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Structural Integrity
Structural Integrity
Messenger boy Kel never expected to strike up a romance with a government official. But Yaan lacks the self-important snobbery of the others, and sees Kel as more than just a pretty face. Living with him in the city’s plush government complex is everything Kel could want: no more expenses, kitchen workers and resident animals to befriend, and of course seeing Yaan every day. Even if Yaan does spend most of his time working or worrying about work, and seems to have forgotten that they used to have actual conversations…
When the city decides to tear down the iconic theater building in Kel’s old neighborhood, Yaan’s indifference toward his pleas to help save it forces Kel to confront his growing unhappiness. In the aftermath, both will have to decide whether their relationship is salvageable.
12,500 words. Content warnings: Sexual situations (non-explicit), disordered eating, alcohol consumption, classism, anxiety
When the city decides to tear down the iconic theater building in Kel’s old neighborhood, Yaan’s indifference toward his pleas to help save it forces Kel to confront his growing unhappiness. In the aftermath, both will have to decide whether their relationship is salvageable.
12,500 words. Content warnings: Sexual situations (non-explicit), disordered eating, alcohol consumption, classism, anxiety
ebook
First published September 27, 2021
103 people want to read
About the author
Tabitha O’Connell
7 books32 followersTabitha O’Connell is a historic preservationist and writer of queer fiction living in New York (state, not city!). Eir favorite things include animals, abandoned places, alliteration, long walks, and long sentences (some of which may turn up in eir work…). Right now ey is probably drinking tea and daydreaming about stories centering ace, trans, and other queer characters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 31, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this novella. It's such a short, pleasant read from start to finish. Also frustratingly relatable in so many ways. I'm not usually one to read slice of life stories like this; even less ones revolving around relationship issues, but there's an inherent sense of familiarity with these characters that immediately endeared me to them. I'm pretty sure we've all been Yaan or Kel at some point.
The writing is also phenomenal, in my opinion. The way the story shifts perspective to show different aspects of these characters, and how it alternates past and present scenes in order to illustrate how these issues were formed is extremely effective. These are two flawed, insecure people who deeply love another and need to emotionally open up in different ways in order to build a solid foundation. And you'll root for them through every little misguided step they take along the way.
Also there is a cat and I sincerely hope the sequel has even more cat. I need cat resolution.
The writing is also phenomenal, in my opinion. The way the story shifts perspective to show different aspects of these characters, and how it alternates past and present scenes in order to illustrate how these issues were formed is extremely effective. These are two flawed, insecure people who deeply love another and need to emotionally open up in different ways in order to build a solid foundation. And you'll root for them through every little misguided step they take along the way.
Also there is a cat and I sincerely hope the sequel has even more cat. I need cat resolution.
November 9, 2021
This story was so sweet! I grew immediately attached to Kel and his love of that old theater. Yaan is also a well-developed character, though I got SUPER frustrated with this character at times. This was a novella, so I knew it was going to be short, but I would have liked a bit more world-building. Other than that, I really enjoyed curling up with this on a cloudy afternoon.
April 10, 2022
This is a very good m/m romance short story. It's unusual in a way that felt fresh to me. It's about a couple who have a major conflict and then resolve it. You also see how they got together, through flashbacks, as well as how they got to the point in their relationship where unaddressed issues came to the surface. The writing style is matter-of-fact rather than flowery, which I feel serves the story well.
It's set in a fantasy world, and the worldbuilding is subtle. Kel reads as trans to me, which comes across as incidental. The story also isn't about orientation, and the society seems queernormative. Social class does play a big role here, though, as does the nature of their relationship.
I'm very happy to have read this. I hope that the author returns to these characters and this world in the future, but this lovely story stands alone very well.
It's set in a fantasy world, and the worldbuilding is subtle. Kel reads as trans to me, which comes across as incidental. The story also isn't about orientation, and the society seems queernormative. Social class does play a big role here, though, as does the nature of their relationship.
I'm very happy to have read this. I hope that the author returns to these characters and this world in the future, but this lovely story stands alone very well.
October 1, 2021
I was pleasantly surprised by Tabitha O'Connell's sweet short, Structural Integrity. The story was extremely well-written and the characters were very interesting and well-developed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 16, 2021
A short story with a lot of heart.
This was an enjoyable quick read. I liked both characters, and felt like they had a believable relationship with understandable hurdles to overcome.
