Synchronicity

by J.J. Hale

While running the dance program at a summer camp for neurodivergent kids, Haley Tyne bumps into the mysterious woman who ghosted her after a life-altering date two years ago, and their connection is undeniable. Cal O’Shea took a job at the camp to watch over her sister. She never anticipated seeing the woman who left a beautiful mark on a terrible night in her past.

When Haley’s dance partner is injured and their end-of-summer show is in jeopardy, Cal steps in, reviving memories from the past better left behind. With passion igniting in stolen moments, their dance becomes more emotional than anticipated. As past and present intertwine, their dance of destiny may bind their hearts or become just another fleeting step in their separate journeys.

216 pages, Paperback

Published October 15, 2024

About the author

J.J. Hale (she/her) has been devouring books since she was able to hold one and has dreamt about publishing romance novels with queer leading ladies since she discovered such a thing existed, in her late teens.

The last few years have been filled with embracing and understanding her neurodiversity, which has expanded the dream to include representing kick-ass queer, neurodivergent women who find their happily ever afters.

Jess lives in the south of Ireland, and when she’s not daydreaming, she works in technology, plays with LEGO, and (according to the kids) fixes things.

Reviews

[Jude Silberfeld-Grimaud · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a flash encounter at the bar where Cal works, Haley gets confirmation she is indeed bisexual. Two years later, the memory of that night is still on her mind, despite Cal never texting her. She doesn’t know Cal wanted to text but had to deal with a huge family crisis. Now, however, they’re about to get a second chance as Cal and her little sister Maeve join the summer camp for neurodivergent kids where Haley is volunteering as a dance teacher.

I know it’s a strange thing to say but there are a lot of sex scenes and I kind of lost interest after a while, not because they’re bad but because I was more interested in the scenes in which Haley and Cal got to know each other, be vulnerable and open. I enjoyed these very much. Haley is sweet and fun, Cal is earnest and romantic, and they click immediately.

My favourite thing about this book is the neurodivergent representation, whether it’s Haley’s ADHD—complete with Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria—autism with Maeve, and also Cal’s PTSD (even if it’s never named). The characters are layered and complex beyond their neurodiversity, and I was really rooting for them in every area.

I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

Read all my reviews on my website (and please get your books from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars

[Clara Addicted to sapphic books · Rating 4 out of 5]

J.J. Hale's writing is so easy to read. With short books, they are quickly devoured. And the chemistry from minute one was undeniable. The second chance aspect of the story was pleasant. I just had a bit of trouble believing Haley hadn't tried to find Cal again despite having her on her mind for two years, even if it was justified. You can count on Hale to give good neurodivergent representation with Haley and Maeve. I really liked Maeve's character: bluntly honest, logical, and endearing. Characters have layers and scars, making it impossible not to root for them.
Add to this book some touches of Dirty Dancing, romantic camp vibes, and you have Synchronicity.
All that was missing for me was an epilogue.
Overall, another really good book from Hale.

[ReadingwithCaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a chance second meeting at a summer camp leads to forever. Swoon!
A sweet romance with excellent neurodivergence representation.

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

Life for Haley is kind of predictable. She loves teaching dance at her mother’s dance school, especially to neurodivergent kids. Haley loves seeing them grow into their selves and using music and dance to come into their bodies. Other than that, Haley’s life is boring. Her love life certainly is. Apparently the guys she dated thought she wasn’t forever material, even though Haley was all in. Maybe it is just guys though. Haley has known she is bisexual for a while but never acted on it. One night she decides to face her fears and visit the gay bar in town. While at the bar contemplating fleeing the scene, a very alluring woman starts talking to her. But after a hot and heavy make out session in the alley behind the bar, the woman, Cal, vanishes never to be heard from again. Haley’s mind keeps the memory very much alive though.

Cal’s priority in life is caring for her autistic little sister Maeve. Her mother has been struggling with her mental health as long as Cal can remember and she has taken it upon herself to protect Maeve from being the victim of that. This summer she’s going with Maeve to summer camp. A camp especially for neurodivergent kids where they can learn all different things like science, sports and dance. Cal can’t believe her eyes when she meets Maeve’s dance teacher. It is the gorgeous woman she made out with right before her life turned to shit again. The attraction is still there but there is no way Cal deserves Haley’s attention and care. It’s just that Haley doesn’t let her believe that…

I loved this book. Of course there is a sweet romance included, but what I enjoyed most was the accurate way that J.J. Hale described the neurodiversity of the characters. Haley has ADHD and has had to learn to accept the limitations that come with that. For example the inability to manage time, the way she is affected by rejection and how she has no filter while talking. For me personally, it was like being seen in a profound way.

Cal’s sister Maeve is autistic and has learned to self regulate most of the time. Her condition is described with the utmost love and care. Maeve isn’t her autism, she is a whole person. It’s hard for Cal to let go of her need to always care for Maeve, which is understandable knowing what happened in their past. As the story moves along, Maeve proves she can live a mostly independent life while always having Cal’s unwavering support in the background. When Maeve turns the tables on Cal and gives her big sister life advice, it is so heartwarming to see how far she’s come.

As for the romance part of the story, it’s so sweet! Cal and Haley are both not used to being cared for and seen. While Cal opens up more and more to Haley about her past and her own feelings of guilt that stem from that, Haley just keeps space for her to be herself. She doesn’t judge. Haley accepts Cal with all that she is. Cal feels a deep connection to Haley and knows they share something special. Her anxiety and the burden of self inflicted responsibilities keep her from really believing she and Haley could build something together. All praise to little Maeve for pushing her towards love.

Synchronicity is a beautiful and tender story. I very kindly but strongly urge you to put it on your TBR right now!

[cloverxheart · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐
This was very sweet but too short.

I really liked Haley and Cal, but I think I liked Haley more.
I liked the side characters at first but they kinda got annoying later on.
I honestly started really disliking Cals sister and I wasn't interested in the whole thing with her and Branna.
I just don't want to read about a 13 year basically having her first girlfriend, cause that's literally a child.

I think this book was too short and the ending was really weird, it just didn't feel like the real ending of the book.
A epilogue of them a few months later would have been enough.

[Sue Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

when cal and haley first met there was sparks between them... but life got in the way

they next meet at a summer camp though both of them never thought they would see each other again...

cal is there with her sister and haley is a dance teacher, the attraction is still there between them... but cal carries a lot of baggage

this was a fun read that surprisingly had me in tears at one point... and i couldnt put the book down to see how it all ended....

dirty dancing is also a good film to read and to know there was a knock out dance included in this book works for me...

[JAYNE (sapphic_story_seekers) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The captivating nature of Synchronicity by J.J. Hale became clear within the first few pages, instantly grabbing my attention. J.J. Hale beautifully depicts the meeting between the main characters, Haley, and Cal, while adding an extra layer of richness to the story through the scene settings and interlaced humour.

Both Haley and Cal are unique individuals, each with their own distinct personalities, eccentricities, and personal histories, making them both relatable. The moment they met, there was an undeniable spark, and I couldn't help but smile when Cal playfully dubbed Haley 'trouble' right from the beginning. It suits her!

The supporting characters in the story are just as well-developed as the main characters, each with their own unique personalities that enhance the depth of the story, especially Maeve.
In my opinion, the book was expertly written by the author and, looking back, the ending was perfect.

Thank you to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for an ARC in return for an honest review.

[Fran Sappharc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good start, reasonable pacing thereafter. I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop, however the longing exploding took me slightly by surprise!
The conversation with the best friend was well done, rather than just rehash what happened it showed the reader Haley's concerns and mind set.
The section helping her wee sister was sweet. However, there was no real compulsion to find out what would happen next with the romance. I wasn’t all in on this but it was fine.

[Aleana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cal and Haley met at a bar and there are sparks they share a dance and a kiss but life got in the way but they left a lasting impression on each other. Cal life is about her mother and sister that she doesn’t have time to be happy because she worries too much. Haley is a dance teacher at a camp where she and Cal meet again there attraction for each other is still there after two years as they explore their feelings they both have to learn to let go. I enjoy this read I like how the author handle each character difference and to show it’s ok to be yourself and learning more about yourself in process.

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

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was definitely there and well written but I didn’t fully connect with it. I can’t explain it but I just couldn’t fully commit to the journey the characters took and how they got to the end.

I am positive that most will love this book. There is a good book here and others will have no problem loving the characters. Definitely a worthy reading experience.

Thanks to NetGallery and The Publisher for this Arc in exchange for my honest review.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was yet another sweet story written by JJ. Hale. As usual the addition of neurodivergent characters add another layer to the story. The love story between Haley and Cal really believable and so great to see that Cal finally broke free and allowed herself to be happy and not only worry about her mother and sister. It would have been nice with an epilogue though, since the story played out in just a few weeks time in a summer camp and then extra nice to see that they actually made it out in the real world.

I received a free ARC of this book via NetGalley.

[Kaye · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cal has an autistic younger sister Maeve, and Hayley is a dance teacher with ADHD. They’ve met once before in a bar, but two years later they meet again at a camp for neurodivergent kids. Hayley is teaching dance while Cal is working in the kitchen. The story takes place in Ireland and I was grateful for the phonetic explanation of Cal’s full name. Cal feels a lot of responsibility for Maeve who is now 13. Maeve gets her own moments in the story as she is figuring out her own sexuality. The romance itself is sweet with Cal being the biggest stumbling block.

I think I wanted a reason to connect more with the pair. It bothered me that I didn’t know their ages. Both have been to college and Cal works in a bar. But I didn’t understand if that is what she wanted to do or if it was just work she could get. I felt I knew very little about Cal’s goals or ambitions. Hayley’s was a little clearer because she teaches at the dance studio her mother owns.

I like the camp setting and learning about being aware of not touching the campers or over stimulating senses. But for me, the romance was average, ending in a nice, happy moment. An epilogue may have helped me see them as a more long term couple. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC and I am leaving an honest review.

[Rosi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story handled mental health issues in a really sensitive way. I'm no expert, so I can't say if it's realistic or not, but the situations and the characters' behaviors felt believable and natural.

The two main characters are Haley, a dance teacher who's going to teach neurodivergent people, like herself, at a summer camp. The other one is Cal, who has an autistic sister and a mom with alcoholism and the effects that come with it. She's going to accompany her sister Maeve to summer camp.

Cal and Haley had hooked up at a bar before, but things didn't go as planned, especially for Haley. It kind of messed with her head and made her feel a bit insecure about relationships.

And the surprise of running into each other now is going to make them have to explain their attitude after that bar encounter. But Haley is more positive than lime, who is frustrated by all the times she's had to deal with complicated situations with her mom and sister in the past.

The story can sometimes feel a bit too positive, the solution to the problems the protagonists face a bit too perfect. But like I said, I think it's beautiful to see these problems, which are sometimes overly dramatized, normalized here, as they should be.


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

[This · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a book full of neurodivergence. So this hit the spot.
Having 2 left feet I do not dance - but that didn't stop me reading and enjoying this book.
It is one of those stories where the potential for a hook up/relationship is missed as something happens in the life of 1 of the characters that precludes them from making contact.
There are people coming to terms with labels in this book - bisexuality, ADHD. Labels can help you understand yourself.
The characters reunite 2 years after the missed opportunity at a summer camp of neurodivergence. That sounds a wonderful place - do they really have them? I've not seen any.
There is some wonderful explanations of things about likes/dislikes/textures and tastes - all really useful as a way to understand difference.
There is however no epilogue which is kind of ok. Everything you need to know is included in the main body of the story after all.

I enjoyed this.
I benefitted from the phonetic explanation of Cal's name as I didn't automatically know why she was called both Cal and Kay. It did mean that the 3 main characters were Kay, Hay and Mae which made me chuckle.

[Nathalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of story that pulls you in on page 5 and doesn't let you go until you're at the end.

Cal and Haley meet in a bar and there is an attraction some intrigue and a lot of chemistry. Boom 2 years later and these two stumble upon each other at a summercamp for neurodivergent kids.

I love how this author writes about neurodivergent people. It feels so aunthentic and real and not just an extra gag to make the story inclusive for no reason. It's obvious the author knows what she's writing about.

I rooted for the MC's from the beginning. I enjoyed their banter and how they switched it up with honest vulnerability. The chemistry resulted in some steamy scenes that were very well written.

The little shout out to Dirty Dancing was great as a fan of the movie. Pretty sure you even know the scene that gets mentioned even if you're not a fan.

An ARC was provided to me via Netgalley in return of an honest review.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Net Galley for the free ARC!

I enjoyed this book. As a special education teacher, I appreciated the back story of Haley Tyne, who is the choreographer of a show at a neurodivergent camp for teens. Her character, along with the other main characters, are well developed. Haley has a one time encounter with Cal two years back and then sees her again for the first time two years later at a camp that she is working at so her sister, Maeve, can attend. It is interesting to see how Haley and Cal's relationship unfolds during the four weeks of the summer camp. Maeve also meets someone and the author does a great job at showing how a neurodivergent teen navigates through a first relationship. There is also a fair amount of family drama in the book as Cal has a rocky relationship with her mom. This has affected her ability to have healthy relationships and she explores that in this book.

[Bee Sherrard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two years ago Haley Tyne wanted to see if she really was a lesbian or not. She’d go to the local hang out for lesbians and see how she feels after seeing others enjoy being themselves. She knew she was onto something when she met and danced with a very sexy woman. Oh yeah she was a woman who loves women. Unfortunately after making out with this Cal woman, Cal decides it’s time for her to head home.
Now Haley is spending the summer giving dance classes to children. Most suffer with Neurodivergent making it almost impossible to live a full life. Cal was there to help her younger sister Maeve break out of her shell. Since Maeve wants to dance it follows that Cal will meet the woman who made such an impression when they first met.
Now they have the summer to find out if there really is something between them or if it’s all in both of their heads. Very enjoyable read.
ARC via NetGalley/Bold Stroke Books

[Amanda Lester · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first want to thank Bold Strokes Books, Inc for allowing me the chance to read and review Synchronicity by JJ Hale through Netgalley. All my opinions are solely my own.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I really liked the neurodivergent representation in this book. As someone who suffers from severe ADHD I felt understood and felt for the characters in this book. The book follows Haley, a dance instructor and Cal a bartender. They meet one night at the bar that Cal works. They both go their separate ways, Cal's night turns into one of the worst of her life. Cal and Haley run into each other 2 years later at a camp for neurodivergent children who may not be able to attend other camps, where they both are working. They're feelings for each other grow for each other over the Summer.

I felt like the story and the characters were relatable. I truly enjoyed reading this book. I give this book a strong 4. I can't wait to read something else from JJ Hale

[Meghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice story written by JJ. Hale. The addition of neurodivergent characters add another layer to the story which i enjoyed. The love story between Haley and Cal really relatable and nice. The back story of Haley Tyne, who is the choreographer of a show at a neurodivergent camp for teens was a great addition and helped to connect you to the character as well as backstory for Cal, but with a lot more family drama. It is interesting to see how Haley and Cal's relationship unfolds during the four weeks of the summer camp. Although I did think it moved very quickly for a month even if they had technically met before.

An epilogue would have helped to see them out in the real world to see how they work outside the camp. I would recommend this book. I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished "Synchronicity" by JJ Hale, and WOW, what a beautifully woven tale of second chances and the power of connection! Set against the vibrant backdrop of a summer camp for neurodivergent kids, the chemistry between Haley and Cal is electric, reigniting old flames and unearthing buried emotions. Hale's lyrical prose captures the essence of dance—its joys, struggles, and the healing it brings—while exploring themes of love and vulnerability.

The tension between the past and present adds a rich layer to their story, making each moment feel so poignant and real. While I wished for a bit more resolution in certain areas, the journey was undeniably captivating. This book is a heartfelt reminder that sometimes the most beautiful steps in life are the ones you take together. 💃✨ Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC.

[Nia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a love story dealing with angst and lots of emotions emotions, but also with a feel-good atmosphere!
With very interesting characters dealing with neurodivergence and mental heath issues and a lot more.
It captivating from the start!
It's about Haley.
Sweet, open and soft Haley who for the first time really dares to explore her bisexual side and then meets Cal on her first visit to a women's bar.
The chemistry between the two is immense and so wonderful.
But Cal has obligations that call out to her and prevent her from doing the right thing, or in her eyes, the wrong thing.
Two years later and many longing thoughts about this meeting with the sweet girl whose name she doesn't even know they meet again…
I read this wonderful story all the way through today. Because the women and girls in this book really captured my heart by Storm!
I wanted to know more about Little Mae and Big Kae, Trouble, Branna and Clara.
It's nothing overly dramatic but definitely some drama and sadness and at the same time funny and light.
It's hot too! My goodness, Haley and Cal are hot together! That scene in the dance studio and in the office…wow! There is a nice amount of spice but it’s the soft and pure kind of attraction that drew me in!
A beautiful romance and as the first book by J.J. Hale, I can only say that I have to read everything else now!
Thanks to the Author J.J. Hale, Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for this awesome book and ARC!

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet story featuring main characters who both battle through their respective emotional and traumatic baggage while teaching and working at a summer camp for children who are neurodivergent.

The whole story took place over just a few weeks, which was a much shorter timeline than I am used to reading, and somehow it still managed to feel like a bit of a slow burn despite the short timeframe.

Overall, I would recommend this novel to someone looking for a quick, easy to read and emotionally driven romance.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley.

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I want to thank NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books, Inc for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This was a little boring for my taste to be honest.. didn’t really find the story captivating or interesting:/..

[AGC · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice easy read. Good story, interesting characters. I recommend it.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

[Maria Magdalena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another lovely story by J.J. Hale - set in Ireland with neurodivergent characters, summer camp, a lot of dancing and a lot of teenagers.