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 n*ked? I may have crushed on him for years, but … n*ked?
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 a steamy slow burn romance. It’s the first book in the highly anticipated series, Put A Ring On It, and can be read as a standalone.
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Nick has always been a little different from most men he hasn’t been the man out looking to pick up the next girl that catches his eye he has been looking for the next girl that catches his heart. With one failed Wedding he decided to try a TV show Put a Ring on it. Now 2 failed proposals later will he actually come to terms with the one who has been in front of him in his heart all along? Mina Nicks sisters best friend has this big dream of opening her own salon only she has been taken for all she is worth and now she has to turn to the one person she can not trust herself to be around the one person she has always wanted but could never have.
I just LOVE reading every book Maria has ever published! This has been no exception. You get drawn in to the story and feel like you are there with them. You just cant put the book down wanting to know how it ends. There is so much love and laughter. There are real LOL moments. There are times you may want to have tissues ready. The characters are well written even some brought in from some of her other books. New characters introduced ready to take off in the new chapters ahead. Maria has not had a long career thus far but she is ready to bulldoze her way into this world by leaps and bounds to give everyone of her fans a great story. Hop onto the Maria train while you can you wont want to miss out on these adventures.
OMG!!!!! This was my first time reading a book by this author, but it will definitely not be my last! I was hooked from the very start and had to know what was going to happen to these characters.
This book had everything, amazing characters, a fabulous story line, plus a little mystery. There were many hot and steamy moments, some hilarious laugh out loud moments, as well as some sweet heartfelt ones. The chemistry between Mina and Nick was off the charts and the banter between the two of them and even Mina’s best friend Effie had me dying.
While my heart broke for the things Mina had to face growing up because of the way her parents treated her, I loved that she had Effie and Nick’s parents to be there for her whenever she needed someone. The closeness of that family was definitely something special.
I felt all of the feels while reading this story and still struggle to put into words how much I absolutely love it. This is a must read book for sure. – By Alisa
Friends-to-lovers is one of my favorite troupes, and this book had me feeling so many emotions and is a testament to the wonderful writing style of the author, Maria Luis. Every page has such wonderful descriptions and character development, you feel as if you are actually there with them. This story also includes a bit of “fake boyfriend/girlfriend” as Nick is trying to appear as if he is in a committed relationship as he just returned home after appearing on a dating TV show.
The pacing, build-up, attention to detail, wit as well as heartache, and how the author sucks you into the story from the very first page, make her a one-click author for me.
Mina Pappas, our heroine, had romantic feelings for her best friend’s older brother, Nick Stamos, since she was a child. There were so many poignantly written scenes in this book that made you completely understand her point of view. I loved Mina and the fact that she wasn’t perfect, and that she was a fighter. She was everything I would want in a friend…determined, hard working, funny, thoughtful, endearing, independent, loyal, and all-around amazing. I admire her strength so much, and how she guarded her heart and really never let anyone in since she couldn’t have her one true love. Everything she accomplished, she did on her own. She was also so sassy, and often had me laughing out loud.
Sadly, Mina has a lot of personal issues because of her upbringing, which were so beautifully and emotionally shared by the author. I firmly believe that children are affected by what they are told and the affection and encouragement they receive by their parents growing up. This book had me choked-up and crying on more than one occasion, especially because Nick was forever in her corner, making her feel special, loved, and worthy when she felt shame and lacked self-confidence. He let her know she was not alone. He was so supportive, not only of Mina, but also of his family and his employees. He was a man of honor, had great character and ethics, and was so swoon-worthy.
Nick was the perfect hero. Not only was he hot, handsome, and handy, he was a romantic at heart and wanted to be in a committed relationship. I loved his relationship with his parents and sister, Effie. He valued his family and his Greek heritage and is loyal, compassionate, and giving. Now that he is older, he sees Mina in a new light, and takes time to get to know her while helping her renovate her hair salon. When the two of them are together, you can feel the electric spark and will route for them the entire time to find their way to one another. I loved reading their journey and every conversation they had together which eventually led them to their own HEA.
The last chapter was everything I hoped it would be.I love reading a book where I learn something new, and enjoyed all of the references about their Greek heritage such as how they would travel to Greece when they were young, and when they attended Greek school. When Nick would talk Greek to Mina it was so, so sexy, and I liked how easily the author included the meaning into the story so us non-Greek speaking lay people can figure it out. I also loved reading the description of the town in Maine where they visited and will make it a point to stop there next time I am in New England.
I was so excited that Nick’s cast-mate Dominic, from the dating show, was including in Hold Me Today, and am looking forward to reading his book next, as well as what finally happens to Savannah and Owen in book 3 (I am hoping and assuming!)
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!
Loved this book. If you love a great romance then this is a must read. Gwen and Leo’s story is a very modern day and relatable story. Leigh Lennon is an amazing story teller and I can’t wait to read more 425 Madison stories.
I’ve had this book on my TBR list since it was announced. I’m not sure I’ve ever looked forward to a book release more than this one. Being a part of Maria’s reader group on social media helped with the anticipation leading up to this and, wow…. I was blown away. I think it’s sometimes difficult for an author to capture chemistry between characters and put them into words that make you feel like you are one half of that couple. That is not an issue here. With each scene you are drawn into the chemistry that makes Nick and Mina. Counting down until we get to hear more of Dom and Owen’s stories.
I won and ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my unbiased review.
“I straight up cornered that man in an elevator and proceeded to bust his balls like I was back in kindergarten—when kicking a guy you like in the nuts was the surefire way to announce the two of you were destined for marriage.”
Maria Luis is a skilled storyteller—she proves time and again just how true this statement is. Yet, when I started reading Hold Me Today, I was blown away by the story that unfolded. This book is everything a romance should be–its sexy as hell, exquisitely entertaining, and deeply moving. I couldn’t put it down. As much as I have loved previously works by Maria, there was something unmistakably ‘more’ to her latest release. Hold Me Today is without a doubt my favorite book by the author and I am literally beside myself waiting for the second book in the Put A Ring On It series. With as much as I read—nearly a book a day—Maria Luis is in a league of her own when it comes to romances that live on with me after I read them. There is just something so effortlessly entertaining about them. And they suck you in and make you fall in-love again and again.
Hold Me Today is a multicultural, contemporary romance. Additionally, this dual perspective romance falls under the best friend’s brother subgenre which happens to be a favorite of mine, much like Maria Luis herself. While reading my heart soared, I cried, and even snort-laughed repeatedly. Although not a traditional romcom, Maria Luis nonetheless made the relationship between Nick and Mina every bit as hilarious as she did sexy. And boy oh boy, was this one seXXXy! is there anything hotter than a dirty talker?! Right now, I am not so sure… Maria masterfully wove together a story that flowed perfectly and sucked me in completely. While Nick was quiet, broody, sexy and even stoic, Mina is a loud, outgoing, feisty overachiever… And she loves nothing more than she does busting Nick’s balls—which isn’t hard to do since she’s known him almost all her life. Their chemistry was undeniable. Mina’s character depth made her my favorite female protagonists that Maria has written to date. Hold Me Today has captured my heart on every level. If you are in the mood for a sexy, dirty talker and a complex heroine, a romance that will leave you swooning long after you read those final words, one that’s sweet, witty and will completely consume you? Well, look no farther, because Hold Me Today is all those things!
“I was always yours.”
Oh my heart! Hold Me Today by Maria Luis has definitely given it a workout. With lots of tears, laughter and all the other feels this book has found a place in my heart. I started this book but life got in the way and I had to take care of things. One thing that kept me going was knowing that I was going to be able to go back and finish this spectacular read.
Nick, that man has earned a place on my Best Book Boyfriend list forever! He will make you laugh, he will make you swoon. Having no luck in love, Nick bargains with Mina to help him through a rough patch.
Mina, boy is that girl sassy, needs Nick’s help to complete her dream. She takes Nick up on his arrangement and the shenanigans begin.
Nick and Mina’s back story sets them up for a journey to their HEA that will have you laughing, cheering and sobbing. But Ms. Luis has given us a marvelous story that will draw you in with some characters that are delightful and some that are not so delightful.
This book will be high on my recommendation list and I’m excited that the author will be continuing in this wonderful world she has created with additional books.
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!
Sweet, sexy, and swoony. This was a well-written book with a lot of feels. It is a best friend’s older brother/fake girlfriend romance. It is funny, sexy, steamy, witty, and angsty at times. I loved the cast of characters and the plot had me hooked. The banter between Nick and Mina was hilarious! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend reading it.
***ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.****
Wow! If you like a slow burn steamy romance than Hold Me Today is for you. Who says opposites do not attract? Whoever said that obviously has not read this book. I’m not gonna lie and say that this book pulled me in right away because it did not. HOWEVER I am so glad I stuck it out and finished reading it. This book is sweet and emotional that yes I blinked back a few tears.
I felt so many emotions where Mina is concerned. I would love to go into great detail just how much I adored this character, but I am really trying really hard not to include any kind of spoilers.The author wrote this character so well that you can feel the emotions as you are reading them. Mina is a strong sassy Greek woman that has a heart of gold. It does not matter how you have treated her in the past she look past it. Since she was a little girl she was treated different from what some consider to be a downfall. Mina comes out stronger for it as she proves to everybody that if you work for what you want your dreams can come true.
Nick is a Greek man and is a hopeless romantic and so swoon worthy. All he wants us to find someone to spend the rest of his life with. Having been burned in the past Nick is just living day to day. When he loves he loves with everything he is and deserves just that in return. Nick shows Mina just what she is missing in life. She helps Nick learn to live a little on the wild side. They both help break down the walls that they each have built around their hearts. What starts out as a “favor” turns into a whole lot more for these two.
Can the two of them together show each other just what the other is missing out of life! Can love conquer years and years of insecurities that have been instilled? Read this amazing book to see just what love can overcome.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. O, Nick and Mira know each other for decades, but never did they ever actually think they were ment to be together. Nick, being the one who was stood up at the aisle by his fiancé and Mira actually never wanting a relationship… So when both of them need the help of the other things get a little heated up. A very sweet and lovely story of childhoodfriends finally realizing what they mean to each other.
I absolutely loved this book! If it weren’t for the need to sleep and go to work, I would have read it in one sitting. It was hard to put down. This is my new favorite Maria Luis offering. I haven’t read anything she’s written that I did not like. I love the tie-ins to other books by appearances of characters from her other books. I love, love, love Maria’s writing!
The main characters, Nick and Mina, are wonderfully developed. Readers are in their heads and are privy to their thoughts and insecurities. I love the humorous dialog between them, between all the characters really, but between them the most. I can’t help but love all the characters, except Mina’s parents, but they too are portrayed as flawed and realistic.
One of my favorite scenes is when Nick describes the B&B in Maine. His thoughts are priceless and had me laughing to tears. Awesome character development!! I really want a real-life Nick just for me!
What makes this book get five stars from me is that it meets my criteria of realistic characters and situations, steamy and realistic intimate scenes, and the big ones… HEA and no cliffhanger. I will definitely read this one again. If you relate to these criteria, I wholeheartedly recommend “Hold Me Today.”
I voluntarily chose to review an advanced copy of this book.
This had one of my favorite troupes best friend’s brother. I really liked Mina and Nick. Mina’s family dynamic hit me in the heart. I’m so glad she had her friend’s family in her life. This book had an easy flow to it. This book had a My Big Fat Greek Wedding vibe to it which I just loved. To me this book was well rounded. It had the humor and heat, but also the heart and feels. Life has thrown Mina enough curve balls she deserves some homeruns. This new series has started off with a bang.
“Vini, vidi, vici, right?”
I conquered and read this amazing frenemies to lovers romance story. This is definitely a must read!
Nicholas “Saint Nick” Stamos is the good Greek Boy that every parent dreams will marry their daughter. Ermione “Bad Girl Mina” Pappas is the impulsive, yet independent girl that doesn’t do relationships. The story is sweet and funny with a few emotional moments thrown in. They both have their own personal hang-ups but somehow they come to an agreement that benefits them both, which turns into a very combustive relationship.
“Because if there’s one thing I’ve always known, it’s that if I’m the moon, sullen in the darkness and content in my solitude, then she’s the sun, setting fire to everything in her path.”
I always enjoy reading about the forbidden bestfriend and bestfriend’s older brother stories. Hold Me Today is the first book in the Put A Ring On It series and can be read as a standalone. I can honestly say I’m eagerly awaiting the next book. I did note about 5 spelling/grammatical errors, but they did in no way affect my overall review.
Thank you to the author Maria Luis and Give Me Books PR for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Hold Me Today by Maria Luis will join the ranks of BIBLIO-ELITE.
First I have to say that I LOVED this story so much! It is a great beginning to the series Put A Ring On It. This was a steamy slow romance that had me swooning over Nick. Plus Nick is Greek and oh sweet baby Jesus he can whisper to me in Greek all he wants because man oh man talk about panty dropping well hell yes!
I loved Mina and how strong she is. She has always had a crush on Nick but she knew that nothing would come of it so she moved on with her life and built a business for herself. When she needs help she knows that Nick can help her and she asks him and he agrees but he has to have something in return and when he tells her what it is she is shocked and caught off guard but she is willing to do it.
This is a must read romance that had all the right things in it for me. I laughed, cried, and swooned over Mina and Nick. I am looking forward to book two because I think I know who it is about and man oh man I can’t wait to read it!
I have read every book that Maria Luis has written and she never ceases to amaze me. I may have loved Hold Me Today more than all the previous books, however, I didn’t think that was even possible.
Nick Stamos is the man that every woman dreams about – need I say anymore? Mina was a charming girl, who had been in love with her best friends older brother her entire life. Both had some insecurities, which made the HEA even better. Both characters were fun and interesting from the start and you didn’t want to put the book down until you finished.
Their chemistry was amazing. Their banter was very funny. Their encounters were very sensual. The storyline was great and the result was a HEA. What more could you ask for.
The only thing I can ask for is more books Ms. Luis. I LOVE your books!
I received an ARC from the author, for my unbiased review
Put a ring on it…
I discovered Ms. Luis with the release of her debut book and I have been a loyal reader ever since. The reason why is because I know that each book will be a wonderful read. This new book is no exception. Great characters, hot chemistry and a slow-burn romance make for a story that I couldn’t put down. I fell in love with Nick and Mina and felt like I knew them. No surprise there as this happens with all of the characters Ms. Luis introduces me to. I’m eagerly looking forward to the next book and my new friends.
*I received an Advance Reader’s Copy of this book which I am voluntarily reviewing*
Hold Me Today is an absolute home run for Maria Luis and by far the best book she’s ever written. Trust me, I’ve read them all…
Hold Me Today is the first book in the new, Put a Ring On It series. The story leads us into the unrequited love story between Mina Pappas & her best friends older brother Nick. This story is not lacking in character development by any means. These characters are so vibrant and real that you will feel like you know them. This story will make you laugh and swoon. It has heat, a little angst, and so much love that it’s bleeding off the pages long before any literal declarations are made.
I could go on and on about everything that makes Hold Me Today absolutely amazing but I will keep this review short and sweet. Do not pass this one over, read it and fall just as much in love as I did!
Loved it. Can’t wait for the next one. Mina and Nick’s story was a long time and journey to their happily ever after. I loved that this story dealt with real issues. I loved how Mina knows her issue and tries hard to overcome them and not let them top her. This is a very realistic, funny and heart wrenching romance. I loved their family backgrounds all the history, traditions and even the pressure. I have loved all of Maria’s books but this one Mina reminds me of my sister without all the greek family. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader copy of this book.