I also enjoyed the now/ then structure - as it helped flesh out who the characters were and how they got there.
This was an enjoyable quick read. I liked both characters, and felt like they had a believable relationship with understandable hurdles to overcome.
I also enjoyed the now/ then structure - as it helped flesh out who the characters were and how they got there.
November 5, 2021
Short and so, so sweet. I adored everything about this novella, the world-building, the storyline, the relationship between our two main characters, Yaan and Kel. And, of course, Yaan and Kel themselves. I was invested in these two right from the get-go. This story has just the right amount of fluff and angst to keep you rooting for these boys and hoping that everything will turn out alright for them in the end.
October 29, 2022
One of my literary pet peeves is the romanticization of toxic relationships. We see how again and again Yaan discards Kel's concerns, being abusive and controlling of him.
I'm also not a fan of age gaps and power imbalances in romantic relationships. This novella's premise operates on both.
Against his family's counsel, Kel goes to live with Yaan and spends his days trapped in Yaan's quarters, waiting for him to come back and help him unwind from work.
Kel is only appreciated in Yaan's circles for his good looks. I don't believe the depiction of a trans character as a toyboy was a wise decision.
I'm also not a fan of age gaps and power imbalances in romantic relationships. This novella's premise operates on both.
Against his family's counsel, Kel goes to live with Yaan and spends his days trapped in Yaan's quarters, waiting for him to come back and help him unwind from work.
Kel is only appreciated in Yaan's circles for his good looks. I don't believe the depiction of a trans character as a toyboy was a wise decision.
June 4, 2022
A short and sweet little snack for anyone looking for a tender pick-me-up.
For transparency's sake, I don't often read books this short because I prefer to spend time in a story, to get to know the world and its characters. So, I did in the end feel a little less invested in Kel and Yaan than I would have liked. Personal preferences aside, however, it was still a fun and unique story and perfect for readers who do prefer shorter reads.
For transparency's sake, I don't often read books this short because I prefer to spend time in a story, to get to know the world and its characters. So, I did in the end feel a little less invested in Kel and Yaan than I would have liked. Personal preferences aside, however, it was still a fun and unique story and perfect for readers who do prefer shorter reads.
September 22, 2021
A short and sweet insight into the intricacies of a relationship imbalanced by power, age, status, and money. How love is not enough without communication, honesty, and action.
Though the story is short, the author did a beautiful job of painting a clear picture of each main character, as well as the setting and world. I found myself absolutely wanting to read a whole book about these two, especially Yaan.
Quick to the point, but not without moments of reprieve, this story completely captured my attention from start to finish. I finished it in one sitting!
Within the confines of these short pages I found myself excited, charmed, and concerned in a genuine manner. The characters had believable depth and flaws, and the emotions felt real and raw.
The author has done an excellent job here, and I hope to read more of O'Connell's work in the future!
Though the story is short, the author did a beautiful job of painting a clear picture of each main character, as well as the setting and world. I found myself absolutely wanting to read a whole book about these two, especially Yaan.
Quick to the point, but not without moments of reprieve, this story completely captured my attention from start to finish. I finished it in one sitting!
Within the confines of these short pages I found myself excited, charmed, and concerned in a genuine manner. The characters had believable depth and flaws, and the emotions felt real and raw.
The author has done an excellent job here, and I hope to read more of O'Connell's work in the future!
October 16, 2021
This little novella is a great exploration of an engaging, complicated relationship that really hits you right in the heart. Each turn takes you deeper into the main character's connection to each other and who they are as people, slowly uncovering them in a way that feels so vulnerable and real and brings you to the edge of your seat hoping they'll make it. It did take some time for me to settling into the constant timeline back and forths, but in the end I think it works well.
My only real issue wasn't actually with the story itself, but with how I felt like I was pitched this book as though the old building being torn down was a much larger part in the story, when in reality it could have easily been substituted for any number of things that might cause relationship problems. The heart of the story—this complex, struggling relationship—shines as the focus, and I just wish I had been marketed as that a bit stronger because I came in expecting a different kind of story than the one I got and therefore took longer to settle into the really lovely story that is here.
10/10 recommend this book if you want a short read with complex feels.
My only real issue wasn't actually with the story itself, but with how I felt like I was pitched this book as though the old building being torn down was a much larger part in the story, when in reality it could have easily been substituted for any number of things that might cause relationship problems. The heart of the story—this complex, struggling relationship—shines as the focus, and I just wish I had been marketed as that a bit stronger because I came in expecting a different kind of story than the one I got and therefore took longer to settle into the really lovely story that is here.
10/10 recommend this book if you want a short read with complex feels.
April 5, 2025
A short mlm novella, but enough to steal my heart!
Kel is a timid messenger boy who tries to do right by everyone he loves, though it could be challenging sometimes! Although Yaan could be such an idiot, especially when he gets patronizing and controlling I almost thought that they wouldn’t make it to the end.
The worldbuilding is unique and I am curious to learn more about it.
A really pleasant, light, heart-warming read.
Looking forward for the sequel, I hope Yaan learned his lessons cause Kel deserves someone who’d make him happy!
Kel is a timid messenger boy who tries to do right by everyone he loves, though it could be challenging sometimes! Although Yaan could be such an idiot, especially when he gets patronizing and controlling I almost thought that they wouldn’t make it to the end.
The worldbuilding is unique and I am curious to learn more about it.
A really pleasant, light, heart-warming read.
Looking forward for the sequel, I hope Yaan learned his lessons cause Kel deserves someone who’d make him happy!
June 24, 2022
Structural Integrity is a short story by Tabitha O’Connell. Eir writing is beautiful, gripping the reader from the first page, and holding their attention to the very end.
Our story follows Kel, a messenger boy who finds himself in a romance with a government official named Yaan. The story pingpongs between the past and the present, giving us glimpses into how the relationship developed and how it seemingly started to go awry. We see a blossoming infatuation, with Kel starry-eyed, and Yaan smitten. But, over time, the difference in their life circumstances, a lack of communication, and societal perceptions starts to fray the edges of their romance. Our heart breaks with Kel as he worries he’s “just a body,” and it shatters when Yaan realizes he might have truly lost his love. For good.
Structural Integrity is an incredibly quick read that makes you fall in love, and break your heart with just an inhale. O’Connell’s writing is impeccable, and definitely set the tone for a thoroughly enjoyable read.
I’m not typically the biggest fan of flashback-centric books (especially when the flashbacks seem to be equally as long as present-time scenes). I will admit that the back-and-forth felt, again, like a game of pingpong. However, ey managed to stitch together a story beautiful and heartwarming/breaking enough that I can look past my usual preferences.
If you’re looking for a quick read that will have you all-up-in-your-feelings, I would definitely recommend checking this out!
Our story follows Kel, a messenger boy who finds himself in a romance with a government official named Yaan. The story pingpongs between the past and the present, giving us glimpses into how the relationship developed and how it seemingly started to go awry. We see a blossoming infatuation, with Kel starry-eyed, and Yaan smitten. But, over time, the difference in their life circumstances, a lack of communication, and societal perceptions starts to fray the edges of their romance. Our heart breaks with Kel as he worries he’s “just a body,” and it shatters when Yaan realizes he might have truly lost his love. For good.
Structural Integrity is an incredibly quick read that makes you fall in love, and break your heart with just an inhale. O’Connell’s writing is impeccable, and definitely set the tone for a thoroughly enjoyable read.
I’m not typically the biggest fan of flashback-centric books (especially when the flashbacks seem to be equally as long as present-time scenes). I will admit that the back-and-forth felt, again, like a game of pingpong. However, ey managed to stitch together a story beautiful and heartwarming/breaking enough that I can look past my usual preferences.
If you’re looking for a quick read that will have you all-up-in-your-feelings, I would definitely recommend checking this out!
May 11, 2025
Got this in a bundle for a charity thing and read it sight unseen; the first third is rough because it's decidedly in medias res and I spent most of it wondering if there was a book before this I was supposed to have read.
When we get Yaan's POV in the second part, things level out a bit as the world-building takes shape and the relationships gets some narrative depth. I'm very glad to see there's a sequel because this is decidedly a novella that plonks down some conflict and then leaves with a hasty resolution, so I look forward to having a bit more room to see this pair go somewhere. Still not completely sure about the setting, but the use of the theater as a relational catalyst was creatively done.
Kel is a frustrating character to me because he never really speaks up, so I felt much more kinship with Yaan. Some of this is the narratival squeeze of a novella, but some of it's lopsided storytelling; a lot of Kel's unhealthy coping mechanisms are introduced without any real framework or placement of them in who he is, whereas Yaan gets some backstory in his part. The both of them suck at communication, so I hope they learn something in book two. I also dearly appreciated that Kel's transness/queerness is in the edges of the frame but never a stated Thing, never a defining factor; he gets to be a character who is also this thing, not Oh Look Everyone A Trans Character With Zero Other Qualities. Good job, O'Connell, that's deeply needed.
Also can we have more of the random cat. I'm definitely here for the random cat.
When we get Yaan's POV in the second part, things level out a bit as the world-building takes shape and the relationships gets some narrative depth. I'm very glad to see there's a sequel because this is decidedly a novella that plonks down some conflict and then leaves with a hasty resolution, so I look forward to having a bit more room to see this pair go somewhere. Still not completely sure about the setting, but the use of the theater as a relational catalyst was creatively done.
Kel is a frustrating character to me because he never really speaks up, so I felt much more kinship with Yaan. Some of this is the narratival squeeze of a novella, but some of it's lopsided storytelling; a lot of Kel's unhealthy coping mechanisms are introduced without any real framework or placement of them in who he is, whereas Yaan gets some backstory in his part. The both of them suck at communication, so I hope they learn something in book two. I also dearly appreciated that Kel's transness/queerness is in the edges of the frame but never a stated Thing, never a defining factor; he gets to be a character who is also this thing, not Oh Look Everyone A Trans Character With Zero Other Qualities. Good job, O'Connell, that's deeply needed.
Also can we have more of the random cat. I'm definitely here for the random cat.
February 11, 2023
Following the relationship between Kel, a messenger boy, and Yaan, a high ranking official. Author, Tabitha O'Connell paints a picture of both the past and the present in a beautifully written and crafted novella.
I was immediately enthralled in O'Connell's world, eir ability to craft a society to different, yet similar to our own. That feels real, yet foreign all the same. A government-based society, where there exists a poor working class, and a lush upper class, strikes, sometimes, too close to home. And O'Connell beautifully portrays the struggle of those navigating between the two.
I fell in love, quite easily, with Kel first, then Yaan. Then, as if it couldn't get any better, reading into the depths of their relationship felt so warm yet heart-wrenching all the same. As the novella progresses, you empathize with Kel, his passion for Yaan, and then the fear of losing the one thing you love.
I was a bit skeptical of Yaan and his more aloof nature, but, as you read more about his own fears and traumas. You find yourself rooting for both of them, despite their flaws.
Relationships aren't easy, by any means, and O'Connell displays this dichotomy of love and loss so beautifully.
I will, without doubt, be purchasing the second novella in this series, and have been, and forever will, encourage all my queer friends to read this very special book.
I was immediately enthralled in O'Connell's world, eir ability to craft a society to different, yet similar to our own. That feels real, yet foreign all the same. A government-based society, where there exists a poor working class, and a lush upper class, strikes, sometimes, too close to home. And O'Connell beautifully portrays the struggle of those navigating between the two.
I fell in love, quite easily, with Kel first, then Yaan. Then, as if it couldn't get any better, reading into the depths of their relationship felt so warm yet heart-wrenching all the same. As the novella progresses, you empathize with Kel, his passion for Yaan, and then the fear of losing the one thing you love.
I was a bit skeptical of Yaan and his more aloof nature, but, as you read more about his own fears and traumas. You find yourself rooting for both of them, despite their flaws.
Relationships aren't easy, by any means, and O'Connell displays this dichotomy of love and loss so beautifully.
I will, without doubt, be purchasing the second novella in this series, and have been, and forever will, encourage all my queer friends to read this very special book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2022
Short, sweet, and absolutely heartwarming.
I was a fan from the first few sentences and honestly, I was surprised at the wide range of emotions I felt while reading the novella. I loved reading about Kel and Yaan's journey together - the author did an incredible creating characters who were deep, vulnerable and believable. I was also impressed with the world she created in such limited length (only 34 pages in my copy). I could easily picture the different spaces and it was wonderful to see the little hints of their lives outside of each other. Overall, a lovely little read!
Thank you Voracious Readers and Tabitha O'Connell for my copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I was a fan from the first few sentences and honestly, I was surprised at the wide range of emotions I felt while reading the novella. I loved reading about Kel and Yaan's journey together - the author did an incredible creating characters who were deep, vulnerable and believable. I was also impressed with the world she created in such limited length (only 34 pages in my copy). I could easily picture the different spaces and it was wonderful to see the little hints of their lives outside of each other. Overall, a lovely little read!
Thank you Voracious Readers and Tabitha O'Connell for my copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 26, 2022
Structural Integrity is a refreshing, short read that had me captivated from the get-go. With such an engrossing narrative style, I nearly had to force myself not to read the whole book in one sitting. And as someone who loves slow reads and an abundance of detail, you’d think that this story wouldn’t have been for me. But the character and world building were just detailed enough in their brevity to paint a compelling picture while keeping the plot moving at a brisk and comfortable pace. I cannot wait to read the next installment and see where the story of Kel and Yaan’s relationship takes us.
August 2, 2025
Not exactly a fantasy, but not taking place in this world either, I like this better than I expected given that setting. The characters felt realistic as did their relationship and communication—or lack thereof. I find the differing power dynamics distributing, but that’s realistic as well and drives the tension. The writing flows smoothly and the suspense drew me on.
The mild politics, which promise to get more involved in the sequel, creates tension and adds realism. I look forward to Structural Strain.
The mild politics, which promise to get more involved in the sequel, creates tension and adds realism. I look forward to Structural Strain.
October 18, 2021
OKAY WOW I loved this novella SO MUCH. So many feelings!!! So much sweetness!! I am impressed at the depth of character development and subtle worldbuilding Tabitha achieves in such a confined space. I jumped into the story feeling like I'd already known Kel and Yaan before I even started reading, and while this book wraps up neatly with a little bow, I'd absolutely be down for more. Overall, a positively charming story.
May 5, 2025
It’s short but it did well with characters for the most part. I definitely would have liked more meat to the story overall but for the theme basically being don’t take your partner for granted it did what it needed to do. I’m glad there’s a sequel that I think can open up the conversation more. This is definitely a story that would be great bones for a full novel if the author chose to because I’d read it for sure.
November 17, 2021
A short but sweet story with a dash of innocence and a bit of heat. Both men have unique qualities about them with some sassiness thrown into the mix and a certain longing to be cared for keeps it interesting. This reads more like a taster to the author and possibly what could be the start to a new series ( wishful thinking).
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September 5, 2022A short, soft achellian romance in a queernorm secondary world following the mid-relationship drama of an established couple while contrasting it to their initial falling in love, perfect for cozy fantasy readers who want to spend a few hours getting to now what makes a lovely, complicated couple tick.
October 14, 2021
this was a wonderfully done story about Yaan and Kel, they both felt like real people even with the stuff going on around them. It wasn't just a straight forward perfect relationship and I enjoyed that.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 18, 2022
*slaps book* this bad boi can fit so much structural integrity in it
A great read that focuses on a complex, queer relationship. If you're looking for a quick read with a complicated dynamic that leads to a heartwarming conclusion, please pick this up. Plus it's got a cat in it.
A great read that focuses on a complex, queer relationship. If you're looking for a quick read with a complicated dynamic that leads to a heartwarming conclusion, please pick this up. Plus it's got a cat in it.
October 3, 2021
What a fun quick read! Looking forward to the next one and hopefully more drama with these two. <3
listed
January 23, 2022Ace-spec MC https://twitter.com/tabithawrites/sta...
August 17, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. I liked how the complexities of Kel and Yaan’s relationship were explored. The world is very immersive and I hope to see it explored more. A beautifully written story with a heartfelt ending, well worth the read!
April 8, 2024
zero chemistry these two should’ve broken up at the end
April 25, 2022
i'll preface this review by saying i don't think this story is for me because i find the power dynamic between the principal characters to be unsettling for a variety of reasons. the author, to their credit, has created fully-fleshed people in Kel and Yaan, but how you feel about them (with all of their self-absorption and insecurities, may vary).
the story definitely leaves you wanting to know more about this curious world, and the author employs an interesting structure overall (alternating between past and present) to track the interactions of Kel and Yaan from their first meeting to the the current crisis. in a really interesting way, the theatre at the center of the action perhaps provides a metaphor for the relationship: a well-meaning but patronizing edifice that, whatever its soundness, merely offers illusions by which people escape reality for a time.
a well-written and compelling narrative. if the story continues, it would be interesting to see how Kel and Yaan might grow and change.
the story definitely leaves you wanting to know more about this curious world, and the author employs an interesting structure overall (alternating between past and present) to track the interactions of Kel and Yaan from their first meeting to the the current crisis. in a really interesting way, the theatre at the center of the action perhaps provides a metaphor for the relationship: a well-meaning but patronizing edifice that, whatever its soundness, merely offers illusions by which people escape reality for a time.
a well-written and compelling narrative. if the story continues, it would be interesting to see how Kel and Yaan might grow and change.
August 20, 2025
2025: Reread so I can finally continue this series - I don't like this quite as much the second time around (I was just starting to discover indie books and explore asexual characters the first time around) but I still think it explores one of the more interesting takes on a relationship: giving us issues they need to work on after they've gotten together.
And I do enjoy series that follow one couple over multiple books. Though I have no idea where exactly the plot will lead us.
2022:Structural Integrity is a novella that explores class and power dynamics in this queernormative world where we skip between the past and the present as two men navigate their relationship.
Trans messenger boy Kel is from a lower class and first meets Yaan working on government ground when he is working. Yaan is older, head of the property department, and interested in finding a new lover. In small snippets, we are introduced to Kel's current living situation (he no longer needs to work, living with Yaan) and see moments of the past as to how we got here. I also loved the subtle nods that Kel is on the asexuality spectrum - how he favours to be on the giving side and is equally happy just being physically close.
It's unique in the sense that what could be a simple romantic/sexual encounter that grew into a relationship, that is not all that's at play here. Kel is still very much connected to his family and visits his parents almost daily. He seems uncomfortable in his new clothes and has stopped eating despite being hungry, he is restless but unwilling to put his feelings into words and speak up. Yaan who is dealing with his own anxiety regarding his job (and maybe some relationship hangups) is blind to the situation and doesn't notice the tension in their relationship. It all comes to the surface when the theatre building in Kel's neighborhood is scheduled be torn down and replaced.
The chapters and time snippets are short, which gives the story a fast pace and a snappy rhythm that helps you keep the momentum. I loved how all these tiny moments added up to build a fuller picture of the two main characters and filled in their world when necessary.
I do feel the actual climax of the story fell a little flat for me. The solution for their argument was a little obvious, but what I actually minded a bit more was that the underlying root of the problem was not fully addressed in the text. I wanted a longer conversation or at least an acknowledgment that they needed to work on that - not a confession.
I liked their dynamic so much but I felt the romantic ending was not entirely earned. Very interested to see where the sequel(s) will take me.
I received an advanced reading copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
And I do enjoy series that follow one couple over multiple books. Though I have no idea where exactly the plot will lead us.
2022:Structural Integrity is a novella that explores class and power dynamics in this queernormative world where we skip between the past and the present as two men navigate their relationship.
Trans messenger boy Kel is from a lower class and first meets Yaan working on government ground when he is working. Yaan is older, head of the property department, and interested in finding a new lover. In small snippets, we are introduced to Kel's current living situation (he no longer needs to work, living with Yaan) and see moments of the past as to how we got here. I also loved the subtle nods that Kel is on the asexuality spectrum - how he favours to be on the giving side and is equally happy just being physically close.
It's unique in the sense that what could be a simple romantic/sexual encounter that grew into a relationship, that is not all that's at play here. Kel is still very much connected to his family and visits his parents almost daily. He seems uncomfortable in his new clothes and has stopped eating despite being hungry, he is restless but unwilling to put his feelings into words and speak up. Yaan who is dealing with his own anxiety regarding his job (and maybe some relationship hangups) is blind to the situation and doesn't notice the tension in their relationship. It all comes to the surface when the theatre building in Kel's neighborhood is scheduled be torn down and replaced.
The chapters and time snippets are short, which gives the story a fast pace and a snappy rhythm that helps you keep the momentum. I loved how all these tiny moments added up to build a fuller picture of the two main characters and filled in their world when necessary.
I do feel the actual climax of the story fell a little flat for me. The solution for their argument was a little obvious, but what I actually minded a bit more was that the underlying root of the problem was not fully addressed in the text. I wanted a longer conversation or at least an acknowledgment that they needed to work on that - not a confession.
I liked their dynamic so much but I felt the romantic ending was not entirely earned. Very interested to see where the sequel(s) will take me.
I received an advanced reading copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
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