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Unapologetic Love Story
The dazzling debut new adult romance novel from bestselling author, Elle McNicoll. For fans of Emily Henry's Book Lovers, this is big-hearted and full of bite!
An unapologetic celebration of love, relationships, and the women who have historically been shut out of such stories, until now . . . Elle McNicoll is about to become everyone's favorite new name in new adult romance.
Enter Raina Lewis, London’s hottest It Girl - effortlessly cool, endlessly intriguing, and beloved for her smash-hit podcast spotlighting autistic women. But not everyone’s convinced by the hype. Investigative journalist and ‘King of Cancel Culture’, Tom Branimir is sure there’s more to Raina than meets the eye. He’s determined to uncover her secret. That is... if he can just manage not to fall for her first.
An unapologetic celebration of love, relationships, and the women who have historically been shut out of such stories, until now . . . Elle McNicoll is about to become everyone's favorite new name in new adult romance.
Enter Raina Lewis, London’s hottest It Girl - effortlessly cool, endlessly intriguing, and beloved for her smash-hit podcast spotlighting autistic women. But not everyone’s convinced by the hype. Investigative journalist and ‘King of Cancel Culture’, Tom Branimir is sure there’s more to Raina than meets the eye. He’s determined to uncover her secret. That is... if he can just manage not to fall for her first.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published April 2, 2026
About the author
Elle McNicoll
19 books903 followersHey, I'm Elle. I'm Scottish, autistic and an author/screenwriter who is really bad at logging her reading choices.
I write about autistic girls finding out who they are and what makes them happy, because I'm an autistic girl trying to find out who she is and what makes her happy.
I don't read reviews, as they are for readers, but I'm grateful to any and everyone who engages with my work, on the page or on the screen. My Young Adult Romance debut is called Some Like It Cold in it will be published on the 3rd of October. Official professional shiz below:
Elle McNicoll is a bestselling and award-winning novelist and screenwriter. Her debut, A Kind of Spark, won the Blue Peter Book Award and the Overall Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, as well as Blackwell’s Book of 2020. She is a four time Carnegie nominated author, and was shortlisted for the Books Are My Bag Awards 2020, 2021 and 2022, the Branford Boase Award 2020 and The Little Rebels Award 2020 and 2021. She was also honoured in the US with the Schneider Award, 2022.
Her second Middle Grade novel, Show Us Who You Are, was Blackwell’s Book of the Month and one of The Bookseller’s Best Books of 2021. Her first fantasy middle grade, Like a Charm, was nominated for Best Children’s Book for Older Readers in the first ever Week Junior Book Awards, and was highly praised in the New York Times.
Her debut novel, A Kind of Spark, has also been adapted for television, which debuted on UK and US screens on the 2nd of April, 2023. It is Emmy nominated and won Best Children’s Programme at the Broadcast Awards and the Royal Television Society Awards in London, 2024 and is now streaming in many territories around the globe. A second season is currently airing on CBBC.
Her debut Middle Grade was named as one of the greatest children’s books of all time, coming in at number 75, and she is twice nominated for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award.
Her YA debut, Some Like It Cold, will be published on October 1st (US) and October 3rd (UK). She is an advocate for better representation of neurodiversity in publishing, as an autistic and dyspraxic novelist, and currently lives in North London.
I write about autistic girls finding out who they are and what makes them happy, because I'm an autistic girl trying to find out who she is and what makes her happy.
I don't read reviews, as they are for readers, but I'm grateful to any and everyone who engages with my work, on the page or on the screen. My Young Adult Romance debut is called Some Like It Cold in it will be published on the 3rd of October. Official professional shiz below:
Elle McNicoll is a bestselling and award-winning novelist and screenwriter. Her debut, A Kind of Spark, won the Blue Peter Book Award and the Overall Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, as well as Blackwell’s Book of 2020. She is a four time Carnegie nominated author, and was shortlisted for the Books Are My Bag Awards 2020, 2021 and 2022, the Branford Boase Award 2020 and The Little Rebels Award 2020 and 2021. She was also honoured in the US with the Schneider Award, 2022.
Her second Middle Grade novel, Show Us Who You Are, was Blackwell’s Book of the Month and one of The Bookseller’s Best Books of 2021. Her first fantasy middle grade, Like a Charm, was nominated for Best Children’s Book for Older Readers in the first ever Week Junior Book Awards, and was highly praised in the New York Times.
Her debut novel, A Kind of Spark, has also been adapted for television, which debuted on UK and US screens on the 2nd of April, 2023. It is Emmy nominated and won Best Children’s Programme at the Broadcast Awards and the Royal Television Society Awards in London, 2024 and is now streaming in many territories around the globe. A second season is currently airing on CBBC.
Her debut Middle Grade was named as one of the greatest children’s books of all time, coming in at number 75, and she is twice nominated for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award.
Her YA debut, Some Like It Cold, will be published on October 1st (US) and October 3rd (UK). She is an advocate for better representation of neurodiversity in publishing, as an autistic and dyspraxic novelist, and currently lives in North London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
November 27, 2025
This is written with heart for anyone who has been told you don’t look autistic enough. Or that you’re *too* different. Or for those who feel they aren’t autistic enough. Or for ANYONE who wants an incredible love story that will make you laugh and tear up and glow from within.💜
Raina Lewis is a 28-year-old podcaster spotlighting autistic women. Tom Branimir is an investigative journalist who is known as the King of Cancel Culture. When Tom crosses wits with Raina, he is surprised to find a sparring partner.
As someone who recently got an autism diagnosis, someone who didn’t even realise I could claim a community, a sense of being understood; this hit home.
This book highlights how autistic people (women especially) listen to people talk at length about how tragic and terrible it is to be them, or to be in their lives, or how they’re not real.
You can tell this is an own-voices romance from someone desperate to see themselves represented.
If Clark Kent’s signature glasses did represent autistic masking, they’d been discarded.
Raina is bubbly and optimistic, Tom is more cynical and comes across as dour at first. I wouldn’t call this opposites attract as Elle artfully demonstrates masking and also the desperate need to fit in - even from neurotypicals.
