Set in near future where corporations run everything. However, there is an organization standing up to the corporatocracy. One team within the organization has fallen apart after losing their team leader. This story is them finding a way to work together under a new leader.

I love Aidan's struggle of being uncertain he's qualified to be a leader while having to step up and be a leader anyway.

What's great about the story is its focus on the strengths and vulnerabilities of its characters. Their struggle to build strong relationships, both professional and romantic, in a world that's stacked heavily against healthy relationships and themselves, is what makes the story compelling and has me looking forward to the next book.

The romantic part of the story is between two masculine presenting characters, which is rare enough in science fiction that I'm always happily surprised when I encounter it. Especially when it is as thoughtful and genuine as it is in "The Hands We're Given".

"The Hands We're Given" is a great story. If you've the time and opportunity, I recommend reading it. ( )