
Who Would Like This Book:
This book is a breath of fresh air in contemporary romance! If you love stories with prickly, authentic heroines, sweet cinnamon roll heroes, and a romance that blooms over food, comics, and genuine connection, you’ll be hooked. Ruth, an autistic Black webcomic artist, and Evan, a big-hearted blacksmith who just wants to make her lasagna, bring a new kind of magic to the genre. Anyone craving diverse, ownvoices representation, nuanced looks at consent, or just a romance that makes you smile and think at the same time will find something special here. Plus, if you like your heroes patient, gentle, and a little Captain America-esque, swoon away!
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers found the drama a little over the top and the small-town setting a bit suffocating. A few felt the hero was almost too perfect - bordering on unrealistic - and wanted a bit more depth or messiness in his character. Others wished Ruth’s autism was explored more deeply and didn’t always love the heavy dose of angst, miscommunication, or melodrama. If you need your heroines immediately open, your heroes a little rough around the edges, or dislike stories that delve into trauma and heavy backstory, this one might not be your jam.
About:
'A Girl Like Her' by Talia Hibbert is a contemporary romance novel set in Ravenswood, featuring Ruth, an autistic, plus-sized web comic creator who has isolated herself due to a past abusive relationship. When Evan, a kind ex-military neighbor, moves in next door, their friendship blossoms over food and comics. The story explores themes of consent, survivor's guilt, and the power of self-acceptance. Talia Hibbert's writing style is engaging, with vivid descriptions and realistic character interactions that draw readers in.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include past emotional abuse, bullying, social isolation, and explicit sexual content.
Has Romance?
The romance is a central focus of the book, featuring rich emotional development between the characters.
From The Publisher:
She's the town pariah. He doesn't give a damn.
In Ruth Kabbah's world, comic books are king, silence is golden, and human contact is a pesky distraction. She doesn't like people, which works out just fine, because the people in this small town don't like her. The exception to that rule? Evan Miller, her way-too-charming next-door neighbour...
Ex-military man Evan is all tattooed muscle on the outside-and a big, cuddly teddy bear beneath. He's used to coaxing prickly people from their shells, but he's never met a woman quite like Ruth. Blunt, sarcastic, and secretly sad, she's his exact opposite. She's also his deepest desire.
Soon, Evan's steady patience and smouldering smiles are melting Ruth's reserve. But when small-town gossip from her past begins to poison her future, she's forced to make a choice. Should she trust Evan completely? Or is her heart safest alone?
Ratings (27)
Incredible (7) | |
Loved It (5) | |
Liked It (8) | |
It Was OK (5) | |
Did Not Like (2) |
Reader Stats (82):
Read It (30) | |
Currently Reading (1) | |
Want To Read (24) | |
Did Not Finish (2) | |
Not Interested (25) |
2 comment(s)
this is my second talia hibbert read and i wish i could get into her books more but they're so slow and it's hard to get into them. i love her focus on neurodivergent characters and wish i could enjoy her books.
2.5 stars.
About the Author:
Talia Hibbert lives in a bedroom full of books. Supposedly, there is a world beyond that room-but she has yet to drum up enough interest to investigate.
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