Defying Expectations (Pride Parlor Book 1)

Defying Expectations isn't your average LGBQT+ romancev story. In my humble opinion, it's also educational, because I must say, I have learned a lot! While I consider myself an ally and Queer adjacent, I am not familiar with a lot of terms and labels, and that was a huge facet of the book. How the main characters (and even side characters) identified their selves and how they wanted people to see them as. From the start we know Noah is a trans man (He/Him) and has been besties with Aspen who is nonbinary (They/Them) since college. Aspen is moving forward with their divorce from their cis husband (I think that's what he's called) and they're feeling some kind of way. They need they're best friend because, they want to try non-heteronormative (new term for me) sex and feels Noah can be the one to help them. Of course, this catches Noah off guard but he realizes he would be glad to help them explore that aspect in their platonic friendship. Lots of spicy spiciness, with lessons learned and more questions asked than answered. That goes on for most of the book. Are they polyamorous? Is Noah aromantic? If he can't love people romantically, should he start a relationship? He and Aspen decide to do a 6 month trial as fwb, as they figure out who they are and what they want. As individuals, as well as best friends. There's so much more, and as the blurb mentions, Rachel and Charlie also come into the mix of things. Yet they too are trying to find their way in life, because…

I received an Arc from the author I give Defying Expectations 4 stars. I really love the universe that D.C Emerson has built and this book is no exception. I enjoy reading about different identities and getting to know/understand other POVs. I also enjoy seeing other relationship dynamics being used in stories today, its a breath of fresh air to see things outside the binary heteronormative examples we've all grown up with. Charlie, Noah and Aspen all felt like very similar but also vastly different as people. I think they were a great example of why some participate in polyamorous relationships. Its always wonderful if someone can find their forever person and it meet all of their needs but I think its also equally wonderful to find a few forever people to meet those needs as well. I can't say that I've ever experienced much similar to the main characters in this book but I can understand struggling to juggle yourself with your family's expectations of you. The constant battle of the self you wish to be with the self your life has formed can often times be the hardest thing you will ever do. I thought it was great to see therapy utilized in the story, given how stigmatized it can still be. I also got a kick out of every character cameo from other stories of D.C. Emerson's that came up. While the story definitely dealt with some really hard topics and emotionally was a bit of a roller coaster, it was also cute, and sweet and lovely. I would 100% recommend this…