Romance Books with Neurodivergent Characters
The first time I read a romance book with a neurodivergent main character, I felt seen. Before reading that book, I would’ve said I was neurotypical. Afterward, I knew my brain and senses worked differently than the norm. I wasn’t sure where I landed in the vast world of neurodiversities, but I knew I lived there.
Since then, I’ve read several more neurodivergent fiction and non-fiction books that helped me realize I have some sensory processing issues. While this post provides recommendations for romance books with neurodivergent main characters, I also want to highlight the non-fiction book that helped me make sense of my senses (see what I did there?): Too Loud, Too Bright, Too Fast, Too Tight by Sharon Heller.
I want other people to feel seen and see themselves represented in fiction books. This list is part of that. The other part is that I’m now writing some books with neurodivergent representation. The first book in my new sports romance series, Blocking the Chaos, features a female main character with Sensory Processing Disorder - Sensory Over-Responsivity. My hope is that people will read it and discover they’re not alone with their sensory differences. There are many of us out here!
FYI, the books on this neurodivergent romance book list span the spicy spectrum, but I’ve included spice levels, based off the BookBlushRomance.com blush-level meter. If you’re not familiar with that site, go check it out … after you finish reading this post, of course!
And if you’re wondering, yes, I’ve read all the books on this list.
Blocking the Chaos by Dana Wilkerson
Neurodivergence: Female main character (FMC) has Sensory Processing Disorder - Sensory Over-Responsivity
Blush Level 3: Sex implied off page
Language: Minimal mild language
Kindle Unlimited: YES
Synopsis: When these lifelong friends live in the same city after fifteen years apart, can they take their relationship to the next level, or will the combination of Austin’s hockey career, his new role as parent to a toddler, and Amber’s Sensory Processing Disorder prevent them from becoming a family? Find out in this new hockey romance!
Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert
Neurodivergence: Male main character (MMC) and FMC are both on the Autism Spectrum
Blush Level 5: Sex in graphic terms
Language: Graphic language
Kindle Unlimited: NO
Synopsis: When Eve’s parents demand she commit to a job, she accidentally becomes the chef at Jacob’s bed and breakfast. They take a while to warm up to each other, but once they do, the chemistry is explosive! Read their full story in this enemies-to-lovers romance.
The Fix-Up by Sharon M. Peterson
Neurodivergence: FMC has ADHD
Blush Level 1: Kisses and sweet vibes
Language: No language
Kindle Unlimited: YES
Synopsis: When single-mom Ellie and grumpy Gil each inherit half of a house and cafe and must live together for six months in order to inherit, can they figure out how to co-exist peacefully while navigating their opposing plans for the two properties? Find out in this enemies-to-lovers romance!
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
Neurodivergence: FMC is on the Autism Spectrum
Blush Level 5: Sex in graphic terms
Language: Graphic language
Kindle Unlimited: NO
Synopsis: When Stella hires an escort, Michael, to teach her about intimacy and dating, they both have to overcome their insecurities and determine how to deal with their growing feelings toward each other.
Falling for Your Best Friend by Emma St. Clair
Neurodivergence: FMC has SPD and is on the Autism Spectrum
Blush Level 2: Kisses and steamy vibes
Language: Minimal mild language
Kindle Unlimited: YES
Synopsis: Harper and Chase have been best friends for six years, and she’s harboring a secret crush on him. When a mutual friend starts setting Chase up on blind dates, will Harper summon up the nerve to tell him how she really feels? Find out in this popular friends-to-lovers romance!
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
Neurodivergence: MMC is on the Autism Spectrum
Blush Level 3: Sex implied off page
Language: Graphic language
Kindle Unlimited: NO
Synopsis: When genetic professor Don Tillman decides it’s time for him to find a wife, he immediately writes off his research collaborator, Rosie Jarman. However, their forced proximity over time results in a type of intimacy and relationship Don doesn’t expect.
Better Hate Than Never by Chloe Liese
Neurodivergence: FMC has ADHD
Blush Level 5: Sex in graphic terms
Language: Graphic language
Kindle Unlimited: NO
Synopsis: When Kate moves back to her hometown and is forced to regularly interact with her childhood neighbor and nemesis, Christopher, will an unexpected confession turn these enemies into lovers?
In the comments, let us know some of your favorite romance books with neurodivergent characters!