The steamy scenes will have your toes curling, but it is balanced out with emotional resonance.
Yes, it was occasionally cheesy. Yes, the romance felt too perfect, too quickly. But, hey. This is a love story. A projection we can dream about.
“No one is voiceless–some people just don’t know how to vary their listening skills.”
Physical arc gifted by Pan MacMillan.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
Raina Lewis is a 28-year-old podcaster spotlighting autistic women. Tom Branimir is an investigative journalist who is known as the King of Cancel Culture. When Tom crosses wits with Raina, he is surprised to find a sparring partner.
As someone who recently got an autism diagnosis, someone who didn’t even realise I could claim a community, a sense of being understood; this hit home.
This book highlights how autistic people (women especially) listen to people talk at length about how tragic and terrible it is to be them, or to be in their lives, or how they’re not real.
You can tell this is an own-voices romance from someone desperate to see themselves represented.
If Clark Kent’s signature glasses did represent autistic masking, they’d been discarded.
Raina is bubbly and optimistic, Tom is more cynical and comes across as dour at first. I wouldn’t call this opposites attract as Elle artfully demonstrates masking and also the desperate need to fit in - even from neurotypicals.
The steamy scenes will have your toes curling, but it is balanced out with emotional resonance.
Yes, it was occasionally cheesy. Yes, the romance felt too perfect, too quickly. But, hey. This is a love story. A projection we can dream about.
“No one is voiceless–some people just don’t know how to vary their listening skills.”
Physical arc gifted by Pan MacMillan.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 stars ⭐⭐⭐
i enjoyed this a lot!!! a fun romance that packed an emotional punch, true to its comparison to an emily henry novel. also yay for neurodivergent rep!!! we love to see it!!!
the reason this isn’t a higher rating is because i simply couldn’t connect to the characters, especially the mmc, no matter how hard i tried. and i so desperately tried. we just didn’t click. and the third act conflict was so annoying, one of those that feels thrown in just to be there when it really didn’t have to be. but these didn’t ruin the book for me at all!
★ starting a 24 hour readathon and only reading arcs because my netgalley ratio is horrendous 🫠
★ thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc, all opinions are my own <3
i enjoyed this a lot!!! a fun romance that packed an emotional punch, true to its comparison to an emily henry novel. also yay for neurodivergent rep!!! we love to see it!!!
the reason this isn’t a higher rating is because i simply couldn’t connect to the characters, especially the mmc, no matter how hard i tried. and i so desperately tried. we just didn’t click. and the third act conflict was so annoying, one of those that feels thrown in just to be there when it really didn’t have to be. but these didn’t ruin the book for me at all!
★ starting a 24 hour readathon and only reading arcs because my netgalley ratio is horrendous 🫠
★ thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc, all opinions are my own <3
December 1, 2025
[arc review] I so badly wanted to enjoy this book and now I feel like the minority while reading everyone’s positive reviews—I just didn’t connect with the story. I think it’s definitely a me problem, because I’m not a huge fan of the writing style and traditionally prefer to read romance in first person.
I did like the way the story touched on the difficulties neurodiverse women face—being told you don’t look like you’re autistic, but then made to feel like you’re just difficult for wanting to establish health boundaries that work for you and make you feel comfortable in a world built for those that are neurotypical.
as someone with debilitating high functioning ADHD—I too struggle establishing boundaries on what is expected of me, so I found myself relating to raina throughout the story.
I didn’t—controversially—like tom, and at times I found myself rolling my eyes at him. I also feel like third act break ups only really work if it makes sense for the plot, but in this it felt predictable and only there to serve as a final push towards the end of the book.
I know that when ‘unapologetic love story’ is published, it’s going to be one of those books that becomes well loved and received by a lot of people—I just wish I was one of them!
I did like the way the story touched on the difficulties neurodiverse women face—being told you don’t look like you’re autistic, but then made to feel like you’re just difficult for wanting to establish health boundaries that work for you and make you feel comfortable in a world built for those that are neurotypical.
as someone with debilitating high functioning ADHD—I too struggle establishing boundaries on what is expected of me, so I found myself relating to raina throughout the story.
I didn’t—controversially—like tom, and at times I found myself rolling my eyes at him. I also feel like third act break ups only really work if it makes sense for the plot, but in this it felt predictable and only there to serve as a final push towards the end of the book.
I know that when ‘unapologetic love story’ is published, it’s going to be one of those books that becomes well loved and received by a lot of people—I just wish I was one of them!
May 31, 2026
I definitely think I'm in the minority with this one, especially after seeing all the positive reviews! But I can acknowledge that this is a me issue and not the book.
But I just could not connect to the characters in this book, and I didn't even like the MMC which is never a good sign! I thought the third-act break-up was pointless... I need romances to stop doing them. Give me something new because I hate how predictable they are.
That said, the writing was good and I loved how neurodiversity was represented throughout, especially as a neurodiverse woman.
Wish I had loved it, especially as the author was lovely but alas... twas not for me.
I received an advanced copy for free through the publisher (PanMacmillan) and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
But I just could not connect to the characters in this book, and I didn't even like the MMC which is never a good sign! I thought the third-act break-up was pointless... I need romances to stop doing them. Give me something new because I hate how predictable they are.
That said, the writing was good and I loved how neurodiversity was represented throughout, especially as a neurodiverse woman.
Wish I had loved it, especially as the author was lovely but alas... twas not for me.
I received an advanced copy for free through the publisher (PanMacmillan) and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 4, 2026
the most down bad man ever.
I enjoyed this a lot, but some of the moments that were intended to be tense and climatic were so drawn out that they lost steam and fell kind of flat.
I also thought the main conflict (her being a subject of a potential story) was really weak; he was so enamored with her but he didn’t think to reassure her even once that he didn’t want to write about her, and that even from the beginning he only had positive things to say?? Also, I get that he eventually ditches his horrible friends, but he never enjoyed their company in the first place, so why tf did he spend time with them? It would have been more powerful if there was a thread of connection, even tenuous. Instead, they were just cartoonishly evil. In that same vein, I liked the Pepper as a character, and she was written in a really interesting way, but her friendship with Raina did not make any sense to me. I couldn’t feel their connection.
All that said, this was safe (for me), with a smitten, blithering, falling-over-himself in love MMC.
safety deets
-OM: h’s ex shows up, causes some tension, but there’s no lingering feelings from her end. his presence was used more for Pepper’s character development
- OW: none. one or two mention of unserious exes, nothing else.
I enjoyed this a lot, but some of the moments that were intended to be tense and climatic were so drawn out that they lost steam and fell kind of flat.
I also thought the main conflict (her being a subject of a potential story) was really weak; he was so enamored with her but he didn’t think to reassure her even once that he didn’t want to write about her, and that even from the beginning he only had positive things to say?? Also, I get that he eventually ditches his horrible friends, but he never enjoyed their company in the first place, so why tf did he spend time with them? It would have been more powerful if there was a thread of connection, even tenuous. Instead, they were just cartoonishly evil. In that same vein, I liked the Pepper as a character, and she was written in a really interesting way, but her friendship with Raina did not make any sense to me. I couldn’t feel their connection.
All that said, this was safe (for me), with a smitten, blithering, falling-over-himself in love MMC.
safety deets
-OM: h’s ex shows up, causes some tension, but there’s no lingering feelings from her end. his presence was used more for Pepper’s character development
- OW: none. one or two mention of unserious exes, nothing else.
April 25, 2026
นิยายรักที่นางเอกเปนออทิสติก เขียนโดยนข.ออทิสติก
ชอบประเด็นที่ใส่มา บางทีอ่านแล้วก้รีเฟลคเหมือนกันว่าเคยไปทำตัว insensitive หรือ ignorant ใส่คนกลุ่มนี้ไหมวะ🥹
แอบคิดว่ามันไปทาง chick lit นิดนึง แต่โรแม้นซ์คือหวานเลยล่ะ พระเอกรักนางเอกมากไม่ไหวแร้วๆๆๆ และถึงเราจะรู้สึกว่ามันยังขาดๆ เกินๆ มีช่วงไม่เก็ตความคิดตลค.อยู่บ้างกับการตัดสินใจในสถานการณ์หลายๆ อย่าง แต่ว่านะ ยี่สิบเปอสุดท้ายคือเลิ้ชชชชชชชชช มีแต่เหตุการณ์ปึ้งๆ พระเอกง้อนางเอกแบร่บ bro that's not grand gesture it's Graundé Ghestqué
spice: 2/5
ชอบประเด็นที่ใส่มา บางทีอ่านแล้วก้รีเฟลคเหมือนกันว่าเคยไปทำตัว insensitive หรือ ignorant ใส่คนกลุ่มนี้ไหมวะ🥹
แอบคิดว่ามันไปทาง chick lit นิดนึง แต่โรแม้นซ์คือหวานเลยล่ะ พระเอกรักนางเอกมากไม่ไหวแร้วๆๆๆ และถึงเราจะรู้สึกว่ามันยังขาดๆ เกินๆ มีช่วงไม่เก็ตความคิดตลค.อยู่บ้างกับการตัดสินใจในสถานการณ์หลายๆ อย่าง แต่ว่านะ ยี่สิบเปอสุดท้ายคือเลิ้ชชชชชชชชช มีแต่เหตุการณ์ปึ้งๆ พระเอกง้อนางเอกแบร่บ bro that's not grand gesture it's Graundé Ghestqué
spice: 2/5
April 9, 2026
4.5
Anyone who knows me can tell you that I am no way shape or form a romance reader.
But I am always very excited to try out books by autistic authors or with autism rep in it. So after a bit of debating I decided to give the audiobook a try and I don’t regret it!!
I loved Raina so much, she was so sweetly relatable in very specific ways and a majestic cloud of optimism! I adored the friendships and even kicked my feet at the romance!!
Jessie Mei Lin did an amazing job narrating which was surprising because I didn’t know she narrated but it fit so so perfectly I couldn’t think of anyone else doing it!
Anyone who knows me can tell you that I am no way shape or form a romance reader.
But I am always very excited to try out books by autistic authors or with autism rep in it. So after a bit of debating I decided to give the audiobook a try and I don’t regret it!!
I loved Raina so much, she was so sweetly relatable in very specific ways and a majestic cloud of optimism! I adored the friendships and even kicked my feet at the romance!!
Jessie Mei Lin did an amazing job narrating which was surprising because I didn’t know she narrated but it fit so so perfectly I couldn’t think of anyone else doing it!
April 21, 2026
I hugely respect and admire Elle McNicoll for all her work advocating for neurodivergent people, and I've previously loved several of her books. This is her first adult romance, and quite honestly, I struggled with it. I think that's largely because it was, at no fault of the book, Not For Me, which is 100% fine and I really hope a lot of other (autistic) people will connect with it more.
Ultimately, what I took away from this book was mainly that it felt almost like it was intended as a movie rather than a novel. I also think it would work exceedingly well as a movie, it has all those early 2000s UK romcom vibes. But as a novel, it didn't work for me in several small ways.
Mainly, I struggled to really connect with the characters. Raina, because she was just SO witty literally all of the time and it felt a little exhausting to read. Tom, because he seemed to almost worship Raina to an uncomfortable degree. He seemed to think she was entirely perfect, and I would have liked to see a little more nuance in their relationship. I also didn't love how Tom chose physical violence towards some of the bad guys not once but twice, and I really don't see how that could ever be romantic. I genuinely did see the chemistry between them, but it didn't land for me in the end.
I also struggled to read so much hatefulness towards Raina and hatefulness in general through Raina's parents, Tom's friends, Raina's online haters, et cetera. Elle McNicoll has always had a great way to deal with ableism head-on, and it's very valuable, but as a fellow autistic person, I do have a hard time reading it.
Ultimately, what I took away from this book was mainly that it felt almost like it was intended as a movie rather than a novel. I also think it would work exceedingly well as a movie, it has all those early 2000s UK romcom vibes. But as a novel, it didn't work for me in several small ways.
Mainly, I struggled to really connect with the characters. Raina, because she was just SO witty literally all of the time and it felt a little exhausting to read. Tom, because he seemed to almost worship Raina to an uncomfortable degree. He seemed to think she was entirely perfect, and I would have liked to see a little more nuance in their relationship. I also didn't love how Tom chose physical violence towards some of the bad guys not once but twice, and I really don't see how that could ever be romantic. I genuinely did see the chemistry between them, but it didn't land for me in the end.
I also struggled to read so much hatefulness towards Raina and hatefulness in general through Raina's parents, Tom's friends, Raina's online haters, et cetera. Elle McNicoll has always had a great way to deal with ableism head-on, and it's very valuable, but as a fellow autistic person, I do have a hard time reading it.
April 27, 2026
3.75* Unapologetic Love Story has all the vibes of a naughties British rom-com, whist also being the antidote to the rampant ableism those classic rom-coms often contain.
I adore both Elle's and Raina's passion for uplifting and highlighting neurodivergent voices and experiences, something that shone through in this book. This is such a wonderfully empowering story, whilst also being enlightening, funny and emotional. I'm definitely looking forward to more romance from Elle in the future.
tw: ableism, disordered eating, body shaming
I adore both Elle's and Raina's passion for uplifting and highlighting neurodivergent voices and experiences, something that shone through in this book. This is such a wonderfully empowering story, whilst also being enlightening, funny and emotional. I'm definitely looking forward to more romance from Elle in the future.
tw: ableism, disordered eating, body shaming
March 5, 2026
Unapologetic Love Story by Elle McNicoll is hands down one of my favorites of 2026. Yes I know the year’s just started but trust me, it’ll take a lot to bump this one down the list. I have to preface this review by admitting that Elle McNicoll is one of my favorite authors and Some Kind of Spark captured my type of autism so extremely well I force everyone around me to read it (while I keep Role Model close to my heart because of the relatable school trauma). So I already am quite familiar with everything she wrote. I loved her YA romances already, but this one. THIS ONE.
If you’re autistic, stop reading this review and (pre)order it. It is 100% healing. It is a warm hug, a familiar space with understanding and love. If you’re not autistic, please order this one too but you might want to read this review first.
What I love is that you can really feel and see what autism is like for the main character Raina, both in her POV and when Tom is trying to understand her. It makes it recognisable for fellow autistics, and at the same time it gets explained to a neurotypical reader who slowly will get to know Raina’s autism. It’s so beautifully done it made me cry. But of course this book, like the main character, is so much more than autism! It’s just my focus as a fellow autistic. Because the story is amazing too, I was sucked into this stort at page 1, it didn’t let me go. The supporting characters are so layered! Raina’s best friend was at times unbearable and at other times amazing, she felt so real to me!
But Tom and Raina themselves really shone in this one. Their meetings and banter and getting to know each other is chef’s kiss and I was so invested in their relationship and the plot! It is very character driven, just how I like it, but enough happens to keep it interesting. This novel is truly fun, yet deep and meaningful with a message simmering underneath. I can honestly say this is my favorite romance book ever and I will be rereading this many times in the future.
I received a free copy through netgalley, many thanks, but my opinions are my own.
If you’re autistic, stop reading this review and (pre)order it. It is 100% healing. It is a warm hug, a familiar space with understanding and love. If you’re not autistic, please order this one too but you might want to read this review first.
What I love is that you can really feel and see what autism is like for the main character Raina, both in her POV and when Tom is trying to understand her. It makes it recognisable for fellow autistics, and at the same time it gets explained to a neurotypical reader who slowly will get to know Raina’s autism. It’s so beautifully done it made me cry. But of course this book, like the main character, is so much more than autism! It’s just my focus as a fellow autistic. Because the story is amazing too, I was sucked into this stort at page 1, it didn’t let me go. The supporting characters are so layered! Raina’s best friend was at times unbearable and at other times amazing, she felt so real to me!
But Tom and Raina themselves really shone in this one. Their meetings and banter and getting to know each other is chef’s kiss and I was so invested in their relationship and the plot! It is very character driven, just how I like it, but enough happens to keep it interesting. This novel is truly fun, yet deep and meaningful with a message simmering underneath. I can honestly say this is my favorite romance book ever and I will be rereading this many times in the future.
I received a free copy through netgalley, many thanks, but my opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
An incredibly refreshing romance novel. Raina is a podcaster behind the show, The Disability Track, on which she discusses autism and interviews disabled people. Tom is a writer, well known for his take downs of terrible people, earning him the nickname, the "King of Cancel Culture."
The pair meet at an extravagant event and are immediately drawn to one another. Tom thinks she might be a good story for his book, but quickly realises that she's so much more than fodder for his writing. Raina is reluctant, hesitant to let him in, especially when so many horrible and ableist comments have been said about her before.
Luckily, they continue to spend time together and Raina begins to let Tom in. The more he sees, the more he finds to like. But the world is cruel to autistic women, especially successful, attractive autistic women who don't fit the preconceived ideas of what an autistic woman "should" be like. Tom and Raina might be able to unmask in the comfort of her Barnes home, but in the outside world it's a different story.
This book truly has it all, brilliant side characters, spicy scenes, great representation, thoughtful social commentary and a third act conflict that actually makes sense.
I thought I was sick of romance books, but I just needed to read this.
Unapologetic Love Story is Elle McNicoll's first adult book, but reads so naturally that I would've thought she's been writing for this audience forever. I'm definitely going to read her YA books now!
Thank you to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for the eARC.
The pair meet at an extravagant event and are immediately drawn to one another. Tom thinks she might be a good story for his book, but quickly realises that she's so much more than fodder for his writing. Raina is reluctant, hesitant to let him in, especially when so many horrible and ableist comments have been said about her before.
Luckily, they continue to spend time together and Raina begins to let Tom in. The more he sees, the more he finds to like. But the world is cruel to autistic women, especially successful, attractive autistic women who don't fit the preconceived ideas of what an autistic woman "should" be like. Tom and Raina might be able to unmask in the comfort of her Barnes home, but in the outside world it's a different story.
This book truly has it all, brilliant side characters, spicy scenes, great representation, thoughtful social commentary and a third act conflict that actually makes sense.
I thought I was sick of romance books, but I just needed to read this.
Unapologetic Love Story is Elle McNicoll's first adult book, but reads so naturally that I would've thought she's been writing for this audience forever. I'm definitely going to read her YA books now!
Thank you to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for the eARC.
June 18, 2026
ARC REVIEW:
What a lovely book. This book was unapologetically and beautifully written. So many of the books that I have been reading recently have lacked a strong powerful female main character and Raina was exactly that. Tom was also such a great male main character and I love it when the man falls first and harder. Even the third act break up of this book was good (even though miscommunication is my least favorite quote). This book was so amazing and I was so glad I was able to receive an advanced copy of it.
⭐️4.5/5
What a lovely book. This book was unapologetically and beautifully written. So many of the books that I have been reading recently have lacked a strong powerful female main character and Raina was exactly that. Tom was also such a great male main character and I love it when the man falls first and harder. Even the third act break up of this book was good (even though miscommunication is my least favorite quote). This book was so amazing and I was so glad I was able to receive an advanced copy of it.
⭐️4.5/5
May 31, 2026
✨ ARC Review ✨
3.75 - Unapologetic Love Story was such a feel good read for me 💕 Nothing overly dramatic (except for that one scene that we all saw coming). Just a story that genuinely left me smiling, which honestly doesn't happen often! I only wish there was more exploration around the podcast as I think that would have been interesting. Still, a cozy and enjoyable read overall!
3.75 - Unapologetic Love Story was such a feel good read for me 💕 Nothing overly dramatic (except for that one scene that we all saw coming). Just a story that genuinely left me smiling, which honestly doesn't happen often! I only wish there was more exploration around the podcast as I think that would have been interesting. Still, a cozy and enjoyable read overall!
May 5, 2026
4.5💫
Ugh🥹
Ugh🥹
November 13, 2025
This is Elle McNicoll's adult debut and it is very much an adult novel (sweary words and sexy scenes included!). And as a reader who enjoys romance I really, really enjoyed this book. She has a very (unapologetic) way of telling things like they are in her books. And I love it.
This story focuses on older main characters in their late 20's and early/mid 30's who have a lot of their own lives sorted, which I always enjoy reading. Tom and Raina know who they are, or who they want to be, but just want that one special thing to complete their wee puzzle... And because the characters are older in this book - with a life and jobs and experience - we get sweary words and physical affection and life. We also get to see how the romance between Raina and Tom forms, how they are drawn to each others intellect, wit, and their banter. This is their foundation (and doesn't it just smack 'autistic stereotypes' in the face!) and it's really quite fun to read/watch develop.
I loved this more 'adult' story about an adult autistic woman from Elle McNicoll. Yes, we've read about similar characters in her other books, but in 'Unapologetic Love Story' we also get to talk about the shushed over aspects of being an autistic women, which is refreshing and very much needed. As an autistic woman, I find that is isn't uncommon for people to be surprised that I have emotions, big feels, about things (pick a topic; climate, environment, and human right are some of my favorites) but can't handle wooly jumpers, loud noises/bright spaces, or people telling me to 'smile, it can't be that bad', or f*cking supermarkets . All this to say that this romance book is real, it made me feel seen, and will undoubtedly make others feel seen too. It has a rawness to it, a reality that I feel lends itself to the story. Some romances paint unreal expectations of relationships and life; I don't think this one does, not at it's heart.
Did I shout, sigh, swoon, swear, sweat through drama? Yes, I did. Did I also say 'f*ck yes' and 'isn't that the truth' so many times that I lost count? Also yes. Is Tom so totally swoony, and Raina deserving of all the love. Absolutely. Did I cry a few times? Yes.
And not just because I felt seen. Not just because some of this was too sweet and cute. Not just because I felt the pain of some of Raina's experiences. But because all of those things together. The tears were of sadness and joy combined. Of those big feelings we autistics 'are not meant to have'.
We need more books by neurodivergent authors with neurodivergent characters. I think I get so much joy from books with this representation because it's a reality for so many - and such a diverse reality too. How do we show authors its safe to write like this, that the support is there, that
I received this as an eARC from the publisher through NetGalley. It has not affected my opinions - but I did squeal when it came through!
Also I wrote way more than I wanted to here. A simple "Sweary-word yes!" didn't seem appropriate for a GoodReads review. ... I'll do that somewhere else..
This story focuses on older main characters in their late 20's and early/mid 30's who have a lot of their own lives sorted, which I always enjoy reading. Tom and Raina know who they are, or who they want to be, but just want that one special thing to complete their wee puzzle... And because the characters are older in this book - with a life and jobs and experience - we get sweary words and physical affection and life. We also get to see how the romance between Raina and Tom forms, how they are drawn to each others intellect, wit, and their banter. This is their foundation (and doesn't it just smack 'autistic stereotypes' in the face!) and it's really quite fun to read/watch develop.
I loved this more 'adult' story about an adult autistic woman from Elle McNicoll. Yes, we've read about similar characters in her other books, but in 'Unapologetic Love Story' we also get to talk about the shushed over aspects of being an autistic women, which is refreshing and very much needed. As an autistic woman, I find that is isn't uncommon for people to be surprised that I have emotions, big feels, about things (pick a topic; climate, environment, and human right are some of my favorites) but can't handle wooly jumpers, loud noises/bright spaces, or people telling me to 'smile, it can't be that bad', or f*cking supermarkets . All this to say that this romance book is real, it made me feel seen, and will undoubtedly make others feel seen too. It has a rawness to it, a reality that I feel lends itself to the story. Some romances paint unreal expectations of relationships and life; I don't think this one does, not at it's heart.
Did I shout, sigh, swoon, swear, sweat through drama? Yes, I did. Did I also say 'f*ck yes' and 'isn't that the truth' so many times that I lost count? Also yes. Is Tom so totally swoony, and Raina deserving of all the love. Absolutely. Did I cry a few times? Yes.
And not just because I felt seen. Not just because some of this was too sweet and cute. Not just because I felt the pain of some of Raina's experiences. But because all of those things together. The tears were of sadness and joy combined. Of those big feelings we autistics 'are not meant to have'.
We need more books by neurodivergent authors with neurodivergent characters. I think I get so much joy from books with this representation because it's a reality for so many - and such a diverse reality too. How do we show authors its safe to write like this, that the support is there, that
I received this as an eARC from the publisher through NetGalley. It has not affected my opinions - but I did squeal when it came through!
Also I wrote way more than I wanted to here. A simple "Sweary-word yes!" didn't seem appropriate for a GoodReads review. ... I'll do that somewhere else..
May 9, 2026
I really wanted to love this book but it just felt like something was missing. The story and characters were all very obvious stereotypes and it just lacked depth for me. 3 stars as it was a nice story, super easy to read with good writing and I finished it🤷♀️
May 7, 2026
4,5 ✨ ‘He loved me unapologetically. He saw me and loved me in and out of my mask. Now I no longer wear one. My whole life, I’ve felt unnatural. But with him, everything is easy. I feel more natural than ever before. I feel human. For the first time.’
I enjoyed this story a lot and am so glad to have listened to the audio-book read by Jessie Mei Lee, a neurodivergent actress, who brought the story to life beautifully. I loved her narration, the characters and the steamy romance. This book felt full of hope and possibilities and I thoroughly adored it and hope lots of people will read and enjoy it as well.
I enjoyed this story a lot and am so glad to have listened to the audio-book read by Jessie Mei Lee, a neurodivergent actress, who brought the story to life beautifully. I loved her narration, the characters and the steamy romance. This book felt full of hope and possibilities and I thoroughly adored it and hope lots of people will read and enjoy it as well.
April 6, 2026
This book is Elle mcnicolli’s debut Adult novel ( she has written ya in the past) and it’s also my first book of hers I’ve read too - considering I don’t really read Ya .
THE cover is so beautiful .the mmc is hot and so is the fmc and i love that. I did request this as an arc but I did not get approved . However , I did buy the book when it was released - I mean the fact the fmc is autistic was a reason to buy this book alone. I also wanted to support an autistic author .
So um this book has an autistic fmc - I love that as an autistic women myself . This book actually shows an autistic woman struggle - sort of ( it shows that her autism very much affects her life ) . I love to see this in books because it’s rare . It’s rare to read a book about someone with autism ( especially a woman ) and it not just be about her having barely any meltdowns / shutdowns etc.
Reina is a character I love - like me she love to dress girly ( autistic women are for some reason presented in society as women who “don’t care to look pretty “ this book did have that message at the start of the book - the fmc debunks that . Now I also love an fmc that has a podcast - a podcast about disability I love that .
Now let me be clear I know many autistic women do dress more tomboyish - not all of us are girly ( I for example don’t wear makeup ) but I love pink and dressing girly . I love skirts , dresses , cardigans . Like the fmc . I love looking cute and as pretty as you can without the makeup
I also love tom . An mmc who knows she has autism and what does he do ( he finds out more about it ) . She has a podcast - so he listens to it . He research’s about it . He actually is there for her - this man is down bad quickly ( but it pays off because he like cares about her and I love it . Tom won’t be an mmc everyone loves but for me I do - he calls her sweetheart . He is essentially the kind of mmc I yearn for .
Let me be clear though tom isn’t portrayed as perfect at all and I like that - I like that both he and Raina (the fmc) are flawed characters. I love them as both individuals and together .
This book may be in 3rd person but it works for this book - to me the 3rd person enhances the book instead of dulling it ( which is rare ) - this shows that Elle mcniolli understands how to do it well and I love that .
This book had a 3rd act breakup but it works well - for me it worked well even if I wish tom and Reina hadn’t broken up at all . And I love the way it was resolved .
the book is kinda dedicated and written for us autistic women so ofc I had to pick it up . Especially since it’s autism awareness/ autism acceptance month . It’s a perfect book to pick up this month ( April) . I love seeing autism rep / ND REP IN BOOKS ( as a an audhder ) . I absolutely love this truly .
This is a book set in London with a Scottish mmc and a British( English ) fmc.the author to my knowledge is also a Scot so .( I like that ) . For those wondering, this book is In 3rd person I know that’s not for everyone so that’s why I’m telling you all this . This is also an own voices book because like me and fmc the author is also autistic
THE cover is so beautiful .the mmc is hot and so is the fmc and i love that. I did request this as an arc but I did not get approved . However , I did buy the book when it was released - I mean the fact the fmc is autistic was a reason to buy this book alone. I also wanted to support an autistic author .
So um this book has an autistic fmc - I love that as an autistic women myself . This book actually shows an autistic woman struggle - sort of ( it shows that her autism very much affects her life ) . I love to see this in books because it’s rare . It’s rare to read a book about someone with autism ( especially a woman ) and it not just be about her having barely any meltdowns / shutdowns etc.
Reina is a character I love - like me she love to dress girly ( autistic women are for some reason presented in society as women who “don’t care to look pretty “ this book did have that message at the start of the book - the fmc debunks that . Now I also love an fmc that has a podcast - a podcast about disability I love that .
Now let me be clear I know many autistic women do dress more tomboyish - not all of us are girly ( I for example don’t wear makeup ) but I love pink and dressing girly . I love skirts , dresses , cardigans . Like the fmc . I love looking cute and as pretty as you can without the makeup
I also love tom . An mmc who knows she has autism and what does he do ( he finds out more about it ) . She has a podcast - so he listens to it . He research’s about it . He actually is there for her - this man is down bad quickly ( but it pays off because he like cares about her and I love it . Tom won’t be an mmc everyone loves but for me I do - he calls her sweetheart . He is essentially the kind of mmc I yearn for .
Let me be clear though tom isn’t portrayed as perfect at all and I like that - I like that both he and Raina (the fmc) are flawed characters. I love them as both individuals and together .
This book may be in 3rd person but it works for this book - to me the 3rd person enhances the book instead of dulling it ( which is rare ) - this shows that Elle mcniolli understands how to do it well and I love that .
This book had a 3rd act breakup but it works well - for me it worked well even if I wish tom and Reina hadn’t broken up at all . And I love the way it was resolved .
the book is kinda dedicated and written for us autistic women so ofc I had to pick it up . Especially since it’s autism awareness/ autism acceptance month . It’s a perfect book to pick up this month ( April) . I love seeing autism rep / ND REP IN BOOKS ( as a an audhder ) . I absolutely love this truly .
This is a book set in London with a Scottish mmc and a British( English ) fmc.the author to my knowledge is also a Scot so .( I like that ) . For those wondering, this book is In 3rd person I know that’s not for everyone so that’s why I’m telling you all this . This is also an own voices book because like me and fmc the author is also autistic
March 11, 2026
4.25⭐️
This was a beautiful read. From a neurotypical pov, I know I could never grasp and understand to a deeper extent the experiences of a neurodiverse individual, but this romance put such emphasis and highlight on how every single neurodiverse person is different, with different emotions, different experiences & different ways they express themselves in society and I thought this was a really important message.
The representation ofc was incredible and the way it highlighted the way SO many people perceive neurodiverse people. It was heartbreaking being in Raina’s head during times where she was being spoken to in such a disgusting way.
But, I LOVED the dual pov. I felt so connected to Raina, I loved being able to understand her actions and the way she’d mask herself, through her internal thoughts and feelings. With Tom, I felt it was so important for the story that we felt how he was trying to understand and learn everything about Raina.
The love story was perfection. It felt authentic and raw, with genuine ups and downs that felt realistic and not like an unachievable fairytale. The emotional development of their relationship was so satisfying and made me feel so warm, then the SPICE?! Loved it!
So, this only isn’t 5 stars for me because of my massive dislike for Seb & Ottie. Ok, I know it was important to the plot. However, I felt that Tom should’ve cut ties sooner, they made shitty comments SO early on that I feel he dismissed? Just made him lose a tiny bit of credibility to me.
But such a refreshing, character-driven, romance!
This was a beautiful read. From a neurotypical pov, I know I could never grasp and understand to a deeper extent the experiences of a neurodiverse individual, but this romance put such emphasis and highlight on how every single neurodiverse person is different, with different emotions, different experiences & different ways they express themselves in society and I thought this was a really important message.
The representation ofc was incredible and the way it highlighted the way SO many people perceive neurodiverse people. It was heartbreaking being in Raina’s head during times where she was being spoken to in such a disgusting way.
But, I LOVED the dual pov. I felt so connected to Raina, I loved being able to understand her actions and the way she’d mask herself, through her internal thoughts and feelings. With Tom, I felt it was so important for the story that we felt how he was trying to understand and learn everything about Raina.
The love story was perfection. It felt authentic and raw, with genuine ups and downs that felt realistic and not like an unachievable fairytale. The emotional development of their relationship was so satisfying and made me feel so warm, then the SPICE?! Loved it!
So, this only isn’t 5 stars for me because of my massive dislike for Seb & Ottie. Ok, I know it was important to the plot. However, I felt that Tom should’ve cut ties sooner, they made shitty comments SO early on that I feel he dismissed? Just made him lose a tiny bit of credibility to me.
But such a refreshing, character-driven, romance!
May 20, 2026
Unapologetic Love Story was such a meaningful read for me. While I’m not neurodivergent myself, I connected deeply to the themes surrounding judgment, assumptions, and invisible struggles. Growing up with a mother who was disabled but physically appeared “normal,” I saw firsthand how quickly people can dismiss or judge what they don’t immediately understand. That made so many moments in this story hit especially hard.
I really appreciated getting to learn more about autism and, more specifically, how society interacts with autistic women. Elle McNicoll handled those experiences with so much honesty and compassion. Raina felt incredibly real, and I found myself rooting for her from beginning to end.
What I loved most was the support and understanding woven throughout the story. Some moments genuinely brought me to tears because of how deeply human and validating they felt. This book does such a beautiful job showing the importance of being accepted as your authentic self instead of feeling pressured to hide parts of who you are just to make others comfortable.
One quote that really stayed with me was:
“You know, that’s the saddest thing of all. Only being loved when you know, deep down, you’re at your most hidden. You’re most dishonest.”
That line perfectly captures the emotional core of this story. Honest, heartfelt, and incredibly important.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
I really appreciated getting to learn more about autism and, more specifically, how society interacts with autistic women. Elle McNicoll handled those experiences with so much honesty and compassion. Raina felt incredibly real, and I found myself rooting for her from beginning to end.
What I loved most was the support and understanding woven throughout the story. Some moments genuinely brought me to tears because of how deeply human and validating they felt. This book does such a beautiful job showing the importance of being accepted as your authentic self instead of feeling pressured to hide parts of who you are just to make others comfortable.
One quote that really stayed with me was:
“You know, that’s the saddest thing of all. Only being loved when you know, deep down, you’re at your most hidden. You’re most dishonest.”
That line perfectly captures the emotional core of this story. Honest, heartfelt, and incredibly important.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 9, 2026
Elle McNicoll, you have never let me down. This story is everything and more that I had hoped to see from an adult debut!
Raina is autistic, and has cultivated a respect and following from fans of her podcast. Tom is a journalist known for his work in exposé. While their initial meeting and relationship is all about work, Tom and Raina see so deep into one another’s souls and experiences that their love begins to grow.
This story, in true McNicoll fashion, makes you care so deeply for the characters, their experiences, and truthfully teaches you a great deal about being autistic in a world built for allistics. Raina and Tom teach us so much about love, acceptance, and accommodation for our loved ones, it is absolutely stunning. Arguably. Raina and Tom’s love for one another is a great reminder of the ways that love looks different for every single person. What a necessary and beautiful thing it is to be reminded that love is universal, though the paths to get there are individual in every sense.
This story truly made me kick my feet with excitement, giggle like a girl falling in love, and shed a tear or two with the representation it provides. And that is exactly what I want out of my romance novels.
(Side note- I also LOVED the fact that we got to see Allegra pop up from Wish You Were Her; what a WIN for the girlies who’ve previously read McNicoll’s work)
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press/Saturday Books and NetGalley for access to this arc in return for a review!
Raina is autistic, and has cultivated a respect and following from fans of her podcast. Tom is a journalist known for his work in exposé. While their initial meeting and relationship is all about work, Tom and Raina see so deep into one another’s souls and experiences that their love begins to grow.
This story, in true McNicoll fashion, makes you care so deeply for the characters, their experiences, and truthfully teaches you a great deal about being autistic in a world built for allistics. Raina and Tom teach us so much about love, acceptance, and accommodation for our loved ones, it is absolutely stunning. Arguably. Raina and Tom’s love for one another is a great reminder of the ways that love looks different for every single person. What a necessary and beautiful thing it is to be reminded that love is universal, though the paths to get there are individual in every sense.
This story truly made me kick my feet with excitement, giggle like a girl falling in love, and shed a tear or two with the representation it provides. And that is exactly what I want out of my romance novels.
(Side note- I also LOVED the fact that we got to see Allegra pop up from Wish You Were Her; what a WIN for the girlies who’ve previously read McNicoll’s work)
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press/Saturday Books and NetGalley for access to this arc in return for a review!
April 27, 2026
Elle McNicoll's adult romcom debut has some of the best #ownvoices autism rep that I've ever read!! Raina is unapologetically autistic and uses her podcasting platform to elevate other actually autistic people. When she is approached by Tom, a Scottish journalist known for 'cancelling' influencers, she's leery to say the least. But as the two circle one another, their chemistry becomes undeniable and Tom becomes one of the few people Raina has to mask her true self from. From sensory overload, to feeling like she's equally not neurotypical or autistic enough, Raina has had to deal with medical gaslighting, bullying and more. Great on audio with a must listen conversation between the author and narrator included at the end. Definitely a standout read for me this year!
May 3, 2026
So this is one of my favourite author's first foray into adult fiction. What always impresses me is Elle McNicoll is able to write with the exact same amount of heart and passion for each age group, her writing always feels so natural. This time there's also a commentary on both romance and romance fiction, and Autistic people's relationships within those spheres. The highlight for me was the ending, which is very satisfying!
May 4, 2026
Listened to the audiobook. Jessie Mei Li did an amazing job narrating everyone and it was very immersive! It's also very interesting to be in a perspective of a mc who has neurodivergent autism. It really did open my eyes to everything that she experienced and especially in love.
Imo, i think everyone should read this because it is quite enjoyable and we really need more stories like this in the book community 😌👏
Imo, i think everyone should read this because it is quite enjoyable and we really need more stories like this in the book community 😌👏
August 3, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️My review: Raina has a podcast about living with autism. She has a voice and uses it to explain, to question, and to teach. Tom is a journalist who outs scammers and internet hoaxers. When he meets Raina he thinks he can write about her in a good way, to offset the ugliness he usually highlights.
He falls fast for her. And as much as Raina wants to find real love she has a hard time believing in him. Ups and downs, disagreements, eye opening realizations about life, friendship, and love abound.
Raina's super rich, privileged BFF Pepper has a great character arc. And Raina's little sister is a voice of reason for everyone. Great characters.
I enjoyed this romance and it definitely makes one think about differences, sameness, and respect.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance digital copy to review. These opinions are my own.
He falls fast for her. And as much as Raina wants to find real love she has a hard time believing in him. Ups and downs, disagreements, eye opening realizations about life, friendship, and love abound.
Raina's super rich, privileged BFF Pepper has a great character arc. And Raina's little sister is a voice of reason for everyone. Great characters.
I enjoyed this romance and it definitely makes one think about differences, sameness, and respect.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance digital copy to review. These opinions are my own.
April 3, 2026
I really enjoyed this book
Raina Lewis is dazzling London with her smash-hit podcast The Disability Track, which celebrates neurodiverse women.
Tom Branimir, a cynical investigative journalist known as the ‘King of Cancel Culture’, is seeking his next story.
Big-hearted, bold, and full of bite, Unapologetic Love Story is the dazzling debut adult romance novel from bestselling author, Elle McNicoll. For fans of Emily Henry's Book Lovers and Talia Hibbert's Get a Life, Chloe Brown.
Raina Lewis is dazzling London with her smash-hit podcast The Disability Track, which celebrates neurodiverse women.
Tom Branimir, a cynical investigative journalist known as the ‘King of Cancel Culture’, is seeking his next story.
Big-hearted, bold, and full of bite, Unapologetic Love Story is the dazzling debut adult romance novel from bestselling author, Elle McNicoll. For fans of Emily Henry's Book Lovers and Talia Hibbert's Get a Life, Chloe Brown.
April 30, 2026
THIS BOOK NEEDS ALL THE HYPE
Gorgeous romance with an autistic FMC who is nothing but herself.
I loved this. It was sooo relatabyand had me giggling, getting all worked up and also swooning.
Loved the romance.
Loved the friendships - and how the toxic parts of them played out.
Loved the family representation.
This book felt honest, refreshing and very much the sparkly pink joy in a book space that likes the negative aspects of being neurodivergent.
Gorgeous romance with an autistic FMC who is nothing but herself.
I loved this. It was sooo relatabyand had me giggling, getting all worked up and also swooning.
Loved the romance.
Loved the friendships - and how the toxic parts of them played out.
Loved the family representation.
This book felt honest, refreshing and very much the sparkly pink joy in a book space that likes the negative aspects of being neurodivergent.
Currently Reading
March 5, 2026Eeek thanku so much Pan for the finished copy and goodies, so excited to be a part of the blog tour !! <3
July 12, 2026
Romance + Inclusion = 💓
This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. ✨
This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. ✨
July 21, 2026
3.5 stars 🌟
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