This Is Kind of an Epic Love Story

Kacen Callender

Oct 2018 · Sold by HarperCollins

About this ebook

~Lambda Literary Award finalist for the best LGBT YA novel of 2018~

A fresh, charming rom-com perfect for fans of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda and Boy Meets Boy about Nathan Bird, who has sworn off happy endings but is sorely tested when his former best friend, Ollie, moves back to town.

Nathan Bird doesn’t believe in happy endings. Although he’s the ultimate film buff and an aspiring screenwriter, Nate’s seen the demise of too many relationships to believe that happy endings exist in real life.

Playing it safe to avoid a broken heart has been his MO ever since his father died and left his mom to unravel—but this strategy is not without fault. His best-friend-turned-girlfriend-turned-best-friend-again, Florence, is set on making sure Nate finds someone else. And in a twist that is rom-com-worthy, someone does come along: Oliver James Hernández, his childhood best friend.

After a painful mix-up when they were little, Nate finally has the chance to tell Ollie the truth about his feelings. But can Nate find the courage to pursue his own happily ever after?

Ratings and reviews

This romance story is complicated, a bit messy but has a lot of heart. Nate, a film buff, doesn’t truly believe in love unless it is guaranteed. He has suffered heartbreak, and having watched his mom, too, heartbroken, over the death of his father years ago, he is overly cautious about relationships and life in general. When his childhood best friend moves back into town, he starts feelings things for him again but is pessimistic about the chances of their relationship ever starting or surviving the obstacles in the way. He, however, does have an awesome support system of his friends and family, so the only thing is for him to realize to give life and love a chance. The characterization of Nate, as well as his friends, felt natural and true to the teenage experience. Additionally, they don’t have drama over sexualities (at least three of them show fluid sexualities) and crushes, at least not the unnecessary kind – just the usual insecurities associated with being friends in a group. It did feel like it slowed down considerably after two-thirds of the book, and dragged itself to the ending but overall, it is a cute story.

About the author

Kheryn Callender is originally from Saint Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. Kheryn has a BA from Sarah Lawrence College and an MFA from the New School’s writing for children program. They are also the author of the middle grade novel Hurricane Child. This Is Kind of an Epic Love Story is their debut young adult novel. You can visit them online at www.kheryncallender.com.