But what blew me away was the autism rep, which resonated so deep for me. I loved the fat rep in this, like I have all of Hibbert’s books. It has a tremendous heart, and is both full of angst and full of humor in a way that feels very balanced.

A Girl Like Her by Talia Hibbert (contemporary m/f romance novel)** This is a gorgeous, complex, tightly plotted, deeply characterized, super swoony, neighbors-to-lovers romance.

Note: Maggie’s autism is named on the page. Hot realistic BDSM scene full of consent.

Whip, Stir and Serve by Caitlyn Frost and Henry Drake (contemporary m/demigirl romance novelette)** Amazing short contemporary kink meet-cute romance centering an autistic bisexual demigirl submissive MC with anxiety and a careful, sweet, very hot dominant man MC who makes cinnamon rolls.

It is very much about the intersections of disability, gender, trauma and D/s, and while it definitely has some angst, it’s also rather cozy and heartwarming, in the ways the central characters treat each other and work to mend their relationship.

Nine of Swords, Reversed by Xan West (me!) (contemporary fantasy genderfluid/genderfluid romance novelette)** This contemporary fantasy romance novelette centers two Jewish fat disabled genderfluid mages sorting out the issues in their D/s relationship.

Note: Hannah’s autism is Word of God established, in the interview I link below.(A) Untouchable is one of my most favorite books of Hibbert’s.

Fell for her and felt for her, and loved watching their romance unfold.

Untouchable by Talia Hibbert (contemporary m/f romance novel)** I fell so hard for the heroine of this single dad/nanny romance.

A Rational Arrangement by L. Rowyn