A girl like her

A reclusive outcast falls in love with her new next-door neighbor. Evan Miller is looking forward to starting over in the small English town of Ravenswood, where he has a job as a metalsmith, after 11 years in the military. Determined to get off on the right foot with his neighbor, he makes a shepherd's pie as a way of introducing himself, only to be greeted at the door by prickly, aloof Ruth Kabbah. She's lived in Ravenswood her whole life but sticks to herself--the townspeople think her autism makes her strange and believe the gossip that has labeled her promiscuous. Luckily, her job drawing web comics allows her to live in her pajamas and avoid everyone but her loyal sister, Hannah. Evan and Ruth become friends, sharing meals and endless hours of conversation every night. Although there's a crackling chemistry between them and they share a steamy kiss, they agree that they'll stay friends. Ruth is worried about ruining their friendship and Evan promises to give her space. Evan starts to piece together the story of her past and is determined to discover the role his smarmy boss played in her situation, but he resists meddling out of respect for her boundaries. This is a new edition of a novel Hibbert self-published in 2018, and it's a showcase for her deft skills as a romance writer. Ruth and Evan are interesting, meaty characters, each with their own growth arcs. Ruth has never believed she could trust anyone other than her sister, but it's impossible to turn her back on a man who demonstrates such love and respect for her. After years of feeling alone after the death of his mother, Evan realizes Ruth is the family he wants and is determined to fight for her. The pacing of the plotline about Evan's boss is uneven at times, but this sweet and sexy romance delivers. A winning romance about two lost and lonely souls who find each other. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.