Omega Hyatt Lee is content in his current life as a part-time office assistant and charity volunteer, but now that he’s experienced his first heat, he hopes to scent his bondmate soon. He longs for the kind of loving, stable relationship his older brother has with his own mate. And at a fundraising event for something very dear to his heart, Hyatt does meet his bondmate—the very last alpha Hyatt ever expected.
Dorian Fowler has spent the last year of his life attempting to distance himself from the horrific scandals perpetuated by his parents and fix some of the hurt heaped upon the three Lee siblings. Resigned to being a single alpha, he is amazed and distressed when his nose identifies Hyatt Lee as his bondmate. After a disastrous conversation, Dorian knows he’ll need to work hard to earn his omega’s trust—and the trust of his entire extended family.
Hyatt doesn’t want to like Dorian, but the kind, earnest alpha makes it difficult to resist him. However, Dorian has a deep secret of his own—one that could tear the pair apart before they ever get started.
HOLD ME is the fifth book in the “Finding Free” omegaverse series, which is a spin-off of the fan-favorite “Breaking Free” series. This is an original universe featuring mpreg, A/B/O dynamics, heats, knotting and an alpha-dominated society that is starting to see big advances in omega rights. Content warnings for dark themes apply.
No stranger to the writing world, A.M. Arthur has been creating stories in her head since she was a child and scribbling them down nearly as long. She credits an early fascination with male friendships (bromance wasn't a thing yet) with her later discovery of and subsequent affair with m/m romance stories. When not writing, she can be found in her kitchen, pretending she's an amateur chef and trying to not poison herself or others with her cuisine experiments. You can contact her at AM_Arthur(at)yahoo(dot)com
The Finding Free series has been a great spin-off. After having read all of the previous books in both series, the story is now very rich, with the depth of years, and various characters who we catch up on. Hyatt Lee has been in the series for several books, but now he has his own story as an omega who is healing from his traumatic childhood. Dorian Fowler is an alpha who is trying to make right the pain caused by his rapist sire and omegin, who attempted murder on Hyatt's brother. When Hyatt and Dorian realize they are bond mates, there are many obstacles to overcome. This book comes with a cliffhanger to set up the next book in the series, but Hyatt and Dorian's story is wrapped up in an HEA. It is the same good quality storytelling as all previous books in both series.
I have been in love with these characters and these series from the very first book of the original series. I have loved watching these kids grow and have families of their own, watching them work past demons that have haunted them for years, and finally find some kind of peace and happiness in their lives. But I do have to warn you. All the past stuff from the past books of this series and the original come up. So if you have triggers, please be careful. I’m also a little miffed because this has an HEA yes, but it also has a bad ending as well, and a huge cliffhanger. So be forewarned. I was glad to see this story was more focused on Hyatt. I’m anxious to see Symon’s story as well, considering what they went through. But considering how this ended, I’m hoping that story comes first. The Lees have had one heck of a time. With how they were raised, to getting out of it and trying to navigate the real world, to finding they had families they didn’t know. And now they have huge families, that may not be blood, but they have taken them in as their own regardless. And I’ve loved it. The boys finally found a home. And although, there is a lot of healing still going on and things that still need to be worked through, they are making homes and bigger families and finally coming to terms with things. But what none of them expected, especially Hyatt, was the son of an evil man, was his bondmate. And I truly felt for Dorian. Because just like the Lees didn’t like to be held accountable for what their foster father did to them and others, Dorian didn’t like it either. He had no clue as to what his Sire was really up to. And Dorian is now doing his best to make amends in the best possible ways. He impressed me so much. He didn’t expect anything in return. He didn’t want the glory or anything of the sort. He just wanted to have his last name going out as something good instead of the evil it currently is. But what impressed me even more, was Hyatt was scared and nervous, yes. But he saw what was beneath the exterior of Dorian to the man underneath. And though their first true meeting didn’t go well, it got much better. Because Hyatt knew he had to give this a chance. He knew he had to see what Dorian was all about and he was happy he did. As much as this story is more about the Lees and Hyatt, pretty much everyone else is still involved as all are so close knit. Things are changing with everyone. They are starting families, making huge changes in the world, learning to be who they are. But one big change occurs at the end and it’s going to make for a doozy of a story next. At least I hope it’s next. I don’t think I can wait a long time to see what happens. This book is just as good as all the rest. It’s a powerful story of love, forgiveness, the power of family, blood or not, hope and so much more. And I can’t wait to see it continue.
