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Holding Back The Years
Every great love starts with a story.
Seraphina Jacobs is a smart, inquisitive writer who, after financial difficulties and a failed relationship, finds herself back in her childhood home with her overprotective parents as landlords. She now spends her days working at the local newspaper and her nights watching Jeopardy with her parents on the couch. Seraphina is stuck in a well-worn rut. The only bright spot in her weeks are the Sunday visits with her grandfather, and listening to his stories about yesteryear.
August Gardner is tired. Tired of being dismissed by his five older sisters. After losing the battle to keep his mother out of an “old folks’ home,” he decides to move back to Michigan, hoping he can rescue his mother from a lifetime of bingo nights and magic shows. But to do that he needs to get his career on track, and he’s putting all his eggs in one basket by opening his own auto repair shop.
When Seraphina and August meet, what started out as a much-needed one-night stand turns into something neither of them expected. The two are falling for one another. But when Seraphina stumbles onto a big secret, it could stop the giddy free fall, sending them crashing to the ground. They say the truth can set you free but the truth also has the power to tear you apart.
Seraphina Jacobs is a smart, inquisitive writer who, after financial difficulties and a failed relationship, finds herself back in her childhood home with her overprotective parents as landlords. She now spends her days working at the local newspaper and her nights watching Jeopardy with her parents on the couch. Seraphina is stuck in a well-worn rut. The only bright spot in her weeks are the Sunday visits with her grandfather, and listening to his stories about yesteryear.
August Gardner is tired. Tired of being dismissed by his five older sisters. After losing the battle to keep his mother out of an “old folks’ home,” he decides to move back to Michigan, hoping he can rescue his mother from a lifetime of bingo nights and magic shows. But to do that he needs to get his career on track, and he’s putting all his eggs in one basket by opening his own auto repair shop.
When Seraphina and August meet, what started out as a much-needed one-night stand turns into something neither of them expected. The two are falling for one another. But when Seraphina stumbles onto a big secret, it could stop the giddy free fall, sending them crashing to the ground. They say the truth can set you free but the truth also has the power to tear you apart.
156 pages, Paperback
Published October 18, 2022
269 people are currently reading
1701 people want to read
About the author
Kasha Thompson
15 books365 followersKasha Thompson is a contemporary romance writer. She writes authentic love stories that examine the complexity of falling and staying in love.
Upcoming Novel LOVE YOU A LITTLE BIT releases on April 22.
Follow Kasha on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3q6EvjR
Visit Kasha's website: https://authorkashathompson.my.canva....
Upcoming Novel LOVE YOU A LITTLE BIT releases on April 22.
Follow Kasha on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3q6EvjR
Visit Kasha's website: https://authorkashathompson.my.canva....
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews
May 26, 2023
this was kinda cool cus it takes place in michigan where i’m from and it was nice reading about places i’m familiar with. because of august last name, if he was real i lowkey would’ve thought he was my cousin but anyways i think the non dialogue parts came off as cringe? i’m not really into friends with benefits to lovers so that’s my bad for not reading the description but it was a solid read otherwise
October 22, 2022
It all started with a one night stand…(Don’t let the cute cartoon cover fool you 😉).
August is just moving back to his home town & Seraphina is home again trying to figure out her next step. What I loved most was August & Seraphina’s willingness to meet each other where they were at. This book was sweet, funny, & sexy.
Seraphina is NOSY but to know her is to love her. Because of Seraphina, there is a story within this story & I was drawn into it and trying to piece together all the details. I highly recommend putting this book on your roster.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August is just moving back to his home town & Seraphina is home again trying to figure out her next step. What I loved most was August & Seraphina’s willingness to meet each other where they were at. This book was sweet, funny, & sexy.
Seraphina is NOSY but to know her is to love her. Because of Seraphina, there is a story within this story & I was drawn into it and trying to piece together all the details. I highly recommend putting this book on your roster.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 18, 2025
I can’t do this amount of smut and family drama side by side for 167 pages and come out normal
November 30, 2022
seraphina and august story was so damn cute! from the beginning i was smiling at this book watching these two characters get to know one another.
seraphina is back home living with her parents after her career fizzed out in the big city. she’s down bad and dejected wondering how she’s going to get her life back on track.
august is back home to be closer to his mother who is living in a nursing home against his wishes. he’s trying to make a name for himself and plant some roots in his hometown.
at first i thought these character were so clumsy. like i felt like they did not go together at all but i ended up really liking that about them. august was so clunky around seraphina. it’s almost like she made him nervous and sera seemed aloof to it all. she just wanted to get her back cracked and dip. when she finally realized she had feelings she couldn’t run from for august i was giddy because he was already crazy about her.
i usually don’t care for secondary storylines too much but i was well invested in sera and august’s loved ones lives at the nursing home. i feel like they added to the book instead of taking away from the main storyline.
i really enjoyed this book. i think it might be my favorite book so far by kasha thompson.
seraphina is back home living with her parents after her career fizzed out in the big city. she’s down bad and dejected wondering how she’s going to get her life back on track.
august is back home to be closer to his mother who is living in a nursing home against his wishes. he’s trying to make a name for himself and plant some roots in his hometown.
at first i thought these character were so clumsy. like i felt like they did not go together at all but i ended up really liking that about them. august was so clunky around seraphina. it’s almost like she made him nervous and sera seemed aloof to it all. she just wanted to get her back cracked and dip. when she finally realized she had feelings she couldn’t run from for august i was giddy because he was already crazy about her.
i usually don’t care for secondary storylines too much but i was well invested in sera and august’s loved ones lives at the nursing home. i feel like they added to the book instead of taking away from the main storyline.
i really enjoyed this book. i think it might be my favorite book so far by kasha thompson.
June 2, 2023
I loved this so much. Real quick and real cute.
Don’t let the cover fool you though 🌶️🌶️.5/5
Seraphina and August met @ a bar and chileeee it was hot between them. She actually got on my nerves REAL BAD. As their relationship progressed I liked her more.
The plot twist between their families was giving hot tea baby.
Men always want us to stay down until they get it together but for a man like August I definitely would. !!!
This was my first book by this author and I definitely enjoyed.
Don’t let the cover fool you though 🌶️🌶️.5/5
Seraphina and August met @ a bar and chileeee it was hot between them. She actually got on my nerves REAL BAD. As their relationship progressed I liked her more.
The plot twist between their families was giving hot tea baby.
Men always want us to stay down until they get it together but for a man like August I definitely would. !!!
This was my first book by this author and I definitely enjoyed.
October 8, 2024
-So when it comes to this book, the second half was definitely better than the beginning. Im not a fan of the friends with benefits to lovers trope, and chile, the spice was spicing a little too much for my liking, but August and Seraphina grew on me as a couple lol.
-I loved the journalism side of Seraphina that was displayed in the book so we got to know about August's mom and Sera's granddad. Even though there was a "scandal" tied to the family drama I do like how the book ended. Overall, I give the book a 3/5 ⭐️.
-I loved the journalism side of Seraphina that was displayed in the book so we got to know about August's mom and Sera's granddad. Even though there was a "scandal" tied to the family drama I do like how the book ended. Overall, I give the book a 3/5 ⭐️.
March 30, 2023
I don’t usually like romances where the couple gets together really quick, but I was having a good time with this one UNTIL we reached a point in the secondary plot that really threw me for a whole loop. We learn that Seraphina’s grandpa and August’s mom were romantically involved as youth and then continued to see each other while both of them were married. Then the next chapter opens with seraphina and august in bed together?? Like?? I was SHOCKED they just didn’t think about that they could be related even though when Seraphina heard about her grandpa’s affair she was wondering if any of Bernie’s kids were his. Ummmmm but then we just keep going with the August and Seraphina’s love story? Whole time I’m just wondering if he’s actually her uncle???? We don’t learn that he definitely couldn’t be until like 2 chapters from the end 😭 that was like a good 40% of the book with me just thinking “they could be related” while they are making life plans and fucking on the reg. Eye— I did like the writing style and I think this author can deliver on a romance so I’m not writing her off. But possible related by blood characters as a romantic couple don’t work for me. Like I needed to know BEFORE they hooked up again after finding out about their elder’s relationship. Needless to say, the last like 50% was a bit of a wild time for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2023
3.5⭐️rounded up…
August and Seraphina were cute and I liked their connection;however, I think I loved the relationship between Sera and her grandfather more. The way he told the stories of his past relationships to her made my heart melt that a man of that age will always remember the love of his life no matter the circumstances. I love to hear older people talk about the “olden days” and how they loved when they were younger. It always seems hard to picture parents and grandparents young and in love because they’ve been “old” since you’ve laid eyes on them, but it’s so inspiring to see love like that… one day, stories like theirs will be ours…🥰
August and Seraphina were cute and I liked their connection;however, I think I loved the relationship between Sera and her grandfather more. The way he told the stories of his past relationships to her made my heart melt that a man of that age will always remember the love of his life no matter the circumstances. I love to hear older people talk about the “olden days” and how they loved when they were younger. It always seems hard to picture parents and grandparents young and in love because they’ve been “old” since you’ve laid eyes on them, but it’s so inspiring to see love like that… one day, stories like theirs will be ours…🥰
August 25, 2023
THIS WAS SO GOOD WHAT THE HELL. I love the complexity of seeing the people your parents (and grandparents) were before you knew them. I also enjoyed how the author wrote a relationship playing out. It felt really organic and sweet. I liked that Seraphine was more reticent for a serious connection. Her reasons for being guarded made a lot of sense. She never really felt like the cold and prickly girlboss that SOME black author like to shove their heroines into. (Cough. Talia Hibbert.)
This book really hit me because Sera and I are similar. I took a caretaking-adjacent role with my dad before he died, similar to her relationship with her grandfather. Which reminds me, I’m so glad that Another thing about Sera I like is that she’s still living with her parents, much like I am now. So yes! She was relatable and compelling which definitely added to my enjoyment.
There were some copy editing errors here and there (really just commas) but those didn’t bother me at all. It felt like was I investing in a new, unpolished gem before the masses see it. I can’t wait to see how big Kasha Thompson gets, she so deserves it!
This book really hit me because Sera and I are similar. I took a caretaking-adjacent role with my dad before he died, similar to her relationship with her grandfather. Which reminds me, I’m so glad that Another thing about Sera I like is that she’s still living with her parents, much like I am now. So yes! She was relatable and compelling which definitely added to my enjoyment.
There were some copy editing errors here and there (really just commas) but those didn’t bother me at all. It felt like was I investing in a new, unpolished gem before the masses see it. I can’t wait to see how big Kasha Thompson gets, she so deserves it!
February 16, 2025
•One nightstand to fwb to lovers
•Funny Banter
•Insta-lust
•Obsessed MMC
Seraphina moves back to her childhood home in Michigan from New York City to see where she wants her life to go next. She goes and visits her grandfather who has Alzheimer’s and lives in a nursing home and records the stories he tells her about his life. While there she meets August briefly at the vending machine. August just moved back to Michigan because his older sisters put their mom in a nursing home due to none of them being able to take care of her. They see each other at a local bar and Seraphina ends up going home with August, after that August is hooked.
I LOVED this book. It had me giggling and kicking my feet the whole time.
After that first night August was hooked on Seraphina. He tried his best not to come on too strong and scare her away but internally he was obsessed. His internal monologue was hilarious, he had me cackling!
I loved the plot and how they slowly got together. I usually don’t like insta-lust but imo it was done well in this book. I also enjoyed the drama the fmc was digging up. I will for sure be reading more books by this author!
If you’re looking for a fun and spicy read definitely give this a go!
