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Downtown
To the outside world, Akilah has it all.
A popular club she built from the ground up, a safe space for the queer community and an incredible pair of boots.
Akilah has never let anyone close enough to tell them her fears. That there’s a letter from the council, threatening to shut her down, sitting ignored on her desk. That she can’t make decisions when offered too many choices, or heaven forbid, the lights are too bright.
So, when she meets Tanner, Akilah immediately shuts her pretty face down before she realises she could be the answer to all her problems.
-
Tanner struts into Downtown, with her favourite pink briefcase and high hopes. The water splashing onto her heels the moment she enters should dampen her spirits, but she refuses to let it.
She keeps a smile on her face even when Akilah appears to immediately dislike her. Tanner gives her the benefit of the doubt just this once. The bar is a mess, but Akilah is dangerously hot and Tanner sees something behind her refusal at eye contact.
With a deadline looming, will Akilah lose her club, or her heart?
A popular club she built from the ground up, a safe space for the queer community and an incredible pair of boots.
Akilah has never let anyone close enough to tell them her fears. That there’s a letter from the council, threatening to shut her down, sitting ignored on her desk. That she can’t make decisions when offered too many choices, or heaven forbid, the lights are too bright.
So, when she meets Tanner, Akilah immediately shuts her pretty face down before she realises she could be the answer to all her problems.
-
Tanner struts into Downtown, with her favourite pink briefcase and high hopes. The water splashing onto her heels the moment she enters should dampen her spirits, but she refuses to let it.
She keeps a smile on her face even when Akilah appears to immediately dislike her. Tanner gives her the benefit of the doubt just this once. The bar is a mess, but Akilah is dangerously hot and Tanner sees something behind her refusal at eye contact.
With a deadline looming, will Akilah lose her club, or her heart?
237 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2026
About the author
J.S. Jasper
13 books172 followersCan we talk about love? I'm dying to talk about love.
Hi!
Thank you for reading my books! No need to wait to post a review, I'm not fussy about reviews before publish date as I will run from GoodReads so fast xxxxx
Hi!
Thank you for reading my books! No need to wait to post a review, I'm not fussy about reviews before publish date as I will run from GoodReads so fast xxxxx
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 5, 2026
I really don’t know how to explain it, but JS Jasper writes characters that I instantly fall in love with. They’re able to give them such depth in such a little time. I immediately loved Akilah and Tanner. Together, separate.. it didn’t matter.
The way Tanner treats Akilah with such care is heart warming. She found out she had autism and immediately researched so she can be helpful. I think it was amazing too that Tanner didn’t assume things. Autism is a spectrum and everyone is different. She didn’t assume things would help Akilah just because it helped other people with autism. She asked how she could help, what she could do.
I felt so seen with the conversations that the MCs had about sex. I’m not sure if I identify as asexual or on the ace spectrum, but sex has never been important to me and never been something I “crave”. It was so refreshing to read these conversations and the respect that Tanner gave Akilah. Sex is often very important in relationships and it can leave those who don’t like it or don’t have strong feelings about it, left out or broken. We definitely need more ace representation in books.
The trans representation in Downtown was done well. It’s another representation that we need more of. I liked that the author didn’t shy away from things, like bottom surgery discussions, insecurities, struggles and triumphs. JS Jasper is becoming one of my favorite authors!
The way Tanner treats Akilah with such care is heart warming. She found out she had autism and immediately researched so she can be helpful. I think it was amazing too that Tanner didn’t assume things. Autism is a spectrum and everyone is different. She didn’t assume things would help Akilah just because it helped other people with autism. She asked how she could help, what she could do.
I felt so seen with the conversations that the MCs had about sex. I’m not sure if I identify as asexual or on the ace spectrum, but sex has never been important to me and never been something I “crave”. It was so refreshing to read these conversations and the respect that Tanner gave Akilah. Sex is often very important in relationships and it can leave those who don’t like it or don’t have strong feelings about it, left out or broken. We definitely need more ace representation in books.
The trans representation in Downtown was done well. It’s another representation that we need more of. I liked that the author didn’t shy away from things, like bottom surgery discussions, insecurities, struggles and triumphs. JS Jasper is becoming one of my favorite authors!
June 21, 2026
This sweet, romantic and hot sapphic novella follows Akilah, owner of the club Downtown, and Tanner, the interior designer brought in to transform it. Told in dual perspectives, the story centres on a workplace dynamic charged with tension and undeniable chemistry ⚡️
The author takes a slow, deliberate approach, peeling back the layers of both women as their connection deepens. Tanner is playful, thoughtful and effortlessly charming (with hot glasses too), but it was Akilah who truly captured my heart - gorgeous, with developed and layered characterisation - she runs a strip club, loves to read Emily Dickinson and I absolutely loved the inclusion of ASD, ace and trans representation too ❤️
The push and pull between them is engaging, with flirtation that gradually builds into intimacy rooted in trust. By chapter six, I was simply smiling at the page. Their evolving dynamic - the dates, quiet moments, shared reading, and sleepovers - makes this a tender, character-driven romance that lingers well beyond its length.
The author takes a slow, deliberate approach, peeling back the layers of both women as their connection deepens. Tanner is playful, thoughtful and effortlessly charming (with hot glasses too), but it was Akilah who truly captured my heart - gorgeous, with developed and layered characterisation - she runs a strip club, loves to read Emily Dickinson and I absolutely loved the inclusion of ASD, ace and trans representation too ❤️
The push and pull between them is engaging, with flirtation that gradually builds into intimacy rooted in trust. By chapter six, I was simply smiling at the page. Their evolving dynamic - the dates, quiet moments, shared reading, and sleepovers - makes this a tender, character-driven romance that lingers well beyond its length.
June 15, 2026
J.S. Jasper, I’m forever indebted to you for giving us Akilah and Tanner 🙏
Absolutely fell in love with everything about this book, the development of their relationship was everything to me. Like the banter and the tender moments?!
Idk how I’m supposed to just go to bed. I want to reread this a million times.
Akilah’s character was so well written, I loved reading about her experience as a Trans Autistic Ace Women. Truly she’s become one of my favorite characters EVER. Just like Tanner, I would die on the hill of protecting her.
Tanner IS MY GIRL!!! I’m gonna start crying just thinking about how incredible she is. Literally the definition of love is patience, commitment, and adoration.
The way she constantly reminded Akliah that loving her was so easy had me an emotional wreck because truly it is. Everyone should aspire to be as loving and caring as Tanner.
Sapphic romances are truly top peak romance.
Forever grateful to J.S. For writing this novella that changed my life!!! 🥹🩷
Absolutely fell in love with everything about this book, the development of their relationship was everything to me. Like the banter and the tender moments?!
Idk how I’m supposed to just go to bed. I want to reread this a million times.
Akilah’s character was so well written, I loved reading about her experience as a Trans Autistic Ace Women. Truly she’s become one of my favorite characters EVER. Just like Tanner, I would die on the hill of protecting her.
Tanner IS MY GIRL!!! I’m gonna start crying just thinking about how incredible she is. Literally the definition of love is patience, commitment, and adoration.
The way she constantly reminded Akliah that loving her was so easy had me an emotional wreck because truly it is. Everyone should aspire to be as loving and caring as Tanner.
Sapphic romances are truly top peak romance.
Forever grateful to J.S. For writing this novella that changed my life!!! 🥹🩷
August 1, 2026
⬛️ Love, love, LOVE me a masc/butch woman
⬛️ While they start of with a bantery, quipping animosity, it quickly passes. I am not terribly fond of that style of relationship these days (banter fatigue is real). This is much better described as a sweet, friendly romance
⬛️ I liked that the story navigates what sexuality and romance can be, and how differently it can look. Due to this the book is pretty low on smut, but FULL of tension.
⬛️ The communication between them was so wholesome
All in all, I really enjoyed this. The characters were great. I had an assertive femme x awkward butch. Downsides for me were the low smut and fact that it's contemporary. But honestly, that did not detract much.
⬛️ While they start of with a bantery, quipping animosity, it quickly passes. I am not terribly fond of that style of relationship these days (banter fatigue is real). This is much better described as a sweet, friendly romance
⬛️ I liked that the story navigates what sexuality and romance can be, and how differently it can look. Due to this the book is pretty low on smut, but FULL of tension.
⬛️ The communication between them was so wholesome
All in all, I really enjoyed this. The characters were great. I had an assertive femme x awkward butch. Downsides for me were the low smut and fact that it's contemporary. But honestly, that did not detract much.
July 4, 2026
When my buddy read picked this book for us, I saw the cover and immediately said, "Say less." But the actual contents inside this book? Damnnnn!
The first meeting. The slow-burn friendship. The date. The intimacy. Their first kiss (fireworks 🎇). The love confessions. The constant reassurance. Every single moment had me giggling, kicking my feet, and smiling like an idiot... ( You would know from my small updates when reading)
The scene where Akilah told Tanner she was trans? My heart was in my throat because you could feel how terrified she was of how Tanner would react. But Tanner handled it with so much love, care, and gentleness that I completely understood why Akilah fell in love with her all over again...
And Tanner!! She's such a people pleaser, yet somehow, when it came to Akilah, she never felt like she had to perform or be anyone other than herself. That alone was enough to melt my cold hearted heart..
The softness between these two... whew. They are so precious. I genuinely want to wrap them both in the biggest hug and tell them how much they made my day. I already love love, but this book reminded me that love doesn't always have to be loud or complicated. Sometimes it's quiet, gentle, reassuring, and makes you feel so safe that you stop questioning it.
They're definitely going to stay with me for a long time...
I can't even lie tho; the beginning had me confused. I kept trying to figure out whose POV I was reading, and my brain was buffering for a minute 😭. But once I got the hang of it, everything clicked.
The way these two are so "You Taught Me How to Breathe" by Roniit coded..
PS: this is the first book by this author I'm reading and yeah, I will be reading more of the author's work in the future..
The first meeting. The slow-burn friendship. The date. The intimacy. Their first kiss (fireworks 🎇). The love confessions. The constant reassurance. Every single moment had me giggling, kicking my feet, and smiling like an idiot... ( You would know from my small updates when reading)
The scene where Akilah told Tanner she was trans? My heart was in my throat because you could feel how terrified she was of how Tanner would react. But Tanner handled it with so much love, care, and gentleness that I completely understood why Akilah fell in love with her all over again...
And Tanner!! She's such a people pleaser, yet somehow, when it came to Akilah, she never felt like she had to perform or be anyone other than herself. That alone was enough to melt my cold hearted heart..
The softness between these two... whew. They are so precious. I genuinely want to wrap them both in the biggest hug and tell them how much they made my day. I already love love, but this book reminded me that love doesn't always have to be loud or complicated. Sometimes it's quiet, gentle, reassuring, and makes you feel so safe that you stop questioning it.
They're definitely going to stay with me for a long time...
I can't even lie tho; the beginning had me confused. I kept trying to figure out whose POV I was reading, and my brain was buffering for a minute 😭. But once I got the hang of it, everything clicked.
The way these two are so "You Taught Me How to Breathe" by Roniit coded..
PS: this is the first book by this author I'm reading and yeah, I will be reading more of the author's work in the future..
June 5, 2026
This was fantastic. I’d say the main issue will be whether or not you’re willing to read 3rd person pov. Black lesbians. Autistic trans fmc who is somewhat sex averse. Two women just desperate for love and acceptance and understanding and find it in each other. I really, really loved seeing them find their person. It was sweet and hopelessly romantic. And the love leapt off the page.
June 4, 2026
I want to rate this 5 stars so badly. If it were just on my feelings and representation in the book (sapphic, black, trans, autism, ace, anxiety, fear of abandonment) all the stars possible.
I so enjoyed getting to know Akilah. She is just a treasure. Accomplished, doing her best, very funny, so smart and super romantic! So swoony!
Tanner is a walking green flag. Funny, compassionate, dedicated. Always willing to do the work to make herself a better person and to learn to be a better partner for someone else. Always meeting Akilah where she needs. Super supportive! Even when she wants to tuck her in her pocket (that whole scene was hilarious and wonderful!)
However, the writing flow was sometimes challenging to read. The dialogue seemed jumbled between the characters. A couple times the names were switched. Some other grammar errors and inconsistencies.
I have always liked J.S. Jasper stories and I will continue reading her books.
I so enjoyed getting to know Akilah. She is just a treasure. Accomplished, doing her best, very funny, so smart and super romantic! So swoony!
Tanner is a walking green flag. Funny, compassionate, dedicated. Always willing to do the work to make herself a better person and to learn to be a better partner for someone else. Always meeting Akilah where she needs. Super supportive! Even when she wants to tuck her in her pocket (that whole scene was hilarious and wonderful!)
However, the writing flow was sometimes challenging to read. The dialogue seemed jumbled between the characters. A couple times the names were switched. Some other grammar errors and inconsistencies.
I have always liked J.S. Jasper stories and I will continue reading her books.
June 4, 2026
I think JS Jasper may be my favorite author I’ve found this year. I loveeee their writing so much. This story was amazingly wholesome and I couldn’t get enough of it. The characters are so lovable, funny, and genuine. Experiencing them form their relationship and fall in love had me kicking my feet and giggling. 10/10, no notes.
July 14, 2026
I wanted this book to be so good but it completely missed the mark for me. I enjoyed both Akilah and Tanner as characters from what I read but I felt that the book was really lacking and it made it hard to read.
The main storyline of the book is that Akilah's club Downtown is going to get shut down in a few months and she needs someone to design the place which ushers in Tanner. But that's it. That's the whole plot. They never finish designing the club, in fact, they seemed to have forgotten about it less than halfway through the book. We never see if the club was finished which was so dumb to me. Why even make that a plot point if it's just going to fall off?
Moving onto another problem I had. There's only four characters that have dialogue in this book with Akilah and Tanner's friends having about 6 total pages. So if we spend 230 pages with these characters. Why did absolutely nothing happen in their relationship. Tanner calls Akilah her girlfriend at around page 180 BUT THEY NEVER ASK EACH OTHER TO BE GIRLFRIENDS. And a lot of the book is dedicated to Akilah learning that Tanner is giving her the love that she deserves and fits her own needs which is beautiful. But at some point I found it got repetitive and they didn't have enough character substance for me to care. Tanner tells Akilah that she loves her, but why? I don't quite get it. Is this love being developed off the pages orrrrrr. I'm genuinely so freaking confused.
And my last complaint. Akilah and Tanner are both half baked characters. I feel like this can be found in a lot of books that can be spiced based, but this is not. It's mentioned that Akilah has religious trauma and possibly mommy issues. But it is never explored upon and just left me confused. It was mentioned as it is an important part of her character, but it just seemed forgotten about. Tanner was the biggest mystery to me. She wasn't a real character. She was only there to support Akilah and any personality trait or previous life she may have led didn't matter. Her life started and stopped at Akilah and it was really freaking annoying. In the beginning its mentioned that she always felt like the friend that was called when everyone else had said no and towards the middle it's mentioned that she was. adopted but I believe was estranged from her birth mother? And then, it's never mentioned again. I would have loved to see Akilah support Tanner in a time of need or just something more. It felt like Tanner was putting in all the heavy lifting and Akilah just got to be loved. Both characters felt like when you lay out a vision board and you know your character; so you expect your readers to just know your character even when nothing is written about them as people.
Before I leave, I had a bone to pick with the formatting of the book as well. I wasn't sure if it was on purpose and at first I thought it was but I'm not too sure. There were very large gaps between certain words and it made it odd to read. Also, this could be stylistic, but every chapter started on the right hand side even when the last chapter finished on the right hand side which was very odd to me and seemed like a waste of paper.
I really wanted this book to be great, from what I read in reviews and the authors instagram, but it was really bad to me. I don't think I've ever been this happy to finish a book in my life and not in the good way. It dragged on at odd places and left much to be desired at other places. I will continue to support this author as I don't hate the writing itself just the story. I will definitely be reading Ink & Ivy when it comes out and I wish them nothing but the best. :))))
The main storyline of the book is that Akilah's club Downtown is going to get shut down in a few months and she needs someone to design the place which ushers in Tanner. But that's it. That's the whole plot. They never finish designing the club, in fact, they seemed to have forgotten about it less than halfway through the book. We never see if the club was finished which was so dumb to me. Why even make that a plot point if it's just going to fall off?
Moving onto another problem I had. There's only four characters that have dialogue in this book with Akilah and Tanner's friends having about 6 total pages. So if we spend 230 pages with these characters. Why did absolutely nothing happen in their relationship. Tanner calls Akilah her girlfriend at around page 180 BUT THEY NEVER ASK EACH OTHER TO BE GIRLFRIENDS. And a lot of the book is dedicated to Akilah learning that Tanner is giving her the love that she deserves and fits her own needs which is beautiful. But at some point I found it got repetitive and they didn't have enough character substance for me to care. Tanner tells Akilah that she loves her, but why? I don't quite get it. Is this love being developed off the pages orrrrrr. I'm genuinely so freaking confused.
And my last complaint. Akilah and Tanner are both half baked characters. I feel like this can be found in a lot of books that can be spiced based, but this is not. It's mentioned that Akilah has religious trauma and possibly mommy issues. But it is never explored upon and just left me confused. It was mentioned as it is an important part of her character, but it just seemed forgotten about. Tanner was the biggest mystery to me. She wasn't a real character. She was only there to support Akilah and any personality trait or previous life she may have led didn't matter. Her life started and stopped at Akilah and it was really freaking annoying. In the beginning its mentioned that she always felt like the friend that was called when everyone else had said no and towards the middle it's mentioned that she was. adopted but I believe was estranged from her birth mother? And then, it's never mentioned again. I would have loved to see Akilah support Tanner in a time of need or just something more. It felt like Tanner was putting in all the heavy lifting and Akilah just got to be loved. Both characters felt like when you lay out a vision board and you know your character; so you expect your readers to just know your character even when nothing is written about them as people.
Before I leave, I had a bone to pick with the formatting of the book as well. I wasn't sure if it was on purpose and at first I thought it was but I'm not too sure. There were very large gaps between certain words and it made it odd to read. Also, this could be stylistic, but every chapter started on the right hand side even when the last chapter finished on the right hand side which was very odd to me and seemed like a waste of paper.
I really wanted this book to be great, from what I read in reviews and the authors instagram, but it was really bad to me. I don't think I've ever been this happy to finish a book in my life and not in the good way. It dragged on at odd places and left much to be desired at other places. I will continue to support this author as I don't hate the writing itself just the story. I will definitely be reading Ink & Ivy when it comes out and I wish them nothing but the best. :))))
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2026
✎This love story is about patience,understanding,reassurance,care,kindness and pure unfiltered love.It’s everyone not trying to understand or hear you and then that one person comes into your life and immediately everything falls in place,they see you,hear you and understand you without any doubt or judgement.It’s like they bring this light with them that shines so bright on all your fears and doubts that it fades all those dark thoughts into nothingness.
✎There are no two people made for each other like Akilah and Tanner,they were seriously made for each other and they were created to find each other,they are soulmates and no one can tell me otherwise.Their love transcends every impossibility,their love and respect for each other outweighs every negative feeling,they have a love so pure that it shines through a wall of sadness,pain and self doubt.
✎Gosh,I’m in love with this story,enchanted by the characters,and invested in the themes.The dialogues had me giggling like I’m experiencing the feeling of having a crush for the first time and now I’m in love with a beautiful woman with tattoos and beautiful locks that I can’t have😩🥹.
✎My oh my,the important conversation that went on in this book about being trans and deciding on what you want to do with your body and making sure you only do what feels right for you and what you think people want,elevated this book for me,the respectful and thoughtful way Tanner went about asking the question she needed answers to.The way the conversation about Akilah being Ace was handled so well and the way Tanner never made her feel uncomfortable or awkward was so breathtakingly sweet.
✎ Sometimes love is simple,quite,sweet,smooth,beautiful and warm like being under a blanket woven with love,like when the sun hits your skin with the right amount of warmth,like when your loved ones hugs you with the right amount of strength and it feels like warmth when the person you hold dear to you heart captures your lips in a soft but intense kiss.This is exactly how this story felt,JUST WARMTH WRAPPED IN HAPPINESS.
✎There are no two people made for each other like Akilah and Tanner,they were seriously made for each other and they were created to find each other,they are soulmates and no one can tell me otherwise.Their love transcends every impossibility,their love and respect for each other outweighs every negative feeling,they have a love so pure that it shines through a wall of sadness,pain and self doubt.
✎Gosh,I’m in love with this story,enchanted by the characters,and invested in the themes.The dialogues had me giggling like I’m experiencing the feeling of having a crush for the first time and now I’m in love with a beautiful woman with tattoos and beautiful locks that I can’t have😩🥹.
✎My oh my,the important conversation that went on in this book about being trans and deciding on what you want to do with your body and making sure you only do what feels right for you and what you think people want,elevated this book for me,the respectful and thoughtful way Tanner went about asking the question she needed answers to.The way the conversation about Akilah being Ace was handled so well and the way Tanner never made her feel uncomfortable or awkward was so breathtakingly sweet.
✎ Sometimes love is simple,quite,sweet,smooth,beautiful and warm like being under a blanket woven with love,like when the sun hits your skin with the right amount of warmth,like when your loved ones hugs you with the right amount of strength and it feels like warmth when the person you hold dear to you heart captures your lips in a soft but intense kiss.This is exactly how this story felt,JUST WARMTH WRAPPED IN HAPPINESS.
June 19, 2026
I’m new to this author so let’s start there. I also do happen to judge a book by its cover and the artwork here is so sexy.
The actual book though… I loved the Akilah and Tanner and the representation presented in both characters (black intimacy and love, autism, trans, sapphic, ace, fear and abandonment, etc). Though the dialogue was wonky and at times hard to read. Maybe this was due to some proofreading errors. There were also times it felt like the names were placed in the wrong spots so that had me rereading the dialogue. I also don’t typically enjoy books written in third person omniscient because it feels confusing to know everyone’s thoughts. Though if you enjoy that this might do well with you.
This just didn’t feel long enough for all the themes explored and not nearly enough was mentioned about the club. I’m not sure I’d continue with more books by this author. Though I would be interested if they created graphic novels.
The actual book though… I loved the Akilah and Tanner and the representation presented in both characters (black intimacy and love, autism, trans, sapphic, ace, fear and abandonment, etc). Though the dialogue was wonky and at times hard to read. Maybe this was due to some proofreading errors. There were also times it felt like the names were placed in the wrong spots so that had me rereading the dialogue. I also don’t typically enjoy books written in third person omniscient because it feels confusing to know everyone’s thoughts. Though if you enjoy that this might do well with you.
This just didn’t feel long enough for all the themes explored and not nearly enough was mentioned about the club. I’m not sure I’d continue with more books by this author. Though I would be interested if they created graphic novels.
July 9, 2026
Enjoyed this
I love how immersive the POV is of both characters. The author is great at expressing the depth of emotion and passion through wonderful turns of phrases. I enjoyed the thoughtfulness of the representation here, especially in sexuality. So much was relatable, including anxiety around being accepted by someone you like and respect. It's difficult to pin down my exact feelings for this one, I feel so wrapped up in how Akilah and Tanner exist, my own thoughts are just so happy witnessing their story. 😂
One thing I'll critique that seems to be present in the two other books I've read from this author, the football ones, sometimes it's hard to follow who's talking in the dialogue. Especially if one character stops speaking and the other speaks again. This is otherwise a sweet and spicy WLW with autistic, queer, and ace spectrum-unlabeled sexuality. Lots of fantastic communication and cheesy flirting! 🤌🏾🖤
I love how immersive the POV is of both characters. The author is great at expressing the depth of emotion and passion through wonderful turns of phrases. I enjoyed the thoughtfulness of the representation here, especially in sexuality. So much was relatable, including anxiety around being accepted by someone you like and respect. It's difficult to pin down my exact feelings for this one, I feel so wrapped up in how Akilah and Tanner exist, my own thoughts are just so happy witnessing their story. 😂
One thing I'll critique that seems to be present in the two other books I've read from this author, the football ones, sometimes it's hard to follow who's talking in the dialogue. Especially if one character stops speaking and the other speaks again. This is otherwise a sweet and spicy WLW with autistic, queer, and ace spectrum-unlabeled sexuality. Lots of fantastic communication and cheesy flirting! 🤌🏾🖤
June 6, 2026
Romance Is Not Dead
I read this too fast and now I'm gutted it's over. This was, quite possibly, the most romantic book I've read this year so far. I was swooning all over the place. The plot is more character driven, so Akilah and Tanner are well developed and an absolute joy to get to know. They were so endearing, and the way their feelings for each grew was so heartwarmingly fuzzy and cute. The representation was pure gold throughout, too; done well and with complete care and respect, not a bloody tick-boxing exercise that you see too often elsewhere these days. Ah God, the whole story just made me smile so much. I just wish it was longer; I could have read so much more of these two.
I read this too fast and now I'm gutted it's over. This was, quite possibly, the most romantic book I've read this year so far. I was swooning all over the place. The plot is more character driven, so Akilah and Tanner are well developed and an absolute joy to get to know. They were so endearing, and the way their feelings for each grew was so heartwarmingly fuzzy and cute. The representation was pure gold throughout, too; done well and with complete care and respect, not a bloody tick-boxing exercise that you see too often elsewhere these days. Ah God, the whole story just made me smile so much. I just wish it was longer; I could have read so much more of these two.
July 14, 2026
Sapphic yearning is everything to me!! Give me 20 billion of them right now. I loved the diversity of this story and its characters and enjoyed how we get to see Tanner and Akilah grow together and as individuals.
I will say, if you're coming into this book with the expectation of plot, you're in the wrong place. There is very loose plot that really only serves as a mechanism for the main characters meeting, and other than that, it's pretty much ignored in favour of our characters being cute together.
I myself like plot along with my romance, hence why I didn't give this book a 4 star or higher, but Akilah and Tanner's relationship is sweet enough to make up for it. Overall, a pretty enjoyable read and a good start to Pride Month!
I will say, if you're coming into this book with the expectation of plot, you're in the wrong place. There is very loose plot that really only serves as a mechanism for the main characters meeting, and other than that, it's pretty much ignored in favour of our characters being cute together.
I myself like plot along with my romance, hence why I didn't give this book a 4 star or higher, but Akilah and Tanner's relationship is sweet enough to make up for it. Overall, a pretty enjoyable read and a good start to Pride Month!
August 10, 2026
I love this book! I really enjoyed getting to watch these characters learn more about each other and shape their relationship. It’s a pretty short book, so J.S. Jasper rightfully devoted most of the length to character building and relationship building between the two main characters. It’s very focused, and I liked that, though I also wish there was a sequel or more just so I could stay with the characters for longer! Tanner is so sweet and earnest, and Akilah does so much difficult work to open herself up to love. As an autistic person I really enjoyed the rep, and it’s so rare to see Ace people represented well in books, so that was awesome too! I highly recommend this book if you are a romance reader.
June 22, 2026
“She’s thought about Tanner. About the way her eyes are kind, even when she’s annoyed.”
Oh the sweetest sapphics.
I completely understood Akilah throughout this, how she’s blunt and direct and struggles to understand how others react. How she can come across rude even she doesn’t mean to. Underneath that, I thought she was adorable. I love how when she got comfortable with Tanner she would let herself be herself.
Tanner is fun, I really liked how she was the more bubbly outgoing one, but she was also so patient with Akilah, understood she was autistic and met every one of her needs. She was just so totally accepting and accommodating without seeming like she was being walked all over.
So cute! Perfect pride read 🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
“She wants to pull her so close their ribs interlock and no-one would be able to separate them.”
Oh the sweetest sapphics.
I completely understood Akilah throughout this, how she’s blunt and direct and struggles to understand how others react. How she can come across rude even she doesn’t mean to. Underneath that, I thought she was adorable. I love how when she got comfortable with Tanner she would let herself be herself.
Tanner is fun, I really liked how she was the more bubbly outgoing one, but she was also so patient with Akilah, understood she was autistic and met every one of her needs. She was just so totally accepting and accommodating without seeming like she was being walked all over.
So cute! Perfect pride read 🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
“She wants to pull her so close their ribs interlock and no-one would be able to separate them.”
June 29, 2026
When i started reading this and it being set in a strip club, i thought it was going to be more spicy however i was pleasantly surprised that it wasn’t.
The way Tanner gave Akilah the benefit of the doubt even before she knew about her autism made me so happy, it’s so easy to judge someone and then how supportive she was and doing everything she could to help was just so lovely to read
Tanner thinking the transition was the other way round nearly killed me off, I thought it was hilarious
Overall a nice read
The way Tanner gave Akilah the benefit of the doubt even before she knew about her autism made me so happy, it’s so easy to judge someone and then how supportive she was and doing everything she could to help was just so lovely to read
Tanner thinking the transition was the other way round nearly killed me off, I thought it was hilarious
Overall a nice read
July 12, 2026
Very cutesy and romantic
The story is very upbeat and positive and I feel like it shines light on autism. I love how the things Akilah felt like were a hindrance, weren't to Tanner. I also really liked how gentle and caring Tanner is to Akilah and vice versa. Akilah definitely got it together after the first couple of chapters. It was really cute how they both really liked eachother, but would settle for being friends if the other didn't feel the same. Also the respect of eachother's boundaries, I really loved that.
The story is very upbeat and positive and I feel like it shines light on autism. I love how the things Akilah felt like were a hindrance, weren't to Tanner. I also really liked how gentle and caring Tanner is to Akilah and vice versa. Akilah definitely got it together after the first couple of chapters. It was really cute how they both really liked eachother, but would settle for being friends if the other didn't feel the same. Also the respect of eachother's boundaries, I really loved that.
June 2, 2026
*4.5
These two were so funny and I love them. I'm always gonna be immediately attached to a couple who doesn't really talk except to their partner. Tanner is so hooked on Akilah and will do anything to keep talking to her and it was adorable. Constantly looking things up to understand Akilah more made my heart swoon. The scene where she is so on board for her to transition was so funny, I love you J.S. Jasper.
These two were so funny and I love them. I'm always gonna be immediately attached to a couple who doesn't really talk except to their partner. Tanner is so hooked on Akilah and will do anything to keep talking to her and it was adorable. Constantly looking things up to understand Akilah more made my heart swoon. The scene where she is so on board for her to transition was so funny, I love you J.S. Jasper.
June 23, 2026
So Sweet
Akilah is not here for change, feelings, or distractions—just running her club in peace. Then Tanner, who shows up to bring the place up to code and ends up bringing a whole lot of PINK tension instead!
It’s a slow burn in the truest sense. Akilah fights it every step, but Tanner is steady, patient, and impossible to ignore. What starts as professional turns into something soft, intentional, and real!
Akilah is not here for change, feelings, or distractions—just running her club in peace. Then Tanner, who shows up to bring the place up to code and ends up bringing a whole lot of PINK tension instead!
It’s a slow burn in the truest sense. Akilah fights it every step, but Tanner is steady, patient, and impossible to ignore. What starts as professional turns into something soft, intentional, and real!
June 9, 2026
I adore this book so much!!
The build-up, the yearning, the love. To be able to create such a beautiful story in a novella is amazing! I love J.S. Jasper's books so I'm not surprised, but I genuinely have such a soft spot in my heart for this book. 🥹
The ASD and Ace rep was written so lovingly. You can just tell as you're reading it.
I don't even know what else to say other than read it ❤️
The build-up, the yearning, the love. To be able to create such a beautiful story in a novella is amazing! I love J.S. Jasper's books so I'm not surprised, but I genuinely have such a soft spot in my heart for this book. 🥹
The ASD and Ace rep was written so lovingly. You can just tell as you're reading it.
I don't even know what else to say other than read it ❤️
June 10, 2026
❤️
I like the representation in this book. I also enjoy the autism awareness. I’m a firmly that there’s somebody for everybody and I’m glad that they got each other and we’re able to have a stable and loving relationship.
I enjoyed this love story. Everyone’s love is different. But love is a beautiful thing. I loved the understanding they had for one another
I like the representation in this book. I also enjoy the autism awareness. I’m a firmly that there’s somebody for everybody and I’m glad that they got each other and we’re able to have a stable and loving relationship.
I enjoyed this love story. Everyone’s love is different. But love is a beautiful thing. I loved the understanding they had for one another
July 2, 2026
Amazing read! Few notes.
I really loved the care and nonsexual intimacy of this book! To love/care for someone enough to truly know them without needing sex is the greatest form of intimacy, to me. There were a lot of times where clarity wasn’t given, due to them both being women. Ex:“ she put her hand on her shoulder.”
I really loved the care and nonsexual intimacy of this book! To love/care for someone enough to truly know them without needing sex is the greatest form of intimacy, to me. There were a lot of times where clarity wasn’t given, due to them both being women. Ex:“ she put her hand on her shoulder.”
August 15, 2026
This was a cute and inclusive story! I listened to it on kindle with text to speech, so it wasn't the greatest listen but I still got into it and really felt for the characters. I loved how the characters approached things like autism, being transgender and each other's boundaries - I felt it was all handled so perfectly and always with love which was just the best.
June 6, 2026
This was perfect. I loved every second of this. I loved how Tanner and Akilah navigated everything and how comforting and real Tanner was about everything that Akilah felt was "too much." Obsessed with these two and need everyone to read it IMMEDIATELY.
June 13, 2026
Everyone Deserves Love
I apperciated the levels of representation in this book. It showdd that everyone can find love and in doing so you will find the perfect person who accepts you quirks and all.
I apperciated the levels of representation in this book. It showdd that everyone can find love and in doing so you will find the perfect person who accepts you quirks and all.
June 17, 2026
no words
This book was too short to be this phenomenal. It was the perfect romance and the representation was spot on. Such a beautiful love story. I will be reading more of this author without question.
This book was too short to be this phenomenal. It was the perfect romance and the representation was spot on. Such a beautiful love story. I will be reading more of this author without question.
June 21, 2026
This was one of my favorite books of the year, wow. The love story is so tender, soft, the perfect banter and slow burn. I found myself wanting to know what happens next with these characters long after the last page. Plus the black queer and autistic representation was beautifully written.
July 27, 2026
WOW
I have never felt so connected and seen by a character in my life. Akilah and Tanner took my breath away and made me cry ugly tears on my lunch break at work. I cannot state enough how incredibly written this was. I only wish it was longer.
I have never felt so connected and seen by a character in my life. Akilah and Tanner took my breath away and made me cry ugly tears on my lunch break at work. I cannot state enough how incredibly written this was. I only wish it was longer.
June 8, 2026
3.5⭐️
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