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Motherlover
Imogen has an exciting new neighbor!
Alex just moved from the big city back into her late parents' house, and she seems to have it all: She's a cool single mom with a thriving career, a fun look, and a cosmopolitan life of adventure. Imogen certainly has dreams of a more carefree life, but being a stay-at-home mom of four is a more-than-full-time job—one that doesn't pay very well—and that's all she can handle. How does Alex do it? She's captured Imogen's imagination.
But what we see on the surface isn't always the whole story. Alex's return has given her a lot to ponder. Her parents are gone, and she's just starting to realize her privileged childhood wasn't as happy as it seemed. Now she's adrift, learning how to relate after a lifetime of pushing everyone away.
Chance brought these two fast friends together . . . and everything that happens next is unlike anything they could have planned!
Alex just moved from the big city back into her late parents' house, and she seems to have it all: She's a cool single mom with a thriving career, a fun look, and a cosmopolitan life of adventure. Imogen certainly has dreams of a more carefree life, but being a stay-at-home mom of four is a more-than-full-time job—one that doesn't pay very well—and that's all she can handle. How does Alex do it? She's captured Imogen's imagination.
But what we see on the surface isn't always the whole story. Alex's return has given her a lot to ponder. Her parents are gone, and she's just starting to realize her privileged childhood wasn't as happy as it seemed. Now she's adrift, learning how to relate after a lifetime of pushing everyone away.
Chance brought these two fast friends together . . . and everything that happens next is unlike anything they could have planned!
320 pages, Paperback
First published May 6, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
January 7, 2025
Wow, I didn’t expect this story to hit so hard! I love a late-in-life queer awakening, and this story absolutely delivers. It’s tender and funny and real, with a slow-burn romance and lots of healing. I definintely cried more than once.
There’s a lot of subtle and not-so-subtle representation in this story, but I especially loved how the main characters were drawn! Imogen is plus-sized and it’s wonderful how the story celebrates her at both her most beautiful and in the ordinary moments. Alex, who loves biking and running, gets frames where she’s funky shaped too, and not just sleek, because bodies are bodies. I won’t spoil all the queer identities in this story, but there are lots!
A heartwarming and queer comic about motherhood and finding yourself outside of that role. A must read!
ARC provided by Iron Circus Comics and Edelweiss. All thoughts are my own.
There’s a lot of subtle and not-so-subtle representation in this story, but I especially loved how the main characters were drawn! Imogen is plus-sized and it’s wonderful how the story celebrates her at both her most beautiful and in the ordinary moments. Alex, who loves biking and running, gets frames where she’s funky shaped too, and not just sleek, because bodies are bodies. I won’t spoil all the queer identities in this story, but there are lots!
A heartwarming and queer comic about motherhood and finding yourself outside of that role. A must read!
ARC provided by Iron Circus Comics and Edelweiss. All thoughts are my own.
May 19, 2025
mother lover by Lindsay Ishihiro
arc from Iron Circus Comics
release date : May 6th 2025
-omg this was so cute and refreshing, You see so many love stories of a single parent romance but never a sapphic romance of two mothers with children trying to handle everyday life and more this is too cute.
-I loved seeing the mom friend group and the interactions with the kids
-ahh their meet cute and friendship blossoming 🥰
-Alex’s hair cut in the back and tattoos 😍
-Imogen’s red hair 😍, I just want to hug her she does so much, this made me appreciate my mom even more for everything she’s done for me
-I loved seeing how their friendship grew and you really get connected to each character, what their going through and how they become one
-Alex’s past made me so sad but also shows her strength
-Jonathan can catch these hands
-I loved seeing both of their growth while being mothers, figuring out their life, finances, marriage , career etc.
-omg i love them so much 🥹
this graphic novel was a beautiful masterpiece and a perfect book for mothers day
rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
arc from Iron Circus Comics
release date : May 6th 2025
-omg this was so cute and refreshing, You see so many love stories of a single parent romance but never a sapphic romance of two mothers with children trying to handle everyday life and more this is too cute.
-I loved seeing the mom friend group and the interactions with the kids
-ahh their meet cute and friendship blossoming 🥰
-Alex’s hair cut in the back and tattoos 😍
-Imogen’s red hair 😍, I just want to hug her she does so much, this made me appreciate my mom even more for everything she’s done for me
-I loved seeing how their friendship grew and you really get connected to each character, what their going through and how they become one
-Alex’s past made me so sad but also shows her strength
-Jonathan can catch these hands
-I loved seeing both of their growth while being mothers, figuring out their life, finances, marriage , career etc.
-omg i love them so much 🥹
this graphic novel was a beautiful masterpiece and a perfect book for mothers day
rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 6, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion
I absolutely loved Motherlover! This graphic novel beautifully explores motherhood, friendship, and the struggles we don’t always see on the surface. Imogen, a stay-at-home mom of four, and Alex, a successful single mother, seem like total opposites, but their unexpected bond is so genuine and compelling.
Beyond the heartfelt story, the artwork is stunning. The expressive illustrations bring the characters and emotions to life in such a powerful way. Every page is rich with detail, making the story feel even more immersive.
As their friendship deepens, the book reveals the challenges, sacrifices, and hidden complexities of motherhood. It made me laugh, reflect, and, most of all, appreciate my own mom even more.
I absolutely loved Motherlover! This graphic novel beautifully explores motherhood, friendship, and the struggles we don’t always see on the surface. Imogen, a stay-at-home mom of four, and Alex, a successful single mother, seem like total opposites, but their unexpected bond is so genuine and compelling.
