Love Sex & The Narcissist

by A.V. Pierce

Sophie is done with the mundane. After years in a demanding career, this courageous New Yorker in her mid-thirties is ready to embrace a new mantra: play hard. No more dull dates, boring sex, or settling for less. With fierce determination, she transforms herself into a confident, unapologetic woman who knows exactly what she wants—and isn’t afraid to go after it.

Soon she meets Adrian, a captivating twenty-eight-year-old who becomes obsessed with her, unlocking a world of passion and love she never knew existed—until she nearly loses herself in unexpected darkness.

***If you crave a story that blends edgy excitement, soul-searching, and bold self-exploration, this contemporary romantic novel is your next must-read. Buckle up for a daring adventure that promises to inspire your own journey of liberation!***

Please note: Contemporary romantic fiction about emotionally complex love (not formula romance).

Content warning: psychological manipulation & emotional abuse (no physical).

362 pages, Paperback

Published January 14, 2026

About the author

A.V. Pierce writes bold contemporary fiction about desire, reinvention, and the thin line between light and dark in human relationships.

Love Sex & The Narcissist is her debut novel.

Reviews

[Laura❄️📚 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher A.V. Pierce Press for providing this book for review purposes via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I wouldn’t describe this book as contemporary romance as I think it more closely falls into the category of psychological drama/thriller. While this book was extremely well written I struggled to get into this book and to finish it, I think that’s more to do with the subject matter rather than the authors writing as it made for uncomfortable reading in places. I think that’s because reading Sophie’s experiences was like looking into a mirror at times.

If you enjoy reading thrillers and psychological driven books I think you will enjoy reading this book, to get the best experience reading this book don’t approach it as a romance book.

[Amee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our narrator, Sophie has given her life to building her career in a widely male dominated field. After seeing an unfiltered image of herself in a mirror, looking all of her 37 years, she makes a vow to herself to change things up and stop just watching her personal life pass her by. I adored Sophie and the hard shell around her heart she’d built. It’s easy as a woman to understand why Sophie felt she needed to make herself smaller to get ahead in business, the plot more than plausible to real life situations. Her two partners in crime, Rani and Eliyah, made for some funny conversations and situations, both supportive and instigators to Sophie’s new sexier look the night she meets Adrian. Oh and our narcissist in honor, Adrian, is captivated by Sophie the minute he sees her. So much so he makes her an indecent proposal of his own. Honestly I wasn’t impressed with Adrian right out of the gate. He came off the wrong side of cocky for me, but I did come around eventually to liking him, then flip flopping several more times throughout the story. Adrian’s narcissistic tendencies were a page out of my ex’s playbook, as I’m sure many other women’s as well. He was written perfectly to draw Sophie in with love bombs, only to push her away once he’s drew her in. This is a slow read though the pacing doesn’t feel overly slowed one bit. Without giving anything away, I will say if you’re looking for a romantic HEA this isn’t for you. This felt realistic to a fault in all the best and worst ways because it brought up such deeply embedded memories. I definitely recommend as a gritty and realistic tale of a woman’s emotional growth.
Thanks to the author and NetGalley for this ARC, as always these opinions are my own.

[paula a · Rating 4 out of 5]

3’75/5

Thank you netgalley and publisher for this e-ARC!

This is not your traditional romance. This one is contemporary romance, more than a simple romance. In certain parts, it even felt horror to me.

I have spent the entire book rooting for Sophie, the main character, and honestly? I’m very happy. Certain parts were harder to read to me, I have screamed to my ebook more times than i can count, but i have enjoyed it thoroughly.

It touches some topics that can be triggering, so please take it into account and i’m happy to disclose them if you ask me!

If you like realistic romance, and can handle certain trigger warnings, this one is for you!

[swatreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love, Sex & the Narcissist is an intense and uncomfortable read in the best way. It shows how easily attraction and desire can blur judgment, especially when the person you fall for knows exactly how to charm, control, and confuse. What begins as excitement and passion slowly turns into emotional exhaustion, self-doubt, and loss of identity. The book captures the push-and-pull of a narcissistic relationship so realistically that it can feel unsettling at times. It isn’t a romantic story meant to make you swoon; it’s a cautionary tale about ignoring red flags and mistaking manipulation for love. Overall, it’s a powerful, eye-opening read that stays with you long after you finish, especially if you’ve ever questioned your own choices in love.

Trigger Warning:
This book contains themes of emotional abuse, manipulation, gaslighting, toxic relationships, and narcissistic behavior, which may be distressing for some readers.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this Arc in exchange for a review “all opinions are my own”

Where do I start?
I felt so uncomfortable reading this. The way that it explores an emotional abusive relationship was so real and raw. The book also feels like it is written in that way, it draws you in and pushes you away all the same time.

It shows how quickly these types of relationships progress and how easy it is to fall for someone like Adrian. As someone who has dealt with similar relationships previously I really appreciated how tastefully this was written without leaving anything out. It would be so easy to write a story like this as a caricature or to have it be so obvious that the mc knows straight away but that isn’t reality, the reality is you fall fast and quick they say and do the right things and you slowly turn in on yourself and question your own thoughts and feelings and this captures that perfectly.

The writing and prose was exquisite, I had to keep stopping when I was reading this because it made me think and question and reflect and only a top tier book with top tier writing is able to do that. This is a debut novel and I am astounded, I could feel the amount on emotion and time that went into writing this, I didn’t just feel connected to the story but I felt intertwined unit, even I was questioning the actual intent of the relationship.

If you are looking for a cosy hallmark romance book this is not it and it won’t give you want you want however if you want a romance book, that makes you reflect and causes you to think and evaluate the words you are reading this is it. It is more sensual and erotic than most romance books and that’s because the heart and emotion is stripped back to nothing it’s all on display and it goes to show that romance isn’t about sex it’s about the rawness of love and what we expect from relationships and communication and how easy it is to question yourself why all is laid bare.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE SEX & THE NARCISSIST
BY: A. V. PIERCE

This isn't my usual vibration, Ever. Don't let the cover fool you, though. Between these pages is some of the most excellent storytelling skills that I wasn't prepared for. There's great character development that sets up the narrative of a successful Main Female Character named Sophie who is very layered. If characters don't have layers I'm not very interested because there's no depth to them. They lack the kind of realism that delivers the complexities that are part of the human condition, which for me is important in whether you get a real blood and flesh, believable, people who interest me enough to how much they keep me invested in what I'm reading. By me using that old cliche doesn't reflect originality to my acumen or my writing prowess, but it's more important to me that I do this talented Author justice. I have thick enough skin to rather have my abilities judged, since this novel's cover doesn't begin to convey how gifted A.V. Pierce's powerful, storytelling which I can attest to admit that the cover had me hesitate, as well. I am so happy that I finally after much waffling that I went against my better judgement, and took the risk anyway. And I was rewarded with immediately being immersed and impressed at how capable this author's gifted erudite skillful impact in how I was affected by how quickly I was pulled into this narrative. My shock at how my instincts recognized five star worthy way above average writing is being potentially overlooked due to the superficial biases of human nature to naturally jump to conclusions by surface level first impressions by appearances visuals. Sadly, that's just how it is with most of us even though we know better especially since that attribute of who we are gets extinguished in adolescence. Lets face it we decorate our homes by aesthetically desired choices that suit us because of how certain tasteful individual pleasing visual color palettes induce calmness and comfort. I have read an impossible to quantify honestly an infinite number of reviews that have described how folks have said they were drawn to the book's cover, and that I can't remember how many of those same reviews, but my common sense dictates to my logic that the content was positive. I know that this review sounds too subjective to the point of annoyance to anyone kind enough to read this review so far. I have mostly positive feelings obviously to rate this the full five stars. I promise to get to why I am an advocate of promoting such an edgy title, but more significantly an edgy cover that I do highly recommend, and what else garnered my rating, and I do have mostly pros, but a single con that I know is a huge factor that contradicts my efforts to justify my rating. Perhaps, as I write how I felt while reading this my reasoning powers grow while writing my thinking is always more rational because just like keeping a journal, I for the most instances gain the same clarity that thoughts improve by expressing them from getting them on the page. I might downgrade this to 4.5 stars since I'm torn with mixed feelings about whether this aspect is fair since I'm not an Editor so for that reason I can't say whether I have a quibble about, and I am no prude. I thought there are graphic, and explicit sexual acts that I thought were too descriptive. I do have an older, MFA in Creative Writing, and overall that I wasn't affected to the point of it trumping feeling overwhelmed, but I can't say whether or not they are necessary because I know I wanted to disclose that one skeptical con in being sensitive for those reading this is a deal breaker that wasn't for me, but for others will be . Also, that personally, my opinion is that I could have gotten the point without the blow by blow details that my whole argument about the cover has just been dismantled which is sort of counter intuitive, but the point of the book is more important than a few bold scenes of erotic, lust which I think supports the thesis. As the book is not a Rom.Com it does get many things right, and it could help many readers by how it gets as good as it gets to educate the epidemic of narcissistic abuse which is a term I don't use lightly, but I am aware that it is overused, and the psychoanalyst in me hopes that anyone reading this learns that they aren't alone from experiencing a toxic relationship in the past or the present. The Author captures the spiraling that the Main Female Character gets involved eventually. What I like about this novel is pretty accurate in depicting how Sophie has done nothing but work hard for ten years, and she's strong and when she decides to not make work her main focus. She lives in NYC, and she has had bad relationships, but has decided she wants to find a healthy relationship. Unfortunately she meets the seemingly perfect man named Adrian who must be the narcissist, because the author successfully captures all of the traits that define Narcissistic Personality Disorder. First when they get together he's handsome and they move too quickly into falling in love and he does the usual love bombing. Why I think this book could help educate young women like her who is thirty-eight. She is successful and full of confidence. Adrian is her boyfriend who she meets and he;s too good to be true how I recognized the love bombing from him until he locks her down. I really think this could, and does happen to single women at any age. Then his behavior changes for the worst. She has good boundaries and breaks things off with him when she realizes some unhealthy behavior from him. I'll leave it up to the reader to discover how even the most confident women can get into a roller coaster relationship. Once she falls in love with him, he starts the negative traits. She leaves him, because she's full of great self esteem. Then he comes back and promises to meet her needs and so it goes. He makes her lower her guard again with the love bombing and she gives him another chance. I think that if anyone who reads this who doesn't know about how it is hard to end it since she leaves with resolute behavior not to see him again, but it hurts her and the amount of time she feels better. He comes back. It's so accurate how hard it is to extricate yourself as Sophie leaves, suffers, and he comes back into her life telling her how much he loves her, and how hard it is to resist that dynamic is portrayed so spot on. I loved Sophie who is strong and knows when to leave the relationship, but it is confident. He keeps coming back and promises her everything, and just like some women she tries to stand her ground and then the negative cycle begins. The storytelling of how things play out is gripping and unputdownable. If anyone reading this review decides to read this book to learn not to keep falling for Adrian's portrayal of how that looks like to keep giving in only for his abuse and how it can happen to anybody no matter how strong and confident and any reader that recognizes themselves please read this to extricate themselves and sees how it can wear down even the most healthy women because things only get worse. Don't fall for it, then my review that is way too long, but my time will be worth it if it helps you to avoid the guy and don't fall for it after the first sign. Trust your intuition if something feels off. The longer you stay the more difficult it is to resist the charm and charisma. It can erode your health each time you give this type of toxic man another chance no matter how tempting it is. Read the book and you'll understand why I recommend this to women who are dating. This is why I recommend this since I have a background in psychology, and I remember when I was single decades ago and have been met, and trustingly naive entered a relationship with somebody like this, and how I remember a brief encounter with thankfully I recovered, but I remember the heartbreak even though it was over three decades ago. I wish I had read a book like this because this Author has written a brilliant book that is informative for any woman who is single and trusting. It is intriguing how much of a page Turner this is and can save those who are dating to prepare you with how informative it is. Those who are happily married that are older in long term marriages like me even reinforced to me what could happen if something happened to my husband like a freak accident, or an illness that is terminal like cancer, and if I was suddenly a widow. After I grieved and found myself after a few years in mourning decided to look for a new companion this is a reminder of something that I already know. I still found this well worth my time. God forbid I don't jinx myself by even imagining what if? The author shows you what it looks like to keep believing things will get better that felt so real, but they seldom do with this type of man.. I stand by my convictions that the novel has five star worthy exquisite writing. Ditto for which were many reasons why I have gone to great lengths at defending the exponential amount of vastly of positive features that I loved about it. So I'll just give my humble opinion about one more observation, and then get on with the critiques of what you can expect if you aren't judging the cover to what the psychoanalyst in me has peeked itself revealing in how I chose to craft my thoughts about to how helpful this cautionary tale is a valuable resource this is for those who find themselves single, and dating. It could be a jungle out there. You might be intelligent, and successful, but trusting like Sophie. For even a happily married woman like me with two young adults
I loved this very well written all too realistic novel called, "LOVE SEX & THE NARCISSIST," rather the Psychoanalyst in me was impressed with how intelligent A. V. PIERCE, happens to be since even though I hardly ever read Contemporary Romance novels, the Author got so many things right. This is Literary Fiction, Women's Fiction, and Romance. I know there is plenty of Repetition, which I know better about holding an MFA in Creative Writing decades ago. I just want to reinforce that this has trigger warnings about Emotional Abuse, but no Physical Abuse that A. V. Pierce has written a flawless novel. This is an addictive reading experience that I wrote such a long review that I have said the same thing more than once even though it''s not that I don't know it makes me look like an inferior writer. I do know better since my intent is if it helps one person to recognize the pathological dynamics I will be okay with my review is meant to inform, and sometimes reading something a couple of times can help those who haven't dealt with a toxic relationship, and there are those who might be involved with someone like the Main Male Character, Adrian you will see that it can be heartbreaking to keep repeating these negative cycles. You will see how Sophie, the Main Female Character who is strong, confident, successful and independent, she was before she met Adrian, but maybe you know some one who you can recommend this to. You will witness how relatable Sophie is, since this Author's prose is intoxicating, and I applaud how raw and honest, but realistic it seems to be written with stunning Literary precision.

Publication Date: January 15,2026

Thank you to Net Galley, A. V. Pierce, and, A. V. Pierce Press for generously providing me with my SPECTACULAR ARC, in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own, as always.

#LoveSex&TheNarcissist #AVPierce AVPiercePress #NetGalley

[Kelly Pramberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, yes, and another yes to the power of this book. Pierce is onto something with this resource. I learned a lot about my relationship and how to move forward. I found the information helpful and well-written.

[Elisabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have very mixed feelings about this book. The title was intriguing but also a little off-putting. Still, after reading the description, I was curious enough that I had to pick it up. I have long been fascinated by stories and documentaries about high-control groups and cults. What intrigues me most is the thing that draws people in and causes them to ignore all the red flags waving right in front of their faces. I wanted to read Sophie’s story to better understand how and why we sometimes find ourselves in deeply toxic situations, and why we stay. To a certain extent, I got that answer, but it was one I already knew. We ignore the voice inside of us telling us to get the hell out of dodge.

I immediately identified with Sophie in many ways. We meet her at a point where she realizes she is profoundly unhappy with her job and her life. In what feels like a split-second decision, she quits her job and sets out on a journey of self-discovery. This period is not described in much detail, but within three months, she seems to have found herself again. I wish more time had been spent here. It was hard for me to believe that such a complete transformation could happen so quickly. Maybe that is my inner cynic wishing that three months were all it took to turn a life around, while also not believing it is possible, even for a fictional character. Whatever happens during this time, Sophie emerges with a new wardrobe, a renewed passion for life, and a determination to pursue her hopes and dreams.

Then Adrian enters the picture. He is several years younger than Sophie and immediately captures her attention. Their chemistry is undeniable from the start. If I had not already known from the synopsis that Adrian was the antagonist, it would have been very easy to fall for him. Their connection is sensual and intense, and they never quite feel like strangers because everything between them happens so quickly. What follows is a parade of red flags, love bombing, and some unsettling gaslighting.

I found myself talking out loud to Sophie, begging her to walk away from him. I physically winced every time she talked herself into violating boundaries she had already set, all because Adrian was such a skilled manipulator. At one point, even Sophie’s friends encourage her to stay with him, which completely blew my mind. Thankfully, they redeem themselves later in the story. If you cannot see the red flags yourself, your friends should be able to see them for you and whack you in the head with them.

Because the book is written in first-person point of view, I was hoping for a deeper exploration of the internal process behind staying. Why do people remain when everything inside them says to leave? Why do they go back after getting away? While we do get glimpses into Sophie’s thoughts, I did not fully get the answers I was looking for. Sophie has been in counseling before and recognizes that some of Adrian’s behavior is concerning, but what felt missing was the why. Why did she continue to ignore her boundaries being crossed? Why did she keep explaining away the gaslighting? We see her talking herself into situations she does not want because Adrian is so manipulative, but we never quite get to the root of why she overrides her own inner voice. That deeper psychological exploration was what I was hoping for.

As conflicted as I feel, this book is very well written and did not read like a debut novel. It felt like the work of a seasoned author. A.V. Pierce has a strong, confident voice, and I would absolutely read more of her work.

In the end, this is not a typical love story but a story about self-love. The central question is whether Sophie can love herself enough to walk away from something that feels good some of the time, yet hurts her most of the time.

I received a free advance copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5 rounded up to 5 stars)
Thank you to NetGalley and A.V. Pierce Press for the ebook.


Wow. Love, Sex, & the Narcissist is not warm, comforting, or “you’ll be okay, babe” energy. This book is brutal. It’s blunt, raw, and painfully honest about what it feels like to get pulled into a narcissistic dynamic and stay longer than you should. I relate to this more than I want to admit, and I honestly think a lot of people will.

Review
This book felt like getting handed a mirror you didn’t ask for, and then being forced to actually look. It doesn’t sugarcoat anything. It lays out the patterns, the manipulation, the emotional hooks, and the way love can start feeling like a trap you can’t think your way out of. What hit me the hardest is how real it felt. Not just “here are the signs,” but the emotional reality behind it. The hope. The denial. The excuses you make when you’re trying to protect your heart and your ego at the same time. The way you can know something is wrong and still crave the version of the person you thought you were getting.

I also appreciated how this book doesn’t make the reader feel stupid. It doesn’t talk down to you. It shows how easy it is to get tangled up in someone who knows exactly how to pull you in, especially when you’re craving love, validation, safety, or even just a sense of being chosen. It’s uncomfortable because it doesn’t let you hide behind “I would never.” It makes you sit with the truth of how these dynamics happen, how they escalate, and how hard it can be to break out of them when your emotions are already wired into the cycle.

This was one of those reads that made me pause more than once because I felt personally called out, and I mean that in the best and worst way. It’s not a feel good book, but it is a powerful one. It’s the kind of honesty that stings, then clears your head. If you’ve ever ignored your gut, minimized red flags, or stayed too long hoping someone would finally love you the right way, this book is going to hit.

✅ Would I Recommend It?
Yes, but only if you’re ready for something real. This isn’t soft or comforting. It’s sharp, intense, and brutally validating. If you’ve lived through anything even remotely like this, you’ll probably see yourself in it, and that can be hard, but also healing.

[Savanha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love Sex & The Narcissist follows Sophie, a 37-year-old woman who’s poured everything into building a career in a male-dominated field—until one unfiltered mirror moment jolts her into realizing she’s been letting her personal life pass by. Determined to change course, she reinvents herself with help from her friends Rani and Eliyah, whose supportive (and sometimes instigating) energy brings humor and momentum to Sophie’s new outlook. That fresh start leads to Adrian, a younger man who is immediately captivated by her and pulls her into a connection that moves fast and burns hot.

Adrian is written with an unsettling accuracy: charming and confident on the surface, but increasingly revealing classic narcissistic patterns as the relationship deepens. The story layers in love bombing, boundary pushing, and gaslighting, creating a tense push-pull dynamic that shows how easily desire and attention can blur judgment. While the pacing is on the slower side, it doesn’t drag—each scene builds toward a more uncomfortable understanding of what’s really happening beneath the chemistry.

This is not a traditional romance or a guaranteed happily-ever-after. Instead, it reads as a gritty, realistic story about self-love and emotional growth—centered on whether Sophie can value herself enough to walk away from something that feels good in moments but causes harm overall.

Special thanks to NetGalley and A.V. Pierce Press for this advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Jenae Gilchrist · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy release day to Love, Sex & The Narcissist by A.V. Pierce!

4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

An emotional whirlwind that kept me turning the pages nonstop!

After being offered a promotion and experiencing a panic attack, Sophie realizes it is time to live life on her own terms instead of spending all her energy on 80-hour work weeks. She begins making choices in the moment simply because she wants to, without overanalyzing every possible outcome.

Sophie starts making big changes in her life, from her career to her wardrobe. Then she meets Adrian. What begins as a sweet and exciting connection quickly turns dark and unsettling. The shift hit me like a wave, and I couldn’t stop reading.

Even when you first meet Adrian, it’s clear he’s unpredictable. You want to trust him, and you hope he’s the person Sophie thinks he is, but he keeps turning everything upside down. It’s maddening, and I couldn’t stop reading despite wanting to shake him.

