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Will You Reach for Me
Not yet published
Expected 3 Apr 26
What do you do when you’ve spent years trying to curate the perfect life only to watch it shatter in a matter of weeks? When your faith is broken. Your desire to keep going is oppressed. And while your world is crumbling to pieces, you must figure out how to hold it together—if not for yourself, then for the clients you serve. Do you know? I don’t…
Fledging therapist Sarah Johnson was well on her way to the perfect life. A small house with a white picket fence, a handsome boyfriend, and a baby on the way. Not to mention, a tiny practice of her very own. Life is good…until it’s not. Her boyfriend Brandon soon rejects the idea of being a father and flips a switch she didn’t see coming. And while Sarah’s world slowly condenses to weekly beatings and verbal abuse, she struggles to find her way out. That is, until she has an unfortunate encounter with a famed, emotionally tortured psychiatrist.
A man’s got three things to prioritize—his word, his faith, and his morals. I’ve struggled with all three a time or two but lately, my gut has been telling me to rely on one of these more than usual, and so I have. But, while taking the moral high ground hasn’t been hard, my self-imposed abstinence has.
For two decades, world renowned psychiatrist Alexander Richardson has filled packed stadiums, helmed his own psychiatry practice, and has traveled the world due to his success. Famous for his tough work ethic and global philanthropic efforts, he is mostly regarded as a trailblazer in his field. Unfortunately, he has also garnered a reputation for being cold and unfeeling due to his unflinching stance regarding romance and moving on after his divorce. Putting his love life on hold, Alexander has decided to wait until he finds the one woman who can warm him the way he desires. However, he has yet to find the one thing that can fill his heart and ease his mind of his insecurities. That is, until Sarah Johnson walks into his office and flips his world upside down.
Will You Reach For Me is the 1st book in a 3-part series. It is a light dark romance, told in 1st person dual POV, that focuses on fearless exploration of desire, forgiveness, and trauma. Please check the trigger warnings at the beginning of the book as some themes may be disturbing to readers.
Enemies to Lovers / Protector Alpha MMC/Vulnerable FMC / Rags to Riches / They Fall Together/ One bed
Fledging therapist Sarah Johnson was well on her way to the perfect life. A small house with a white picket fence, a handsome boyfriend, and a baby on the way. Not to mention, a tiny practice of her very own. Life is good…until it’s not. Her boyfriend Brandon soon rejects the idea of being a father and flips a switch she didn’t see coming. And while Sarah’s world slowly condenses to weekly beatings and verbal abuse, she struggles to find her way out. That is, until she has an unfortunate encounter with a famed, emotionally tortured psychiatrist.
A man’s got three things to prioritize—his word, his faith, and his morals. I’ve struggled with all three a time or two but lately, my gut has been telling me to rely on one of these more than usual, and so I have. But, while taking the moral high ground hasn’t been hard, my self-imposed abstinence has.
For two decades, world renowned psychiatrist Alexander Richardson has filled packed stadiums, helmed his own psychiatry practice, and has traveled the world due to his success. Famous for his tough work ethic and global philanthropic efforts, he is mostly regarded as a trailblazer in his field. Unfortunately, he has also garnered a reputation for being cold and unfeeling due to his unflinching stance regarding romance and moving on after his divorce. Putting his love life on hold, Alexander has decided to wait until he finds the one woman who can warm him the way he desires. However, he has yet to find the one thing that can fill his heart and ease his mind of his insecurities. That is, until Sarah Johnson walks into his office and flips his world upside down.
Will You Reach For Me is the 1st book in a 3-part series. It is a light dark romance, told in 1st person dual POV, that focuses on fearless exploration of desire, forgiveness, and trauma. Please check the trigger warnings at the beginning of the book as some themes may be disturbing to readers.
Enemies to Lovers / Protector Alpha MMC/Vulnerable FMC / Rags to Riches / They Fall Together/ One bed
471 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication April 3, 2026
59 people want to read
About the author
S.K. Presley
15 books219 followersS.K. resides in the midwest with an adorable rescue beagle. Drawn to writing steamy dark romances with love interests who are infatuated with one another, it has always been her dream to share with the world her ideas and stories, and she hopes that you enjoy her work just as much as she enjoys creating it.
Happy reading!
Happy reading!
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Review of advance copy received from Author
Will You Reach For Me is a scorching slow burn that will have you needing your own cold shower.
Sarah, a therapist, is on her way to having the perfect life. An amazing career, beautiful home, and loving family is all she has ever wanted. Now pregnant with an amazing boyfriend, Sarah is blindsided when the abuse begins. Her perfect boyfriend is now the monster she can't get away from.
Dr. Alexander Richardson, renowned Psychiatrist, has a reputation of being cold and heartless when it comes to romance. He is focused solely on his work and hasn't had a serious relationship since his failed first marriage.
Sarah hates Dr. Richardson, he never returns emails about their mutual patients, won't meet to discuss those patients, and seems absolutely unwilling to work with her. After finally badgering him with emails he agrees to one meeting to finally get her to stop. What happens next is something the two of them were not expecting. Sarah is crying on his office floor and Dr. Richardson is dialing 911.
S.K. once again exceeded my expectations. This slow burn romance is beautifully written.The characters are flawed and make mistakes, but they are also humble and understanding. The dynamic between the FMC and MMC is like when your two friends swear they hate each other, but everyone knows they are going to at least have hate sex. I couldn't get enough of the banter.
While this is a slow burn, rest assured there are still some very sexual scenes.
This was an amazing book 1 and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the trilogy.
If you have read The Pain We Nurture or The Pain We Allow, (my favorite books from SK) Alex is apart of the friend group with Colin and Jonathan. I loved seeing the little snippets of their lives. Even blending in a bit of the trauma from both stories. Alex also makes an appearance in With You as Tamryn's psychiatrist.
Sarah, a therapist, is on her way to having the perfect life. An amazing career, beautiful home, and loving family is all she has ever wanted. Now pregnant with an amazing boyfriend, Sarah is blindsided when the abuse begins. Her perfect boyfriend is now the monster she can't get away from.
Dr. Alexander Richardson, renowned Psychiatrist, has a reputation of being cold and heartless when it comes to romance. He is focused solely on his work and hasn't had a serious relationship since his failed first marriage.
Sarah hates Dr. Richardson, he never returns emails about their mutual patients, won't meet to discuss those patients, and seems absolutely unwilling to work with her. After finally badgering him with emails he agrees to one meeting to finally get her to stop. What happens next is something the two of them were not expecting. Sarah is crying on his office floor and Dr. Richardson is dialing 911.
S.K. once again exceeded my expectations. This slow burn romance is beautifully written.The characters are flawed and make mistakes, but they are also humble and understanding. The dynamic between the FMC and MMC is like when your two friends swear they hate each other, but everyone knows they are going to at least have hate sex. I couldn't get enough of the banter.
While this is a slow burn, rest assured there are still some very sexual scenes.
This was an amazing book 1 and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the trilogy.
If you have read The Pain We Nurture or The Pain We Allow, (my favorite books from SK) Alex is apart of the friend group with Colin and Jonathan. I loved seeing the little snippets of their lives. Even blending in a bit of the trauma from both stories. Alex also makes an appearance in With You as Tamryn's psychiatrist.
January 29, 2026
This slow burn is exquisite—the kind that hurts in the best way, where every glance, every almost-moment, every beat of tension makes your chest ache. The payoff is earned, devastating, and so incredibly satisfying. I didn’t just read this story; I felt it.
The characters are stunningly well developed—layered, flawed, and achingly human. No review could ever fully explain the sheer attention to detail S.K. put into each character—every nuance, every reaction, every quiet moment feels intentional and alive. That care pulls so much emotion out of you without you even realizing it, and just when your heart feels like it might shatter, the story slips in genuinely funny moments that make you laugh through the ache.
This story is anything but surface-level; it dives headfirst into emotion, longing, and tension with fearless intensity. The writing is beautifully creative and deeply heartfelt, wrapping the entire story in a kind of magic that lingers. This is the kind of contemporary romance that burrows into your soul and refuses to let go—and honestly? I wouldn’t want it to.
A MUST READ🎻🌹🥹
The characters are stunningly well developed—layered, flawed, and achingly human. No review could ever fully explain the sheer attention to detail S.K. put into each character—every nuance, every reaction, every quiet moment feels intentional and alive. That care pulls so much emotion out of you without you even realizing it, and just when your heart feels like it might shatter, the story slips in genuinely funny moments that make you laugh through the ache.