Beyond the heartfelt story, the artwork is stunning. The expressive illustrations bring the characters and emotions to life in such a powerful way. Every page is rich with detail, making the story feel even more immersive.
As their friendship deepens, the book reveals the challenges, sacrifices, and hidden complexities of motherhood. It made me laugh, reflect, and, most of all, appreciate my own mom even more.
August 17, 2025
3.75 rounded up
This was a lovely and heartwarming sapphic romance graphic novel.
It was really nice to read about TWO mothers living very different lives but helping each other out, caring for one another and their families coming together in a healthy way. They're still figuring out who they are in their late thirties which is refreshing to read about.
I must say there is one small piece of dialogue that slightly annoyed me, where a character kind of asks our MC how long she's known she's been a lesbian. The issue here is that the MC has never stated that she's a lesbian. She has been with men for all her life and is now falling for a girl. Although being a lesbian is great (the other MC identifies as a lesbian), this character shouldn't have pressured the MC to say she's a lesbian when it's just as likely if not more likely that she could have been bi, pan or not quite sure. And this assumption is never challenged. It felt like the MC falling for a girl erased the possibility of other identities like bisexuality.
This was a lovely and heartwarming sapphic romance graphic novel.
It was really nice to read about TWO mothers living very different lives but helping each other out, caring for one another and their families coming together in a healthy way. They're still figuring out who they are in their late thirties which is refreshing to read about.
I must say there is one small piece of dialogue that slightly annoyed me, where a character kind of asks our MC how long she's known she's been a lesbian. The issue here is that the MC has never stated that she's a lesbian. She has been with men for all her life and is now falling for a girl. Although being a lesbian is great (the other MC identifies as a lesbian), this character shouldn't have pressured the MC to say she's a lesbian when it's just as likely if not more likely that she could have been bi, pan or not quite sure. And this assumption is never challenged. It felt like the MC falling for a girl erased the possibility of other identities like bisexuality.
January 26, 2026
This was cute! One of them is a single woman who made a baby on her own. The other is a harried mom of four with a useless husband and an older kid with a brief side plot. They meet. They become best friends. Useless husband outs himself as bad. Harried mom moves in. She feels overwhelmed by single's mom sophistication. She gets over it. Single mom breaks her ankle. And finally, they kiss.
June 21, 2026
I really enjoyed this graphic novel that centers on older women, both of them moms. New neighbors can turn your world upside down in a good way. The queer angle was a delight.
January 2, 2026
3.75⭐️
Suuuuper cute. I felt very similar to imogen in the “I’ve spent my whole adult life being a sahm and I don’t really know who I am anymore” vibes, but unlike her my husband isn’t a piece of shit sooo
I really loved a lot of the conversations in this book about a lot of other things too, including relationship and family dynamics.
The only thing I didn’t love was the slight bi-erasure I felt. It very much felt like imogen was either a straight lady married to a man or suddenly labeled a lesbian as if bi people don’t exist? But maybe that’s my own fears projecting here
Suuuuper cute. I felt very similar to imogen in the “I’ve spent my whole adult life being a sahm and I don’t really know who I am anymore” vibes, but unlike her my husband isn’t a piece of shit sooo
I really loved a lot of the conversations in this book about a lot of other things too, including relationship and family dynamics.
The only thing I didn’t love was the slight bi-erasure I felt. It very much felt like imogen was either a straight lady married to a man or suddenly labeled a lesbian as if bi people don’t exist? But maybe that’s my own fears projecting here
August 18, 2025
A heartwarming read. 😭🩷
June 14, 2025
A fun, light and engaging graphic novel. I was invested in both women's stories, the differing pressures they felt as women (and mothers), and how they found connection support and then romance in their relationship. I loved how messy, loving and caring their relationship felt. I loved that they supported each other in very different and meaningful ways.
I do wish the side characters had been slightly more developed. I understand the story was deeply and intentionally centered on these women as middle aged women, notably mothers, are often ignored .However, lacking a feeling for the depth or any real personality for their children, other friends, exes etc. left it feeling a bit like this world was claustrophobic (with these women only really interacting with each other). And honestly, like I didn't get to know these women and their lives (these people obviously mattered to them too).
I do wish the side characters had been slightly more developed. I understand the story was deeply and intentionally centered on these women as middle aged women, notably mothers, are often ignored .However, lacking a feeling for the depth or any real personality for their children, other friends, exes etc. left it feeling a bit like this world was claustrophobic (with these women only really interacting with each other). And honestly, like I didn't get to know these women and their lives (these people obviously mattered to them too).
July 1, 2026
got this as a physical book through APL which is always fun!! this was a great graphic novel, the art style a little more cartoony (vs artsy) then i prefer but i still liked it. great complexities with the mcs— divorce, family expectations, pushing people away, motherhood, etc—and a really sweet relationship between them. def would recommend for a sweet and lovely time!
January 13, 2025
This was everything 💜 loved it so so much. The two main characters are great both within their relationship with each other and as separate people and the side characters (minus one) are so lovable as well.
November 16, 2025
I absolutely adored this!
July 7, 2026
sweet read! enjoyed the romance and all the family stuff
June 27, 2026
So cute!! I will always be a sucker for late in life coming out stories.
April 19, 2025
I have to admit, going into this graphic novel, that was clearly a romance of a formally straight mother of four, with another woman, that it was going to be an instanta romance, which I loathe. I was happy to find that it was a slow and realistic build, which was wonderful and sweet.
Alex is the lesbian in question, and her daughter goes to the same school that Imogen’s four kids go to. Imagen can see that Alex is clearly out of her depth at the school drop off, and befriends her, and then discovers that they live next door.
This is such a heartfelt novel. I loved the feelings of everyone. I love that although Imogen is “just a housewife” she has aspirations, and things she wants to do beyond that. And Alex has trauma from how her parents raised her, and has trouble being close to anyone.
I love all the twists and turns, and eventual outcome. I would highly recommend this romance for making both the protagonists not perfect in any way, and having baggage galore, but that you still end up rooting for them.
All the stars. Really. Right down to Alex’s catty friends, who can’t believe she is dating a straight girl.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book is being published on the 6th of May 2025.
Alex is the lesbian in question, and her daughter goes to the same school that Imogen’s four kids go to. Imagen can see that Alex is clearly out of her depth at the school drop off, and befriends her, and then discovers that they live next door.
This is such a heartfelt novel. I loved the feelings of everyone. I love that although Imogen is “just a housewife” she has aspirations, and things she wants to do beyond that. And Alex has trauma from how her parents raised her, and has trouble being close to anyone.
I love all the twists and turns, and eventual outcome. I would highly recommend this romance for making both the protagonists not perfect in any way, and having baggage galore, but that you still end up rooting for them.
All the stars. Really. Right down to Alex’s catty friends, who can’t believe she is dating a straight girl.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book is being published on the 6th of May 2025.
August 20, 2025
I picked this book up for the title because I think the song "Motherlover" by Lonely Island is hilarious, and I thought it would be a quick and fun read. And while it was both of those things, it was so much more, dealing with heavy themes in a compassionate way that packed a serious emotional punch. Some of the scenes are so heartfelt that my chest genuinely hurt, and I had to get up and do a couple laps around the living room when I finished the last page.
MOTHERLOVER is the story of two young mothers who become neighbors. I loved the depiction of different kinds of families without making it a huge "thing": Alex is a single lesbian mother of one daughter, whom she had through IVF intentionally with no partner; and Imogen's children have two different fathers. Both women are dealing with a lot. Alex is unpacking childhood trauma that makes her afraid to get too close to anyone, while Imogen is trying to figure out who she is apart from being a mother to her four children. They form a fast friendship and support each other through all the obstacles life throws at them, while you as the reader are screaming at the book that they are PERFECT for each other and need to just kiss already.
It meant a lot to see Imogen's plus-size body be portrayed as beautiful, sexy, and desirable. (MOTHERLOVER is an adult novel because it's about adults, but the romance is PG. We see characters in their bra and underwear, but there is no on-page sex--just kisses, and it's a slow-burn romance.) Alex falls first, and to see the skinny character falling for the fat girl was a refreshing change.
One of my favorite scenes is where I also felt that Alex's childhood trauma, and how it impacted her relationship with her brother, was very well done, especially her journey to realize and acknowledge the toxic environment in which she grew up.
Every page is an absolute delight. What a ridiculously talented author and illustrator--sometimes graphic novels are burdened with too much text, but not so with MOTHERLOVER, which is perfectly told in this form. I wanted it to be longer, yet it was perfectly paced--I just loved the characters and storytelling so much that I wanted MORE. I truly feel that MOTHERLOVER is as close to perfect as it's possible for a book to be. I will absolutely be rereading and recommending to everyone I know.
MOTHERLOVER is the story of two young mothers who become neighbors. I loved the depiction of different kinds of families without making it a huge "thing": Alex is a single lesbian mother of one daughter, whom she had through IVF intentionally with no partner; and Imogen's children have two different fathers. Both women are dealing with a lot. Alex is unpacking childhood trauma that makes her afraid to get too close to anyone, while Imogen is trying to figure out who she is apart from being a mother to her four children. They form a fast friendship and support each other through all the obstacles life throws at them, while you as the reader are screaming at the book that they are PERFECT for each other and need to just kiss already.
It meant a lot to see Imogen's plus-size body be portrayed as beautiful, sexy, and desirable. (MOTHERLOVER is an adult novel because it's about adults, but the romance is PG. We see characters in their bra and underwear, but there is no on-page sex--just kisses, and it's a slow-burn romance.) Alex falls first, and to see the skinny character falling for the fat girl was a refreshing change.
One of my favorite scenes is where I also felt that Alex's childhood trauma, and how it impacted her relationship with her brother, was very well done, especially her journey to realize and acknowledge the toxic environment in which she grew up.
Every page is an absolute delight. What a ridiculously talented author and illustrator--sometimes graphic novels are burdened with too much text, but not so with MOTHERLOVER, which is perfectly told in this form. I wanted it to be longer, yet it was perfectly paced--I just loved the characters and storytelling so much that I wanted MORE. I truly feel that MOTHERLOVER is as close to perfect as it's possible for a book to be. I will absolutely be rereading and recommending to everyone I know.
September 28, 2025
"Motherlover" starts where most love stories end, according to the author, and I thought that was incredibly appropriate for a book about motherhood, something whose reality is rarely represented.
I remember seeing this title around a few months ago and passed on it. That was one of the stupidest decisions I have ever made, because this was one of the most original romances I have ever read.
If I hadn't read that Lindsay came from a Webtoon background, which for me is an automatic stamp of quality, the colours and diversity on the page would have given me a clue. I loved the way that bodies, particularly women's bodies, were drawn. Imogen specifically because it's so rare to see a fat body being represented as beautiful and desirable. The way the movement was captured was beautiful.
The author packed so many different family dynamics in one graphic novel and represented them all with love and care, from single parent or one child families to big families with two parents, married, divorced, solo parent, teen parent, accidently or porpusedly and the constant changes to the family unit that happen, some that come with kids growing up and others that are unexpected.
While motherhood is a big theme in this book and a central theme in these characters' lives, I loved that it was only one part of them, and both Imogen and Alex had a lot more going on in their lives, both good and bad, and their friendship was one of the things that helped them weather the lows and share the highs. Female friendship in general is spotlighted, both the positive and the negative aspects of it.
Imogen starts this story as a stay-at-home mum, taking care of the house, her husband and four sons. Through her, we see all the work she does every day and how unappreciated she is. The reaction that she gets when she tells people she is a stay-at-home mum is rarely good, and while she is taking care of multiple people, no one is there for her. Seeing her being given the time to think about what she wants and get the courage to advocate for and discover herself, as something other than a mother, was one of my favourite parts of this story.
Alex's character arc was also really interesting: only realising as an adult with a child of her own, that her upbringing had been abusive and had a direct effect on the kind of person she was, and trying to address her self-sabotaging ways to find happiness.
Thankfully, queer stories are no longer a rarity, but most of them are coming-out stories or focus on younger characters, so it was wonderful to see all kinds of identities and ages being represented here.
Thank you to Edelweiss and Iron Circus Comics for this DRC.
I remember seeing this title around a few months ago and passed on it. That was one of the stupidest decisions I have ever made, because this was one of the most original romances I have ever read.
If I hadn't read that Lindsay came from a Webtoon background, which for me is an automatic stamp of quality, the colours and diversity on the page would have given me a clue. I loved the way that bodies, particularly women's bodies, were drawn. Imogen specifically because it's so rare to see a fat body being represented as beautiful and desirable. The way the movement was captured was beautiful.
The author packed so many different family dynamics in one graphic novel and represented them all with love and care, from single parent or one child families to big families with two parents, married, divorced, solo parent, teen parent, accidently or porpusedly and the constant changes to the family unit that happen, some that come with kids growing up and others that are unexpected.
While motherhood is a big theme in this book and a central theme in these characters' lives, I loved that it was only one part of them, and both Imogen and Alex had a lot more going on in their lives, both good and bad, and their friendship was one of the things that helped them weather the lows and share the highs. Female friendship in general is spotlighted, both the positive and the negative aspects of it.
Imogen starts this story as a stay-at-home mum, taking care of the house, her husband and four sons. Through her, we see all the work she does every day and how unappreciated she is. The reaction that she gets when she tells people she is a stay-at-home mum is rarely good, and while she is taking care of multiple people, no one is there for her. Seeing her being given the time to think about what she wants and get the courage to advocate for and discover herself, as something other than a mother, was one of my favourite parts of this story.
Alex's character arc was also really interesting: only realising as an adult with a child of her own, that her upbringing had been abusive and had a direct effect on the kind of person she was, and trying to address her self-sabotaging ways to find happiness.
Thankfully, queer stories are no longer a rarity, but most of them are coming-out stories or focus on younger characters, so it was wonderful to see all kinds of identities and ages being represented here.
Thank you to Edelweiss and Iron Circus Comics for this DRC.
August 1, 2025
Motherlover is a fantastic and heartwarming queer graphic novel by Lindsay Ishihiro.
Technically, this is kinda a re-read for me, as I support Ishihiro on Patreon and read through the webcomic version as it was being published. Practically as soon as it was announced to have a print run, I preordered it from bookshop.org. I ate this up the first time I read it online in chapter-sized bites and I ate it up again in its full physical form. I just love Ishihiro's art style.
This delightful graphic novel follows two moms from their meet cute the first day of school drop-off through months and months of strengthening their bond of friendship into something more. Both MCs appear to be in their late 30s, and I always find it wonderful to experience someone realizing their queerness "later" in life. Both MCs also struggle, in different ways, to figure out who they are outside of motherhood.
I especially adored the breadth of diversity represented throughout this book. One of our MCs is a plus-sized stay-at-home mom of four. The other is Asian, lesbian, a single mom by design, and plays the cello for a local fancy orchestra. There are a wide variety of races, sexualities, and family structures throughout the wide cast of characters.
This was so good, and I highly recommend it.
Rep: queer MCs (one is a lesbian, the other isn't specified but appears to be bi/pansexual), plus-sized MC, Asian MC, queer side characters (trans, lesbian, gay)
Tropes: strangers to friends to lovers, forced proximity
CW: parental death (prior to book), emotional abuse (mostly prior to book), infidelity (not directly on-page), divorce
If you want to see more from me, check out my blog, Bookstagram, TheStoryGraph, or Bluesky.
Technically, this is kinda a re-read for me, as I support Ishihiro on Patreon and read through the webcomic version as it was being published. Practically as soon as it was announced to have a print run, I preordered it from bookshop.org. I ate this up the first time I read it online in chapter-sized bites and I ate it up again in its full physical form. I just love Ishihiro's art style.
This delightful graphic novel follows two moms from their meet cute the first day of school drop-off through months and months of strengthening their bond of friendship into something more. Both MCs appear to be in their late 30s, and I always find it wonderful to experience someone realizing their queerness "later" in life. Both MCs also struggle, in different ways, to figure out who they are outside of motherhood.
I especially adored the breadth of diversity represented throughout this book. One of our MCs is a plus-sized stay-at-home mom of four. The other is Asian, lesbian, a single mom by design, and plays the cello for a local fancy orchestra. There are a wide variety of races, sexualities, and family structures throughout the wide cast of characters.
This was so good, and I highly recommend it.
Rep: queer MCs (one is a lesbian, the other isn't specified but appears to be bi/pansexual), plus-sized MC, Asian MC, queer side characters (trans, lesbian, gay)
Tropes: strangers to friends to lovers, forced proximity
CW: parental death (prior to book), emotional abuse (mostly prior to book), infidelity (not directly on-page), divorce
If you want to see more from me, check out my blog, Bookstagram, TheStoryGraph, or Bluesky.
January 17, 2026
Motherlover gave me warm fuzzies inside. I don’t normally pick up many graphic novels, but I originally discovered Lindsey Ishihiro’s booth at the Edmonton Expo in 2024. I was walking by and my boyfriend said “Haven’t you played that?” When I looked up, there was a sign that said “Ask me about I Was a Teenage Exocolonist” on her booth. It turns out she helped make the game. When I returned next year, I left with a copy of Motherlover. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but knew I was in good hands.
I’m still not quite sure how to review graphic novels properly. The imagery was beautiful and pleasant to look at. It conveyed the emotion it was supposed to and flowed nicely while drawing me in. I noticed a couple possible errors near the end, such as Imogen not being coloured in for one panel and certain people not having eyes, but other than that, it all seemed visually perfect to me.
Mostly, Motherlover brought me joy. I found myself smiling as I was flipping through it. The relationship kind of came together in a weird order, but it felt natural. Lots of time was needed for Imogen and Alex to go from strangers to best friends to something not quite defined and then girlfriends. There were lots of complex factors keeping them from making it official, but it made it feel more realistic. I didn’t quite relate to some of the themes, such as motherhood, betrayal, and coming to terms with a toxic childhood. However, I’d imagine for people who can relate, an even stronger connection can be had with both the characters and the themes of the novel.
I believe the book is actually available for free online to read at https://motherlovercomic.com. Personally, I have a signed physical copy that makes me happy. I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone who is looking for a queer and diverse romance to read, especially by a Canadian author. It was a pretty adorable book! 4/5 January 17 2026
I’m still not quite sure how to review graphic novels properly. The imagery was beautiful and pleasant to look at. It conveyed the emotion it was supposed to and flowed nicely while drawing me in. I noticed a couple possible errors near the end, such as Imogen not being coloured in for one panel and certain people not having eyes, but other than that, it all seemed visually perfect to me.
Mostly, Motherlover brought me joy. I found myself smiling as I was flipping through it. The relationship kind of came together in a weird order, but it felt natural. Lots of time was needed for Imogen and Alex to go from strangers to best friends to something not quite defined and then girlfriends. There were lots of complex factors keeping them from making it official, but it made it feel more realistic. I didn’t quite relate to some of the themes, such as motherhood, betrayal, and coming to terms with a toxic childhood. However, I’d imagine for people who can relate, an even stronger connection can be had with both the characters and the themes of the novel.
I believe the book is actually available for free online to read at https://motherlovercomic.com. Personally, I have a signed physical copy that makes me happy. I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone who is looking for a queer and diverse romance to read, especially by a Canadian author. It was a pretty adorable book! 4/5 January 17 2026
July 22, 2025
Uhm hello, this graphic novel had no business being as good as it was and making me feel all the feels?!
In a nutshell: it is never too late to change your life, discover who you are and do something about it.
And this is what I need to hear and see, now more than ever.
Imogen is a stay-at-home mum of four, married to the step-dad figure that provides for the family.
Alex is a single mom who just moved back to her parents' house after they passed away and she's Imogen's new neighbour.
Thus begins a friendship and the beginning of something new for both of them.
This is not what I was expecting at all. I thought it was going to be the story about two single mums falling in love - and not only was I wrong, it was so much more than what I could have possibly imagined!
We see what it's like to go through a divorce, not knowing whether you are giving up or doing what's best (if there is such a thing as "what's best"), seeing your life as you knew it (and as you always expected it was going to be) completely falling apart and having to put back the pieces; we see what it's like to be an adult who had "abusive" parents and didn't realize how (not physically) abusive they were until it was too late to speak up and how that has affected your life and the relationships with your partners; we also see a teenager transitioning and being embraced in her new gender, without being ridiculed or belittled or questioned in any way.
And we see what it's like to explore your identity, go through a queer awakening later in life, and take everything you deserve and that life has to offer you.
It was so much packed into a relatively long graphic novel and I loved every page of it :)
*Thank you NetGalley for providing an eARC of this book; my thoughts are my own and not biased in any way.*
In a nutshell: it is never too late to change your life, discover who you are and do something about it.
And this is what I need to hear and see, now more than ever.
Imogen is a stay-at-home mum of four, married to the step-dad figure that provides for the family.
Alex is a single mom who just moved back to her parents' house after they passed away and she's Imogen's new neighbour.
Thus begins a friendship and the beginning of something new for both of them.
This is not what I was expecting at all. I thought it was going to be the story about two single mums falling in love - and not only was I wrong, it was so much more than what I could have possibly imagined!
We see what it's like to go through a divorce, not knowing whether you are giving up or doing what's best (if there is such a thing as "what's best"), seeing your life as you knew it (and as you always expected it was going to be) completely falling apart and having to put back the pieces; we see what it's like to be an adult who had "abusive" parents and didn't realize how (not physically) abusive they were until it was too late to speak up and how that has affected your life and the relationships with your partners; we also see a teenager transitioning and being embraced in her new gender, without being ridiculed or belittled or questioned in any way.
And we see what it's like to explore your identity, go through a queer awakening later in life, and take everything you deserve and that life has to offer you.
It was so much packed into a relatively long graphic novel and I loved every page of it :)
*Thank you NetGalley for providing an eARC of this book; my thoughts are my own and not biased in any way.*
December 11, 2024
Someone get me a tissue, immediately!!! This was the exact representation that I’ve been needing in my life.
Alex and her daughter have just moved to a new town after her parent’s deaths; into her childhood home to be exact. This seems like the chance she needs to start fresh and build something new, but for her, she’s always running from the past, not to it.
Imogen is married with 4 kids, 1 of which is from a previous relationship. She’s happy being the doting housewife, taking care of her children and all of her husband’s needs. Besides working, the only thing he’s in charge of in their household is the money. When the bills aren’t getting paid on time and her card suddenly declines, she starts to realize that everything may not be as perfect as it seems.
Alex has a lot of familial (and relationship, but that also stems from family, I think) trauma that has held her back from finding a woman to settle down with. So being in her childhood home and making (best) friends with the nextdoor neighbor, as well lending Imogen a hand when she needs someone, is really helping herself to heal.
This has some incredible representation. We have a lesbian MC, an MC with a queer awakening, a gay brother who has a “roommate” which we all know is keyword for dating😂, a non-binary side character, and a character who comes out as trans on page. Those are just a few of the parts of the book that made me fall in love with it. I love a book that I can open up and see a piece of myself in different characters.
This doesn’t come out until May of 2025, so now I get to sit here waiting for a physical copy of the book, because I want to hold it and keep it on my shelf where I can go to and reread it again and again, because I loved it so much!!!
Alex and her daughter have just moved to a new town after her parent’s deaths; into her childhood home to be exact. This seems like the chance she needs to start fresh and build something new, but for her, she’s always running from the past, not to it.
Imogen is married with 4 kids, 1 of which is from a previous relationship. She’s happy being the doting housewife, taking care of her children and all of her husband’s needs. Besides working, the only thing he’s in charge of in their household is the money. When the bills aren’t getting paid on time and her card suddenly declines, she starts to realize that everything may not be as perfect as it seems.
Alex has a lot of familial (and relationship, but that also stems from family, I think) trauma that has held her back from finding a woman to settle down with. So being in her childhood home and making (best) friends with the nextdoor neighbor, as well lending Imogen a hand when she needs someone, is really helping herself to heal.
This has some incredible representation. We have a lesbian MC, an MC with a queer awakening, a gay brother who has a “roommate” which we all know is keyword for dating😂, a non-binary side character, and a character who comes out as trans on page. Those are just a few of the parts of the book that made me fall in love with it. I love a book that I can open up and see a piece of myself in different characters.
This doesn’t come out until May of 2025, so now I get to sit here waiting for a physical copy of the book, because I want to hold it and keep it on my shelf where I can go to and reread it again and again, because I loved it so much!!!
July 10, 2025
Motherlover is easily a 5-star read for me and hands down my favourite graphic novel of the year so far. From the first few pages, I was completely immersed in this beautiful, emotional, and heartfelt story.
The narrative follows Imogen, a stay-at-home mum of four, and her new neighbor Alex, a seemingly confident and stylish single mum by choice who’s just moved back into her childhood home. What starts as a simple neighbourly introduction quickly blossoms into something much deeper.
This graphic novel has some heavier themes like childhood trauma, homophobia, and parental death. But, the character growth, particularly around these topics, was genuinely inspiring. I also loved the layered storyline, including the side plot involving one of Imogen’s children, which added even more heart to the book.
The LGBTQIA+ representation was incredible, and I really appreciated the slow burn romance. It allowed space for the friendship and emotional connection to develop in a way that felt authentic and earned. The pacing and flow were just right, and I honestly felt like I could have spent forever reading about these characters.
The artwork is absolutely stunning, with vibrant colors that elevated every scene and emotion. I read this in one sitting, completely drawn into the world, which offered the perfect moment of escape.
Thank you to NetGalley and Iron Circus Comics for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The narrative follows Imogen, a stay-at-home mum of four, and her new neighbor Alex, a seemingly confident and stylish single mum by choice who’s just moved back into her childhood home. What starts as a simple neighbourly introduction quickly blossoms into something much deeper.
This graphic novel has some heavier themes like childhood trauma, homophobia, and parental death. But, the character growth, particularly around these topics, was genuinely inspiring. I also loved the layered storyline, including the side plot involving one of Imogen’s children, which added even more heart to the book.
The LGBTQIA+ representation was incredible, and I really appreciated the slow burn romance. It allowed space for the friendship and emotional connection to develop in a way that felt authentic and earned. The pacing and flow were just right, and I honestly felt like I could have spent forever reading about these characters.
The artwork is absolutely stunning, with vibrant colors that elevated every scene and emotion. I read this in one sitting, completely drawn into the world, which offered the perfect moment of escape.
Thank you to NetGalley and Iron Circus Comics for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 8, 2025
I got an ARC of this book.
It was a wonderful and quick read. I was suprised at every turn. It was a slow burn romance, that was easy to see coming. What was surprising was how it happened and just how everything played out in a way that allowed for more complexity than a lot of slow burn romance allows for.
The biggest side detail that made me so happy was the oldest child's plot lines. The way that it was handled. The way that it was just what it was. There were some bumps, but those bumps were one line that could easily have been missed if you were reading too fast. It was just a wonderful little plot that fleshed out the world and made me love this story more than expected.
It felt like there were some plot holes around one of the characters. By the time things really got going, they clearly were together before they realized it. Somehow they just got together and it worked. It felt like there was so much build up, that there was not enough room for the payoff. There were cute scenes throughout, but the photographs at the end really made me smile. I just wish there was more after they got together that was actually told instead of that feeling like the very end of it all.
If you are looking for a mildly angsty, slow burn romance, then I highly recommend.
It was a wonderful and quick read. I was suprised at every turn. It was a slow burn romance, that was easy to see coming. What was surprising was how it happened and just how everything played out in a way that allowed for more complexity than a lot of slow burn romance allows for.
The biggest side detail that made me so happy was the oldest child's plot lines. The way that it was handled. The way that it was just what it was. There were some bumps, but those bumps were one line that could easily have been missed if you were reading too fast. It was just a wonderful little plot that fleshed out the world and made me love this story more than expected.
It felt like there were some plot holes around one of the characters. By the time things really got going, they clearly were together before they realized it. Somehow they just got together and it worked. It felt like there was so much build up, that there was not enough room for the payoff. There were cute scenes throughout, but the photographs at the end really made me smile. I just wish there was more after they got together that was actually told instead of that feeling like the very end of it all.
If you are looking for a mildly angsty, slow burn romance, then I highly recommend.
August 25, 2025
A sweet story of two moms that help each other and then maybe totally fall for each other. Motherlover is a standalone story from the creator's webcomic, How Baby, which I'm definitely curious to check out now. (What can I say? I'm a motherlover!)
A lot of story happens but I never felt like it got bogged down, although I wouldn't have minded if this was 5x longer and I got to enjoy knowing these characters even more. I was also aware that, well, the husband character would have to be taken care of, but I'm not sure I liked the direction the comic took so that we could get these women together. Maybe it ties into the larger story, and it has important discussions about what divorce means for a stay-at-home mom and her kids.
The art: Pretty good, but had some real standouts - like a captured sunset. Ishihiro has a really cool chapter where a lot of time passes in snapshot panels and they were so incredibly well done to convey so much without text and to have so many interesting, cute panels!
A lot of story happens but I never felt like it got bogged down, although I wouldn't have minded if this was 5x longer and I got to enjoy knowing these characters even more. I was also aware that, well, the husband character would have to be taken care of, but I'm not sure I liked the direction the comic took so that we could get these women together. Maybe it ties into the larger story, and it has important discussions about what divorce means for a stay-at-home mom and her kids.
The art: Pretty good, but had some real standouts - like a captured sunset. Ishihiro has a really cool chapter where a lot of time passes in snapshot panels and they were so incredibly well done to convey so much without text and to have so many interesting, cute panels!
May 24, 2025
“You’re still you, even while you’re changing.”
Motherlover was a very enjoyable read. Imogen and Alex’s story was incredibly cute and comforting, like a warm and fluffy blanket during winter. It was soft, sparkling and colorful, just like the arts on the pages.
I loved that second chance in life for Imogen, all the changes happening when her new neighbor –Alex– erupts into her life, how she decides to do things for herself and understands that it doesn’t mean she fails her other duties. This is a very positive –and relatable– arc, and this book feels super empowering. Inspiring. Imogen gains self confidence, prioritizes herself. Alex grows too in the background, a bit more passively. The way they come closer is super natural and cute, and I loved to see their friendship –and maybe more– grows page after pages.
A great feel good read!
Thank you to the author and Iron Circus Comics for the eARC on NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
Motherlover was a very enjoyable read. Imogen and Alex’s story was incredibly cute and comforting, like a warm and fluffy blanket during winter. It was soft, sparkling and colorful, just like the arts on the pages.
I loved that second chance in life for Imogen, all the changes happening when her new neighbor –Alex– erupts into her life, how she decides to do things for herself and understands that it doesn’t mean she fails her other duties. This is a very positive –and relatable– arc, and this book feels super empowering. Inspiring. Imogen gains self confidence, prioritizes herself. Alex grows too in the background, a bit more passively. The way they come closer is super natural and cute, and I loved to see their friendship –and maybe more– grows page after pages.
A great feel good read!
Thank you to the author and Iron Circus Comics for the eARC on NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
March 2, 2025
Digital arc - thank you so much to the publisher!
What an absolute delight to read. Everything from the art, to the story and the amount of love in this book made me so happy. I loved both Imogen and Alex, how their friendship grew and how they made a place for each other. And holding each other accountable.
And, of course, I always love a queer story. And this one is a hopeful, kind and loving one. A mother loving a queer child, making her best ro understand it. And to understand herself.
Another daughter learning that her parent weren’t always right and that ”duty” isn’t always what you’ve been led to believe. That needing help isn’t a bad thing, if it’s from someone who cares for you.
Ugh, just the cutest. Will definitely buy this and reread it over and over. And wait for more stories from Ishihiro.
/ Denise
What an absolute delight to read. Everything from the art, to the story and the amount of love in this book made me so happy. I loved both Imogen and Alex, how their friendship grew and how they made a place for each other. And holding each other accountable.
And, of course, I always love a queer story. And this one is a hopeful, kind and loving one. A mother loving a queer child, making her best ro understand it. And to understand herself.
Another daughter learning that her parent weren’t always right and that ”duty” isn’t always what you’ve been led to believe. That needing help isn’t a bad thing, if it’s from someone who cares for you.
Ugh, just the cutest. Will definitely buy this and reread it over and over. And wait for more stories from Ishihiro.
/ Denise
June 29, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Iron Circus Comics for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Well, I cried. I rarely cry at graphic novels, but this one hit me for some reason.
It's a story about life and female friendship and motherhood, but also about standing on your own and queer awakening even later in life. It was sweet, and I wanted more. It's especially powerful in its portrayal of life and how things don't have to be perfect for you to grow as a person and heal yourself even. Why do you think I was crying by the end of it? (Although I started somewhere in the middle.)
It was sweet and heartwarming, while also featuring harsh themes. Which I why I think I wanted it to be longer - to be serialised maybe?
Well, I cried. I rarely cry at graphic novels, but this one hit me for some reason.
It's a story about life and female friendship and motherhood, but also about standing on your own and queer awakening even later in life. It was sweet, and I wanted more. It's especially powerful in its portrayal of life and how things don't have to be perfect for you to grow as a person and heal yourself even. Why do you think I was crying by the end of it? (Although I started somewhere in the middle.)
It was sweet and heartwarming, while also featuring harsh themes. Which I why I think I wanted it to be longer - to be serialised maybe?
July 18, 2025
God, what a gorgeous story.
A fully-realised queer romance, but so much more than that, too. It's a story of love, loss, awakening, grief, family, and finding your own happiness. With oodles of queer representation and beautifully drawn, fully coloured panels, I found myself completely immersed in this world from page one.
There's so much to love in this book, and if you like realistically told queer stories, please don't hesitate to pick this one up.
Little things:
- It's so wonderful to see Imogen drawn and respected for the absolute beauty that she is, squishy belly and stretch marks and all.
- I was completely taken by surprise by Lu's storyline. No spoilers but it's so beautifully done.
- The dream sequence. Awooga.
100% recommend.
A fully-realised queer romance, but so much more than that, too. It's a story of love, loss, awakening, grief, family, and finding your own happiness. With oodles of queer representation and beautifully drawn, fully coloured panels, I found myself completely immersed in this world from page one.
There's so much to love in this book, and if you like realistically told queer stories, please don't hesitate to pick this one up.
Little things:
- It's so wonderful to see Imogen drawn and respected for the absolute beauty that she is, squishy belly and stretch marks and all.
- I was completely taken by surprise by Lu's storyline. No spoilers but it's so beautifully done.
- The dream sequence. Awooga.
100% recommend.
August 28, 2025
A very slow-burn, coming out in later life, mom next door, friends support network, learning to repair what is cracked but not broken, and never too old to start again graphic novel.
Artwork is in full color and is stunning. Enjoyed the older protagonists queer storyline with having both POVs.
The story's pacing for me was a bit off. Some time jumps were short and other super long, glossed over things while dragging over others. Ending and epilogue felt a bit rushed
Artwork is in full color and is stunning. Enjoyed the older protagonists queer storyline with having both POVs.
The story's pacing for me was a bit off. Some time jumps were short and other super long, glossed over things while dragging over others. Ending and epilogue felt a bit rushed
August 26, 2025
Rating: B+
Motherlover was granted to me as an advanced copy after the publisher gave me auto approval for their comics.
Alex is a single parent moving her and her 5yo daughter from the city to a small town where her parents used to live. Imogen lives next door with her husband and their four children. Through this multi-arc comic book, we get to learn about the difficulties of parental life and the struggles the two parents face; Imogen is a single parent who didn't pursue university after having her first child, and Alex was never one who was motherly but she's a bit atypical for the town they live in.
The characters were quite well developed. I liked learning about the two families and their dynamics and was curious how the two would come together. The twist with the families kind of blindsided me and I felt so bad for Imogen, who also has some discourse on what it's like being a SAHM and how people judge you for that.
I thought the art was decent and there was good scale of characters to each other and the backgrounds, I though the end where they discuss how they modelled the sets was really interesting. If there was one thing to criticise, I felt like the art was so different in the "nice" snapshots and that Imogen (who is plus sized) kept on changing in a few panels, I just felt like her body was really inconsistent.
I also felt like the start of the comic was kind of strangely paced and I had a hard time really getting to know the characters and getting into their stories.
Still a great read and I like reading about older protagonists and LGBT characters. Thank you for this opportunity.
Motherlover was granted to me as an advanced copy after the publisher gave me auto approval for their comics.
Alex is a single parent moving her and her 5yo daughter from the city to a small town where her parents used to live. Imogen lives next door with her husband and their four children. Through this multi-arc comic book, we get to learn about the difficulties of parental life and the struggles the two parents face; Imogen is a single parent who didn't pursue university after having her first child, and Alex was never one who was motherly but she's a bit atypical for the town they live in.
The characters were quite well developed. I liked learning about the two families and their dynamics and was curious how the two would come together. The twist with the families kind of blindsided me and I felt so bad for Imogen, who also has some discourse on what it's like being a SAHM and how people judge you for that.
I thought the art was decent and there was good scale of characters to each other and the backgrounds, I though the end where they discuss how they modelled the sets was really interesting. If there was one thing to criticise, I felt like the art was so different in the "nice" snapshots and that Imogen (who is plus sized) kept on changing in a few panels, I just felt like her body was really inconsistent.
I also felt like the start of the comic was kind of strangely paced and I had a hard time really getting to know the characters and getting into their stories.
Still a great read and I like reading about older protagonists and LGBT characters. Thank you for this opportunity.
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