“Utterly enchanting and fantastically nerdy, Out of Character is full of heart, found family, and first love. With friends like these, heartbreak doesn’t stand a chance. A lovely debut!”  — Ashley Poston, New York Times bestselling author

Dumplin’ meets Geekerella in debut author Jenna Miller’s queer, body-positive love story that explores online and offline relationships in all of their messiness.

If you asked seventeen-year-old Cass Williams to describe herself, she’d happily tell you she’s fat, a lesbian, and obsessed with the Tide Wars books. What she won’t tell you—or anyone in her life—is that she’s part of an online Tide Wars roleplay community. Sure, it’s nerdy as hell, but when she’s behind the screen writing scenes as Captain Aresha, she doesn’t have to think about her mother who walked out or how unexpectedly stressful it is dating resident cool girl Taylor Cooper.

But secretly retreating to her online life is starting to catch up with Cass. For one, no one in her real life knows her secret roleplay addiction is the reason her grades have taken a big hit. Also? Cass has started catching feelings for Rowan Davies, her internet bestie . . . and Taylor might be catching on.

As Cass’s lies continue to build, so does her anxiety. Roleplaying used to be the one place she could escape to, but this double life and offline-online love triangle have only made things worse. Cass must decide what to do—be honest and risk losing her safe space or keep it a secret and put everything else on the line. 

'Out of Character is a warm, charming story, unafraid to tackle more serious topics, while exploring reality, fantasy, and the magic that can be found at the intersection of the two.' — Rachael Lippincott, #1 New York Times bestselling co-author of Five Feet Apart

'Out of Character is a heartfelt reminder that real life can be way more complicated than fantasy realms, and that—even if they aren't packed with pirates or warships or epic battles—friendships, family, and love can be truly legendary.'  —Jason June,New York Timesbestselling author

'This character-driven portrait—narrated by a confident “fat-girl” whose positive interpretations of her body type and queerness critically inform her hobbies, personality, and relationships—boasts a bevy of supportive characters, meaningful dialogue, and dynamic relationships. Hopeful with memorably constructive portrayals of healthy communication, Miller offers a strong debut.' — Publishers Weekly

'A sweet queer romance that celebrates fandoms and explores the complications of balancing online and offline relationships.' — School Library Journal

Miller unpacks the mess that comes along with loving other people. A thoughtful companion read for fans of Emma Mills' This Adventure Ends. — Booklist Online

ISBN: 9780063243323
Publisher: Quill Tree Books/HarperCollins
Publication Date: February 7, 2023