A review by unheardmelokate
I Shall Never Fall in Love by Hari Conner

emotional funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

As Jane Austen once said, "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife." Young George Kingsley may not be a man in the traditional sense, but they have just inherited their father's estate - and they'd love a wife, if only 1800s England was more open-minded. Instead, they must dress as a girl and pretend their neighbor Eleanor Woodford is nothing more than a dear friend.

Except... Eleanor has never wanted to marry a man either. And now that George is "too busy" to spend time with Eleanor, she's started to wonder if her feelings for George might go beyond mere friendship.

Set in Surrey and London in 1807, I Shall Never Fall in Love takes on issues of race, class, gender, attraction, and mental health, all while maintaining a surprisingly light-hearted tone. The main and supporting cast are (for the most part) endearing, and readers will cheer on their happy endings. Conner's illustrations pair beautifully with the story, featuring expressive characters and colorful backdrops.

All-told, this is a charming historical romance sure to appeal to fans of Heartstopper, The Prince and the Dressmaker, Check, Please!, or even Jane Austen herself.