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Not Your Typical Love Story
Not yet published
Expected 20 Apr 27"Incredibly heartwarming, full of teen angst, joy, and everything in between." —Ann Zhao, bestselling author of Dear Wendy
Loveless meets You’ve Got Mail in a charming YA romance centering two aspec (asexual and aromantic) teens at the heart of their own kind of love story.
Analeigh Tate has never cared about dating, partly because she’s got more important things to worry about (like grades, being valedictorian, and getting into her dream college), and partly because she fears no one would be interested in an asexual girl. But when she realizes she needs her older sister’s help convincing their overbearing parents that a musical theater degree is a serious career path, it comes at a proving she can get a boyfriend. Should be easy—right?
Drew Eberstark has finally gotten up the nerve to ask his online best friend to meet in person—only to learn she’s his academic rival, Analeigh Tate. Desperate not to lose his only friend, with whom he’s shared his uncertainty about being asexual and aromantic, he comes up with a offer to be her (fake) boyfriend. Now he can prove he’s worth her friendship in real life, too. The only catch is that he has to make sure he doesn’t reveal his true identity in the process. So that’s not stressful or anything.
As Analeigh and Drew struggle with family expectations, grief, confusion about their identity, and uncertain futures, they’ll have to decide if their friendship is worth fighting for, and if there’s a happily ever after to their (not so typical) love story.
Loveless meets You’ve Got Mail in a charming YA romance centering two aspec (asexual and aromantic) teens at the heart of their own kind of love story.
Analeigh Tate has never cared about dating, partly because she’s got more important things to worry about (like grades, being valedictorian, and getting into her dream college), and partly because she fears no one would be interested in an asexual girl. But when she realizes she needs her older sister’s help convincing their overbearing parents that a musical theater degree is a serious career path, it comes at a proving she can get a boyfriend. Should be easy—right?
Drew Eberstark has finally gotten up the nerve to ask his online best friend to meet in person—only to learn she’s his academic rival, Analeigh Tate. Desperate not to lose his only friend, with whom he’s shared his uncertainty about being asexual and aromantic, he comes up with a offer to be her (fake) boyfriend. Now he can prove he’s worth her friendship in real life, too. The only catch is that he has to make sure he doesn’t reveal his true identity in the process. So that’s not stressful or anything.
As Analeigh and Drew struggle with family expectations, grief, confusion about their identity, and uncertain futures, they’ll have to decide if their friendship is worth fighting for, and if there’s a happily ever after to their (not so typical) love story.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication April 20, 2027
About the author
C.R. Averett
1 book55 followersC. R. Averett is a former editor at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers and JIMMY Patterson Books, has a master’s degree in English and creative writing from Southern New Hampshire University, a BFA in dance performance from the University of the Arts, and currently works in book production at Running Press, an imprint of Hachette Book Group. She grew up in the middle of the forest in a small town you’ve probably never heard of, on top of a hill you’ll probably never find, and writes stories about flawed characters, small towns, and people who are just trying their best. Not Your Typical Love Story is her debut. Follow her on Instagram @c.r_averett.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Want to Read
December 25, 2025Did you say RIVALS-TO-LOVERS with AROACE-SPEC CHARACTERS. Omg, the POTENTIAL, GIMME
Want to Read
January 17, 2026so after researching this, i've determined it's everything i've ever wanted. aro/ace-spec main characters, autistic rep (!!!!), perfectionist overachiever + introverted book nerd, complicated sister relationship, similar to loveless by alice oseman, possibly qpr-aligned romance? i actually can't describe how much i need this book right now
Want to Read
October 19, 2025I heard about a soft acespec autistic male lead and I’m seated👀👀👀
September 14, 2026
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC! All opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed the individual character arcs Analeigh and Drew had—especially Analeigh’s. Her and her sister’s relationship was probably my favourite part of the book; the way they didn’t see eye to eye and were both affected by their parents and each other. They cared for each other in that weird, sibling way, and the author did a great job at depicting that.
I did find the miscommunication personally exasperating, although I fully understand the whys of everything and can see how things ended up the way they did.
Otherwise, this was really sweet and a nice coming-of-age story about growing up, grief, and love.
I really enjoyed the individual character arcs Analeigh and Drew had—especially Analeigh’s. Her and her sister’s relationship was probably my favourite part of the book; the way they didn’t see eye to eye and were both affected by their parents and each other. They cared for each other in that weird, sibling way, and the author did a great job at depicting that.
I did find the miscommunication personally exasperating, although I fully understand the whys of everything and can see how things ended up the way they did.
Otherwise, this was really sweet and a nice coming-of-age story about growing up, grief, and love.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
UGHHHHH THIS WAS PEAK RAGEBAIT. SERIOUSLY CANNOT DEAL WITH THE MISCOMMUNICATION.
Okay, tbh it's alright, love the dynamic and everything but I really hate that you knew it was me and you used it trope. Seriously. So. Freaking. Annoying. It seriously didn't have to be that way. Her finding out. I'd guessed it the minute I hit the part where she was falling for him. And I. Just. Knew. I knewww it was going to be her finding out from her own text message on her phone. Honestly, very unnecessary. He could've just told her, and it would still lead to get being pissed about it. Seriously, this is unfortunately my DNF now but someday I'll come back to it. Maybe another month or two. UGHHHHHHHH. No offense though. Honestly, great writing, but way too predictable and it's just a personal opinion. I absolutely hate miscommunication tropes but for the ones that do enjoy the peaking drama will absolutely LOVE it.
Okay, tbh it's alright, love the dynamic and everything but I really hate that you knew it was me and you used it trope. Seriously. So. Freaking. Annoying. It seriously didn't have to be that way. Her finding out. I'd guessed it the minute I hit the part where she was falling for him. And I. Just. Knew. I knewww it was going to be her finding out from her own text message on her phone. Honestly, very unnecessary. He could've just told her, and it would still lead to get being pissed about it. Seriously, this is unfortunately my DNF now but someday I'll come back to it. Maybe another month or two. UGHHHHHHHH. No offense though. Honestly, great writing, but way too predictable and it's just a personal opinion. I absolutely hate miscommunication tropes but for the ones that do enjoy the peaking drama will absolutely LOVE it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When I first saw the title, part of me laughed. Not Your Typical Love Story? Sure, I thought, expecting the blandest characters in the world dressed up in a clever title. I was so pleasantly surprised. Analeigh's confidence and Drew's anxiety make them feel like real teenagers rather than tropes with names attached. I'm a character development girly through and through, and this book delivered exactly that.
What really made this one stand out to me was how the ace/aro representation was handled, as someone who's been trying to work this kind of nuance into my own writing and never quite landing it. It never once felt like a lecture, just two people figuring out who they are and how they fit together, and that's exactly the balance I've been chasing. I will be keeping an eye on C.R Averett!
What really made this one stand out to me was how the ace/aro representation was handled, as someone who's been trying to work this kind of nuance into my own writing and never quite landing it. It never once felt like a lecture, just two people figuring out who they are and how they fit together, and that's exactly the balance I've been chasing. I will be keeping an eye on C.R Averett!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Not Your Typical Love Story delivers far more than the average young adult novel that's centered around a fake dating trope. For one, this is no rom-com where the teens find themselves in hilarious dating situations, followed by a starry eyed declaration of mutual love, and an easily won HEA. I personally enjoyed it all the more because of that.
With its themes of identity struggles, grief, anxiey, perfectionism, being an outcast, judgemental perceptions about others, and parental interference the author has captured a sense of the real life situations many teens deal with.
There's a bit of a 'You've Got Mail' storyline going on which serves as the foundation for the entire story arc, but this isn't a retelling by any means. This is a unique, thoughtfully written tale of two teens who are struggling in many ways while also trying to define what it means to love "outside the box". I truly appreciated the way the story pushes the boundaries of how society has pre-programmed us all into believing relationships need to look a certain way and include certain criteria in order to be considered a Love Match. Because frankly, those labels and predefined boxes are archaic, false, and harmful.
Novels like this one can help stretch those boundaries while also helping those who experience love differently to feel as if they're not alone.
Read for #SMPearlyreaders via NetGalley. All opinions are my own and freely given.
With its themes of identity struggles, grief, anxiey, perfectionism, being an outcast, judgemental perceptions about others, and parental interference the author has captured a sense of the real life situations many teens deal with.
There's a bit of a 'You've Got Mail' storyline going on which serves as the foundation for the entire story arc, but this isn't a retelling by any means. This is a unique, thoughtfully written tale of two teens who are struggling in many ways while also trying to define what it means to love "outside the box". I truly appreciated the way the story pushes the boundaries of how society has pre-programmed us all into believing relationships need to look a certain way and include certain criteria in order to be considered a Love Match. Because frankly, those labels and predefined boxes are archaic, false, and harmful.
Novels like this one can help stretch those boundaries while also helping those who experience love differently to feel as if they're not alone.
Read for #SMPearlyreaders via NetGalley. All opinions are my own and freely given.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Nice. I think generally speaking this is a great read and many people will really connect with it and love it.
At first, I wasn't sure if I was actually going to get into it. But once we hit the dual POV, I think I felt more connected to Drew's character, which made me want to read the entire thing. Initially, it feels more so like a book for pre-teens and early-aged teens, not going to lie, but then it definitely fits for any age range after a few chapters.
So as I said, it's a dual POV book, divided into five parts, I believe, which are well titled. I think the title of the book itself should have just been Atypical Love Story, because then it would have been a play on words with "A typical love story," but also would have kind of explicitly given away the fact that they're on the asexual/neurodivergent spectrums. Personally, I struggle when the whole LGBTQIA+ aspect feels forced into the book. I think it makes the labels the center of everything when really, we are just exploring a different type of relationship that can be romantic without being sexual. And there's foreshadowing of them not ending in a full-on, typical romantic relationship as well, with how Andrew feels and talks about the book in class during the debate with Anie. I felt like Anie was also kind of part of the bi-erasure when she reacted to her best friend Mae dating the football guy.
Lots of information, like location and character descriptions, came much later than anticipated, which for someone who tries to imagine everything rather quickly, can be a little meh.
I thought the enemies-to-lovers trope and fake dating trope was fun. I think it's moreso hilarious that SHE thought HE was her nemesis, but he never even saw her like that. They also share a more vulnerable relationship as pen pals online, unknowingly, which they find out about four years later.
Some things are a bit cliche, but I wouldn't be surprised to see a book like this turned into a cute little Netflix film — or inspire some sort of TV show.
So mainly, losing a point because personally, I felt the emphasis on the labels was sometimes unnecessary to the development of the characters, because their stories can still be the same and understood as such. Also because I think the story could have been written from Drew's POV first, since it's what kept me interested in the rest. The whole sister rivalry thing, to me, is tired but still works because of the character development.
*** I need to specify this for those who may misinterpret my words: I do believe queer characters belong in books, but I don't find the repeated labeling necessary. For example, in Call Me by Your Name, the characters' sexuality isn't excessively repeated or made the central focus of their relationship. They're queer, they fall in love, and that's it. Because the relationship is treated as normal. And I think queer love shouldn't be treated like it's a big deal. And the people you feel lack representation are STILL represented. ( I do understand that some people would rather have labels and actually won't mind it, and that's also more than okay ****
I do think overall it was a really cute book. Thanks!
At first, I wasn't sure if I was actually going to get into it. But once we hit the dual POV, I think I felt more connected to Drew's character, which made me want to read the entire thing. Initially, it feels more so like a book for pre-teens and early-aged teens, not going to lie, but then it definitely fits for any age range after a few chapters.
So as I said, it's a dual POV book, divided into five parts, I believe, which are well titled. I think the title of the book itself should have just been Atypical Love Story, because then it would have been a play on words with "A typical love story," but also would have kind of explicitly given away the fact that they're on the asexual/neurodivergent spectrums. Personally, I struggle when the whole LGBTQIA+ aspect feels forced into the book. I think it makes the labels the center of everything when really, we are just exploring a different type of relationship that can be romantic without being sexual. And there's foreshadowing of them not ending in a full-on, typical romantic relationship as well, with how Andrew feels and talks about the book in class during the debate with Anie. I felt like Anie was also kind of part of the bi-erasure when she reacted to her best friend Mae dating the football guy.
Lots of information, like location and character descriptions, came much later than anticipated, which for someone who tries to imagine everything rather quickly, can be a little meh.
I thought the enemies-to-lovers trope and fake dating trope was fun. I think it's moreso hilarious that SHE thought HE was her nemesis, but he never even saw her like that. They also share a more vulnerable relationship as pen pals online, unknowingly, which they find out about four years later.
Some things are a bit cliche, but I wouldn't be surprised to see a book like this turned into a cute little Netflix film — or inspire some sort of TV show.
So mainly, losing a point because personally, I felt the emphasis on the labels was sometimes unnecessary to the development of the characters, because their stories can still be the same and understood as such. Also because I think the story could have been written from Drew's POV first, since it's what kept me interested in the rest. The whole sister rivalry thing, to me, is tired but still works because of the character development.
*** I need to specify this for those who may misinterpret my words: I do believe queer characters belong in books, but I don't find the repeated labeling necessary. For example, in Call Me by Your Name, the characters' sexuality isn't excessively repeated or made the central focus of their relationship. They're queer, they fall in love, and that's it. Because the relationship is treated as normal. And I think queer love shouldn't be treated like it's a big deal. And the people you feel lack representation are STILL represented. ( I do understand that some people would rather have labels and actually won't mind it, and that's also more than okay ****
I do think overall it was a really cute book. Thanks!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Analeigh Tate has a plan: convince her parents that a musical theater degree is a serious career path and not a childish fantasy. Unfortunately, this means begging her perfect older sister Natasha for help, which, as expected, comes with strings: Analeigh has to prove she can get and keep a boyfriend for the next four months. She’s never cared about dating, partly because she fears no one will be interested in an asexual girl, but how hard could it be? She’s already guaranteed valedictorian since her academic nemesis Drew Eberstark left school the year before, so a boyfriend should be easy.
Drew is not keen on returning to school after his very public breakdown last year. But his grand comeback becomes ten times worse when he learns that his anonymous online best friend—who he just asked to meet in person—is none other than Analeigh Tate, a girl who hates his guts. Desperate not to lose his only friend, with whom he’s shared his uncertainty about identifying as asexual and aromantic, he comes up with a solution: offer to be her (fake) boyfriend. He already knows about Analeigh’s deal with her sister, so all he’s got to do is prove he’s worth her friendship—while keeping his true identity under wraps. So that’s not stressful or anything.
While Analeigh struggles with the fact that her once-mortal enemy is kind of amazing, the weight of family expectations, and the difficult feelings about her asexuality, Drew struggles with his growing web of lies and the grief he won’t talk about. When the truth finally comes to light, Analeigh and Drew will have to decide if their friendship is worth fighting for, and if there’s a happily ever after to their (not so typical) love story.
I'm absolutely obsessed with this novel. As a fellow 2027 author debut, I find myself increasingly impressed with the quality and execution of the books written by my fellow debut authors. I loved the characters in this story, the protagonists especially. Analeigh and Drew were breaths of fresh air, both by way of their identities and by the way they were so thoroughly authentic throughout the telling of the narrative. Their emotions were thick and palpable, and their dialogue was expertly woven to evoke emotion from readers.
As an Asexual author (and as a diagnosed Autistic) I was particularly drawn to Drew's character. His struggles with accepting and embracing his sexuality especially under the shadow a faith-based household was something I could relate too expressly, and I loved reading his chapters especially. Every page radiated tension and emotion and depth of thought, and I was rooting for Drew and Analeigh with every turn of the page.
Strongly paced, smartly written, and beautifully evocative, Not Your Typical Love Story is the kind of book that will stick with readers long after they've reached the end. It's a blend of platonic and unordinary love, of emotional growth and coming into adulthood, and a mix of passion, dreams, and ambition blended into one. I am rooting for Averett and I cannot wait to see what comes next from the author's masterful pen!
Drew is not keen on returning to school after his very public breakdown last year. But his grand comeback becomes ten times worse when he learns that his anonymous online best friend—who he just asked to meet in person—is none other than Analeigh Tate, a girl who hates his guts. Desperate not to lose his only friend, with whom he’s shared his uncertainty about identifying as asexual and aromantic, he comes up with a solution: offer to be her (fake) boyfriend. He already knows about Analeigh’s deal with her sister, so all he’s got to do is prove he’s worth her friendship—while keeping his true identity under wraps. So that’s not stressful or anything.
While Analeigh struggles with the fact that her once-mortal enemy is kind of amazing, the weight of family expectations, and the difficult feelings about her asexuality, Drew struggles with his growing web of lies and the grief he won’t talk about. When the truth finally comes to light, Analeigh and Drew will have to decide if their friendship is worth fighting for, and if there’s a happily ever after to their (not so typical) love story.
I'm absolutely obsessed with this novel. As a fellow 2027 author debut, I find myself increasingly impressed with the quality and execution of the books written by my fellow debut authors. I loved the characters in this story, the protagonists especially. Analeigh and Drew were breaths of fresh air, both by way of their identities and by the way they were so thoroughly authentic throughout the telling of the narrative. Their emotions were thick and palpable, and their dialogue was expertly woven to evoke emotion from readers.
As an Asexual author (and as a diagnosed Autistic) I was particularly drawn to Drew's character. His struggles with accepting and embracing his sexuality especially under the shadow a faith-based household was something I could relate too expressly, and I loved reading his chapters especially. Every page radiated tension and emotion and depth of thought, and I was rooting for Drew and Analeigh with every turn of the page.
Strongly paced, smartly written, and beautifully evocative, Not Your Typical Love Story is the kind of book that will stick with readers long after they've reached the end. It's a blend of platonic and unordinary love, of emotional growth and coming into adulthood, and a mix of passion, dreams, and ambition blended into one. I am rooting for Averett and I cannot wait to see what comes next from the author's masterful pen!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If you know me in real life, you're obligated to skip this review. Just read this book! <3 And I don't usually post full-length reviews on Goodreads because ~anxiety~, but I'm making an exception for this one.
tl;dr:
This YA romance brims with heart, hope, and vivid character moments as two a-spec MCs define their relationship on their own terms. For fans of earnest, heartfelt, and funny a-spec YA novels like Ann Zhao’s Dear Wendy and L. V. Peñalba’s Shapes of Love, NOT YOUR TYPICAL LOVE STORY can’t be missed!
.
.
.
.
FULL REVIEW:
NOT YOUR TYPICAL LOVE STORY by C. R. Averett is my most anticipated 2027 release — and it completely lived up to the hype. And by hype, I mean MY hype.
Some backstory: I’m a certified Fan™ of this book. When it was announced, I was ready. With each tidbit and trope revealed, I was ready. And when it went Read Now on NetGalley, I ran to the website so fast I warped through all of time and space and rewrote the laws of physics.
In all seriousness, I’ve been thrilled for this story. NOT YOUR TYPICAL LOVE STORY is a YA romance with two a-spec (aromantic and asexual) teens centerstage as they learn to define their relationship on their own terms.
BLURB:
Analeigh Tate needs her sister’s help to convince her parents to let her study musical theater. Her sister’s price? Analeigh must get a boyfriend. When Drew Eberstark learns his online best friend is his academic rival Analeigh, he’ll do anything to keep their friendship — including fake-dating her to prove he’s friend material. Analeigh is ace; Drew is aroace and autistic.
THE CHARACTERS:
I inhaled NYTLS in one day. I absolutely loved Drew and his softness, his indecisiveness, his humor and melancholy alike. And Analeigh is my kind of girl with her neurotic, musical-theater loving, fake-dating contract-making self!! Both characters felt SO real, and I adored their arcs and relationship so much.
Their relationship moments are absolutely brilliant. The descriptions within scenes perfectly captures each emotional beat, and there’s such quiet camaraderie between Analeigh and Drew, complemented by immersive dialogue and great jokes. (Drew’s anxiety-tinted humor is so real). These messy teens really feel like friends and partners.
THE ROMANCE:
Since learning about NYTLS, I’ve longed to see how this a-spec romance would play out. It was better than I imagined — I loved seeing the romance beats shaped by a-spec experiences. Because it’s not your typical love story, and the book is fully okay with that, sidestepping conventional displays of romance and dates while still giving a happily ever after.
As for tropes, the book isn’t afraid to lean into or even out of them. The choice to have Analeigh view Drew as her “nemesis” but Drew not even be clued into their academic rivalry is sweet and rings true to them. On the flipside, the online secret identities trope provides lots of fun tension and adds an interesting layer to Analeigh and Drew’s relationship.
EXPLORATION OF GRIEF:
While this book is fun and filled with tropey goodness, it has a melancholy core. Drew’s grief over his late mom, his loneliness, and his desperation to keep Analeigh in his life permeate the narrative and add rich layers to Drew’s character. Analeigh’s POV also has bittersweet undertones, with her anxieties about her future as her senior year rapidly goes by.
COOL STUFF ABOUT CHARACTERS INFORMING PLOT BEATS:
I adore how character-driven this book is. The narrative is a little back-and-forth at first, which perfectly captures Drew’s overthinking around this whole fake-dating thing (to be fair, Analeigh did serve him a contract lolll). (Gosh I love when neurodivergence shapes plot beats). At its heart, NYTLS is about Analeigh and Drew, who they are as individuals and who they are together. Seeing them choose love their own way is incredibly special.
LOVELY INTERSECTIONAL REP:
Finally, Averett masterfully and poignantly discusses the overlap between being aroace and autistic and their shared common misconceptions. I've never seen this in a book before, and it seamlessly ties into Drew’s experiences and journey. I’m so happy there’s another autistic aroace character in a YA novel (shoutout to Sasha in Shapes of Love!).
FINAL VERDICT:
I knew I would love Not Your Typical Love Story — its trope list has so many favorites — and Averett’s execution deserves a standing ovation!!!! I loved it SO MUCH and can’t wait to continue supporting her books!
For fans of earnest, heartfelt, and funny a-spec YA novels like Ann Zhao’s Dear Wendy and L. V. Peñalba’s Shapes of Love, NOT YOUR TYPICAL LOVE STORY can’t be missed! This hopeful story is about defining relationships your own way, about carving your own path, about being a-spec and neurodivergent and dealing with grief. Analeigh and Drew resonate so much, and I haven’t stopped thinking about them — I can’t wait to revisit.
Thank you to NetGalley/Wednesday Books for an eARC. NOT YOUR TYPICAL LOVE STORY is out April 20, 2027!
--
Initial review (2026-08-03):
As amazing as I thought it'd be and then some. This YA romance brims with heart, hope, and vivid character moments as two a-spec MCs define their relationship on their own terms.
(more in-depth review to come)
tl;dr:
This YA romance brims with heart, hope, and vivid character moments as two a-spec MCs define their relationship on their own terms. For fans of earnest, heartfelt, and funny a-spec YA novels like Ann Zhao’s Dear Wendy and L. V. Peñalba’s Shapes of Love, NOT YOUR TYPICAL LOVE STORY can’t be missed!
.
.
.
.
FULL REVIEW:
NOT YOUR TYPICAL LOVE STORY by C. R. Averett is my most anticipated 2027 release — and it completely lived up to the hype. And by hype, I mean MY hype.
Some backstory: I’m a certified Fan™ of this book. When it was announced, I was ready. With each tidbit and trope revealed, I was ready. And when it went Read Now on NetGalley, I ran to the website so fast I warped through all of time and space and rewrote the laws of physics.
In all seriousness, I’ve been thrilled for this story. NOT YOUR TYPICAL LOVE STORY is a YA romance with two a-spec (aromantic and asexual) teens centerstage as they learn to define their relationship on their own terms.
BLURB:
Analeigh Tate needs her sister’s help to convince her parents to let her study musical theater. Her sister’s price? Analeigh must get a boyfriend. When Drew Eberstark learns his online best friend is his academic rival Analeigh, he’ll do anything to keep their friendship — including fake-dating her to prove he’s friend material. Analeigh is ace; Drew is aroace and autistic.
THE CHARACTERS:
I inhaled NYTLS in one day. I absolutely loved Drew and his softness, his indecisiveness, his humor and melancholy alike. And Analeigh is my kind of girl with her neurotic, musical-theater loving, fake-dating contract-making self!! Both characters felt SO real, and I adored their arcs and relationship so much.
Their relationship moments are absolutely brilliant. The descriptions within scenes perfectly captures each emotional beat, and there’s such quiet camaraderie between Analeigh and Drew, complemented by immersive dialogue and great jokes. (Drew’s anxiety-tinted humor is so real). These messy teens really feel like friends and partners.
THE ROMANCE:
Since learning about NYTLS, I’ve longed to see how this a-spec romance would play out. It was better than I imagined — I loved seeing the romance beats shaped by a-spec experiences. Because it’s not your typical love story, and the book is fully okay with that, sidestepping conventional displays of romance and dates while still giving a happily ever after.
As for tropes, the book isn’t afraid to lean into or even out of them. The choice to have Analeigh view Drew as her “nemesis” but Drew not even be clued into their academic rivalry is sweet and rings true to them. On the flipside, the online secret identities trope provides lots of fun tension and adds an interesting layer to Analeigh and Drew’s relationship.
EXPLORATION OF GRIEF:
While this book is fun and filled with tropey goodness, it has a melancholy core. Drew’s grief over his late mom, his loneliness, and his desperation to keep Analeigh in his life permeate the narrative and add rich layers to Drew’s character. Analeigh’s POV also has bittersweet undertones, with her anxieties about her future as her senior year rapidly goes by.
COOL STUFF ABOUT CHARACTERS INFORMING PLOT BEATS:
I adore how character-driven this book is. The narrative is a little back-and-forth at first, which perfectly captures Drew’s overthinking around this whole fake-dating thing (to be fair, Analeigh did serve him a contract lolll). (Gosh I love when neurodivergence shapes plot beats). At its heart, NYTLS is about Analeigh and Drew, who they are as individuals and who they are together. Seeing them choose love their own way is incredibly special.
LOVELY INTERSECTIONAL REP:
Finally, Averett masterfully and poignantly discusses the overlap between being aroace and autistic and their shared common misconceptions. I've never seen this in a book before, and it seamlessly ties into Drew’s experiences and journey. I’m so happy there’s another autistic aroace character in a YA novel (shoutout to Sasha in Shapes of Love!).
FINAL VERDICT:
I knew I would love Not Your Typical Love Story — its trope list has so many favorites — and Averett’s execution deserves a standing ovation!!!! I loved it SO MUCH and can’t wait to continue supporting her books!
For fans of earnest, heartfelt, and funny a-spec YA novels like Ann Zhao’s Dear Wendy and L. V. Peñalba’s Shapes of Love, NOT YOUR TYPICAL LOVE STORY can’t be missed! This hopeful story is about defining relationships your own way, about carving your own path, about being a-spec and neurodivergent and dealing with grief. Analeigh and Drew resonate so much, and I haven’t stopped thinking about them — I can’t wait to revisit.
Thank you to NetGalley/Wednesday Books for an eARC. NOT YOUR TYPICAL LOVE STORY is out April 20, 2027!
--
Initial review (2026-08-03):
As amazing as I thought it'd be and then some. This YA romance brims with heart, hope, and vivid character moments as two a-spec MCs define their relationship on their own terms.
(more in-depth review to come)
September 7, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I LOVE friendship stories. I LOVE YA books with unconventional relationships. Don't get me wrong, I'm here for a fluffy romance now and then, but like our main characters, I often feel like exploring romantic relationships in media is often chosen over exploring other relationships that are just as or even more fulfilling. I love seeing friendships, sibling relationships, mentor/mentee relationships, etc. as the main plot in fiction over a romantic storyline.
I myself am aspec and found myself relating with these characters, as I've already mentioned above. Their frustrations were realistic and the writing felt natural. The only reason I took a star off is because Even so, I liked the self-discovery plotlines where the characters navigated changing labels and the possibility of a neurodiverse diagnosis. I do agree with another reviewer where I felt like there was a bit too much emphasis on deciding on a specific label, but I liked how so that isn't too big of a quibble for me.
I also had some issues with pacing--I wish we had seen a bit more of Jay and Wren's relationship established before Drew found out about Analeigh--but other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. My favorite ARC read to date. I loved Ana's relationship with her sister, I liked the plotline with the parents (even though I thought it ended a little too neatly). I'm really grateful how this book fills a hole in the market that the market doesn't even know it needs. I think a lot of teens will feel seen by this book.
Read if you're a teenager, especially an LGBTQ+ or neurodivergent teen, trying to navigate a world that doesn't quite seem like it was built for you.
I LOVE friendship stories. I LOVE YA books with unconventional relationships. Don't get me wrong, I'm here for a fluffy romance now and then, but like our main characters, I often feel like exploring romantic relationships in media is often chosen over exploring other relationships that are just as or even more fulfilling. I love seeing friendships, sibling relationships, mentor/mentee relationships, etc. as the main plot in fiction over a romantic storyline.
I myself am aspec and found myself relating with these characters, as I've already mentioned above. Their frustrations were realistic and the writing felt natural. The only reason I took a star off is because Even so, I liked the self-discovery plotlines where the characters navigated changing labels and the possibility of a neurodiverse diagnosis. I do agree with another reviewer where I felt like there was a bit too much emphasis on deciding on a specific label, but I liked how so that isn't too big of a quibble for me.
I also had some issues with pacing--I wish we had seen a bit more of Jay and Wren's relationship established before Drew found out about Analeigh--but other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. My favorite ARC read to date. I loved Ana's relationship with her sister, I liked the plotline with the parents (even though I thought it ended a little too neatly). I'm really grateful how this book fills a hole in the market that the market doesn't even know it needs. I think a lot of teens will feel seen by this book.
Read if you're a teenager, especially an LGBTQ+ or neurodivergent teen, trying to navigate a world that doesn't quite seem like it was built for you.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved this book. The premise for this book sounds simple (You've Got Mail like anonymous online friendship with your real life rival, fake dating), but it's done SO well. Admittedly, I knew very little about the ace-aro spectrum going in to this book, so this was a great introduction. I could see some maybe criticizing that the last bit of the book tries hard to emphasize that the ending is happy for Analeigh and Drew, but given the narrators are teenagers, I think the explaining is valid.
Written in my favorite narration style, Not Your Typical Love Story is from a dual point of view, with a near even split between Analeigh and Drew. It's organized in many short chapters, so it feels like you're always making progress in the book.
And what I especially loved - oh, the YA-iness of Analeigh! Embodying all the confidence and ingrained insecurity of adolescence, determined to have her “perfect” senior year, she reminds me a bit of Paris Geller from Gilmore Girls. Like most teenagers, she has a myopic worldview. But goodness, if I don't feel badly for her, fully believing her sister can only be the benchmark and competition or that her parents only see her worth in scholastic achievements. And Drew! Such a sweet kid, full of social anxiety and carrying so much pain and grief. While he's struggling, his narration comes across as honest, not bleak for the sake of spinning negativity. Across all the books I've read so far this year, he's definitely one of my favorite characters.
It's beautiful, the way this book broadens the idea of a love story and highlights that aching feeling of wanting to be known and seen and loved, just as you are right now. Even if there are no perfect words. Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and C. R. Averett for this ARC!
Written in my favorite narration style, Not Your Typical Love Story is from a dual point of view, with a near even split between Analeigh and Drew. It's organized in many short chapters, so it feels like you're always making progress in the book.
And what I especially loved - oh, the YA-iness of Analeigh! Embodying all the confidence and ingrained insecurity of adolescence, determined to have her “perfect” senior year, she reminds me a bit of Paris Geller from Gilmore Girls. Like most teenagers, she has a myopic worldview. But goodness, if I don't feel badly for her, fully believing her sister can only be the benchmark and competition or that her parents only see her worth in scholastic achievements. And Drew! Such a sweet kid, full of social anxiety and carrying so much pain and grief. While he's struggling, his narration comes across as honest, not bleak for the sake of spinning negativity. Across all the books I've read so far this year, he's definitely one of my favorite characters.
It's beautiful, the way this book broadens the idea of a love story and highlights that aching feeling of wanting to be known and seen and loved, just as you are right now. Even if there are no perfect words. Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and C. R. Averett for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“Not Your Typical Love Story” is a book that needed to be written. It’s important for people to see representations of themselves in literature. Not only are the main characters on the aro-ace spectrum (something the vast majority of people don’t understand (and I certainly don’t claim to fully understand)) but the story deals with what a “romantic” relationship means when stereotypical romance is not an option.
Neither Analeigh nor Drew knew the other identified as aro-ace. Not exactly the sort of thing you mention in casual conversation. And Analeigh has viewed Drew as her nemesis for years (not that he realized he was cast in that role) and has made no effort to get to know him. Drew is socially awkward (possibly on the autism spectrum he realizes) with high social anxiety, which has made him a target of bullying. So, developing friendships is not his forte. However, Analeigh and Drew know each other much better than they realize, through their online personas (Wren and Jay), where they are essentially best friends. In fact, Wren has ranted to Jay about her unnamed nemesis on multiple occasions.
An overheard conversation makes Drew realize that Analeigh is Wren. Which creates humor and confusion when circumstances lead to Analeigh and Drew faking a dating relationship. Not only do they have no idea how to “date” or have that type of relationship, but Drew has to figure out how to tell Analeigh that he is “Jay”, while Analeigh comes to realize how much she has misunderstood and misjudged Drew.
Add to that the tension of finishing senior year and making plans for college (or something else), living up to parental expectations (Analeigh), dealing with grief (Drew), and the other chaos of adolescence.
Neither Analeigh nor Drew knew the other identified as aro-ace. Not exactly the sort of thing you mention in casual conversation. And Analeigh has viewed Drew as her nemesis for years (not that he realized he was cast in that role) and has made no effort to get to know him. Drew is socially awkward (possibly on the autism spectrum he realizes) with high social anxiety, which has made him a target of bullying. So, developing friendships is not his forte. However, Analeigh and Drew know each other much better than they realize, through their online personas (Wren and Jay), where they are essentially best friends. In fact, Wren has ranted to Jay about her unnamed nemesis on multiple occasions.
An overheard conversation makes Drew realize that Analeigh is Wren. Which creates humor and confusion when circumstances lead to Analeigh and Drew faking a dating relationship. Not only do they have no idea how to “date” or have that type of relationship, but Drew has to figure out how to tell Analeigh that he is “Jay”, while Analeigh comes to realize how much she has misunderstood and misjudged Drew.
Add to that the tension of finishing senior year and making plans for college (or something else), living up to parental expectations (Analeigh), dealing with grief (Drew), and the other chaos of adolescence.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book!
Characters:
I thought both main characters were engaging and three-dimensional, and I appreciated how compassionately they were written. Even when they made mistakes, they generally had good intentions and were trying their best. I could relate to Analeigh's need for academic validation and fear of upsetting her parents by choosing a path she thinks they won't support. I could also relate to Drew's feelings of social isolation and desire for his parents to notice. As an aroace person, I could relate to the uncertainty that both of them felt about the type of relationship they want and can have. In particular, it was so cool to read about a male aroace character, because I feel like they are especially underrepresented.
Plot:
I am a fan of the fake dating trope, so I found the plot to be enjoyable. It was also well-paced. I will admit, I am not a huge fan of miscommunication or deception, but I think many readers will appreciate the tension it created. The ending was sweet and satisfying.
Overall, this was such a lovely story about finding your soulmate, even if that person isn't who you would expect and your relationship isn't what others would expect. It is definitely one that my teenage self would have benefitted from, and I hope it finds its way to today's teenagers, particularly those who are aroace, neurodivergent, or feel different in some way.
Characters:
I thought both main characters were engaging and three-dimensional, and I appreciated how compassionately they were written. Even when they made mistakes, they generally had good intentions and were trying their best. I could relate to Analeigh's need for academic validation and fear of upsetting her parents by choosing a path she thinks they won't support. I could also relate to Drew's feelings of social isolation and desire for his parents to notice. As an aroace person, I could relate to the uncertainty that both of them felt about the type of relationship they want and can have. In particular, it was so cool to read about a male aroace character, because I feel like they are especially underrepresented.
Plot:
I am a fan of the fake dating trope, so I found the plot to be enjoyable. It was also well-paced. I will admit, I am not a huge fan of miscommunication or deception, but I think many readers will appreciate the tension it created. The ending was sweet and satisfying.
Overall, this was such a lovely story about finding your soulmate, even if that person isn't who you would expect and your relationship isn't what others would expect. It is definitely one that my teenage self would have benefitted from, and I hope it finds its way to today's teenagers, particularly those who are aroace, neurodivergent, or feel different in some way.
September 15, 2026
I got this ARC from NetGalley and thought it was a really adorable story. Analeigh has a whole plan for her senior year of high school and it did not include finding a boyfriend since Analeigh has always assumed that no one would really be interested in dating someone who defines themselves as asexual. She is however very interested in getting her sister's help convincing their parents to let her pursue musical theater in college and that is one of her sister's stipulations. Drew has never fit it in at school in any way shape or form and is just trying to make it through this one last semester of school before graduating. He finally works up the nerve to ask his on-line best friend to meet in real life for the first time only to find out that it's Analeigh! He's pretty sure she'd hate him if she found out who she'd been friends with online this whole time since Analeigh has always thought of Drew as her nemesis. Drew decides to hatch a plan to offer to be her fake boyfriend so that Analeigh might just realize he can be as good a friend in person as he can online. You know this only going to go so well until it blows up on them and yet as a reader you know it will have some sort of happy ending too. It was sweet, and cute, and I learned so much more about asexual and aromantic labels as well as the spectrum they tend to fall on.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book for an honest review!
I coulnd't put this book down. I love love love that this was a dual pove that way we could see both sides of the story.
Anonymous online friendship with your real life rival that leads to fake dating?? SIGN ME UP!!! I love that they communicate so well.
I know very little about the ace-aro spectrum going in to this book, so to me this was a great introduction!
I love how confident Analeigh is and how quiet and reserved Drew is. Opposites totally attract but they both are so intelligent they complete each other like a missing piece to a puzzle.
Drew is so sweet and caring but Analeigh thought it was the complete opposite was CRAZY!
I love the slow burn, the tension, the amount of times i screamed JUST TELL HER!! Was so many times XD
It's beautiful, the way this book broadens the idea of a love story, highlighting that aching feeling of wanting to be seen and loved, just as they are right now. Even if they couldn't find the right words, they still found a way to understand eachother.
I couldn't put this book down, I loved it! The duo pov was perfect, I followed the story and understood what was happening the entire time. This is such a sweet read.
I coulnd't put this book down. I love love love that this was a dual pove that way we could see both sides of the story.
Anonymous online friendship with your real life rival that leads to fake dating?? SIGN ME UP!!! I love that they communicate so well.
I know very little about the ace-aro spectrum going in to this book, so to me this was a great introduction!
I love how confident Analeigh is and how quiet and reserved Drew is. Opposites totally attract but they both are so intelligent they complete each other like a missing piece to a puzzle.
Drew is so sweet and caring but Analeigh thought it was the complete opposite was CRAZY!
I love the slow burn, the tension, the amount of times i screamed JUST TELL HER!! Was so many times XD
It's beautiful, the way this book broadens the idea of a love story, highlighting that aching feeling of wanting to be seen and loved, just as they are right now. Even if they couldn't find the right words, they still found a way to understand eachother.
I couldn't put this book down, I loved it! The duo pov was perfect, I followed the story and understood what was happening the entire time. This is such a sweet read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Where to begin? I absolutely LOVED this book. Everything about it.
Not Your Typical Love Story follows Analeigh, an asexual theater kid in her senior year of high school, and her scholastic rival Drew, an aromantic, autistic boy who has been through some shit beyond what a high schooler should be dealing with. They both have also been messaging a stranger they met on a queer forum who they confide in about their sexualities.
I think what sets this book apart for me is how gracefully and respectfully all of the topics in this book are handled. It’s done in a mature way and even though the tone of the book is fun and lighthearted, it isn’t afraid to hit the emotional beats lingering in the background.
AND THE CHARACTER GROWTH????? It’s so good. Both our main characters, as well as some side characters, go through so so so so much, both individually and as a couple. Drew especially, I just want to go through the pages and tell him everything will be okay.
If you need something to fill the hole that Heartstopper left, then this is the book to do that (they even mention it a few times so you know they have good taste).
Thank you St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC of this book!
Not Your Typical Love Story follows Analeigh, an asexual theater kid in her senior year of high school, and her scholastic rival Drew, an aromantic, autistic boy who has been through some shit beyond what a high schooler should be dealing with. They both have also been messaging a stranger they met on a queer forum who they confide in about their sexualities.
I think what sets this book apart for me is how gracefully and respectfully all of the topics in this book are handled. It’s done in a mature way and even though the tone of the book is fun and lighthearted, it isn’t afraid to hit the emotional beats lingering in the background.
AND THE CHARACTER GROWTH????? It’s so good. Both our main characters, as well as some side characters, go through so so so so much, both individually and as a couple. Drew especially, I just want to go through the pages and tell him everything will be okay.
If you need something to fill the hole that Heartstopper left, then this is the book to do that (they even mention it a few times so you know they have good taste).
Thank you St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC of this book!
Read
October 10, 2026it still overexplained/overdefined asexuality and aromanticism, which is a pet peeve of mine in especially YA contemporary books focusing on aspec characters, but i did like the characters' relationship (despite having to suspend disbelief for how they could be online best friends for four years and never put ANY dots together even just like, "we always read all the same novels for english class, how odd") and it did do some different things from other similar aspec-focused books - both characters knew they were aroace coming into this and were comfortable with it; for both of them, the labels were a "close enough" option that didn't 100% fit their experiences but it was good enough for them; the main question was "do I like This Person, Specifically" rather than debating whether their identity "allowed" them to like someone or having to figure out their identity to begin with; there was discussion of qprs (which I do not see at all in mainstream YA!) and the characters ended up in one, even if they didn't call it that by name; and drew's "why do I feel so strange and weird around other people" identity crisis was not, in fact, asexuality/aromanticism but autism lol
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advance copy of this book.
This was such a sweet book, and it was lovely to see representation of an identity that isn't really shown in this genre (or at all). A lot of times, I like to see queer representation in books without a lot of emphasis on labels or identity because I'd rather it be normalized and integrated into the novel, rather than being its own separate thing that emphasizes its "otherness'. However, for this book in particular, I actually really appreciated the labels/identity aspect of this because for aspec people specifically, I think labels can help a lot. For a young adult who maybe doesn't know why they feel different from everyone else, this book can really be helpful for them.
In terms of the novel itself, it was your typical YA book, but I thought there were some cute moments in there for sure. I hate miscommunication, and there were some moments with the sister, friends, and parents that were cliched and not the most engaging. However, I definitely really treasured reading this book as someone who rarely sees herself explicitly represented.
And I'm out.
This was such a sweet book, and it was lovely to see representation of an identity that isn't really shown in this genre (or at all). A lot of times, I like to see queer representation in books without a lot of emphasis on labels or identity because I'd rather it be normalized and integrated into the novel, rather than being its own separate thing that emphasizes its "otherness'. However, for this book in particular, I actually really appreciated the labels/identity aspect of this because for aspec people specifically, I think labels can help a lot. For a young adult who maybe doesn't know why they feel different from everyone else, this book can really be helpful for them.
In terms of the novel itself, it was your typical YA book, but I thought there were some cute moments in there for sure. I hate miscommunication, and there were some moments with the sister, friends, and parents that were cliched and not the most engaging. However, I definitely really treasured reading this book as someone who rarely sees herself explicitly represented.
And I'm out.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
This story was genuinely so so cute, and I couldn’t put it down! I loved the dual pov and both characters were super compelling. In particular, I loved Drew’s character. The way his inner monologue was presented and how he works through his feelings about his identity and the relationship with Analeigh really made me root for him. I truly wanted the best for these characters and for them to get the happy ending they deserved. On top of their internal struggles, there were soo many subplots and different relationship dynamics. It was definitely a lot to keep up with, but I kind of loved how so many things felt like they were in flux for the characters. I feel like it accurately represented how the end of high school or the end of a chapter of life can feel. This was such a wholesome, hopeful story, and I highly recommend it!
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Wednesday Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
This story was genuinely so so cute, and I couldn’t put it down! I loved the dual pov and both characters were super compelling. In particular, I loved Drew’s character. The way his inner monologue was presented and how he works through his feelings about his identity and the relationship with Analeigh really made me root for him. I truly wanted the best for these characters and for them to get the happy ending they deserved. On top of their internal struggles, there were soo many subplots and different relationship dynamics. It was definitely a lot to keep up with, but I kind of loved how so many things felt like they were in flux for the characters. I feel like it accurately represented how the end of high school or the end of a chapter of life can feel. This was such a wholesome, hopeful story, and I highly recommend it!
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Wednesday Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book deals with a lot—it’s heart-warming, but also heart-breaking. I really think the author did a good job writing characters that don’t usually get the lead roles—even if Analeigh does get the lead roles in the theatre department.
Both Drew and Analeigh are trying to find themselves, but they have to deal with more than just fitting in. I really could feel the struggle that both characters face, but especially Drew. He not only had to figure out about himself, but he also had to deal with grief.
I think this is definitely a book that should be out there. I read a lot of YA, and I think it really speaks to an audience that doesn’t get written about often. I really found it fascinating how Analeigh comments that people are so focused on romance, that they disregard other relationships (it was said more eloquently in the beginning of the story) and that really was just a great point.
Both Drew and Analeigh are trying to find themselves, but they have to deal with more than just fitting in. I really could feel the struggle that both characters face, but especially Drew. He not only had to figure out about himself, but he also had to deal with grief.
I think this is definitely a book that should be out there. I read a lot of YA, and I think it really speaks to an audience that doesn’t get written about often. I really found it fascinating how Analeigh comments that people are so focused on romance, that they disregard other relationships (it was said more eloquently in the beginning of the story) and that really was just a great point.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Not Your Typical Love Story is just that; an unexpectedly warm and engaging exploration of unconventional love.
Two teens who have never felt sexual attraction befriend one another online. As they each indivicually try to figure out where they fall on the aroace spectrum AND where they fit in the world, they become entangled in the expectations of others. Their peers expect kisses and romance and their families expect traditional ways of pursuing adulthood. As their online friendship starts bleeding into their real lives, Analeigh and Drew need to figure things out for themselves. With each other.
Not Your Typical Love Story is an accepting and hopeful journey through senior year for high school ace/aro/neurodivergents. Highly recommend for people who have never felt like they fitted in.
Two teens who have never felt sexual attraction befriend one another online. As they each indivicually try to figure out where they fall on the aroace spectrum AND where they fit in the world, they become entangled in the expectations of others. Their peers expect kisses and romance and their families expect traditional ways of pursuing adulthood. As their online friendship starts bleeding into their real lives, Analeigh and Drew need to figure things out for themselves. With each other.
Not Your Typical Love Story is an accepting and hopeful journey through senior year for high school ace/aro/neurodivergents. Highly recommend for people who have never felt like they fitted in.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I received an ARC from a Goodreads giveaway.
The twist on fake dating is kinda fun, but the rest of the book is very trope-y without much originality in its execution. Also, one of the main characters, Drew, continually lies to the other protagonist, seemingly mostly for conflict and drama. Sure, he’s just a kid, acknowledges his actions aren’t good, and you could argue it is in his character, but it was still infuriating and made an otherwise fine character very unlikeable.
Finally, asexuality is not a spectrum. Saying it is a spectrum is like saying bisexuality is the spectrum of being both homosexual and heterosexual, and everyone knows that’s not it. It would be much more accurate to say allosexuality is the spectrum.
The twist on fake dating is kinda fun, but the rest of the book is very trope-y without much originality in its execution. Also, one of the main characters, Drew, continually lies to the other protagonist, seemingly mostly for conflict and drama. Sure, he’s just a kid, acknowledges his actions aren’t good, and you could argue it is in his character, but it was still infuriating and made an otherwise fine character very unlikeable.
Finally, asexuality is not a spectrum. Saying it is a spectrum is like saying bisexuality is the spectrum of being both homosexual and heterosexual, and everyone knows that’s not it. It would be much more accurate to say allosexuality is the spectrum.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2026
Okay first of all, LOVED the aro/ace-spec and autistic rep. I love that there are books now (multiple, even!!) that celebrate and validate the relationships that are often seen as less important than sexual and/or romantic ones. This book handles the discovery and learning of an aspec identity so gracefully, as well as being a lovely depiction of grief.
Plot wise, it was a little on the nose though - very YA trope-y, no surprises or particularly unique plot points. Enemies to lovers? Check. Fake dating? Check. Third act breakup? Check. Buuuuut. A good read. And I’m really glad it exists, especially for all the aro/ace-spec kids out there.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Plot wise, it was a little on the nose though - very YA trope-y, no surprises or particularly unique plot points. Enemies to lovers? Check. Fake dating? Check. Third act breakup? Check. Buuuuut. A good read. And I’m really glad it exists, especially for all the aro/ace-spec kids out there.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
August 9, 2026
This book was very good, it’s about two main characters who choose what love looks and feels like to them in an a sexual way, along side of going through many other topics. Topics ranging from things such as sibling rivalry, parent death, parent academic pressure, low self esteem, and anxiety. This book takes so many hard topics and puts them on display in an eye opening book for anyone raising kids should read! Also, in my opinion; I feel that just about everyone should read this. It serves a purpose stronger than I believed a book could do for me.
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this, in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this, in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book would have helped teenage me a lot. When I was younger I knew I was different, I didn’t know why or how but I knew I wasn’t experiencing the same as my friends and I was sure something was wrong with me. I am so, so happy kids these days have books like this to make sense of those feelings.
Not Your Typical Love Story is about an ace girl looking for a fake boyfriend because she made a deal with her sister, cue in Drew, an aroace boy who unbeknownst to her is her virtual best friend as well as her academic rival in the real world.
Some elements of the story are a little too ya for me, but this is a ya book so I feel like the intended audience will absolutely love it. I got the ARC because I wanted the representation, and it was done beautifully here. It’s very much a story about finding yourself and your people, and it was so sweet to see.
Thank you so much C. R. Averett for a book that ace(and/or aro) kids will be able to see themselves in, it is so important and it goes right in the list of “books I wish teenage me could have had”.
Thank you Netgalley and Wednesday Books for this ARC.
Not Your Typical Love Story is about an ace girl looking for a fake boyfriend because she made a deal with her sister, cue in Drew, an aroace boy who unbeknownst to her is her virtual best friend as well as her academic rival in the real world.
Some elements of the story are a little too ya for me, but this is a ya book so I feel like the intended audience will absolutely love it. I got the ARC because I wanted the representation, and it was done beautifully here. It’s very much a story about finding yourself and your people, and it was so sweet to see.
Thank you so much C. R. Averett for a book that ace(and/or aro) kids will be able to see themselves in, it is so important and it goes right in the list of “books I wish teenage me could have had”.
Thank you Netgalley and Wednesday Books for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Net Gallery for the ARC!!
At first, I thought this book was going to be completely different than it is, and I was pleasantly surprised. I love the aro/ace rep as an asexual myself. I found myself relating to Analeigh a lot, and that was super comforting. C.R. Averett does a really good job at allowing for the "romance" to be represented in a unique way that was just as satisfying as your typical romance book. The one thing I personally struggled with is a section where the font was slightly too close together for me to be able to read but that's not to say others can't read it.
At first, I thought this book was going to be completely different than it is, and I was pleasantly surprised. I love the aro/ace rep as an asexual myself. I found myself relating to Analeigh a lot, and that was super comforting. C.R. Averett does a really good job at allowing for the "romance" to be represented in a unique way that was just as satisfying as your typical romance book. The one thing I personally struggled with is a section where the font was slightly too close together for me to be able to read but that's not to say others can't read it.
October 23, 2026
I am not the target audience for this book. I’m 42, and it’s YA. There’s SO much angst and it’s annoying. The main character is incredibly annoying and lacks insight into her family relationships or anything else. Maybe that’s normal for the age, but the plot would have been ruined if the main characters were honest with each other. That’s boring.
That said, this is the first book I’ve seen about asexual relationships, and the importance of that is why I’m rating this book as highly as I am.
I received a free e-copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
That said, this is the first book I’ve seen about asexual relationships, and the importance of that is why I’m rating this book as highly as I am.
I received a free e-copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An absolutely wonderful love story featuring ND, Ace, and Aro rep! This is one step forward in filling a much-needed gap in the romance space, and it was an absolute delight to read. The characters are heartfelt, and the dual POV felt really well balanced. Each POV felt like it flowed smoothly while retaining a distinct voice.
I rarely read YA or contemporary novels, so I was surprised to find myself completely engrossed. I read my NetGalley ARC in 3 days, and kept coming back to it every time I attempted to put it down.
Excited to see what this author does next!
I rarely read YA or contemporary novels, so I was surprised to find myself completely engrossed. I read my NetGalley ARC in 3 days, and kept coming back to it every time I attempted to put it down.
Excited to see what this author does next!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a quick, enjoyable read that dealt with a lot of important topics. The character conflicts, relationships and societal commentary were well balanced and all added to the story. I really appreciated how Averett hit the clichés of a YA romance with a relationship and characters that wouldn’t typically be the center of a love story. I loved Analeigh and Drew so so much. They were so easy to root for, even when they were being stupid teenagers who couldn’t communicate.
I really recommend this book and thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
I really recommend this book and thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
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