Changing Faces Kindle Edition

There is nothing typical about this romance. I'm familiar with Caffrey's writing (I highly recommend her Elfy books). She has a great and surprising wit, and she fits together the oddest of odd pairings. Take a body-switch story (like Freaky Friday) and a romance involving a comatose partner (like While You Were Sleeping). Add an eclectic mix of music (Benny Goodman's clarinet and a Mozart concerto in the soundtrack). Voilà! Highly recommend.

What if the person you love more than anything else in the world told you they were gender fluid and wanted to be the same gender as you? Would you love or leave them?

Allen and Elaine are university students, both play the clarinet and are deeply in love. Elaine holds a deep secret and knows that once she tells Allen the truth, he’ll leave her. When confronted, she tells him the truth: she’s gender-fluid and doesn’t feel content in her own body. She wants to live life as a man. Allen doesn’t understand why Elaine wants to leave. Sure, he panicked at first but he loves her, no matter what. He prays to God to help and with the help of two angels, Allen’s prayer is answered.

Allen wakes up in Elaine’s body and Elaine is in a coma, thanks to a horrific car accident. Allen must come to grips with what’s happened and decide for himself if life is worth living… in Elaine’s gender fluid body with Elaine (in his male body) by his side. It’s a tough decision but with the help of two angels, Allen finally understands why true love matters most to the Universe.

In this ground-breaking novel, Caffrey explores gender fluidity, love and coming to grips with self-identity. I was emotionally attached to both characters from the beginning and watching their love for each other grow through the most trying circumstances changed me. The plot moved at a good pace, although there were places where it lagged. The idea of gender fluidity portrayed accurately in this novel with honesty and heart stayed with me love after I finished reading. Being a romantic at heart, I highly recommend this book to everyone.

Favorite Character: Eli/Allyn. I loved the two once they were switched. First, dealing with being in the other’s body and then coming to grips with their new reality. Beautifully written, I felt such a connection with both Eli and Allyn. So many times, I wanted to hug them both.

Favorite Quote:

Inwardly, I prayed, hoping that God existed and would hear me despite my usual disbelief. Oh God, if you’re listening . . .please don’t take my beautiful Elaine away from me. I’ll do anything, absolutely anything…

Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the author in the hopes I'd review it.

My Rating: 4 stars