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When In Doubt
After getting out of a relationship that almost left her in pieces, Freya Malcolm doesn’t ever want to need anyone again.
Finally able to live the life she wants, she returns to her hometown to open her dream yarn store, and begin to reclaim the parts of herself that were taken. She just didn’t expect that striking out on her own would be quite this lonely.
Oscar Murphy has been in love with Freya since they were children. The trouble is, she’s never even known his name.
Still reeling from the death of his father and struggling to handle his increasing responsibilities at the Cedar Creek Fire Department, the last thing he needs is romance. Even if it could be the chance he’s always hoped for.
But Oscar can’t ignore the shadows in her eyes, and Freya can’t bring herself to push him away. With every chance encounter and gentle word, their cautious friendship inches closer to something more. Can they untangle the strings holding them back? Or are some things better left as fantasies?
Finally able to live the life she wants, she returns to her hometown to open her dream yarn store, and begin to reclaim the parts of herself that were taken. She just didn’t expect that striking out on her own would be quite this lonely.
Oscar Murphy has been in love with Freya since they were children. The trouble is, she’s never even known his name.
Still reeling from the death of his father and struggling to handle his increasing responsibilities at the Cedar Creek Fire Department, the last thing he needs is romance. Even if it could be the chance he’s always hoped for.
But Oscar can’t ignore the shadows in her eyes, and Freya can’t bring herself to push him away. With every chance encounter and gentle word, their cautious friendship inches closer to something more. Can they untangle the strings holding them back? Or are some things better left as fantasies?
432 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 21, 2026
About the author
Anna Harrison
2 books74 followersAnna Harrison is a romance author living in the English countryside with her tortoise (who makes an excellent co-writer.)
As a neurodivergent and chronically ill person, she writes swoony stories that reflect her own experiences, in the hopes that everyone can find a safe space in her books.
When she isn’t writing she’s usually found knitting, watching Chappell Roan edits or adding garlic to recipes that absolutely didn’t call for it.
As a neurodivergent and chronically ill person, she writes swoony stories that reflect her own experiences, in the hopes that everyone can find a safe space in her books.
When she isn’t writing she’s usually found knitting, watching Chappell Roan edits or adding garlic to recipes that absolutely didn’t call for it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Cute characters but lacked the chemistry and connection. I was promised angst and yearning, which i genuinely cannot find much.
It was so good at some point and also so awful at some other point. Totally confused
Things i liked↴
» The characters themselves very so good. Her being autistic and touch starved was so unique traits, loved it. And he being a firefighter with his own grief story was pretty interesting too. And he calls her honey, ugh so adorable. I especially loved the relationship he had with his mother, so beautiful. We truly need more of such good parental relation in romance books.
» Also the spicy scenes were so good, so tender and full of affection. Hot and soft at the same time. There was this pure joy in them. That part was so well written.
» Rabbit as a pet, is the cutest freaking idea.
Things that didn't work for me↴
» he is so caring but ok so he is being a little too much, grabbing keys from her purse? without her knowing After just one week of meeting each other & only a couple of times? And he did that snooping thing one more time in her cupboard and i lost my mind. It was kinda creep tbh
» I didn't feel very deeper connection between them and also her past was kind of vaguely explained, so didn't felt much connected to it. Making each other distant after saying I LOVE YOU? This clearly means their love is baseless right? Almost 90% into it and still doubted them both, there's no resolve between them. It's like anything bad happens and they keep pushing each other away.
» Her repeated apologies and "you don't have to do that" kinda irritated me. I hate that everyone is treating her like a child😭
2.5 stars
So i was jumping between 2 star or 3 stars.
Finally went with 3 stars. For some of the beautiful conversations they had.
⇒It had potential but felt very clingy after some time.
▪ What to expect-
~ Firefigther x Yarn shop owner
~ Small town
~ Boy obsessed
~ Caring and protective MMC
~ She's autistic and touch starved
~ He calls her 'honey'
~ Forehead kisses
⁕⁙°◊—————————————————◊°⁙⁕
↪pre-read
I have been waiting for this ARC for so long! And now that i finally have it, i'm diving staright into it.
Firefigther x Yarn shop owner!? literally the cutest thing ever
It was so good at some point and also so awful at some other point. Totally confused
Things i liked↴
» The characters themselves very so good. Her being autistic and touch starved was so unique traits, loved it. And he being a firefighter with his own grief story was pretty interesting too. And he calls her honey, ugh so adorable. I especially loved the relationship he had with his mother, so beautiful. We truly need more of such good parental relation in romance books.
» Also the spicy scenes were so good, so tender and full of affection. Hot and soft at the same time. There was this pure joy in them. That part was so well written.
» Rabbit as a pet, is the cutest freaking idea.
Things that didn't work for me↴
» he is so caring but ok so he is being a little too much, grabbing keys from her purse? without her knowing After just one week of meeting each other & only a couple of times? And he did that snooping thing one more time in her cupboard and i lost my mind. It was kinda creep tbh
» I didn't feel very deeper connection between them and also her past was kind of vaguely explained, so didn't felt much connected to it. Making each other distant after saying I LOVE YOU? This clearly means their love is baseless right? Almost 90% into it and still doubted them both, there's no resolve between them. It's like anything bad happens and they keep pushing each other away.
» Her repeated apologies and "you don't have to do that" kinda irritated me. I hate that everyone is treating her like a child😭
2.5 stars
So i was jumping between 2 star or 3 stars.
Finally went with 3 stars. For some of the beautiful conversations they had.
⇒It had potential but felt very clingy after some time.
▪ What to expect-
~ Firefigther x Yarn shop owner
~ Small town
~ Boy obsessed
~ Caring and protective MMC
~ She's autistic and touch starved
~ He calls her 'honey'
~ Forehead kisses
⁕⁙°◊—————————————————◊°⁙⁕
↪pre-read
I have been waiting for this ARC for so long! And now that i finally have it, i'm diving staright into it.
Firefigther x Yarn shop owner!? literally the cutest thing ever
August 26, 2026
𐙚⋆°｡⋆♡ ── 4.5 stars
ANNA U ARE EVIL FOR WHAT HAPPENED IN LAST 25% STILL CRYING!!!! how could you 😭 i guess now i'll get to read story LOL i mean hopefully!!
rtc!!!
this was a very soft and tender story, our fmc has autism and has been in a toxic relationship in the past so she's very hesitant about letting men into her life romantically, freya lets oscar in and then puts walls up and everything. i found this story to be very realistic and raw, i love books where the couple has realistic issues and sometimes we aren't able to fully commit to a relationship even with the person most perfect for us right away. oscar never pushed her and just wanted her to be honest, it was beautiful.
𐙚⋆°｡⋆♡ ── pre-read
after seeing hannah love this book sm and her gorgeous edits i knew i had to start it! the cover is beautiful and i love a childhood crush story 🥹🩵 i'm around halfway through and i love how soft and beautiful this story it <3
out now!!
thank you anna for the eARC
ANNA U ARE EVIL FOR WHAT HAPPENED IN LAST 25% STILL CRYING!!!! how could you 😭 i guess now i'll get to read story LOL i mean hopefully!!
rtc!!!
this was a very soft and tender story, our fmc has autism and has been in a toxic relationship in the past so she's very hesitant about letting men into her life romantically, freya lets oscar in and then puts walls up and everything. i found this story to be very realistic and raw, i love books where the couple has realistic issues and sometimes we aren't able to fully commit to a relationship even with the person most perfect for us right away. oscar never pushed her and just wanted her to be honest, it was beautiful.
𐙚⋆°｡⋆♡ ── pre-read
after seeing hannah love this book sm and her gorgeous edits i knew i had to start it! the cover is beautiful and i love a childhood crush story 🥹🩵 i'm around halfway through and i love how soft and beautiful this story it <3
out now!!
thank you anna for the eARC
August 13, 2026
☆ 4 stars
When in Doubt by author Anna Harrison is the kind of love story that will leave an imprint into both your mind and heart in the way it makes you feel and reflect. This is a story about a soft, gentle love with just enough yearning to make you swoon. It’s primary focus is being character-driven as opposed to focusing on a specific plot whilst delving into several difficult themes with the upmost care including but not limited to; grief, emotional abuse, ableism and mental health struggles. I adored this premise so much in its simplicity with its emphasis on exploring emotional connection and independent character growth. Love is a constant in its many forms throughout life and I loved every moment in getting to see a romance that doesn’t reply on explosive chemistry to feel impactful. This isn’t a loud and assertive kind of love. It’s tender and slow building with the establishment of trust through communication and action being at the forefront. When in Doubt is a must-read (in my opinion) that I urge you all to pick up and find comfort within in the upcoming colder months.
Freya Malcolm is such a sweet and gentle soul who deserves nothing but everything good that life has to offer. I really connected with her character throughout her journey on starting over in the small town she grew up in as she fights to reclaim her independence after escaping an abusive relationship. Her quiet strength and resolve felt refreshing to experience as she learns how to live for herself regardless of other people’s feelings. Freya’s raw vulnerability in her experience being autistic felt compelling to read and understand as she struggles to vocalise her needs whilst struggling with feeling ‘different’ from her peers. I adored getting to witness her find a place within the community that makes her feel not only welcomed but also wanted. Freya’s biggest struggles throughout her story is her inability to trust her own intuition and the self-imposed responsibility she bares for being manipulated by a man she only wanted to love her. It broke my heart to recognise how lonely and touch-starved she has felt for such a long time and it felt so rewarding to see her slowly learn how to trust in herself and the intentions of others. Freya’s journey is deeply impactful from the very beginning and is something that I believe many readers’ will find themselves relating to in some manner. My one and only complaint is I do wish to have seen Freya be encouraged to seek therapy in the aftermath of her breakup due to how deeply traumatised she was without the right tools to work through her feelings better. Overall I couldn’t be more satisfied with the conclusion to her story and the wonderful community that she finds herself surrounded within by the end.
Oscar Murphy is a yearner and earner through and through who stole my heart with very little effort. This is a man who knows what he wants and refuses to waste any time in chasing after it whilst actively working to remain respectful. I adored how ‘all in’ Oscar was in his pursuit for Freya whilst also staying consciously aware of any boundaries she puts in place in order to feel safe after her difficult history. This man is a caretaker to his core in the way he possesses an innate ability to be a safe space for the people around him and the dedication to puts towards his career as a firefighter. His charm and empathy towards others just oozes authenticity and it became very clear to me that Oscar is not the kind of person who is interested in wasting his own time alongside the time of others. Everything Oscar does is approached with intent and is (mostly, we all have flaws) well thought out which felt refreshing to experience. His maturity and commitment towards healthy communication is a huge green flag and I just had the best time getting to see this sweet soul attain the love that he has spent so long patiently waiting for. Oscar is a bright light within his community for good reason and there’s no denying how cherished and respected he is by everybody around him. I really appreciated the depth provided into his backstory to help add more nuance to his character and there’s no denying that his relationship with his mother was a really sweet story highlight to witness. Honestly the only ‘unbelievable’ aspect to this story (I sat with nothing but intended humour) is the fact that we don’t get to see not one singular, age-appropriate and available local woman fling themselves in his direction for consideration. Oscar is a wonderful man who deserves a happy life getting to love and be loved, which is exactly the happy note that I was thrilled to see his story conclude upon.
When in Doubt is such a wonderfully tender and heartfelt love story that is bound to leave you experiencing a huge variety of emotions within a short period of time. I did suspect a big moment that happens within the book prior to its appearance due to contextual cues… however this in no way lessoned its emotional impact for me. I have found myself truly adoring the way that Harrison writes after reading her debut novel in 2025 and the way that she builds upon her love stories. This book was no different in my experience and I already cannot wait to see what we get to expect from her next in the future.
𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞.
When in Doubt by author Anna Harrison is the kind of love story that will leave an imprint into both your mind and heart in the way it makes you feel and reflect. This is a story about a soft, gentle love with just enough yearning to make you swoon. It’s primary focus is being character-driven as opposed to focusing on a specific plot whilst delving into several difficult themes with the upmost care including but not limited to; grief, emotional abuse, ableism and mental health struggles. I adored this premise so much in its simplicity with its emphasis on exploring emotional connection and independent character growth. Love is a constant in its many forms throughout life and I loved every moment in getting to see a romance that doesn’t reply on explosive chemistry to feel impactful. This isn’t a loud and assertive kind of love. It’s tender and slow building with the establishment of trust through communication and action being at the forefront. When in Doubt is a must-read (in my opinion) that I urge you all to pick up and find comfort within in the upcoming colder months.
Freya Malcolm is such a sweet and gentle soul who deserves nothing but everything good that life has to offer. I really connected with her character throughout her journey on starting over in the small town she grew up in as she fights to reclaim her independence after escaping an abusive relationship. Her quiet strength and resolve felt refreshing to experience as she learns how to live for herself regardless of other people’s feelings. Freya’s raw vulnerability in her experience being autistic felt compelling to read and understand as she struggles to vocalise her needs whilst struggling with feeling ‘different’ from her peers. I adored getting to witness her find a place within the community that makes her feel not only welcomed but also wanted. Freya’s biggest struggles throughout her story is her inability to trust her own intuition and the self-imposed responsibility she bares for being manipulated by a man she only wanted to love her. It broke my heart to recognise how lonely and touch-starved she has felt for such a long time and it felt so rewarding to see her slowly learn how to trust in herself and the intentions of others. Freya’s journey is deeply impactful from the very beginning and is something that I believe many readers’ will find themselves relating to in some manner. My one and only complaint is I do wish to have seen Freya be encouraged to seek therapy in the aftermath of her breakup due to how deeply traumatised she was without the right tools to work through her feelings better. Overall I couldn’t be more satisfied with the conclusion to her story and the wonderful community that she finds herself surrounded within by the end.
Oscar Murphy is a yearner and earner through and through who stole my heart with very little effort. This is a man who knows what he wants and refuses to waste any time in chasing after it whilst actively working to remain respectful. I adored how ‘all in’ Oscar was in his pursuit for Freya whilst also staying consciously aware of any boundaries she puts in place in order to feel safe after her difficult history. This man is a caretaker to his core in the way he possesses an innate ability to be a safe space for the people around him and the dedication to puts towards his career as a firefighter. His charm and empathy towards others just oozes authenticity and it became very clear to me that Oscar is not the kind of person who is interested in wasting his own time alongside the time of others. Everything Oscar does is approached with intent and is (mostly, we all have flaws) well thought out which felt refreshing to experience. His maturity and commitment towards healthy communication is a huge green flag and I just had the best time getting to see this sweet soul attain the love that he has spent so long patiently waiting for. Oscar is a bright light within his community for good reason and there’s no denying how cherished and respected he is by everybody around him. I really appreciated the depth provided into his backstory to help add more nuance to his character and there’s no denying that his relationship with his mother was a really sweet story highlight to witness. Honestly the only ‘unbelievable’ aspect to this story (I sat with nothing but intended humour) is the fact that we don’t get to see not one singular, age-appropriate and available local woman fling themselves in his direction for consideration. Oscar is a wonderful man who deserves a happy life getting to love and be loved, which is exactly the happy note that I was thrilled to see his story conclude upon.
When in Doubt is such a wonderfully tender and heartfelt love story that is bound to leave you experiencing a huge variety of emotions within a short period of time. I did suspect a big moment that happens within the book prior to its appearance due to contextual cues… however this in no way lessoned its emotional impact for me. I have found myself truly adoring the way that Harrison writes after reading her debut novel in 2025 and the way that she builds upon her love stories. This book was no different in my experience and I already cannot wait to see what we get to expect from her next in the future.
𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞.
August 21, 2026
When In Doubt is a story that's going to stick with me for a long time. The Autism representation, the yearning, the quietly charming small town - all of it spoke to me in just the way I needed it to. I absolutely adored Freya Malcolm. Her neurodivergence was clearly well researched and individual to her in a way I really appreciated. I loved the way her sensory needs were a part of her romantic relationship, and how Oscar was so attentive in moments she needed a reprieve or place of solace. As a fiber artist myself, the small moments when she was knitting or running her store came to life for me. No mismatched fiber art vocab here between knitting/crocheting! And sweet Oscar. My yearner. Childhood love is admittedly one of my favorite tropes to read, even when it's one sided, and his longing for her absolutely leapt off the page from the first chapter. He's protective and every bit the firefighter MMC I had hoped for. The way he waited for Freya from when they were kids to the present day stitched my heart together. Perhaps what I enjoyed about this most though is the 3rd act and how perfectly human and 'Freya + Oscar' it felt rather than a mixture of different conflicts I've read before. This is such an emotional read and I think it will resonate so well with the right audience the way it has for me! Fans of Catherine Cowles (minus the suspense) and Ronnie Mathews might really fall in love with When In Doubt. Make sure to read content warnings before jumping in. Thank you Anna Harrison for providing me with an advanced copy - all opinions expressed are honest and my own. 4.25 stars rounded to 4 ⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5⭐️
Thank you so much @authorannaharrison for her trust and for sending me this ARC ! I’m so grateful because I have a soft spot for Fighting Spirit and I was so excited for this one.
This book feels like the coziest blanket on a rainy day. Or should I say the warmest sweater ?
This story was so sincere and beautiful and from someone like me who doesn’t have much contact with autism in their daily life, we can see that the author has put a lot of care and consideration into her characters. They were carefully written and you can’t help but become attached to them.
I wish I could find the words to express how much I love Oscar. How could anyone not fall in love with this firefighter who was nothing but patient with Freya and her fears ? Sometimes a little overprotective but it always comes from his good heart. I think what I like most about him is his loyalty and that he’s someone you can trust. A perfect gentleman from beginning to end. Freya is such a kind soul who’s been broken by a bad person. I just want to give her a big hug. I might have just wished she’d let her guard down a little sooner because Oscar has been absolutely perfect towards her but I can totally understand why she doesn’t express her feelings like others and that she is scared of love.
The connection between Oscar and Freya is so pure and sweet. Even though they sometimes push each other to move forward, stepping out of their comfort zones, honesty remains at the heart of their relationship. It was a quiet love story set in a cozy little town where you feel good. A little bonus because a character shares my name, even though she’s a creepy woman obsessed with cats (which is basically me).
Thank you so much @authorannaharrison for her trust and for sending me this ARC ! I’m so grateful because I have a soft spot for Fighting Spirit and I was so excited for this one.
This book feels like the coziest blanket on a rainy day. Or should I say the warmest sweater ?
This story was so sincere and beautiful and from someone like me who doesn’t have much contact with autism in their daily life, we can see that the author has put a lot of care and consideration into her characters. They were carefully written and you can’t help but become attached to them.
I wish I could find the words to express how much I love Oscar. How could anyone not fall in love with this firefighter who was nothing but patient with Freya and her fears ? Sometimes a little overprotective but it always comes from his good heart. I think what I like most about him is his loyalty and that he’s someone you can trust. A perfect gentleman from beginning to end. Freya is such a kind soul who’s been broken by a bad person. I just want to give her a big hug. I might have just wished she’d let her guard down a little sooner because Oscar has been absolutely perfect towards her but I can totally understand why she doesn’t express her feelings like others and that she is scared of love.
The connection between Oscar and Freya is so pure and sweet. Even though they sometimes push each other to move forward, stepping out of their comfort zones, honesty remains at the heart of their relationship. It was a quiet love story set in a cozy little town where you feel good. A little bonus because a character shares my name, even though she’s a creepy woman obsessed with cats (which is basically me).
August 22, 2026
"you're my dream, you know that right?"
thank you so much anna harrison for arc!!!
3.75/5 ★
oscar and freya were the absolute cutest! truly just the softest couple ever (woah the tie scene...) i adored seeing them both build their trust in each other in different ways and seeing them grow together! also come on a rabbit as a pet and him being an acts-of-service lover!
i loved the autism rep and was so nice to be able to read a book that is more open about it; visibility matters! i wanted to go into the book and fight everyone who hurt her actually she was so sweet, and her whole knitting plotline was cute it was nice seeing her find herself again in this town! oscar eeek a man who yearns! i love how he's been in love with her since day one omg what more could i ask for! and he was so understanding and supportive and soft with her hehe i loved it! seeing his own struggles and growth was also beautiful to see!
the ending, y'all... yeah, that was so sad and the idea of connecting the knitting to grief made me want to cry 3 but overall, such a soft, sweet read!!!!
a tad bit insta-lovey, maybe, but he was obsessed with her since day one, so i get it, i just feel like i couldnt understand fully where she fell, but it was still cute! it was super quick and easy to read, so it makes up for it! sometimes i couldn't relate to or agree with her reactions or why it was taking so long for her to understand and heal from her past, but i think it's why the visibility matters!
thank you so much anna harrison for arc!!!
3.75/5 ★
oscar and freya were the absolute cutest! truly just the softest couple ever (woah the tie scene...) i adored seeing them both build their trust in each other in different ways and seeing them grow together! also come on a rabbit as a pet and him being an acts-of-service lover!
i loved the autism rep and was so nice to be able to read a book that is more open about it; visibility matters! i wanted to go into the book and fight everyone who hurt her actually she was so sweet, and her whole knitting plotline was cute it was nice seeing her find herself again in this town! oscar eeek a man who yearns! i love how he's been in love with her since day one omg what more could i ask for! and he was so understanding and supportive and soft with her hehe i loved it! seeing his own struggles and growth was also beautiful to see!
the ending, y'all... yeah, that was so sad and the idea of connecting the knitting to grief made me want to cry 3 but overall, such a soft, sweet read!!!!
a tad bit insta-lovey, maybe, but he was obsessed with her since day one, so i get it, i just feel like i couldnt understand fully where she fell, but it was still cute! it was super quick and easy to read, so it makes up for it! sometimes i couldn't relate to or agree with her reactions or why it was taking so long for her to understand and heal from her past, but i think it's why the visibility matters!
August 24, 2026
When in Doubt 🧶🩵🧯🐇
💌ARC REVIEW
This book felt like a band-aid on my heart. It was my first time reading this author, and the way she writes with such warmth and softness shines through the entire book!! The way she talks not only about mental health but also about the autism spectrum with so much care and love moved me so much!!
Freya has been through so much, and honestly, there wasn’t a single moment when I didn’t want to reach into the book and give her a hug. I admired her resilience and bravery so much—her strength to keep moving forward, to build a life she could be proud of and that was completely her own. Continuing to dream and taking chances is also an act of bravery, even when it doesn’t seem like it, and despite all the fear that comes with it.
OSCAR MURPHY!! This man is everything that is right in the world 😭. What a huge heart and how incredible he is!! I’m genuinely running out of words to express just how much I loved him!!
The way Oscar understands Freya, with so much patience, love, and care, was simply incredible. With a movement, a look, anything, he knew when she needed her space, when things were becoming too much for her, and if he didn’t understand, he asked, because all he wanted was to get to know her better, to understand her completely.
Reading how they both found a safe place in each other, someone they could trust their hearts with after so much fear and loss, was one of the most moving parts of the book. Because even when things got difficult, at the end of the day, they always had each other’s arms to fall into, and that was where they felt the most at peace.
Thank you so much to Anna Harrison for the advance reader copy! 💘
💌ARC REVIEW
This book felt like a band-aid on my heart. It was my first time reading this author, and the way she writes with such warmth and softness shines through the entire book!! The way she talks not only about mental health but also about the autism spectrum with so much care and love moved me so much!!
Freya has been through so much, and honestly, there wasn’t a single moment when I didn’t want to reach into the book and give her a hug. I admired her resilience and bravery so much—her strength to keep moving forward, to build a life she could be proud of and that was completely her own. Continuing to dream and taking chances is also an act of bravery, even when it doesn’t seem like it, and despite all the fear that comes with it.
OSCAR MURPHY!! This man is everything that is right in the world 😭. What a huge heart and how incredible he is!! I’m genuinely running out of words to express just how much I loved him!!
The way Oscar understands Freya, with so much patience, love, and care, was simply incredible. With a movement, a look, anything, he knew when she needed her space, when things were becoming too much for her, and if he didn’t understand, he asked, because all he wanted was to get to know her better, to understand her completely.
Reading how they both found a safe place in each other, someone they could trust their hearts with after so much fear and loss, was one of the most moving parts of the book. Because even when things got difficult, at the end of the day, they always had each other’s arms to fall into, and that was where they felt the most at peace.
Thank you so much to Anna Harrison for the advance reader copy! 💘
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Anna Harrison for the early copy!
💗 Friends to Lovers
🥺 He has been in love with her since they were kids
🏘️ Small Town
❤️🔥 Slow Burn
🧶 Yarn Store Owner FMC
🚒 Firefighter MMC
“Who’ll watch your rabbit?” “My mom. She’ll love it. She always wants more time with her grandson.” “Grandson?” “Oh yeah, I’m a very proud daddy.”
“You gonna miss me, Malcolm?” “Yes.” “Good. Because I’m going to miss the hell out of you.”
“You want to sleep holding hands?” “Uh-huh, like sea otters.”
There were many cute scenes between Oscar and Freya that showed just how genuine and cute their connection was. I had a pretty nice time following their friendship develop into a charming love story.
Oscar was very gentle and attentive to Freya’s needs. He was constantly checking for her, making ser she’s comfortable. A very kind and loving person. A man who does acts of service. It was a pleasure to meet his character.
Freya… oh how I wish that ex had happened to her. It’s very understandable why she close herself off after that relationship. Throughout the book, I did relate to her on some things and it felt good to see myself in her character, and to understand her POV. She was strong and sweet. Oscar was her perfect match.
I absolutely have to highlight the star of this whole book, Harvey! Oscar has a pet rabbit. I was smiling whenever they mentioned him and seeing how Oscar acts as a proud rabbit daddy hahaha 💗🐇
Overall I had a good time and felt good while reading When In Doubt and I do recommend it to other readers who like the tropes mentioned above :)
I did finish the book feeling like something was missing, as it didn’t feel WOW life altering, and that made me reduce a star. But I also believe not every single book has to be mindblowing to be 5 stars, you just have to have a great time reading it. Also, a very sad event happens specifically with Oscar’s POV (grief trigger) and that did feel a bit “Why is this happening right now?” but well bad things happen. I just thought it wasn’t necessary to where the story was heading.
💗 Friends to Lovers
🥺 He has been in love with her since they were kids
🏘️ Small Town
❤️🔥 Slow Burn
🧶 Yarn Store Owner FMC
🚒 Firefighter MMC
“Who’ll watch your rabbit?” “My mom. She’ll love it. She always wants more time with her grandson.” “Grandson?” “Oh yeah, I’m a very proud daddy.”
“You gonna miss me, Malcolm?” “Yes.” “Good. Because I’m going to miss the hell out of you.”
“You want to sleep holding hands?” “Uh-huh, like sea otters.”
There were many cute scenes between Oscar and Freya that showed just how genuine and cute their connection was. I had a pretty nice time following their friendship develop into a charming love story.
Oscar was very gentle and attentive to Freya’s needs. He was constantly checking for her, making ser she’s comfortable. A very kind and loving person. A man who does acts of service. It was a pleasure to meet his character.
Freya… oh how I wish that ex had happened to her. It’s very understandable why she close herself off after that relationship. Throughout the book, I did relate to her on some things and it felt good to see myself in her character, and to understand her POV. She was strong and sweet. Oscar was her perfect match.
I absolutely have to highlight the star of this whole book, Harvey! Oscar has a pet rabbit. I was smiling whenever they mentioned him and seeing how Oscar acts as a proud rabbit daddy hahaha 💗🐇
Overall I had a good time and felt good while reading When In Doubt and I do recommend it to other readers who like the tropes mentioned above :)
I did finish the book feeling like something was missing, as it didn’t feel WOW life altering, and that made me reduce a star. But I also believe not every single book has to be mindblowing to be 5 stars, you just have to have a great time reading it. Also, a very sad event happens specifically with Oscar’s POV (grief trigger) and that did feel a bit “Why is this happening right now?” but well bad things happen. I just thought it wasn’t necessary to where the story was heading.
August 27, 2026
Sweet but infuriating. Communicate more effectively please. And go to therapy. Lots of it.
August 23, 2026
This book was so heartwarming, emotional and cute, yes I did cry!! I absolutely LOVED Oscar & Freya, they were perfect for each other! I loved seeing Freya grow into herself and gaining confidence with Oscar, her autism was portrayed so authentically! I’m obsessed with Oscar, the yearning for all those years! I love how patience he was and how uplifting he was with Freya! I was heartbroken for him with the losses he suffered! The epilogue was beautiful and I was so happy to see Joni & Birdie back!
August 24, 2026
A million out of 10!!!!! OBSESSED!!!! I loved both of these characters! The growth was amazing! The end really got me! I wasn’t even prepared or what to expect but this entire book was incredible!!! The MMC really was the cutest!!! He love and care and patience! Along with his maturity and growth was just perfection! The FMC as well! They both had their rough patches and hard moments and emotional moments but god this book was sooo good! Absolutely LOVED probably going to be my book of the year!
Read
August 15, 2026- small town
- yearning firefighter MMC
- autistic yarn shop owner FMC
- he falls first trope (one-sided childhood crush)
- emotional with angst!
- 🌶️🌶️/5
I work with Anna, so I'm excluding a rating and star review. But I've read When in Doubt twice, and Oscar is book boyfriend material. He's OBSESSED, acts of service is his love language, he's super protective, and oh, he has a way with words. I love HOW he loves Freya. Also the ending broke my heart. That is all.
- yearning firefighter MMC
- autistic yarn shop owner FMC
- he falls first trope (one-sided childhood crush)
- emotional with angst!
- 🌶️🌶️/5
I work with Anna, so I'm excluding a rating and star review. But I've read When in Doubt twice, and Oscar is book boyfriend material. He's OBSESSED, acts of service is his love language, he's super protective, and oh, he has a way with words. I love HOW he loves Freya. Also the ending broke my heart. That is all.
Did Not Finish
August 14, 2026DNF 18% in
I always appreciate getting an arc and I hate to dnf one, but I’m seriously not enjoying the writing style at all. Maybe I’ll give it another chance in the future but for now this one was not for me
I always appreciate getting an arc and I hate to dnf one, but I’m seriously not enjoying the writing style at all. Maybe I’ll give it another chance in the future but for now this one was not for me
August 9, 2026
ARC Review
This is a very soft love story , definitely more character-focused, which is usually very up my street but sadly in this case I didn’t really connect with the MCs enough for their story to have an impact on me.
I enjoyed reading about Freya growing and moving on from her trauma; but I wished there was more to her character than just learning to trust Oscar. There was a lot that could have happened during her character arc - dealing with the shop, meeting new people, integrating herself in the small town community - and I feel like we barely saw any of that.
Instead the book, and the characters, are deeply focused on their growing romance. To the point that at times it felt like there was nothing else going on in their lives besides the other person.
I also felt like their relationship fell into the insta-love trope, which I personally do not enjoy.
Oscar was in my opinion particularly bad for that. His obsession with Freya was borderline creepy at times and I felt like he was terrible with certain boundaries. I understand that it was part of his personality to want to help and be of assistance but he ended up coming across as pushy.
I wish we could have seen both Freya and Oscar more outside of their relationship; and gotten to know more about the side characters and the town they lived in.
Thank you to the author for the ARC.
This is a very soft love story , definitely more character-focused, which is usually very up my street but sadly in this case I didn’t really connect with the MCs enough for their story to have an impact on me.
I enjoyed reading about Freya growing and moving on from her trauma; but I wished there was more to her character than just learning to trust Oscar. There was a lot that could have happened during her character arc - dealing with the shop, meeting new people, integrating herself in the small town community - and I feel like we barely saw any of that.
Instead the book, and the characters, are deeply focused on their growing romance. To the point that at times it felt like there was nothing else going on in their lives besides the other person.
I also felt like their relationship fell into the insta-love trope, which I personally do not enjoy.
Oscar was in my opinion particularly bad for that. His obsession with Freya was borderline creepy at times and I felt like he was terrible with certain boundaries. I understand that it was part of his personality to want to help and be of assistance but he ended up coming across as pushy.
I wish we could have seen both Freya and Oscar more outside of their relationship; and gotten to know more about the side characters and the town they lived in.
Thank you to the author for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3/5
Honestly, I really wanted to love it, but it was a total disappointment—and it’s not because the story itself was bad, but because I feel like the way the characters were written was off, especially Freya, our female lead. But I’ll try to be as objective as possible.
The story is simple and sweet: Oscar has had a crush on her since they were teenagers, and she never even noticed him when they were in high school. She’s autistic, so her perception of the world is totally different from anyone else’s, and that’s okay. As an adult, she’s dealing with trauma and sad experiences that lead her to decide to return to her hometown. Freya “meets” Oscar through a misunderstanding shortly after moving to town, and he, like any gentleman, tries to clear it up in the most polite way possible. This allows them to form a small friendship a friendship that gradually deepens until they reach a point where everything should be settled....
I might reveal some spoilers here.
Now, Oscar, he was everything good and beautiful about the book: his actions, his personality, his patience, his love, his dedication, his loyalty. Something happens in the book that I honestly saw coming, because we were focusing so much on those characters, which made me think the next book would be about that character and that event caused Oscar to change, which is completely understandable.... It was the best part I read about him.
Overall, the book really wanted me to love it. I love the cover, the atmosphere, and the flawless writing, but I would have liked Freya’s character to be developed more fully.
Honestly, I really wanted to love it, but it was a total disappointment—and it’s not because the story itself was bad, but because I feel like the way the characters were written was off, especially Freya, our female lead. But I’ll try to be as objective as possible.
The story is simple and sweet: Oscar has had a crush on her since they were teenagers, and she never even noticed him when they were in high school. She’s autistic, so her perception of the world is totally different from anyone else’s, and that’s okay. As an adult, she’s dealing with trauma and sad experiences that lead her to decide to return to her hometown. Freya “meets” Oscar through a misunderstanding shortly after moving to town, and he, like any gentleman, tries to clear it up in the most polite way possible. This allows them to form a small friendship a friendship that gradually deepens until they reach a point where everything should be settled....
I might reveal some spoilers here.
Now, Oscar, he was everything good and beautiful about the book: his actions, his personality, his patience, his love, his dedication, his loyalty. Something happens in the book that I honestly saw coming, because we were focusing so much on those characters, which made me think the next book would be about that character and that event caused Oscar to change, which is completely understandable.... It was the best part I read about him.
Overall, the book really wanted me to love it. I love the cover, the atmosphere, and the flawless writing, but I would have liked Freya’s character to be developed more fully.
Review of advance copy received from Autore
⭐️ 4/5
First of all, I’d like to thank the author for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC!
I have to admit that one of the main reasons I requested this ARC was the fact that the FMC is a knitter. 🧶
As a knitter myself, I rarely come across a romance featuring a female protagonist who knits, so as soon as I saw that detail, I thought: Okay, this book might be right up my alley.
And while knitting is definitely not the main focus of the story, I really enjoyed having it as part of her everyday life and as an element of her characterization.
This is a sweet, gentle, and fairly low-angst romance.
Freya is autistic, and both her neurodivergence and her past negative experiences with men have a strong impact on the way she interacts with others, and especially on how she approaches romantic relationships.
And then there’s Oscar. A firefighter who has been in love with our heroine for years, while also carrying his own past traumas.
I absolutely loved the way he approaches her with so much patience and tenderness. He never pushes her, never makes her feel like she needs to move faster than she’s ready for, and always respects her boundaries. Watching him slowly earn her trust was one of my favorite parts of the story.
I really appreciated that the story doesn’t rely on the usual constant bickering, endless misunderstandings, or ongoing conflict between the main characters.
Instead, it’s a more intimate and gradual kind of love story, centered around trust, feeling safe with someone, and slowly allowing another person into your life.
The story is very enjoyable to read, but it isn’t particularly suspenseful or high-stakes. And I’m not necessarily sure that’s a flaw.
I think this is simply the kind of romance that isn’t meant to be explosive. It doesn’t rely on sparks, banter, constant tension, or dramatic conflict. Instead, it offers something softer, gentler, and more reassuring.
Overall, When in Doubt turned out to be a sweet and tender romance, with an FMC who feels refreshingly different from many of the heroines I usually encounter in this genre.
And maybe that’s exactly the point: not every romance needs sparks and fireworks.
Sometimes, a story can simply be about two people slowly learning how to feel safe with each other. 🧶❤️
First of all, I’d like to thank the author for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC!
I have to admit that one of the main reasons I requested this ARC was the fact that the FMC is a knitter. 🧶
As a knitter myself, I rarely come across a romance featuring a female protagonist who knits, so as soon as I saw that detail, I thought: Okay, this book might be right up my alley.
And while knitting is definitely not the main focus of the story, I really enjoyed having it as part of her everyday life and as an element of her characterization.
This is a sweet, gentle, and fairly low-angst romance.
Freya is autistic, and both her neurodivergence and her past negative experiences with men have a strong impact on the way she interacts with others, and especially on how she approaches romantic relationships.
And then there’s Oscar. A firefighter who has been in love with our heroine for years, while also carrying his own past traumas.
I absolutely loved the way he approaches her with so much patience and tenderness. He never pushes her, never makes her feel like she needs to move faster than she’s ready for, and always respects her boundaries. Watching him slowly earn her trust was one of my favorite parts of the story.
I really appreciated that the story doesn’t rely on the usual constant bickering, endless misunderstandings, or ongoing conflict between the main characters.
Instead, it’s a more intimate and gradual kind of love story, centered around trust, feeling safe with someone, and slowly allowing another person into your life.
The story is very enjoyable to read, but it isn’t particularly suspenseful or high-stakes. And I’m not necessarily sure that’s a flaw.
I think this is simply the kind of romance that isn’t meant to be explosive. It doesn’t rely on sparks, banter, constant tension, or dramatic conflict. Instead, it offers something softer, gentler, and more reassuring.
Overall, When in Doubt turned out to be a sweet and tender romance, with an FMC who feels refreshingly different from many of the heroines I usually encounter in this genre.
And maybe that’s exactly the point: not every romance needs sparks and fireworks.
Sometimes, a story can simply be about two people slowly learning how to feel safe with each other. 🧶❤️
August 27, 2026
Rating: 3.73/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐✨
When in Doubt by Anna Harrison is a deeply tender, realistic romance that balances heavy emotional themes with moments of quiet warmth.
At the heart of the novel is Freya Malcolm, a soft-spoken protagonist returning to her hometown after leaving a toxic, manipulative relationship. Her experience navigating life as an autistic woman is written with striking vulnerability and authenticity. Struggling with feeling out of place and isolated, Freya's journey toward self-advocacy and accepting affection—especially after feeling touch-starved and lonely for so long—is profoundly moving. Watching her find a genuine sense of belonging in her community is easily one of the book's highlights.
Opposite Freya is Oscar Murphy, a firefighter who is an absolute standout hero. Respectful, patient, and mature, he balances a clear, intentional pursuit of Freya with an acute awareness of her boundaries. He never pushes her to move faster than she’s comfortable with, acting as a constant safe harbor. Beyond his romantic role, his character has real emotional weight—his loving relationship with his mother is a joy to read, and his dedication to his town makes him impossible not to root for. When he calls her "honey," it hits just right.
Where the book stumbles slightly is in its final act pacing. The narrative introduces a devastating tragedy—the sudden loss of Oscar's best friend in the last 20-15% of the story. Considering Oscar was already carrying unresolved grief from his father's passing, throwing him into intense panic attacks so late in the book created massive emotional turmoil. While the grief itself is written with heart-wrenching accuracy, the aftermath feels wrapped up far too abruptly to accommodate a swift resolution. A bit more breathing room to process that heavy loss would have made the final pages feel more complete.
Ultimately, When in Doubt is a raw, emotional read filled with realistic relationship dynamics, meaningful neurodivergent representation, and characters you truly care about. Despite the rushed final conflict, it’s a lovely, comforting story, and I’m eager to see what Harrison writes next. A big thank you for the ARC.
When in Doubt by Anna Harrison is a deeply tender, realistic romance that balances heavy emotional themes with moments of quiet warmth.
At the heart of the novel is Freya Malcolm, a soft-spoken protagonist returning to her hometown after leaving a toxic, manipulative relationship. Her experience navigating life as an autistic woman is written with striking vulnerability and authenticity. Struggling with feeling out of place and isolated, Freya's journey toward self-advocacy and accepting affection—especially after feeling touch-starved and lonely for so long—is profoundly moving. Watching her find a genuine sense of belonging in her community is easily one of the book's highlights.
Opposite Freya is Oscar Murphy, a firefighter who is an absolute standout hero. Respectful, patient, and mature, he balances a clear, intentional pursuit of Freya with an acute awareness of her boundaries. He never pushes her to move faster than she’s comfortable with, acting as a constant safe harbor. Beyond his romantic role, his character has real emotional weight—his loving relationship with his mother is a joy to read, and his dedication to his town makes him impossible not to root for. When he calls her "honey," it hits just right.
Where the book stumbles slightly is in its final act pacing. The narrative introduces a devastating tragedy—the sudden loss of Oscar's best friend in the last 20-15% of the story. Considering Oscar was already carrying unresolved grief from his father's passing, throwing him into intense panic attacks so late in the book created massive emotional turmoil. While the grief itself is written with heart-wrenching accuracy, the aftermath feels wrapped up far too abruptly to accommodate a swift resolution. A bit more breathing room to process that heavy loss would have made the final pages feel more complete.
Ultimately, When in Doubt is a raw, emotional read filled with realistic relationship dynamics, meaningful neurodivergent representation, and characters you truly care about. Despite the rushed final conflict, it’s a lovely, comforting story, and I’m eager to see what Harrison writes next. A big thank you for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"Is it really too much to ask that I be able to do the same things, the same way, without anyone messing up my routine?"
Probably my favorite quote from the book 😭
Thank you so much Anna for the ARC of this book 😍
This book was simply just amazing. It was relatable, emotional, funny and it held my attention so well.
As a person with autism, I absolutely loved the representation in this book. It actually made me feel seen in a way I rarely do in books. I feel like most autistic characters are very stereotypical, and often with symptoms that I don't relate as much to. But this book... sometimes when I was reading I was literally like... did you go into my brain and steal my thoughts and experiences to write that sentence??? 😭 While I know not all autistic people are the same, and there were definitely some things I would've never done or felt or whatever in this book, it was never enough for me to feel like I dont relate to the character. It was just the typical differences there are between all people.
Now... the romance!! 10/10 😍 Oscar's yearning... his protectiveness... his princess treatment... the way he kept reassuring her, telling her not to apologize, telling her not to make decisions based on what he wants but on what she wants........ exactly what Freya needed and I loved it😍
The emotions... Now I am not going to spoil a thing... but I cried... multiple times while reading this book. I had to physically put down the book at some point because I couldn't get myself to read more because I was already crying. It is just written so well which made me feel like I actually knew the characters and that just made it even more emotional. And I loved every moment of it 😭
Overall... just read the book! I don't know what more to say than that. It is amazing. It will not disappoint. Read the book!
And let's end with 2 other of my favorite things from the book:
"Being around new people requires so much energy, so much thought to try to calibrate myself to act the way they want me to, to carefully construct the version that I think they'll like. Most of the time I just can't handle it."
"One, two, three, four, thumb. Thumb, four, three, two, one."
Probably my favorite quote from the book 😭
Thank you so much Anna for the ARC of this book 😍
This book was simply just amazing. It was relatable, emotional, funny and it held my attention so well.
As a person with autism, I absolutely loved the representation in this book. It actually made me feel seen in a way I rarely do in books. I feel like most autistic characters are very stereotypical, and often with symptoms that I don't relate as much to. But this book... sometimes when I was reading I was literally like... did you go into my brain and steal my thoughts and experiences to write that sentence??? 😭 While I know not all autistic people are the same, and there were definitely some things I would've never done or felt or whatever in this book, it was never enough for me to feel like I dont relate to the character. It was just the typical differences there are between all people.
Now... the romance!! 10/10 😍 Oscar's yearning... his protectiveness... his princess treatment... the way he kept reassuring her, telling her not to apologize, telling her not to make decisions based on what he wants but on what she wants........ exactly what Freya needed and I loved it😍
The emotions... Now I am not going to spoil a thing... but I cried... multiple times while reading this book. I had to physically put down the book at some point because I couldn't get myself to read more because I was already crying. It is just written so well which made me feel like I actually knew the characters and that just made it even more emotional. And I loved every moment of it 😭
Overall... just read the book! I don't know what more to say than that. It is amazing. It will not disappoint. Read the book!
And let's end with 2 other of my favorite things from the book:
"Being around new people requires so much energy, so much thought to try to calibrate myself to act the way they want me to, to carefully construct the version that I think they'll like. Most of the time I just can't handle it."
"One, two, three, four, thumb. Thumb, four, three, two, one."
Review of advance copy received from Author
5⭐️ // 2🌶
Where can I start? The book is just PERFECTION!! This beautiful slowburn, small town romance is everything you want in a book and as a crafter myself (crochet), the small touches and references just made it even better! I will be recommending it to my bookclub of crocheters 1000%, it is a must read!
We follow Freya, who is autistic and coming out of an abusive relationship. Coming back to her childhoods hometown, she starts her dream yarnshop, and tries to settle back into a full and happy life. But due to fears of repeting history and her "limits" being overstimulated easily, she has a hard time finding a support system/friends. Her ex'es voice is still in her head, breaking her down and telling her she is not worth to be loved.
Oscar, firefighter in the town he grew up, had always had an eye on Freya since he first met her when they were kids. When she moved, it hurt, and he never truely got over it. Now, after all these years, even though she doesn't remember him, he does her. Walking green flag, and part of the best written book boyfriends club, he slowly gets to know Freya and shows her she is worth being taken care of. Falling hard, he gives her all the time she needs, patiently going one step at a time never judging or pushing.
With ups and downs, never intentionally hurting the other sometimes, they show that love is work and trust. Both were / are handed traumatic experiences in life, and try to navigate what they mean to each other and how to just be.
This book was written in such a careful, delicate way, you truely feel the love that Harrison has for her characters simmering through the pages. It feels like an intimate letter of a writer to her characters, leaving some small trinkets and parts of herself to shine magically. I loved the MCs, and their surroundings too. Their friends and family, Luci, Becca, Mack, Elsie, Victoria, Ryan - felt like a warm hug making you feel save. The book was book funny, lovable and devestating and I truely hope it is just goodbye for now, and that we revisit them all again. Thank you Anna, for sharing this with all of us.
"𝑨𝒅𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒄𝒐𝒑𝒚" 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓, 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒗𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒍𝒚.
Where can I start? The book is just PERFECTION!! This beautiful slowburn, small town romance is everything you want in a book and as a crafter myself (crochet), the small touches and references just made it even better! I will be recommending it to my bookclub of crocheters 1000%, it is a must read!
We follow Freya, who is autistic and coming out of an abusive relationship. Coming back to her childhoods hometown, she starts her dream yarnshop, and tries to settle back into a full and happy life. But due to fears of repeting history and her "limits" being overstimulated easily, she has a hard time finding a support system/friends. Her ex'es voice is still in her head, breaking her down and telling her she is not worth to be loved.
Oscar, firefighter in the town he grew up, had always had an eye on Freya since he first met her when they were kids. When she moved, it hurt, and he never truely got over it. Now, after all these years, even though she doesn't remember him, he does her. Walking green flag, and part of the best written book boyfriends club, he slowly gets to know Freya and shows her she is worth being taken care of. Falling hard, he gives her all the time she needs, patiently going one step at a time never judging or pushing.
With ups and downs, never intentionally hurting the other sometimes, they show that love is work and trust. Both were / are handed traumatic experiences in life, and try to navigate what they mean to each other and how to just be.
This book was written in such a careful, delicate way, you truely feel the love that Harrison has for her characters simmering through the pages. It feels like an intimate letter of a writer to her characters, leaving some small trinkets and parts of herself to shine magically. I loved the MCs, and their surroundings too. Their friends and family, Luci, Becca, Mack, Elsie, Victoria, Ryan - felt like a warm hug making you feel save. The book was book funny, lovable and devestating and I truely hope it is just goodbye for now, and that we revisit them all again. Thank you Anna, for sharing this with all of us.
"𝑨𝒅𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒄𝒐𝒑𝒚" 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓, 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒗𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒍𝒚.
August 29, 2026
Many thanks to the author Anna Harrison for this ARC!!
I was so excited when I saw the synopsis and promotion for this book; and I was not disappointed!!! I was blown away by the details of the plot and how cozy and sweet it was. The characters are perfect for each other and I truly enjoyed watching the relationships between everyone grow as the plot progressed. The writing is spectacular and incredibly well done; matching the tone perfectly.
"She's the prettiest girl I've ever seen, and I'm going to marry her."
I could go on and on about moments that made me smile and want to kick my feet while I was sitting at my desk at work reading this story. The banter between Oscar and Freya is funny and charming. They have amazing chemistry and are a couple that truly supports each other through their struggles. I enjoyed how the story didn't instantly progress in the way most romance novels do; it felt so much more realistic and healthy. Both characters clearly had issues that caused problems for them in their lives. I enjoyed seeing how the plot played out and resolved their trauma and anxieties.
As a fiber artist I loved the yarn representation. I also really appreciated the accurate autism representation!!!! Autism is often so wrongfully interpreted in novels; and often fetishized. This book has neither of those. The character uses her own techniques and coping skills to deal with her overstimulation; and manages very well on her own. She knows her comfort zone and while she stays in it for the most part; she does try to expand it and meet new people and try new things. I was wary that this book would poorly represent people with autism; but I am happy to say I had nothing to worry about!!!
Honorable mention goes to Harvey; my beloved; and everyone deserves a man who gets them hot chocolate every day. Everyone get yourselves an Oscar.
I was so excited when I saw the synopsis and promotion for this book; and I was not disappointed!!! I was blown away by the details of the plot and how cozy and sweet it was. The characters are perfect for each other and I truly enjoyed watching the relationships between everyone grow as the plot progressed. The writing is spectacular and incredibly well done; matching the tone perfectly.
"She's the prettiest girl I've ever seen, and I'm going to marry her."
I could go on and on about moments that made me smile and want to kick my feet while I was sitting at my desk at work reading this story. The banter between Oscar and Freya is funny and charming. They have amazing chemistry and are a couple that truly supports each other through their struggles. I enjoyed how the story didn't instantly progress in the way most romance novels do; it felt so much more realistic and healthy. Both characters clearly had issues that caused problems for them in their lives. I enjoyed seeing how the plot played out and resolved their trauma and anxieties.
As a fiber artist I loved the yarn representation. I also really appreciated the accurate autism representation!!!! Autism is often so wrongfully interpreted in novels; and often fetishized. This book has neither of those. The character uses her own techniques and coping skills to deal with her overstimulation; and manages very well on her own. She knows her comfort zone and while she stays in it for the most part; she does try to expand it and meet new people and try new things. I was wary that this book would poorly represent people with autism; but I am happy to say I had nothing to worry about!!!
Honorable mention goes to Harvey; my beloved; and everyone deserves a man who gets them hot chocolate every day. Everyone get yourselves an Oscar.
August 7, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
I love a soft and tender romance and this is exactly what Freya and Oscar have here. There’s so much patience and understanding between these two but while it was lovely to see two people fight through this inner struggles I needed a little more.
The romance. There are aspects of Oscar and Freya’s romance that I really liked. I enjoyed how slow and patient Oscar was to make Freya comfortable and I loved how Freya was wary of him at first and stood her ground a few time with what she was or wasn’t comfortable with. My issue with the romance though is that Oscar can come across as not respecting boundaries. He’s self aware enough of this too. He’ll show up uninvited to places, look in Freya’s bag or drop his rabbit off without really asking first. All of these little moments jumped out as a little bizarre to me considering they don’t really know each other. Oscar also comes in a little too strong from the get go for my liking. I love a man who yearns but it feels like it also needs to be earned.
The sex. I really liked the scenes we got here I think they were well done, fit the characters and didn’t feel gratuitous at all.
I think I’m very much a person that needs external plot going on in each of the main characters lives outside the romance and I didn’t think that the plot we got here was particularly strong.
The writing. There was a lot of strong points here but sometimes it did feel like we were meandering a little, I think it could have been doing with a few cuts here and there as I found myself not feeling that invested.
Overall not awful by any means I just wanted a little bit more angst and longing. Will definitely try another of Anna’s books in the future.
Thank you to the author for sending me the arc. All opinions are my own
I love a soft and tender romance and this is exactly what Freya and Oscar have here. There’s so much patience and understanding between these two but while it was lovely to see two people fight through this inner struggles I needed a little more.
The romance. There are aspects of Oscar and Freya’s romance that I really liked. I enjoyed how slow and patient Oscar was to make Freya comfortable and I loved how Freya was wary of him at first and stood her ground a few time with what she was or wasn’t comfortable with. My issue with the romance though is that Oscar can come across as not respecting boundaries. He’s self aware enough of this too. He’ll show up uninvited to places, look in Freya’s bag or drop his rabbit off without really asking first. All of these little moments jumped out as a little bizarre to me considering they don’t really know each other. Oscar also comes in a little too strong from the get go for my liking. I love a man who yearns but it feels like it also needs to be earned.
The sex. I really liked the scenes we got here I think they were well done, fit the characters and didn’t feel gratuitous at all.
I think I’m very much a person that needs external plot going on in each of the main characters lives outside the romance and I didn’t think that the plot we got here was particularly strong.
The writing. There was a lot of strong points here but sometimes it did feel like we were meandering a little, I think it could have been doing with a few cuts here and there as I found myself not feeling that invested.
Overall not awful by any means I just wanted a little bit more angst and longing. Will definitely try another of Anna’s books in the future.
Thank you to the author for sending me the arc. All opinions are my own
August 19, 2026
Thank you so much to Anna Harrison for and ARC of When In Doubt! I loved these characters so much! I’m not sure I can put into words the sheer depths of my adoration for this story but it started at like 6% of the way in the book lol. Immediately, I was like “protect Freya at all costs squad”, and then we meet Oscar and I’m like, “protect everyone” LOL. This is such a warm and cozy small town romance mixed with some hurt/comfort, non-linear healing and so much more.
Our FMC, Freya, is starting over again, back in her home town after a really horrible relationship. She’s trying to untangle the damage and struggling a little bit. Freya is also an extremely fashionable, and talented knitter who is trying to win over the ladies in the inner-knitting circle since she owns a fiber arts store. Again, I love her so much. We also get to see her navigate the world as a person with autism. The sensory overload she experiences felt so real and the highlight various ways modifications create comfort or keep something accessible. She’s really hesitant about Oscar at first but slowly she opens up and they really are perfect for each other. I thought the chemistry between them was fantastic.
Oscar our MMC is a firefighter who has had a crush on Freya since they were kids. Of course nothing came out of it, but he did go after her biggest bully when they were growing up and is the first to jump in to protect her in any way he can. He’s a man down bad. Father to a rabbit named Harvey and a bearded hottie. He’s also got some things that impact him as well during the story. I don’t want to say too much though because of spoilers etc. I loved how it’s a journey for both him and Freya together and that they are learning along the way.
Our FMC, Freya, is starting over again, back in her home town after a really horrible relationship. She’s trying to untangle the damage and struggling a little bit. Freya is also an extremely fashionable, and talented knitter who is trying to win over the ladies in the inner-knitting circle since she owns a fiber arts store. Again, I love her so much. We also get to see her navigate the world as a person with autism. The sensory overload she experiences felt so real and the highlight various ways modifications create comfort or keep something accessible. She’s really hesitant about Oscar at first but slowly she opens up and they really are perfect for each other. I thought the chemistry between them was fantastic.
Oscar our MMC is a firefighter who has had a crush on Freya since they were kids. Of course nothing came out of it, but he did go after her biggest bully when they were growing up and is the first to jump in to protect her in any way he can. He’s a man down bad. Father to a rabbit named Harvey and a bearded hottie. He’s also got some things that impact him as well during the story. I don’t want to say too much though because of spoilers etc. I loved how it’s a journey for both him and Freya together and that they are learning along the way.
August 21, 2026
ARC REVIEW
★★★★
He fell for her once as a young boy and got the chance to fall in love with her all over again as a man. What follows is a slow burn romance filled with plenty of patience, comfort and learning how to trust yourself and others again.
What I adored most about Freya and Oscar was how safe they felt with each other. Oscar never judges Freya or makes her feel like she or her needs are too much. Despite loving her for years, he takes everything at her pace and is so patient and understanding when it comes to her boundaries and intimacy. I especially loved how he takes the time to learn about knitting and running a business simply because he knows how much it means to her, and I thought it was such a sweet way to show how much he cares about her and her happiness.
I really loved Freya's journey throughout the book. After everything she's been through, she has a hard time trusting her own judgment and is constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop. Watching her slowly learn that she can trust herself, communicate what she needs, accept help and stop doubting herself was really fulfilling. She doesn't need someone else to tell her what she wants. She already knows, but she just needs to trust herself to believe it.
Their relationship also had such a beautiful sense of mutual vulnerability. Freya gives Oscar the chance to open up about his grief without ever pushing him, and Oscar gives Freya the space to be completely herself. I loved the idea of trusting someone enough to show them both the best and worst parts of yourself.
Overall, this was a heartwarming romance about learning how to trust yourself, letting yourself be cared for, and finding someone who makes you feel enough to show your true self ❤
★★★★
He fell for her once as a young boy and got the chance to fall in love with her all over again as a man. What follows is a slow burn romance filled with plenty of patience, comfort and learning how to trust yourself and others again.
What I adored most about Freya and Oscar was how safe they felt with each other. Oscar never judges Freya or makes her feel like she or her needs are too much. Despite loving her for years, he takes everything at her pace and is so patient and understanding when it comes to her boundaries and intimacy. I especially loved how he takes the time to learn about knitting and running a business simply because he knows how much it means to her, and I thought it was such a sweet way to show how much he cares about her and her happiness.
I really loved Freya's journey throughout the book. After everything she's been through, she has a hard time trusting her own judgment and is constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop. Watching her slowly learn that she can trust herself, communicate what she needs, accept help and stop doubting herself was really fulfilling. She doesn't need someone else to tell her what she wants. She already knows, but she just needs to trust herself to believe it.
Their relationship also had such a beautiful sense of mutual vulnerability. Freya gives Oscar the chance to open up about his grief without ever pushing him, and Oscar gives Freya the space to be completely herself. I loved the idea of trusting someone enough to show them both the best and worst parts of yourself.
Overall, this was a heartwarming romance about learning how to trust yourself, letting yourself be cared for, and finding someone who makes you feel enough to show your true self ❤
August 22, 2026
You know when you see a book cover or read a blurb and just get a good feeling? That’s exactly how I felt with this one. The cover caught my eye so quickly, she’s a stunner! From the first page, I was taken on the gentlest ride and I loved it. This was my first book by Anna Harrison, and definitely not my last.
If you’ve watched Atypical, When in Doubt feels like that but as a small-town romance, with a quiet golden retriever firefighter MMC and a quiet sunshine FMC who has autism.
I really savoured this because I kept rereading every scene between Oscar and Freya, especially in the first 50%. Watching their relationship grow was so beautiful. Their first hug. First kiss. First cuddle. Ugh so sweet.
My only preference was that I wish Freya’s character had been fleshed out more. So much of the story’s attention was on Freya, but I felt like the real character development went to Oscar, and I wish Freya had gotten the same depth. It felt like therapy could have been helpful for her, and while the relationships around her were clearly filling her cup, it sometimes felt a little one-sided from her end.
Otherwise, this was such a wholesome read. If you love slow burn, quiet love, and a Gilmore Girls small-town vibe, this is for you. Reading this felt like drinking a fabulous cup of hot chocolate, you never want it to end, but you also want to savour every sip. Oscar is truly a green flag of a human being — 4 stars!
—
“It’s like being in a bubble, I can see everything going on around me, I can get close, but I’m never quite part of it”
“Could we —“… “I thought we could..”
“It’s okay, honey, you can ask anything you want”…
“It’s okay if you don’t want to but.. I was just wondering”
“You’re kind of scaring me” he whispers
“Could we maybe cuddle for a bit”
—
If you’ve watched Atypical, When in Doubt feels like that but as a small-town romance, with a quiet golden retriever firefighter MMC and a quiet sunshine FMC who has autism.
I really savoured this because I kept rereading every scene between Oscar and Freya, especially in the first 50%. Watching their relationship grow was so beautiful. Their first hug. First kiss. First cuddle. Ugh so sweet.
My only preference was that I wish Freya’s character had been fleshed out more. So much of the story’s attention was on Freya, but I felt like the real character development went to Oscar, and I wish Freya had gotten the same depth. It felt like therapy could have been helpful for her, and while the relationships around her were clearly filling her cup, it sometimes felt a little one-sided from her end.
Otherwise, this was such a wholesome read. If you love slow burn, quiet love, and a Gilmore Girls small-town vibe, this is for you. Reading this felt like drinking a fabulous cup of hot chocolate, you never want it to end, but you also want to savour every sip. Oscar is truly a green flag of a human being — 4 stars!
—
“It’s like being in a bubble, I can see everything going on around me, I can get close, but I’m never quite part of it”
“Could we —“… “I thought we could..”
“It’s okay, honey, you can ask anything you want”…
“It’s okay if you don’t want to but.. I was just wondering”
“You’re kind of scaring me” he whispers
“Could we maybe cuddle for a bit”
—
August 22, 2026
When I say I stayed up literally all night reading this in one sitting I am not kidding.
This has become my favourite romance book of the year easy.
One I don’t think I have ever read such an accurate representation of an autistic FMC, I felt so heard and seen.
Especially with her hang ups over being held, touched and respected.
Her finding someone who took their time with her and did it pressure her, healed something in me seriously.
Oscar is possibly the biggest sweetheart ever, so patient and funny and caring. And has a pet rabbit which he called “his son” for goodness sake.
He totally has his own issues he needs to deal with so I do always like it when both leads are not flawless.
They getting together was like the warmest of hugs.
It was written so well and I loved their banter which I am always nervous about.
Did I expect a major character to die in this cosy book, no and I kinda wish it didn’t happen so I didn’t have to cry at 3am and nearly wake my husband up.
Did it help Oscars character realise he needed to let people in and have therapy, yeah, but I hard related to how he was dealing g with his grief. I just hate that he lost another person in his life.
I also wish in the epilogue they were engaged or got married hey … maybe that’s just me but that would have made me so jazzed. I get the author was probably being more realistic because our FMC is a little shy around commitment but still! Oscar is a dreamboat hop on board!
Anyway my rant is done and I will be buying a hardcopy to support this author what a lovely surprise to find a book that got hype and was so so worth the wait to read.
Thank again for giving us autistic gals the rep we really want!
This has become my favourite romance book of the year easy.
One I don’t think I have ever read such an accurate representation of an autistic FMC, I felt so heard and seen.
Especially with her hang ups over being held, touched and respected.
Her finding someone who took their time with her and did it pressure her, healed something in me seriously.
Oscar is possibly the biggest sweetheart ever, so patient and funny and caring. And has a pet rabbit which he called “his son” for goodness sake.
He totally has his own issues he needs to deal with so I do always like it when both leads are not flawless.
They getting together was like the warmest of hugs.
It was written so well and I loved their banter which I am always nervous about.
Did I expect a major character to die in this cosy book, no and I kinda wish it didn’t happen so I didn’t have to cry at 3am and nearly wake my husband up.
Did it help Oscars character realise he needed to let people in and have therapy, yeah, but I hard related to how he was dealing g with his grief. I just hate that he lost another person in his life.
I also wish in the epilogue they were engaged or got married hey … maybe that’s just me but that would have made me so jazzed. I get the author was probably being more realistic because our FMC is a little shy around commitment but still! Oscar is a dreamboat hop on board!
Anyway my rant is done and I will be buying a hardcopy to support this author what a lovely surprise to find a book that got hype and was so so worth the wait to read.
Thank again for giving us autistic gals the rep we really want!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Mudarse de nuevo a Cedar Creek es la oportunidad perfecta para que Freya deje atrás su pasado. También es una forma de tomar distancia de su mamá y demostrarle que puede salir adelante por sí sola. Con una tienda que significa mucho para ella y el deseo de encontrar un lugar donde sentirse segura, está convencida de que esta vez las cosas serán diferentes.
Oscar siempre creyó que tenía su futuro muy claro, hasta que Freya reaparece en su vida. Lo ve como la oportunidad perfecta para, por fin hablarle. Sin embargo, un primer encuentro desastroso hace que Freya se lleve una pésima impresión de él y lo peor de todo es que descubre que ella ni siquiera lo recuerda. Aun así, no está dispuesto a dejar que piense que es un grosero y con paciencia, intentará demostrarle quién es en realidad.
Poco a poco, la cercanía hará que ambos descubran facetas que nunca habían visto del otro. Mientras Freya intenta convencerse de que merece una segunda oportunidad y Oscar lucha por derribar las barreras que ella ha levantado, los dos tendrán que decidir si vale la pena arriesgar el corazón por un futuro que jamás imaginaron.
_____
Solo tengo una queja y es que Freya no fuera a terapia, cuando era muy evidente que la necesitaba. Sí mejoró mucho a lo largo de la historia, pero sentí que cae un poco en la idea de que "el amor lo cura todo", cuando no es así. Puede que esto solo ocurra en el ARC, porque se menciona que Oscar sí va a terapia, así que no tendría sentido que únicamente él recibiera ese apoyo y ella no.
Ese suceso en la recta final no lo vi venir. Me dolió muchísimo.
Gracias Anna por el ARC, lo disfrute mucho.
Oscar siempre creyó que tenía su futuro muy claro, hasta que Freya reaparece en su vida. Lo ve como la oportunidad perfecta para, por fin hablarle. Sin embargo, un primer encuentro desastroso hace que Freya se lleve una pésima impresión de él y lo peor de todo es que descubre que ella ni siquiera lo recuerda. Aun así, no está dispuesto a dejar que piense que es un grosero y con paciencia, intentará demostrarle quién es en realidad.
Poco a poco, la cercanía hará que ambos descubran facetas que nunca habían visto del otro. Mientras Freya intenta convencerse de que merece una segunda oportunidad y Oscar lucha por derribar las barreras que ella ha levantado, los dos tendrán que decidir si vale la pena arriesgar el corazón por un futuro que jamás imaginaron.
_____
Solo tengo una queja y es que Freya no fuera a terapia, cuando era muy evidente que la necesitaba. Sí mejoró mucho a lo largo de la historia, pero sentí que cae un poco en la idea de que "el amor lo cura todo", cuando no es así. Puede que esto solo ocurra en el ARC, porque se menciona que Oscar sí va a terapia, así que no tendría sentido que únicamente él recibiera ese apoyo y ella no.
Ese suceso en la recta final no lo vi venir. Me dolió muchísimo.
Gracias Anna por el ARC, lo disfrute mucho.
August 22, 2026
3.5 rounded up 🌟🌟🌟💫
When In Doubt is a sweet, tender small-town romance about Freya, an autistic yarn shop owner, and Oscar, a firefighter who has been crushing on her since they were teenagers. I really wanted to love this one because the premise sounded so good, but unfortunately, I ended up feeling pretty torn about it.
There were definitely things I loved! Freya’s autism and anxiety representation felt thoughtful and realistic, and her being touch-starved was such a big part of the story. Oscar’s relationship with his mom was one of my favorite parts! Oscar and Freya’s romance had some really sweet moments, and the spicy scenes were somehow both soft and hot. Oscar is very much a caregiver, and while I usually love a protective, obsessed MMC, his intensity felt a little much at times. Overall, I wanted a bit more angst, yearning, character development, and more of Freya’s life beyond learning to trust Oscar. The ending also felt rushed after a pretty heavy late-book event. There were some genuinely beautiful moments in this story, but overall, it just didn’t quite connect for me, the way I was hoping for.
💙 Small-town romance
💙 Firefighter MMC
💙 Yarn shop owner FMC
💙 Autistic FMC
💙 Boy obsessed
💙 Protective MMC
💙 Touch-starved FMC
💙 Slow burn
💙 Forehead kisses
💙 First person dual POV
Thank you Anna Harrison for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review above.
When In Doubt is a sweet, tender small-town romance about Freya, an autistic yarn shop owner, and Oscar, a firefighter who has been crushing on her since they were teenagers. I really wanted to love this one because the premise sounded so good, but unfortunately, I ended up feeling pretty torn about it.
There were definitely things I loved! Freya’s autism and anxiety representation felt thoughtful and realistic, and her being touch-starved was such a big part of the story. Oscar’s relationship with his mom was one of my favorite parts! Oscar and Freya’s romance had some really sweet moments, and the spicy scenes were somehow both soft and hot. Oscar is very much a caregiver, and while I usually love a protective, obsessed MMC, his intensity felt a little much at times. Overall, I wanted a bit more angst, yearning, character development, and more of Freya’s life beyond learning to trust Oscar. The ending also felt rushed after a pretty heavy late-book event. There were some genuinely beautiful moments in this story, but overall, it just didn’t quite connect for me, the way I was hoping for.
💙 Small-town romance
💙 Firefighter MMC
💙 Yarn shop owner FMC
💙 Autistic FMC
💙 Boy obsessed
💙 Protective MMC
💙 Touch-starved FMC
💙 Slow burn
💙 Forehead kisses
💙 First person dual POV
Thank you Anna Harrison for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review above.
Review of advance copy received from Author
It’s fine. Everything’s fine. I needed a good cry. Multiple good cries. This was SO good. Thank you SO much to Anna Harrison for allowing me to read this as an ARC. I feel so incredibly grateful, because this story was so touching, full of emotion, and truly felt like a warm blanket was wrapping me up, if that makes sense.
There were so many things about Freya's character that I really identified with, and it hit me really hard, but in an incredibly magical way. Her character was just so strongly written and well done. Her emotional and mental characteristics were done with such care and love, and you could just feel the frustration and emotion that twisted her up inside to not feel like she fit in sometimes.
But then you have Oscar who is just YEARNING for her. Ever since they were children, the yearning just intensifies once they meet again. They really work SO, SO well together, and he's everything that Freya needs in her life. And my gods, Freya is everything he needs too. Especially with certain moments in the story. No spoilers.
Also, I'm starting to realize I just love a good Firefighter MMC, apparently. But truly, you can tell this story was written with so much heart and warmth, and I can't get into it enough of how much I truly loved this book. I can't wait for everyone to get their hands on this incredible, emotional story.
There were so many things about Freya's character that I really identified with, and it hit me really hard, but in an incredibly magical way. Her character was just so strongly written and well done. Her emotional and mental characteristics were done with such care and love, and you could just feel the frustration and emotion that twisted her up inside to not feel like she fit in sometimes.
But then you have Oscar who is just YEARNING for her. Ever since they were children, the yearning just intensifies once they meet again. They really work SO, SO well together, and he's everything that Freya needs in her life. And my gods, Freya is everything he needs too. Especially with certain moments in the story. No spoilers.
Also, I'm starting to realize I just love a good Firefighter MMC, apparently. But truly, you can tell this story was written with so much heart and warmth, and I can't get into it enough of how much I truly loved this book. I can't wait for everyone to get their hands on this incredible, emotional story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
There is no doubt about this book being amazing!
Anna Harrison knows how to write, and I will always devour her books! As soon as I found out about this book, I ran to get it! I knew it was going to be one of my favorite books before I even read it. Then, a few chapters into reading it, I knew I was right. Such an amazing story, and I highly recommend you read this book!
This book was everything, and I loved every minute of this book. Literally, one of those books that you don't want to finish because you don't want it to end. Freya had some issues and things that I related to so much and was never able to put into words, so thank you, Anna, for putting them into words for me. As someone who struggles to figure out where I stand with people and is scared of letting people in and other things, it was great to have it put into words. It also made me feel not so alone. I always relate to Anna's characters (maybe a little too much in some cases), but that is because she writes the best characters! The best books and the best characters! Always a great read, and this book definitely lived up to the hype!
Freya is autistic and moved back to a small town she used to live in. Fresh off a bad breakup with a douche, Freya is scared to be in a relationship and doesn't trust herself. Both from her bad relationship and from not being able to read people. But here comes Oscar.
Oscar, a down-bad firefighter who will do anything Freya asks. Sounds perfect, because he is! Oscar is also dealing with his own trauma and grief. But together they can hold each other up.
Did I do a great job of explaining this book? Nope! You just need to know that Anna wrote your next favorite book, and you will get a new book boyfriend who is a down-bad firefighter. Also, loved the one line that referenced her previous book, Fighting Spirit (which you need to read if you haven't already)!
Spice Rating: ❤️🔥❤️🔥
🩵Knitter x Firefighter
🩵Angsty and Emotional
🩵One-Sided Childhood Crush
🩵Yearning Man
🩵Small Town Romance
🩵Autism Rep
Thank you so so much for this ARC! I loved every minute of this book and was glad to be able to receive it in exchange for an honest review.
Anna Harrison knows how to write, and I will always devour her books! As soon as I found out about this book, I ran to get it! I knew it was going to be one of my favorite books before I even read it. Then, a few chapters into reading it, I knew I was right. Such an amazing story, and I highly recommend you read this book!
This book was everything, and I loved every minute of this book. Literally, one of those books that you don't want to finish because you don't want it to end. Freya had some issues and things that I related to so much and was never able to put into words, so thank you, Anna, for putting them into words for me. As someone who struggles to figure out where I stand with people and is scared of letting people in and other things, it was great to have it put into words. It also made me feel not so alone. I always relate to Anna's characters (maybe a little too much in some cases), but that is because she writes the best characters! The best books and the best characters! Always a great read, and this book definitely lived up to the hype!
Freya is autistic and moved back to a small town she used to live in. Fresh off a bad breakup with a douche, Freya is scared to be in a relationship and doesn't trust herself. Both from her bad relationship and from not being able to read people. But here comes Oscar.
Oscar, a down-bad firefighter who will do anything Freya asks. Sounds perfect, because he is! Oscar is also dealing with his own trauma and grief. But together they can hold each other up.
Did I do a great job of explaining this book? Nope! You just need to know that Anna wrote your next favorite book, and you will get a new book boyfriend who is a down-bad firefighter. Also, loved the one line that referenced her previous book, Fighting Spirit (which you need to read if you haven't already)!
Spice Rating: ❤️🔥❤️🔥
🩵Knitter x Firefighter
🩵Angsty and Emotional
🩵One-Sided Childhood Crush
🩵Yearning Man
🩵Small Town Romance
🩵Autism Rep
Thank you so so much for this ARC! I loved every minute of this book and was glad to be able to receive it in exchange for an honest review.
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