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Binding Bricks
When your lost chance reappears…
Grace Khan is disappearing.
Ten years ago, burdened by the devastation of losing her best friend to a life which didn't include her, she got swept up in a marriage she should never have agreed to. Now, with the relationship barely more than a contentious cohabitation, she dedicates all her energy to her son, the only light in her otherwise dull and uninspiring life.
Until across the crowded school playground she sees Mica Davenport. The lost love which has haunted her life with ifs and maybes is back, and their presence relights a fire in Grace that she thought was long extinguished.
While Grace and Mica navigate the potential of rekindling their friendship, they both also have to face the hand those missing years has dealt them. While Mica argues with themself about getting close to Grace again, Grace has to rediscover who she is outside of being a mother. Quieting the voice of self-doubt which has become her constant companion proves harder than she anticipated, especially when the person offering their unwavering support also reminds Grace of her biggest regret…
Grace Khan is disappearing.
Ten years ago, burdened by the devastation of losing her best friend to a life which didn't include her, she got swept up in a marriage she should never have agreed to. Now, with the relationship barely more than a contentious cohabitation, she dedicates all her energy to her son, the only light in her otherwise dull and uninspiring life.
Until across the crowded school playground she sees Mica Davenport. The lost love which has haunted her life with ifs and maybes is back, and their presence relights a fire in Grace that she thought was long extinguished.
While Grace and Mica navigate the potential of rekindling their friendship, they both also have to face the hand those missing years has dealt them. While Mica argues with themself about getting close to Grace again, Grace has to rediscover who she is outside of being a mother. Quieting the voice of self-doubt which has become her constant companion proves harder than she anticipated, especially when the person offering their unwavering support also reminds Grace of her biggest regret…
351 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 17, 2024
8 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 5, 2024
Representation matters - and this book has some wonderfully written characters that provide just that.
It's a beautiful story that took me on a bit of an emotional rollercoaster - with characters you can instantly fall in love with (and others you can instantly despise) their feelings emit from the page so strongly it was like I was there - from gut punching sadness to wholesome and happy - this book made me tear up and laugh out loud.
To me this book was like a warm, comforting hug from my own found family.
Huge thanks to Ami for the arc ebook.
It's a beautiful story that took me on a bit of an emotional rollercoaster - with characters you can instantly fall in love with (and others you can instantly despise) their feelings emit from the page so strongly it was like I was there - from gut punching sadness to wholesome and happy - this book made me tear up and laugh out loud.
To me this book was like a warm, comforting hug from my own found family.
Huge thanks to Ami for the arc ebook.
September 30, 2024
This book starts off with a letter from one character to another and damn, the letter hooked me right in. We then come to a story that is ten years after the letter though really it started so many more years before it.
At first glance it might seem like the miscommunication could have been solved with a simple conversation. But it’s more complicated and it didn’t make me want to bite something and scream in frustration.
Instead, the story we do get of Mica and Grace is such a beautiful (and healthy) second chance slow burn romance.
There is angst and frustrations, and sometimes a bit of hair pulling (not just in the spicy scenes) but they do tend to be external rather than part of the actual developing relationship between the two MC’s.
I loved the Non-Binary, bisexual (?), and autistic representations in this book. The author has managed to create a dynamic and diverse cast of characters and I fell in love with so many of them right from the beginning. And hated others just as quickly.
There are some topics which people might shy away from - gaslighting, child abandonment (neither of these from the MC’s), and infidelity. But Spencer has done a magnificent job of making a story I couldn’t put down. There are also topics and tropes that won my heart. Like found family, the question of what is home, and self acceptance/understanding.
The writing and character banter made me chuckle with its British humour and snark. It made it even harder to stop reading (who needs sleep anyway) and I completely loved so much about this book that I found myself thinking about it constantly when I wasn’t able to be reading it.
Having read other books by Ami Spencer I can’t help but find their skills becoming even
more delicious and their characters even more fascinating.
And while I’ve always been a huge Lego fan (our house is full of the stuff) this book will have me looking at it all in a new light, undoubtedly with a stupid goofy grin on my face.
