Convergence of Desire

A tender, triumphant love story that will burrow into your heart and leave you breathless with wonder. There are so many reasons I loved this delightfully unconventional regency romance. Because the list is quite long, I’ll elaborate on my top five- one for each star in my rating:1. The sensitive, conscious portrayal of neurodivergence. The heroine Harriet’s neurodivergence doesn’t serve as a plot device or as nod to inclusion. Instead, it is intrinsic to her nature and celebrated and revered by the hero, Thomas.Harriet’s journey through a world that baffles her is told with both tremulous hope and exquisite care. At no point in the story is her difference used as a vehicle to earn pity. She is only described as peculiar in contrast to those trying to understand her and provide her with a place she feels safe. It isn’t that she shies away from the efforts of those around her to cocoon her in a world where she can bury herself in her passion for mathematics, it’s that she doesn’t understand the shifting that happens all around her as even those closest to her adjust their expectations. The thing Harriet deserves most in the world is someone who cherishes the unique twists and turns of her mind instead of being embarrassed or repelled by them.2. The hero’s redemption arc isn’t compelled by a rare epiphany. Instead it creeps over him as his own self-awareness evolves. That self-awareness is the motivation for the changes wrought in his character.From the moment they first meet in an abandoned room and she wakes up with her head on his thigh and their conversation ends with both of them covered in blood and an admonishment to take care of his “tumor”, Thomas is captivated by her. She doesn’t wear her unconventionality like a badge meant to entice him, she simply presents him the unvarnished version of her true self. She is completely without artifice and has no desire to beguile him. 3. The frank discussion of sexuality that happens between the couple throughout the book as the heroine explores her body and what brings it pleasure. It is in itself a celebration of woman’s sexuality and a subtle nod to the fact that men are not required for orgasms.Harriet’s open attitude toward her sexuality, and her earnest entreaty to Thomas is the ultimate portrayal of trust. 4. The vulnerability of the male main character is unflinchingly excavated. The plot itself is a very poignant examination of the pitfalls of toxic masculinity. The way the hero takes care of the heroine, ensuring her body and mind receive the same nourishment and freedom they need to flourish is beautiful.The hero’s admiration for his wife blooms slowly. The reader is drawn into the anticipation of acknowledging his utter captivation before he fully realizes her rarity is the perfect complement to his emptiness. He shows her the depth of his feelings by making sure she eats her breakfast, has sturdy shoes for walking and a woolen cape to protect her from the rain. His gestures are fully altruistic and giving.5. The solid friendship that forms the basis of Tom and Harry’s marriage. They go on walks together. He patiently listens to her lectures on mathematical theorems. This is not a couple who hurls headlong into the mad throes of passion. Instead, they build a genuine respect for each other brick by brick. Because their marriage is based on a true knowing of each other, a true seeing of each other, every moment is imbued with a deep authenticity that soars from the pages. This is a couple who communicate with each other. They discuss everything.This was an extraordinary debut novel and I cannot wait to read the rest of the series.