Having a male protagonist who would today be classified on the autism spectrum and a female protagonist with a physical deformity definitely set this book apart from out other historical romances that I've read. Besides being unique, though, their characters both feel very well-developed and they were both endearing and sometimes annoying, making them feel so real! The author did a good job showing their common interests and how those things brought them together, giving them a foundation for a marriage. The romance wasn't quite as well-developed as I would have liked, but at the same time, it felt realistic for characters with their particular backgrounds.

I read an ARC provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Josi S. Kilpack brings awareness to autism with humor and compassion in the fourth book of the Mayfield series. Each book focuses on the marriage inheritance Lord Howardsford/Uncle Elliott offers to his nieces and nephews. This is the story of two of them, Duncan and Hazel, who are cousins but not related by blood.

Duncan Penhale, age 36, is clearly on the autism spectrum. He has a rigid posture, won’t look people in the eye, is solitary and analytical, doesn’t understand expressions, appreciates routine and rules, is gentle but quick to anger, and is very literal which makes all types of relationships difficult. He’s very open, honest, and direct, and doesn’t realize his questions appear impertinent and offensive. Some of his comments made me laugh. He’s totally lovable and my favorite character in the book because his quirks are what make him so endearing. Duncan’s dad died when he was 11 years old. Fortunately, Catherine realized his need to learn, so she taught him to write letters and numbers which enabled him to work as a junior clerk. She also taught him to read, and he loves to learn about and then debate a variety of topics. He paces while he talks because it helps him to think better when he’s moving.

Hazel Stillman, age 27, was born crippled due to a clubbed foot, and as a result has always been overlooked by her family. None of them even tried to know her. She was sent away to school at age 6 and rarely visited home since. She focused on her studies hoping to be noticed by her parents, but it didn’t work. Her parents didn’t provide a dowry for her because they never expected her to marry, and because her father spent money rather than saving for his children. Her twin brother Harry is the same way with money and only worries about himself. As a result, she is required to support herself, so she teaches mathematics at a school for girls. Hazel was a little offended and hurt by Uncle Elliott’s offer of a marriage inheritance because she thinks he’s trying to bribe a man to marry her for money.

Duncan proposes to Hazel intending that they marry, but not for love, and live separately. She will have full control of her money and can buy Cordon Academy to secure her future. He will own the building he lives and works in and can manage it better. However, Uncle Elliott said they will only receive their inheritances if they live together for the first year. Their marriage is only for financial security, but I was hopeful it would change to love. Hazel treats Duncan with kindness and respect and is quick to figure out his quirks. He enjoys being able to discuss various topics with her as a result.

I recommend reading the other books in the series first. It’s helpful to know the backgrounds on the characters because their stories aren’t repeated as a refresher in this one and it will make more sense. Now I really want to know Catherine’s story and hope the next book is about her, even though she is Elliott's sister rather than his niece. I would love to know what made her leave the privileged life she was raised in to live with a lower-class man she wasn’t married to and then raise his son as her own after his dad died.

This is a unique proper romance. Not only do the main characters have struggles with autism and a crippled foot, but math riddles are included throughout their correspondence. The ending is beautiful and made me teary. This is my favorite book in the series, and I highly recommend it. Thanks to Shadow Mountain Publishing for an ARC to use for my review.

1822

Hazel Stillman suffers from a crippled foot. Most of her life has been spent as a student and is now a mathematics teacher at Cordon Academy for girls. Figuring this will be her life-long destiny, she is surprised when her Uncle Elliott bestows a 50,000 pound dowry on her thinking she can now attract a husband.

She is staying at her uncle’s home when she meets Duncan Penhale, a cousin. He works for an accounting firm and is an exacting man who prefers order in his life. Uncle Elliott has told him that if he marries a woman of gentle birth, he will give him the building in which he lives and works.

Finding they both like mathematics, they begin corresponding monthly sending one another equations to solve. Then they decide to marry to be able to get their inheritances and then go their separate ways. Ah, but Elliott says that is not what marriage is about and insists they live in the same house for a year before they can part. They agree.

Their time together is one of learning and acceptance. Readers gain more information about Duncan’s earlier life. Today, Duncan would be diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and would have had early intervention. Many children during this time period would have been institutionalized in an asylum. How far we have come. In my opinion, the story depicts a man who has been given a lot of schooling and training to bring out his best. Hazel was born with a Clubfoot which is fairly common even today. I felt that she was deprived of love in her early life which turned her emotionally inward and toward her studies. While she is a very intelligent woman, I feel she lacks the ability to open her heart and feel her emotions. For this reason, I did not care for her character. Some of this book dragged at times which bordered on boring. Since I have read many of this author’s books, I wanted to stick with the story and I’m glad I did. It is an unusual subject for her to undertake and I admire her for doing so plus introducing readers to how fairly common medical problems were dealt with during this time period vs today.

Copy provided by the NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

If ever there was a sweet and gentle book, this is it. Author Josi Kilpack is excellent at writing characters and weaving humanity into them so that as a reader, I connect and feel for them. In this particular story, Hazel and Duncan are slightly off what people considered at the time, normal. Hazel has a physical deformity in her foot and Duncan has what I think would be high functioning autism. Both Hazel and Duncan have keen intellects and have been highly educated. It draws them to each other and connects them in a way that differs from most other people.

I really loved the unconventional approach to marriage between Hazel and Duncan. It was so interesting to see the characters through the authors eyes. This was less of a love story in the traditional sense but more a showing of how love can look and feel differently and still be beautiful. It was sensitive and well written. I enjoyed it very much.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

First sentence: Hazel had not slept well. Her crippled foot ached, despite it having been propped on a pillow all night to help manage the swelling induced by traveling.

Premise/plot: Hazel Stillman had all but given up on marriage and children. And she was fine with this--mostly. Still her uncle's offer of an incredibly generous dowry stung a bit. Not that he was singling out her--he made generous offers to ALL his nieces and nephews including his step-nephew, Duncan Penhale.

Duncan and Hazel meet in March 1822 on the day they are both offered special arrangements by their Uncle Elliott Mayfield. Duncan is an accountant, I believe, and she teaches advanced math at an all-girls school. They have a few things in common--like a love of puzzles and numbers. The two begin a strange but steady correspondence.

When circumstances change for the both of them--roughly around the same time--it seems a marriage of convenience may be the way to make the best of a bad situation. But will their uncle agree to them marrying each other solely to get their inheritance and meet his conditions?

My thoughts: Love and Lavender is a unique and original historical romance--a Regency. You might think, how could it possibly be original and unique when marriages of convenience are an established trope--something that you either love or hate. The answer is that Hazel and Duncan are well-developed, unique characters. Their story IS all theirs. Not one scene, not one line, could be cut and pasted into another romance novel. And not one scene from another romance novel could be cut and pasted into this one. The characters and story are memorable.

I really loved, loved, loved, LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this one. I did. I love Duncan Penhale. I do. I love Hazel too. They are perfect for one another. And not because either one is perfect...or "perfect." It was so WONDERFUL to read a romance novel with a hero and heroine like Duncan and Hazel. There was something so human about the story.

Josi Kilpack’s regency romances have been some of my favorites. I enjoy the way she writes characters who are not of the cookie cutter variety. Her characters are sympathetic, complex, flawed, and unforgettable. This story is perhaps one of her most unique and tender and a great conclusion to the Mayfield Family series.

Hazel is in her late 20’s and has no plans for marriage. Having been a teacher for several years, her dream is to have her own school. Born with a clubbed foot, she has always believed she would have no prospects for marriage and so has put all she has into teaching.

Duncan is in his 30’s and is most likely neurodivergent or on the autism spectrum. He struggles socially, but is brilliant in math and enjoys discussing factual based information. He lives alone with his beloved cat Elizabeth and works as an accountant. He thrives on order and routine.

Like the other Mayfield relatives, they are offered a significant inheritance if they can find suitable marriage partners. Though not actual blood relatives, Hazel and Duncan decide to enter into a marriage of convenience to obtain their inheritances. Uncle Elliot is not pleased with this and makes a contingency that they must live together for a year.

This story is unique in that it’s not an idyllic romance where they get married and everything falls neatly into place.

One of my favorite quotes was: “‘Hazel.’ Hazel stared at the desk for two seconds before lifting her head and meeting Sophie’s eyes. ‘Choose happiness.’”

This really sums up the entire story. Hazel must decide what she really wants and “choose happiness.” At first, both characters were difficult to love. They each come with their own baggage and trauma. Hazel has strained family relationships and is self conscious of her foot. Duncan struggles with touch and social interactions. However, from these two challenged people comes understanding and acceptance. As they forge ahead, they grow to care for one another. As the year comes to an end though, I wasn’t sure what would happen.

I loved the theme that happiness is a choice and that it doesn’t just happen. Both people needed to make compromises and learn to live with the challenges each brought to the marriage. I wasn’t quite sure how I felt about the story until I got to the end and there was a certain part that brought me to tears. So often we misjudge others especially their understanding of love and what it really is. I was touched especially by Duncan and his innocent unflinching ability to state the truth.

It is definitely a love story for people who enjoy reading about real people who find happiness in spite of their challenges. I highly enjoyed this conclusion to the Mayfield family series. I received an advanced copy from the publisher and was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions are my own.

A charming story of learning to love and overcoming obstacles. Neither Hazel or Duncan ever thought of marriage in their futures. When Uncle Elliot comes up with an inheritance for his nieces and nephews. They come up with a plan that will benefit them both. But Uncle Elliot threw a clause in the contract, that will change everything.
I was not pulled into this story right away. I did not feel any connection with the main characters. But as I continued reading they became more endearing and I was pulling for their connection and triumph to find love. What a beautiful story. They overcame the odds and made something magical. So if you don’t feel a connection right away, keep going. It is worth it!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Another great addition to the Mayfield Family series! I have enjoyed each of the other books in this series, and this one did not disappoint either. There was a new twist in this story, as Duncan, one of the main characters, has autism (of course, they didn't know what that was back then) and Hazel has a clubbed foot. It was fun to sit on the sidelines and watch their relationship develop and grow. At times, I found myself rooting for Hazel to be completely successful with her chosen career path, and then I had to stop and say "But wait! Then what will happen?" I wasn't sure how the author was going to manage making everyone happy, but there is a reason she is a writer and I am not. If you haven't yet started this series, I highly recommend it.

This is such a wonderful series. I love the Mayfields. Hazel and Duncan are such interesting characters. They have both lived very different lives than their "cousins" but they are so good together. Duncan is socially awkward, but at the same time he is a very sweet and considerate person. I loved seeing how his brain worked and the ways the people around him treated him. Duncan and Hazel were a wonderful couple and I really enjoyed their story.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Netgalley and this is my honest review.

Book Review
Love and Lavender
By @authorjosiskilpack
Releases November 2, 2021
Published by @shadowmountainpub

Book 4: The Mayfield Family Series

This is a stand along series so even if you haven’t read the other books this is still such a wonderful read. It is a great romance between two totally different people that thought they would never find love for different reasons. I really enjoyed watching Duncan move out of his comfort zone and his routine. As well as seeing Hazel slowly seeing her come around to the idea of romance and married life. Such a wonderful read. If you love proper romance you will love this story. I enjoyed it so much that I have the first three in this series on hold to read this winter.

Description from @NetGalley
Hazel Stillman is a woman of rare independence and limited opportunities. Born with a clubbed foot, she was sent away as a child and, knowing her disability means a marriage is unlikely, she devoted herself to scholarship and education.

Duncan Penhale has a brilliant mind and thrives on order and process. He does not expect to marry because he likes his solitary life, shared only with his beloved cat. When Elliott Mayfield, his guardian’s brother, presents him with an inheritance if he marries a woman of social standing, Duncan finds it intrusive. However, with the inheritance, he could purchase the building in which he works and run his own firm. It would take an impressive and intellectual woman to understand and love him, quirks and all.

Hazel and Duncan believe they have found a solution to both of their problems: marry one another, receive their inheritances, and then part ways to enjoy their individual paths. But when Uncle Mayfield stipulates that they must live together as husband and wife for one year before receiving their inheritances, Hazel and Duncan reluctantly agree. Over time, their marriage of convenience becomes much more appealing than they had anticipated. At the end of the full year, will they go their separate ways or could an unlikely marriage have found unsuspecting love?

Love and Lavender falls into the Mayfield Family series as book 4 because Hazel is Lord Elliott Mayfield’s niece—I think.
The good:
The characters are well developed. The book is a sweet romance. The book is well written.
The message: people with challenges can find love too and part of finding love is loving yourself and being honest even with yourself about what you want and what is important to you.
The bad:
The pacing feels really slow. It took to >40% for Hazel and Duncan to marry. Then another 45% for an awkward year of marriage to mostly pass. Then the winding up where Hazel realizes she has a new dream takes a very short time. I don’t think it is a spoiler to say Hazel and Duncan get together, it is the point of the genre. If the author was going to take so much time getting to the point, why couldn’t we have had a little more development of the marriage take 2 when they realize they love each other.
In the end this was a slow read for me because I was never drawn into the story. It is a valuable story to read and ponder but I just didn’t like it more than 3 stars.

This story is very different from the usual romance. It is so well written though that you keep reading and then you can’t help falling in love with characters. Duncan and Hazel are broken is certain ways but exceptional in others. Their love story pulled me in and I enjoyed every page. I highly recommend this book.

I’m a bit of a fan of Josi Kilpac’s proper romance books and I enjoyed this one as well, it did however feel a bit off in areas.
Here are some thoughts -

Hazel’s character was smart and stoic, kind but not patronizing. I enjoyed her character.

The pacing was spot on. I picked this up and could not put it down. I never felt bored, or like it was moving too fast or too slowly.

I appreciated the representation of disability and neurodivergence, but I feel it could have been done better.

It was great to see characters who were older - almost 30. It was nice to see their maturity.

It was nice to see the working class represented, it a duke or Lord.

Things I think could have been better:

Sometimes I was frustrated by the tangents. I appreciate research on the era but it doesn’t need to be a history lesson detracting from the story.

I felt uncomfortable about how Duncan’s character was portrayed. I’m not in a position to say whether or not this was an accurate representation of autism. But it felt too stereotypical. It was like reading about Sheldon Cooper; I would have appreciated more subtly.

I would have liked Duncan to be the one to go to Hazel, it the other way round. I think she gave up too much and that he’s character could have developed more to see what was happening. Although, he was the one who saw it as a real marriage and she saw it as a means to an end. Hmm…

I love a good marriage of convenience and this one ticked lots of boxes for me. Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for allowing me an eArc to review.

Marriage of convenience...

Or, inconvenience?
I liked both Hazel and Duncan. They were well matched in the sense that they were both scholarly, pragmatic, content never to wed and practical. When circumstance dictate that they wed, will they find companionship and a true marriage?

4.5

Love and Lavender is the 4th book in Josi S. Kilpack's Mayfield Family series. This was my first foray into this series, so I was delighted that this story stood alone perfectly. This was a bit different from my usual romance choices. First, this is a clean romance. I'm starting to realize that clean in no way means boring when the story is good. Also, the hero here was on the autism spectrum. This was a wonderful story and I'm looking forward to reading more about the Mayfield family.

Hazel Stillman was born with a clubbed foot, and she was sent away to school while still a small child. She realized that with her disability a good marriage was not an option, so she became an extremely intelligent woman and a teacher of advanced mathematics. Her Uncle Elliott Mayfield offers Hazel a large dowry if she will marry. She's insulted...that's basically buying her a husband! But then she discovers the school in which she works may be sold, so she must consider all options. Duncan Penhale is a brilliant but unusual man who thrives on order; he's also quite a literal thinker. When Uncle Elliott, his guardian's brother, offers him a large sum of money if he will marry a woman of good social standing, he's not thrilled with the idea. He likes his solitary life. But also, he's not happy in his current job, and if he gets the money he could buy the building and have his own business. Hazel and Duncan agree that they should marry, receive their money and go their separate ways. However, Uncle Elliott demands that they remain together for one year in order to receive the sums, and they agree. And what a year it turns out to be!

This was such an engaging, sweet romance with two totally different people. Hazel was a great heroine, but it took a while to warm up to her. She really didn't have many loving relationships, and all she wanted to do was buy the school she worked at and be independent. I really disliked her for a good deal of the book, but she grew on me the more I understood her motivations. Duncan I liked from the start. He was what you would consider today to be in the autism spectrum, if that's the proper description. He had habits such as pacing - a certain number of steps - when discussing a topic he was interested in; he also took statements at face value, and he didn't like to be touched unexpectedly. I could understand Hazel's occasional annoyance at his behavior, but she became more understanding the more she knew of him. It was beautiful seeing two people who didn't think they even knew what love was, but finding it together. My favorite part of the book was when Duncan explained to Hazel what he believed love was. Sigh. I enjoyed many of the supporting characters as well, especially Dr. Randall and his wife, Hazel's best friend Sophie, and Delores, who ran the pub Duncan went to and who cared about him greatly. Oh, and let's not forget Duncan's beloved cat Elizabeth, whose affections could sometimes be bought with fish. This was such a heartwarming story and I'm very interested in seeing what this author comes up with next.

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I really enjoyed this story about two unique characters and their unconventional path to love. It starts out as a marriage of convenience as both Hazel and Duncan have been promised an inheritance when they marry. Both have had difficult lives and seem somewhat excluded from society. Hazel was born with a club foot and practically cast out of her family at the age of six. She found her path through education and a teaching career. Duncan is likely on the autism spectrum, he is highly intelligent, honest and straightforward but misses the nuances of context and struggles with emotions and physical contact. They agree to marry and spend one year together in order to gain their inheritance. But will they realize that they are happier together? I was definitely rooting for them. It’s a beautiful story. I thought it was extremely well written and dealt well with the characters. This book is part of a series but each can be read as a standalone. I have read 3/4 of the books so far and enjoyed them all. Thank you for the ebook to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Happy pub day to this sweet, romantic story! 💜🎉

Love & Lavender is a unique romance. Hazel was born with a physical handicap that she’s always thought would prevent her from experiencing marriage. Duncan is eccentric and highly intelligent which turns people off at times and has prevented him from ever experiencing a close relationship with a woman(he reminded me a lot of Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory).

Both of them have to be married to gain access to their inheritances and develop a plan to marry each other out of convenience so they can each better their lives by becoming self-employed and own businesses. In order for this to work they agree to live as traditional husband and wife for the first year of their marriage with the expectation they’ll live separate, platonic lives as a married couple once the year is over.

I adored Hazel. She is smart, independent and doesn’t allow herself to be a victim of her handicap. Duncan made me laugh out loud several times. His literal thought processes means he says exactly what he’s thinking and doesn’t hold back.

I cheered these two on throughout the book but you’ll have to read it yourself to see what happens at the end of the first year 👀

Thank you to @shadowmountainpub and @netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts are my own.

Thank you Netgalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for access to this arc.

The epistolary section of the book was lovely and served as a great way to learn more about Hazel and Duncan without it seeming like telling instead of showing. The inheritance offered by Buttinsky Uncle Elliott was something wonderful and could truly make a difference for both Hazel and Duncan. I cheered that they initially turned it down but the reasons that served to maneuver them into taking it were realistic and organic to their backgrounds and characters.

I liked that both Hazel and Duncan felt like real people dealing with real lives. They hadn’t had the best of childhoods or families and their thoughts and feelings – sometimes resentment, sometimes resignation – also felt realistic. Part of the book dealt with Hazel coming to terms with family who had treated her badly while Duncan had to face major changes in his orderly routine. Nothing magically changes; old feelings aren’t totally soothed and forgotten, new issues arise and have to be dealt with. All this seemed believable to me.

But there were scenes that dragged and could have used a bit of editing. Hazel meeting the wives of the neighborhood and the lengthy build up to plus actual Christmas service added little to the story. I was interested to note that while this has scenes of an inspirational nature, Hazel is best described as an agnostic, something that I didn’t feel changed despite a few “edging towards preachy” moments.

Hazel’s physical deformity and Duncan’s neurodiversity are not just character traits but integral aspects of themselves. These things have shaped them and played a major role in who and what Hazel and Duncan have become. I’m no expert on either issue so can only defer to those who are as to the authenticity of the portrayals. It did not seem to me that either person was portrayed as “brave” or “wonderful” for just living their lives or as one other reviewer phrased it – this isn’t inspirational porn.

But what I found myself questioning was how the arranged marriage became a romance. There was no way it would ever be a conventional one, nor would I have bought that, as so much time had been spent crafting the characters as people who had never expected a romance and thus hadn’t dreamed of twue wuv. Yet though Hazel and Duncan end up with a marriage that suits them, that they find fulfilling and which makes them happy, it’s an unconventional one that won’t be satisfactory to every reader. While I like both characters and I appreciate that they are written with flaws, I’m not sure that I’m feeling the feels I’m supposed to at The End of a romance novel. I just didn’t get the sparky spark. Sigh, I guess this is going to be one of those marriages that outsiders will say “You never know what goes on in a marriage unless you’re in it.” I still can’t shake the feeling that Hazel is doing most of the heavy relationship lifting and gave up the most to get even that. Had this been labeled as historical fiction, I would be happier with the story I got. B-

Thanks Laurel Ann for the invitation to participate in the #BlogTour for #LoveAndLavender. Thank you #NetGalley @ShadowMountn @ProperRomance for a complimentary e-ARC of #LoveAndLavender upon my request. All opinions are my own.

Love and Lavender is a story of two people who face many challenges and obstacles and have limited choices. Hazel is independent and brilliant; however, she was born with a clubbed foot. As a child, her parents sent her away and now as a young woman, she has resigned herself to the unliklihood of marriage and has embraced a teaching career. Duncan is brilliant and has a neurodiverse mind. He is employed as an accountant and has carved out a predictable life for himself living alone with his beloved cat. The private school where Hazel teaches may be up for sale (which would jeopardize her job) and Duncan is unhappy with his employers and would love to own his own accounting firm. Neither of them have the finances to remedy their situations. Hazel and Duncan have the same uncle….one relationship is biological and the other is through guardianship. This uncle offers both Hazel and Duncan an inheritance with the condition that they must each be married. Duncan has the brilliant idea that they should marry each other which would technically fulfil the conditions, but the uncle is reluctant to be tricked into giving them their inheritances. After much convincing, the uncle agrees to their plan, but under the condition that they must live together for one year after the ceremony. This sets up a marriage of convenience. Will this arrangement lead to love and a true relationship? Or will they fullfil the agreement, gain their inheritance, and go their separate ways? Will they even survive the year?

There was a time when women in general and Hazel, in particular, felt that their choices were limited. For most women in the 1800s a good marriage was their best option for securing their futures. Hazel’s choices were even more limited because of her physical disability.With a club foot, would she ever receive a proposal? She was resigned to focusing on her successful teaching career when one day she receives an unexpected proposal under the most usual circumstances.

“I must choose one over the other, but whichever path I take means I shall miss the other, which will ruin them both.”

I loved Hazel and Duncan! It is tragic that Hazel lived at a time when there was limited treatment for a clubbed foot and sad for Duncan that there was little understanding of neurodiversity. I love their self awareness, realism, and determination to live their best lives despite the challenges and obstacles. I love that they were brave enough to choose to take a risk. Much of their struggle is universal and is applicable to persons living with challenges today. I love how they grew to trust each other, build on their strengths, and develop a loving and beneficial partnership despite opinions from others.

Before the engagement, Hazel and Duncan develop a strong friendship through letter writing. These letters are a sweet part of the story. Do you love a story with some wonderful letters? Do you think that letter writing is a good way to build a friendship or relationship? Do you think that messaging and social media communication build the same quality of friendships or relationships as letter writing?

Set in the early 1800s, the author writes vividly to create a compelling image of the characters, the times, and the customs. As frustrating as it is to read stories set in a time when women had few choices and were controlled by the patriarchy, it’s also fascinating to immerse oneself into the characters’ lives and imagine how the time period would have affected you and your choices.

Love and Lavender is more substantial in themes than the title might suggest. Thoughtful themes include making choices, living your best life, taking chances, living with challenges, unlikely heroes, a mutually beneficial partnership, and friendship.

Engaging and endearing, Love and Lavender will capture your heart. I’m enthusiastically recommending this romance for fans of unique characters and relationships, for readers who adore a heartfelt love story, for romantics, and for bookclubs. One of my favorite romances of the year!

This was a wonderful romance! I love different heros/heroines and in this story she has a very painful foot deformity and uses a cane and he is on the spectrum. And they are both completely engaging. I read this very quickly and loved every minute. If you read clean romance I highly recommend this one.