Static by L.A. Witt

[Ali]

One of my goals for the past two years has been to read more diverse books, particularly in romances where affluent, white, heterosexuals are the standard, so I've been looking forward to Static for a long time.

Synopsis:
After two years together, Alex has been dreading the inevitable moment when Damon learns the truth: that Alex is a shifter, part of a small percentage of the population able to switch genders at will. Thanks to a forced implant, though, Alex is suddenly static—unable to shift—and male. Overnight, he’s out to a world that neither understands nor tolerates shifters . . . and to his heterosexual boyfriend.

Damon is stunned to discover his girlfriend is a shifter, and scared to death of the dangers the implant poses to Alex’s health. He refuses to abandon Alex, but what about their relationship? Damon is straight, and with the implant both costly and dangerous to remove, Alex is stuck as a man.

Stripped of half his identity and facing serious physical and social ramifications, Alex needs Damon more than ever, but he doesn’t see how they can get through this.

Especially if he’s static forever.

[Ali]

I'm glad I read this quickly because it will probably take me the rest of the week to sort out my feelings.

Right now, I'm annoyed. I feel like the author sacrificed the characterization she spent half the book establishing in order to pave the way for an easy "Happily Ever After." I'm irked because it cheapens what would otherwise be a thought-provoking, timely, and unique novel.