In a Heartbeat

In a Heartbeat is part of the Lorimer “Real Love” series for reluctant readers. In this short novel, Lucien, a trans boy, has decided to move from Toronto to Kelowna to live with his aunt as he has had difficulty at school adjusting to his new life as a boy. Lucien is a poet and lives much of his life alone in his own thoughts. Anxious to start in a new place where no one really knows him, Lucien quickly becomes friends with Alder, a boy who has a past that everyone, except Lucien, knows about. As Lucien develops feelings for Alder, he must confront both his and Alder’s past and decide whether Alder is a boy he can trust and fall in love with.

I recommend In a Heartbeat to readers who enjoy realistic fiction. As with most high/lo novels, the plotline moves quickly and keeps readers interested all the way through. Every teenage could identify with the need or want to start afresh where no one knows you, especially after a life-changing experience. Nonetheless, young LGBTQ+ youth will easily be able to see themselves reflected within the story. The romance between the two boys is sweet, and readers will want to find out more about Alder’s past.