Defying Expectations by D.C. Emerson

Description

A fresh start. A complicated proposal. And a love that refuses to fit the mold.

In Defying Expectations, D.C. Emerson opens the Pride Parlor series with a thoughtful, emotionally rich romance about identity, connection, and redefining what relationships can look like. Aspen is ready to begin again—after coming out as nonbinary, navigating the fallout of a divorce, and stepping into a life that finally feels like their own.

There’s just one thing missing.

Noah.

Their best friend has always been their constant, and now Aspen wants something more. But when they confess their feelings, Noah is forced to confront a truth he’s long avoided: he isn’t sure the kind of romantic relationship people expect from him is something he actually wants.

So instead of a yes or no, he offers something different.

A six-month trial.

Together, they’ll explore nontraditional relationship dynamics—opening the door to polyamory, connection, and self-discovery—while Noah tries to understand his own desires and boundaries. Along the way, they meet others navigating similar journeys, including Rachel, newly out and searching for her place, and Charlie, a dog shelter owner juggling chaos, compassion, and unexpected connections.

What unfolds is not a simple love story, but something more fluid, more honest, and far less predictable.

Warm, inclusive, and deeply character-driven, Defying Expectations celebrates queer identity in all its forms—embracing nonbinary and trans experiences, questioning traditional romance, and exploring the beauty of building relationships on your own terms.

Book Details
Author: D.C. Emerson
Format: Paperback
Publication Date: April 7, 2026
ISBN: 9798998617263