiful story!!
This is not the first book I’ve read by this author, nor will it be the last. This is her newest novel and she doesn’t disappoint. The characters are fantastic, the story entertaining, and the details even better! I’d give this book ten stars if I could!
This is not the first book I’ve read by this author, nor will it be the last. This is her newest novel and she doesn’t disappoint. The characters are fantastic, the story entertaining, and the details even better! I’d give this book ten stars if I could!
October 12, 2020
Nice story
I really enjoyed this story. Both Hannah and Charlie are caring, loving women who are both a little bit broken. But then, aren't we all? Sometimes you just have to have faith that life will take you in the direction you need to go, not necessarily the direction you want to go.
I really enjoyed this story. Both Hannah and Charlie are caring, loving women who are both a little bit broken. But then, aren't we all? Sometimes you just have to have faith that life will take you in the direction you need to go, not necessarily the direction you want to go.
October 8, 2020
A delightful love story that begins in the hottest way, just holding space.
Charlie is just the sweetest person who has reached her breaking point. All the wall in her world can't protect her from Hannah who sparks life changing Charlie's process. The process was about Peyton and a love that no longer felt good. So Charlie begins an unorthodox way to keep her process and still connect with Hannah. This twist is what makes the story fun and not your ordinary love story. The characters share hot, funny and complicated moments. The my heart heart more than once as they try to deny their strong connection and figure out a relationship. This really is a good story that celebrates love and the sometimes hard stuff that is life. I loved it and enjoyed the seridipitpus way it unfolds.
Charlie is just the sweetest person who has reached her breaking point. All the wall in her world can't protect her from Hannah who sparks life changing Charlie's process. The process was about Peyton and a love that no longer felt good. So Charlie begins an unorthodox way to keep her process and still connect with Hannah. This twist is what makes the story fun and not your ordinary love story. The characters share hot, funny and complicated moments. The my heart heart more than once as they try to deny their strong connection and figure out a relationship. This really is a good story that celebrates love and the sometimes hard stuff that is life. I loved it and enjoyed the seridipitpus way it unfolds.
October 13, 2020
Lovely!
Fun, funny and hooks you until the end.
It’s relatively light (don’t want to give spoilers) and keeps you engaged every chapter.
Fun, funny and hooks you until the end.
It’s relatively light (don’t want to give spoilers) and keeps you engaged every chapter.
October 26, 2020
This was hot, Charlie was "in process" without advancing, Hannah was the right person to help advance. A few twists in this story.
October 8, 2020
Great Read!!
Such great wit, characters, writing and hot and steamy feels! I laughed out loud throughout the dialogue, loved the banter back and forth btw Charlie and Hannah and their friends. Enjoyed the intense connection btw the MCs!
Such great wit, characters, writing and hot and steamy feels! I laughed out loud throughout the dialogue, loved the banter back and forth btw Charlie and Hannah and their friends. Enjoyed the intense connection btw the MCs!
October 16, 2020
4.5 starts for this sweet but also rather hot love story. It isn't as funny and witty (not to say quirky) as Not my Type, but well written and it holds your interest well.
As with Not my Type the dialogues give most of the characterisation of our protagonists, yet the side charcters are exactly that, characters, too (as in:" you're quite a character, aren't you?). All of them lifelike and lovable, the one not quite villain nevertheless commands some pity, too, poor girl.
In all highly recommended for those of you who just love really sizzling hot love scenes, but the plot is satisfying, too and domiantes the book a lot more than the sex.
As with Not my Type the dialogues give most of the characterisation of our protagonists, yet the side charcters are exactly that, characters, too (as in:" you're quite a character, aren't you?). All of them lifelike and lovable, the one not quite villain nevertheless commands some pity, too, poor girl.
In all highly recommended for those of you who just love really sizzling hot love scenes, but the plot is satisfying, too and domiantes the book a lot more than the sex.
April 12, 2022
Insta-attraction, the eye sees faster than the heart, which follows right after.
How much pain can you dwell on in your life, that you are so used to it, it becomes a companion.
Charlie has just got out from a tough relationship and the last thing she's looking for is someone to get attached to again. But when her friend Nell invites her to a party, her life will change forever, the moment her eyes set on Hannah.
A sweet friends' set up. The small world of acquaitances. Sometimes, Fate needs to be pushed a bit in order to find its wat towards Happiness.
I enjoyed this short book and I wished it was longer. The internal battle of Charlie was interesting to read and so bittersweet. Hannah is just a such a lovable character. No matter how much life has crushed her, she's set to do good, and I can only admire that.
Doesn't matter if what happened to them was so fast. It made sense. Sometimes you just know.
Banter. Sexy scenes. Deep themes.
No matter how much you tell your heart not to feel something, your heart won't listen when it has its own reasons behind. Trust what it tells you and go for it.
I would love to read now more about Payton.
How much pain can you dwell on in your life, that you are so used to it, it becomes a companion.
Charlie has just got out from a tough relationship and the last thing she's looking for is someone to get attached to again. But when her friend Nell invites her to a party, her life will change forever, the moment her eyes set on Hannah.
