4 stars
“Lizzie has made endless mistakes. Kitchen fires, pyramid
schemes, bangs (of the hair and human variety), you name it, she’s done it… and
made a mess of it too. One mistake she’s never made is letting anyone get closer
to her than a single hook-up. But after losing yet another bakery job due to
her uncontrolled ADHD, she breaks her cardinal rule and has a two-night-stand
that changes everything.
Once burned, twice shy, Rake has given up on relationships. And feelings. And
any form of intimacy for that matter. Yet something about charming, chaotic
Lizzie has him lowering his guard. For two nights, that is. Then it’s back home
to Australia and far away from the pesky feelings Lizzie pulls from him. But
when Lizzie tells him she’s got an unexpected bun in the oven, he’ll do
whatever it takes to be a part of his child’s life… except be emotionally
vulnerable, obviously. He’s never going to make that mistake again.
Through a series of mishaps, totally “platonic” single bed sharing, and an
underground erotic baking scheme, Lizzie and Rake learn that even the biggest
mistakes can have the most beautiful consequences. ”
My Review:
Really enjoyed following Lizzie and Rake as their lives change forever from their two-night-stand. Lizzie has untreated ADHD and often feels like her brain works against her. Though her family and previous employers misinterpret this and assume she is lazy, Lizzie puts a lot of effort into conforming to neurotypical standards, such as not forgetting things and to sticking to schedules. It’s not her fault that her neurodiverse brain doesn’t easily fit society’s strict mold of neurotypical behavior. But years reactions to her being ‘late’ and ‘forgetful’ and ‘different’ have chipped away at her confidence and self-esteem.
Her closest friends see the real Lizzie, and so does
Rake. He is instantly understanding and
supportive of Lizzie, and he’s fascinated and curious about how her mind works. Rake is drawn to her energy, enthusiasm, and
creativity and appreciates the way her mind interprets the world around them.
Though they set out to be platonic co-parents who live
together, their biggest challenge becomes fighting their attraction to one
another.
This wonderful rom-com can be enjoyed by Adult Contemporary
and Romance readers, and also upper Young Adult Contemporary readers. The
characters are in their mid-twenties and juggle their careers with family
expectations and interference by hilariously nosey friends. There are lots of relatable moments for neurodiverse
readers whose brains don’t work the same way neurotypicals’ brains do.
#NetGalley - I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this
book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.
