How to Find Love When You're Weird

How to Rom-com #5

by Camilla Evergreen

I am a perfectly functional adult.

So why is it so hard to get a date? When my father decided last year that I wouldn’t receive my inheritance until I am in a stable relationship, I let the ever-important deadline slip through the cracks.

Why bother dating, when I can read, right? Wrong.

Now, I have less than two months to find love if I’m going to inherit my cottage home, and even with a stack of self-help books a mile high, things are not looking good. The only man who’s graced me with more than five minutes of his attention is a giant tattooed bar owner.

Sure, he’s the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen. And, sure, he keeps appearing in my life. And…sure…when we enter into a fake/practice dating collaboration, it seems an awful lot like the start of a rom-com, but there’s no way our little stint turns into anything else.

I absolutely refuse to date anyone who drinks. He may be the gentlest grump now, but I know what alcohol does to people, and I am not looking for someone I think I can trust to hurt me again.

No matter what, follow point #1 on my outline: Do NOT fall in love.

How to Find Love When You’re Weird is a grumpy/sunshine satirical romance with a neurodivergent lead on the road to self-acceptance. Each book in this series has sensual description that is ultimately closed door/fade to black, minimal cursing if any at all, and a swoon-worthy love story. Please reference the reader expectations after the title page for specific details.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Clean Romance, Chick Lit, Fake Dating

344 pages, Paperback

First published March 30, 2023

About the author

Camilla Evergreen is an alias of USA Today bestselling author Anne Stryker. Originally intended as a dumping ground for all things lacking fantasy, Camilla/Anne came to the shocking discovery that writing sarcastic, chaotic romcoms full of quippy heroines and adoring heroes has a kick to it.

Camilla/Anne’s neurodivergent tendencies leave her hyperfocused on writing sweet and sassy romances from dawn till dusk and lending whatever her current creative obsessions are to her characters. From arranged marriages to falling for the boss, there’s lots of love to go around.

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/authorannemilla

Reviews

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Moth Princess

Ellen Little is a professional editor and is very good at her job, but less good at taking care of herself. Ellen is neurodivergent and uses an app to help her remember to eat, drink and shower.

Hayes has crossed paths with Ellen multiple times, has found her charming and can’t seem to get a reciprocal response from Ellen. Ellen is afraid of confusing social cues, but Hayes seems to calmly roll with everything that is Ellen.

Ellen edits romcoms and sees relationships through the lens of romantic tropes. Hayes is skeptical at first, but eventually starts to see the same things she sees.

This was a beautiful, slow progress, yet ethereally beautiful love story. I couldn’t possibly match the poetry of the magic of their story. This is a five star clean romance. Oh so much fun.

[Sarah Monzon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I seriously loved this book. It reminded me a lot of The Kiss Quotient but without all the open door sex scenes. Hayes was such a gentle giant of a teddy bear. His patience and understanding was incredible and the way he assured Ellen she was perfect the way she was was seriously endearing. I’m a huge supporter of books with Neurodivergent main characters and that, along with the seriously great title, is the reason I picked the book up to begin with.

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I guess I'm a fan of this author's books now? 😄

[Heather Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

So refreshing to read something different than the regular Hallmark rom-com! Will be reading more books by this author!

[hazel (taylor’s version)🎀💗 · Rating 4 out of 5]

this.was.so.good

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Hyalophora cecropia moth stars.

1st read June 2023- 5 stars.
Reread June 2024- 5 stars.

“Introverts are like corpse flowers. It takes them years to bloom, but it’s super cool when they do.”

🦋 The vibes:
- Found family
- Neurodivergent FMC
- Fake dating
- Practice dating
- he falls first and hard
- Closed door

🦋 My thoughts:
I’m not sure how to explain how thoroughly I enjoyed this book. It was so endearing and heartwarming while being extremely quirky and zany.

🦒 There’s fake dating/practice dating; friendship; and the sweetest friendships that make you believe in the goodness of humanity.

🦒 I was completely charmed with Ellen and all the pieces of her that we got to know. Her growth arc was the best journey to follow and seeing Hayes fall for Ellen just made me love her even more. Ellen finding her people made my soul so happy. This was such a happy and beautiful book yet it wasn’t afraid to show the darker parts of depression and anxiety. It also had a lot of focus on executive dysfunction and what that’s like for Ellen to live with.

🦒 Oh and last but not least- Ellen’s obsession with moths was precious. When Hayes called Ellen his moth princess, I hardcore swooned. Find a man who speaks your love language like Hayes.

🖤 Overall- I was just captivated by this story the first time, and just as enchanted on the reread.

Note- closed door; check CW if you have concerns.

(Also. Sign up for the authors newsletter and get a bonus chapter from Hayes POV from when he first met Ellen. You’ll either love it or hate it but it explained why Ellen kept feeling like Hayes was so familiar and yet she was unsure why.)

🦋 Quotes to convince you to read it:

“I like you. I’m not your type, but you’re sweet enough to give me a chance. I’m waiting, breathlessly, for you to warm up to me.”

“Oh dear. He’s definitely a grumpy. Am I a sunshine?”

“Normally my social excursions leave me feeling so depleted I never want to do them again, but right now I already know I don’t want these moments to end. And if they must end, I want them to repeat.”

“I’m smiling on the inside whenever I’m with you.”

“Kindred spirits recognize each other.”

“Feeding someone is a love language.”

[Jaycee Weaver]

I have too many words

Too many words after finishing, yet I can’t sort them all out because then my own somewhat weird ND quirks will reveal themselves as the too much I’ve always been. I LOVE how the author writes these heroines so authentically, never coming off the page as close-but-not-quite caricatures. There’s a rawness in how they’ve been treated, how so many NDs have been treated their whole lives, and yet in her books is a safe place for these heroes and heroines to just BE the leads in their own lives. To heal from the crap they’ve had to take and grow stronger from. To find acceptance for their atypicalities and be seen as the whole persons they already are. Which is why I adore Ellen, and all the more so after her third act…

And Hayes, what a great hero. Unexpected and wonderful and so perfectly written to lead alongside Ellen in their glorious bubble of weird. I don’t generally reread, but this one could tempt me.

[Hayley · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 25%. I got this book for free and I still want a refund. I think I accidentally stumbled into a book that would be on a Christian Romance recommendation list. The FMC is a judgemental 25yo virgin who only wants to date with the intention of marrying the person. She literally goes to get checked out after she drank alcohol for the first time “just incase she got r*ped and didn’t remember” and the Dr confirmed her hymen is still intact - WTF??? She’s neurodivergent and completely unbearable and doesn’t have a single friend (shocking) - such a disgusting representation of someone with autism. But, somehow this massive hot Norwegian tattooed bar owner (who she assumes MUST be an alcoholic and therefore disgusting because drinking alcohol at all is unforgivable, without asking him or ever seeing him drink) finds her endearing?? There are so many 5 star reviews from people saying how relatable the FMC is - yikes.

[Blue Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Camilla Evergreen whatever it is that you do with your books keep on doing it. FOREVER.
🦋🧡🐍

This book was the definition of swoon.

Hayes was so whipped, dedicated, sweet, tender and so in love.

He was the perfect man for Ellen and their story was everything.

Also that bonus content for Hayes' POV was beyond perfect, everybody who read the book should read that as soon as possible.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jessie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute!

I loved how Hayes was I giant tattooed teddy bear! He was so sweet and considerate. Ellen was cute and quirky. We all have a bit of weird in us, I’m glad they could each find someone who loved and accepted theirs.

I crack up in each of these books as these characters who know romance novels, find the tropes and plot devices everywhere. I’m glad Ellen was prepared for any surprise plot attacks!

[Kathy Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book! I really enjoyed it. But, for me, there was just a little too much repetition on certain situations and words. The ending also felt a bit rushed and it left me wanting a little bit more. All in all, it was a fun break from reality that I needed. 😊

[kc · Rating 2 out of 5]

at the beginning i was like “okay this is cute” but it just went on and on and it got more stupid. calling the FMC “pudding” was awfully cringey. also, her saying “he so big i so smol” brother EUGHHH

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much @authorannemilla for the ARC of this book ❤️


▪︎ he falls first
▪︎ grumpy x sunshine
▪︎ Mouse the cat 🐈
▪︎ opposites attract
▪︎ banter
▪︎ fade to black
▪︎ fake dating
▪︎ mental health representation
▪︎ chronic disease representation


You know when you don't know what you want read but you pick up a book & it turns out to be everything you never knew you needed? This was that book!

From the moment I started reading this I was drawn in. It has one of my favourite tropes (fake dating - obviously 🤪) and it was done so perfectly. There simply isn't anything I can say bad about this book. It was like being wrapped up in a warm fluffy romcom hug and I LOVED IT! 😍 I loved our MMC - he's big, Norwegian, tattooed and a bar owner .. what's there not to love? And our FMC is a little meek cute redhead (power to the ginger right?!😅)

The author really done her background research into all the little topics she touched on and for once I didn't get upset when the intimate scenes faded away ♥️

[Tabitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one. Deals with POTS, some odd obsession and a family that doesn't believe in her ability to make it. Also a bar owner.
Moths are a thing, too. And speed dating. Boss and Mouse. Ellen and Hayes. I love how they take care of each other. Eventually. Sweet book. Clean rom-com though she sure shocks him with some of her suggestions.

[Ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have one singular complaint, Miss Ma'am. How could you ~not~ have him immediately go out and get a moth tattoo after she asked him if he had one?? HOW?! That would have been so stinking adorable.

Everything else was 5 stars, 6 even. Love, love, love.
A++
The call backs (and call ~forwards~ to Cael and Alana) were just complete and utter peak 👌.
Iconic. New favorite. Camilla literally never misses.

[Hayley (hayleysbookishera) · Rating 4 out of 5]

You will love this book if you love any of the following tropes:

❥ 𝗙𝗔𝗞𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚
❥ 𝗙𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦
❥ 𝗚𝗨𝗬 𝗙𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗦 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗦𝗧
❥ 𝗚𝗥𝗨𝗠𝗣𝗬 𝗫 𝗦𝗨𝗡𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗘

𝗠𝗬 𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦

𝗖𝗨𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥���𝗢𝗔𝗗!

Oh my oh my!! I absolutely 𝗔𝗗𝗢𝗥𝗘𝗗 this story! Ellen is by far the most unique character I’ve met to date. Her quirkiness is just 𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧. She makes being ordinary sound absolutely 𝗕𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚.

I loved how the story was based around being accepted for who you are and not what society expects you to be, moths, stars and all! Ellen discovers this herself when she meets the 𝗛𝗨𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗚𝗢𝗨𝗦 (no joke!!) Hayes AKA 𝘉𝘰𝘴𝘴.

The side characters were also a big part to play and just made the story even more wholesome and lovable! I loved how they each had a part to play in Ellen realising being 𝗪𝗘𝗜𝗥𝗗 𝗜𝗦 𝗢𝗞𝗔𝗬.

After being let down by her friends over the years Ellen decided she was no longer going to keep trying and became a true introvert, investing her whole life into her business and her cat - 𝘔𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦. Then she stumbles across Hayes - 𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗧𝗘 𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗬, and he really teaches her how to love herself and to never change and she would find her people who would love her for who she is. Even if it means he himself falls for her.

Overall, this story was bubbly, lighthearted and gave me a warm, fuzzy feeling which was amazing!

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I told Chris yet again, that I needed time to finish another book. Cue his confusion, “didn’t you just finish a book yesterday?”

Um……..

Have you seen me do anything else but sit in my chair and read for the last 48 hours????

Beautiful. This book. So beautiful. In EVERY SINGLE FREAKING WAY.

[Kalene M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely one of the sweetest and most adorable books. I was literally giggling at the trope and “fame dating magic.”
I loved it.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. This author has a sense of humour and quirkiness that really speak to me. Not just because of this specific book, which is focused on a neurodivergent FMC, but just in general. I even just enjoy the way she says things. I also learned a lot from reading this book (about many things), but it never felt just like an education. It was fun. I highlighted so many things in this book. Ellen, in spite of having very specific conditions she’s dealing with, was very relatable. We all have issues, and we all feel insecurity, inferiority, anxiety, and loneliness at times. “The true enemies-to-lovers roller coaster none of us wish to stan is the struggle to love ourselves.” And Hayes was just the biggest cinnamon roll inside a giant package. I adored the “he falls first” aspect of this story. It was great seeing every small bit of progress in the relationship as it inched forward, step by step. Hayes was so patient, having already fallen all the way off the cliff, but recognizing that Ellen needed time and a gentle hand. Ellen’s personal relationship paperwork was great. Clear expectations and communication would solve many a rom com (and real life) relationship breakdown. I loved both main characters so much. And the secondary characters were also so much fun. Ellen’s whole perspective of inside the romance story was so meta and fun.

There was only one issue that I had with the book. Just a small thing, really. Hayes as a character curses extensively, but it is always stated in variations of “he curses”. Since my personal preference is to not read a bunch of curse words in the story, I do prefer that, but it was so frequently inserted into his speech that sometimes I felt like it was disruptive to the flow of the narrative. I think the reader can still get the idea that he curses often without it being mentioned quite so much.

This author is very thorough in outlining reader expectations, so that’s a good place to see if this book fits your preferences, but my summary is that the book is closed door with some undetailed discussion of intimacy. For the most part the harsh language is confined to “he cursed” descriptions, with just a brief bit of low level language.

[Jerrye Tellmeagreatstorylove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gosh, this book was a lot of fun! I read it in just a couple hours because I couldn’t put it down 😍 I couldn’t believe that each chapter got better and better and how beautifully it turned out. I learned so much about the neurodivergent mind and how they see the world around them. It was fascinating and yet heartbreaking to see how Ellen sought love but in the wrong ways. And to see how perfectly wonderful she and Hayes were for each other was incredibly swoony. Their conversations were hysterical most of the time and Hayes’ family is an absolute delight. One thing I really loved was the honesty that Ellen and Hayes had with one another. Once they realized they could be themselves, everything changed in their relationship. I definitely recommend RomCom readers getting a copy of this marvelous read, it’s a truly beautiful story that needs to be read by everyone.

I received a complimentary ARC of this story from the author via BookFunnel. I am not required by anyone to write a positive review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

[Desiree Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this!

This is probably one of my favorite books by this author. I loved the sweetness, chemistry without spicy bits, swearing without swearing, innuendo without it being too graphic, and nuerodivergent/chronically ill characters. It was delightful. I loved how much he cares for her and how they work together. Everything was beautiful and how they worked with their families was wonderful. I have reread it multiple times and loved it. Also, made me like moths when before they were not my thing.

[Ashley · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. I couldn’t even make it through the first chapter. The main character was so unbearable to me. It seems that the author looked up every stereotype regarding autism and created this character. Not only was it annoying to witness, but it did a huge disservice for those who want to read books with neurodivergent characters.

[Kathy Mayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellen may have conditions but she's really smart, see who has the last laugh.

Ellen has a problem making & keeping friends. Most of them want to use her or laugh at her. Those types of people are the scum of the earth. I mean who gets someone wasted & then leaves them at the bar on their birthday. They could have made sure she got home. People suck sometimes. In this book Ellen is an editor & works from home on her computer. It's the perfect job for her considering her various conditions. She gets depressed, has anxiety, & has a hard time reading emotions. She also doesn't understand social cues. Which I imagine would make life really hard. Especially because she was born rich & I can imagine all the social functions her parents go to that she had to attend. I am sure none of those people care about Ellen. They just pretend to so they can talk about her behind her back. You see this when her parents get upset about their friends not being able to see the wedding.

In order to get home Hayes, who owned the bar, walks her home because she can't walk steady. He is also worried someone might take advantage of her. She needs he getting up the stairs & almost falls down the stairs. Hayes is instantly attracted to her. He carries her to her bed puts a water bottle by it & goes to walk away. She asks him to stay saying she doesn't want to be alone on her birthday. Then she asks if she could kiss him. He gets uncomfortable because he doesn't want to take advantage of her. She sits in his lap & kisses him several times. She gets mad when he doesn't kiss back. Asking if he's not attracted to her. Actually it's just the opposite. She convinces him to take off his shirt so she can see the scar he has from being stabbed. She finally falls asleep & he chastised himself for going too far. He is always worried he will turn out like his father. His father brought them to the US bought the bar then cheated on his mom. On top of that his Dad left the country with the new woman & left the bar to Hayes. He hates it. He doesn't drink & he hates all the math he has to do for projections, orders, & probably taxes.

We skip ahead five years and both are still single. Both feel alone even thoughts? Ellen has a hairless cat named mouse. They are getting desperate so Ellen does research & finds a book that has steps on how to find love. She tries speed dating & is frustrated when no one chooses her. Her second time Hayes notices her & cuts in line so he can be her next date. Unfortunately, for him Ellen doesn't remember anything from that night. I kinda think if she remembered the kissing and all the rest she would be mortified. He monopolized the rest of her dates & she didn't choose him because of stereotypes because he was big. Even though their speed dating went well. I felt so bad for him. Hayes is a sweet, sensitive, & caring guy. He only chose her for a date. She put a lot of jerks down I wouldn't have. She keeps overlooking other peoples issues because she has been told all her life that there is something wrong with her. And she believes it. She continues to speed date six more times without any luck & doesn't understand why no one picks her.

Hayes can't take it at home anymore. His sisters & mamma won't quit setting him up on blind dates. On New Year's his sister's best friend kisses him without asking or warning. He felt like he was being sexually assaulted. Apparently later Ellen finds out it was a miscommunication. Anyway he moves across the way from Ellen's apartment. Ellen has a POTS incident while they are talking. He learns she can't stand for more than 10 minutes. Her heart speeds up her legs collapse and then she passes out. He is there to take care of her. It doesn't take too long for her to wake back up. She thanks him. He sees mouse in his PJ's & asked where the ears to the cost are. Mouse gets cold without hair. She takes very good care of him. Too bad she can't learn to take better care of herself. Ellen's parents changed their will to say if she isn't in a serious relationship or married by a certain year on her birthday she wouldn't inherited a cottage on her parents land. They had promised it to her a long time ago. When she moved out because of the cat they panicked.

When Hayes hears her talking about someone to be her fake boyfriend he jumps all over the chance. He tries to convince her. Finally as the deadline gets closer she agrees. She doesn't have any more time to find someone. Being Ellen she comes up with a form for him to fill out to learn if they are even compatible. After they exchange papers & talk they decide to go ahead. Of course, Ellen believes life happens exactly like it does in a book. She writes down all the things that are going to happen to them. He doesn't believe it because it's a book genre not real life. The go to the zoo for their first date. They both love animals & he's never been since moving there. They get to feed giraffes. I am so jealous I have always wanted to do that. He sends pictures of her to his family. The rest I will let you discover.

[K.E. Drake · Rating 3 out of 5]

I watched the calendar until release day for this book to come out, and then I read it sooner than I thought I would because a friend loved and recommended it.

It goes without saying, but I didn't like it as much. I have a lot of thoughts about this story but don't want my review to be scrambled, so I'm putting everything into a simple pros and cons categorization.

**A couple spoilers**

Pros:
~The concept. The idea of the odd woman and the gentle giant fake dating was one I was excited for.
~Hayes and Ellen's first, second, and third meetings.
~Ellen being the only woman Hayes chose at the speed dating event, but not telling her that until later.
~How Ellen and Hayes formed a solid friendship before they really fell in love.
~Hayes being in love with Ellen the entire time. Like, even since walking her home that night five years ago.
~It turning out how Hayes didn't drink and didn't even like his business.
~A few moments that made me laugh or smile.

Cons:
~Ellen. I related to her in a few ways, especially at the beginning. As the story progressed, though, she became annoying, repetitive, and nothing special.
~Hayes. As with Ellen, I liked him in the beginning, but as the pages passed, his larger-than-life character (pun intended) became flat. He became a love interest whose main goal of existence was to be there for Ellen, to love Ellen, to be what Ellen wanted, and to want what Ellen wanted.
~Hayes’ entire family. I felt no emotion toward them except indifference and skimmed almost every scene they were in.
~The never-ending conversations. The banter and interactions between Ellen and Hayes started out as cute but quickly turned into pages upon pages of dialogue about grammar lessons, moth and bug facts, mental disorders, exercise, and other mundane topics. I felt like I was skimming through Wikipedia rather than reading a romcom.
~Using the word consent. One of my bookish pet peeves is when we're shown how "good" a character (usually the guy) is because he says things like: "Don't worry about it me. I promise I will never kiss you without your consent." Or: "Guys who kiss a woman without asking her consent first are scum."
Have the people who do this never heard of the 90/10 rule? Asking without asking? Body language?
Characters asking to kiss the other character or talking about consent is unnecessary. I hate seeing it in books and movies. It takes me out of the story and totally kills the magic of it.
~How apologetic Hayes was. I get it, he was the gentle giant, but him constantly apologizing for absolutely nothing got on my nerves and made him look weak.
~Similarly, how Hayes seemed to make Ellen's personality his own. Like, when they were filling out the "romantic compatibility" list, and Hayes' answers were things like: "I like what you like" or "However many you want".
~That leads me to Ellen and her abominable lists. It started out as cute. Oh, she's a planner and prepares for every detail and setback. But it quickly got out of hand, with so much of the book being dedicated to her lists, how she couldn't simply talk things out with Hayes but had to interview him (in excessive detail) like she was looking for an employee instead of a husband. Even employers aren't that extreme.
~I also couldn't stand Ellen's pathetic behavior, how she was so upset about one thing, so she stayed in bed for days and days doing nothing. Yet she so regretted losing one night of her life while being drunk!
~If Hayes hated running the bar so much, why did he not sell it?
~The plot twist where Ellen's sweet and funny parents turned out to be babying, mistrusting, manipulative, nasty, and awful. It was generic, disappointing, and a poor choice on the author’s part.
~The last several chapters in general. I was skimming and outright skipping pages and pages and pages just waiting for it to be over.

[Elizabeth Lanaghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: How to Find Love When You're Weird by Camilla Evergreen

Rating: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Genre: Rom-Com
Published: 3/30/23

Review: What a cute book! I was a little skeptical during the prologue, so I put the book down for a couple of weeks and then picked it back up again. And I am SO glad I did! The book just got better and better!! I loved that Ellen is an editor and picks up things such as “rom-com magic” during a rom-com book. So many of those lines made me giggle out loud! And her chemistry with Hayes was amazing! The only thing I felt was a little overdone was the talk of how big Hayes was. I get that he was a foot taller than Ellen and that it terrified her a little, but I personally don’t feel it needed to be mentioned as much as it was. But I was definitely able to overlook that and really enjoy the overall story! Also having two characters with anxiety, LOVE!! Would definitely recommend reading this gem!

Summary: I am a perfectly functional adult. So why is it so hard to get a date? When my father decided last year that I wouldn’t receive my inheritance until I am in a stable relationship, I let the ever-important deadline slip through the cracks. Why bother dating, when I can read, right? Wrong. Now, I have less than two months to find love if I’m going to inherit my cottage home, and even with a stack of self-help books a mile high, things are not looking good. The only man who’s graced me with more than five minutes of his attention is a giant tattooed bar owner . Sure, he’s the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen. And, sure, he keeps appearing in my life. And…sure…when we enter into a fake/practice dating collaboration, it seems an awful lot like the start of a rom-com, but there’s no way our little stint turns into anything else. I absolutely refuse to date anyone who drinks. He may be the gentlest grump now, but I know what alcohol does to people, and I am not looking for someone I think I can trust to hurt me again. No matter what, follow point #1 on my Do NOT fall in love. How to Find Love When You’re Weird is a grumpy/sunshine satirical romance with a neurodivergent lead on the road to self-acceptance. Each book in this series has sensual description that is ultimately closed door/fade to black, minimal cursing if any at all, and a swoon-worthy love story. Please reference the reader expectations after the title page for specific details.

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[RedReviews4You · Rating 4 out of 5]

A New Rom Com Trope of Idiots to Lovers 🥰

As Ellen Little sits with Hayes Sallow early in the book to map out the terms of their Contract for Fake Dating, to keep his family at bay, and Practice Dating, to help her find a partner for herself, the book takes a very unique turn that is at once humorous, and at the same time very thought provoking. In this scene Ellen stipulates a series of classic Rom Com Tropes that must be avoided so she and Hayes don’t have to deal with any complications that occur whenever people in fiction enact a Fake Dating Trope. However, she hits upon one that I have never heard of - “Idiots to Lovers”. Ellen defines this as when “the characters are too stupid to see they’re hopelessly in love with each other” and continues on to say that their “chaotic energetic is marvelous” with this trope. You can quickly see that Evergreen plans to play up this trope to its best comic effect. Having met Hayes five years previously on her 21st birthday Ellen Little made quite a big impression on him, and when at a Speed Dating night Hayes sees her again, he gets the trope he prefers, “friends to lovers”.

I was immediately enamored with the frenetic energy that Evergreen writes Ellen with, as well as the patience and acceptance that Hayes maintains throughout the book. It was refreshing to see Ellen written with such empathy and a keen eye to the detail of the way that someone who is raised to be hypercritical of her thinking is, and the confusion and contradiction that Ellen lives with because of her unease around people while fulfilling her desire to have friends and be social. This adds so much to her apprehension that she almost doesn't recognize what Hayes sees in her as she moves through the book. There is a joy to the way she thinks and I found Hayes’ reactions to her refreshing and delightful because he allows himself to find power in Ellen’s way of looking at the world. He also sees her viewpoints, asides and observations as something new and exciting rather than someone who just overshares as a way of attention seeking. This is a wonderful story about seeing how we can create a world that we fit into by finding our own families, discovering friends who value us, and learning to accept who you love for themselves, but also learning that you can accept and love yourself.

I can’t think of a better read to recommend to anyone who has ever felt that they didn’t belong or who has found joy in something that others found dull. The book shows that if you are true to yourself, keep your joy, and are willing to put yourself out there -- there is a person just waiting to ‘see’ you.

I would like to thank the author for a copy of this book to review

[Randi Sampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you were to take a peek at my reading history lately, one thing would be very clear: I love Rom-coms! Like seriously, LOVE them. There's something about the trope-iness of it all--- it's fun to see how authors put their own unique spins on things, while also having a sense of predictability and familiarity that is comforting to me. And the thing that I adore about Camilla Evergreen's How To Rom-Com series is how she leans into those things, even pokes fun at them a little bit in a way that is unique and fun. Add in characters that aren't always like those in your typical love story with their unique interests and personality traits, and it's really hard not to fall for these books.

The newest book in the series- How to Find Love When You're Weird- is such the perfect example of that. The lead in this story- Ellen- is neurodivergent... but that's not actually outright stated in the story itself, nor is any actual specific diagnosis talked about. It's mentioned in the description and in the author's note, but not in the story in so many words. And I absolutely loved this--- because it allowed Ellen to just be Ellen with no need to discuss why she was unique. I actually saw a lot of my socially awkward, extremely socially anxious self in this character. I also saw a lot of my autistic son. I am sure many other readers who have their own varieties of weirdness might find ways to relate to her in some ways too. And Hayes? Well, he is just the sweetest gentle giant ever! I absolutely adore their relationship.

While it might be unexpected in a Rom-Com, I must admit that this one brought me to tears a few times too. Yes, the humor is there of course- but it takes on some serious moments too. And when Ellen 'talks' about her loneliness and difficulties in making and maintaining friendships? Boy, did I 100% feel that!!

As much as I enjoy this series, I will say they may not be for everyone. As such, I highly suggest reading the author's note before each book which gives a great breakdown of what to expect in each book--to include any triggers, swearing, etc. This one actually had me a little nervous before starting because it mentioned there was a lot of cursing. And there was-Hayes curses like a Marine (being married to one, I can confirm, that's worse than a sailor.)... but it's almost all off the page. While very few minor curses are actually spelled out, for the most part, it literally just says that he curses... you could probably figure out the words he's saying based on context, but it's not actually written out and I personally appreciated that!

Overall, this was a great read. If you love a good rom-com and appreciate characters who don't quite fit the typical heroine mold, this book (and series) are certainly worth checking out.

**I received an ARC for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is only the second book that I have ever read from Camilla, and it has a lot of the same feel as the other one that I read. Not that that is a bad thing but just a lot of similarities that I noticed. I will say I had a hard time getting into the book but once invested I wanted to finish it. There were parts where I felt like there was too much going on that didn’t really pertain to the story but that could be because the lead Ellen is neurodivergent. Which also made this book very interesting to read. I have read other books with neurodivergent people, and it makes for a very interesting read. I felt it was very well written with that in mind although I don’t know much about it, but I felt it wasn’t demeaning in any way. This is a clean romance book but do keep in mind I felt this one pushed the bounds a little more than others, but the author does give a warning at the beginning of the book. I felt that it was a little over done with all the talk about sex but wanting to wait. I know it’s something that needs to be talked about in a relationship, but I just don’t want to read about them talking about it all the time. That is just a personal preference of mine so for others it might not be a problem. There are a couple of times the characters swear but nothing terrible. But I have found this author likes to say a lot that the character is swearing and for me that’s just a turn off I don’t need to read, and Hays swears… saying he loves me. Or something along those lines. I don’t like it when there is a lot of repetitiveness in a book and that is one that has been in the book a lot. So not actual swearing but the mention of it I just don’t get it. With all that in mind the story is very good, and I wanted to see the Happily Ever After at the end. Hayes is a great guy he knows how to care for Ellen without being patronizing to her. He knows that she doesn’t always understand everything, and he works hard to make sure there aren’t miscommunications. Ellen knows that she is a little weird, but she wants what everyone wants for themselves to be loved and accepted for who they are. And the two of them together complete each other in a way no one else could. If you have liked other books by Camilla, then you won’t be disappointed by this one. If you read the warning from the author at the beginning and you don’t mind that stuff, then this book will be a good fit for you.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must confess when I first started this book, I was not really sure about how much I would like it, but I always like to give an author the benefit of the doubt. I am so glad that I kept reading. I ended the book with a smile on my face. Ellen Little is definitely a little different. In the opening chapter you find her in a bar where her supposed friends have left her to find her own way home even though she is very much impaired. A gentleman helps her home of which she wakes up the next morning with no memory. The book then goes fast forward five years. Ellen is very anti-social, but she has to find a husband before her birthday in order to get the cottage she wants from her parents. So, she has resorted to speed dating where she meets her hero from five years ago. She, of course, does not recognize him, but he recognizes her. Hayes Sallow, better known as Boss, is a mammoth of a man at 6'7" with a hulking figure and massive tattooed arms with snakes going up his arm, but he is a gentle giant, at least when it comes to Ellen.

Poor Ellen is a fount of useless information and has no filter on her mouth. She just says whatever is on her mind. She loves moths and butterflies and can tell you anything you want to know about them. She also edits books for a living so she is the grammar police. Suddenly there is someone in her life who does not run screaming from the room with her lists, forms and other idiosyncrasies. She wants to compare their relationship, per se, with characters and situations from a rom-com, which made some of the scenes completely hilarious.

I loved the character of Ellen and felt for her as well. Weird does not even begin to explain how she might appear to someone who did not know her, but she was just a lonely woman lost in her own little world. Hayes was so lovable to me. His mere presence would be intimidating, but his manners and gentlemanly ways will woo your heart. He also had great patience and tenderness with Ellen. He recognized something in her.

This was a sweet romance which shows that we all need to know someone cares and loves us. The family dynamics for both the Little and Sallow families were fun to read and the love was apparent.

If you want a light read with a moral to the story, you will enjoy this one.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Alicia (aliciasalwaysreading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

-🤬: mild language (2h, 1a)
-❤️: makeouts
-⚠️: n/a

This might be my second favorite in the series! I loved the meet-cute between Ellen and Hayes. We learned right there at the beginning that although Hayes is a ginormous specimen, he's really just a gentle sweetie.

Ellen is not neurotypical. She's a brilliant editor and she's an excellent cat-mom, but she struggles with executive functioning skills. Hayes realizes this and is really mindful of the ways in which he helps her. I loved how he got Ellen to agree to help him out with a little fake dating...while he knew what his endgame was all along. In true Camilla fashion, Hayes was gone for Ellen and I was here for it.

I think my favorite part was at the end of the story when Ellen shocked her parents (and Hayes) with her declaration that she was going to buy her cottage from her parents with no problems financially. Loved that stick-it-to-the-man moment.

Favorite Quotes:
⚔️ I love me some sexually-charged sword fights... Like oh no I'm totally going to stab you with my pointy stick, but I cannot be held accountable if we start kissing instead.
Heh.
Enemies to lovers is absolutely bogus. I love it.

😂 Other girls I've known go on eternally about a guy's butt. I find safe driving sexy. Or maybe my
anxiety does. TBD.

☠️ "You okay?"
Am I okay...?
Hayes just pulled a touch her and die.
I've witnessed a touch her and die. On my behalf. That's literally the best thing in the entire world. I can't believe this.
That was so cool. Okay. A touch morbid.

😍 "You're adorable."
As he pulls his seat belt on, I huff and sag in my chair. "That's starting to feel patronizing."
"Not my intention. I mean it in a sense of you are absolutely and incomprehensibly precious."

🫠“You said I was terrifying once. Still think that?"My chest tightens, and I whisper,
"Wait, was that offensive? It seems kind of obvious. You're huge and tattooed and don't smile."
"I'm smiling on the inside whenever I'm with you."

🥹"Forget what other people have taught you, pudding. You're safe to speak your mind with me. I promise."

😅 ”When I like something, I don't let go." He clears his throat. "Non-threateningly...of course."

❤️ "Text me. Call me. Come over. Do you want a key so you can just let yourself in?"
"That's not going to be overwhelming?"
"You don't overwhelm me."
My chest flutters.
Those simple words feel like some I've been waiting my whole life for.

📚 After all, people are like books. Editing the ones that aren't right for you is a waste of time. Loving the ones that speak to your soul...well...those make all the difference in—
The End.