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Cuddle Like You Mean It
Cuddling strangers is just business for Staley Monroe... until she meets a guy she'd rather fork than spoon…
Staley is damn good at her job, and after a life-altering diagnosis for her beloved father brings a mountain of medical bills, she'll take every cuddle client she can get. Discovering she’s one class short of receiving the degree she promised her dad…that's just another log on the raging inferno of her anxiety. Staley doesn't have time for another class or catching feelings for a dreamy, green-eyed TA, but her heart isn't accounting for her schedule.
Theodore Sullivan isn’t a man of many words. A gifted poet and reluctant TA, Theo reviews sonnets written by dudebros and saves speaking for his secret side job that transforms his confidence.
The morning after a challenging therapy session and one too many bourbons, Theo is shocked when Staley, the wildly beautiful girl from class, shows up for a cuddle session he doesn't remember booking.
When their feelings move past cuddly, Theo and Staley must decide if their poem should get a new stanza or if it's better to leave what's happening between them unwritten.
Staley is damn good at her job, and after a life-altering diagnosis for her beloved father brings a mountain of medical bills, she'll take every cuddle client she can get. Discovering she’s one class short of receiving the degree she promised her dad…that's just another log on the raging inferno of her anxiety. Staley doesn't have time for another class or catching feelings for a dreamy, green-eyed TA, but her heart isn't accounting for her schedule.
Theodore Sullivan isn’t a man of many words. A gifted poet and reluctant TA, Theo reviews sonnets written by dudebros and saves speaking for his secret side job that transforms his confidence.
The morning after a challenging therapy session and one too many bourbons, Theo is shocked when Staley, the wildly beautiful girl from class, shows up for a cuddle session he doesn't remember booking.
When their feelings move past cuddly, Theo and Staley must decide if their poem should get a new stanza or if it's better to leave what's happening between them unwritten.
337 pages, Paperback
Published April 8, 2025
55 people are currently reading
242 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 10, 2025
This has to be one of the best romances I’ve read in a long time. (Without bragging, but rather just listing my qualifications to make that statement, I read 150 books last year, with probably over 70% of those being romance.) I rarely give a romance a 5 star, but this one is a top fav.
I adored the over-all plot, the open communication from the mc’s (for the most part) about mental health topics, the side romances, and the inside picture of how hard it is to be a caregiver of loved ones.
Top favorite things I loved-
Accidental audio playing from Staley’s phone (because, that’s my worst nightmare.)
Theo’s secret job
Staley’s job- because how creative and sweet is that?
Staley’s love for all things 90’s
The library scene 🔥
No third act breakup (a little personal “thank you, Shea!” from me here.)
The coffee drop offs (swoon)
Theo’s poetry (Double swoon)
Add this one to your TBR! You won’t regret it!
I adored the over-all plot, the open communication from the mc’s (for the most part) about mental health topics, the side romances, and the inside picture of how hard it is to be a caregiver of loved ones.
Top favorite things I loved-
Accidental audio playing from Staley’s phone (because, that’s my worst nightmare.)
Theo’s secret job
Staley’s job- because how creative and sweet is that?
Staley’s love for all things 90’s
The library scene 🔥
No third act breakup (a little personal “thank you, Shea!” from me here.)
The coffee drop offs (swoon)
Theo’s poetry (Double swoon)
Add this one to your TBR! You won’t regret it!
April 3, 2025
There were so many things I loved about Cuddle like you mean it! The characters that some would consider flawed and imperfect, but in actuality were real and authentic. The representation of different abilities, sexualities and ways we fall in love. This isn’t my usual genre but when I heard it had some of my favorite things (music, literature, 90’s references) I knew I had to read it and I’m so glad I did! Theo and Staley are adorable, chaotic and so sexy together.
March 13, 2025
4/5 ⭐️ for Cuddle Like You Mean It!
You are about to fall madly in love with Theo Sullivan. Sweet, curly haired, thick thighed, and well read Theo is absolutely in the running for book boyfriend of the year. He’s a great listener, respectful, brings his girl coffee when she’s going through it, and that secret job of his? SWOON.
Theo “eyes on me” Sullivan 🥵
Theo “hey sweet girl” Sullivan 🫢
Things that I loved about this book:
- There is so much representation! Mental health, disability, adopted FMC, LGBTQ+, physical health (early onset dementia, incase something like that may be a trigger.)
- Staley’s job is actually so cool. I would have never thought up a professional cuddler, but that honestly sounds like such a therapeutic thing.
- Staley listening to spicy audio to get through tough times because GIRL SAME
- Both Staley and Theo are described as being curvy and we love some body positivity
If you’re looking for a sweet romance, filled with lots of poetry references, two super relatable MC’s, and just a little bit of spice (there is some spice, not a lot, but when it’s spicy… it’s spicy 🌶️) then Cuddle Like You Mean It is absolutely your next read!
You are about to fall madly in love with Theo Sullivan. Sweet, curly haired, thick thighed, and well read Theo is absolutely in the running for book boyfriend of the year. He’s a great listener, respectful, brings his girl coffee when she’s going through it, and that secret job of his? SWOON.
Theo “eyes on me” Sullivan 🥵
Theo “hey sweet girl” Sullivan 🫢
Things that I loved about this book:
- There is so much representation! Mental health, disability, adopted FMC, LGBTQ+, physical health (early onset dementia, incase something like that may be a trigger.)
- Staley’s job is actually so cool. I would have never thought up a professional cuddler, but that honestly sounds like such a therapeutic thing.
- Staley listening to spicy audio to get through tough times because GIRL SAME
- Both Staley and Theo are described as being curvy and we love some body positivity
If you’re looking for a sweet romance, filled with lots of poetry references, two super relatable MC’s, and just a little bit of spice (there is some spice, not a lot, but when it’s spicy… it’s spicy 🌶️) then Cuddle Like You Mean It is absolutely your next read!
March 23, 2025
This book was shocking for me. I went into it not really knowing what to expect and hoping that it was not the usual TikTok banter that I’ve been exposed to lately. I have nothing against TikTok faves, but I sometimes get in a reading slump bc many of the books have the same plot lines, the same words, and I know the story before it ends. Cuddle Like you Mean It gave me everything I forgot I wanted in a book.
Staley and Theo are our neighbors, our friends—they are us. Living real lives, dealing with the things real people deal with. Sometimes I felt so called out. I felt seen. My emotions were all over the place while reading. I either had a sopping wet collar or I was laughing out loud. My husband was like, “Are you over there reading smut?” My answer: “Lyrical smut sir. Get it right.” I absolutely loved it and if there are ever any plans to give a story to some of their friends I am ready for it.
Staley and Theo are our neighbors, our friends—they are us. Living real lives, dealing with the things real people deal with. Sometimes I felt so called out. I felt seen. My emotions were all over the place while reading. I either had a sopping wet collar or I was laughing out loud. My husband was like, “Are you over there reading smut?” My answer: “Lyrical smut sir. Get it right.” I absolutely loved it and if there are ever any plans to give a story to some of their friends I am ready for it.
March 25, 2025
Cuddle Like You Mean It by Shea West is a refreshingly original romance that brings heart, humor, and healing together in a way I didn’t expect. I opened the book and was immediately drawn in by the unique profession at the heart of the story—a professional cuddler. It’s not something I’ve seen explored in fiction before, and Shea West handles it with care and creativity.
This romance touches on themes I’ve never encountered in a book, adding surprising depth. The chemistry between the characters is undeniable, and while their emotional maturity seemed a bit advanced for 22-year-olds at times, it still worked within the story.
There were a few slow patches, but the overall pacing was balanced by moments of vulnerability, witty dialogue, and a genuine emotional connection that made me keep reading. If you’re looking for a heartfelt contemporary romance with unique themes and characters who grow, Cuddle Like You Mean It is definitely worth a read.
