My Dear Watson

by Elm Jed

On the surface, Autumn Watson is just another barista in NYC.On the surface, Leonardo Luciano is just another hotel mogul.Neither saw the other coming, a meet-cute disaster bringing together two of the most unlikely people.Autumn, a cult-classic movie lover who spends her free time working in the bookstore she lives above, finds herself in front of the hotel mogul by accident. Although Leo appears to be a man with little emotion, something in his hazel eyes tells her there’s more beneath the hardened personality. As their relationship evolves beyond customer and barista, Autumn discovers layer after layer behind his furrowed brow that makes her smile. With every discovery, she increasingly opens up to him, finding comfort in the man who knows how to navigate her panic attacks. Her traumatic past may haunt her, but she feels hope for lasting happiness with every step he’s willing to take with her.A Rom-Com in the making—on the surface.We all have bones in closets we wish would stay there.While other secrets are out in the open, hiding in plain sight.Only time will tell which of them will have Autumn and Leo question everything they’ve known about the other.But…whose secret tumbles the first domino? WARNING- CliffhangerThis is Book One of a series; a contemporary romance with suspense and harsh topics.Please check the content warnings at the front of the book.

Genres: Romance, Dark Romance, BDSM, Fiction

483 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 18, 2024

About the author

Elm Jed is obsessed with creating stories through writing, videos, or painting on random pieces of wood. When they’re not telling their best friend a new story idea from reading a book they hate, they’re playing DND, conjuring spells, playing dress-up, or going for a long drive.
They're a Marine Corps Veteran, and love spending time with the Ren Faire family.

They absolutely love their supportive partner and husband, who makes sure they eat between writing and reading the books they collect for their hoard.

You can find Elm Jed on social media platforms with the handle
@elmojedi10

Reviews

[Arielwolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I...I'm beyond words! That ending! Not only can I barely wait for book two but...holy hell am I a broken and changed person. I can usually handle a cliffhanger but this one has hit me in my soul.

I adore this Elm's writing so much which each book they've finished but f*** I'm so close to screaming red with Leo and Autumn.
May can't get here fast enough. I'll just be sitting here counting the days.

[CJ Meade · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first instinct is to just write unintelligible gibberish about how much I loved this book. I will spare you from that.

All of the characters are so well thought out. Not only am I interested in the two main characters, but I am also deeply invested in their friends. The bonds between characters feel so natural, and it really adds another layer to the story.

As is the case with Elm Jed's other books, the portrayal of mental health is raw and authentic. I have read very, very few books that portray it so openly and realistically. As someone with mental illness, this book hit HARD, but it also made me feel seen in a way that most books do not.

Prepare yourself for some twists along the way, and also be prepared to add another character to your list of book boyfriends.

[Melodie Patton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't express how much I love this book. I adore Autumn, she's funny, snarky, sarcastic, but caring. She reminds me a bit of a younger me.

This book features realistic scenes of anxiety, and other mental health issues. I love how these are showcased - working through them, but not shying away from a panic attack.

I love the friendships that are budding in this story, outside of her Love Interest.

Leo, her Love Interest. Oh man. I'm a blushing school girl when I think about him.

Elm is now known for their cliffhangers. This one does NOT disappoint. I wanted to throw the book when I first finished reading it. But it made me want the next book as quickly as it could've came out. I got this the day it released.

[Rae Majano · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY ****!!!!!

I am not one to post reviews. Typically I don’t think it’s necessary. However, this book was fan-fucking-tastic. I did not expect the twists and turns. The mental health representation was spot on and reminded me that I have not vanquished my own brain demons as well as I thought I had.
If readings about brain demons and how we struggle and cope, mixed in with romance and mystery is therapeutic/enjoyable for you, this is a book you need to read.
Check TW if necessary!

[Zeesla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a wonderful opening to a series that addresses some very real issues around life after trauma. It's one of the best representations I've read of complex trauma and how it affects you every. Single. Day. The dynamic between the FMC and MMC is such a good representation of how hard it is from both sides to learn to trust and support someone learning to trust. It's beautiful beginning to a wonderul story. For something written out of spite, it exceeds expectations and proves true representation of niche communities and hard topics is possible.

[Devons book corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not me sitting freaking out with that huge a$$ plot twist and cliffhanger. Holy freaking Moses is literally all that I can say right now. I'm so sad that the other book isn't out yet, because I need to know. This book is one that you will lose sleep over and not even care. Once you start you will not be able to put this down until you finish. I loved Leo and Autumn. I thought they were wonderful characters and I'm dying to know what happens next.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't totally sure what to expect with Elm Jed writing this as a genre they hadn't before. But Holy hell book is out of this world.
Realistic representation of ptsd and anxiety attacks.
Wonderful intro to various worlds.
Complex characters.
It does end on a cliffhanger. And damn what a cliffhanger it is!
It's just purely amazing

[Amber-rose_666hotmail.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

And Elm Jed has done it again! I love every single book by this amazing author but this one... This one has to be my absolute favorite.. I couldn't put it down.. like literally did not sleep because i just couldn't stop.. although I could cry because book 2 seems so far away !

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well that was unexpected....

This book sent me Into a tail spin. Elm, you did it again my dear. Heartbreaking and exciting all in 483 pages. I cannot wait to read the next book. Leo and Autumn have my heart already and I'm dying to know how this continues.

[Tessy Onazi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slow glorious burn

Excellent world building.
Characters so human and complex.
Such a delicious unpredictable twist I did not see coming, yet should have seen coming. Onto book II baby!

[Skye Rennolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

HNNN

I'm just gonna be over here screaming. That is a hell of a plot twist and a cliff hanger. I've gotta learn to stop buying books before at least the second one is out.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

I really enjoyed this book. There is a compelling story of how trauma can affect people in different ways and how they can work through it. It is sweet love story with a twist I didn’t see coming. I can’t wait for the next book. (Tara)

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put it down. It was a great love story with two people who have tried healing from their own past traumas. The twist at the end really floored me.

[sam doyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg. So good

[nova Masters]

DNF

[Jessica Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Cathy Henninger · Rating 4 out of 5]

First I thought it was strange and boring but now I want to continue reading the next book from the series.
I do love the writing style of the author.

[Dwayne Reason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unless it was on purpose…then add a star

Fantabulous book. The world is so fleshed out you feel like you can crawl into the skin of the characters…the story is engaging and I defy anyone to not want to know what happens next…my only complaint is the number of typos…

-the secretary

[Jessi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well that went 0 to 10,000 really fast

Holy crap that was intense. It was so good. I loved the budding relationship between Autumn and Leo. He was so patient with her and so helpful. She was his Dear Watson.

Normally I don’t like the “miscommunication” trope but I guess that’s not really what this is. They both just have big closers with dark shadows. I look forward to book 2

[Mangamaximis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t typically read contemporary romance, sticking to fantasy or paranormal romance. But this book caught and kept my attention. Smooth read that leaves bread crumbs through the story till the shocking end. Can’t wait for the next book really need to know where this couple goes next.