Against the Grain

Eila Storm is determined to become self-sufficient by turning the vacant lot next door into a viable garden of hops, which maybe sounds a little weird, but she is stubborn and desperate. Ben Barber is a city construction inspector who does a lot of checking boxes and creating columns, which fits perfectly with his autism diagnosis. When they meet in a bar, Ben knows immediately that she is “the one” and offers to send out a city dump truck to pick up the debris on the lot. But then he makes the fatal mistake of telling Eila that she is violating city code. Umph! After getting advice from a friend and his wife, Ben offers to help Eila obtain the proper permits for the Adopt a Lot program, and, in the process blurts put that he wants to “woo” her. Eila is hesitant because she has been burned in the past, but Ben does not give up, despite several detours. Lainey Davis is a genius at creating characters and plots that are compelling and so delicious, and Against the Grain is one of the best. Eila and Ben are the most lovable couple I’ve ever encountered, not because they are beautiful (which the are) or smart (which they are) but because they are genuine, vulnerable, quirky, and downright good people. My favorite scene was when Eila came to Ben’s house and listened to him play a beautiful piano with all his heart, mind, and soul. I also appreciate how Davis features sensitive topics like autism, mental health, abandonment, and conservation with consideration and truth. Come along with Eila and Ben, her sisters and his friends, as two broken people come together to make a whole. Oh, and did I mention how hot they are together? Ahhh! I received this book as an ARC reviewer and voluntarily leave my honest opinion.

This was a good read with fun characters and an interesting plot. I liked how different Ben and Eila are but how well they fit together. There are some humorous moments and a little spice but lots of emotion. Ben is autistic and newly diagnosed and the author handles his character well. The book sets up the next one nicely and I can't wait to read it. Overall a good read.