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Hold Me For Now
It was supposed to be a cure. Not a connection.
Kristi has always felt broken, like something inside her doesn’t work the way it should. Desperate for answers, she signs up for an experimental program—one designed to fix people like her.
Under the guidance of a doctor, she expects structure, rules—something clinical.
She doesn’t expect T.
He’s patient, understanding, and for the first time in forever, she feels seen. Wanted.
But T is battling his own demons. He’s broken, too—just like her.
Paired together they’re meant to push each other past their limits. To overcome their fears. It’s supposed to be controlled. Safe. Another step toward healing.
Nothing about this feels safe. Lines blur. Comfort turns into something more.
When T looks at her, she melts. When he touches her, she doesn’t pull away. And when he whispers he loves her… she almost believes him.
They both know this isn’t built to last. But in a world where nothing feels certain, maybe if he holds her for now it will be enough…
Or maybe it will ruin them both.
Hold Me For Now is a dark romance novella. Easy to binge, read if you like strangers to lovers, forced proximity, and one bed set in a clinical environment. Come for the banter, tension, chemistry, and angst. Stay for the guaranteed HEA. Check trigger warnings. There’s a lot of heat—intended for mature audiences only.
Kristi has always felt broken, like something inside her doesn’t work the way it should. Desperate for answers, she signs up for an experimental program—one designed to fix people like her.
Under the guidance of a doctor, she expects structure, rules—something clinical.
She doesn’t expect T.
He’s patient, understanding, and for the first time in forever, she feels seen. Wanted.
But T is battling his own demons. He’s broken, too—just like her.
Paired together they’re meant to push each other past their limits. To overcome their fears. It’s supposed to be controlled. Safe. Another step toward healing.
Nothing about this feels safe. Lines blur. Comfort turns into something more.
When T looks at her, she melts. When he touches her, she doesn’t pull away. And when he whispers he loves her… she almost believes him.
They both know this isn’t built to last. But in a world where nothing feels certain, maybe if he holds her for now it will be enough…
Or maybe it will ruin them both.
Hold Me For Now is a dark romance novella. Easy to binge, read if you like strangers to lovers, forced proximity, and one bed set in a clinical environment. Come for the banter, tension, chemistry, and angst. Stay for the guaranteed HEA. Check trigger warnings. There’s a lot of heat—intended for mature audiences only.
85 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 20, 2025
22 people are currently reading
499 people want to read
About the author
Lexi Davis
8 books624 followersLexi Davis loves long walks on the beach, drinking iced mochas, and writing smut. She believes in the ultimate power of love to both heal and transform. Her greatest hope is that her books bring joy to readers and allow them to escape one page at a time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 681 reviews
May 16, 2025
💘😭Two people searching for something they have never been given💘😭. Hold Me For Now written by Lexi Davis is a short and spicy dark romance novella with only eighty-five pages of heart, vulnerability, and spice. I haven't read a dark romance story in quite some time, so of course I had to dip my toes back in and I'm so happy that I did because this spicy novella surprised me in so many different ways. I thought spice was supposed to make you blush and swoon, but let's be honest I actually had tears streaming down my face because this short story was so beautiful in so many ways that I can't even explain unless you read this precious little novella. I didn't know that the words inside of this spicy story could be so freaking beautiful, like damn y'all I was hiccuping trying to hold back my tears because who cries reading a spicy scene? This novella certainly isn't for everyone and that's completely okay, but for my dark romance girlies, 🌹THIS IS FOR YOU🌹. I know some authors don't normally add in trigger warning's, but I appreciate and applaud Lexi for doing that with this one. If you do decide to read this spicy sweet thang, (which I hope many of you do) please check the trigger warning's, they will also be listed in my review down below. If you are looking for something short, dark, spicy, and sweet, I highly recommend adding Hold Me For Now to your to be read list immediately and mark your calendars for May 20th, 2025 for the publication date of this beautiful masterpiece. With that stunning cover, I was completely speechless with the beautiful and spicy words hidden behind the cover.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND VICTORY EDITING NETGALLEY CO-OP FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!
💌💫Hold Me For Now is for the people pleasers, the over thinkers, the ones who stay quiet even when they are screaming inside, and for the ones who never learned how to ask for what they wanted💌💫.
TRIGGER WARNING'S
~Vulnerable Explorations of Intimacy and Identity~
~Discussions about Sexual Dysfunction and Performance Pressure~
~Clinical Sex Therapy as a Central Setting~
~A Married Character Navigating Divorce/Separation~
~References to Past Toxic Relationships~
~Themes of Self Worth, Shame, and Learning to Speak Up for your Needs~
~Emotionally Intense, Open Door Sexual Content~
~Explicit Language~
~Emotional Manipulation (not by the main characters)~
~Voyeurism (for clinical purposes only, non arousing and professional)~
~💌It was supposed to be a cure. Not a connection💌.~
"💝I have been the archer, I have been the prey. Who could ever leave me, darling? But who could stay?" -Taylor Swift💝
"😳💩Maybe experience doesn't mean shit when your body refuses to cooperate😳💩".
"💟😂Humor is my go to defense mechanism💟😂".
"💯It's easy to throw stones at other people's choices and ignore the glass walls that surround us💯".
After receiving an email that said: "I can get you to orgasm, one hundred percent guaranteed", Kristi finds herself in the "specialty clinic" which is a nondescript building in an industrial part of a city with one bed and a one way mirror inside being ran by Dr. Desire who uses a voice changer, who never reveals his face and name. Dr. Desire uses a speaker that's in the room to guide his patients through intercourse until they are cured. That can mean many different things for many people, but for the characters in this book, they can't have an orgasm during sexual intercourse with other people, but they can do it on their own. I loved Kristi, she was so real and vulnerable. Kristi is one for the girlies, she loves reading smutty fantasy. Kristi hasn't had a steady boy friend in over two years. Trevor and his wife or not sure what to call her are separated and the only chance Trevor has to get her back is to do this specialty clinic because she's tired of Trevor's lame excuses of why he can't have an orgasm with her. Trevor and this woman are high school sweethearts, he has never been with anyone else. Man oh man, does Trevor know how to kiss a woman, that was so sweet. Trevor is used to being a disappointment, he's not even sure he knows what love is, but let me tell you, this man has the biggest and softest heart known to exist.
❤💫Two broken people, thrown into a room together, expected to somehow fix each other❤💫. During their time in this room, Trevor and Kristi can't use their real names, so they use their initials- K and T. The vulnerability between these two was absolutely heart breaking, but yet so beautiful at the same time- K says: "I'm a fuck up. Who will ever want me? Someone broken like me?" but T says: "That's not true. You are not broken. You are beautiful and you are strong". These two amazing people literally had me in a damn choke hold. K and T were deliberately paired because they were both geographically separate- they wouldn't ever have to see each other after this day, they are both emotionally and physically compatible. These two broken people were so relatable to one another, they are both people pleasers that are willing to sacrifice themselves for other people. Despite being watched and monitored by Dr. Desire, T was so gentle, encouraging, and sweet towards K. Despite how spicy this novella was, I couldn't help but cheer on K and T as they navigated this journey together and helped each other out even though they didn't know too much about one another expect for the basic information that they can't orgasm with another person. Once again, the vulnerability was so strong and powerful I had to clutch my pearls and hold back my tears even though that didn't work out too well because like I said before, I ended up having tears pouring down my face. I wish the best to K and T on their personal journey's after their experience in this room.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND VICTORY EDITING NETGALLEY CO-OP FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!
💌💫Hold Me For Now is for the people pleasers, the over thinkers, the ones who stay quiet even when they are screaming inside, and for the ones who never learned how to ask for what they wanted💌💫.
TRIGGER WARNING'S
~Vulnerable Explorations of Intimacy and Identity~
~Discussions about Sexual Dysfunction and Performance Pressure~
~Clinical Sex Therapy as a Central Setting~
~A Married Character Navigating Divorce/Separation~
~References to Past Toxic Relationships~
~Themes of Self Worth, Shame, and Learning to Speak Up for your Needs~
~Emotionally Intense, Open Door Sexual Content~
~Explicit Language~
~Emotional Manipulation (not by the main characters)~
~Voyeurism (for clinical purposes only, non arousing and professional)~
~💌It was supposed to be a cure. Not a connection💌.~
"💝I have been the archer, I have been the prey. Who could ever leave me, darling? But who could stay?" -Taylor Swift💝
"😳💩Maybe experience doesn't mean shit when your body refuses to cooperate😳💩".
"💟😂Humor is my go to defense mechanism💟😂".
"💯It's easy to throw stones at other people's choices and ignore the glass walls that surround us💯".
After receiving an email that said: "I can get you to orgasm, one hundred percent guaranteed", Kristi finds herself in the "specialty clinic" which is a nondescript building in an industrial part of a city with one bed and a one way mirror inside being ran by Dr. Desire who uses a voice changer, who never reveals his face and name. Dr. Desire uses a speaker that's in the room to guide his patients through intercourse until they are cured. That can mean many different things for many people, but for the characters in this book, they can't have an orgasm during sexual intercourse with other people, but they can do it on their own. I loved Kristi, she was so real and vulnerable. Kristi is one for the girlies, she loves reading smutty fantasy. Kristi hasn't had a steady boy friend in over two years. Trevor and his wife or not sure what to call her are separated and the only chance Trevor has to get her back is to do this specialty clinic because she's tired of Trevor's lame excuses of why he can't have an orgasm with her. Trevor and this woman are high school sweethearts, he has never been with anyone else. Man oh man, does Trevor know how to kiss a woman, that was so sweet. Trevor is used to being a disappointment, he's not even sure he knows what love is, but let me tell you, this man has the biggest and softest heart known to exist.
❤💫Two broken people, thrown into a room together, expected to somehow fix each other❤💫. During their time in this room, Trevor and Kristi can't use their real names, so they use their initials- K and T. The vulnerability between these two was absolutely heart breaking, but yet so beautiful at the same time- K says: "I'm a fuck up. Who will ever want me? Someone broken like me?" but T says: "That's not true. You are not broken. You are beautiful and you are strong". These two amazing people literally had me in a damn choke hold. K and T were deliberately paired because they were both geographically separate- they wouldn't ever have to see each other after this day, they are both emotionally and physically compatible. These two broken people were so relatable to one another, they are both people pleasers that are willing to sacrifice themselves for other people. Despite being watched and monitored by Dr. Desire, T was so gentle, encouraging, and sweet towards K. Despite how spicy this novella was, I couldn't help but cheer on K and T as they navigated this journey together and helped each other out even though they didn't know too much about one another expect for the basic information that they can't orgasm with another person. Once again, the vulnerability was so strong and powerful I had to clutch my pearls and hold back my tears even though that didn't work out too well because like I said before, I ended up having tears pouring down my face. I wish the best to K and T on their personal journey's after their experience in this room.
July 21, 2025
Wow! Lexi Davis is a really fucking good writer! I cried twice!! I went in blind, and even though it doesn't have a traditional HEA, it ended exactly how it was meant to. This is not "smut" - but it's fucking hot and the only time I'll ever accept edging.
K has an issue.... she can't get to the "O" during sex. She feels like something is broken inside her, that she's not good enough. Searching for answers online leads her to Dr. Desire. He's a pseudo sex therapist and claims to have helped hundreds of people with this exact problem. Our brave girl agrees to go to his clinic where she's paired with someone else with the same issue. T arrives to the clinic, somewhat unwillingly. He's in the middle of a divorce and his wife demands that he participates in this therapy if he wants any chance at reconciliation.
Our precious couple are each determined to get to the root of their issues.... they deal with their insecurities and their struggles - and they discover there's a lot more to sex than just the psychical aspect. Then.... well... you just gotta read it!
I freaking loved this so much. I won't do my usual breakdown because this doesn't really fit in any category.
I'll tell you that when I say it's a non-traditional HEA, I mean it's open-ended. I would fucking LOVE for LD to write a short novella for our couple now. Ugh - I'm dying for it.
Lexi Davis has made me a fan!
"What if—just for now—I could love you, and you loved me back? Not as a promise. Not as a lie. Just as…this. What we are, here in this room. Two people searching for something they’ve never been given. Something we have to fight for—together."
K has an issue.... she can't get to the "O" during sex. She feels like something is broken inside her, that she's not good enough. Searching for answers online leads her to Dr. Desire. He's a pseudo sex therapist and claims to have helped hundreds of people with this exact problem. Our brave girl agrees to go to his clinic where she's paired with someone else with the same issue. T arrives to the clinic, somewhat unwillingly. He's in the middle of a divorce and his wife demands that he participates in this therapy if he wants any chance at reconciliation.
Our precious couple are each determined to get to the root of their issues.... they deal with their insecurities and their struggles - and they discover there's a lot more to sex than just the psychical aspect. Then.... well... you just gotta read it!
I freaking loved this so much. I won't do my usual breakdown because this doesn't really fit in any category.
I'll tell you that when I say it's a non-traditional HEA, I mean it's open-ended. I would fucking LOVE for LD to write a short novella for our couple now. Ugh - I'm dying for it.
Lexi Davis has made me a fan!
June 23, 2025
Hold Me for Now by Lexi Davis is a phenomenal little novella — and I absolutely loved it.
How does Lexi Davis manage to write books that are so spicy they leave you blushing, but also so emotional they bring you to tears? It’s a magic combo, and she nails it every time.
Yes, the spice is HOT (seriously, really hot), but it’s wrapped up in heartwarming, tender moments that hit you right in the feels. I teared up more than once.
I’m officially obsessed with her writing, I’m reading everything she puts out, and you should too.
Go read this spicy little novella — it’s a perfect, emotional, steamy short read! Thanks to the author and NetGalley for a couple of this book.
How does Lexi Davis manage to write books that are so spicy they leave you blushing, but also so emotional they bring you to tears? It’s a magic combo, and she nails it every time.
Yes, the spice is HOT (seriously, really hot), but it’s wrapped up in heartwarming, tender moments that hit you right in the feels. I teared up more than once.
I’m officially obsessed with her writing, I’m reading everything she puts out, and you should too.
Go read this spicy little novella — it’s a perfect, emotional, steamy short read! Thanks to the author and NetGalley for a couple of this book.
May 18, 2025
Let me just start by saying that Lexi Davis is becoming one of my “go in blind authors.” If her name is on it, I’ll more than likely read it! No synopsis needed. This spicy Novella was absolutely great from start to finish! And talking about a satisfying ending?!
When 2 broken strangers connect in the most unorthodox way possible, they lean on each other to fix the “issue” that they both have in common. What they don’t expect it for sparks to fly, potentially leaving them in more emotional turmoil than before they began this experimental treatment.
Overall a great read and Lexi’s writing style is always going to give you an epic experience. I will definitely be working my way through her entire catalogue, no matter the genre! Thank you Victory Editing, Lexi Davis and NetGalley for this advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
When 2 broken strangers connect in the most unorthodox way possible, they lean on each other to fix the “issue” that they both have in common. What they don’t expect it for sparks to fly, potentially leaving them in more emotional turmoil than before they began this experimental treatment.
Overall a great read and Lexi’s writing style is always going to give you an epic experience. I will definitely be working my way through her entire catalogue, no matter the genre! Thank you Victory Editing, Lexi Davis and NetGalley for this advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
October 22, 2025
this was such a sweet, spicy and surprisingly emotional novella!!
The concept is so fresh and unique: Kristi posts online about being unable to orgasm with a partner and a mysterious doctor reaches out with an unconventional solution. She gets matched with T, a man struggling with the same issue and together, under the doctor’s guidance, they embark on this incredibly intimate and vulnerable journey.
And let me tell you, it’s STEAMY. But what really got me was the emotional depth. Kristi and T aren’t just physical partners; they’re two broken souls learning to trust, open up and heal together. Their raw honesty, both literally and figuratively, had me rooting for them from the start.
I loved how real their struggles felt. They each have different reasons for being there, different fears to overcome, but their connection? It’s tender, authentic and beautifully developed.
Trops/kinks/safety
🩷strangers to lovers
🩷forced proximity
🩷one night stand
🩷one bed
🩷healing together
🩷sex with feelings
🩷troubled marriage
🩷sexual dysfunction both sides
🩷clinical sex therapy
🩷mentioned of past toxic relationships
🩷shame/guilt/ self loathing
🩷voyeurism (medical purpose)
🩷dirty talk
The concept is so fresh and unique: Kristi posts online about being unable to orgasm with a partner and a mysterious doctor reaches out with an unconventional solution. She gets matched with T, a man struggling with the same issue and together, under the doctor’s guidance, they embark on this incredibly intimate and vulnerable journey.
And let me tell you, it’s STEAMY. But what really got me was the emotional depth. Kristi and T aren’t just physical partners; they’re two broken souls learning to trust, open up and heal together. Their raw honesty, both literally and figuratively, had me rooting for them from the start.
I loved how real their struggles felt. They each have different reasons for being there, different fears to overcome, but their connection? It’s tender, authentic and beautifully developed.
Trops/kinks/safety
🩷strangers to lovers
🩷forced proximity
🩷one night stand
🩷one bed
🩷healing together
🩷sex with feelings
🩷troubled marriage
🩷sexual dysfunction both sides
🩷clinical sex therapy
🩷mentioned of past toxic relationships
🩷shame/guilt/ self loathing
🩷voyeurism (medical purpose)
🩷dirty talk
May 23, 2025
This was a super short spicy read and inhaled it in one sitting. Besides the spice, the story was emotional, bringing 2 broken people together to help fix each other -Being this short and still being able to care about the characters shows just how great Lexi's writing is.
I invested in the charcaters quickly, found them both really lovable, and had me rooting for a happily ever after.
I would happily read a full book of T & Ks happily ever after!
I invested in the charcaters quickly, found them both really lovable, and had me rooting for a happily ever after.
I would happily read a full book of T & Ks happily ever after!
May 8, 2025
FMC - K: 4 🌟
MMC - T: 4 🌟
SPICE: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
LIKES: This was an interesting twist on a novella, and I'm here for it! The way it was written didn't allow for major issues with a character backstory or development, like I often feel I'm missing when reading short stories, just because they don't have the space for it all.
I liked the main characters and how they banded together so easily. In such a short span of time, I did feel like they were great for each other. I also really liked that the book addressed how love can make all the difference when it comes to intimacy :)
DISLIKES: I don't honestly have any critiques other than I think Dr. D's whole clinical trial of sorts is shady AF 😆
FAVORITE SCENE: The epilogue 💕
MMC - T: 4 🌟
SPICE: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
LIKES: This was an interesting twist on a novella, and I'm here for it! The way it was written didn't allow for major issues with a character backstory or development, like I often feel I'm missing when reading short stories, just because they don't have the space for it all.
I liked the main characters and how they banded together so easily. In such a short span of time, I did feel like they were great for each other. I also really liked that the book addressed how love can make all the difference when it comes to intimacy :)
DISLIKES: I don't honestly have any critiques other than I think Dr. D's whole clinical trial of sorts is shady AF 😆
FAVORITE SCENE: The epilogue 💕
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2025
I’m not trying to be mean but i can’t lie and not post an honest review. I would have never picked this up if i didn’t get it for free. This was bad. I honestly don’t know how i found so many things i didn’t like, given that it only has 60 pages.
The whole reason for the book is absurd and ridiculous.
And i want to make clear that i did not know what i was getting myself into (and that’s my fault for thinking this was going to be a cute little romance novella) (it’s not)
Gross. Cringe. Awkward
That’s how i’d describe this
This reads like two inexperienced teenagers going at it for the first time
Dr. Desire? Really? Are we deadass?
Quick summary: so basically the whole plot for this book is that two people (who are strangers to each other) can’t have an orgasm and that they meet in a room where the do it until they get it, (like it’s that easy if they had that problem for their whole lives, i doubt it would just work like that)and there’s this person who claims to be a Doctor who watches and tells them how to do everything. And that’s not even the worst part. The worst part is what gets the two of them to their orgasm. It’s so ridiculous i don’t even want to write this review bc I’m embarrassed for reading this.
They said i love you to each other and that’s it, they both came and that’s it. Hello? How do they magically say that and then they both get there? THEY DO NOT KNOW EACH OTHER AND THEY DONT LOVE EACH OTHER. THEY JUST MET! It’s so ridiculous. How did something get them there that was literally not true and a lie?
This is what she says after:
"He didn't care. It was all a lie. He just needed to fuck me so he could get over his problem. Once it was solved, you saw what happened how quickly he ran out of here, back o her."
OF COURSE HE DOESN’T CARE.
HE DOESN’T KNOW YOU!
LIKE THAT WAS THE WHOLE POINT?
He has a wife too which just added to my discomfort.
This is badly written and reads like a bad wattpad story.
I just think it’s weird to come up with a story like that.
Anyone and i mean ANYONE could’ve written this
The whole reason for the book is absurd and ridiculous.
And i want to make clear that i did not know what i was getting myself into (and that’s my fault for thinking this was going to be a cute little romance novella) (it’s not)
Gross. Cringe. Awkward
That’s how i’d describe this
This reads like two inexperienced teenagers going at it for the first time
Dr. Desire? Really? Are we deadass?
Quick summary: so basically the whole plot for this book is that two people (who are strangers to each other) can’t have an orgasm and that they meet in a room where the do it until they get it, (like it’s that easy if they had that problem for their whole lives, i doubt it would just work like that)and there’s this person who claims to be a Doctor who watches and tells them how to do everything. And that’s not even the worst part. The worst part is what gets the two of them to their orgasm. It’s so ridiculous i don’t even want to write this review bc I’m embarrassed for reading this.
They said i love you to each other and that’s it, they both came and that’s it. Hello? How do they magically say that and then they both get there? THEY DO NOT KNOW EACH OTHER AND THEY DONT LOVE EACH OTHER. THEY JUST MET! It’s so ridiculous. How did something get them there that was literally not true and a lie?
This is what she says after:
"He didn't care. It was all a lie. He just needed to fuck me so he could get over his problem. Once it was solved, you saw what happened how quickly he ran out of here, back o her."
OF COURSE HE DOESN’T CARE.
HE DOESN’T KNOW YOU!
LIKE THAT WAS THE WHOLE POINT?
He has a wife too which just added to my discomfort.
This is badly written and reads like a bad wattpad story.
I just think it’s weird to come up with a story like that.
Anyone and i mean ANYONE could’ve written this
May 16, 2025
This was such an easy, fast paced and super spicy dark romance novella! I didn’t know what to expect going into this but it sucked me right in from the beginning and I ate it up!
Both characters pulled at my heart strings and I was rooting for them until the very end! Loved the ending so much! 4⭐️
This was an arc and will be released on May 20th. Thank you to Lexi Davis for sending this to me! This was my 2nd book by her and I’m obsessed with her writing!
Both characters pulled at my heart strings and I was rooting for them until the very end! Loved the ending so much! 4⭐️
This was an arc and will be released on May 20th. Thank you to Lexi Davis for sending this to me! This was my 2nd book by her and I’m obsessed with her writing!
May 7, 2025
This was such a cute novella!! It’s such a quick easy read that peaks your interest right from the very start!!
This story was like nothing I’ve read before. While it is very spicy (which I loved) there were also a lot of emotions that the characters go through together. The story follows Kristi who posted online seeking help because she’s unable to come while having sex with someone else. In a last ditch attempt to figure out what’s wrong with her a doctor reached out and says that he can help. She answers a quiz and the doctor matches her with another man who’s also unable to come while having sex. Now they both must trust this doctor and hope he can help them reach their climax.
This story will draw you in and have you rooting for the main characters the entire time. Kristi and T lay themselves bare both literally and figuratively to figure out what’s wrong. Both are broken in different ways and try to work past it. I loved how raw and real they could become with each other from the start. They both have such different reasons for needing this that it might actually bring them together.
Tropes:
-one night stand to ??
-dark romance
This story was like nothing I’ve read before. While it is very spicy (which I loved) there were also a lot of emotions that the characters go through together. The story follows Kristi who posted online seeking help because she’s unable to come while having sex with someone else. In a last ditch attempt to figure out what’s wrong with her a doctor reached out and says that he can help. She answers a quiz and the doctor matches her with another man who’s also unable to come while having sex. Now they both must trust this doctor and hope he can help them reach their climax.
This story will draw you in and have you rooting for the main characters the entire time. Kristi and T lay themselves bare both literally and figuratively to figure out what’s wrong. Both are broken in different ways and try to work past it. I loved how raw and real they could become with each other from the start. They both have such different reasons for needing this that it might actually bring them together.
Tropes:
-one night stand to ??
-dark romance
June 28, 2025
3.5⭐️
Thank you NetGalley & Lexi Davis for gifting me with the opportunity to give an honest and unfiltered review of Hold Me For Now, let’s fucking dive in shall we
You’re about to walk out that door and take something from me that I can’t name but know I’ll never get back.
Have you ever played Would You Rather? Because theres always that one person who takes it too far and hits you with “Would you rather watch your parents have sex or have a complete stranger watch you have sex?” Yeah… this book was that moment. And Dr. D? He was that stranger.
This was an interesting read. Not something I’d usually go looking for, but I’ve gotta say, the story was pretty good. T and K were both on their own little “fix me” missions, trying to sort out what they thought was broken inside themselves. And then there’s the elusive Dr. D coaching them through it, pushing them to go deep (pun totally intended😏) and actually connect. With themselves and each other…. And weirdly.. I didn’t hate it. In fact, I kind of vibed with the whole idea. Like, on a literal, chemical level, sex makes people say and feel all kinds of wild shit in the moment, so honestly? It wasn’t as cringy as I expected it to be.
Final Thoughts
It’s under 100 pages, so don’t show up expecting some intense, soul searching character development. You’re not getting full backstories, trauma dumps and epic side quests. Hold Me For Now was more about emotional connection and healing in a weird, sexy little package. And for that? I can’t really fault it.
Thank you NetGalley & Lexi Davis for gifting me with the opportunity to give an honest and unfiltered review of Hold Me For Now, let’s fucking dive in shall we
You’re about to walk out that door and take something from me that I can’t name but know I’ll never get back.
Have you ever played Would You Rather? Because theres always that one person who takes it too far and hits you with “Would you rather watch your parents have sex or have a complete stranger watch you have sex?” Yeah… this book was that moment. And Dr. D? He was that stranger.
This was an interesting read. Not something I’d usually go looking for, but I’ve gotta say, the story was pretty good. T and K were both on their own little “fix me” missions, trying to sort out what they thought was broken inside themselves. And then there’s the elusive Dr. D coaching them through it, pushing them to go deep (pun totally intended😏) and actually connect. With themselves and each other…. And weirdly.. I didn’t hate it. In fact, I kind of vibed with the whole idea. Like, on a literal, chemical level, sex makes people say and feel all kinds of wild shit in the moment, so honestly? It wasn’t as cringy as I expected it to be.
Final Thoughts
It’s under 100 pages, so don’t show up expecting some intense, soul searching character development. You’re not getting full backstories, trauma dumps and epic side quests. Hold Me For Now was more about emotional connection and healing in a weird, sexy little package. And for that? I can’t really fault it.
July 2, 2025
A beautiful short story about learning to love and accept yourself.
May 20, 2025
This Novella is so good. Unlike anything I have read before. There is sp!ce and oh my goodness emotions too. I just loved it and was rooting for the two of them to get what they have been wanting.
Kristi goes to this doctor for an experimental place to help with some problems you have while being intimate. While there she meets T who suffers same problems.
Don't want to give anything away, just know this is a quick read and oh so good!
Kristi goes to this doctor for an experimental place to help with some problems you have while being intimate. While there she meets T who suffers same problems.
Don't want to give anything away, just know this is a quick read and oh so good!
May 19, 2025
⚠️⚠️Check all TW⚠️⚠️
This was such a good book, I read it in a couple days. Kristi and T put me through all the emotions. And laughter.
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This was such a good book, I read it in a couple days. Kristi and T put me through all the emotions. And laughter.
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
June 25, 2025
Thanks NetGalley for allowing me a copy of this to read in replace of an honest review.
I wish there was a second book to this 😭
I am left wanting more! I actually thoroughly enjoyed this book, I would have loved to see it from Trevor’s POV and abit about his story.
But this was so delicious and so easy to inhale!
It had all the things and then some!
I wish there was a second book to this 😭
I am left wanting more! I actually thoroughly enjoyed this book, I would have loved to see it from Trevor’s POV and abit about his story.
But this was so delicious and so easy to inhale!
It had all the things and then some!
July 11, 2025
I don’t know how I feel about this book. I’m not typically someone who likes novellas because it’s hard for me to feel any sort of connection with the characters with so little to go off of but there was a lot of emotion between these two. I was immediately intrigued and given that it’s such a short and fast read I knew I’d finish it quickly. Two strangers come together to fix an issue they both have in the most unconventional way. I don’t think their of them expected it to work and I don’t think either one of them thought they’d come out the other side with so much newfound realization about themselves and their lives. The deeper meaning behind the story was beautiful, loving yourself first is so important and being able to openly communicate is one of the most important parts of being in a relationship. It was predicable as far as Trevor getting divorced and ending up back magically in the same place as Kristi, I definitely would read more about their developing relationship after they did the work on themselves and came back together. This book was cringey at times and the unusual way they fixed their issue was a little frightening but overall it wasn’t a bad read. I enjoyed the writing style and I would definitely read more from Lexi Davis!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2025
Yey... a 71 page short story that's kind of hot, but kind of creepy... but my MAIN problem is that 30 pages in they told each other how much they love each other...
May 20, 2025
#Review: *Hold Me For Now* - Lexi Davis [18+]
4.9/5✨
3.5/5🌶️
A short while ago I read the 1st book by Lexi Davis, 'Deeply Examined', which I really loved, even though it's pretty spicy. Thank you so, so much Lexi (Melissa🤭) for accepting me to be part of your ARC team for this novella🤗.
For this book we had something different: we didn't know the names of our main characters. Why? Because they were part of an experiment ran by mysterious Dr. Desire, where they were trying to find the right elements in order to reach satisfaction in bed. So, K and T were selected to share this strange experience, where they were faced with many self-centered issues, which were affecting their sexual lives. Will they succeed in reaching the output they wanted? Will they be able to separate their feelings from everything that will happen in that room?
I liked that it was an emotional story, even though it's as it's core a pretty spicy romance book. I felt all that abundance of emotions which our characters shared between those walls and how sweet the connection between K and T was. It was simply something I've never seen before, the way everything was thought about this whole story. How intimate and raw their bound was even though they were some simply strangers, but something way deep and electric was born that day. From all that I learned that the title of this book has a deeper meaning, one which made me emotional.
I must say that, again, Lexi has impressed me with one of her books, always touching the right spots to make me feel so good while reading something by her. I like that her stories always contain that string of hope and that happy ending, which the characters deserve.
✨Tropes
#StrangersToLovers
#ForcedProximity
#Spicy
#Taboo
#DarkRomance
#OneNightStand
#OneBed
#TroubledMarriage
4.9/5✨
3.5/5🌶️
A short while ago I read the 1st book by Lexi Davis, 'Deeply Examined', which I really loved, even though it's pretty spicy. Thank you so, so much Lexi (Melissa🤭) for accepting me to be part of your ARC team for this novella🤗.
For this book we had something different: we didn't know the names of our main characters. Why? Because they were part of an experiment ran by mysterious Dr. Desire, where they were trying to find the right elements in order to reach satisfaction in bed. So, K and T were selected to share this strange experience, where they were faced with many self-centered issues, which were affecting their sexual lives. Will they succeed in reaching the output they wanted? Will they be able to separate their feelings from everything that will happen in that room?
I liked that it was an emotional story, even though it's as it's core a pretty spicy romance book. I felt all that abundance of emotions which our characters shared between those walls and how sweet the connection between K and T was. It was simply something I've never seen before, the way everything was thought about this whole story. How intimate and raw their bound was even though they were some simply strangers, but something way deep and electric was born that day. From all that I learned that the title of this book has a deeper meaning, one which made me emotional.
I must say that, again, Lexi has impressed me with one of her books, always touching the right spots to make me feel so good while reading something by her. I like that her stories always contain that string of hope and that happy ending, which the characters deserve.
✨Tropes
#StrangersToLovers
#ForcedProximity
#Spicy
#Taboo
#DarkRomance
#OneNightStand
#OneBed
#TroubledMarriage
May 6, 2025
A short, deep, intense and emotional novella. I don’t understand how Lexi Davis managed to get me to feel so many things within so few pages!
K and T have been matched together, to help each other out, and they don’t realise JUST how much they’re about to help each other. On such deep levels. I immediately felt a connection between them, the writing is done in such an incredible way that I really felt how vulnerable, out of place, seen and understood they both felt.
“I have this belief that there’s someone special out there for everyone. True love—two people designed just for each other. I imagine when they find each other, everything flows. It fits, clicks, like a key sliding into a lock.”
Hat off to Lexi Davis, for yet another amazing piece, thank you so much for this early arc!!
The sweetest dedication: “For the ones who never learned how to ask for what they wanted. For the people pleasers, the overthinkers, the ones who stay quiet even when they’re screaming inside. I see you. Please know you deserve someone who knows all of you—and stays.”
“Forever. What a beautiful word. It seems like something I should pay attention to, analyze, fear. But I don’t.”
4.5 🌟
K and T have been matched together, to help each other out, and they don’t realise JUST how much they’re about to help each other. On such deep levels. I immediately felt a connection between them, the writing is done in such an incredible way that I really felt how vulnerable, out of place, seen and understood they both felt.
“I have this belief that there’s someone special out there for everyone. True love—two people designed just for each other. I imagine when they find each other, everything flows. It fits, clicks, like a key sliding into a lock.”
Hat off to Lexi Davis, for yet another amazing piece, thank you so much for this early arc!!
The sweetest dedication: “For the ones who never learned how to ask for what they wanted. For the people pleasers, the overthinkers, the ones who stay quiet even when they’re screaming inside. I see you. Please know you deserve someone who knows all of you—and stays.”
“Forever. What a beautiful word. It seems like something I should pay attention to, analyze, fear. But I don’t.”
4.5 🌟
June 3, 2025
OH. MY. EXPERIMENTAL. ORGASM.
Lexi Davis, what did you just do to my nervous system?! “Hold Me For Now” was like being blindfolded, handed a vibrator, locked in a room with a gorgeous stranger, and told, “We’re going to unpack your childhood trauma through sex, okay?” And I said YES, MA’AM, SIGN ME UP.
So picture this: no names. Just K and T. Like secret government agents in a psychosexual Hunger Games run by Dr. Desire (yes, that’s her name, and yes, I love her). The goal? Fix your emotional blockages by getting raw, vulnerable, and positively feral in a sealed experiment chamber. I didn’t even know if I should be clutching my pearls or my therapy journal.
From the first moan to the last emotional gut punch, I was HOOKED. Lexi didn’t just give us spice. Oh no, she laced it with depth, heartache, and healing—and then set it on FIRE. These two strangers went from “who are you” to “I see every broken piece of you and I want to worship it” in like 72 hours and I ATE IT UP LIKE AN EMOTIONAL GREMLIN.
This book had no business being this good in so few pages. It’s a novella, but it punched like a 500-page saga. The connection between K and T? ELASTIC. ELECTRIC. EXISTENTIAL. I literally whispered “oh no, I’m in love with both of you” while reading. My poor Kindle was sweating. And the TITLE?! Don’t get me started. I thought “Hold Me For Now” meant “temporary cuddle session,” but no. It meant “love me through the unraveling of my entire identity” and I CRIED.
Also, someone please check on Dr. Desire. I want her job. I want to be in the lab. I want to be studied. 🧪👀
Lexi Davis, what did you just do to my nervous system?! “Hold Me For Now” was like being blindfolded, handed a vibrator, locked in a room with a gorgeous stranger, and told, “We’re going to unpack your childhood trauma through sex, okay?” And I said YES, MA’AM, SIGN ME UP.
So picture this: no names. Just K and T. Like secret government agents in a psychosexual Hunger Games run by Dr. Desire (yes, that’s her name, and yes, I love her). The goal? Fix your emotional blockages by getting raw, vulnerable, and positively feral in a sealed experiment chamber. I didn’t even know if I should be clutching my pearls or my therapy journal.
From the first moan to the last emotional gut punch, I was HOOKED. Lexi didn’t just give us spice. Oh no, she laced it with depth, heartache, and healing—and then set it on FIRE. These two strangers went from “who are you” to “I see every broken piece of you and I want to worship it” in like 72 hours and I ATE IT UP LIKE AN EMOTIONAL GREMLIN.
This book had no business being this good in so few pages. It’s a novella, but it punched like a 500-page saga. The connection between K and T? ELASTIC. ELECTRIC. EXISTENTIAL. I literally whispered “oh no, I’m in love with both of you” while reading. My poor Kindle was sweating. And the TITLE?! Don’t get me started. I thought “Hold Me For Now” meant “temporary cuddle session,” but no. It meant “love me through the unraveling of my entire identity” and I CRIED.
Also, someone please check on Dr. Desire. I want her job. I want to be in the lab. I want to be studied. 🧪👀
June 11, 2025
⭐️ 5/5
Thank you Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and NetGalley for providing this e-ARC. All opinions are my own.
This was such a short and sweet novella. The story line was a bit unconventional, and not a trope or plot I’ve ever encountered before. I enjoyed the uniqueness.
I was also able to keep up with the characters and plot despite it not being a full length novel. There were no gaps or vitally missing information and I read it all in one sitting. I really liked this novella and would’ve loved to read more. I would definitely pick up another book by this author.
#HoldMeForNow #NetGalley
Thank you Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and NetGalley for providing this e-ARC. All opinions are my own.
This was such a short and sweet novella. The story line was a bit unconventional, and not a trope or plot I’ve ever encountered before. I enjoyed the uniqueness.
I was also able to keep up with the characters and plot despite it not being a full length novel. There were no gaps or vitally missing information and I read it all in one sitting. I really liked this novella and would’ve loved to read more. I would definitely pick up another book by this author.
#HoldMeForNow #NetGalley
May 9, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ How Me For Now By Lexi Davis
Damn, did this book do something to me. It was kind of dark, but extremely deep and moving. Two individuals are signed up for a sex therapy (of sorts) experiment. They have to have sex in a medical setting while the Dr. watches and gives suggestions based on their own personal likes and dislikes. They are both there because they can’t have the big O with a partner. Through multiple trials, they figure out what has been missing the entire time. The ending made me extremely happy!
It was quite unique, and eye opening! Highly recommend!
Damn, did this book do something to me. It was kind of dark, but extremely deep and moving. Two individuals are signed up for a sex therapy (of sorts) experiment. They have to have sex in a medical setting while the Dr. watches and gives suggestions based on their own personal likes and dislikes. They are both there because they can’t have the big O with a partner. Through multiple trials, they figure out what has been missing the entire time. The ending made me extremely happy!
It was quite unique, and eye opening! Highly recommend!
May 20, 2025
I FLEW through this book this evening and honestly… i can not even cope!
I was lucky enough to get this as an ARC to read after reading Deeply examined and I just can’t get enough of this author.
To keep this spoiler free, all I will say is this book has the perfect balance of plot, spice and a beautiful male main character. honestly, could you ask for much more?
I’ve never read a book that follows the topics and goes down the pathways that this book did and I can honestly say i really enjoyed it. forced proximity in a dark romance, it can’t get much better than that🫶🏼
I was lucky enough to get this as an ARC to read after reading Deeply examined and I just can’t get enough of this author.
To keep this spoiler free, all I will say is this book has the perfect balance of plot, spice and a beautiful male main character. honestly, could you ask for much more?
I’ve never read a book that follows the topics and goes down the pathways that this book did and I can honestly say i really enjoyed it. forced proximity in a dark romance, it can’t get much better than that🫶🏼
July 23, 2025
3 stars – Steamy and emotional, but a bit rushed
Hold Me For Now is a short, spicy novella with a unique setup—two emotionally wounded strangers paired in a clinical program designed to "fix" them. Kristi and T share strong chemistry, and their connection feels raw and real, especially in the close quarters of forced proximity.
While the story is engaging and the heat level is high, the emotional depth sometimes feels rushed. The premise is intriguing, but it doesn’t fully explore the psychological themes it introduces.
Still, it’s a quick, intense read perfect for fans of angst, tension, and healing love stories with a guaranteed HEA.
Hold Me For Now is a short, spicy novella with a unique setup—two emotionally wounded strangers paired in a clinical program designed to "fix" them. Kristi and T share strong chemistry, and their connection feels raw and real, especially in the close quarters of forced proximity.
While the story is engaging and the heat level is high, the emotional depth sometimes feels rushed. The premise is intriguing, but it doesn’t fully explore the psychological themes it introduces.
Still, it’s a quick, intense read perfect for fans of angst, tension, and healing love stories with a guaranteed HEA.
May 14, 2025
Firstly I would like to thank the author for letting me arc read another one of her book! This was fab! Everything written is my own opinion.
This spicy little number was so interesting to read and I loved every second of it. I have never read anything like this before but the concept was so interesting.
K and T have issues in the bedroom so they both seek out Dr. Desires clinic for help…
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️.5
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
P.s please check trigger warnings before reading 🫶🏼
This spicy little number was so interesting to read and I loved every second of it. I have never read anything like this before but the concept was so interesting.
K and T have issues in the bedroom so they both seek out Dr. Desires clinic for help…
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️.5
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
P.s please check trigger warnings before reading 🫶🏼
May 5, 2025
This was such a quick and easy, but super spicy Novella! I’m not sure I’ve read anything like this before, but it had me sucked in quick.
These characters quickly tugged at my heart with emotions and had me rooting for them!
Taboo
One night stand
Forced proximity
These characters quickly tugged at my heart with emotions and had me rooting for them!
Taboo
One night stand
Forced proximity
May 7, 2025
Wow just wow. If you want a super quick super spicy read this is for you.
Dr Desire always seems to speck at the wrong times but in the end there is a reason for that.
The raw emotion at the end is the cherry on top.
Definitely recommend this is my second Levi Davis ARC read and I want more.
All her books are going on my TBR NOW.
Dr Desire always seems to speck at the wrong times but in the end there is a reason for that.
The raw emotion at the end is the cherry on top.
Definitely recommend this is my second Levi Davis ARC read and I want more.
All her books are going on my TBR NOW.
May 7, 2025
I loved this novella! It’s definitely a great read filled with spice, emotional moments and self discovery! There were some intense moments! I truly loved this and was left wanting to know more about “K” & “T”! Can’t wait to read more of Lexi’s books! 🖤🫶🏻
May 6, 2025
I was able to read an ARC copy of this Novella and loved it!! I need more of K&T immediately. There is a whole world of potential for them. It was a fun quick read with a very interesting premise that left me wanting more in the best way. Definitely recommend for fans of Lexi or anyone wanting a spicy novella!!
May 13, 2025
Well that was an interesting take on medical research!!! This was a dark novella that takes you on a wild ride. I find it amazing how Author Lexi Davis takes a story of 85 pages, makes it hot and leaves you completely speechless. Wow Lexi!!!! I still have questions?!?! lol!!
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