Ada Maria Soto

This was phenomenal. Perfect, and unique, and one of the most steady, consistently gentle, yet emotional in a redacted sort of way (if that makes any sense) reads I have had the great pleasure of experiencing.

These are two very socially awkward and closed-off men, and they form a relationship very slowly and gently through nearly silent shared lunches and little forays by our narrator into "his quiet agent's" life.

One character is likely demisexual, the other likely asexual, so this was show more completely about very slowly sliding into each other's heart and mind and making each other happy in the way that works for both of them. Their sexualities were not a main, or even much of a secondary concern; the story was instead about what truly mattered to each to be happy.

Both characters were so foreign in comparison to my personality, yet I was able to empathize and care for them so, so deeply. I completely adore this short read, and recommend it most highly. It's hard to explain and review, but definitely one that I will come back to re-read many times. show less

I loved this. So much. Firstly as an asexual person, and as a gray-romantic person, and also just a neurodivergent person who really related to Martin/Merlin. We honestly need more books like this, that don't read like a '101 introduction to asexuality brochure' but instead are gentle, and reveal their truths sweetly and sometimes seriously. This story shows that tender and true love doesn't need to be overtly romantic, or at all sexual. And even better, I just loved both of the characters, show more and as someone who plays nonfiction roulette myself, loved all of the titles of Martin's books throughout. (I also love, love, loved the idea of educating Martin about food through reading).

I hope we get another book about these characters, though I also know it's maybe not likely, because books with ace MCs don't always sell (ask me how I know), but they SHOULD sell, because in my opinion, they're freaking amazing and deserve more people to read them - allo and ace eyes both. show less

Devastating.

The slow approach becomes a slow burn, there's past trauma, current grief, complicated family and agency secrets, and more, and all that makes this a thousand times more complex than I'd anticipated. It's terrific asexual rep, whatever permutation of no or little physical urges one feels fits as they never define it themselves, and all the more powerful for the mysteries left hidden.

A gentle, heartfelt sequel to [b:His Quiet Agent|35238838|His Quiet Agent (The Agency, #1)|Ada Maria Soto|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1495953087l/35238838._SY75_.jpg|56588931] (which must be read first). Nothing really happens, other than the two MCs showing their love for each other in their own understated, unique way during the holiday season. Arthur is socially awkward; and Martin is asexual, possibly autistic, and dealing with PTSD from an event show more (still unexplained) that happened in the first book. It's one of those rare books in which holding hands, or sitting by someone's bedside when they're sick, are deeply intimate moments. Unlike the first Agency book, Soto uses dual POV. We learn more about Martin's unusual and tragic past but more importantly, we are privy to his thoughts about how miraculous he considers Arthur's presence in his life. Honestly, just writing about this book makes me want to go read it again. Highly recommended if you are looking for a book that will bring you comfort and joy. show less