Jamás me enamoraré (Cómic) / I Shall Never Fall in Love (Comic Book)

by Hari Conner

The Prince and the Dressmaker goes to Austenland in this historically inspired, joyfully queer, stunningly romantic graphic novel mash-up of Jane Austen novels—where two friends discover their feelings for each other and find a space in their world for their love and identity.

George has major problems: They’ve just inherited the failing family estate, and the feelings for their best friend, Eleanor, have become more complicated than ever. Not to mention, if anyone found out they were secretly dressing in men’s clothes, George is sure it would be ruination for the family name.

Eleanor has always wanted to do everything "right," including falling in love—but she’s never met a boy she was interested in. She’d much rather spend time with her best friend, George, and beloved cousin Charlotte. However, when a new suitor comes to town, she finds her closest friendships threatened, forcing her to rethink what "right" means and confront feelings she never knew she had.

Perfect for fans of Alice Oseman and Ngozi Ukazu, I Shall Never Fall in Love shines a light on what it means to be true to yourself and rewrites the rules for what makes a happily ever after.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Romance, Historical Fiction, LGBT, Young Adult, Queer, Historical

288 pages, Paperback

First published October 10, 2024

About the author

Hari Conner is an award-winning author/ illustrator who usually writes fantasy, historical and queer romance - often at the same time.

They're the creator of the now-complete webcomic Finding Home, choose-your-own-path books including Into the Tower, and the YA rom-com I Shall Never Fall in Love (2024). They're currently working on A True Gentleman, a new graphic novel out in 2028.

Hari grew up drawing comics in class in South London and now lives in Scotland, pursuing their quest to find wheelchair accessible forests.

Reviews

[Alice Oseman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Packed with Austenian drama, heartache, scandal and yearning - this is the trans Regency era romance I’ve always wanted to read! Hari Conner’s characters are so lovable and the artwork, as always in Conner’s work, totally blew me away with its exquisite details, atmosphere, and emotion. I am obsessed with this book.

Many thanks to Simon & Schuster for the early copy.

[Danika at The Lesbrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Generally speaking, I’m used to queer historical fiction falling into two categories: depressing and trying to be historically accurate, or joyful and set in an imaginary version of history without bigotry. When I picked up I Shall Never Fall in Love, I was expecting the latter. After all, this is a book that draws heavily on Jane Austen novels and also has queer, nonbinary, and Black characters living in “high society”. I was pleasantly surprised to find this is a joyful queer story that also is well-researched and faces the racism, queerphobia, sexism, classism, and other bigotries of the time head on.

I was really impressed with how this YA graphic novel balanced a cute queer love story with historical accuracy about queer people and people of color’s experience in this setting. There are absolutely goofy moments with over-the-top cartoon expressions, but the story also doesn’t erase the everyday bigotry of this setting. There are notes at the end giving more context about queer and Black people’s lives in this setting in history. There are also some FAQs answered by the characters and an annotated bibliography for readers who want to learn more. This is a new favorite!

Full review at the Lesbrary.

[Maia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a witty, well-written queer romance set in the mid-1800s, England. The story borrows heavily from Emma while still feeling like its own fresh tale, especially because of the inclusion of characters of color, queer characters, and a gender-nonconforming love interest. I was rooting for Eleanor and George all the way; both rooting for them to get together and also rooting for them to find the space to know themselves and express that authentically around the people they love! The art in this book is stunning, with beautiful colors, and so much thoughtful historical research went into the design of the houses, costumes, and world of these characters. Highly recommend, especially if you're a Jane Austen fan.

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oooo this one was recommended to me and it did not disappoint. Imagine Jane Austen, but with a plot that is deeply rooted in queer history. Conner did a fantastic job of giving readers a love story, but also a story that analyzed the experience of marginalized groups hundreds of years ago. Not only is there an exploration of queer identity during this time, but also the experiences of Black people living in England at the same time. The artwork was astounding and the story captivating. If you haven't had the chance to pick this one up, I highly recommend it.

[Dee (in the Desert) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 "meh" stars. I really loved the diversity of this Regency graphic novel - I'm all for Black & queer joy. But I did not feel it was very "Austenesque" save being set in the same time/place. Also, it really, really was slow AF for a graphic novel - perhaps just too long. Good author notes at the end. I'm not the target demographic, however, so perhaps younger readers would get more from it???

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely spin on Austen's Emma.

[Ally · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's a secret sixth star here for the bibliography in the back I love you well done historical fiction

[Anniek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my most anticipated graphic novel release of the year. I was invited to read the first few chapters through Netgalley a few months ago, which had me really excited to continue. Having read the full graphic novel now, I absolutely loved it. It's such a well fleshed out story, especially for a graphic novel, and I loved how nuanced the characters are and how much growth they go through.

[james · Rating 3 out of 5]

didn’t really care for it, unfortunately. obviously loved george but the rest of them and the story? meh.

[suonnahbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I shall never fall in love by Hari Conner
- the graphics are beautiful omg
- I love this trio so much they my besties lol
- I love the trans representation in this book
- if you love bridgerton you’ll eat this up
- this makes me want to wear a gown and go to a ball
- this story was so cuteeee
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Rod Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

An LGBTQIA+ spin on a Regency era romance has a story that is a little flat, slow, and obvious, but I do so enjoy the characters and where they end up.

[Salomé · Rating 3 out of 5]

i love the art style and george’s journey but the fmc was so unlikable 😣

[Meggie Ramm · Rating 5 out of 5]

A queer regency story that addresses race and class dynamics? Where the white girl's privilege gets called out multiple times?? And one of the best love stories in comics that I've ever read??? PLUS a queer/OC history primer in the endnotes??

Be still my beating heart! Bridgerton WISHES. A perfect read, 10/10 recommend.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moral of the story: be gay and kind.

[Starr ❇✌❇ · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw that this was "Jane Austen inspired" I didn't realize it's honestly, literally just a diverse (mostly queer) take on Emma- but man am I glad that's what I got! You can tell Conner loves the source material, because the injection of diversity always highlights what was there already in the story and just gives it a new deeper layer. While I didn't find myself as compelled with Eleanor as I do with Emma (at least, the Anya Taylor-Joy version) but I did deeply enjoy getting to know George, and seeing this confident, self aware Charlotte! I could definitely see myself fondly revisiting this one.

[Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bridgerton but make it queer! Such a fun book and I love the liberties the author took to make the language modern while keeping everything else pretty historically accurate

[Manon (bookswithonno) · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first 5 star read of 2025!! WOOHOO!! I loved this so much and the representation was everything. Perfect for fans of “The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich” (which I also LOVED)

[Sebastian Nothwell]

I Shall Never Fall in Love by Hari Conner, wherein Jane Austen's Emma meets Gentleman Jack for fans of Bridgerton with significantly more history attached. All of the hilarity and heartache wraps up into a heartwarming conclusion. Highly recommended.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet book! I really liked that this wasn't a direct adaptation of one Austen novel, but rather more of a love letter/homage to her work. I think that allowed the author more freedom in their story and allowed them to pick and choose elements to include and leave out, while still keeping the setting, themes, and even versions of Austen characters. I wish I had read more Austen to get more of the references. The romance was great, George and Eleanor had great chemistry. Friends to lovers superiority!! I found Eleanor's arc at times frustrating, some of her actions didn't seem consistent but I do appreciate her growth overall.

I loved the art style as well and look forward to reading Conner's other works in the future.

[Star · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fricken loved every single moment of this.
The artistry is incredible, the story wonderful, and the characters so beautifully written. I just loved this a lot.

[Lar · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK OBBBBBSESSSEDDDDD‼️

I am PROMPTLY ordering myself a physical copy of this book. I did not know it was a graphic novel so reading it on Libby was a PITA to say the least, but so so so worth it. What a GEM this book is!

First of all, I would not recommend reading it right before bed. Because when I finished it I laid down in bed and it was so freaking cute my heart started pounding like crazy and I had to do my breathing exercises to calm down. The heart palpitations were either due to the sheer level of ✨LOVE✨ in this book, or it's because of POTS. Actually now I think I know which one is the culprit ....

For real, I just adored every single page. It's basically the story of Emma, so yeah, Eleanor is probably going to drive you crazy! I felt like my one qualm with the book is that I could tell the author wanted to make Eleanor like Emma, but she didn't have enough of the high-society Emma characteristics to make me wrap my head around her. I don't know. Read it and tell me what you think.

GEEEEOOORRRGGGEEE 🤩✨😛💃💅‼️😍😝🔥💛 I am OBSESSED.

Not only was the story SO FREAKING CUTE!!!! But the ART!! The art! I could cry! The illustrations are FANTASTIC. You know that episode from Spongebob when they steal Mr. Krabs' treasure map and they run their eyes all over the page??! That was me on every single panel.

You know I love a regency romance because of the ✨YEARNING✨! So imagine my joy when we get DOUBLE THE YEARNING and DOUBLE THE TENSION because it is a queer regency romance!!! Ommmffggg!! My heart wanted to beat out of my chest, I love these fools so much.

This has successfully launched me into a new hyperfixation, which is being LGBT in these restrictive times. Reminds me of "Most Ardently," the queer spin on P&P that I gobbled up like a thanksgiving pie. I loved that the authors in both that book and this one included a little history section at the end. It is so intriguing to read about societal constructs from back in the day.

I will leave you with the hopeful, yet heartbreaking epigraph taken from "Maurice" by E.M. Forster: "There always have been people like me and always will be."

[Artemis Crescent · Rating 4 out of 5]

'I Shall Never Fall in Love' - what a great graphic novel.

It's widely described as an LBGTQ+ retelling of a Jane Austen novel - mostly 'Emma', with a bit of 'Pride and Prejudice' - and it is exactly that.

It is a sweet, funny, yet realistic English regency era coming-of-age story, starring a teenage trio: Eleanor Woodford, a white, fat, upper class lesbian (or bisexual, at least); her cousin Charlotte Woodford, a biracial (half white, half Black) young woman who was taken in through charity by Eleanor's parents, and has to marry into high society and provide for her own poor parents, but she is in love with a farm boy, Robert Miller; and George Kinsley, a white, transmasc nonbinary, high class person who is more than capable of handling their own estate and business.

Each character has their own quirks, hobbies, stereotype-defying strengths, weaknesses, and flaws.

Most present in the story - Eleanor and George are clearly in love with each other. But in typical cisheteronormative and classist fashion, and via typical Jane Austen obstacles, it takes them a while to realise this.

But can they ever be together? Will it be possible?

Other notable players include: Eleanor's ailing, largely hypochondriac and fretful father; John Kinsley, George's older brother who fled to London; Caroline Grey, George's first fling; Sophie Shah, another BIPOC girl, who is "delicate" and a "beautiful, perfect young lady"; Henry Whitby, a friend of John's, who basically plays the role of George Wickham from 'Pride and Prejudice'; and Beth, the best maid ever to George.

It's all a wonderful, charming, funny, enriching, enlightening ride.

'I Shall Never Fall in Love' teaches us about LBGTQ+ history, specifically in regency England (around 1818), and how LBGTQ+ people have always existed, everywhere. It also makes a big point in acknowledging that slavery happened, and its effects and influences in society are still present, and it is, in many ways, and in other parts of the world (in 1818, and even the present), still happening. It is how practically every empire was built.

These events were, and are, real. And 'I Shall Never Fall in Love' doesn't sugarcoat any of it, even with its general lighthearted tone. We learn about history - about humanity's greatest monstrosities, and the "incalculable suffering" (to quote Charlotte) caused by the "superiors" in society - for a reason. So we can learn from them and never repeat them. So we can always do better.

Of all the main characters, Eleanor, who has snobbish tendencies, has the most flaws she needs to learn and develop out of. She doesn't want to fall in love and marry. She is apprehensive about marrying any man, despite her late mother's wishes. But at the same time, she has her classism issues - which links to her insecurities and fickleness - and it is one aspect of her mother's influence that she unconsciously carried and took to heart.

It is another important lesson the graphic novel teaches: parents are not perfect, and they are not always right about everything.

Although the graphic novel focuses far more on Eleanor and George - the white characters - than on Charlotte, and they are more developed than her, and it has no LBGTQ+ rep in the BIPOC characters, I still recommend 'I Shall Never Fall in Love'. What a gorgeous, brilliant, delightful, well-researched, smart, passionate, diverse, #ownvoices story.

The art is beautiful, colourful, expressive, and adaptable to the tone of any event. Every page looks terrific, but for me personally, one particular panel made me swoon, and it is of a rosy, rose-coloured, fairy tale little cottage near the end. I want to live in a house like that some day!

'I Shall Never Fall in Love' has its Jane Austen influence, and it doubles as belonging on the same pop culture, mass appeal shelf as 'Bridgerton', the 'My Lady Jane' Amazon Prime adaptation (though that counts as more historical fantasy), 'The Prince and the Dressmaker', 'The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich' (ditto historical fantasy), 'Stage Dreams', 'Patience & Esther', 'Patience & Sarah', the 'Goodbye, My Rose Garden' manga, the 'Montague Siblings' novels, the 'Feminine Pursuits' novels, Alexis Hall's 'A Lady for a Duke', E.M. Foster's 'Maurice', Sarah Waters' works, Cat Sebastian's works, Joanna Chambers' works, K.J. Charles' works, and Lex Croucher's works, in terms of diverse (meaning: truth telling) historical fiction.

'I Shall Never Fall in Love' - I guess a more accurate title should be 'I Shall Never Marry'-- oops! I'm getting into spoiler territory. I shall leave off for now!

Read it and educate yourself, and find clarity, love, and hope.

Final Score: 4/5

P.S. One weird flaw I forgot to mention: Robert Miller is said many times to have sisters...but we never see them, save for in a couple panels and in the background, and even then we're not sure if those women are his sisters. We don't ever find out their names, nor even how many sisters there are. What?

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨4.5 stars✨

[Petra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable, funny, cute, love it with all my heart

[prag ♻ · Rating 5 out of 5]

hehe made me cry

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new absolute favourite 😍

[Giovanareadshere · Rating 5 out of 5]

This graphic novel was hella cute and fun to read!😍😍 I loved following a trio of friends in early 1800s England, where they are diverse and unapologetic individuals on a quest to find love in their own ways. I liked Ellie’s curiosity about society, her determination to care for her sickly father, her exploration of her feelings for girls, and the playful banter between her and George, who eventually fall in love.

My two favorite characters are Charlotte and George. I admired Charlotte’s perspective as a Black woman seeking a suitor to help support her family. She refuses to associate with anyone involved in plantations and slavery in America and won't fall for anyone who views her Blackness as a fetish. Charlotte is not afraid to stand up for herself, especially against her cousin Eleanor. Her determination to marry for love rather than status made me happu.

I love George! They’re unapologetic and undeterred about being trans and gay, despite societal and familial pressures to conform while managing their family’s estate. Throughout the story, you witness George's journey of finding their identity on their own terms.

The art style of this graphic novel was perfect, particularly the vivid facial expressions that had me laughing out loud. The mini history lesson about Anne Lister at the end was really interesting. I appreciated how the author highlighted her strengths and flaws, showcasing her as a multifaceted person, just like the characters in this story.

[Marybeth (Marybee.books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley, Hari Conner, & Harper Alley for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review! 🥰🫶
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This book definitely gives like queer, young Bridegerton vibes if that's your thing, it's not really mine but I still really enjoyed reading this one! ☺️ The story mainly follows Eleanor, Charlotte, and George and a few of their friends they pick up along the way. This story is longer so it really helped to show character progression as at times Eleanor can be mean with her words, but learns from her mistakes and apologies. Eleanor struggles with her two best friends going off without her and meeting other people. Charlotte struggles with being black in a society that puts down black people and has to choose between marrying for money or for love. And George struggles with their gender identity and being madly in love with Eleanor. This book felt like a show as it was split into parts and a lot was explored with the cast of characters! 😊 I really loved it though and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a queer historical read.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well this was very cute. This was one of my highly anticipated graphic novels for the year and it really delivered. My one single itty bitty baby complaint is that it ended pretty abruptly and I would have loved to see just a little bit more expansion upon the ending.

Sapphic midsize MC, nonbinary sapphic MC, Black MC

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This was so cute, and I love the concept! But Eleanor was so annoying before she had her like big realization of how much of a dick she was being. George supremacy! He was the best character