Out of Character
-
-
4.3 • 7 Ratings
-
-
- $21.99
Publisher Description
He broke Jasper’s heart once. Now he’s asking for help—and maybe a second chance.
Out of Character is a swoony, geek-filled LGBTQ+ romance where ex-best-friends turn cosplay allies…and maybe more. When former jock Milo Lionetti needs help reclaiming rare gaming cards he lost in a bet, he turns to the one person he hoped never to face again: former friend and crush Jasper Quigley. But their shared history—and unresolved feelings—refuse to stay in the past.
From cosplay conventions to hospital charity balls, Jasper and Milo’s journey is a geeky, tender slow-burn love story about vulnerability, forgiveness, and rediscovering what it means to truly belong.
Perfect for fans of Red, White & Royal Blue, dive into a queer romance brimming with fandom joy, second chances, and emotional honesty.
Praise for Annabeth Albert:
“Fast, funny, and fantastic. A quest for the new decade—gamers will love this.” —Eoin Colfer, New York Times bestselling author, for Conventionally Yours
“Sweet, emotional, and uniquely quirky.” —Carrie Ryan, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, for Conventionally Yours
“You will ship this couple well before they figure out how much they need each other.” —Sarina Bowen, USA Today bestselling author, for Conventionally Yours
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
Sparks fly when two former high-school friends reunite in this quirky queer romantic comedy. Jasper and Milo were once unlikely BFFs, but when nerdy Jasper came out, Milo joined his fellow jocks in ostracizing him. Now, years later, Milo visits Jasper at his game store, looking for help replacing a valuable set of gaming cards. Jasper agrees—provided Milo volunteers at a charity gala for a local hospital. Annabeth Albert absolutely nails the great parts of nerd culture (the sense of community! the cosplay!) while acknowledging some of its problematic elements. Like how teenage Milo was so easily swayed by toxic masculinity, even as he was hiding a softer, artistic side of his own. She also makes Jasper’s skepticism about his ex-friend’s motives feel entirely realistic. You don’t have to be into gaming to enjoy this opposites-attract romance, which will speak to anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Closeted college dropout Milo Lionetti embarks on a journey of forgiveness, redemption, and self-discovery in Albert's cute second True Colors romance (after Conventionally Yours). After jock Milo gambles away his brother's ultra-rare trading cards for the fictional game Odyssey without realizing how valuable they are, he begs his estranged childhood best friend, nerdy Jasper Quigley, for help finding replacements. Jasper, who's still hurt by the way Milo pulled away from their friendship after Jasper came out as gay in high school, reluctantly agrees only if Milo fills a vacant role in Jasper's cosplay group during their charity work at the local children's hospital. The drawn out hunt for the cards brings the pair to an Odyssey tournament, where Milo emotionally comes out as gay after he and Jasper kiss for the first time. As they spend more time together, Jasper must decide if he's ready to forgive Milo's past mistakes, and Milo must find the courage to move into a more authentic future as an openly gay artist. Milo's arc is far more nuanced and developed than that of Jasper, whose characterization is somewhat bland, but the slice-of-life plot and sweet, supportive romance that develops between them will have broad appeal. This is sure to please.
