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The Naked Truth
When Rowan Marks signs up to be a research participant in a study on sexual fantasies, she’s not looking forward to baring her soul to PhD candidate and head researcher Genevieve Fielding. But she’s running out of choices. Her fantasies are as unsettling as they are arousing, and she has to make them stop. Who better to help than the quietly gorgeous, future Dr. Sex-Fantasies-Are-My-Specialty?
Genna isn’t what you’d call a people person. Breaking the rules and compromising her objectivity by helping a participant with real-life problems? Hard no. She’s not capable and not qualified. But Rowan won’t be deterred, and Genna has to learn to apply her findings in a clinical setting or risk losing a prestigious grant.
As one intimate confession leads to another, and the professional blurs into the personal, powerful attraction threatens to overwhelm their better judgment. How far are they willing to go, and how much will they risk to make their most captivating and forbidden fantasies a reality?
Genna isn’t what you’d call a people person. Breaking the rules and compromising her objectivity by helping a participant with real-life problems? Hard no. She’s not capable and not qualified. But Rowan won’t be deterred, and Genna has to learn to apply her findings in a clinical setting or risk losing a prestigious grant.
As one intimate confession leads to another, and the professional blurs into the personal, powerful attraction threatens to overwhelm their better judgment. How far are they willing to go, and how much will they risk to make their most captivating and forbidden fantasies a reality?
- GenresAudiobook
312 pages, Paperback
Published January 14, 2025
7 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Sandy Lowe
9 books40 followersSandy has a Master's degree in Publishing from the University of Sydney, Australia. In her capacity as Senior Editor, she reviews submissions and proposals, edits and develops content for publication, and oversees publication production.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 11, 2025
The description initially sparked my interest as it seemed like something a little different. You’d think it was a spicy story, and it was, just not to the extent the description makes it sound. I enjoyed the overall storyline and the MCs were great, I just felt like it bounced around a bit and the pov would switch so quickly sometimes I’d have to reread it. Would’ve also liked to have read about what happened with the study but that kind of left the story and didn’t come back up. Overall 3.5ish stars.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
February 23, 2025
This story hasn't quite convinced me. Maybe it's because I didn't fully understand the content and some of the analyses. But I don't think that's all. Both protagonists have childhood traumas that are affecting their current lives, but while Rowan copes with them by having sexual fantasies, the other protagonist, Gabby, faces them by having one-night stands. Gabby's also doing her PhD and focusing on sexual fantasies, so Rowan agrees to be interviewed by her for it. But the instant attraction between them is going to get in the way of Rowan being part of Gabby's thesis, even though they'll still keep in touch.
I found it weird how Rowan felt instant love, everything happened so fast. Although Rowan, because of his traumas, isn't capable of feeling the same way. I also didn't get why Gabby's thesis completely disappeared at one point in the book. Even the sex scenes, fantasies or real, weren't enough to improve it for me.
Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to send me a copy via Netgalley for an honest review
I found it weird how Rowan felt instant love, everything happened so fast. Although Rowan, because of his traumas, isn't capable of feeling the same way. I also didn't get why Gabby's thesis completely disappeared at one point in the book. Even the sex scenes, fantasies or real, weren't enough to improve it for me.
Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to send me a copy via Netgalley for an honest review
January 7, 2025
I had a hard time with this novel, in a few ways. I had a hard time finishing it (never a good sign), and now I'm having a hard time determining my final thoughts on it and a rating.
I liked the writing; the way that the author puts words together and the phrases that they use. I can tell that this author knows how to write and is great at turning a phrase. At the same time, I also disliked the writing; the way that the novel is formatted and structured. I hated how the POV switched constantly, sometimes in the middle of a paragraph without warning. A lot of the conversations were….off somehow. I found some of them (including big important ones) hard to follow and kept wondering if I was missing some details somewhere as I couldn’t follow the conclusions the characters had when the conversations ended. None of the characters fights made any sense to me. I feel like the positive things to say about the writing are all addressing more important aspects, however the negative bits had a big impact on my reading experience.
I am not sure what this novel was trying to be, or what it was trying to say. I had a lot of trouble following the characters motivations and their though processes. There was a lot happening, and it didn’t quite flow together as one narrative. I could ramble on about this for a few pages, but I think those first sentences summarized my thoughts nicely.
-The beginning of this novel was fine; it grabbed my attention and teased details that I wanted to know, although I didn’t really connect with the story.
-The middle was a slog; I nearly DNF’d it and honestly didn’t like the novel very much.
-The last quarter-ish of the novel was the best; there were finally some important details that made the rest make a bit more sense and there was some payoff. I am very glad that I stuck around to get to the last parts.
If I have one big complaint, which influenced me an unfortunate amount, it is this. SPOILERS AHEAD (kind of, ill try and keep it vague). This novel sells itself in the blurb with one of the characters having deeply unsettling and disturbing sexual fantasies that they NEED to figure out how to stop. This led me to go into this novel expecting something wild/unhinged/unsettling, or at least out-of-the-mainstream, and/or particularly erotic and spicy. This is not what the novel delivered. I picked this up because I wanted to know “what these crazy fantasies are”, and in the end it turned out to be some fairly standard stuff, that wasn’t described in particularly deep detail. Maybe this disappointment was my fault, maybe it was the blurb, but regardless it happened.
My Rating: “C-“
GoodReads: 2-Stars (rounded down)
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free ARC. This honest review was left voluntarily.
I liked the writing; the way that the author puts words together and the phrases that they use. I can tell that this author knows how to write and is great at turning a phrase. At the same time, I also disliked the writing; the way that the novel is formatted and structured. I hated how the POV switched constantly, sometimes in the middle of a paragraph without warning. A lot of the conversations were….off somehow. I found some of them (including big important ones) hard to follow and kept wondering if I was missing some details somewhere as I couldn’t follow the conclusions the characters had when the conversations ended. None of the characters fights made any sense to me. I feel like the positive things to say about the writing are all addressing more important aspects, however the negative bits had a big impact on my reading experience.
I am not sure what this novel was trying to be, or what it was trying to say. I had a lot of trouble following the characters motivations and their though processes. There was a lot happening, and it didn’t quite flow together as one narrative. I could ramble on about this for a few pages, but I think those first sentences summarized my thoughts nicely.
-The beginning of this novel was fine; it grabbed my attention and teased details that I wanted to know, although I didn’t really connect with the story.
-The middle was a slog; I nearly DNF’d it and honestly didn’t like the novel very much.
-The last quarter-ish of the novel was the best; there were finally some important details that made the rest make a bit more sense and there was some payoff. I am very glad that I stuck around to get to the last parts.
If I have one big complaint, which influenced me an unfortunate amount, it is this. SPOILERS AHEAD (kind of, ill try and keep it vague). This novel sells itself in the blurb with one of the characters having deeply unsettling and disturbing sexual fantasies that they NEED to figure out how to stop. This led me to go into this novel expecting something wild/unhinged/unsettling, or at least out-of-the-mainstream, and/or particularly erotic and spicy. This is not what the novel delivered. I picked this up because I wanted to know “what these crazy fantasies are”, and in the end it turned out to be some fairly standard stuff, that wasn’t described in particularly deep detail. Maybe this disappointment was my fault, maybe it was the blurb, but regardless it happened.
My Rating: “C-“
GoodReads: 2-Stars (rounded down)
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free ARC. This honest review was left voluntarily.
January 5, 2025
My first book by Sandy Lowe was a decent read. It moved at a steady pace, I appreciate that both MCs realized the severity of their situation and took appropriate action. The MCs had good chemistry from the start. The flirty banter was fun.
My issue lies with the description of the characters in the book. We get brief descriptions but nothing specific. It took forever to figure out the book was androgynous and femme. I would have liked more detail up front because my brain kept going to what type of characters am I reading, and it became distracting.
There was no 3rd act breakup. The couple believed in communication.
I will continue to follow this author and look forward to more books in the future.
My issue lies with the description of the characters in the book. We get brief descriptions but nothing specific. It took forever to figure out the book was androgynous and femme. I would have liked more detail up front because my brain kept going to what type of characters am I reading, and it became distracting.
There was no 3rd act breakup. The couple believed in communication.
I will continue to follow this author and look forward to more books in the future.
January 16, 2025
You might find Sandy Lowe’s “The Naked Truth" is a mixed bag in certain ways. On the one hand, her prose and phrasing are both strong; on the other, you might feel a little distracted by a structural quirk, the oft-occurring POV shifts mid-scene.
Still, I came to the book for the really intriguing setup. And That’s there. You should fully enjoy the beginning, which is certainly engaging. By the middle, I felt the story was dragging a little, perhaps because there is a lot of internal dialogue to form the narrative, a lot of which goes round and round more than it might. Keep at it, though, as the story firmly finds its footing by the final quarter.
Both MCs are enjoyable, with their individual issues and how those both fail to dampen and/or add to the mutual attraction! The author has created for a setup and story progression that you’ll need to understand delays the central romance from taking flight early on. As long as you’re ready for that, like I say, the book rocks later on.
The novel explores vulnerability and healing within a burgeoning sapphic romance between 2 MCs, featuring a lot of pent-up chemistry between them. Its minor flaws are inherent (story setup) and relatively minor (the POV shifting), if you’re forewarned; otherwise enjoy the story's interesting premise, its emotional depth and passionate core.
Thank you to the author, the publisher—the amazing Bold Strokes Books—and to NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC.
Still, I came to the book for the really intriguing setup. And That’s there. You should fully enjoy the beginning, which is certainly engaging. By the middle, I felt the story was dragging a little, perhaps because there is a lot of internal dialogue to form the narrative, a lot of which goes round and round more than it might. Keep at it, though, as the story firmly finds its footing by the final quarter.
Both MCs are enjoyable, with their individual issues and how those both fail to dampen and/or add to the mutual attraction! The author has created for a setup and story progression that you’ll need to understand delays the central romance from taking flight early on. As long as you’re ready for that, like I say, the book rocks later on.
The novel explores vulnerability and healing within a burgeoning sapphic romance between 2 MCs, featuring a lot of pent-up chemistry between them. Its minor flaws are inherent (story setup) and relatively minor (the POV shifting), if you’re forewarned; otherwise enjoy the story's interesting premise, its emotional depth and passionate core.
Thank you to the author, the publisher—the amazing Bold Strokes Books—and to NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC.
September 17, 2025
This book was okay.
I found it a bit difficult to fully immerse myself in the story.
Both main characters were enjoyable and interesting, and I particularly liked the supporting characters, especially Travis. The writing style and pacing were decent, but I wish I could have connected with the main relationship much earlier. It only started to resonate with me around the 60% mark.
The biggest issue for me was the amount of information dumping. While I understand its purpose and the meaning behind it, it made the reading experience more complicated than necessary at times.
Overall, this is a good book that improves as you go along. However, be prepared for a lot of technical details, which might be overwhelming if you’re looking for an easy read. That said, I’d still recommend it!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for providing me with an ARC.
I found it a bit difficult to fully immerse myself in the story.
Both main characters were enjoyable and interesting, and I particularly liked the supporting characters, especially Travis. The writing style and pacing were decent, but I wish I could have connected with the main relationship much earlier. It only started to resonate with me around the 60% mark.
The biggest issue for me was the amount of information dumping. While I understand its purpose and the meaning behind it, it made the reading experience more complicated than necessary at times.
Overall, this is a good book that improves as you go along. However, be prepared for a lot of technical details, which might be overwhelming if you’re looking for an easy read. That said, I’d still recommend it!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for providing me with an ARC.
January 12, 2025
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book
ohhh man this could be a trigger for some people....
rowan has fantasy type sex dreams that are so disturbing to her that she seeks help
PhD candidate and head researcher Genevieve Fielding is doing research for her phd on sexual fantasy she signs rowan up to the study but has misgivings about the reasons and really doesnt think she can help rowan
what follows next is certainly an education on sexual fantasies..... there are some serious issues and some very spicy scenes.....
it wont be for everyone but man those spicy scenes are hot
ohhh man this could be a trigger for some people....
rowan has fantasy type sex dreams that are so disturbing to her that she seeks help
PhD candidate and head researcher Genevieve Fielding is doing research for her phd on sexual fantasy she signs rowan up to the study but has misgivings about the reasons and really doesnt think she can help rowan
what follows next is certainly an education on sexual fantasies..... there are some serious issues and some very spicy scenes.....
it wont be for everyone but man those spicy scenes are hot
December 29, 2024
Sandy Lowe’s The Naked Truth is a delightful and heartfelt sapphic romance that blends sweetness, spice, and emotional depth. This story of connection and healing takes readers on a journey through the complexities of love, trust, and overcoming past traumas that threaten to stand in the way of a budding relationship.
The chemistry between the protagonists is undeniable and beautifully conveyed through Lowe’s writing. Their connection feels authentic and electric, drawing readers into their world and making their relationship all the more compelling. The author skillfully balances the lighthearted, romantic moments with deeper, more poignant themes, ensuring the story resonates on multiple levels.
What sets The Naked Truth apart is its exploration of vulnerability and the emotional walls we build to protect ourselves. While the romance is steamy and engaging, it’s the emotional depth and the characters’ growth that truly make this story shine. The way Lowe addresses past traumas adds a layer of realism and relatability, making the characters’ journey toward love feel both genuine and hard-earned.
Overall, The Naked Truth is a charming and empowering romance that celebrates love in all its complexities. Sandy Lowe has crafted a story that is as heartfelt as it is passionate, making it a must-read for fans of sapphic romance and stories of emotional healing.
January 7, 2025
a sex researcher and her subject fall in lurve!
Genna (or Dr. Sex by Rowan) is researching feminism's impact on women's sexual fantasies (woah omg tell me the results). Rowan desperately needs help getting rid of the fantasies she finds twisted but keeps coming back to night after night. They meet, there's insta-lust that quickly becomes romance, and bam that's the story. EXCEPT IT ISN'T. Both women also struggle with hecka deep trauma from their childhoods and mommy daddy issues that they can't get past. Genna is also very anti-romance sex is all there is for me while Rowan believes in soul-mates and monogamy even very early on when they were still in a situationship. Genna and Rowan gotta work to compromise and communicate to make their relationship work.
I gotta say I loved Genna early on. Growing up with an agoraphobic mom and needing to take care of her younger siblings, Genna develops crazy mommy issues that show up in her adult life as never being able to rely on anyone. Rowan on the other hand only ever wants to be able to take care of someone, stemming from a sense of failure of not being able to save her family's deli and keep her sister out of jail. The book explores trauma well and how it shows up in our everyday lives in ways we don't even know.
BUT. Despite their deliciously in-depth backgrounds, the characters weren't all that in-depth. They're inconsistent in behavior, super steadfast about something one moment and switching up the next. I found they were both massive hypocrites! I don't think it's enough to not read this book, but it did make it hard to push through at some points. And I really didn't like Rowan's incessant pushing that Genna give up her favorite go-to bar for sex when they weren't even dating yet. Let's just say they both had flaws but whatever at least they like each other. I'm also kinda sad we didn't get to see more of Genna's sex study. Pretty early on it becomes nonexistent and the main issue transitions to their clashing beliefs. But hell I'm interested too why didn't the epilogue contain her study results???? Whatever I can google it on my own.
Anyway solid read about two mature adults trying to love each other while dealing with their separate traumas. 3.5/5
Genna (or Dr. Sex by Rowan) is researching feminism's impact on women's sexual fantasies (woah omg tell me the results). Rowan desperately needs help getting rid of the fantasies she finds twisted but keeps coming back to night after night. They meet, there's insta-lust that quickly becomes romance, and bam that's the story. EXCEPT IT ISN'T. Both women also struggle with hecka deep trauma from their childhoods and mommy daddy issues that they can't get past. Genna is also very anti-romance sex is all there is for me while Rowan believes in soul-mates and monogamy even very early on when they were still in a situationship. Genna and Rowan gotta work to compromise and communicate to make their relationship work.
I gotta say I loved Genna early on. Growing up with an agoraphobic mom and needing to take care of her younger siblings, Genna develops crazy mommy issues that show up in her adult life as never being able to rely on anyone. Rowan on the other hand only ever wants to be able to take care of someone, stemming from a sense of failure of not being able to save her family's deli and keep her sister out of jail. The book explores trauma well and how it shows up in our everyday lives in ways we don't even know.
BUT. Despite their deliciously in-depth backgrounds, the characters weren't all that in-depth. They're inconsistent in behavior, super steadfast about something one moment and switching up the next. I found they were both massive hypocrites! I don't think it's enough to not read this book, but it did make it hard to push through at some points. And I really didn't like Rowan's incessant pushing that Genna give up her favorite go-to bar for sex when they weren't even dating yet. Let's just say they both had flaws but whatever at least they like each other. I'm also kinda sad we didn't get to see more of Genna's sex study. Pretty early on it becomes nonexistent and the main issue transitions to their clashing beliefs. But hell I'm interested too why didn't the epilogue contain her study results???? Whatever I can google it on my own.
Anyway solid read about two mature adults trying to love each other while dealing with their separate traumas. 3.5/5
January 29, 2025
Steamy!
Rowan signs up a participant in a research project on sexual fantasies that Genna is doing as part of her PhD. It quickly becoming more and more difficult for her to confess her fantasies when she the professional and personal lines start blurring and Rowan wants Genna more than she wants her to compromise her research and not cross lines because of it.
Sandy always delivers on the steamy, sensual, and sexual tension in her stories and this one was fully loaded with them all. It was on so many levels intimate, while exploring the psychological complications of closeness between two people with undeniable attractions. It promotes talking is sexy, and it’s the best way to get to know someone, especially if you can be open to a bared soul and have an open mind about what it could all mean and how it can be interpreted. I adored the depth of exploration, mixed with the scientific element of the research and how even the hint of acting on such things could be intimated to create a hot and tricky situation quite quickly.
Being true to their feelings left both Rowan and Genna with many challenges. There had to be compromise, acknowledgement of what each of them truly felt, then defined with what they really wanted. Both Rowan and Genna actually handled this situation really well because it became dangerously close at times to getting out of both of their control. Those moments were tense and exciting, but not a patch on when they finally made the decision they wanted one another more than anything and made the choices that allowed them to be happy, and for Genna to get the research she needed without having to compromise her relationship with Rowan.
A great steamy romance, with a touch of intimate eroticism, and lots of great moments for a couple with electric attraction.
Rowan signs up a participant in a research project on sexual fantasies that Genna is doing as part of her PhD. It quickly becoming more and more difficult for her to confess her fantasies when she the professional and personal lines start blurring and Rowan wants Genna more than she wants her to compromise her research and not cross lines because of it.
Sandy always delivers on the steamy, sensual, and sexual tension in her stories and this one was fully loaded with them all. It was on so many levels intimate, while exploring the psychological complications of closeness between two people with undeniable attractions. It promotes talking is sexy, and it’s the best way to get to know someone, especially if you can be open to a bared soul and have an open mind about what it could all mean and how it can be interpreted. I adored the depth of exploration, mixed with the scientific element of the research and how even the hint of acting on such things could be intimated to create a hot and tricky situation quite quickly.
Being true to their feelings left both Rowan and Genna with many challenges. There had to be compromise, acknowledgement of what each of them truly felt, then defined with what they really wanted. Both Rowan and Genna actually handled this situation really well because it became dangerously close at times to getting out of both of their control. Those moments were tense and exciting, but not a patch on when they finally made the decision they wanted one another more than anything and made the choices that allowed them to be happy, and for Genna to get the research she needed without having to compromise her relationship with Rowan.
A great steamy romance, with a touch of intimate eroticism, and lots of great moments for a couple with electric attraction.
February 17, 2025
The Naked Truth digs into themes of guilt and responsibility, which made for some interesting character development, but there were parts that didn’t sit right with me, and the romance didn’t fully click.
What I Liked
- Rowan and Genna’s similar childhood traumas made their connection feel real, and I liked that they helped each other work through it.
- I really appreciated the role of good friends, like Travis, who weren’t afraid to have tough conversations and call things out, even when it was uncomfortable. Those moments added some much-needed grounding to the story.
- The ending wrapped things up nicely, with both of them growing enough to be able to show up fully for the relationship.
What Didn’t Work for Me
- Rowan pushing for more with Genna despite the obvious ethical issues was uncomfortable to read. I was relieved when she finally stepped back, but it changed my view of her character afterwards.
- The book is heavy on trauma and guilt, which is fine, but it could have used more fun, everyday moments to balance it out.
Overall, it wasn’t a bad read, but it didn’t blow me away either. If you like emotional, character-driven romances and don’t mind some ethical gray areas, you might enjoy it—for me, it was a solid 3-star book.
I'd like to thank Bold Stroke Books and Sandy Lowe for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
What I Liked
- Rowan and Genna’s similar childhood traumas made their connection feel real, and I liked that they helped each other work through it.
- I really appreciated the role of good friends, like Travis, who weren’t afraid to have tough conversations and call things out, even when it was uncomfortable. Those moments added some much-needed grounding to the story.
- The ending wrapped things up nicely, with both of them growing enough to be able to show up fully for the relationship.
What Didn’t Work for Me
- Rowan pushing for more with Genna despite the obvious ethical issues was uncomfortable to read. I was relieved when she finally stepped back, but it changed my view of her character afterwards.
- The book is heavy on trauma and guilt, which is fine, but it could have used more fun, everyday moments to balance it out.
Overall, it wasn’t a bad read, but it didn’t blow me away either. If you like emotional, character-driven romances and don’t mind some ethical gray areas, you might enjoy it—for me, it was a solid 3-star book.
I'd like to thank Bold Stroke Books and Sandy Lowe for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 5, 2025
The premise of the story was intriguing, and the description sucked me in. Unfortunately, things quickly changed. This book was classified as erotica, however; I thought it fell short on the spiciness. I kept thinking, this is it! This is when it gets spicy, only to be let down. There was so much potential, but it just never happened.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion/review.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion/review.
December 10, 2025
3.5 Stars
PhD candidate researching sexual fantasies meets gorgeous student with fantasies. Oh how romance is never that simple. Genevieve needs Rowan, Rowan needs Genevieve, and they both want each other more than the boundaries allow for. What should be for research only, has both interested in one another, exploring the blurry lines with flirtation and honest sharing. These two genuinely know how to talk, listen, and learn, but boy does it break every rule that should be in place for a research study. The dynamic though, is to die for, with one believing in soulmates and the other questioning love at all.
The Naked Truth had more depth than I expected, in fact I went in for the spice and left warmed by the true character and relationship development I found. They're not perfect, in fact I struggle with the idea that Genevieve is a PhD candidate and in fact not a high school student, but I enjoyed the pairing of the two.
However, the honest truth is I cannot tell if I liked this book or not. Overall, the story wasn't bad, I was interested from the start, but I sort of got tired of trying to figure out just which characte perspective I was reading. Further, our Phd candidate is the most reactive person, it was hard to follow her choices, particularly as someone who presents as though she understands it all. I read the whole book, I ultimately enjoyed the outcome, I just wouldn't revisit it again.
PhD candidate researching sexual fantasies meets gorgeous student with fantasies. Oh how romance is never that simple. Genevieve needs Rowan, Rowan needs Genevieve, and they both want each other more than the boundaries allow for. What should be for research only, has both interested in one another, exploring the blurry lines with flirtation and honest sharing. These two genuinely know how to talk, listen, and learn, but boy does it break every rule that should be in place for a research study. The dynamic though, is to die for, with one believing in soulmates and the other questioning love at all.
The Naked Truth had more depth than I expected, in fact I went in for the spice and left warmed by the true character and relationship development I found. They're not perfect, in fact I struggle with the idea that Genevieve is a PhD candidate and in fact not a high school student, but I enjoyed the pairing of the two.
However, the honest truth is I cannot tell if I liked this book or not. Overall, the story wasn't bad, I was interested from the start, but I sort of got tired of trying to figure out just which characte perspective I was reading. Further, our Phd candidate is the most reactive person, it was hard to follow her choices, particularly as someone who presents as though she understands it all. I read the whole book, I ultimately enjoyed the outcome, I just wouldn't revisit it again.
January 16, 2025
(3.5 Stars) Rowan Marks is hoping she can learn to stop having sexual fantasies by signing up to participate in a study about them. Genevieve Fielding is working on her PhD and the study is her project. Genna is quick to point out that she isn’t qualified to deal with that and she must focus on finding clinical uses for her research to land a prestigious grant. Even though there is a lot of discussion about the study it turns out that really is a way for the two MCs to meet and get acquainted. Their attraction to each other makes Rowan not a good candidate. I honestly was disappointed that the study all but disappeared from the storyline as I was interested in where it was going after the build-up.
Turns out both women have some complex issues from their past that make them how they are today (like most people). I wasn’t a fan of Genna at first. Her lusty inner thoughts made me feel she was unprofessional. But where the two shine is in their communication skills. They are honest with each other about their past and present lives. Once they began really talking I began to care about a relationship between the two. There was a lot of information thrown in about sexual fantasies which I am going to assume is true and that the author did her research.
This is my first novel by Sandy Lowe, although I have seen and heard her before when I have turned into zoom presentations from her publisher. The book is listed as erotica but I’m not sure I would go that far. The couple together are fairly typical and some of the fantasy’s described add a bit more. I like the couple and their family relationships. But a slow start almost had me losing interest before I got into the story. Thank you to NetGalley and old Strokes Books for the digital copy and I am leaving an honest review.
Turns out both women have some complex issues from their past that make them how they are today (like most people). I wasn’t a fan of Genna at first. Her lusty inner thoughts made me feel she was unprofessional. But where the two shine is in their communication skills. They are honest with each other about their past and present lives. Once they began really talking I began to care about a relationship between the two. There was a lot of information thrown in about sexual fantasies which I am going to assume is true and that the author did her research.
This is my first novel by Sandy Lowe, although I have seen and heard her before when I have turned into zoom presentations from her publisher. The book is listed as erotica but I’m not sure I would go that far. The couple together are fairly typical and some of the fantasy’s described add a bit more. I like the couple and their family relationships. But a slow start almost had me losing interest before I got into the story. Thank you to NetGalley and old Strokes Books for the digital copy and I am leaving an honest review.
April 29, 2025
Goodreads reviews fill me with despair and often serve to keep my misanthropy alive. I’m baffled to find readers praising the most mediocre of writing, while struggling to understand stories with just an ounce of depth and subtlety. Every time. Every single time. And, let me begin by saying, if you can’t follow a POV shift that isn’t explicitly indicated, you should not be trusted with complex tasks. Get off the internet.
I love this book, especially the second time around. The complexity of the characters made them feel like real people, which they should. Like, I know we live in kiddie culture now and the internet has forced us to use words like “unalive” and “seggs”, which had developmentally disabled many people, but books *should* portray complex, nuanced, flawed characters. If you’re reading erotica, you’re adult enough to handle it.
Genna’s growth journey makes a lot of sense and feels organic, which makes it so satisfying to read. Rowan isn’t perfect, yes, she’s not the typical romantic lead that makes you swoon, she gets things wrong and that’s exactly why I like her. It’s also very clear what Genna sees in her. Sometimes it takes someone pushing you out of your shell (gently), otherwise you’d stay there forever. The romantic chemistry is very believable for anyone who is even a little emotionally literate.
Most of all, I love that this is an erotic novel that explores the emotions that make sex even mean anything in the first place. I’m beyond tired of the “two hot people getting it on” formula. I don’t care if they’re hot. You have to do better than that to make me care about their sex life. I also love that it leaves you with a mature, realistic message about love. I wish more romance/erotic novels romanticized effort.
I love this book, especially the second time around. The complexity of the characters made them feel like real people, which they should. Like, I know we live in kiddie culture now and the internet has forced us to use words like “unalive” and “seggs”, which had developmentally disabled many people, but books *should* portray complex, nuanced, flawed characters. If you’re reading erotica, you’re adult enough to handle it.
Genna’s growth journey makes a lot of sense and feels organic, which makes it so satisfying to read. Rowan isn’t perfect, yes, she’s not the typical romantic lead that makes you swoon, she gets things wrong and that’s exactly why I like her. It’s also very clear what Genna sees in her. Sometimes it takes someone pushing you out of your shell (gently), otherwise you’d stay there forever. The romantic chemistry is very believable for anyone who is even a little emotionally literate.
Most of all, I love that this is an erotic novel that explores the emotions that make sex even mean anything in the first place. I’m beyond tired of the “two hot people getting it on” formula. I don’t care if they’re hot. You have to do better than that to make me care about their sex life. I also love that it leaves you with a mature, realistic message about love. I wish more romance/erotic novels romanticized effort.
January 21, 2025
Do fantasies serve a purpose or are they just random thoughts that happen when we are aroused? When Genna, a PhD grad student is researching women's sexual fantasies, she meets a woman who wants to join the study, Rowan. Rowan is both desirous of sharing her innermost thoughts in the study, as well as scared to voice them out loud for fear of what they might indicate about her. The two come face-to-face with their own personal histories and what will unite them, as well as try to divide them. Both women have seriously challenging family histories and haven’t learned to trust either themselves or others in a healthy way, and neither is good at communication. They have both created coping skills (as we all do) to face the things that have occurred in their lives and both must learn how to allow someone else into their coping mechanisms to truly decide what works and what might be time to let go. A serious and spicy look at relationships when you are not a kid and have baggage that is brought to the union.
A fun romp through the possible psychology of their fantasies and how sometimes fantasies are just that, things that help them cope and live day to day and not indicators of anything bad, as Rowan feared. A really good book that balances the sex with the development of their trust and relationship. A fun look at two characters who work hard to establish themselves and move past their family roles and drama.
A fun romp through the possible psychology of their fantasies and how sometimes fantasies are just that, things that help them cope and live day to day and not indicators of anything bad, as Rowan feared. A really good book that balances the sex with the development of their trust and relationship. A fun look at two characters who work hard to establish themselves and move past their family roles and drama.
February 8, 2025
Holy guacamole!!!!! This slow burn turned into an inferno real quick!
Genna is conducting research into the intersection of sexual fantasies and feminism. All the while emotionally supporting her mother and siblings the best she can. She uses casual one night hookups to help her handle the stress. She can’t ignore her fantasy of wanting more, though.
Rowan is a student at the university where Genna is conducting her research. Rowan this she has some unorthodox fantasies that appear in her dreams nightly. She is worried what her fantasies say about her, but also fantasies about someone she can explore them with.
The sparks are instantaneous when Rowan calls Genna to take part in her research. The sparks turn into real flames when the two meet and can’t seem to avoid meeting in different settings. Genna seems to understand Rowan in a way no one has before. Rowan makes Genna feel safe enough to let her guard down and experience way more than a one night fling. These two characters seem to be opposites in some ways, but fit together so perfectly. The book features a lot of great/realistic spice, but frames it against something deeper. I highly recommend it!
An extra note that may be weird-ish to some is I really saw parts of myself in both characters. Their journeys individual and together helped me understand myself a bit more and not feel so alone with some of my own emotions.
Anyway, I’m off to buy a copy!
Genna is conducting research into the intersection of sexual fantasies and feminism. All the while emotionally supporting her mother and siblings the best she can. She uses casual one night hookups to help her handle the stress. She can’t ignore her fantasy of wanting more, though.
Rowan is a student at the university where Genna is conducting her research. Rowan this she has some unorthodox fantasies that appear in her dreams nightly. She is worried what her fantasies say about her, but also fantasies about someone she can explore them with.
The sparks are instantaneous when Rowan calls Genna to take part in her research. The sparks turn into real flames when the two meet and can’t seem to avoid meeting in different settings. Genna seems to understand Rowan in a way no one has before. Rowan makes Genna feel safe enough to let her guard down and experience way more than a one night fling. These two characters seem to be opposites in some ways, but fit together so perfectly. The book features a lot of great/realistic spice, but frames it against something deeper. I highly recommend it!
An extra note that may be weird-ish to some is I really saw parts of myself in both characters. Their journeys individual and together helped me understand myself a bit more and not feel so alone with some of my own emotions.
Anyway, I’m off to buy a copy!
December 29, 2024
A clinical study turns into a passionate inferno of lust.
These two very different characters are proof that opposites attract. Genna is Genevieve Fielding PhD Candidate and head researcher who meets Rowan Marks who is tormented by her intimate fantasies.
She hopes to find answers through Genna's study.
The study on“ The Intersection of Sexual Fantasy and Feminist Discourse in Adult Women“ brings the two of them together and surprises them with their desire for one another.
The study and conversations become more intimate and their longing for each other grows exponentially.
But stepping out of one's comfort zone and allowing more than is strictly forbidden is not Genna's nature.
She is a woman working by the book and very reserved.
Yet behind the facade there is also a passionate woman who has a lot to give but is unable to take.
Rowan wants what she can't have. But giving up is not in her nature and she wants to convince Genna to give them a chance. A hot book where the intimacy takes place largely in their conversations, making them very close and very likeable. It gets hot, but that's not what fascinates me about the book. It's the vulnerable and secret things that these two learn about each other beforehand and the path they take to find each other. Intense and captivating.
Thanks to the Author and Bold Strokes Books for this Arc!
These two very different characters are proof that opposites attract. Genna is Genevieve Fielding PhD Candidate and head researcher who meets Rowan Marks who is tormented by her intimate fantasies.
She hopes to find answers through Genna's study.
The study on“ The Intersection of Sexual Fantasy and Feminist Discourse in Adult Women“ brings the two of them together and surprises them with their desire for one another.
The study and conversations become more intimate and their longing for each other grows exponentially.
But stepping out of one's comfort zone and allowing more than is strictly forbidden is not Genna's nature.
She is a woman working by the book and very reserved.
Yet behind the facade there is also a passionate woman who has a lot to give but is unable to take.
Rowan wants what she can't have. But giving up is not in her nature and she wants to convince Genna to give them a chance. A hot book where the intimacy takes place largely in their conversations, making them very close and very likeable. It gets hot, but that's not what fascinates me about the book. It's the vulnerable and secret things that these two learn about each other beforehand and the path they take to find each other. Intense and captivating.
Thanks to the Author and Bold Strokes Books for this Arc!
January 3, 2025
Witty romp with a sidedish of sex and selfdiscovery
This novel took me completely by surprise, good surprise. It came advertised as erotica and the blurb confirmed that. But instead of hot and heavy, this novel starts chokeful of witty, lighthearted banter. I totally love well done banter and Lowe outdid herself.
Genna comes across at the start as the ice queen sex researcher with vibes of „keep your hands and emotions off me“. Sexy Rowan with a biker chick vibe combined with lots of consideration and caring is disturbed by her inappropriate sex fantasies.
After the initial banter the novel takes a turn into character exploration and character development for both characters: I liked that part which included their families as well since it gave substance to the story.
Throughout there is spice - either in form of detailed sexual fantasies or when both Genna and Rowan finally have sex.
The writing is well done with a lot of variation and I loved this book.
I received an ARC. The review is left voluntarily.
This novel took me completely by surprise, good surprise. It came advertised as erotica and the blurb confirmed that. But instead of hot and heavy, this novel starts chokeful of witty, lighthearted banter. I totally love well done banter and Lowe outdid herself.
Genna comes across at the start as the ice queen sex researcher with vibes of „keep your hands and emotions off me“. Sexy Rowan with a biker chick vibe combined with lots of consideration and caring is disturbed by her inappropriate sex fantasies.
After the initial banter the novel takes a turn into character exploration and character development for both characters: I liked that part which included their families as well since it gave substance to the story.
Throughout there is spice - either in form of detailed sexual fantasies or when both Genna and Rowan finally have sex.
The writing is well done with a lot of variation and I loved this book.
I received an ARC. The review is left voluntarily.
January 15, 2025
This book had so much potential to be great, but it came across as underwhelming and extremely confusing. There was so much information dumped on you, and while it may have seemed necessary, I think for a book that seems to be advertised as exploring these overwhelming sexual fantasies, the info dump was just too much.
The best part of the book was not having a 3rd act break up. The pace of the books was good, I just thought that there should have been more to draw you in. The “sexual fantasies” that seemed to be portrayed weren’t really all that outlandish or out there and I think didn’t really make the story very original.
It was really difficult to finish this book and I almost didn’t, I think readers need to prepare themselves for the technical aspects of the book if they’re looking to read this one because they’re not going to get a fluffy fast read from here.
Thank you NetGalley and Bold Stokes Book for providing me with the ARC, this is my honest review.
The best part of the book was not having a 3rd act break up. The pace of the books was good, I just thought that there should have been more to draw you in. The “sexual fantasies” that seemed to be portrayed weren’t really all that outlandish or out there and I think didn’t really make the story very original.
It was really difficult to finish this book and I almost didn’t, I think readers need to prepare themselves for the technical aspects of the book if they’re looking to read this one because they’re not going to get a fluffy fast read from here.
Thank you NetGalley and Bold Stokes Book for providing me with the ARC, this is my honest review.
January 14, 2025
A PhD sex researcher and a student with uncomfortable fantasies fall for each other. Some good parts but ultimately a miss.
I liked the character descriptions. I wanted to know more about Gemma’s thesis and practical applications, especially the grant application. But then that never really got explained. Nor did the author go into Rowan’s social work studies. (Mom, stop reading here).
They seemed just window dressing for the sex scenes, which were hot but not enough. Sure I like sex, but it wasn’t long enough to make up for the lack of character development, and I wanted more story. I loved the character of Terry and wanted more about McGinty’s. This could have been a really interesting book but it just wasn’t at all believable.
I received a free electronic advance reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review.
I liked the character descriptions. I wanted to know more about Gemma’s thesis and practical applications, especially the grant application. But then that never really got explained. Nor did the author go into Rowan’s social work studies. (Mom, stop reading here).
They seemed just window dressing for the sex scenes, which were hot but not enough. Sure I like sex, but it wasn’t long enough to make up for the lack of character development, and I wanted more story. I loved the character of Terry and wanted more about McGinty’s. This could have been a really interesting book but it just wasn’t at all believable.
I received a free electronic advance reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review.
January 2, 2025
The blurb had me hooked right away, and the book didn’t disappoint—it was such a great read! I don’t think I’ve ever come across a sapphic story that explores women’s sexual fantasies like this. (If you know of any others, please share!)
Sandy Lowe’s storytelling was fantastic, and I really loved it. I gave it four stars instead of five because I had mixed feelings about Rowan. She was way too pushy and crossed boundaries too often, which made me cringe at times.
Still, I really enjoyed the book overall!
Thank you to Netgalley and Bold Stroke Books for the ARC.
Sandy Lowe’s storytelling was fantastic, and I really loved it. I gave it four stars instead of five because I had mixed feelings about Rowan. She was way too pushy and crossed boundaries too often, which made me cringe at times.
Still, I really enjoyed the book overall!
Thank you to Netgalley and Bold Stroke Books for the ARC.
October 26, 2025
I received a complimentary copy of the Naked Truth in exchange for am honest review. This is not an attack on the author, but this novel was so long and didn't go anywhere. I rarely stop reading mid book, so I ended up skimming just get thorugh it. Unfortunately, this was not a good fit for my reading prefrences.
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