For so many love is conditional. I’ll love you if… that’s fine for them. Not for me. I love you unconditionally.

Chokehold. Literal chokeholddddd! The execution of plot and character development was done beautifully. I loved everything about it!!!

Look, Don’t Touch, written by Meg Everly, is the first book in the Pieces of Us series.

Format: NetGalley ebook
Genre: Contemporary fiction, Romance
Overall score:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Characters: Hailey (FMC) & Arlo (MMC)

This is one of the absolute hottest books I have ever read!! The chemistry between Hailey and Arlo was unbelievably written, I was extremely impressed with this first book. I cannot wait to finish the series!

There are a lot of triggers in this book so be cautious going in. Sex club, group scene, bondage, child abuse, and much more. There is no cheating or third act breakup, but the story continues on into the next two books that will be released over the next six months.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book!

Ok ok ok, Ive just finished this and I needed a minute. It took me a while as some scenes didn’t feel appropriate to read in the family room 🤣

A intricately written dark romance novel, with beautiful characters, and an underlying wisdom that shows sometimes it’s worth pushing yourself and taking a risk for those you love.

Hailey is a Psychologist who specialises in sexual, relationships, and the more severe areas of psychology. She is not without her own trauma though, with a dark past she refuses to fully face, she sets strict boundaries in her life and dives into her career and her favourite 🌶️ club, Crave. Her new client, Mr Arlo Judge is as mysterious (and gorgeous) as a man can get. For reasons unknown, he cannot stand to touch or be touched; he wishes to change this after finding a woman he wants to be better for; this marks the beginning of a strong relationship, and one which evolves into something neither thought they were capable of.

This book is SPICY. It is definitely a smutty book which touches on some dark areas, so please check trigger warnings before proceeding.

I adored both the FMC and the MMC, they are both such strong, independent and intriguing characters. Their traumatic experiences are both horrifying, and it makes their connection even stronger; they are survivors.

The plot itself is great and easy-to follow, twists and turns happen when you don’t expect them, but at the same time some hints are slowly fed to you, so you are hoping, waiting and praying for something to happen!Its so rare an author can do both so well, the writing by @megeverlyafter is exceptional! The way the story evolves and the ending is beautiful.

This is a great read if you enjoy dark romance, with some even darker tropes, but maybe not for those readers not used to this genre.

ARC Review of Look, Don't Touch by Meg Everly
* * * * *
An epic erotic dark romance that has our lovers open up about their demons, face their afflictions, heal and explore further into themselves.

Hailey loves her job and wants to do her best to help people, as she too is still dealing with what haunts her own past. She never questioned her job would be in jeopardy until a new client walks into her office.
His rough. Struggling. A challenge.
This is before she even looks at him.
Arlo Judge does not like being touched. Afflictions of a past that, like her, affect him in his present. Hailey plans to help him, but only if she truly knew that she was already giving him his medicine.
Her.

These two just CRAVE each other. Very hot and spicy. Crossing lines but also helping one another physically, mentally and psychologically.
Both have a few supportive people in their lives after their families are gone, and they are just the people they need. We are teased with their pasts, but eventually are given the details as to why Hailey gets triggered and why Arlo has difficulty touching people.
Plus, the lovely little happening at the end...did not see that coming. Wowzers.
A great read! Really wanting to dive right into this series and cannot wait.