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Good Looking
College is supposed to be when you figure out who you are, but it’s not easy when your roommate is your identical twin brother. Nick shares everything with his brother Nate, including a genetic condition that causes visual impairment. Nick feels like Nate is better at everything, including being blind. But when Nick falls for nerdy theater major Abby, he finally starts to strike out on his own.
That guy in Abby’s lit class is just her type, not only because he’s sweet and gorgeous, but because he’s blind. Abby is a devotee—she’s attracted to people with disabilities. But after her ex rejected her when she came out to him, she’s scared to reveal the truth of her attraction. How can she tell Nick he’s not her first blind boyfriend?
At a big Midwestern state university in the 1990s, Nick and Abby stumble towards adulthood, through awkward parties, regrettable flirtations, frantic cramming, and poorly planned road trips. It’s college life in all its exciting, raunchy, disgusting, hilarious glory, set to a 90s alt-rock soundtrack.
That guy in Abby’s lit class is just her type, not only because he’s sweet and gorgeous, but because he’s blind. Abby is a devotee—she’s attracted to people with disabilities. But after her ex rejected her when she came out to him, she’s scared to reveal the truth of her attraction. How can she tell Nick he’s not her first blind boyfriend?
At a big Midwestern state university in the 1990s, Nick and Abby stumble towards adulthood, through awkward parties, regrettable flirtations, frantic cramming, and poorly planned road trips. It’s college life in all its exciting, raunchy, disgusting, hilarious glory, set to a 90s alt-rock soundtrack.
- GenresRomance
292 pages, Paperback
Published August 29, 2023
13 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Lucy May Lennox
5 books115 followersLucy May Lennox is a connoisseur of novels featuring men with physical disabilities. After growing frustrated with all the cliches, ignorance and stereotypes, she decided to write her own positive take on disability. She also loves immersing herself in earlier historical periods and imagining the lives of people who don't usually make it into the history books. She lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest USA with her husband and children.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 1, 2023
This is a great contemporary romance. It is set in a university in the 90s which I love and relate to! Pre mobiles and internet was a very new concept. My mother is an identical twin so it also it cool to see a book with a twin as the main character. The writing is funny and full of identifiable observations. The story goes from the MC to the FC, a chapter each. I love there is a real different voice for both the characters and how Nick negotiates his way around campus both geographically and socially. Abby likes Nick but she is keeping a part of her life from him, her thoughts about how others will look at her dating history and essay choices again is relatable and cathartic.
I recommend this book for a quick read, if you love college romances, a bit of comic relief, are a 70s baby and know the 90s well, enjoy good solid characters. Also if you like Annabelle Costa’s novels this one will not disappoint!!
I recommend this book for a quick read, if you love college romances, a bit of comic relief, are a 70s baby and know the 90s well, enjoy good solid characters. Also if you like Annabelle Costa’s novels this one will not disappoint!!
October 5, 2023
I love the way Lucy May Lennox writes! This was an easy 5 ⭐️. I read The Adventures of Tom Finch, Gentleman and knew I had to read this. Twins that are both blind? Wow. This was about college, blind disabilities and the people who love them. And really so much more. I felt the struggles and the intimacy with these characters. LML writes in such a way that I’m teleported into the story. I don’t know a lot about blindness, but I felt like she did a good job explaining it. I got my romance and my HEA.
I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 28, 2023
Great college peak
Loved the look back at this period of time and the realistic, challenging period of college, blindness, relationships. Very real and interesting, fun. The different relationships and interests very fun to untangle. Brings such a realness to so many important topics and people.
Loved the look back at this period of time and the realistic, challenging period of college, blindness, relationships. Very real and interesting, fun. The different relationships and interests very fun to untangle. Brings such a realness to so many important topics and people.
November 3, 2023
This was a fantastic romance story with a lot of important social issues. But what I really enjoyed besides the romance is the story of identical twins finding themselves in college.
June 22, 2024
"Good Looking" by Lucy May Lennox is a captivating college romance novel that delves into the lives of identical twins Nick and Nate as they navigate their new world at Calstock State University. The story opens in the early 90s, presenting an intriguing premise where both brothers are blind due to retinitis pigmentosa, a condition that has shaped their lives and perspectives in profound ways.
The novel is primarily narrated by Nick, whose voice is marked by a blend of introspection, humor, and a touch of cynicism. His account provides readers with an intimate look at the challenges and triumphs that come with being blind in a sighted world. Nick’s relationship with his twin Nate is the heart of the story. Their bond is complex, defined by a mixture of sibling rivalry, deep mutual support, and a shared sense of humor. Nate’s confidence and resilience complement Nick’s more cautious and introspective nature, creating a dynamic interplay that is both heartwarming and compelling.
The plot centers on the twins' transition from the safety of their home and community college to the larger, more daunting environment of a university. The challenges they face—from physical navigation to social integration—are depicted with authenticity and sensitivity. Their experiences highlight broader themes of independence, identity, and the quest for normalcy in a world that often views them through the lens of their disability.
One of the significant themes of the novel is the exploration of how society perceives and interacts with people with disabilities. This is illustrated through various interactions, from the dismissive attitude of some of their peers to the bureaucratic hurdles they encounter with the university’s Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD). The narrative does not shy away from showcasing both the ignorance and the occasional cruelty of others, but it also highlights moments of unexpected kindness and genuine connection.
The romantic subplot is introduced through the character of Abby, a senior who is immediately drawn to Nick. Her fascination with him is complicated by her background and the fact that her ex-boyfriend was also blind. Abby’s character adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, as her motives and feelings are deeply intertwined with her identity as a devotee—someone who is attracted to people with disabilities. This aspect of her character is handled with care, avoiding stereotypes and instead offering a nuanced portrayal of her inner conflict and genuine affection for Nick.
Lennox’s writing style is engaging and accessible, effectively capturing the voice of a young adult narrator. The prose is straightforward yet evocative, providing vivid descriptions of the twins’ experiences and surroundings. The dialogue is realistic and often infused with humor, which adds levity to the more serious themes.
The novel is structured in a way that allows for a deep dive into the internal lives of the characters, particularly Nick. The first-person narrative provides an immediacy and intimacy that draws readers into his world. The shifts between Nick’s perspective and Abby’s provide a fuller picture of their developing relationship and the challenges they face both individually and together.
"Good Looking" is a thoughtful and engaging exploration of life, love, and the pursuit of independence for two blind college students. Lucy May Lennox crafts a story that is not only about romance but also about resilience, identity, and the often unspoken complexities of living with a disability. The novel’s strength lies in its authentic portrayal of its characters and their experiences, making it a poignant and relatable read for anyone who has ever felt out of place or underestimated. Through Nick and Nate’s journey, readers are reminded of the importance of empathy, understanding, and the power of human connection.
The novel is primarily narrated by Nick, whose voice is marked by a blend of introspection, humor, and a touch of cynicism. His account provides readers with an intimate look at the challenges and triumphs that come with being blind in a sighted world. Nick’s relationship with his twin Nate is the heart of the story. Their bond is complex, defined by a mixture of sibling rivalry, deep mutual support, and a shared sense of humor. Nate’s confidence and resilience complement Nick’s more cautious and introspective nature, creating a dynamic interplay that is both heartwarming and compelling.
The plot centers on the twins' transition from the safety of their home and community college to the larger, more daunting environment of a university. The challenges they face—from physical navigation to social integration—are depicted with authenticity and sensitivity. Their experiences highlight broader themes of independence, identity, and the quest for normalcy in a world that often views them through the lens of their disability.
One of the significant themes of the novel is the exploration of how society perceives and interacts with people with disabilities. This is illustrated through various interactions, from the dismissive attitude of some of their peers to the bureaucratic hurdles they encounter with the university’s Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD). The narrative does not shy away from showcasing both the ignorance and the occasional cruelty of others, but it also highlights moments of unexpected kindness and genuine connection.
The romantic subplot is introduced through the character of Abby, a senior who is immediately drawn to Nick. Her fascination with him is complicated by her background and the fact that her ex-boyfriend was also blind. Abby’s character adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, as her motives and feelings are deeply intertwined with her identity as a devotee—someone who is attracted to people with disabilities. This aspect of her character is handled with care, avoiding stereotypes and instead offering a nuanced portrayal of her inner conflict and genuine affection for Nick.
Lennox’s writing style is engaging and accessible, effectively capturing the voice of a young adult narrator. The prose is straightforward yet evocative, providing vivid descriptions of the twins’ experiences and surroundings. The dialogue is realistic and often infused with humor, which adds levity to the more serious themes.
The novel is structured in a way that allows for a deep dive into the internal lives of the characters, particularly Nick. The first-person narrative provides an immediacy and intimacy that draws readers into his world. The shifts between Nick’s perspective and Abby’s provide a fuller picture of their developing relationship and the challenges they face both individually and together.
"Good Looking" is a thoughtful and engaging exploration of life, love, and the pursuit of independence for two blind college students. Lucy May Lennox crafts a story that is not only about romance but also about resilience, identity, and the often unspoken complexities of living with a disability. The novel’s strength lies in its authentic portrayal of its characters and their experiences, making it a poignant and relatable read for anyone who has ever felt out of place or underestimated. Through Nick and Nate’s journey, readers are reminded of the importance of empathy, understanding, and the power of human connection.
March 17, 2024
Lucy May Lennox's Good Looking presents a captivating narrative that blends the elements of a coming-of-age romance with a unique twist. Set against the backdrop of a Midwestern university in the 1990s, the story follows identical twins, Nick and Nate, along with Nick's love interest Abby, as they navigate the complexities of youth and relationships. What sets this tale apart is the compelling dynamic between the characters, particularly as the twins, both blind, navigate their lives alongside Abby, who is a devotee—a person sexually attracted to disability.
From the intimate confines of late-night study sessions to the adventurous chaos of road trips, Lennox paints a vivid picture of their world, filled with quirky living arrangements and tangled love affairs. Through her skillful prose, Lennox creates a narrative that resonates with readers, rich in relatable experiences while maintaining a perfect balance between emotional depth and suspenseful twists.
One of the novel's strengths lies in its diverse cast of characters and engaging subplots, allowing Lennox to explore themes of identity and belonging with nuance and depth. Each character's journey towards self-discovery and acceptance is intricately woven, leaving a lasting impression on the reader. While the romantic tension between Nick and Abby propels much of the story forward, it is the nuanced relationship between the twin brothers that truly shines. Lennox delicately navigates their evolving dynamic, marked by unspoken conversations and profound connections, celebrating their individual journeys towards embracing their identities and redefining their relationship with each other and those around them.
Good Looking offers a refreshing and nuanced portrayal of disability, challenging stereotypes and offering a heartfelt exploration of personal growth and resilience. Lennox's masterful storytelling leaves a lasting impact, inviting readers to ponder the intricacies of the human experience long after the final page is turned.
From the intimate confines of late-night study sessions to the adventurous chaos of road trips, Lennox paints a vivid picture of their world, filled with quirky living arrangements and tangled love affairs. Through her skillful prose, Lennox creates a narrative that resonates with readers, rich in relatable experiences while maintaining a perfect balance between emotional depth and suspenseful twists.
One of the novel's strengths lies in its diverse cast of characters and engaging subplots, allowing Lennox to explore themes of identity and belonging with nuance and depth. Each character's journey towards self-discovery and acceptance is intricately woven, leaving a lasting impression on the reader. While the romantic tension between Nick and Abby propels much of the story forward, it is the nuanced relationship between the twin brothers that truly shines. Lennox delicately navigates their evolving dynamic, marked by unspoken conversations and profound connections, celebrating their individual journeys towards embracing their identities and redefining their relationship with each other and those around them.
Good Looking offers a refreshing and nuanced portrayal of disability, challenging stereotypes and offering a heartfelt exploration of personal growth and resilience. Lennox's masterful storytelling leaves a lasting impact, inviting readers to ponder the intricacies of the human experience long after the final page is turned.
September 12, 2023
If it’s not an oxymoron, I found Good Looking to be a chill page-turner. There are just enough emotional stakes (pinned to sympathetic characters) and suspenseful turns to keep you hunched over the pages and racing to find out what happens next, but there’s an overall sense of youthful goofiness and optimism that keeps it all heart-warming and relaxing.
Our diverse cast are trying to figure themselves out at a big midwestern state school in the 90’s. All-night cramming, near-disastrous road trips, sketchy apartment situations, theatrical performance woes, and of course plenty of romantic entanglements ensue.
Nick (one of our two POV characters) and Nate are identical twin brothers with a degenerative eye condition that means that Nate is entirely blind, and Nick is on his way there. They’re used to condescension, misunderstanding, and patchy support services, but also used to supporting each other, sometimes literally in lockstep, which makes things tough when Nate grows increasingly prickly and distant. (How odd that when he’s not brooding, he’s spending all of his time gaming or working out with his bro Carson…) This leaves Nick, the more low-key and sweet but aimless of the two, to wrestle with his growing insecurities. Will he ever be able to live an independent life? What will happen when his remaining vision goes? And why do all of the girls he tries to date make him feel awkward and left behind?
Our heroine, meanwhile, is Abby, a theater kid with a big personality, but plenty of insecurities of her own. On top of having an apathetic thesis advisor and zero career prospects, Abby is secretly a devotee, someone attracted to people who have disabilities. It means she’s instantly fascinated by Nick and Nate—but also riddled with guilt. Her interests mean she’s unusually knowledgeable about the needs of people with disabilities and on-point when it comes to avoiding ableism. Abby is not interested in infantilizing her romantic interests—like everyone, she just wants a kind, confident partner who sees her as an equal. Yet she risks being seen as a predator or a pervert anytime she confesses her unusual physical attractions.
Lucy May Lennox does a wonderful job of interweaving all of her characters’ struggles to explore their identities and get to a place where they can feel confident, loved, and part of a community. There are lots of queer characters (Abby’s eventual “coming out” isn’t the only one!) and fun subplots. After I finished the novel, I was left with that warm, wistful feeling that everyone in the cast was a real person—who I wouldn’t get to see anymore once I closed the book.
While the “will they, won’t they” dynamic between Nick and Abby is the most obvious emotional engine for the plot, I thought that the contrast between Nick and Nate was the most nuanced and interesting character dynamic. I like how it plays out slowly over the entirety of the novel; it's fitting that the novel more or less ends with them hanging out on the couch together. I loved that their most important conversations were awkward and stilted and left a lot unsaid, but were still deeply meaningful to the brothers. And it was lovely and unexpected for Nick to realize at the end that he's allowed to have and enjoy a more visual inclination than Nate (who previously scolded his brother that he needed to go “deep blind”). A lot of disability narratives culminate with a character tragically losing their remaining abilities; instead, Lennox puts the emphasis on Nick getting to explore a new sense of his identity and his blindness relative to his brother's. It felt like a fresh and nuanced take on disability.
Our diverse cast are trying to figure themselves out at a big midwestern state school in the 90’s. All-night cramming, near-disastrous road trips, sketchy apartment situations, theatrical performance woes, and of course plenty of romantic entanglements ensue.
Nick (one of our two POV characters) and Nate are identical twin brothers with a degenerative eye condition that means that Nate is entirely blind, and Nick is on his way there. They’re used to condescension, misunderstanding, and patchy support services, but also used to supporting each other, sometimes literally in lockstep, which makes things tough when Nate grows increasingly prickly and distant. (How odd that when he’s not brooding, he’s spending all of his time gaming or working out with his bro Carson…) This leaves Nick, the more low-key and sweet but aimless of the two, to wrestle with his growing insecurities. Will he ever be able to live an independent life? What will happen when his remaining vision goes? And why do all of the girls he tries to date make him feel awkward and left behind?
Our heroine, meanwhile, is Abby, a theater kid with a big personality, but plenty of insecurities of her own. On top of having an apathetic thesis advisor and zero career prospects, Abby is secretly a devotee, someone attracted to people who have disabilities. It means she’s instantly fascinated by Nick and Nate—but also riddled with guilt. Her interests mean she’s unusually knowledgeable about the needs of people with disabilities and on-point when it comes to avoiding ableism. Abby is not interested in infantilizing her romantic interests—like everyone, she just wants a kind, confident partner who sees her as an equal. Yet she risks being seen as a predator or a pervert anytime she confesses her unusual physical attractions.
Lucy May Lennox does a wonderful job of interweaving all of her characters’ struggles to explore their identities and get to a place where they can feel confident, loved, and part of a community. There are lots of queer characters (Abby’s eventual “coming out” isn’t the only one!) and fun subplots. After I finished the novel, I was left with that warm, wistful feeling that everyone in the cast was a real person—who I wouldn’t get to see anymore once I closed the book.
While the “will they, won’t they” dynamic between Nick and Abby is the most obvious emotional engine for the plot, I thought that the contrast between Nick and Nate was the most nuanced and interesting character dynamic. I like how it plays out slowly over the entirety of the novel; it's fitting that the novel more or less ends with them hanging out on the couch together. I loved that their most important conversations were awkward and stilted and left a lot unsaid, but were still deeply meaningful to the brothers. And it was lovely and unexpected for Nick to realize at the end that he's allowed to have and enjoy a more visual inclination than Nate (who previously scolded his brother that he needed to go “deep blind”). A lot of disability narratives culminate with a character tragically losing their remaining abilities; instead, Lennox puts the emphasis on Nick getting to explore a new sense of his identity and his blindness relative to his brother's. It felt like a fresh and nuanced take on disability.
September 1, 2023
This novel beams you right back to 90s’ college life: no mobile phones, smelly dorm rooms, spontaneous road trips and disastrous parties. In the middle of it: the identical twins Nick and Nate, both blind. On top of everything else this means: negotiating with a mediocre Center for Students with Disabilities, struggling to find dining halls and lecture rooms, and trying to keep up on homework when the required tapes haven’t arrived yet. And then there’s Abby. Independent, fierce, creative, with a little secret. She falls head over heels for Nick but hesitates to share the core of her unusual attraction: Nick’s disability.
I love the dynamic between the twins, drifting apart and then, eventually, finding a way back to a new understanding. I like that everyone with a disability in this story is just a normal person with, most of the time, quite normal issues. Abby’s portrayal as a devotee is absolutely fascinating and unusual. I adore the love birds in this story and rooted for them all. This is an entertaining, unique read, with characters carved from real life. Definitely a huge recommendation!
I love the dynamic between the twins, drifting apart and then, eventually, finding a way back to a new understanding. I like that everyone with a disability in this story is just a normal person with, most of the time, quite normal issues. Abby’s portrayal as a devotee is absolutely fascinating and unusual. I adore the love birds in this story and rooted for them all. This is an entertaining, unique read, with characters carved from real life. Definitely a huge recommendation!
October 24, 2023
A book about college life in the 90's.. count me in.
A dual POV story surrounding a set of blind twins. It has heart. It has romance. It's funny and a quick read.
A dual POV story surrounding a set of blind twins. It has heart. It has romance. It's funny and a quick read.
February 3, 2025
Dnf at 40%
Just couldn't connect with any of the mc...
All the sleeping around with everyone bored me with no ending...
Just couldn't connect with any of the mc...
All the sleeping around with everyone bored me with no ending...
August 21, 2024
I wanted to love it but sadly didn't.
I felt alot of the content was without purpose as in it didn't add to the story. Like the bad stuff that kept on happening.... felt like page fillers.
The characters also were not enjoyable. Mmc feeling less than his brother but why? The was his brother was treating him for half of the book. So what if he is gay... he is still an awful brother. Also the brother being gay was very predictable .
Sorry to the author but I don't recommend
I felt alot of the content was without purpose as in it didn't add to the story. Like the bad stuff that kept on happening.... felt like page fillers.
The characters also were not enjoyable. Mmc feeling less than his brother but why? The was his brother was treating him for half of the book. So what if he is gay... he is still an awful brother. Also the brother being gay was very predictable .
Sorry to the author but I don't recommend
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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