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Avoidant Affections
- GenresQueer
237 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 12, 2026
About the author
Madison Nicole
9 books22 followersMadison Nicole is a queer author and circus performer who currently lives in Kansas City, Missouri where she teaches dance, fitness and circus arts. You can catch Madi playing video games, reading dark romance, and juggling when she is not writing or working her day job. Some of her favorite indulgences include iced coffee, painting, and dark chocolate. She is excited to continue to explore her writing career and bring more stories your way!
Follow me on IG/Threads/TT @madisonnicolebooks
Follow me on IG/Threads/TT @madisonnicolebooks
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
June 22, 2026
A series that has been on my TBR for a while, and since I already love the author’s writing, I was excited to receive the ARC.
This is a Bi4Bi easy-read romance that is perfect for your last week of Pride Month.
Spicy, with gender and dynamic exploration. I really found that refreshing.
The friend group is a great part of the series, and I look forward to reading the other books to get to know the characters better.
Like in the description, the gender fluid character is referred to as he/him for most of the book. This was probably a decision made by the writer, but it is good to note before diving in. If you follow my usual book recommendations, this isn’t your usual sapphic read, but it was one I very much enjoyed as a pan girly. Especially the exploration stages. The beginning was so much fun to read.
The circus part really fit in well with the story. I almost wanted more of it, but I’m guessing with it being the third book in the series, it was a little less of a feature. I wanted to dive deeper into how they created routines and what a typical day looked like.
Small CW for a narcissistic/toxic ex. She is quite a big presence in their journey to finding each other.
Again, looking forward to reading more from this series and by the author.
Thank you for the ARC!
This is a Bi4Bi easy-read romance that is perfect for your last week of Pride Month.
Spicy, with gender and dynamic exploration. I really found that refreshing.
The friend group is a great part of the series, and I look forward to reading the other books to get to know the characters better.
Like in the description, the gender fluid character is referred to as he/him for most of the book. This was probably a decision made by the writer, but it is good to note before diving in. If you follow my usual book recommendations, this isn’t your usual sapphic read, but it was one I very much enjoyed as a pan girly. Especially the exploration stages. The beginning was so much fun to read.
The circus part really fit in well with the story. I almost wanted more of it, but I’m guessing with it being the third book in the series, it was a little less of a feature. I wanted to dive deeper into how they created routines and what a typical day looked like.
Small CW for a narcissistic/toxic ex. She is quite a big presence in their journey to finding each other.
Again, looking forward to reading more from this series and by the author.
Thank you for the ARC!
June 30, 2026
In a nutshell:
If you're after a bi4bi romance that is anything but straight, then this is for you. Featuring a genderqueer MC paired with a cis female, and a whole varied cast of queer identities, all working together within the circus. Avoidant Affections is a story that highlights connections, patience, finding your people, learning to trust and love again, and being proud of who you are and the art you create.
What I loved:
The representation was a real highlight for me throughout this whole book. I truly enjoyed seeing bisexual characters highlighted, and it was refreshing to have a straight-presenting queer couple as the main focus. I simply adored Bex and her being genderqueer/genderfluid; you don't get to see many represented in romance books especially, so this felt special.
Bex was just a delightful human; she was so understanding and patient with Aven. Aven was such a grump, but you kind of love her for it. She has trauma and is completely closed off romantically. Their dynamic together was so good; their connection and chemistry were palpable through the pages. I really enjoyed the progression of their relationship, and it all felt realistic within the timeline.
The side characters and full cast are also completely lovable and oh so queer. Such a found family within Circus Callisto, where everyone is made to feel appreciated and accepted. Family that will slash a bitch's tire for you!
I thoroughly enjoyed the circus elements throughout and learning about the dedication and skill it takes to perform and make art with one's body. This has always been a highlight for me throughout the series.
Aven especially grew so much throughout this book; she went on a full journey, and it was absolutely not linear. I actually loved that she progressed slowly and how the author wrote her experience; it felt so incredibly realistic.
What didn't work for me:
The ex situation felt a little predictable.
Memorable quote:All I wanted to do was make her happy. I knew it wasn’t my job to fix anything that happened, but I wanted to ease the pain. That I could give her.
If you're after a bi4bi romance that is anything but straight, then this is for you. Featuring a genderqueer MC paired with a cis female, and a whole varied cast of queer identities, all working together within the circus. Avoidant Affections is a story that highlights connections, patience, finding your people, learning to trust and love again, and being proud of who you are and the art you create.
What I loved:
The representation was a real highlight for me throughout this whole book. I truly enjoyed seeing bisexual characters highlighted, and it was refreshing to have a straight-presenting queer couple as the main focus. I simply adored Bex and her being genderqueer/genderfluid; you don't get to see many represented in romance books especially, so this felt special.
Bex was just a delightful human; she was so understanding and patient with Aven. Aven was such a grump, but you kind of love her for it. She has trauma and is completely closed off romantically. Their dynamic together was so good; their connection and chemistry were palpable through the pages. I really enjoyed the progression of their relationship, and it all felt realistic within the timeline.
The side characters and full cast are also completely lovable and oh so queer. Such a found family within Circus Callisto, where everyone is made to feel appreciated and accepted. Family that will slash a bitch's tire for you!
I thoroughly enjoyed the circus elements throughout and learning about the dedication and skill it takes to perform and make art with one's body. This has always been a highlight for me throughout the series.
Aven especially grew so much throughout this book; she went on a full journey, and it was absolutely not linear. I actually loved that she progressed slowly and how the author wrote her experience; it felt so incredibly realistic.
What didn't work for me:
The ex situation felt a little predictable.
Memorable quote:All I wanted to do was make her happy. I knew it wasn’t my job to fix anything that happened, but I wanted to ease the pain. That I could give her.
June 24, 2026
This book represents a common and underrepresented pairing: straight-passing but definitely still queer. It filled my heart with joy to see this on page. Bex was so steadfast. That is the number one thing to make me get heart eyes for a protagonist. You adore them and are dedicated to them from day one? Yes. More of that, please. Aven’s struggles and hesitations were understandable. Loving again after pain is difficult. It takes her time to open up and trust and Bex’s patience is everything.
My favorite thing about this series is how accurate it is to the real life queer friend group. So many books out there are queer awakening, and that’s an important story to tell. But equally important in my opinion, is having queer people who know themselves take up space in the world. This circus group reminds me of queer friend groups in I know. These books are queer joy with circus drama, and I truly love that.
My favorite thing about this series is how accurate it is to the real life queer friend group. So many books out there are queer awakening, and that’s an important story to tell. But equally important in my opinion, is having queer people who know themselves take up space in the world. This circus group reminds me of queer friend groups in I know. These books are queer joy with circus drama, and I truly love that.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews