I am a bit late to the game with this gorgeous summer romance! It published earlier this month and is the perfect beach read for teens (and grown-ups)!
Effie is feeling like a third wheel in the best coffee shop in town as her bestie, Chelsea and her boyfriend gaze into each other’s eyes and snog heavily! Effie wants to leave but feels torn by her friendship.
Meeting Aiden, the brilliant barista, she begins to feel a bit better and looks forward to their trips to the shop. One particularly bad afternoon as a third wheel, Effie finally stands up for herself and is challenged to ask someone on a date. Effie chooses Aiden!
Over the summer they form a fake dating relationship but it is truly more than that, only they can’t quite see it yet. Effie is pushed out of her comfort zone and makes new friends, finally seeing the toxicity of her friendship with Chelsea.
As secrets emerge and vengeance shows its angry face, Effie needs to find her feet and declare her truth! Effie is a fantastic character, relatable and the way her autism is presented, really allows the reader a better understanding of the nuances of neurodivergence. Aiden has ADHD and the friendship, then relationship blossoms as they understand each other and trust and listen. It is a truly lovely story!
My Shelves Are Full 