⭐ - 3.5/5 - ⭐

Hailey Fitzpatrick is a psychologist who spends most of her time at work. She dives in to drown out her past. In walks Arlo Judge, a broken, enigma of a man who occupies too much of her mind. When secrets come to light and histories are shared, these two people collide in ways they never imagined.

Thank you #netgalley for the ARC of this book!

✦ Dark romance
✦ Billionaire Romance
✦ Dual POV
✦ Dom/sub
✦ Therapist/client

⚠️ - SA, abuse, murder, trauma, etc
🌶️ - 4/5
💕 - 3/5
👥 - 3/5
🌎 - 2/5
🗡️ - .5/5
💀 - .5/5

I had a hard time figuring out if I liked this book or not. In the end, yes and no. I liked it enough to be hooked into wanting to read the next book in the trilogy, but not enough that I'd read this book again. The first quarter of the book is sloooowwww. I actually had a hard time getting through it. And while the book picks up a bit, it reads like a 500 page book, versus the 378 that it sits at. There are moments when I couldn't get enough, and moments that I wished were over faster.

The spice is SPICY. I haven't read a book in a while that did spice and kink the way this book does. Praise to the author for getting that right. There was nothing toxic about any of spicy moments, which is saying a lot for a dark romance.

Hailey is a complex, intelligent, and passionate character. I really enjoyed her throughout the book. She grew so much, and like an actual human, had some backslides that didn't deter her from said growth.

Arlo is kind of a confusing character. In the beginning, he's all broody and enigmatic. But soon after their relationship shifts he's a big ol' softy...with a dark side. Sexy and hell throughout, but sometimes his motivations and reactions are...odd.

I loved the supporting characters. The author is setting us up for the whole trilogy, so she definitely had to leave some thing hanging, but there are certain characters that I'd love to see more of, or even see them in their own books.

Overall, it was an interesting read for sure. It was a great dive into the human psyche and trauma. The spice was scorching, and the chemistry of the MCs over time became incredible. I'm glad this book ties off this story with a neat little bow, but definitely leaves us wanting more.

I believe this was my first taboo trope romance and it didn't disappoint. The premise was interesting with great spice and a dominant MMC that will get you fired up.

Hailey is a psychologist who has just started to see a new patient. There is an undeniable connection between the two of them that you can sense right off the bat that goes deeper than therapist/patient. It was so fun to watch how they helped each other break down their walls. It was Haileys job to break down Arlo’s, but she wasn’t expecting him to break down hers. The theme of using sex to heal throughout this book was very refreshing. I felt like Meg did a beautiful job describing how healing these things can be for people who’ve dealt with traumas. I will be reading the next book and adding Meg to my list of authors to watch. This was a phenomenal debut novel.
My only complaint was that sometimes the beginning of chapters felt a bit choppy. Nothing that you can’t get past. I’m very much looking forward to the next book!

3.75 ⭐️
4 🌶️ (explicit scenes- multiple)

Loved until I didn’t, but that is 100% personal preference. Their chemistry, the taboo, and the way they help work through some of their individual trauma is amazing. It’s well written and in a way that makes sense. Nothing about it feels rushed. [ There is a surprise MM element that comes at the end (and continues through the next 2 books) that I’m sure is also healing and wonderfully written. It’s just not for me.

I think the friend scene threw me off because we hadn’t really seen a hint of that. When I started reading it I really thought they may be her other options. That would have hit a little different I think. Not upset about the series of events at all, just kind of seemed out of character. Or off base for what we knew or were led to believe. Even in his POV it wasn’t mentioned or hinted at. Or if it was, I missed it entirely. He was dominant, yes. In every way. But otherwise? I needed to see that earlier for it not to feel like being blindsided.

*Look, Don’t Touch* by Meg Everly is a sizzling romance filled with witty banter and undeniable chemistry. Everly’s characters are vibrant and relatable, making the story both fun and addictive. A charming and steamy read that’s hard to put down.

This book is an emotional roller coaster, perfect for readers who crave romance with an unconventional twist. Hailey and Arlo's story is captivating from the start—two individuals closed off from the world due to their own harrowing pasts, yet drawn to each other in ways that defy the norm. Their journey of healing and finding solace in one another is both intense and deeply moving.

While it took me a bit to fully immerse myself in the story, once I did, I was hooked. The execution is excellent, pulling you into a world where the tension and chemistry between Hailey and Arlo practically leap off the page. The spice and kink are next level, making this one of the hottest books I've read. Yet, it’s not just about the heat—this novel is incredibly well-written, with a plot that’s as compelling as the romance.

Hailey and Arlo are beautifully crafted characters, each carrying the weight of their emotional and physical scars. Watching them grow, trust, and love one another is a powerful experience. Their character development is top-notch, and their chemistry is absolutely off the charts—I couldn’t get enough.

This dark romance touches on some serious and potentially triggering themes, so readers should proceed with caution. However, for those who enjoy spicy, intricate love stories with complex characters and a plot that keeps you guessing, this book is a must-read. The writing is exceptional, and the way the story evolves is both surprising and satisfying. If you're into dark romance with deep emotional undercurrents, this book will not disappoint.

Will I read the second or third book? Probably not.
Would I recommend this book to someone who likes smut/spice/dark romance? Probably.

The story starts off with Hailey being a therapist and he, a man named Arlo comes in to get therapy. His upbringing was terrible and now he has this trauma and does not touch anyone or let them touch him. She's trying to help him but also dealing with her own traumas of her upbringing that was also terrible. (This part of the story I actually enjoyed)

Then the story just gets interesting because since she has trauma she doesn't not want to look at anyone who fucks her, so she goes to a sex club and allows men of her choice to fuck her blind folded. Her giving into him, him showering her with love… kinda stuff you want to skip over. The weird relationship between the aunt who acts like he’s 20 but is truly 50 something.

Then of course the story must take a turn before it ends. Because of these events she's believes she is broken and can't be loved. Within one or two chapters she's like I want him I need him but can't, he can't be with me because I am broken and he shouldn't love me (annoying as fuck) he confesses his love and says that she isn't broken and basically says anything you do won't scare me away. She says shit like "what if I have sex with someone else and cheat"

Then to end the story super weird. That's when he brings her to that sex club where they both have participated in. Brings her to this room and proves to her that she is allowed to participate with other people if that is what she wishes.

Then it finally ends.. they have Christmas at Arlo's mansion. Arlo, Hailey and hota(the man who is in love with arlo) are under the mistletoe. Hailey goes and kisses both men, and it's this weird circle thing where all three lips are touching. (Also another thing that I am confused about and not enough information was given. But I suppose that is what the second book will be for)

I also am super confused with the gentleman who is on suicide watch and then dies? Did I miss something? I feel like there was NO background story? She breaks down and cries when she finds out he has passed away…. But how did it happen? Who is this man to her? Why is he SO important?

Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and publisher for the eARC!

This is going to be the next rave for those who love dark romance with so much spice. It’s raw and emotional at the same time as well. I don’t know how the author does it, but this was amazing and had me hooked from the very beginning!

Check your triggers!

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing the ARC.

This book was a roller coaster of emotions, and great for someone who loves their romance a bit more on the unconventional side.

Hailey and Arlo are two people closed off from the world in different ways and for different, completely messed up and valid reasons, but they gravitate to each other right from the beginning. The tension jumps right off the page and their story is utterly fascinating. They are both healing from the horrific trauma of their past, and seem to find comfort in each other, even if it is a bit outside of the norm.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It took me a while to get into it, but the execution was excellent. It really felt like I was drawn into this book and it never let up until it was done.

This book is so hot and it’s absolutely delicious. The spice and kink are next level and there is plenty of it. But I really enjoyed the story itself because it’s incredibly well-written. Hailey and Arlo were both emotionally and physically damaged but they were great lead characters. It was amazing getting to watch them progress and work through their past issues and be able to trust and love one another. I loved their character growth and their chemistry was absolutely off the charts - couldn’t get enough. I can’t wait for more of this series!

This is a dark erotic romance with amazing spice and tension. The story was so well done and I really enjoyed the writing style.

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.