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Love can be particularly difficult for individuals on the autism spectrum — Society is a big mess half the time and people are entirely too duplicitous.
But as far as I’m concerned, everyone deserves love and to be loved, so these lovely books are a right breath of fresh air.
I’ve compiled this list of my personal favorite romance books with characters on the autism spectrum that discover the beauty of love in the sweetest way.
1. The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
Stella, a math whiz who has Asperger’s, hires escort Michael to help her practice dating and teach her more about romance.
They develop real feelings, and soon, the autistic Stella learns that love isn’t just logic.
The Kiss Quotient is just one book in the author’s romance series that features autistic characters and I promise you’re going to love our smart & quirky heroine.
2. If Only You by Chloe Liese
Soccer player Ziggy teams up with troublemaker Sebastian for publicity but they soon form a genuine connection.
Slowly and surely, their fake relationship turns into a real one that changes their lives for the better.
3. Like a Curse by Elle McNicoll
In this book, Ramya, a young witch, must save her friends and learn about her powers during a magical crisis in Loch Ness.
This is another romance book with autistic characters and I loved Ramya and the rest of the gang with all my heart.
4. This Is the Way the World Ends by Jen Wilde
Waverly, an autistic student, attends a masquerade as a tutor and accidentally witnesses a murder, and now, she must do what she can to survive during the blackout.
5. The Fall is All There Is by C.M. Caplan
Prince Petre singlehandedly tries to keep his head afloat (despite his family’s intentions) while preventing a civil war and trying to foster a reunion with his estranged sister.
I’ll tell you right now that Petre is one of those autistic characters you won’t forget in a hurry and if you’ve been on the lookout for YA books with autistic characters, you’ll love this one.
6. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
Geneticist Don, who struggles with romance, meets Rosie, who’s on a quest to find her father and their unlikely relationship changes Don’s views on love.
You guys, I read this on a whim during the lockdown and I frankly adored Don with all my heart & I loved seeing the way his feelings for Rosie bloomed slowly.
This is the perfect romance book with an autistic character for adults that I know you’re going to love, love, and love.
7. The Bride Test by Helen Hoang
Khai has autism, so he avoids relationships until his mother finds him a bride, Esme, from Vietnam.
And even though he isn’t enthused about his new visitor at first, he soon falls for her and this forces him to leave his comfort zone.
The Bride Test is the sequel to The Kiss Quotient and they’re both books in The Kiss Quotient series by Helen Hoang.
8. Queens of Geek by Jen Wilde
Charlie, a vlogger, deals with a public breakup while Taylor faces her fears at a convention, and they both find empowerment and friendship and love in the world of fandom.
No matter how we look at it, I feel that we need to hand together and fund writers to create more lesbian romance books, but in the absence of this activism, you should check out this lovely piece.
9. Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert
In this book, Eve clashes with Jacob, a control freak, when she accidentally injures him and even though they’re as different as can be, they find common ground and romance blooms between them.
Eve Brown is on the autism spectrum and trust me when I say that she’s chaotic in the best ways possible (you won’t be able to read through this book without LOLing).
10. Like a Charm by Elle McNicholl
Ramya discovers her magical abilities and decides to find out her family’s secrets while avoiding the many dangers of Edinburgh’s magical world.
11. 600 Hours of Edward by Craig Lancaster
Edward, who has Asperger’s, opens up to his new neighbours and confronts his past over 600 hours and then decides whether to embrace the change or stay isolated.
12. The Many Half-Lived Lives Of Sam Sylvester by Maya MacGregor
Sam moves to a new town and he soon gets pulled into investigating a decades-old murder.
Along the way, he is threatened and has to confront his deepest fears to overcome his personal dilemmas, but he does it so courageously.
What do you think? Will you give any of these lovely books a chance? If you’ve been looking for recommendations for books with autistic characters, then you’re going to love them.
Don’t forget to check out the related posts below to get even more brilliant book recommendations that will speak to your heart.
