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Not Your Typical Love Story
Not yet published
Expected 20 Apr 27"Incredibly heartwarming, full of teen angst, joy, and everything in between." —Ann Zhao, bestselling author of Dear Wendy
Loveless meets You’ve Got Mail in a charming YA romance centering two aspec (asexual and aromantic) teens at the heart of their own kind of love story.
Analeigh Tate has never cared about dating, partly because she’s got more important things to worry about (like grades, being valedictorian, and getting into her dream college), and partly because she fears no one would be interested in an asexual girl. But when she realizes she needs her older sister’s help convincing their overbearing parents that a musical theater degree is a serious career path, it comes at a price: proving she can get a boyfriend. Should be easy—right?
Drew Eberstark has finally gotten up the nerve to ask his online best friend to meet in person—only to learn she’s his academic rival, Analeigh Tate. Desperate not to lose his only friend, with whom he’s shared his uncertainty about being asexual and aromantic, he comes up with a plan: offer to be her (fake) boyfriend. Now he can prove he’s worth her friendship in real life, too. The only catch is that he has to make sure he doesn’t reveal his true identity in the process. So that’s not stressful or anything.
As Analeigh and Drew struggle with family expectations, grief, confusion about their identity, and uncertain futures, they’ll have to decide if their friendship is worth fighting for, and if there’s a happily ever after to their (not so typical) love story.
Loveless meets You’ve Got Mail in a charming YA romance centering two aspec (asexual and aromantic) teens at the heart of their own kind of love story.
Analeigh Tate has never cared about dating, partly because she’s got more important things to worry about (like grades, being valedictorian, and getting into her dream college), and partly because she fears no one would be interested in an asexual girl. But when she realizes she needs her older sister’s help convincing their overbearing parents that a musical theater degree is a serious career path, it comes at a price: proving she can get a boyfriend. Should be easy—right?
Drew Eberstark has finally gotten up the nerve to ask his online best friend to meet in person—only to learn she’s his academic rival, Analeigh Tate. Desperate not to lose his only friend, with whom he’s shared his uncertainty about being asexual and aromantic, he comes up with a plan: offer to be her (fake) boyfriend. Now he can prove he’s worth her friendship in real life, too. The only catch is that he has to make sure he doesn’t reveal his true identity in the process. So that’s not stressful or anything.
As Analeigh and Drew struggle with family expectations, grief, confusion about their identity, and uncertain futures, they’ll have to decide if their friendship is worth fighting for, and if there’s a happily ever after to their (not so typical) love story.
336 pages, Paperback
Expected publication April 20, 2027
About the author
C. R. Averett
1 book44 followersC. R. Averett is a former editor at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers and JIMMY Patterson Books, has a master’s degree in English and creative writing from Southern New Hampshire University, a BFA in dance performance from the University of the Arts, and currently works in book production at Running Press, an imprint of Hachette Book Group. She grew up in the middle of the forest in a small town you’ve probably never heard of, on top of a hill you’ll probably never find, and writes stories about flawed characters, small towns, and people who are just trying their best. Not Your Typical Love Story is her debut. Follow her on Instagram @c.r_averett.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Want to Read
December 25, 2025Did you say RIVALS-TO-LOVERS with AROACE-SPEC CHARACTERS. Omg, the POTENTIAL, GIMME
Want to Read
January 17, 2026so after researching this, i've determined it's everything i've ever wanted. aro/ace-spec main characters, autistic rep (!!!!), perfectionist overachiever + introverted book nerd, complicated sister relationship, similar to loveless by alice oseman, possibly qpr-aligned romance? i actually can't describe how much i need this book right now
Want to Read
October 19, 2025I heard about a soft acespec autistic male lead and I’m seated👀👀👀
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Nice. I think generally speaking this is a great read and many people will really connect with it and love it.
At first, I wasn't sure if I was actually going to get into it. But once we hit the dual POV, I think I felt more connected to Drew's character, which made me want to read the entire thing. Initially, it feels more so like a book for pre-teens and early-aged teens, not going to lie, but then it definitely fits for any age range after a few chapters.
