I'm So (Not) Over You

November 8, 2021
Jackson makes his adult debut (after the YA novel Yesterday Is History) with a multilayered queer rom-com that combines fun fake dating and second chance romance tropes while exploring timely social themes. Kian Andrews is shocked when his ex-boyfriend Hudson Rivers contacts him months after their breakup—and doubly so when Hudson says that he never told his wealthy family about their breakup and needs Kian to pretend they’re still together while his parents are in town. Kian, who has lingering feelings for Hudson, but imagined a more passionate reunion, agrees in exchange for well-connected Hudson’s promise to help advance his journalism career. Though their first attempt at playing lovers leads to a disastrous dinner with Hudson’s parents, Kian still scores an invitation to Hudson’s cousin’s wedding, forcing the pair to keep up pretenses. As the men fall back into old rhythms, they must confront their real feelings and learn to communicate. Beneath the rom-com antics, Jackson uses the pair’s differing economic backgrounds to explore wealth inequality in America. With his majority Black cast, he also highlights the intersections of class and race. This nuanced romance marks Jackson as a writer to watch in the adult sphere. Agent: Jim McCarthy, Dystel, Goderich & Bourret.

Starred review from December 1, 2021

The only reason unemployed journalist Kian Andrews agreed to meet his ridiculously wealthy ex-boyfriend at a local caf� in Boston is for answers to why they broke up. But before he knows it, Hudson Rivers convinces him to pretend they're still dating by bribing him with a job introduction, because Hudson's parents think Kian is the one good thing he has going for him. As Kian's BFF wants to rip Hudson apart and his brother says part of the problems with Hudson are definitely Kian's fault, dinner with the parents turns into an ordeal of anger at the ruse and longing to get Hudson back. Then Mrs. Rivers hands them invitations to a family wedding in Georgia and makes it a command performance. Kian is sinking deeper into the Rivers family drama and he's not sure his heart can survive another go round. Kian is a three-dimensional, fully flawed main character whose quest for love is also a quest for understanding of himself. VERDICT Jackson jumps from an outstanding YA debut with Yesterday Is History to deliver a delightfully outrageous romantic comedy full of pop culture references, strong families, and a ride-or-die BFF.--Melanie C. Duncan, Washington Memorial Lib., Macon, GA

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