I SHALL NEVER FALL IN LOVE

Two best friends resist their feelings for each other in Surrey, England, in 1807.

Cousins Eleanor and Charlotte are close to their dear friend, George. Although society expects proper young ladies to find a nice gentleman to marry as soon as they are of age, that fate feels unreasonable for these three. Eleanor, who has no plans to ever marry, intends to care for her ailing, widowed father. Black biracial Charlotte’s white father was disinherited; Ellie’s parents took their niece in, but her race and lack of a fortune are obstacles. And, although they were proclaimed to be a girl at birth, that label doesn’t fit the way George feels; rather than seeking a husband, they prefer to help run the estate and dress in masculine clothing. The trio’s trip to London unearths previously unacknowledged issues: George’s gender expression, the unspoken love between Eleanor and George, and Charlotte’s feelings of being unwelcome in high society, as well as her refusal to be “a curiosity or exotic accessory.” The resulting tension forces them to come to an understanding that will forever affect their relationships. Inspired by Jane Austen’s novels and their own research, Conner’s work features beautiful, detailed illustrations that bring Georgian-era England to life. These lovable, witty characters explore identity in nuanced ways and show what’s possible when you are true to yourself.

A queer love story that’s perfect for fans of slow-burn historical romance.