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Unapologetic Love Story
UNAPOLOGETIC LOVE STORY is an unapologetic celebration of love, relationships and the women who have historically been shut out of such stories, until now…
Enter Raina Lewis, London’s newest autistic ‘It Girl’ who has investigative journalist Tom Branimir convinced that she can’t be as perfect as she seems. If she has a hidden agenda, he’s determined to find it, he just has to avoid falling under her spell…
A joyful, whip smart, unputdownable romance, perfect for fans of Olivia Dade, Emily Henry, Taylor Jenkins Reid and Talia Hibbert.
Enter Raina Lewis, London’s newest autistic ‘It Girl’ who has investigative journalist Tom Branimir convinced that she can’t be as perfect as she seems. If she has a hidden agenda, he’s determined to find it, he just has to avoid falling under her spell…
A joyful, whip smart, unputdownable romance, perfect for fans of Olivia Dade, Emily Henry, Taylor Jenkins Reid and Talia Hibbert.
363 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 2, 2026
About the author
Elle McNicoll
29 books955 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 475 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
October 4, 2026
This book is YEARNY to the MAX! She’s yearning, he’s yearning, 10/10 yearning!
I felt very seen reading this book Raina is a confident baddie, who is also autistic (same bestie!). I loved reading about an experience I could relate so closely to in so many ways.
Tom is a pathetically down bad fool ridiculously in love with Raina.
I had a blast listening to this audiobook. It reminded me a bit of a Charlotte Stein book (confident baddie + ridiculously obsessed MMC + both of them unapologetically horny)!
Audio Narration: 5/5
Narrators: Jessie Mei Li
Style: Single POV, Single Narrator
Length: 12 hours, 51 mins
Thoughts: Perfection! The narrator’s performance was absolutely excellent! No issues at all with pausing, pacing, or inflection and I really enjoyed the voice variation for other characters. I’ll definitely be seeking out more books narrated by Jessie Mei Li in the future!
4.5⭐️| IG | TikTok |
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
I felt very seen reading this book Raina is a confident baddie, who is also autistic (same bestie!). I loved reading about an experience I could relate so closely to in so many ways.
Tom is a pathetically down bad fool ridiculously in love with Raina.
I had a blast listening to this audiobook. It reminded me a bit of a Charlotte Stein book (confident baddie + ridiculously obsessed MMC + both of them unapologetically horny)!
Audio Narration: 5/5
Narrators: Jessie Mei Li
Style: Single POV, Single Narrator
Length: 12 hours, 51 mins
Thoughts: Perfection! The narrator’s performance was absolutely excellent! No issues at all with pausing, pacing, or inflection and I really enjoyed the voice variation for other characters. I’ll definitely be seeking out more books narrated by Jessie Mei Li in the future!
4.5⭐️| IG | TikTok |
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
November 30, 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 29, 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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Unapologetic Love Story by Elle McNicoll
Diverse contemporary romance. Neurodivergent.
Raina Lewis has a popular podcast that is growing in fame and popularity. She is unapologetically neurodivergent and shares she life and experiences.
Tom Branimir is a columnist known for his cynicism.
Meeting her changes his life.
🎧 I was able to alternate between an ebook and an audiobook. Both versions are easy to follow and read. The audiobook is narrated by Jessie Mei Li who does an excellent performance matching the voice to the characters. The emotional up and downs of the story come through clearly in the audiobook helping the reader understand and empathize with both Raina and Tom.
The audiobook includes a short interview at the end between the author and the narrator. They talk a bit about their communality and their appreciation for each other and for getting this type of piece out into the world.
The story at times is a bit harsh and honest, especially the view from Raina’s side. It’s also romantic and emotional. Her speech at the awards show is brilliant.
People can be cruel and thoughtless and the author is able to show that throughout the story. It also shows how similar we all are in wanting love and acceptance.
It’s beautiful, sincere, and an eye opener.
I received a copy of this NetGalley and Macmillan Audio.
Diverse contemporary romance. Neurodivergent.
Raina Lewis has a popular podcast that is growing in fame and popularity. She is unapologetically neurodivergent and shares she life and experiences.
Tom Branimir is a columnist known for his cynicism.
Meeting her changes his life.
🎧 I was able to alternate between an ebook and an audiobook. Both versions are easy to follow and read. The audiobook is narrated by Jessie Mei Li who does an excellent performance matching the voice to the characters. The emotional up and downs of the story come through clearly in the audiobook helping the reader understand and empathize with both Raina and Tom.
The audiobook includes a short interview at the end between the author and the narrator. They talk a bit about their communality and their appreciation for each other and for getting this type of piece out into the world.
The story at times is a bit harsh and honest, especially the view from Raina’s side. It’s also romantic and emotional. Her speech at the awards show is brilliant.
People can be cruel and thoughtless and the author is able to show that throughout the story. It also shows how similar we all are in wanting love and acceptance.
It’s beautiful, sincere, and an eye opener.
I received a copy of this NetGalley and Macmillan Audio.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Happy Release Day!!
This rating is 100% because of how this book made me feel 🩷
There were certainly things that I thought could have been better, but I connected so hard with this book that I think it's going to change my life.
The neurodivergence representation here is 🤌🏻
This book not only provides insight into the current state of neurodivergence, but it has the possibility of making the reader feel so understood.
I really don't think there is much else I can say here. I loved this book and absolutely recommend to those who want to see neurodivergence representation 💜
Thank you NetGalley and St Martins Press for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
This rating is 100% because of how this book made me feel 🩷
There were certainly things that I thought could have been better, but I connected so hard with this book that I think it's going to change my life.
The neurodivergence representation here is 🤌🏻
This book not only provides insight into the current state of neurodivergence, but it has the possibility of making the reader feel so understood.
I really don't think there is much else I can say here. I loved this book and absolutely recommend to those who want to see neurodivergence representation 💜
Thank you NetGalley and St Martins Press for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
this book is a love letter to neruodivergent women!! everyone be prepared for me to never shut up about it
as an autistic woman, this book hit so close to home on a pretty much permanent basis for me which was equally so amazing and terrifying! it was like Elle McNicoll took a little wander into my brain and started taking notes about my thoughts lmao... i think the world would be a better place if it had the full rundown of Raina's podcast episodes out there, i know i would definitely go running to them
i think in a lot of books at the moment theres such a heavy focus on being perfect from the very start but this book has genuine character improvement and characters that make mistakes (give me more IMMEDIATELY??) this wasnt just the case for our main characters but also our side characters and i absolutely love that the focus was spread out
i will say, there were definitely times that i personally felt like the spice was overflowing but that genuinely is just personal preference?? i wouldve loved to get a few more instances of Tom and Raina taking care of each other in their own little ways
oh please im absolutely OBSESSED with this narrator? the way she perfects every emotion and accent was genuinely a blessing to my ears lmao... i genuinely felt this book through her even more than i already was just out of relatability and man do i love her for it!! genuinely running to check out what else she has narrated immediately!
thank you so much to netgalley, macmilan audio and at. martins press for providing me with an arc and alc of this book - this review is entirely voluntary and honest!
as an autistic woman, this book hit so close to home on a pretty much permanent basis for me which was equally so amazing and terrifying! it was like Elle McNicoll took a little wander into my brain and started taking notes about my thoughts lmao... i think the world would be a better place if it had the full rundown of Raina's podcast episodes out there, i know i would definitely go running to them
i think in a lot of books at the moment theres such a heavy focus on being perfect from the very start but this book has genuine character improvement and characters that make mistakes (give me more IMMEDIATELY??) this wasnt just the case for our main characters but also our side characters and i absolutely love that the focus was spread out
i will say, there were definitely times that i personally felt like the spice was overflowing but that genuinely is just personal preference?? i wouldve loved to get a few more instances of Tom and Raina taking care of each other in their own little ways
oh please im absolutely OBSESSED with this narrator? the way she perfects every emotion and accent was genuinely a blessing to my ears lmao... i genuinely felt this book through her even more than i already was just out of relatability and man do i love her for it!! genuinely running to check out what else she has narrated immediately!
thank you so much to netgalley, macmilan audio and at. martins press for providing me with an arc and alc of this book - this review is entirely voluntary and honest!
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ALC in exchange for my honest review. 4.25⭐️ Jessie Mei Li was the perfect narrator for this book, and I’m amazed at how well she was able to encapsulate a multitude of different characters for this being a single narration!
Neurodivergent representation and a Scottish MMC? Count me in! Honestly, this was such a cute romance. Raina was a relatable FMC, witty and wholly comfortable and confident in her own skin. Tom was flawed and on the more realistic side in terms of a male love interest. I loved this – while the perfect MMC is nice to read about, it’s not practical, and it was refreshing to see a man that felt more authentic.
I laughed, I raged, and I even teared up throughout this story – giving vibes of a rom-com but with a bit more substance! I also loved the interview between Elle McNicoll and Jessie Mei Li at the end and cannot wait for book 2 to come out!
Neurodivergent representation and a Scottish MMC? Count me in! Honestly, this was such a cute romance. Raina was a relatable FMC, witty and wholly comfortable and confident in her own skin. Tom was flawed and on the more realistic side in terms of a male love interest. I loved this – while the perfect MMC is nice to read about, it’s not practical, and it was refreshing to see a man that felt more authentic.
I laughed, I raged, and I even teared up throughout this story – giving vibes of a rom-com but with a bit more substance! I also loved the interview between Elle McNicoll and Jessie Mei Li at the end and cannot wait for book 2 to come out!
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
Want to Read
September 9, 2026Adding this to my tbr solely because his last name is...BRANIMIR 👁️👄👁️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is being compared to Emily Henry's Book Lovers and those are some big shoes to fill, but happily, this book delivers. Raina and Tom are just so good together and I love how Tom adores everything Raina does and supports her. I love that when they first meet Tom is flustered and doesn't know how to act and a bit later on he tells her just how nervous she makes him. I love a man that can admit he is weak for his girl. Super sweet book, loved the autism representation, loved the characters and the story was great. I'll definitely be on the lookout for more work from this author in the future.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Saturday Books for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Pub Date: 10/13/26
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Saturday Books for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Pub Date: 10/13/26
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was such a beautiful book with fun moments and spicy bits. I loved the inclusion in this one! The star off is due to the MMC, I dont know why but I just couldn't connect to his character. He seemed dry and lackluster of a character. I tried my best but it just never clicked with him for me. The FMC 100% won me over and carried the story for me though so I guess that made up for it. I saw a comparison of this to Emily Henry books and I can see the similarities! Cute, funny and a little spice! I enjoyed the audiobook version, the narrator did a wonderful job for this wonderful read.
I received this Audiobook from NetGalley and Macmillan Audio to listen/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully listening to this audiobook.
I received this Audiobook from NetGalley and Macmillan Audio to listen/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully listening to this audiobook.
October 9, 2026
Escutei o audiobook em português e achei super fofo! O protagonista masculino já meio que se apaixona à primeira vista, mas eles só começam a se relacionar de fato depois de uma certa convivência, então não me incomodou tanto.
A única coisa é que achei algumas falas um pouco cafonas hahaha. Sabe aquelas declarações românticas que beiram a breguice? Talvez em inglês eu achasse o máximo, mas em português não bateu igual (tem coisas que acho brega em ptbr e não sei por quê 🥲).
O final é um pouco previsível? Sim. Mas AMEI a forma como eles resolveram o BO.
Por isso, indico super a leitura! 💖💖💖
A única coisa é que achei algumas falas um pouco cafonas hahaha. Sabe aquelas declarações românticas que beiram a breguice? Talvez em inglês eu achasse o máximo, mas em português não bateu igual (tem coisas que acho brega em ptbr e não sei por quê 🥲).
O final é um pouco previsível? Sim. Mas AMEI a forma como eles resolveram o BO.
Por isso, indico super a leitura! 💖💖💖
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Respectful neurodivergent representation AND a romance spicy enough to make me blush? Oh, this book absolutely knew what it was doing. 🔥💛🎙️
I’ll tell you what: this book really does have the perfect title. It is, unapologetically, a love story. But it’s also a story about identity, advocacy, feminism, ambition, and learning how to fully take up space in the world.
Reina, our FMC, is autistic, and that is central to both the story and her character arc. She hosts a hugely popular podcast called The Disability Track, where she interviews experts and advocates about disability and neurodivergence. When journalist Tom Branimin — known as the “king of cancel culture” — comes to write an exposé on her, their relationship starts off tense and contentious. Naturally, feelings complicate everything. 👀
I’ve read many wonderful books featuring neurodivergent characters — books like Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, When We Were Vikings, and the beautifully awkward characters in Emily Austin’s novels — but this one felt different to me because Reina is so deeply aware of herself and her diagnosis. She was diagnosed at 15, and watching her navigate the world with both vulnerability and confidence was honestly beautiful.
As someone who has a child on the autism spectrum, I found the representation incredibly respectful and emotionally moving. There were moments that genuinely brought me to tears. 💛
Tom also has a strong character arc as he begins to reevaluate his work, his motivations, and the kind of person he wants to be. Both characters feel layered and human, and the emotional development between them is written exquisitely.
And yes… this romance is SPICY. 🌶️😂 A little spicier than my personal taste, if I’m being honest, but that’s entirely a preference issue and not a criticism of the book itself. If you like emotional chemistry with a lot of heat, this absolutely delivers.
Bonus points for the London setting and all the British terminology and atmosphere. 🇬🇧 The characters are truly the heart of this story, though — messy, passionate, intelligent people trying to figure themselves out and love each other well.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC.
📚 Unapologetic Love Story publishes October 13, 2026
⭐️ 4.5 stars
📚 Sometimes a reread changes everything.
I have a personal rule: if I rate an ARC 4.5 or 5 stars, I try to reread it when the finished book comes out. I originally gave Unapologetic Love Story 4.5⭐️, so when I saw the audiobook available, I was excited to experience Rena and Tom’s story again—this time with my ears. 🎧
And… my rating dropped a full star. 😬
I still really appreciate this story and its representation. Rena is autistic, proudly neurodivergent, and hosts a disability-focused podcast. I love that this is a romance that allows an autistic woman to be complicated, ambitious, desirable, sexual, and completely worthy of a big, messy love story. Autistic people deserve those stories, too. 💛
The narrator is also neurodivergent, something she discusses with Elle McNicoll in a wonderful conversation at the end of the audiobook. I really appreciated that intentional casting.
But for me, this story worked much better on the page. 👀 > 👂 The audio felt considerably slower, and I didn’t feel quite the same chemistry between Rena and Tom that I did when I first read it. The performance wasn’t bad—the delivery simply changed the energy of the romance for me.
And yes, it is still VERY spicy. 🌶️🌶️😂 Definitely spicier than my personal preference!
I remain a huge fan of the disability representation, the feminism, the London setting 🇬🇧, and especially Rena’s character arc. I’m glad I revisited it, even if rereading reminded me that sometimes the format really can change how a book lands.
⭐️ Original read: 4.5/5
🎧 Audio reread: 3.5/5
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the advanced listening copy! 💛
I’ll tell you what: this book really does have the perfect title. It is, unapologetically, a love story. But it’s also a story about identity, advocacy, feminism, ambition, and learning how to fully take up space in the world.
Reina, our FMC, is autistic, and that is central to both the story and her character arc. She hosts a hugely popular podcast called The Disability Track, where she interviews experts and advocates about disability and neurodivergence. When journalist Tom Branimin — known as the “king of cancel culture” — comes to write an exposé on her, their relationship starts off tense and contentious. Naturally, feelings complicate everything. 👀
I’ve read many wonderful books featuring neurodivergent characters — books like Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, When We Were Vikings, and the beautifully awkward characters in Emily Austin’s novels — but this one felt different to me because Reina is so deeply aware of herself and her diagnosis. She was diagnosed at 15, and watching her navigate the world with both vulnerability and confidence was honestly beautiful.
As someone who has a child on the autism spectrum, I found the representation incredibly respectful and emotionally moving. There were moments that genuinely brought me to tears. 💛
Tom also has a strong character arc as he begins to reevaluate his work, his motivations, and the kind of person he wants to be. Both characters feel layered and human, and the emotional development between them is written exquisitely.
And yes… this romance is SPICY. 🌶️😂 A little spicier than my personal taste, if I’m being honest, but that’s entirely a preference issue and not a criticism of the book itself. If you like emotional chemistry with a lot of heat, this absolutely delivers.
Bonus points for the London setting and all the British terminology and atmosphere. 🇬🇧 The characters are truly the heart of this story, though — messy, passionate, intelligent people trying to figure themselves out and love each other well.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC.
📚 Unapologetic Love Story publishes October 13, 2026
⭐️ 4.5 stars
📚 Sometimes a reread changes everything.
I have a personal rule: if I rate an ARC 4.5 or 5 stars, I try to reread it when the finished book comes out. I originally gave Unapologetic Love Story 4.5⭐️, so when I saw the audiobook available, I was excited to experience Rena and Tom’s story again—this time with my ears. 🎧
And… my rating dropped a full star. 😬
I still really appreciate this story and its representation. Rena is autistic, proudly neurodivergent, and hosts a disability-focused podcast. I love that this is a romance that allows an autistic woman to be complicated, ambitious, desirable, sexual, and completely worthy of a big, messy love story. Autistic people deserve those stories, too. 💛
The narrator is also neurodivergent, something she discusses with Elle McNicoll in a wonderful conversation at the end of the audiobook. I really appreciated that intentional casting.
But for me, this story worked much better on the page. 👀 > 👂 The audio felt considerably slower, and I didn’t feel quite the same chemistry between Rena and Tom that I did when I first read it. The performance wasn’t bad—the delivery simply changed the energy of the romance for me.
And yes, it is still VERY spicy. 🌶️🌶️😂 Definitely spicier than my personal preference!
I remain a huge fan of the disability representation, the feminism, the London setting 🇬🇧, and especially Rena’s character arc. I’m glad I revisited it, even if rereading reminded me that sometimes the format really can change how a book lands.
⭐️ Original read: 4.5/5
🎧 Audio reread: 3.5/5
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the advanced listening copy! 💛
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.
Read
October 30, 2026Thank you Macmillan Audio for the #gifted copy in exchange for an honest review! #MacAudioPartner
Raina Lewis rose to major popularity from her smash-hit podcast spotlighting autistic women and other disabilities. She has every right to be cautious when the “King of Cancel Culture,” Tom Branimir, takes an interest in Raina. He initially sets out to discover her secret, but finds that there’s so much more to love about her. But will their entanglement lead to Raina’s downfall, or to an unapologetic romance?
Okay, first things first: the mental health/disability/autism spectrum representation in this book is truly stellar. Elle McNicoll did such a phenomenal job of providing representation of a community that is woefully underrepresented in romance novels (and fiction in general), while also taking care to emphasize that this is just one story on a spectrum. With that in mind, the romance between Raina and Tom is absolutely yearn-worthy and stands on its own; the autism representation is just the cherry on top that makes it even sweeter. I loved the flirty banter between them, both endearing and hilarious at times. Narration by Jessie Mei Li was truly stellar, particularly because she was the single narrator of a dual POV story. The audiobook comes with a fun little interview between the author and narrator about what this book represents, and honestly it made for such a happily-ever-after epilogue to the story. I hope this is the first of countless romances featuring main characters on the spectrum - I know it won’t be my last!
Reviewed as part of an #ARC from the publisher.
Read this book if you:
🙄 get tired of hearing “are you actually autistic?”
🤓 swoon for Clark Kent and his glasses
🎙️ love a book about a podcast… about disability rep!
Follow me on Instagram for more book reviews!
Raina Lewis rose to major popularity from her smash-hit podcast spotlighting autistic women and other disabilities. She has every right to be cautious when the “King of Cancel Culture,” Tom Branimir, takes an interest in Raina. He initially sets out to discover her secret, but finds that there’s so much more to love about her. But will their entanglement lead to Raina’s downfall, or to an unapologetic romance?
Okay, first things first: the mental health/disability/autism spectrum representation in this book is truly stellar. Elle McNicoll did such a phenomenal job of providing representation of a community that is woefully underrepresented in romance novels (and fiction in general), while also taking care to emphasize that this is just one story on a spectrum. With that in mind, the romance between Raina and Tom is absolutely yearn-worthy and stands on its own; the autism representation is just the cherry on top that makes it even sweeter. I loved the flirty banter between them, both endearing and hilarious at times. Narration by Jessie Mei Li was truly stellar, particularly because she was the single narrator of a dual POV story. The audiobook comes with a fun little interview between the author and narrator about what this book represents, and honestly it made for such a happily-ever-after epilogue to the story. I hope this is the first of countless romances featuring main characters on the spectrum - I know it won’t be my last!
Reviewed as part of an #ARC from the publisher.
Read this book if you:
🙄 get tired of hearing “are you actually autistic?”
🤓 swoon for Clark Kent and his glasses
🎙️ love a book about a podcast… about disability rep!
Follow me on Instagram for more book reviews!
October 22, 2026
When the King of Cancel Culture connects with the type of influencer he normally has in his cross-hairs, sparks fly and an unlikely union is formed.
Tom had a reputation for exposing and destroying people. It was no wonder Raina was leery of him and his motivations to profile her. But it was obvious to everyone how besotted Tom was with Raina, and that was one of the things that made me fall in love with him. His backstory, his losses, his struggles - these were all things that made him into the man he was, and you know what? He was way more than people thought, and it was lovely to see those hidden sides of him revealed.
I adored how much Tom adored Raina and really saw what a stellar person she was. This was a woman who had little support in her life, but instead of having a pity party, she created a space for people with disabilities and did educational outreach as well. But those weren't even the best things about Raina - it was her heart, her HUGE heart. There were so many times throughout this story where Raina quietly commits acts of kindness, and it really warmed my heart. And Tom was able to really see Raina and appreciate her as is.
Overall: I loved Tom and Raina and cheered as their unapologetic love story unfolded and they both found the love these deserved.
*ARC provided by publisher
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Tom had a reputation for exposing and destroying people. It was no wonder Raina was leery of him and his motivations to profile her. But it was obvious to everyone how besotted Tom was with Raina, and that was one of the things that made me fall in love with him. His backstory, his losses, his struggles - these were all things that made him into the man he was, and you know what? He was way more than people thought, and it was lovely to see those hidden sides of him revealed.
I adored how much Tom adored Raina and really saw what a stellar person she was. This was a woman who had little support in her life, but instead of having a pity party, she created a space for people with disabilities and did educational outreach as well. But those weren't even the best things about Raina - it was her heart, her HUGE heart. There were so many times throughout this story where Raina quietly commits acts of kindness, and it really warmed my heart. And Tom was able to really see Raina and appreciate her as is.
Overall: I loved Tom and Raina and cheered as their unapologetic love story unfolded and they both found the love these deserved.
*ARC provided by publisher
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This really surprised me. I really loved Reina our heroine and the way autism was shown on page including struggles to get diagnosis when your a woman.
The third act break up also was really well done. I didn't like the reason it happened but how Tom showed up to grovel was absolute perfection.
The audiobook narration was fantastic and very engaging.
ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley
The third act break up also was really well done. I didn't like the reason it happened but how Tom showed up to grovel was absolute perfection.
The audiobook narration was fantastic and very engaging.
ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley
April 7, 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!
October 14, 2026
thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC!
disclaimer that I really shouldn't need but it's the internet: I'm also autistic.
truth be told, this is a DNF at 50%. I can't stand this book. nothing is happening. the MMC is boring as hell and has terrible friends. I feel like every MMC in romance novels these days is either in ~dark romance and therefore a conglomeration of walking red flags, or like, in "regular" romance, the authors are too afraid to write a male character with flaws lest they be deemed problematic so they're just a boring blob.
but, and I feel terrible for saying this, I'm bailing on it because of the FMC. she's unbearable. she is so unbelievably preachy and judgmental and just like. not a kind person unless you fit in a very tiny box for her? I don't enjoy being in her head at all and I think you're supposed to LIKE her this way, is the thing. like it's not being viewed as a fault that she'll have to address. in fact, the author seems to think she's the avatar of kindness and openness who will introduce the MMC to a whole new world. but again, she's so insanely judgmental to anyone other than the few people she vibes with, and usually these are only ever people who either are autistic or who she thinks is autistic. like this lady would be RTing the tweets that approach neurotypicals like they're cattle who don't care about injustice, I just know it. add this on to the fact that the author keeps breathlessly assuring us she's soooo beautiful and feminine - because autistic women can be anything, but god forbid they're not unspeakably gorgeous - and I can't stand it any more.
there's no plot and the characters do not have good or interesting interactions. I'm saving my sanity and getting out of here!!
ETA in the sake of fairness: I did love the author’s note that opens this book and I think the author has her heart in the right place. I just found her characters too frustrating to deal with.
disclaimer that I really shouldn't need but it's the internet: I'm also autistic.
truth be told, this is a DNF at 50%. I can't stand this book. nothing is happening. the MMC is boring as hell and has terrible friends. I feel like every MMC in romance novels these days is either in ~dark romance and therefore a conglomeration of walking red flags, or like, in "regular" romance, the authors are too afraid to write a male character with flaws lest they be deemed problematic so they're just a boring blob.
but, and I feel terrible for saying this, I'm bailing on it because of the FMC. she's unbearable. she is so unbelievably preachy and judgmental and just like. not a kind person unless you fit in a very tiny box for her? I don't enjoy being in her head at all and I think you're supposed to LIKE her this way, is the thing. like it's not being viewed as a fault that she'll have to address. in fact, the author seems to think she's the avatar of kindness and openness who will introduce the MMC to a whole new world. but again, she's so insanely judgmental to anyone other than the few people she vibes with, and usually these are only ever people who either are autistic or who she thinks is autistic. like this lady would be RTing the tweets that approach neurotypicals like they're cattle who don't care about injustice, I just know it. add this on to the fact that the author keeps breathlessly assuring us she's soooo beautiful and feminine - because autistic women can be anything, but god forbid they're not unspeakably gorgeous - and I can't stand it any more.
there's no plot and the characters do not have good or interesting interactions. I'm saving my sanity and getting out of here!!
ETA in the sake of fairness: I did love the author’s note that opens this book and I think the author has her heart in the right place. I just found her characters too frustrating to deal with.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really liked Raina our FMC! She is a popular neurodivergent podcaster who is vibrant, outspoken, and full of personality. She isn't afraid to stick up for herself but does mask many things in her day to day life. Tom is a writer known to take people down and is the labeled King of Cancel Culture. He immediately falls for Raina and pursues her under the guise of making her the subject for his book. Their chemistry was fun and the romance was sweet but even though he was supportive and willing to learn I do feel like there was a lot of miscommunication from meaningful conversations that weren't had.
I was very happy to read a romance with a neurodivergent lead and the importance of representation but this book did lean towards preachy and heavy handed. We never saw much nuance in the neurodivergent community (it was spoken about but never really seen) and the neurotypical characters were almost all written with a cartoonish and villain quality. All of the side characters leaned too selfish to be true allies. It felt shocking that Tom didn't have other friends and I wasn't sure how Raina's best friend and sister seemed so aloof to her struggles at times. Additionally the conversations around representation and ableism felt outdated and I don't know if that because the book was set in England.
I’m glad I read this because it made me think more about how I show up for others and practice allyship. I just wish there had been more romance and character depth beyond the disability-focused messaging. Important themes, but the story fell a bit flat for me.
I was very happy to read a romance with a neurodivergent lead and the importance of representation but this book did lean towards preachy and heavy handed. We never saw much nuance in the neurodivergent community (it was spoken about but never really seen) and the neurotypical characters were almost all written with a cartoonish and villain quality. All of the side characters leaned too selfish to be true allies. It felt shocking that Tom didn't have other friends and I wasn't sure how Raina's best friend and sister seemed so aloof to her struggles at times. Additionally the conversations around representation and ableism felt outdated and I don't know if that because the book was set in England.
I’m glad I read this because it made me think more about how I show up for others and practice allyship. I just wish there had been more romance and character depth beyond the disability-focused messaging. Important themes, but the story fell a bit flat for me.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you Macmillan Audio for the gifted audiobook.
GREW ON ME.
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I loved the way this story was approached. There were a lot of important themes and topics touched about for neurodiverse women. And I liked that at the forefront of the plot. The writing is good and I would be interested to read future books from this author. I also thought the audiobook narrator did a great job but I do wish there had been a separate narrator for Tom’s occasional POV’s. While I can’t speak to every thing in here there were moments where I was like YES THAT’S HOW IT FEELS and I love when a book does that. Raina was a great FMC.
As someone who is kind of tired by everyone having a podcast I didn’t love the continual conversations with podcasts, media, socials, etc. The amount of podcast content that comes across my feed already is plenty. But if you like these things, totally go for it. I think it will hit the spot.
I definitely needed a slower burn. 50%? Nah. I don’t feel like Raina and Tom actually had enough conversations and moments together to start adding spice. He’s very infatuated from the get go which felt insta-love adjacent? Though like I mentioned, it did grow on me. I did not like the third act whatsoever. The usual. BUT I did like the groveling from Tom and the grand gesture worked for me. That at least felt genuine to the plot in place.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary romance
- Language: moderate-high
- Romance: 3ish+ open door
- Content warnings: ableism, misogyny, bullying, body shaming, eating disorder, toxic friendships
GREW ON ME.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK
I loved the way this story was approached. There were a lot of important themes and topics touched about for neurodiverse women. And I liked that at the forefront of the plot. The writing is good and I would be interested to read future books from this author. I also thought the audiobook narrator did a great job but I do wish there had been a separate narrator for Tom’s occasional POV’s. While I can’t speak to every thing in here there were moments where I was like YES THAT’S HOW IT FEELS and I love when a book does that. Raina was a great FMC.
As someone who is kind of tired by everyone having a podcast I didn’t love the continual conversations with podcasts, media, socials, etc. The amount of podcast content that comes across my feed already is plenty. But if you like these things, totally go for it. I think it will hit the spot.
I definitely needed a slower burn. 50%? Nah. I don’t feel like Raina and Tom actually had enough conversations and moments together to start adding spice. He’s very infatuated from the get go which felt insta-love adjacent? Though like I mentioned, it did grow on me. I did not like the third act whatsoever. The usual. BUT I did like the groveling from Tom and the grand gesture worked for me. That at least felt genuine to the plot in place.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary romance
- Language: moderate-high
- Romance: 3ish+ open door
- Content warnings: ableism, misogyny, bullying, body shaming, eating disorder, toxic friendships
October 14, 2026
🎧Unapologetic Love Story🎧 by Elle McNicoll
Thank you @macmillan.audio for the gifted Audiobook and @stmartinspress @saturdaybooks for the ebook
Narration Style: Single
Narrators: Jessie Mei Li
Produced by Macmillian Audio and Saturday Books
Length: 12 hrs 51mins
My Review
Love the story and the detailed understanding of the range and diversity of neurodivergence. I saw myself in the main character and the internal dialog was spot on. The world’s view on dissabilites is if it’s not visual it’s fake. The lack of empathy is staggering and this comes across so well in this story. It’s got romance, great friendships and unique characters. The narration by Jessi Mei Li was very well done. I could feel the emotional moments deeply and the moments where the scene was tense but the emotional cues and connection were coming across even more with the absence of an emotional link was staggering. Fantastic narration.
Thank you @macmillan.audio for the gifted Audiobook and @stmartinspress @saturdaybooks for the ebook
Narration Style: Single
Narrators: Jessie Mei Li
Produced by Macmillian Audio and Saturday Books
Length: 12 hrs 51mins
My Review
Love the story and the detailed understanding of the range and diversity of neurodivergence. I saw myself in the main character and the internal dialog was spot on. The world’s view on dissabilites is if it’s not visual it’s fake. The lack of empathy is staggering and this comes across so well in this story. It’s got romance, great friendships and unique characters. The narration by Jessi Mei Li was very well done. I could feel the emotional moments deeply and the moments where the scene was tense but the emotional cues and connection were coming across even more with the absence of an emotional link was staggering. Fantastic narration.
September 14, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5
This was such a sweet, funny, and heartfelt romance. I really loved how much this story focused on being unapologetically yourself and finding someone who sees you for who you really are. Raina and Tom had such a fun dynamic, and I enjoyed watching their relationship develop.
I especially appreciated the representation and the way the book explored masking, feeling like you don’t quite fit in, and what it means to finally feel understood. There were definitely some emotional moments, but there was also plenty of humor and romance to balance it out.
Some parts felt a little too perfect or moved a bit quicker than I would have liked, but overall, this was an enjoyable read that left me with a smile. 💜
I listened to this as a NetGalley audiobook ARC, and it was a great way to experience the story. The narration fit the characters well and kept me engaged throughout.
This was such a sweet, funny, and heartfelt romance. I really loved how much this story focused on being unapologetically yourself and finding someone who sees you for who you really are. Raina and Tom had such a fun dynamic, and I enjoyed watching their relationship develop.
I especially appreciated the representation and the way the book explored masking, feeling like you don’t quite fit in, and what it means to finally feel understood. There were definitely some emotional moments, but there was also plenty of humor and romance to balance it out.
Some parts felt a little too perfect or moved a bit quicker than I would have liked, but overall, this was an enjoyable read that left me with a smile. 💜
I listened to this as a NetGalley audiobook ARC, and it was a great way to experience the story. The narration fit the characters well and kept me engaged throughout.
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
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I'm usually very consistent at not requesting cishet books as arcs, personally more of a queer fiction reader, but I saw a promo post for this book on insta and was curious so I decided to give it a chance. I'm glad I did because this was really fun.
I loved how the author approached neurodivergence and diversity, I loved the side characters and how involved in the story they were, I especially enjoyed reading about raina's sister and her shenanigans. This was such an amazing adult debut and I'm thankful to St. Martins Press for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
I loved how the author approached neurodivergence and diversity, I loved the side characters and how involved in the story they were, I especially enjoyed reading about raina's sister and her shenanigans. This was such an amazing adult debut and I'm thankful to St. Martins Press for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
October 13, 2026
I wasn’t really sure what to expect from this one, but loved the premise!
And, to my utter surprise, it took me in and didn’t let go!!
Raina is neurodivergent. She’s on the autism spectrum. She grew up with her mother always criticizing her, whereas her younger sister was apparently perfect in mom’s eyes… this had me angry from the get go…
BUT… Raina is making a name for herself. She runs a podcast about neurodivergent girls/women and has a large following! Probably because she is real! Because she represents them honestly. Because she speaks her mind, whether good or bad, and is UNAPOLOGETIC about it! And this gains traction! And people are watching her!
Enter Tom Branimir. He’s a journalist. He’s also known as the King Of Cancel Culture. One day he sees Raina at an event, and will basically do anything to meet her! So when he asks to do a story on her, she blows him off. She knows his history and she wants no part of it. But… they meet up again. Almost like it’s fate! 😘
And the ‘story’ becomes so much more. Especially as he meets up with her at various places to write it… and gets an inside view of her life. Somehow, it’s not at all what he thought it would be like!
And then the real world comes into play… both of their friends are against them having anything to do with each other!
This was a beautiful story about life, and friendships, and family, and found family, and love, and relationships… and so much more! It was also a look inside the beautiful mind of a neurodivergent personality… and the fact that they cannot all be clumped together as a whole… as each of them are very different… just like the neurotypical world.
#UnapologeticLoveStory by @ElleMcNicoll and narrated beautifully by @JessieMeiLi.
Although this is a debut in the adult category for this author, she has written several young adult novels.
4 bold, bright, beautiful, standout stars for me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This one releases TODAY! So look 👀 for it on shelves now!!
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and @MacmillanAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!
And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️📖🩷
And, to my utter surprise, it took me in and didn’t let go!!
Raina is neurodivergent. She’s on the autism spectrum. She grew up with her mother always criticizing her, whereas her younger sister was apparently perfect in mom’s eyes… this had me angry from the get go…
BUT… Raina is making a name for herself. She runs a podcast about neurodivergent girls/women and has a large following! Probably because she is real! Because she represents them honestly. Because she speaks her mind, whether good or bad, and is UNAPOLOGETIC about it! And this gains traction! And people are watching her!
Enter Tom Branimir. He’s a journalist. He’s also known as the King Of Cancel Culture. One day he sees Raina at an event, and will basically do anything to meet her! So when he asks to do a story on her, she blows him off. She knows his history and she wants no part of it. But… they meet up again. Almost like it’s fate! 😘
And the ‘story’ becomes so much more. Especially as he meets up with her at various places to write it… and gets an inside view of her life. Somehow, it’s not at all what he thought it would be like!
And then the real world comes into play… both of their friends are against them having anything to do with each other!
This was a beautiful story about life, and friendships, and family, and found family, and love, and relationships… and so much more! It was also a look inside the beautiful mind of a neurodivergent personality… and the fact that they cannot all be clumped together as a whole… as each of them are very different… just like the neurotypical world.
#UnapologeticLoveStory by @ElleMcNicoll and narrated beautifully by @JessieMeiLi.
Although this is a debut in the adult category for this author, she has written several young adult novels.
4 bold, bright, beautiful, standout stars for me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This one releases TODAY! So look 👀 for it on shelves now!!
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and @MacmillanAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!
And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️📖🩷
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..
July 28, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
As someone with Autism, I feel seen.
It felt like something healed inside me a bit as I read this book. It was so understanding and knocked down the stereotypical walls that we tend to get placed into.
You can really see what life is like for our FMC as a woman with Autism. The author does a wonderful way at writing in so that those who are neurodivergent will recognize it and those who are neuro-typical will be able to understand it. This is though only a small part of the story and I really enjoyed the female empowerment that Raina faces throughout it. I got grabbed from the very first sentence and devoured the book. Not only are Raina and Tom, Our Neuro-typical MMC, fleshed out, but the author did a great job at writing the supporting characters. There are some you love, some you hate and some you love to hate. Even Raina's best friend got to be a bit much at times but I liked that aspect as it felt like a real person. No one is one-dimensional.
This story is fun but it packs a powerful message that I feel will make a huge impact to those who read it.
As someone with Autism, I feel seen.
It felt like something healed inside me a bit as I read this book. It was so understanding and knocked down the stereotypical walls that we tend to get placed into.
You can really see what life is like for our FMC as a woman with Autism. The author does a wonderful way at writing in so that those who are neurodivergent will recognize it and those who are neuro-typical will be able to understand it. This is though only a small part of the story and I really enjoyed the female empowerment that Raina faces throughout it. I got grabbed from the very first sentence and devoured the book. Not only are Raina and Tom, Our Neuro-typical MMC, fleshed out, but the author did a great job at writing the supporting characters. There are some you love, some you hate and some you love to hate. Even Raina's best friend got to be a bit much at times but I liked that aspect as it felt like a real person. No one is one-dimensional.
This story is fun but it packs a powerful message that I feel will make a huge impact to those who read it.
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