He's Digital, I'm Analog

by Kathleen Haley

He likes modern; she likes vintage. He trains machines; she educates humans. He’s digital; she’s analog. A clear-cut case of incompatibility? They assume so. But when they try to bridge the divide, their real struggle comes from each hesitates to trust love. Will they manage to strike a balance in their relationship as they do in their worldviews?

Whenever Agnes (28) and Gareth (31) meet, they clash on almost everything. Yet against the odds, cycling brings them together. While riding, Agnes tells Gareth that she likes “jerks without fangs.” Unable to trust anything more than a casual fling after a girlfriend cheated on him, Gareth writes himself off as a jerk with fangs so as to protect Agnes from himself. But having Agnes as his next-door neighbor turns out to be too much for the commitment-phobic Gareth, and he seduces her.

The two grow closer through their quarrels, and Gareth demonstrates on several occasions his dedication to Agnes. But their adversarial dynamic—which turns them both on—develops into a precarious balancing act that could hurt them both. And their relationship blurs the lines between love and addiction.

What will it take for Gareth to own up to his weaknesses and trust himself? What will their connection teach Agnes about herself? Have they transformed each other for the better—or for the worse?

This spicy contemporary romance novel explores the difficulties of being human in the age of AI.

414 pages, Paperback

Published September 27, 2023

About the author

Formerly an academic, I took up writing romance recently and quite by accident. In early 2022 the right elements conjoined—my love of villains, my taste for high comedy, and my pull towards strong women. Now I can’t stop cooking up plots and drawing new characters. Though I write mostly dark romance, I invariably weave plenty of reality into the fantasy. My preference for lone wolves, quirky characters, and intense plot results in what my reader and author friends call romance with teeth. I live in Berkeley, California with my dachshund-Chihuahua, Pooh-bah. When I’m not writing, I love traveling, cooking, playing piano, and cycling in the nearby hills.

Follow on Insta @kathleenlotthaley

Website: https://kathleenhaley1.wixsite.com/my...

Reviews

[booklover.mall · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say another book written by Kathleen that did it for me! Kathleen you have me wanting to go find a cycling group and start riding and other things.

Anges has been on to many online dates , teacher, writer, works out, cycling, stubborn.
Gareth is tired of tinder and online dating but can he commit to a relationship? He is a AI engineer works for Google. Love’s the gym and cycling, strong headed.

They became neighbors when Gareth moved in and they have different opinions on AI or the nature of learning without the help of AI robots but as soon as the disagreements they were drawn to each other once they realize they have similar interest they are drawn into each other. What will happen will they be together or will they not? I love Anges in thoughts and her back and forth with Gareth.

[Jennifer Hash · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in love with both these MCs!! Agnes for her stubbornness, steadfastness, competitiveness, and creativeness. Gareth for his determination, compulsiveness, and competitiveness. And his rock-hard bod.

Agnes and Gareth become neighbors and are quickly drawn towards one another through their shared interests. But their differences threaten to keep them apart and almost do. There are many conflicts between them as they try to reconcile their personalities and ways of living to stay with one another. Even outside influences threaten to drive them apart. Can they both bridge the divide stretching between them and meet in the middle to stay together?

Loved this stand-alone contemporary romance from Kathleen Haley!!!

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Agnes and her strong personality. She was independent and knew what she wanted and believed it fiercely. Gareth also had a strong personality, so they clashed on their first meeting as new neighbors. Gareth, the commitment-phobe, was drawn to her but didn't want to get too close. They become closer as friends while riding their bikes and hiking. Soon their relationship turned to more but Gareth was still afraid of putting a label on it. Agnes finally asked for what she wanted, him to make a declaration in one way or another. Will Gareth be able to grow and change his way of thinking?

[CassiandraJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Maybe you both just got off on the wrong foot?”

A wry smile quirked my lips. “More like, we came out of the womb with our feet in our mouths.”

🚲🔥🚲🔥🚲🔥

💞 Opposites attract
💞 Enemies to lovers
💞 Domineering MMC
💞 Strong creative FMC
💞 Mistrust of AI
💞 Drug addiction
💞 Homegrown mental therapy
💞 SF Bay area setting

🚲🔥🚲🔥🚲🔥

Agnes and Gareth could NOT be more opposite with their world views. She's an artist who happens to be very old school & feels very strongly against AI. He's completely modern and works in AI for freaking Google. Bring on ALL the headbutting just from this. As time goes on, however, they both discover that they actually like butting heads and their views aren't necessarily that different. They both actually see the downsides to each other's arguments and can usually talk civilly about it. Unfortunately he likes to play games that border on near emotional abu$e to get her to see his POV. This is largely a protection mechanism from past relationship trauma, but is why I disliked him. Oddly enough, however, I liked him for Agnes.

I loved their bond over exercise, food, and cycling. This shows you don't have to have everything in common to enjoy or even love each other. Opposites can attract and work out if there's still enough commonality in the background.

I thoroughly enjoyed Kathleen's writing, as usual, and she definitely made me look up things from her big brain...but I absolutely adore her big brain & the fact she makes me think and look into things. Also, as usual, there is plenty of spice & banter.

We're more used to the darker side of Kathleen, and this was NOT that. I loved the story and how it showed sides to technology and AI that are constantly argued over in society. Gareth, unfortunately, is like too many people I know and he annoyed me. This is the only reason I didn't give this a full 5 stars.

[Shanna Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

He's Digital, I'm Analog is yet another great read from the brain of Kathleen Haley. I have yet to find anything I won't read that she hasn't written. What do you get when both MC's have a strong personalities...oh I would say a great time. Agnes and Gareth are neighbors and share the same interests but at the same time have their own reservations that could tear them apart. I mean sometimes opposites attract but sometimes certain elements of a relationship when opposites attract can make for a rocky time. Gareth does turn on the charm though, and when they tend to go beyond the friendzone things heat up. I do like me a story where the MC's don't like each other in the beginning but over time win each other over...I mean you could say this was an enemies to loves lite. I would highly recommend this book and any other book by Kathleen. I mean I am still trying to deal with the fact that her Senses series is over!!!

[Vivien Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Gareth and Agnes' story, a clear account of opposites do attract. They are neighbors who connect partly through their love of cycling and being outdoors. But as much as they do have in common they have just as many things that are obstacles to overcome. It doesn't take long for Gareth to turn on the charm and he and Agnes soon become more than friends. But Agnes wants a clear definition of their relationship. Are they just friends with benefits or something deeper and more meaningful? Will defining things scare Gareth away or make him finally be able to commit? I was hooked on their relationship and undeniable chemistry. I absolutely do believe that opposites can become each other's "person." And I especially enjoyed watching Gareth's character grow to become more the person Agnes needed.

[Dani Reumont · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is not my typical pick and unfortunately I wasn’t really a fan. I will say that Kathleen’s writing is great though! The books reads very well. I just really struggled to get into the book itself. I don’t often read romance and I was not feeling the “I’m not like other girls” vibe that Agnes gave off. And while I like my food spicy, I don’t like my books spicy. I had stated I don’t like spicy scenes, but was told the book was mainly “teasing”. Well, the brief bits I encountered were def not for me. I’m sure if this was my genre, I would rate it higher.

[Jo Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet story of opposites attracting.

It does contain BDSM themes, which is a plus in my book but it’s not as dark/heavy as Kathleen’s Senses series.

It’s a lovely story, thoroughly enjoyable.

[jennysromanticreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a TBR list miles long which is why it took me almost a year to sit down and read this baby. It is not a simple afternoon read for someone who is a slow reader like me. I'd like to think that I read the same way I eat, savoring each word until I extract all of the flavor. I feel like that's the way the author wrote this book. They wanted to take their time with their storytelling. There were no cut corners, no filler scenes. Everything Haley wrote into the story had a purpose, whether to progress the storyline or develop the characters.

I would get lost in the sophisticated words and the flow of Haley's syntax. I felt like the writing was very poetic in itself. Beautiful descriptions of nature and bike-riding, all while deliberately shocking the reader with the crass sexual scenes. And I drank every minute of it. Just watching two contrary characters carrying on a love affair that is much more honest than real life relationships. My only critique was sometimes I did fall out of the trance of fiction when certain topics would be overly explained between the protagonists. I would struggle to get back into my reading wave.

I am very much going to keep looking out for Haley's books after this beauty. They are definitely an author you won't want to miss!

[Lucy Huddleston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored the journey of Agnes and Gareth! I was rooting so hard for them. They had incredible chemistry and their witty discussions always hit the spot. The characters were authentic, likeable, and relatable. As the story progressed and their vulnerabilities became more exposed, I was hooked to see how it would progress. Gareth was obnoxious, a jerk, arrogant and devious. Agnes was creative, stubborn, slightly judgemental, and stuck in her ways. Together they pushed each other’s buttons bringing out both the worst and the best in each other. I loved watching Gareth transform from a womaniser into someone who was failing to stave off his genuine affection for Agnes, as well as seeing how Agnes’s walls were slowly coming down despite her reservations. The story was beautifully written, and I thoroughly enjoyed the vivid descriptions throughout. Their sharp intellectual exchanges and constant repartee were cleverly done. I ended up binge reading it and finishing about half in a few hours I was so absorbed in their story. I really enjoyed the natural flow of their relationship and how it flourished.

It was a light, romantic, and sensual read. I’d say it’s slightly slow burn as Gareth and Agnes take it slowly to begin with, but once they succumb the spice is incredible and the build up to it was very satisfying, I was on edge! I was hooked from the first few pages and loved the dual POV with insight into both characters. The balance of hilarious, sweet, bittersweet, and spicy moments made this book stand out. The spicy scenes were also nicely done. They felt natural and weren’t inserted just for the sake of it. If you love enemies to lovers, authentic, fleshed out characters, and lots of spice (primarily on the second half), this is the perfect book.

[Nikki B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

He's Digital, I'm analog was such an engaging story. I'm not really one for all the technology we are surrounded with today and I found myself relating to Agnes in so many ways. Gareth is living in the future with his machines and technology. Agnes is very traditional with old school values. They are the epitome of opposites attract.
I love my romances to have a little spice to it, which this definitely does!
I wasn't a huge fan of Gareth though. I found his comments to be rude and judgy. I did however love his relationship with Agnes. I loved the bike rides and conversations. They took the time to build a friendship and didn't just jump into bed with each other, (even though he wanted to).
I don't know what it is with Kathleen Haley's writing, but her stories are just so addicting and well written. The banter is always tension filled. Also, because I have very strong feelings regarding the development of AI and the direction technology has been headed in, I found this story to be very thought provoking. I kept wondering if AI and the advancement of technology is making us lose touch with reality and whether being outdated is a bad thing or not. Overall, this was a great story and I recommend giving it a read.
Also... there's a quote that I wanted to throw in because I absolutely loved it!!! It hit me in a way that just made so much sense.
"I don't believe people go around with specific needs waiting to find others who can fulfill them. Being with a person makes us need things that are specific to that relationship, that are defined by the way we feel with the other person."

[Sarah Viljoen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read yet another brilliant book by @KathleenHaley.

It wasn't a book I would have normally read but I am glad I did.

Gareth, is a totally Hot geek that works for Google in it's development department. He is a man that has low self esteem but radiates sexual tension without noticing it. He loves challenging himself but holds back on commitments. Until, he moves into his new apartment where he meets Agnes.

Agnes, is outspoken, creative, love of all things old from music to literature, art to culture. Has a heavy appetite for being health and riding he bike everywhere. The only thing she hasn't got is a healthy relationship with men.

The first moment Agnes meets Gareth she feels a little overwhelmed by his looks and his attitude, and discovering what he does for a living boosts her anti-Gareth attitude without even thinking of the effects it will eventually have on her.

Gareth becomes intrigued by Agnes, and Agnes becomes more assertive in her dislike of Ai of Gareth only because of his work, but the hot chemistry starts to take over. The digital and analogy world clash but the Hot as hell chemistry, brings out Gareths dominant side while it let's Agnes explore her submissive personality with explosive skills and techniques.

It has the most amazing story behind the story and it takes you right along with it. It has rightfully made one of my top list of books.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I savoured this book like a fine wine. I took my time with each chapter, rolling the details through my mind throughly. It does not feel rushed, as I felt like I endured the denial, hurt and growth of the characters. It is refreshing as it provides the perspective from a male character saddled with his insecurities of feeling less accomplished and maybe unworthy, coupled with the female perspective of feeling like she doesn't fit the physical mold of what he prefers, yet strong and accomplished in her own right.

The first impressions the characters have of each other are colored with their individual baises, paralleling real live experiences regarding our own personal experiences. Kathleen keeps the reader's interest as she is consistently grounding her writing with relevant issues. She skillfully brings to life the precarious balance of humanity versus artificial intelligence and it's uses and abuses in society. I love a character who can acknowledge their personal weaknesses and strive to address these through professional intervention. I would love a sequel to this book!

[Lianne Scheepers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great story by Kathleen Haley. A contemporary romance this time. Though we still get a domineering MMC and lots of spice, the story is softer and so are the characters.

Agnes meets her new neighbour, Gareth, and there is an immediate dislike towards him. He’s arrogant, insulting and insufferable and stands for everything Agnes opposes. Gareth is really into AI and other technology, and Agnes likes things old-fashioned and doesn’t trust AI.

I loved how they constantly challenged each other, and I really enjoyed their banter. Agnes is a strong woman, creative, kind, and has the patience of an angel. Gareth has been burned in a relationship before, and ever since he only goes for casual hook-ups. There is something very different about Agnes though, and there is no denying what they both feel.

I loved how they found common ground, something they both enjoy, and how they build a bond from there. From slowly growing more fond of each other, to accepting their differences and overcoming their issues because love and trust is stronger than that.

A great contemporary romance!

[reader. kore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in awe of how Kathleen brings in two opposites in the middle and it never gets old. A true maestro at work. Despite their initial "headbutting" over their differing worldviews, their shared passion for cycling and the outdoors creates an "analog bridge" that draws them together as next-door neighbors. The book delves into themes of trust, vulnerability, and the blurred lines between love and addiction, showcasing significant personal growth for both characters.

Kathleen Haley's signature "romance with teeth" style is evident through her thought-provoking prose, sizzling spice, and witty banter. While not as "dark" as some of her other works, the book maintains her characteristic depth, weaving reality into the fantasy and exploring societal arguments around technology and AI. Truly recommend this book for the brilliant character dynamics between Agnes and Gareth, the undeniable chemistry, sexy as sin smut and its compelling exploration of human connection in the digital age.

[Jordalin Ortega · Rating 4 out of 5]

This should be a 4.5!

He’s Digital, I’m Analog is not your typical contemporary romance. This well written book prompts you to really think about the pros and cons surround tech and AI. I really enjoyed how heated the arguments became and could practically picture them occurring in front of me. This book had the perfect mixture of humor, intellectual topics, and sexiness. We see a bit of Agnes’ and Gareth’s self sabotaging actions when it comes to relationships. She’s looking for long term while he’s a well known playboy. There’s substantial character growth. Overall, Agnes and Gareth really prove that opposites can indeed attract (explosively in this case.) The cycling was a lovely addition and key factor in providing the two main characters something to bond over regardless of their personalities and viewpoints clashing. I look forward to reading Kathleen’s future work!

[Annahaley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating story and a quick-paced, heated modern romance right there in the Rockridge area of Berkeley, CA, ‘He’sDigitalI’mAnalog’ is a terrific novel with just the right balance of romance, intellectual tension, and two people coming together in their passion (cycling the East Bay Hills) at the dawn of AI. First, though, they must work through some serious differences…
Here’s one of our fave quotes, from Agnes the young [old-fashioned] analog-ingenue:
“Technology should exist merely by the permission of humans. Not the other way round. Vanity blinds people so much that they don’t realize how they’ve become subjected to the machine. The machine should serve to make humans more aware of their own vanity—not feed their egotism & complacency.”

[Lisa Hawbaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ended up thoroughly enjoying He’s Digital, I’m Analog. I love the dual POV, and it was very stimulating to watch the tennis match banter between Gareth and Agnes. I loved how they came together and how Gareth took to heart his self-reflection when he pushed Agnes too hard and she’d had enough. Sometimes I found the technical AI-type details difficult for me to fully grasp, but I’m not that tech savvy. I didn’t feel like it took anything away from the story. I really appreciated how you showed a sub/dom relationship could really be - one of security and trust - all within those two roles. I think you did a great job and I’m kind of bummed that Agnes’s goat book series doesn’t exist…. Or does it? 😉 I really enjoyed the read. 💗

[Tee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gareth and Agnes lol what a RIDE.

This opposites-attract romance really threw a lot of surprises my way! Kathleen put a truly unique spin on a more than saturated trope.

I'll admit, as a pen and paper gal myself, I wasn't sure I was going to like Gareth, but he goes on me much like he quickly grew on Agnes. And Gareth in the bedroom? Nothing to not love there! While the technical jargon involving Gareth's career was a bit over my head (again, old-fashioned pen-and-paper gal here lol), I loved the infusion of old world meets new world. Particularly the undeniable joy they both got from the music the other consumed. I'm also a sucker for well-developed side characters and I so want to dig more into Esther and Preeda! Overall a really good read with a truly original concept!

[Jannelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bay Area must read romance

This book feels like it could really happen both characters are flawed and have normal jobs for the area where the story takes place. It follows romance novel etiquette, they meet, they antagonize each other, they fall for each other happily ever after.

I'm definitely on the analog side of things so all of the technical speak of the engineer character was too much, I'd skip that paragraph and get back to the story. Wonder how an engineer would read those parts. Luckily it's not too much of the book. If you go/went to Cal or live in Berkeley, Oakland you will recognize a lot of the places, especially if you're a cyclist.

[sycokittykat - Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding your riding partner

This is actually a really sweet love story. These two have such opposing opinions when it comes to so many things.

She is an author and illustrator for children's books and he works with AI. That right there is a tough battle to fight.

However, they share a very intense live for cycling. Through riding together they slowly open up and discover that they are not a terrible match.

Both of these characters go through a lot of growth and through that growth they come together.

Of course this is also a Kathleen Haley book so he is a dominant partner to her submissive nature.

[Maggie Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has its finger on the pulse of current developments in AI and its perceived effects on society.

We see this through the eyes of Agnes, who is sweet sensitive creative and Gareth who on the other hand is a player and thinks very logically about everything. As you might expect it's an explosive relationship. Both think their opinion is right but the heated discussions soon lead to more between them.

I won't give away any spoilers. Read this book if you want a fun engaging sexy read!

[Nilsa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read by Kathleen Haley! The banter between Gareth and Agnes, in the beginning, reminded me so much of my hubby and I when we first met. I enjoyed that the couple took the time to get to know each other and when it came time to make hard decisions for their "relationship" it took an interesting and realistic turn. I enjoy that Kathleen doesn't immediately go towards a happy ending, instead being realistic that communication/honesty is key. I can't wait to read the next Kathleen Haley book.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ironically, I started reading this when we all decided to start using the AI image generators as a trend, as this book talks a lot about AI and its imitations of art, music, and literature; there was a lot of tech talk. Agnes and Gareth are two people I would never hang out with or be friends with in real life, we have absolutely nothing in common, but I liked their dynamic. This book was very spicy and I was here for it.

[Dill Iester · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a self-described luddite I really enjoyed the discussions/conflicts the main characters in this novel had around how tech impacted their relationship. This is not a light romance, it's got intellectual teeth, which I look for in the books I read. I also look for 'escape' in my fiction and this had plenty of funny, sexy moments too. A good mix! I'll be sure to look for more of Haley's writing.

[BoookWizard · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"He's Digital, I'm Analog" is a captivating rollercoaster of modern vs. vintage, digital vs. analog. Agnes and Gareth's tumultuous romance, set against the backdrop of AI, explores trust, vulnerability, and the blurred lines between love and addiction. A must-read for its brilliant character dynamics and thought-provoking exploration of human connection in the digital age.

[Rachel Hornbuckle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book. From the area it’s set and I’ve visited a fair few times to the domination parts and the thrill that brings.
Beautifully written. I particularly loved Gareth talking about his parents and his use of the colloquialism- being a Brit myself that made me really laugh.
Thank you Kathleen for a wonderful book.

[Lesley Morton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the basic story and enjoyed the relationship between Gareth and Agnes but the explicit sex scenes spoilt it for me and I think did not enhance the story. It was a basic echo of 50 shades of grey with extra sex.

[Noeli McClelland · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was slow to start and I’m not one for a lot of terminology between the two . Its not spicy but good

[My_Books_In_Nooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review or ‘He’s Digital, I’m Analog’ by Kathleen Haley.

Yet another well written book by Kathleen!
Two total polar opposites Agnes and Gareth cross paths when he moves into her building.
Their banter, clashes, yet deep attraction prove opposites attracts can make it work!
Gareth works in the digital world, and even tho he has the hunk looks, and knows this, his self esteem is on the low side. Relationships are a no no. But Agnes changes all of that.
Agnes loves everything ‘old school’, creative, sweet, but when she meets Gareth, she opens up more, and also to the 🌶️ world.
Their chemistry is off the charts, and 🌶️ wise, pfew, a looot of it and what a build up.
50 shades feels indeed!

Enjoyed reading yet another book by Kathleen.
Well deserved 4/5⭐️
#arc #arcreview #arcreader #bookreview #bookrecs #booktok #bookgram #darkromance #hesdigitalimanalog #kathleenhaley @Kathleen Haley