I really liked this novella. I wasn't sure what to expect but it was great. Perfect spice. Perfect pace. I just wish it were longer.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this arc.

Enjoyed Hold me for now. The character development throughout was written really well. Made you feel the feelings with them. Would love more from T and K 😁

Huge thanks to Lexi Davis for the ARC of Hold Me For Now — what an unexpectedly intense and emotionally layered read.

When I first started reading, I genuinely didn’t know what to expect. The setup is... unconventional, to say the least: two strangers, paired in an experimental program meant to help people process trauma through intimacy, all under the clinical eye of a mysterious doctor issuing instructions. It had all the potential to veer into cringe territory, and yet — somehow — it never did.

Kristi has spent most of her life feeling like something inside her is fundamentally broken. When she signs up for this program, she’s hoping for answers, maybe even healing. What she doesn’t anticipate is T. From the start, there’s a quiet intensity to him — someone equally fractured, yet patient and gentle in a way that completely disarms her. Their connection, built in such an emotionally charged space, becomes the heart of the story.

Yes, the premise is undeniably steamy, and yes, the spice plays a big role here. But what really surprised me was the emotional depth woven into such a short novella. The vulnerability between these two characters, the way they slowly begin to see and accept one another — it hit harder than I thought it would. That said, there were moments where I wished the story had more room to breathe. Certain scenes, especially those meant to be emotionally pivotal, felt rushed or a bit too restrained. I would’ve loved to see what could’ve happened with more time and space to develop their arc, especially after they leave the confines of the program.

I also found myself oddly curious about the backstories we only get hints of — particularly T’s marriage and how it plays into all of this. There's real potential here for a longer story, one that explores the fallout, the consequences, and maybe even the messy aftermath of what begins in that observation room.

All in all, Hold Me For Now is a bold and surprisingly moving novella that manages to pack a punch in under 100 pages. It’s sexy, emotionally vulnerable, and entirely unique. I only wish there was more of it — because this world, these characters, and their tangled emotions definitely deserve a deeper dive.

This was a quick read, but a super spicy novella. I really enjoyed Lexi's writing. It was addicting and made me not want to stop reading.
The best thing about this read was that not only was it spicy but it was so deep and had SO much emotion.
I was really invested in both of the characters as well.
Overall, I really enjoyed this novella and I'm looking forward to reading another one of Lexi's books soon.

Thank you NetGalley & Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for giving me this arc in exchange for my honest review.

I had no idea this was a novella going into it. When I saw how short it was, I’ll admit — I was skeptical.
“How good is this really going to be?”
“Can anything of substance even happen in under 100 pages?”

Well. Let me tell you.
I should not have doubted. As a fanfic reader (full stories, one-shots, and drabbles), I know it’s possible to be emotionally wrecked in under 3k words — and Lexi Davis proved it here.This novella was sharp, fun, and smutty in all the best ways. I devoured it in roughly an hour.

The connection between the MCs felt natural and well-paced given the format, and the writing made it incredibly easy to fall into the story quickly.

If you’re looking for a fast, spicy read with emotional weight behind it — and if you're okay with dark themes — definitely give this one a go.
But please mind the trigger warnings. They’re there for a reason.

OMG I loved this cute and spicy novella! I wish I had more 🥹 the writing was so good. When I read the trigger warnings and seen that it's a dark romance I was kinda hesitant. But this didn't seem dark at all to me to be honest. Two people were able to find their way in each other. 🥰 I felt the emotions and the bond they created and I was routing for them!

Hold Me For Now by Lexi Davis – Intense, Emotional, and Unforgettable

This dark, emotionally charged romance grips you from the start with its unconventional setting, high-stakes tension, and raw chemistry. Kristi and T’s connection unfolds with deep vulnerability, forcing them to confront their pasts while navigating an unpredictable, passionate dynamic.

The ending? Unexpected and satisfying—but I craved a little more. More time with these characters, more exploration of their emotional journey. Still, what I got was powerful, leaving an impression that lingers beyond the final page.

If you love dark romance with psychological intrigue, complex emotions, and sizzling tension, this one’s worth the read.

This novella had everything I wanted. It’s packed with emotions, spice and tension complete with a happy ending.

Lexi Davis (Dr. Melissa Dymond) introduced me to the world of medical romances with “Deeply Examined” so it’s only fitting I return with another work from her with “Hold Me For Now”. I am such a fan of how she writes her characters. The banter and chemistry between T and K felt authentic despite the short time frame it all develops in and I could not enjoy it more.

The ending of this novella had me wishing there was more and I think that’s a great reflection on the story and how satisfying it was to read. I definitely recommend checking this one out!

Thank you again to Lexi Davis (Dr. Melissa Dymond) for the ARC opportunity - I look forward to reading more of your work in the future!

Hold Me For Now, was a quick read. No relationship so they story was able to move rather quickly. Just one night of two people trying to get their sex life back to normal. Made me think about a couple of things about myself.

This was a nice little novella and id love to have a longer story for the two main characters.

Personally the story didn’t feel much like a dark romance, while yes there was some ‘triggering’ topics within the story i personally don’t feel the ‘dark’ aspects of this. It was a nice quick read and i did enjoy it over all.

The spice was good and the plot was interesting i just think this should be much longer with more development between K & T


Over all it feel like this could be a great prequel to a possible full novel. Solid 4 star read

This was so good!!!! I’m not going to lie, I went in blind and was a little nervous as the story started to unfold in the first few pages. Sex in an observation room with a married man, a strange woman and someone named Dr. Love giving them instructions on how to have sex?!? It definitely didn’t sound like something I would be able to get into. To my surprise I could not put it down. The writing was so good! And for being a spicy novella, shockingly it wasn’t cringey… HOW WAS IT NOT CRINGEY?!? Lexi Davis, you have some sort of magical writing abilities because who can manage to create two fully developed characters and a swoon worthy story all within 80 pages?!?

My ONLY complaint and I truly cannot believe I am about to say this because I never ever wish for this in a book but, I wish it had been longer. The ending came to an abrupt end and I think the author could have easily created a full blown novel with this. It would have been really cool if T had gotten a chapter after they leave the building. That way we get to see his interactions with his wife following the session with K. And God knows I love a jealous ex, it would have been so fun to see the ex wife try to win him back and fail miserably. Side note, for anyone who is reading this thinking I’m crazy for wanting the “wife” to get burned… read the book and I think you will agree.

Listen Lexi, I’m still giving this 5⭐️s despite the abrupt ending because that is to be expected with an 80 page novella. BUT, I really think you should consider rewriting this into a full blown novel. The character development was so good. The emotion between T and K was so raw and tangible… it’s a story worth exploring deeper into. Bring in the mean wife for some added drama. Seriously it would be so good. Just think about it. K? K! Cool thanks.

This was short, sweet and super spicy! I’ve got to admit I am not usually a fan of this genre but after reading deeply examined I like this authors writing style and love a short story. Thank you for early access

Thank you to Lexi Davis for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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.

Having read Davis’ recent release of Deeply Examined, when I came across this book, I found myself rather intrigued. I wasn’t a massive fan of the medical setting I’d previously read but this was totally different so I thought I’d give it a go. This plot is incredibly emotional. Yes, the spice is the whole reason for this story, the whole purpose for the characters. But, the level of emotion here is sky high and it worked perfectly. Seeing two characters come together to reveal a vulnerable secret about themselves in the hopes of making things better is a rather clever concept. It did feel a bit odd just having this voice issue the duo instructions as if “have intercourse” is the same as “turn the oven to 200”, but it definitely worked for progressing the story. Because of the high emotion levels, I had thought the spice itself would feel just a little less clinical. At times, it felt a bit too monotone considering the deeply emotional moments the characters were experience. Perhaps that is just the curse of this being a novella. There isn’t time to really outline and detail what the characters are going through beyond the first layer. I do think this would gain a higher rating from me if it was longer. I love the emotional aspect, and yes the spice was hot, but it just didn’t feel like enough considering what was going on.

Overall, Hold Me For Now is a rather interesting one I was surprised to enjoy.

⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Thank you again to Lexi Davis for an advanced copy of this book. Review will be live on my blog on 26th May (due to scheduling) and is available immediately on Goodreads

A quick, spicy novella that showcases two people connecting in a short time. A unique-to-me premise where strangers K and T seek the assistance of a man called Dr. Desire. What they did not expect was the emotional connection. I enjoyed the premise of recognizing, seeking help and asking for what you need. The quote “And I want you to feel fixed too, for yourself” made me melt. And the epilogue, although somewhat predictable, was sweet and provided the perfect closure to the characters story.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 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!

I was totally surprised with this novella!!! I loved the writing and the both main characters. They were so different yet so compatible. I enjoyed the story, it’s such an unconventional subject !!!!
And the ending- absolutely perfect 😍

At this point I just wish it was longer. A total 5⭐️ read for me!