This romance touches on themes I’ve never encountered in a book, adding surprising depth. The chemistry between the characters is undeniable, and while their emotional maturity seemed a bit advanced for 22-year-olds at times, it still worked within the story.
There were a few slow patches, but the overall pacing was balanced by moments of vulnerability, witty dialogue, and a genuine emotional connection that made me keep reading. If you’re looking for a heartfelt contemporary romance with unique themes and characters who grow, Cuddle Like You Mean It is definitely worth a read.
April 2, 2025
Cuddle Like You Mean was a great read. The story and characters were original and refreshing. I loved the "literary" themes, and knowing Shae wrote the poetry in the book herself, makes it all that more impressive. She is an expert at analogies, similes, and metaphors, but these comparisons are all so down-to-earth, you'll find yourself nodding, smiling, and even chuckling as you read.
Both Theo and Staley (and also all the lovely side characters) are so well-drawn and relatable. They have their flaws, their vulnerabilities, and their trials, and they're all there on the page. There are heart-wrenching moments, and sweet moments, and delightful surprises. Really, some of the little twists left me reeling, in the best kind of way!
If you want to read a love story about "real" people--about truly lovable characters--then I highly recommend this book.
I look forward to whatever Shae writes next!
Both Theo and Staley (and also all the lovely side characters) are so well-drawn and relatable. They have their flaws, their vulnerabilities, and their trials, and they're all there on the page. There are heart-wrenching moments, and sweet moments, and delightful surprises. Really, some of the little twists left me reeling, in the best kind of way!
If you want to read a love story about "real" people--about truly lovable characters--then I highly recommend this book.
I look forward to whatever Shae writes next!
March 16, 2025
This book was wonderful! Not only did you get a great romance build with the main characters Staley and Theo but there was depth to multiple relationships and supporting characters throughout the book too which I loved. The spicy scenes🌶️ were the right amount to keep you excited but didn’t over do it so you were itching for more as Shea brought you back into the overall world of Staley. Between the real life issues that were handled with grace and whit and the spark between Staley and Theo I couldn’t put it down!
I loved the dynamic and vulnerability of the characters and how they kept building confidence throughout the book! Not to mention all the nods to 90s music and fashion - it made my millennial heart happy!
Can’t wait to read whatever comes next from Shea!
I loved the dynamic and vulnerability of the characters and how they kept building confidence throughout the book! Not to mention all the nods to 90s music and fashion - it made my millennial heart happy!
Can’t wait to read whatever comes next from Shea!
April 2, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! Shea knocked it out of the park with this one!
The love story between Theo and Staley was easy to follow and it grabbed at my heart. It was perfect, the right amount of humor, seriousness and spice levels all the way through it.
My favorite parts were the fact that Shea wrote the poetry that was in the book herself, all of the nods to 90's music and all of the representation the book had, mental health, LGBTQ+, and physical health.
I can't wait for the next book Shea!
The love story between Theo and Staley was easy to follow and it grabbed at my heart. It was perfect, the right amount of humor, seriousness and spice levels all the way through it.
My favorite parts were the fact that Shea wrote the poetry that was in the book herself, all of the nods to 90's music and all of the representation the book had, mental health, LGBTQ+, and physical health.
I can't wait for the next book Shea!
April 2, 2025
This was a truly adorable original romance read. I loved how real it actually all seemed. The story didn't feel fake or forced in the slightest.
I truly related to Staley for many different reasons, but for me, the anxiety representation was spot on.
I absolutely loved when W.H Auden was mentioned (he's a fave of mine)
Fave Quote:
"One thing is abundantly clear—removing me from between Staley’s full, thick legs will require the jaws of life."
I truly related to Staley for many different reasons, but for me, the anxiety representation was spot on.
I absolutely loved when W.H Auden was mentioned (he's a fave of mine)
Fave Quote:
"One thing is abundantly clear—removing me from between Staley’s full, thick legs will require the jaws of life."
dnf
September 10, 2025DNF @ 31%
Both characters are unlikable tbh and it’s moving SO SLOW. Like they interact for 2 minutes, and then runs out of his house. Like the scenes are super jarring, and then we gotta talk about her dad for 10 straight pages. Bleh.
Both characters are unlikable tbh and it’s moving SO SLOW. Like they interact for 2 minutes, and then runs out of his house. Like the scenes are super jarring, and then we gotta talk about her dad for 10 straight pages. Bleh.
April 17, 2025
Such a great book.
I am glad I took this book off by TBR and actually read it. the feelings were real and I can't wait for more from Shea West.
I am glad I took this book off by TBR and actually read it. the feelings were real and I can't wait for more from Shea West.
August 18, 2025
Staley’s dad has dementia and a bad UTI. She she’s struggling to graduate and work as a cuddle specialist at the same time to pay for his at home care. Theo is a rich poet with a stutter who moonlights as a male erotica reader (he’s stutter vanishes when he’s being sexy). At the behest of his secretary he orders a cuddle session, but after they have an encounter in the class he’s a TA for. Anyway, he stands up to his mom. She finds out her dad was gay this whole time. It’s truly revelatory.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2025
I cannot express just how much I absolutely loved Theo and Staley! Their love story was so sweet, I simply could not put it down! This will be a forever recommendation to all my friends or anyone looking for a sweet romance. Theo's stutter and Staley's anxiety made them so relatable! I want to gush about them all day, and if I could write beautiful poetry I would write sonnets about the duo. This is a must read!
If you love sweet, swoon-worthy romance, read this book!
If you like MCs with real-world issues that they have to overcome (together and on their own), read this book!
If you love the beauty of a poem (especially Neruda's work), read this book!
If you love the miscommunication trope, read this book!
If you love a good cuddle, read this book!
If you love the virgin/experienced non-virgin trope, read this book!
If you love being emotionally destroyed by your romance novels, read this book!
If you love an MMC that grows more confident with the support of the FMC, read this book!
If you love character growth, read this book!
I seriously cannot recommend this enough. It has become my all-time-favorite book of the year, which is saying something because I've read a lot of books this year. As a debut novel, Shea killed it with this book! Do yourself a favor and...Read. This. Book! You won't regret it! The only reason I didn't read it in one sitting is because I had to adult. So so good! Definitely one of those "one more chapter"/'staying-up-till-three a.m.-to-keep-reading-it' books!
Theo...swoon!
If you love sweet, swoon-worthy romance, read this book!
If you like MCs with real-world issues that they have to overcome (together and on their own), read this book!
If you love the beauty of a poem (especially Neruda's work), read this book!
If you love the miscommunication trope, read this book!
If you love a good cuddle, read this book!
If you love the virgin/experienced non-virgin trope, read this book!
If you love being emotionally destroyed by your romance novels, read this book!
If you love an MMC that grows more confident with the support of the FMC, read this book!
If you love character growth, read this book!
I seriously cannot recommend this enough. It has become my all-time-favorite book of the year, which is saying something because I've read a lot of books this year. As a debut novel, Shea killed it with this book! Do yourself a favor and...Read. This. Book! You won't regret it! The only reason I didn't read it in one sitting is because I had to adult. So so good! Definitely one of those "one more chapter"/'staying-up-till-three a.m.-to-keep-reading-it' books!
Theo...swoon!
May 2, 2025
Reading Cuddle Like You Mean It felt like being wrapped in the world’s coziest blanket—one woven with heartache, healing, laughter, and love. It’s one of those rare gems that effortlessly blends the heavy and the hopeful, leaving you both teary-eyed and grinning like an idiot.
Shea West has created characters that are so vivid and emotionally grounded, they feel like old friends you didn’t realize you’d been missing. The love story? It’s patient, tender, and full of the kind of slow-burning intimacy that makes you want to hug the book when you’re done. But what really sets this story apart is how much care it holds—for grief, for growth, for connection, and for the quiet, persistent magic of choosing each other again and again.
There are some genuinely funny, giggle-out-loud moments (I definitely caught myself kicking my feet at one point), alongside beautiful emotional payoffs and a few well-placed twists that kept me delightfully on my toes. And best of all—no cliffhanger. Just a heartfelt, satisfying ending that leaves you smiling and a little bit sad that it’s over.
If you’re looking for a romance that’s rich in character, steeped in sincerity, and built on love that feels earned, Cuddle Like You Mean It will absolutely deliver. It made me fall back in love with reading—and I’m already itching for whatever Shea West writes next.
Shea West has created characters that are so vivid and emotionally grounded, they feel like old friends you didn’t realize you’d been missing. The love story? It’s patient, tender, and full of the kind of slow-burning intimacy that makes you want to hug the book when you’re done. But what really sets this story apart is how much care it holds—for grief, for growth, for connection, and for the quiet, persistent magic of choosing each other again and again.
There are some genuinely funny, giggle-out-loud moments (I definitely caught myself kicking my feet at one point), alongside beautiful emotional payoffs and a few well-placed twists that kept me delightfully on my toes. And best of all—no cliffhanger. Just a heartfelt, satisfying ending that leaves you smiling and a little bit sad that it’s over.
If you’re looking for a romance that’s rich in character, steeped in sincerity, and built on love that feels earned, Cuddle Like You Mean It will absolutely deliver. It made me fall back in love with reading—and I’m already itching for whatever Shea West writes next.
April 25, 2025
Cuddle Like You Mean It is the debut novel by Shea West and an incredible story with so many layers that’ll hook you from the get go.
Staley’s father has dementia and she promised him she’d graduate so she takes an extra poetry class. Money is tight and to help pay for her dad’s meds she has a part time job as a professional cuddler. She suffers from anxiety and with the weight of the world on her shoulders she is trying to juggle it all mostly on her own. She enjoys her audiobooks and is slightly obsessed with one particular male narrator, “Luca Blue” who helps her relieve her stress whenever she has the time.
Theo is the TA in Staley’s class but he lacks confidence with women cause he has a stutter. Now to help improve his confidence and then in turn his speech and stutter he has a secret side gig where he narrates romance and poems, under a pseudonym, you guessed it, Luca Blue.
It was really interesting to learn about the importance of cuddling and the effects it has on mental health plus all the different positions there are. The struggles that these two went through and then how they helped heal each other was really heartwarming. Throw in some humour and classic 90’s references and you got one great story. Congrats on a fab first release Shea!
Staley’s father has dementia and she promised him she’d graduate so she takes an extra poetry class. Money is tight and to help pay for her dad’s meds she has a part time job as a professional cuddler. She suffers from anxiety and with the weight of the world on her shoulders she is trying to juggle it all mostly on her own. She enjoys her audiobooks and is slightly obsessed with one particular male narrator, “Luca Blue” who helps her relieve her stress whenever she has the time.
Theo is the TA in Staley’s class but he lacks confidence with women cause he has a stutter. Now to help improve his confidence and then in turn his speech and stutter he has a secret side gig where he narrates romance and poems, under a pseudonym, you guessed it, Luca Blue.
It was really interesting to learn about the importance of cuddling and the effects it has on mental health plus all the different positions there are. The struggles that these two went through and then how they helped heal each other was really heartwarming. Throw in some humour and classic 90’s references and you got one great story. Congrats on a fab first release Shea!
March 19, 2025
Fantastic debut novel! I was so impressed with this book from Shea West. Theo and Staley’s love story is a heart melter. I love that the characters don’t shy away from difficult conversations. Shea is great at blending humor and serious themes. Side characters are fantastic and add depth and heart to the story. Theo’s poetry is lovely, proving this new author is a multi-talent. I can’t wait to see what she’ll throw at us next! I’m sure whatever it is will be a delightful blend of humor and heart, just like this book. Highly recommend this book!
October 2, 2025
TA and Student Plus Size Novel ❤️
Spice level out of 5 : 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
🎧 - plus Size FMC
🎤 - plus size FMC
🎧 - Cuddle Coordinater
🎤 - Stutering Condition
🎧 - Senior in College
🎤 - TA
🎧 - parent with Dementia
🎧🎤 - both MC’s have anxiety
This book had me up and down and all over emotionally lol 🤣 loved this. Ok could not put it down. I do not know if a cuddle partner is a thing for therapy lol but loved the idea of this. Same with the voice over app where it’s not a book but full on one side convos. I feel like I am missing out.
Spice level out of 5 : 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
🎧 - plus Size FMC
🎤 - plus size FMC
🎧 - Cuddle Coordinater
🎤 - Stutering Condition
🎧 - Senior in College
🎤 - TA
🎧 - parent with Dementia
🎧🎤 - both MC’s have anxiety
This book had me up and down and all over emotionally lol 🤣 loved this. Ok could not put it down. I do not know if a cuddle partner is a thing for therapy lol but loved the idea of this. Same with the voice over app where it’s not a book but full on one side convos. I feel like I am missing out.
March 25, 2025
Gah! What a fun and enjoyable read! The main characters were easy to fall in love with and oh so relatable. The characters’ backgrounds and personal stories were rich. I loved the dual POVs. There was also inclusion of many kinds of characters. Just the right amount of spicy balanced perfectly against a lovely storyline. Definitely recommend for a fun read that will get you in the feels a time or two as well 💕
August 16, 2025
2,5* || I am conflicted with this one. It felt like insta love and didn’t give me the feeling of the story developing in an understandable pace over time. But it was pretty cute and that’s why I decided to round down from 3 stars instead of up from 2. I think there was a lot of potential that simply wasn’t used in the end.
May 1, 2025
This was adorable and at times incredibly sad but heartwarming too. Took me a few chapters to warm up to all the characters, but once I did I just loved them all.
That being said, the kind of storyline that can only exist in the US (your healthcare system is shit sorry not sorry)
That being said, the kind of storyline that can only exist in the US (your healthcare system is shit sorry not sorry)
August 9, 2025
🌶️🌶️/5
This book was cute and I will forever hold Theo our MMC in my heart as one of my top book boyfriends.
The FMC Stayley was the LITERAL WORST! I don’t think I have disliked a FMC this much in a long time.
This book was cute and I will forever hold Theo our MMC in my heart as one of my top book boyfriends.
The FMC Stayley was the LITERAL WORST! I don’t think I have disliked a FMC this much in a long time.
August 24, 2025
DNF 62% This starts rough, and doesn’t get better. This far into the book and the two main characters are still painfully awkward and uncomfortable around each other. There’s no chemistry. And Staley kinda sucks.
September 7, 2025
Scrumptious!
This book truly captures the fever dream that is love: genuine, respectful, authentic love. It’s lovely, the characters are real, and the story isn’t the same old tropes as the typical romance. I hope she writes more like this!
This book truly captures the fever dream that is love: genuine, respectful, authentic love. It’s lovely, the characters are real, and the story isn’t the same old tropes as the typical romance. I hope she writes more like this!
April 8, 2025
A poetic masterpiece of a romance❤️
April 30, 2025
I'm just glad I got here before booktok AHAHAHAH
May 21, 2025
DNF.
I made it over halfway and it was too chaotic, too in need of an editor, and just too "no one at all ever talked or thought like this in real life" vibes for me.
I made it over halfway and it was too chaotic, too in need of an editor, and just too "no one at all ever talked or thought like this in real life" vibes for me.
July 31, 2025
cute but a lil too sappy for my personal preference, probably great for others tho!
August 18, 2025
Shae! Omg I need more!!!! 🥵 the ability to emotionally connect to these characters as I read, it’s been a while since a book has had me crying. Staley, Theo, Luca.
October 13, 2025
no miscommunication trope or third act breakup. sexy but not gratituitous. finished the book with good feelings.
November 26, 2025
Just so many characters to keep straight, so much non romance.. I really struggled with this book, despite loving the idea of it. For some reason it just fell flat.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews