God, I wanted to like this so much. Cute cover, cute concept, cute thoughts about it. It just kind of dragged on. There were parts that I was excited to dive into; alien invasions and what not. And then there were parts where I was confused at the topic change. There were monologues on social issues that didn’t quite fit into the book because everyone that’ll pick up this book is already on their side. It just felt like this could have been shorter, I guess. The best parts were Denver and Ezra investigating and figuring out aliens. Everything else was a bit of a let down.
Thank you, NetGalley, for this lovely opportunity to review this book.

this was a quirky book that i really enjoyed and i also liked all the representations!

thank you netgalley for the e-arc!

I think this book was wonderful. I enjoyed the characters, the plot , and the LGBT inclusivity. The beginning scene before the story starts seemed kinda weird and unnecessary.

Key lime sky is a cosy, neuro diverse, Romantic LGBTQ, alien invasion story served with a side of pie.

The main character is Denver who is queer, non-binary and autistic. As the parent of a child with autism I sympathised with each sensory overload, melt downs and communication difficulties that arise from honesty that comes with no filter. Navigating life in a Neurotypical world is hard, now add aliens into the mix and it’s just next level.

I was quietly rooting for Denver from the sidelines.

So if you want gore and bloody alien battles this is not the book for you but if you would like a mix of loveable, diverse characters who have strong character development and a quirky plot then this is a book for you.

Thank you #NetGalley #AngryRobots for my ARC.

Quirky, Pietastic 4 star

What attracted me to this book was the UFO on the cover. I love an alien story set on Earth and most of the mystery parts were enjoyable and scratched the brain a bit. But I think the book toots its own horn by basically copying the plot of the game mentioned throughout. Having literally just finished playing it myself, left me a little underwhelmed with the concept.

I didn’t particularly care for Denver as a character, I appreciate the non-binary representation but we are in xyr head and it’s way too overshadowed by all the buzz words, I think one reviewer said it was just checking all the boxes and I completely agree with that. It came off unauthentic and took me out of the story.

There are plenty other characters but no attachment can be made since it’s narrated by Denver only. I liked the ending and the idea of continuing pie reviews around the country but overall it was an average read.

Thank you to Angry Robot and Netgalley for the review copy.

This was a very interesting read. A unique and sweet sci-fi about aliens. Denver ( the main character) witnesses what he believes to be a UFO exploding but when he starts asking people about it, no one knows what he's talking about. The only person who believes him is a bartender who is willing to listen and investigate with him. This book was just lovely, with great representation and with a well written and entertaining plot, I absolutely loved this book, it kept me guessing and curious for what was to come next.

4.5 stars

3.5 stars.

This is a really unique way to use sci fi, I can't think of something similar. I love the slow unfolding of the mystery element and the way the amnesia works into the telling of the story. It has a slow but creepy element that adds a lot to the experience, and makes it very compelling to read.

I didn't love the way the romance was executed, it felt fairly easy and unearned. In this sort of story I think something slower would have felt more natural, and less like something the characters fell into that overpowered the mystery.

I enjoy books that have diverse perspectives and I really love the queerness and neurodivergence in the book, it's clear that they come from a place of deep love and understanding. That being said, this is one of those scenarios where the diversity feels very "check-box-y" and spoon-fed to the reader, instead of reading as something organic. Sometimes it feels like an author has an obligation to educate their reader on the diversity they are writing about, and it can really pull you out of the story.

Overall I think this book has a lot of heart and I really enjoyed reading it!

If you witnessed what you believed to be an exploding UFO in the sky on your way home, but the next day no one in town believed you, would you feel like you're losing your mind? Denver Bryant, alongside an extremely small group of others, experiences exactly this in Key Lime Sky. At first, xe thinks the townsfolk are ignoring xyr warnings because of the perception that Denver is the "town pecularity" - an autistic, non-binary, pie review blogger who's blunt to a fault. After meeting Ezra, however, the two realize that there are strange shells and a weird red sand appearing across town. Anyone they confront about it attacks one of them - that is, until the townsfolk just start vanishing instead of becoming hostile. Then pieces of buildings begin disappearing as more sand and alien vegetation erupts. Denver and Ezra decide they have to join up with the other unaffected people to try and figure out how to stop the changes occurring in town before it can spread to the rest of the world.

This was a super fun concept. The idea that an alien could travel to Earth and start dreaming up new terrain - later described as folding different dimensions into each other, like crinkling and un-crinkling paper into balls - was certainly unexpected and enjoyable to try and conceive. The pacing is also decent, allowing for exposition in between action scenes. I also enjoyed the idea that a takeover need not be hostile and could instead be done through manipulated amnesia - the idea that folks like Trevor could be perfectly normal until someone mentioned something close to the truth about what was happening, which would trigger a thousand yard stare, was pretty cool.

Unfortunately, though, I struggled with the book from an execution perspective. For example, while I loved, loved, loved the intentional and deliberate diversity, the way it was written into the narrative felt checklisty, buzzwordy, and tropey. Some sections even felt preachy, which is super unfortunate for two reasons: first, this can alienate those who would benefit from experiencing different perspectives and diversity, but second, this can also push away folks who already understand the importance of diversity in fiction because it feels like we're being spoken down to. Another big reason this didn't land for me is that the romance felt forced. I just didn't feel any chemistry between Denver and Ezra. I found myself thinking multiple times as I was reading that this would have been better as two strangers who become friends by necessity, but then realize they're actually a good fit as friends.

This book was so much fun. It made me think of the movie “Evolution” (2001) in a lot of ways with how slowly and weirdly things were unfolding.

I loved all of the queer representation as well as seeing trans/nonbinary represented in a few different ways. Along with Denver’s struggles with being autistic and trying to navigate through life.

Who would have thought pies and aliens went together so well

I would have loved a little more detail at the end of the book about post alien activities but the story was still very nicely wrapped up over all.

Key Lime Sky immediately caught my eye because of the name, and I really enjoyed every second of it. The story was adorable and heartwarming. I love the unique alien invasion concept and the message to love yourself in the story. Denver, the main character, is such a lovely character to read about. This book also has a great representation of autism. The romance between Denver and Ezra is so cute to read too. Overall, this book is definitely a wild ride, and if you want to read a cool sci-fi book with delicious pies, definitely pick this book up. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an early copy I'll post my review closer to the publication date.

"Key Lime Sky" is an intriguing blend of sci-fi and cozy mystery, centered around Denver Bryant, a non-binary autistic pie blogger. When a UFO explodes over his town, Denver is the only one to notice the ensuing strange events, including a shower of seashell hail. Teaming up with bartender Ezra, Denver dives into the mystery, leading to a thrilling race against time to save their town from an alien threat.

While the plot is engaging and unique, the pacing can feel a bit rushed, and the romance between Denver and Ezra occasionally overshadows the central mystery. Nonetheless, the representation of an autistic, non-binary protagonist is refreshing, and the story offers a fun mix of suspense and heart.

Overall, "Key Lime Sky" is a solid 3.5-star read, perfect for those who enjoy a quirky sci-fi adventure with a touch of romance.

I made an instagram post toward the end of June featuring this one. I love the cover and I pretty much chose to read it because of it. This is being promoted as a cozy scifi and the cover definitely gives us that, though I’m unsure if the plot does. It’s actually incredibly anxiety inducing. In fact our main character has severe anxiety, gets sensory overloaded very easily and you feel that. It only gets worse for him when weird things begin to happen in this small town he lives in, involving aliens. he gets by by being a blogger basically. He writes reviews for pies. Hence that clever title. The environment to this falls into the realm of Fallout where it’s set in the future where you can take pictures with your eyes and upload them onto the internet, with your eyes but everything seemed very 1950’s coded and you do get that vibe from the cover. But yeah, alien invasion which also reminded me a lot of that movie No One Will Save You, very strange movie but there was a lot of similarities. This began really fun, I got soo into it. The writing is great in fact I plan to read this authors previous book which I own because I just melted into their writing. There is a very prominent romance that occurs, it is a gay romance with some very spicy scenes. I want to mention that because I know some of you might be looking for more of those. It’s no secret, romance popping up in a book can actually ruin the whole thing for me and though this definitely didn’t ruin it. It did take away a little from the cool alien aspect for me. I was soo into that mystery and this book is shorter so there’s very limited time but ya know, romance gotta take up some screen time. Overall I gave this 3.5 out of 5 stars. This is my most conflicted rating of the month because I did enjoy it but it doesn’t fully feel like a 4 star read so 3.5 it is.

i just dont think this book was for me, i didnt finish.
i was not able empathize with the characters, but i am sure there are plenty of others who can!
2 stars

Denver doesn't fit in. Xe is always saying the wrong things and getting people mad at Xer. Being autistic is always a struggle, being a pie review blogger is about the only thing that brings Xer any sense of joy, but after coming back one night from another disaster of a pie... well, things go a little... worse, than usual.

strange things are happening in Muddy Gap, very strange things. there are shells falling from the sky, people are acting weird, and Xe has no idea what to do or how to fix it and worse, Xe might just have a very bad crush on the only other person in town that believes Xer. now Xe has to try and solve the mystery of what's happening, while navigating Xer's feelings for the super hot man helping xer.

this was a fantastic book! i loved the first person POV so we can actually see into the mind of Denver, A.K.A. Professor Pie. the autistic representation is fantastic, as is the queer! the mystery of what's happening keeps you on the edge of your seat. the characters are beautifully fleshed out, and the drama between people is brilliant and realistic. i absolutely loved this book from start to finish and might just be the thing that gets me into Sci-Fi!

I don't read a whole lot of sci-fi, but I was drawn in originally by the cover and description and if it's labeled as LGBTQ+, count me in. Also, I LOVE pie, and one of my favorites is key lime pie, so obviously this book was calling to me based on the title alone.

I was immediately excited after reading the prologue! It starts off really solid but then I had a little trouble connection with Denver. I understand Denver is autistic, but it seemed like it was really hammered in there with a checklist of what people think of as autistic.

The story is unique and intriguing though.

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Denver is a difficult to like protagonist but not because of xyr autism but because much of xyr self loathing and questioning resonates with much of what I don’t like about myself. Xyr wittiness and desire to save everyone was admirable. Ezra was great deuteragonist. I found issue with how quickly the relationship between the two of them moved but Ezra voicing those concerns as well made up for the fact. Outside of the characters this was a likable story mixed with a bit of peculiarity. The ending was wrapped up nicely without feeling too rush and made the story feel complete

4.5 stars

This is a unique and compelling story with people just trying to do their best in a bizarre situation.

Denver (autistic, nonbinary, and queer) is a pie critic driving back to his home in Muddy Gap, Wyoming, when xe notices a possible UFO explosion over the town. Then strange things start happening.

I grew up near the area where this takes place, and it was really neat to see references to places I've known most of my life but most people have no idea where they are. Denver is a messy character just trying xyr best to figure out what the heck is going on with the town. The relationship between Denver and Ezra was awkward but cute, and I loved the addition of Taisha and Trevor.

The book is kind of slow-paced, but I kept wanting to know what would happen next, and it all resolved satisfactorily. There's a good balance between plot and character growth. I'd have been interested in blog excerpts from Denver.

Thanks to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.

This is a really original, inspired take on the alien invasion story. Denver is an autistic, non-binary pie critic (and town recluse) who sees a large flash in the sky, after which xe notices xyr neighbors starting to act... strange...

I really loved the autistic representation in this book, which felt authentic to the character, though maybe somewhat over the top for real life. Denver generally comes across as an asshole for lack of trying to understand why xe offends people, both in the book and to me as a reader. Similarly, Denver and Ezra's relationship is painful awkward in a hilarious, second hand embarrassment kind of way that is both endearing and honestly a little bit hard to watch. They're both very flawed, very insecure, but ultimately likeable characters that easily fall into the "they're both idiots" romance trope.

What I found most gripping about the book is the actual sci-fi, alien invasion story, which I found to be a lot more compelling than the (cute but awkward) romance. The alien plot has a very Lovecraftian or Welcome to Night Vale type of feel to them, with weird time loops, space distortions, and brain washed neighbors, and it was impossible to predict what would happen next. I found the entire concept of the invasion to be extremely original and well thought out (down to the physics explanation at the end). I also loved that it was solved by lay people and didn't have any experts or know it alls among the heroes, it was just a bunch of average folks making guesses - and guessing wrong a bunch of the time - but still managing to save the day at the end.

Also loved the fat rep in Ezra as a love interest and the fact that Denver finds him delectable and unquestionably attractive throughout - definitely fat positivity done right, despite some fatphobia from a side character.

Highly enjoyable read overall! Big thanks to Angry Robot for the eArc, this was one of my most anticipated reads this year so I was thrilled to be approved for this one on NetGalley!

Key Lime Sky’s blend of sci-fi, mystery, and autistic representation truly made for a compelling and refreshing read. This is my favorite kind of sci-fi, soft and cozy rather than hard, easy to get into and understand. And the importance of acceptance, understanding, and self-discovery are beautifully woven throughout a story that is honestly kind of alarming at times (it is about an alien invasion, after all)!

Denver is both autistic and nonbinary (xe goes by any pronouns but mentions that xe prefers xe/xem [which I don’t see in books very often!] so I’ll use those – I’ve never used them before and I looked it up but please forgive any mistakes and feel free to correct me). Xe is such a well-crafted character. I love xyr sense of humor and I can only dream of being as good at writing reviews as xe is. Xyr autism isn’t the most important part of xem, but it’s an important aspect of Denver’s life, so it’s a big part of the book. Al Hess is autistic himself, so I know and appreciate that Denver’s autistic traits are portrayed with both accuracy and sensitivity.

As for the plot itself: hell. yeah. I love a good alien invasion and Al Hess did a fantastic job setting the scene for unique story with a resolution I absolutely did not see coming. Alien invasions are serious business and it could be quite tense at times, so the different kind of tension we get from Denver and Ezra’s budding romantic relationship is extra welcome. I also liked that Denver isn’t the only one to struggle with acceptance, as Ezra and the other townspeople also have pasts and insecurities they have to work through.

I knew I’d like Key Lime Sky when I read the blurb, but I loved it even more than I expected I would and I was really happy to read a good book with an autistic character that feels realistic, instead of just a caricature, as it’s essential to have more stories like this that showcase diverse experiences in an appropriate way and promote empathy and understanding. Just a little advice though: when you read this book, make sure you have some pie handy, because Denver is going to make you want some.

Thank you for the opportunity to read Key Lime Sky e-arc. This was one of my looking forward to new releases. The humour and diner gave Resident Alien vibes, which was great and it was a fast read. Though, I kept getting pulled out of reading by how often medical terms were used to describe colours of things. Jaundiced, anemia, etc. I'm chronically ill and read to escape my chronic pain and symptoms, not to be reminded of them. If not for those descriptors, this would have been a five star read for me.