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Reviewed by Chad Richins for Readers' Favorite
Conditional Love by Valerie Allen is a fantastic short story that digs into the ups and downs of love, identity, and family acceptance. It follows Chris and Stephen, a couple navigating the complexities of their relationship as they are gearing up to meet Stephen's traditional and conservative parents for the first time. Set in a world filled with different values, the story beautifully explores the emotional challenges of staying true to yourself while also wanting your loved ones' approval. With its heartfelt look at personal and social conflicts, it highlights how love can be tested by prejudice and family expectations.
Conditional Love is such a thought-provoking and emotionally engaging short story. The plot is simple yet relatable, addressing universal themes like acceptance and the balancing act between being yourself and family obligations. What impressed me was how genuine the dialogue felt—each character’s voice carried their emotions so well, making the tension between Chris, Stephen, and his family come alive. The pacing was just right, moving quickly from initial nerves to an intense confrontation that kept me glued to the pages. Although I did find myself wishing to read about their encounter at Stephen's parents' place, the dialogues between Chris and Stephen afterward still did justice to the question. Valerie Allen's story does a great job of tackling societal prejudice, especially the challenges LGBTQ+ individuals face, in a personal and relatable way. The emotional depth and relatable conflict make it a memorable and impactful read.