This is not a HEA romance. It is raw, realistic, and emotionally intense. This shows how incredible A.V. Pierce’s writing is, able to evoke such strong reactions from a reader. The pacing also perfectly captures how quickly relationships with narcissists can become toxic and pull everyone in.

Thanks to the author and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this book, Sophie is a hard-working New Yorker who wants just one thing: the ability to slow down and make good choices in her life. She wants a little more living and little more purpose in her work. When she meets Adrian, she thinks that he could be a great time, but quickly he turns into what could be something more.

Given the title, I was waiting for the shoe to drop as to how the narcissism would play out, and how many people it would impact. I felt zero sympathy for Sophie simply because the red flags were there from the first two minutes of Sophie meeting Adrian. And for someone who was actively making a conscious effort to make better choices for her life, this was disappointing. I also felt like the events in the book were constantly repeated in action and in conversation, so it felt like Sophie was never really moving forward with anything. And her friends seem to only pop up when convenient to the plot, which for people who are described as great friends, it can be hard to see that they weren't part of the problem by essentially ignoring Sophie when she needed a reality check the most. And to top it all off, Adrian the narcissist doesn't get any punishment, other than Sophie getting smart to his ways, and he doesn't seem the type to care all that much.

*Book provided by NetGalley

[Brittney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a real love/hate relationship with Love, Sex, and the Narcissist. It’s very well written, but I’ll be honest, Adrian was triggering at times. He’s frighteningly good at manipulation, and the way he twists situations and emotions felt uncomfortably real.

At the same time, I could completely understand why Sophie is drawn to him. At 37, she’s longing to explore a life different from the one she’s always known, and Adrian represents excitement, intensity, and escape. That contrast makes her vulnerability and his hold over her feel believable rather than frustrating.

The pacing is a bit slow in places, but overall it was worth the read.

[Gladys Martinez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book hit me in a way I wasn’t expecting. As I read through Pierce’s descriptions of narcissistic patterns — the charm, the manipulation, the constant shifting of blame — I kept thinking, this is my ex‑husband on the page. It was unsettling at times, almost like someone had been watching my past relationship and finally decided to explain it back to me in plain language.

What I appreciated most was how validating it felt. Instead of making me feel foolish for not seeing the signs sooner, the book helped me understand how easy it is to get pulled into that cycle and how hard it is to climb out. It connected dots I didn’t even realize were still floating around in my mind.

Finishing it left me with a strange mix of relief and recognition — relief that I’m no longer in that world, and recognition that what I went through wasn’t “just in my head.” If you’ve ever loved someone who slowly made you doubt your own reality, this book will feel like someone finally telling the truth out loud.

[Geena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC! Wow! The roller coaster of emotions that Sophie had to endure in that relationship. I can’t imagine how it felt to live what I read, because the whole time my emotions were up and down for her. Some of the worst narcissists hide in plain sight and I am happy she was able to get out of that relationship when she did. Overall, an amazing read, definitely worth checking out especially if you’re interested in experiencing the way relationships with people who are or have narcissistic personality traits are.

[Willa Alcos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to A.V. Pierce and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review! This was a quick read for me, as the lingering sense of dread throughout kept me glued to the pages, waiting for something bad to happen. As a debut indie author, I thought the writing style was easy to follow and really captured the internal turmoil of being in a narcissistic relationship - the constant fight to hold onto your sense of self and protect your boundaries. The portrayal of the classic love bombing and DARVO tactic was displayed, showing how it slowly chips away at a person's strength and self-worth until they are left a shell of who they once were. I also appreciated the depth added by Sophie's early childhood experiences, which touched on how formative early attachments shape the way we see and experience relationships. Congratulations to A.V Pierce on your debut!

Trigger warning: This book has themes of emotional abuse, manipulation, and narcissistic relationships, which may be distressing for some readers.

[Karen (kmo.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and @netgalley for the #gifted copy.

Sophie is in her mid-thirties, stuck in a life that feels painfully predictable. Craving excitement and connection, she dives headfirst into a new relationship—despite a past marked by trauma and unhealthy patterns. When she quits her job and meets Adrian, freedom feels intoxicating… until the cycle she knows all too well begins again.

This debut novel from A. V. Pierce is a powerful exploration of emotional abuse and the complexities of toxic relationships. It’s raw, frustrating, and completely gut-wrenching at times—but also deeply important. A reminder that healing isn’t linear, life is messy, and strength often comes from surviving what nearly breaks us.

[Victoria Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love, Sex & The Narcissist (arc) – A.V Pierce

4 ⭐️

What an absolute rollercoaster of a book! When I finished reading this story – it genuinely had me questioning every relationship I ever had and my interactions with any person I’ve ever met.

It started off super sweet with Sophie and Adrian’s relationship and then progressively turned into something much more sinister and dark. I was surprised how quickly the story and vibe changed of the book and i can confirm that this story absolutely consumed me.

I love that the whole story started with Sophie’s rebrand. As a ballbuster and career driven woman, Sophie has never prioritised anything besides her career. Having a pivotal moment of self-reflection, Sophie decided that she needs to get outside and live. This means simply through making decisions in the moment because it’s something she wants then and there – not because she’s analysed all outcomes and can decide whether it’s a smart decision.

At this point in the story – Sophie meets Adrian. Now, Adrian may be one of the ugliest and most infuriating characters I’ve ever read about. The start of the book had me swooning at some of the things he was saying and towards the end, I wanted to throw the book against the wall. This is truly a reflection of how good the authors writing is to evoke such extreme reactions from a reader. I think the pace in which the book was set truly captured how quick relationships with narcissists become toxic and drag everyone under.

The pure gall of Adrian to commandeer Sophie like that – get her to uproot her entire life, leave her friends, job – EVERYTHING…just to gaslight her and say that she’s the crazy one I mean I was fuming. The prose of this book was fantastic and I didn’t know that contemporary romantic fiction with psychological undertones was a genre I needed but, here we are.

If you’re looking for a HEA, this is isn’t the story for you. If you’re looking for something raw, gritty, passionate and realistic – look no further!

Thankyou to NetGalley, A.V Pierce and A.V Pierce Press for an advanced copy of this book!

[Stacy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really feel like I’m missing something other readers are loving about this book.i just could not get into it. I had a hard time with the conversations between the 2 main characters. I felt many of their conversations were juvenile, at best. And unfortunately this is a big turn off for me in books.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy, obviously my opinion is in the minority. We all don’t always jive with the same books, so I would definitely say try this book for yourself!

[Kristelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the kind of book that makes you uncomfortable reading because you just know something is off from the start. In this case we have Sophie, who after getting her dream promotion, decides to restart her career and her life. This is when she meets Adrian, the younger, charismatic man who spends his career helping those in need.

Soon after their whirlwind romance starts. This novel takes you through the stages of the relationship, from the no one else compares to the this isn’t the same person I knew at first. It is unsettling to get this intimate look into how a narcissist acts and reacts. Changing the blame and manipulating.

A solid debut book. A very well thought and intentional story.

Thank you to the publisher for providing an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Ashley]

I’m not going to rate the book because I didn’t finish it.

I made it about 40% into this book before stopping, mainly because the title and marketing felt very misleading. I expected something much steamier, but there’s very little sex, which wouldn’t be an issue if expectations had been set differently.

The MMC starts out very sexually open and focused on not missing out on experiences, but suddenly shifts to talking about wanting a wife, kids, and a family. The transition felt abrupt and confusing, and I struggled to follow his character arc.

The writing itself isn’t bad, but I couldn’t enjoy the book because it felt like I was sold a very different story than what I got. This book really needs a new title and clearer positioning.

[ReneeReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know a writer has either extensively researched a topic or has firsthand knowledge of it in order to evoke emotional feelings for the book. While reading this novel I had a plethora of emotions and they covered the full spectrum. I was appalled, flabbergasted, disgusted, uncomfortable, angry, sad and in the end happy/relieved. I tend to read romances that have a happy ever after so I was excited to read this one knowing it is not a traditional romance book. This book has a lot more depth than I had originally assumed and I could not stop reading because I just had to know where Sophie would end up. I truly adored Sophie's character and I could see her capitulating in several scenarios and I just wanted to reach through the book and tell her to wake up and smell the roses. I can definitely understand how so many women (and men) are drawn into these relationships and end up staying because they are so manipulated they just can't see what's really happening. This book was an eye opening experience for sure and I think that this book should be read by anyone who has ever had any dealings with a narcissist. 4.5 stars!

Thank you NetGalley and A.V. Pierce Press for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Pub Date: 1/15/26

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an odd but very lovely novel about relationships and how they can change over time. Sophie gets promoted to Director for an initiative Combatting Urban Loneliness. At a party she meets Adrian who is in an Open relationship. Not sure she's interested in this, she runs away but then discovers the building space she wants and finds him there. Things progress naturally but he moves to Paris and she's still unsure about things. It's a novel about experimenting and figuring out what works best for you as if you've never tried something, you'll never know!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for providing this arc to me in exchange for my honest review and opinion.

The emotional journey through Sophie and Adrian’s relationship was tough but I pushed myself to finish this book. I’m glad that in the end Sophie stood up for herself.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is, without a doubt, one of the best books I have read. Gripping, suspenseful, engaging, and heart breaking. I found myself telling Sophie "No!" at times, as well as agreeing with her that maybe she should give the relationship another chance. What follows as a result of the dysfunction is uplifting and demonstrates good can come from bad. You can overcome and be stronger and better on the other side. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a deep emotional experience.

[Ally · Rating 5 out of 5]

My rating is 5 stars, it was honestly Eye opening validating and uncomfortable in the best way possible!
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"Love Sex & The Narcissist" is not an easy read but it’s an important one. A.V. Pierce breaks down the emotional psychological and intimate dynamics of narcissistic relationships in a way that feels raw clear and deeply validating. Parts of this book hit uncomfortably close to home, but that honesty is exactly what makes it powerful.
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It’s informative without feeling clinical and compassionate without sugarcoating the damage these relationships can cause. A strong necessary read for anyone seeking understanding, clarity, or healing.
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Definitely a book thats out of my comfort zone! Thanks to netGalley for providing me an ARC!

[Ashley Waite · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for providing me with an E-ARC. All opinions in this review are my own.

3.5 ⭐️

The book was well written and definitely shined light on getting wrapped up with a narcissist. The whole push and pull, building you up… just to turn around and tear you down was done so well that it was triggering. The mind games really gave me flashbacks.

I definitely think this book is worth reading and shows the troubles of getting mixed up with the wrong person. Sophie and Adrien meeting was both bold and fun. There’s also a good range of diverse characters, which I really enjoyed. Over the course of the story it was heartbreaking to see Sophie start to question herself and lose confidence.

I can’t explain it… but I just feel like the book was missing something. Personally it took me a bit to get into it but it picked up once I got to the meet cute of the characters. The middle kind of dragged out but the ending really tied everything together. Overall, I recommend.

[VelvetNocturne_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Sex & The Narcissist is an intense and emotionally charged work of romantic psychological fiction. The story follows Sophie as she reinvents herself and explores new ways to present herself to the world. Her first encounter with the charismatic and charming Adrian, a successful and well-loved figure in the community, sets off a whirlwind romance. However, as the relationship develops, Sophie begins to question her own sanity and whether she truly knows Adrian, especially as masks start to fall.

The author's skill shines through in capturing the emotional stages of the relationship, making the reader feel swept away and then disoriented, often gaslit alongside the narrator. The writing is so compelling that it can evoke feelings of unease, prompting periods of needing to step away—a testament to the effective storytelling.

While labeled as romantic fiction, this book defies typical genre conventions and offers a raw, unflinching look at narcissistic relationships. It’s a story for anyone who has lost their identity in such a dynamic, illustrating not only the psychological nuances but also emphasizing that there is always a choice, a way out, and the opportunity for rebuilding oneself repeatedly if necessary. A deeply emotional, thought-provoking read that leaves a lasting impact.

[Helen Wu ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 starts (rounded up)

Love, Sex, and the Narcissist surprised me. I’ll admit, the cover and title weren’t my usual vibe, but the description drew me in. It’s an honest look at toxic relationships—the kind where you’re pulled in by charisma, only to find yourself questioning your worth and reality. The push-and-pull, the gaslighting, the heartbreak—it all felt painfully real. I started thinking it might be about open relationships, but it turned into something much deeper. It’s reflective, relatable, and uncomfortably true for anyone who’s ever loved the wrong person. I’ll definitely return to it. Highly recommend.

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for the ARC!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the writing! Very interesting reading about a narcissist snd knowing narcissistic people in real life it’s definitely on point! Loved the book and looking forward to more from this author!