At first glance it might seem like the miscommunication could have been solved with a simple conversation. But it’s more complicated and it didn’t make me want to bite something and scream in frustration.
Instead, the story we do get of Mica and Grace is such a beautiful (and healthy) second chance slow burn romance.
There is angst and frustrations, and sometimes a bit of hair pulling (not just in the spicy scenes) but they do tend to be external rather than part of the actual developing relationship between the two MC’s.
I loved the Non-Binary, bisexual (?), and autistic representations in this book. The author has managed to create a dynamic and diverse cast of characters and I fell in love with so many of them right from the beginning. And hated others just as quickly.
There are some topics which people might shy away from - gaslighting, child abandonment (neither of these from the MC’s), and infidelity. But Spencer has done a magnificent job of making a story I couldn’t put down. There are also topics and tropes that won my heart. Like found family, the question of what is home, and self acceptance/understanding.
The writing and character banter made me chuckle with its British humour and snark. It made it even harder to stop reading (who needs sleep anyway) and I completely loved so much about this book that I found myself thinking about it constantly when I wasn’t able to be reading it.
Having read other books by Ami Spencer I can’t help but find their skills becoming even
more delicious and their characters even more fascinating.
And while I’ve always been a huge Lego fan (our house is full of the stuff) this book will have me looking at it all in a new light, undoubtedly with a stupid goofy grin on my face.
September 14, 2024
Binding Bricks is a fantastic piece of writing that truly nails non-binary and autistic representation. The execution of these aspects formed a large part of my overall enjoyment of, and enthusiasm for this story.
Mica Davenport and Grace Khan have known each other nearly as long as they've known themselves. Inseparable from the get go, it seems ludicrous to imagine a world where they don't play a prominent role in each other's lives. But that's exactly what transpires when Mica takes a risk that apparently doesn't pay off.
Ten years later and a part of Mica is still haunted by their long ago decision, and regret burns even brighter when a chance encounter with Grace proves to them that everything, and nothing has changed, all at the sametime.
Mica and and Grace's journey is a slow burn, second chance romance. Their story is beautiful, with both Mica's and Grace's hopes, dreams, and heartaches pouring off the pages. The author has done a great job of capturing the mental and physical dynamics of experiencing mixed emotions; particularly the simultaneous heat of desire, and the cold deluge of doubt and wariness.
As a reviewer who resides in the North of England, it's always a novelty to find a story set in that region of the world. It generates the same joy as knowing the story you are reading has a major element of own voice storytelling to it too.
I love that Mica identifies as non-binary in a way that is clearly authentic. It allows the reader to see, and feel first hand their transition into the person they were meant to be. Their self-acceptance and willingness to share their identity journey is wholesome. An emotionally heart-warming, and uplifting scene occurs when Grace displays profound allyship for Mica's pronouns despite their absence; an act which we should all aspire to emulate.
Grace meanwhile is a complex character, beaten down by a loveless marriage, and a gaslighting and emotionally abusive husband. Her self-esteem and self-worth are through the floor, and you can't help but root for her to finally find self-compassion and self-believe. Grace also has an autistic son, Bobby, who is an awesome secondary character. Grace exhibits pure and unconditional acceptance of Bobby and who he is. This is mirrored by Mica too, who never skips a beat in their interactions, always making sure to involve Bobby in a way, and on a level, that he is comfortable with.
The overall plot does revolve around a point of miscommunication; which I'm usually not a fan of. However, the nuances of how and why this miscommunication occurs, makes the trajectory of the plot more believable, and a whole lot less infuriating than most. In addition, there is such strong character development of both Mica and Grace, that honestly, it's easy to be more invested in them, than the underlying trigger for the story.
Binding Bricks is a story that leaves you with the warm fuzzies. It is a strong example of the importance of representation, and the power and love that unconditional acceptance and found family can bring to bear. Definitely one not to be missed.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Mica Davenport and Grace Khan have known each other nearly as long as they've known themselves. Inseparable from the get go, it seems ludicrous to imagine a world where they don't play a prominent role in each other's lives. But that's exactly what transpires when Mica takes a risk that apparently doesn't pay off.
