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Member Reviews

I read this as a webcomic when it was coming out, and I enjoyed it at the time. Reading it again, I'm struck by how quickly it jumps into the setting without introducing the characters or explaining anything. I'm left a bit confused about what the problems are, sometimes. Additionally, while I really like some of the characters, especially some of the side characters doing zany things, I often wonder what the two main characters see in each other, and I'm honestly not sure I like the dynamic they have. Things move at the occasionally awkward pacing of a webcomic and you can really feel that sitting down and reading the pages in bulk.

I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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While I really enjoyed this book, there was something about the flow of the story that threw me off, might have been the way it jumped straight into it without really introducing the main characters. Beyond that, the story itself was great and I adored the characters, especially the side characters, they're so fun! I would recommend this book, it was just personal preference that threw me off!

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"Tripping Over You" by Suzana Harcum and Owena White is a cute graphic novel about two people falling in love and figuring out what that looks like/means for them. Milo and Liam have been classmates for a long time, but as they enter their final year of school Milo takes a chance to share with Liam how he feels about him. While that doesn't initially go well, the story that follows is heartfelt and endearing.

Milo and Liam maintain their relationship while also tackling things at school and home. This story explores coming out on your own terms, growing into yourself and leaning on the person you love. The art style is cute and enjoyable and it was an engaging read!

If you enjoy queer stories, good friendships, and graphic novels, I would recommend this! Thank you to the publisher for providing an advanced readers copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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This is no Heartstopper, but I get the similarities. It was okay. I read it and finished in one sitting. Some parts were more amusing than others. I feel like there’s a whole section of playing cricket that we missed out on. It was discussed but didn’t seem to happen and then they were moving out. That part could’ve been handled differently,I think. Overall, I think the story is fine. I don’t have the lived experience of coming out in high school, so I’m not sure how accurate that portrayal is. I also wonder if we even need that story anymore. I suppose it’s helpful to see yourself in a character/story but I would rather read a story of queer kids who just get to be themselves and don’t have to explain or apologize for it.

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Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

This was a super cute story and I'm interested to see where it goes. However, where it starts in the beginning it felt like we were dropped in something established already and I felt like I was missing something. I also noticed it looked like the art changed randomly a few times? But other than that the story was very cute. I can't wait to see more of these 2 and how long distance works for them!

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"Tripping Over You" by Suzana Harcum and Owena White sounds like a compelling and wonderfully extended journey into a queer romance, offering a depth rarely seen in young adult graphic novels. Described as the first volume in a series that follows Milo and Liam from boarding school through college, it promises a comprehensive look at a relationship's evolution, far beyond the initial "getting together" stage.

The premise immediately hooks you with its classic "opposites attract" dynamic: Milo, the energetic theater kid, and Liam, the withdrawn wallflower. Their connection as "misfits in their boarding school" creates a relatable foundation for their burgeoning friendship. This shared sense of being outsiders often forges the strongest bonds, setting the stage for the "unspoken romantic feelings" that inevitably surface. The mention of "misunderstandings and bruised eyes aplenty" hints at the charmingly awkward and perhaps a bit chaotic nature of their early interactions, adding a touch of realism to their blossoming romance.

What truly sets "Tripping Over You" apart is its commitment to portraying a long and winding romantic relationship. Many YA stories conclude once the couple gets together, but this series bravely tackles the complexities of maintaining and maturing a relationship through different life stages. The initial secret dating due to Liam's strict father adds an immediate layer of external conflict, building tension and emotional stakes. As their relationship becomes harder to hide, it forces them to confront significant decisions about their future, which promises a rich narrative arc.

The comparison to Heartstopper is a strong indicator of the tone and emotional resonance readers can expect – wholesome, heartfelt, and deeply character-driven. However, "Tripping Over You" seems to offer something more expansive, delving into the nuances of a relationship that grows from adolescence into young adulthood. This multi-volume approach to showing the relationship "mature and change as the characters move through different stages of their lives" is incredibly appealing, promising a story with lasting impact and genuine character development.

For readers seeking a queer romance that provides more than just the initial spark, "Tripping Over You" appears to be an excellent choice. It promises a nuanced, long-form exploration of love, challenges, and growth, making it a potentially deeply satisfying read.

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This LGBTQ+ romance graphic novel might appeal to fans of Heartstopper, but the characters are less engaging. I don't know if it was the art style or the characters themselves, but it felt like the romance was too drawn out. Strong readers will stick with the story and root for the characters, but the boarding school setting and slow pace will keep reluctant readers from finishing it. Not one I plan to purchase.

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Love love love this comic. The art style is amazing and the story is just so sweet. I love Milo and Liam and am thrilled they’re in print format finally.

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I unfortunately did not care for this book. I did not like the way that Liam treated Milo. I would not compare this novel to Heartstopper, as I believe that novel handles important issues a lot better. I also was not a huge fan of the art style.

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This review is based on an ARC.

I wanted to dive into this world and never leave. It was charming and hopeful and cute. Definitely a must read for those who loved Heartstopper and She Drives Me Crazy. It is fast paced and witty so bingeable for sure.

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Milo is an energetic theatre kid who falls for Liam, who is much more withdrawn. Milo is out but Liam isn’t and Liam has a much harder home life. I didn’t find there to be much spark between the two. Milo never really explains why he likes Liam so much. And the way he goes way out of his way to spend time with him we needed more of their back history. There were side characters that weren’t very memorable. With the exception of Milo’s dad who had my favorite moment from the book. He is supportive of Milo and has an interaction with Liam that I very much appreciated. I also liked the consent and how it showed these two learning about how to be safe in sexual situations. There was a lot of sneaking and misunderstandings which is not something I particularly care for in a romance.

I think this takes place in either the UK or Australia (the term ‘mate’ is used and they can go to pubs and drink) and it’s some sort of boarding school. I wasn’t quite sure about that. Both seemed to live fairly close by but still had dorm rooms.

Overall it needed something more. I was left wanting things to be more clear. I did enjoy the art style but the writing and dialog didn't do much for me. I don’t think I’ll be picking up any sequels.

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This was a sweet coming of age queer romance novel between two boys at school. It'll be a great pick for younger teen readers. I enjoyed how the narrative dealt with one of the MC's fear of being out and how the other respected that boundary and was supportive and funny. It's a great uplifting story that young queer kids need to see.

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My heart! This could be the next Heartstopper, and if you knew how much I adored that series, you'd know how serious of a statement that is. As I continue my journey into graphic novels, this will absolutely stay on top.

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I began reading this as a webcomic several years ago and I'm very excited to see it getting published now! I can definitely tell the beginning section was still find its footing as a serializing webcomic, and the pacing was a bit jarring at first. For a graphic novel I would've wanted to see the initial romance or background of our couple fleshed out a bit more so a reader who's reading everything at once is able to still connect to them better. As it is, a lot of time passes very quickly and it feels 0-60, but the actual conflict during the confession section was very well done and kept my interest easily. I really enjoy the facial expressions, I think the art does a great job of using them to drive humorous scenes home. I also like how the storyline of Liam and his father is unfolding alongside his romance. I'm looking forward for the next volume to be released and this is a great late school into early adulthood romanctic series for the new adult audience.

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DNF as of page 57. I’m not sure if it’s the characters themselves or the writing style, but this book is not an attention grabber for me. The way the characters are written seem far too childish for high school age and I have no interest in reading any further.
I don’t usually do this for a review, but looking at the others I feel better about it.

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A very cute slice of life comic!

This was adorable, digestible, and a very easy read. It also had real substance, real coming-of-age questions that high schoolers think about. This was Heartstoppers before Heartstoppers, as this series was originally published in 2008. I can not wait to read all the adventures they get up to in book two. Super cute!

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very cute graphic novel about 2 people at a boarding school who start dating. It is an easy read with very sweet and funny moments. I look forward to seeing the story continue.

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A good option for fans of heartstopper. Engaging story, illustrations, and characters will maintain interest.

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Tripping Over You was originally published online once a week and I've followed it (and loved it) for years. One thing I can say is that the very start is a simple groundwork for what blooms in to a strong story with very loveable characters. Milo and Liam are a great couple who thrive together to come in to their own happiness together and individually. We watch them find their paths in life and overcome a lot of obstacles through the entire webcomic and I definitely recommend this one for contemporary romance lovers (like Heartstopper).

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*2.5 stars
Similarly to Always Raining Here, which I also finished this week, this is a webcomic from the early 2010s that's being published in print. I had a lot of that same problems with this one as I did that one, which is that the representation in this just does not hold up. There's so much toxicity and, in this one specifically, some violence, that is inexcusable, and I don't think it stands up to the Much Better queer graphic novels that are available now; this one is safe to leave in the past without missing anything.

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