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If I had to put a trope label on this one, it could possibly be opposites attract. But this book isn’t a trope. Sarah Sanders’ Actually Romantic is a breath of fresh, brilliantly organized air. This is not just a love story; it is a beautifully observed and sometimes hilarious character study about how love finds us not in spite of who we are, but because of it.
We meet Shelly Cobalt, a game designer whose world is a meticulously calibrated system of routines, parameters, and data points. She approaches the problem of finding a life partner with the same analytical precision she applies to her code, creating a disastrously clinical “Significant Interactions” plan. Her journey is upended when she meets Maple, the vibrant, chaotic, and endlessly charming owner of a local café called Sip Happens. Maple is everything Shelly’s plan didn’t account for: spontaneous, emotionally intuitive, and utterly irresistible.
The relationship between the two is heart of the book. Shelly, with her hyper-logical, algorithmic approach to life, is the kind of character who could easily have been reduced to a stereotype in the wrong hands. But Sanders crafts her with nuance, showing both her vulnerabilities and her strengths, making her oddly relatable. Maple, on the other hand, bursts off the page with warmth, spontaneity, and an infectious laughter that feels like sunshine. Together, they’re an irresistible contrast: logic meets chaos, structure meets colour. Their romance unfolds with wit and sensuality, but also with the kind of small domestic details—windchimes, shared meals, inside jokes—that make it feel lived-in rather than fabricated.
Sanders’ genius lies in her deep commitment to her protagonist’s voice. Shelly’s internal monologue, filled with “internal logs” and clinical observations, is consistently hilarious and unexpectedly poignant. Her gradual transformation from a woman who measures her coffee to the exact gram to one who learns to appreciate “soft entropy” is written with extraordinary sensitivity and wit. The romance that develops is not about changing Shelly, but about expanding her world to include warmth, colour, and the beautiful unpredictability of human connection.
Maple is the perfect foil—not as a manic pixie dream girl, but as a fully realized, patient, and understanding partner who sees the wonderful woman behind the systems. Their chemistry is palpable, and their interactions range from laugh-out-loud funny to deeply tender. A scene where Shelly arrives at a chaotic family birthday party armed with a colour-calibrated bouquet and a metaphoric spreadsheet is a particular standout, showcasing Sanders’s ability to balance humour with genuine heart.
The tenderness with which the intimacy is written is breathtaking. Shelly’s overwhelm when they become physically close, Maples loving encouragement and guidance. I’m blown by how beautifully that is handled. I could probably write another full review on just the unspoken subtext in that scene.
Actually Romantic manages to be both clever and deeply heartfelt
at the same time. Sarah Sanders has written a romance that doesn’t just coast
on chemistry—it builds an entire world of connection, humour, and tenderness
that is refreshingly real.
What I loved most is how the novel balances humour with tenderness. The dinner scene with Shelly’s parents, for example, is written with such understated charm, while the playful epilogue is laugh-out-loud funny yet deeply romantic. Sanders never forgets that real love is equal parts passion and partnership, and she gives us both in abundance.
Actually Romantic is a smart, sophisticated, and deeply satisfying romance. It is a celebration of neurodiversity, the power of stepping outside your comfort zone, and the idea that the best things in life—especially love—can’t be planned for.
Sarah Sanders hasn’t just written a love story; she’s crafted a modern classic about finding your perfect match in the most imperfect, illogical, and wonderful way possible. This is a must-read for anyone who believes that the right person doesn’t complete you—they help you become a more complete version of yourself. This book is for anyone who wants a romance that’s genuinely romantic—messy, funny, awkward, tender, and yes, actually romantic. Highly recommended.
Also, the cover—absolutely beautiful and so meaningful to the story.
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