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annagwritesandreads's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
General Description: Stella's main love in life has been math, but she's being pressured to explore love outside of math. Stella has Asperbergers* and navigating social situations doesn't come as easily to her as spreadsheets do. In order to gain experience, Stella decides to hire an escort. Michael, he escort, realizes that he wants to help Stella beyond just the standard escort contract. But with business involved, both of them are confused. Will they develop real feelings for each other, or will they get lost in the negotiations of their contract.
*With the DSM-5, Asperbergers has been put onto the Autism spectrum. It was officially retired in 2013, but the author's description specifically mentions Asperbergers which is why it's in my description.
The good:
- The spicier scenes did not feel random and fit into the book seamlessly, which as not the biggest spicy reader, is nice to see.
- Stella's journey of self discover was inspiring to see.
- Based on my brief research, I believe the representation was good (if it was not, please let me know and I would honestly change my star rating if this was harmful for the ASD community).
The loss of 2 stars:
- THEY SAY MILK IN THIS BOOK. Instant half star off. Not sorry.
- The book does a sharp right turn that left me a bit jarred, especially when it comes to how their relationship evolves.
- This also had the worst third act break up I've ever read.
Overall, I don't think I'd actively recommend it unless the ASD representation is positive. It just felt like a mid book.
*With the DSM-5, Asperbergers has been put onto the Autism spectrum. It was officially retired in 2013, but the author's description specifically mentions Asperbergers which is why it's in my description.
The good:
- The spicier scenes did not feel random and fit into the book seamlessly, which as not the biggest spicy reader, is nice to see.
- Stella's journey of self discover was inspiring to see.
- Based on my brief research, I believe the representation was good (if it was not, please let me know and I would honestly change my star rating if this was harmful for the ASD community).
The loss of 2 stars:
- THEY SAY MILK IN THIS BOOK. Instant half star off. Not sorry.
- The book does a sharp right turn that left me a bit jarred, especially when it comes to how their relationship evolves.
- This also had the worst third act break up I've ever read.
Overall, I don't think I'd actively recommend it unless the ASD representation is positive. It just felt like a mid book.
aespaldon24's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Not such a big romance reader but this was a fun lighthearted read. Appreciate any kind of disability representation in media as well as Asian representation as I hope it only opens the door for more, and liked both of the main characters. Ending fell a little flat for me and there were some parts that did feel a little cringe but enjoyed it overall.
autumnehart's review against another edition
3.0
This is a cute, quick read. I honestly thought it would be more of a YA sweet romantic fiction book, but it was so bombarded with sex scenes that I felt like I was skipping through at least half the book. I ended up giving it 3 stars instead of two because 1) I like the premise of the storyline -- a lady with autism trying to pummel through unwritten social rules of relationships 2) it's like a "Pretty Woman" story with reversed roles...which was kind of sweet, and 3) I like the awareness of difficulty it displays for the spectrum community in navigating social situations. I'm not sorry I read it for those reasons. This being her first book, the author has a promising future. I'd like to see more of her books in the future that focus less on sex and more on a developed storyline and in-depth characters. I think she's more than gifted enough to provide that to her readers! 😁🤓
jenpen's review against another edition
Romance is clearly not for me! But I did love the autism rep
angelesangel's review against another edition
5.0
Loved every page and couldn't wait to get back to it every break I had. One of my favourites!
russejenn's review against another edition
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
4.0
This book isn’t perfect, and it’s pretty corny, and the ending is kind of strange (particularly the epilogue), but I liked it. While I don’t have autism, I am neurodivergent, and I related a lot to Stella. I, too, am extremely insecure about these things, and I distort situations to the point that I assume people don’t like me because of them, or that I’m annoying, or unpleasant, etc, and it was really refreshing to read a female character who goes through exactly what I do.
amandalynnhuffman's review against another edition
5.0
I LOVE THIS BOOK! All the stars.
My heart can barely contain the love I have for Stella and Michael. The way they both grew to accept themselves and overcome their insecurities. The way they sought to understand each other consistently—except for that horrible third act breakup drowning in miscommunication, but we won’t discuss that. The way they found home and comfort in each other. The way they actively loved each other.
I loved reading Stella’s POV. My favorite books expose me to something I’m not super familiar with and allow me to empathize with people in new ways. Learning more about autism was so enjoyable to me. The way Stella came to see that her autism wasn’t a flaw or something to overcome was beautiful. The way Michael understood her from the beginning was beautiful. Her autism was never a deterrent or a problem for him. He loved every part of her. What an encouragement to never settle. To hold on for a person who truly fits you in a completely unforced way.
This book is such a gem. Highly recommend…obviously!
My heart can barely contain the love I have for Stella and Michael. The way they both grew to accept themselves and overcome their insecurities. The way they sought to understand each other consistently—except for that horrible third act breakup drowning in miscommunication, but we won’t discuss that. The way they found home and comfort in each other. The way they actively loved each other.
I loved reading Stella’s POV. My favorite books expose me to something I’m not super familiar with and allow me to empathize with people in new ways. Learning more about autism was so enjoyable to me. The way Stella came to see that her autism wasn’t a flaw or something to overcome was beautiful. The way Michael understood her from the beginning was beautiful. Her autism was never a deterrent or a problem for him. He loved every part of her. What an encouragement to never settle. To hold on for a person who truly fits you in a completely unforced way.
This book is such a gem. Highly recommend…obviously!
singsandreads's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
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
4.0