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Virtually Yours
Shouldn't finding a life partner be more challenging than ordering a pizza? Welcome to Virtually Yours, a virtual dating app that provides all the proof of being in a relationship without actually being in one. With her career front of mind, Eva Estrella joins Virtually Yours, after a nudge from her sister, to alleviate some family pressure as she continues to look for her dream job in journalism. While Max Kittridge, a former child star in the middle of a divorce, takes a gig at Virtually Yours servicing multiple clients as a fake boyfriend. As they navigate their current circumstances, both Eva and Max find that sometimes what you're looking for is right in front of you.
Virtually Yours is a rom-com for the digital age from writer Jeremy Holt and artist Elizabeth Beals. This exciting new collaboration includes letterer Adam Wollet, book designer Tim Daniel, and editor Kat Vendetti. Together, they present a refreshing take on a beloved genre that will appeal to anyone familiar with love in the time of the internet.
Virtually Yours is a rom-com for the digital age from writer Jeremy Holt and artist Elizabeth Beals. This exciting new collaboration includes letterer Adam Wollet, book designer Tim Daniel, and editor Kat Vendetti. Together, they present a refreshing take on a beloved genre that will appeal to anyone familiar with love in the time of the internet.
113 pages, ebook
First published July 14, 2020
347 people are currently reading
493 people want to read
About the author
Jeremy Holt
50 books44 followersJeremy Holt is a non-binary author whose works include Gatsby, Made in Korea, Virtually Yours, Before Houdini, After Houdini, and Skip to the End.
An original art page from After Houdini was acquired by The Houdini Museum of NYC, where it now hangs in its permanent collection. And Skip to the End was one of three works of fiction that The New York Times included in an in-depth expose titled Kurt Cobain: What to Read and Watch, 25 Years After the Nirvana Leader’s Death.
They have received high praise from Brian K. Vaughan (Y the Last Man, Saga, Paper Girls) and NYT crossword constructor David Kwong. Originally from no place in particular, they’ve lived in Italy, Singapore, England, Norway, Texas, Vermont, and Brooklyn, before settling in Kingston, New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
January 31, 2021
This was an interesting indie graphic novel especially in regard to the premise; however, it left me wanting more especially because of the ending. CW: physical abuse off page
Virtually Yours focuses on two characters Eva and Max. Eva is attempting to focus on her career all while attempting to appease to her family’s desire (specifically her mother) for her to have a significant other. Max, a former child star, is attempting to distract himself from his messy divorce. To help he applies to work for Virtually Yours an on-line fake dating service. This is the same agency that Eva signs up with to acquire a fake boyfriend. As with a lot of rom-coms, readers were able to tell the direction of the story early on. It doesn’t make the story bad, it just begins to reads a little on the predictable side. I found the storyline interesting in the earlier parts of the graphic novel especially those parts that address Max’s previous relationships; however, I lost interest in this towards the end. While not every romance has to end in an HEA, I was very confused about the change of direction of the story. In the beginning it felt as though readers were getting a romance between Eva and Max; however, towards the end readers get an emphasis on the importance of friendship. I’ve learned from my reading this month that friendships can be romantic just as those relationships in which the individual is seen beyond a friend; however, this was constructed in a way that presented a possible non-friend romantic connection between the main characters. Honestly, if that was the intent of the story it should have been clearer from the beginning. To go from what could have been a romantic partnership to a friendship disturbed the story in some ways. Overall, it was an interesting read. I loved the diversity of the characters and the artwork which was absolutely phenomenal. I’m hoping that the author would consider revisiting this world and giving readers a glimpse into the what happened to Eva and Max after the graphic novel ended.
Virtually Yours focuses on two characters Eva and Max. Eva is attempting to focus on her career all while attempting to appease to her family’s desire (specifically her mother) for her to have a significant other. Max, a former child star, is attempting to distract himself from his messy divorce. To help he applies to work for Virtually Yours an on-line fake dating service. This is the same agency that Eva signs up with to acquire a fake boyfriend. As with a lot of rom-coms, readers were able to tell the direction of the story early on. It doesn’t make the story bad, it just begins to reads a little on the predictable side. I found the storyline interesting in the earlier parts of the graphic novel especially those parts that address Max’s previous relationships; however, I lost interest in this towards the end. While not every romance has to end in an HEA, I was very confused about the change of direction of the story. In the beginning it felt as though readers were getting a romance between Eva and Max; however, towards the end readers get an emphasis on the importance of friendship. I’ve learned from my reading this month that friendships can be romantic just as those relationships in which the individual is seen beyond a friend; however, this was constructed in a way that presented a possible non-friend romantic connection between the main characters. Honestly, if that was the intent of the story it should have been clearer from the beginning. To go from what could have been a romantic partnership to a friendship disturbed the story in some ways. Overall, it was an interesting read. I loved the diversity of the characters and the artwork which was absolutely phenomenal. I’m hoping that the author would consider revisiting this world and giving readers a glimpse into the what happened to Eva and Max after the graphic novel ended.
August 17, 2020
Eva and Max are two people who start messaging each other on a dating app and then they meet in real life without realizing that they are those same people who have been talking online this whole time. It's a classic trope, but it's always a good one! I loved the panels of this graphic novel, the attention to the colors and the details is outstanding. I wanted a bit more from the story, especially towards the ending, but it was still an enjoyable read.
December 15, 2023
The main premise of the Virtually Yours service (which is at the centre of this book) is very confusing to me. So there's this service that looks in every way like an app-based dating service, but actually is a fake one, so you can stave off family members/friends who are pressuring you into dating. Hey mum/sister/friend, I am dating, look at this app - something like that.
But why does every fake date have a real person behind it? Why would you need to chat with your fake date? Why don't you just regularly get fake (maybe AI-generated) chatlogs, all ready and done? The face of your fake date is AI generated, after all. Why does the person who runs your fake date get "you've matched" messages, when users just pick an account from a list? Why run this pretend-date up to your fake date person? It makes no sense!
This becomes even more confusing because the main character, Eva, never really shows her app to any family member. That she is dating is mentioned, but what is the role of the app? She only shows it to friends, saying "hey, look at this fake dating service".
Then Eve starts working at a magazine, and there's some very cringey dialogue about wanting to defeat the patriarchy. Don't misunderstand me, yes, we do have to disassemble the patriarchy, but saying it out loud in regular conversation just sounds incredibly forced. It's like something an AI would think to say.
The romantic plot, which is the main of the book, is quite predictable, which isn't necessarily bad, as long as there's plenty of humour and the characters jump off the page. Here the characters, again, come across a bit AI-generated. They're wish fulfillment characters, who get the tiniest obstacles thrown at them, and are instantly very good at whatever they do.
I don't like the art, either. Everyone basically has the same face, with different skin colour, hair and facial hair. It reminds me of art for a free mobile game. Everyone looks the same age, including the few older characters. Only the main character has a slightly different bodyshape, everyone else is the same mainstream thin build. Most characters are persons of colour, which is very nice. But then everyone is very conventionally pretty, which is disappointing.
Not for me, clearly.
(Thanks to Dark Horse Books for providing me with a review copy through Edelweiss)
But why does every fake date have a real person behind it? Why would you need to chat with your fake date? Why don't you just regularly get fake (maybe AI-generated) chatlogs, all ready and done? The face of your fake date is AI generated, after all. Why does the person who runs your fake date get "you've matched" messages, when users just pick an account from a list? Why run this pretend-date up to your fake date person? It makes no sense!
This becomes even more confusing because the main character, Eva, never really shows her app to any family member. That she is dating is mentioned, but what is the role of the app? She only shows it to friends, saying "hey, look at this fake dating service".
Then Eve starts working at a magazine, and there's some very cringey dialogue about wanting to defeat the patriarchy. Don't misunderstand me, yes, we do have to disassemble the patriarchy, but saying it out loud in regular conversation just sounds incredibly forced. It's like something an AI would think to say.
The romantic plot, which is the main of the book, is quite predictable, which isn't necessarily bad, as long as there's plenty of humour and the characters jump off the page. Here the characters, again, come across a bit AI-generated. They're wish fulfillment characters, who get the tiniest obstacles thrown at them, and are instantly very good at whatever they do.
I don't like the art, either. Everyone basically has the same face, with different skin colour, hair and facial hair. It reminds me of art for a free mobile game. Everyone looks the same age, including the few older characters. Only the main character has a slightly different bodyshape, everyone else is the same mainstream thin build. Most characters are persons of colour, which is very nice. But then everyone is very conventionally pretty, which is disappointing.
Not for me, clearly.
(Thanks to Dark Horse Books for providing me with a review copy through Edelweiss)
January 25, 2021
A modern fairytale but I was happy to see it is not heavily laced with romance. It is actually about respectable online and offline friendships...
I liked the artwork and dialogues, it was easy and effortless.
I liked the artwork and dialogues, it was easy and effortless.
October 31, 2020
3.6/5
Really enjoyed this comic, it was so cute. All the drawings in this graphic novel are superb. Elizabeth Beals has a knack for expressive characters and a beautifully diverse cast.
Eva Estrella is tired of her family asking when she’s going to settle down. She wants to be a journalist. So her friend convinces her to download Virtually Yours, a “virtual dating app that provides all the proof of being in a relationship, without actually being in one.” Of course her counterpart the guy that is perfect for her in every way. That is a classic rom-com situation, and Max Kittridge is that man.
If I had one gripe, it's that it didn't go super in-depth with the two leads relationship. We mostly got the gist of what happened. Maybe if this was novel would get more in-depth with their relationship.
Really enjoyed this comic, it was so cute. All the drawings in this graphic novel are superb. Elizabeth Beals has a knack for expressive characters and a beautifully diverse cast.
Eva Estrella is tired of her family asking when she’s going to settle down. She wants to be a journalist. So her friend convinces her to download Virtually Yours, a “virtual dating app that provides all the proof of being in a relationship, without actually being in one.” Of course her counterpart the guy that is perfect for her in every way. That is a classic rom-com situation, and Max Kittridge is that man.
If I had one gripe, it's that it didn't go super in-depth with the two leads relationship. We mostly got the gist of what happened. Maybe if this was novel would get more in-depth with their relationship.
July 22, 2020
this was brilliant! omg. it was like the comic version of a hallmark movie or every cute romance novel i've read where the main characters are BIPOC (best friend is Black and got her hair tied up). it was cute. it had all of the elements of a romance novel but in comic form. i would read more romance novels if they were written in comic form.
May 3, 2022
It has not been for me, I haven’t managed to connect with the story. Perhaps I lacked some things to clarify.
Also the illustrations are beautiful. 🥰
Also the illustrations are beautiful. 🥰
August 22, 2023
Çok bayık.
July 31, 2020
Friendships and Life Lessons
Really enjoyed this comic. Addresses friendships when you least expected. Also addressed male domestic , which is a rare topic for comics and books in general.
Really enjoyed this comic. Addresses friendships when you least expected. Also addressed male domestic , which is a rare topic for comics and books in general.
February 15, 2023
I appreciate the queer representation and frankly the amount of melanin in the main cast, but the main character is a strong independent woman who don’t need no man, yet in order to get the job that she wants and get her overbearing mother off her back, she hires a fake one? I think I would’ve been fine if she spent less time falling for the fake man and revolving her life around him, and more time further developing her independence and character. This book also lost points for me when Maxwell, a black man, chose to use a white man’s profile and Eva chooses to fake date a white man because he looked “non-threatening.”
I think this book did do a good job at exploring and portraying abusive relationships so it does get points for that. Maybe I’m being overly critical. I’m definitely curious to know how other people feel about this book.
I think this book did do a good job at exploring and portraying abusive relationships so it does get points for that. Maybe I’m being overly critical. I’m definitely curious to know how other people feel about this book.
April 27, 2024
This was a cute, quick read. I’d recommend to the right person.
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August 28, 2024suuuuper cute!!! i love the art style and it’s SO refreshing to see someone that looks like me in a graphic novel, let alone a romance one!!
will definitely be exploring the world of lesser known and independent graphic novels for more gems like this!
will definitely be exploring the world of lesser known and independent graphic novels for more gems like this!
December 19, 2022
Very abrupt ending that definitely could have had more too it in terms of the characters and their relationship however it was very cute and had it’s funny moments.
August 12, 2020
I really enjoyed this for a number of reasons, primary among them, it depicts people as real.
This is the second book with a romantic flair that included a male who was an domestic abuse survivor. As a raging feminist, I think this is so important. Inequality hurts everyone and the more male representation of naming, claiming, and healthy processing of domestic violence the better. I hope if 2020 has taught our collective whole anything it's that our well being is connected and communal. I loved that all main characters were people of color and white culture was called out and poked at throughout the book. If i could give this 20 stars I would.
LOVED.
This is the second book with a romantic flair that included a male who was an domestic abuse survivor. As a raging feminist, I think this is so important. Inequality hurts everyone and the more male representation of naming, claiming, and healthy processing of domestic violence the better. I hope if 2020 has taught our collective whole anything it's that our well being is connected and communal. I loved that all main characters were people of color and white culture was called out and poked at throughout the book. If i could give this 20 stars I would.
LOVED.
August 3, 2020
Reminds me of you got mail.
Good color artwork. Prime freebie. A sort of romantic comedy. Two people share an online relationship and hang out in real life without realizing the connection. There will be a happy ending.
Good color artwork. Prime freebie. A sort of romantic comedy. Two people share an online relationship and hang out in real life without realizing the connection. There will be a happy ending.
July 18, 2020
Very cute, but a little too predictable and a bit of wish fulfillment in the main characters. They’re both so exceedingly over-the-top good at their new jobs it’s a bit unbelievable.
February 23, 2024
I wish it had been longer, because with more pages it would have had more space to develop some plot points (like the abusive relationship), or to show the passing of time and the developing of their feelings a little better. The way it is right now is a little too fast and a bit confusing.
The art style is so pretty, the friend group was amazing, and despite its pacing flaws it was such an enjoyable read that I still think it's worth 4.5 stars.
Also, did the author sneak in the Good Omens couple in page 79? I don't know the names of the characters because I haven't watched the show, but they are pretty recognizable. It's pretty cool if it is them.
Representation: plus size Latina fmc, Black mmc, multiple POC side characters. The author is queer, and while the two main characters are not said to be queer in the comic (as far as I saw), the fmc's best friend is gay and the whole group spends much of the book at her gay bar.
Content Warnings: domestic abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, fatphobia, alcohol consumption, sexual harassment, toxic parents & toxic partner.
The art style is so pretty, the friend group was amazing, and despite its pacing flaws it was such an enjoyable read that I still think it's worth 4.5 stars.
Also, did the author sneak in the Good Omens couple in page 79? I don't know the names of the characters because I haven't watched the show, but they are pretty recognizable. It's pretty cool if it is them.
Representation: plus size Latina fmc, Black mmc, multiple POC side characters. The author is queer, and while the two main characters are not said to be queer in the comic (as far as I saw), the fmc's best friend is gay and the whole group spends much of the book at her gay bar.
Content Warnings: domestic abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, fatphobia, alcohol consumption, sexual harassment, toxic parents & toxic partner.
August 23, 2020
Virtually Yours follows Eva and Max who have had two completely different life experiences, and have their own issues to work through. Max is forever remembered for his role in a movie when he was a teenager and has had a lot of issues with his past relationships. Eva has a mother who thinks all her problems would be solved if she would just find a man, when she's trying to find a job.
When her sister finds the app, Virtually Yours, that essentially gives you everything you need to prove you have a partner without actually having one, Eva is able to placated her mother and find a job. Max is able to utilize working at Virtually Yours to help himself heal and find purpose in his life. After a number of near misses in real life, they finally meet without realizing that they are interacting through the app.
I really enjoyed all the different issues this graphic novel explored, and loved seeing the relationship building between Eva and Max. I always appreciate when there's diversity in a story without it feeling forced and this one was perfect in that aspect. I loved all of the characters and how they were individual and unique, there are some side characters I'd love to see explored more in their own stories.
When her sister finds the app, Virtually Yours, that essentially gives you everything you need to prove you have a partner without actually having one, Eva is able to placated her mother and find a job. Max is able to utilize working at Virtually Yours to help himself heal and find purpose in his life. After a number of near misses in real life, they finally meet without realizing that they are interacting through the app.
I really enjoyed all the different issues this graphic novel explored, and loved seeing the relationship building between Eva and Max. I always appreciate when there's diversity in a story without it feeling forced and this one was perfect in that aspect. I loved all of the characters and how they were individual and unique, there are some side characters I'd love to see explored more in their own stories.
November 14, 2023
I liked the concept and I loved the art, but this fell too flat for me and the dialogues were cringey sometimes (especially that ending). this would've benefited from being longer or having a second volume to flesh out the struggles.
It's a "You've got mail" situation. the main heroine is a woman focusing on her career hires a virtual boyfriend who sends her stuff to prove his existence without having to be in a relationship, and the main hero is an actor trying to heal from abusive parents, abusive marriage, and finds himself in being a virtual boyfriend.
I'm just sad that it all felt surface level and shallow.
It's a "You've got mail" situation. the main heroine is a woman focusing on her career hires a virtual boyfriend who sends her stuff to prove his existence without having to be in a relationship, and the main hero is an actor trying to heal from abusive parents, abusive marriage, and finds himself in being a virtual boyfriend.
I'm just sad that it all felt surface level and shallow.
February 8, 2023
Online fake dating? What could go wrong?
Cute, art style is great. Loved the diversity and I loved the Rogue and Gambit comparison in middle. Eva with overbearing mother who wants grandkids while Eva wants to put her career first, I can relate. Max was complex, sad, lonely character you wanted to have a happy ending.
Cute, art style is great. Loved the diversity and I loved the Rogue and Gambit comparison in middle. Eva with overbearing mother who wants grandkids while Eva wants to put her career first, I can relate. Max was complex, sad, lonely character you wanted to have a happy ending.
August 2, 2022
Everything about this *chefs kiss*
From the characters to the plot to the artwork was perfect. This story was really beautiful and felt more realistic than anything.
I enjoyed the relationship dynamic between Eva and Max, they were really cute together.
From the characters to the plot to the artwork was perfect. This story was really beautiful and felt more realistic than anything.
I enjoyed the relationship dynamic between Eva and Max, they were really cute together.
November 2, 2024
This was cute. An interesting twist on the fake dating and mistaken identity tropes. There are times when the story doesn't flow great and I thought maybe I skipped a page or something...but I didn't. Not perfect but it's cute and I would recommend giving it a read.
December 15, 2020
Such a cute read!
This was such a sweet and different take on romance and the meet cute trope. Please give it a read ASAP!
This was such a sweet and different take on romance and the meet cute trope. Please give it a read ASAP!
March 1, 2021
If you love rom coms, you'll love this! It definitely fits some of the typical rom-com tropes but that's definitely a positive for me! Also, the art is just so beautiful! Loved this.
April 2, 2022
Cute short story, very aesthetically pleasing artwork.
May 23, 2023
Unexpected
Super adorable 🥰 Didn’t expect for this story to be so cute. Romance at it finest and the animation is amazing
Super adorable 🥰 Didn’t expect for this story to be so cute. Romance at it finest and the animation is amazing
September 1, 2020
This book was on my summer reading list and when I flipped through initially, I didn't think I'd like it based on all the pursed lips, talking heads, static poses, and straight lines.
But it is surprisingly enjoyable as far as romcoms go. Think How to Lose a Guy in 10 days mixed with You've Got Mail, but a bit healthier with sadder, poorer millennial protagonists. It's got some clunky dialogue here and there but overall the tone is very sweet and the pacing is great. It also has plenty of lovely iconic New York scenery sprinkled in. I'd definitely recommend this one.
But it is surprisingly enjoyable as far as romcoms go. Think How to Lose a Guy in 10 days mixed with You've Got Mail, but a bit healthier with sadder, poorer millennial protagonists. It's got some clunky dialogue here and there but overall the tone is very sweet and the pacing is great. It also has plenty of lovely iconic New York scenery sprinkled in. I'd definitely recommend this one.
January 7, 2021
Trigger: missbräuchliche Beziehung (grafisch) und Eltern (erzählte Erinnerungen)
February 14, 2023
Fun concept and art! I loved the story and the characters were well-written and extremely likable!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews