This book was so sweet and so wonderful, and perfect for my Bridgerton withdrawals. The illustrations are so delightful, and you absolutely fall in love with George. There is real growth in the characters, both in the way George grows to know themselves and live as close to authentically as realistic for the time, but also for Eleanore. Seeing her truly grow up and realize that a lot of her beliefs are problematic and rooted in nothing more than “what her mother would have… said/thought/done” made her more loveable to me because it’s so real. Unlearning biases is a messy task at the best of times, and watching her go through that made the story feel more authentic. I thought the pacing was really well done, though I wish the ending hadn’t felt so abrupt. I wanted to see more of the story. I absolutely hope there is a sequel. I also really loved the history section at the end where the characters break the 4th wall and have a question and answer history lesson about the topics mentioned in the books.

This graphic novel is beautiful! The soft color palette and engaging style are exactly what my tween and teen patrons are looking for, and the diverse cast of engaging characters will keep them reading till the end. I appreciate the themes of accountability and growth showcased in the story, and the historical notes at the end are perfect for planning classroom activities or book club discussions. Thanks to NetGalley for the arc, I can't wait to add this to our collection... I know it'll be a hit!

I received this from netgalley for free for an honest review.

A very sweet and good story great for teens. I love the comic book.

<i>I Shall Never Fall in Love</i> is the second Emma retelling in Graphic Novel format centering LGBTQIA+ characters I’ve read this month. And I have to say, while I was quite enamored with the first, this one has quite simply blown <i>Mismatched</i>—and, in truth, a great many other Emma adaptations—completely out of the water.

I’ve always been rather attached to Austen renditions, so much so that it’s rather difficult to dislike them, but I am particularly impressed with Hari Conner’s addition to the genre. I have no qualms whatsoever about admitting that <i>I Shall Never Fall in Love</i> is unquestionably within my top five—and perhaps top three—favorites of Emma adaptations.

Though the characters do not share names with their Austen counterparts, you can very quickly recognize them in the exemplary portrayals through the course of the work. Emma is Miss Eleanor Woodford, Harriet her cousin Charlotte, and (most excitingly) we see the dashing and kind Mr. Knightly in our exceptional trans character, Mr. George Kingsley.

The novel primarily centers Eleanor and George, transitioning a bit from Emma in that George is as much the main character—if not more so—as Eleanor. I do have to say, I think I infinitely prefer it this way. Anyone with any understanding of the inspiration will find the plot easy to recognize, though they will love the additions and changes that this adaption holds. In fact, as far as narrative and character development go, I would say this book is an absolute masterpiece.

I am so excited for this book’s official publication as many readers deserve to love and cherish this book and its characters. I cannot wait for those who will see themselves so much in George or Eleanor to find it.

I SHALL NEVER FALL IN LOVE is a queer YA graphic novel, set in the regency era and inspired by jane austen novels, about two childhood friends who fall for each other while discovering who they are and where they fit in the world. george has little interest in feminine pursuits—they'd much rather take care of their family's estate, wear men's clothing, and spend time with their best friend, eleanor. meanwhile, eleanor has always longed to fall in love, but she's never met a boy she was interested. i love graphic novels, i love historical romances, and i love both of these things even more when they're queer, so i absolutely loved I SHALL NEVER FALL IN LOVE. i really appreciated seeing george and ellie's individual journeys play out and i loved seeing them end up happy! i also really loved charlotte and sophie's stories, especially the emphasis on their races and how it affected their place in society. and i really enjoyed the historical context and research the conner included at the end.

read if you like:
- queer historical romances
- best friends to lovers
- jane austen's books

thanks to netgalley and harperalley for the advanced copy! I SHALL NEVER FALL IN LOVE comes out october 8th.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an early read of this book. I loved it. The art style was so beautiful and I love that the main characters weren’t perfect people and we got to watch them grow and mature.
I recommend this to anyone who loves a good friends to lovers story line.

I loved this! Highly recommended for fans of queer historicals and Austen-inspired tales. I was so caught up in the art and story that I didn't even clock the obvious Emma references until two-thirds of the way through the book, but I think that's a good thing! This has a real spark and freshness that makes it stand out from the dime-a-dozen Austen-retellings crowd. Though it's intended for a YA audience, I would happily give it to either my ten-year-old daughter or my adult romance book club. I very much hope that Hari Conner has more historical romance up their sleeve!

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I’m loving historical romances with trans characters so much. I loved this art style. The faces they would make made me burst out laughing. It was also extremely frustrating. The “just kiss already” was so strong here. Elenor and George just danced (literally) around each other for so long. I can understand why they were both afraid to say anything though. It was so cute when Elenor was saying all she needed was George and Charlotte. She didn’t want to fall in love and lose either of them.

George was a super interesting character. I’m also not sure what they identified as fully, but they went by they/them in the beginning. Seeing a trans character in high society England was refreshing. Eleanor and Charlotte were always by their side and were always referring to them the way they wanted them too.

Elenor went back and forth so much. She was so sweet and thoughtful but then she’d be insulting and say awful things. She also acted horrible with Charlotte getting married. I know she probably thought she was doing what was best, but it was so cruel. Also when Charlotte told Elenor off for not understanding that she is treated differently because she is biracial, I was like YES! Her character development was appreciated.

This was a very enjoyable story and I really hope to read more from this creator!!

An absolutely delight of a graphic novel, perfect for fans of The Prince and the Dressmaker, with historically accurate LGBTQUIA+ representation. The backmatter provides addition historical context and resources.
The characters are likeable and memorable. The art is well-done.

A queer take on Jane Austen stories all mixed together?? Oh heck yes. This was an absolute delight to read as a fan of queer romances and Jane Austen! The story follows George: born as a "daughter" but identifying as not, and they've inherited their father's manor and estate... and are realizing their own sexuality and attraction for their best friend Eleanor. Eleanor has always wanted to do everything "right" and yet she's never found the right boy she's interested in, however she is very interested in her best friend George. From dealing with balls, societal expectations, suitors, and estates, romance will bloom and love will find a way! The story mixes a bit of Pride and Prejudice with Emma, and it's just so cute and sweet and I loved the queer take on it. It's a must read for sure.

Release Date: Oct 8,2024

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and HarperCollins Children's Books | HarperAlley for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

I shall never fall in love ... okay maybe just a little <3

This book was very intriguing as it was progressive with showing us LGBQT+ characters living in that era (as they did exist and did have to hide) but the fact that we saw behind the scenes and also some acceptance was refreshing. This book also shows that it wasn't all progressive and accepting; the slave trade was still ongoing (if not having in Britain anymore) and the treatment of Charlotte was poor in many situations - mico racism/aggression. Because shouldn't she be grateful for charity and people doing the bare minimum -_-, oh many scenes boiled my blood for her. I loved her as you can tell.
The delusion, that Eleanor had about situations and how people had to do certain things right; like her cousin Charlotte marrying someone else and staying away from the farmer who could tarnish her prospects was very hypocritical. I was thrilled when Goeotge called her out because she had been very unkind to many people.- she was set in her ways.
The growth was a lovely thing to witness in her and George as they progressed with figuring out their comforts and life and exploring their sexuality. Charlotte's happiness was honestly my favourite thing and while she was a secondary main character, her story was my favourite - her reality-checking Eleanor was also my favourite.

The illustrations are done beautifully and comically. I love it when artists just show how incredible they are and don't shy away from making the characters and surroundings to details and ALSO not being afraid to go wacky and fun with odd cartoon experiences and panels.

The added history facts and questions, paired with the character illustration are also such a unique and appreciated bonus.