A Basic Binary (Not So Normative Book 3) by D. C. Emerson


A wonderful continuation of Taylor Riley and Penelope's journey of self exploration and learning what works for them, and what doesn't.


From the A Basic Binary blurb:

Penelope's done it. They’ve come out to friends and family as nonbinary, survived online dating, and now have an amazing partner to show for it. Their partner is everything they’ve ever wanted—sweet, funny, caring, and willing to dive into new fashion and new pronouns with Penelope. They’re more than ready to explore this new phase of their relationship, there’s just one thing, though. It’s been months and they still haven’t had a sleepover, let alone tackled intimacy between two genderqueer people.

Everything’s fine. There’s nothing to stress about. They’ll figure it out on their own time, and in the meantime, Penelope’s enjoying every day of their new relationship. That is, until Penelope gets a letter from their landlord saying they have three months to find a new place to live. Now, on top of working two jobs and attending couple’s sessions on genderqueer intimacy, Penelope has to figure out if there’s any way they’ll be ready to move in with their partner.

Follow the conclusion to Penelope’s story as they visit a wacky pop-up museum, attend a stressful engagement party, somehow end up in a friend’s delivery room, and, of course, spend time at the Rainbow Bean cafe.

A Basic Binary is an LGBTQ+ contemporary romance that explores love and intimacy in genderqueer relationships. It’s the second book in the Not So Normative series, a direct sequel to An Epic Construct. There’s enough context given to read as a standalone, but it will be much more enjoyable read after An Epic Construct.


Angel's review:

I am so happy the Taylor Riley and Penelope's story got continued, this story, their story, is just so beautiful. I rambled on and on in my review for An Epic Construct about how incredible these characters are and how fantastic the writing is. And that is still true in this story!

This book starts off with a rush of excitement, mainly because I was so excited to read more about these amazing characters, but also because the scene that's taking place in that first chapter is.. full of excitement and anticipation. Immediately I was pulled back into this world with Penelope and Taylor Riley, I was a passenger on their individual journeys as well as the journey they are going through together.

They both have things they have to work through and to figure out, and they do that together which I find so beautiful. I also really love and admire how prevalent the importance of therapy is in this story specifically. It's a safe space for both of these characters, as individuals and as a couple. I love how it became a space where they both felt more at ease with being vulnerable and open with each other, if they started discussing a potentially big decision outside of therapy, they would each say something along the lines of; "Why don't we table this for now, and discuss it more at our next therapy session." I just really appreciated the positive portrayal of therapy and how it can be a positive experience.

Furthermore, I absolutely enjoyed being able to see these lovely characters grow and flourish. When we first met these characters they were just getting started on their gender journeys and what their gender meant to them, how it made them feel, and they were just starting to accept their true selves. And in this book we get an even deeper dive into their gender exploration, and all of their emotions, thoughts, feelings, struggles and triumphs as well. I appreciate how even when they made mistakes they would apologize and talk it out, that even when they didn't communicate in a clear way that they tried to rectify the situation and then tried to do better next time. I think it was a beautiful message to have within this story.

D.C. Emerson absolutely captivated me with these characters and their journeys. I learned so many new things I didn't know previously. Thank you for writing this series, these characters, and giving them such relatable and realistic stories. They truly are remarkable and very beautiful stories.


A Basic Binary is currently available as an e-book and paperback and can be read as part of your Kindle Unlimited Subscription

Comments