Romance is always a good idea! This underappreciated genre has grown in popularity in recent years, offering more authors of diverse backgrounds the opportunity to tell new love stories. In this week’s Three to Read, we’re bringing you romance novels that all have one thing in common: an autistic main character. As any neurodivergent individual will tell you, there’s nothing more romantic than meeting someone who takes the time to not only understand your mind but love you for it as well. Let’s get into the recommendations!
HOT PICK
Wish You Were Her by Elle McNicoll
SYNOPSIS:
Elle McNicoll’s Wish You Were Her is the story of 18-year-old Allegra Brooks. Now that she’s become the star of a breakout television show, Allegra’s life is anything but normal. Everyone may be obsessed with Allegra, but they don’t actually know her — for instance, no one knows that Allegra is autistic. Seeking an escape, Allegra decides to spend her summer in the small town of Lake Pristine for their annual Book Festival. Unfortunately, it happens to be organized by a rude bookseller named Jonah Thorne. Unexpected drama threatens to tear Allegra’s summer plans apart. Thankfully, she still has one thing left: her beloved email pen pal who may be a lot closer to her than she realizes…
WHY:
Wish You Were Her is another in a long line of Elle McNicoll books that help champion neurodiversity representation. McNicoll’s fight for advocacy stems from her own experience as an autistic and dyspraxic writer. If you love the films Notting Hill and You’ve Got Mail, this book is the perfect romance for you.
COFFEE SHOP PICK
Late Bloomer by Mazey Eddings
SYNOPSIS:
In Late Bloomer, Opal Devlin’s problems only get worse when she wins the lottery. Suddenly, everyone has a problem that only Opal’s money can solve. To get away from the chaos, she uses her newfound wealth to purchase a struggling flower farm in Asheville, NC. Opal can’t wait to surround herself with beautiful plants and pursue her painting dreams. But the universe has other plans. It turns out that the farm was sold out from under the original owner, Pepper Boden — and she’s not moving. The two women attempt to coexist, but tempers flare. Soon, the lines between hatred and passion begin to blur.
WHY:
Mazey Eddings has made it her mission to spotlight mental health struggles in all of her stories. Late Bloomer, in particular, also explores various types of neurodiversity — Opal has ADHD and Pepper is autistic. This sexy sapphic novel is perfect for anyone who loves an opposites-attract story.
DARK HORSE
The Broposal by Sonora Reyes
SYNOPSIS:
Kenny and Alejandro, AKA “Han,” have been best friends since they were kids. Kenny can’t imagine his life without his friend, so when Han loses his work visa and faces deportation, Kenny vows to do anything to help him. The two quickly hash out a plan to fake an engagement for a green card marriage, only to discover their friends and family have always thought they’d be the perfect couple. But that’s impossible — for one thing, they’re both straight, and Kenny is still reeling from a recent breakup with his girlfriend, Jackie. Han hopes that he and Kenny can keep up the charade long enough to evade immigration, but the closer they get to the wedding, the more sincere their connection becomes. Are these two really just bros… or something more?
WHY:
Queer author Sonora Reyes has created a heartwarming exploration of love in their first romance novel, The Broposal. Both Kenny and Han start the book certain — or, at least, assuming — they’re straight. The marriage-of-convenience plot is made fresh by the added tension of newly discovered sexualities. Coupled with this spicy drama is the autistic Han’s tender connection with Kenny — the only person Han has always been comfortable with.
Thanks for tuning in to this week’s Three to Read! Be sure to check back every week for more themed recommendations courtesy of the Bookstr team.
Interested in more romance novels? Click here.
Check out our Three to Read bookshelf on Bookshop.org for more weekly recommendations.