So as I said, it's a dual POV book, divided into five parts, I believe, which are well titled. I think the title of the book itself should have just been Atypical Love Story, because then it would have been a play on words with "A typical love story," but also would have kind of explicitly given away the fact that they're on the asexual/neurodivergent spectrums. Personally, I struggle when the whole LGBTQIA+ aspect feels forced into the book. I think it makes the labels the center of everything when really, we are just exploring a different type of relationship that can be romantic without being sexual. And there's foreshadowing of them not ending in a full-on, typical romantic relationship as well, with how Andrew feels and talks about the book in class during the debate with Anie. I felt like Anie was also kind of part of the bi-erasure when she reacted to her best friend Mae dating the football guy.
Lots of information, like location and character descriptions, came much later than anticipated, which for someone who tries to imagine everything rather quickly, can be a little meh.
I thought the enemies-to-lovers trope and fake dating trope was fun. I think it's moreso hilarious that SHE thought HE was her nemesis, but he never even saw her like that. They also share a more vulnerable relationship as pen pals online, unknowingly, which they find out about four years later.
Some things are a bit cliche, but I wouldn't be surprised to see a book like this turned into a cute little Netflix film — or inspire some sort of TV show.
So mainly, losing a point because personally, I felt the emphasis on the labels was sometimes unnecessary to the development of the characters, because their stories can still be the same and understood as such. Also because I think the story could have been written from Drew's POV first, since it's what kept me interested in the rest. The whole sister rivalry thing, to me, is tired but still works because of the character development.
*** I need to specify this for those who may misinterpret my words: I do believe queer characters belong in books, but I don't find the repeated labeling necessary. For example, in Call Me by Your Name, the characters' sexuality isn't excessively repeated or made the central focus of their relationship. They're queer, they fall in love, and that's it. Because the relationship is treated as normal. And I think queer love shouldn't be treated like it's a big deal. And the people you feel lack representation are STILL represented. ( I do understand that some people would rather have labels and actually won't mind it, and that's also more than okay ****
I do think overall it was a really cute book. Thanks!
At first, I wasn't sure if I was actually going to get into it. But once we hit the dual POV, I think I felt more connected to Drew's character, which made me want to read the entire thing. Initially, it feels more so like a book for pre-teens and early-aged teens, not going to lie, but then it definitely fits for any age range after a few chapters.
So as I said, it's a dual POV book, divided into five parts, I believe, which are well titled. I think the title of the book itself should have just been Atypical Love Story, because then it would have been a play on words with "A typical love story," but also would have kind of explicitly given away the fact that they're on the asexual/neurodivergent spectrums. Personally, I struggle when the whole LGBTQIA+ aspect feels forced into the book. I think it makes the labels the center of everything when really, we are just exploring a different type of relationship that can be romantic without being sexual. And there's foreshadowing of them not ending in a full-on, typical romantic relationship as well, with how Andrew feels and talks about the book in class during the debate with Anie. I felt like Anie was also kind of part of the bi-erasure when she reacted to her best friend Mae dating the football guy.
Lots of information, like location and character descriptions, came much later than anticipated, which for someone who tries to imagine everything rather quickly, can be a little meh.
I thought the enemies-to-lovers trope and fake dating trope was fun. I think it's moreso hilarious that SHE thought HE was her nemesis, but he never even saw her like that. They also share a more vulnerable relationship as pen pals online, unknowingly, which they find out about four years later.
Some things are a bit cliche, but I wouldn't be surprised to see a book like this turned into a cute little Netflix film — or inspire some sort of TV show.
So mainly, losing a point because personally, I felt the emphasis on the labels was sometimes unnecessary to the development of the characters, because their stories can still be the same and understood as such. Also because I think the story could have been written from Drew's POV first, since it's what kept me interested in the rest. The whole sister rivalry thing, to me, is tired but still works because of the character development.
*** I need to specify this for those who may misinterpret my words: I do believe queer characters belong in books, but I don't find the repeated labeling necessary. For example, in Call Me by Your Name, the characters' sexuality isn't excessively repeated or made the central focus of their relationship. They're queer, they fall in love, and that's it. Because the relationship is treated as normal. And I think queer love shouldn't be treated like it's a big deal. And the people you feel lack representation are STILL represented. ( I do understand that some people would rather have labels and actually won't mind it, and that's also more than okay ****
I do think overall it was a really cute book. Thanks!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved this book. The premise for this book sounds simple (You've Got Mail like anonymous online friendship with your real life rival, fake dating), but it's done SO well. Admittedly, I knew very little about the ace-aro spectrum going in to this book, so this was a great introduction. I could see some maybe criticizing that the last bit of the book tries hard to emphasize that the ending is happy for Analeigh and Drew, but given the narrators are teenagers, I think the explaining is valid.
Written in my favorite narration style, Not Your Typical Love Story is from a dual point of view, with a near even split between Analeigh and Drew. It's organized in many short chapters, so it feels like you're always making progress in the book.
And what I especially loved - oh, the YA-iness of Analeigh! Embodying all the confidence and ingrained insecurity of adolescence, determined to have her “perfect” senior year, she reminds me a bit of Paris Geller from Gilmore Girls. Like most teenagers, she has a myopic worldview. But goodness, if I don't feel badly for her, fully believing her sister can only be the benchmark and competition or that her parents only see her worth in scholastic achievements. And Drew! Such a sweet kid, full of social anxiety and carrying so much pain and grief. While he's struggling, his narration comes across as honest, not bleak for the sake of spinning negativity. Across all the books I've read so far this year, he's definitely one of my favorite characters.
It's beautiful, the way this book broadens the idea of a love story and highlights that aching feeling of wanting to be known and seen and loved, just as you are right now. Even if there are no perfect words. Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and C. R. Averett for this ARC!
Written in my favorite narration style, Not Your Typical Love Story is from a dual point of view, with a near even split between Analeigh and Drew. It's organized in many short chapters, so it feels like you're always making progress in the book.
And what I especially loved - oh, the YA-iness of Analeigh! Embodying all the confidence and ingrained insecurity of adolescence, determined to have her “perfect” senior year, she reminds me a bit of Paris Geller from Gilmore Girls. Like most teenagers, she has a myopic worldview. But goodness, if I don't feel badly for her, fully believing her sister can only be the benchmark and competition or that her parents only see her worth in scholastic achievements. And Drew! Such a sweet kid, full of social anxiety and carrying so much pain and grief. While he's struggling, his narration comes across as honest, not bleak for the sake of spinning negativity. Across all the books I've read so far this year, he's definitely one of my favorite characters.
It's beautiful, the way this book broadens the idea of a love story and highlights that aching feeling of wanting to be known and seen and loved, just as you are right now. Even if there are no perfect words. Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and C. R. Averett for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book would have helped teenage me a lot. When I was younger I knew I was different, I didn’t know why or how but I knew I wasn’t experiencing the same as my friends and I was sure something was wrong with me. I am so, so happy kids these days have books like this to make sense of those feelings.
Not Your Typical Love Story is about an ace girl looking for a fake boyfriend because she made a deal with her sister, cue in Drew, an aroace boy who unbeknownst to her is her virtual best friend as well as her academic rival in the real world.
Some elements of the story are a little too ya for me, but this is a ya book so I feel like the intended audience will absolutely love it. I got the ARC because I wanted the representation, and it was done beautifully here. It’s very much a story about finding yourself and your people, and it was so sweet to see.
Thank you so much C. R. Averett for a book that ace(and/or aro) kids will be able to see themselves in, it is so important and it goes right in the list of “books I wish teenage me could have had”.
Thank you Netgalley and Wednesday Books for this ARC.
Not Your Typical Love Story is about an ace girl looking for a fake boyfriend because she made a deal with her sister, cue in Drew, an aroace boy who unbeknownst to her is her virtual best friend as well as her academic rival in the real world.
Some elements of the story are a little too ya for me, but this is a ya book so I feel like the intended audience will absolutely love it. I got the ARC because I wanted the representation, and it was done beautifully here. It’s very much a story about finding yourself and your people, and it was so sweet to see.
Thank you so much C. R. Averett for a book that ace(and/or aro) kids will be able to see themselves in, it is so important and it goes right in the list of “books I wish teenage me could have had”.
Thank you Netgalley and Wednesday Books for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
This story was genuinely so so cute, and I couldn’t put it down! I loved the dual pov and both characters were super compelling. In particular, I loved Drew’s character. The way his inner monologue was presented and how he works through his feelings about his identity and the relationship with Analeigh really made me root for him. I truly wanted the best for these characters and for them to get the happy ending they deserved. On top of their internal struggles, there were soo many subplots and different relationship dynamics. It was definitely a lot to keep up with, but I kind of loved how so many things felt like they were in flux for the characters. I feel like it accurately represented how the end of high school or the end of a chapter of life can feel. This was such a wholesome, hopeful story, and I highly recommend it!
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Wednesday Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
This story was genuinely so so cute, and I couldn’t put it down! I loved the dual pov and both characters were super compelling. In particular, I loved Drew’s character. The way his inner monologue was presented and how he works through his feelings about his identity and the relationship with Analeigh really made me root for him. I truly wanted the best for these characters and for them to get the happy ending they deserved. On top of their internal struggles, there were soo many subplots and different relationship dynamics. It was definitely a lot to keep up with, but I kind of loved how so many things felt like they were in flux for the characters. I feel like it accurately represented how the end of high school or the end of a chapter of life can feel. This was such a wholesome, hopeful story, and I highly recommend it!
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Wednesday Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
August 9, 2026
This book was very good, it’s about two main characters who choose what love looks and feels like to them in an a sexual way, along side of going through many other topics. Topics ranging from things such as sibling rivalry, parent death, parent academic pressure, low self esteem, and anxiety. This book takes so many hard topics and puts them on display in an eye opening book for anyone raising kids should read! Also, in my opinion; I feel that just about everyone should read this. It serves a purpose stronger than I believed a book could do for me.
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this, in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this, in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I had the absolute honor to read an early version of this and I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! Blurb below:
“Impossible to put down and heart-warmingly beautiful, Not Your Typical Love Story offers a tender exploration of love through aspec perspectives. It’s the kind of book I wish I could have handed to my younger self—funny, heartbreaking, and meaningful.” —Lene D. Buttner, author of forthcoming When Life Gives You Corpses
“Impossible to put down and heart-warmingly beautiful, Not Your Typical Love Story offers a tender exploration of love through aspec perspectives. It’s the kind of book I wish I could have handed to my younger self—funny, heartbreaking, and meaningful.” —Lene D. Buttner, author of forthcoming When Life Gives You Corpses
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This book is going to make so many people feel so seen and so understood. Overflowing with hope, feeling, and understanding, these characters feel like friends I knew in high school, just trying to hold it together until graduation. I loved watching Annaleigh and Drew define their relationship on their terms, despite their many attempts to sabotage themselves. A romance like I’ve never read before!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
3.5 stars
Not quite sure how to feel about this. I had some issues with Analeigh, starting from the beginning when it felt like she was doing anti-eldest daughter propaganda (though I really liked the way their relationship ended up), and I also found it weird that she called Cats bland, but I ultimately liked the way her relationship with Drew evolved and was explored.
Not quite sure how to feel about this. I had some issues with Analeigh, starting from the beginning when it felt like she was doing anti-eldest daughter propaganda (though I really liked the way their relationship ended up), and I also found it weird that she called Cats bland, but I ultimately liked the way her relationship with Drew evolved and was explored.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As amazing as I thought it'd be and then some. This YA romance brims with heart, hope, and vivid character moments as two a-spec MCs define their relationship on their own terms.
(more in-depth review to come)
(more in-depth review to come)
December 15, 2025
“Beautifully honest and quietly funny, Not Your Typical Love Story delivers a heartfelt ode to unconventional love. This fresh addition to the YA space weaves a big-hearted coming-of-age tale where a-spec joy shines in every scene. Averett’s debut is an unputdownable gem that deserves a standing ovation!” —Sydney Langford, author of Someone to Daydream About
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
So good! Sweet, bittersweet and unique. I loved it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Lovely unexpected coming of age love story about two characters who think they don’t belong and end up finding that, in their own way, they do.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews