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Put A Ring On It #1
Hold Me Today
Rock bottom has never felt so good.
At least, that’s what I tell myself when I bargain with the enemy and score a renovation for my hair salon.
The enemy? Nick Stamos, my best friend’s older brother.
He’s got a body and face the Greek gods would envy but his personality needs a major overhaul.
He’s surly.
A rule-follower.
Did I mention he’s seen me naked?
I may have crushed on him for years, but the only place I want Nick swinging his hammer nowadays is at my salon.
Except, he needs something in return. . .
A fake girlfriend.
And I’m just reckless enough to say yes.
Hold Me Today is the first book in the highly anticipated series, Put A Ring On It.
🖤COVER REVEAL: January 3rd, 2019
🖤RELEASE DATE: January 17th, 2019
At least, that’s what I tell myself when I bargain with the enemy and score a renovation for my hair salon.
The enemy? Nick Stamos, my best friend’s older brother.
He’s got a body and face the Greek gods would envy but his personality needs a major overhaul.
He’s surly.
A rule-follower.
Did I mention he’s seen me naked?
I may have crushed on him for years, but the only place I want Nick swinging his hammer nowadays is at my salon.
Except, he needs something in return. . .
A fake girlfriend.
And I’m just reckless enough to say yes.
Hold Me Today is the first book in the highly anticipated series, Put A Ring On It.
🖤COVER REVEAL: January 3rd, 2019
🖤RELEASE DATE: January 17th, 2019
Unknown Binding
First published January 17, 2019
6,503 people are currently reading
19.5k people want to read
About the author
Maria Luis
35 books3,049 followersMaria Luis is an Amazon Top 25 Bestselling Author.
Historian by day and romance novelist by night, Maria lives in New Orleans, and loves bringing the city's cultural flair into her books. When Maria isn't frantically typing with hot chocolate in hand, she can be found binging on reality TV, going on adventures with her other half and two pups, or plotting her next flirty romance.
★ Looking for something quick, fun and sexy to read? Check out these freebies on Maria's website! (Available: Breathless, Undeniable, and The First Fix): https://www.marialuis.org/free-books
Stalk Maria in the wild at:
★ Facebook: facebook.com/marialuisauthor
★ Book Boyfriends Anonymous: http://bit.ly/MariaLuisBBA
★ Instagram: http://bit.ly/MariaLuisIG
★ TikTok: tiktok.com/@marialuisauthor
★ Website: www.marialuis.org
★ Bookbub: http://bit.ly/MariaLuisBB
Maria loves to hear from readers!
Historian by day and romance novelist by night, Maria lives in New Orleans, and loves bringing the city's cultural flair into her books. When Maria isn't frantically typing with hot chocolate in hand, she can be found binging on reality TV, going on adventures with her other half and two pups, or plotting her next flirty romance.
★ Looking for something quick, fun and sexy to read? Check out these freebies on Maria's website! (Available: Breathless, Undeniable, and The First Fix): https://www.marialuis.org/free-books
Stalk Maria in the wild at:
★ Facebook: facebook.com/marialuisauthor
★ Book Boyfriends Anonymous: http://bit.ly/MariaLuisBBA
★ Instagram: http://bit.ly/MariaLuisIG
★ TikTok: tiktok.com/@marialuisauthor
★ Website: www.marialuis.org
★ Bookbub: http://bit.ly/MariaLuisBB
Maria loves to hear from readers!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 982 reviews
January 16, 2019
My goodness was this book good. It was funny. It was sweet. It was sexy. It made me cry. It had great banter. It was well written. It had a great plot. There was no OW or OM drama. It had a great cast of diverse secondary characters. Both the main characters were very likable. Nick was swoon-worthy. He wasn't an asshole or a manwhore (thankfully), just an all around decent guy. Mina was also a great character. Not a virgin (again thankfully). In fact, one of the things I especially liked was that even though Mina had been crushing on Nick since she was a teen, she didn't sit around pining for him but moved on with her life. She was opening her own business. She slept with OM. Sure she still harbored a crush for the guy, but it didn't stop her from living. Last, it was all wrapped up in a sweet ending.
So with all that good stuff, why not 5-Stars? I thought it was a bit too long. I found that the story did drag here and there, and I struggled a little bit not to skim in places. This is what I would call a slow burn type of story as it takes quite a while for this couple to get their sh!t together. I think the story could have been about fifty pages shorter. But honestly, that was just a minor grievance, and all in all, I thought it was a fantastic book.
January 18, 2019
Maria Luis is usually a go-to Author for me because her books are typically safe, humorous and have likable characters. And while she delivered in most part in this one as well, there were a couple of things that ruined it for me: ****** WARNING - SPOILERS ******
1) The over used plot of hero being on a reality TV Dating Show (aka "The Bachelor"). For crying out loud, how many times is this theme going to be written???? Maybe it's me, but watching "The Bachelor" on TV is mostly entertaining because I tune in sometimes just to watch the drama and the stupidity of the candidates. However, to have a Hero be in that role (especially as he is the candidate - not the actual bachelor) and kiss, make out, have strong feelings, buy engagement ring, etc. for OW all while it plays on TV? It's just plain icky for me! Who would want some woman's left overs after seeing all of it played out in front of her eyes????
2) When book opens, we learn that Hero had been engaged to yet another woman (his college sweetheart) who left him at the alter for another man and he is still bitter about "what could have been" if she hadn't left him! He states:"I have a bad habit of choosing women who, in the end, don’t choose me back!"
Since Hero & heroine have known each other for 24 years, I now have that also stuck in my head that if his ex (and all the others) hadn't given him the boot, he would be married with kids & no HEA with heroine! So why was it necessary to insert this at all? Because really, it didn't do anything for the story other then to make me feel as the heroine was "the one I'll settle for because I have given up and she's just there and she hasn't given me the boot either".....
Okay, so maybe that is not what actually happens in this story, he does end up regretting not "seeing" her all these years (he knew her from the time he was 8 & she 6) and falling in love with her, but after these two things which occurred by the way on the first 3 pages, it was already ruined for me.....
3) While I liked that heroine (who had been in love with Hero since she was a teen) did not pine away for him, she had quite a few ONS. So while some of my GR friends would be okay with this, I have to confess that I prefer my virgin heroines - or at least, for her to have had a serious relationship with OM as well. Then the plaything field would have been even for me and I would have been okay with it. But no... Author had to reverse the roles in this story.. Ugh!
Aside from these three things that ticked me of and made me want to DNF, I ended up finishing it nonetheless and did enjoy it, but the "chemistry" & "love" took some time to develop and I just wish that Authors would stop with the plot device of OW/OM mentions. Those things kill a story for me....
And for Pete's sake, PLEASE STOP WITH THE "BACHELOR" REALITY DATING THEMES! I don't know anyone who loves them in romance books!!!
Safety: Safe. No OW/OM drama, but as I said, there is a few mentions of Hero's past (and briefly of heroine's). Hero being on the reality dating show, was 1 of 2 contenders for the hand of the "Bachelorette". He states at the start that he had the ring in his pocket and the crew was urging him to propose but he did not want to! He went on banded knee anyways and tried to give clues to the Bachelorette that he didn't want to marry her so that she could dump him. He said he got "caught up" in the drama & the show and "it was easy" for him to think he may be in love with this woman when producers were constantly asking him if he loved her... (weak excuse if you ask me!). I also didn't appreciate all the details of how lovely, sexy & kind she was and how they were too much a like!
1) The over used plot of hero being on a reality TV Dating Show (aka "The Bachelor"). For crying out loud, how many times is this theme going to be written???? Maybe it's me, but watching "The Bachelor" on TV is mostly entertaining because I tune in sometimes just to watch the drama and the stupidity of the candidates. However, to have a Hero be in that role (especially as he is the candidate - not the actual bachelor) and kiss, make out, have strong feelings, buy engagement ring, etc. for OW all while it plays on TV? It's just plain icky for me! Who would want some woman's left overs after seeing all of it played out in front of her eyes????
2) When book opens, we learn that Hero had been engaged to yet another woman (his college sweetheart) who left him at the alter for another man and he is still bitter about "what could have been" if she hadn't left him! He states:"I have a bad habit of choosing women who, in the end, don’t choose me back!"
Since Hero & heroine have known each other for 24 years, I now have that also stuck in my head that if his ex (and all the others) hadn't given him the boot, he would be married with kids & no HEA with heroine! So why was it necessary to insert this at all? Because really, it didn't do anything for the story other then to make me feel as the heroine was "the one I'll settle for because I have given up and she's just there and she hasn't given me the boot either".....
Okay, so maybe that is not what actually happens in this story, he does end up regretting not "seeing" her all these years (he knew her from the time he was 8 & she 6) and falling in love with her, but after these two things which occurred by the way on the first 3 pages, it was already ruined for me.....
3) While I liked that heroine (who had been in love with Hero since she was a teen) did not pine away for him, she had quite a few ONS. So while some of my GR friends would be okay with this, I have to confess that I prefer my virgin heroines - or at least, for her to have had a serious relationship with OM as well. Then the plaything field would have been even for me and I would have been okay with it. But no... Author had to reverse the roles in this story.. Ugh!
Aside from these three things that ticked me of and made me want to DNF, I ended up finishing it nonetheless and did enjoy it, but the "chemistry" & "love" took some time to develop and I just wish that Authors would stop with the plot device of OW/OM mentions. Those things kill a story for me....
And for Pete's sake, PLEASE STOP WITH THE "BACHELOR" REALITY DATING THEMES! I don't know anyone who loves them in romance books!!!
Safety: Safe. No OW/OM drama, but as I said, there is a few mentions of Hero's past (and briefly of heroine's). Hero being on the reality dating show, was 1 of 2 contenders for the hand of the "Bachelorette". He states at the start that he had the ring in his pocket and the crew was urging him to propose but he did not want to! He went on banded knee anyways and tried to give clues to the Bachelorette that he didn't want to marry her so that she could dump him. He said he got "caught up" in the drama & the show and "it was easy" for him to think he may be in love with this woman when producers were constantly asking him if he loved her... (weak excuse if you ask me!). I also didn't appreciate all the details of how lovely, sexy & kind she was and how they were too much a like!
September 30, 2019
Oh my book! This book is just hits every soft spot in my heart!. The story has some aspect of My Big Fat Greek Wedding and so much more. The story is a long story. The audio book is almost 12 hours long. It is a slow burn romance but trust me the banter between all the characters are so hilarious that it keeps you entertain. and who knew Greek can be so.... romantic!
This is a character driven story. Mina has been in love with Nick since she is a teenager. But with all of mishap, miss opportunity, miss communication, Mina always miss her chances with Nick. Then one day, Nick comes back into her life when Mina hired Nick to build her salon. Nick is just the perfect Greek God! He is perfect in every way. Mina is quirky, fearless and sassy heroine. Underneath it all Mina and Nick are broken. They both feeling not good enough. Nick was dump by his bride on the altar while Mina struggle to wins her family affection.
What really hits me is how they out of place and so lonely until they found each other. This is a beautiful funny love story. Nick makes me swoon and Mina brings out the fire on the story.
I enjoy the book very much.
5 stars
This is a character driven story. Mina has been in love with Nick since she is a teenager. But with all of mishap, miss opportunity, miss communication, Mina always miss her chances with Nick. Then one day, Nick comes back into her life when Mina hired Nick to build her salon. Nick is just the perfect Greek God! He is perfect in every way. Mina is quirky, fearless and sassy heroine. Underneath it all Mina and Nick are broken. They both feeling not good enough. Nick was dump by his bride on the altar while Mina struggle to wins her family affection.
What really hits me is how they out of place and so lonely until they found each other. This is a beautiful funny love story. Nick makes me swoon and Mina brings out the fire on the story.
I enjoy the book very much.
5 stars
January 6, 2019
I am so incredibly excited to announce that the Put A Ring On It series is finally on its way! HOLD ME TODAY is a best friend's brother romance that already has me laughing, and let's just say that Nick and Mina have a very hold-nothing-back relationship.
🖤COVER REVEAL: January 3rd, 2019
🖤RELEASE DATE: January 17th, 2019
🖤EXCLUSIVE RELEASE ALERT: http://bit.ly/HoldMeToday
🖤Bloggers, help me spread the word!: http://bit.ly/HoldMeTodayEVENTS
Check out one of my favorite snippets from the book below!
🖤MINA 🖤
A masculine hand sticks through the closing elevator doors, cutting off my train of thought as I lurch forward to jab the KEEP OPEN button. I smack it once with a heavy, don’t-fail-me-now finger, then again, my gaze flitting to the doors that are inching closed like the gates of Mordor.
That hand balls into a fist and then a suit-encased forearm appears, followed by a long leg and a brown, leather dress shoe. The leather is so soft, so visibly supple, I wouldn’t doubt that they cost more than my mortgage.
“Gamóto.”
At the Greek curse, and the more than familiar gravel-pitched voice, my back snaps straight, and I yank my gaze up. Up past the lean waist not even a suit jacket can hide. Up past the barrel chest and the bulging, I-swing-hammers-for-a-living arms. Up to a face that’s as unforgiving in its aristocratic, angular bone structure as his hair is a wild, dark mop on his head.
Only that curly hair and a pair of full, pillow-soft lips—not that I’ve ever tasted them, of course—make him seem more human than rigid statue.
Bingo.
Has there ever been more appropriate timing? I don’t think so.
She who asketh shall receive—or however the saying goes.
For possibly the first time in six years, I smile at the man standing just inches away.
Nick Stamos stares down at me, his pewter eyes hard and narrowed with suspicion. “Trying to amputate my arm, Ermione?”
My smile slips, hackles twitching like a cat’s fur standing on end when stalked by a predator. His tongue rolls over the R in my given name, his Greek accent perfect and sultry despite the condescension dripping heavy and thick with every voiced syllable.
Don’t let him get to you.
Only, he’s gotten to me for years now.
“If by amputate you mean save,” I murmur with practiced flippancy, “then sure. It’s not my fault if technology doesn’t want to work for you.”
Those slate-gray eyes, unlike any pair I’ve ever seen, drop to where I’m still pressing the KEEP OPEN button. When his dark brows rise, taunting me with their perfect arches, I follow his lead and glance down at the illuminated button.
CLOSE DOORS.
Oh. Oh.
Air puffs up my chest with indignancy as I inhale swiftly. “You didn’t really need that arm, did you?”
Nick snorts derisively. Without sparing me another look, his big hand circles my wrist. His touch is bold, his skin hot. A shiver of something—revulsion, I hope—rolls down my spine, unwinding and unfurling until even my gold-painted toes curl in my heels. And, as though he fears I’m completely incompetent, he angles my still-pointed finger at the button to close the doors.
Pushes down and lingers, as though to taunt, see? This is how a contraption called an elevator works. Welcome to the twenty-first century, Ermione.
Ermione. Even in my head I can hear him slinging around the name I inherited from my maternal grandmother, knowing that it makes my mouth pinch and my hands clench.
My smile has, as it always does around him, completely evaporated.
The elevator pings shut.
Locking me in with Satan’s mortal sidekick, my best friend’s older brother.
🖤COVER REVEAL: January 3rd, 2019
🖤RELEASE DATE: January 17th, 2019
🖤EXCLUSIVE RELEASE ALERT: http://bit.ly/HoldMeToday
🖤Bloggers, help me spread the word!: http://bit.ly/HoldMeTodayEVENTS
🖤COVER REVEAL: January 3rd, 2019
🖤RELEASE DATE: January 17th, 2019
🖤EXCLUSIVE RELEASE ALERT: http://bit.ly/HoldMeToday
🖤Bloggers, help me spread the word!: http://bit.ly/HoldMeTodayEVENTS
Check out one of my favorite snippets from the book below!
🖤MINA 🖤
A masculine hand sticks through the closing elevator doors, cutting off my train of thought as I lurch forward to jab the KEEP OPEN button. I smack it once with a heavy, don’t-fail-me-now finger, then again, my gaze flitting to the doors that are inching closed like the gates of Mordor.
That hand balls into a fist and then a suit-encased forearm appears, followed by a long leg and a brown, leather dress shoe. The leather is so soft, so visibly supple, I wouldn’t doubt that they cost more than my mortgage.
“Gamóto.”
At the Greek curse, and the more than familiar gravel-pitched voice, my back snaps straight, and I yank my gaze up. Up past the lean waist not even a suit jacket can hide. Up past the barrel chest and the bulging, I-swing-hammers-for-a-living arms. Up to a face that’s as unforgiving in its aristocratic, angular bone structure as his hair is a wild, dark mop on his head.
Only that curly hair and a pair of full, pillow-soft lips—not that I’ve ever tasted them, of course—make him seem more human than rigid statue.
Bingo.
Has there ever been more appropriate timing? I don’t think so.
She who asketh shall receive—or however the saying goes.
For possibly the first time in six years, I smile at the man standing just inches away.
Nick Stamos stares down at me, his pewter eyes hard and narrowed with suspicion. “Trying to amputate my arm, Ermione?”
My smile slips, hackles twitching like a cat’s fur standing on end when stalked by a predator. His tongue rolls over the R in my given name, his Greek accent perfect and sultry despite the condescension dripping heavy and thick with every voiced syllable.
Don’t let him get to you.
Only, he’s gotten to me for years now.
“If by amputate you mean save,” I murmur with practiced flippancy, “then sure. It’s not my fault if technology doesn’t want to work for you.”
Those slate-gray eyes, unlike any pair I’ve ever seen, drop to where I’m still pressing the KEEP OPEN button. When his dark brows rise, taunting me with their perfect arches, I follow his lead and glance down at the illuminated button.
CLOSE DOORS.
Oh. Oh.
Air puffs up my chest with indignancy as I inhale swiftly. “You didn’t really need that arm, did you?”
Nick snorts derisively. Without sparing me another look, his big hand circles my wrist. His touch is bold, his skin hot. A shiver of something—revulsion, I hope—rolls down my spine, unwinding and unfurling until even my gold-painted toes curl in my heels. And, as though he fears I’m completely incompetent, he angles my still-pointed finger at the button to close the doors.
Pushes down and lingers, as though to taunt, see? This is how a contraption called an elevator works. Welcome to the twenty-first century, Ermione.
Ermione. Even in my head I can hear him slinging around the name I inherited from my maternal grandmother, knowing that it makes my mouth pinch and my hands clench.
My smile has, as it always does around him, completely evaporated.
The elevator pings shut.
Locking me in with Satan’s mortal sidekick, my best friend’s older brother.
🖤COVER REVEAL: January 3rd, 2019
🖤RELEASE DATE: January 17th, 2019
🖤EXCLUSIVE RELEASE ALERT: http://bit.ly/HoldMeToday
🖤Bloggers, help me spread the word!: http://bit.ly/HoldMeTodayEVENTS
January 12, 2019
I would like Nick Stamos to come whisper Greek nothings in my ear all day every day. Can that be arranged?
But seriously, I adore everything this author writes and this story is NO DIFFERENT. I have SO many things I want to say about it but don't want to give away ANYTHING. So I'll say this, I JUST finished it this week and am ALREADY starting a reread. My TBR is prob 2k books long, but I NEED to read it again. That should tell you how DAMN GOOD this book is.
But seriously, I adore everything this author writes and this story is NO DIFFERENT. I have SO many things I want to say about it but don't want to give away ANYTHING. So I'll say this, I JUST finished it this week and am ALREADY starting a reread. My TBR is prob 2k books long, but I NEED to read it again. That should tell you how DAMN GOOD this book is.
July 27, 2019
This was a good book. First read by this author. I like the Hero Nick a LOT. My type of guy. Good but alpha and loyal and loves deeply.
The heroine was good too. But I felt like the banter they had in the beginning tapered off and kinda got boring over the course of the novel. The tension and intensity just was kinda missing somehow. I dunno. Could be my mood.
It was still good tho. May read more from this author.
The heroine was good too. But I felt like the banter they had in the beginning tapered off and kinda got boring over the course of the novel. The tension and intensity just was kinda missing somehow. I dunno. Could be my mood.
It was still good tho. May read more from this author.
December 16, 2018
YOU GUYS!! DO you hear me screaming!! I loveeeeed this story. Good Lord I was hooked from the very first page. There was something about Mina and Nick that pressed all my swoony buttons. They were opposites at first glance but more similar than either of them really thought. I loved them so much and how they discovered more things about each other despite being in each other's lives since childhood. They were sexy and flirty and their banter was like the chocolate covered cherry on top!! I FLOVED this absolutely delicious story!!
Anyone who knows me knows that Bestfriend's older brother/fake boyfriend/girlfriend stories are my jam. So the fact this story had both? JACKPOT! Hold Me Today was emotional romcom GOLD! There was something about the banter, hot and sexy chemistry and lifelong bond that I loved about them. But honestly - Nick and Mina were my FAVORITE kind of hero and heroine. She was sarcastic and so damn funny! (I was crying-laughing people and I am a sarcastic and jaded NYer!!) She was also so sassy and her crush on the surly and broody Nick was delicious. The sexual tension between them was fiery and when it erupted I could only combust right along with them!
Without giving anything away, Hold Me Today was one of the most beautiful books I've read. It hit me in the feels in so many ways but more importantly showcases Luis' ability to perfectly highlight Mina's internal strife at not feeling enough and whole in her own skin. It was only surpassed by the way she wrote such an amazing and compassionate hero in Nick who filled all those missing pieces in Mina that she could only dream of.
There was definitely more than meets the eyes with these two and this author does a phenomenal job delving deep into their hearts and giving us a story that will make you laugh, cry, swoon and ultimately melt. Bravo! 6 stars! ~Ratula
Anyone who knows me knows that Bestfriend's older brother/fake boyfriend/girlfriend stories are my jam. So the fact this story had both? JACKPOT! Hold Me Today was emotional romcom GOLD! There was something about the banter, hot and sexy chemistry and lifelong bond that I loved about them. But honestly - Nick and Mina were my FAVORITE kind of hero and heroine. She was sarcastic and so damn funny! (I was crying-laughing people and I am a sarcastic and jaded NYer!!) She was also so sassy and her crush on the surly and broody Nick was delicious. The sexual tension between them was fiery and when it erupted I could only combust right along with them!
Without giving anything away, Hold Me Today was one of the most beautiful books I've read. It hit me in the feels in so many ways but more importantly showcases Luis' ability to perfectly highlight Mina's internal strife at not feeling enough and whole in her own skin. It was only surpassed by the way she wrote such an amazing and compassionate hero in Nick who filled all those missing pieces in Mina that she could only dream of.
There was definitely more than meets the eyes with these two and this author does a phenomenal job delving deep into their hearts and giving us a story that will make you laugh, cry, swoon and ultimately melt. Bravo! 6 stars! ~Ratula
May 31, 2021
3.5/4 stars
Mina and Nick - quite the couple. Quite the story. It was a wild and loud ride.
Mina has been in love with her best friend's brother for as long as she could remember. No matter what was going in her life, the feelings never faded. She knew he was off limits for more many reasons. She doesn't do... "love". She doesn't commit. She doesn't allow herself to fully be free. There is just one person who she might allow herself to be carefree with..
Nick was HOT. The audio was very pleasant to listen to you... especially when he spoke in Greek. Super hot. He does love. Full out. Cuts no corners. He is in it for the long haul. He loved his family and friends. Strong and dependable.
I loved their back and forth. The banter, the push in pull, the family dynamics.
This book had funny scenes, swoony scenes and sexy ones too!
It was a very long read. I'm not sure that the ebook would have fully held my interest.
It was a very slooowwww burn. Thankfully the audio version helped with that.
Mina and Nick - quite the couple. Quite the story. It was a wild and loud ride.
Mina has been in love with her best friend's brother for as long as she could remember. No matter what was going in her life, the feelings never faded. She knew he was off limits for more many reasons. She doesn't do... "love". She doesn't commit. She doesn't allow herself to fully be free. There is just one person who she might allow herself to be carefree with..
Nick was HOT. The audio was very pleasant to listen to you... especially when he spoke in Greek. Super hot. He does love. Full out. Cuts no corners. He is in it for the long haul. He loved his family and friends. Strong and dependable.
I loved their back and forth. The banter, the push in pull, the family dynamics.
This book had funny scenes, swoony scenes and sexy ones too!
It was a very long read. I'm not sure that the ebook would have fully held my interest.
It was a very slooowwww burn. Thankfully the audio version helped with that.
March 8, 2019
4 1/2 stars. A really great enemies to lovers and best friends brother romance. These two just kept butting heads until they realized that they were not really enemies, but enjoyed sparing. Mina and Nick have longed for each other since childhood. Nick never really admits it to himself, thinking he needs to stay away from his nemesis/sisters best friend. Poor Mina has just never felt like she belongs anywhere and doesn't feel worthy of "Saint Nick". Once they stop fighting the attraction, boy do the sparks fly! A wonderful story and a clever set up for a new series. And a sensational epilogue!
June 23, 2024
I had a little trouble getting in the flow of Mina (h) and Nick's (H) story at first, but I hung in there because of friends' reviews and I was so touched by their romance. This story had some of the sweetest moments of bonding (and this is with people who've known each other since they were 6 and 8), some good banter, well-built chemistry, a whole damn history between the characters that had MEANING, great steam, some emotionally hard-hitting moments (I cried and based on friends' reviews, I was not alone), and a super satisfying HEA with a bonus epilogue that made me stupidly happy.
The story starts with Nick's final moments on a Bachelorette-style reality show where he does not want the Bachelorette to choose him. Then we jump to Mina drinking with her bestie and in a bad place that affects her big dream of opening her own hair salon. Nick is Mina's BFF's older brother and is going to be who helps Mina out of her quandary. He and Mina have always had this poke-at-each-other frenemy situation happening, with quiet moments of connection at pivotal moments. Mina was infatuated with him when she was young, but thankfully wasn't pining away, frozen in time hoping. I did get a little tired of the repetition in each of their thoughts about how he/she was the BFF's brother/sister's BFF. They're primarily present with each other though and delving into what adult Mina and adult Nick are like, including all the small details that neither knew about the other. This is character-driven with the focus on the two of them fake dating (sort of) and finding themselves in a shifting relationship.
Written in first person, dual POV. No ow/om drama and both are experienced (H was not with the Bachelorette from what he thought and he was very much a relationship kind of guy; h was more a fling type of gal).
I initially thought that Mina would be my favorite of these characters. She was dealt a rough hand in terms of a toxic family situation, a learning disability, and feelings of inadequacy because of both. Her current actions very much reflect the emotional hardships she navigated and she does have baggage because of it. Nick, though, oh Nick, he was at turns stoic and hard to read, but then so sweet and caring, and he broke out dirty talk that was so surprising. He was also supportive of Mina and put her first. Loved them both and especially when they were casually spending time with each other while they were unknowingly falling in love. The emails and the tattoo scene were favorites.
Steam-wise, there's a build-up to the spiciness of the book. Makes perfect sense given their history and situation. Nick's also hesitant because he realizes that Mina could genuinely hurt him (he's been hurt before). But once it got there, a few solid scenes occur, along with a nickname for Nick's equipment (I know this isn't everyone's cup of tea but considering the teasing they did outside of the bedroom, it fit for me).
I adored the supporting characters from the sister/BFF to Nick's parents to his fellow reality star friend. Mina's parents were something else and there is some closure with them by the end just FYI, which I appreciated tremendously. Nick's employees were also hilarious and cute.
Third act drama does occur and that's when the tears turned on. There was a rawness to some of the hurt in this story and it broke my heart. The patience and the care that come after, with how it was resolved, were wonderful. Then the story jumps ahead a couple months and then a year with all the HEA satisfaction and that's before I downloaded the bonus epilogue that gave me that full of happiness feeling.
Now, the writing style did drag sometimes for me and some of the pacing felt kind of off. As I said before, some of the inner thoughts repeated a bit. Once I hit 50% though, I felt like the book truly hit its stride and I was fully immersed. I enjoyed this a lot, but I do think some friends might want to avoid given the number of years they've known each other and her early crush on him.
The story starts with Nick's final moments on a Bachelorette-style reality show where he does not want the Bachelorette to choose him. Then we jump to Mina drinking with her bestie and in a bad place that affects her big dream of opening her own hair salon. Nick is Mina's BFF's older brother and is going to be who helps Mina out of her quandary. He and Mina have always had this poke-at-each-other frenemy situation happening, with quiet moments of connection at pivotal moments. Mina was infatuated with him when she was young, but thankfully wasn't pining away, frozen in time hoping. I did get a little tired of the repetition in each of their thoughts about how he/she was the BFF's brother/sister's BFF. They're primarily present with each other though and delving into what adult Mina and adult Nick are like, including all the small details that neither knew about the other. This is character-driven with the focus on the two of them fake dating (sort of) and finding themselves in a shifting relationship.
Written in first person, dual POV. No ow/om drama and both are experienced (H was not with the Bachelorette from what he thought and he was very much a relationship kind of guy; h was more a fling type of gal).
I initially thought that Mina would be my favorite of these characters. She was dealt a rough hand in terms of a toxic family situation, a learning disability, and feelings of inadequacy because of both. Her current actions very much reflect the emotional hardships she navigated and she does have baggage because of it. Nick, though, oh Nick, he was at turns stoic and hard to read, but then so sweet and caring, and he broke out dirty talk that was so surprising. He was also supportive of Mina and put her first. Loved them both and especially when they were casually spending time with each other while they were unknowingly falling in love. The emails and the tattoo scene were favorites.
Steam-wise, there's a build-up to the spiciness of the book. Makes perfect sense given their history and situation. Nick's also hesitant because he realizes that Mina could genuinely hurt him (he's been hurt before). But once it got there, a few solid scenes occur, along with a nickname for Nick's equipment (I know this isn't everyone's cup of tea but considering the teasing they did outside of the bedroom, it fit for me).
I adored the supporting characters from the sister/BFF to Nick's parents to his fellow reality star friend. Mina's parents were something else and there is some closure with them by the end just FYI, which I appreciated tremendously. Nick's employees were also hilarious and cute.
Third act drama does occur and that's when the tears turned on. There was a rawness to some of the hurt in this story and it broke my heart. The patience and the care that come after, with how it was resolved, were wonderful. Then the story jumps ahead a couple months and then a year with all the HEA satisfaction and that's before I downloaded the bonus epilogue that gave me that full of happiness feeling.
Now, the writing style did drag sometimes for me and some of the pacing felt kind of off. As I said before, some of the inner thoughts repeated a bit. Once I hit 50% though, I felt like the book truly hit its stride and I was fully immersed. I enjoyed this a lot, but I do think some friends might want to avoid given the number of years they've known each other and her early crush on him.
January 3, 2020
i went to sleep at 6am after finishing this and i have zero regretssss
April 27, 2023
*3.5 Stars*
Hold Me Today was a great best friend’s brother romance. Beside this it also had fake relationship and friends to lovers. Mina and Nick have know each other almost their entire lives. She’s had a crush on him from her teenage years and into her twenties. They’re opposites but still they work so well together. Aggravating one another in a fun way and still they’re there for each other through thick and thin. Their chemistry was so good and so was their dynamic along with Nick’s sister Effie who’s Mina’s bestie. These three were such a joy.
I really enjoyed the slow burn because of the tension. The switch in Nick when he slowly saw Mina and his attraction to her was so good and sexy. He’s a romantic, wanting a relationship and she stays clear of those. So the progression between them was really well done.
Sadly once they got intimate I felt the tension started to fade and struggled a bit with the last 25% which affected my overall enjoyment a little.
Still I liked the characters and their Greek culture which was really well integrated into the story and their history. I’m still curious about Dom so I’ll continue with the series.
3.5 Stars
Hold Me Today was a great best friend’s brother romance. Beside this it also had fake relationship and friends to lovers. Mina and Nick have know each other almost their entire lives. She’s had a crush on him from her teenage years and into her twenties. They’re opposites but still they work so well together. Aggravating one another in a fun way and still they’re there for each other through thick and thin. Their chemistry was so good and so was their dynamic along with Nick’s sister Effie who’s Mina’s bestie. These three were such a joy.
I really enjoyed the slow burn because of the tension. The switch in Nick when he slowly saw Mina and his attraction to her was so good and sexy. He’s a romantic, wanting a relationship and she stays clear of those. So the progression between them was really well done.
Sadly once they got intimate I felt the tension started to fade and struggled a bit with the last 25% which affected my overall enjoyment a little.
Still I liked the characters and their Greek culture which was really well integrated into the story and their history. I’m still curious about Dom so I’ll continue with the series.
3.5 Stars
October 21, 2023
Reread: 3.5 stars
January 16, 2019
Hold Me Today by Maria Luis is book One in the Put A Ring On It Series. This is the story of Nick and Mina. Nick and Mina have know each other for several years because of their family connection and friendship along with their tight Greek neighborhood. Mina has always had a crush on Nick but knew that it wasn't going anywhere because he only saw her as a 'little sister' to his friend. But now in their present day, she need help with renovation at her hair salon and Nick agrees to help but he needs something in return. Nick is in need of a fake girlfriend and wants Mina to be that acting girlfriend. A Deal is made, but the price might be at the cost of their hearts.
This was such a great book that you will not want to put down. I love the sparks and works that flew from them along with the secondary characters. I need to have more books from this author and with those secondary characters!
This was such a great book that you will not want to put down. I love the sparks and works that flew from them along with the secondary characters. I need to have more books from this author and with those secondary characters!
May 4, 2019
3.5 / 5 stars
This hit the spot, strongly reminiscent of 99 Percent Mine with the dynamic the same and both the heroes being contractors/renovators/people (for lack of the proper term lol). I liked the banter and the slow build to the relationship, but Nick was without a doubt the star of this book.
His cold exterior and his utterly cosy interior, he was adorable and I fell hard. He reminded me so much of Tom from 99%, the eternal good guy who had a soft spot for the 'bad' girl.
This hit the spot, strongly reminiscent of 99 Percent Mine with the dynamic the same and both the heroes being contractors/renovators/people (for lack of the proper term lol). I liked the banter and the slow build to the relationship, but Nick was without a doubt the star of this book.
His cold exterior and his utterly cosy interior, he was adorable and I fell hard. He reminded me so much of Tom from 99%, the eternal good guy who had a soft spot for the 'bad' girl.
November 29, 2022
I think BookTok made me do it? I honestly can’t remember but I fell down a kindle unlimited rabbit hole and found this one somehow?
The chemistry? Palpable.
The 🔥? Steamy.
The drama? A little immature…but I think the fact that the characters actually had an arc and growth made up for it.
I’ll probably give the next one of this series a chance sometime soon.
The chemistry? Palpable.
The 🔥? Steamy.
The drama? A little immature…but I think the fact that the characters actually had an arc and growth made up for it.
I’ll probably give the next one of this series a chance sometime soon.
January 16, 2021
my mood during this book: annoyed
the cons outweighed the pros. which is why it took me forever to read. i just couldn’t get into it - the characters, the dialogue, the plot. i could go on but im not gonna waste anymore energy on this ✌🏽
the cons outweighed the pros. which is why it took me forever to read. i just couldn’t get into it - the characters, the dialogue, the plot. i could go on but im not gonna waste anymore energy on this ✌🏽
January 6, 2019
***ARC Provided by the Author and Give Me Books PR***
Maria Luis is a new author to me, and one I hadn't heard of before a chance conversation with someone who works with her. I am VERY glad this happened, as I have definitely found an author I want to read more from...and isn't that the best?
Nick and Mina have a...complicated...history. She has been in love with him for years, and thinks it was unrequited. Although, when it's the brother of your best friend that you are lusting after, are there really any secrets? I enjoyed the evolution of Nick's feelings for her, and the regrets he had as he slowly discovered that he should have realized there was something with her way before he actually did.
I also enjoyed the family dynamic, and the amusing Greek moments, as these people struggle to meet expectations of being both Greek and American and how well this worked into the story.
The writing in this is strong, with characters that feel three dimensional. I liked that the secondary characters felt real, but there wasn't too much time spent on them. Yes, it was pretty obvious (at least to me) who was going to be the hero in the 2nd book, I felt that we met him as someone who was a friend of Nick's and not as the-person-being-set-up-as-the-next-hero, and that was something I appreciated about the story.
The dialogue flows well, and while there were a couple of places that it felt a little stilted, it was not bad enough to fully pull me out of the story. And, there were a couple of places where the misused phrases got me, but that was something that is a quirk of Nick's, so that was able to be ignored as well.
The chemistry between them was believable, and it was scorching hot in places, and the parts where they are struggling with a new normal in their relationship felt real. That connection that they were not quite sure what to do with, or how to handle, compounded by the fact that both are starting to realize there might be something more there.
The "fake fiancee" part of the story wasn't really there all that much, as I think they both decided early on that the feelings between them were something to be explored and were not really fake at all.
Overall, I thought the story ARC was strong. There is a final reveal of something that was a big deal, which happens rather quickly...but as the flow of the story is for Mina to get to the point in her life where this is no longer something that defines her, it actually makes sense that this was not something that was dealt with earlier.
I enjoyed my first book by this author and I recommend it.
Maria Luis is a new author to me, and one I hadn't heard of before a chance conversation with someone who works with her. I am VERY glad this happened, as I have definitely found an author I want to read more from...and isn't that the best?
Nick and Mina have a...complicated...history. She has been in love with him for years, and thinks it was unrequited. Although, when it's the brother of your best friend that you are lusting after, are there really any secrets? I enjoyed the evolution of Nick's feelings for her, and the regrets he had as he slowly discovered that he should have realized there was something with her way before he actually did.
I also enjoyed the family dynamic, and the amusing Greek moments, as these people struggle to meet expectations of being both Greek and American and how well this worked into the story.
The writing in this is strong, with characters that feel three dimensional. I liked that the secondary characters felt real, but there wasn't too much time spent on them. Yes, it was pretty obvious (at least to me) who was going to be the hero in the 2nd book, I felt that we met him as someone who was a friend of Nick's and not as the-person-being-set-up-as-the-next-hero, and that was something I appreciated about the story.
The dialogue flows well, and while there were a couple of places that it felt a little stilted, it was not bad enough to fully pull me out of the story. And, there were a couple of places where the misused phrases got me, but that was something that is a quirk of Nick's, so that was able to be ignored as well.
The chemistry between them was believable, and it was scorching hot in places, and the parts where they are struggling with a new normal in their relationship felt real. That connection that they were not quite sure what to do with, or how to handle, compounded by the fact that both are starting to realize there might be something more there.
The "fake fiancee" part of the story wasn't really there all that much, as I think they both decided early on that the feelings between them were something to be explored and were not really fake at all.
Overall, I thought the story ARC was strong. There is a final reveal of something that was a big deal, which happens rather quickly...but as the flow of the story is for Mina to get to the point in her life where this is no longer something that defines her, it actually makes sense that this was not something that was dealt with earlier.
I enjoyed my first book by this author and I recommend it.
January 17, 2019
Did you ever read a book, and while you were reading it, you thought to yourself "is this book EVER going to end?" That's how I felt with Hold Me Today. Don't get me wrong, it's a good book filled with interesting characters and an interesting story, but in my own personal opinion, this book was at least 100 pages too long.
Mina (whose real name is Ermoine, which I had no clue to pronounce) is a hair stylist who has dreamed of opening her own hair salon forever. She starts her project, and her handyman takes her money and runs. Devastated, she turns to the one person she shouldn't - her best friend's brother, Nick Stamos.
Nick just got back from a stint on a reality dating show, where he made it to the end. To keep the tabloids off his back, he feels he needs a fake girlfriend, so Nick and Mina strike up a deal - Nick will get her salon going and Mina will pose as Nick's fake girlfriend.
I loved the characters in this book, Mina especially. She was always made to feel unwanted by her parents (why is a little obvious), like she's not good enough. She has always turned to Nick's parents for affection, and they happily gave it to her. Nick - is a great guy. He's a hopeless romantic, looking for his soulmate, not aware that she's been with him his whole life.
There were some funny moments in this book, but there were also some points where I get bored by all the details and started skipping over them. I'm not a big fan of a lot of detail, so I didn't love that part of the book.
Overall, I enjoyed this story and would recommend this book. I just feel that it's a little too long.
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Mina (whose real name is Ermoine, which I had no clue to pronounce) is a hair stylist who has dreamed of opening her own hair salon forever. She starts her project, and her handyman takes her money and runs. Devastated, she turns to the one person she shouldn't - her best friend's brother, Nick Stamos.
Nick just got back from a stint on a reality dating show, where he made it to the end. To keep the tabloids off his back, he feels he needs a fake girlfriend, so Nick and Mina strike up a deal - Nick will get her salon going and Mina will pose as Nick's fake girlfriend.
I loved the characters in this book, Mina especially. She was always made to feel unwanted by her parents (why is a little obvious), like she's not good enough. She has always turned to Nick's parents for affection, and they happily gave it to her. Nick - is a great guy. He's a hopeless romantic, looking for his soulmate, not aware that she's been with him his whole life.
There were some funny moments in this book, but there were also some points where I get bored by all the details and started skipping over them. I'm not a big fan of a lot of detail, so I didn't love that part of the book.
Overall, I enjoyed this story and would recommend this book. I just feel that it's a little too long.
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Twitter --> https://twitter.com/tvaddictbookwm
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June 26, 2019
DNF at 11%
I am so disappointed by this novel! It's been on my tbr for a while now, but the writing style was just not for me. It felt very wordy and superfluous, and I found myself having to reread passages because I didn't know what was going on. Plus the fact that the MCs were greek was mentioned 73 times in the first 10% of the novel. 🙄
Overall, this book was not able to grab or keep my interest. I would recommend you download a sample before buying the book to see if the writing style works for you.
I am so disappointed by this novel! It's been on my tbr for a while now, but the writing style was just not for me. It felt very wordy and superfluous, and I found myself having to reread passages because I didn't know what was going on. Plus the fact that the MCs were greek was mentioned 73 times in the first 10% of the novel. 🙄
Overall, this book was not able to grab or keep my interest. I would recommend you download a sample before buying the book to see if the writing style works for you.
January 6, 2019
Oh man! Be still my little Greek Italian heart! Hold Me Today gave me all the things I love about this author. Not only was it well written with thoroughly developed characters, it was also funny and sexy with tons of heart. I am a fan of the best friends sibling/forbidden/off limits trope too so Hold Me Today was this like a yummy gooey serving of baklava! Simply delicious! I really enjoyed both Nick and Mina. They each have their own insecurities because of circumstances in their lives and I loved watching their journey as they navigated, life, love, their past, their present and ultimately their future. Secondary characters were introduced and it’d love to hear more from them. I look forward to reading more in the Put A Ring On It series!
March 4, 2019
Love love Love!!
Where to start Mina and Nick WOW 😍😍 such an amazing couple. Nick is to die for and will turn into a book boyfriend. He’s so sweet and smooth. Ahhh my only issue is why didn’t I read this sooner. If you love a friends to lovers book and a best friends brother then this book will blow you away. Can’t wait to read more of this author this was my first book and WILL NOT be my last!! Can’t wait to see what book two in this series holds!!
Where to start Mina and Nick WOW 😍😍 such an amazing couple. Nick is to die for and will turn into a book boyfriend. He’s so sweet and smooth. Ahhh my only issue is why didn’t I read this sooner. If you love a friends to lovers book and a best friends brother then this book will blow you away. Can’t wait to read more of this author this was my first book and WILL NOT be my last!! Can’t wait to see what book two in this series holds!!
Read
January 16, 2019Talk about a book boyfriend… Nick Stamos stole my heart! And Mina… so sassy and hilarious! This heroine and hero are magic on the page! Don't wait, read it now! ~ Rayne
May 16, 2021
Mina has her sights set on opening her own hair salon but when her “contractor” steals her $10K for the renovation, she feels more than SOL. And that leaves her no choice but to turn to the one person she doesn’t want to rely on: her best friend’s brother & her childhood crush, Nick.
Nick was left at the altar 6-years ago and the hopeless romantic that he is, he also went on a reality show called Put A Ring On It. Unfortunately for him, he was left yet again. Now he’s back and desperately wanting to be left alone by the media after his on-camera breakup.
When Mina asks Nick to do the reno work on her new studio free of charge as a favor, Nick sees this as the perfect opportunity to ask Mina for a favor in return. In exchange for the construction work, she’ll pretend to be his girlfriend. Because nothing will make his media image better than a new girl on his arm.
But what Nick didn’t expect was to fall head over heels for the woman that’s been in front of him all along...
Hold Me Today by Maria Luis is book 1 in the Put A Ring On It series. I really enjoyed Mina & Nick’s romance. Both our MCs are Greek and there’s lots of Greek culture & heritage weaved into the story. I felt so much empathy for Mina because of her rough childhood & tense relationship with her parents. Mina & Nick are total opposites but they complemented each other so well. My only gripes about this book are: 1) the length—400+ pages is a little much for a romance in my opinion and 2) the fake-dating element—they never actually pretended to date in public, in front of family, at events, etc. so it never felt like they pretended to date at all. Otherwise, I really enjoyed this story & this author’s writing style! 4/5 stars.
Nick was left at the altar 6-years ago and the hopeless romantic that he is, he also went on a reality show called Put A Ring On It. Unfortunately for him, he was left yet again. Now he’s back and desperately wanting to be left alone by the media after his on-camera breakup.
When Mina asks Nick to do the reno work on her new studio free of charge as a favor, Nick sees this as the perfect opportunity to ask Mina for a favor in return. In exchange for the construction work, she’ll pretend to be his girlfriend. Because nothing will make his media image better than a new girl on his arm.
But what Nick didn’t expect was to fall head over heels for the woman that’s been in front of him all along...
Hold Me Today by Maria Luis is book 1 in the Put A Ring On It series. I really enjoyed Mina & Nick’s romance. Both our MCs are Greek and there’s lots of Greek culture & heritage weaved into the story. I felt so much empathy for Mina because of her rough childhood & tense relationship with her parents. Mina & Nick are total opposites but they complemented each other so well. My only gripes about this book are: 1) the length—400+ pages is a little much for a romance in my opinion and 2) the fake-dating element—they never actually pretended to date in public, in front of family, at events, etc. so it never felt like they pretended to date at all. Otherwise, I really enjoyed this story & this author’s writing style! 4/5 stars.
March 20, 2025
2nd read. 3.5 stars.
I loved this book completely the first time. This time, it didn't hit as hard. I heard so much repetitiveness. And it was a little more of a slog. I hated how the hero runs off when he says "I love you" to the heroine and she's not ready to say it back to him. He's all "I'm giving her space", but it just feels hurtful.
I didn't find this as funny or touching on the 2nd read and I probably won't try reading it again.
First read. 5 stars.
I am not crying. You’re crying! Seriously, this was such a good book. I actually bought the audiobook and then kept on interrupting it to go read the e-book because I didn’t want to miss a single detail.
This ends with several lovely epilogues, including their wedding.
I absolutely loved this book. It’s obvious that they have both been attracted to the other for a long time but for one reason or the other have not acted on it. Until she asks him for help and, as is so often the case in these books, he exchanges that help for a fake dating relationship.
The tension is sublime for so much of the book. They are both such lovely human beings. So caring. And their banter is top notch.
Frenemies to lovers.
They both have been with other people but neither for quite a while. There is some mention of past relationships but nothing substantial on page.
Just them getting to know each other and let their guards down.
A stupid last minute separation which was very much part of the story but also could have been dealt with differently. Sigh.
Such a delight as both an ebook and audiobook I will be listening to this one again!
Plus, I see the author has books on Hoopla so I will be checking her stuff out!!
I loved this book completely the first time. This time, it didn't hit as hard. I heard so much repetitiveness. And it was a little more of a slog. I hated how the hero runs off when he says "I love you" to the heroine and she's not ready to say it back to him. He's all "I'm giving her space", but it just feels hurtful.
I didn't find this as funny or touching on the 2nd read and I probably won't try reading it again.
First read. 5 stars.
I am not crying. You’re crying! Seriously, this was such a good book. I actually bought the audiobook and then kept on interrupting it to go read the e-book because I didn’t want to miss a single detail.
This ends with several lovely epilogues, including their wedding.
I absolutely loved this book. It’s obvious that they have both been attracted to the other for a long time but for one reason or the other have not acted on it. Until she asks him for help and, as is so often the case in these books, he exchanges that help for a fake dating relationship.
The tension is sublime for so much of the book. They are both such lovely human beings. So caring. And their banter is top notch.
Frenemies to lovers.
They both have been with other people but neither for quite a while. There is some mention of past relationships but nothing substantial on page.
Just them getting to know each other and let their guards down.
A stupid last minute separation which was very much part of the story but also could have been dealt with differently. Sigh.
Such a delight as both an ebook and audiobook I will be listening to this one again!
Plus, I see the author has books on Hoopla so I will be checking her stuff out!!
January 19, 2019
This book!!!! I read Hold Me Today in the recommendation/review of a friend and let me tell you, I am so thankful I did!!!
I’d like to start with this: I LOVE....I mean LOVE (just imagine that is bold) an ALPHA man who is also a bit sentimental and romantic; Nick fit that for me! He was such a likable guy who just wanted to find “the one”. I adored Mina, I liked her from the very beginning of the book. She was strong and determined to live the life that SHE wants and not by anyone else’s standards or wants.
Okay, back to Mina.....my heart broke for her; when her background was revealed, it made sense all that she felt and had to deal with growing up. I felt that Nick grounded her in a way that scared her because she had never had that. I loved how Ms. Luis brought forth the Greek culture; as I was reading, I used my translator app on my phone to learn how to say the Greek phrases/words.
Hold Me Today is a solid 5🌟 for me, I wish GR went higher because it would be 10🌟’s!
I’d like to start with this: I LOVE....I mean LOVE (just imagine that is bold) an ALPHA man who is also a bit sentimental and romantic; Nick fit that for me! He was such a likable guy who just wanted to find “the one”. I adored Mina, I liked her from the very beginning of the book. She was strong and determined to live the life that SHE wants and not by anyone else’s standards or wants.
Okay, back to Mina.....my heart broke for her; when her background was revealed, it made sense all that she felt and had to deal with growing up. I felt that Nick grounded her in a way that scared her because she had never had that. I loved how Ms. Luis brought forth the Greek culture; as I was reading, I used my translator app on my phone to learn how to say the Greek phrases/words.
Hold Me Today is a solid 5🌟 for me, I wish GR went higher because it would be 10🌟’s!
August 26, 2023
3-3.5
A best friend’s brother childhood crush story, this was good in parts but too cheesy by far in others.
I didn’t get the purpose of the reality tv sub plot. It just jarred with Nick’s steadfast and quiet personality to even agree to take part in a show that would ask him to spill intimate details about his private life so publicly. I wondered actually if the author had changed her mind about it as it kind of fizzled out as a plot point.
I was also puzzled about what created the conflict and how it was resolved. It felt forced to me.
The other thing that bugged me was the Greek used in the text without translation. I know I’m supposed to remember, but when I’m picking a book up and down over a few days, I just forget and it’s highly irritating to have to keep google translating phrases and words to try to keep up with what’s going on.
But I liked them both and the smut was good. Complete story, available on ku.
A best friend’s brother childhood crush story, this was good in parts but too cheesy by far in others.
I didn’t get the purpose of the reality tv sub plot. It just jarred with Nick’s steadfast and quiet personality to even agree to take part in a show that would ask him to spill intimate details about his private life so publicly. I wondered actually if the author had changed her mind about it as it kind of fizzled out as a plot point.
I was also puzzled about what created the conflict and how it was resolved. It felt forced to me.
The other thing that bugged me was the Greek used in the text without translation. I know I’m supposed to remember, but when I’m picking a book up and down over a few days, I just forget and it’s highly irritating to have to keep google translating phrases and words to try to keep up with what’s going on.
But I liked them both and the smut was good. Complete story, available on ku.
January 17, 2019
Ermione (Mina) is less than thrilled that her best friend's brother, Nick, is the contractor who's going to be renovating her salon. Nick, the man she's always crushed on. The man totally her opposite, who is a grumpy rule-follower, and who has never seen her as more than his little sister's best friend, a pita one at that. So when he needs a fake girlfriend, she can't say no, can she? Not to the man she's still crushing on, even as they drive each other nuts?!
Best friend's brother/brother's best friend is one of my absolute favorite romantic tropes, and the author does well by it here in Hold Me Today. Nick and Mina have so much chemistry and it's obvious where this is going from their very first meet on page. Their history, spanning years, is given enough weight to anchor their relationship in the present, and aided by a wonderful secondary cast, their relationship slowly evolves from fake companions to true lovers. There were a lot of obstacles to be stumbled over, most significantly, both their many insecurities, and I admit to wanting to skim a tad, and that's why 4 instead of 5 stars. But aside from that I really liked this beginning to the Put a Ring On It series. It's sweet, it's sexy, and Nick and Mina are absolutely perfect for each other once they work out their demons. I'm definitely looking forward to more from this series and this author in general.
ARC via Give Me Books Promotions for an honest review.
Full review also posted on my blog ---> Live Through Books Blog.
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