a non-binary teen romance
by
Pages: 200
Size: 6.00 x 9.00 in
Pages: 355
When fate throws them together for the summer, will Riley and Sebastian give in to their attraction or keep fighting against gravity?
Riley O'Brien has always known they are not a girl, so when their parents send them to boarding school they secretly register for the boys' academy instead of the girls'. But Riley finds more than they bargained for when they meet the headmaster's son Sebastian Otero, the charismatic captain of the polo team.
Sebastian Otero finally gets to join the elite pre-college program at Torrance Academy where he lives with his dad. But his perfect summer is quickly turned upside-down by the arrival of new student Riley, and Sebastian finds himself attracted to someone he never expected.
It's the summer of 2000, the days are heating up and there are sure to be fireworks.
Editors:
Cover Artists:
Genres:
Pairings: M-NB
Heat Level: 2
Romantic Content: 4
Ending: Click here to reveal
Character Identities: Genderfluid, Genderqueer, Non Binary, Questioning
Protagonist 1 Age: Under 18
Protagonist 2 Age: Under 18
Tropes: Coming of Age, Coming Out / Closeted, Find Love and Come Out, First Time, Forced Proximity, Friends to Lovers, Geek and Jock, Interracial Relationship, Opposites Attract, Slow Burning Love
Word Count: 45114
Setting: Glorieta, New Mexico
Languages Available: English
“That’s a curry comb.” Sebastian laughed. “You brush him in circles with it.”
“Brush him?”
“Like this.” Sebastian stood behind them, his large calloused hand covering Riley’s, and began moving the curry in slow circles against the horse’s side. The length of his arm was pressed along theirs, his chest against their shoulder blade, and Riley’s brain short-circuited. “See how it brings up all the dirt?”
“You have a very strange idea of a hobby.” Riley did their best to keep their voice steady. When Sebastian let go of their hand, Riley continued doing the circles. “Haven’t you ever heard of T.V.?”
“Give it a chance, will you?” Sebastian rolled his eyes. They went through each brush in the tote, Sebastian explaining its function and how to apply it. By the time they were done Pilot was gleaming, and about to fall asleep.
“Did you give him some kinda sedative?”
“Grooming is very relaxing for horses,”
Sebastian explained. “It’s like a massage. You should try it sometime, maybe then you won’t be so grumpy in the morning.”
Riley chucked their brush at him but he ducked it nimbly. “I’ve had my fill of excess pampering thank you very much.” They secretly thought Pilot would be much happier back with his friends rolling in the dirt. “How do you know so much about horses?”
“I had to learn on the job. When my dad and I first moved here they were going to sell them all after it got too expensive to take care of them. So I volunteered to do it for free.” He shrugged like it was no big deal. “Ready for phase two?”
“There’s more?” Riley groaned.
“Wow, you’re crabby when you don’t get any sleep.”
“Yeah, well, it’s your fault.”
“Happy to take credit.” Sebastian grinned and Riley glared at him. How could anyone be this chipper so early? “Here you go.” He untied the rope and handed it to Riley, who immediately tensed up.
“What am I supposed to do with this?” they demanded wildly. Pilot’s ears flicked back and forth at the sound of their screech.
“First of all, stay calm. Horses can sense fear.”
“Oh great, now I’m really calm.” Riley glanced sideways at the animal standing next to them.
“Now start walking and Pilot will follow you.”
“Do I want him to follow me?”
“Yes, you do.” Sebastian came to stand next to them. His warmth had an instant calming effect on Riley. “Leading a horse is all about trust. You’re trusting him not to trample over you, and he’s trusting you not to lead him into any danger.” Sebastian was looking deep into their eyes, and Riley suddenly had a feeling they weren’t talking about the horse anymore.
“So, I just have to trust him?”
“You just have to trust him.”
Riley took a deep breath, and then took a step forward.
Lily Hawthorn on Goodreads wrote:I enjoyed this book so much that I couldn’t put it down and read it all in one day. It’s a sweet story between the two main characters. I was really impressed with how much character building there was for a shorter book. I also very much appreciated the two font styles, one for each character. Really loved the ending. Highly recommend.
Books of Milli on Instagram wrote:I was blown away by this book! As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I was thrilled to find a book with the representation I wish we’d seen more when I was a teenager. I was in high school at the same time as these characters, and I really enjoyed the fact that the book had references that brought me back to that time in my life.
Giving in to Gravity is beautifully written. It embraces its characters as they try to figure out who they are and where they belong in the world. It captures what it was like to be different from what society expected in a time when it was still very taboo, yet it’s not all drama and trauma, unlike so many books about queer teens. There are many genuinely sweet moments and some scenes had me cheering out loud for the characters.
I love this book for so many reasons. Riley and Sebastian are relatable characters even to readers who aren’t part of the LGBTQ community. The story is about finding one’s true self and living authentically, not just as a queer person but as a teenager entering adulthood. The characters feel realistic and are easy to embrace. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who has ever struggled with figuring out their place in the world.
Giving in to Gravity is a tender, thought-provoking coming-of-age story that delves into themes of identity, attraction, and self-discovery, all set against the picturesque backdrop of Torrance Academy—a prestigious boarding school where nothing is quite as it seems. The novel is well-paced, balancing moments of introspection with emotional tension and tender romantic moments.
The novel follows Riley O’Brien, a young person who has always known they are not a girl. When their parents send them off to boarding school, Riley takes matters into their own hands and secretly enrolls in the boys’ academy instead of the girls’. The chemistry between Riley and Sebastian is what drives much of the novel, and their connection is portrayed with such sensitivity and depth. The progression of their relationship, from tentative friendship to something more complicated and intimate, is handled with authenticity and care.
Though it’s not all drama and trauma like so many books about LGBT youth, it does represent what it was like to be different from what society expected at a time when it was still highly forbidden. Even readers who are not members of the LGBTQ community can identify with Riley and Sebastian. The narrative focusses on discovering one’s actual self and leading a genuine life as a teenager transitioning into adulthood, as well as as an LGBT person. The characters are likeable and seem realistic.
The novel is well-paced, balancing moments of introspection with emotional tension and tender romantic moments. The author’s exploration of gender, attraction, and identity feels both timely and timeless, offering readers a compelling, honest look at the complexity of human connection.