•Funny Banter
•Insta-lust
•Obsessed MMC
Seraphina moves back to her childhood home in Michigan from New York City to see where she wants her life to go next. She goes and visits her grandfather who has Alzheimer’s and lives in a nursing home and records the stories he tells her about his life. While there she meets August briefly at the vending machine. August just moved back to Michigan because his older sisters put their mom in a nursing home due to none of them being able to take care of her. They see each other at a local bar and Seraphina ends up going home with August, after that August is hooked.
I LOVED this book. It had me giggling and kicking my feet the whole time.
After that first night August was hooked on Seraphina. He tried his best not to come on too strong and scare her away but internally he was obsessed. His internal monologue was hilarious, he had me cackling!
I loved the plot and how they slowly got together. I usually don’t like insta-lust but imo it was done well in this book. I also enjoyed the drama the fmc was digging up. I will for sure be reading more books by this author!
If you’re looking for a fun and spicy read definitely give this a go!
December 11, 2023
4.5 stars!!
This story was tooooooo cute!!!
I really, really enjoyed Seraphina, August and family!
You should read this, it a quick, binge-in-one-day kinda book that will give you all the feels.
I must admit, I was initially mad at Seraphina for not minding her business and letting the past stay in the past when she found out this big family secret, but without giving away too much, I love how this revelation later impacted the family.
This book was tender, fun and steamyyyy!!!
Also be prepared for:
●fun and tender aging/elder characters
● infidelity and family secrets
● alzheimers is explored
●forgiveness/ second chances
●he falls first
This story was tooooooo cute!!!
I really, really enjoyed Seraphina, August and family!
You should read this, it a quick, binge-in-one-day kinda book that will give you all the feels.
I must admit, I was initially mad at Seraphina for not minding her business and letting the past stay in the past when she found out this big family secret, but without giving away too much, I love how this revelation later impacted the family.
This book was tender, fun and steamyyyy!!!
Also be prepared for:
●fun and tender aging/elder characters
● infidelity and family secrets
● alzheimers is explored
●forgiveness/ second chances
●he falls first
July 19, 2023
4.5 stars
September 29, 2022
While in the midst of a reading slump, I was lucky to receive an ARC of this and it was just what I needed. I was sold by the cover alone, not even reading the synopsis. I expected a old love reconnection and nevertheless it was intertwined.
It felt relatable considering the main characters life status.
It was cute, spice when needed and some drama Lol.
I felt like it could of went a little longer, probably because I enjoyed it so much. What I liked most was that it wasn’t the typical boy meets girl setting, and the path could go either way.
I blushed, I gasped and I laughed.
I will definitely be checking out the other two that have already been written.
It felt relatable considering the main characters life status.
It was cute, spice when needed and some drama Lol.
I felt like it could of went a little longer, probably because I enjoyed it so much. What I liked most was that it wasn’t the typical boy meets girl setting, and the path could go either way.
I blushed, I gasped and I laughed.
I will definitely be checking out the other two that have already been written.
December 20, 2023
Overall 4.5 I really enjoyed it. Full review coming soon.
April 14, 2024
Overall I enjoyed this book. I especially liked the b-plot. 3.5 ⭐️
What I did not like, however, was:
Junie... Just NO! Find another cousin or meet new people, Sera. This girl was not a good friend. IMO.
I was excited for Pops and Bernie until I found out who Bernie was. Jolene has entered the chat followed by Jody.
I was happy and sad for Pop's condition until I found out he was a good for nothing man for many years.
I was excited for Sera and Auggie until Auggie had no control over his emotions... Can anyone say don't pull the pin on that one?
I was enjoying Sera's character until she called Bernie a liar. Now, wtf you think you talking to? That wasn't even her business fr.
What I did not like, however, was:
Junie... Just NO! Find another cousin or meet new people, Sera. This girl was not a good friend. IMO.
I was excited for Pops and Bernie until I found out who Bernie was. Jolene has entered the chat followed by Jody.
