Milo and Liam don't have any hobbies in common. That doesn't stop Milo from trying to help Liam laugh in-between classes and clubs. When Liam's roommate accidentally ropes them both in on a date and not communicating well, the two boys kiss in the bathroom. Then Liam punches out Milo. Go figure.

Fans of Heartstopper should like this story about being queer in boarding school, among petty bullies and students that just want to get through the day. I for one can't wait to see what volume 2 has in store.

This book is very sweet, and anyone who's a fan of stories like Heartstopper will most likely enjoy it. There isn't much that truly makes it stand out in the slice-of-life genre, but it fits right in with the rest perfectly so readers looking to either start reading it or continue exploring it might want to pick up this adorable series.

A good contemporary read for fans of Heartstopper and/or Sasaki and Miyano, this tale of love between two boys on the cusp of adulthood sits pleasantly between the two.

Tripping Over You by Suzana Harcum and Owena White is a slice of life school/coming-of-age queer rom-com story about Milo, a relatively out theater kid, and his initially closeted bestie-turned-boyfriend Liam as they navigate the complexities of young adulthood and relationships, as well as the general chaos of a boarding school filled with teenagers.

One of the strengths of this comic are the quirky cast of characters--they each have their own strong personality that makes them just as memorable for their behavior traits as for their visual character design. The art style is also quite distinct, with strong linework and vivid use of color that pairs well with the humor and drama of the plot. It's a great pick-me-up story for a gloomy day.

It may also be of interest to note that this graphic novel was a first published as an indie webcomic over a decade ago, so it's been really cool to see this story grow and change through its various iterations. The first chapter was originally presented in gradations of blue, so seeing these scenes in color (and in print) was a fun surprise (the full-color prologue had been a late addition to the original comic). There were also some minor edits to the dialogue in the print version that update the comic and enhance the story content as well.

One thing I do miss about the original was the comedic alt text commentary for each single page upload, a mix of characters' internal monologues and the creators' tongue-in-cheek jokes. If the original version is still on their website, it's worth taking a peek! Reading this volume was definitely a trip down nostalgia lane with an overall positive take on young queer love--and a message to never underestimate cunning wlw! I can't wait for Volume 2!

Readers who enjoy this book may also like: Heartstopper by Alice Oseman, Castle Swimmer by Wendy Lian Martin, Blue Flag by Kaito, Classmates by Asumiko Nakamura, The Guy She Was Interested In Wasn't a Guy At All by Sumiko Arai, Wandering Son and Sweet Blue Flowers by Takako Shimura, Fence by C. S. Pacat and Johanna the Mad, and other sweet stories of young LGBTQIA+ youth clumsily in love.

This book got more enjoyable as it went on, but I was not liking it at all in the beginning. I felt that it just jumped into the story with very little lead-in, and the dialogue was trite, bordering on juvenile. It took me a while to believe that Liam was as invested in the relationship as Milo was and even when he became more comfortable with it, it almost seemed as if he did a total 180. I nearly got whiplash from how quickly he changed the way in which he approached the relationship. I appreciated how he admitted he was being unfair to Milo in asking him to keep their relationship a secret, but it also seemed as if Milo was far too accepting of everything. I'm not sure I will continue with this series.

Milo, a theatre kid, and Liam, a wallflower have a budding relationship. But as with most relationships, there are bumps along the way.

I enjoyed this! If you enjoy coming-of-age stories, and graphic novels, you can’t go wrong with this one. I absolutely adored Liam’s character, and getting to know this pair.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher/author for this copy of this book.

I received a copy of an ARC from NetGalley and first second publishing.

I did not read the original webcomic so my views are only about the new volume. I found the romance cute and the art fit with the tone.

Confident Milo and Anxious Liam are an interesting pair to match up. Long time friends and secret crushes leads to a secret romance. This happens very quick. The characters are not developed at all if just rushes into an intro and right into plot.

The story focuses on Liam having a very strict father who he doesn’t want of come out to and therefore asks Milo to had a secret relationship.

The pacing is tough. There’s no room for much backstory or character development the plot is tricky to pinpoint it just rushes along.


There is no setting - a nondescript boarding school in an unknown location maybe UK because of the cars. Side characters pop in but it was hard to care about most of them because you only learn their names and they are filler for parts the two MCs are not together.


I wish they would have added more to the story converting it from webcomic to book to give the story plot depth and character arcs. It’s only being compared to Heartstopper because it’s a young queer romance comic but it lacks any of the emotional story.

While Liam and Milo are cute and they have an interesting if not uncommon romance trope I just didn’t have space to see their relationship grow or change or become complex. It’s all very at the surface. I think queer narratives are very important but I’m not sure I’d read book 2 if it’s the same vignette type chapters that don’t feel like a cohesive and rich story.

2.5
Hmmm, this felt like it wanted to be similar to Heartstopper which I love. However, similarly it has the same issue or the pacing just absolutely off. The story is a sweet slice of life which I did enjoy and the feels were there, but ultimately the art didn’t keep me hooked and this feels better as on original webcomic rather than a published work.

Tripping over you gives off strong Heartstopper vibes with a slightly more chaotic & flighty energy that makes it feel both charming & grounded. The premise is lovely, exploring queer connection & growth with honesty & humor. Archie’s anxiety & struggles with vulnerability are shown with care, & Milo’s support through it all is genuinely heartwarming. His patience with Liam’s coming out journey—& his willingness to adapt the pace of their relationship to suit Liam’s needs—was especially moving.

Archie & Milo also demonstrate a refreshingly healthy friendship between a queer & cis individual—filled with support, mutual respect, & emotional availability. It’s the kind of dynamic we don’t see often enough in media.

That said, Liam punching Milo for confessing his feelings was really uncalled for, & it’s disappointing that no one (besides his female best friend) held him accountable for that. Still, Liam’s growth—especially standing up for himself with his therapist—was a proud moment & marked a clear step forward in his emotional maturity.

The depiction of safe sex was respectful & appreciated, even if a few of the innuendos (like “Booty Bandit”) felt a bit much. Penny’s blackmail subplot didn’t land for me either—it felt out of place. But the comic really shines in how it reflects on the shifting nature of friendships after school ends, & how growing up sometimes means growing apart.

Side note: Can we please get a story with gay male leads in a public school setting? Boarding & private schools are overdone—queer public school kids deserve to see themselves too.

*I received an advance review copy for free & I am leaving this review voluntarily.*

#ThankGodForARCs

So cute! I am very excited Tripping Over You is finally getting the recognition it deserves. From the whimsical artwork, to the relatable predicaments that many of us have found ourselves in, this story just keeps getting better and better. I am so glad it is a series and there is a lot more to come. This is the perfect slice of life comic for anyone who is looking for a lighthearted humorous read. 4 out of 5 stars. Thank you NetGalley!

The book description says this graphic novel is perfect for fans of Heartstopper. In one way, it is. It is the story about young men falling in love, but unlike Heartstopper, both know they are gay, but one of them is just not out. In fact, Liam is painfully so far into the closet that he can’t even find the door, so to speak. This doesn’t mean he is not in love with Milo who is very much out.


So, this first volume is Liam getting used to the idea of both showing affection to a boyfriend, and showing it in public.


Not a spoiler, because there is a volume 2 coming out in the spring, but this ends with everyone going off to different universities, and wondering what life will be like.


It is a sweet enough story. I always get annoyed with people being so closeted, even though when I was younger, I was as well, until I wasn’t. It is very personal, and we each should come out when we feel comfortable.


Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book is being published on August 19th, 2025.

Thank you to Netgalley and First Second Books for the opportunity to read and review this graphic novel. I don't know if it is because I had to read this quickly and after another story similar or because there are parts of this story missing that you have to read separately, but I just did not care. I think this is great for teens needing a relatable story and I am not bashing it, but not for me. Beautiful art too. 2.5 out of 5 stars

I didn’t really like Milo… way too pushy. Liam also was annoying… but to be fair, aren’t all teenage boys supposed to be annoying? hahaha

Honestly, I just felt like the leads didn’t have any real chemistry; their constant bickering wasn’t the fun, flirty kind of banter, just… tiring.

It jumps right in, which I normally don’t mind, but here it just didn’t quite work for me. I think the biggest issue is that we go into this with the implication that the two MCs already like each other—but we never really get to see any of that budding romance. They just don’t seem to get along for most of the story. Sure, there are some cute moments here and there, but overall it felt like they’d rather argue than spend time together. The ending was sweet and did lean more into the romance, but I definitely had to push myself to get there.

This one felt a bit all over the place. I read in other reviews that it originally released weekly back in 2011, and honestly, I think it just doesn’t hold up as well now. I can tell it was trying to tackle important topics like consent, coming out, and condom usage, but unfortunately, it just didn’t feel well executed.

Liam and Milo have been friends since the first year of boarding school, but this year, things are changing. Liam already knows his orientation and Milo is suspected, but he's smitten with Liam. Helping their friend get a date and eventually a girlfriend, the two realize their feelings for each other. A sweet romance that evolves into something so much more.

This is a solid read for those who like sweet love stories and want more of Heartstopper. I could not put this down. I almost missed the end of my lunch break reading this book!

This was such an amazingly cute read! I loved the story between the two main characters and their relationship. Milo and Liam’s story is very relatable to real life relationships and that made reading it all the more enjoyable. I highly recommend this cute, coming-of-age romance!

The story of Milo and Liam was really sweet, Milo has a tougher time with realizing his sexuality. Not because he doesn't want to be gay, but because he is constantly under the microscope with his father. Liam is a good ball that just wants to spend time with Milo and for their blossoming relationship to grow. The genuine feelings show through the art of how these two boys feel towards each other.

This first volume is very reminiscent of Heartstopper, but it definitely has its own flare. I honestly can't wait for my physical copy to arrive because I liked it that much.
Thank you again, netgalley.

This is a romance book about 2 kids at a boarding school. This story reminds me of the Heartstopper series. (If I had to compare it). I do like the illustrations better in this book. It is a friends to lovers book and it has a too be continued at the end. So we will have to find out if they stay together once boarding school ends. Also one of the characters has a difficult parent, so will he come out of the closet? We will have to wait and find out.

3.5 STARS

Tripping Over You (Volume 1) by Suzana Harcum and Owena White is about theater kid Milo and wallflower Liam getting together and dealing with issues that crop up when in a same-sex relationship.

I was a little surprised that they were already best friends, as I went in assuming that we would be seeing their first meeting. I don't mind the established relationship, but the way in which we were dropped into the story felt as though I had started in the middle of the series rather than volume 1. Apparently this was a webcomic (and it started in 2008!!) so I don't want to judge it too harshly given the nature of how webcomics usually develop.

Their relationship also starts sooner than I thought it would, but I actually preferred it this way as I feel we got to learn more about them than if the story had been a simple will they, won't they type of thing.

Overall, although there were a few hiccups, I did like their romance and I'll be on the look out for the second volume!

Thank you to NetGalley and firstsecond publishing for the eARC in exchange for my review.

"Tripping Over You" (Volume 1) by Suzana Harcum and Owena White is the story of theater kid Milo and wallflower Liam bumbling their way into a relationship. This volume introduces us to the main characters, supporting cast, and the budding relationship between these two awkward high schoolers. It is marketed as a Young Adult graphic novel. However, I will stress that there is talk and depictions of sexual encounters so it would be a good novel for older teens, and the sexual talk and encounters are not explicit and age appropriate for teens.

What I liked about this book:
This was such a sweet and true depiction of high school, teen relationships, and the struggles of LGBTQ+ youth. The way in which this book dealt with heavier topics was very good and it was interspersed with moments of comedy and joy as well. In addition, the art style was very expressive and fun to look at as I read.

What I didn't like about this book:
The only negative I can say about this book is that it felt rushed in some places. I wish we would've gotten more of an introduction to Milo and Liam as I felt as I didn't connect with them as much as I could have in the beginning. However, I their character development pulled me in eventually and I began to connect with them more.

Final Thoughts:
This was an amazing story, especially as a happy LGBTQ+ story that still dealt with challenges that teens and LGBTQ+ youth face. The characters where funny and the art style was lovely. This story will be perfect for readers that loved Heartstopper and wanted more LGBTQ+ young adult graphic novels to read. I cannot wait for the second volume to be published!

Content Warnings:
- Light sexual content
- Discussions of mental health/therapy
- Homophobia

Absolutely love a slice of life queer romance, especially when you add in long term crushes and a self acceptance character arc! While volume one is just the foundation of Milo and Liam's relationship, you're invested in them quite quickly, learning about them as individuals and their reciprocated feelings for one another. I do hope that future volumes go into more depth with each of them and their relationship. Love the simple, almost-callback art style and vast saturation of colors. Looking forward to the next volume!