Ten years later and a part of Mica is still haunted by their long ago decision, and regret burns even brighter when a chance encounter with Grace proves to them that everything, and nothing has changed, all at the sametime.
Mica and and Grace's journey is a slow burn, second chance romance. Their story is beautiful, with both Mica's and Grace's hopes, dreams, and heartaches pouring off the pages. The author has done a great job of capturing the mental and physical dynamics of experiencing mixed emotions; particularly the simultaneous heat of desire, and the cold deluge of doubt and wariness.
As a reviewer who resides in the North of England, it's always a novelty to find a story set in that region of the world. It generates the same joy as knowing the story you are reading has a major element of own voice storytelling to it too.
I love that Mica identifies as non-binary in a way that is clearly authentic. It allows the reader to see, and feel first hand their transition into the person they were meant to be. Their self-acceptance and willingness to share their identity journey is wholesome. An emotionally heart-warming, and uplifting scene occurs when Grace displays profound allyship for Mica's pronouns despite their absence; an act which we should all aspire to emulate.
Grace meanwhile is a complex character, beaten down by a loveless marriage, and a gaslighting and emotionally abusive husband. Her self-esteem and self-worth are through the floor, and you can't help but root for her to finally find self-compassion and self-believe. Grace also has an autistic son, Bobby, who is an awesome secondary character. Grace exhibits pure and unconditional acceptance of Bobby and who he is. This is mirrored by Mica too, who never skips a beat in their interactions, always making sure to involve Bobby in a way, and on a level, that he is comfortable with.
The overall plot does revolve around a point of miscommunication; which I'm usually not a fan of. However, the nuances of how and why this miscommunication occurs, makes the trajectory of the plot more believable, and a whole lot less infuriating than most. In addition, there is such strong character development of both Mica and Grace, that honestly, it's easy to be more invested in them, than the underlying trigger for the story.
Binding Bricks is a story that leaves you with the warm fuzzies. It is a strong example of the importance of representation, and the power and love that unconditional acceptance and found family can bring to bear. Definitely one not to be missed.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
September 25, 2024
Lovely second-chance romance
Mica turns up in Grace’s life again after ten years, and with Grace’s relationship with her husband hanging by a thread things are tense because of how Grace remembers Mica’s leaving. Despite the initial tension, they start finding ways to reconnect as friends, but they also find themselves dealing with the feelings and events from the past.
I loved how this second-chance at love story came about, and the fact that it heavily centres on Grace as it her life going through the most disruption. It’s not just her feelings she has to consider, with her young son already hurting by the disruption to his life when the marriage falls apart, he is also autistic and needs extra care and support, so I was so glad that Mica was understanding and accepting of that, and wanted to make sure he was also figured into any decisions or things they were exploring that might impact him. Mica also surprised me by being invested in not just Grace, but her little boy’s wants and needs, so they actively took an interest and learned, so he could fully be a part of things between them.
I felt so much for Grace, nothing she was going through was nice, and even after she’d managed to escape the toxic home environment and relationship with her husband, as is true to life, that wasn’t just the end of it. She desperately wanted him to be a part of their son’s life, and he had no interest, so it was awful she had that battle, but great that she had Mica’s full help and support through it all. Mica was kind, caring, didn’t really understand why Grace wasn’t that pleased to have them back at first, but as parts of the past and the story all came to light, it became very clear how they’d ended up where they were, and I was just glad they had this opportunity, even if it was sad the year’s they had lost.
A lovely story, really deals with some of the complexities of relationships and time, but wonderful as was filled with moments to rebuild and get back on track.
Mica turns up in Grace’s life again after ten years, and with Grace’s relationship with her husband hanging by a thread things are tense because of how Grace remembers Mica’s leaving. Despite the initial tension, they start finding ways to reconnect as friends, but they also find themselves dealing with the feelings and events from the past.
