I absolutely LOVE when a writing duo can finish one incredible five-star sports romance series and then dive straight into something completely different—only to deliver another book that already feels like the beginning of another five-star favourite! And that is exactly what Piper Rayne have done with Holding Ground, book one in the Mercer Family series.

If you’re looking for a heartfelt small-town romance with a single dad, an adorable little girl, undeniable chemistry and a town full of characters you’ll quickly want to know more about, then this one needs to be on your TBR.

Elliott Mercer stole my heart. He’s a devoted dad to his five-year-old daughter Baylor, protective of the life they’ve built, and definitely not thrilled when Emelia arrives in town with plans to make changes—especially when she ends up renting the cabin on his property.

But watching Emelia with Baylor begins to change everything Elliott thought he knew about her. Add in those quiet nights sitting on the dock, talking, getting to know each other and feeling that chemistry slowly build, and you have the kind of romance that pulls you in and refuses to let go. 🥰

And Baylor? ❤️ Absolutely precious. She brings so much warmth to the story and adds another beautiful dimension to Elliott and Emelia’s growing relationship.

But one of my favourite things about Holding Ground is the town itself. The wonderful cast of small-town characters adds so much heart, personality and fun. They’re the kind of supporting characters who make you want to know their stories too—and make this feel like a community you could happily lose yourself in.

Piper Rayne have gone straight from one five-star sports romance series into what I’m already predicting will be another must-read series. This first book has the perfect mix of heart, family, emotion, chemistry, romance and small-town charm.

If single dads, small towns, adorable kids, slow-building chemistry and a romance that makes you smile are your kind of read, Holding Ground absolutely deserves a place on your TBR. 💕📚

And that ending? Well… let’s just say I’m already ready to go back to Mercer! ❤️

I loved the entire Dugout series but this final book stole my heart. I love a good fake relationship trope but this one had some unique traits that kept me invested for every twist and turn. I know this book will be landing in my re-read list for years to come.

**Audiobook Review**

Oh my heart, what an amazing start to this new series. “Holding Ground” is a heartfelt, swoony and romantic single Dad, small town romance that I couldn’t stop listening to once I started.

Elliott Mercer has been a single Dad for the last five years, it’s been him and his daughter, Baylor against the world. He runs a summer camp and during the off season, rents out the cabins to vacationers. The small town has all the charm and Elliott wants to keep it that way. And when Emelia Greene comes to town to survey it and see if there is growth potential, he’s not happy about it and especially when he finds out she’s staying in one of his cabins. The two immediately butt heads over why she’s there. Emelia is only there for three months and neither are looking for something permanent. But as she spends time on his property, the two start growing close.

I loved a single Dad romance and especially one that loves their children unconditionally and that is Elliott Mercer for sure. He’s smart, genuine and protective over Baylor making sure she has the best childhood possible. Elliott loves his small town and that shines throughout the story. If you’ve read the previous series, we get a grown member of the Greene family. Emelia is sweet, caring and wants to make a difference in the world. And she was always looking for a place in the world because she never felt quite a part of her family from how she was brought into it. Elliott and Emelia had great banter when they first met and it really set the tone for them being enemies-ish to developing deeper feelings for each other. And once they started being around each other more, the build was slow, steady and worth the wait. The chemistry was undeniable and I loved them as a couple. Emelia was so sweet with Baylor and they developed such a sweet relationship. I loved the other Mercer brothers and I can’t wait to read their stories when they are released.

Callie Dalton and Jason Clarke narrated in duet and I loved them as Emelia and Elliott. Callie brought the caring and kind Emelia alive perfectly. Jason was great as Elliott, his narration was vulnerable and protective. Callie and Jason’s narrating styles complemented each other perfectly. And having the additional narrators, Connor Crais, JF Harding, Aaron Shedlock, and Jill Smith bring their characters to life was an amazing bonus to listening to this story.

4.5 ⭐️
What is not to love about this grumpy/sunshine, small town romance.

What starts as enemies ends with a loving family between Elliot, Em and Baylor but they have some rocky roads to get there.

Grab it! You won’t regret it!😍😍😍

The sweetest temptation. Clarke and Dalton breathe life into irresistible. From introspective to addictive, Holding Ground breaks the heart wide open. Elliott and Emelia turn the senses inside out. From simmering fire to deep feeling, Rayne dares to showcase unforgettable.

The sweetest temptation. Clarke and Dalton breathe life into irresistible. From introspective to addictive, Holding Ground breaks the heart wide open. Elliott and Emelia turn the senses inside out. From simmering fire to deep feeling, Rayne dares to showcase unforgettable.

The sweetest temptation. Clarke and Dalton breathe life into irresistible. From introspective to addictive, Holding Ground breaks the heart wide open. Elliott and Emelia turn the senses inside out. From simmering fire to deep feeling, Rayne dares to showcase unforgettable.

So excited to get started on this new series!!! I have definitely missed the Greene’s

So excited the whole team is together! Absolutely loved this series

These books were packaged up well and are a terrific find! Please know that they are in my TBR once hockey season begins. 😉 Thank you so much!

Packaged perfectly so product was not damaged and it was shipped quickly.

Love the special edition covers.

Perfect display on my Book Shelf.

4.5 stars. The covers are great. I wish I had read the description thoroughly because I didn't realize these were mass market smaller sized paperbacks. I also thought they had colored edges, but again that's my fault. I rarely purchase paperbacks as most of my special or deluxe editions are hardbacks. I kind of wish they were case laminate hardbacks but again, that was my failure to read the details thoroughly. Had I realized they were smaller with plain edges I would have bought the larger paperbacks because those were cute too.

Absolutely love this set of special books.