2.5 ⭐️ - Thank you, Netgalley and Victory Editing, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I think my expectations were too high for this book, and after finishing it, I was left underwhelmed for sure. I did enjoy the setting and the community aspect of this story, I think the small Canadian town its set in has so much charm and character. I enjoyed the writing style, I thought it was fun and easy to read, perfect for a quick summer/vacation read. I also enjoyed the character of Zoey I think she had so much complexity, that she wasn't likable in the beginning, but after she really blossomed into this kind and warm FMC. Matt on the other hand I did not like, I found him quite boring but also somewhat obsessive and erratic in his personality. He was too lusty for my liking and did not take long time to get obsessed with the FMC which I found unrealistic.
While I appreciate the autism representation in this book, it completely missed the mark for me and I do not think this was a particularly good representation of the community. I loved Daphne as a character, but I wish we actually learned something about her, rather then autism and her special interests being her whole personality. I think this can be somewhat harmful to the community deducing someone to their diagnosis, rather than creating a complex character with feelings and aspirations. I think Matt's overbearing treatment contributed to this issue for me, and I wish they wouldn't have focused only on her autism and would have shown that the real bond they had, rather then him solely being a secondary caretaker.
The progression of their chemitry and relationship was way to fast for me, it was too instalove/lust, which did not make me believe in their connecion. I think the couple lacked chemistry in general and their interactions did not manage to convince me otherwise.
I did enjoy Zoey's personal journey I think her self-discovery and work for the community is the best aspect of this story. I would recommend this book to those who wan't a quick read, and do not mind insta-love and unrealisticly quick emotional connections.