This was a sweet read with slow burn vibes, diverse characters, and good friends. The plot is definitely unlike anything I’ve read before, and I was hooked from the initial blurb. I struggled a bit to connect with Drew and Hannah early on, but this is a story that needs to be shared and is definitely worth a read.

Hannah has been avoiding romance ever since she left her controlling partner but when she meets Drew, a very charming non-binary and polyamorous person with an extraordinary capacity for love, she starts to open up a little. Drew is not interested in an occasional hookup or being friends with benefits, though, and sometimes pushes Hannah a bit too much when set on trying to help her. Can they settle their differences and find a common ground or will they go back to being two strangers who just happen to be very attracted to each other?

This book is the definition of slow, character-driven narrative. Between Hannah's constant analyzing (very relatable btw) and Drew's anxiety (also relatable) and a bit of a hero complex we spend most of the novel in the characters' heads, even with some dialogue (especially at the start) being separated with large blocks of thoughts. This means that the little action we get takes second place to what the characters thought about it and what they thought others thought about it (maybe except for the sex scenes). Personally, I don't mind this style of narration and really appreciated the characters (usually) taking time to analyze the situation before jumping to conclusions but I know some could say there wasn't enough plot to justify the relationship development.

Most of the action and (external) dialogue in the book revolved around the characters' differences, not just the main conflict (long term vs. short term relationship preferences) but also smaller ones (being in control vs. letting others help, monetizing your hobby vs. doing it just for fun etc.). I really appreciated there being more than just one reason for the MCs not to get together, especially as all of these reasons, including the one for the third act breakup, made sense in terms of the MCs' personalities and backstories (which also felt realistic to me). I also liked how they both recognized that attraction doesn't equal feelings and build their relationship on more solid ground (and great communication!).

I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes slow, intimate queer narratives, doesn't mind lots of internal and occasional interpersonal conflicts, and appreciates loving, diverse queer, and in some parts neurodivergent, communities.

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.


Hannah has autism she works at a book store but her passion is podcast about books. She is recovering from a marriage she meets Drew who finally gets a chance to represent non-binary people on Hannah podcast. Hannah finally find someone who gets her but she hesitant to get into another relationship as they both grow closer. I like how both characters were written and how their relationship build but I felt some parts were too long but overall a great representation; non-binary, neurodivergent, and poly you don’t get many that does it well.

This book focuses on a very specific niche audience, which made it the first time for me that topics such as polyamory, gender identity, and neurodiversity were explored in such depth. Most of the characters fall within these themes or have a direct connection to them.

The structure of the story is well thought-out, though at certain points it did feel a little long. The extended length does allow plenty of time to delve into the characters, their struggles, and the challenges they face. The development of the relationship between the two main characters is beautifully written and feels very authentic.

One aspect I found more difficult was the dynamic surrounding the character who already has two partners. While one of these partners is well developed and receives a fair amount of attention, the other remains somewhat in the background for me, leaving their role in the main character’s life a bit unclear.

Overall, I would give this book 3.5 stars. In some places, I would have liked more depth in the interpersonal dynamics, while in others, I noticed a certain repetition in arguments and disagreements that made some scenes feel slightly redundant.

Hannah Carr works in a book store and has a podcast and she has autism. She invites Drew Barker to guest on her show who comes on to represent non-binary people. Hannah and Drew hit it off but are both poly.

This book was a struggle. Didn't connect with the characters or the story. It didn't make sense and the thoughts and feeling didn't match to what they were saying. I wanted to like it, but I just couldn't. Maybe someone else will.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC for leaving an honest review.

Hannah Carr works in a book store and her passion is her podcast about books. She invites Drew Barker to guest on her show which is recorded in her spare room closet. Drew comes on representing non-binary people. Hannah and Drew hit it off as friends and their interest is for more as they are both poly. They are both near forty but I thought they were much younger because of how simple and direct Hannah speaks. But that is due to her autism. She is living in a supportive care apartment as she had a mental health crisis after the break up of her marriage.

Honestly I struggled with this book. I almost DNF a few times but pressed on. On the plus side there is a lot of representation; non-binary, neurodivergent, and poly. I learned new words like metamour and polycule. Much was told in dialogue and then they’d think something different than they were saying. Sharing those inner thoughts that way was confusing at times to me. But the end result is I didn’t connect with this book and I didn’t care about the main characters. It does have a happy for now ending. But I only got to it because I was too stubborn to give up, not because I was enjoying the story. I am sure there are others that will enjoy the book more than me. (2.5 Stars)

DNF. I don't know what happened but I just could not get into this book. I tried but I struggled and once I got to the second chapter it was a wrap for me. This is not to put the author down or take away from her hard work in anyway but it just wasnt for me. However, I would recommend as it might appeal to other audiences.

Thank you Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC

I am sad to say I did not finish this book.
I made it through chapter 1 and that’s it.
I tried to like this. I just couldn’t get interested in it. The writing was ok but I struggled with the flow of the things.