Sweet but simple. Awarded three stars on Goodreads.
This is a romance with a twist. Because it’s really the story of Annika, a high-functioning woman on the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) continuum, as she slowly learns how to function successfully in the adult world.
Her story moves back and forth in time. Part follows her budding college romance with Jonathan, a fellow student she meets when both join the university’s chess club. For reasons you will discover yourself (if you read the book) their romance ends close to graduation. So, the other part of the story explores how the reconnect ten years later.
What was most interesting to me was learning more about some of the everyday difficulties those with ASD experience. As well as the ways they are too often taken advantage of by others. So, kudos for good research.
But there was something a little too contrived about the two main characters. And about their story too. First, of course, both are incredibly good looking. And there didn’t seem to be any good reason to make them so. Then, near the end of the book, there’s a surprising plot twist, which completely takes over the narrative and, to me, provided way too much of a pat resolution to this romance.
Overall, an interesting and quick read, suspenseful near the end, but certainly not great literature. I suggest putting this one on your beach read list.
More about the author.
Toby A. Smith 