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Boys of Summer #4
Hold On To Me
Can she learn to trust him and love again?
Stella wasn't looking for love – and especially not from a younger man..
When Stella Ryan's successful life in Sydney crumbled, she returned flat broke – and broken hearted – to the beachside town she'd once called home. Five years on, she's opened a boutique and rebuilt her life in the tourist haven of Port Elliot.
Luca Morelli has been working flat out to establish his own building company in the city and doesn't have time to be driving back and forth to the beach to do a small job in a shop that was almost destroyed in a fire. But he soon changes his mind when he meets the glamorous owner.
Before long, Stella and Luca find that a working relationship isn't the only thing developing between them. But the closer they get, the ghosts of Stella's past come to haunt her once more. Can she ever believe a man again? And if she can, is the much younger Luca Morelli the man she can trust with her heart?
A Boys of Summer novel
Stella wasn't looking for love – and especially not from a younger man..
When Stella Ryan's successful life in Sydney crumbled, she returned flat broke – and broken hearted – to the beachside town she'd once called home. Five years on, she's opened a boutique and rebuilt her life in the tourist haven of Port Elliot.
Luca Morelli has been working flat out to establish his own building company in the city and doesn't have time to be driving back and forth to the beach to do a small job in a shop that was almost destroyed in a fire. But he soon changes his mind when he meets the glamorous owner.
Before long, Stella and Luca find that a working relationship isn't the only thing developing between them. But the closer they get, the ghosts of Stella's past come to haunt her once more. Can she ever believe a man again? And if she can, is the much younger Luca Morelli the man she can trust with her heart?
A Boys of Summer novel
300 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2016
5 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Purman
39 books429 followersVictoria Purman is an Australian bestselling author.
If you want to know more about her and her books, visit www.victoriapurman.com or follow her on facebook at Victoria Purman Author or on twitter @VictoriaPurman.
If you want to know more about her and her books, visit www.victoriapurman.com or follow her on facebook at Victoria Purman Author or on twitter @VictoriaPurman.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 8, 2017
Hold On To Me is another sweet and sexy contemporary romance in Victoria Purman's 'Boys of Summer' series.
Set on the Fleurieu Peninsula of South Australia, this novel features Luca Morelli, the younger brother of Anna from Our Kind of Love, and local boutique owner Stella Ryan. The pair meet when 'Style by Stella' is destroyed by fire and Anna insists her brother, a contractor, helps her rebuild.
The chemistry between the characters is obvious from their first meeting, despite the age difference (Luca is 6 years younger than her). At 29 and still establishing his new business, Luca hasn't given much thought to settling down but he is intrigued by the feisty, if prickly, Stella. While he is one of the least complicated heroes of this series, Stella is perhaps the most complex heroine. Fiercely independent, a tumultuous childhood and a devastating betrayal has ensured she trusts no one. She is certain she isn't interested in any type of relationship, but Luca slowly wears down her defenses, and Stella is eventually forced to confront her demons.
I love that Julia and Ry (Nobody But Him), Lizzie and Dan (Someone Like You) and Anna and Joe (Our Kind of Love) play a part in this story and I was glad for the opportunity to revisit the beautiful coast of Adelaide.
I enjoyed losing myself in the romance, drama, humor and heat of Hold On To Me and am happy to recommend it.
January 5, 2016
As a non-reader-of-romance I surprised myself last year by enjoying Victoria Purman’s Only We Know, so when I saw the South Australian author had another book out I decided to take a chance yet again.
What I didn’t realise however, was that Hold On To Me was part of a series. Fortunately it didn’t matter that I hadn’t read its three predecessors and I might not have even realised it was the fourth instalment if Goodreads hadn’t told me so. I gather the novels are linked so I’m now a tad keen to go back and read how some of the other couples from the South Australian coastal town/s got together.
Again Purman’s created great characters and I very much liked Stella. She was typically headstrong and ‘damaged’ but obviously holding onto a lot of shit she needed to let go.
Luca could have been a bit of a stereotype (ie. the buff younger builder), but he’s also very likeable and we’re provided with a lot of insight into his character.
The plot’s also solid and I was interested enough to read the entire book in a sitting. I did struggle with the occasional cliche but I’m sure more regular readers of the romance genre—or those less cynical—wouldn’t have a problem.
I passed an enjoyable few hours with this novel and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.
Read the full review on my blog: http://www.debbish.com/books-literatu...
3.5-4 stars
What I didn’t realise however, was that Hold On To Me was part of a series. Fortunately it didn’t matter that I hadn’t read its three predecessors and I might not have even realised it was the fourth instalment if Goodreads hadn’t told me so. I gather the novels are linked so I’m now a tad keen to go back and read how some of the other couples from the South Australian coastal town/s got together.
Again Purman’s created great characters and I very much liked Stella. She was typically headstrong and ‘damaged’ but obviously holding onto a lot of shit she needed to let go.
Luca could have been a bit of a stereotype (ie. the buff younger builder), but he’s also very likeable and we’re provided with a lot of insight into his character.
The plot’s also solid and I was interested enough to read the entire book in a sitting. I did struggle with the occasional cliche but I’m sure more regular readers of the romance genre—or those less cynical—wouldn’t have a problem.
I passed an enjoyable few hours with this novel and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.
Read the full review on my blog: http://www.debbish.com/books-literatu...
3.5-4 stars
February 4, 2016
Hold On To Me is another novel in Victoria Purman’s Boys of Summer series. I’ve read the previous novels and really enjoyed them. Stella was introduced briefly before and Luca is Anna Morelli’s brother so I was pleased to get the opportunity to head back to this world and catch up with what is happening.
This one is a little slow to get moving – the cafe next to Stella’s shop catches fire and although her shop doesn’t burn it does take quite a bit of water damage from the fire brigade putting out the fire. She hires Anna Morelli’s brother Luca to repair the shop as well as make some improvements – Luca has ‘ideas’ and together the two of them begin to plan a much better space whilst a simmering attraction starts between them.
Luca is 29 to Stella’s 35 and this is something that does preoccupy her. I’m almost the same age as Stella and I have to admit, I didn’t find it to be such a big deal? Perhaps because my husband is older than me, I don’t tend to view age gaps the same as many others might. But 6 years when both characters are around 30ish didn’t seem much at all. If Stella had been 45 and Luca 25, it might’ve been something I felt more easy for her to panic over. After all, when you stretch that far, people can be in very different life places….especially if the older character is female. By the time the guy gets to 30 and might think about wanting children, the woman is most likely going to find that difficult. When the situation is reversed, men can keep fathering children well into their senior years. I think in some ways it was trying to portray that being younger, Luca was often the one more settled, more ready for what was happening but this was occasionally spoiled by him storming off in a huff, getting angry over being jealous or becoming moody in a way that was just vaguely explained as being because he’s Italian. Also Anna refers to her brother as bella several times throughout this book which made me giggle. I’m assuming it’s supposed to be bello.
What I did really love about this book is the strong friendship between all of the women (well couples) that have each been previously featured in a book. They catch up frequently and share their lives and have girls nights (and guys nights, I’m assuming!) and in some cases, match make the not-yet-paired-up members. I also really liked the little side plot of Stella’s friend Summer and her finding of romance. Actually I think I would’ve liked to have read more about that! The women are all so closely-knit and their friendship is written in such a natural and genuine way. It makes this seem like a really lovely place to live, the sort of place you’d love to move to, even if just to be included in that sort of friendship group.
Stella had a pretty rough childhood and it’s definitely affected her into her adulthood, as well as the failed relationship that sent her fleeing back to Middle Point. She’s had to overcome quite a few knocks and she’s very determined and strong, but at the same time she does tend to have a streak of the vulnerable in her and she finds it very hard to trust. I felt as though Stella had quite a bit of justification to be as emotionally stunted as she was, even though it did make her at times, a little frustrating! She was stubborn, clinging onto this stuff from her childhood and allowing it to continue affecting her every day life but thankfully she did manage to take some steps towards letting it all go, as well as what happened with the relationship in her past, once she got over the idea that she might somehow be publicly humiliated in some way and that it would change people’s perceptions of her.
Despite a few niggles with this one (mostly personal – not seeing what the big deal was with the age and Stella needing to constantly tell herself to leave the young man alone etc) I did enjoy this story and I loved being back in this part of the world, catching up with the other couples and seeing what was going on in their lives. Victoria Purman has created a really nice community here and populated it with lovely people, the sort that you just enjoy being connected to.
This one is a little slow to get moving – the cafe next to Stella’s shop catches fire and although her shop doesn’t burn it does take quite a bit of water damage from the fire brigade putting out the fire. She hires Anna Morelli’s brother Luca to repair the shop as well as make some improvements – Luca has ‘ideas’ and together the two of them begin to plan a much better space whilst a simmering attraction starts between them.
Luca is 29 to Stella’s 35 and this is something that does preoccupy her. I’m almost the same age as Stella and I have to admit, I didn’t find it to be such a big deal? Perhaps because my husband is older than me, I don’t tend to view age gaps the same as many others might. But 6 years when both characters are around 30ish didn’t seem much at all. If Stella had been 45 and Luca 25, it might’ve been something I felt more easy for her to panic over. After all, when you stretch that far, people can be in very different life places….especially if the older character is female. By the time the guy gets to 30 and might think about wanting children, the woman is most likely going to find that difficult. When the situation is reversed, men can keep fathering children well into their senior years. I think in some ways it was trying to portray that being younger, Luca was often the one more settled, more ready for what was happening but this was occasionally spoiled by him storming off in a huff, getting angry over being jealous or becoming moody in a way that was just vaguely explained as being because he’s Italian. Also Anna refers to her brother as bella several times throughout this book which made me giggle. I’m assuming it’s supposed to be bello.
What I did really love about this book is the strong friendship between all of the women (well couples) that have each been previously featured in a book. They catch up frequently and share their lives and have girls nights (and guys nights, I’m assuming!) and in some cases, match make the not-yet-paired-up members. I also really liked the little side plot of Stella’s friend Summer and her finding of romance. Actually I think I would’ve liked to have read more about that! The women are all so closely-knit and their friendship is written in such a natural and genuine way. It makes this seem like a really lovely place to live, the sort of place you’d love to move to, even if just to be included in that sort of friendship group.
Stella had a pretty rough childhood and it’s definitely affected her into her adulthood, as well as the failed relationship that sent her fleeing back to Middle Point. She’s had to overcome quite a few knocks and she’s very determined and strong, but at the same time she does tend to have a streak of the vulnerable in her and she finds it very hard to trust. I felt as though Stella had quite a bit of justification to be as emotionally stunted as she was, even though it did make her at times, a little frustrating! She was stubborn, clinging onto this stuff from her childhood and allowing it to continue affecting her every day life but thankfully she did manage to take some steps towards letting it all go, as well as what happened with the relationship in her past, once she got over the idea that she might somehow be publicly humiliated in some way and that it would change people’s perceptions of her.
Despite a few niggles with this one (mostly personal – not seeing what the big deal was with the age and Stella needing to constantly tell herself to leave the young man alone etc) I did enjoy this story and I loved being back in this part of the world, catching up with the other couples and seeing what was going on in their lives. Victoria Purman has created a really nice community here and populated it with lovely people, the sort that you just enjoy being connected to.
January 10, 2016
I feel so lucky that I discovered the wonderful words of Victoria Purman. I remember scribbling her name down at a conference before her debut release (Nobody But Him, described as a coastal romance) as one to watch, and boy, I’m glad that I did. In a reader’s life, there are authors whose words just click with you and Victoria Purman is one of those authors for me. I am happy to hunt down anything she writes! Fortunately for me in this hot Aussie summer, Hold On To Me was but a click away to read under the air conditioning. The story is set in summer and it’s a beautiful read. It’s hot and sexy, yet also tender with a touch of sadness. I really felt that I was at Port Elliot or Middle Point while reading this, smelling the ocean and pushing my feet into the cool sand.
Hold On To Me is a Boys of Summer novel, but you don’t have to have read any of the three other books to enjoy it. If you’re a lover of the series, there will be the added joy of seeing what Ry and Julia, Lizzie and Dan and Anna and Joe are up to. If this is your first book, I defy you not to go out and grab the other three books! The main characters of the story were previously spotted in other books – I’ve always wanted to know more about Stella, owner of a fabulous fashion boutique in Port Elliot. The hero is Anna’s little brother, Luca who has a construction business and is hot, hot, hot. I’ve loved all of the Boys of Summer but I think Luca has to be my favourite. He’s not afraid to get down and dirty, he has a caffeine addiction and he’s incredibly caring and family oriented. He’s just what Stella needs. Behind her glamourous exterior, Stella hides a lot of pain. She never had the ‘proper’ family she longed for and she has been hurt more times than is fair. She’s very wary about letting someone into her world. Could Luca be that person?
Luca and Stella meet in less than ideal circumstances for Stella. Her boutique, Style By Stella, is her life and it’s been damaged in a fire on the eve of the busy summer holiday season. Anna (Stella’s best customer) commands Luca to go and see what he can do. Stella is a very strong woman and she’s not keen on taking on some random young man. Fortunately, Luca isn’t daunted by her bossy tone (in fact, he might even be a little turned on) and accepts her challenge. It’s all systems go as Stella and Luca work exceptionally hard to repair the damage in record time. By then, Anna has spotted a few things and it’s her turn to match make Stella and Luca. Will this be more than a fling? Will Stella commit?
The tone of Hold On To Me is perfect for summer – light yet with some intense moments, especially towards the end. There are also quite a few funny moments (think the whole Morelli family watching Stella and Luca get romantic from the Christmas lunch table, plus an incident with Stella’s friend Courtney while she’s on duty). As well as celebrating romance, Hold On To Me captures flawlessly the beauty and support of female friendships. It’s almost as much about celebrating the bond between Stella, Anna, Lizzie and Julia as it is about Stella and Luca.
I also enjoyed how Stella and Luca’s romance went from hot lust to tender love. Sometimes the pulling back of one character from a budding relationship can be annoying, but Stella’s reluctance to commit to Luca wasn’t that way for me. Because she clearly has reasons for it, it fitted in well with the storyline. Stella’s exploration into her past was sad at times but explained how she became the woman she is today. It was handled sensitively and with grace.
I’d love to see further books in the Boys of Summer series – I think Grace Morelli (sister of Anna and Luca) needs her own story. Courtney, a new character, could also be a great heroine – we know she needs to get out of her police uniform and party!
Thank you to Harlequin Australia for the eARC. My review is honest.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
Hold On To Me is a Boys of Summer novel, but you don’t have to have read any of the three other books to enjoy it. If you’re a lover of the series, there will be the added joy of seeing what Ry and Julia, Lizzie and Dan and Anna and Joe are up to. If this is your first book, I defy you not to go out and grab the other three books! The main characters of the story were previously spotted in other books – I’ve always wanted to know more about Stella, owner of a fabulous fashion boutique in Port Elliot. The hero is Anna’s little brother, Luca who has a construction business and is hot, hot, hot. I’ve loved all of the Boys of Summer but I think Luca has to be my favourite. He’s not afraid to get down and dirty, he has a caffeine addiction and he’s incredibly caring and family oriented. He’s just what Stella needs. Behind her glamourous exterior, Stella hides a lot of pain. She never had the ‘proper’ family she longed for and she has been hurt more times than is fair. She’s very wary about letting someone into her world. Could Luca be that person?
Luca and Stella meet in less than ideal circumstances for Stella. Her boutique, Style By Stella, is her life and it’s been damaged in a fire on the eve of the busy summer holiday season. Anna (Stella’s best customer) commands Luca to go and see what he can do. Stella is a very strong woman and she’s not keen on taking on some random young man. Fortunately, Luca isn’t daunted by her bossy tone (in fact, he might even be a little turned on) and accepts her challenge. It’s all systems go as Stella and Luca work exceptionally hard to repair the damage in record time. By then, Anna has spotted a few things and it’s her turn to match make Stella and Luca. Will this be more than a fling? Will Stella commit?
The tone of Hold On To Me is perfect for summer – light yet with some intense moments, especially towards the end. There are also quite a few funny moments (think the whole Morelli family watching Stella and Luca get romantic from the Christmas lunch table, plus an incident with Stella’s friend Courtney while she’s on duty). As well as celebrating romance, Hold On To Me captures flawlessly the beauty and support of female friendships. It’s almost as much about celebrating the bond between Stella, Anna, Lizzie and Julia as it is about Stella and Luca.
I also enjoyed how Stella and Luca’s romance went from hot lust to tender love. Sometimes the pulling back of one character from a budding relationship can be annoying, but Stella’s reluctance to commit to Luca wasn’t that way for me. Because she clearly has reasons for it, it fitted in well with the storyline. Stella’s exploration into her past was sad at times but explained how she became the woman she is today. It was handled sensitively and with grace.
I’d love to see further books in the Boys of Summer series – I think Grace Morelli (sister of Anna and Luca) needs her own story. Courtney, a new character, could also be a great heroine – we know she needs to get out of her police uniform and party!
Thank you to Harlequin Australia for the eARC. My review is honest.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
December 13, 2015
The Boys of Summer series began as a trilogy but many fans, and Victoria herself, were sad to say goodbye to Middle Point and the cast of characters we have grown to know and love. It seems Middle Point wasn't ready for us to say goodbye either and the series continues with Hold On To Me, which hopefully will still not be the last.
Hold On To Me brings us a whole new insight into the character of Stella Ryan, the successful businesswoman and owner of the popular boutique Style by Stella. Stella spent half her childhood in Middle Point and has been back for the last five years building her business. Stella is by far the most complicated of Purman's heroines and I think she became the one I feel the most for. All of the heroines have baggage, as do the heroes, and none of the roads to love have been smooth but Stella really touched me.
Stella lives just up the road from Middle Point in the very real South Australian coastal town of Port Eliot. She opened Style by Stella four years ago and the business is her baby so when it is completely waterlogged after a fire in the neighbouring business Stella is devastated.
Style by Stella wasn't fire or smoke damaged but it was water damaged and all of her stock is gone, the interior is ruined, the ceiling is falling in and there's a big chunk of roof missing. Stella is determined to overcome this adversity, she has started from scratch before and she can do it again; she has all the insurance she could possibly need so this is just a hurdle.
The community is small and news travels fast, and everyone wants to do what they can to help. Anna Morelli (of Our Kind of Love) has a younger brother who has his own construction company and she is straight on the phone to him. The Morelli's are a large, close Italian family and Luca knows saying no to his sister is asking for trouble so he gets in touch, even though he has just picked up the keys for his new house - a renovator's dream that he had cleared his schedule to work on.
The remainer of my review will be live at Beauty and Lace
Hold On To Me brings us a whole new insight into the character of Stella Ryan, the successful businesswoman and owner of the popular boutique Style by Stella. Stella spent half her childhood in Middle Point and has been back for the last five years building her business. Stella is by far the most complicated of Purman's heroines and I think she became the one I feel the most for. All of the heroines have baggage, as do the heroes, and none of the roads to love have been smooth but Stella really touched me.
Stella lives just up the road from Middle Point in the very real South Australian coastal town of Port Eliot. She opened Style by Stella four years ago and the business is her baby so when it is completely waterlogged after a fire in the neighbouring business Stella is devastated.
Style by Stella wasn't fire or smoke damaged but it was water damaged and all of her stock is gone, the interior is ruined, the ceiling is falling in and there's a big chunk of roof missing. Stella is determined to overcome this adversity, she has started from scratch before and she can do it again; she has all the insurance she could possibly need so this is just a hurdle.
The community is small and news travels fast, and everyone wants to do what they can to help. Anna Morelli (of Our Kind of Love) has a younger brother who has his own construction company and she is straight on the phone to him. The Morelli's are a large, close Italian family and Luca knows saying no to his sister is asking for trouble so he gets in touch, even though he has just picked up the keys for his new house - a renovator's dream that he had cleared his schedule to work on.
The remainer of my review will be live at Beauty and Lace
August 31, 2025
3.75 ⭐️s
Hold Onto Me is the 4th book in the Boys of Summer series.
I’m so glad I didn’t need a reread of the first 3 books as I still recall the characters and the storylines from a few years back. Phew, saves me sooo much time!
While I thoroughly enjoyed the previous instalments, this one just didn’t quite hit the mark for me. Though, I was delighted to see the return of the main characters from previous books and the descriptions of the coastal area were compelling and memorable. Luca was awesome, a fine example of a hardworking Italian-Australian bloke, but I'm undecided about Stella, and I find some of her behaviours to be annoying and frustrating.
All in all, it was a decent finale to the series.
Hold Onto Me is the 4th book in the Boys of Summer series.
I’m so glad I didn’t need a reread of the first 3 books as I still recall the characters and the storylines from a few years back. Phew, saves me sooo much time!
While I thoroughly enjoyed the previous instalments, this one just didn’t quite hit the mark for me. Though, I was delighted to see the return of the main characters from previous books and the descriptions of the coastal area were compelling and memorable. Luca was awesome, a fine example of a hardworking Italian-Australian bloke, but I'm undecided about Stella, and I find some of her behaviours to be annoying and frustrating.
All in all, it was a decent finale to the series.
January 9, 2016
Stella's background and past demons rear up in the story and often impacts her character emotionally for varied reasons and pulls at the heartstrings a time or three. On the flip side, Stella's inner dialogue and constant reminder "Put the young man down" was hilarious.
Loved the fiery introduction between Stella and Luca. Colossal heat and chemistry between the two of them through each of the chapters that just got hotter as the story progressed. The friendships in the story were heartwarming and uplifting to read and it was nice to glimpse past characters in the series who made a surprise appearance in the story. Hold On To Me by Victoria Purman held this reader captive from start to finish and did not disappoint.
Review copy kindly received from the Publisher
Loved the fiery introduction between Stella and Luca. Colossal heat and chemistry between the two of them through each of the chapters that just got hotter as the story progressed. The friendships in the story were heartwarming and uplifting to read and it was nice to glimpse past characters in the series who made a surprise appearance in the story. Hold On To Me by Victoria Purman held this reader captive from start to finish and did not disappoint.
Review copy kindly received from the Publisher
January 3, 2016
I didn't really read the blurb before I bought this. I love the authors previous books so when I saw this was out I added it to my TBR. I was surprised and delighted to find that I was already familiar with some of the characters and he setting of Middle Point, having read all the others in the Boys of Summer series. Luca felt like a great, typical, hard working Aussie/Italian bloke. However, there was something about Stella that really annoyed me, or I've read too many romances where the protagonists battle is an inner one that stems from a difficult past. Otherwise a quick, easy and fun read.
January 6, 2016
Those familiar with Victoria Purman’s Boys of Summer series will recognise familiar characters in the latest of the series, Hold on to Me. It’s a boss-employee story with a twist: Stella is the boss, and Luca, the employee. Only thing is, Luca has ideas of his own, which goes against Stella’s fierce need for control and independence. From the start, Purman had me caught up in Stella and Luca’s burning attraction, and she kept the reader waiting with plenty of nearly-not-quite love scenes before bringing them together in a sizzling tumble that is pretty swoon-worthy. Purman doesn’t hold back on the heat, so be prepared for lots of spice from Stella’s red-hot Italian lover.
January 9, 2016
I was given this ARC for a fair and honest review. I love how Victoria has created Luca and Stella, I love the flow of the story from the beginning to the end, I would recommend this to friends and family to read. I can't wait to read more from Victoria.
January 15, 2016
I loved this book. It follows the people in Middle Bay again and the things that happen in their lives. This book is about Stella whose fashion shop burns down at the beginning of the story. Luca, one of her friends brothers, comes to help her clean up and re build. This is basically their story.
April 1, 2016
Love, love, loved this book - thank you Victoria :)
February 8, 2016
This was a bit slow to get going but a nice story and enjoyable that it is about places I know well.
February 10, 2016
Oh wow!! this story was such an amazing journey Victoria, another also story. I can not wait for more
July 20, 2024
Well I thought I needed a break from the crime novels I had been reading. I love Victoria Purman's WWII stories so thought I would give this a go.
It was very predictable I thought. Stella has a hard life, handsome younger man falls in love. Her past breaks them up and they get back together...
I think I will stick to her books that have a bit more substance and just a little bit of romance on the side.
Well written, but like so many others.
It was very predictable I thought. Stella has a hard life, handsome younger man falls in love. Her past breaks them up and they get back together...
I think I will stick to her books that have a bit more substance and just a little bit of romance on the side.
Well written, but like so many others.
June 22, 2017
Really enjoyed this book, will definitely read more from this author.
July 10, 2018
A gentle slow burn country town romance with a heroine older than the hero. Her past, and her lack of trust in people, dominate this book, and the ending is sweet and swoony.
January 2, 2016
Victoria Purman's straightforward storytelling is always a joy to read, but the (re)introduction of Stella Ryan as a former Middle Point resident seemed to come out of nowhere, like an afterthought for an author who couldn't quite say goodbye to the beloved cast of characters who inhabited this particular place. It wouldn't quite have been an issue however, had Stella been part of the regular crew from the very beginning of the series, but she wasn't and with Luca Morelli together, felt more like a forced pairing than an inspired one.
There are some stereotypes explored in the book to varying degrees of success:
- the younger man/older woman dynamic in which age only became an issue in the way Stella used it as an excuse not to go for what she wanted, proving that sometimes it is the younger man who has more sense than the older lady.
- the dynamic of large Italian families and the strange impulsive flare of temper in Luca that he explains away as being 'Italian' made him seem less than his 29 years.
The most glaring issue however, was the protagonist herself whom I tried hard to like but ended up hating. I thought Stella, whose independent streak and stubborn desire to rely only on herself had long crossed over to obnoxiousness and insensitivity in the way she treats people around her.
Despite her behaviour being often given justification - a tragic childhood with hard knocks along the way - it seemed as though her new life was built on a lie that stretched pretty much the whole book because I found myself waiting for her to break and was disappointed when she hadn't changed sufficiently for my liking by the end of the book.
There are some stereotypes explored in the book to varying degrees of success:
- the younger man/older woman dynamic in which age only became an issue in the way Stella used it as an excuse not to go for what she wanted, proving that sometimes it is the younger man who has more sense than the older lady.
- the dynamic of large Italian families and the strange impulsive flare of temper in Luca that he explains away as being 'Italian' made him seem less than his 29 years.
The most glaring issue however, was the protagonist herself whom I tried hard to like but ended up hating. I thought Stella, whose independent streak and stubborn desire to rely only on herself had long crossed over to obnoxiousness and insensitivity in the way she treats people around her.
Despite her behaviour being often given justification - a tragic childhood with hard knocks along the way - it seemed as though her new life was built on a lie that stretched pretty much the whole book because I found myself waiting for her to break and was disappointed when she hadn't changed sufficiently for my liking by the end of the book.
March 18, 2016
Hold on to Me is fourth book in the Boys of Summer Series by Victoria Purman. I started with the reading the series last year and have enjoyed them so much. The series is set in Middle Point a South Australian coast town.
This book is about Luca Morrelli a carpenter and, Anna Morrelli's younger brother who was introduced in Our kind of Love and Stella Ryan who runs a Boutique store called Style by Stella.
The pair meet when a fire takes hold in the coffee shop next door and causes extensive damage to Stella's store. Anna gives her for her brother to ring about doing the repairs to the store.
Luca puts on hold the house he has just bought to renovate to do Stella's shop. Stella becomes his boss and so independent wants have very much control of her life. Luca and Stella feel an attraction that takes them both by surprise Stella a much older woman of the 35 years old and Luca 29 years old.
Stella has to deal with demons from her past if they have a chance at happy ever after. Luca only loves and wants Stella. It is a beautiful moving story and features all the characters from the previous books as well as new ones.
I just this not the end of the boys of Summer Series this tiny coastal town I have come to love. I there will more can't wait for Victoria' next book.
This book is about Luca Morrelli a carpenter and, Anna Morrelli's younger brother who was introduced in Our kind of Love and Stella Ryan who runs a Boutique store called Style by Stella.
The pair meet when a fire takes hold in the coffee shop next door and causes extensive damage to Stella's store. Anna gives her for her brother to ring about doing the repairs to the store.
Luca puts on hold the house he has just bought to renovate to do Stella's shop. Stella becomes his boss and so independent wants have very much control of her life. Luca and Stella feel an attraction that takes them both by surprise Stella a much older woman of the 35 years old and Luca 29 years old.
Stella has to deal with demons from her past if they have a chance at happy ever after. Luca only loves and wants Stella. It is a beautiful moving story and features all the characters from the previous books as well as new ones.
I just this not the end of the boys of Summer Series this tiny coastal town I have come to love. I there will more can't wait for Victoria' next book.
May 25, 2017
Enthralling book. Could not put it down. Looking forward to going back and reading the others in this series.
****I had to re-read this one as I had gone back to check out the previous books in the series and needed to see how the characters fitted****
****I had to re-read this one as I had gone back to check out the previous books in the series and needed to see how the characters fitted****
November 5, 2016
Great read. Loved it so much that I kept having to pick it up and read it.
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April 17, 2018Liked the premise and that this was set in my home state, South Australia. Unfortunately, I found the pacing slow, the heroine was judgy and rude and uppity, and the hero definitely deserved better. It also made me roll my eyes every time the heroine called him Morelli Constructions; that got old quickly. This ended up being a DNF for me.
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