A beautiful story that has wonderful characters exploring their sexualities, and their gender identities.
From the blurb:
Is a LGBTQ+ friendly dating app the answer to all of Penelope's dating woes? Her ex-girlfriend turned asexual best friend and roommate sure thinks so.
Penelope matches with the mysterious, yet charming Riley, who identifies as queer, but is slow to open up about his sexuality... and everything else.
As she explores dating again, she gets the opportunity to MC a drag brunch, in full drag king regalia. For a long time, Penelope has suspected she might be nonbinary, but that feels like something she'll sort out on her own eventually... right?
The drag brunch is a smashing success, and she meets a beautiful woman in the audience named Taylor. They begin forming a deep connection in their queerness and Taylor supports her as she finally explores her gender identity.
Penelope notices similarities between Riley and Taylor, in the way they think, the way they talk, and most importantly in the way they make her feel. What if the two people she's falling for are more than just amazing, what if they're her soul mate?
Follow Penelope's journey as she navigates the ups and downs of dating, self-discovery, and the search for love and acceptance in a hilariously complicated and ultimately satisfying, queer love story.
Angel's review:
This is such a poignant story and really important to read right now. This book shows what true acceptance is, and shows how to be understanding and supportive of those who are simply trying to be themselves. Penelope, Taylor, and Riley all have insecurities with themselves due to the actions and behaviors of others, among other things, but along the way they were able to befriend the people who turned into their biggest allies and supporters.
I loved Penelope, she is such an exuberant, confident (at times), and quirky woman who's trying to put herself out in the dating world while also figuring herself out. I adored how much Penelope paid attention to Riley whenever they spent time together, she was so aware of all the nuances Riley's body language gave off and was able to pick up on them and adjust to make Riley comfortable. Her being so supportive and accepting was just so beautiful to read.
I could relate a lot to Riley, he was scared to open up to Penelope in fear of judgement, and then in fear of her leaving him... He had walls around his heart and it took him a while,(and some therapy) before he could open up to her. Throughout the story everything that happens leads up to a very important moment. And while that scene and the chapters after that are heartbreaking, they were absolutely necessary. I can't say too much cause I don't want to spoil anything but... While I was devastated for everyone involved, if that moment never happened, then I don't think Riley, Taylor and Penelope would've ever been able to work together.
Penelope, Riley and Taylor all went through struggling times throughout the story, each of them are trying to figure out who they are, what they like, and what feels right to them. There is a bit of angst in this book but it has a place in this story. Once you read this yourself you'll understand what I mean by that. I learned quite a bit whilst reading this story about gender fluidity and how it's okay to try new things to figure out who you are and who you want to be. I thought this story was really beautiful.
I do want to say I thought the writing itself was extraordinary!! It immediately pulled me in and immersed me into the world the author had created. The characters were dynamic, personable, relatable, and absolutely fantastic! I loved that the side characters are just as important as the MC's, and the bonds that Penelope, Taylor, and Riley have with their friends is Soo beautiful!
While this story is on the more heavy side (at times), I do think this is a lovely, and light romance story. It's what the world needs right now, it's what I need. This was an absolute joy to read and I'm excited for book 2!!
An Epic Construct is currently available as an e-book and paperback and can be read as part of your Kindle Unlimited Subscription
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