What do you think?
Rate this book
The Hold #0.5
Hold On
For upcoming singer-songwriter Cole Manchester, getting signed with the industry’s best record label topped his bucket list. And now, with contract in hand, his appetite grows … along with his list.
√ Headline a tour
√ Win a Grammy
√ Party like a rock star
√ Feast on a steady diet of hot chicks
√ Do his mother proud—thankfully, his publicist works overtime
Taking place prior to the first three books in The Hold Series, this prequel novella offers a taste of Cole’s early lifestyle. He indulges all his passions, but soon finds that scoring on and off the stage has unpredicted consequences. So, grab onto the aspiring rocker with both hands, and HOLD ON.
***WARNING: Due to strong language and sexual situations, this book is intended for mature audiences. Even though a prequel, this novella can be read either before or after the first three books in The Hold Series, available now.***
√ Headline a tour
√ Win a Grammy
√ Party like a rock star
√ Feast on a steady diet of hot chicks
√ Do his mother proud—thankfully, his publicist works overtime
Taking place prior to the first three books in The Hold Series, this prequel novella offers a taste of Cole’s early lifestyle. He indulges all his passions, but soon finds that scoring on and off the stage has unpredicted consequences. So, grab onto the aspiring rocker with both hands, and HOLD ON.
***WARNING: Due to strong language and sexual situations, this book is intended for mature audiences. Even though a prequel, this novella can be read either before or after the first three books in The Hold Series, available now.***
- GenresContemporaryRomance
136 pages, Paperback
First published November 7, 2017
About the author
Arell Rivers
34 books502 followersFor as long as Arell Rivers remembers, she has been lost in a book. During her senior year in college, she picked up a romance novel … and instantly was hooked.
She started writing her first novel, No One to Hold, because the characters were screaming at her to do so. The story started coming out in Arell’s dreams and attacking her in the shower, so she took to the computer to shut them up. But they kept talking.
Born and raised in New Jersey, Arell has what some may call a “checkered past.” Prior to discovering her passion for writing romance, she practiced law, was a wedding and event planner and even dabbled in marketing. She lives with a very supportive husband and two mischievous cats. When not in her writing cave, Arell can be found making dinner in the crock pot, working out with Shaun T or hitting the beach.
She hopes you enjoy her stories about flawed men, strong women and the passions that ignite!
She started writing her first novel, No One to Hold, because the characters were screaming at her to do so. The story started coming out in Arell’s dreams and attacking her in the shower, so she took to the computer to shut them up. But they kept talking.
Born and raised in New Jersey, Arell has what some may call a “checkered past.” Prior to discovering her passion for writing romance, she practiced law, was a wedding and event planner and even dabbled in marketing. She lives with a very supportive husband and two mischievous cats. When not in her writing cave, Arell can be found making dinner in the crock pot, working out with Shaun T or hitting the beach.
She hopes you enjoy her stories about flawed men, strong women and the passions that ignite!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 12, 2020
The Rising Star
This is my first time reading this author and I have to say that I just found another rock romance author to follow. Cole is on the rise and wants to enjoy all the things that come with life on the road as a rock star but has promised not only his mother but his Aunt Doreen that he would not be looked at as a one of the “bad boys”. He tried to keep that promise he made to them but you’ll have to read the book to see what his tour bus was named. It was hilarious for this situation!!
Even though Cole had plenty of women…some which were actually pretty funny with how they acted…there was a little younger, glass wearing woman as a rep from his PR who was always there to help him and there were brief moments that “something” was staring him right in the face.
This guy had it all with the good looks, great career but he was also the guy who had made that promise to his mom and aunt, had his best friend from college where he crashed when not on the tour bus and also took his mom to the Grammy’s with him. I can’t wait to see where not only Cole’s career goes but what happens with the sweet Rose.
This is my first time reading this author and I have to say that I just found another rock romance author to follow. Cole is on the rise and wants to enjoy all the things that come with life on the road as a rock star but has promised not only his mother but his Aunt Doreen that he would not be looked at as a one of the “bad boys”. He tried to keep that promise he made to them but you’ll have to read the book to see what his tour bus was named. It was hilarious for this situation!!
Even though Cole had plenty of women…some which were actually pretty funny with how they acted…there was a little younger, glass wearing woman as a rep from his PR who was always there to help him and there were brief moments that “something” was staring him right in the face.
This guy had it all with the good looks, great career but he was also the guy who had made that promise to his mom and aunt, had his best friend from college where he crashed when not on the tour bus and also took his mom to the Grammy’s with him. I can’t wait to see where not only Cole’s career goes but what happens with the sweet Rose.
February 22, 2021
Hold On is a prequel to the Hold series by Arell Rivers, and my feelings are a bit conflicted with this one. I blame this on the fact I have mixed feelings when it comes to short prequels, and few of them work for me the way that I hope.
Although Hold On did leave me interested to see what happens in the series, it failed to make me fall for the main character. I understand it was intended to show our lead character was something of a player, but I did not need to read a story about his player days before he finds the one. It’s enough to know these people exist beforehand, I just do not care to read about them. Sure, there were other details involved – the reason I gave this a three-star rating – but it was not enough for me.
All in all, I’m sure many will enjoy this, but it wasn’t quite enough for me. I do remain interested in the main books in the series, though.
Although Hold On did leave me interested to see what happens in the series, it failed to make me fall for the main character. I understand it was intended to show our lead character was something of a player, but I did not need to read a story about his player days before he finds the one. It’s enough to know these people exist beforehand, I just do not care to read about them. Sure, there were other details involved – the reason I gave this a three-star rating – but it was not enough for me.
All in all, I’m sure many will enjoy this, but it wasn’t quite enough for me. I do remain interested in the main books in the series, though.
November 9, 2017
Cole Manchester has lived the life of a rockstar with all the accouterments that go with it. This read is the prequel to the series but I have read it after the other three. And I found that it was interesting information into what Cole's life was like before. This was a quick look at to the road to rockstar status. You see that family was important and grounding but not limiting. This was that little extra insight to Cole and Rose that I was wanting from the other reads. All the other reads were good and vesting but this was like the icing on the cake.
This was a little piece of extra that makes the series even more of a love. I will come back to this one over and over again. Now I will just be starting with the prequel instead of book one. Read it before you start the series or after. The impact of it all will be cemented.
This was a little piece of extra that makes the series even more of a love. I will come back to this one over and over again. Now I will just be starting with the prequel instead of book one. Read it before you start the series or after. The impact of it all will be cemented.
November 7, 2017
Readers are again pulled into the life of rock star Cole Manchester in this prequel that depicts the sexy rocker’s early days on the road. It’s a time of excitement and an embracing of some of the benefits of being a rock star that make this a sexy read that had me fully invested from the very first page to the last.
From the very start it’s clear that Cole is close with his family. There’s lots of love and support and his fame is a result of their close connection. They also keep him grounded which keeps him from giving in completely to all the usual vices that come with fame and kept him from becoming a one hit wonder. That’s not to say that he’s a monk though as there’s plenty of steamy encounters with groupies when he gets off the stage. They’re all meaningless encounters though as readers notice the sparks that begin flying between him and his PR person, Rose Morgan. With his mother’s wise assessment of Rose running through his head readers get fully on board with what’s to come in this emotionally intense series full of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat.
Ultimately this is a delightful start to what became an engaging series. It’s a quick read that packed a punch as there were numerous clues about what was to come in The Hold series. Cole’s a delicious hero with a heart of gold. He enjoys his rock star life but there’s moments where he longs for more. It’s going to be a rocky journey to HEA though as he’ll have to play the media’s game to stay on top. At times he’ll have to embrace the unentangled rock star life despite wanting to be the down-to-earth man his mother wanted him to be. Through it all though he remains the charming and sexy Cole we first meet in this novella and through three more installments Ms. Rivers delivered in a series that I highly recommend to other fans of rock star romances.
From the very start it’s clear that Cole is close with his family. There’s lots of love and support and his fame is a result of their close connection. They also keep him grounded which keeps him from giving in completely to all the usual vices that come with fame and kept him from becoming a one hit wonder. That’s not to say that he’s a monk though as there’s plenty of steamy encounters with groupies when he gets off the stage. They’re all meaningless encounters though as readers notice the sparks that begin flying between him and his PR person, Rose Morgan. With his mother’s wise assessment of Rose running through his head readers get fully on board with what’s to come in this emotionally intense series full of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat.
Ultimately this is a delightful start to what became an engaging series. It’s a quick read that packed a punch as there were numerous clues about what was to come in The Hold series. Cole’s a delicious hero with a heart of gold. He enjoys his rock star life but there’s moments where he longs for more. It’s going to be a rocky journey to HEA though as he’ll have to play the media’s game to stay on top. At times he’ll have to embrace the unentangled rock star life despite wanting to be the down-to-earth man his mother wanted him to be. Through it all though he remains the charming and sexy Cole we first meet in this novella and through three more installments Ms. Rivers delivered in a series that I highly recommend to other fans of rock star romances.
November 8, 2017
I was an honor to read this awesome book!! Hold On was written well. I love when a book grabs me from the beginning, and the emotions in the book grab at your heart strings!! And here is a little secret I'm Madly in Love with Cole Manchester xx , shhhh don't tell Arlle Rivers wink wink. But who wouldn't be with a hot and very sexy Rock Star like him!! Cole also has so many wonderful assets um about like his amazing heart of gold one he gives to his mamma and his family and to the ones he helps was so touching it touched my heart some very much!! !! Even though he is the bad boy in secret life eve though he made a promise to his Mamma that he would be good !! I like the way Arlle Rivers brought Rose in to the picture little at a time and also showing some of Rose's qualities as well!! I love the humor in the book as well !! I especially loved that some had there nickname from the beginning hehe she so deserving of it and it was so very well suited for her !!!! Having Author do POV book is fanatics !! I think that POV so Awesome well for me they are !! As a reader having the points POV from one of the main characters for me helps me get a better sense and a feel for the books and I feel that it brings things together and make the stories more complete for me!!! I also love when authors do the novella's as well it gives you things that happen before the story begins and I love that, because the more i know about the characters the more I drink and devour the story and the more I'm drawn into the story !! I loved The Hold series It was one I couldn't put down and put our lovely and beautiful talented Author Arlle Rivers in the dog house hehe !! So when I heard about this book coming out I was excited to read this book as well!! I would recommend this series to any one and every one !!! I can't wait for Arlle Rivers next amazing book !! Arlle you Rock Girl <3 xx
November 7, 2017
4.5 Stars
This nifty little prequel gave me a short but insightful peek into life before the fame for a guy that always aspired to be more.
l thought the author showed just how must of a temptation fame can be but that not everyone has to succumb to the beast that is notoriety, I’m not saying that Cole was an angel, far from it but that didn’t mean he was willing to live every single aspect of his life in the glare of publicity, and I thought his desire to keep his feet on the ground was admirable…the question was could he achieve it?
If you have read the series then you know all about Cole and rose and how their relationship developed but I was delighted that Rose made an appearance in this story too, I knew it was going to a fleeting glance but it was nice to see the flicker of a very early yearning between them.
A sound and safe read that brought everything to the fire that I could have wanted…especially the humour I found that brought the biggest smile to my face.
This nifty little prequel gave me a short but insightful peek into life before the fame for a guy that always aspired to be more.
l thought the author showed just how must of a temptation fame can be but that not everyone has to succumb to the beast that is notoriety, I’m not saying that Cole was an angel, far from it but that didn’t mean he was willing to live every single aspect of his life in the glare of publicity, and I thought his desire to keep his feet on the ground was admirable…the question was could he achieve it?
If you have read the series then you know all about Cole and rose and how their relationship developed but I was delighted that Rose made an appearance in this story too, I knew it was going to a fleeting glance but it was nice to see the flicker of a very early yearning between them.
A sound and safe read that brought everything to the fire that I could have wanted…especially the humour I found that brought the biggest smile to my face.
November 6, 2017
A look into Cole's life before him and Rose, what a treat.
Cole had a list of things to do when he made it big and it happened quickly. He wasn't necessarily a bad boy but he was a discreet bad boy, for the promise he made his mom and aunt. He was a caring and passionate person and even through this series he wasn't your typical rock star, he was grounded to a point. It's funny but even in this prequel there was something brewing between Cole and Rose, of course it took Cole awhile to realize his true feelings for Rose in the beginning and we all know what happens at the end.
thank Arell I will say that this series is my number #1 favorite rock star/comtemporary genre. It's got everything love, suspense, and some humor. Even with the prequel at the end.
**Reviewed for Sweet and Spicy Reads, ARC provided in return for an honest review**
Cole had a list of things to do when he made it big and it happened quickly. He wasn't necessarily a bad boy but he was a discreet bad boy, for the promise he made his mom and aunt. He was a caring and passionate person and even through this series he wasn't your typical rock star, he was grounded to a point. It's funny but even in this prequel there was something brewing between Cole and Rose, of course it took Cole awhile to realize his true feelings for Rose in the beginning and we all know what happens at the end.
thank Arell I will say that this series is my number #1 favorite rock star/comtemporary genre. It's got everything love, suspense, and some humor. Even with the prequel at the end.
**Reviewed for Sweet and Spicy Reads, ARC provided in return for an honest review**
November 8, 2017
A rock star in the making! For anyone who read the first three books in the Hold Series, you will of course recognize Cole and will enjoy seeing him enjoying the beginning of his career to it’s fullest. It was a fun little look back! I’m looking forward to the series continuing with Wills & Emilie’s story.
Taking place prior to the original three books in the series, you’ll see Cole Manchester as a newly signed artist heading out on his own to make his first album and go on his first tour. We see some initial interaction with his family, hear his promises to behave to his mother (thank goodness he has a great publicist!) and see him strive for his dreams of winning a Grammy!
Taking place prior to the original three books in the series, you’ll see Cole Manchester as a newly signed artist heading out on his own to make his first album and go on his first tour. We see some initial interaction with his family, hear his promises to behave to his mother (thank goodness he has a great publicist!) and see him strive for his dreams of winning a Grammy!
February 11, 2021
Hold On (A Hold Series Prequel Novella) by Arell Rivers is told from the first person perspective of the main character, Cole Manchester, an up-and-coming rock star. The story follows Cole on his rise to fame, introducing us to his lifestyle and his relationships with family, friends, and industry contacts. From partying and womanizing, to filming a music video, publicity dating, and attending the Grammys, this story illustrates the life of a star in the making. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
February 22, 2021
This is the first book that I have read by Arell Rivers and I am totally in love. Cole is an up and coming rock star but tries not to let that lifestyle corrupt him. He has a fantastic family support system that keeps him grounded. Yes he loves to party but always responsible. His mother bugs him to settle down but at 29 he is living the good life. I guess his mom sees something in Rose that may change his mind but what will it take him to notice Rose.
October 28, 2023
A very well written novella into an up and coming rockers world. Cole becomes the bad boy his mother warned him not to be, but also had his wonderful giving ways that saved him. I look forward to the rest of the series to see what happens. Family, friends, and a certain someone can make a difference.
November 14, 2017
This book was a great glimpse into Cole Manchesters life before The Hold series started. I absolutely love Cole and can't get enough of him. I recommend you read this book if you love a great rock star series. I can't wait for more from Arell!
November 15, 2017
Great story!! This was my first book I’ve read by Arell Rivers and I’m in love with her!!! I really enjoyed this look at the start of Cole’s career. Loved Cole’s relationship with his mom. 💕 I cannot wait to read the rest of this series and see where Cole went from here. Rock On!
October 4, 2020
Awesome prequel novella into the glimpse of the early days of the up and coming, rise to fame singer/songwriter Cole Manchester. An enjoyable story; I really liked Cole's interactions with his mother and the music awards scene. A good introduction to a great series!
February 20, 2021
The book was very well written, but I didn’t like Cole much at all in this one. I think that was the point. It helps us appreciate his growth as a person. It makes it more pronounced how smitten it was with Rose.
November 7, 2017
Spunky N Sassy Rating: 4.0
~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~
This book is an absolutely ugly cry. It was awesome and I loved it.
~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~
This book is an absolutely ugly cry. It was awesome and I loved it.
February 16, 2021
4.5 Stars
This is a really good prequel for the series. I'm really glad I started with this story. It gives you a really good level set of who Cole is and what his relationship with Rose is.
This is a really good prequel for the series. I'm really glad I started with this story. It gives you a really good level set of who Cole is and what his relationship with Rose is.
February 23, 2021
A good read into the mind of Cole during his rise to fame! Kinda funny to read it last, but it still worked!
March 11, 2021
I enjoyed reading this story about how Cole started with the music career and look forward to reading more about this series I recommend this book!!!!!
May 8, 2021
Disappointing because it introduces but no substance.
October 23, 2023
3.5 stars out of 5
June 27, 2020
This was a great look into Cole's life!! Cole and his family are close and they showed a lot of support and love which resulted in his fame. Having a close family helped to keep Cole from giving into everything that comes with being a famous Rock Star and it helped him from being a one hit wonder. Cole made a promise to his mom and aunt and due to his publicist a lot of stuff was kept out of the media. I love reading about when he took his mother the the Grammy Awards and she was so thrilled. In this book you could see that there was definitely something brewing between Rose and Cole and of course if you read the other books you know what happened. I truly loved this book and the rest of the series. I highly recommend reading the "Hold Series"!!
June 4, 2023
I read this prequel first
Cole has dreams of making it big, all the way to Grammy winner. He seems to have it pretty easy on his road to making them come true. After promising his mother and his aunt that he will not be the playboy "rock star," he's learned that his publicist Rose can work miracles and while he enjoys the life of a star, it's neither under the radar, or Rose ensures it never hits the headlines. But he starts to feel like something is missing, particularly after the death of his mother. Any he finds himself questioning why he feels so drawn to Rose. I read this prequel before the other books so I'm not sure what's in store for those two, but I'm eager to find out.
Cole has dreams of making it big, all the way to Grammy winner. He seems to have it pretty easy on his road to making them come true. After promising his mother and his aunt that he will not be the playboy "rock star," he's learned that his publicist Rose can work miracles and while he enjoys the life of a star, it's neither under the radar, or Rose ensures it never hits the headlines. But he starts to feel like something is missing, particularly after the death of his mother. Any he finds himself questioning why he feels so drawn to Rose. I read this prequel before the other books so I'm not sure what's in store for those two, but I'm eager to find out.
December 4, 2017
More!
I loved this look into Cole's life. So exciting to see his rise to fame and the fun he has along the way. So glad we get to see the music video and how it was made. I was curious about that from reading the series. Also happy that the music awards were in the story and we get to see Cole and his mother spend time together. Always excited for more of a story I thoroughly enjoyed!
I loved this look into Cole's life. So exciting to see his rise to fame and the fun he has along the way. So glad we get to see the music video and how it was made. I was curious about that from reading the series. Also happy that the music awards were in the story and we get to see Cole and his mother spend time together. Always excited for more of a story I thoroughly enjoyed!
June 17, 2021
I quite enjoyed this prequel novella which is a good indication of the personality of Cole and the people who surround him. Raised by down to earth parents, for the most part Cole is the same. Now he has just won two Grammys for his debut single. But amongst all the model “babes” he “dates”, is he missing out on the diamond in the rough? There is much more story to come about Rose I think!
Good short introduction to the series!
Good short introduction to the series!
February 22, 2023
Showcase…
This prequel to the series just showcased Cole as a bad boy rocker. Not a fan of that degenerate style of living. How can people have sex with different men/women every day and think that is okay? The hygiene, the health risk and feelings involved doesn’t matter I guess. Ughhh…
This prequel to the series just showcased Cole as a bad boy rocker. Not a fan of that degenerate style of living. How can people have sex with different men/women every day and think that is okay? The hygiene, the health risk and feelings involved doesn’t matter I guess. Ughhh…
March 16, 2018
Good background
This gives us an overview of the events we missed that were referenced in book 1. Some of the events were very enjoyable. My only complaint is I wish this was out first I have a hard time reading events I already know about.
This gives us an overview of the events we missed that were referenced in book 1. Some of the events were very enjoyable. My only complaint is I wish this was out first I have a hard time reading events I already know about.
June 20, 2018
Highlighting
This book definitely made clear some of the more memorable points in the series, highlighting some points that I value the clarity of
This book definitely made clear some of the more memorable points in the series, highlighting some points that I value the clarity of
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews