Motherlover - by Lindsay Ishihiro (Paperback)

About the Book

"Alex just moved from the big city back into her late parents' house, and she seems to have it all: She's a cool single mom with a thriving career, a fun look, and a cosmopolitan life of adventure. Imogen certainly has dreams of a more carefree life, but being a stay-at-home mom of four is a more-than-full-time job--one that doesn't pay very well--and that's all she can handle. How does Alex do it? She's captured Imogen's imagination. But what we see on the surface isn't always the whole story. Alex's return has given her a lot to ponder. Her parents are gone, and she's just starting to realize her privileged childhood wasn't as happy as it seemed. Now she's adrift, learning how to relate after a lifetime of pushing everyone away."--

Book Synopsis

Eisner Award Nomination for Best Webcomic

The New York Public Library's Best New Comics of 2025 for Adults

"Will have readers cheering." -- NEW YORK TIMES

"Readers will fall for Imogen and Alex just as they fall for each other." -- PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

"The much-needed hit of dopamine we need in this world." -- FANGIRL NATION

Imogen has an exciting new neighbor!

Alex just moved from the big city back into her late parents' house, and she seems to have it all: She's a cool single mom with a thriving career, a fun look, and a cosmopolitan life of adventure. Imogen certainly has dreams of a more carefree life, but being a stay-at-home mom of four is a more-than-full-time job--one that doesn't pay very well--and that's all she can handle. How does Alex do it? She's captured Imogen's imagination.

But what we see on the surface isn't always the whole story. Alex's return has given her a lot to ponder. Her parents are gone, and she's just starting to realize her privileged childhood wasn't as happy as it seemed. Now she's adrift, learning how to relate after a lifetime of pushing everyone away.

Chance brought these two fast friends together . . . and everything that happens next is unlike anything they could have planned!

Review Quotes

"A refreshing, inviting, and much-needed take on remaking traditional ideas of family. Readers will fall for Imogen and Alex just as they fall for each other." -- PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (Starred Review)

"The relatable situations, measured pace and true-to-the-ear dialogue will have readers cheering for them." -- NEW YORK TIMES (8 Comics to Read This Pride Month)

"One of those things that makes you want to twirl your hair and kick your heels with how cute it is. . . . Motherlover is the much-needed hit of dopamine we need in this world." -- FANGIRL NATION

"It's very refreshing to see a comic about the will they/won't they courtship of a pair of older queers." -- PAPER PHOENIX

"Vibrant and expressive . . . Alex and Imogen's romantic connection is irresistible." -- FOREWORD
"A lovely slice-of-life queer romance with a depth of character and colorful art that is sure to warm your heart." -- LESBRARY

About the Author

Lindsay Ishihiro is a writer and artist who works in both comics and video games, with decades of experience making imaginary people kiss. In addition to Motherlover, they create the webcomics How Baby and YRSA and the GOD OF DEATH, as well as writing the award-winning video game I Was a Teenage Exocolonist. They live near Vancouver with their husband and daughter and pets, often (and usually willing) subjects of comics about motherhood and the societal expectations of family life. They enjoy weightlifting, sim games, and baking.