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Levi He is a professional cuddler. He’s always been good with people and after a rough youth, he understands loneliness and pain. Or he thought he did until he knocked on Noelle Shaw’s door. He could never have prepared for meeting her—not for the storm in her eyes or the way she constantly surprises him.
Levi thought he was there to help her, but maybe he had it backward.
After a violent home invasion, Noelle wants nothing more than to find a way back to her idea of normal. She wants to be able to let people into her home again, but when she takes the leap and hires a complete stranger to help her, she can’t even bring herself to unlock the door.
Noelle was looking for normal when she stumbled onto something abnormally perfect.
This story contains—past trauma, past assault, past home invasion, recovery, hurt/comfort, profane language, explicit scenes, and an emphasis on consent.
Levi thought he was there to help her, but maybe he had it backward.
After a violent home invasion, Noelle wants nothing more than to find a way back to her idea of normal. She wants to be able to let people into her home again, but when she takes the leap and hires a complete stranger to help her, she can’t even bring herself to unlock the door.
Noelle was looking for normal when she stumbled onto something abnormally perfect.
This story contains—past trauma, past assault, past home invasion, recovery, hurt/comfort, profane language, explicit scenes, and an emphasis on consent.
- GenresRomance
175 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2022
About the author
Clover Down
8 books12 followersClover Down has stories in her heart.
She lives in a house with walls, in a place near trees.
Her favorite color is in someone else’s eyes and her favorite song is a drum solo inside their chest.
If she could have any job in the world, it would either be Space Pirate or Professional Romantic.
She has no education in romance other than falling in love. She is, in fact, no one in particular at all, but she does hope that you enjoy some of her stories.
She lives in a house with walls, in a place near trees.
Her favorite color is in someone else’s eyes and her favorite song is a drum solo inside their chest.
If she could have any job in the world, it would either be Space Pirate or Professional Romantic.
She has no education in romance other than falling in love. She is, in fact, no one in particular at all, but she does hope that you enjoy some of her stories.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 25, 2025
This story is about a woman who hires a professional cuddler to return to normalcy after a traumatic home invasion. Noelle and Levi’s appointments start off with little contact but eventually she becomes more comfortable and trusting of Levi. As they develop feelings for each other, they end their contract and become roommates and eventually partners.
I enjoyed this book but I went into it thinking I would love it more than I did. I really enjoyed Levi’s character. He was soft, gentle, and a really great guy who understands people. I liked how he had his own internal struggles and Noelle helped him just as much. They were each other’s safety which was cute but I didn’t believe their romantic connection. It never felt like they truly connected romantically even though they did in the end. I definitely liked the beginning of the book a lot more when they were in a working/client relationship. Their relationship felt more genuine at that point.
I would have liked more backstory on both of their lives to feel even more connected to them. It felt like Levi’s entire backstory was brushed over so you had to make a lot of assumptions about him. I also wanted so much more whump!!!! I was expecting a lot more angst and hurt/comfort so it did disappoint me a little. Nonetheless, this was a good book.
I enjoyed this book but I went into it thinking I would love it more than I did. I really enjoyed Levi’s character. He was soft, gentle, and a really great guy who understands people. I liked how he had his own internal struggles and Noelle helped him just as much. They were each other’s safety which was cute but I didn’t believe their romantic connection. It never felt like they truly connected romantically even though they did in the end. I definitely liked the beginning of the book a lot more when they were in a working/client relationship. Their relationship felt more genuine at that point.
I would have liked more backstory on both of their lives to feel even more connected to them. It felt like Levi’s entire backstory was brushed over so you had to make a lot of assumptions about him. I also wanted so much more whump!!!! I was expecting a lot more angst and hurt/comfort so it did disappoint me a little. Nonetheless, this was a good book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2024
This is a unique, tender romance novella that tackles healing, recovery and struggles with self worth without being overly heavy in tone. I would say the tone of this story is "hopeful" and "supportive."
The FMC hires the MMC, a professional cuddler, however, she cannot even open her door to allow him in during their first session. The MMC is very understanding , gentle and compassionate and the FMC is very determined, while also being understanding and compassionate to the MMC's difficult past. This story is about how their relationship grows into something more.
Spoilers: This book is not one with a grand "I love you" scene. Or any "I love you" scene actually. There's no grand gestures. No drama between the FMC and MMC. No major conflict between the FMC and MMC. There's some sexual scenes, but no sexual intercourse scenes. The MMC understands the FMC needs to go very slowly as far as physical intimacy goes and this is realistically portrayed. The MMC is bisexual, but this is not a plot point or a source of any issues with the couple. This book is about two people finding comfort, acceptance and belonging with each other in a tender, healthy way. They communicate well, for the most part. They struggle to define their relationship, but that is mainly due to the circumstances.
There is a period where they still live together but date other people, but the reasoning for this period is explained very well and you get the sense it is needed for the MMC to be able to accept their relationship. He needed the FMC to choose him after her being healed enough to go out on dates with other men. If that hadn't happened, you get the feeling he would always think he was holding her back.
Overall, this is a very touching story. It's warm, gentle and heartfelt. I am giving it 4 stars just because I would have liked for it to have been longer for the reader to be able to enjoy more milestones with the couple, such as saying "I love you" for the first time. The story does, however, feel complete, with both characters feeling like they have found "home" in each other.
The FMC hires the MMC, a professional cuddler, however, she cannot even open her door to allow him in during their first session. The MMC is very understanding , gentle and compassionate and the FMC is very determined, while also being understanding and compassionate to the MMC's difficult past. This story is about how their relationship grows into something more.
Spoilers: This book is not one with a grand "I love you" scene. Or any "I love you" scene actually. There's no grand gestures. No drama between the FMC and MMC. No major conflict between the FMC and MMC. There's some sexual scenes, but no sexual intercourse scenes. The MMC understands the FMC needs to go very slowly as far as physical intimacy goes and this is realistically portrayed. The MMC is bisexual, but this is not a plot point or a source of any issues with the couple. This book is about two people finding comfort, acceptance and belonging with each other in a tender, healthy way. They communicate well, for the most part. They struggle to define their relationship, but that is mainly due to the circumstances.
There is a period where they still live together but date other people, but the reasoning for this period is explained very well and you get the sense it is needed for the MMC to be able to accept their relationship. He needed the FMC to choose him after her being healed enough to go out on dates with other men. If that hadn't happened, you get the feeling he would always think he was holding her back.
Overall, this is a very touching story. It's warm, gentle and heartfelt. I am giving it 4 stars just because I would have liked for it to have been longer for the reader to be able to enjoy more milestones with the couple, such as saying "I love you" for the first time. The story does, however, feel complete, with both characters feeling like they have found "home" in each other.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2022
One of my favourite books that I've read in the last year, and one that I've kept coming back to.
A beautifully tender and gentle navigation of a path to healing and love between two characters dealing with their own baggage and demons, handled with a care and maturity that I've missed in this genre. The slow burning tension and the careful way the characters unravel each others secrets and fit into each other's lives feels natural, easy, even though their backgrounds and circumstances are so at odds with the other (at least at first glance).
But what I really loved was the amount of love and care packed into this little story - literally bursting from the pages. Noelle's family and friends - especially her sister and Emil - and the way they fight to protect her, even when that causes them to be odds with Noelle herself - and the way Levi works to understands this, and even when he's the subject of the attack.
Another story by this author that I'm definitely going to reread - and one I'm very happy to own!!
A beautifully tender and gentle navigation of a path to healing and love between two characters dealing with their own baggage and demons, handled with a care and maturity that I've missed in this genre. The slow burning tension and the careful way the characters unravel each others secrets and fit into each other's lives feels natural, easy, even though their backgrounds and circumstances are so at odds with the other (at least at first glance).
But what I really loved was the amount of love and care packed into this little story - literally bursting from the pages. Noelle's family and friends - especially her sister and Emil - and the way they fight to protect her, even when that causes them to be odds with Noelle herself - and the way Levi works to understands this, and even when he's the subject of the attack.
Another story by this author that I'm definitely going to reread - and one I'm very happy to own!!
April 27, 2025
What a beautiful and heartfelt story! From the outset, I was struck by how strong and resilient Noelle is despite (and maybe because of) her trauma. She's a lot more capable than her sister believes, in my opinion, and I'm glad she gets to show her that a little.
And Levi! What a man! He's the quintessential "looks like he could kill you, but is a cinnamon-roll" kind of character, but his story wasn't all sweetness and roses, and I think that's why he behaves the way he does. He wants to give the comfort to others that he himself never had growing up.
I loved how it all ended, things are looking up, but they're not perfect, not yet. Though I honestly could have read an entire novel's worth more of their lives together 😁 This is definitely going to be a multiple-read kind of book, and I'd love to get a physical copy someday so I can highlight my fave scenes/lines~
And Levi! What a man! He's the quintessential "looks like he could kill you, but is a cinnamon-roll" kind of character, but his story wasn't all sweetness and roses, and I think that's why he behaves the way he does. He wants to give the comfort to others that he himself never had growing up.
I loved how it all ended, things are looking up, but they're not perfect, not yet. Though I honestly could have read an entire novel's worth more of their lives together 😁 This is definitely going to be a multiple-read kind of book, and I'd love to get a physical copy someday so I can highlight my fave scenes/lines~
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2026
just was not a massive fan of the writing, also- did not like the MMC's perception of the sister. seemed so unrealistic someone would genuinely be okay with being treated like that by their lover's family member. whenever sister was incredibly rude to him, he just kept going in his head 'i have to remember where she is coming from'- that was way too kind to the sister, and people do not think like that when they are repeatedly disrespected
January 12, 2023
My favourite book by this author. Pulled me in immediately and had my heart aching for the characters. Was left craving more. Have already read this several times over and am definitely going to be rereading it many times more.
March 17, 2025
A beautiful story of healing and trust, great development of relationships not only between the main character and her love interest but also the people in her life. A slow burn story with lots of tension and care, this story despite being a novella has so much love packed into just a few pages.
Did Not Finish
November 20, 2024DNF @ 48%.
June 16, 2026
So much telling, not enough showing. Wasted potential.
July 7, 2026
Very sweet little novella! It ended too abruptly, I could have read a lot more of these characters.
September 2, 2023
I liked this because it wasn't riddled with misunderstandings and no communication between both parties.
The open communication and honesty between and about each other really made this an enjoyable read for me.
The open communication and honesty between and about each other really made this an enjoyable read for me.
April 20, 2026
My favourite part of this love story was the communication and support between Noelle and Levi. This is a very simple story, but the writing is so effective and I absolutely loved it.
I adored watching Noelle gain confidence, and her and Levi's romance blossom, whilst he always kept her recovery in mind.
This story is low angst, heart-warming, and the perfect example of consent and communication.
I adored watching Noelle gain confidence, and her and Levi's romance blossom, whilst he always kept her recovery in mind.
This story is low angst, heart-warming, and the perfect example of consent and communication.
March 12, 2022
So Tender
Super sweet, engaging, and just the vibe I was looking for. Even though the book was a quick read, it took the time to let me fall in love with the two main characters- to appreciate their strengths and weaknesses. I just really like relationships built on communication and mutual vulnerability, and this delivered.
Super sweet, engaging, and just the vibe I was looking for. Even though the book was a quick read, it took the time to let me fall in love with the two main characters- to appreciate their strengths and weaknesses. I just really like relationships built on communication and mutual vulnerability, and this delivered.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews