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soundlysmitten's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
I all but cackled when I read this book’s description, and surely did as I read the book.
In summary...
Stella is a brilliant econometrician. She’s on the spectrum and struggles with anxiety, but she’s willing to move out of her comfort zone to get what she wants. Top of her list is more experience in bed, so she hires Michael, an escort, to give her some lessons.
...Michael *does not* f the anxiety out of Stella. She puts herself out there and he responds the way one should: with care. Stella, too, offers Michael consideration and respect—things he’s grown accustomed to being withheld. Sounds heavy, but the story is treated with equal parts sensitivity and levity, and is actually quite a laugh at times. What got me was the pairs’ winsome personalities. What kept me was the curious way they attempt to navigate their vulnerabilities, and the genuinely affirming tenderness they show one another.
This is a highly smutty read, but not all of it is light. It should be noted that Stella experiences inexplicable panic when she first gets with Michael. Her desire to overcome this is an essential part of the story, though, and it’s written out carefully.
I appreciated that the author showcases verbal consent (which I think should just be called consent). While we have made progress in some societies, rape culture is far from eradicated. But authors get to play god in the worlds they create, so I’d like to see better standards set in books.
That said, initially, it worried me that my girl even felt like she needed to be more skilled at sex to get a man, as worth is definitely not correlated to sexual prowess. But thankfully, this perspective is reconciled by the end.
Ultimately, I found Stella inspiring for all the sheer growth she determinedly seeks in every part of her life. Not to change her kind, bright self, but to find greater happiness and ease. Stella is the first autistic heroine of a romance novel that I've ever heard of, and she lends a much needed voice to the genre.
Michael, on the other hand... well, he’s pretty lovable for the most part, too. He truly devotes himself to the ones he loves, but he oversteps in some matters. And there were a few times I wanted to shake him. I realize that characters can’t all be enlightened, shiny angels all the time. Insecurity, miscommunication, contradiction—those things are realistic, if vexing. But I wish it were made more clear when Michael was out of line, even in “smaller” matters. I wish he learned so for himself.
Also, what of the consequences for Philip James??NONE?
My only other criticism (the one thing that brought me a bit out of the story) is Michael’s family’s reaction to Stella.For whatever reason, “the escort you hire ends up being your soulmate” seems plausible. But “his mom and sisters also like you” pushes things into too good to be true territory for me. 🤷🏻♀️
In summary...
Stella is a brilliant econometrician. She’s on the spectrum and struggles with anxiety, but she’s willing to move out of her comfort zone to get what she wants. Top of her list is more experience in bed, so she hires Michael, an escort, to give her some lessons.
...Michael *does not* f the anxiety out of Stella. She puts herself out there and he responds the way one should: with care. Stella, too, offers Michael consideration and respect—things he’s grown accustomed to being withheld. Sounds heavy, but the story is treated with equal parts sensitivity and levity, and is actually quite a laugh at times. What got me was the pairs’ winsome personalities. What kept me was the curious way they attempt to navigate their vulnerabilities, and the genuinely affirming tenderness they show one another.
This is a highly smutty read, but not all of it is light. It should be noted that Stella experiences inexplicable panic when she first gets with Michael. Her desire to overcome this is an essential part of the story, though, and it’s written out carefully.
I appreciated that the author showcases verbal consent (which I think should just be called consent). While we have made progress in some societies, rape culture is far from eradicated. But authors get to play god in the worlds they create, so I’d like to see better standards set in books.
That said, initially, it worried me that my girl even felt like she needed to be more skilled at sex to get a man, as worth is definitely not correlated to sexual prowess. But thankfully, this perspective is reconciled by the end.
Ultimately, I found Stella inspiring for all the sheer growth she determinedly seeks in every part of her life. Not to change her kind, bright self, but to find greater happiness and ease. Stella is the first autistic heroine of a romance novel that I've ever heard of, and she lends a much needed voice to the genre.
Michael, on the other hand... well, he’s pretty lovable for the most part, too. He truly devotes himself to the ones he loves, but he oversteps in some matters. And there were a few times I wanted to shake him. I realize that characters can’t all be enlightened, shiny angels all the time. Insecurity, miscommunication, contradiction—those things are realistic, if vexing. But I wish it were made more clear when Michael was out of line, even in “smaller” matters. I wish he learned so for himself.
Also, what of the consequences for Philip James??
My only other criticism (the one thing that brought me a bit out of the story) is Michael’s family’s reaction to Stella.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Sexual content
Moderate: Abandonment, Cancer, Infidelity, Sexism, Sexual assault, and Terminal illness
Minor: Ableism, Sexual harassment, Stalking, and Violence
araceli1022's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cancer, Sexual assault, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Violence and Stalking
alymarsh's review
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, and Cancer
Moderate: Violence, Stalking, Sexual assault, and Infidelity
internationalreads's review
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual content
Moderate: Cancer, Infidelity, and Violence
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