This story is anything but surface-level; it dives headfirst into emotion, longing, and tension with fearless intensity. The writing is beautifully creative and deeply heartfelt, wrapping the entire story in a kind of magic that lingers. This is the kind of contemporary romance that burrows into your soul and refuses to let go—and honestly? I wouldn’t want it to.
A MUST READ🎻🌹🥹
March 19, 2026
“𝘐𝘧 𝘐 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘥. 𝘎𝘰𝘥, 𝘐 𝘴𝘰 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘮.”
From the very beginning, there’s this quiet ache woven into the story—something you can feel before you even fully understand it. A kind of longing that sits just beneath the surface and follows you the entire way through.
And by the end, it becomes something else entirely.
This story didn’t just pull me in—it stayed with me. It settled somewhere deep and just… lingered. Everything about it feels intentional, but never heavy—more like it’s quietly guiding you through every emotion as it unfolds.
Sarah is carrying so much, and you feel that weight in how she moves through the world—but what stood out to me is that she isn’t naturally soft. She’s feisty, independent, driven… and you can tell that version of her is still there, just muted by everything she’s been through. Watching her slowly find her footing again felt both heavy and hopeful, because it’s not about her becoming someone new—it’s about her returning to herself, and Alex aiding in that journey was beautiful to read. It felt SO real.
And Alexander… he got to me in a way I wasn’t expecting.
He’s spent so long being seen as cold that he’s started to believe it, but the truth is he feels everything—and he knows exactly what he wants to do with it. That’s what makes him so compelling. He’s not uncertain—he’s intentional. There’s a bluntness in the way he thinks about her, in the way he wants her, that leaves no room for confusion.
But at the same time, he’s constantly being unseen, misunderstood, even taken advantage of—and you can feel how much that’s worn on him. He knows his worth, he doesn’t second-guess himself, but there’s still this quiet ache underneath it all… this need to finally be met, to receive the same care and love he so naturally gives.
And there’s pain in that waiting.
“𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩. 𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘯𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩… 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘰 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦.”
But alongside all of that is restraint.
Not because he doesn’t know what to do—but because he refuses to take more than she’s ready to give.
There’s this constant awareness in him—of her, of her healing, of her boundaries—and every time he chooses to hold himself back, it feels deliberate. Not hesitation… choice. And more than anything, you can feel that he doesn’t want to change who she is—he wants to give her the space to feel safe enough to be her again.
“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦. 𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘰𝘬𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦.”
I loved the added layer of their professions—Sarah as a therapist and Alexander as a psychiatrist—because it creates this immediate tension between them. Their early interactions have this sharp, almost aggravating edge, like they’re both aware they’re being read a little too closely… but underneath it is something neither of them can ignore.
Especially him.
Because the moment it clicks for Alexander—when he realizes that the woman getting under his skin is also the one he can’t stop looking at—it completely throws him. It’s overwhelming, consuming, and it wakes something up in him that he hasn’t felt in years.
“𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘵 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘰 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶… 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶… 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶…” (FERAL!!!!)
And from that point on, you can feel that intensity in everything—how he watches her, how he speaks to her, how he moves around her. There’s a quiet possessiveness there, a depth to his desire that feels grounded in more than just attraction—and the hints of how intense he’s capable of being only make it better.
The tension, the almosts, the way even the smallest touches carry weight—it all builds in a way that feels natural but undeniable. It’s not just physical—it’s layered with emotion, awareness, and control.
“𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦, 𝘐’𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘮𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘧 𝘐 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧𝘧 𝘮𝘦.”
But what stayed with me most is that he doesn’t act on impulse.
He chooses not to.
Because this story isn’t just about attraction—it’s about care. About safety. About choosing to show up for someone in the ways that matter. He’s already providing for her in so many ways—emotionally, mentally, even in the small, thoughtful gestures that show how closely he pays attention—long before anything physical happens.
And that makes everything feel deeper.
Even his world adds to that. The glimpses into his life—his son, his sister, the weight of his past relationship—add this quiet complexity to him. You see what he’s been through, what he’s carrying, and it makes the way he moves with Sarah feel even more intentional.
And on Sarah’s side, that same depth is there in a different way. There’s strain in her family, especially with her father, and you can feel how that has shaped parts of her—along with everything she’s still processing from her abusive relationship. But what really balances that is the presence of Jerome and Chris. They bring this lightness to the story whenever they’re on page—grounding her, supporting her, and reminding her of who she is outside of everything she’s been through. And even in the background, they notice things—especially when it comes to Alexander—and those small moments of teasing and awareness add another layer to the dynamic without ever taking away from it.
The slow burn is there—you feel it in every look, every almost—but it never feels like the only thing holding the story up. It’s just one part of something much deeper.
Their connection grows so naturally—from tension, to curiosity, to something softer… something that starts to feel safe. Like they’re slowly becoming a place the other can exist without fear.
“𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘶𝘴?”
And that question lingers in the best way—because even as it builds, there’s still this awareness of how quickly something meaningful is forming… and how carefully they’re trying to handle it.
By the end, what stayed with me wasn’t just the romance—it was the healing. The way they show up for each other. The way they take their time. The way they choose each other, even when it would be easier not to.
And then you get to this—
“𝘈𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘴 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯.”
—and everything just quietly clicks into place.
That feeling from the beginning—the need to be warm, to not feel alone in yourself anymore—it’s no longer just something he wants.
It’s something he’s found, or so it seems 👀
This story was SO intimate. And it sticks like glue.
I know this is one that’s going to stay with me for a long time—and I already can’t wait to see where their story goes next.
From the very beginning, there’s this quiet ache woven into the story—something you can feel before you even fully understand it. A kind of longing that sits just beneath the surface and follows you the entire way through.
And by the end, it becomes something else entirely.
This story didn’t just pull me in—it stayed with me. It settled somewhere deep and just… lingered. Everything about it feels intentional, but never heavy—more like it’s quietly guiding you through every emotion as it unfolds.
Sarah is carrying so much, and you feel that weight in how she moves through the world—but what stood out to me is that she isn’t naturally soft. She’s feisty, independent, driven… and you can tell that version of her is still there, just muted by everything she’s been through. Watching her slowly find her footing again felt both heavy and hopeful, because it’s not about her becoming someone new—it’s about her returning to herself, and Alex aiding in that journey was beautiful to read. It felt SO real.
And Alexander… he got to me in a way I wasn’t expecting.
He’s spent so long being seen as cold that he’s started to believe it, but the truth is he feels everything—and he knows exactly what he wants to do with it. That’s what makes him so compelling. He’s not uncertain—he’s intentional. There’s a bluntness in the way he thinks about her, in the way he wants her, that leaves no room for confusion.
But at the same time, he’s constantly being unseen, misunderstood, even taken advantage of—and you can feel how much that’s worn on him. He knows his worth, he doesn’t second-guess himself, but there’s still this quiet ache underneath it all… this need to finally be met, to receive the same care and love he so naturally gives.
And there’s pain in that waiting.
“𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩. 𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘯𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩… 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘰 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦.”
But alongside all of that is restraint.
Not because he doesn’t know what to do—but because he refuses to take more than she’s ready to give.
There’s this constant awareness in him—of her, of her healing, of her boundaries—and every time he chooses to hold himself back, it feels deliberate. Not hesitation… choice. And more than anything, you can feel that he doesn’t want to change who she is—he wants to give her the space to feel safe enough to be her again.
“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦. 𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘰𝘬𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦.”
I loved the added layer of their professions—Sarah as a therapist and Alexander as a psychiatrist—because it creates this immediate tension between them. Their early interactions have this sharp, almost aggravating edge, like they’re both aware they’re being read a little too closely… but underneath it is something neither of them can ignore.
Especially him.
Because the moment it clicks for Alexander—when he realizes that the woman getting under his skin is also the one he can’t stop looking at—it completely throws him. It’s overwhelming, consuming, and it wakes something up in him that he hasn’t felt in years.
“𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘵 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘰 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶… 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶… 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶…” (FERAL!!!!)
And from that point on, you can feel that intensity in everything—how he watches her, how he speaks to her, how he moves around her. There’s a quiet possessiveness there, a depth to his desire that feels grounded in more than just attraction—and the hints of how intense he’s capable of being only make it better.
The tension, the almosts, the way even the smallest touches carry weight—it all builds in a way that feels natural but undeniable. It’s not just physical—it’s layered with emotion, awareness, and control.
“𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦, 𝘐’𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘮𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘧 𝘐 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧𝘧 𝘮𝘦.”
But what stayed with me most is that he doesn’t act on impulse.
He chooses not to.
Because this story isn’t just about attraction—it’s about care. About safety. About choosing to show up for someone in the ways that matter. He’s already providing for her in so many ways—emotionally, mentally, even in the small, thoughtful gestures that show how closely he pays attention—long before anything physical happens.
And that makes everything feel deeper.
Even his world adds to that. The glimpses into his life—his son, his sister, the weight of his past relationship—add this quiet complexity to him. You see what he’s been through, what he’s carrying, and it makes the way he moves with Sarah feel even more intentional.
And on Sarah’s side, that same depth is there in a different way. There’s strain in her family, especially with her father, and you can feel how that has shaped parts of her—along with everything she’s still processing from her abusive relationship. But what really balances that is the presence of Jerome and Chris. They bring this lightness to the story whenever they’re on page—grounding her, supporting her, and reminding her of who she is outside of everything she’s been through. And even in the background, they notice things—especially when it comes to Alexander—and those small moments of teasing and awareness add another layer to the dynamic without ever taking away from it.
The slow burn is there—you feel it in every look, every almost—but it never feels like the only thing holding the story up. It’s just one part of something much deeper.
Their connection grows so naturally—from tension, to curiosity, to something softer… something that starts to feel safe. Like they’re slowly becoming a place the other can exist without fear.
“𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘶𝘴?”
And that question lingers in the best way—because even as it builds, there’s still this awareness of how quickly something meaningful is forming… and how carefully they’re trying to handle it.
By the end, what stayed with me wasn’t just the romance—it was the healing. The way they show up for each other. The way they take their time. The way they choose each other, even when it would be easier not to.
And then you get to this—
“𝘈𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘴 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯.”
—and everything just quietly clicks into place.
That feeling from the beginning—the need to be warm, to not feel alone in yourself anymore—it’s no longer just something he wants.
It’s something he’s found, or so it seems 👀
This story was SO intimate. And it sticks like glue.
I know this is one that’s going to stay with me for a long time—and I already can’t wait to see where their story goes next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2026
This book had me hooked from page one. I genuinely couldn’t put it down. The MMC is everything you want: emotionally intelligent, kind, selfless, nurturing… and yeah, also gorgeous. And the FMC? She’s been through so much, but she’s incredibly strong and refuses to let her past hold her back. You can’t help but root for her the entire time.
The romance is such a good slow burn. it builds in all the right ways and feels so real. I loved that their connection started with emotional intimacy and depth instead of jumping straight into spicy scenes. The buildup and growth between them just hit different.
This story really takes you on a ride. It’ll pull at your heart, make you laugh, and definitely make you swoon. Some scenes are tough to read, but they’re important and add so much to the story.
The character development was amazing. I felt so connected to both of them by the end. And honestly, I don’t know what this author puts in her books, but her writing just pulls you in and doesn’t let go.
This was my first book by her, but definitely not my last. Easy five stars. ⭐
The romance is such a good slow burn. it builds in all the right ways and feels so real. I loved that their connection started with emotional intimacy and depth instead of jumping straight into spicy scenes. The buildup and growth between them just hit different.
This story really takes you on a ride. It’ll pull at your heart, make you laugh, and definitely make you swoon. Some scenes are tough to read, but they’re important and add so much to the story.
The character development was amazing. I felt so connected to both of them by the end. And honestly, I don’t know what this author puts in her books, but her writing just pulls you in and doesn’t let go.
This was my first book by her, but definitely not my last. Easy five stars. ⭐
March 9, 2026
4.5 stars! This is a story of 2 people who have come together both with past trauma emotional & physical abuse and found love ❤️ Alex would literally do anything for Sarah We could all only wish we could find a love this powerful
My heart is swooning ❤️
My heart is swooning ❤️
May 17, 2024
"Will You Reach for Me" by S.K. Presley is an exquisitely written novel that delves deep into the lives of its characters, exploring the intricate web of emotions and experiences that shape their journey. The author's lyrical prose skillfully portrays the nuanced inner world of the characters, drawing readers into a richly detailed narrative that unfolds with depth and complexity. Through the exploration of themes such as redemption, forgiveness, and the resilience of the human spirit, the novel offers a profound and thought-provoking reflection on the human experience. Each page is imbued with emotional resonance, inviting readers to immerse themselves in a story that lingers in the mind long after the final chapter.
This book was AMAZING completely different from the previous 2 books. I loved how there was interaction with the previous characters I felt that it really brings it all together, yes it's different characters but the original characters are still included and make me appreciate and adore this series. The is still spice which is great since books 1 & 2 there was a lot of GREAT spice/smut again also great! The crossover with all characters was amazing love that and hope it continues throughout the whole series like this. There were tears, laughter, wtf moments so many emotions but in a good way!!! Girl you have me so hooked on this series I swear it is all I think about!!!!
This book was AMAZING completely different from the previous 2 books. I loved how there was interaction with the previous characters I felt that it really brings it all together, yes it's different characters but the original characters are still included and make me appreciate and adore this series. The is still spice which is great since books 1 & 2 there was a lot of GREAT spice/smut again also great! The crossover with all characters was amazing love that and hope it continues throughout the whole series like this. There were tears, laughter, wtf moments so many emotions but in a good way!!! Girl you have me so hooked on this series I swear it is all I think about!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
What an absolutely sweet and emotionally healing story! As a lover of all SK Presley's book universes, I was so excited to fall into this story of Alexander's journey after meeting him in Colin and Olivia's books alongside Jonathan's supporting rolls in their story. Alexander didn't have a lot of character identifiers in the book we met him in originally, so going into this was with no real understanding or connection to him yet. But let me tell you, getting to know him through these pages was so satisfying. What a complex MMC with so much to unpack. He really was a different personality with his own history standing next to the rest of SKs male characters. He was a dichotomy of sweet sincerity looking for his forever home in a lifetime love counterpart while showing such flashes of stern dominant energy laced in between so many fun and steamy moments. Seeing him navigate such a delicate situation in taking on Sarah was both heart wrenching and healing and the cold therapist in him everyone talked about never overtook the pure connection he felt with her the moment they finally stepped into the same room with one another after years of work related email dealings sharing patients but never truly meeting face to face. Well destiny has a funny way of lining things up at just the right time, and their paths crossing right when they did seemed to save them both from the seas of absolute painful chaos they were starting to sink in. I enjoyed every page.
Both Sarah and Alex are damaged characters in a multitude of ways from past relationships spanning different forms of abuse. Alex, who is still trying to catch his breath nine years out of a divorce to an absolutely ungrateful ex wife cared more about reaping the benefits of his status and paycheck than true companionship, who still even outside of their marriage is using their newly grown son to gnaw at his dad to keep her pockets lined, is diminishing him more and more everyday as he disconnects from any feelings of being worthy for true connection of love and intimacy. Meanwhile Sarah is sitting at a four year mile mark in her relationship, newly expecting a baby with her long time fiancé when his personality and behavior takes the worst turn it could and now views her as a punching bag for his new found anger and hate which seems to have come out of nowhere. Two people floundering within the grasps of partners, both present and past that seem to be set on snuffing the life out of them both emotionally and physically. It's a story full of heavy tones and heartaches that many navigate within their relationships and there are gut wrenching moments of pain, grief, loniless and loss of one's self at the hands of people who at one time you thought were your happily ever after. Both Alex and Sarah are drowning in their current states of life, desperate and needing someone to reach down and pull them out of the storming seas they are drowning in. Will they reach for one another in the ways they need?
This is a story of two people crossing paths due to a related work issue and finding the life raft they so desperately needed within one another. Two people who are so lost and hurt and gasping for some form of intimacy and support to show they are not alone and worthy of the love they desperately want. Reading their story as they both walk through healing from heavy past relationship trauma in a multiple of different pains, we see them find their footing in true understanding of another person and how taking the time to simply implicate the time to allow real connection to form on a deeper level, can heal you in ways you need so badly. Their close proximity enemies to lovers style bond that curated over these chapters was a slow burn of epic proportions. This story of healing that plays out takes time and builds in a way that makes your soul sing for these characters that you can't help but fall in love with. Two people who deserve their happily ever after but need it brought in ways that not everyone can understand or provide outside of human nature and pure selfish needs being put first. The care that Alex gives to Sarah as he puts her health and well-being before his own desires for her first is such a manly flex. He wants her badly. Their are so many moments inside his head that he lusts after her and craves her but always puts her needs and situation first, making sure she is heavily taken care of above anything else. That scene with the syrup had me kicking my feet, and his text to Jonathan right after had me rolling. He is such a character of monotone, serious nature overall, but when that guard comes down, it's addicting. Sarah falls into his dominating authority I'm such an innocent way after what happens to her and its written in such a beautiful way of someone allowing another person to put their needs in a front row seat to help them reach a higher place without it coming off as her just doing what she's told. She really is damaged and needs someone, and that someone ends up being Alex without her really realizing how invested he will become in her process and how she comes to accept that his good nature is pulled out from deep inside only for her because of the feelings he finds within helping her.
