• All Recommended,  Book Recs,  Literature

    Book Recs: What to Read If You Like Wheel of Time

    26 September, 2022

    On a whim, I decided to start a whole new style of rec post on this blog. I’ve done a few of these on my own blog before, so I figured why not transfer the idea over to this one! Here’s how it goes: I pick (or you suggest—feel free to leave any requests in comments!) a popular book or series, think of a bunch of tropes, themes or character archtypes in that book/series, and rec books which also fit those tropes, themes and archetypes. And in this case, they’re all gay!

    The first of these posts is going to be about the big fantasy monster that is Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time. Fourteen books long, it’s one you would be excused of being intimidated by. If you have read it, however, and are looking for similar(ish) books, then this post is for you! So let’s get going.

    A lot of these titles are available on Scribd, so if you want to check out that service but don’t have an account yet, use my invite code to get 2 months for free! (This also gives me one free month.)

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  • All Recommended,  Book Recs,  Literature

    Book Recs: LGBT Romances

    24 September, 2022

    When I told Charlotte that I want to make a rec list for LGBT romance books, she told me to only include “actually romantic ones”. If I knew what she meant. And I did! I really did.

    So that’s what you can expect here: 10 romance books with pining turned up to the absolute maximum, and ones where you can almost physically feel the love the characters have for one another. You’ll probably gonna cry, but you can thank me later!

    A lot of those titles are available on Scribd, so if you want to check out that service but don’t have an account yet, use my invite code to get 2 months for free! (This also gives me one free month.)

    Related: Historical LGBT Romances, New Adult LGBT Romances
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  • All Recommended,  Book Recs,  Literature

    Book Recs: Achillean YA Fantasy

    17 September, 2022

    Today, quite by accident, marks exactly 2 years and 1 month since we posted a sapphic YA fantasy list. Obviously, this means it’s time to post an achillean equivalent. So, after much head scratching (and a few faves sadly left out (for now)), here it is! And, of course, Anna’s sapphic YA fantasy list can be found here should you want to check that out at the same time.

    A lot of these titles are available on Scribd, so if you want to check out that service but don’t have an account yet, use my invite code to get 2 months for free! (This also gives me one free month.)

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  • All Reviews,  Literature

    ARC Review: Lavender House

    14 September, 2022

    If you’re a fan of historical mysteries, then trust us when we say this isn’t one you’ll want to miss out on. Marketed as Knives Out meets Carol, that alone should pique your interest sufficiently. But if, for some unknown reason, that hasn’t worked, check out our review to find out why Lavender House should be right up there on your TBR!

    And don’t forget, you can follow Lev on twitter.

    A delicious story from a new voice in suspense, Lev AC Rosen’s Lavender House is Knives Out with a queer historical twist.

    Lavender House, 1952: the family seat of recently deceased matriarch Irene Lamontaine, head of the famous Lamontaine soap empire. Irene’s recipes for her signature scents are a well guarded secret—but it’s not the only one behind these gates. This estate offers a unique freedom, where none of the residents or staff hide who they are. But to keep their secret, they’ve needed to keep others out. And now they’re worried they’re keeping a murderer in.

    Irene’s widow hires Evander Mills to uncover the truth behind her mysterious death. Andy, recently fired from the San Francisco police after being caught in a raid on a gay bar, is happy to accept—his calendar is wide open. And his secret is the kind of secret the Lamontaines understand.

    Andy had never imagined a world like Lavender House. He’s seduced by the safety and freedom found behind its gates, where a queer family lives honestly and openly. But that honesty doesn’t extend to everything, and he quickly finds himself a pawn in a family game of old money, subterfuge, and jealousy—and Irene’s death is only the beginning.

    When your existence is a crime, everything you do is criminal, and the gates of Lavender House can’t lock out the real world forever. Running a soap empire can be a dirty business.

    Lavender House

    Lev A. C. Rosen

    Goodreads

    Rep: gay mc, Mexican lesbian side character, lesbian side character, gay side characters, Jewish bi side character
    CWs: suicidal thoughts, murder, homophobic slurs, homophobic violence (ch. 10)
    Release: 18th October 2022

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  • All Reviews,  Literature

    ARC Review: Contract Season

    3 September, 2022

    It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that Contract Season was one of both of ours most anticipated reads of the year. We both loved Season’s Change, and expected to love Contract Season just as much. And guess what? We did! So, if you’re looking for a great romance to devour over the next few days, let us put forward this one. Need more convincing, though? Check out our review below.

    And don’t forget, you can follow Cait on twitter.

    A heartbroken hockey player and an up-and-coming country music star fake it for the cameras (or do they?) in Cait Nary’s delightfully sexy new novel.

    Brody Kellerman has a plan. First, become the best defenseman in professional hockey. Second, get over his ex-boyfriend so he can focus on his game. Hooking up with the singer at his buddy’s wedding was the perfect solution, but it was never meant to be more than a one-night stand.

    Seamus Murry has never planned a thing in his life, including hooking up with a smoking-hot hockey player. Being ghosted sucks, but at least one good thing came from it—the breakout hit song of the summer. Now he’s one of country music’s brightest stars, but one slipup—or in this case, video—might cost him his career.

    When their video goes viral, Brody and Seamus agree to fake a relationship. But soon it’s impossible to remember what is real and what’s pretend, and although Brody has no intention of falling for freewheeling Seamus’s charm…life doesn’t always go according to plan.

    Contract Season

    Cait Nary

    Goodreads

    Rep: gay mcs
    Release: 6th September 2022

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  • All Recommended,  Book Recs,  Literature

    Book Recs: Dark Academia

    24 August, 2022

    I have to start off today’s rec list with a little definition because, above all others, dark academia seems to be a genre that could mean absolutely anything. I mean, when I was researching for this list, someone had added Pride and Prejudice as dark academia to their recs. So, before we go anywhere, I’m going to lay out what I consider to be the hallmarks of dark academia (and thus, the criteria by which I’ve selected these recs).

    First and foremost, I think this is a genre that needs to be set in and around academia. I mean, it’s in the name! Thus, these books are set at university and/or other schools (or school-equivalents). Secondly, I think what makes this genre is the themes, that is those of obsession, possessiveness, unhealthy relationships and desire. There’s a certain headiness to the genre, where, while events may seem outlandish, while you’re reading you’re just as absorbed as the characters themselves. Oh, and there might be a little pinch of murder to spice it up.

    So, with luck, I’ve selected 10 books that fit this description. And hey! They are, as ever, all gay.

    A lot of those titles are available on Scribd, so if you want to check out that service but don’t have an account yet, use my invite code to get 2 months for free! (This also gives me one free month.)

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  • All Reviews,  Literature

    ARC Review: Wranglestone + Timberdark

    18 August, 2022

    Did you ever go through a phase of reading all the zombie apocalypse books you could get your hands on? No? Just me? Okay then. But even if you didn’t, this is a series you’ll want to be on the lookout for. I was lucky enough to read an ARC of Timberdark, but my review here is for the whole series, because I couldn’t review one without the other. So, let’s dive in!

    And don’t forget, you can follow Darren on twitter.

    The islands of Lake Wranglestone are a safe haven in a world filled with the Restless Dead. But as the lake freezes over, there’s nothing to stop them from crossing the ice.

    Peter’s has never really felt at home in a place where practicality and grit are valued above all else. He’s nothing like rancher, Cooper, the boy he’s always watched from afar. But when he’s is ordered to join him out on the mainland to help herd the Dead from their shores, they find more than just each other.

    There they unearth a dark secret about Wranglestone’s past. One that forces the pair to question everything they’ve ever known.

    With the tide turned against the Dead, Peter and the remaining community on Wranglestone prepare to leave for town, where the comforts of the world before await them. Could this be the home that finally brings both safety and unity for all?

    Cooper isn’t so sure. He harbours feelings from that terrible night on the lake and worse, a secret… codename, Timberdark.

    With Cooper’s new found connection to the Dead, Peter’s suspicions about what he might do next grow. Faced with losing the boy he loves, Peter must uncover the truth about the mysterious Timberdark before their future together and the world around them is placed in danger.

    Wranglestone Duology

    Darren R. Charlton

    Goodreads

    Rep: gay mc, gay li
    Timberdark release: 1st September 2022

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  • All Recommended,  Book Recs,  Literature

    Book Recs: Poetry Collections (III)

    13 August, 2022

    It’s been a while since we did a rec list of poetry collections—and Anna took on the last two—so what better way to break up your Saturday than to sit and read a poem or few! Trust me when I say each of the collections here are ones that’ll make you feel a little hollow on finishing, in the way only the best poetry can. Or don’t trust me and read it for yourself!

    As ever, the why you should read it sections have been replaced with favourite quotes.

    And hey, a lot of these titles are available on Scribd, so if you want to check out that service but don’t have an account yet, use my invite code to get 2 months for free! (This also gives me one free month.)

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  • All Releases,  Book Releases,  Literature

    Book Releases: Ownvoices Achillean Books of July-December 2022

    12 August, 2022

    A list of achillean books written by achillean authors from second half of 2022. The term ‘ownvoices’ is used broadly, in the sense that some of those books feature gay protagonists & are written by bi authors, some are written by nonbinary achillean authors, etc. But none of them are written by women, straight or otherwise. And the term ‘achillean’ is used as a blanket label, so you will find here mlm books, but also mlnb books and books with achillean protagonists & no romance at all.

    There are no rainbow emojis this time, for obvious reasons, but there are plant emojis for nonbinary and/or trans authors.

    And hey, over time a lot of those titles will be available on Scribd, so if you want to check out that service but don’t have an account yet, use my invite code to get 2 months for free! (This also gives me one free month.)

    See also: ownvoices achillean books of January-June 2022 & LGBT releases by rep
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  • All Reviews,  Literature

    ARC Review: A Taste of Gold and Iron

    9 August, 2022

    A Taste of Gold and Iron is a book we imagine you’ve been anticipating ever since it was announced, because we know we were! We’re a mere 3 weeks out from release now, so, without waffling on any further, let us give you a little taste of what you can expect in this review. (And, as ever, there’s a mix at the end too.)

    And don’t forget, you can follow Alex on twitter too.

    Kadou, the shy prince of Arasht, finds himself at odds with one of the most powerful ambassadors at court—the body-father of the queen’s new child—in an altercation which results in his humiliation.

    To prove his loyalty to the queen, his sister, Kadou takes responsibility for the investigation of a break-in at one of their guilds, with the help of his newly appointed bodyguard, the coldly handsome Evemer, who seems to tolerate him at best. In Arasht, where princes can touch-taste precious metals with their fingers and myth runs side by side with history, counterfeiting is heresy, and the conspiracy they discover could cripple the kingdom’s financial standing and bring about its ruin.

    A Taste of Gold and Iron

    Alexandra Rowland

    Goodreads

    Rep: Turkish coded cast & setting, gay mc with depression and anxiety, bi mc, achillean side character, nonbinary side characters
    CWs: violence, panic attacks
    Release: 30th August 2022

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  • All Recommended,  Book Recs,  Literature

    Book Recs: Twitter’s Favourite LGBT Romance Novels

    21 July, 2022

    Once again, I have asked people on Twitter something and was overwhelmed with the responses. This time my question was: what are your 5 favourite LGBT romance novels? Almost fifty people replied! It’s amazing to see how much this community loves to hype up their favourite books!

    But it also means that I had to take some time to decide how to make this post. In the end I settled on dividing it into three parts: one for recommendations from me & Charlotte, one for books which were mentioned multiple times (some more than five times!), and one all the other hidden gems. I still ended up with close to 200 titles! (In each category, the books are in alphabetical order.)

    A lot of those titles are available on Scribd, so if you want to check out that service but don’t have an account yet, use my invite code to get 2 months for free! (This also gives me one free month.)

    💛 = sapphic rep (not necessarily an f/f relationship)
    💚 = achillean rep (not necessarily an m/m relationship)
    💙 = trans & nonbinary rep

    Related: Twitter’s Favourite Sapphic Books, LGBT Books & Trans Books
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  • All Releases,  Book Releases,  Literature

    Book Releases: July-December 2022 Books With Bi Protagonists

    13 July, 2022

    It’s that time of the year! Here’s a lit of 90 books with bisexual and/or pansexual representation. Like all the posts from previous years, this one includes books where either a character actually uses the label or the text makes it abundantly clear that they’re bi/pan. (As you can imagine, not a lot of fantasy or historical books use modern labels.) I’m sure I missed plenty of books, so please do let me know of any you know!

    As always on this blog, the rainbow emoji indicates that the book is by an LGBT author. 🌈

    A lot of those titles are available on Scribd, so if you want to check out that service but don’t have an account yet, use my invite code to get 2 months for free! (This also gives me one free month.)

    Related: January-June 2022 Bi/Pan Books, January-June 2021 Bi/Pan Books, July-December 2021 Bi/Pan Books
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  • All Releases,  Book Releases,  Literature

    Book Releases: Contemporary (July to December 2022)

    29 June, 2022

    The end of June means a fresh lot of releases posts! You know the drill so far, I assume. We update each post with LGBT releases in each genre every month, and then, when we find more, we can come back and do so again! It’s a win for everyone I’m sure.

    In this post, you’ll find the collection of contemporary books that we know about from July to December of 2022!

    Looking for the other posts?

    Fantasy | Historical | Mystery/Thriller | Nonfiction | Paranormal/Horror | Poetry | Science Fiction

    Looking for January to June?

    Contemporary | Fantasy | Historical | Mystery/Thriller | Nonfiction | Paranormal/Horror | Poetry | Science Fiction

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  • All Releases,  Book Releases,  Literature

    Book Releases: Historical (July to December 2022)

    29 June, 2022

    The end of June means a fresh lot of releases posts! You know the drill so far, I assume. We update each post with LGBT releases in each genre every month, and then, when we find more, we can come back and do so again! It’s a win for everyone I’m sure.

    In this post, you’ll find the collection of historical books that we know about from July to December of 2022!

    Looking for the other posts?

    Contemporary | Fantasy | Mystery/Thriller | Nonfiction | Paranormal/Horror | Poetry | Science Fiction

    Looking for January to June?

    Contemporary | Fantasy | Historical | Mystery/Thriller | Nonfiction | Paranormal/Horror | Poetry | Science Fiction

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  • All Releases,  Book Releases,  Literature

    Book Releases: Fantasy (July to December 2022)

    29 June, 2022

    The end of June means a fresh lot of releases posts! You know the drill so far, I assume. We update each post with LGBT releases in each genre every month, and then, when we find more, we can come back and do so again! It’s a win for everyone I’m sure.

    In this post, you’ll find the collection of fantasy books that we know about from July to December of 2022!

    Looking for the other posts?

    Contemporary | Historical | Mystery/Thriller | Nonfiction | Paranormal/Horror | Poetry | Science Fiction

    Looking for January to June?

    Contemporary | Fantasy | Historical | Mystery/Thriller | Nonfiction | Paranormal/Horror | Poetry | Science Fiction

    Read More