Thank you, NetGalley and publisher for this ARC. I absolutely love Doc, romance, and this book that only had the spice that I love, but also so much heart and soul. I loved how the characters was so well developed and I couldn’t stop cheering for them and wanting to see them succeed in their relationship. I loved how they were such different people as therapist versus Doctor, but how they both had tragedies of their own and they come together to form such an amazing relationship. I will definitely be reading the last two books in this series. I really enjoyed learning about these characters, Hailey and Arlo and I will be looking forward to reading book 2 soon. This is definitely a new author for me. !!

Holy moly!! I’ve had this book to read as an arc for entirely too long. I finally picked it up and oh my God I could kick myself for not reading it months ago. It was absolutely fantastic. By far one of the best books I read this year. These characters were so complex And had so much trauma. They also grown so much through this book. It’s so incredible to follow. Can’t wait for book 2!

This book is about Hailey Fitzpatrick, a psychologist, and Arlo Judge, a billionaire. Both of them have their traumas in life and Hailey is Arlo’s therapist. It’s a romance book so you can say it’s a typical “conquering traumas in the name of love” kind of book.


Let’s talk about our MMC first, Arlo Judge.

I must admit, he was a little bit weird at the beginning of the book. He attends therapy with Hailey as his doctor but he never lets her see him. They do therapy with Hailey facing the floor-to-ceiling window of her office while Arlo sits on a chair behind Hailey’s.

Arlo was a no-touch kind of guy. Like he doesn’t even shake hands with his business partners. He was almost boring and flat during the beginning of the book, while they were still doing the therapy.

In Hailey’s head, Arlo is an interesting man; a mysteriously interesting man. Maybe he is but I did not feel it right away.

When he started sharing his traumas though, the life he lived when he was young, that’s when he started being interesting to me. And his past was actually pretty dark. The things he experienced when he was young that made him recoil to physical touch were… I can’t find the right word, it’s not pitiful but it is also worse than sad.

Just for a little bit, his past and trauma kind of reminded me of Christian Grey. But to be honest, if I were to compare, Arlo had it worse than Christian.

Now onto the FMC, Hailey Fitzpatrick.

Hailey is a strange narrator for me. I mean, there were times that I could not understand the things that were going on because of the way she described it. Or maybe it’s just me not understanding the first few chapters of the book in general.

Her emotions also confuse me sometimes. She’s quick to change emotions in a snap but it’s not often enough that I have to stop reading to keep up.

Hailey’s past and traumas were also dark. While Arlo’s trauma stemmed from wanting to survive, Hailey’s was witnessing a tragedy. And she’s also a hard shell to crack.

It took her a long time before she was ready to open up and share her past with Arlo. She also developed an addiction that wasn’t clear at the beginning of the book. I thought it was just a hobby or like an exploration for her but no, she mentioned she was addicted to it.

The story was okay, I guess.

The traumas they both experienced were revealed little by little. However, Arlo's changes were borderline abrupt. It was instant. Like Hailey touched him for the first time and suddenly years and years of trauma disappeared and now he can't get enough of her touch?

Even went as far as shaking hands with other people when he couldn't even stand to touch somebody else's clothes before.

Sure, I love their romance but it took almost halfway through the book for their trauma to be shared and now it suddenly snowballed so fast?

It felt like when the romance happened, it was instant.

It's a trilogy. While I'm glad their closeness progressing, I feel like the trauma conquering for Arlo is too fast after the long build-up.

I don’t usually talk about this in my review but it’s kind of essential to the plot of the book so here goes…

The smut scenes in this book were sinful. Especially the ones around the end. I’m not new to BDSM type of kink when reading books. But after reading a handful of books that include that kind of kink, I think it’s safe to say that people who enjoy that stuff experience very serious traumas of some sort in their lives.

On the narration…

This book has dual POVs. Around the first 50% of the book, it was mostly Hailey’s POV but I honestly liked reading Arlo’s POV more than Hailey's.

In Hailey’s mind, Arlo sounded like a brooding type but really he’s a cinnamon. He practically worships Hailey.

The writing style is not that gripping, I keep saying this in my other posts that feature this book. It is so easy to get distracted from this because the narration will not keep you reading.

It is both a slow burn and insta-love type of book.

To wrap this up, this book was okay at the beginning and good around the end. I’d still read the second book of this and the third. I’m curious to know about them especially since this is a polyamorous relationship and that was only hinted in the first book. I wanna know how this ends.

Rating: 4.5/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Meg Everly's *Look, Don’t Touch* explores the intoxicating tension between desire and restraint. The novel follows the story of two characters caught in a tantalizing game of attraction, where the boundaries between lust and love are constantly tested but never fully crossed—until, of course, the moment when it all becomes too much to contain.

Everly’s writing is sharp, engaging, and witty. She captures the push-and-pull dynamic between her characters with finesse, using banter, chemistry, and emotional undercurrents to create a sense of anticipation that keeps the reader turning pages. The premise of "look, don’t touch" serves as a metaphor for the emotional walls her protagonists have built around themselves, walls that gradually come down as they grow closer.

The romantic tension is electric, making the story a slow burn that pays off in a satisfying way. At the same time, Everly manages to delve deeper into themes of vulnerability, self-worth, and trust, giving the novel more emotional heft than your typical romance.

While *Look, Don’t Touch* leans heavily into romantic tropes, it does so with a refreshing modern twist, making it feel both familiar and original. The characters are well-developed and readers who enjoy tension-filled romance will find this book highly rewarding.

Overall, *Look, Don’t Touch* is a seductive and smart romance that balances steamy attraction with heartfelt emotional development.

I will be honest, I nearly set this down once I realized the relationship was between a therapist and her patient. But I am so glad I didn't. To make you feel better, they have something (incredibly complicated) before Hailey starts seeing him as a patient (it's complicated and they don't really know who each other are), and they end their patient-therapist relationship pretty quickly once they realize several things. It's very good. Hailey is a therapist who can't open her heart up. Arlo is a wealthy man who cannot touch or be touched. They are both drowning in so much trauma. And together, they make something lovely. I really enjoyed this one. It's hot, and it's also so tender. I think I've gotta buy the two sequels when they come out.
Also, there's a cat named Plinko who I love and adore.

I eventually DNF this book (I think around 80%) not necessarily because it is bad, but it just got really predictable for me.

It is a nice love story between two broken people. We got to learn more about their issues and how they work to overcome them in time. It is cute, but nothing special for me. Actually, I felt like things moved way too fast for people with such huge problems regarding relationships with other humans.

I am sure many people would enjoy this book and I would surely recommend it, but for me it was bland.

Oh my goodness, where do I even begin with "Look, Don’t Touch" by Meg Every? This book was such a delightful escape! I found myself completely engrossed in the sizzling chemistry between Hailey and Arlo. Meg's writing pulls you right in, making you feel every emotion the characters experience. The sexual tension between them is electric, and I loved how the story unfolded with unexpected twists that kept me guessing. There were a couple of moments where the pacing slowed down a bit, but honestly, it just made me savor the steamy moments even more.

I’m absolutely counting down the days until books 2 and 3 come out! If you’re looking for a fun, spicy read that’ll keep you turning the pages, definitely check this one out. It’s the perfect mix of romance and drama, and I can’t recommend it enough!

Thank you to NetGalley and Meg Everly for the ARC.

