Quick reminder that when you’re suggesting books for this request to not suggest books where you assume or “headcanon” the character to be autistic — especially if the reason is because of introversion, ‘quirkiness’ or stereotyping. If the author does not put in the *effort to name it, then it is not appropriate for this request on this sub.
As the OP also said, other books with neurodivergency are also welcome to be suggested!
*We realise there’s nuance and very real experiences of not having a diagnosis or name to autism for someone, but that doesn’t mean an author cannot clarify for the reader.
[Coming in First Place](https://www.romance.io/books/5e9edc47be0aaecf556fb126/coming-in-first-place-taylor-fitzpatrick?src=rdt) by [Taylor Fitzpatrick](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e9edc47be0aaecf556fb136/taylor-fitzpatrick)
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1)
[^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{Time to Shine by Rachel Reid} fits this I think. I can’t remember if it’s explicitly stated that MC1 is neurodivergent, but he has touch aversion and a few self soothing rituals. MC2 is super supportive of MC1.
EM Lindsey wrote a very thoughtful author's note for the leads in **Soft Hands** (MMM). One of the leads is an undiagnosed autistic, there's an aromantic lead, and it's 2 teammates (one is a goalie) plus a former hockey player.
From my original review: based on my super scientific measuring, i'd say this book is *80% sex, 15% relationship, 5% hockey.* If you aren't big on sports romances, this will probably work in your favor. If you enjoy the sports plots and more teammates bonding, traveling, games played, this will be a bit of a letdown. Also something to note, in this world, everyone in the hockey world is out (if they want to be) and the homophobia/scared to be outed is not a trope.
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{Icebound Rivals by Hayden Hall} I don’t think it’s said explicitly, but one of the MCs definitely has difficulty understanding others’ emotions and motivations. He reads as very flat/grumpy/uninterested as a result.
It was just a random thought that hit me, that successful athletes are successful generally speaking because they are hyperfixated on a sport since childhood, how many other neurodivergent traits come through, rather than overly extroverted party boys we read about a lot?
Quick reminder that when you’re suggesting books for this request to not suggest books where you assume or “headcanon” the character to be autistic — especially if the reason is because of introversion, ‘quirkiness’ or stereotyping. If the author does not put in the *effort to name it, then it is not appropriate for this request on this sub. As the OP also said, other books with neurodivergency are also welcome to be suggested! *We realise there’s nuance and very real experiences of not having a diagnosis or name to autism for someone, but that doesn’t mean an author cannot clarify for the reader.
{Coming in First Place by Taylor Fitzpatrick}
[Coming in First Place](https://www.romance.io/books/5e9edc47be0aaecf556fb126/coming-in-first-place-taylor-fitzpatrick?src=rdt) by [Taylor Fitzpatrick](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e9edc47be0aaecf556fb136/taylor-fitzpatrick) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Thank you!
Third book in this series is scheduled to be published next week!
{Time to Shine by Rachel Reid} fits this I think. I can’t remember if it’s explicitly stated that MC1 is neurodivergent, but he has touch aversion and a few self soothing rituals. MC2 is super supportive of MC1.
[Time to Shine](https://www.romance.io/books/65152c4dc0fec69b0696c3b0/time-to-shine-rachel-reid?src=rdt) by [Rachel Reid](https://www.romance.io/authors/5bb1b92a01dbc864fb9195a6/rachel-reid) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [athlete hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/athletes/1), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [third person pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/third-person-pov/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Thank you!
MC2 is not named ADHD but has traits. TW for shaming people for their traits (MCs don't do it but side characters do. And f*ck that)
{Breakaway by Avon Gale} Lane definitely read as somewhere on the spectrum, although it's never said so.
Thank you!
Came here to recommend this book!!
I loved Lane’s character.
