When Tomorrow Comes

by D. Jackson Leigh

Teague Maxwell, a brilliant, reclusive inventor, knows two things about herself—she prefers the company of animals, and she will die in the next year following her fortieth birthday. Resigned to the inevitable, she hires Baye Cobb from a local pet rescue to find new homes for her menagerie of pets.

When Baye decided to turn her late grandmother’s farm into an animal rescue operation, she had no idea so many animals would land on her doorstep. In dire need of more funding, more space and much better business management, Baye has no choice but to accept the lucrative offer from Teague—her very eccentric, but largest, donor. She agrees to help rehome Teague’s pets despite her disgust for someone who would adopt so many animals, only to rehome all of them.

Neither woman expects Teague’s desperation and Baye’s disapproval to explode into undeniable attraction. The more time they spend together, the more they realize it’s not just animals Baye is adept at saving—she could be the one to rescue Teague from her catastrophic fate.

Genres: Lesbian, Romance, LGBT, Queer, Disability

240 pages, Paperback

Published February 13, 2024

About the author

D. Jackson Leigh grew up barefoot and happy, swimming in farm ponds and riding rude ponies in rural south Georgia. Her love of reading was nurtured early on by her grandmother, an English teacher who patiently taught her to work New York Times crossword puzzles in the daily paper, and by her mother who stretched the slim family budget to bring home grocery store copies of Trixie Belden mysteries and Bobbsey Twins adventures that Jackson would sit up all night reading.

It was her passion for writing led her quite accidentally to a career in journalism and, ultimately, North Carolina where she lives with her small pack of three terror, uh, terriers.

Reviews

[Rosi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story has been strange for me, because when I finished reading it I had the feeling that I had finished a story, quite childish despite everything, but I don't think I connected with the author's intention.

It is probably because the protagonists have been shown to us only in the here and now, without much else, practically without context, it is clear that the author wanted to highlight their different abilities, Teague with her ASD and Baye with her ADHD. But the construction of the two characters has been quite flat, with few nuances.

Then there is the main theme of the story, Teague's animal family, which has been a bit much for me, I have constantly confused them with each other.

In short, for me it has been a story that is too simple, although others may find something in it that I have not been able to see.


Publisher Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for an honest review

[Aleana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.

Teague prefers to be with her animals because people don't understand her and besides what’s the point of even trying to connect with people when she knows dying by her next birthday. She decides to rehomes her animals before she go. Baye loves animals and turned her grandmother farm into animal rescue but she gets overwhelmed and realizes she needs help and Teague offers in return help her. I like this read I love how the author deal with both characters disabilities and the animals were so cute especially Flower and Cap also Mac.

[Fran Sappharc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start. Characters established. Predicament established and pretty insurmountable barrier to a long term relationship when the mains meet.
So many fascinating animal facts, casually dropped in.
From the blurb I thought there was going to be a stupid misunderstanding about why one main wanted to re-home her pets. I’m so glad there was not.
I enjoyed everything happening because I was learning about a-typical behaviour but there was to be honest no real tension because these two were each others safe space (life goals)……. However tension is needed……l had forgotten about the big barrier to a long happy ever after. The writer reminded me, and I was actually pretty tense as the end of the book got closer. The writer didn’t let me down. 3.5 up to 4 cos I enjoyed the facts I learned and I really wasn’t sure how it would end which was refreshing!

[ReadingwithCaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I’ve read describing neurodivergence with honesty and care. It shows the love that can grow from being understood completely.

I’ve received an advance copy for free form Netgalley and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Teague is a genius solving the worlds most difficult problems. Her talents stem from her brain working differently because of autism. Teague lives like a relative recluse on a huge farm estate along with a herd of different animals. She has always preferred the company of animals to that of humans. The only human she can stand around her is her house manager Connie that practically raised her and is the only one who can work with her particular needs. Teague is convinced she will die in the next year because of a family curse. She needs to find new homes for her beloved animals before it is too late. When her next door neighbor Baye shows up, something strange happens. Where Teague doesn’t like anyone touching her, she actually likes Baye’s touch. Baye also loves animals, so she might be the perfect person to help rehouse her animals.

Baye lives at the dog and cat rescue she runs with her cousin Libby. Baye tends to alienate people close to her because she suffers from severe ADHD. She can’t for the life of her complete one task before starting another. Her house is a filthy mess because she just forgets to clean. Somehow Libby is the only one who has stuck around, while everyone else left. When she meets her next-door neighbor Teague for the first time, she is intrigued. Teague has so many struggles of her own, but somehow Baye wants to get to know all of her.

I loved the way that both women live with their own mental health trials. Teague has created a safe environment around herself that keeps her as comfortable as possible. Baye, on the other hand, is still struggling to keep her head above water. Although they are very different from each other, they inherently know that they are safe. Both Teague and Baye work so hard at understanding each other and are so patient in learning how to let the other thrive. Their love is one in its purest forms.

The eclectic family of animals Teague has surrounded herself with play a pivotal role in the story. Each one has a distinct character and that enhances the understanding of their importance to Teague. While Baye is nowhere near as successful in living with her challenges, once she meets Teague, she understands that she has to build a community around herself that loves her just as she is. It is heartwarming to see Baye open up and conquer the hardest parts of her struggles instead of working against them.

When Tomorrow Comes is a wonderful, tender story of love and learning how to work with the challenges that come with neurodivergence. It deserves to be savored.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very unusual story. The synopsis leaves out a big part of the story. Teague is autistic and Baye has ADGD. Add in all the other stuff and this is a very interesting story.
The author introduces us to this world of couping with both disabilities and we learn how to deal with each, life can be sweet for both of them.
The author either has first hand experience or did a lot of research because it felt very real.
We experience the struggles these two women go thru just to survive in the world and how they develop a love and life together.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Kaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teague Maxwell is brilliant, eccentric and on the spectrum. She loves her odd assortment of animals and prefers their company to humans. Believing she may have inherited the family curse she feels she must find new homes for her animals. She meets a neighboring property owner, Baye Cobb. She has turned her inherited farm into an animal rescue. She seems like the perfect person to help Teague’s animals find new homes. In return the fee Teague will pay will help the rescue become more financially solvent. Baye has her own challenges having severe ADHD. She leaves her home unclean and her creative ideas floundering with no follow through. Of course the pair are attracted. I really like how honestly they talk about their individual struggles and how careful they are with one another. But at times I felt the animals were too cutesy and the relationship almost juvenile with how everything is spelled out. I think the author was going for honesty between the pair but sometimes it makes them seem simple and clearly they are not. It is an enjoyable story with good representation of neurodivergence and ADHD.

[Sue Plant · Rating 4 out of 5]

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

teague maxewell and baye both have issues but when they meet there is something between them

teague is also a genius and very much a recluse. she prefers animals to people but she has just been given a life sentence with only a year to live and she needs to find homes for her animals

baye is just the person to help her as she has an animal sanctuary and agrees to find homes for all of teagues animals but what she wasnt banking on was her attraction to teague

and baye will go to any lengths to save teague

[Shimere Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. It was different than anything I’ve read recently but the characters and plot were so engaging. I really identified with the characters and the named disabilities that each had but in my opinion were their strengths. Both Teague and Baye were different but the same in many ways both looking for someone to love them for who they are. They showed so much determination to make them work and get their happy ending. This book was written so beautifully and authentically with a range of representation. I laughed, I cried and I rejoiced. The animals were just the icing on the cake and absolutely fun to read about.

[Silvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both MCs display neurological disorders that manifest at opposite ends, autism and ADHD and. But Teague and Baye have plenty in common, with Teague’s menagerie of animals taking centre stage in this book. The animals and their quirky behaviour make me want me to go visit this farm. The addition of secondary characters brings a plus to the narrative.. The story unfolds with minimal angst and a happy conclusion. 3.5 stars
Free ARC via NetGalley.

[Lexxi Kitty · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book by an author I liked to read, but hadn't for roughly 5 years. Until this book here.

I liked the two main characters. Teague & Baye. Teague is a super smart woman, who became rich through her own abilities, and is a high functioning autistic woman. She takes the contracts she wants, and has a near-constant stream of people wanting to hire her to invent solutions to problems. She has a massive number of pet-friends. Talkative bird, monkey, cat, llama, sheep, donkey, dogs, pig, etc. Book opens with her at a funeral. Which I mention because it leads to the story-line behind everything. One of the few family members she can stand/can stand her meets up with her at the funeral. Makes some comment about the curse of the family - everyone seems to die of an aneurysm around age 41. Teague? Rapidly approaching age 41. She shrugs at her superstitious cursed family. I mean, she's adopted, so . .. Only, it turns out, she isn't, or, I should say, that doesn't make her not family (or, as in, her father was a member of the family).

Right, so, she now "knows" she doesn't have long to live. She has a bunch of pet-friends she wants to make sure end up in a good situation. So, she starts the process to find her friends a home. Or homes. Which lead her to wander down to some activity going on at her neighbors place. She spotted the person who gave her the donkey, and, so, hopefully . ..

That neighbor? That'd be Baye. Baye Cobb. Local animal rescue owner. Baye has a lot, and I mean a lot, of great ideas. But, she has very bad issues. She gets distracted easily. I believe it might have been mentioned in the book, or not, that one of the woman was described as super focused (Teague), while the other is super unfocussed (Baye).

Right, so, the two leads meet. Teague has a proposal. Before it can get out the two fight. Because their disabilities clash. But eventually the proposal gets out: Teague will pay Baye to find good homes for her animals. Money Baye needs because her place is failing bad.

Right, so, great story. Loved it.

Rating: 4.75
December 11 2024

[Monna · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Tomorrow Comes by D. Jackson Leigh

I received a free ARC copy from NetGalley for this book.

When Tomorrow Comes by D. Jackson Leigh has two main characters as well as a plethora of fully described secondary and tertiary characters, both human and animal. Each character is unique and outside the norm. Yes, this is a sapphic romance, but it is also a character study of an ADHD and autistic relationship where each woman gives, relents, suffers, compromises, and rises above their conditions. It’s an interesting dichotomy, and gives me hope that their combined therapy is not entirely fictional. Throw in another four humans, and an odd and endearing menagerie of various pets and you have a fascinating mix. Granted, I wasn’t able to fully buy in to parts of Teague and Baye’s relationship, but that may have been due to my lack of knowledge of their disorders. Yes, that’s my problem completely, but I did gain an insight into their trials and tribulations. Unique and extraordinary animal personalities also abound in this novel. This is a feel good, happy ending story that manages to entertain and educate at the same time. I highly recommend.

[Celina · Rating 3 out of 5]

𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗦: ᴄᴏɴᴛᴇᴍᴘᴏʀᴀʀʏ. ᴅɪꜱᴀʙɪʟɪᴛʏ. ᴀɴɪᴍᴀʟꜱ. ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ. ᴀᴜᴛɪꜱᴍ/ᴀᴅʜᴅ.
📚 ᴀʀᴄ 🏳️‍🌈⁠
⁠
𝚂𝚄𝙼𝙼𝙰𝚁𝚈/𝙿𝙻𝙾𝚃:⁠
"𝘕𝘦𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘴 𝘛𝘦𝘢𝘨𝘶𝘦’𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘉𝘢𝘺𝘦’𝘴 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘢𝘭 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘥𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘻𝘦 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘴 𝘉𝘢𝘺𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘱𝘵 𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨—𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙘𝙪𝙚 𝙏𝙚𝙖𝙜𝙪𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙝𝙞𝙘 𝙛𝙖𝙩𝙚." I usually detest third acts but this has to be one of the most interesting and well-written ones I have read in a while. Baye and Teague had intriguing emotions that, I will personally claim, were mainly based on how safe they felt towards one another rather than chemistry.

My favourite emotional scenes between Teague and Baye were the revelation and reconciliation. They were so simple and beautiful yet the emotions were really strong and given the disabilities with both MCs, even I was questioning how the resolution was going to happen. And in that scene when it happened, really heartfelt and well-written. My heart hurt for Teague though, all that distress has to be breaking.


𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙫𝙞𝙖 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙜𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙨𝙤 𝙄 𝙖𝙢 𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙡𝙮 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬.

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartwarming country romance with just the right amount of feels. I love this author as she always delivers a great story.

Teague Maxwell is a reclusive investor and prefers to be with her animals as people don't understand her. Plus she knows she'll die before her next birthday so she decides to rehome all of her animals and enlists the neighbor to help.

Baye Cobb turned her grandmother's farm into a pet rescue, but she's in way over her head and needs a lot of help. She has issues keeping focused and on track with what's going on so when Teague offers a pretty sweet deal, Baye has no choice but to accept it.

It moved pretty quickly in my opinion from Teague not wanting people to touch her or be in her personal space at all to being okay with Baye doing it. I enjoyed the way the relationship developed, but I adored all the animals, especially Flower and Cap and Mac. They were the highlight in my opinion.

Great, low angst story that will make you want to have a hoard of animals. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jasmine Shouse · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet and fluffy Sapphic romance featuring neurodivergent characters and plenty of animals.

Baye co-owns a cat and dog rescue with her cousin while struggling with ADHD. Teague (who is autistic) is convinced she's going to die before her 41st birthday because every Maxwell before her has. Teague contracts Baye to find homes for Teague's animals, but the two women have a spark.

The neurodivergent rep was really nice to see, even showcasing both healthy and unhealthy scenarios. The writing style was a little clunky, and that's not including Teague's non-use of contractions. I loved how much they cared for all the animals and the way the rescue employed diverse workers. I did not love the description of Tommy (disabled) as a "man-child". Overall, it's a quick, fun read for animal lovers.

[Nathalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Any book with animals makes it a great read for me to be honest so I try not to be too biased while reviewing this book.

We have 2 really interesting MC's. They are both neurodivergent and are trying to navigate through life while managing all the challenges comes with it. I feel like both MC's were very accurately portrayed and did not feel like it was over the top. There were a lot of subtle comments and movements that showed how their neurodivergence affected them in their daily lives.

The animals brought me so much joy and I can only hope it does so for the other readers as well. It made me want to rethink my future as solely a cat mom and adding a lama and maybe a donkey to my animal family.

This is a must read for animal lovers and wlw romance lovers as well as people who are just looking for a great read.

[Alice M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Teague and Baye, both of whom have difficulty dealing with what is regarded as normal, everyday, situations. One is on the autism spectrum, is obsessively organised and cannot readily show feelings or emotions while the other has ADHD and her life is chaotic and emotional. The two women meet and find that although they are so opposite in many ways their life is much the same. They have difficulty making and keeping friends as these 'friends' cannot or will not understand the women so leave when things get too hard. They bond over their love of animals and despite all odds are determined to be together. They have their ups and downs but this is a, mainly, non angsty story of how they achieve this.

[Lizz Axnick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in one sitting (it is pretty short...). If you love animals and prefer them to people, this is a book for you. I could have done without the graphic sex scenes but someone in another review did say this is "erotica" before I read it so I knew what I was getting into.

That being said, I love the two characters, Teague and Baye, who both see themselves as flawed humans and they work together to overcome their flaws because they're in love. It was a perfect read right before Valentine's Day. The addition of the monkey and pig were just the cream cheese icing on the cake.

Super cute romance novel. My thanks to Bold Strokes Books and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[DS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Baye and Teague both captured my heart in this latest book by D. Jackson Leigh. I loved the connection the couple build over the course of the story. Who wouldn't love the menagerie of adorable friends Teague has as part of her "family". This is a heartwarming story of Neurodiversity told in a beautiful, loving way.

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't resist a book with pets on the cover and this was quite good and entertaining. Well plotted, interesting charachters.
I rooted for them and and had fun
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[J R · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute romance for the animal lover in your life (it's me, i'm the animal lover) lmao but seriously this one was STUNNIN <3 read it. thanks so much for the arc.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

When tomorrow comes is a good read. I love animals and can relate. I loved the inclusion of neurodivergent characters. I recommend, 4 stars.


Thank you, Bold Strokes Books, and NetGalley.

[Marian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and adorable story

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5. I really enjoyed this book and definitely learned a lot about animals along the way. I always appreciate when autism is represented well and when at least one of the romantic leads is autistic. It adds depth and visibility that matters.

Teague was a very interesting character and I liked following her perspective. Baye was also likable but even though she and I both have ADHD I didn’t relate to her as much. Her symptoms felt extremely heightened; probably about 11 times stronger than anything I personally experience. I’m not sure if I just haven’t encountered this presentation before or if it was slightly overdone. Hard to say.