Meg Everly's Look, Don’t Touch dives deep into the intricate lives of two seemingly strong individuals who grapple with their own demons while navigating the harsh realities of New York City. The narrative unfolds through the dual perspectives of Hailey Fitzpatrick, a licensed clinical psychologist, and Arlo Judge, a powerful CEO with a troubled past. Their interactions spark a compelling juxtaposition of vulnerability and strength, making this novel an intriguing exploration of mental health, trauma, and connection.
Hailey, with her edgy persona marked by tattoos and a sharp wit, projects an air of confidence that is both captivating and misleading. She walks the bustling streets of NYC with a resilient façade, yet is haunted by the weight of her profession. As she grapples with her clients' struggles—especially when one of them goes on suicide watch—readers get a glimpse into the emotional toll of her work and her personal battles. Everly expertly illustrates how those who help others often carry their own burdens, creating a relatable complexity in Hailey’s character.
On the other end, we meet Arlo Judge, whose imposing physical presence masks a history of trauma and insecurity. His desire to delve into Hailey's hidden pain reveals a deep curiosity and an unexpected empathy. The dynamics of their relationship are compelling, marked by tension and a mutual need for healing. Everly draws readers into a world where vulnerability can exist alongside power, challenging the notion of what strength truly means.
The writing style of "Look, Don’t Touch" is both raw and poetic, capturing the gritty essence of New York City and the turbulent emotions of its characters. Everly's use of stark language and candid discussions around mental health confronts societal stigmas, making this novel not just a romance but a profound commentary on the human condition. The dialogues between Hailey and Arlo are particularly poignant, as they navigate their scars and secrets while attempting to forge a connection.
What stands out most in this novel is the theme of overcoming trauma through understanding and support. As Hailey and Arlo work through their respective struggles, they realize that healing is not a solitary journey. Their journey is not without its ups and downs, but the moments of clarity and intimacy they share provide a hopeful lens through which to view recovery. Overall, Look, Don’t Touch is a raw and evocative exploration of the human psyche and the power of connection. Meg Everly crafts a story that is both engaging and enlightening, urging readers to confront their own perceptions of strength and vulnerability. For those who enjoy character-driven narratives that tackle difficult themes with grace and authenticity, this book is a must-read.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

This book had a great plot with intriguing characters. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author.

Halfway through, I thought this would be a 4 star but I think I've settled on 3 stars. It was not bad - there are definitely parts I enjoyed. It is very spicy and kinky! That's not what I had a problem with. There are many inconsistencies with the main characters that were hard to overlook. I can't really go into detail without spoiling anything. Also, not sure how I feel about the ending. It was unexpected to say the least and I kind of wanted something different to happen (ugh I wish I could say more but I don't want to ruin anything.) I know spice lovers will enjoy this. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

I would actually like to rate this 4.5 stars. When I read the synopsis, I was hoping I would enjoy this book but did not expect to love it. Hailey and Arlo strong and beautifully broken characters. Their story has me smiling, giggling, kicking my feet and gasping. It's sweet, sad and spicy. I am really looking forward to continuing to this series

The synopsis of this one was so intriguing, it started off really strong, but unfortunately maybe towards halfway the pace really slowed down and it struggled to keep my attention. It had a good ending, but I am unsure if I will continue the series.

⭐⭐⭐ I enjoyed the book but love is too strong of a word
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️Incredibly Explicit and lots of it

Look, Don't Touch is a gripping blend of emotional depth and spice, centered on two complex characters, Hailey and Arlo, who share deeply rooted trauma. Hailey is a psychologist whose strong exterior hides a lifetime of scars, while Arlo, a billionaire with a strict aversion to touch, struggles with the shadows of his past. Their paths intertwine as they help each other heal, creating a story that is equal parts captivating and tender.

What I Liked:
-The therapy dialogue in the beginning felt authentic and really drew me in. It was a fascinating angle to explore the characters’ inner turmoil.
- Arlo, the male main character, stood out to me. His dark, mysterious nature made him intriguing, and his complexity kept me hooked—especially in the earlier chapters.
- The tension early on was excellent, and I appreciated the depth and development in the first half of the book.
- Hailey is a strong, capable female lead, which I really enjoyed seeing.

What I Didn't Like:
- Arlo’s progression with his touch aversion felt too fast. While I’m no expert, I imagine that overcoming such a deep-seated issue would take a much longer process than was portrayed.
- His stoic demeanor, which initially drew me to him, seemed to soften too much by the end. He became a little too perfect and sweet for my taste, which lost some of the appeal for me.
- Hailey’s frequent crying became a bit much. Around halfway through, she seemed to cry at almost everything, which lessened her earlier strength in my eyes.
- I couldn’t connect with many of the side characters, with the exception of Hailey’s friend Astor, who was enjoyable.
- I also didn’t like what happened to Pepper. Despite the trigger warning, I feel that event didn’t need to be part of the story.

Final Thoughts: Look, Don’t Touch is an easy, engaging read, but I’m conflicted about how I feel overall. The first half was fantastic, but I found my interest waning as the story progressed. The romance and spice were incredibly well-written, but I wonder if that element is clouding my judgment about the rest of the book.

A word of caution: this book comes with a number of trigger warnings, and they should be taken seriously—Look, Don't Touch doesn’t hold back on any of them.

Meg Everly’s debut, Look, Don’t Touch, is a spicy, dark romance that explores complex themes of trauma and therapy, breaking away from traditional romance tropes. The book dives deep into the emotional scars of its characters, making it a standout in the genre.

The story features intense spice and kink, executed flawlessly, with no toxic elements. While the first quarter is slow and the book sometimes feels longer than its 378 pages, the spice is scorching and the chemistry between the leads develops into something truly captivating.

Hailey is a complex and passionate character who grows throughout the book, though she has realistic backslides. Arlo, initially broody and enigmatic, becomes a softer figure with a dark edge, though his motivations can be puzzling.

The supporting characters add depth, and while some threads are left hanging to set up the trilogy, they are intriguing and leave me wanting more. Overall, Look, Don’t Touch is an interesting read that combines deep emotional exploration with sizzling romance, and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

All I have to say is that I’m sold and I need more, this book was actually perfect and soon as I moved to my future house this is going to be a trophy buy for me because I love Hailey and Arlo and Hota.. specially Hota

3.5 ⭐️
5🌶️

"If I was made to be touched, I was made to be touched by her."

I dove into Look, Don’t Touch by Meg Everly and the beginning definitely pulled me in. I loved the dynamic between Hailey and Arlo — their opposite "issues" made for such an unlikely pair! It felt fresh and had me excited.

But I have to admit, somewhere in the middle, my enthusiasm started to wane a bit. The pace slowed down, and I found myself just pushing through to get to the end.

And then the ending came — and wow! It really pulled everything together for me. The relationship between Arlo and Hota and their chemistry added an interesting layer to the story. It was the kind of conclusion that leaves you excited for what’s next 🌶️. Despite the slow parts, the ending made it all worth it, and I can’t wait to continue the journey!

Tropes:
⭐️ Billionaire Romance
⭐️Found Family
⭐️Hurt/comfort
⭐️BDSM & Kink
⭐️Tattooed Hero
⭐️Scarred mmc
⭐️Therapist x Patient

I was genuinely surprised to learn that *Look, Don’t Touch* is Meg Everly’s debut novel. It’s a spicy, dark romance that breaks away from the typical formula of a troubled male lead and an innocent, unblemished female lead. Instead, it dives deep into the complex issues of past traumas, coping mechanisms, and the importance of seeking therapy.

What truly sets this book apart is how both main characters are grappling with their own troubling histories. The story is about more than just smut—it explores their struggle to come together despite the emotional scars they carry. Yes, it’s spicy, but it’s also a thoughtful, emotional journey that goes far beyond the usual tropes. Everly brings depth and realism to the genre, making this a standout read. Well done for a debut!

I enjoyed the first 40% for the most part, but then everything just felt bland and the relationships between certain characters was a little cringe. The FMC’s aunt in the story acted more like her 20 something bff. The relationship between them was super odd, and I felt having to remind myself that this woman was over 50.

If I’m being honest the dialogue was also hard to read at times. I’m not sure if it was the grammar or how it was written? But I felt like I kept having to reread sentences, which I never have to do.

This book is easily one of my top reads of the year, and I don’t say that lightly—especially as someone who usually avoids series with the same main characters throughout. But this one felt like a breath of fresh air in the dark romance genre. It wasn’t the usual wild and unhinged dark romance; instead, it focused on the emotional, traumatic, and healing side of things.

The steamy scenes? They weren’t just hot—they were healing and full of exploration. The character development and relationship building were absolutely stunning. And the ending? It left me with the perfect mix of satisfaction and craving for the next part of the story. I seriously cannot wait to get my hands on the next book! Meg, you absolutely nailed it with your debut novel!!