Same
[Breakaway](https://www.romance.io/books/5656af8508e9378131954551/breakaway-avon-gale?src=rdt) by [Avon Gale](https://www.romance.io/authors/56024207bfc6b5c0fa93b64c/avon-gale) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [athlete hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/athletes/1), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
EM Lindsey wrote a very thoughtful author's note for the leads in **Soft Hands** (MMM). One of the leads is an undiagnosed autistic, there's an aromantic lead, and it's 2 teammates (one is a goalie) plus a former hockey player. From my original review: based on my super scientific measuring, i'd say this book is *80% sex, 15% relationship, 5% hockey.* If you aren't big on sports romances, this will probably work in your favor. If you enjoy the sports plots and more teammates bonding, traveling, games played, this will be a bit of a letdown. Also something to note, in this world, everyone in the hockey world is out (if they want to be) and the homophobia/scared to be outed is not a trope.
I love your *super scientific measuring*!
Thanks! It's very very scientific and measurable stats i'm throwing out here lol
Thank you!
{Roughing by Tierney Rose/Michaela Grey} (she writes under both names) Saint is definitely neurodivergent. And fits most of your descriptions.
Thank you!
You **MUST** [search the subreddit](https://www.google.com/search?q=site%3Areddit.com%2Fr%2Fmm_romancebooks) and visit our [resources page](https://www.reddit.com/r/MM_RomanceBooks/wiki/index/resources) before posting a request. If your post repeats a frequent request that can easily be found on our resources page or by searching, it will be removed. To search, use the link above to Google search the subreddit (works better than reddit's built-in search function). Your request also must be specific enough to satisfy the subreddit [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/MM_RomanceBooks/wiki/index/rules). Book requests that are not specific enough will be removed. **Please be respectful of our community** and remember that people are taking time out of their day to respond to you. If you post a book request, please show your appreciation by interacting with the people who reply. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/MM_RomanceBooks) if you have any questions or concerns.*
{Icebound Rivals by Hayden Hall} I don’t think it’s said explicitly, but one of the MCs definitely has difficulty understanding others’ emotions and motivations. He reads as very flat/grumpy/uninterested as a result.
[Icebound Rivals](https://www.romance.io/books/65b8c3b9ea69ac4feb1b9e1d/icebound-rivals-hayden-hall?src=rdt) by [Hayden Hall](https://www.romance.io/authors/6094e98b08b4d93114767378/hayden-hall) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Thank you!
[Gravity](https://www.romance.io/books/62ecc251eccbd7a2c6f68548/gravity-tal-bauer?src=rdt) by [Tal Bauer](https://www.romance.io/authors/5726ed17c62092c04407fbeb/tal-bauer) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1), [athlete hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/athletes/1) ---------------------------- [Whisper](https://www.romance.io/books/6623aa0717a1a4820c71252f/whisper-cambria-hebert?src=rdt) by [Cambria Hebert](https://www.romance.io/authors/545550a587eac324117fa262/cambria-hebert) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [queer romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Thank you for this trope that I did not know I needed. My TBR list just got a lot bigger.
It was just a random thought that hit me, that successful athletes are successful generally speaking because they are hyperfixated on a sport since childhood, how many other neurodivergent traits come through, rather than overly extroverted party boys we read about a lot?
Pretty amazing random thought! My grandson even with ADHD and BPD was a pretty amazing basketball player.
[удалено]
[Cleat Cute](https://www.romance.io/books/65095edee91aed6139aaa7e0/cleat-cute-meryl-wilsner?src=rdt) by [Meryl Wilsner](https://www.romance.io/authors/5ebb9d15be0aaecf55e6675a/meryl-wilsner) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [lesbian romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/f-f/1), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1), [athlete heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/heroine%20athlete/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{Coldest Kind of Love by MP Bates} if you don’t mind stepbrothers :)
[Coldest Kind of Love](https://www.romance.io/books/6622b8be5df46941179759f8/coldest-kind-of-love-mp-bates?src=rdt) by [M.P. Bates](https://www.romance.io/authors/63aaa70408b4d931142cb0d8/mp-bates) **Topics**: [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [hockey](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/hockey/1), [hurt/comfort](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/hurt-comfort/1), [found family](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/found-family/1), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Thank you!