A book true to its testament; not a romance but a love story. This is a great book, especially geared to younger readers and those figuring out their sexuality and identity. Peñalba does a great job in writing about an aroace main character and really giving her the representation that she needs. Almost every other character also identifies as something other than straight, and it was refreshing to see how diverse and unique this cast was without being too pushy to readers. I think seeing how much Sasha struggled with being able to accept herself due to society’s expectations of women, especially young women, was something that was needed to see to show the readers how much of our lives is controlled by society and gender normative expectations. Overall theme, you are enough, and what you experience and feel shouldn’t be diminished by what others think.
Shapes of Love by L. V. Peñalba, (List Price: $22, Wednesday Books, 9781250408372, May 2026)
Reviewed by Itzy, M. Judson Booksellers in Greenville, South Carolina