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mslanna's review
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
5.0
I love books with protagonists that are freely and unapologetically queer and neurodiverse.
I read this book, I feel seen.
I read this book, I feel seen.
claudiearseneault's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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? No
4.0
Very sweet and inclusive. Perfect if you want a cute romance that nonetheless doesn't shy from the difficulties of dating while asexual and/or autistic.
littlebookterror's review
fast-paced
2.75
If you loved the other stories in the Clover Hill universe, this one should also appeal for you.
One its best features is the focus on two people whose ideal relationship does not involve kissing or sex or unexplained rules of social interactions. Instead, it's about comfort, quality time and communication beyond general assumptions.
I never fully got into the writing or the characters - it felt a little over-explained to me which in turn took the excitement out of many moments, like the fake date setup, their first actual date, etc.
But to be honest, I was also bored.
I received an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
One its best features is the focus on two people whose ideal relationship does not involve kissing or sex or unexplained rules of social interactions. Instead, it's about comfort, quality time and communication beyond general assumptions.
I never fully got into the writing or the characters - it felt a little over-explained to me which in turn took the excitement out of many moments, like the fake date setup, their first actual date, etc.
But to be honest, I was also bored.
I received an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
cakt1991's review
emotional
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
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
The Heartbreak Handshake is indisputably my favorite of the Clover Hill series thus far. I’ve found a lot to enjoy about previous books, but this one? It made me feel seen as an autistic asexual, and confirms that you can write a beautiful, sweet romance without physical intimacy.
I see a lot of myself in Paxton. Our experiences with autism and asexuality aren’t identical, but I recognize in him a similar fascination with specific subjects and hobbies others might find “boring,” and I absolutely relate to the idea that most romantic partners will expect, if not sex, at least kissing, which Paxton is uncomfortable with.
Remi is equally lovely, and I appreciate how they’re able to connect with Paxton due to being similarly sex repulsed. It allows for a much deeper variant on the fake relationship setup, where two people genuinely love spending time together because they appreciate the emotional companionship and each other’s weird quirks.
And the way the angst came in towards the end…while they pull off their plan of pulling the wool over Remi’s mother’s eyes, even being excited after their initial fake break up, it was beautiful to see them miss each other and contemplate if they could actually make it real and more permanent.
Mrs. Sawyer is also one of those Clover Hill townie characters who I just love, who wants the best for her child and friend. While meddling mothers can be annoying, it’s super-sweet to see the special relationships she has with both Remi and Paxton, and how she does what she does out of love.
This is an absolutely delightful read, and a great example of the great work the Clover Hill series is doing to platform diverse queer stories, especially those who don’t fit conventional/mainstream romance genre standards. I strongly recommend everyone read this, especially if you’re looking for autistic/ADHD and asexual rep.
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