I loved how this second-chance at love story came about, and the fact that it heavily centres on Grace as it her life going through the most disruption. It’s not just her feelings she has to consider, with her young son already hurting by the disruption to his life when the marriage falls apart, he is also autistic and needs extra care and support, so I was so glad that Mica was understanding and accepting of that, and wanted to make sure he was also figured into any decisions or things they were exploring that might impact him. Mica also surprised me by being invested in not just Grace, but her little boy’s wants and needs, so they actively took an interest and learned, so he could fully be a part of things between them.
I felt so much for Grace, nothing she was going through was nice, and even after she’d managed to escape the toxic home environment and relationship with her husband, as is true to life, that wasn’t just the end of it. She desperately wanted him to be a part of their son’s life, and he had no interest, so it was awful she had that battle, but great that she had Mica’s full help and support through it all. Mica was kind, caring, didn’t really understand why Grace wasn’t that pleased to have them back at first, but as parts of the past and the story all came to light, it became very clear how they’d ended up where they were, and I was just glad they had this opportunity, even if it was sad the year’s they had lost.
A lovely story, really deals with some of the complexities of relationships and time, but wonderful as was filled with moments to rebuild and get back on track.
October 1, 2024
I am feeling all the feels after finishing this book. Now the miscommunication trope is my least fave. HOWEVER. Although it was kind of irking me in the beginning, truthfully it was well played. The thought process both MCs went through as they decided to grab their second chance, was thought provoking, healthy and respectful. Their connection was palpable. Bobby was an amazing child and his growth was beautiful. Mica definitely fit into Grace and Bobby’s puzzle with ease and just rightness. Well done! Highly recommend!
September 9, 2024
'“I’m not sure I’m the Grace you think you know anymore anyway,” Grace whispered quietly, her voice wavering.
Mica leaned over her, pressing a kiss onto her forehead, lingering there as they closed their eyes, their heart aching at the fact that Grace was so broken and unsure of herself.
“You are, and I’ll always be here to remind you of that.”'
I received this book as an ARC review and it's become my favourite book I've read this year! It's beautifully written with complex, interesting and moving characters and plot. I found myself fully invested in Mica and Grace's stories both together and individually and also really enjoyed the side characters Bobby, Nadia and Debs.
As a non-binary sapphic I felt seen by the way the author wrote about Mica's feelings around gender and their journey to understand themself. Wonderful to see such fantastic non-binary representation! I also loved Grace's story and felt the pain, insecurity and battle to reclaim identity were captured so well.
I cried so much reading this book and it's one that will stay with me a long time after reading. 5/5!
Mica leaned over her, pressing a kiss onto her forehead, lingering there as they closed their eyes, their heart aching at the fact that Grace was so broken and unsure of herself.
“You are, and I’ll always be here to remind you of that.”'
I received this book as an ARC review and it's become my favourite book I've read this year! It's beautifully written with complex, interesting and moving characters and plot. I found myself fully invested in Mica and Grace's stories both together and individually and also really enjoyed the side characters Bobby, Nadia and Debs.
As a non-binary sapphic I felt seen by the way the author wrote about Mica's feelings around gender and their journey to understand themself. Wonderful to see such fantastic non-binary representation! I also loved Grace's story and felt the pain, insecurity and battle to reclaim identity were captured so well.
I cried so much reading this book and it's one that will stay with me a long time after reading. 5/5!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2025
Sempre feliç de llegir es tòpic de "two idiots in love" perquè per a mi és lo que han estat aqueixes dues persones i sa seva química ha estat taaan òbvia. Mica ets un solete!!! Es vincle que crea amb en Bobby, preciós.
September 22, 2024
Twist heart why don't ya.
I loved every emotional minute of this story.
And the queer rep was amazing.
I loved every emotional minute of this story.
And the queer rep was amazing.
August 18, 2024
Brinding Bricks is a gentle, slowly developing romance, although it is also a second chance romance.
Grace and Mica have known and loved each other since they met at university.
Inseparable, they hover in each other's orbit and hide the fact that they are more to each other than just best friends. However, on the one night before Mica leaves town for a job, they confess everything and love each other as they should. However, misunderstandings and bad people cause everything to fail and so the book begins in the present, where ten years have passed and Mica and Grace have not seen each other.
Avoiding each other and leading very different lives.
Grace is in a loveless, broken marriage with a man who does not want to accept that their son is autistic and leaves her completely alone with it.
Mica is more happy in their own skin than ever before as far as their identity is concerned, but nonetheless sad and lonely.
There is only one woman in their heart and ten years ago she didn't want them.
They left broken hearted.
It is a love story that has to overcome many hurdles.
Self-doubt and emotional abuse lead to enormous inferiority complexes.
It requires a gentle soul and a lot of patience, both for mother and son.
Grace meets Mica again after ten years and everything in her cries out to finally return to the one person she lost so long ago.
But why did she just disappear? Why did she leave her?
Beautiful, touching and with a heartwarming happy ending! Thanks to Ami Spencer for the ARC!
I really enjoyed it!
Grace and Mica have known and loved each other since they met at university.
Inseparable, they hover in each other's orbit and hide the fact that they are more to each other than just best friends. However, on the one night before Mica leaves town for a job, they confess everything and love each other as they should. However, misunderstandings and bad people cause everything to fail and so the book begins in the present, where ten years have passed and Mica and Grace have not seen each other.
Avoiding each other and leading very different lives.
Grace is in a loveless, broken marriage with a man who does not want to accept that their son is autistic and leaves her completely alone with it.
Mica is more happy in their own skin than ever before as far as their identity is concerned, but nonetheless sad and lonely.
There is only one woman in their heart and ten years ago she didn't want them.
They left broken hearted.
It is a love story that has to overcome many hurdles.
Self-doubt and emotional abuse lead to enormous inferiority complexes.
It requires a gentle soul and a lot of patience, both for mother and son.
Grace meets Mica again after ten years and everything in her cries out to finally return to the one person she lost so long ago.
But why did she just disappear? Why did she leave her?
Beautiful, touching and with a heartwarming happy ending! Thanks to Ami Spencer for the ARC!
I really enjoyed it!
September 30, 2024
Old and new feelings awaken when Mica and Grace reconnect ten years after their university friendship-turned-more ended in devastating heartbreak. But with Grace coming out of a doomed marriage while focused on her young son and Mica determined to protect their heart from more pain, rebuilding their friendship and venturing into deeper feelings is a risky prospect for both of them.
Binding Bricks is a beautiful romance with endearingly authentic characters navigating a complex emotional landscape. Snippets of their past friendship along with the longing and tension of their present-day interactions demonstrate the near inevitability of Grace and Mica's forever connection, even though they each have a mountain of insecurities, fears, and doubts to overcome first. But beyond being just a romance, Binding Bricks is also a story about the many other facets of genuine love: from the enthusiastic, if sometimes abrasive support of Mica's best friend Debs, to the precious ties formed between Mica and Grace's son Bobby, to the blossoming self-love that Mica demonstrates through acceptance of their identity and Grace learns to nurture as she rediscovers who she is outside the confines of an oppressive marriage. These colorful, overlapping and interlocking layers of angst, heartache, love, and joy all come together to construct a heartwarming and immersive world that readers will likely want to revisit again and again.
Lovers of sapphic stories with relatable characters and all the deep feels are bound to fall for Binding Bricks.
Binding Bricks is a beautiful romance with endearingly authentic characters navigating a complex emotional landscape. Snippets of their past friendship along with the longing and tension of their present-day interactions demonstrate the near inevitability of Grace and Mica's forever connection, even though they each have a mountain of insecurities, fears, and doubts to overcome first. But beyond being just a romance, Binding Bricks is also a story about the many other facets of genuine love: from the enthusiastic, if sometimes abrasive support of Mica's best friend Debs, to the precious ties formed between Mica and Grace's son Bobby, to the blossoming self-love that Mica demonstrates through acceptance of their identity and Grace learns to nurture as she rediscovers who she is outside the confines of an oppressive marriage. These colorful, overlapping and interlocking layers of angst, heartache, love, and joy all come together to construct a heartwarming and immersive world that readers will likely want to revisit again and again.
Lovers of sapphic stories with relatable characters and all the deep feels are bound to fall for Binding Bricks.
October 22, 2024
Ami Spencer has written a wonderful and beautiful story of taking a second chance on love. Binding Bricks was an emotional ride from beginning to end. I loved the story between Mica and Grace. Through this story you get to see their love grow between them again. Both women have dealt with different situations they will need to navigate through as their friendship grows. This allows for them to see where their love will take them, after they come together 10 years later. I have always been a fan of the second chance romance, I love to feel all the emotions from the characters as they navigate through their life. I went through every emotion I could think of while reading this book. By the end, the growth that each character showed was incredible. I couldn’t put this book down. I truly loved everything about this book. I don't want to give too much away, so all I will say is, this book is a must read. I know that I will be re-reading it. The character development and story were incredibly done. Ami Spencer is such an amazing writer, I truly love her storytelling. Honestly, if you haven’t picked up this book and read it. Please, do yourself a favor, grab a copy, a blanket, a nice cup of your beverage of choice; mine is a nice glass of white wine. Then find a cozy place to sit and let the story take you away and on a journey of second chance love.
I also wanted to let you know that I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.
I also wanted to let you know that I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.
September 20, 2024
This is a book that centres around a major miscommunication, leaving both parties to feel hurt and let down. A letter is written, a declaration of feelings and hope, with a meet me at the station to leave town date in it. Grace does not arrive so Mica leaves town alone.
10 years later the story resumes.
Grace is now drifting alone in a loveless marriage. She has an autistic son Bobby. Her husband denies he is autistic and has basically checked out of the marriage whilst still living there. She bumps into Mica and life begins to become alive again.
There is of course an epilogue.
The cutest response to a proposal ever - from Bobby.
Firstly, I love this book. It includes autism, Dr Who, lesbians and Lego ( I love the cover)- they are really a list of things that interest me in no particular order of preference. There is also a Non Binary MC that is a joy to read in their interactions.
It is a heart-warming book that encapsulates the best of people (apart from the main baddie of the story). It shows people at a low point in their lives and how kind, gentle, non judgemental care, love and acceptance leads to happiness for all of the 3 main characters. [Mica, Grace and Bobby]
I'm sad that I can't read this book for the first time again.
10 years later the story resumes.
Grace is now drifting alone in a loveless marriage. She has an autistic son Bobby. Her husband denies he is autistic and has basically checked out of the marriage whilst still living there. She bumps into Mica and life begins to become alive again.
There is of course an epilogue.
The cutest response to a proposal ever - from Bobby.
Firstly, I love this book. It includes autism, Dr Who, lesbians and Lego ( I love the cover)- they are really a list of things that interest me in no particular order of preference. There is also a Non Binary MC that is a joy to read in their interactions.
It is a heart-warming book that encapsulates the best of people (apart from the main baddie of the story). It shows people at a low point in their lives and how kind, gentle, non judgemental care, love and acceptance leads to happiness for all of the 3 main characters. [Mica, Grace and Bobby]
I'm sad that I can't read this book for the first time again.
September 23, 2024
I received an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for my review.
Truly, this is a really lovely book. It's really sweet and portrays a very touching, heartfelt story of a second chance romance in the wake of an emotionally abusive relationship. Equally wonderful is the plot relating to the young son of one of the main characters, which was the highlight of the book for me.
The only real issue I had with this book, I think, was that it just wasn't to my tastes. It didn't really grip me at any point, and there was little sense of place or much materially going on beyond the romance. That's not necessarily a bad thing, it just isn't my thing! I was also a little put off by how the prose was occasionally repetitive, had a few basic editing errors, and particularly mixed up pronouns for the nonbinary character. However, I read an advance copy, so it's possible these errors have been or will be fixed in future.
All in all, this is a very nice story, just not for me and a little under polished in the state I read it in. If you don't mind that, then this would be a great read for anyone really craving an f/nb romance or a romance that really speaks to and makes every effort to include parents of neurodivergent kids.
Truly, this is a really lovely book. It's really sweet and portrays a very touching, heartfelt story of a second chance romance in the wake of an emotionally abusive relationship. Equally wonderful is the plot relating to the young son of one of the main characters, which was the highlight of the book for me.
The only real issue I had with this book, I think, was that it just wasn't to my tastes. It didn't really grip me at any point, and there was little sense of place or much materially going on beyond the romance. That's not necessarily a bad thing, it just isn't my thing! I was also a little put off by how the prose was occasionally repetitive, had a few basic editing errors, and particularly mixed up pronouns for the nonbinary character. However, I read an advance copy, so it's possible these errors have been or will be fixed in future.
All in all, this is a very nice story, just not for me and a little under polished in the state I read it in. If you don't mind that, then this would be a great read for anyone really craving an f/nb romance or a romance that really speaks to and makes every effort to include parents of neurodivergent kids.
January 28, 2025
Binding Bricks is contemporary romance that explores themes of healing, growth, and second chances in a way that feels refreshing and heartfelt. The story centres on Grace, who is surviving her toxic marriage by focusing on being the best mother she can to eight year old Bobby. Then Mica reappears; her (more than) best friend who left town a decade ago.
The characters in Binding Bricks are what truly shine. Both Grace and Mica are deeply nuanced and likable, with relatable flaws and growth throughout the story. Their dynamic is a slow burn that blossoms in a way that feels authentic, leaving you invested in them finding their happy ever after. Grace’s son, Bobby, adds an extra layer of depth to the book and Bobby’s growing bond with Mica is a lovely part of the story.
Spencer excels at balancing emotional depth with warmth and hope. Binding Bricks is a poignant and uplifting story, exploring love, resilience, and the beauty of finding someone who sees you for who you truly are. It’s an emotional, affirming read and a must for fans of second-chance romance. I’m looking forward to reading more of Ami Spencer’s work.
The characters in Binding Bricks are what truly shine. Both Grace and Mica are deeply nuanced and likable, with relatable flaws and growth throughout the story. Their dynamic is a slow burn that blossoms in a way that feels authentic, leaving you invested in them finding their happy ever after. Grace’s son, Bobby, adds an extra layer of depth to the book and Bobby’s growing bond with Mica is a lovely part of the story.
Spencer excels at balancing emotional depth with warmth and hope. Binding Bricks is a poignant and uplifting story, exploring love, resilience, and the beauty of finding someone who sees you for who you truly are. It’s an emotional, affirming read and a must for fans of second-chance romance. I’m looking forward to reading more of Ami Spencer’s work.
September 23, 2024
Binding bricks is quite simply great. It brings together many of my favourite tropes in such a warm and fabulous way.
I am often a little nervous about 2nd chance romances, but this one gets it absolutely right. It is a book about the present not the past but it brings so much history into the story.
Bobby is now my new favourite child from a Sapphic romance - he is autistic, and warm, and loving, and sometimes a little stressed - and the writing of life with an awesome autistic boy is so realistically and beautifully written. It is certainly something I can relate to. The non-binary character Mica is also a revelation for me, with the realisation of their gender coming between their old history and the present the way it is explored has helped with my understanding of non binary people and Mica is just brilliant.
In short, read it! Ami's writing once again gets better with each book. I don't know whether I want them to head back to Crows nest next or have more from this world. I want it all!!
I received an ARC copy in return for an honest review
I am often a little nervous about 2nd chance romances, but this one gets it absolutely right. It is a book about the present not the past but it brings so much history into the story.
Bobby is now my new favourite child from a Sapphic romance - he is autistic, and warm, and loving, and sometimes a little stressed - and the writing of life with an awesome autistic boy is so realistically and beautifully written. It is certainly something I can relate to. The non-binary character Mica is also a revelation for me, with the realisation of their gender coming between their old history and the present the way it is explored has helped with my understanding of non binary people and Mica is just brilliant.
In short, read it! Ami's writing once again gets better with each book. I don't know whether I want them to head back to Crows nest next or have more from this world. I want it all!!
I received an ARC copy in return for an honest review
February 21, 2025
A Simple Title That Tells A Tremendous Story!
I purchased this book at the end of last year but it was pushed aside while all the holiday books came out. I needed a refresher from the holiday reads and landed on this book. So Sorry I didn’t read this sooner. It was a fantastic read. I loved it. I usually put books down when I see the woman in the story being used or abused by someone close to them. I pushed through because I do understand a little about autism and needed to see how this author played this out. The characters were written well especially Mica. Her strength in the love she had for Grace and then for her son Bobby is what kept this story alive. Great job Ami…..
I purchased this book at the end of last year but it was pushed aside while all the holiday books came out. I needed a refresher from the holiday reads and landed on this book. So Sorry I didn’t read this sooner. It was a fantastic read. I loved it. I usually put books down when I see the woman in the story being used or abused by someone close to them. I pushed through because I do understand a little about autism and needed to see how this author played this out. The characters were written well especially Mica. Her strength in the love she had for Grace and then for her son Bobby is what kept this story alive. Great job Ami…..
April 12, 2025
I recently read and loved Secure Attachment and realized and just had to read this book and get the details about Mica’s and Grace’s love story. This book was equally amazing and sweet. I loved to read about the complicated love story between the two and on top of that get a loving description of Mica that realizes they are non-binary. How Mica and Grace can be apart for 10 years with those feelings is devastating but so good to read about how they reconnect, and Grace can get rid of Nate once and for all.
It was great to get even more of Debs, of course she was an amazing friend to Mica also in this book and so good to know that also she will get her happiness in Secure Attachment.
It was great to get even more of Debs, of course she was an amazing friend to Mica also in this book and so good to know that also she will get her happiness in Secure Attachment.
October 10, 2024
A story of love and longing
Ami Spencer has woven an intricate tale of love, longing, acceptance, and misunderstanding into this second chance romance, "Binding Bricks." Grace and Mica will draw you into their rather star-crossed relationship, but you'll gladly stay and root for them. Non-binary Mica left town and Grace ten years before; Grace moved on but never forgot them. When Mica comes back to visit, their world explodes with Grace and her adorable son Bobby. It's a journey for all three of these characters, and it's not always easy. Love wins out, and you'll enjoy the ride.
Ami Spencer has woven an intricate tale of love, longing, acceptance, and misunderstanding into this second chance romance, "Binding Bricks." Grace and Mica will draw you into their rather star-crossed relationship, but you'll gladly stay and root for them. Non-binary Mica left town and Grace ten years before; Grace moved on but never forgot them. When Mica comes back to visit, their world explodes with Grace and her adorable son Bobby. It's a journey for all three of these characters, and it's not always easy. Love wins out, and you'll enjoy the ride.
September 26, 2024
Beautiful
As always Ami Spencer has written a beautifully heart warming story. They have a profound way of writing about difficult subjects in a tasteful and respectful way allowing the reader a deeper insight into the characters and our world at large. Loved it! Read this and all their other work, it's well worth it.
As always Ami Spencer has written a beautifully heart warming story. They have a profound way of writing about difficult subjects in a tasteful and respectful way allowing the reader a deeper insight into the characters and our world at large. Loved it! Read this and all their other work, it's well worth it.
December 29, 2024
Second chances, lots of queer rep, open discussions mostly. I really liked this and I think I chose it in KU because my friend Rena read this.
I hope Nate gets shingles and then gets infections from scratching at them.
Having raised a kid with autism, yes, I identified with a lot.
Uprated for the diversity: ethnically, older couples, autism, bisexuality, trans person, etc.
Once again I wish I could have a half star, this feels very 4.4.
I hope Nate gets shingles and then gets infections from scratching at them.
Having raised a kid with autism, yes, I identified with a lot.
Uprated for the diversity: ethnically, older couples, autism, bisexuality, trans person, etc.
Once again I wish I could have a half star, this feels very 4.4.
August 14, 2025
Amazing connection!
I loved this book, and it hit the emotions. I love reading the real life events and how the characters heal. What i loved more is the bonus parent and child connection. As a single mom, I want someone to connect and be the bonus parent for them.
I loved this book, and it hit the emotions. I love reading the real life events and how the characters heal. What i loved more is the bonus parent and child connection. As a single mom, I want someone to connect and be the bonus parent for them.
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