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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 8, 2024
About the author
Hari Conner
16 books137 followersHari 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 104 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.
Want to read
December 14, 2022" a queer Regency romance starring two friends trying to find their places in the world and each other's lives. George and Eleanor's story explores class privilege, trans identity, and friendship in the time of calling cards and Empire waists."
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!)
November 12, 2024
hehe made me cry
October 11, 2024
A new absolute favourite 😍
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.
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.
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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.
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
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October 11, 2024Graded By: Mandy C.
Cover Story: Regency Romance
BFF Charms: Yay, Eventually
Swoonworthy Scale: 6
Talky Talk: Regal-ish
Arty Art: Humor and Heart
Bonus Factors: Society, LGBTQ+ Representations
Relationship Status: Happy to Know (the Real) You
Read the full book report here.
Cover Story: Regency Romance
BFF Charms: Yay, Eventually
Swoonworthy Scale: 6
Talky Talk: Regal-ish
Arty Art: Humor and Heart
Bonus Factors: Society, LGBTQ+ Representations
Relationship Status: Happy to Know (the Real) You
Read the full book report here.
October 20, 2024
My most anticipated book of the year from my all-time favorite author/illustrator and it did not disappoint.
This book is like if Heartstopper and Jane Austen (specifically Emma and P&P) had a baby and I ate it up. It has the strong friendships between diverse characters who are just trying to figure out where they fit in, but also they walk to each other’s houses a lot and go to balls.
The amount of care put into setting, culture, clothing, etc and also other details like paneling and color palettes is incredible and makes the story feel so loved. I fell in love with Eleanor, George, and Charlotte on page 1.
This book is like if Heartstopper and Jane Austen (specifically Emma and P&P) had a baby and I ate it up. It has the strong friendships between diverse characters who are just trying to figure out where they fit in, but also they walk to each other’s houses a lot and go to balls.
The amount of care put into setting, culture, clothing, etc and also other details like paneling and color palettes is incredible and makes the story feel so loved. I fell in love with Eleanor, George, and Charlotte on page 1.
September 18, 2024
Thank you to the wonderful publishers for sending me a copy in exchange for a review.
This was so fantastic to read and will be a great addition to any school library. The diversity, the history, the illustrations and plot were all so well done and I loved every second of it.
A vital work for children to learn and discover more about the world.
This was so fantastic to read and will be a great addition to any school library. The diversity, the history, the illustrations and plot were all so well done and I loved every second of it.
A vital work for children to learn and discover more about the world.
September 13, 2024
This book was such a fun read! Definitely Heartstopper and Jane Austen coded. I went through this so quickly because I just honestly ate it up. The diversity in this is slay too! I’m talking biracial mc, trans/non-binary mc and budding queer relationship. I need more!
October 14, 2024
I do love me a bit of historical accuracy 👀
November 4, 2024
LOVE LOVE LOVE!
Everything I wanted 🙌
Everything I wanted 🙌
August 18, 2024
Super cute lil queer comic! It reminds me a little of Heartstopper
October 31, 2024
So cute, no notes. If you know Jane Austen well you will not be surprised by anything that happens in this but that isn't the point!
June 15, 2024
I Shall Never Fall in Love 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 Mismatched—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 Shall Never Fall in Love 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 received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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 Shall Never Fall in Love 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 received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 16, 2024
I absolutely loved this book! It was such a fun read and I read it in one sitting because it was that good. The story and the artwork really complimented each other and told a beautiful tale about accepting yourself and finding love in unexpected places.
Want to read
March 7, 2024this sounds so sweet!
November 16, 2024
I really liked 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.
In light of that, I particularly liked how well researched I SHALL NEVER FALL IN LOVE is. For any Regency-era romance, there’s a tension between historical accuracy and modern appeal. Some YA Regencies I’ve read sacrifice historical accuracy to make a book suitable for modern teens. This makes the academic in me unhappy, even if it results in a satisfying romance. This book, in contrast, does a good job of introducing diverse characters without abandoning historical accuracy. Charlotte’s background, for example, is entirely believable: there really were Black Britons who married into or were born into the upper classes. So, too, is way that George and Eleanor have to navigate Regency rules about gender and sexuality, while fortunately also finding some affirming and supportive family, friends, and employees.
Finally, 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. (cross-posted review)
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.
In light of that, I particularly liked how well researched I SHALL NEVER FALL IN LOVE is. For any Regency-era romance, there’s a tension between historical accuracy and modern appeal. Some YA Regencies I’ve read sacrifice historical accuracy to make a book suitable for modern teens. This makes the academic in me unhappy, even if it results in a satisfying romance. This book, in contrast, does a good job of introducing diverse characters without abandoning historical accuracy. Charlotte’s background, for example, is entirely believable: there really were Black Britons who married into or were born into the upper classes. So, too, is way that George and Eleanor have to navigate Regency rules about gender and sexuality, while fortunately also finding some affirming and supportive family, friends, and employees.
Finally, 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. (cross-posted review)
November 22, 2024
The quick way to describe this graphic novel as a regency romance, with a mix of Jane Austin and Gentleman Jack.
Georgenia doesn’t feel like a woman. She much prefers to wear men's clothes, but dare not outside of her home. Her father left the estate to her, because he knew she could manage it, while her brother went off to London to study law.
She has two childhood friends, Charlotte and Eleanor, one of whom she has fallen in love with, but since all the two girls talk about is marrying well, she feels that she can’t even ask Eleanor if she would spend the rest of her life with her.
I’m using female pronouns here, because that is how they are referring to themselves in the book. At the end of the book, the author gives research sources, and explains the concepts of same sex love at that time.
It was a smooth read. Frustrating as the two lovers kept misunderstanding their feelings for each other. Beautiful pictures, with the fashioned well researched as well.
It was a delight to read.
Georgenia doesn’t feel like a woman. She much prefers to wear men's clothes, but dare not outside of her home. Her father left the estate to her, because he knew she could manage it, while her brother went off to London to study law.
She has two childhood friends, Charlotte and Eleanor, one of whom she has fallen in love with, but since all the two girls talk about is marrying well, she feels that she can’t even ask Eleanor if she would spend the rest of her life with her.
I’m using female pronouns here, because that is how they are referring to themselves in the book. At the end of the book, the author gives research sources, and explains the concepts of same sex love at that time.
It was a smooth read. Frustrating as the two lovers kept misunderstanding their feelings for each other. Beautiful pictures, with the fashioned well researched as well.
It was a delight to read.
November 6, 2024
This was an absolute fun time!! The representation is immaculate, the banter is brilliant, and the character development was chefs kiss.
Charlotte is really interesting. I liked seeing her realise she deserves to be happy and doesn’t need everyone’s approval to do so. Her independence of mind was inspiring to watch.
Ellie I was on the fence with for a while. She was very close minded to start, channeling her mother through everything. But her character always shone through, especially with George. Watching her realise her mistakes and make amends was very satisfying. And we love a happy ending too 💙
Now George, they are my favourite. So many wholesome moments and them being unapologetic.
When Beth tells the story of when she was hired? I cried. When Robert calls them “Sir” unprompted, I cried.
Overall so happy I picked this up! A wholesome story full of laughs and love. Definitely recommend! (Especially if you love Heartstopper) 💙💜🖤
Charlotte is really interesting. I liked seeing her realise she deserves to be happy and doesn’t need everyone’s approval to do so. Her independence of mind was inspiring to watch.
Ellie I was on the fence with for a while. She was very close minded to start, channeling her mother through everything. But her character always shone through, especially with George. Watching her realise her mistakes and make amends was very satisfying. And we love a happy ending too 💙
Now George, they are my favourite. So many wholesome moments and them being unapologetic.
When Beth tells the story of when she was hired? I cried. When Robert calls them “Sir” unprompted, I cried.
Overall so happy I picked this up! A wholesome story full of laughs and love. Definitely recommend! (Especially if you love Heartstopper) 💙💜🖤
November 11, 2024
This graphic novel covers several very important topics: gender identity, sexuality, racism, and feminism. For such a short graphic novel, it does a brilliant job of showing us the personality of each character and ensuring that they each get their own sufficient amount of attention and explanation.
I loved the character development and the relationship progress between Eleanor and George.
I LOVED how knowledgeable the author is, and the little history tidbits at the end of the graphic novel. It was really sweet to see a story written in this way; a way to show that LGBTQ+ people have always been around. It's a really uplifting, and educational story.
If anyone knows of any similar stories - PLEASE, I beg you to share the titles with me. I need more of this 🥹
I loved the character development and the relationship progress between Eleanor and George.
I LOVED how knowledgeable the author is, and the little history tidbits at the end of the graphic novel. It was really sweet to see a story written in this way; a way to show that LGBTQ+ people have always been around. It's a really uplifting, and educational story.
If anyone knows of any similar stories - PLEASE, I beg you to share the titles with me. I need more of this 🥹
November 18, 2024
this was extremely adorable, the art style was insanely cute and i also adored how much attention was paid to historical details - i flicked back through to look at some things again after reading the historical context extra bits at the end of the book and it made me appreciate them sm more bc you can tell how much thought went into literally every tiny part of it
eleanor's character did annoy me so much for the first part of the book but she did get better!!! (eventually!!!!!) also loved the trans rep and how it was incorporated into the regency period this was just a fun read all round imo i need to start reading more graphic novels
eleanor's character did annoy me so much for the first part of the book but she did get better!!! (eventually!!!!!) also loved the trans rep and how it was incorporated into the regency period this was just a fun read all round imo i need to start reading more graphic novels
November 19, 2024
I Shall Never Fall In Love celebrates queer joy — where two friends discover their feelings for each other and find space in their world for their love and identity. Austen fans will delight in the drama and yearning with added awareness around gender identity, sexuality, and class.
I especially loved the author’s inclusion of the history corner in the back of the book. Here Conner shares more about the historical inspiration for this book, which pulls from the life of Anne Lister, a queer woman who lived in Regency England and challenged the gender norms and roles of the time.
I especially loved the author’s inclusion of the history corner in the back of the book. Here Conner shares more about the historical inspiration for this book, which pulls from the life of Anne Lister, a queer woman who lived in Regency England and challenged the gender norms and roles of the time.
October 20, 2024
If you like regency era, bridgeton and queer romance this is the graphic novel for you! I read it in one sitting and loved every minute. The art style is beautiful and funny at times, there is so much representation and an amazing find yourself story.
It’s a 5 ⭐️ read for me and I’m already planning to read it again.
Thank you so much Simon & Schuster UK for the finished copy!
It’s a 5 ⭐️ read for me and I’m already planning to read it again.
Thank you so much Simon & Schuster UK for the finished copy!
November 2, 2024
didn’t like the miscommunication in this
but overall very cute!! I‘m a huge fan of
queer regency storys <3
*3,75⭐️
but overall very cute!! I‘m a huge fan of
queer regency storys <3
*3,75⭐️
November 5, 2024
So cuteeeeeeee
It’s just pure queer joy
It’s just pure queer joy
November 9, 2024
Quite delightful
October 21, 2024
I Shall Never Fall In Love by Hari Conner is a YA regency era graphic novel. We follow George and Eleanor as they grow up into society, and deal with gender, sexuality, class, friendships and so so much more.
I absolutely adored the characters, and the story, it was an uplifting tale full of hope and love. Perfect for fans of Heartstopper!
I absolutely adored the characters, and the story, it was an uplifting tale full of hope and love. Perfect for fans of Heartstopper!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews