I am trying to read more books with nonbinary main characters, and I was very happy that I managed to stumble across this book. I thankfully received a review copy from Netgalley and the publisher, Nine Star Press, in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was quite pleased with this book because it wasn’t overly angsty, but there was some angst that provided a driving force.

Ash is nonbinary genderfluid (I’m using both, because both are used in the book). They are trying to explore their feminine side more with the help and support of Bei Bei, their best friend. They meet Nolan one day when they are presenting masculinely, and they have a crush on them. They also happen to meet Nolan when they are presenting femininely, and Nolan asks them out. Ash can’t quite tell, but doesn’t think, that Nolan knows that Ash and Ashley are the same person. Ash is anxious to tell him until he can figure out whether Nolan is going to react poorly to the news.

One of the biggest compliments I have for this book is about Ash. They are an anxious hot mess and I love it. At times it might seem a bit annoying that they keep jumping to the worst conclusions, but that’s anxiety for you. Ash is a college student still trying to get used to their identity, and I genuinely adored them. They were a character that reminded me a lot of me. They are realistic and have their faults. They jump to the wrong conclusion and can be overly judgy, but they aren’t a bad person because of this. They’re just a person.

I really liked all of the characters in this book. Ash is a hot mess I adore. Nolan seems a bit too perfect, but he seems so honestly sweet that it’s hard to dislike him. Bei Bei, Ouma, and Gabe are great supporting characters. Everyone needs a best friend like Bei Bei. Also, while I know this book is focused on Ash and Nolan’s relationship, I want to know more about Bei Bei’s developing relationship.

I am a huge fan of how this author portrayed Ash’s anxiety and fears. I’ve had these same thoughts and I don’t often get to see them written on the page like that before. The thoughts about someone finding out and hurting me, people within the community reacting poorly. All of these are thoughts I’ve had and likely many other transgender, nonbinary, and genderfluid people have had as well. I loved it.

I only had a couple of problems with this book, and they were both relatively minor. I feel like we spent a bit too much time in Ash’s thoughts. I know it’s written in first-person, but it would have been nice to have some of those thoughts talked out instead. Also, I wish this book were longer because it feels like it is missing something. I’m not sure what, but I feel like it’s missing more bonding time between Nolan and Ash or more time where Ash and Ashley are separate entities to Nolan. There were also a couple of lines that just didn't make sense to me, but only a couple and I was able to read around them.

This book, to me, feels like a short, sweet summer read. It’s not exactly a long book, though I don’t know how long it is in pages, but it’s a cute read. Nothing too angsty, a sweet ending, and likeable characters.

This was such an interesting narrative. It follows Ash who is a gender-fluid university student who is just beginning to fully embrace who they are and what it means in terms of dating and relationships- in particular, a relationship with Nolan who is interested in Ash when they are presenting both masc and femme.

Some of the situations and plot points are ludicrous and more than a little bit over the top but it works with the book and doesn't detract from the enjoyment.

This felt like a very realistic exploration of gender fluidity and gender non-conforming individuals and it didn't shy away from the difficulties and struggles that can come with it. Ash was a relatable protagonist and whilst they were a little clueless at times (at one point I was almost yelling because I couldn't understand how they hadn't connected the dots) they were a great main character. I also really appreciated the portrayal of anxiety. It hit a little bit close to home in parts and felt truthful and honest- Ash's struggles with anxiety were presented matter of fact with no fanfare or embellishment.

I felt that the chemistry between Ash and Nolan was great and very believable. Nolan was a wonderful love interest and very sweet. I enjoyed all of the side characters as well.

Overall this was a funny, light-hearted read that I enjoyed.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4060765144

I liked this book so much I finished it in one sitting.
It was a very realistic dive into the struggles gender non-conforming people like me face in life, finding themselves, and relationships. The main characters have a lot of chemistry as well. This book has amazing representation of a spectrum of gender identities and sexualities without introducing harmful stereotypes.
HOWEVER, the book uses the term 'enbies' which many nonbinary people find infantilizing and I, as a nonbinary person, do not like at all. It also has a bit of transphobia, but internal and external. Although it did give a warning at the beginning, and wasn't done offensively, but rather realistically.

Overall, the story, romance, and representation of this book are all fantastic, but it does use some phrasing that I personally do not like. I will be buying this book if I can find it in a physical format to lend to people, but I personally found it to be a one-time read.

The ending kind of snuck up on me and didn't really feel like it wrapped anything up, it just felt like it should've been the end of a chapter. For that reason I'm really hoping for a sequel or another book about Bei Bei and Ouma

I ABSOLUTELY recommend this book if you are gender non-conforming and hoping to see yourself represented.

Just a note though, there is a scene where they mention an anti-Asian slur being used but don't spell it out. I personally thought although the scene was over quickly, there should have also been a racism warning in the front of the book.