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Not Just Friends by Jay Northcote, book cover

Not Just Friends Summary

by Jay Northcote

3.76 Goodreads · 2k ratingsYoung Adult200 pages15-min summary

A university student's world is upended when his out-and-proud flatmate sparks a confusing, intense crush, forcing him to confront his sexuality and navigate the treacherous line between friendship and a love he never expected.

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By BookBrief EditorialPublished February 2026How we write summaries

Synopsis

Covers the whole plot, including the ending.

Lewis starts university, expecting a fresh start, but is immediately drawn to his openly gay flatmate, Max, which challenges his long-held assumption of being straight. When Max dates someone else, Lewis feels intense jealousy, making him acknowledge his growing feelings. Max's relationship ends, and Lewis offers comfort, leading to a night of unexpected intimacy. However, Max, hesitant to commit, insists they remain 'just friends,' leaving Lewis heartbroken but determined to keep their friendship while secretly hoping for more. Lewis comes out to his parents, leaning on Max for support, all while his feelings for Max continue. Eventually, Max confesses his own feelings, prompting Lewis to decide if he will risk his heart again for a chance at a true relationship, or if 'just friends' is all they are destined to be.
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Heartwarming, Sweet, Emotional, Romantic
Read it if
You enjoy coming-of-age stories about first love, self-discovery, and navigating new relationships in a university setting.
Skip it if
You prefer high-stakes drama or intricate plotlines over character-driven romance.

Not Just Friends Plot Summary

Covers the whole plot, including the ending.

  1. Arrival at University and First Impressions

    Lewis arrives at the University of Essex, eager for a fresh start. He moves into his shared flat, meeting his new flatmates: Maya, a friendly girl, and Max, who immediately strikes Lewis with his personality and openly gay demeanor. Lewis, who has always considered himself straight, finds himself unexpectedly drawn to Max's confidence and charm. Their initial interactions are friendly, but Lewis begins to experience an unfamiliar attraction, leaving him confused about his own sexuality. He observes Max with a heightened awareness, noticing details about him that he does not with others, which signals the beginning of his internal conflict.

  2. Growing Attraction and Max's New Relationship

    As the term progresses, Lewis's crush on Max deepens, becoming an undeniable presence in his thoughts. He finds himself constantly seeking Max's company, enjoying their shared meals and late-night conversations. However, his growing feelings are complicated when Max starts dating Mark, a guy he met through a university society. Lewis feels a painful surge of jealousy whenever he sees Max and Mark together, which forces him to confront the truth about his attraction to Max. He struggles to hide his feelings, often retreating to his room or finding excuses to avoid witnessing their relationship, all while battling his internal confusion about his own identity.

  3. Max's Heartbreak and Lewis's Comfort

    Max's relationship with Mark eventually ends, leaving Max heartbroken. Lewis, despite his own unspoken feelings, steps up to comfort his friend. He spends hours listening to Max, offering a shoulder to cry on and a sympathetic ear. The shared intimacy of these moments, coupled with Max's emotional fragility, creates a powerful connection between them. One evening, after a particularly emotional conversation, their comfort turns into passion, and they share a night together. For Lewis, it is a significant experience, confirming his feelings and giving him hope for a deeper relationship.

  4. The 'Just Friends' Ultimatum

    The morning after their night together, Lewis wakes up hopeful, believing their shared intimacy signals a turning point. However, Max's reaction shatters his expectations. Max, visibly uncomfortable, insists their night was a mistake and that they should go back to being 'just friends.' He expresses confusion about his own feelings and a desire not to complicate their friendship. Lewis is devastated by this rejection, feeling heartbroken and embarrassed. He tries to process Max's words, struggling to reconcile the passion they shared with Max's insistence on maintaining platonic boundaries.

  5. Attempting to Move On

    Despite the heartbreak, Lewis tries his best to respect Max's wishes and move on. He attempts to date other people, including a girl named Sarah, hoping to redirect his affections and prove to himself that he can be 'straight.' However, his efforts are largely unsuccessful, as his feelings for Max stubbornly remain. Their friendship, though strained by the unspoken tension, survives. Lewis finds it difficult to be around Max without feeling a pang of longing, and every casual touch or shared laugh reminds him of what they almost had, and what he still desires.

  6. Coming Out to Parents

    Lewis decides it is time to confront his sexuality fully and comes out to his parents. This is a significant and nerve-wracking step for him, as he is unsure how they will react. He leans on Max for emotional support during this period, confiding his anxieties and hopes. Max, having gone through a similar experience, offers understanding, advice, and a comforting presence. This shared vulnerability strengthens their bond, even as Lewis struggles with the 'just friends' boundary. The experience highlights how important Max has become to Lewis's emotional well-being and personal journey of self-discovery.

  7. Max's Confession and Reconsideration

    After a period of continued friendship and subtle tension, Max finally admits that he also has feelings for Lewis, confessing his own confusion and fear of ruining their friendship. His admission comes after observing Lewis's genuine efforts to move on and his steadfast support during Lewis's coming out. This revelation creates a new dilemma for Lewis. While his heart yearns for Max, he is also wary and hurt by Max's previous rejection. He must decide whether he dares to risk his heart again, to trust Max's changed perspective, and to pursue a relationship that could potentially lead to more heartbreak.

  8. A Second Chance and New Beginnings

    After much thought, Lewis decides to give Max a second chance. He communicates his fears and past hurt to Max, who reassures him of his genuine feelings and commitment to exploring a relationship. They both agree to take things slow, acknowledging the complexities of their history and the importance of their friendship. They begin a tentative romantic relationship, navigating the transition from friends to partners. This decision marks a significant turning point for both characters, as they move towards building a future together, cautiously optimistic about the possibilities of being 'more than just friends.'

Not Just Friends Characters

Lewis

Protagonist

A university student who discovers his true sexuality through his intense feelings for his flatmate, Max.

Lewis begins the story believing he is straight, but his world is turned upside down by an unexpected and powerful attraction to Max. He is initially reserved and somewhat naive, struggling with self-discovery and internal conflict. Throughout the narrative, he grapples with confusion, jealousy, heartbreak, and ultimately, the courage to embrace his true identity. His journey is one of emotional growth and self-acceptance, marked by his vulnerability and earnest desire for genuine connection.

Relationships: Max (Flatmate, best friend, unrequited crush, eventual romantic partner); Maya (Flatmate, supportive friend); Parents (Family, recipients of his coming out)

Max

Love Interest / Supporting

Lewis's openly gay flatmate, who is initially hesitant about a romantic relationship with Lewis.

Max is confident, outgoing, and openly gay, serving as a stark contrast to Lewis's initial uncertainty. He is kind and supportive as a friend, but also conflicted and sometimes emotionally guarded. He struggles with commitment and fear of ruining friendships, which leads him to push Lewis away after their intimate night. His journey involves confronting his own fears and ultimately realizing the depth of his feelings for Lewis, accepting the risk of a romantic relationship.

Relationships: Lewis (Flatmate, best friend, object of Lewis's crush, eventual romantic partner); Maya (Flatmate, friend); Mark (Ex-boyfriend)

Maya

Supporting

Lewis and Max's friendly and observant flatmate.

Maya is an amiable and supportive flatmate who provides a stable presence in the shared flat. She is observant and often senses the underlying tension and unspoken feelings between Lewis and Max, though she generally refrains from direct interference. She offers Lewis a friendly ear and a sense of normalcy amidst his emotional turmoil. Her role is primarily to provide a grounding element and a sounding board for Lewis, highlighting the importance of platonic friendships during times of personal upheaval.

Relationships: Lewis (Flatmate, friend); Max (Flatmate, friend)

Mark

Mentioned / Minor Antagonist

Max's boyfriend for a period, whose relationship with Max causes Lewis significant jealousy.

Mark is Max's boyfriend during the initial phase of Lewis's crush. He is not deeply characterized, serving primarily as a catalyst for Lewis's jealousy and a temporary obstacle to Lewis and Max's potential relationship. His presence forces Lewis to confront the depth of his feelings for Max and the pain of unrequited love. The eventual breakdown of Max and Mark's relationship creates the opportunity for Lewis to comfort Max, leading to their intimate night.

Relationships: Max (Boyfriend (ex))

Lewis's Parents

Supporting / Mentioned

Lewis's parents, to whom he eventually comes out.

Lewis's parents represent the 'home' Lewis leaves behind and the societal expectations he navigates. Their initial unawareness of his sexuality provides a backdrop for his internal struggle. His decision to come out to them is a significant milestone in his journey of self-acceptance, requiring courage and vulnerability. Their reaction, while not explicitly detailed, is implied to be a source of anxiety for Lewis, highlighting the real-world challenges of coming out.

Relationships: Lewis (Son)

Sarah

Mentioned

A girl Lewis dates briefly in an attempt to move on from Max.

Sarah is a minor character Lewis dates in a misguided attempt to convince himself he is straight and to move past his feelings for Max. She represents Lewis's effort to conform to societal expectations and deny his true desires. Her role is brief, serving to demonstrate the futility of Lewis's attempts to suppress his emotions for Max and reinforcing the depth of his attraction to him.

Relationships: Lewis (Brief romantic interest)

Not Just Friends Themes

Self-Discovery and Sexual Identity

The novel explores Lewis's journey of self-discovery, particularly regarding his sexual identity. He starts the story assuming he is straight, only to be confronted with an undeniable attraction to his male flatmate, Max. This forces him to question his preconceived notions and eventually embrace his true self. His internal conflict, jealousy over Max's relationships, and the eventual act of coming out to his parents are central to this theme, showing the often-confusing and challenging path to understanding one's own sexuality.

“He'd always assumed he was straight, but the way his stomach flipped every time Max smiled at him was making that assumption feel increasingly shaky.”
Narrator about Lewis

The Nature of Friendship vs. Romance

A core theme is the blurred lines and complexities between deep friendship and romantic love. Lewis and Max begin as flatmates and become close friends, but Lewis's feelings quickly go beyond platonic boundaries. Max's initial insistence on remaining 'just friends' after their intimate night highlights the fear of risking a valued friendship for an uncertain romance. The novel shows the emotional consequences when these lines are crossed, and the subsequent challenge of navigating a relationship that started with such a strong platonic foundation, questioning whether a friendship can truly survive or evolve into something more.

“How could they go back to just friends after what they'd shared? It felt impossible, like trying to unlearn how to breathe.”
Lewis's internal thought

Vulnerability and Emotional Risk

Both Lewis and Max deal with vulnerability and the fear of emotional risk. Lewis risks rejection and heartbreak by admitting his feelings, first implicitly through his actions and then explicitly by coming out and pursuing Max again. Max, in turn, is afraid of ruining their friendship and struggles to admit his own feelings, initially choosing the safety of 'just friends.' The story shows that true connection often requires shedding these fears and taking significant emotional leaps, even if it means facing potential pain. Their eventual decision to pursue a relationship together is an example of embracing vulnerability.

“Daring to hope again felt like standing on the edge of a cliff, but the thought of a life without Max felt like falling already.”
Lewis's internal thought

Rejection and Resilience

Lewis experiences significant rejection when Max initially dismisses their intimate night as a mistake and insists on remaining friends. This rejection is a critical turning point, forcing Lewis to confront his heartbreak and develop resilience. He attempts to move on, dates others, and continues to navigate a friendship with the person who broke his heart. His ability to endure this pain, maintain the friendship, and ultimately be open to Max's later confession demonstrates his emotional strength and resilience in the face of personal disappointment.

“The word 'friends' felt like a brand, searing into his skin, marking the boundary he couldn't cross.”
Narrator about Lewis

Plot Devices & Literary Techniques

Unrequited Love / One-Sided Crush

Lewis's initial intense feelings for Max are not immediately reciprocated, creating tension and driving the plot.

The unrequited love Lewis feels for Max is the primary engine of the plot, particularly in the first half of the novel. It fuels Lewis's internal conflict, his jealousy, and his confusion about his sexuality. This device creates significant emotional stakes, as Lewis constantly navigates the pain of loving someone who doesn't seem to love him back in the same way. It sets up the eventual payoff when Max's feelings are revealed, making their eventual connection more impactful.

The 'Just Friends' Trope

The central conflict arises from the characters' attempts to maintain a platonic friendship despite underlying romantic tension.

The 'just friends' trope is central to the narrative, specifically Max's insistence on this boundary after their intimate night. This creates a powerful source of external and internal conflict for both characters. For Lewis, it's a source of heartbreak and frustration, forcing him to suppress his true desires. For Max, it represents his fear of commitment and ruining a valuable friendship. The device prolongs the romantic tension and allows for deeper character development as they both grapple with the implications of crossing that line.

Coming Out Story Arc

Lewis's personal journey of acknowledging and revealing his sexual orientation.

Lewis's coming out story arc is a significant plot device that adds depth and realism to his character development. His initial confusion about his sexuality, his struggle to accept his attraction to Max, and his eventual decision to come out to his parents are crucial elements. This arc not only highlights the personal challenges of discovering one's identity but also provides a context for Max's supportive role, strengthening their bond even when their romantic future is uncertain. It grounds the romance within a larger narrative of self-acceptance.

Not Just Friends Quotes

“I really like you, Liam. More than just a friend.”
Owen confessing his feelings to Liam for the first time.
“It’s okay to be scared. It doesn’t mean you’re weak.”
Liam reassuring Owen when he's nervous about their relationship.
“Sometimes the best things in life are worth taking a risk for.”
Liam considering the implications of pursuing a romantic relationship with Owen.
“Being with you feels… right. Like it was always meant to be.”
Owen reflecting on his growing feelings and comfort with Liam.
“You don’t have to hide who you are from me, ever.”
Liam offering unconditional acceptance to Owen.
“It’s not just about what we do, it’s about how we feel when we’re doing it.”
Owen explaining the depth of his connection with Liam beyond physical acts.
“Friendship is a strong foundation, but sometimes it needs to evolve.”
Narrator's thought on the transition from platonic to romantic love.
“I never knew I could feel this way about someone, not like this.”
Liam realizing the intensity of his romantic feelings for Owen.
“The best kind of support is the one that lets you be yourself, completely.”
Owen appreciating Liam's supportive nature.
“Sometimes you just know, deep down, that something is worth fighting for.”
Liam's resolve to make their relationship work despite challenges.
“It wasn’t just a crush; it was something bigger, something real.”
Owen reflecting on his initial feelings for Liam and their true depth.
“Being vulnerable is scary, but it’s also how you truly connect with someone.”
Liam encouraging Owen to open up about his fears.
“Our future might be uncertain, but I want to face it with you.”
Owen expressing his commitment to Liam despite unknowns.

Quiz

10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.

  1. Question 1

    What is Lewis's initial assumption about his own sexuality before meeting Max?

    1. He knew he was gay.
    2. He assumed he was straight.
    3. He identified as bisexual.
    4. He was unsure about his sexuality.
    Show answer

    B. He assumed he was straight. The synopsis explicitly states, 'Lewis had always assumed he was straight.'

  2. Question 2

    What event first forces Lewis to confront his growing attraction to Max?

    1. Max confessing his feelings to Lewis.
    2. Lewis seeing Max dating another guy.
    3. Max comforting Lewis after a difficult day.
    4. A conversation with a mutual friend about relationships.
    Show answer

    B. Lewis seeing Max dating another guy. The synopsis states, 'Max starts dating another guy, and Lewis’s jealousy at seeing them together forces him to confront his growing attraction.'

  3. Question 3

    After their first intimate night together, what is Max's immediate desire?

    1. To immediately start a relationship with Lewis.
    2. To go back to being just friends with Lewis.
    3. To move out of their shared flat.
    4. To discuss their future together.
    Show answer

    B. To go back to being just friends with Lewis. Following their night together, 'Lewis is devastated that Max wants to go back to being just friends.'

  4. Question 4

    What significant personal challenge does Lewis face that requires Max's support?

    1. Struggling with his university studies.
    2. Dealing with coming out to his parents.
    3. Finding a new flatmate after Max moves out.
    4. Overcoming an injury from a sports accident.
    Show answer

    B. Dealing with coming out to his parents. The synopsis mentions, 'He faces other challenges as he deals with coming out to his parents, and needs Max’s support more than ever.'

  5. Question 5

    What is the primary emotion Lewis experiences when Max begins dating another guy?

    1. Confusion.
    2. Relief.
    3. Jealousy.
    4. Indifference.
    Show answer

    C. Jealousy. The text states, 'Lewis’s jealousy at seeing them together forces him to confront his growing attraction.'

  6. Question 6

    What is the central theme explored by Lewis's initial crush on Max?

    1. The challenges of long-distance relationships.
    2. The unexpected discovery of one's sexual identity.
    3. The importance of academic success in university.
    4. The difficulties of making new friends in a new city.
    Show answer

    B. The unexpected discovery of one's sexual identity. Lewis's crush is 'sudden and intense' given he 'had always assumed he was straight,' highlighting the theme of discovering and coming to terms with one's sexual identity.

  7. Question 7

    What prompts Max to finally admit his feelings for Lewis?

    1. Lewis moving on and starting to date someone else.
    2. Lewis's persistent efforts to win him over.
    3. The text implies Max's own internal conflict and the progression of their friendship.
    4. A direct confrontation where Lewis demands to know Max's feelings.
    Show answer

    C. The text implies Max's own internal conflict and the progression of their friendship. The text states, 'But Lewis isn’t the only one who’s conflicted. When Max finally admits he cares for Lewis too...' This indicates Max's internal struggle leading to the admission, rather than an external event forcing it.

  8. Question 8

    What is the primary risk Lewis considers at the end of the story?

    1. Risking his academic performance by focusing on his relationship.
    2. Risking his heart again on being more than just friends with Max.
    3. Risking his friendship with Max by revealing his true feelings.
    4. Risking his parents' disapproval by pursuing a relationship with Max.
    Show answer

    B. Risking his heart again on being more than just friends with Max. The final sentence asks, 'Lewis must decide whether he dares risk his heart again on being more than just friends.'

  9. Question 9

    What is the significance of the title 'Not Just Friends' in the context of the story's main conflict?

    1. It refers to Lewis's desire for a larger social circle at university.
    2. It highlights the struggle of both Lewis and Max to define their relationship beyond platonic friendship.
    3. It suggests that Lewis and Max have a strong rivalry, not just a friendship.
    4. It denotes a secret society they both belong to.
    Show answer

    B. It highlights the struggle of both Lewis and Max to define their relationship beyond platonic friendship. The phrase 'just friends' is used twice in the synopsis to describe Max's initial desire after their night together and Lewis's final decision, directly reflecting the central conflict of their relationship status.

  10. Question 10

    How does Max's initial dating experience indirectly facilitate Lewis's journey of self-discovery?

    1. It makes Lewis realize he is not interested in dating anyone at university.
    2. It provides Lewis with an opportunity to offer Max advice on relationships.
    3. Lewis's jealousy over Max dating someone else forces him to acknowledge his own attraction to Max, challenging his assumed heterosexuality.
    4. It shows Lewis that Max is not interested in serious relationships, making him move on.
    Show answer

    C. Lewis's jealousy over Max dating someone else forces him to acknowledge his own attraction to Max, challenging his assumed heterosexuality. Lewis's 'jealousy at seeing them together forces him to confront his growing attraction,' which is the catalyst for him questioning his assumed straight identity.

Not Just Friends FAQ

What is the central conflict Lewis faces at the beginning of the story?

Lewis's central conflict is the sudden realization of his romantic attraction to his openly gay flatmate, Max, despite having always believed himself to be straight. This unexpected crush challenges his self-perception and creates internal turmoil as he navigates his new university life.

How does Max's initial relationship impact Lewis?

Max's initial relationship with another guy deeply impacts Lewis by triggering intense jealousy, which forces Lewis to confront the true depth of his feelings for Max. Witnessing Max with someone else makes Lewis acknowledge his growing attraction and the pain of unrequited love.

What event leads to Lewis and Max spending a night together?

Lewis and Max spend a night together after Max's relationship with the other guy goes awry. Lewis comforts a distraught Max, and in a moment of vulnerability and shared emotion, their closeness leads to a physical intimacy that changes their dynamic.

Why is Lewis devastated after their night together?

Lewis is devastated because, after their intimate night, Max expresses a desire to revert to being 'just friends.' This rejection crushes Lewis, making him feel that his vulnerability and deep feelings were not reciprocated in the way he hoped, leaving him heartbroken and confused.

What challenges does Lewis face beyond his feelings for Max?

Beyond his unrequited feelings for Max, Lewis faces the significant challenge of coming out to his parents. This process requires immense courage and emotional resilience, and he finds himself needing Max's support during this crucial personal journey.

Are there any subtle hints early on that Max might also harbor feelings for Lewis, even before he admits them?

Yes, subtle hints might include Max consistently seeking Lewis's comfort during difficult times, his willingness to spend significant time with Lewis even while dating someone else, and perhaps a certain intensity in their shared glances or inside jokes that goes beyond typical platonic friendship.

How does Lewis's internal struggle with his sexuality manifest in his interactions with other characters, besides Max?

Lewis's internal struggle might manifest as awkwardness or reticence when discussing relationships or sexuality with other friends, a tendency to withdraw when the topic of dating arises, or an overcompensation in trying to appear 'straight' in social settings, indicating his uncertainty and fear of judgment.

Is there a specific recurring motif or symbol in the story that represents Lewis's emotional journey?

A recurring motif might be the 'shared space' of their flat, initially a place of platonic cohabitation, then a site of romantic tension and heartbreak, and ultimately a symbol of their evolving relationship and the comfort they find in each other's presence, regardless of their romantic status.

How does Max's initial reluctance to pursue a relationship with Lewis reflect his own psychological state?

Max's initial reluctance reflects a potential fear of commitment, a desire to maintain the comfort and safety of their established friendship, or perhaps an insecurity about Lewis's newly discovered sexuality and whether Lewis is truly ready for a serious same-sex relationship.

Analyze Lewis's emotional resilience after Max's initial rejection. What does it reveal about his character?

Lewis's emotional resilience after Max's rejection reveals his deep capacity for love and loyalty, as he prioritizes their friendship despite his pain. It shows his maturity in accepting Max's boundaries while simultaneously struggling with his own persistent feelings, indicating a strong, if somewhat masochistic, hope.

How does the process of Lewis coming out to his parents affect his psychological development and his relationship with Max?

Coming out to his parents is a pivotal moment for Lewis, fostering self-acceptance and confidence. It deepens his bond with Max, as Max's support becomes crucial, solidifying Max's role as a trusted confidant and highlighting the emotional intimacy that underpins their complex relationship.

What internal conflict does Max likely experience before finally admitting his feelings for Lewis?

Before admitting his feelings, Max likely grapples with the fear of jeopardizing their friendship, uncertainty about Lewis's commitment to his new identity, and possibly guilt over his earlier rejection. He might also be wrestling with the intensity of his own emotions and the implications of a romantic relationship with his flatmate.

Is Max's initial 'just friends' stance a genuine desire, or a defense mechanism?

Max's initial 'just friends' stance could be interpreted as a defense mechanism, perhaps stemming from a fear of commitment, a desire to avoid complicating their living situation, or even a subconscious need to ensure Lewis's feelings were truly authentic and not just a passing phase of sexual discovery.

How does the university setting contribute to the themes of self-discovery and new beginnings in the novel?

The university setting acts as a crucible for self-discovery, providing Lewis with a new environment free from past expectations, allowing him to explore his sexuality and identity. It emphasizes themes of new beginnings, independence, and the formation of crucial relationships outside the family unit.

To what extent is Lewis's journey about discovering his sexuality versus discovering true love?

Lewis's journey is profoundly about both, but with an emphasis on discovering true love through the lens of his newly acknowledged sexuality. While the initial shock is about his sexual orientation, the enduring conflict and resolution revolve around the specific, deep, and persistent love he develops for Max, transcending a mere label.

What message does the book convey about the nature of friendship evolving into romance?

The book conveys that friendship can be a powerful foundation for romance, highlighting the deep trust and understanding built over time. It suggests that while such transitions can be messy and painful, the emotional intimacy developed as friends can lead to a more profound and resilient romantic connection.

Could the ending be interpreted as Max finally taking a risk, mirroring Lewis's earlier vulnerability?

Yes, Max's final admission of caring for Lewis can absolutely be interpreted as him taking a significant risk, mirroring Lewis's earlier vulnerability. Max is putting his heart on the line, risking rejection and potentially altering their friendship, just as Lewis did after their night together.

How does the title 'Not Just Friends' encapsulate the core tension and resolution of the story?

The title 'Not Just Friends' perfectly encapsulates the core tension, as Lewis constantly battles the desire to be more than friends with Max, and the resolution, where they both finally acknowledge that their bond has indeed surpassed mere friendship, leading to a romantic relationship.

About the author

Jay Northcote

Jay Northcote is a fiction author known for writing contemporary romance novels. One of their notable works is "Not Just Friends," which explores themes of love and relationships. Northcote's writing often features LGBTQ+ characters and experiences.

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