Jamás me enamoraré

by Hari Conner

Inspirada en los libros de Jane Austen y en la historia de la comunidad queer, ésta es una novela que cambia las reglas del "... y fueron felices para siempre". 

En una época en la que se cree que la identidad de género se reduce a dos opciones, George teme que la reputación de su familia se arruine si el mundo se entera que prefiere usar ropa de hombre. Por si fuera poco, acaba de heredar una finca que está al borde de la quiebra y sus sentimientos por su mejor amiga, Eleanor, se han vuelto cada vez más complicados. 

Eleanor siempre quiere hacer todo de la forma correcta, incluso cuando se enamora. Hasta ahora no ha conocido a ningún chico que le interese, así que, por lo pronto, pasa el día con su querida prima Charlotte y con la persona más importante para George. Pero todo cambia cuando la búsqueda de un pretendiente finalmente despierta su curiosidad y con ello pone en riesgo su relación con George, hasta llevarla a cuestionarse sobre lo "correcto" y enfrentarse a sentimientos que desconocía. 

Genres: Graphic Novels, Romance, Historical Fiction, LGBT, Young Adult, Queer, Historical

Kindle Edition

First published October 10, 2024

About the author

Hari 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.

Reviews

[Alice Oseman · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Danika at The Lesbrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Generally speaking, I’m used to queer historical fiction falling into two categories: depressing and trying to be historically accurate, or joyful and set in an imaginary version of history without bigotry. When I picked up I Shall Never Fall in Love, I was expecting the latter. After all, this is a book that draws heavily on Jane Austen novels and also has queer, nonbinary, and Black characters living in “high society”. I was pleasantly surprised to find this is a joyful queer story that also is well-researched and faces the racism, queerphobia, sexism, classism, and other bigotries of the time head on.

I was really impressed with how this YA graphic novel balanced a cute queer love story with historical accuracy about queer people and people of color’s experience in this setting. There are absolutely goofy moments with over-the-top cartoon expressions, but the story also doesn’t erase the everyday bigotry of this setting. There are notes at the end giving more context about queer and Black people’s lives in this setting in history. There are also some FAQs answered by the characters and an annotated bibliography for readers who want to learn more. This is a new favorite!

Full review at the Lesbrary.

[Maia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a witty, well-written queer romance set in the mid-1800s, England. The story borrows heavily from Emma while still feeling like its own fresh tale, especially because of the inclusion of characters of color, queer characters, and a gender-nonconforming love interest. I was rooting for Eleanor and George all the way; both rooting for them to get together and also rooting for them to find the space to know themselves and express that authentically around the people they love! The art in this book is stunning, with beautiful colors, and so much thoughtful historical research went into the design of the houses, costumes, and world of these characters. Highly recommend, especially if you're a Jane Austen fan.

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oooo this one was recommended to me and it did not disappoint. Imagine Jane Austen, but with a plot that is deeply rooted in queer history. Conner did a fantastic job of giving readers a love story, but also a story that analyzed the experience of marginalized groups hundreds of years ago. Not only is there an exploration of queer identity during this time, but also the experiences of Black people living in England at the same time. The artwork was astounding and the story captivating. If you haven't had the chance to pick this one up, I highly recommend it.

[Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 "meh" stars. I really loved the diversity of this Regency graphic novel - I'm all for Black & queer joy. But I did not feel it was very "Austenesque" save being set in the same time/place. Also, it really, really was slow AF for a graphic novel - perhaps just too long. Good author notes at the end. I'm not the target demographic, however, so perhaps younger readers would get more from it???

[nikki | ཐི༏ཋྀ​​݁ ₊ ݁ . · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5★

such a cute queer jane austen-inspired graphic novel!

i don't know austen too well but i def got the emma vibes for eleanor: young, a bit naive, definitely flawed but learned to grow through her mistakes. george was also so sweet and i like the charlotte was so steadfast in her own decisions and beliefs.

especially love and appreciate that there's a short bibliography included for further reading on queer and Black history for georgian era england! will def be reading

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely spin on Austen's Emma.

[Anniek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my most anticipated graphic novel release of the year. I was invited to read the first few chapters through Netgalley a few months ago, which had me really excited to continue. Having read the full graphic novel now, I absolutely loved it. It's such a well fleshed out story, especially for a graphic novel, and I loved how nuanced the characters are and how much growth they go through.

[Ally · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's a secret sixth star here for the bibliography in the back I love you well done historical fiction

[jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

didn’t really care for it, unfortunately. obviously loved george but the rest of them and the story? meh.

[suonnahbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I shall never fall in love by Hari Conner
- the graphics are beautiful omg
- I love this trio so much they my besties lol
- I love the trans representation in this book
- if you love bridgerton you’ll eat this up
- this makes me want to wear a gown and go to a ball
- this story was so cuteeee
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Rod Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

An LGBTQIA+ spin on a Regency era romance has a story that is a little flat, slow, and obvious, but I do so enjoy the characters and where they end up.

[Starr ❇✌❇ · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw that this was "Jane Austen inspired" I didn't realize it's honestly, literally just a diverse (mostly queer) take on Emma- but man am I glad that's what I got! You can tell Conner loves the source material, because the injection of diversity always highlights what was there already in the story and just gives it a new deeper layer. While I didn't find myself as compelled with Eleanor as I do with Emma (at least, the Anya Taylor-Joy version) but I did deeply enjoy getting to know George, and seeing this confident, self aware Charlotte! I could definitely see myself fondly revisiting this one.

[Meggie Ramm · Rating 5 out of 5]

A queer regency story that addresses race and class dynamics? Where the white girl's privilege gets called out multiple times?? And one of the best love stories in comics that I've ever read??? PLUS a queer/OC history primer in the endnotes??

Be still my beating heart! Bridgerton WISHES. A perfect read, 10/10 recommend.

[Giovanareadshere · Rating 5 out of 5]

This graphic novel was hella cute and fun to read!😍😍 I loved following a trio of friends in early 1800s England, where they are diverse and unapologetic individuals on a quest to find love in their own ways. I liked Ellie’s curiosity about society, her determination to care for her sickly father, her exploration of her feelings for girls, and the playful banter between her and George, who eventually fall in love.

My two favorite characters are Charlotte and George. I admired Charlotte’s perspective as a Black woman seeking a suitor to help support her family. She refuses to associate with anyone involved in plantations and slavery in America and won't fall for anyone who views her Blackness as a fetish. Charlotte is not afraid to stand up for herself, especially against her cousin Eleanor. Her determination to marry for love rather than status made me happu.

I love George! They’re unapologetic and undeterred about being trans and gay, despite societal and familial pressures to conform while managing their family’s estate. Throughout the story, you witness George's journey of finding their identity on their own terms.

The art style of this graphic novel was perfect, particularly the vivid facial expressions that had me laughing out loud. The mini history lesson about Anne Lister at the end was really interesting. I appreciated how the author highlighted her strengths and flaws, showcasing her as a multifaceted person, just like the characters in this story.

[Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bridgerton but make it queer! Such a fun book and I love the liberties the author took to make the language modern while keeping everything else pretty historically accurate

[Manon (bookswithonno) · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first 5 star read of 2025!! WOOHOO!! I loved this so much and the representation was everything. Perfect for fans of “The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich” (which I also LOVED)

[Star · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Lar · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK OBBBBBSESSSEDDDDD‼️

I am PROMPTLY ordering myself a physical copy of this book. I did not know it was a graphic novel so reading it on Libby was a PITA to say the least, but so so so worth it. What a GEM this book is!

First of all, I would not recommend reading it right before bed. Because when I finished it I laid down in bed and it was so freaking cute my heart started pounding like crazy and I had to do my breathing exercises to calm down. The heart palpitations were either due to the sheer level of ✨LOVE✨ in this book, or it's because of POTS. Actually now I think I know which one is the culprit ....

For real, I just adored every single page. It's basically the story of Emma, so yeah, Eleanor is probably going to drive you crazy! I felt like my one qualm with the book is that I could tell the author wanted to make Eleanor like Emma, but she didn't have enough of the high-society Emma characteristics to make me wrap my head around her. I don't know. Read it and tell me what you think.

GEEEEOOORRRGGGEEE 🤩✨😛💃💅‼️😍😝🔥💛 I am OBSESSED.

Not only was the story SO FREAKING CUTE!!!! But the ART!! The art! I could cry! The illustrations are FANTASTIC. You know that episode from Spongebob when they steal Mr. Krabs' treasure map and they run their eyes all over the page??! That was me on every single panel.

You know I love a regency romance because of the ✨YEARNING✨! So imagine my joy when we get DOUBLE THE YEARNING and DOUBLE THE TENSION because it is a queer regency romance!!! Ommmffggg!! My heart wanted to beat out of my chest, I love these fools so much.

This has successfully launched me into a new hyperfixation, which is being LGBT in these restrictive times. Reminds me of "Most Ardently," the queer spin on P&P that I gobbled up like a thanksgiving pie. I loved that the authors in both that book and this one included a little history section at the end. It is so intriguing to read about societal constructs from back in the day.

I will leave you with the hopeful, yet heartbreaking epigraph taken from "Maurice" by E.M. Forster: "There always have been people like me and always will be."

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet book! I really liked that this wasn't a direct adaptation of one Austen novel, but rather more of a love letter/homage to her work. I think that allowed the author more freedom in their story and allowed them to pick and choose elements to include and leave out, while still keeping the setting, themes, and even versions of Austen characters. I wish I had read more Austen to get more of the references. The romance was great, George and Eleanor had great chemistry. Friends to lovers superiority!! I found Eleanor's arc at times frustrating, some of her actions didn't seem consistent but I do appreciate her growth overall.

I loved the art style as well and look forward to reading Conner's other works in the future.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨4.5 stars✨

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moral of the story: be gay and kind.

[Petra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable, funny, cute, love it with all my heart

[prag ♻ · Rating 5 out of 5]

hehe made me cry

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new absolute favourite 😍

[Marybeth (Marybee.books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well this was very cute. This was one of my highly anticipated graphic novels for the year and it really delivered. My one single itty bitty baby complaint is that it ended pretty abruptly and I would have loved to see just a little bit more expansion upon the ending.

Sapphic midsize MC, nonbinary sapphic MC, Black MC

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Shall Never Fall In Love is a beautifully done book.

The art is especially gorgeous, with meticulously researched details for the clothing, furnishings, and architecture and beautiful scenes of nature as well. The character designs are distinct and appealing to look at, and I loved the expressiveness of the faces.

The historical notes at the end were great, with some great resources included for further reading. The historical details here are quite rich, and you can definitely see the influence of the histories of figures like Anne Lister and Dido Belle on characters like George and Charlotte respectively. Like many others, I did find Eleanor difficult to like, but I think her story has a real importance here in that she really has to look inward at her behaviour as well as outward at the behaviour of society and makes a real effort to right the wrongs done not only by herself, but by society. I think the idea that we are all capable of doing better is always important to remember. Also the characters here are in their late teens, so I think it's always good to show grace towards those who are falling in love for the first time. Anyway, George was my absolute favourite character,and I loved getting to see them live their life here. I also really loved the way this book addressed the biases and bigotries of its day, the real societal issues of Regency England, while also giving us a story of queer joy where people are able to be themselves in whatever way they can manage. Definite content warnings for period accurate biases and bigotries related to race, class, gender, and sexuality, but the characters do get the happiest possible outcomes for what the time had to offer for people who weren't upper class cis het white men.

I ended up loving this. The historical details, the gorgeous art, the compelling characters, and the commitment to queer joy in the face of reality make it one I won't forget.

[Sophie_The_Jedi_Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

This graphic novel is the loveliest blend of Jane Austen and queer history - a true delight of a read!

In here, we meet Ellie, her cousin Charlotte, and their best friend George. As the trio grows up, their bond becomes tested - George struggles with being themself, Charlotte faces inopportune matches in her search for a husband, and Ellie doesn't care about marriage; she just wants to spend time with her friends (especially George).

I was impressed by how this book didn't try to smooth over history with its queer and black characters. Charlotte faces racism and the aftereffects of the slave trade, George is pressured to find a husband and give up wearing men's clothes, and Ellie is sometimes ignorant or cavalier when it comes to these struggles. I really liked the details on queer and black British history at the end of the book, but all of the historical details in here were brilliantly done! This is so well-researched.

Obviously, this book had Jane Austen vibes all the way through, but it wasn't until the halfway point that I realized "oh, we're doing Emma. Nice." That's a favorite of mine!

This book had all the romance and slow-burn and lingering touches of its genre. I really liked how long this was, as you get time to watch the characters grow closer and apart, break and mend, and find their way back together. Such a great ending with such a fun bunch of friends!

4/5 stars!

[Books with Nynke · Rating 5 out of 5]

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