A sweet friends' set up. The small world of acquaitances. Sometimes, Fate needs to be pushed a bit in order to find its wat towards Happiness.
I enjoyed this short book and I wished it was longer. The internal battle of Charlie was interesting to read and so bittersweet. Hannah is just a such a lovable character. No matter how much life has crushed her, she's set to do good, and I can only admire that.
Doesn't matter if what happened to them was so fast. It made sense. Sometimes you just know.
Banter. Sexy scenes. Deep themes.
No matter how much you tell your heart not to feel something, your heart won't listen when it has its own reasons behind. Trust what it tells you and go for it.
I would love to read now more about Payton.
November 7, 2020
So I have pretty much at least liked every one of Michele L. Rivera's books. I loved this one and I thought it was a little steamier than her norm. I highly recommend this book . max stars
November 12, 2020
I was laughing like a idiot thought out the whole read.that much how I enjoyed this book.
Its a simple story done right.
Personally it ticked every box of how a romance book should be
Great characters √
Fun and not so lengthy √
Not overly dramatic √
Satisfied ending(HEA) √
My favorite part abut the book is "hannah".she is naive, fun,honest,die-hard romantic,sweet,kind,loyal and with very very big ♥.
Although story seemed repetitive,the characters n writing what made the book enjoyable too me.
The only con I have with the book is it had lots of sex,not that I'm complaining but I somehow felt 40% of the book is sex which results in very short story telling.
Books with HEA done right is always a 5 star for me.
This is my first book of the author n I enjoyed more than I thought.I'll gonna buy other books of her n give it a read.
Its a simple story done right.
Personally it ticked every box of how a romance book should be
Great characters √
Fun and not so lengthy √
Not overly dramatic √
Satisfied ending(HEA) √
My favorite part abut the book is "hannah".she is naive, fun,honest,die-hard romantic,sweet,kind,loyal and with very very big ♥.
Although story seemed repetitive,the characters n writing what made the book enjoyable too me.
The only con I have with the book is it had lots of sex,not that I'm complaining but I somehow felt 40% of the book is sex which results in very short story telling.
Books with HEA done right is always a 5 star for me.
This is my first book of the author n I enjoyed more than I thought.I'll gonna buy other books of her n give it a read.
October 18, 2020
Loved It!
There was so much good coming out of this book. You have a counselor and a veterinarian. You have two people who are struggling with their past and yet yearn to have a future. Hannah and Charlie are two really nice and sweet people who got wronged. Where as Hannah was willing to try again, Charlie needed to go through her mourning process regarding her ex and the hurt she caused. When they are pushed to meet, Hannah is taken in by Charlie’s eyes and her blatant explanation on why they can never happen. Charlie told Hannah this would only be about sex and a one night thing, but she was stunned by Hannah’s beauty and honesty about her feelings. The chemistry and sex between these two was so hot and needy. This is such a classic love story where one is so in love and the other is trying so hard not to be but is not really pulling it off. As the story unravels and the paths cross with Charlie’s ex, the only thing that can save them is honesty and their true feelings. Sacrifices are made but at what cost. Michele L Rivera does it again.
There was so much good coming out of this book. You have a counselor and a veterinarian. You have two people who are struggling with their past and yet yearn to have a future. Hannah and Charlie are two really nice and sweet people who got wronged. Where as Hannah was willing to try again, Charlie needed to go through her mourning process regarding her ex and the hurt she caused. When they are pushed to meet, Hannah is taken in by Charlie’s eyes and her blatant explanation on why they can never happen. Charlie told Hannah this would only be about sex and a one night thing, but she was stunned by Hannah’s beauty and honesty about her feelings. The chemistry and sex between these two was so hot and needy. This is such a classic love story where one is so in love and the other is trying so hard not to be but is not really pulling it off. As the story unravels and the paths cross with Charlie’s ex, the only thing that can save them is honesty and their true feelings. Sacrifices are made but at what cost. Michele L Rivera does it again.
Read
March 1, 2021I couldn’t find anything to keep me reading. I’m sure it’s a good book for someone, but Charlie process and Hanna begging just no. I left it at 40% so it’s a DNF.
November 6, 2020
A fascinating dance
A very good read. The title was a gift. Holding space is what we do until “the person” enters our lives. Being able to witness the dance of Charlie and Hannah’s relationship and watch their love for each other flourish was breathtaking. They would put themselves out there and then withdraw a little. Interesting how delicate the “steps” are. It was rewarding to see the strength in them to overcome the obstacles of belief systems and life. I enthusiastically and unequivocally recommend this book and any others by this author. I’m looking forward to reading more of her works. Thank you Peace
A very good read. The title was a gift. Holding space is what we do until “the person” enters our lives. Being able to witness the dance of Charlie and Hannah’s relationship and watch their love for each other flourish was breathtaking. They would put themselves out there and then withdraw a little. Interesting how delicate the “steps” are. It was rewarding to see the strength in them to overcome the obstacles of belief systems and life. I enthusiastically and unequivocally recommend this book and any others by this author. I’m looking forward to reading more of her works. Thank you Peace
December 10, 2020
Sweet
I enjoyed this sweet love story. I enjoy all of Ms. Rivera’s stories. The main characters have great chemistry. Great ending.
I enjoyed this sweet love story. I enjoy all of Ms. Rivera’s stories. The main characters have great chemistry. Great ending.
January 4, 2022
Superb love at first sight story
A girl hooked on another girl from a forgotten relationship to a chance meeting in a club orchestrated by the best friend leads to unforgettable sex and constant hookups together with a process and a plan to avoid falling for each other becomes a race for each when the unexpected happens through the forgotten girl. Loved this story from start to finish and I am sure you will too.
A girl hooked on another girl from a forgotten relationship to a chance meeting in a club orchestrated by the best friend leads to unforgettable sex and constant hookups together with a process and a plan to avoid falling for each other becomes a race for each when the unexpected happens through the forgotten girl. Loved this story from start to finish and I am sure you will too.
December 1, 2020
Really really good!
I think this is a great read. I really enjoyed it. There are lots of steamy parts. I highly recommend.
I think this is a great read. I really enjoyed it. There are lots of steamy parts. I highly recommend.
January 26, 2021
Romantic Surprise
Great characters in a unique novel with clever twists and turns. Steamy portions were great and lots of interesting support characters! Highly recommend
Great characters in a unique novel with clever twists and turns. Steamy portions were great and lots of interesting support characters! Highly recommend
February 7, 2021
An interesting story that was too insular for 5 stars. The 2 MCs were believable - but would their relationship really have been like that? The tale was a long set up, with an ending that bordered on brick wall but then moved on. It's confused me.
March 29, 2021
This book is very fun, sensual, romantic and HOT!
I just loved that reading. It was light, fun and very HOT.
I loved meeting Hannah and Charlie! I LOVED them! It was so in the face how their chemistry was the moment they saw each other! And what chemistry ... WOW. I loved these two women, especially Hannah!
I recommend this reading, you will love it! ♡♡♡♡
I just loved that reading. It was light, fun and very HOT.
I loved meeting Hannah and Charlie! I LOVED them! It was so in the face how their chemistry was the moment they saw each other! And what chemistry ... WOW. I loved these two women, especially Hannah!
I recommend this reading, you will love it! ♡♡♡♡
December 17, 2021
I loved this book. Hannah who loves love, and is just so romantic, meets newly single Charlie. THey do not take the usual meet, get to know each other root. Theres rules with the relationship end should it not be followed. How can a relationship with Rules , ever get deep and complicated. Michele, shoulds us that the journey from casual to complicated is a journey that has both leads tangled.
April 7, 2021
Good one
Love her books. This is one of the best. Keep writing... waiting for the next book. Good bentar and dilema in the story
Love her books. This is one of the best. Keep writing... waiting for the next book. Good bentar and dilema in the story
March 1, 2021
Festinating story
The storyline was consistent and the characters were very well portrayed. Especially Hannah and Charlie, the supporting characters were great and Peyton was well developed though I definitely didn’t like her. I did like the dramatic affect that the job Hannah had , had such an effect on the relationship between her and Charlie. That was definitely a nicely written part of the storyline. It really added to the drama. The sexual aspect of the story was quite different as the beginning of the relationship was based solely on sex, totally different concept for a book and very arousing. Overall this book was a highly entertaining and enjoyable read.
The storyline was consistent and the characters were very well portrayed. Especially Hannah and Charlie, the supporting characters were great and Peyton was well developed though I definitely didn’t like her. I did like the dramatic affect that the job Hannah had , had such an effect on the relationship between her and Charlie. That was definitely a nicely written part of the storyline. It really added to the drama. The sexual aspect of the story was quite different as the beginning of the relationship was based solely on sex, totally different concept for a book and very arousing. Overall this book was a highly entertaining and enjoyable read.
January 28, 2023
Beautiful
Beautifully written, from start to finish.
Sensitive topics written with elegance, poise and a tender thoughtfulness.
You can't help but fall in love with the two leads on their journey!
Beautifully written, from start to finish.
Sensitive topics written with elegance, poise and a tender thoughtfulness.
You can't help but fall in love with the two leads on their journey!
August 20, 2023
Hannah and Charlie's meet up sparks feelings that neither expected. Past histories and current arrangements lead to a friends with benefits relationship, that seems to effect both women, but neither wants to acknowledge. Steamy and definitely read-worthy!
January 25, 2026
2,25/5
I don't want them together, in fact if the author makes a sequel where they break up I will be the first to read it .
I hated hated hated Charlie,she was such a red flag ,I was staring at my walls sometime rethinking my life choices. And Hannah was dumb,girl give up,you never learn
I don't want them together, in fact if the author makes a sequel where they break up I will be the first to read it .
I hated hated hated Charlie,she was such a red flag ,I was staring at my walls sometime rethinking my life choices. And Hannah was dumb,girl give up,you never learn
March 13, 2024
🌶️🌶️🥺🎭🌶️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews