may all contemporary romances featuring partners who fiercely defend each other, especially against toxic family. who aren't perfect, but are perfect for each other. gosh i loved these two a whole lot, their online gaming 'meet cute friendship' of mistaken identity (she thinks he's a 20something and he think she's his mother's age), and their gentle love story. Nerds falling in love, my fav!

Also, Maggie is a great mom to her kid, and I loved seeing the balance of her "do as I say, not as I do" and his pushback on that. Aiden's demi // bisexual identity is also lovingly explored and Maggie's casual acceptance, ability to help Aiden find the word's to describe himself, and fierce defense against his biphobic sister-in-law//ex-fiancee were just the best. I also appreciated that Aiden was not forced to forgive his family's toxic behaviors, instead finding balance and boundaries.

Honestly, imagine this as a slower-paced and middle aged Hackers lol (with a takedown of toxic family instead of a capitalist overlord). I loved Otter & Bogwitch and I hope you do too!

This is definitely a slowburn, but with heat payoff that made sense for the story! Also, loved the caretaking scenes when Aiden hurt himself SO much - especially since Aiden (as a end-of life nurse) is usually the caretaker.

CW: grief, parental death (in the past), toxic family - countered, biphobia, countered.