Review: Can't Hold Back by Serena Bell

Author: Serena Bell
Publisher: Loveswept (Random House)
Date of publication: December 2015

No girl can resist a man in uniform—especially if that man is Nate Riordan. But after an injury in the line of duty leaves Nate broken, body and soul, the soldier finds himself addicted to his pain meds, with no place to call home. Desperate for an escape, Nate reluctantly accepts a friend’s invitation to a new veterans’ retreat. Expecting a little R&R, Nate is shocked when the sight of his physical therapist opens up another old wound: heartbreak.

Years ago, Alia Drake fell hard for Nate, but never made her move. Instead, she set up her sister with the sexy, confident military man, a foolish decision that continues to haunt all three of them. Now, with Nate as her patient, she can make things right—even if it means getting too close for comfort. A healing touch and a little honesty work wonders, fueling a physical intimacy that crosses professional boundaries. This time, with desire in the air once more, Alia won’t hold anything back.

Can't Hold Back is the second book in the Returning Home series.  It takes place about five years after the events of the first book.  It works very well as a stand alone.  For the most part, I thought it was a sweet romance.  I will admit to liking the first book, Hold on Tight (my review), a bit more.  It's kind of a second chance story, but not in the conventional way.  This is Nate and Alia's story.  Alia has always been interested in Nate, but to help her sister find happiness, she passed him on to her.  Becca breaks it off with Nate and he later finds out that all of the letters he thought Becca wrote to him were actually from Alia.  Which sister had he actually fallen for?

As I said this was a cute/sweet romance.  Nate and Alia were both hiding from something.  Nate was fighting chronic pain and the craving to dive back into a bottle of pills.  Alia was looking for some place to be needed.  She had a hard time asking for help or admitting what she wanted.  They were good for each other.  I found Alia's alternative therapies for pain management really interesting and had to Google it for more information.  I had never heard of "tapping" before. Apparently, it is a real thing and I have to wonder if it really works.  

If you are looking for a quick second chance romance, I do recommend this one as well as the first.  It's a good story to read on a rainy day.