Attraction & Repulsion

by Maloree E. Anderson

2025 Next Generation Indie Book Award TOP FINALIST

Carson West’s thirties weren’t supposed to look like this. She was going to open her own law firm, become a mother, and grow old with her husband. But a car accident leaves Carson alone with emotional scars she can’t suppress and physical ones she can’t stop inflicting upon herself.

When a literal run-in with a firefighter lands Carson in urgent care, she tries to deny the attraction. Jax Miller’s broad shoulders and ocean-blue eyes are not only alluring, but hauntingly familiar. What Carson doesn’t know is Jax responded to the accident that destroyed her life.

As their small Arizona town nudges them together, Carson wrestles with her hidden guilt. Jax may have a rough history, but Carson has a mutilated body and secrets that should never see the light. The more she falls for Jax, the more she fears he’ll discover her scars.

. . . because who could love someone like her?

Content Advisory: death, depression, suicidal ideation, pregnancy/child loss, self-harm, alcohol addiction

275 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 14, 2024

Reviews

[Maloree E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a debut novel, I am so happy with the outcome of this book. I hope everyone has a chance to read it and hopefully it inspires them enough to find help and know that they are worthy of love.

[Barry Pond · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the start. I was drawn in immediately to the repulsion Carson was struggling with. It was easy to immerse myself into Carson's world. Her small town life. The tragedy she suffered and the attraction that was right in front of her. Honestly, I felt all the feels and couldn't put the book down. I'm looking forward the Maloree E. Anderson's next novels! She'll be on the top of my list of Author's to watch for!

[Pà · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please check your tws, because some topics could trigger you. I was very surprised in the best way reading this one. The book felt real from the first pages, and I got totally pulled into Carson’s world. Her emotions, her struggles, I really felt her pain but also her strength. It was not a light story but the way everything was handled made me feel safe and understood as a reader. Carson was so relatable, like a real person, not just a character. And Jax wasn’t perfect, but he was exactly what Carson needed. I liked how he gave her space to heal but also showed her she deserved more. Their relationship built slowly, which made it even more special. When the romance finally developed, it felt earned. The writing was simple but touching, easy to follow but full of meaning. I will absolutely keep an eye on this author. I can’t wait to see what she gives us next. Thank you so much to the author for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving an honest review.

[Vianny ¦ mexbookgirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a hard read because of the topics that surround the story, still is an incredible story of healing and learning to love again.

Carson and Jax have suffered so much in their lives and they will find hope is not lost and giving themselves the opportunity to love that will heal each other.

I think this also should've included a trigger warning list as there are very sensitive things happening at the same time. Here I'll include some of them:


Grief
Suicidal thoughts
Self harm
Depression
Pregnancy/Child loss
Alcohol addiction

[Heath · Rating 5 out of 5]

My cousin self-pub’d her book!! 2 years ago I texted Maloree Anderson asking her if she wanted to do NaNoWriMo with me, to which she responded, “What’s that?” AND LOOK AT HER NOW!
Attraction and Repulsion is a well-meaning message of love and self-worth. Carson’s story is tragic and heartwarming.
I’m proud of you Mal.
Buy this book!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing! Just enough spice! Funny, sensitive, passionate, tearful. All the emotions! It was an easy read that was interesting until the very end! Carson was so relatable and real. I loved the way Arizona was represented. Can’t wait to see what comes next from this new author!

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trigger Warnings: self harm, suicidal ideation, death, depression

This book is the perfect balance between grit and romance. Carson goes through an unthinkable tragedy and her life crumbles around her. She struggles with self harm as she sinks into her new reality.
Her life changes with a literal smack to the head and she is forced with grappling with someone to knowing her secrets and may not want her in the end.

What I expected
Romance
Drama
Depression representation
Self harm

What I got
Finding hope
Vulnerability
Romance
Self-harm
Depression
Found Family

[S.J. Greene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautifully written novel. It covers the topic of self-harm, as an unhealthy coping mechanism to trauma, but I think the theme of “attraction” to something harmful, followed by “repulsion” from one’s own actions, could apply to many addictions. I greatly enjoyed reading about Carson’s journey in this emotional tale of love, secrets, and redemption.

Also, Jax was a dream. Cinnamon roll sweetheart who’s also a hunky firefighter? What’s not to love? Highly recommend for fans of emotional fiction and romantic suspense!

[Jen Woodrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

TW: self-harm, grief and loss, depression, suicidal thoughts

I really enjoyed this book!!! I beta read it last year and loved being able to see the final product. The main character, Carson, struggles to love herself and accept love from others after experiencing traumatic losses and coping through self-harm.

I think Maloree did a great job of showing complex topics in relationships, grief and loss, and finding hope through it all. Carson's realness and flaws were well written, and I loved watching her heal. Thank you for sharing this story with the world, Maloree!

[Australia D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story about healing

Author does a good job of depicting how tragedy can devaste a mind and soul, while also giving the main charcater the option to grow and move out from the darkness

[Maralise Pond · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!! A great book. I loved every page!! The story is amazing. Great job Maloree!!

[Aja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brb still crying…
I loved this entire book! The romance, the small town vibes, and the mental health advocacy were exactly the type of intrigue I’ve been looking for. I love that the main character is bright and badass even when things were tough. It was emotionally stirring and the author made each scene so real I could picture it. 10/10 cannot wait for her next novel!

[Sydney Vandeveer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was fantastic! Especially for being a debut! The characters were complex and the plot was well done. The author touched on real issues people face everyday, but still wrote in a way that wasn’t too heavy. Cannot wait for more novels from Maloree!

[Elizabeth Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and heartwarming - such a lovely story of loss, love and growth. I was excited to read it but it stole my heart. I couldn't put it down.

[Jesslyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this book for anyone who loves a budding romance through hard times. The writing in this book was incredible. I felt like I was there, I was Carson. All of the pain and heartache she experienced, I experienced right along with her. It was easy to sympathize with her loss and I felt encouraged to overcome mental/emotional issues by reading how Carson overcame them. The romance was to die for. Just the right amount of cheese without being cringe. Love it!

[*Jessica]

dnf

I was totally on board until half way through they started saying "I love you"... or if no where. they just started dating! wtf

[Willa Layne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is only slightly emotionally devastating 🙃 In the best possible way of course.
I felt the characters pain with every sentence and it made me cry a few times.
The main character is complex and broken and you get to read along as she heals. It’s truly an amazing story!

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story that breaks your heart before stitching it back up 🖤