I was happy and sad for Pop's condition until I found out he was a good for nothing man for many years.
I was excited for Sera and Auggie until Auggie had no control over his emotions... Can anyone say don't pull the pin on that one?
I was enjoying Sera's character until she called Bernie a liar. Now, wtf you think you talking to? That wasn't even her business fr.
November 8, 2022
I read it with my friend as a two person book club. It was clearly and lightly written, a breeze to get through. However, Seraphina and her life and attractiveness weren't well developed for me and August and his sensitivity felt forced. I guessed a part of the plot ahead of time. It could be because I'm not big on romance novels but I found it an easy fluff read but I probably won't remember it later.
January 11, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I love that the title was meant for the minor characters but in the end it was what the main characters wanted to avoid! Live your life to the fullest and don’t wait until “the right time”!
November 26, 2022
4/5⭐️3.999/5🌶️
- I haven't read a fluffy black romance in too long! This book made me so happy! I really really enjoyed these guys. Dont let the cover fool you lol.
- So this is one is about Seraphina a journalist and she carries that title everywhere lol. She is super nosey but in a tell me everything I wont judge way. Its funny because Im the exact same way. Then its August and he is literally a gentle giant. Hes like six foot something and a mechanic but has the biggest heart. He loves hard and strives to make all the women in his life happy.
- Now I do love Auggie but grown folk business is just that lol, it has nothing to do with you and yours. Sera was mature enough to understand this and Auggie eventually did but his reaction was annoying lol. Other than that I loved that they really supported each other and just enjoyed being in each other space no matter the location. Im always a fan of when the guy falls first. Kasha did that, I gotta read more by her. Oh I didn't like her cousin Junie she aggie fr.
- Definitely recommend
- I haven't read a fluffy black romance in too long! This book made me so happy! I really really enjoyed these guys. Dont let the cover fool you lol.
- So this is one is about Seraphina a journalist and she carries that title everywhere lol. She is super nosey but in a tell me everything I wont judge way. Its funny because Im the exact same way. Then its August and he is literally a gentle giant. Hes like six foot something and a mechanic but has the biggest heart. He loves hard and strives to make all the women in his life happy.
- Now I do love Auggie but grown folk business is just that lol, it has nothing to do with you and yours. Sera was mature enough to understand this and Auggie eventually did but his reaction was annoying lol. Other than that I loved that they really supported each other and just enjoyed being in each other space no matter the location. Im always a fan of when the guy falls first. Kasha did that, I gotta read more by her. Oh I didn't like her cousin Junie she aggie fr.
- Definitely recommend
December 21, 2023
Sweet
This was such an enjoyable read. August’s adoration for Seraphina was so sweet. He was such a lovable character. His niceness made the story even better for me. Seraphina wasn’t so lovable, but August made up for her annoying ways. I really loved that their lifestyles felt realistic. They both were trying to recover from personal and professional setbacks. They weren’t where they wanted to be in life, but they were working to make improvements. The scandalous, yet funny background of their loved ones added a juicy layer to the story. While a sweet love story was told, there were plenty of spicy moments to raise the heat factor, too.
This was such an enjoyable read. August’s adoration for Seraphina was so sweet. He was such a lovable character. His niceness made the story even better for me. Seraphina wasn’t so lovable, but August made up for her annoying ways. I really loved that their lifestyles felt realistic. They both were trying to recover from personal and professional setbacks. They weren’t where they wanted to be in life, but they were working to make improvements. The scandalous, yet funny background of their loved ones added a juicy layer to the story. While a sweet love story was told, there were plenty of spicy moments to raise the heat factor, too.
January 17, 2023
I thought this book was a nice quick easy read. Cute love story that discuss how people deal with setbacks in adulthood, and being able to navigate a relationship without bringing baggage into it. I always love a romance with dual perspectives and this one told each characters point of view well. The build up of their relationship wasn’t rushed even though this book was pretty short. I wanted it to be longer because it was nice to see the character grow together!! Definitely recommend to any romance novel lovers out there😁.
January 29, 2023
simple cover, complicated story
This book was a real onion and a gem. It had such an authentic that you rarely see, or well maybe that’s just me. This is a romance about real, everyday people. They aren’t perfect, they didn’t say or do all the right things all the time. But it was beautiful and honest. I never would have excepted THIS story from that cover. I’m so glad someone I trusted recommended this to me. The writing was good, the humor was great, and the smex was hot. I’ll be more inclined to give illustrated covers more love because of this one.
This book was a real onion and a gem. It had such an authentic that you rarely see, or well maybe that’s just me. This is a romance about real, everyday people. They aren’t perfect, they didn’t say or do all the right things all the time. But it was beautiful and honest. I never would have excepted THIS story from that cover. I’m so glad someone I trusted recommended this to me. The writing was good, the humor was great, and the smex was hot. I’ll be more inclined to give illustrated covers more love because of this one.
July 2, 2023
Kasha Thompson in her urban and modern novel from two POV’s I enjoyed so much! The pov’s of this light-hearted romance with some zest and spice, between Seraphina & August will have you laughing, heart fluttering with love and reminiscent over your past life and present life. This relatable character will have you in love with the fact that they each found love in a society that forgets the true meaning of love. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and I read it within 2 days! Dive into the world of 2 individuals that mirror your thoughts, concerns, family lives and dreams.
June 16, 2025
I thought this was a short and sweet romance! Even though I kind of felt like the romance and spice in the beginning was a bit rushed (especially because they'd just met each other), the romance throughout the book was pretty enjoyable! I also loved the story between Seraphine's grandfather and August's mother, it was so interesting to read about! This novel's romance was more like a "when-I-knew-I-knew" / "instant feelings" / "instant romance," which isn't something I'd usually enjoy, but luckily the plot and the characters made it bearable. Will be reading Thompson's other books :)
June 29, 2025
2.75/5. I really liked the premise of the book. I loved the idea of talking to our parents and grandparents to get their full story, not just the piece where they are parents/grandparents. I think because the book is short, it’s hard to develop two characters relationship, a twist involving the families, and the dreams of each of the characters in that many pages. I was constantly wanting more. I couldn’t get on board with the relationship until 60% of the way 😭. The details are what I love most about books and I felt like this one was missing so many.
July 16, 2023
Seraphina and August randomly meet at an assisted living facility, while visiting her grandfather and his mother. How innocent and sweet right? But then they go have sex that same day LOL. Okay the spice caught me by surprise, but i guess that’s why you can’t judge books by their covers. A one night stand trope that turned into a nice little love story. August did upset me during some parts of the book, he was a little simpy, but all in all, a good read.
November 23, 2022
A cute short read. Definitely got me out of my reading slump. I seen some parts coming from a mile away. August and Sera are so cute. Idk i kept picturing winston dukes when they were discribing August. He sounded fine af. Loved the happy ending too.
June 12, 2023
it was good.
Cute. They have good sex, the nasty kind. Plot twist. Her grandfather knows his mother and it’s an open secret. Read this book if you like a little family drama tied into a romance story.
Cute. They have good sex, the nasty kind. Plot twist. Her grandfather knows his mother and it’s an open secret. Read this book if you like a little family drama tied into a romance story.
July 31, 2024
A cute and enjoyable read.
I feel like August and Seraphina fell in love rather quickly but that does happen in real life.
Pops was something else back in the day.
This was my second read by Kasha and I will definitely be reading more of her books
I feel like August and Seraphina fell in love rather quickly but that does happen in real life.
Pops was something else back in the day.
This was my second read by Kasha and I will definitely be reading more of her books
March 23, 2023
This was a quick sweet love story. Old folks and their secrets are something else.
March 31, 2023
This book is so fun!!
Also the 🌶🌶 starts on chapter 3
Also the 🌶🌶 starts on chapter 3
Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews