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A Girl Like Me
Cute and clumsy bumps into train man in a meet-cute that readers have described as ‘brilliant.’ She’s been asking the question, ‘What’s wrong with me?’ He holds the answer, but will knowing the truth change anything?
When perennially clumsy thirty-something, Olivia, falls into the arms of a stranger, she thinks nothing of it, after all, this sort of thing happens to her all the time. You see ordinary, everyday, tasks that other people seem to manage with ease have always been a struggle for Olivia so over the years she’s developed coping strategies. And, if they don’t work, well she can always rely on her friendly support network to help her out, right?
But when a new boss arrives at the advertising agency where she works, Olivia’s forced out of her comfort zone and fighting to prove herself.
And when Caspar, the mysterious and perfectly together stranger who saved her life, begins appearing everywhere she goes, she can't help wondering, could she also be falling in love?
Not your (neuro) typical boy meets girl story.
A Girl Like Me is a romantic comedy that celebrates the power of love, the beauty of differences and the courage to be yourself, flaws and all.
Perfect for fans of Bridget Jones's Diary, The Rosie Project, Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine and Sophie Kinsella books.
When perennially clumsy thirty-something, Olivia, falls into the arms of a stranger, she thinks nothing of it, after all, this sort of thing happens to her all the time. You see ordinary, everyday, tasks that other people seem to manage with ease have always been a struggle for Olivia so over the years she’s developed coping strategies. And, if they don’t work, well she can always rely on her friendly support network to help her out, right?
But when a new boss arrives at the advertising agency where she works, Olivia’s forced out of her comfort zone and fighting to prove herself.
And when Caspar, the mysterious and perfectly together stranger who saved her life, begins appearing everywhere she goes, she can't help wondering, could she also be falling in love?
Not your (neuro) typical boy meets girl story.
A Girl Like Me is a romantic comedy that celebrates the power of love, the beauty of differences and the courage to be yourself, flaws and all.
Perfect for fans of Bridget Jones's Diary, The Rosie Project, Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine and Sophie Kinsella books.
265 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 27, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 16, 2026
BLURB:
Olivia, a thirty-something working at an advertising agency, struggles with chronic clumsiness and constant mistakes that leave her feeling out of place—especially under a new boss who pushes her to prove herself. After a chaotic meet-cute at a train station where a stranger saves her, he keeps reappearing. As she questions why everything feels harder for her than for others, she uncovers a deeper reason behind it while building a support system.
REVIEW:
This book might be marketed as a contemporary romcom, but it’s actually a character-driven story about self-acceptance and healing. And what makes it so unique (and will be relatable to many readers) is its neurodivergent representation—Olivia’s experience with dyspraxia, a condition that literally shapes how she moves through her day-to-day life, isn’t written as a quirky personality trait or just for comedy, but something she has to process and eventually accept. And for romance lovers, there’s still so much to love—opposites attract, a memorable meet-cute, a mystery man love interest, and a slow-burn connection. What’s refreshing is how the romance is woven into Olivia’s self-discovery, and elements of found family and support systems feel just as important.
Told in an intimate, almost stream-of-consciousness style, you really feel like you’re inside Olivia’s head for most of the book—and it’s a roller coaster of emotions! She overthinks everything and jumps to worst-case scenarios, and some of her inner monologues are hilarious because of how exaggerated she can be. If you love a slow-burn romance that builds organically, this will really work for you. Her meet-cute on the train station platform with the “mystery man” sets the tone of what’s to come—and the way he keeps appearing creates lots of intrigue around him. It’s also very much an opposites-attract energy—his calm, steady presence (almost frustratingly so at times) balances out her messy, chaotic energy perfectly. What makes him so likable is that he never tries to “fix” her—he accepts her immediately and tries to help her understand herself. And while her clumsiness will have you laughing out loud in a few scenes, the dyspraxia reveal adds emotional weight and depth beyond a typical romcom.
There’s not a huge cast of supporting characters, but the few present are well developed and play an important role. Steph, Olivia’s best friend, and Romalee—who’s connected to the mystery man—bring humor and extra drama and they also emphasize the found family and emotional support systems in Olivia’s life.
At just over 250 pages (and under 8 hours on audio), the book packs in a lot. The short chapters, combined with the constant momentum of the story, make this easy to fly through and perfect for a single-sitting read. And for those who don’t love third-act breakups, this one is done really well—it’s tied directly to Olivia’s journey of understanding her neurodivergence, which is so much better than the typical unnecessary romance drama. The ending wraps everything up in a realistic and satisfying way. And just like in real life, Olivia doesn’t suddenly become a completely different person, but understands herself in a way she didn’t before—and you’ll be left feeling a bit emotional but also uplifted!
If you enjoy romcoms with substance, messy and relatable protagonists, slow-burn romance, and stories with humor and self-discovery, this is definitely one to pick up. And if you're looking for a book with neurodivergent representation—or want to try one—this is a great place to start!
Olivia, a thirty-something working at an advertising agency, struggles with chronic clumsiness and constant mistakes that leave her feeling out of place—especially under a new boss who pushes her to prove herself. After a chaotic meet-cute at a train station where a stranger saves her, he keeps reappearing. As she questions why everything feels harder for her than for others, she uncovers a deeper reason behind it while building a support system.
REVIEW:
This book might be marketed as a contemporary romcom, but it’s actually a character-driven story about self-acceptance and healing. And what makes it so unique (and will be relatable to many readers) is its neurodivergent representation—Olivia’s experience with dyspraxia, a condition that literally shapes how she moves through her day-to-day life, isn’t written as a quirky personality trait or just for comedy, but something she has to process and eventually accept. And for romance lovers, there’s still so much to love—opposites attract, a memorable meet-cute, a mystery man love interest, and a slow-burn connection. What’s refreshing is how the romance is woven into Olivia’s self-discovery, and elements of found family and support systems feel just as important.
Told in an intimate, almost stream-of-consciousness style, you really feel like you’re inside Olivia’s head for most of the book—and it’s a roller coaster of emotions! She overthinks everything and jumps to worst-case scenarios, and some of her inner monologues are hilarious because of how exaggerated she can be. If you love a slow-burn romance that builds organically, this will really work for you. Her meet-cute on the train station platform with the “mystery man” sets the tone of what’s to come—and the way he keeps appearing creates lots of intrigue around him. It’s also very much an opposites-attract energy—his calm, steady presence (almost frustratingly so at times) balances out her messy, chaotic energy perfectly. What makes him so likable is that he never tries to “fix” her—he accepts her immediately and tries to help her understand herself. And while her clumsiness will have you laughing out loud in a few scenes, the dyspraxia reveal adds emotional weight and depth beyond a typical romcom.
There’s not a huge cast of supporting characters, but the few present are well developed and play an important role. Steph, Olivia’s best friend, and Romalee—who’s connected to the mystery man—bring humor and extra drama and they also emphasize the found family and emotional support systems in Olivia’s life.
At just over 250 pages (and under 8 hours on audio), the book packs in a lot. The short chapters, combined with the constant momentum of the story, make this easy to fly through and perfect for a single-sitting read. And for those who don’t love third-act breakups, this one is done really well—it’s tied directly to Olivia’s journey of understanding her neurodivergence, which is so much better than the typical unnecessary romance drama. The ending wraps everything up in a realistic and satisfying way. And just like in real life, Olivia doesn’t suddenly become a completely different person, but understands herself in a way she didn’t before—and you’ll be left feeling a bit emotional but also uplifted!
If you enjoy romcoms with substance, messy and relatable protagonists, slow-burn romance, and stories with humor and self-discovery, this is definitely one to pick up. And if you're looking for a book with neurodivergent representation—or want to try one—this is a great place to start!
May 6, 2023
Such a lovely heartwarming story. Olivia is such a klutz and comes across as a bit dizzy but she’s so likeable and I found her story fascinating. She meets Caspar when he saves her at the station and they are attracted to each other. Will they or won’t they get together? A funny, emotional, uplifting and romantic story which I found entertaining and engaging.
October 30, 2024
The main character is in her 30s but comes across as about 14. Very cringe.
February 22, 2026
***UPDATE*** I just listened to the Audio version of this book, and it hit home just how good a story this is. Fantastically narrated, I was brought straight back to Olivia's dyspraxic world and all her clumsiness.
I will start by gushing.
I LOVED this book!
Olivia, the main character, is as clumsy as they come. She is always tripping up, dropping things, missing her mouth... and always at inopportune moments.
Thankfully, she has some great friends and colleagues who help get her through some sticky situations, considering there are plenty of people out there, ready to undermine her for the same quirks.
Then a knight in shining armour saves her life after a particularly dramatic, clumsy episode.
I don't want to go into all the details. Otherwise, what is the point of your reading the book? But it's safe to say that there are characters readers will fall for.
I loved Devinder, her colleague and one who has known her for a long time. They get along like a house on fire, and he is one of her heroes, too (but not the romantic kind!)
She also has a supportive housemate, Russell, and another warrior of a best friend, Steph, in her corner.
Then there is Caspar. I loved Caspar. He is a breath of fresh air. An honest guy with a heart of gold and genuine feelings.
Bettina Hunt delves into a world of undiagnosed dyspraxia with sensitivity, lightness, and humour.
I will start by gushing.
I LOVED this book!
Olivia, the main character, is as clumsy as they come. She is always tripping up, dropping things, missing her mouth... and always at inopportune moments.
Thankfully, she has some great friends and colleagues who help get her through some sticky situations, considering there are plenty of people out there, ready to undermine her for the same quirks.
Then a knight in shining armour saves her life after a particularly dramatic, clumsy episode.
I don't want to go into all the details. Otherwise, what is the point of your reading the book? But it's safe to say that there are characters readers will fall for.
I loved Devinder, her colleague and one who has known her for a long time. They get along like a house on fire, and he is one of her heroes, too (but not the romantic kind!)
She also has a supportive housemate, Russell, and another warrior of a best friend, Steph, in her corner.
Then there is Caspar. I loved Caspar. He is a breath of fresh air. An honest guy with a heart of gold and genuine feelings.
Bettina Hunt delves into a world of undiagnosed dyspraxia with sensitivity, lightness, and humour.
April 25, 2023
Sometimes you need a book to come along, steal your heart and leave you full of happiness, love and also like you’ve had a big hug.
A Girl Like Me is everything I hoped for and so much more. Mrs H has delivered on every level, it has been worth the wait for this gem.
Olivia is a brilliant character, likeable and relatable from the very beginning. She’s that character you can’t help but love. Caspar is a bit dreamy from our introduction to him. I have loved the blossoming relationship and chemistry between the pair.
The way this is written is completely addictive and unputdownable. I have been transported and reading this has been as though I’ve been watching the events play out in front of me.
I’ve read most of the books by this author. I can safely say this is my favourite. This is a gem, I’ve laughed out loud and been completely addicted to this one.
This has been the perfect read and has definitely lifted my mood. There is nothing negative I can say about this book. I will absolutely be recommending this book to everyone.
This is a book worthy of all the stars and praise. A must for the TBR, I already cannot wait for more from this author.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
A Girl Like Me is everything I hoped for and so much more. Mrs H has delivered on every level, it has been worth the wait for this gem.
Olivia is a brilliant character, likeable and relatable from the very beginning. She’s that character you can’t help but love. Caspar is a bit dreamy from our introduction to him. I have loved the blossoming relationship and chemistry between the pair.
The way this is written is completely addictive and unputdownable. I have been transported and reading this has been as though I’ve been watching the events play out in front of me.
I’ve read most of the books by this author. I can safely say this is my favourite. This is a gem, I’ve laughed out loud and been completely addicted to this one.
This has been the perfect read and has definitely lifted my mood. There is nothing negative I can say about this book. I will absolutely be recommending this book to everyone.
This is a book worthy of all the stars and praise. A must for the TBR, I already cannot wait for more from this author.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
March 20, 2026
This is the most fun, heartwarming, and funny book I've read all year. Everything comes together in this book to make it just right.
I liked the contemporary London setting and the heroine's job in advertising. It's exciting but realistic.
The best thing about this book is the characters. I adored how sweet Olivia's friends are, especially Russell. Olivia herself is bold and bright, also very charming and cares so deeply about what she does and the people around her. It is a delight to see someone shine a light on dyspraxia and portray it so authentically as a part of a whole character.
The romance is gorgeous. Their dates are so sweetly described and I love how well the hero understands Olivia.
I listened to this as an audiobook and felt the narrator, Charlie Albers, was perfect for the story and characters.
I'd recommend this book to all fans of contemporary closed door romance but especially those who love realistic fiction, romantic comedy, and authentic characters from marginalised backgrounds.
I liked the contemporary London setting and the heroine's job in advertising. It's exciting but realistic.
The best thing about this book is the characters. I adored how sweet Olivia's friends are, especially Russell. Olivia herself is bold and bright, also very charming and cares so deeply about what she does and the people around her. It is a delight to see someone shine a light on dyspraxia and portray it so authentically as a part of a whole character.
The romance is gorgeous. Their dates are so sweetly described and I love how well the hero understands Olivia.
I listened to this as an audiobook and felt the narrator, Charlie Albers, was perfect for the story and characters.
I'd recommend this book to all fans of contemporary closed door romance but especially those who love realistic fiction, romantic comedy, and authentic characters from marginalised backgrounds.
May 16, 2023
Everyone should be a bit more Olivia
I may have been known to trip over my own shadow, but A Girl Like Me gives us a warm, witty insight into what it is like to live, day in day out with Dyspraxia.
Meet Olivia. An advertising whizz and the kind of girl you want to be friends with, if only to wrap her in cotton wool and keep her safe from the world, and herself!
Entering into Olivia’s world may appear a comedy of errors but through her humour and reflection, it is her vulnerability that touches you. The book is an education in how hard neurodiverse individuals have to work to be ‘normal’ and mask their challenges. It was truly humbling.
This fast paced romance requires you to keep up with Olivia as even the simplest task has her brain working ten to the dozen. I loved her constant asides and hilarious thought patterns.
Throughout the many bumps in her road, I was absolutely rooting for our heroine with a fair few belly laughs thrown in. A warm, hug of a book.
I may have been known to trip over my own shadow, but A Girl Like Me gives us a warm, witty insight into what it is like to live, day in day out with Dyspraxia.
Meet Olivia. An advertising whizz and the kind of girl you want to be friends with, if only to wrap her in cotton wool and keep her safe from the world, and herself!
Entering into Olivia’s world may appear a comedy of errors but through her humour and reflection, it is her vulnerability that touches you. The book is an education in how hard neurodiverse individuals have to work to be ‘normal’ and mask their challenges. It was truly humbling.
This fast paced romance requires you to keep up with Olivia as even the simplest task has her brain working ten to the dozen. I loved her constant asides and hilarious thought patterns.
Throughout the many bumps in her road, I was absolutely rooting for our heroine with a fair few belly laughs thrown in. A warm, hug of a book.
April 23, 2023
This book is heartwarming and so uplifting. Olivia is a great character who has spent her life battling undiagnosed Dyspraxia and regards herself as clumsy and accident prone. As a result she gets herself in all sorts of dramas, some funny but some which exposes her vulnerability. It’s only when Caspar comes into her life that she comes to term with her condition. Caspar loves Olivia for who she is which is great and he also tries to help fiercely independent Olivia. I loved both characters but I did have a soft spot for Olivia. She’s been battling her whole life with things able bodied people take for granted. She’s a survivor and I love book characters like her.
You can tell this book has been written from the heart. It’s a great insight into what it’s like to live with Dyspraxia.
Heartwarming read!
I received an ARC for this book.
You can tell this book has been written from the heart. It’s a great insight into what it’s like to live with Dyspraxia.
Heartwarming read!
I received an ARC for this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2023
1.5⭐
📚👓Olivia is a mess and everyone knows it. So why a company will send her to represent them?
📚👓Man Olivia's life is full of embarrassment and dramas. Two things I hate.
📚👓I don't know anything about dyspraxia but I'm not not liking Olivia or this book. She's a little bit entitled and depends on her friends. Moreover she constantly compares herself to everyone. I'm almost 40% of the book and barely anything happened except her being a disaster. It's like reading her diary with her inner monologue (which has no comma or full stop) and not a book.
📚👓Is she saying yes I'll marry you before he even said anything?.....
📚👓Was that an epilogue? We're not doing anything about Romilly? That's it?
📚👓 I'm sorry to be the only one with full of whining as a review rn. But I just didn't like it. I don't think her friends were that great. I didn't feel anything deep.
📚👓Olivia is a mess and everyone knows it. So why a company will send her to represent them?
📚👓Man Olivia's life is full of embarrassment and dramas. Two things I hate.
📚👓I don't know anything about dyspraxia but I'm not not liking Olivia or this book. She's a little bit entitled and depends on her friends. Moreover she constantly compares herself to everyone. I'm almost 40% of the book and barely anything happened except her being a disaster. It's like reading her diary with her inner monologue (which has no comma or full stop) and not a book.
📚👓Is she saying yes I'll marry you before he even said anything?.....
📚👓Was that an epilogue? We're not doing anything about Romilly? That's it?
📚👓 I'm sorry to be the only one with full of whining as a review rn. But I just didn't like it. I don't think her friends were that great. I didn't feel anything deep.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2023
I have to say the marketing for this, A Girl Like Me, had me from the off- it said not your (neuro) typical love story -and I was one million percent in! It is the story of Olivia, who lives by lists to try and organise a fairly chaotic life. Olivia made me exhale, she honestly was so relatable and real that I wanted to hug her and tell her that she wasn't the unlucky klutz she thought herself to be. The characters were fantastically done, and at one stage I wondered what way the story was going to go. I absolutely felt for Olivia as she struggled with a trying to figure out who she was while trying to balance work with the possibility of romance. This book kept me guessing unlike most rom coms-I normally have the ending figured out but I had two possibilities in my head. All in all a stunning book that just took hold and wouldn't let go. Beyond recommended
April 26, 2023
Such a brilliant and heartwarming story, it’s filled with some great characters.
It’s so refreshing to read about not perfect people, it was wonderful to follow Olivia as she struggles with her life.
The story of her discoveries was fascinating and I was rooting for her so much!
It has many moments of humour, and some really emotional moments too, it was entertaining and informative and was very sensitively written.
A great book that captured my imagination and won my heart. Just a beautiful piece that shows that even with her difficulties Olivia could achieve her ambitions and was a fabulous person, friend and successful in her field.
I love positive books that highlight people who are seen as different to others. It helps break down walls and allows us to understand and identify with people who are seen as different to the majority.
This book achieves this perfectly and is so entertaining in the process too! Win win!
It’s so refreshing to read about not perfect people, it was wonderful to follow Olivia as she struggles with her life.
The story of her discoveries was fascinating and I was rooting for her so much!
It has many moments of humour, and some really emotional moments too, it was entertaining and informative and was very sensitively written.
A great book that captured my imagination and won my heart. Just a beautiful piece that shows that even with her difficulties Olivia could achieve her ambitions and was a fabulous person, friend and successful in her field.
I love positive books that highlight people who are seen as different to others. It helps break down walls and allows us to understand and identify with people who are seen as different to the majority.
This book achieves this perfectly and is so entertaining in the process too! Win win!
May 20, 2023
A childhood friend of mine had dyspraxia and wasn't diagnosed until well into adulthood so the theme of this book really appealed to me, especially teamed with its quirky cover... plus I am a sucker for a romcom. Bettina Hunt did a great job of letting readers into protagonist, Olivia's life and you cannot help but root for her as her romance with Caspar blossoms and she finds herself in all sorts of predicaments - mostly of the type that you and I would take for granted. This story was a real eye-opener and a truly unique read. The author has some great turns of phrases too. A delight from start to finish!
April 29, 2023
A beautifully written book
Omg I absolutely love this book. Olivia is a hero and so relatable. She has to deal with her life of clumsiness and accidents. When Casper saves Olivia at the train station she immediately feels an attraction and then starts seeing him everywhere .
I love both of these characters and their chemistry sizzles through the pages. Casper is understanding and single (and a doctor) what could go wrong?
A beautiful love story and a woman who finds where she finally belongs in life.
Omg I absolutely love this book. Olivia is a hero and so relatable. She has to deal with her life of clumsiness and accidents. When Casper saves Olivia at the train station she immediately feels an attraction and then starts seeing him everywhere .
I love both of these characters and their chemistry sizzles through the pages. Casper is understanding and single (and a doctor) what could go wrong?
A beautiful love story and a woman who finds where she finally belongs in life.
July 4, 2023
I thought this story was okay, but it didn't have me hooked like the previous book from Bettina.
I found the fixation on the dyspraxia diagnosis a bit annoying. I don't think you'd go off and isolate yourself as it's not a condition that requires medication or dramatically changes your life. It's just to do with hand eye coordination as I know someone who has it.
There were lots of spelling errors / missing words in my copy.
I found the fixation on the dyspraxia diagnosis a bit annoying. I don't think you'd go off and isolate yourself as it's not a condition that requires medication or dramatically changes your life. It's just to do with hand eye coordination as I know someone who has it.
There were lots of spelling errors / missing words in my copy.
July 26, 2023
Teleurstellend om eerlijk te zijn. Kon mijn hoofd er niet bij houden. Wilde het eigenlijk een ster minder geven, maar wilde het gemiddelde ook niet omlaag doen. Bizar dat ze hem beheerde omdat hij dacht dat ze misschien aan iets leed doordat haar onhandigheid te erg was om normaal te zijn. Het einde was afgeraffeld. Snapte ook niet dat ze 'oke' leek te zijn dat hij misschien al een vriendin had ..
May 25, 2023
Oh my goddess!! I loved this book !! Olivia is so relatable especially with the over thinking and second guessing! I devoured this book! I have always loved bettinas style but this has shown neurodivergent in a new light! Thank you for bringing romance to neuro light !!! :)
January 31, 2026
Amazing heartfelt story
Amazing Story that really shows the life of someone with dyspraxia. A great rendering with a HEA that everyone should read. Love when authors represent neurodivergent people in a great way.
Amazing Story that really shows the life of someone with dyspraxia. A great rendering with a HEA that everyone should read. Love when authors represent neurodivergent people in a great way.
March 28, 2026
This is a joyful book 🩷
I feel like Olivia is a friend after listening to A Girl Like Me.
Bettina has sensitively explored how dyspraxia can affect your life in a cute story full of fun and heart.
I'm really looking forward to reading more of her books.
I feel like Olivia is a friend after listening to A Girl Like Me.
Bettina has sensitively explored how dyspraxia can affect your life in a cute story full of fun and heart.
I'm really looking forward to reading more of her books.
May 16, 2023
enjoyable read.
Kept me smiling all the way through.
Really enjoyed this feel good book.
Couldn’t put it down read it in two days.
Kept me smiling all the way through.
Really enjoyed this feel good book.
Couldn’t put it down read it in two days.
May 23, 2023
Good to see neurodiversity represented authentically like this. A sweet and funny romcom.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews