***5 'Do it for the cake' stars*** 
 There was something about the blurb that peaked my interest and I had the gut feeling that if I didn't give Win Some, Lose Some a go I'd probably regret it and I'm really happy that my brain listened to my gut (it doesn't always because it believes it's smarter ~ debatable but true) because this book pulled all the FEELS out of me and I couldn't put it down. I tried, I did because I had that work thing to do, but I failed and finished it in a matter of hours. 
 Matthew is living with a mix of Asperger's, OCD and Autism, or Austim Spectrum Disorder, and is able to live his life as long as his routine never deviates from the parameters he's set, but when things get a little off course he struggles to accept it and it can at times be too much to bear. But he works through it with his own determination, and the help of an amazing support system, and comes out stronger in the end. My heart ached as well as melted for Matthew. The struggles he faced would have brought anyone to their knees, and at times they did for him, but I loved how he got back on his feet and didn't let any of it deter him from his goals. Despite not always being able to understand when he was being teased or what a look might mean, he was sweet, smart and had a kind heart that came through in the little things he did. 
 Mayra is the popular girl. Co-captain of the soccer team, pretty and sweet. She has it all going for her and yet she doesn't let it go to her head. She tries to be the best friend she can and do the right thing, but like most people when someone is different it can take a nudge to see what lies underneath. I adored Mayra. She was a little spitfire with a compassionate and patient heart who had no problem sticking up for herself (LOVED those scenes). What sealed the deal on how much liked her was when she explained why she'd never taken the time to get to know Matthew and what the trigger was that had her finally crossing that bridge. It was so simple and so real, on both points, but also showed a maturity in her that was a huge draw for me and showed me that she was evolving from a teen into a young adult. 
 I loved watching as Matthew and Mayra's relationship evolved and all it took was a simple 'Hi' along with school project. Mayra's stubborn determination definitely moved things forward, that girl was a force to be reckon with, but Matthew's own curiosity and unnameable need to have Mayra in his life also moved things along. Watching as Matthew opened up to Mayra and how Mayra picked up on the little things that would make Matthew uncomfortable and did what she could to ease his distress while not allowing him to curl back up into himself made my heart happy. And as for their HEA, I really liked how everything played out. There were quite a few potholes in their road, and one of them pretty extreme, but I liked how they worked through it all, with a little help from family and friends, and came out stronger in the end. 
 While this story is very much about Matthew and Mayra they couldn't have gotten to where they were if it hadn't been for Travis and Bethany, Matthew's aunt and uncle, Henry, Mayra's dad, and Megan, Matthew's sister. There were a few others who helped the process along in one way or another, but these four people were their main support system...at least in the end. Bethany was my favorite hands down, if you want an example of tough love all you have to do is watch that woman with Matthew. Travis and I got off to a rocky start, and I wasn't the only one, but his love for his nephew was never in doubt. Henry, Mayra's dad was simply a good man who gave his daughter what she needed, not what he thought she needed. And Megan probably gave them the sweetest gift of all. 
 This is my first read by Shay Savage and I'm really happy I took the chance on it. It was well written and while I tend to prefer a dual character POV, in this case I'm happy that I got to experience everything through Matthew's eyes. It wasn't always easy, but it opened my eyes to what a little patience and kindness can mean to someone who doesn't see the world in the same way and knows they don't. This is a YA/NA character driven novel, but it's one that I would recommend to anyone looking for a sweet, fun and heartwarming romance. 
 ~ Copy received from the author via The Next Step PR and voluntarily reviewed ~