DESCRIPTION: He used to be my best friend. My business partner. My person. That one soul on this earth I could rely on no matter what. And then, Knox Lyons just up and left. The friendship and the business. No reason, no explanation. Just gone. Leaving me to shoulder not just the tech design for our company, but also, his public-facing marketing magic. And he had to know that with my autism, I’d likely crash and burn. And now, he’s back?!
Since college, we were inseparable. She meant everything to me. I wasn’t sure I’d ever see her again, but fate has a way of playing funny tricks, and now, we have to work together. I know she’s pissed as a hornet that I left Renox Tech and her in a lurch, but maybe fate’s giving me another chance to get my best friend back. And maybe even a little something-something extra.
What Had Me Jonesing
- So, I didn’t intend it, but this was my second read this month where a main character diagnosed with autism. This one from an author who’s also been diagnosed, which while I read, felt like her real-life experience added a subtle, but powerful layer of rawness and authenticity to Renee’s character and to the story. All while I was simultaneously (yet skillfully and surreptitiously😍) being gifted awareness. Great writing.
- The sweetness and depth of the friendship and the love between Renee and Knox jumped off the page and into my heart. I could feel the emotions more than just imagine them–the hurt, the anger, the caring, the hope, the despair, and ALL the love. Again, great writing.
- Renee finally taking charge of her own life and speaking up for herself, rather than defering to Knox and letting him handle their problems, was chef’s-kiss-level inspiring. As was, her leaning into having autism and making her differences work for her.
What Struck Me
- According to my Kindle, Renee and Knox didn’t encounter each other until about 25% into the book. Unusual, but perfect IMNHO 😝. It gave a chance to really get to know each main character’s current sitcheation, and it built a bit of suspense. When are they coming face to face? And how?!
- How both Renee and Knox had kept secrets from the other. I didn’t see Renee’s coming. And that’s all I will say on the matter. 😍
- How Renee’s tech product, designed with the best of intentions to help people, provides a cautionary tale about whom we get into bed with in business. It reminds me of Twitter (which I never got the hang of 😜) being made with what I imagine were the best of intentions to bring people together, and then, being sold and turned into a cesspool of misinformation and hate. I always wonder how the former owners feel about what they created and their decision to sell.
- The heat between the characters leaping of the page.
Tropes
- Friends to Lovers
- Second Chance
- Forced Proximity
Bottom Line
This was a tender, heartfelt, poignant debut novel by Yvonne Marie that I gobbled up in pretty much one sitting. I look forward to seeing what she has in store for us next.
My character meme for Renee and Knox:
Any interest in another romance featuring a character with autism? Try Athena Carstairs’ latest novel. Read my review of There’s Pumpkin About You.
Leave a Reply