Isabel Hansen’s Latest Novel – Love Me Now Book Review

Most books in the romance genre tend to lend on the genre lean on perfect meet-cutes and predictable happy endings. Frankly, Love Me Now by Isabel Hansen isn’t so much different in that regard. However, this one still digs deeper into the uncertainty that comes with modern love.

Hansen asks a simple but powerful question: What happens when two people care deeply for each other, but the timing is completely wrong?

This book is a sapphic romance novella that proves you don’t need hundreds of pages to tell a heartfelt story. At just seven chapters and around 15,000 words, it’s a quick read, but one that still pulls you in and keeps you thinking about the characters afterwards.

Anna and Cleo: Characters That Stick

The primary aspect of this novella that seems to resonate with readers is the dynamic between Anna and Cleo. Anna is relatable in her quiet longing, awkwardness, and fear of ruining a friendship. And it is those small moments that you get a glimmer of hope when you think maybe your feelings aren’t so one-sided.

Cleo, on the other hand, is both the spark and the comfort in the story. She’s the catalyst for Anna’s confession, and readers quickly see why Anna has been carrying that torch for so long.

Even though the book is short, Hansen makes both women feel real. It’s no wonder reviewers often mention how “attached” they became to both characters, wishing the story had been longer.

Classic Trope, Fresh Energy

The friends-to-lovers arc is not a plot most readers of romance novels are unfamiliar with. So yes, it’s predictable; you know where it’s going from page one. But that doesn’t make the journey any less enjoyable. In fact, that’s part of what makes the book such an interesting read.

Readers are not picking this up to get shocking plot twists. No. The emotional beats, the tension of unspoken words, and the relief of watching characters finally take the leap are the main tea. Hansen finds a way to encapsulate this gradual tension with just the right touch, enough to make the story feel warm rather than rushed.

Themes That Hit Home

Throughout the book, the question that keeps popping up is: how long do you hold onto feelings before you risk speaking them out loud? It’s one that pushes forward the theme of vulnerability.

There’s that constant reminder of the willingness to let go and how allowing someone to see the real you is scary, but necessary for love to grow.

We also get a quiet undercurrent of representation here. Hansen, being an asexual lesbian, finds a way to bring out the authenticity in her queer characters.

Writing Style and Pacing

Hansen’s doesn’t waste time on over-description or filler. With every line, there’s a story. That economy of words works perfectly for a novella, giving the book a sharpness and flow that make it easy to read in a single sitting.

You might think there aren’t enough words to build a strong emotional connection, but that’s not the case here. Emotional moments land where they need to, and the progression from friendship to something more never feels artificial.

Hansen balances the tenderness of the romance with the playful awkwardness of fake dating. The tone remains light all through, while the emotions run deep and readers connect to this love story.

A Quick Read That Stays With You

For a book of such brevity, Hansen’s Love Me Now manages to be both memorable and satisfying, while remaining predictable yet authentic in its emotional beats.

If you’re looking for a quick romance that leaves you smiling, this is one worth adding to your list. Anna and Cleo may only share seven chapters with us, but they leave behind a story that lingers longer than its page count suggests.

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