My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Winter Atkins seizes the chance to fulfil his dream of owning a bookstore in Hartbridge, Montana, moving there with his aunt to start fresh and leave behind failed relationships tied to his asexuality. Deacon Clark, an autistic and neurodivergent man working at his father’s veterinary clinic, struggles with social connections and dating due to his bluntness and discomfort with touch. When Winter brings an injured cat to Deacon’s clinic, the encounter sparks an unexpected friendship. With the town’s “Christmas Cupid” and two orphaned kittens nudging them along, their bond grows into something deeper and more meaningful than either anticipated.
I loved this story, which celebrated authenticity, inclusivity, and the beauty of unconventional bonds. It suggested that love — whether platonic, romantic, or somewhere in between — is about understanding, patience, and shared care rather than fitting into societal expectations. I also loved that for Winter, his reinvention showed how physical relocation can mirror emotional renewal. It was wonderful to read that Winter’s asexuality and past failed relationships highlighted the struggle of being misunderstood in love. His decision to “shelve dating” reflected both self-protection and resignation. Deacon’s autism and neurodivergence emphasised the challenges of navigating a world that often misunderstands difference. His aversion to touch and bluntness show how social norms can exclude those who don’t fit neatly into them. I thought that their story explored acceptance of self and others — finding belonging without needing to change who they are. I found this story deeply emotional, and I thought their differences and identities were very well written and handled in the context of the story. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story.
** Please read the content warnings.
Buy from Amazon
No comments:
Post a Comment