Hold the Line

The Kelly Ranch

De: Julia Wolf

Narrado por: Emma Wilder, Sean Masters

Deacon Slater was my high school crush—the bad boy with haunted eyes that made my heart skip a beat. But in our small town, the Slater name is synonymous with trouble, and Deke lived up to it when he landed in prison a few years after graduation.

He served his time and now he’s back, living in the apartment above mine, covered in ink and even more intriguing than before.

As the owner of Sugar Rush bakery, I’m used to building bridges with my muffins and cookies. I’ve seen cowboys nearly come to blows over the last lemon bar. But Deke wants nothing to do with my treats…or me. He keeps his distance, barely speaking when I knock on his door.

Until the day he doesn’t have a choice.

He’s there when I need him, stepping in to protect me, showing me the caring man beneath his rough edges.

We couldn’t be more different. I’m a curvy ray of sunshine in a pink apron and he’s a stoic, tattooed carpenter in work boots. But the more walls we tear down, the closer we get. And piece by piece, we discover how well we fit.

But when darkness from his past comes looking for him, what we’re building could all fall apart. Because this time, trouble isn’t just circling Deacon Slater.

It’s coming for us both.

(This is Phoebe Kelly's story and can be listened to as a complete standalone!)

©2025 Julia Wolf (P)2025 Julia Wolf

Sweet and wholesome and one of my absolute favorites!

I highly recommend this story to anyone who wants to feel good. Loved it so much. Will be buying a physical copy to keep on my shelf and re-read at some point.

Dek and Pheb

This is one of my favorites by Julia Wolf. The FMC is a total Sunshine while the MMC is thought to be a full on Bad Boy but in reality... things aren't what they seem to be. if you love a romance featuring a plus-sized female finding the love she deserves...you will live this story, just like I did. Oh and the male narrator's voice mad me want Dek for myself. So good.

Giggling, squealing, kicking my feet listening to this book!

This was a reread for me except it was the first time listening and I ate this book up for the 2nd time!!! how could I not?? I mean, is there anything more swoony than a true first kiss? *sigh* Deke and Phoebe solidified thenselves at the top of my 2025 favorite couples list. I ADORE them!!! Their semi slow burn (pining after each other in the past, just to rekindle the crush...again, *sigh, again*) love story was so dreamy! I love a second chance moment too and theirs was beautiful. I love that Pheobe is a strong independent woman, even given her hesitation due to her past relationship with a scum of the earth man. She is FIERCE! Deke's protective side is just chef's kiss. I love his redemption story and the relationships he built despite his horrible childhood and adolescence. The community he built around himself brought tears to my eyes. There's just something about a damaged MC, and seeing those around him that loved him in spite of his past was perfect. Another amazing listen from Julia Wolf!

Can't get enough of the Kelly Ranch!

I can not get enough of the Kelly Ranch series, and Hold the Line is a fantastic addition. Phoebe and Deacon are absolutely everything. There's just something about Deacon with all he's been through that just sits in your heart, and the way Phoebe continues to show Deacon he is worthy of kindness and love. Plus, I will also take every single glimpse of the entire amazing Kelly family I can get each and every time. Continuing to get Elena and Lachlan parental moments gives me the most ridiculous glee. But I digress... From beginning to end, Hold the Line had me enthralled through every swoony moment, through every twist, and through every single word that had me turning that next page and continuing to listen. Speaking of listening, Sean Masters and Emma Wilde are fantastic as the narrators! Talk about making you feel like you are in a story... I was feeling all the emotions of this book with Sean and Emma's narration. 100% worth the listen!

"My whole world is here, so this is where I'm gonna be."

Sugar, Spice & Second Chances

This book had so many of my favorite tropes, and Julia did not disappoint with this story!

Phoebe is a curvy bakery owner who’s as sweet and kind as the treats she makes. She’s generous, lovable, and has a heart of gold. When she learns she has a new neighbor, she does what she does best—shows up with a box of pastries as a welcome gesture. But when the door opens and she realizes her new neighbor is Deacon, the guy she had a massive crush on in high school, her excitement skyrockets.

Deacon hasn’t had an easy life. Raised on the wrong side of the tracks, neglected, and always struggling, he’s never held himself in high regard. After being dragged into his brother’s mess and serving time, he’s now focused on keeping his head down—just work and go home. That is, until Phoebe shows up at his door with pastries and a smile. She’s the girl he crushed on all those years ago but never thought he was good enough for.

This story was the perfect blend of sweetness, second chances, and undeniable chemistry.

Tropes:
Small Time Romance
Grumpy/Sunshine
Virgin MMC
Curvy FMC
Toxic Family
Forced Proximity
Neighbors

A book I want to listen to again and again!

I’m not sure when or how I stumbled upon Julia Wolf but I am so unbelievably happy I did. Deacon and Phoebe’s love story is so good. They are the epitome of “Love is patient, Love is kind…” I could not help but fall in love with Deacon. Phoebe is so perfect for him. She just loves him, stands with him and helps him to see his worth. I love the character growth and how much they both overcome. I was rooting for them from the beginning and am obsessed with the series. I cannot wait for the next book and anything else Julia writes.

These narrators did a spectacular job bringing Phoebe and Deacon to life. I was able to get lost in the story. I did not think it could get any better after reading this book. I was so wrong. It is phenomenal!!! Sean Masters voice is like butter. What a beautiful job they did.

Swooning and wishing I had my own Deacon!

Every time I think I've seen everything this author can give me. When I think I know what to expect... I get my mind blown. I find myself shook and surprised in a totally new way.

I've seen her write possessive and protective, I've seen her write caring and kind, I've seen her write a whirlwind romance that sweeps me off my feet. I love all those things. Then there is Deacon and Phoebe. Then there is the meaning of... Hold the Line.

But let me back up a bit.

Deacon has lived through a lot and he bears his scars in stoic silence a lot of the time. Feeling people's judgmental stares and trying to keep to his business. But then, his beautiful, nosey neighbor, who just happens to be his high school crush, keeps butting in with her smiles and her baked goods. He just can't help but be pulled into her orbit.

Phoebe is a ray of sunshine. She comes from a wonderful family, she has a successful bakery, and heart full of compassion. When she learns her new neighbor is boy she knew from school, who just so happens to be an ex-con, she isn't deterred for a minute. She marches right up with some "welcome to town" goodies. Deacon is cautious and a bit standoffish to start, but he really can't help but be won over by her.

After an incident at her bakery, that Deacon steps in for, he starts seeing her home from work every day. She keeps bugging him to try her food and he keeps making her things and bringing her flowers. It's all adorable as hell. Deacon can't see how he can possibly be worthy of her but Phoebe is a grown woman and she won't let anyone tell her who to love, not even Deacon.

But the man still has some secrets and that's the one thing Phoebe can't stand.

I'll admit, I didn't really think much about what this book title could mean. I just shrugged and dug into the story. But when a side character, Tilly, asks Phoebe to "Hold the line," for Deacon, I decided to look it up. To see what context I could draw from it myself.

One of the definitions of the phrase is this: To not yield to the pressure of a difficult situation.

Huh... it definitely has meaning for this situation they are in, but Phoebe doesn't necessarily grasp the full weight of what Tilly is asking just then. Phoebe just wants things to work out with Deacon but she needs him to want it too. Why can't he just spill everything to her? Let's them work through it together.

Deacon is guarded that's true, but most of all, he's guarding HER, or so he thinks, from his past. He doesn't want any of that filth touching his "Angel girl", even if that means he has to lose her.

But then... each time Phoebe repeats "Hold the Line," to herself, she gains a little more strength for it. It becomes a mantra, and something to lean into when times are tough. It truly unfolds in such a beautiful way. One I never could have expected.

This story has all the swoon, romance, and deeply intimate moments that you'd expect from Julia Wolf. I honestly am not even surprised anymore that she seems to have permanently placed herself on my 6 Star shelf. This was a favorite of the year, hands down. I want to reread it already, right this minute.

Felt Like I Was Right There With Deacon and Phoebe!

Good Lord! Sean Masters’s deep, velvety rumble and Emma Wilder’s sweet cadence made me feel like was right there with Deacon and Phoebe! This duet narration is a can’t-miss! Duet narration is always superb, and there is something really special about this one—probably because Deacon and Phoebe are so close to my heart. I just love these two! It’s a must-listen!

Another fantastic listen! 🎧

I had read this one when it first released & absolutely adored everything about these characters & this family. The audiobook just added a whole other level to it! Emma Wilder & Sean Masters are just phenomenal at bringing these characters to life. They had done a wonderful job for the first book in the series and they blew me away with their performance in Hold The Line. What a pleasant 10/10 experience listening to this book was. 🩷

"She was the key. The only one who fits."

Hold the Line is a beautifully emotional and deeply heartfelt story, featuring two wonderful characters brimming with genuine sweetness and warmth. Deacon and Phoebe’s relationship unfolds naturally, their every interaction suffused with tenderness that truly touched my heart.

Phoebe is a kind and gentle soul—a baker with a heart of gold. When her high school crush rents the apartment above hers, she is determined to welcome him with open arms. Deacon, shaped by a childhood that nearly broke him and a stint in jail, is simply trying to survive. He never planned to fall in love with the girl he had always secretly adored, but Phoebe’s unwavering kindness is impossible to resist. Through her love and quiet strength, he begins to heal and dream of a future beyond his past. Whenever self-doubt clouds his mind, Phoebe’s steady presence silences the demons within.

Sean Masters and Emma Wilder narrated the audio and gave such heartfelt performances. The emotions radiated through their voices and captivated me. I was lost in their telling of the story and it made me love the story even more than when I read the book.

I adored the honesty and authenticity between them. Their hearts felt like two halves of the same whole, and together they were simply perfect. With witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and an ending that tugs at the heartstrings, Hold the Line delivers an unforgettable reading experience—equal parts poignant, passionate, and beautifully crafted.