The Code of Love

by Katy Summers, Stuart Martin (Narrator), Emily Atack (Narrator)

From award-winning author, Katy Summers, comes another perfectly pitched romcom that will steal your heart away. Narrated by Stuart Martin (star of star of Miss Scarlet and The Duke) and Emily Atack (star of Rivals).

Sydnie De Grado’s a bonafide girlboss who isn’t looking to settle down; she’s been there, done that, twice. When her dad unexpectedly announces he’s selling their not-for-profit tech firm she’s torn between family loyalty and a suspicion that something isn’t right… especially as the deal hinges on a chatbot that’s not even ready for market yet.

But then Syd finds an unlikely ally in Nathaniel Caldwell, the quiet CEO at the company trying to buy them out.

Nate’s heir to a vast business empire and a title that will one day make him a Lord, but under his polished exterior lies someone very different. Forced to mask his autism and hide his creativity, Nate’s set aside his dreams of Broadway musicals to become the tech-savvy businessman his father demands.

As the deal gathers pace, it’s all-hands-on-deck to test the chatbot. When Syd and Nate take a road trip for a family business summit in the Scottish Highlands, an undeniable attraction sparks. But Nate doesn't do casual relationships, and Syd’s allergic to commitment, so there’s absolutely no danger of crossing any lines, right?

Under the pressure of a deal neither of them believes in, and parents who force them to be something they’re not, they each turn to the safety of the chatbot to bare their souls. But as the conversations grow deeper, the technology begins to feel eerily human – almost as if they’re not speaking to a bot but someone who really sees them…

Meddling families, corporate intrigue, and a romance for the ages, The Code of Love is the literary love child of You’ve Got Mail and Succession. Blending her trademark wit with emotional depth, Katy Summers delivers a whip-smart romantic comedy about ambition, authenticity, and finding love where you least expect it.

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Disability, Second Chance, Fiction, Chick Lit

Audible Audio

Published March 26, 2026

About the author

Katy’s debut, LOVE, REBOOTED was released in 2025, as an Audible Original. It was awarded the Joan Hessayon Prize for New Writing at the Romance Novels of the Year Awards, and was shortlisted for Romance Audiobook of the Year at the inaugural Speakies Awards.

Book two, THE CODE OF LOVE, is now availabe exclusively from Audible. Both books are STEM RomComs, narrated by Emily Atack (star of Rivals) and Stuart Martin (star of Miss Scarlet and the Duke) and explore themes of acceptance, neurodiversity, body positivity and finding love in your 30s or 40s.

Katy lives in South London and describes herself as an over-caffeinated, autistic/ADHD, Snoopy-loving, cat-butler to two noisy bengals.

Reviews

[Carolyn Storer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, well narrated, great autistic rep.

[Lida · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 ⭐️

I find this pretty hard to rate. I liked it a lot and the narrators did an amazing job. Its also sort of a duet, which is always a huge plus. I laughed out loud multiple times and Sydney and Nate were made for each other.
I just felt it was a bit too long. Couldn't really keep my attention on the book and the emd just fell a bit flat for me.
The diverse characters were also a huge plus.

I don't want to round down, so up it is.

[Caila · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not stop listening! This was so much fun! Also first (I could be lying) romance audiobook. I was worried I would cringe at the spice but I didn’t… really well done. Not to say I’ll be listening to romance audiobooks consistently but yeah.

Great book, great story, great performers, great characters.

Imagine that, going from one five star read last year to feeling like I’m handing em out like candy this year.

[Céline · Rating 4 out of 5]

definitely smut. He is autistic. She is not but understands it. The whole book is about only a few days. Few weeks at most. It has both few points. In my opinion it is well written. Some autistic people will definitely find themselves in this representation. They also use the phrase that 'if you meet one person with autism, you met one person'.

[Alex Pambianchi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m not sure this novel was for me. I struggled with the reversal of traditional gender roles—the female lead often took on characteristics I typically associate with a male lead, while the male lead sometimes felt written in a more traditionally feminine role. There were also moments that felt a little too focused on social messaging for my taste, which pulled me out of the story.

That said, I did appreciate the male lead being portrayed as a high-functioning autistic character. I especially enjoyed seeing how the female lead approached him with patience, understanding, and support. Unfortunately, I tend to prefer romances with a more traditionally masculine, take-charge male lead, and this book didn’t really deliver that dynamic.

As for the audiobook, the narration was good, but it wasn’t a true duet narration, which occasionally made it confusing to follow. At times, I found myself having to pay extra attention to determine which character’s perspective I was listening to.

While there were aspects of the story that I admired, I just couldn’t fully connect with it or become invested in the romance.

[Hunter Ross · Rating 2 out of 5]

Spoilers to give examples.
First let me say when I do read/listen to romance I want it G-rated. I had no idea this was def. not G-rated. So, that was my fault for not researching it (but it was free on Audible and I just started it).
It started out weird and stayed that way I am still struggling to figure out why the FMC's dad, a self-proclaimed family man, wanted to sell the company when his daughter (the FMC) saw it as her life's work? In the end the MMC bought the company and gave it to her? What? The dad states he knows he was being taken advantage of by the rich family wanting to buy his company but simply did not care one bit? There were other buyers, he could have gone with. I am not sure what the FMC and MMC wanted either? To my mind it was not the best story. I love representation but it seemed like everyone was bi and or autistic and all were nymphomaniacs (listen again I am a pathological introvert guided by 12 years of Catholic education so not the best judge here but male or female I don't enjoy hearing about either sleeping with anyone at any time-if it means nothing it never means anything-again my admittedly warped perspective as someone who doesn't date). Again, some is great representation but this was a little much. I really didn't enjoy the FMC, the only likable character was the MMC Nate.

[Myriam Clement · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it ! This audiobook is funny, witty, geeky and defenitly not your typical surface level romance!

Even though the two main characters, Sydnie and Nate initially have their own ideas of each other, they quickly realise that there is more at play than they thought. Each will have to deal with meddling families and personal issues as they navigate the Deal they’ve both been thrown into. Adding to the mix topics that are very relevant right now, which made it so refreshing and got my brain working!

This book had me giggling and laughing out loud at Syd’s beautifully crude analogies and swooning over Nate’s adorableness!

And again, superb performance by Emily Atack and Steweart Martin! Loved every minute !

[Esthi Labuschagne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book rating - 3 ⭐️s
Narrators - ♾️ ⭐️s!!!

Listen, I cannot stress enough how amazing these narrators were! And to my utter disappointment, they don’t have a backlog of romance books I can binge listen 😭😭

[Anastasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute little neurodivergent love story, hot chocolate read whilst celebrating the spectrum

[Jennifer Heltman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice little rom com with fully developed characters that made me feel something for everyone. Even a few tears at the end.

[Cara Isabella · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sydnie De Grado’s a bonafide girlboss who isn’t looking to settle down; she’s been there, done that, twice. When her dad unexpectedly announces he’s selling their not-for-profit tech firm she’s torn between family loyalty and a suspicion that something isn’t right… especially as the deal hinges on a chatbot that’s not even ready for market yet.

But then Syd finds an unlikely ally in Nathaniel Caldwell, the quiet CEO at the company trying to buy them out.

Nate’s heir to a vast business empire and a title that will one day make him a Lord, but under his polished exterior lies someone very different. Forced to mask his autism and hide his creativity, Nate’s set aside his dreams of Broadway musicals to become the tech-savvy businessman his father demands.

As the deal gathers pace, it’s all-hands-on-deck to test the chatbot. When Syd and Nate take a road trip for a family business summit in the Scottish Highlands, an undeniable attraction sparks. But Nate doesn't do casual relationships, and Syd’s allergic to commitment, so there’s absolutely no danger of crossing any lines, right?

Under the pressure of a deal neither of them believes in, and parents who force them to be something they’re not, they each turn to the safety of the chatbot to bare their souls. But as the conversations grow deeper, the technology begins to feel eerily human – almost as if they’re not speaking to a bot but someone who really sees them…

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wasn't a terrible read, I enjoyed the storyline and the interactions between the 2 lead characters. It was funny, exciting and had a good plot. The biggest downside was that the female lead was so repetitive on being no strings attached. It felt like she never shut up about it. I felt like there were a few times she was misleading to the male lead and that she intentionally got his hopes up because she would act deep in love and then freak out and get upset with him when he would talk about his feelings. The male lead is autistic and needs straight forward answers because he doesnt understand hints or beating around the bush. It also took the femal lead so long to give in to her feelings and by the time she did it was the literal end of the book, so it felt like whiplash.

[Anni · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not great, but the main characters were a bit more unique than usual which is why I added a third star. If you're specifically looking for autism rep in your romances, then this could be a good read. The first book in the series is better though.

[Spicy Book Connoisseur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable fandango

Overview

Syd, girlboss by day, professional single by night, is reacquainted with the musical-loving and reluctant CEO, Nate, when their fathers conspire to sell Syd's family tech business from under her. 

As tensions rise and attraction develops during a trip to the Scottish Highlands, both Syd and Nate confide in the chatbot at the centre of the deal, only to find it responding in increasingly human ways. 

The Verdict

After Syd’s appearances in Love, Rebooted, I was delighted to see Book 2 was about her! 

Syd and Nate were such fantastic characters. They both knew what they wanted, but highly valued family (in some ways maybe too much). The chemistry, the flirting, the unforgettable road trip were all absolute highlights. There were so many laugh-out-loud moments and once again, the autistic representation was a breath of fresh air. 

While it felt like a rinse and repeat of Book 1’s formula, it flowed beautifully and is a solid follow-up.

Tropes to Expect

- Second-chance romance
- Neurodivergent representation (autism)
- Close-proximity
- Meddling family dynamic
- Happily Ever After

⭐ Rating: 4/5
🌶️ Spice: 2/5

Consumed via: Audible
Audiobook: Duet narration - Stuart Martin and Emily Atack
POV: Dual – MMC & FMC
Series: Debugged Love - Book 2

[Simara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I tried for three days but the story did not capture me. Very good dual POV narration though.

[Amber · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was an audible book and I got halfway through but I could not make myself pay attention. Not sure if it was a narrator problem or I didn’t give it a fair chance but I did not finish, felt like it was a waste of time.

[Melissa Tischer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Syd was hilarious which is the only reason I stayed interested.

[Cat Sykes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picked this out as a light listen in between some heavier ones and I am SO glad I did! It’s turned out to be an unexpected top listen of the year so far.

This is a contemporary romance following two ‘proper’ adults (late 30s and early 40s) who are on opposing sides of a business deal that neither of them wants or believes in, each under the pressure of their parents-come-bosses’ heavy expectations.
Nate is already pretty smitten with Syd after catching feelings from a one-night stand some time ago and Syd is strictly no-strings-attached following her second divorce form Nate’s step-cousin (I think … the link is a bit confusing). They both agree nothing is going to happen because; (a) that would be unprofessional, and (b) they both want the exact opposite out of relationships. Despite their agreement, they find themselves struggling to keep to all of their terms …

I loved the representation amongst the characters. Particular shout out for having a male character working as an actor, within a strong group of other LGBT characters that wasn’t gay! But most of all, I appreciated the portrayal of autism and the contrast of Nate against Syd’s best friend showing how it can present differently across different people. This is the first time I seen hyper-empathy shown and well explained in a novel, and I also appreciated how both of the most prominent autistic characters were shown as very competent most of the time, then experiencing challenges that didn’t disqualify them from their competence at all, merely framed it as a greater achievement.
However some characters felt a bit check-box - there are a few additional minor LGBTQ characters that are only encountered briefly and not at all fleshed out and while I’ve nothing against a cast of mostly minority groups, the almost thrown in additions without and detail felt more like a token attempt to represent as many possible identities as possible in one book. I would have been happier to just enjoy the pan/bi representation within the central relationship and the more properly developed LBGTQ sibling.

🌶️-wise this did not leave me hanging. There are 2 or 3 especially explicit sections, and I loved the realistic portrayal of both how autism can affect intimacy (both positive and negative), and the challenges and benefits for a partner navigating that. It makes a solid start mid-book with lots of juicy tension in between the more explicit bits.
One bit in particular is probably one of the hottest things I’ve ever read and there’s not even any sex involved!

Overall so glad I picked this up!!

[Faye Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Audible Plus title has a mixed dual/ duet narration with two amazing narrators - Emily Atack and Stuart Martin. The two main characters are always voiced by the male and female narrator respectively, but the other characters are voiced by the narrator for whichever main character's chapter it is at the time. I did love hearing the two narrators go back and forth as the two main characters whenever they were together. Emily Atack puts so much personality into her performance and is a perfect match for the flirty, innuendo-loving, confident Sydnie. The two narrators really deliver the humour of the book as well as the emotion, and they had me laughing out loud a lot.

Plot-wise, I was infuriated by Sydnie's dad wanting to sell the business, rather than hand over the reins to his daughter like they'd always talked about, and for not listening to her throughout the book. After wanting to shake him for the entirety of the book, the ending felt very rewarding and satisfying!

I loved the diversity in The Code of Love. Not only did the sexuality of both main characters feel completely right for each of them, I also loved the autism representation. Nate's autistic traits were shown in a very detailed and genuine way and it was handled so sensitively.

I had a great time with The Code of Love audiobook and would definitely recommend this very funny romcom. I binged it in one go and loved the humour of it. If you have Audible Plus, definitely pick it up!

[Trissy ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this, and it was nice to catch up with the characters from the first book and have a bit of an update with what's happened since then. I loved the brief interactions with Sydney in the first book and I loved getting her POV in this book. It was also nice getting to know Nate in this book and seeing how his backbone continually develops throughout. I also loved how different he and Sydney are and how they continued bonding through banter, continuous conversation and my favorite tropes aka forced proximity and the one bed trope. This book stirred up all kinds of feelings, both good and bad, but all leading to me loving the book even more for it to be able to evoke such feelings. Also I absolutely hate Sebastian and wish him the worst. I also loved the narrators and how they both made the book even better and I hope to hear them in future books. I also love how effortlessly the narration and book flowed and didn't sound like it was just cut and inserted speaking parts a second after the description happens.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A one night stand to more as two people from rival families fall in love online as they chat with each other thinking its actually an AI bot. I loved Nate, with his cinnamon roll sweetness, his autism and his Broadway loving, poet soul. Sydnie is a twice divorced, almost 40 year old woman whose been jaded by love, multiple miscarriages and just wants to focus on creating an ethical AI bot for her father's company but when he tells her he's planning to sell her whole world is upended. Great on audio with dual narration, I loved seeing Nate and Syd dance their way around each other and slowly fall in love. Highly recommended and a perfect read for Autism Awareness/Acceptance Month!

[Faith Stephens · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second book in the Debugging Love series and just like the first one, I loved it! The cameos of Finn and Liv! AHHH

If I loved it, why would I rate it four stars and not five? I didn’t love Sydnie De Grado. I loved her girl boss energy and spunk, but I didn’t like how she never thought of Nate’s feelings. I’m an empath so reading about someone who is a bit self centered can be hard. Especially because Nate would literally die for her.

Nate was a certified sweetheart! He was sweet and compassionate, I loved his energy towards music and theater while also recognizing his duty. In the end, he got the best of both worlds.

I love the Autism representation and it was just as good as the last book! There should be a person with Autism in every book because I love to see the spectrum represented!

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

If it wasn’t for the narrators & the fact that I was quite enjoying the humour of Sydney & Nate I probably would have given up on this book. We have two characters who are apparently autistic, one who is non binary, one who has ADHD & the main female character is either pan or bi sexual. Bit wokey for me. The more I read about the apparent traits of the autistic characters I was starting to believe even I am autistic! Just sounded like personality traits to me (which we all have).
That said, it was enjoyable enough (albeit quite saucy!)

[James Livermore · Rating 3 out of 5]

I rounded up. The narrators were fantastic which is why I finished it but this was way too spicy for me. My fault I should have looked. Also, I personally am not a fan of sleep with anything that moves whenever you want which was the FMCs baseline (yes, same goes for any MMC). The MMC was on the spectrum and was incredibly interesting, I wish it was more about him and his life experiences.

[Rivya S · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun, quick read. I truly enjoyed the autism and neurospicy representation. Both characters were great. It’s a feel good romance with fun quirky bits and a good summer read. Or whenever you want a quick pick me up.

[RedReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rich people catching feelings whilst negotiating bad business deals.
Fun, asd representation and very sexy queer friendly MF romance.

I'd read again, will recommend, will read more by Katy Summers in the future.

[Shelley Martinez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe not as good as the previous book, but a good book nonetheless. If you're an IT person like me, it's very topical re: AI & LLM. There are some very steamy sex scenes. The author is quite good at that.

[Arielle Tate · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute little sequel. interesting choice to keep the same narrators. stuart martin is definitely more suited to this character while emily atack is more suited to liv from love rebooted. again, here for their great narration and because stuart is a scottish dream

[Mrs N · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love this book so much!
If you’re a fan of Love rebooted then you will devour this.
Katy summers has done it again a massive 5 stars from me !

[Sylvia Bainbridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

ok predictable but good steamy scenes