The first sentence of the blurb - This is not your average love story. – is one way of accurately describing this book. But while this statement is true, it also far undersells the quality of this novel; as far as I am concerned this tale is very far above average. One reason is the fantastic characters: they are true to life and yet extraordinary in the way they relate and react to each other. Each main character has particular idiosyncrasies and demons, but all the secondary characters are also really well fleshed out. Another reason is the sheer beauty of Stan and Ben falling in love, struggling with their issues, and dealing with life in general. Then there is the fact that all the dramatic tension comes from Stan and Ben dealing with building a relationship, just the two of them, rather than some external force trying to tear them apart, And finally there is the setting of present-day London which is a great background and very well done without being intrusive.

Stan is twenty-two, works in fashion, has just started a new job as a creative director in London, and is gender-fluid. This does by no means define him, but it is a factor that has played a role in his life and previous relationships. Stan goes to great lengths to explain that he is not transgender, he has no wish to have a female body. He is a man who likes to wear his hair long, his makeup is always perfect, and he dresses impeccably – preferably wearing high heels. Stan’s deeper issues are around anorexia and while he thinks he has conquered the disease, as the story unfolds, it becomes very clear that there are battles still left to fight.

Ben is a tough guy, a wannabe rock star, tattooed, and not someone you’d suspect of being the “sensitive type”. Except he has a heart of gold and not in the least fazed by the fact that the beautiful woman he sees walking into the bar where he works as a bartender – turns out to be a man. For Ben it’s all about the person underneath the surface, and Stan is exactly who he has been looking for.

Their love blossoms slowly, as they take their time to get to know each other. Between their jobs, Ben’s somewhat hectic schedule once the band becomes more popular, and Stan’s issues with anorexia, there is plenty of upheaval in their lives. They deal with it as best they can, and I loved watching them get closer, become more intimate, and fall in love. None of the issues are sugarcoated, and they have some real zingers to deal with, but through it all, there is Ben’s steadfast love and Stan’s growing trust that someone other than himself has his best interests at heart, believes in him, and will be there for him through whatever life throws at them.

If you like stories about extraordinary characters who are so real they might be your neighbors, if you want to find out more about what life might be like for someone who does not fit the standard binary gender stereotype, and if you’re looking for a read with great character growth, a very sweet romance, some serious issues, and a beautiful happy ending, then you will probably love this novel as much as I do. I think this is an exceptional story you should not miss.


NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews. ( )

Recommended by BJ Jansen. Very sweet story about a beautiful boy who likes makeup and dresses but doesn't want to be a girl. Tatted musician boyfriend is a tolerant, accepting sweetheart of a guy - great beta hero. ( )