3.5 stars - my first fade to black romance that I thoroughly enjoyed! Loved how these two started in kind of an arranged dating situation, then actually got to know one another. I respect the hell out of the heroine for the bullshit her family and community has put her through, and empathize with her walls up and on guard mentality. The hero did a decent amount of waiting and being patient with the heroine, and sparring with her. The enemies to lovers was great. At times I was SOOOOO frustrated that they wouldn't just talk and inform the other of the miscommunication they had, but also could understand how it takes time to actually trust someone enough to let them in to understand why you are who you are. Also can we get a whoop whoop for a WOC in STEM, managing and being a bad ass competent person? Loved it.