I loved watching these two fall into one another and slowing find footing in their healing alongside their budding relationship. From coworkers to sudden friends to woah I think I love this person, you can't help but become so invested in their process and development together. I loved every minute of it. Again SK has written an MMC that just makes you gaga over his behaviors and true care for an FMC that needs to heal and stand on her feet before any real choices are made and he makes sure she is put first so she is capable of making those choices and for her well being outside of his growing wants. This isn't a spicy book, but it is heavily intimate, and their close quarters, bed sharing, longing and pining, and desire raging energy fuels so much alongside such a deep and meaningful plotline These characters are a joy to get to know, and from the end of this story, I just know we will be getting more of these two, and I can't wait for that. This story was deep and painful and sweet and encouraging. I loved every minute of it.
Both Sarah and Alex are damaged characters in a multitude of ways from past relationships spanning different forms of abuse. Alex, who is still trying to catch his breath nine years out of a divorce to an absolutely ungrateful ex wife cared more about reaping the benefits of his status and paycheck than true companionship, who still even outside of their marriage is using their newly grown son to gnaw at his dad to keep her pockets lined, is diminishing him more and more everyday as he disconnects from any feelings of being worthy for true connection of love and intimacy. Meanwhile Sarah is sitting at a four year mile mark in her relationship, newly expecting a baby with her long time fiancé when his personality and behavior takes the worst turn it could and now views her as a punching bag for his new found anger and hate which seems to have come out of nowhere. Two people floundering within the grasps of partners, both present and past that seem to be set on snuffing the life out of them both emotionally and physically. It's a story full of heavy tones and heartaches that many navigate within their relationships and there are gut wrenching moments of pain, grief, loniless and loss of one's self at the hands of people who at one time you thought were your happily ever after. Both Alex and Sarah are drowning in their current states of life, desperate and needing someone to reach down and pull them out of the storming seas they are drowning in. Will they reach for one another in the ways they need?
This is a story of two people crossing paths due to a related work issue and finding the life raft they so desperately needed within one another. Two people who are so lost and hurt and gasping for some form of intimacy and support to show they are not alone and worthy of the love they desperately want. Reading their story as they both walk through healing from heavy past relationship trauma in a multiple of different pains, we see them find their footing in true understanding of another person and how taking the time to simply implicate the time to allow real connection to form on a deeper level, can heal you in ways you need so badly. Their close proximity enemies to lovers style bond that curated over these chapters was a slow burn of epic proportions. This story of healing that plays out takes time and builds in a way that makes your soul sing for these characters that you can't help but fall in love with. Two people who deserve their happily ever after but need it brought in ways that not everyone can understand or provide outside of human nature and pure selfish needs being put first. The care that Alex gives to Sarah as he puts her health and well-being before his own desires for her first is such a manly flex. He wants her badly. Their are so many moments inside his head that he lusts after her and craves her but always puts her needs and situation first, making sure she is heavily taken care of above anything else. That scene with the syrup had me kicking my feet, and his text to Jonathan right after had me rolling. He is such a character of monotone, serious nature overall, but when that guard comes down, it's addicting. Sarah falls into his dominating authority I'm such an innocent way after what happens to her and its written in such a beautiful way of someone allowing another person to put their needs in a front row seat to help them reach a higher place without it coming off as her just doing what she's told. She really is damaged and needs someone, and that someone ends up being Alex without her really realizing how invested he will become in her process and how she comes to accept that his good nature is pulled out from deep inside only for her because of the feelings he finds within helping her.
I loved watching these two fall into one another and slowing find footing in their healing alongside their budding relationship. From coworkers to sudden friends to woah I think I love this person, you can't help but become so invested in their process and development together. I loved every minute of it. Again SK has written an MMC that just makes you gaga over his behaviors and true care for an FMC that needs to heal and stand on her feet before any real choices are made and he makes sure she is put first so she is capable of making those choices and for her well being outside of his growing wants. This isn't a spicy book, but it is heavily intimate, and their close quarters, bed sharing, longing and pining, and desire raging energy fuels so much alongside such a deep and meaningful plotline These characters are a joy to get to know, and from the end of this story, I just know we will be getting more of these two, and I can't wait for that. This story was deep and painful and sweet and encouraging. I loved every minute of it.
March 25, 2024
Ok where to begin with this book now Sarah was being abused by her boyfriend and she finally does leave him only because something happened to her baby and Alexander is there to look after her truly love this couple together I couldn’t get enough of them sometimes I was laughing sometimes crying I really had the emotions in this book very easy to read has your triggers in there as well as Alexander can get mad that for sure but it is only because he cares the spice was to the next level spice but not over done can’t wait to see what more this Author does I have read a few now and she never disappoints
April 26, 2024
Sarah and Alex’s story was the SLOW BURN that none of us knew we needed. Sarah breaks free from an abusive ass scum bag and brings us along for the wild ride that is her healing from trauma. Alexander is a work colleague that doesn’t necessarily want to deal with Sarah but is forced to. Did this book make me cry? Absolutely. Is this my favorite book I’ve probably ever read? Yup. SK Presley can WRITE, girl.
May 28, 2024
A beautiful slow burn romance! I enjoyed the comeback of characters from the last two books and the friendships that grew. Can’t wait to see where their relationships go from here!
Review of advance copy received from Author
In Will You Reach For Me, S.K. Presley delivers a gripping and emotionally layered first installment in a three-part light dark romance series that explores trauma, resilience, faith, and the fragile hope of love after devastation.
The story follows Sarah Johnson, a fledgling therapist who appears to have curated the perfect life: a cozy home, a promising private practice, a loving boyfriend, and a baby on the way. But Presley wastes no time unraveling that illusion. When Sarah’s boyfriend rejects fatherhood and reveals a violent, abusive side, her carefully built world collapses into fear, silence, and survival. As a therapist tasked with guiding others through their pain, Sarah’s internal conflict becomes especially poignant—how do you help others hold themselves together when you’re barely surviving yourself?
Enter Alexander Richardson, a world-renowned psychiatrist with stadium-filling influence and a reputation for brilliance—and emotional detachment. Haunted by his past and rigid in his moral code, Alexander has walled himself off from intimacy. His disciplined restraint and self-imposed isolation create a stark contrast to Sarah’s vulnerability. Their first encounter is charged, not just with tension, but with emotional complexity. Presley leans fully into the enemies-to-lovers trope, allowing sparks to fly amid sharp dialogue, wounded pride, and undeniable attraction.
What sets this novel apart is its dual first-person POV. Readers are invited deep into both Sarah’s fear and Alexander’s internal struggle, making their emotional evolution feel intimate and raw. The protector alpha dynamic is present, but Presley ensures that Sarah is not merely a damsel—she is a woman wrestling with trauma, faith, and self-worth. The romance unfolds not as a fairy tale rescue, but as a messy, sometimes uncomfortable process of two broken people learning to reach for one another.
Thematically, the book explores forgiveness—of others and oneself—alongside desire, power, and healing. The darker elements are handled with intensity, and the trigger warnings are warranted. Readers should be prepared for depictions of abuse and emotionally heavy subject matter. However, within that darkness lies a story about survival and the courage it takes to choose love when trust feels impossible.
As the first in a trilogy, Will You Reach For Me sets the stage for a sweeping emotional journey. Presley leaves readers not only invested in Sarah and Alexander’s fate, but also questioning what it truly means to stand firm in faith and morals when the heart demands something more.
For fans of light dark romance, dual POV storytelling, and emotionally complex alpha heroes paired with vulnerable yet resilient heroines, this novel offers a compelling and intense start to what promises to be a powerful series.
The story follows Sarah Johnson, a fledgling therapist who appears to have curated the perfect life: a cozy home, a promising private practice, a loving boyfriend, and a baby on the way. But Presley wastes no time unraveling that illusion. When Sarah’s boyfriend rejects fatherhood and reveals a violent, abusive side, her carefully built world collapses into fear, silence, and survival. As a therapist tasked with guiding others through their pain, Sarah’s internal conflict becomes especially poignant—how do you help others hold themselves together when you’re barely surviving yourself?
Enter Alexander Richardson, a world-renowned psychiatrist with stadium-filling influence and a reputation for brilliance—and emotional detachment. Haunted by his past and rigid in his moral code, Alexander has walled himself off from intimacy. His disciplined restraint and self-imposed isolation create a stark contrast to Sarah’s vulnerability. Their first encounter is charged, not just with tension, but with emotional complexity. Presley leans fully into the enemies-to-lovers trope, allowing sparks to fly amid sharp dialogue, wounded pride, and undeniable attraction.
What sets this novel apart is its dual first-person POV. Readers are invited deep into both Sarah’s fear and Alexander’s internal struggle, making their emotional evolution feel intimate and raw. The protector alpha dynamic is present, but Presley ensures that Sarah is not merely a damsel—she is a woman wrestling with trauma, faith, and self-worth. The romance unfolds not as a fairy tale rescue, but as a messy, sometimes uncomfortable process of two broken people learning to reach for one another.
Thematically, the book explores forgiveness—of others and oneself—alongside desire, power, and healing. The darker elements are handled with intensity, and the trigger warnings are warranted. Readers should be prepared for depictions of abuse and emotionally heavy subject matter. However, within that darkness lies a story about survival and the courage it takes to choose love when trust feels impossible.
As the first in a trilogy, Will You Reach For Me sets the stage for a sweeping emotional journey. Presley leaves readers not only invested in Sarah and Alexander’s fate, but also questioning what it truly means to stand firm in faith and morals when the heart demands something more.
For fans of light dark romance, dual POV storytelling, and emotionally complex alpha heroes paired with vulnerable yet resilient heroines, this novel offers a compelling and intense start to what promises to be a powerful series.
March 14, 2026
★★★★★
I honestly don’t even know where to begin with Will You Reach For Me by S.K. Presley because this story spoke to me in ways I didn’t even realize I needed. This book pulled so many emotions out of me, and by the time I finished it, I just sat there for a minute trying to process everything I felt.
First, please make sure to check the trigger warnings before going in. Some of the themes are heavy and difficult. But through all of that darkness, this ended up being one of the most romantic, tender, patient, and deeply emotional love stories I’ve ever read. The way the relationship between Alex and Sarah develops felt so real and so full of care, healing, and understanding. It wasn’t rushed or flashy—it was gentle, protective, and deeply meaningful.
Sarah’s journey absolutely broke my heart at times. Watching her try to hold her life together while everything around her falls apart made me want to reach through the pages and hug her. And Alex… wow. Beneath his guarded, emotionally closed-off exterior is a man with so much depth, compassion, and quiet strength. The way he shows up for Sarah had me completely invested in their story.
I’ll be honest—I almost didn’t give this five stars because the ending wasn’t what I hoped for in that moment. I wanted something different so badly. But then I discovered that Alex and Sarah’s story continues for two more books… and suddenly I was giggling, kicking my feet, and tearing up all at the same time 🥹 That realization completely changed everything for me because their story clearly isn’t finished yet.
This is my first book by S.K. Presley, and I can confidently say I’m a true fan of her writing now. Her storytelling feels personal, touching, and emotionally immersive in a way that makes you feel every moment right alongside the characters. It left me wanting to read so much more from her.
If you love stories that explore trauma, healing, forgiveness, and the kind of deep love that grows slowly and patiently through the hardest moments, this book will absolutely stay with you. And I cannot wait to continue Alex and Sarah’s journey. 💔❤️
I honestly don’t even know where to begin with Will You Reach For Me by S.K. Presley because this story spoke to me in ways I didn’t even realize I needed. This book pulled so many emotions out of me, and by the time I finished it, I just sat there for a minute trying to process everything I felt.
First, please make sure to check the trigger warnings before going in. Some of the themes are heavy and difficult. But through all of that darkness, this ended up being one of the most romantic, tender, patient, and deeply emotional love stories I’ve ever read. The way the relationship between Alex and Sarah develops felt so real and so full of care, healing, and understanding. It wasn’t rushed or flashy—it was gentle, protective, and deeply meaningful.
Sarah’s journey absolutely broke my heart at times. Watching her try to hold her life together while everything around her falls apart made me want to reach through the pages and hug her. And Alex… wow. Beneath his guarded, emotionally closed-off exterior is a man with so much depth, compassion, and quiet strength. The way he shows up for Sarah had me completely invested in their story.
I’ll be honest—I almost didn’t give this five stars because the ending wasn’t what I hoped for in that moment. I wanted something different so badly. But then I discovered that Alex and Sarah’s story continues for two more books… and suddenly I was giggling, kicking my feet, and tearing up all at the same time 🥹 That realization completely changed everything for me because their story clearly isn’t finished yet.
This is my first book by S.K. Presley, and I can confidently say I’m a true fan of her writing now. Her storytelling feels personal, touching, and emotionally immersive in a way that makes you feel every moment right alongside the characters. It left me wanting to read so much more from her.
If you love stories that explore trauma, healing, forgiveness, and the kind of deep love that grows slowly and patiently through the hardest moments, this book will absolutely stay with you. And I cannot wait to continue Alex and Sarah’s journey. 💔❤️
January 30, 2026
This was one of the most emotionally impactful stories I’ve read in a long time.
I honestly don’t even know where to start because this story hit me so deeply. The way that it lingers with me even after I finished it, is incredible.
I truly believe this book could be healing for people who have experienced trauma like this. Offering the reminder that even after everything, there can still be hope. That love can exist again and that softness can return.
Without giving too much away, we meet Sarah who has been completely isolated, abused and worn down by someone who was supposed to love and protect her. Someone who is supposed to be her safe space. She’s trying to just get through each day as a strong woman but she feels so alone and constantly scarred.
And there’s Alexander, who’s been through his own pain and has basically shut himself off emotionally for years. Who believes he is broken and incapable of ever being able to love again. Then they meet under the most unlikely of circumstances and the at the worst possible time.
Their connection is slow, complicated, and incredibly human.
What stood out to me most was the pacing. This is a true slow burn. Not built on instant romance, but on trust, protection, and the quiet moments of rebuilding. Watching these characters navigate healing felt authentic, and the tenderness between them left a lasting impression on me.
At its core, this book is a beautiful, heartbreaking, and ultimately an unfiltered exploration of trauma, survival, and what it means to find safety again after experiencing emotional abuse and violence. The author handles these heavy themes with so much care and such raw honesty.
This book doesn’t rush love. It treats it as something earned, something safe, and something worth healing for.
I cannot wait for the next book and will absolutely be continuing this series.
Please check trigger warnings before reading…
I honestly don’t even know where to start because this story hit me so deeply. The way that it lingers with me even after I finished it, is incredible.
I truly believe this book could be healing for people who have experienced trauma like this. Offering the reminder that even after everything, there can still be hope. That love can exist again and that softness can return.
Without giving too much away, we meet Sarah who has been completely isolated, abused and worn down by someone who was supposed to love and protect her. Someone who is supposed to be her safe space. She’s trying to just get through each day as a strong woman but she feels so alone and constantly scarred.
And there’s Alexander, who’s been through his own pain and has basically shut himself off emotionally for years. Who believes he is broken and incapable of ever being able to love again. Then they meet under the most unlikely of circumstances and the at the worst possible time.
Their connection is slow, complicated, and incredibly human.
What stood out to me most was the pacing. This is a true slow burn. Not built on instant romance, but on trust, protection, and the quiet moments of rebuilding. Watching these characters navigate healing felt authentic, and the tenderness between them left a lasting impression on me.
At its core, this book is a beautiful, heartbreaking, and ultimately an unfiltered exploration of trauma, survival, and what it means to find safety again after experiencing emotional abuse and violence. The author handles these heavy themes with so much care and such raw honesty.
This book doesn’t rush love. It treats it as something earned, something safe, and something worth healing for.
I cannot wait for the next book and will absolutely be continuing this series.
Please check trigger warnings before reading…
Review of advance copy received from Author
Will You Reach For Me by S.K. Presley is an emotional, intense, and deeply compelling romance that refuses to shy away from the darker realities of life while still delivering a powerful story about healing, love, and resilience.
From the very first pages, Sarah Johnson’s story grips your heart. Watching her seemingly perfect life crumble into fear and isolation is heartbreaking, and Presley portrays her struggle with raw honesty and sensitivity. Sarah is a heroine who feels incredibly real—vulnerable yet strong in ways she doesn’t even realize at first. Her journey from surviving to slowly reclaiming her strength is both painful and inspiring.
Then there’s Alexander Richardson—complex, guarded, and utterly fascinating. Beneath his reputation as a cold, world-renowned psychiatrist lies a man shaped by his own scars and insecurities. Alexander’s internal battle between his morals, his faith, and his growing feelings for Sarah adds so much depth to his character. The tension between them is electric, and their connection builds in a way that feels both intense and emotionally authentic.
What makes this book stand out is how boldly it explores trauma, forgiveness, and the messy process of healing. The dual POV allows readers to fully experience both characters’ struggles, fears, and desires, making their developing relationship even more powerful. Presley masterfully balances darker themes with moments of hope, tenderness, and undeniable chemistry.
The enemies-to-lovers dynamic, protective alpha energy, and forced proximity create a captivating romance that keeps you turning pages late into the night. Add in the emotional depth, layered characters, and powerful themes, and this story becomes far more than just a romance—it’s a journey of survival, trust, and learning to love again.
As the first book in a three-part series, Will You Reach For Me sets the stage beautifully and leaves readers eager to see what happens next.
From the very first pages, Sarah Johnson’s story grips your heart. Watching her seemingly perfect life crumble into fear and isolation is heartbreaking, and Presley portrays her struggle with raw honesty and sensitivity. Sarah is a heroine who feels incredibly real—vulnerable yet strong in ways she doesn’t even realize at first. Her journey from surviving to slowly reclaiming her strength is both painful and inspiring.
Then there’s Alexander Richardson—complex, guarded, and utterly fascinating. Beneath his reputation as a cold, world-renowned psychiatrist lies a man shaped by his own scars and insecurities. Alexander’s internal battle between his morals, his faith, and his growing feelings for Sarah adds so much depth to his character. The tension between them is electric, and their connection builds in a way that feels both intense and emotionally authentic.
What makes this book stand out is how boldly it explores trauma, forgiveness, and the messy process of healing. The dual POV allows readers to fully experience both characters’ struggles, fears, and desires, making their developing relationship even more powerful. Presley masterfully balances darker themes with moments of hope, tenderness, and undeniable chemistry.
The enemies-to-lovers dynamic, protective alpha energy, and forced proximity create a captivating romance that keeps you turning pages late into the night. Add in the emotional depth, layered characters, and powerful themes, and this story becomes far more than just a romance—it’s a journey of survival, trust, and learning to love again.
As the first book in a three-part series, Will You Reach For Me sets the stage beautifully and leaves readers eager to see what happens next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If I could give this book more than five stars, I absolutely would. Will You Reach For Me by S.K. Presley completely captured my heart from beginning to end, and I truly could not put it down.
The care and time S.K. Presley put into developing these characters, their backstories, their pain, their growth, is nothing short of incredible. Every character feels undeniably real and raw.
What stood out to me most was the beautiful way this book explores grief, trauma, and healing. It doesn’t pretend the past disappears or that pain can simply be erased. Instead, it shows the very real journey of learning how to live with what you’ve been through while still allowing yourself to love, to hope, and to move forward. Watching these characters help each other find their light again without ever denying the darkness they’ve faced was absolutely breathtaking.
This story felt raw, honest, and full of heart in a way that will stay with you long after you finish the last page. It’s one of those books that reminds you why real stories matter and that while healing is never going to be a linear or clean and easy process there is beauty in the journey and we never have to go through it alone.
Truly beautiful, deeply emotional, and unforgettable. I can’t say enough about this book and just how truly amazing it is. Thank you S.K. for this deeply beautiful story. I can’t wait to dive back into Alex and Sarah’s world.
As alway please make sure to read the trigger warnings, your mental health matters.
The care and time S.K. Presley put into developing these characters, their backstories, their pain, their growth, is nothing short of incredible. Every character feels undeniably real and raw.
What stood out to me most was the beautiful way this book explores grief, trauma, and healing. It doesn’t pretend the past disappears or that pain can simply be erased. Instead, it shows the very real journey of learning how to live with what you’ve been through while still allowing yourself to love, to hope, and to move forward. Watching these characters help each other find their light again without ever denying the darkness they’ve faced was absolutely breathtaking.
This story felt raw, honest, and full of heart in a way that will stay with you long after you finish the last page. It’s one of those books that reminds you why real stories matter and that while healing is never going to be a linear or clean and easy process there is beauty in the journey and we never have to go through it alone.
Truly beautiful, deeply emotional, and unforgettable. I can’t say enough about this book and just how truly amazing it is. Thank you S.K. for this deeply beautiful story. I can’t wait to dive back into Alex and Sarah’s world.
As alway please make sure to read the trigger warnings, your mental health matters.
Review of advance copy received from Author
S. K. Presley… you did NOT have to emotionally ruin me like this.
I genuinely wish I could read this again for the first time because nothing could’ve prepared me for the absolute rollercoaster this book put me on. This is a gut-wrenching, beautifully written story about world-renowned psychiatrist Dr. Alexander Richardson and bleeding-heart therapist Sarah Johnson—and when I say I felt everything… I mean EVERYTHING.
Going in, I expected a faster jump into the action (especially compared to S. K.’s previous books), but this one? Oh, this one simmers. The tension builds so slowly and so perfectly that when it hits, it’s STEAMING. Like… delicious, can’t-look-away, why-am-I-like-this kind of tension.
Dr. Alexander Richardson??? Sir. He is such a layered, dynamic character and honestly one of the most realistic MMCs I’ve read in a while. Yes, he can be cold. Yes, he can be distant. But the way he shows up??? The quiet, understated gentleman energy??? I was unwell.
And Sarah… her story wrecked me. I was crying, laughing, panicking, and fully spiraling right along with her. You don’t really think about what a therapist’s life actually looks like until you’re thrown into it like this—and I swear I was living both her nightmare and her dream at the same time.
This book didn’t just make me feel something—it made me feel EVERYTHING all at once, and I’m still not okay about it.
Do yourself a favor: grab tissues, make your favorite cup of tea, and clear your schedule… because once you start, you’re not putting this down.
I am already COUNTING DOWN for the next book.
I genuinely wish I could read this again for the first time because nothing could’ve prepared me for the absolute rollercoaster this book put me on. This is a gut-wrenching, beautifully written story about world-renowned psychiatrist Dr. Alexander Richardson and bleeding-heart therapist Sarah Johnson—and when I say I felt everything… I mean EVERYTHING.
Going in, I expected a faster jump into the action (especially compared to S. K.’s previous books), but this one? Oh, this one simmers. The tension builds so slowly and so perfectly that when it hits, it’s STEAMING. Like… delicious, can’t-look-away, why-am-I-like-this kind of tension.
Dr. Alexander Richardson??? Sir. He is such a layered, dynamic character and honestly one of the most realistic MMCs I’ve read in a while. Yes, he can be cold. Yes, he can be distant. But the way he shows up??? The quiet, understated gentleman energy??? I was unwell.
And Sarah… her story wrecked me. I was crying, laughing, panicking, and fully spiraling right along with her. You don’t really think about what a therapist’s life actually looks like until you’re thrown into it like this—and I swear I was living both her nightmare and her dream at the same time.
This book didn’t just make me feel something—it made me feel EVERYTHING all at once, and I’m still not okay about it.
Do yourself a favor: grab tissues, make your favorite cup of tea, and clear your schedule… because once you start, you’re not putting this down.
I am already COUNTING DOWN for the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4⭐️ | 2🌶️
⁀➷ 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆
Big thanks to the author for blessing me with a copy of this novel early. After reading In You earlier this month, I knew I had to read more from Sarah. Especially after I found out Alexander was getting his own series. 👏🏻 Although this novel was LEAPS AND BOUNDS different than In You (not nearly as dark, and very little spice)
This was an emotional enemies to friends to lovers story. I loved witnessing the self-discovery/self-love journey both Sarah + Alex go through, as well as them finding love. I felt as if the author did an amazing job highlighting the mental health issues that men sometimes face, and delivering us a strong, yet damaged MMC.
Was this perfect? No novel really is. At times it read a bit wordy and I felt like it was a little heavy on the “instalove” side, at least for our MMC. Neither of those issues deterred me from finishing. The only issue I personally had was that I had questions about their enemies to lovers story. Like, why were they such strong enemies to begin with??
Either way, a solid little love story. I will continue supporting this author.
⁀➷ 🆀🆄🅾🆃🅴🆂
ι kᥒ᥆ᥕ ᥕιth᥆ᥙt ᥲ shᥲd᥆ᥕ ᥆f ᥲ d᥆ᥙbt thᥲt thιs ᥕ᥆mᥲᥒ hᥲs mᥱᥣtᥱd mᥱ ᥴ᥆mpᥣᥱtᥱᥣy.
ᥲs ᥣ᥆ᥒg ᥲs ι hᥲ᥎ᥱ hᥱr, ι d᥆ᥒ't ᥱ᥎ᥱr hᥲ᥎ᥱ t᥆ ᥕ᥆rry ᥲb᥆ᥙt bᥱιᥒg ᥴ᥆ᥣd ᥲgᥲιᥒ.
ιt d᥆ᥱsᥒ't mᥲttᥱr ιf ι'm ᥴ᥆ᥣd…shᥱ's ᥕᥲrm ᥱᥒ᥆ᥙgh f᥆r thᥱ b᥆th ᥆f ᥙs.
⁀➷ 🆃🆁🅾🅿🅴🆂
• Trauma & Healing
• One Bed
• They Fall Together
• Enemies To Lovers
• Protective MMC
✦❘༻༺❘✦
⁀➷ 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆
Big thanks to the author for blessing me with a copy of this novel early. After reading In You earlier this month, I knew I had to read more from Sarah. Especially after I found out Alexander was getting his own series. 👏🏻 Although this novel was LEAPS AND BOUNDS different than In You (not nearly as dark, and very little spice)
This was an emotional enemies to friends to lovers story. I loved witnessing the self-discovery/self-love journey both Sarah + Alex go through, as well as them finding love. I felt as if the author did an amazing job highlighting the mental health issues that men sometimes face, and delivering us a strong, yet damaged MMC.
Was this perfect? No novel really is. At times it read a bit wordy and I felt like it was a little heavy on the “instalove” side, at least for our MMC. Neither of those issues deterred me from finishing. The only issue I personally had was that I had questions about their enemies to lovers story. Like, why were they such strong enemies to begin with??
Either way, a solid little love story. I will continue supporting this author.
⁀➷ 🆀🆄🅾🆃🅴🆂
ι kᥒ᥆ᥕ ᥕιth᥆ᥙt ᥲ shᥲd᥆ᥕ ᥆f ᥲ d᥆ᥙbt thᥲt thιs ᥕ᥆mᥲᥒ hᥲs mᥱᥣtᥱd mᥱ ᥴ᥆mpᥣᥱtᥱᥣy.
ᥲs ᥣ᥆ᥒg ᥲs ι hᥲ᥎ᥱ hᥱr, ι d᥆ᥒ't ᥱ᥎ᥱr hᥲ᥎ᥱ t᥆ ᥕ᥆rry ᥲb᥆ᥙt bᥱιᥒg ᥴ᥆ᥣd ᥲgᥲιᥒ.
ιt d᥆ᥱsᥒ't mᥲttᥱr ιf ι'm ᥴ᥆ᥣd…shᥱ's ᥕᥲrm ᥱᥒ᥆ᥙgh f᥆r thᥱ b᥆th ᥆f ᥙs.
⁀➷ 🆃🆁🅾🅿🅴🆂
• Trauma & Healing
• One Bed
• They Fall Together
• Enemies To Lovers
• Protective MMC
✦❘༻༺❘✦
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book ripped my heart out, mended it, then tore it out all over again...
if you have ever witnessed domestic violence or experienced it yourself, this book may have the same effect on you!
I already knew S.K. Presley was one of my favorite author finds of 2025, but now she has delivered what is guaranteed to be in my top ten books of 2026. This book is an incredible look inside the cycle of abuse and healing and what that looks like as a mental health professional experiencing the abuse themselves. This book is clearly written by someone in the field with extensive experience in mental health conditions, and this experience provides a depth of understanding and clarity about the issues central to this story.
I cannot recommend this book enough! The author tended to the FMCs heart in such a delicate and thorough way, and the MMC's depth and compassion throughout the story's arc was absolute perfection. I have never witnessed a story centered around abuse and recovery handled in such an empathetic and tender way, and these characters will live in my heart forever. I am certain this will go on my reread pile, and I can't wait for their story to continue in the next book!
if you have ever witnessed domestic violence or experienced it yourself, this book may have the same effect on you!
I already knew S.K. Presley was one of my favorite author finds of 2025, but now she has delivered what is guaranteed to be in my top ten books of 2026. This book is an incredible look inside the cycle of abuse and healing and what that looks like as a mental health professional experiencing the abuse themselves. This book is clearly written by someone in the field with extensive experience in mental health conditions, and this experience provides a depth of understanding and clarity about the issues central to this story.
I cannot recommend this book enough! The author tended to the FMCs heart in such a delicate and thorough way, and the MMC's depth and compassion throughout the story's arc was absolute perfection. I have never witnessed a story centered around abuse and recovery handled in such an empathetic and tender way, and these characters will live in my heart forever. I am certain this will go on my reread pile, and I can't wait for their story to continue in the next book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a beautiful story. I am forever grateful I was one of the lucky ARC readers who got to read about Sarah and Alexander and their love before it was published.
This is a book about something far to many of us women had to experience.. are still experiencing every day.. abuse from our partners. Gaslighting into believing we are not good enough, it is our fault things are the way they are and there is nowhere for us to go.
This is also Sarah‘s story. She should be on cloud 9.. she deserves to be. A beautiful partner, her practice is seeing more patients than she can find time for, and she is pregnant with her first child. But nothing could be further true from that.
And of all the people, Alexander, the colleague that looks down on her since years, almost to the point of despising her, might be the one fate puts to her side when she is at her lowest. What comes next is beautiful and worth every second of your time reading. So go.. run.. pre-save your copy on Amazon.
„For those of us who have had to endure way too much, give up on our dreams, and relinquish our hope… in silence… invisible… …broken… We are not. You are not. I am not. We bend, but we do not break.“
This is a book about something far to many of us women had to experience.. are still experiencing every day.. abuse from our partners. Gaslighting into believing we are not good enough, it is our fault things are the way they are and there is nowhere for us to go.
This is also Sarah‘s story. She should be on cloud 9.. she deserves to be. A beautiful partner, her practice is seeing more patients than she can find time for, and she is pregnant with her first child. But nothing could be further true from that.
And of all the people, Alexander, the colleague that looks down on her since years, almost to the point of despising her, might be the one fate puts to her side when she is at her lowest. What comes next is beautiful and worth every second of your time reading. So go.. run.. pre-save your copy on Amazon.
„For those of us who have had to endure way too much, give up on our dreams, and relinquish our hope… in silence… invisible… …broken… We are not. You are not. I am not. We bend, but we do not break.“
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
Emotional, Exciting, and Entanglement!
This book has everything you need for your next extra Slow Burn book.
You follow the story of Sarah and Alexander. You get to read each characters POV. Which I do enjoy being able to read both sides of the story. As you can tell from my previous reviews, I don’t like to give away a lot of details because I believe it takes away from the story.
This one definitely got its claws into me and I cannot wait to read more. I will be recommending it as much as I can.
❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥 - Plot. Exciting and interesting plot work. The author took the time and attention to give you a well written and informative narrative.
❤️🔥❤️🔥 - Characters. I am in love with each character in this book. Even the friends, family, ex and parents. It gives a very specific vibe to it. Emotional is what I can say about these characters. This sets it apart from other romance books imo.
❤️🔥 - Spice. This book isn’t about the “spicy” scenes but the slow burn and intensity of the intimacy. Definite entanglement for sure!
This book has everything you need for your next extra Slow Burn book.
You follow the story of Sarah and Alexander. You get to read each characters POV. Which I do enjoy being able to read both sides of the story. As you can tell from my previous reviews, I don’t like to give away a lot of details because I believe it takes away from the story.
This one definitely got its claws into me and I cannot wait to read more. I will be recommending it as much as I can.
❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥 - Plot. Exciting and interesting plot work. The author took the time and attention to give you a well written and informative narrative.
❤️🔥❤️🔥 - Characters. I am in love with each character in this book. Even the friends, family, ex and parents. It gives a very specific vibe to it. Emotional is what I can say about these characters. This sets it apart from other romance books imo.
❤️🔥 - Spice. This book isn’t about the “spicy” scenes but the slow burn and intensity of the intimacy. Definite entanglement for sure!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This slow burn is utterly exquisite. It is the kind that scorches rather than gently simmers, where every lingering glance, every near touch, every charged pause wraps tighter around your heart until the ache feels almost sacred. The payoff doesn’t just unfold; it detonates, powerful and deeply earned. The characters are masterfully written and profoundly human, flawed and fragile in ways that feel real. You can feel the intention behind every choice, every reaction, every quiet moment, and that devotion pulls emotion from you before you even realize you’re coming undone. Just when the weight of it all threatens to overwhelm, the story slips in perfectly placed humor that lets you laugh through the ache. This isn’t a surface-level romance and it plunges boldly into longing, vulnerability, and tension with breathtaking force, leaving its mark long after the final page is turned.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have read so many of this authors books and this is most certainly my new favorite. The type of romance and connection that Sarah and Alexander have is unparalleled. Every chapter, every word is filled with emotion and detail so powerful, it’s as if the story has taken residence in your bones. I was on the edge of my emotional sanity the entire book with how investing the story and the development of their romance was. I was so lucky to receive this ARC and I am foaming at the mouth for book 2 and 3. The healing this couple has given each other is so special and I’m so excited to see how their story develops. S.K. Presley is a master at what they write and every word they write is a gift. This story is a fantastic recount of what it is to be loved by someone the way you deserve and to give that love in return after facing such hopelessness.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I don’t think a contemporary romance has ever hit me this good. I was sucked in from the beginning and never wanted it to stop. Thankfully, this is book one of a trilogy!
This is a story of two MC‘s who go through different types of abuse.; The MMC goes through emotional and verbal abuse as well as neglect and the FMC goes through DV. What I love most about this love story is that they didn’t instantly heal just because they fell in love. That’s not reality and too many books portray that. Instead, this is a book about learning each other’s trauma. A book about respect, understanding, traumatic triggers, providing a safe space in so much more.
Another thing I absolutely adore about this book is the inclusivity; race, sexual preference, body shape. And not just portraying these things but portraying the love of these things.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.75 stars
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to advance read this story.
For me this was slow but sensual. I was occasionally side tracked but my own distrust of the MMC, because no man can be this patient and determined in his pursuit of a woman.
The desire to feel love combined with the need to be seen is a strong component in what develops between two people trying to heal from their own past trauma. He unexpectantly becomes thrown into feeling the need to protect her which makes his instant attraction to her even more potent. She is struggling to recover from abuse and loss, but also a sort of shame that she is developing feelings for him.
This is an emotional journey that doesn't rely on physical intimacy or dramatic twists. A character driven story that is introspective and bittersweet in the end.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to advance read this story.
For me this was slow but sensual. I was occasionally side tracked but my own distrust of the MMC, because no man can be this patient and determined in his pursuit of a woman.
The desire to feel love combined with the need to be seen is a strong component in what develops between two people trying to heal from their own past trauma. He unexpectantly becomes thrown into feeling the need to protect her which makes his instant attraction to her even more potent. She is struggling to recover from abuse and loss, but also a sort of shame that she is developing feelings for him.
This is an emotional journey that doesn't rely on physical intimacy or dramatic twists. A character driven story that is introspective and bittersweet in the end.
Review of advance copy received from Author
this book is absolutely phenomenal 3 years ago when I did a sensitivity read I never imagined it getting any better but this absolutely amazing author has surprised me yet again because you can feel what the characters are feeling when you read this book it has made me cry multiple times but the story is just amazing the trials and tribulations that Sarah goes through is astonishing and heartbreaking but she doesn't give up and with Alexander by her side it just makes everything that much more special I love this book I would highly recommend you check your trigger warnings before you pick this book up your mental health matters but just know that this is one of my favorite books and I will continue to read this over and over again
March 13, 2026
Where do I even start with this??
It's such a beautiful, tender, heart-wrenching slow burn. Even more, it's coming from a place of hurt, devastation, and re-building with 2 individuals who crave the same outcome - love.. respect... understanding..to be SEEN. I adore how this author writes and captivates the reader immediately from the beginning to the quiet, subtle, important moments that desire is created from. I find myself feeling desperate for Sarah to let herself be loved but S.K really outdoes herself with the realistic approach to the risks of trauma bonding, healing, and finding a safe, PATIENT person. I don't want to say anything else but to those who desire someone with restraint and patience… this book will make your heart and soul ache in the best of ways.
It's such a beautiful, tender, heart-wrenching slow burn. Even more, it's coming from a place of hurt, devastation, and re-building with 2 individuals who crave the same outcome - love.. respect... understanding..to be SEEN. I adore how this author writes and captivates the reader immediately from the beginning to the quiet, subtle, important moments that desire is created from. I find myself feeling desperate for Sarah to let herself be loved but S.K really outdoes herself with the realistic approach to the risks of trauma bonding, healing, and finding a safe, PATIENT person. I don't want to say anything else but to those who desire someone with restraint and patience… this book will make your heart and soul ache in the best of ways.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really have enjoyed this author’s books, but the connection was lost for me in this one. It starts out 20% of the book detailing the FMC abuse (and I typically don’t have “trigger warning”) and it wasn’t that the trauma and abuse triggered me at all. It was that it felt uncomfortable and continual (for me). It was just hard to read.
This was also a slow burn. Both characters have endured trauma in the past and present by their SOs (ex or current partner) and when they finally met it felt like so many mixed signals. It was a bit confusing how I should feel about them.
I can’t quite put my finger on it. But this book didn’t give me the yearning and need I was hoping for.
I do think it’s worth reading if you like romance with some heavier topics and a slow burn.
This was also a slow burn. Both characters have endured trauma in the past and present by their SOs (ex or current partner) and when they finally met it felt like so many mixed signals. It was a bit confusing how I should feel about them.
I can’t quite put my finger on it. But this book didn’t give me the yearning and need I was hoping for.
I do think it’s worth reading if you like romance with some heavier topics and a slow burn.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you so much for letting me be part of the ARCs for this!
I usually don’t enjoy a slow burn, but this… THIS was done so beautifully. Alexander and Sarah both come from difficult past relationships, and they’re determined not to rush into anything. A tale of stolen glances and hand holding, while they burn internally with lust for each other!
Alexander was the ultimate green flag. He sets his boundaries and sticks to them, and he fully respects Sarah’s as well. I won’t say too much because I don’t want to spoil anything, but this story honestly mended my black soul.
I’m clearly a sucker for a good boy 😭
Splendid job, SK! I haven’t been able to put it down all evening.
I usually don’t enjoy a slow burn, but this… THIS was done so beautifully. Alexander and Sarah both come from difficult past relationships, and they’re determined not to rush into anything. A tale of stolen glances and hand holding, while they burn internally with lust for each other!
Alexander was the ultimate green flag. He sets his boundaries and sticks to them, and he fully respects Sarah’s as well. I won’t say too much because I don’t want to spoil anything, but this story honestly mended my black soul.
I’m clearly a sucker for a good boy 😭
Splendid job, SK! I haven’t been able to put it down all evening.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Just finished my very first ARC and what a beautiful story it was, Sarah and Alex are two therapists that have a working relationship but have never meet. A tragic moment brings them together and starts a beautiful tale of friendship, yearning and healing. Sarah writes these two characters hauntingly troubled in different ways but characters just want to be loved and have searched for it in all the wrong places, this book is a slow burn which usually drives me crazy but I couldn’t picture the story any other way. I would definitely recommend this book especially to anyone wanting to go on an emotional journey.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have never read a book where I fell for both of the characters, until now.
The way I thought I was reading about myself when in reality it was Sarah, made me feel seen and known in ways I didn't know were possible.
I want and could say so much more but I'm not sure how to do that without spoilers, so I need you to just read it so you can feel every ounce of emotion, every single line was perfectly curated to create such a magnificent story.
S.K. , love, you my dear are a maestro and I'm just sitting in the audience watching every beautiful note play out, and there is nowhere else I'd rather be.
Thank you for this.
One. Four. Three.
xx
The way I thought I was reading about myself when in reality it was Sarah, made me feel seen and known in ways I didn't know were possible.
I want and could say so much more but I'm not sure how to do that without spoilers, so I need you to just read it so you can feel every ounce of emotion, every single line was perfectly curated to create such a magnificent story.
S.K. , love, you my dear are a maestro and I'm just sitting in the audience watching every beautiful note play out, and there is nowhere else I'd rather be.
Thank you for this.
One. Four. Three.
xx
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