If You Love Her

by Marisa Haartz

Jason

I expected blissful isolation this winter at the cabin. I did not expect to find Mara Meyers stranded in the snow with no way off the mountain. And I certainly didn't expect the constant temptation of the girl I despise all winter long.

Now that she's here, I'm forced to face my past and the events that led to my silence, things I've tried to ignore for several years.

Mara

I worked so hard to escape this small town that being back without a clue what I want to do with my life is my version of hell. Just when I thought my life was over thanks to the snowstorm of the century, I find myself at the mercy of the same kid I tormented in high school. Only he’s not a kid anymore. And despite the limitations of his silence, we’ve begun to see one another through fresh eyes.

Can we survive the winter? Or will it alter us both forever?

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Contemporary Romance

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 18, 2024

Reviews

[Charly Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s nothing better than the kind of book that you miss during the day when you can’t read it because you’re busy but you wish you could..and that’s what this book was🙌🏼

This is literally the most PERFECT winter read, the vibes were vibing and I got to be in a snowy cabin on a mountain when in reality I’m in the desert of Texas🥹😂

Jason Alder?🥵 It was so refreshing and HOT to read about a ✨manly✨ man who’s living off the land and nature around him, providing the food he puts on the table and making things with his hands..like honestly there’s nothing sexier but then he’s also good with his hands in other ways😏 “fantastic I’ll take 14 of em right now”🤌🏼

This writing was so beautifully done while also being super digestible!! The pacing was done in a way where it didn’t feel too rushed but you also weren’t dying waiting either. The smut was absolutely delicious🔥 Each character had so much depth to who they were and why they were that way and I loved the growth they both experienced. Add this book to your tbr immediately, you won’t regret it😭🩵

[Jessica Pajda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Your Next Winter Romance Read❄️🏔️

I have been sitting on this book for MONTHS since I beta read it and I am soo excited it it finally released and out for everyone to enjoy! This is Marisa’s debut novel and it did not read like a first book.

If You Love Her center around Jason and Mara. The MMC Jason does not speak. He has the ability to but stopped speaking as a kid… not even to his family or close friends. I have never read a book before with a mute or silent MC. I was concerned about how that would translate in the story but this one was handled so well. The way Jason’s thoughts were communicated and how the book was written never made me feel like I was missing something from the story. It also had a great dual pov, which I think benefited this part of the story.

Jason and Mara knew each other in high school and end up being stuck together years later through a series of events (don’t want to give any spoilers so read to find out how they end up back in each others lives). The book does go back into their past, while telling their present story. The chapters are each labeled with who’s pov and when it it’s set, which I appreciate. I was never confused while reading like I have been in other books with dual timeline.

I though the mental health aspects of this book were handled so well and some of the twists had me gasping while reading. This book is a mix of romance, drama and healing that I was not expecting but loved. There is also some amazinggg but unique spice thrown into the mix 👀🤭

❄️Enemies with Benefits
🏔️Silent MMC
❄️Forced Proximity
🏔️Bully Romance
❄️Found Family
🏔️Reformed Mean Girl
❄️Mental Health Representation
🏔️Dual POV

[Meghan Bright · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 beautiful stars!! Wow Marisa great job I am SO incredibly proud of you and your debut novel was fantastic! I LOVED The MMC he made me feel gooey inside. I really enjoyed that they both got redemption and healing from past trauma. A beautiful story.

[Eileen Kopp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute feel-good story

Quick read. Perfect for someone who just wants to read a simple, uncomplicated love story. Love the characters development. Totally wasn't expecting the last minute twist to one of the character's past.

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

He hates her, she needs redemption.
Something about forced proximity tropes gets me every time. I loved the POV’s from past to present. Jason warmed up to me every time he did something unexpected for Mara. Kept me wanting more from the start. The ending tore me apart and put me back together. ❤️

[Mace · Rating 1 out of 5]

I DNFed this book 3% in when she used the r slur. it’s 0 stars.

[Cha0tic.reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never been ashamed when a really good book has kept me up all night. (Literally didn't go to bed until like 6:30 a.m., not ashamed.) The way Marisa wrote this book kept me turning page after page, forgetting the concept of time as a whole.

"If You Love Her" follows Mara, a previous high school bully, and Jason, the kid who lived life in silence. Thanks to a snowstorm, Mara crashes her car and gets pretty banged up. Jason, while on his way back home to spend his winter stuck up at his house, saves Mara by taking her with him. How much can happen between two people who share not-so-great memories when trapped up on a mountain for months together? Even though Jason doesn't speak, there is a lot to learn and a lot to unpack in this story.

Something you don't often get is an author writing an outcast so wonderfully, portraying actual and realistic feelings and reactions. Jason's character wasn't just broody or upset 24/7; he actually showed fluid emotion. The building of Jason's character alone was impeccable. Along with Jason not willingly communicating, it felt natural. You weren't left trying to figure out what had happened in a one-sided conversation. Mara really developing as well, finding a bit more of herself and healing from past trauma, was also very smooth. While both characters were obviously working through a lot, you definitely felt the tension between them. Flowing into well-paced spicy interactions between the two, it continued to feel natural and not rushed or forced. For them being in one location for 90% of the story, you weren't left bored or wishing for a change of scenery either.

I do wish, however, there were moments where we got a little bit more of the in-between. After a particularly spicy encounter, time flashed forward a bit, and I am a sucker for the awkward tension.

Thank you so much to Marisa for letting me be an ARC reader for this book. I loved this story so much, and I am excited to see what you do next!

[BadAshBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

12/11/24 UPDATE:
Okay I’m back and I’ve collected myself!

I loved this story so much! If you love authors like Jennifer Haartman, you love this too!

First of all, THIS is how you write a silent broody character. (If you’ve been following me you know) Jason is silent and broody in her chapters, but a well of thoughts and emotions in his. I genuinely connected so much with his character. I also really loved the representation of what it means to live off the grid/being self sustaining.

Watching Mara’s character growth was perfect. I loved her sass and stubbornness. She might not have wanted to be there but she definitely got what she needed there!

Overall, it was a heart breaking, beautiful story about trauma, surviving, forgiveness and healing. I laughed, I got pissed, and I cried! I left with a little more than had 🫶🏻



Initial thoughts 12/9/24:
beautiful & heart-wrenching!

Gosh I don’t even know if I have words.
I loved every bit of this story!
Trials, pain, forgiveness, redemption- The author writes it all so beautifully. I’ll have to come back and update when my mind catches up with my heart 😭❤️

Trigger warning for CSA and CPTSD!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is so good! The angst build up is chefs kiss. The character relationships are great. The spice is spicy. The triumph at the end is great. An underdog winning, a strong female finding herself, a bearded sexy brut working through trauma. Power tools, snowed in stranded cabin. What more could you possibly want 🤔

[Jen Jen]

Delightful

I enjoyed this. It is a quick read. In this Enemies to lovers story of redemption, Jason and Mara have a lot to work through to prove to each other and themselves. People in a small town may kot always be what they seem. People can change and when you're stuck together for months, getting along maybe your best bet. From start to finish I laughed out loud while reading this book and definitely got angry at the characters a few times, but in the end it was all worth it. Give the book a chance and read it.

[Rowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

If this is only Marisa’s debut novel, I can’t wait to see what she does next. I’ve never read a book before where the MMC doesn’t speak and I found myself super invested in that part of the story. I loved the full circle moment and how it all tied together in the end.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ugh, I wish this book didn’t have smut. I feel like if there wasn’t so much I needed to skip this could have been a five star. It wasn’t all the time but I wasn’t a fan of the language used either. Other than that, really moving story . A little mystery over their shared history and his past. Over all, good ending.

[delusioanal | emma · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 2% because of the R slur. I was so excited for this bc there’s nothing I love more than a mute mmc. Plus people comparing this to credence, I fear I would have ate this up if it wasn’t for that.
bummer

[Aleia Tylkowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I will say if you liked Credence, read this!! It was such a cozy feel and I loved the storyline. Watching the FMC and MMC go from frenemies to lovers was so fun. I enjoyed getting to know the MMC on a deeper level. The twists in his story I was not expecting and made me feel for him so much. I definitely recommend this book!

[whatnolareads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t expect If You Love Her to hit me the way it did.

I picked it up on a quiet night, thinking I’d read a few chapters before bed—and the next thing I knew, it was 2 a.m., and I was clutching my chest like the characters had personally taken up residence there.

This book is slow, in the most intentional, soul-soothing way. It’s not flashy or overly dramatic. It’s two broken people—Jason and Mara—locked away in a snowstorm, confronting their shared past. But it’s also about so much more: forgiveness, survival, learning how to be soft again after the world has hardened you.

Jason destroyed me, in the best way. A man of few (zero) words, but everything he does says more than dialogue ever could. There was something healing in the way he just existed—steady, present, still. It made me realize how much emotional noise we live with every day, and how powerful silence can be when it’s filled with care.

And Mara… god. Her guilt, her growth, her regret—it was messy and human and made me ache. Watching her try to undo the version of herself that hurt people, especially Jason, felt so real. We don’t often get female characters who are allowed to be flawed like this and still be worth redemption.

There were so many moments that just stopped me. A glance. A soft touch. The kind of slow-burn tension that creeps up on you, makes you hold your breath, then lets it out in one big emotional release. I cried in places I didn’t expect to. Not because it was sad—but because it was honest.

Reading this felt like sitting in front of a fire on a cold night—quiet, intimate, and full of moments you want to live in forever. It reminded me that love doesn’t always come loud. Sometimes it’s a soft hand, a bowl of soup, a warm blanket, a second chance.

If you’ve ever carried shame, or loved someone you thought you didn’t deserve, or wished someone would just see you and love you anyway—this book is for you.

5 out of 5, because my heart is still with them.

[Kelci Parsell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a breathtaking, emotionally charged romance that explores redemption, vulnerability, and the power of unspoken connection. The story follows Mara, a woman forced to confront her past when she becomes stranded in a snowy mountain cabin with a mute man, Jason, she once bullied in high school. (And his brother. ☺️) What unfolds is a deeply intimate, character-driven journey that challenges assumptions, breaks down barriers, and ignites an unforgettable love story.

First of all THIS is how you do miscommunication 😝 Haartz masterfully crafts tension through body languages, gestures, and stolen glances. (But also Mara’s babbling which is a hilarious juxtaposition) As someone who usually thrives on witty banter, this book really challenged my reliance on spoken words.

For anyone who claims romance doesn’t *need* spice, I’m making them read this book first. The intimacy here isn’t just physical—it’s a language, a bridge between them. Their connection wouldn’t be the same without it.

‘If You Love Her’ is more than a romance—it’s a testament to the power of vulnerability and the unexpected ways love can heal. Haartz’s seamless train of thought and immersive storytelling make this an ‘Can’t put down’ read. If you love emotionally rich, character-driven stories with depth and spice, this one is a must-read.


Perfect for fans of:
- Forced proximity
- Redemption arcs
- Silent, brooding heroes with hearts of gold
-Dual POV, with incredible depth into the male and female psyches.
- Emotional hard earned romance with explosive payoff
-Open door, emotionally charged, beautifully crafted spice. 🌶️

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

good book but

I would have given this a 4 star if I hadn’t read Creedence. It’s very similar, just not as dark. She’s stuck in a cabin through the winter. The MMC doesn’t speak. While there is nothing between the FMC and the brother, the only thing missing is Uncle Jake. The MMC and FMC knew each other in high school and she participated in the bullying.
That said it was a good book. It was well written. The story flowed well. There were no gaps that left me confused. I enjoyed the character development and the flashbacks were perfect rather than starting from high school and then moving to present time. I would definitely recommend this book.

[Meaghan Messmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK!!

Such a beautiful love story…forced proximity, found family, enemies to lovers. The character development in this story is everything.

Marisa’s writing literally sucks you into the story. Like I was genuinely angry that I had to stop reading cause I had to work the next morning. LOL

I laughed, I giggled, I cried, I had my heart tugged…you literally feel all the feels.

I definitely love me a good Grumpy, brutey, Viking man 🤭

*Was given an ARC, for an honest review*

[Gaby · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Arc Review)

I had so much fun reading this book.

The cover looking all cute and innocent, and then “Bow chick-a-wow-wow.”

But in all seriousness, I like the the development of the characters and the sequence of events that lead to forgiveness.

Even thought the high school flashbacks made me cringe, it was a good lesson that we are not the people from our past.

A lesson masked with smut ;)

[Haleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book was absolute bliss. Well-written and captivating, I fell for Jason and Mara's story, especially their unexpected reunion. It's a spicy enemies-to-lovers romance with forced proximity that also explores intense emotions. Important to note are the trigger warnings, given its heavy themes. Overall, I'd rate it a well-deserved five stars.
I definitely wish it was longer, so I could know a little bit more on Jason and Mara‘s story!

[R · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn’t like the used of the R slur. It was real hard to push through the beginning because of it.

The reference to the trope I didn’t like either. When Mara was talking about being in force proximity and then being a found family.

The storyline was good, I really like the idea of being locked in. I liked the fact that she has a brotherly relationship with one brother and a romantic relationship with the other.

[Lucie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg! This was so good! I have thing for broody man living in the cabin. Jason was just that. Perfect! The way he took care of Mara! Swoon! I inhaled the book in one sitting! I loved it that much!

[Payton Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I hadn’t read credence I would give this 4 stars.

[Nicole Griffith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book quickly became one of my favorites! It was so hard to put down and the characters have my heart forever! The perfect amount of spicy, and the spice is soooo good. Highly recommend this captivating romance!

[Reba · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book, surprised it’s a debut novel. Will read more from her ☺️

[Hanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jason and Mara’s story is one of remorse, inner turmoil, introspection, and forgiveness. The two have history they both would rather forget, however fate brings and forces them together under unfortunate circumstances. They slowly learn to communicate, with the help of Jason’s brother Dylan, to exist amicably. Throughout the story Mara goes through a period of self-reflection and discovery about what’s truly important in her life. Jason battles his own demons, which Mara wants to help him work through, yet her attempts are unwelcome (at first).

Also, shoutout to Marisa for pairing each chapter with an absolute PERFECT song. When I reread this book, I listened to each song as I read the corresponding chapter, and it brings a dynamic element to the story.

The spicy scenes deserve a chef’s kiss (chapter 15 iykyk) and this book gets infinite stars from me!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5