4.5 Stars

This was such a fun time. It’s not only an exploration and celebration of how people across the world and across time periods have always found ways to live in their queerness and their transness, but it’s also refreshing twist on a period romance.

Historical fiction about trans and queer character is not a new thing, by any means, but I think there’s so much to say for when those stories are told in graphic format, because it’s one thing to intellectually know that trans people, specifically, have always existed, but to actually see what that looks like and what queer and trans desirability looks like on the page is truly invaluable in ways that I can’t fully express.

Besides the romantic plotlines and the queer representation, I appreciate that this story is also confronting issues of privilege, especially across race and class. The three main friends in this story all have vastly different experiences in society, and while all of them are being pressured to secure advantageous marriages for themselves, that pressure and what they can realistically expect from marriage or lack thereof looks completely different for each of them. Because of that, they don’t always see eye-to-eye about their prospects—or, again, lack thereof—and they don’t always understand why their friends make the choices they do, which causes confusion and tension in their friend group.

I also have to say that I thought the comedic timing in this graphic novel was so spot on. It has some genuinely laugh-out-loud moments that are so amusing to read. And I also thought the panel composition helped to capture queer desire in a palpable and dynamic way. I did find one of the main characters to be a little bit grating and it does take a while for her to grow and change her ways, but overall I still enjoyed this!

Thanks to NetGalley & HarperCollins Children's Books for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

It's not bad. Eleanor is not a nice person and she really drags the book down, but George & Charlotte really carry the book with their fascinating stories and development. Eleanor does change but it feels like it's too late in the book and I've already soured on her.

George was especially amazing and well-written. The artwork is very fun and loose, I really enjoyed the style!

This will be a must-have for any LGBTQ+ fans not satisfied with Bridgerton or Austen.

Dear Reader -- spoiler! Actually, they shall fall in love! The three young people in I SHALL NEVER FALL IN LOVE strive against challenges in a variety of emotional situations; romance, yes, but also familial and societal relationships. Each has enough foibles to make readers periodically groan "no..." as they turn the pages, but ultimately they grow into the best versions of themselves and earn their happy endings.

Great graphic novel with beautiful art and diverse representation! Can’t wait to read more from this author

It's cute, but it didn't bring anything new to the queer historical romance table like I've seen others do this year. It was a yawn for me.

It's sweet, but it's not earth-shattering. I think it's good for a teen who wants a more cozy sort of escape.

I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
For best friends Eleanor, her cousin Charlotte, and Georgiana, living in the countryside in the early 1800s has its perks and downfalls. Charlotte is falling for the local farm boy despite his humble background. Eleanor, or “Ellie,” is rambunctious and dearly loves her ailing father and London’s high societies. However, Georgiana felt more like themselves, dressing like their older brother and being called “George.” Through scandals, marriage prospects, and meddling aunts, the trio of friends find love in the most unlikeliest places. And will Ellie and George finally realize their love for each other?
This was so stunning and endearing. The artwork was beautiful: the dresses are gorgeous in ribbons and silks, and the men’s attire is handsome and dandy. Any fan of Jane Austen will fall for this comic adaptation of life in the Regency era of England. This graphic novel introduces the idea of queer life in the countryside, as well as family relationships and the idea of truly falling in love. It is an exquisite masterpiece!

This was a sweet graphic novel depicting Jane Austen-esque story with a twist. It explores class, race, gender, and sexuality in the regency period (and even includes historical information and resources after the story). I found that pacing was a little slow at times, but enjoyed the characters and the story. And the illustrations were beautiful. Thank you to NetGalley and HarperAlley for this arc.

*Thank you to HarperCollins Children's Books for letting me read an ARC of this book through NetGalley! *

I Shall Never Fall in Love
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ .5 (3.5/5) or 7.28/10 overall

Characters - 7

Atmosphere - 8

Writing - 8

Plot - 7

Intrigue - 7

Logic - 7

Enjoyment - 7

Overall Thoughts:
I'm not a huge fan of historical fiction, but I think this being a graphic novel helped me not feel as bored with it. I especially liked the humorous expressions that the characters had. I think I hoped for a bit more with the plot, as it was fairly predictable, but it was still sweet and interesting. It didn't leave a lasting impression on me, but it was still a decent book and, for the most part, I enjoyed it. :)

What makes I Shall Never Fall in Love stand out is its refreshing take on romance. Rather than being a typical love story, the novel offers a deeper look into what it means to love oneself and the complexities of emotional vulnerability. Conner’s exploration of love’s unpredictability and its transformative power makes this an engaging and thought-provoking read.

I really enjoyed this queer regency coming of age graphic novel. Both the story and the illustrations are great. The story follows three childhood friends and their evolving relationships as marriage/finding a partner seems to be to focus of everything (or at least what they’re expected to do). It’s also a time where folks are confronted with some hard truths they’ve been overlooking for a while, including racism, classism, and more. Worth checking out if you’re looking to get your regency fix, and a little history lesson at the end too. Thanks for NetGalley for the book.

<b>Actual Rating 4.5</b>

This was a delightful read! I loved all the nods to Austen’s various works that were incorporated throughout the book. This ranged from how characters acted (very clearly modeled off certain of Austen’s characters), to plot points, to certain events. And they weren’t pulled from a single book, but rather from across Austen’s works. This was really well done and made for a lovely homage.

The illustrations are quite cute. I enjoyed the style and how expressive the expressions were. The color palettes were really lovely as well. The author included a history section at the end of the story that provided information on some of the historical context of the topics (such as queerness and race), as well as some resources to check out to learn more about the topics. The pacing of the work got a bit slow in places, but it wasn’t a major detractor.

If you enjoy all things Austen and are looking for a YA romance, then this is well worth checking out. My thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Actual rating 4.0-4.5 stars.

I Shall Never Fall in Love by Hari Conner is an LGBTQIA+ historical fiction graphic novel set in the Georgian era of UK history. The book follows a trio of best friends as they navigate what coming of age means for them: George, who does not fit (and is not inclined to fit) into the gender roles expected of them; Charlotte, whose Blackness precludes her from the privileges her social station should be afforded; and Eleanor, who wants everything to be 'picture perfect'...but perhaps needs to open her eyes to really see what she already has.

Very thoroughly researched and broad in scope while still easily readable, this graphic novel is perfect for readers interested in a tasted of UK history in bite-sized chunks, or those intrigued by Jane Austen and Bridgerton, but who are daunted by period prose. Conner put a great amount of time and effort into the details of this book, as referenced by the notes and sketches at the end of the story, which include further resources and indications where slight liberties were taken. For the amount of content packed into these pages, the panels flow smoothly and the story is easy to follow. My one personal qualm is that Eleanor's plot arc was a little frustrating, but it was necessary for her character development and a reminder of why so much of this history isn't as well-known as it should be.

Readers who enjoy this title may also like anything by Jane Austen, Ruined by Sarah Vaughn, Northranger by Rey Terciero, miss widow by RoseEstelle (Webtoon), Belle (dir. Amma Asante), Chevalier (dir. Stephen Williams), The Black Mozart by Walter E. Smith, and Mavericks by Jenny Draper.

I have read many of Hari Conner’s stories over the years and have loved each of them. When I saw that they wrote a trans Regency era romance, I knew I had to pick it up. This was an absolutely wonderful story. Hari’s illustrations are stunning and I could not get enough of Eleanor and George’s story. I also enjoyed the inclusion of LGBTQ history at the end of the story. Definitely, highly recommend picking this one up.

A wonderful, gorgeously illustrated YA graphic novel featuring a trans main character, interracial love stories, Sapphic romance and so much more in this Edwardian story perfect for fans of the Bridgerton's. I thought this was extremely well written, relatable and had a great historical notes section included at the end that answered potential reader questions about what life was really like for the queer community of England at this time. Highly, highly recommended! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

I normally try to write coherent, thoughtful reviews but my love for this book is too powerful. As a non-binary lover of Austen, historical costuming, and queer history, this story felt made for me (thank you Hari Conner!). I Shall Never Fall in Love is a loose retelling of Emma the perfectly builds on the original novel's themes of learning to look past what's "proper" and being open to unexpected love with its diverse cast of loveably complex young people. The historical note at the end of the story also made my heart so happy. Conner's art style is so fun and expressive and the tone is arch and sweet in a lovely balance.
It's got everything- dramatic rainstorms, sapphic pining, making a binder out of short stays, himbo farmer, dunking on English food, black-mailing reprobates, recognizing and growing from your mistakes, dogs, gender euphoria, fashion, shenanigans at balls, plot relevant sheep management- what more could you need??

i'm not really usually into graphic novels but this queer austenland work was something i couldn't resist at all! 4 stars. tysm for thea rc.

Where "Most Ardently" left me wanting, this scratched the itch for a queer Jane Austen romance! So much queer joy in this even as our main characters have to overcome societal obstacles.

I would say this story largely draws upon Emma, with Emma's characterization influencing Eleanor's and giving her similar flaws of "clueless noblewoman uploading classist ideals." However, there are Pride and Prejudice influences as well in the plot and characters.

The style also paid homage to Jane Austen well, on of my favorite bits being "he made the invitation with the ease of one who did not have to be there to accommodate him." This does an excellent job of replicating Jane's satirical yet layered characters, aided by the expressiveness of the art style. So many panels would make excellent reaction images.

It's also nice to get a nuanced look at a black woman trying to find a place in Regency society, as Charlotte is aware her position is precarious yet wants to be loved for herself rather than make a "recommended" match.

I also appreciate the 8 or so pages taken at the end to provide greater historical context and more resources for research. I did think George seemed to draw on Anne Lister, so it was nice to have that confirmed in this section.

Why this book may be banned in some states: It’s an LBTQIA+ romance for young adults and might therefore cause conservative panic.

Its actual literary crimes: 1) It’s too freakin’ cute; and 2) it made me cry—then made me chuckle just a few pages later.

Seriously, I loved I SHALL NEVER FALL IN LOVE. This graphic novel incorporates elements of a couple of Austen’s novels, though I won’t tell you which one inspires the main plot. (Given that I teach Austen, it took me an embarrassingly long time to recognize it.) At the same time, it tells its own satisfying story of three friends trying to find their path in a hostile world.

I liked this book not only as a Regency romance author and reader, but as an academic who specializes in nineteenth-century British literature. I could easily see incorporating I SHALL NEVER FALL IN LOVE into a high school or college classroom, perhaps paired with one of the Austen novels that inspired it. It may, in fact, be the best YA Regency I’ve ever read.

Worth noting that the book has a good section of historical notes and "further reading" lists at the back. Instructors seeking to use this book in the classroom may find this helpful, but so might teen readers who want to learn more. Highly recommended!

Disclaimer: I received a digital ARC from the publisher through NetGalley.

I Shall Never Fall in Love is a queer graphic novel that follows George, Eleanor and Charlotte as they navigate love and friendship in Regency era England.
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I LOVED THIS BOOK! The art is lovely!! I loved the gorgeous watercolor drawings between each chapter. The Austen vibes are very strong with this one! I could totally see the inspiration from multiple Austen novels. I liked how the story balanced funny moments with deeper moments of reflection about society at the time. The Historical Corner at the end of the book is a great addition for readers unfamiliar with the actual historical context of the story. I also loved each of our main characters. Watching George, Charlotte and Eleanor navigate their places in society while trying to follow their heart had me rooting for their happiness. George had my whole heart. I loved watching them get to live more authentically as the story progressed. Fans of The Prince and the Dressmaker or Most Ardently will definitely love this book as much as I did!
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Thank you HarperCollins for providing this eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.