What do you think?
Rate this book
Clover Hill Romance #4
The Heartbreak Handshake
When Paxton agreed to fake date Remi, he didn’t realize they might be his perfect match. A heartwarming asexual romance.
Paxton McKee, Clover Hill’s rideshare driver and handyman, is known by his customers as responsible, dependable, and loyal. On first dates, though, he’s known by another word: boring. His dates never seem to appreciate his in-depth knowledge of famous aviation disasters or his LEGO expertise. His book club buddy, Mrs. Sawyer, keeps trying to set him up. But after so many failed dates, Paxton’s given up on finding someone who can accept him, special interests, stims, and all.
Hand-crafter Remi Sawyer put Clover Hill in their rear-view mirror to sell at craft fairs across the country. But being a traveling artisan is harder than Remi thought. With mounting bills, they’ve ended up back home. Being in their old teenage bedroom is weird. Even weirder, their mother keeps trying to set them up on dates, even after they’ve made it clear the homecoming is temporary.
To get Mrs. Sawyer off their backs, Paxton and Remi agree on a scheme: they’ll go on three dates. When it’s over, Paxton can pretend to be heartbroken, and Remi can get back on the road. They even shake on it. But awkward dates lead to the realization the two have a lot in common. Kissing is gross? Check. Spending quiet time doing projects together is enjoyable? Double check.
But Remi is still hell-bent on leaving Clover Hill again, and Paxton is dead-set on staying. Can they find a new vision that doesn’t involve Remi leaving their kindred spirit behind, or are they both destined to lose the person who might be their perfect companion?
Paxton McKee, Clover Hill’s rideshare driver and handyman, is known by his customers as responsible, dependable, and loyal. On first dates, though, he’s known by another word: boring. His dates never seem to appreciate his in-depth knowledge of famous aviation disasters or his LEGO expertise. His book club buddy, Mrs. Sawyer, keeps trying to set him up. But after so many failed dates, Paxton’s given up on finding someone who can accept him, special interests, stims, and all.
Hand-crafter Remi Sawyer put Clover Hill in their rear-view mirror to sell at craft fairs across the country. But being a traveling artisan is harder than Remi thought. With mounting bills, they’ve ended up back home. Being in their old teenage bedroom is weird. Even weirder, their mother keeps trying to set them up on dates, even after they’ve made it clear the homecoming is temporary.
To get Mrs. Sawyer off their backs, Paxton and Remi agree on a scheme: they’ll go on three dates. When it’s over, Paxton can pretend to be heartbroken, and Remi can get back on the road. They even shake on it. But awkward dates lead to the realization the two have a lot in common. Kissing is gross? Check. Spending quiet time doing projects together is enjoyable? Double check.
But Remi is still hell-bent on leaving Clover Hill again, and Paxton is dead-set on staying. Can they find a new vision that doesn’t involve Remi leaving their kindred spirit behind, or are they both destined to lose the person who might be their perfect companion?
168 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2022
20 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 18, 2022
I’m not a huge fan of the fake dating trope, but I thought it worked well here, because the characters use the fact that the dates are fake to take some pressure off of themselves about adhering to social norms for dating.
I loved the way this book explored how two neurodivergent people (in this case, one is autistic and the other is ADHD) can accommodate and make space for each other in a relationship. The author is autistic and also got input from other autistic and ADHD people on how to make the characters feel authentic, and wrote the characters’ traits and inner lives in a way that starkly contrasts with the superficial, stereotypical portrayals of neurodivergency written by most authors who aren’t writing from their own lived experience. There were a lot of little moments I related to, and others where I gained insight into experiences different from my own.
I also really liked how Remi being non-binary and Paxton being asexual weren’t points of conflict in the book. Both characters had a little bit of anxiety about how the other would perceive them, but they were very accepting of each other, and their identities weren’t problems to resolve before they could be together. I did wish at times that the characters’ feelings had been explored in more detail, but overall I enjoyed this low angst, comforting read.
I loved the way this book explored how two neurodivergent people (in this case, one is autistic and the other is ADHD) can accommodate and make space for each other in a relationship. The author is autistic and also got input from other autistic and ADHD people on how to make the characters feel authentic, and wrote the characters’ traits and inner lives in a way that starkly contrasts with the superficial, stereotypical portrayals of neurodivergency written by most authors who aren’t writing from their own lived experience. There were a lot of little moments I related to, and others where I gained insight into experiences different from my own.
I also really liked how Remi being non-binary and Paxton being asexual weren’t points of conflict in the book. Both characters had a little bit of anxiety about how the other would perceive them, but they were very accepting of each other, and their identities weren’t problems to resolve before they could be together. I did wish at times that the characters’ feelings had been explored in more detail, but overall I enjoyed this low angst, comforting read.
July 18, 2024
Every book in this series has been so sweet, and this one especially so. I loved seeing asexual, non-binary and autistic rep in this book, because I share all those identities, and it's rare to see them together.
March 13, 2023
This is one of the best romance books I've read this year, this author was new to me, but this was my second book in the Clover Hill series, but this just works so incredibly well!!!
I'll say in the relation to the other one in the series, this book gets a better understanding and writing of the town itself, and the queerness of the town... The beauty of a town like this is still as true as with the other one, but in this book things feel more incorporated!!! You see less of town, but I do really like it better here!!!
Then Paxton and Remi's relationship is so well done!!! I can't tell you how good it feels to read an asexual romance, to see both these two people connect with each other, and the joy they find on spending time together, and then the angst with Remi leaving is so well done!!! The pain is there, and I just want more stories that tell you the importance of relationships being shown as important even as they are outside the allocisheteronormativity world!!!
Also both in the aspect of the town and the relationship, I really liked Mrs Sawyer presence, her care for her child and the care for her friend - both this love and annoyance is so truthful!!!
Really this is an incredible romance book, and I can't recommend it enough if this is a genre you enjoy!!!
(I received this book for free in exchange of an honest review :) )
I'll say in the relation to the other one in the series, this book gets a better understanding and writing of the town itself, and the queerness of the town... The beauty of a town like this is still as true as with the other one, but in this book things feel more incorporated!!! You see less of town, but I do really like it better here!!!
Then Paxton and Remi's relationship is so well done!!! I can't tell you how good it feels to read an asexual romance, to see both these two people connect with each other, and the joy they find on spending time together, and then the angst with Remi leaving is so well done!!! The pain is there, and I just want more stories that tell you the importance of relationships being shown as important even as they are outside the allocisheteronormativity world!!!
Also both in the aspect of the town and the relationship, I really liked Mrs Sawyer presence, her care for her child and the care for her friend - both this love and annoyance is so truthful!!!
Really this is an incredible romance book, and I can't recommend it enough if this is a genre you enjoy!!!
(I received this book for free in exchange of an honest review :) )
March 24, 2025
3.5 stars. I was looking for a book with a non-binary MC and came across this one that looked super cute so decided to try it out. Both characters are Ace and averse to even kissing so this is a super clean story which I have no problem with if I know going in what to expect.
I really enjoyed how this book started and I loved getting to know both Paxton and Remi. I love fake-dating so that was a fun aspect to include. It was so nice to see them be comfortable and open with each other.
It did slow down for me and didn’t finish as strong but overall it was a cute story about finding a connection. I do wish there had been more after the MCs decided to see where things would go but overall it was a good story.
I really enjoyed how this book started and I loved getting to know both Paxton and Remi. I love fake-dating so that was a fun aspect to include. It was so nice to see them be comfortable and open with each other.
It did slow down for me and didn’t finish as strong but overall it was a cute story about finding a connection. I do wish there had been more after the MCs decided to see where things would go but overall it was a good story.
August 5, 2023
What a lovely romance between Paxton and Remi! I loved seeing the feelings bloom between them, watching them enjoy and respect each other's qualities that have been wrongly treated as liabilities to other people they've dated in the past. I especially liked the setting of Clover Hill and look forward to reading more of the stories in this series.
March 29, 2023
I feel seen. Einzige Mankos: Kommunikation teilweise borderline übergriffig (für mein Gefühl) und hatte das Gefühl, dass die Pronomen teilweise nicht passten.
October 9, 2024
Relatable neurodivergent ace romance
4.5 stars. This is a romance that will definitely not be for everyone, and in fact seemed almost to be written specifically for me. I related to these characters so much that it made me laugh a few times at the coincidences (like reading about Paxton’s tendency to rewatch 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺 over and over again… while I drink tea out of my 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺 “delta cubes” mug. Or the part where Remi mentions making earth-toned rainbow earrings, when just days before I had crocheted an earth-toned rainbow wall hanging.) Both MCs are neurodivergent and bi or pan (I don’t think it’s ever stated how exactly they identify, but both have dated multiple genders). One MC is an autistic guy, and the other is nonbinary, ace, has ADHD, and is super into arts and crafts, particularly yarn-related crafts and making jewelry. As a bi- or pan- romantic ace with ADHD and a major yarn crafts obsession, this book was kinda made for me.
You are not going to find the typical swoony romance; there’s no sex, not even any kissing, just two unique people who find compatibility with each other and enjoy each other’s company while indulging in their various special interests. That’s really important when so many people might think you are weird or annoying. I found this book extremely comforting!
4.5 stars. This is a romance that will definitely not be for everyone, and in fact seemed almost to be written specifically for me. I related to these characters so much that it made me laugh a few times at the coincidences (like reading about Paxton’s tendency to rewatch 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺 over and over again… while I drink tea out of my 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺 “delta cubes” mug. Or the part where Remi mentions making earth-toned rainbow earrings, when just days before I had crocheted an earth-toned rainbow wall hanging.) Both MCs are neurodivergent and bi or pan (I don’t think it’s ever stated how exactly they identify, but both have dated multiple genders). One MC is an autistic guy, and the other is nonbinary, ace, has ADHD, and is super into arts and crafts, particularly yarn-related crafts and making jewelry. As a bi- or pan- romantic ace with ADHD and a major yarn crafts obsession, this book was kinda made for me.
You are not going to find the typical swoony romance; there’s no sex, not even any kissing, just two unique people who find compatibility with each other and enjoy each other’s company while indulging in their various special interests. That’s really important when so many people might think you are weird or annoying. I found this book extremely comforting!
December 20, 2023
This was a very sweet story about two people interested in companionship but feeling like it was out of their reach. The ace rep was handled really well, and the neurodivergent characters leapt off the page. It was fun watching them slowly get more comfortable with each other, and take care of each other in different situations. They were just such lovable character so it was a treat to see them fall in love without a lot of sexual tension. The central conflict was a little weak and easily resolved, but if you are looking for a low angst read with easy to root for characters, this is a great read.
October 31, 2022
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
The Heartbreak Handshake is indisputably my favorite of the Clover Hill series thus far. I’ve found a lot to enjoy about previous books, but this one? It made me feel seen as an autistic asexual, and confirms that you can write a beautiful, sweet romance without physical intimacy.
I see a lot of myself in Paxton. Our experiences with autism and asexuality aren’t identical, but I recognize in him a similar fascination with specific subjects and hobbies others might find “boring,” and I absolutely relate to the idea that most romantic partners will expect, if not sex, at least kissing, which Paxton is uncomfortable with.
Remi is equally lovely, and I appreciate how they’re able to connect with Paxton due to being similarly sex repulsed. It allows for a much deeper variant on the fake relationship setup, where two people genuinely love spending time together because they appreciate the emotional companionship and each other’s weird quirks.
And the way the angst came in towards the end…while they pull off their plan of pulling the wool over Remi’s mother’s eyes, even being excited after their initial fake break up, it was beautiful to see them miss each other and contemplate if they could actually make it real and more permanent.
Mrs. Sawyer is also one of those Clover Hill townie characters who I just love, who wants the best for her child and friend. While meddling mothers can be annoying, it’s super-sweet to see the special relationships she has with both Remi and Paxton, and how she does what she does out of love.
This is an absolutely delightful read, and a great example of the great work the Clover Hill series is doing to platform diverse queer stories, especially those who don’t fit conventional/mainstream romance genre standards. I strongly recommend everyone read this, especially if you’re looking for autistic/ADHD and asexual rep.
The Heartbreak Handshake is indisputably my favorite of the Clover Hill series thus far. I’ve found a lot to enjoy about previous books, but this one? It made me feel seen as an autistic asexual, and confirms that you can write a beautiful, sweet romance without physical intimacy.
I see a lot of myself in Paxton. Our experiences with autism and asexuality aren’t identical, but I recognize in him a similar fascination with specific subjects and hobbies others might find “boring,” and I absolutely relate to the idea that most romantic partners will expect, if not sex, at least kissing, which Paxton is uncomfortable with.
Remi is equally lovely, and I appreciate how they’re able to connect with Paxton due to being similarly sex repulsed. It allows for a much deeper variant on the fake relationship setup, where two people genuinely love spending time together because they appreciate the emotional companionship and each other’s weird quirks.
And the way the angst came in towards the end…while they pull off their plan of pulling the wool over Remi’s mother’s eyes, even being excited after their initial fake break up, it was beautiful to see them miss each other and contemplate if they could actually make it real and more permanent.
Mrs. Sawyer is also one of those Clover Hill townie characters who I just love, who wants the best for her child and friend. While meddling mothers can be annoying, it’s super-sweet to see the special relationships she has with both Remi and Paxton, and how she does what she does out of love.
This is an absolutely delightful read, and a great example of the great work the Clover Hill series is doing to platform diverse queer stories, especially those who don’t fit conventional/mainstream romance genre standards. I strongly recommend everyone read this, especially if you’re looking for autistic/ADHD and asexual rep.
June 13, 2023
5 / 5 Stars
CW: mentions of off-page past ableism .... and plane crashes (?)
I think, this might be one of my favourit fake-dating books out there. And the reason why is very simple:
There's no forced third-act drama of "Oh no! *tripple gasp* They found out it was all just fake , whatever shall we do! :O"
I guess I never understood why we needed that plot point in an already amazing trope. To everyone their own, but for me, personally, reading about two people who didn't mean to but do end up falling in love anyways is quiet enough.
Bonus points for asexual & neurodiverse (ADHD & Autism) rep. DOUBLE Bonus points for a romance that doesn't require mouth or sex battles to be valid. I have a very soft spot for these kinds of storys because it's something that hits very close to my own feelings on the matter. And finding a partner who has the same needs, well, can be a challange. I could go on and on, spill all of my insides open for the world to see, but let's just not do that. And instead just summarize that this romance story was beautiful, heart-warming and everything I could have hoped for.
I don't think I could name something I didn't like about the book even if I wanted to, so there's that.
Final thoughts:
I loved every second of this.
CW: mentions of off-page past ableism .... and plane crashes (?)
I think, this might be one of my favourit fake-dating books out there. And the reason why is very simple:
There's no forced third-act drama of "Oh no! *tripple gasp* They found out it was all just fake , whatever shall we do! :O"
I guess I never understood why we needed that plot point in an already amazing trope. To everyone their own, but for me, personally, reading about two people who didn't mean to but do end up falling in love anyways is quiet enough.
Bonus points for asexual & neurodiverse (ADHD & Autism) rep. DOUBLE Bonus points for a romance that doesn't require mouth or sex battles to be valid. I have a very soft spot for these kinds of storys because it's something that hits very close to my own feelings on the matter. And finding a partner who has the same needs, well, can be a challange. I could go on and on, spill all of my insides open for the world to see, but let's just not do that. And instead just summarize that this romance story was beautiful, heart-warming and everything I could have hoped for.
I don't think I could name something I didn't like about the book even if I wanted to, so there's that.
Final thoughts:
I loved every second of this.
March 10, 2023
I'm really enjoying this series! As a lover of both LGBTQ romance and small-town romance, the invention of Clover Hill, Texas is a delight. I'm also loving how the multi-author series is committed to really diverse rep. Here, we have a nomad, nonbinary artist, Remi, who's struggling with their unplanned homecoming, and Paxton, an autistic handyman, driver, and just all-around sweetheart (can you tell I love Paxton?) whom they agree to fake date. While fake dating fatigue is real in the Romance community of 2023, I really enjoyed witnessing the trope reflected through neurodivergent characters for whom the idea of explicitly agreed upon social rules was appealing. Even freeing. At first, then... feelings! This, too, felt fresh. As an allosexual reader, I'm so grateful for asexual romances like The Heartbreak Handshake for showing deep, and deeply emotional, connections forming without the shortcut of sexual attraction. The final act was quite angsty for me, (probably because I couldn't bear to see Paxton sad,) and I hope we get to see these two drop into other Clover Hill books and find out how they're doing.
November 2, 2022
This is definitely going to be the series of the year for me. Every book in it has made me want to go live in Clover Hill and meet all these wonderful characters for real. Paxton and Remi haven't had great luck in the dating department but to stave off more pushing from family they agree to three "fake" dates and then Remi goes wandering off as he is wont to do, Paxton feigns a broken heart that prevents wanting any new relationship for the foreseeable future and it's a win, win for both. However, these two discover that just being together and doing LEGO projects, doing tradition outdoor fall things and just spending time together is perfect. Then ending will leave you smiling from ear to ear and wanting to give someone a big hug yourself.
October 4, 2024
I really liked this! I loved seeing a nonbinary ace character with a ADHD hyperfixation on crafts, because like, hello yes that describes me as well! And I am kind of mad at this book because it's made me obsessed with wanting to try bargello needlepoint and loom knitting and needle felting and tapestry needlepoint. Like it's all I've been able to think about for the past few days.
I liked both characters and the premise of the book. The dialogue did feel a bit still at times and I would have liked seeing the characters interacting more and for there to have been an epilogue, but it was really cool to see a romance like this that's not as traditional as other romance stories, since Remi is sex-repulsed and both characters admitted to not enjoying kissing.
I liked both characters and the premise of the book. The dialogue did feel a bit still at times and I would have liked seeing the characters interacting more and for there to have been an epilogue, but it was really cool to see a romance like this that's not as traditional as other romance stories, since Remi is sex-repulsed and both characters admitted to not enjoying kissing.
May 23, 2023
A very sweet small town asexual romance between an autistic man and a non-binary person with ADHD.
The pace is gentle as the pair embark on a fake dating scheme but grow to overcome their own fears around past rejections of their asexuality and neurodivergent traits.
Remi is an artist and crafter and the love and care in the descriptions of their work and practice evoked memories of the utterly lovely The Craft of Love by EE Ottoman.
The Heartbreak Handshake is a lovely book, infused with kindness, and perfect for when you need something soft and comforting.
The pace is gentle as the pair embark on a fake dating scheme but grow to overcome their own fears around past rejections of their asexuality and neurodivergent traits.
Remi is an artist and crafter and the love and care in the descriptions of their work and practice evoked memories of the utterly lovely The Craft of Love by EE Ottoman.
The Heartbreak Handshake is a lovely book, infused with kindness, and perfect for when you need something soft and comforting.
December 2, 2022
I really really liked this! It could have been five stars, but the story ends sort of abruptly. But as it is, it's a solid four. One of my favorite parts is Pax going to the library to read a book about apple picking before their date in an orchard. (Even though he's been apple picking before, aww.) I like this series for unconventional HEAs, and while I didn't need a whole years later epilogue, I would've liked another chapter maybe.
April 23, 2023
This is a super sweet no-heat ace romance set in a cozy, queer-friendly town, Clover Hill. I love how the main conflict in this is just the characters figuring out what they want in life, and the trans and autistic rep is great. If you're looking for something gentle to read (although there is a little bit of angst), this is the perfect thing to pick up!
Content Warnings:
anxiety
Content Warnings:
anxiety
June 10, 2023
I had no idea going into this it was the 4th in a series. But I understood the story without having read any of the others. I’m here for the “let’s fake date and grow feelings” and I love how inclusive. Wouldn’t read it again though but it was a good soft read to break up the heavier things I enjoy.
June 18, 2023
This is a really cute asexual romance between an autistic man and a non-binary character with ADHD. I really enjoyed this and how it develops the relationship and the way they fit around and support each other. It's not a 'everything is magically easy' narrative but it's really lovely to see their relationship growing. Definitely recommended as an ace romance.
April 6, 2023
exceptional
This story brings the feelings to the forefront of lives that aren’t conventional. It helps you realize the emotions that young adults can go through. Heartbreaking and Heartwarming all in one.
This story brings the feelings to the forefront of lives that aren’t conventional. It helps you realize the emotions that young adults can go through. Heartbreaking and Heartwarming all in one.
Read
January 18, 2023DNF writing isn't working for me
March 25, 2023
This was an interesting concept but the writing was pretty flat and boring.
July 17, 2023
This was a short, sweet, low angst read. Loved both the characters and appreciated the neurodivergent narration. Really enjoyed it!
February 25, 2024
3.5 stars
April 21, 2024
DNF @ 31 %
December 22, 2024
The story was fine, if a bit low stakes as far as plot goes, but I spent most of the novel feeling like I knew more about the characters’ various issues than I did who they were as people.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2025
A lovley little romance set in a small town.
Feeling very seen by the neurodiverse protagonists. 🥰
Feeling very seen by the neurodiverse protagonists. 🥰
October 26, 2025
Such a sweet and down-to-earth ace romance, which I think would also work for aro peeps.
August 2, 2024
If you loved the other stories in the Clover Hill universe, this one should also appeal for you.
One its best features is the focus on two people whose ideal relationship does not involve kissing or sex or unexplained rules of social interactions. Instead, it's about comfort, quality time and communication beyond general assumptions.
I never fully got into the writing or the characters - it felt a little over-explained to me which in turn took the excitement out of many moments, like the fake date setup, their first actual date, etc.
But to be honest, I was also bored.
I received an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
One its best features is the focus on two people whose ideal relationship does not involve kissing or sex or unexplained rules of social interactions. Instead, it's about comfort, quality time and communication beyond general assumptions.
I never fully got into the writing or the characters - it felt a little over-explained to me which in turn took the excitement out of many moments, like the fake date setup, their first actual date, etc.
But to be honest, I was also bored.
I received an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews