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Moonlighters #1
Sing Anyway
After a lifetime of failed relationships, non-binary history professor Sam Bell is committed to a new (non)romantic strategy: Thirst Only. It’s the actual drinking where things get too complicated, where Sam inevitably gets hurt.
Sam is good at being thirsty, though, especially when it's karaoke night at The Moonlight Café, otherwise known as Moonie’s to its largely queer regulars. Moonie’s is fun. Comfortable. Safe. Except for tonight, when one by one, all of Sam’s friends abandon them. Disappointed, they prepare to leave—until their #1 karaoke crush catches their eye...
For Lily Fischer, karaoke at Moonie's is the only time she can step outside of her quiet shell. When there’s a mic in her hand, she’s no longer merely a receptionist harboring big dreams. At Moonie's, Lily can pretend to be someone else: someone bold, who takes what she wants. And tonight, what Lily wants is the way Sam looks at her across the room as she sings her signature opening song, like they see her exactly as she wants to be seen. Like Moonie’s Lily is real.
As the night progresses, both Sam’s and Lily’s personal fears are tested, and the real world outside of Moonie’s looms. But maybe sometimes, the real world should be a little more like karaoke. It's not always about knowing all the right words or having the perfect voice. Maybe all Sam and Lily need is a little courage to pick up the mic, and sing anyway.
Sam is good at being thirsty, though, especially when it's karaoke night at The Moonlight Café, otherwise known as Moonie’s to its largely queer regulars. Moonie’s is fun. Comfortable. Safe. Except for tonight, when one by one, all of Sam’s friends abandon them. Disappointed, they prepare to leave—until their #1 karaoke crush catches their eye...
For Lily Fischer, karaoke at Moonie's is the only time she can step outside of her quiet shell. When there’s a mic in her hand, she’s no longer merely a receptionist harboring big dreams. At Moonie's, Lily can pretend to be someone else: someone bold, who takes what she wants. And tonight, what Lily wants is the way Sam looks at her across the room as she sings her signature opening song, like they see her exactly as she wants to be seen. Like Moonie’s Lily is real.
As the night progresses, both Sam’s and Lily’s personal fears are tested, and the real world outside of Moonie’s looms. But maybe sometimes, the real world should be a little more like karaoke. It's not always about knowing all the right words or having the perfect voice. Maybe all Sam and Lily need is a little courage to pick up the mic, and sing anyway.
124 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 31, 2021
About the author
Anita Kelly
10 books1,265 followersHi there! I'm a lover of romance of all stripes, and a writer of queer contemporary HEAs, including a forthcoming three-book series published by Forever. I live in the Pacific Northwest with my wife, our kiddo, a cat who loves me a little too much sometimes, and a three-legged dog who's a real dummy with a heart of gold. I love tea and frequently eat too much ice cream and hate myself a little afterwards.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 406 reviews
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March 27, 2023Read during #TransRightsReadathon.
A very sweet, low-angst novella with a nonbinary (AMAB) lead in their 40s, with an awkward relationship with their body and limited confidence, and a younger, fabulous, fat heroine who puts herself out there, sings karaoke, makes her own dresses, but isn't quite as confident as she might seem. It's a very warm, gentle story about lifting one another up and self-acceptance. Kind, and rather adorable.
A very sweet, low-angst novella with a nonbinary (AMAB) lead in their 40s, with an awkward relationship with their body and limited confidence, and a younger, fabulous, fat heroine who puts herself out there, sings karaoke, makes her own dresses, but isn't quite as confident as she might seem. It's a very warm, gentle story about lifting one another up and self-acceptance. Kind, and rather adorable.
June 3, 2021
4.5/5
Excuse me, this little book had no right being this charming!
- I was really excited to read Sing Anyway and I'm happy to say that it delivered for me. I'm such a sucker for a good soft romance and Sing Anyway is exactly that.
- Novellas can be hard to nail, but Anita Kelly did a bang-up job! It actually didn't feel like a novella and I felt like I got to see the entirety of Sam and Lily's relationship.
- Y'all. This romance. It is so dang sweet and my heart is full!
- Also, this book is sexy. Very very sexy.
- I loved both Sam & Lily so so much. Sam is a nerdy little history professor and Lily is a shy receptionist who comes to life on the karaoke stage. They are both a little awkward but damn it, they will find a way to sneak into your heart.
- I loveeed Sam being nerdy and talking about trains and history. They really loved what they were doing and it showed.
- Lily is equally fabulous. She is shy but is also bold in ways even she doesn't realize. Also, I want her wardrobe or I want her to make me some clothes.
- OK, go buy this now and read it and love it. I was very excited to see that there will be more books in this novella series!
August 29, 2021
Cute, sweet, adorable, and sexy. Sometimes small books can tell big things and this is such a book. Although it’s just a novella, I believe this can be an important story for people doubting their gender, who are gender-queer, and in fact for all of us. I loved reading about Sam’s doubts and their desires. I almost felt an intruder when Lily had filthy thoughts about Sam’s body and was doubting if she was misgendering them.
Not only Sam was non-binary, Lily and Sam both didn’t have a perfect body, even far from that, and I loved the normalcy of it in this story. Lily is fat (her own words), and Lily calls Sam adorable thick. They were such a sweet couple, and I can’t wait to read more by Anita Kelly!
Not only Sam was non-binary, Lily and Sam both didn’t have a perfect body, even far from that, and I loved the normalcy of it in this story. Lily is fat (her own words), and Lily calls Sam adorable thick. They were such a sweet couple, and I can’t wait to read more by Anita Kelly!
June 18, 2021
This is a very charming f/nb debut romance novella.
August 3, 2024
This was an adorable little story and I am in love with Sam & Lily. 4 STARS! 🥺
June 2, 2021
This was a really sweet f/nb romance novella that featured some really impactful truths about the reality of being fat and nonbinary, and I really appreciated that! I did think that the first half was a bit drawn out, but otherwise this was a lot of fun and I'm looking forward to reading more by this author!
Want more sapphic books? You can find me here: Book Blog | Twitter | Instagram
Want more sapphic books? You can find me here: Book Blog | Twitter | Instagram
March 30, 2024
I needed a little change of pace and I'm glad I went with this one. The characters were really cute and easy to root for and it was quick enough that it never got annoyingly sweet.
August 18, 2021
I had so much fun reading this! I absolutely loved the characters and the writing style, they had some great conversations about being non-binary and being fat, but mostly I was just really cheering them on from the sidelines. Can't wait to read more from this author!
March 24, 2022
Omigoodness Sam and Lily’s adorable story made my lil queer heart SO HAPPY! I want to go to karaoke at Moonie’s soooo badly!
Full RTC when I finish squeeing!
Full RTC when I finish squeeing!
March 20, 2023
Reread March 2023, rating upgraded to 5 stars
_____
4.5 stars, though I feel there is the possibility of 5 stars in the future.
This was such a lovely little novella. I loved both the MCs, Sam and Lily, I loved everything at Moonie’s, this was just such a great little book.
Also, Lily makes her own clothes and I loved all the discussions on finding clothes that fit you and that make you feel good. I want to sew myself more clothes…
Really looking forward to reading the other books in this series.
_____
4.5 stars, though I feel there is the possibility of 5 stars in the future.
This was such a lovely little novella. I loved both the MCs, Sam and Lily, I loved everything at Moonie’s, this was just such a great little book.
Also, Lily makes her own clothes and I loved all the discussions on finding clothes that fit you and that make you feel good. I want to sew myself more clothes…
Really looking forward to reading the other books in this series.
February 21, 2022
Anita Kelly is my favorite author.
June 24, 2022
Exquisite romance novellas are gems. They introduce you to an author you may not have otherwise tried, the format is the right length to read in about a day, and you can just sink into a tightly plotted and highly focused romance arc. Swoon.
Well welcome Sing Anyway to my perfect romance novella pantheon. I would like to put on a Celine Dion song and sing with Sam & Lily and their friends at Moonies.
Kelly immediately sets the scene at Moonies, bringing both the place, and the people within it, alive. You feel like you *know* Sam in just a few paragraphs, and once you meet Lily, the same. For being a fairly short read, you are left completely satisfied with their courtship arc.
I especially especially loved the details of Lily's love of making clothes and fashion becoming one of her love languages to Sam, and Sam loving Lily's body exactly how it is, and her outfits, too. Just so lovely. Both Sam and Lily are also, despite being thirty and forty something, a little lost. And you know what, I appreciate seeing that as a little lost almost 40yo too.
What more can I say, this is exquisite and give it a go. I said exquisite a lot, but I mean it!
I read a paperback gifted to me from a friend (and it is signed yay)!
Content notes: Sam is a white, nonbinary history professor (loves maps yay!!!!) and uses they/them pronouns. Lily is a white cis woman and works as a front office manager/secretary at a veterinary office, using she/her pronouns
Some discussion of fatphobia, homophobia, misgendering, and fear is discussed
Well welcome Sing Anyway to my perfect romance novella pantheon. I would like to put on a Celine Dion song and sing with Sam & Lily and their friends at Moonies.
Kelly immediately sets the scene at Moonies, bringing both the place, and the people within it, alive. You feel like you *know* Sam in just a few paragraphs, and once you meet Lily, the same. For being a fairly short read, you are left completely satisfied with their courtship arc.
I especially especially loved the details of Lily's love of making clothes and fashion becoming one of her love languages to Sam, and Sam loving Lily's body exactly how it is, and her outfits, too. Just so lovely. Both Sam and Lily are also, despite being thirty and forty something, a little lost. And you know what, I appreciate seeing that as a little lost almost 40yo too.
What more can I say, this is exquisite and give it a go. I said exquisite a lot, but I mean it!
I read a paperback gifted to me from a friend (and it is signed yay)!
Content notes: Sam is a white, nonbinary history professor (loves maps yay!!!!) and uses they/them pronouns. Lily is a white cis woman and works as a front office manager/secretary at a veterinary office, using she/her pronouns
Some discussion of fatphobia, homophobia, misgendering, and fear is discussed
June 16, 2021
Gorgeous, heartfelt novella
This story establishes Sam and Lily as endearing, rich characters so quickly and skillfully. And as someone who frequented a karaoke bar prepandemic, this book made me ache to get back to the joyful camaraderie of strangers belting out pop songs together. I loved all the parts about clothes and gender feelings, too.
This story establishes Sam and Lily as endearing, rich characters so quickly and skillfully. And as someone who frequented a karaoke bar prepandemic, this book made me ache to get back to the joyful camaraderie of strangers belting out pop songs together. I loved all the parts about clothes and gender feelings, too.
August 14, 2021
at some point I'd like to write out a full review with coherent thoughts, but for now this was a perfect book, I loved every minute🥰
July 23, 2023
This is such a fun low angst romance. Follow karaoke crushes for their one night stand they just can't get over perfection.
September 13, 2023
A heartfelt novella that packs a punch! This has been on my tbr for ages and finally came out on audio!! I loved the chemistry between this age gap, Sapphic/nonbinary paring!! A one night stand that turns into more, this book had lovely found family, spicy chemistry and great body positivity. Highly recommended!!
January 24, 2023
I think, but am not sure, that this is the first romance I have read with a non-binary protagonist. The care the author took with both their characters was really lovely and deliberate. My own personal preference leans more towards not doing the run away bit and grand gestures, but
June 28, 2022
You're telling me that this book has a capital F-fat main character and a lowercase f-fat main character?!? Both?!? Oh my gosh I just adored this so much. I mean the fat rep alone gave me life but also seeing some of Sam's journey into finding something as simply complex as clothes for themself brought me joy.
So this is a one weekend ish kinda timeline. Sam is at their favorite bar, Moonies, and when their friends end up cancelling on them, they wind up entrenched in the #1 karaoke crush and her friend group. Lily is normally pretty quiet and shy, I'll accept when she sings karaoke. When Lily's on stage and see Sam watching her, she does something only karaoke Lily would do and walks right up to them when she finishes her song. Bold karaoke lily and sweet nerdy Sam end up having the night of their lives together at the bar (also at home 😉) but both of their insecurities get the better of them and they've got to figure out if there's even a way to move forward.
I am a sucker for queer fat characters. Like I can't even express how important that representation is for me and getting to queer fat characters put this on to my favorites list. A lot of the times you get a fat character and their love interest is really thin or muscular or whatever and to see a fat MC with a midsize MC brought me so much joy. Anyway, if you can't tell I'm quite happy about this book. Loved it a lot, highly recommend.
"Show me your quiet parts, Lily. You have no idea how much I would like to be maybe-a-little-boring together."
Fat queer cis woman MC, midsize queer genderqueer/nonbinary/gender questioning MC, loads of secondary queer rep. Pretty much everyone is queer 🙌🏼
So this is a one weekend ish kinda timeline. Sam is at their favorite bar, Moonies, and when their friends end up cancelling on them, they wind up entrenched in the #1 karaoke crush and her friend group. Lily is normally pretty quiet and shy, I'll accept when she sings karaoke. When Lily's on stage and see Sam watching her, she does something only karaoke Lily would do and walks right up to them when she finishes her song. Bold karaoke lily and sweet nerdy Sam end up having the night of their lives together at the bar (also at home 😉) but both of their insecurities get the better of them and they've got to figure out if there's even a way to move forward.
I am a sucker for queer fat characters. Like I can't even express how important that representation is for me and getting to queer fat characters put this on to my favorites list. A lot of the times you get a fat character and their love interest is really thin or muscular or whatever and to see a fat MC with a midsize MC brought me so much joy. Anyway, if you can't tell I'm quite happy about this book. Loved it a lot, highly recommend.
"Show me your quiet parts, Lily. You have no idea how much I would like to be maybe-a-little-boring together."
Fat queer cis woman MC, midsize queer genderqueer/nonbinary/gender questioning MC, loads of secondary queer rep. Pretty much everyone is queer 🙌🏼
August 7, 2021
Well this queer novella was super cute and delightful! Sam and Lily were really sweet together and I liked watching them go from crushes to one night stand to more. And the way Lily supports and encourages Sam was just the best.
I do have to be honest, I don't really like karaoke but the way Anita Kelly writes about it makes me see the appeal. I loved the safe and welcoming environment of Moonies and the connection everyone feels through music.
A big theme of SING ANYWAY is finding acceptance in yourself and believing that you can be loved just as you are. This is explored so well throughout the book and the non-binary rep and fat rep were written with such care.
A short, sweet read with steam and a lot of heart. I'm looking forward to reading more by this debut author.
I do have to be honest, I don't really like karaoke but the way Anita Kelly writes about it makes me see the appeal. I loved the safe and welcoming environment of Moonies and the connection everyone feels through music.
A big theme of SING ANYWAY is finding acceptance in yourself and believing that you can be loved just as you are. This is explored so well throughout the book and the non-binary rep and fat rep were written with such care.
A short, sweet read with steam and a lot of heart. I'm looking forward to reading more by this debut author.
April 17, 2023
5 stars!
Anita Kelly is amazing with words.
This is a 116 pages novel, and it covers a short period of time, too (essentially, one weekend and then one afternoon 10 days later).
Few authors are able to make me feel connected with the MCs in such a short story (just Roe Horvat and Mimi Matthews in fact..). I usually need longer to get a feeling for the story and the people in it.
I loved both Sam and Lily.
They felt so real. I was drawn into their insecurities and hopes. And their longing.. sadness, happiness.
The queer representation was natural and beautiful.
My favorite quotes:
"They were small things, in the end. Pronouns were such tiny words. A dab of makeup, when I felt like it. A different piece of fabric. But it was so nice. Having options."
"Absently, I rubbed my thumb against my forefinger with my free hand, feeling her slickness that was still there, taking the time to really absorb it, along with the general warmth of her body against mine, the slight scratchiness of her sweater on the fingertips of my left hand. So many pleasurable sensations, so many different textures. So many ways to be in a body."
I already bought the next installments of the Moonlighters series! Can't wait until I have time this evening to start the next book.
Anita Kelly is amazing with words.
This is a 116 pages novel, and it covers a short period of time, too (essentially, one weekend and then one afternoon 10 days later).
Few authors are able to make me feel connected with the MCs in such a short story (just Roe Horvat and Mimi Matthews in fact..). I usually need longer to get a feeling for the story and the people in it.
I loved both Sam and Lily.
They felt so real. I was drawn into their insecurities and hopes. And their longing.. sadness, happiness.
The queer representation was natural and beautiful.
My favorite quotes:
"They were small things, in the end. Pronouns were such tiny words. A dab of makeup, when I felt like it. A different piece of fabric. But it was so nice. Having options."
"Absently, I rubbed my thumb against my forefinger with my free hand, feeling her slickness that was still there, taking the time to really absorb it, along with the general warmth of her body against mine, the slight scratchiness of her sweater on the fingertips of my left hand. So many pleasurable sensations, so many different textures. So many ways to be in a body."
I already bought the next installments of the Moonlighters series! Can't wait until I have time this evening to start the next book.
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March 27, 2023Very cute novella with a one-night stand to HFN. The awkwardness between Sam and Lily felt so relatable, and it was a joy to watch them grow in confidence with each other. Read as part of the #TransRightsReadAthon.
June 18, 2021
An absolutely delicious novella featuring:
- a non-binary history professor who loves maps & YouTube videos of scenic train journeys
- their karaoke crush Lily, a queer fat woman in a stunning yellow and red dress she made herself
- a long perfect night of eye-fucking, dancing, glancing touches & kissing
- finding love even though you’re worried you’re too boring for romance
I loved every second of this hot funny generous soft story. It’s very assured for a debut but wears its craft pretty lightly. I’ll be over here eagerly awaiting the next in the series.
*Anita and I are mutuals on Twitter & interact fairly often. I bought this book.
- a non-binary history professor who loves maps & YouTube videos of scenic train journeys
- their karaoke crush Lily, a queer fat woman in a stunning yellow and red dress she made herself
- a long perfect night of eye-fucking, dancing, glancing touches & kissing
- finding love even though you’re worried you’re too boring for romance
I loved every second of this hot funny generous soft story. It’s very assured for a debut but wears its craft pretty lightly. I’ll be over here eagerly awaiting the next in the series.
*Anita and I are mutuals on Twitter & interact fairly often. I bought this book.
July 26, 2022
this was so adorable i might still be smiling it’s insane
September 5, 2021
This is a STUNNER. Queer af--I loved it and have already recommended it to four people I know irl. The karaoke stuff is brilliantly done, the non-binary-ness of Sam and their gender issues/confusion feels so real and poignant, and the FAT REP, oh em GEEEEE, it was brilliant. This couple is the fat/chubby duo of my dreams. * hearteyes *
July 14, 2024
3.5 stars
I think this is my first romance with non-binary character! I admit that I was still a bit struggling with the they/them pronouns though; mainly because I am a non-English native speaker. So in my head I always remembered the English lesson of they/them referring to plural pronoun. But anyway...
This little novella is charming though. My GOD Sam was adorably nerdy and awkard at times - although I also had trouble picturing them as 40-year-old professor! Lily was bad a$$ - although I also had trouble picturing her other than bold!Lily because there wasn't a lot of scenes of shy!Lily as evidence. But both of them were so good together.
I loved those tidbits about Lily and her creativity (of cloth-making) and Sam with their obsession with maps. Their conversations were absolute delight to read. And those moments on the karaoke sessions? FIRE!!
I am definitely checking out the next title. I think I kind of like Anita Kelly's writing...
I think this is my first romance with non-binary character! I admit that I was still a bit struggling with the they/them pronouns though; mainly because I am a non-English native speaker. So in my head I always remembered the English lesson of they/them referring to plural pronoun. But anyway...
This little novella is charming though. My GOD Sam was adorably nerdy and awkard at times - although I also had trouble picturing them as 40-year-old professor! Lily was bad a$$ - although I also had trouble picturing her other than bold!Lily because there wasn't a lot of scenes of shy!Lily as evidence. But both of them were so good together.
I loved those tidbits about Lily and her creativity (of cloth-making) and Sam with their obsession with maps. Their conversations were absolute delight to read. And those moments on the karaoke sessions? FIRE!!
I am definitely checking out the next title. I think I kind of like Anita Kelly's writing...
March 22, 2023
A lovely novella, I really enjoyed it. This is cementing Anita Kelly as one of my favourite authors.
August 20, 2024
shit was cute, what else can I say?
January 7, 2022
So freakin’ adorable! 🥺✨
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March 19, 2023Reading this as part of a buddy read for the #transrightsreadathon
(Message me if you'd like to join the buddy read in Discord)
I'll be donating to an Ontario-based organization, youthline.ca, that provides peer support services to queer youth and encourage you to donate as well or to find an organization serving trans folks near where you live.
(Message me if you'd like to join the buddy read in Discord)
I'll be donating to an Ontario-based organization, youthline.ca, that provides peer support services to queer youth and encourage you to donate as well or to find an organization serving trans folks near where you live.
Read
January 18, 2024A lovely low-angst novella with very likable MCs. I thought this book did a lot despite the short length, which is such a fine needle to thread. I especially loved how much we learn about the characters through their favorite songs.
”Me trying to explain “This Charming Man” felt like the equivalent of reaching into my chest and pulling out an album of embarrassing childhood photos that you only engaged when you were really in love with someone and wanted them to see all of your most cringey parts.”
I also thought it was wonderful how clothing is used throughout to explore identity and transformation and confidence.
“I love wearing this dress. That I made myself, that I feel 100% comfortable in, that makes me feel sexy.”
And this line made me laugh because my 5 year old calls jeans “hard pants” and refuses to wear them.
”But honestly, jeans—pants in general—are hard for a lot of bodies, for a lot of reasons, even though we’re all conditioned to wear them.”
Also, “goddamn devil underwires” is about the best way to describe wearing a bra/taking it off that I’ve ever heard 😂
This was a great start to the #transrightsreadathon and a perfect choice for a buddy read.
”Show me your quiet parts, Lily. You have no idea how much I would like to be maybe-a-little-boring together.”
”Me trying to explain “This Charming Man” felt like the equivalent of reaching into my chest and pulling out an album of embarrassing childhood photos that you only engaged when you were really in love with someone and wanted them to see all of your most cringey parts.”
I also thought it was wonderful how clothing is used throughout to explore identity and transformation and confidence.
“I love wearing this dress. That I made myself, that I feel 100% comfortable in, that makes me feel sexy.”
And this line made me laugh because my 5 year old calls jeans “hard pants” and refuses to wear them.
”But honestly, jeans—pants in general—are hard for a lot of bodies, for a lot of reasons, even though we’re all conditioned to wear them.”
Also, “goddamn devil underwires” is about the best way to describe wearing a bra/taking it off that I’ve ever heard 😂
This was a great start to the #transrightsreadathon and a perfect choice for a buddy read.
”Show me your quiet parts, Lily. You have no idea how much I would like to be maybe-a-little-boring together.”
Displaying 1 - 30 of 406 reviews