A beautifully written book that had a way of making anxious. The anxiety that it provokes however, is fitting of the story and what our MCs are going through.

I also want to say that I may not be the intended audience of the book so there may be nuances that I missed.

I loved this! Tom and Ming are fascinating, real, rich, and complex characters, and watching their relationship evolve was like watching the seasons unfold. I felt fully immersed inside their heads, audience to their innermost desires and fears. Dinan’s power to make them come alive is breathtaking, This coming of age story grapples with the human condition in all its guts and glory, exploring questions of gender, friendship, love, sexuality, family, culture, class, and what one’s purpose in life is. This book altered my brain chemistry, made me see the world through Tom and Ming’s eyes in a way that few books can accomplish.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book, as this book has already been published, I will not share my review on Netgalley at this time.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book. This story really dragged for me, though I enjoyed it overall. I wasn't expecting to follow the characters as far into their lives as it did, and that was appreciated. That said, I wish I had seen more of Ming's transition time and seen deeper into the storylines.

What an honest, open, and touching novel this was. I’ve never read anything quite like it before. I am so thankful I found this at the right time. The writing was stunning, the characters were real, and it just overall left a lasting impression on me! Wonderful!!

I requested this for consideration for Book Riot's All the Books podcast for its release date. After sampling several books out this week, I decided to go with a different book for my review.

Bellies by Nicola Dinan is a lovely exploration of love, gender, and vulnerability. We meet Tom and Ming who hit it off immediately. Not long into their relationship, Ming shares that she intends to transition. What follows is how they navigate their relationship. A very moving and heartfelt story.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC - Bellies is out now!

incredibly touching queer love story, creative in it's exploration of gender, intimacy and learning who you are. i did feel like it was a bit wordy and moved slow -- it took me a second to get used to that. overall, i still found this to be a really touching read.

Ming and Tom fell in love so fast during college that their relationship seemed destined. But that was before Ming came out to Tom as a transgender woman. Through Ming’s transition, upheaval in their friend group, moves across the globe, and personal wins and heartbreaks, Ming and Tom wonder if they’re growing apart or can find a way to grow together.

Bellies is a quiet, poignant coming-of-age tale of two multilayered characters. As much as I wanted to find out if Tom and Ming end up together, this book demanded that I take my time. I'm glad I sat with it for as long as I did, because it changed shape in a way through the waiting. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading whatever Nicola Dinan writes next.

The only word that I can think of to describe this book is beautiful. Even though I typically live for the drama, and this story lacked any insane climax, Bellies offers profound insights into the compromises and choices that accompany the path to becoming one's authentic self. I thought this book was such an honor to read and I've found myself thinking about it long after putting it down. Even though this book is heart wrenching in many ways, it's also full of beauty and joy.

loved this one & the beautiful simplicity of dinan’s writing. my single qualm with it was that the female characters (save for ming) felt one-dimensional. who were they independently of their relationships to the male characters (tom, rob, & ming pre-transition)? that remained unanswered. that aside, i’m so glad this book exists & i do hope everyone gets a chance to give it a read.

such a tender bildungsroman. it pulled at my heartstrings in a way that not a lot of books do. the way dinan explores relationships and love and identity and sexuality was so beautiful. i felt like this book was rooney-esque in that vein—the way love stories are seen as more of character studies than romance (aka my favorite niche genre). the fact that this is nichola dinan's debut is insane.

A moving and tender coming of age queer love story featuring Tom and Ming who meet in college and travel through life experiencing ups and downs as Ming decides to transition. This outstanding debut was an intimate exploration of one queer couple's journey together, including their various fears and vulnerabilities. Full of a great cast of secondary characters and perfect for fans of books like Endpapers or A shot in the dark by Victoria Lee. I didn't love this on audio (the narrator was a very fast speaker) but the print copy might be the better way to go. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for this Advanced Readers Copy of Bellies by Nicola Dinan! Looking forward to more from this author in the future!

This coming of age LGBT romance novel navigates the idea of “transitioning” and how it affects personal and romantic relationships over the course of a few years. The characters were relatable and realistic, with enhanced discussions of identity and gender attractions. Thank you to @netgalley for the ARC. Bellies is available now!

I appreciate the voice behind the writing and the intimacy of this story. The cover is beautiful, the description of the book was appealing, and I'm glad the book was written and is out in the world for others to read. Though it has beautiful parts to it, this book wasn't for me. It felt slow and unstructured from the beginning and I felt like the writing wandered too much. I could see how some people would love this style though, so I think it might be a personal taste.

Thank you so much for the advanced copy.

Bellies is an interesting, sometimes funny read. It explores transition and how it impacts social and romantic relationships.

Bellies has been on my TBR for weeks so I was super excited to be approved and dive in! This book was written beautifully. I found myself highlighting much of it to come back to. I love the language this author uses and I will definitely be reading more from her in the future. I find myself relating to the relationship of Tom and Ming and how they both stay in relationships that may not be right anymore simply because you love them. But the end of the story was sweet and succinct. Though they were unfortunately brought back into each other's lives through loss, I appreciate that the author did not make it any more than it needed to be. It was moving without being predicable. This is not just a story of their relationship it has a nice cast of characters and Ming's growth is lovely to read. There is much to relate to and much to learn within this book. I feel like this is an important, insightful read for so many people and would recommend reading it.

(Thank you Harlequin and NetGalley for this ARC!)

The vulnerability in this book is devastatingly beautiful. I didn't know what to expect from this book but Nicola Dinan has done such an incredible job writing a book about relationships that are brought together through vulnerability. The amount of dedication and emotion Dinan needed to craft this novel must have been at times crushing to her but she's done it so wonderfully I am so grateful to her.

This book isn't a giant drama for relationships, it's quiet and understated and full of real life moments that need to be told through literature.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hanover Press for the eARC!

In "Bellies" by Nicola Dinan, readers are immersed in an unforgettable journey of love, identity, and self-discovery. Tom and Ming's paths converge during a university drag night, instantly forging a deep connection. Ming, a witty and confident playwright, becomes the perfect complement to Tom's awkward energy, and their love blossoms. However, their future takes an unexpected turn when Ming reveals her intention to transition.

Relocating from London to Kuala Lumpur, New York, and Cologne, Tom and Ming face seismic shifts in their relationship and social circles in the wake of Ming's decision. Unforeseen crises emerge, testing their resolve and altering the course of their lives since graduation. The fundamental question looms large: Is it worth sacrificing a part of oneself to embrace true authenticity?

Dinan's prose shines with tenderness, effervescence, and wry humor, endearing readers to the diverse cast of characters. The novel delves into youth, intimacy, hunger, and heartbreak, navigating uncharted waters while retaining a familiar touch. It serves as a powerful mirror to our vulnerable selves and desires, inviting introspection.

What sets "Bellies" apart is its bold originality combined with a relatability that resonates deeply. The story compassionately explores gender identity and transition, shedding light on the challenges faced by individuals and their loved ones during such transformative journeys.

The narrative unfolds with masterful pacing, skillfully balancing tension and tenderness. Tom and Ming's relationship feels authentic and raw, drawing readers into their emotional turmoil. The novel tackles the universal struggle of reconciling societal expectations with true self-discovery, provoking reflection on personal beliefs.

In conclusion, "Bellies" is a triumph of contemporary fiction, skillfully navigating the complexities of identity and relationships. Nicola Dinan's unique voice and storytelling prowess make this a must-read. The novel leaves an indelible impression, celebrating the power of love, acceptance, and the journey towards embracing one's authentic self. It is a compelling exploration of the human experience, leaving readers with a renewed sense of compassion and understanding.