Leo is a tattooed strong guy who might look like someone you should avoid in a dark alley but he’s actually a quiet and gentle florist who loves his dog and has learned that not many people can look past the tattoos to see who he is.
Jacob is a shy awkward bookshop owner who has just come off a nasty breakup and doesn’t know if he can ever let himself be that open and vulnerable again. He’s also struggling to start his business and he’s worried he might be getting in over his head.
Leo and Jacob bond over flowers and book recommendations and their characters grow closer in the Dungeons and Dragons game that Jacob’s friend Edward hosts in the bookshop every week.
This story was sweet, I love the cast of supportive side characters with casual positive trans character rep. Emily and her husband are even trying to become parents. Sometimes it got a little tough to be in Jacob’s head as he pushed away the people who cared about him. A medium burn romance where they learn how best to support each other. Big bonus points for Leo being a good person and actually respecting Jacob’s request for space even if it was a bad idea on Jacob’s part.
I am a giant geek and I LOVED the cosplay and gaming and spaceship displays that wove through this story. You don’t have to worry if you’re not up on table top games though, you’re not going to be lost in mechanics or anything. Give this one a read for adorkable guys in love.