I think the biggest, most important kudos that AM Arthur deserves and that I haven't seen given is that in the fifth book of the sequel series, she still doesn't let the small details slip her by. I, as a reader, can still forget how many kids this one pair had and what their gender is and their specific story. AM? Definitely not. Other authors, sure, but not her. She'll know and she'll remind us as much as relevant to the plot, which never fails to be amazing. And that's one of the things that makes not just this book, but this entire seres, absolutely amazing. The fact that the story has not only the main plot with the main characters, but likely also a second plot to open the next book and continues the plots of previous books while leaving other secondary characters that will likely never get a book of their own without feeling any less important that those that did get one or will in the future. That's even more impressive if you consider the number of main couples of the breaking free series and just how many kids each had. And as always, I'll be (im)paciently waiting for the next book and the story it will bring.
Hold onto the magic. Hyatt, Rebel and Symon are doing better. Dorian Fowler is struggling in the aftermath of finding out about the actions of his Sire and his Omegin. He is a protective brother to Samuel and a good man. He has lost his way in understanding how he can be a good son. He is only aware of the info about the Lees, that is in the news and unaware of intimate and private stories. His main focus is restoring the Fowler name and reconciling himself to a life of redemption and lonliness. He scents his omega, but when he tries to follow-up, he unknowingly creates a traumatizing situation with Hyatt, the Lees and the found family. The story brings out new reveals from several family members, new relationships, new crimes, new crisis, new challenges and new opportunities for closure, change and rebuilding. As with all the series, we readers, go through the 360 of the emotion wheel, experiencing bad feels and good feels. The author, does not disappoint. I especially enjoy how the author blends all the families and still keesp updated with the current goings on in everyone's lives. Well done.
Strength, love, determination and hope define this moving story. Both MC's are both likeable and you want them to find happiness. They really do seem to fit as bondmates even if they are an unlikely pair, they are both good men. Hyatt trying to become more and Dorian trying to repair and rebuild. Together they forge a wonderful bond of trust and passion and create a future for themselves.
Hyatt and Dorian are so special and the connection just sizzles!
Lots of characters that we have grown to know and love over the series of books and the index really helps to keep the relationships in order in our heads.
This is book five of the Finding Free series and can be read as a stand-alone. This series is wonderful and I highly recommend it!
Cliffhanger alert!! The story of Hyatt and Dorian has a HEA but there is a huge cliffhanger.
I was gifted this book from the author and i freely give my honest opinion and review
I’ve really enjoyed this series, although it can be hard to remember all of the characters and hoe they all connect together. I love that there is an index at the beginning to help sort it out. These books follow many relationships and this one was really all over the place in a really great way. Ended on a cliffhanger for hopefully the next book. Hope it comes soon.
An excellent fifth book, looking forward to the sixth one. Hyatt and Dorian, share a past despite not really knowing each other. A past they must address before they can mate and find their happiness. With an unexpected twist this book is well worth reading.
3.5 stars due to the annoying passages from Kell's memoir and the extremely hurried crisis near the end that didn't need to be in this book--I truly wish more time would have been spent on the crisis with Emory perhaps as an extended prologue in the next book rather than being included as an aside from the characters who were meant to be the focus of the book.
This series is one of the best A/B/O books out there.... I am on pins and needles waiting on the next in this amazing series... I loved Hyatt and Dorian... I felt so bad for Dustin and what he endured... This book was AMAZING!!
Loved every minute of the story. The relationship between Hyatt and Dorian was amazing. Loved this series so much bit sad at the end can’t wait for the next book. RECOMMEND
I love this omegaverse world and this book was a very emotional ride, for sure! I seriously can't wait to get into the next book to find out what happens.
Hold Me is the 5th book in the Finding Free series, written by A.M. Arthur.
Omega Hyatt Lee is the adopted brother of Rebel Lee, who was the main character in the second book of the series. Alpha Dorian Fowler is briefly mentioned in book two. Dorian and Hyatt meet at a charity event, and immediately know they are mates. Neither think they are ready to mate, though, but Hyatt wants a family and children in his near future. Dorian is not quite sure how he will be, as a parent, since neither of his parents were not that amazing. Their relationship starts off rocky with Rebel being taken to the police station. What starts as supervised outings, ends up with them living together.
I love Hyatt. He is a bottomless pit that everyone seems to adore. He will be an amazing omega. I just wish we got to see it in this book. Dorian has a lot going against him, with the fact his father tried to kill Hyatt's brother, but after a while you get a peak into his father's head. While learning why he did it makes you feel sorry for him, it does not excuse any of his actions. Dorian is a perfect gentleman, despite everything, and he and Hyatt make a lovely couple. I can't wait to see them in future books.
While I did like this book, the rushed ending ruined it for me. Not only because Hyatt's story was rushed, but it seemed the author was more excited by the next book. I, myself, am as well, but kind of feels like this book was rushed. I am anxiously awaiting Emory's book.
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement. ***