5* from me. Was this a read I couldn't put down? No. Was it super spicy? Also no (but some spice and worth it!). 
But it was WONDERFUL. 

The FMC doesn't speak and uses sign language - and it's done wonderfully! I so enjoyed seeing this represented in a book, and for a main character as well! Sad that it is so uncommon, but I think it works really, really well here.

The MMC is adorable. Kind of a "is he the bad guy" to "nope he is not", mysterious man, kind (but also setting boundaries), he falls first (he admits it first, at least) but gives her the space to make informed decisions (Informed, I say!). There is discussion of birth control. There is a second love interest and the FMC is torn about them - and there is open discussion of past loves. And understanding that our (romantic) histories affect us in later relationships.
As somebody who really hates the miscommunication trope, the level of communication in this one is like a balm. 

Pacing was good as well, and the tension at the end of book 1 is so high, honestly, I'm a little anxious to read on right away - I know it will end well (I hope), but when I say there are tense moments, there really are. I don't often feel so much emotion reading a book, but especially in a year where I've read 130+ fantasy romance novels this one STANDS OUT. That alone is saying a lot. 

So, I've already started reading the next book (though taking it slow), and if you like intricate world-building, a grown up FMC with some experience, a kind and pretty damn hot MMC who respects her... then this one is for you!