Review Detail

The story follows two neurodiverse young people in the small town of Lake Pristine. Jasper, an autistic university student, returns home for winter break, planning to leave for good afterward. Arthur, an aspiring filmmaker, is struggling with anger and the loss of his father. The two already have a tense history, and running into each other on Jasper’s first night back disrupts her plans. Over the next few weeks, they begin to see different sides of each other while the seemingly perfect town reveals its hidden secrets.

I tend to enjoy romance stories that also focus on personal growth, and this book does that well. Alongside the developing relationship, both characters deal with self-discovery, expectations from others, and the pressure to hide parts of themselves. Secrets play a big role, not just within the town but also in Jasper and Arthur’s own lives.

Jasper is a very likable protagonist. At first, she keeps to herself, but she slowly pushes herself to be more open and brave. The portrayal of autism feels authentic and thoughtful, especially since the author is autistic. Topics like masking, sensory overload, and reading emotions are explained clearly without making them seem negative or tragic.

Arthur takes a little longer to warm up to, but his perspective adds depth. His anger and quiet personality come from the grief he’s dealing with, and as the story continues, we see a more vulnerable side of him. Watching the relationship between Jasper and Arthur grow from tension to understanding is one of the highlights of the book, from my own personal perspective.

The side characters are also well developed, especially Odette and Christine. Each person feels distinct, and their long histories with each other make the small-town setting feel realistic.

Lake Pristine itself feels almost like a character. It’s cozy, and the snowy December setting adds to the atmosphere while subtly challenging stereotypes about autistic people.

Overall, the writing is smooth and easy to read, with a cozy tone that fits the story well. If you enjoy character-focused romances with themes of identity, belonging, and authentic neurodiverse representation, this book is worth reading.