You and I Collide

by E.A.M. Trofimenkoff

Sometimes the universe speaks in riddles...and sometimes it hits you in the face.

L has lived their whole life with a cloud above their head, forever waiting for the next unfortunate event to occur. Joy? Who is she? L has been dancing around properly experiencing joy for years. Until now. When their therapist convinces them to make a childhood bucket list, L finds that happiness comes in many different shapes and sizes. And it takes great courage to hold onto it.

Ashe has only ever known one thing: selflessness to the point of self-erasure. From his family to his friends and past partners, he was always the one making sacrifices. Starting over in a new town felt like the perfect solution. Now, one wrong parking space later, Ashe finds himself on the receiving end of a lesson in more than just chemistry.


You and I Collide is a heartwarming, quirky and emotional contemporary romance about finding love and joy again.

Genres: Romance, LGBT, Contemporary

252 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 25, 2024

About the author

Fun adventures with a side of emotional damage!

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Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I want to tell him that I think it’s more than just about superficial fun. I feel safe enough to take a full breath around him. That sometimes you just click with people, and it’s impossible to explain, and I’m so Universe-damned terrible at this making friends thing and I don’t even know where to start. Clearly a paradigm-shifting philosophical exercise in experiencing joy as an adult was the best option to open this door."

This book was so wholesome and extremely endearing.

Recently, I've been on kind of a kick reading horribly dark, toxic, unhinged books. This was the complete opposite of that, yet I still loved it.

It was so refreshing and cathartic to read about L interacting with their students or Ashe affirming L and actively asking their needs and respecting their boundaries -- the world needs more people like L and Ashe.

Reading this book, you will probably learn some random fun trivia!

I know L's narration/experience will resonate with many neurodivergent folks; it definitely resonated with me. (They also refer to their intrusive thoughts as 'gremlins,' and I think that's an excellent way to describe them).

Cozy and affirming, a thoughtful novel on neurodivergence, mental health, joy, and acceptance. Not to mention, many great quotable moments!

Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Sabrina | thebookishspot · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨


⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ for You and I Collide by E. A. M. Trofimenkoff


What an emotional and touching read this was! I'm still reeling from it, it was absolutely amazing. I thought I was in for a cute romcom, but it's so much more than that. This story tackled difficult and delicate subjects in such a loving and respectful way, I couldn't help but fall in love with it and the characters.


You get a big helping of mental health rep, lots of neurospicy rep, grief rep, LGBTQIA+ rep...all of it so well done. Mind gremlins? Stealing that for sure!


Ashe is not only an absolute cinnamon roll, he's the gooey center that is the essence of the cinnamon roll, the cinnamon roll at it's finest; he's sweet, he listens, he's patient, he takes care of L (one of my fave tropes 😍) and he bakes. Need I say more? I loved him so so much!


L was such an amazing character; the way they deal with their mind gremlins, their kindness and generosity towards their students, their relationship with Pops...I loved all of it. They've also created a found family out of their friend group, and that is a trope I'm also a sucker for.


Plus, the setting is an actual town in Alberta, which I thought was so cool as a Canadian myself, and you get all the cozy, small town vibes from it.


Give this one a shot if you enjoy slow burn love stories with a side of emotional damage (kidding).

Thank you so much to the author for a copy in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.

[Xan Rooyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an adorably wholesome, feel-good read about a neurodivergent and nonbinary teacher, L, who literally collides with Ashe, who is a person they finally don't feel the need to mask around. As L's and Ashe's connection deepen allowing both characters to grow and overcome past trauma, so L has to face a new agony while also navigating the tenuous waters of a kindling relationship.

I found a lot to enjoy in this relatively short novel and really appreciated the way L's traits were presented although I don't think their diagnosis or neurotype was ever explicitly stated. I especially liked the way the narrative structure in the book was used, at times, to show L's internal emotional state.

This book does have a particularly spicy moment I think fans of romance will appreciate.

Overall, this was a heart-warming and quirky story that constantly made me smile.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cozy, sweet romance that made me feel all warm and fuzzy and immediately go to give my husband a hug. L and Ashe are such beautiful people and I could not ship the two of them more.

I related strongly to L's fear of being happy because it will be taken away. I enjoyed the positive depiction of therapy and medication. Seeing Ashe accept L wholeheartedly made me feel accepted and loved too. L and Ashe are both total nerds and they like listening to the other talk about their special interest, which was my favorite part of their relationship. They are both so loving, cute, and funny (there's some great banter). I also liked the friend and family relationships. I wished the book was longer, which I mean as a compliment. I just liked their dynamic and misadventures so much that I could have read at least 100 pages more.

There are so many things I liked that I will put them in a list, which I feel L would appreciate:

- Nyx and Nox, the fluffy black cats
- the idea of a childhood bucket list (which I think I might try myself)
- swapping favorite books as a date
- slow-burn romance
- the cabin scene (if you read the book then YOU KNOW THE ONE)
- L's teaching techniques and how much they care about their students
- nerdy infodumps
- hilarious banter
- Ashe takes care of L when they get their period <3
- the stargazing scene
- snickerdoodles

This was a really special book and it's one that I will be rereading.

Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC. All opinions are my own.

[Kaitlyn Corbin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an absolutely adorable friends-to-lovers romcom about two (arguably) socially awkward people. And I love it. I’m tired of reading about suave, collected main characters. I want to see the social awkwards, like myself, fall in love.
There’s something so satisfying about reading a book that takes place where you call home so when a character says to compare Turtle Mountain to Claresholm, or that someone was taken from Claresholm to Rockyview, you know exactly what that looks like in terms of elevation or distance (though the second example is actually a sad one… read the book, you’ll see what I mean).
I felt like L was a kindred spirit. The way they described the negative, nagging voices in their head as gremlins made me want to hug them. It was like a puzzle piece clicked into place with my own negative, nagging voices and I felt so connected to them. Like, if we sat down and chatted over some coffee, they’d understand me completely. Also… L saying their favourite trope is ‘Wise Old Mentor’… do I smell an AKOTSS Easter egg in there? *cough*Harlan*cough*
Speaking of Easter eggs… Golana books? I love it. (Lethbridge locals can probably guess where this place is.)

This is my second E.A.M. Trofimenkoff book and, while her books aren’t completely filled with spice, the few scenes of open-door spice that they do contain are… well… incredibly well written. Coming from a reader that couldn’t care less about spice.
I could talk about this book for a while, but I’ll wrap it up by saying that anyone looking for a cute romcom with amazing self-growth from the MC’s, adorable dates, fun science facts, and kitty companions, preorder You and I Collide.

[Kassandra Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

HAPPY RELEASE DAY to my beautiful & talented friend @eamtrofimenkoff

“Some times the universe speaks in riddles….and sometimes it hits you IN THE FACE!”

You and I Collide 5/⭐️

This was such a heart warming book and just in time for the cozy fall season! I really enjoyed this one! It was a refresher from all the heavy fantasy I read.

I’m so in love with the Alberta setting! I’m not too far from Canada so this was such a treat to have all the feels right in my back yard!!!! and i might have to visit!!!! 💜

I loveddddd L & Ashe’s relationship so much, they are the perfect couple, the book just makes you want to squeeze and hug them both!!!! They love and care deeply for each other and i think that’s so beautiful to have!!! Sometimes it’s just the little things that matter most in this world and i think L & Ashe represent that TRULY!!!! 💜

Of course @eamtrofimenkoff writing is nothing short of amazing! She deff knows how to make a gal SOBB!😭

This was a very refreshing love story about the importance of love, friendship and commitment! You’ll also find queer & neurodivergent reps! within this story! 💜

Thank you kind friend for sending me this beautiful PR package, it was filled with all the fun things and L ‘s ADORABLE CATS!!!! 🥹💜🥹💜🥹

[Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

ever since i read a kiss of the sirens song i fell in love with elizabeth’s writing and i knew i had to read anything they put out moving forward. this was such a cozy read. it was almost healing in a way? idk how to explain it but it made me feel.. hopeful? i’ve never read a contemporary romance that was actually realistic. i fell in love with the adorable AF, cinnamon roll MMC, Ashe SO dang fast. he’s so precious. i adored L, the femme in stem, NBMC (non-binary MC) who is a teacher that goes to GREAT lengths to ensure they make their students feel safe and seen. 🥹

the story features grief/loss and mental health rep which i always appreciate. both MCs are book lovers, heck yeah?! and i just adored that their (L) love language is words of affirmation, while his (Ashe) love language is acts of service. they just compliment each other so well. i loved their dynamic. you could truly feel the spark between them at every interaction. it’s such a beautiful, tender and raw but so real story that felt like being wrapped in a soft warm blanket. i highly recommend, especially if you dig friends to lovers. 💕

[Ammie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/⭐️ 1/🌶️ This was a fantastic short novel that managed to pack in all the emotions. The MCs have an adorable meet-cute moment and the journey they go on together healed something in me.

As someone who has been in therapy now for about five years, the therapy aspect of it was extremely realistic. What L goes through with their brain constantly wanting to have them to second guess themselves. How they find it always going to the default setting of saying something mean that they think of themself was also realistic. It was a healing journey we got to see L go on and along the way it healed a small part of myself.

Our MMC Ashe was so wholesome and we even got to experience what he needed to heal in himself as well. This is a cozy read but also very emotional. Get a tissue box ready because there is a scene that will get you right in the feels.

It was very romantic and the spicy scene was well written. Definitely recommend, happy reading!

[Giulia · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review: a sweet and cozy romance in a unexpected descent that keeps you until the end and cheering at every corner. An addictive, exciting writing, well centered and embraced in its realistic and well placed guidelines and how each character is characterized, mental health, sexuality, neurodivergence, identity, individuality, it was so fresh and beautiful. and I loved every part of it and carried with me every part that was changed for me. L and Ashe form a well-orchestrated combination, their love cements as a beautiful individual story, together, their struggles, the busy world and within themselves, as well as parts of themselves. It was so good to be reading this.
I LOVEEE SOOO MUCH

[Jillian Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute novel to read!

I enjoyed getting to know L's character and what matters to them, and often found them very relatable. Watching the relationship between L and Ashe develop and grow was adorable! Their personalities complimented each other so well, and they were so supportive of each other.

I thought the way the author incorporated crosswords into the overall book was a sweet, fun touch to go along with the story! I also liked the queer representation and mental health themes that were present.

This book had me feeling all of the emotions - from smiling to blushing, to letting out a few tears. ❤️

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

LGBTQIA+ Rep
Found Family
“Femme” in STEM
Mental Health Rep
Small Town

Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Rating: 🌶️️🌶️️🌶️️

L and Ashe have one of the most adorably awkward meet cutes I have read in a while. L keeps accidentally hitting Ashe with doors (first in the school and then with her car door), and I found myself chuckling out loud while reading. It is so adorable and comical, and I felt so much secondhand embarrassment reading about it. Lol Fate seemed to have something in mind for these two, and it’s beautiful to see how their story unfolds. They take things very slow - even as friends. They take the time to learn about each other, and listen to each other talk about the things that they love. They respect boundaries and ask for consent before doing anything (including hugging)… it’s a refreshing take on courting and dating when so much of what we can experience in that area is anything but sweet and gentle. Both L and Ashe came to this slowly developing relationship from difficult places with their own emotional baggage, but they were kind and patient with each other. The understanding, acceptance and gentle care and love they showed each other was so beautiful to witness as a reader. Neither pushed the other one past their boundaries, and they let their relationship blossom slowly and organically.

Reading this book was like receiving the best warm and comforting hug. It made me smile, and believe in the good in people again. It was an absolute delight to read and such a beautiful representation of non-binary and neurodivergent characters. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book that did that so gently and lovingly. This book, this love story is really for everyone, but if you consider yourself non-binary or neurodivergent (or love and care for someone who is) this book is perfect for you. I hope this book gives you the kind of renewed faith in love that it gave me.

I’ve had the absolute pleasure of working with Liz and talking to them while they completed this book. Knowing how deeply important and personal it was to them, I feel so incredibly lucky to have been a part of it. A deeply sincere and heartfelt thank you to E.A.M. Trofimenkoff for an advance reader copy of this book. Thank you for taking me on this incredible journey with you.

[Van | Goddessofbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love wholesome, feel-good love stories. L and Ashe's love is a refreshing slice of life story that made you root for their relationship 💜 I love how both of the characters were relatable- I can seriously see L as an IRL friend!

@eamtrofimenkoff is amazing at writing representations in an inclusive and natural way. You'll find neurodivergent rep as well as queer rep in You and I Collide.

There are also two adorable cats, I mean c'mon 😻😻

You and I Collide releases September 25th!

[Molly press · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so much fun!! I giggled on almost every page and could relate to L so easily. Ashe is the cinnamon roll MC everyone wants. YAIC is full of heart, honesty, brave moments, and finding yourself. It’ll also make you want to eat snickerdoodles and do crossword puzzles long into the afternoon 😌

[Robin McMahon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing, I loved following the story of L and Ashe.

[Shawna · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up

[Stacey Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story had me in tears from the very first page. As a parent of a child with special needs, I was especially moved by L’s compassion toward Tobe. It reminded me so much of my son’s teachers—their patience, understanding, and willingness to meet him where he’s at. That representation meant the world.

L is such a beautifully relatable character. Her awkward moments, her deep love for her Pops, and her honest, sometimes messy emotions felt so real. Her journey to find joy resonated deeply with me and will stay with me long after I finished the book.

I also loved the clever little details. Golana being Analog spelled backwards made me smile. And the Easter eggs throughout the story were such a fun surprise. I had no idea there was a yellow plane in Claresholm. Definitely keeping my eyes peeled next time I pass through!