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…

This book was such an authentic and genuine representation of queerness and exploring polyamory. I truly connected with these characters. This book was unlike anything else I have read. It is not the stereotypical depiction of discovering polyamory that we usually get. And it felt so much more respectful and real. Watching each of these characters grow and change and develop both as individuals and as a group was so endearing. This book doesn’t shy away from showing the intricacies and issues that are apart of a dynamic like this. But it warmed my heart to see patience and love and communication being the basis of everything. That’s not something we get on the regular. Aspen became a character I liked more and more as the story progressed. Their journey moved in such a way that was relatable and connected me to them even more. I loved Noah immediately and felt a link to him. The anxiety he deals with made him that much more endearing to me. He’s such a support. The connection that’s between them is so strong and it felt so real. These characters all complement each other and you can feel the support they have for each other. The ending left me so satisfied and happy. I will be reading more in this collection.

While this one was a bit different from what I usually pick up, D.C. Emerson has become an auto-read author for me, so I was excited to dive right in. Defying Expectations is much more focused on identity, growth, and exploration than a straightforward romance, and I appreciated the way it let the characters take their time figuring things out. Aspen and Noah’s dynamic felt very real to me—messy, complicated, and full of care even when they weren’t quite on the same page. Their “trial relationship” setup created space for both of them to explore what they actually want, rather than what they’ve been told they should want, and I liked that the story didn’t rush those answers. One of my favorite things about D.C. Emerson’s writing is the range of representation they bring into their stories, and this book is no exception. There’s such a thoughtful inclusion of different identities, experiences, and ways of existing, and it never feels forced—it just feels like a natural part of the world and the characters’ lives. I always come away from their books feeling like I’ve learned something new while getting lost in the stories they’ve weaved. Overall, this was a thoughtful, character-driven read that focuses more on the journey than the destination. I’m really curious to see where the rest of the series goes from here.

An authentic, nuanced, and beautiful depiction of three queer friends exploring polyamory and their journey of self discovery thereafter. I don’t have words. To feel so seen while also discovering so much was a truly wonderful experience as a reader. It’s a rare thing to have characters that are so layered and realistic and to have their intricacies be handled with such care. I loved each of these amazing people. Felt for them so deeply as their stories unfolded and rooted for their ultimate contentment and happiness. This was quite the journey- from life after divorce to growing feelings for their closest friends. From hateful, controlling parents to testing the waters of polyamory. From a brother’s shot-gun wedding to saving their beloved dog shelter from closing its doors. From building a chosen family brick by brick to finding the words and feelings to finally accept themselves. And through it all the love, patience, communication, and support was breathtaking. This was truly a love letter to queerness, to being whole and worthy exactly as you are, to unapologetically defying expectations. What you’ll get: •Best Friends to Lovers •Trial Relationship •Exploring Polyamory •Self Discovery •Saving the Dog Shelter •Nonbinary Rep •Trans Masc Rep •Pan/Bi Rep •Greyromantic Rep •Reciprosexual Rep •Side Rep •ADHD Rep •Autism Rep •Chosen Family