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I Shall Never Fall in Love
George has major problems: They’ve just inherited the failing family estate, and the feelings for their best friend, Eleanor, have become more complicated than ever. Not to mention, if anyone found out they were secretly dressing in men’s clothes, George is sure it would be ruination for the family name.
Eleanor has always wanted to do everything "right," including falling in love—but she’s never met a boy she was interested in. She’d much rather spend time with her best friend, George, and beloved cousin Charlotte. However, when a new suitor comes to town, she finds her closest friendships threatened, forcing her to rethink what "right" means and confront feelings she never knew she had.
Inspired by Jane Austen and queer history, I Shall Never Fall in Love shines a light on what it means to be true to yourself and rewrites the rules for what makes a happily ever after.
Eleanor has always wanted to do everything "right," including falling in love—but she’s never met a boy she was interested in. She’d much rather spend time with her best friend, George, and beloved cousin Charlotte. However, when a new suitor comes to town, she finds her closest friendships threatened, forcing her to rethink what "right" means and confront feelings she never knew she had.
Inspired by Jane Austen and queer history, I Shall Never Fall in Love shines a light on what it means to be true to yourself and rewrites the rules for what makes a happily ever after.
288 pages, Paperback
First published October 10, 2024
78 people are currently reading
9549 people want to read
About the author
Hari Conner
16books202followersHari Conner is an award-winning author/ illustrator who usually writes fantasy, historical and queer romance - sometimes at the same time.
They're the creator of the now-complete webcomic Finding Home, choose-your-own-path books including Into the Tower, and the graphic novel I Shall Never Fall in Love, out 2024.
Hari grew up drawing comics in class in South London and now lives in Scotland, pursuing their quest to find wheelchair accessible forests.
They're the creator of the now-complete webcomic Finding Home, choose-your-own-path books including Into the Tower, and the graphic novel I Shall Never Fall in Love, out 2024.
Hari grew up drawing comics in class in South London and now lives in Scotland, pursuing their quest to find wheelchair accessible forests.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 519 reviews
March 11, 2024
Packed with Austenian drama, heartache, scandal and yearning - this is the trans Regency era romance I’ve always wanted to read! Hari Conner’s characters are so lovable and the artwork, as always in Conner’s work, totally blew me away with its exquisite details, atmosphere, and emotion. I am obsessed with this book.
Many thanks to Simon & Schuster for the early copy.
Many thanks to Simon & Schuster for the early copy.
January 22, 2025
Generally speaking, I’m used to queer historical fiction falling into two categories: depressing and trying to be historically accurate, or joyful and set in an imaginary version of history without bigotry. When I picked up I Shall Never Fall in Love, I was expecting the latter. After all, this is a book that draws heavily on Jane Austen novels and also has queer, nonbinary, and Black characters living in “high society�. I was pleasantly surprised to find this is a joyful queer story that also is well-researched and faces the racism, queerphobia, sexism, classism, and other bigotries of the time head on.
I was really impressed with how this YA graphic novel balanced a cute queer love story with historical accuracy about queer people and people of color’s experience in this setting. There are absolutely goofy moments with over-the-top cartoon expressions, but the story also doesn’t erase the everyday bigotry of this setting. There are notes at the end giving more context about queer and Black people’s lives in this setting in history. There are also some FAQs answered by the characters and an annotated bibliography for readers who want to learn more. This is a new favorite!
Full review at .
I was really impressed with how this YA graphic novel balanced a cute queer love story with historical accuracy about queer people and people of color’s experience in this setting. There are absolutely goofy moments with over-the-top cartoon expressions, but the story also doesn’t erase the everyday bigotry of this setting. There are notes at the end giving more context about queer and Black people’s lives in this setting in history. There are also some FAQs answered by the characters and an annotated bibliography for readers who want to learn more. This is a new favorite!
Full review at .
February 6, 2025
This is a witty, well-written queer romance set in the mid-1800s, England. The story borrows heavily from Emma while still feeling like its own fresh tale, especially because of the inclusion of characters of color, queer characters, and a gender-nonconforming love interest. I was rooting for Eleanor and George all the way; both rooting for them to get together and also rooting for them to find the space to know themselves and express that authentically around the people they love! The art in this book is stunning, with beautiful colors, and so much thoughtful historical research went into the design of the houses, costumes, and world of these characters. Highly recommend, especially if you're a Jane Austen fan.
November 23, 2024
This was my most anticipated graphic novel release of the year. I was invited to read the first few chapters through Netgalley a few months ago, which had me really excited to continue. Having read the full graphic novel now, I absolutely loved it. It's such a well fleshed out story, especially for a graphic novel, and I loved how nuanced the characters are and how much growth they go through.
December 23, 2024
There's a secret sixth star here for the bibliography in the back I love you well done historical fiction
January 3, 2025
I shall never fall in love by Hari Conner
- the graphics are beautiful omg
- I love this trio so much they my besties lol
- I love the trans representation in this book
- if you love bridgerton you’ll eat this up
- this makes me want to wear a gown and go to a ball
- this story was so cuteeee
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- the graphics are beautiful omg
- I love this trio so much they my besties lol
- I love the trans representation in this book
- if you love bridgerton you’ll eat this up
- this makes me want to wear a gown and go to a ball
- this story was so cuteeee
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 16, 2025
didn’t really care for it, unfortunately. obviously loved george but the rest of them and the story? meh.
January 29, 2025
A queer regency story that addresses race and class dynamics? Where the white girl's privilege gets called out multiple times?? And one of the best love stories in comics that I've ever read??? PLUS a queer/OC history primer in the endnotes??
Be still my beating heart! Bridgerton WISHES. A perfect read, 10/10 recommend.
Be still my beating heart! Bridgerton WISHES. A perfect read, 10/10 recommend.
December 13, 2024
When I saw that this was "Jane Austen inspired" I didn't realize it's honestly, literally just a diverse (mostly queer) take on Emma- but man am I glad that's what I got! You can tell Conner loves the source material, because the injection of diversity always highlights what was there already in the story and just gives it a new deeper layer. While I didn't find myself as compelled with Eleanor as I do with Emma (at least, the Anya Taylor-Joy version) but I did deeply enjoy getting to know George, and seeing this confident, self aware Charlotte! I could definitely see myself fondly revisiting this one.
March 21, 2025
This graphic novel was hella cute and fun to read!😍😍 I loved following a trio of friends in early 1800s England, where they are diverse and unapologetic individuals on a quest to find love in their own ways. I liked Ellie’s curiosity about society, her determination to care for her sickly father, her exploration of her feelings for girls, and the playful banter between her and George, who eventually fall in love.
My two favorite characters are Charlotte and George. I admired Charlotte’s perspective as a Black woman seeking a suitor to help support her family. She refuses to associate with anyone involved in plantations and slavery in America and won't fall for anyone who views her Blackness as a fetish. Charlotte is not afraid to stand up for herself, especially against her cousin Eleanor. Her determination to marry for love rather than status made me happu.
I love George! They’re unapologetic and undeterred about being trans and gay, despite societal and familial pressures to conform while managing their family’s estate. Throughout the story, you witness George's journey of finding their identity on their own terms.
The art style of this graphic novel was perfect, particularly the vivid facial expressions that had me laughing out loud. The mini history lesson about Anne Lister at the end was really interesting. I appreciated how the author highlighted her strengths and flaws, showcasing her as a multifaceted person, just like the characters in this story.
My two favorite characters are Charlotte and George. I admired Charlotte’s perspective as a Black woman seeking a suitor to help support her family. She refuses to associate with anyone involved in plantations and slavery in America and won't fall for anyone who views her Blackness as a fetish. Charlotte is not afraid to stand up for herself, especially against her cousin Eleanor. Her determination to marry for love rather than status made me happu.
I love George! They’re unapologetic and undeterred about being trans and gay, despite societal and familial pressures to conform while managing their family’s estate. Throughout the story, you witness George's journey of finding their identity on their own terms.
The art style of this graphic novel was perfect, particularly the vivid facial expressions that had me laughing out loud. The mini history lesson about Anne Lister at the end was really interesting. I appreciated how the author highlighted her strengths and flaws, showcasing her as a multifaceted person, just like the characters in this story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2024
Bridgerton but make it queer! Such a fun book and I love the liberties the author took to make the language modern while keeping everything else pretty historically accurate
January 4, 2025
My first 5 star read of 2025!! WOOHOO!! I loved this so much and the representation was everything. Perfect for fans of “The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich� (which I also LOVED)
September 26, 2024
I fricken loved every single moment of this.
The artistry is incredible, the story wonderful, and the characters so beautifully written. I just loved this a lot.
The artistry is incredible, the story wonderful, and the characters so beautifully written. I just loved this a lot.
April 6, 2025
What a sweet book! I really liked that this wasn't a direct adaptation of one Austen novel, but rather more of a love letter/homage to her work. I think that allowed the author more freedom in their story and allowed them to pick and choose elements to include and leave out, while still keeping the setting, themes, and even versions of Austen characters. I wish I had read more Austen to get more of the references. The romance was great, George and Eleanor had great chemistry. Friends to lovers superiority!! I found Eleanor's arc at times frustrating, some of her actions didn't seem consistent but I do appreciate her growth overall.
I loved the art style as well and look forward to reading Conner's other works in the future.
I loved the art style as well and look forward to reading Conner's other works in the future.
June 7, 2024
4.5 rounded up! Trans people being happy in any capacity will always make me cry, but trans people being happy in a historical setting will especially always make me cry (PS if you loved Most Ardently, this should be your next read!)
February 13, 2025
�4.5 stars�
March 22, 2025
Adorable, funny, cute, love it with all my heart
November 12, 2024
hehe made me cry
October 11, 2024
A new absolute favourite 😍
June 29, 2024
Thank you NetGalley, Hari Conner, & Harper Alley for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review! 🥰🫶
.
This book definitely gives like queer, young Bridegerton vibes if that's your thing, it's not really mine but I still really enjoyed reading this one! ☺️ The story mainly follows Eleanor, Charlotte, and George and a few of their friends they pick up along the way. This story is longer so it really helped to show character progression as at times Eleanor can be mean with her words, but learns from her mistakes and apologies. Eleanor struggles with her two best friends going off without her and meeting other people. Charlotte struggles with being black in a society that puts down black people and has to choose between marrying for money or for love. And George struggles with their gender identity and being madly in love with Eleanor. This book felt like a show as it was split into parts and a lot was explored with the cast of characters! 😊 I really loved it though and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a queer historical read.
.
This book definitely gives like queer, young Bridegerton vibes if that's your thing, it's not really mine but I still really enjoyed reading this one! ☺️ The story mainly follows Eleanor, Charlotte, and George and a few of their friends they pick up along the way. This story is longer so it really helped to show character progression as at times Eleanor can be mean with her words, but learns from her mistakes and apologies. Eleanor struggles with her two best friends going off without her and meeting other people. Charlotte struggles with being black in a society that puts down black people and has to choose between marrying for money or for love. And George struggles with their gender identity and being madly in love with Eleanor. This book felt like a show as it was split into parts and a lot was explored with the cast of characters! 😊 I really loved it though and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a queer historical read.
March 12, 2025
I Shall Never Fall In Love is a beautifully done book.
The art is especially gorgeous, with meticulously researched details for the clothing, furnishings, and architecture and beautiful scenes of nature as well. The character designs are distinct and appealing to look at, and I loved the expressiveness of the faces.
The historical notes at the end were great, with some great resources included for further reading. The historical details here are quite rich, and you can definitely see the influence of the histories of figures like Anne Lister and Dido Belle on characters like George and Charlotte respectively. Like many others, I did find Eleanor difficult to like, but I think her story has a real importance here in that she really has to look inward at her behaviour as well as outward at the behaviour of society and makes a real effort to right the wrongs done not only by herself, but by society. I think the idea that we are all capable of doing better is always important to remember. Also the characters here are in their late teens, so I think it's always good to show grace towards those who are falling in love for the first time. Anyway, George was my absolute favourite character,and I loved getting to see them live their life here. I also really loved the way this book addressed the biases and bigotries of its day, the real societal issues of Regency England, while also giving us a story of queer joy where people are able to be themselves in whatever way they can manage. Definite content warnings for period accurate biases and bigotries related to race, class, gender, and sexuality, but the characters do get the happiest possible outcomes for what the time had to offer for people who weren't upper class cis het white men.
I ended up loving this. The historical details, the gorgeous art, the compelling characters, and the commitment to queer joy in the face of reality make it one I won't forget.
The art is especially gorgeous, with meticulously researched details for the clothing, furnishings, and architecture and beautiful scenes of nature as well. The character designs are distinct and appealing to look at, and I loved the expressiveness of the faces.
The historical notes at the end were great, with some great resources included for further reading. The historical details here are quite rich, and you can definitely see the influence of the histories of figures like Anne Lister and Dido Belle on characters like George and Charlotte respectively. Like many others, I did find Eleanor difficult to like, but I think her story has a real importance here in that she really has to look inward at her behaviour as well as outward at the behaviour of society and makes a real effort to right the wrongs done not only by herself, but by society. I think the idea that we are all capable of doing better is always important to remember. Also the characters here are in their late teens, so I think it's always good to show grace towards those who are falling in love for the first time. Anyway, George was my absolute favourite character,and I loved getting to see them live their life here. I also really loved the way this book addressed the biases and bigotries of its day, the real societal issues of Regency England, while also giving us a story of queer joy where people are able to be themselves in whatever way they can manage. Definite content warnings for period accurate biases and bigotries related to race, class, gender, and sexuality, but the characters do get the happiest possible outcomes for what the time had to offer for people who weren't upper class cis het white men.
I ended up loving this. The historical details, the gorgeous art, the compelling characters, and the commitment to queer joy in the face of reality make it one I won't forget.
April 7, 2025
This graphic novel is the loveliest blend of Jane Austen and queer history - a true delight of a read!
In here, we meet Ellie, her cousin Charlotte, and their best friend George. As the trio grows up, their bond becomes tested - George struggles with being themself, Charlotte faces inopportune matches in her search for a husband, and Ellie doesn't care about marriage; she just wants to spend time with her friends (especially George).
I was impressed by how this book didn't try to smooth over history with its queer and black characters. Charlotte faces racism and the aftereffects of the slave trade, George is pressured to find a husband and give up wearing men's clothes, and Ellie is sometimes ignorant or cavalier when it comes to these struggles. I really liked the details on queer and black British history at the end of the book, but all of the historical details in here were brilliantly done! This is so well-researched.
Obviously, this book had Jane Austen vibes all the way through, but it wasn't until the halfway point that I realized "oh, we're doing Emma. Nice." That's a favorite of mine!
This book had all the romance and slow-burn and lingering touches of its genre. I really liked how long this was, as you get time to watch the characters grow closer and apart, break and mend, and find their way back together. Such a great ending with such a fun bunch of friends!
4/5 stars!
In here, we meet Ellie, her cousin Charlotte, and their best friend George. As the trio grows up, their bond becomes tested - George struggles with being themself, Charlotte faces inopportune matches in her search for a husband, and Ellie doesn't care about marriage; she just wants to spend time with her friends (especially George).
I was impressed by how this book didn't try to smooth over history with its queer and black characters. Charlotte faces racism and the aftereffects of the slave trade, George is pressured to find a husband and give up wearing men's clothes, and Ellie is sometimes ignorant or cavalier when it comes to these struggles. I really liked the details on queer and black British history at the end of the book, but all of the historical details in here were brilliantly done! This is so well-researched.
Obviously, this book had Jane Austen vibes all the way through, but it wasn't until the halfway point that I realized "oh, we're doing Emma. Nice." That's a favorite of mine!
This book had all the romance and slow-burn and lingering touches of its genre. I really liked how long this was, as you get time to watch the characters grow closer and apart, break and mend, and find their way back together. Such a great ending with such a fun bunch of friends!
4/5 stars!
November 4, 2024
This was the cutest regency lgbtq+ graphic novel/story i have read in recent time. I would definitely recommend people to read this it felt very historical accurate in most part. There is even an history part in the back about the lgbtq community in that time. 10/10 would recommend
May 8, 2025
Did I know that I needed this book in my life? no.
But I did. I adore the art style and the characters are wonderfully flawed and perfect. I have fo admit, I don't think I know Emma (listen, my BFF made me watch a lot of Jane Austen stuff and I can't keep them separated in my head even though I enjoyed them), but that didn't made it less. I guess if you know Emma you will get some references but I thoroughly enjoyed it with my uneducated brain.
I especially liked the FAQ and the references at the end.
But I did. I adore the art style and the characters are wonderfully flawed and perfect. I have fo admit, I don't think I know Emma (listen, my BFF made me watch a lot of Jane Austen stuff and I can't keep them separated in my head even though I enjoyed them), but that didn't made it less. I guess if you know Emma you will get some references but I thoroughly enjoyed it with my uneducated brain.
I especially liked the FAQ and the references at the end.
February 17, 2025
I didn't know this graphic novel was based on Jane Austen's Emma when I bought it, but enjoyed it immensely for that reason. Having read Emma just a few weeks ago, it was quite fresh in my mind, but it still brought new perspectives. Loved the romance and all the characters!
May 26, 2025
This is what Most Ardently wished it was. Cute art!
December 9, 2024
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.
February 4, 2025
Well this was very cute. This was one of my highly anticipated graphic novels for the year and it really delivered. My one single itty bitty baby complaint is that it ended pretty abruptly and I would have loved to see just a little bit more expansion upon the ending.
Sapphic midsize MC, nonbinary sapphic MC, Black MC
Sapphic midsize MC, nonbinary sapphic MC, Black MC
May 3, 2025
Jane Austen’s Emma- but make it queer! And add people of color! 💞
This deserves all the stars! I couldn’t stop smiling, couldn’t stop reading, and at multiple points couldn’t keep from bawling. It was so beautiful, I loved every bit of it.
This deserves all the stars! I couldn’t stop smiling, couldn’t stop reading, and at multiple points couldn’t keep from bawling. It was so beautiful, I loved every bit of it.
May 9, 2025
This was a beautifully illustrated, sweet queer Austen inspired graphic novel-the short afterword was a wealth of information about black and queer people of the Georgian era. Love a good history lesson wrapped up in a cool graphic novel!
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