The Love Study - Kris Ripper

⭐ 10.0/10

(Originally written by Magdalene)

Declan left his last boyfriend at the altar, and since then he's felt incapable of doing "real relationships". But he's thinking about trying again, and when he meets Sidney, a genderqueer YouTuber, they suggest doing a series together, setting him up on dates and giving him advice. Except the only person Declan feels drawn to is Sidney, but they are both very awkward and so it won't go very smoothly.

This is a romance novel, but it wasn't a standard romance in more ways than just how queer it is. My favourite part of this book is how realistically it portrays the beginning of a relationship, because there are so many awkward conversations that need to happen. And typically in romance novels the beginning of the relationship is just all attraction and excitement, so I appreciated that. And Declan has a lot to work through about his guilt for running out on his wedding even after six years, which also felt realistic. Interestingly, it's a very sex-positive book, but it's closed door, which means there's no sex on the page, which is very rare but appreciated.

This book was funny, it had lots of good friendships, and made me step outside of my comfort zone once more. I was surprised myself how I still struggle with discomfort around people who don't fit gender norms, which is how I know this book was good for me and that I still have work to do.