Book safety, content warnings and tropes down below.

«“Most people play coy,” he spelled c-o-y slowly so Bodhi could follow. “Pretend to be shy. Make the other person guess.” Bodhi wrinkled his nose. “That sounds like a good way to not get what you want.”»

This book was really unique. I haven’t read any books where both MCs are Deaf before, and I could tell the author knows what they’re talking about, and the foreword mentions sensitivity readers, which is fantastic. One of the MC is also autistic, and I really appreciated that he had other traits than just his diagnosis.

«“Would it help if you could hire another person or two? To help with the crowds? My brother would probably be able to fit in some extra hours.” Caleb scoffed. He didn’t mean to, but he was just tired and where he’d been trying to cushion his Deaf bluntness with Bodhi while he learned the culture, he was losing his grip on self-control. “Thanks for the offer, but the last thing in the world I need right now is some ASL newbie who needs me to hold their hand through toddler signs.” Bodhi’s cheeks immediately darkened and hurt flashed over his features. He wasn’t normally very expressive, so seeing it so clearly was almost like a slap to the face. But Caleb couldn’t take it back. Not when it was the truth. One Bodhi was bad enough. “He’s not like me,” Bodhi signed, his hands shaking. “You’d like him. He’s perfect.” Then, without warning, he was on his feet and hurrying out of the shop like his heels were on fire.»

I cried quite a bit while reading this. It was just straight up sad at times, and Caleb didn’t treat Bodhi well at all in the beginning. Thankfully he redeems himself, and Bodhi is very forgiving. I am a big fan of clear and good communication between MCs in books, and I felt like this had plenty of it.

«Instead of seeing the familiar look of irritation on Caleb’s face, he saw patience. The same sort of patience Bodhi had watched Caleb giving everyone else around him. It felt…strange. It felt both good and bad, like getting something he’d wanted for so damn long, but still wondering why he wasn’t allowed to have it until now.»
Even if Caleb eventually got his shit together, it wasn’t automatically fixed for good. They had to work through it and their feelings, both apart and together.

«I wish I could take back the last several months.” Bodhi shook his head, and when Caleb frowned, he actually laughed. “You were with Cameron. And after that, you were hurt and angry. If you tried to say this to me before, I would have thought you were using me to feel better.”»

I read this book silly fast, and I would definitely read it again.

⚠️ Spoiler alert ⚠️

Book safety
Cheating: Caleb is cheated on by his ex (off page)
OM drama: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual POV
Genre: Contemporary romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles

TW/CW
Mentions of child abuse
Filmed without consent (non-sexual)
Mentions of cheating (not between MCs)
Panic attacks
Mentions of bullying
Almost non-consensual kiss (not between MCs)
Vomiting
Ableism
Homophobia
Explicit sexual content
Sensory overload

Tropes & tags
Age gap
Boss/employee
Virgin MC
Hurt/comfort
Deaf MCs
Autistic MC
Neurodivergent

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.