Read This: What’s On Jessica Stanley’s Bookshelves?

The novel is set in the 1980s and follows Nick Guest, a middle-class gay aesthete, as he becomes part of the glamorous world of the Fedden family. The story explores themes of beauty, politics, and the gay scene during the Thatcher era. Nick's life is intertwined with the rising fortunes of the Fedden family, and he engages in two contrasting love affairs. The novel delves into the materialism and greed of the decade, the bigotry of the conservative political class, and the impact of AIDS on the characters' lives. It is a richly textured, emotionally charged, and disarmingly comic portrayal of British life in the 1980s.

Jessica Stanley’s 'Consider Yourself Kissed' opens with the beats of a classic romantic comedy – a meet-cute, a grand gesture, instant attraction. What follows is a book about the next bit, the day-to-day reality of just living. Stanley writes it with grace and wit and compassion, finding the romance in what comes next when two people decide to be together. This book explores the complexities of long-term relationships with humor and insight, focusing on the unglamorous aspects of daily life. It celebrates the endurance of love amidst the challenges of family, career, and personal growth. The story emphasizes the beauty and resilience found in ordinary moments, making it a relatable and engaging read.

The novel tells the story of Alice Blackwell, a quiet and bookish woman from Wisconsin who marries Charlie Blackwell, a wealthy and charismatic member of a prominent Republican family. As Charlie becomes President, Alice is thrust into a life of power and influence, navigating the contradictions between her private beliefs and her public persona. The book delves into themes of class, wealth, and the complexities of marital relationships, drawing inspiration from real-life events but with significant fictional elements.