This Is Not a Love Scene

by S C Megale

[Sam@WLABB]

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Maeve was determined to not "die a virgin", but had, so far, been unlucky in love. Enter Cole, a strapping young man, who was strong enough to easily maneuver her chair, and more importantly, seemed to share some chemistry with Maeve. But, as Cole's interest ran hot-and-cold, Maeve had to decide if Cole was the "one" for her.

Maeve captured my interest, and my heart, from the very first chapter. I found her to have a wicked sense of humor, which always scores points with me. But, she wasn't just the funny girl in the wheelchair. She had a passion for filmmaking, was open to new experiences, and was not afraid to ask for what she wanted. She was 18, and what she wanted now was a little more freedom and be seen as a sexual being.

I have read adult novels, which took on the topic of sex from the perspective of a person with a disability, but I cannot recall reading any YA books, which did so. This was new territory for me, and I appreciated that Megale just dove in and took on the topic in a candid way.

One of the reasons I wanted to read this book was because it sounded like it would be quite funny, and it was, but another reason was because I love reading #OwnVoices books. Well researched fiction is fine, but there is a nuance and a perspective that can only come from someone, who had experienced it first hand. I will admit my knowledge of MD was limited to what I learned watching the MDA Jerry's Kids telethons. Therefore, there was a lot of new information presented to me, and I really enjoyed enhancing my knowledge of neuromuscular diseases and the everyday challenges it presents. Megale did an incredible job opening that window for me to look into, and I wholly appreciated what she shared with me.

The plot moved along nicely, due largely in part to Maeve's wonderful narration. I enjoyed accompanying her on her many outings, being part of her movie making, and even getting to sit in on her doctor's appointments. The beauty for me was in some of the little moments, though, and one character, who stole my heart was Maeve's dad. Her mother was a fierce and feared tiger-mom, but her dad was this lovely, tender-hearted man, and there were a few moments with him, where I thought my heart might explode. I was really proud of all the progress Maeve made with her parents, as well, with respect to her autonomy. Sum total, they were just wonderful A+ parents.

This book was a solid 4-stars for me, and then the ending. Ugh! I had this love-hate thing going with it. Part of it had me wanting to stand up and cheer, but another part of it frustrated me. I know this was because the story didn't go in the direction I wanted it to go, and I need to accept that it wasn't my story to tell. But, the alternate ending I wrote in my head was so much more satisfying for me.

There were a few things I wished Megale had done or handled differently in this book, but I still enjoyed the time I spent getting to know Maeve and to better understand what it was like being a teenager with a disability.

*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

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