Review for If You Want Me Close by Skye Kilaen

Before I talk about the novel itself, I need to congratulate the author for having what is probably the most extensive list of trigger warnings I’ve ever seen. There are some very heavy topics explored in the story, but due to that list, you know exactly what you are getting into. I very much wish more authors chose to do the same.

On to the novel…If You Want Me Close is quite frankly one of the best romances I’ve ever read. Both leads feel real from their strengths to their flaws. The emotional maturity of both these two characters as well as the supporting cast made the plot not have to rely on any gimmicks to move forward. Be ready to feel a wide range of emotion as you read.

From a technical standpoint, the novel is near flawless, and none of the errors were in high tension points of the story. Dialogue is also very strong, and the prose is descriptive without being overly so. 

Mental health and internalized trauma aren’t topics one finds in the romance genre very often. Considering how much both affect a person’s ability to have and maintain relationships hinges on those things, I’m not sure why that is. Either way, it made me appreciate this novel all the more. And I hope to see and read others like it soon.

You can buy If You Want Me Close on Amazon or visit the author’s website here.