Paws on the Playbook

Mile High #2

by Jennifer J. Williams

An autistic veterinarian and an equally awkward NFL quarterback are forced to plan a charity gala together—proving that love, like life, is best when you stop masking and let the chaos purr.


I was raised to be quiet, polite, and perfectly palatable. Unfortunately for my parents, I grew up to be autistic, opinionated, and the proud mom of a paralyzed corgi with a bad attitude.

I’m a veterinarian, not a debutante. I can handle a brawl between two angry Chihuahuas, but human small talk? That’s a blood sport. So when I’m forced to help plan a charity gala with Denver’s favorite golden boy, I expect disaster.

What I don’t expect is for Jameson Wahlberg, the Denver Wolves starting quarterback and alleged god among men, to be… like me.

Turns out the man behind the helmet is just as autistic, awkward, and catastrophically sincere as I am. He’s also bluntly honest, empathizes with my quickly draining social battery, and kisses like he’s solving an equation.

Between our matchmaking friends, a newly adopted quintet of guinea pigs, and a charity gala that might crumble faster than my emotions can handle, Jamie and I are trying to navigate love on our own terms.

Because being autistic doesn’t mean being unlovable, it just means we read the playbook a little differently.


Paws on the Playbook is a football, neurodiversity, secret dating, and found family romance in an interconnected series. It features a shy golden retriever NFL quarterback star and the plus-size veterinarian he falls for. It includes spice, banter, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after that will have you swooning.

Genres: Sports, Sports Romance, Romance, Found Family, Disability, Adult, Autistic Spectrum Disorder

322 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 12, 2025

Reviews

[Darlene I read WAY to many books · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

This book took me awhile to finish because I got into it because Jamie and Audrey were such amazing characters.. but then idk i just felt it sorta dragged and felt forced to me. But that was me.

We have both MMC who are neurodiverse and I loved them each by themselves and as a couple. You see them navigate being coworkers to friends and then dating. They talked about there likes, triggers everything. Which was so cute there is a few mmm the parents of Audrey they took things out of left field. Its okay for the other kids to get knocked up or cheat. But Audrey working as a vet and dating a sports guy forbidden how dare she. Atleast make the dislike more real?

There is a misunderstanding that happens between them and the agent kinda went to far. For me I dont like him. but they work out what happened. it wasnt a huge problem they couldn't come back from.


No om/tiny ow, no cheating, slight secondary character, tiny drama, sexy times, no virgins

Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶

Slowinsta
Slight push/pull
Praise kink
Animal cruelty/abandonment (off page) Mental health discussions Family abuse: emotional and physical
neurodiverse
Seperation for few days
Safe sex/no condoms
Hea
Epilogue

[Gea Rojas · Rating 2 out of 5]

How come such a good story can have so many unnecessary misogynistic moments and even worse have fatphobic rhetoric while being a plus size romance!


I'm so pissed a this book, because i liked most of it but what i didn't like i really didn't like, I gave it the first pass when it called Yuca Frita the french fry of south america, no yuca frita is yuca frita and french fry is the french fry of south america given how potatoes are south american but since a small indie author I gave the pass, then there was something that could be read like homophobia when the MMC mentions that he started saying influencers when people thought he was gay for not dating and I gave it a pass, then there was the whole coach nice being slut shamed from her to the moon and i became a bit more weary, and then came the good awful "you're not fat your're beautiful" that stopped me in my tracks, the word fat does not mean ugly the FMC is fat and is gorgeous at the same time! and everything went pretty much downhill, every woman that is not the FMC or one of her few friends is a slut that can't keep to themself in the presence of men but less in front of the MMC, it comes to a point to where the MMC hasn't spoken to his mom in over years because after her divorce she went to where e was in college and ended up sleeping with a coach and he could never forgave her for doing that, also suddenly his mom has cancer and he doesn't know if she going to even talk to her before dying because he hates her that much, and that plot line is never solved to one side or the other, oh did i mention that he talks to his dad just fine and his dad cheated on his mom several times? but the horrible one is his mom. anyways when in the first chapter he leaves the apartment of a girl he met in a bar and is told by a random man in the walkway to get checked by an STD because that girl gets around aso she must be sicki should have dnf. and im not even going to talk about the whole FMC family of it all


Is deeply annoying to read all of that (and is just a few examples) in a book where two neuro divergent characters find each other in such a nice way and how well represented it was and in a book where the plot line was fun and clever, where some of the internal struggles of the FMC where real an valid and even well written, that might be the worst part seeing the well written parts next to the wtf parts.


I do think i'm being really generous by giving it 2.5 stars but again what i liked of the book i loved

Tropes:

Plus Size FMC
Golden Retriever MMC
Secret Dating
Football Romance
Neurodiverse MCs
Many Pets

Thanks to Jennifer. J. Williams and her team for sending this ARC in exchange for my honest review

⭐ ⭐.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Blake Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review:
Dear Heavenly Book Gods,

Please give me fewer cocky athletes in romance, even though I do still love them, and please give me more nerdy, hot women in STEM.

Amen.

Okay, but honestly, this is my first book by Williams, and I'm already fully convinced she writes her female characters for the girls, the gays and the theys, and I am absolutely here for it. Audrey was phenomenal from start to finish, Chelsea is the platonic soulmate every woman deserves, and I too had a big-fat girl crush on Becca by the end of the book.

Speaking of Becca, I started Paws of the Playbook without having read the first two books in the series, and while I'll absolutely be going back to see how our favorite meteorologist ended up with Jax, I still didn't feel as if these had to be read first to be enjoyable.

Jameson, Jax, Max and Maddox were all equally enjoyable for me. The four of them love so deeply and fiercely, and best of all, that love extends just as much to their friends as it does to their romantic partners. Their support, acceptance, and understanding of one another is absolutely non-toxic masculinity done right.

Full disclosure: I, by no means, claim to be the most qualified person to speak on how neurodiversity was portrayed in this story. Still, I love to see autism in adulthood being represented in media. Jameson and Audrey were similar because of their shared diagnosis, but they weren't mirrors of one another because no two individuals are ever exactly the same, neurodivergent or not. Their communication about their thoughts, their needs, and how they process things was open and kind and respectful. Their support systems, even if not familial, met both of them with the same level of love and understanding.

Now, I truly had a blast, but if there's one thing I hate more than a third-act breakup, it's a third-act breakup caused by the miscommunication trope, especially after I just finished praising how healthy the communication was in the rest of the story.

Also, I'm sorry, but Jameson's coach and agent both gave me the major ick. I have a feeling that Williams is eventually setting us up for a story focusing on Silas, and with Troy representing Max as well, we're sure to see even more of him, but I'm personally excited for neither. Silas pressured. Jameson into a situation he was clearly uncomfortable with and then tried to hold him accountable for the actions of a grown ass woman. Troy blamed Audrey for Jameson's self-induced guilt and then lit into her in the middle of the major charity event she spent countless hours planning and organizing. Honestly, I'd be totally fine to see both of them fired by book 4.

Still, minor complaints aside, I had a great time, and I truly can't wait to see what more Jennifer J. Williams has in store. 4 easy stars.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was sweet and adorable, plus had some fun spice and meaningful topics. This book has some great neurodiversity representation in it, football, adorable animals, a plus size FMC and a golden retriever MMC. All of this totalled up to well rounded romance! I really liked these two characters, and loved how they learned what each other likes and doesnt like, and how to handle their unique situation.

[Tracey Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Absolutely Heart-Stealing!

Paws on the Playbook is an absolute gem — tender, thoughtful, funny, and overflowing with heart. Jamie, the quietly overwhelmed NFL quarterback, and Audrey, the anxious but brilliant veterinarian, shine as two beautifully crafted neurodivergent characters who are simply trying to find someone who truly sees them.

Their connection is sweet, slow-growing, and wonderfully respectful, with representation that feels authentic and deeply affirming. As someone with AuDHD, I rarely find characters who resonate as strongly as these two did. Their struggles with communication, overstimulation, and just navigating the world felt genuine — and their growth, both individually and together, was stunning to watch.

The supporting cast is fantastic, too; their best friends are the perfect blend of loving, hilarious, and grounding. And the “hair scene” with Maddox, Jamie, and the Coach? Absolutely priceless. Add in anonymous charity emails, chaotic guinea pigs, and a gala that barely survives them, and you’ve got a story that’s intentional, heartfelt, and unexpectedly hilarious.

The romance is soft, sincere, and yes — surprisingly spicy. Jamie is the definition of a patient, attentive king, and their chemistry leaps off the page in the most beautiful way.

This was easily a one-sitting read for me. I laughed, I melted, I felt seen, and I adored every single page. Jennifer has crafted a love story that is not only gorgeous, but genuinely meaningful — a story about dropping the mask, being understood, and letting love in.

I’m already counting down until the next book in the series.
Highly, highly recommend!

[Mikaela Wagoner · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5 and semi spicy

I had a hard time getting through this book. It was great reading a book with diverse characters and backgrounds. It just fell a bit flat for me. I kept getting lost in the text messages and some of the back and forth with the FMC/MMC. The animal aspect and scenarios were a fun element to the story.

[Amanda Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I DEVOURED this. Like literally could not put it down, I loved it so much.

I was giddie the entire time they interacted.

[Olivia McClellan · Rating 1 out of 5]

this was probably the worst book i have ever read in my 22 years of life. The amount of disgust, rage, and just flat out disappointment while reading has left me in a state of limbo.
First off, the characters have no depth to them, they are essentially the same person just gender swapped. Audrey is autistic, has family issues and trauma, and is fat. Jaime is autistic, has family issues and trauma, and is an NFL player. Please can we find anything else that can be a differentiating factor between them? All of their conversations sound like they’re just talking to themselves because they agree on everything.
The plot was just so bad. I think Jennifer wanted to fall into too many tropes and none of them ended up working. I think she wanted to start this as an enemies to lovers, and then a slow burn, but by chapter 3 they’re already friends and both attracted to each other so both of those go out the window. There was also just no conflict between them and it made for such a boring read. I kept just hoping that something would happen and nothing ever did. Any sort of problem that arose was because both of them suck at communicating, even though they’re supposed to be great at it.
Another thing that pissed me off was how Jaime was just put on this golden throne for the entirety of the book. Every single sentence felt like it talked about how amazing of a man Jaime is and how he respects boundaries and is huge on consent and he’s just so gentle how could you not love him? Well I don’t. Please give him a flaw that could create any sort of problem that they have to work through.
This book also had to constantly remind us that Audrey is fat and then also simultaneously body shamed skinnier people, and that’s really just not cool. That leads me into my next point of the fact that Jennifer could not pick a stance on Audrey’s personality and internal thoughts. She was supposed to be this super confident person yet she constantly talks about how she’s so self conscious and becomes so dependent on Jaime for all of her happiness and joy.
I think Jennifer had a word count she wanted to hit and it was quite obvious. The amount of times that we are reminded of different things like how audrey bites her lip when she has something she doesn’t want to say out loud is absurd. I’m surprised she still has a lip to bite at this point.
Also, I understand that these characters are autistic and neurodivergent, and I really don’t think I have to be reminded every single paragraph that they are. I think that she doesn’t do a good job of showing and not telling us about their traits and behaviors.
That reminds me, the amount of unnecessary details and background that is given to us is just out of this world. If there is a single sentence said, get ready because that means there will be at least a paragraph of backstory that will have absolutely no effect on how you see the characters or the rest of the story. Like the amount of times we are reminded that Chelsea is a lesbian is a little insane to me. and the first time it’s mentioned is in just such an unnatural way that had me laughing out of disbelief.
I have to mention it but I hate to because I hated reading every single word of them, but the sex scenes were just so disgusting. The words that Jennifer used to describe the things they did made me shiver with disgust, and almost every note I made in at least 8 chapters all contained the word ew because it was just that gross.
Ultimately, I hated reading this book and I hate that I thought it would be funny to read it and I wouldn’t even recommend this book to my worst enemies.

[Isabelle Lee · Rating 1 out of 5]

I judged a book by its cover and judged it correctly. Here are my points that made this book one of the worst books i’ve ever read.
1) The way that the author talked about women’s bodies in this book was absolutely disturbing both from the female main characters side and the males. You cannot uplift a character about her body by also calling other women “breakable” and “just bones” it’s weird.
2) Take a shot every time the word neurodivergent is used, you’d be passed out on the floor for days. Maybe in the 1950s it was an insane topic to talk about mental health and autism, but it’s not now. They were acting like Jamie had the cheese touch. I kid you not a line from this book was “Woah. ‘You have anxiety?’” don’t piss me off. He acted like she was the first person on planet earth to be a little put off by social interaction. It really is those damn phones because who isn’t?
3) The intimacy in this book was like two different characters were put on the page to take place of the others. More times than not I felt bile rising up in my throat from way scenes were described.
4) The nicknames.
5) You can’t be like “oh he plays for the San Francisco Sharters!” and then be like “oh yea I know Tom Brady and I went to FSU” like pick one, you’re either in a fictional world or you’re not. And the mention of the Kelsey brothers…
6) The amount of things that happened in this book that would have a .00000234 chance of happening in the real world and would only happen because of user error. Like how the hell did the facetime get answered and she didn’t notice??? the phone call at the exact time he was talking crap???
7) this whole book was like a bad Taylor Swift song

[Janelle Sequin · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review

This book wrecked me in the gentlest, most validating way—and then handed me a corgi, guinea pigs, and a neurodivergent love story I didn’t know how badly I needed.

An autistic veterinarian and an autistic NFL quarterback planning a charity gala should be chaos. And it is. But it’s also tender, funny, deeply respectful, and profoundly human. Watching these two navigate attraction, communication, sensory overload, and social exhaustion without being “fixed” or softened for the narrative felt revolutionary.

The FMC is a breath of fresh air—brilliant, blunt, overwhelmed, loving, and unapologetically herself. Her inner world rang with truth, humor, and heart. And Jameson Wahlberg? Golden-boy quarterback on the outside, awkward, sincere, and methodical on the inside. A man who listens. Who asks. Who adapts. A hero who doesn’t rescue—he meets her where she is.

Their romance is quiet in the ways that matter and loud in the moments that count. No forced misunderstandings. No masking to be palatable. Just two people learning how to exist together honestly, even when it’s messy. Especially when it’s messy.

The autism representation is thoughtful, affirming, and clearly written with care. The humor lands. The animals steal scenes. And the message—that love doesn’t require you to be less yourself—hit me straight in the chest.

If you want a romance that feels real, kind, inclusive, and deeply romantic without being performative, this is it.
Tender. Awkward. Joyful. Unforgettable. 💙🐾🏈

[Natasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had the privilege of being an ARC reader for Jennifer J. Williams’ recent release, Paws on the PlayBook, Book Two in the Mile High Sports Series—and it was such a heartfelt, thoughtful read.

One of the standout aspects of this story is its beautiful depiction of neurodivergence, both in male and female characters. The representation felt authentic, respectful, and deeply intentional. Equally impactful was the emphasis on consent, which is woven seamlessly into the romance and made the relationship feel safe, healthy, and emotionally grounded.

While the story started a little slow for me, once it found its stride, I couldn’t put it down. The emotional connection, character growth, and found-family dynamics pulled me in completely and kept me turning pages.

And can we talk about the coach? Because I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY need his love story next.

Overall, Paws on the PlayBook is a warm, character-driven sports romance that shines through its representation, heart, and gentle spice.

Rating: ⭐ 3.5 out of 5
Spice Level: 🌶️ 2 out of 5

Tropes & Themes:

Sports Romance

Found Family

Strong Emphasis on Consent

Autism Representation

Golden Retriever MMC

Plus-Size FMC

[Cloe Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I love you. I wish I’d told you that. I wish you knew how much I crave you. How you’ve made such an impact on my life, and how I’ll never be the same man because of you.”

I’m so in love with this book!
I thought I was going to enjoy this book from just the blurb, but it has blown my expectations out of the water!

I have never related to a book so much as I deal with many similar things as both main characters. This book has truly made me feel seen.

Jamie is such a sweetheart and just needed someone to except him for who he is. And Audrey just needed to hear that she was important to someone, that she was loveable. I have never read of a more perfect match than these two!

I can’t wait to read the rest of this series and more from this author.

Thank you to the author for a chance to read that arc of this book! It was absolutely wonderful. 🤍

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall Rating: 4.5
Storyline: 4
Character development: 5
Ending:4
Romance:4

I am so grateful that I got an arc of this book. I have read three of this author's books in the past few days, and I can genuinely say I have enjoyed every single one of them. The writing is beautiful and flows so easily. I am generally a slow reader, but I flew through this book with so much ease. The autism representation in this book was phenomenal, and I saw a lot of myself in Audrey. Her struggles with anxiety and overstimulation are something I also struggle with, and it was like seeing a part of myself in the book. I can't wait to read more of Jennifer's books, and I can't wait for the next one in this series.

[The Good Girl Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

We were so excited to receive an ARC for Paws on the Playbook. We can’t help but love any character written by Jennifer J. Williams. Whenever we start one of her books we know we are about to giggle, cry, and love every minute of it. Paws On The Playbook was no different. We loved reading Audrey and Jamie’s story. Not only do we love to read strong independent women in STEM and shy golden retrievers but we also loved seeing BOTH characters with autism. And it’s done so well. Of course it’s not a Jennifer J Williams book without a man OBSESSED and we are here for it! He was immediately down bad and just wanted to protect Audrey…and same because she needs protected at all costs. We hated her family as much as Jamie did and for someone who hates confrontation he did a pretty dang good job of making sure her mom knew she messed with the wrong one. Because if there’s one thing he doesn’t mess around about it’s Audrey. He was a respectful king and made sure she was always comfortable and honest. They respected each others boundaries and made sure to always communicate. And who doesn’t love a man who can take care of his women emotionally and…financially. He made sure to take care of her and their family of pets which was literally the sweetest! If you haven’t read any of Jennifer’s books or haven’t read all of the series yet you need to! And if you have read…go reread them because we swear they get better every time!

[Julie Booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books Ms. Williams has written, the humor is off the charts, our characters are sweet, awkward, smart, and I am so glad Jamie and Dax are good friends. The storyline is pure perfection and written as if she has followed my family around for years.

I love the development of the relationship between Audrey and Jamie; we are given plenty of time to meet and get to know our characters. As layers are peeled back, personalities are exposed, and connections are made. The conversations that are necessary to move the relationship forward are vital. Both are aware of their downfalls and history with relationships, and the author takes the care to show use the unique qualities of our characters.

I highly recommend, and looking forward to where we go from here!

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paws on the Playbook

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“ An autistic veterinarian and an equally awkward NFL quarterback are forced to plan a charity gala together—proving that love, like life, is best when you stop masking and let the chaos purr.”

I read this in like 2 days it was an easy read and so good! I love all of Jennifer’s books because they seem to be all intertwined which makes me just want to read them all. The plot of this book is a good story that I couldn’t stop reading. The spice is chefs kiss! Highly recommend this book, series and anything by this author!

[Courtney Byrne · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️ | 2.5 🌶️

This was such an easy, enjoyable read!

I loved the diversity in this story and the thoughtful representation of neurodivergent characters, it felt genuine and so refreshing.

Jamie and Audrey were honestly made for each other, and watching them care for one another, grow together, and actually communicate (a rare miracle in romance!) was such a joy.

I’d never read a book by Jennifer J. Williams before, but this definitely won’t be my last!

[Shanluvs2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!

I absolutely loved this book! This was my first novel by Jennifer Williams, and she delivers a standout romance that is a must-read.
​Beyond the good spice and strong plot, the real magic lies in the relationship between Audrey and Jamie. Williams does an amazing job building both the FMC and MMC storyline, allowing you to connect deeply with their hurdles as neurodiverse individuals and the unique qualities that drive their story.
​Most importantly, Jamie and Audrey are a beautiful example of what a healthy relationship should be, defined by open communication and mutual respect for boundaries. Pick this one up!

[Katarina Crane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was absolutely brilliant!
I loved the neurodivergent representation and the way it showed two different people that came together helping each other grow!
This book will have you pissed, crying, laughing, and just down right on the edge of your seat!
Also the corgi in the book? She’s my favorite!

[WhatJo13reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

I adore Jennifer’s writing and I instantly fell in love with Jamie and Audrey. I saw so much of myself in these characters. This is a beautiful story of acceptance, finding the people who understand and love all your uniqueness. This book show a healthy relationship where boundaries are respected for both the MMC and the FMC.

🏈 Football romance
🐕 Golden retriever MMC
🐈‍⬛ Cat Daddy
🏈 Found family
🐕 Secret dating
🐈‍⬛ Neurodivergent rep

The animals in this book just steal the show. I also loved seeing Becca and Jacob from book 1. Can’t wait to see what is next for this series.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

How fortunate am I to have gotten the chance to read Paws on the Playbook early?! I’m so happy I did, because this was such a sweet and enjoyable read.

Pro football player Jamie and veterinarian Audrey cross paths completely by fate. Both are struggling under the pressure and stress of their everyday lives, but what Audrey doesn’t know is that Jamie has been quietly funding and supporting organizations in need, including the one she works with. When they team up to host their fundraising gala, they quickly realize they aren’t so different after all, and their friendship slowly grows into something so much more.

I’m an absolute sucker for animal lovers, and what’s better than one in a book? A dog momma and a cat daddy. These two neurodivergent sweethearts learning to let their guards down together? Adorable.

Did we need the third-act breakup we got? No. I hated it, haha. But I’ll admit, it did make the reunion that much sweeter.

The supporting characters were great without ever stealing the spotlight, and overall this was such a feel-good romance. I hope everyone gets the chance to read it. 🐾💛

[staci ❥ · Rating 1 out of 5]

dnf @ 57%. i just don’t care anymore lol. they’re both cringy

[Grace Mitchell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was enjoying this book until the miscommunication trope hit. It was needless and made me dislike Jamie and his agent so much.

There were many parts that I couldn't understand being in it. The coach's niece, the repeated bad mouthing Jamie's mom but not his dad, the agent berating Audrey. I would have run far away from that life and would have had nothing to do with Jamie's original fears.

The positive of this book was I did like the autistic representation. It did feel the most realistic to other books I have read. I just wish the other parts didn't overshadowing for me.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️
📕: Paws On The Playbook by Jennifer J. Williams
Why you’ll love this book!!

Plus Size FMC
Secret Dating
Neurodiversity Rep
Shy Golden Retriever
Found Family
Spicy Lessons
Cat Daddy
Billionaire
Football Romance
Mutual Self Care
I love Jennifer J. Williams writing she has never disappointed EVER and this was no different she killed it!! I ate this book up in a day! I loved the neurodiversity rep in this book she did an amazing job writing someone who is neurodivergent. I also love how Jennifer writes a great found family in her books it’s one of my favorite tropes and she writes it so well. I loved Audrey and Jamie and how unique they are and how they build each other up there was a few bumps in the road for these two but man was it worth it!! I loved all the animals in the book.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was pretty good. It deals with sports and Pets and the characters are autistic.

A veterinarian and an NFL quarterback have to plan a charity gala, and they find love with each other and have a happy ending.

[Dominique Franklin · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 chili peppers
Okay sports romance with dual POV. Lots of cute animal friends, and good neurodivergent representation.

[k · Rating 2 out of 5]

the miscommunication was DTM at some point you have to get over urself

[Escape_withStephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW
Jamie and Audrey are both neurodivergent, and that representation was genuinely beautiful to read. I really appreciated how the book portrayed both the strengths and the challenges of being autistic—it felt honest and intentional
That said, one thing that didn’t fully work for me was how heavily the story focused on checking off every neurodivergent benchmark and trigger. At times, it felt like the plot itself took a back seat, which left the overall story lacking a bit of depth. This is, of course, just my opinion—others may feel differently.
What I did enjoy was how straightforward Jamie and Audrey were with each other about their needs, preferences, and tics, and how much care and respect they showed for one another’s boundaries. That mutual understanding was one of the strongest parts of their dynamic and made their relationship feel thoughtful and authentic.

[Whitney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick and fast paced read. This is the first book I've read by this author and I do think it can be read as a standalone.

Things I liked:
- Neurodiverse characters
- All the animals
- Found family
- Chat dialogue was funny

Things I didn't like:
- Some of the dialogue felt forced rather than being a natural part of the conversation
- Some of the moments were cheesy and predictable (still enjoyable)

Thank you Jennifer J. Williams and team for the gifted ARC.

[Sarah Jorgensen · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 44%

The story/plot has a lot of potential. However I feel that the writing style is a lot more telling than showing. I don’t like books where the character talks directly to the reader. I find it frustrating and it tends to pull me out of the story. That happened too many times to keep reading. It creates a disconnect and defeats my whole purpose for reading.