Early Book Review: Gender Queer: A Memoir Deluxe Edition by Maia Kobabe

Gender Queer: A Memoir Deluxe Edition by Maia Kobabe is currently scheduled for release on June 21 2022. This special deluxe hardcover edition of Gender Queer features a brand-new cover, exclusive art and sketches, a foreword from ND Stevenson, Lumberjanes writer and creator of She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, and an afterword from Maia Kobabe.

In 2014, Maia Kobabe, who uses e/em/eir pronouns, thought that a comic of reading statistics would be the last autobiographical comic e would ever write. At the time, it was the only thing e felt comfortable with strangers knowing about em. Then e created Gender Queer. Maia’s intensely cathartic autobiography charts eir journey of self-identity, which includes the mortification and confusion of adolescent crushes, grappling with how to come out to family and society, bonding with friends over erotic gay fan fiction, and facing the trauma and fundamental violation of pap smears. Started as a way to explain to eir family what it means to be nonbinary and asexual, Gender Queer is more than a personal story: It is a useful and touching guide on gender identity—what it means and how to think about it—for advocates, friends, and humans everywhere.

Gender Queer is a great read for everyone. I think that readers questioning where they fall in the gender and sexuality spectrum and trying to find the words for how they feel will find comfort and relatability to the worries and fears that Maia has. I think all readers can relate to at least some of those worries, particularly the balance between fitting in or not being a bother with being comfortable with yourself. I think this an important read, not just to show people they are not alone in their thoughts, feelings, and worries but in helping those that might never have felt or acknowledged them what other people might be feeling. The importance of being yourself, even as you are trying to figure out the shape and terms that might best describe it, is important and something everyone needs to embrace. I think this book is a great read for everyone. I think the art does a great job of capture the struggle, and the successes, along the way while showing that  the journey is still underway.

Book Review: Season's Change by Cait Nary

Season's Change is the first book in a new series by Cait Nary. Olly Järvinen has a long way to go. He’s got a fresh start playing for a new team, but getting his hockey career back on track is going to take more than a change of scenery. He’s got to shut his past out and focus. On the game, not on his rookie roommate and his annoyingly sunny disposition—and annoyingly distracting good looks. All Benji Bryzinski ever wanted was to play in the big leagues, and he’s not going to waste one single second of his rookie season. Yoga, kale smoothies and guided meditation help keep his head in the game. But his roommate keeps knocking him off track. Maybe it’s just that Olly is a grumpy bastard. Or maybe it’s something else, something Benji doesn’t have a name for yet. Olly and Benji spend all their time together—on the ice, in the locker room, in their apartment—and ignoring their unspoken feelings isn’t making them go away. Acting on attraction is one thing, but turning a season’s fling into forever would mean facing the past—and redefining the future.

Season's Change is a sports romance that talks about and handles mental health with honesty and care. I loved the extreme slow burn of Olly and Benji getting to know each other, and the support they offer each other. I also enjoyed seeing that both of them had issues to face, and the straight forward way those feelings were talked about, along with the symptoms they had to deal with and the tools they harnessed to deal with them. The development of friendship, trust, and more really played out perfectly in the book. The other team mates and bonds there were just as important and well written as the relationship growth between Olly and Benji. I really like that the book takes the time to sort out that some of the trauma Olly caries is from a loving parent that just did things wrong, even though they had good intent. I think that could help readers take a look at their own relationship to see where they could do better in that regard themselves and hopefully spark some needed conversations.  This was a very enjoyable read and I look forward to continuing the series. 

Season's Change is a emotionally satisfying romance with plenty of character growth. 

Book Review: Exodus 20:3 by Freydis Moon

Exodus 20:3 by Freydis Moon is an unexpected, short read. Religious eroticism and queer emancipation meet in a claustrophobic monster-romance about divinity, sexuality, and freedom. When Diego López is guilted by his mother into taking a low-key construction job in New Mexico, he doesn’t expect to be the only helping hand at Catedral de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. But the church is abandoned, decrepit, and off the beaten path, and the only other person for miles is its handsome caretaker, Ariel Azevedo. Together, Diego and Ariel refurbish the old church, sharing stories of their heritage, experiences, and desires. But as the long days turn into longer nights, Diego begins to see past Ariel’s human mirage and finds himself falling into lust—and maybe something else—with one of God’s first creations. WARNINGS: mention of transphobia, mention of drug use, light dubious consent, sexualization of religion.

Exodus 20:3 is a book that started off fairly normal, then quickly had me wondering what exactly was going on and who Ariel and Diego were. I liked the build up, and think it was very well written. I could understand a good deal of Diego's insecurities and concern, and could empathize with them. It was not until close to the end that I felt like I had any kind of understanding of Ariel's thoughts. There was just so much more that needs to be explored and unpacked with these two characters, and I think I would have enjoyed it a little more if it had been a bit longer, with more information on both characters and what might happen next. There is plenty of room for more, and I am more than a little intrigued in the world building here and how the relationship could go. I do see how some readers could be offended or upset by the take on religion and sexuality here, but I think those readers are also unlikely to pick up a book with a transsexual main character, so I doubt that will be a big issue for the readers that choose this book. 

Exodus 20:3 is a well crafted read, and I think I will be exploring other writing from the author. 

Early Book Review: Book Boyfriend by Kris Ripper

Book Boyfriend by Kris Ripper is a contemporary romance that is currently scheduled for release on April 26 2022. There are three things you need to know about Preston "PK" Harrington the third: He’s a writer, toiling in obscurity as an editorial assistant at a New York City publishing house. He is not a cliché. No, really. He’s been secretly in love with his best friend, Art, since they once drunkenly kissed in college.When Art moves in with PK following a bad breakup, PK hopes this will be the moment when Art finally sees him as more than a friend. But Art seems to laugh off the very idea of them in a relationship, so PK returns to his writing roots—in fiction, he can say all the things he can’t say out loud. In his book, PK can be the perfect boyfriend. Before long, it seems like the whole world has a crush on the fictionalized version of him, including Art, who has no idea that the hot new book everyone's talking about is PK’s story. But when his brilliant plan to win Art over backfires, PK might lose not just his fantasy book boyfriend, but his best friend.

Book Boyfriend is a book that hooked me right away, and then had me anxious through the entire read. I could relate to PK, but his choices and worries had me fidgeting as I read in nervous sympathy. I thought the story was well told, and I completely understood why PK made the choices he did- even when I disagreed with them. I liked the character building for Art and the secondary characters as well, and was glad to get to know them. I love when characters get a whole life on the page, not just moments specifically related to the romance.The family and friend dynamics and moments helped give a more rounded look at PK and Art as friends and more and their history.  I would have liked to have seen inside Art's head now and then, I would have like to know what they were really thinking on several occasions in the story. That being said, if I knew what Art had been thinking then I would not have been quite so nervous for how PK's choices would play out. I really enjoyed the read, and think others will as well. 

Book Boyfriend is a well written romance. Fans of the author will definitely want to pick it up. 

Book Review: Sink or Swim (Shore Leave) by Annabeth Albert

Sink or Swim is the second book in the Shore Leave series by Annabeth Albert. You do not need to read the series in order to fully enjoy each read. 

Navy chief Calder Euler loves to win big. His latest score? A remote mountain cabin. Checking it out is supposed to be a quick trip, but Calder’s luck abruptly turns when a freak injury and a freakier snowstorm leave him stranded. Oh, and the cabin isn’t empty. A silver fox caring for two young girls claims that the property is his, but Calder’s paperwork says otherwise. Felix Sigurd is on a losing streak, and his ex-husband risking the cabin in a reckless bet is only the latest in a series of misfortunes. He’ll tolerate the handsome stranger for a couple nights--even care for his injuries—but that’s it. Calder doesn’t know a damn thing about kids, but making pancakes for Felix’s girls is a surprising delight. Trapped in the cabin, the four of them slip easily into the rhythms of a family. But when the ice melts, they’ll have to decide if a future together is in the cards.

Sink or Swim is another romance with complex characters that grow in the process of unexpectedly finding love from Albert. I thought Calder and Felix each had their hang up, but were great guys from the beginning, and I enjoyed being along for the ride as they each made self realizations about who they were and what they wanted, and how to get there. I really loved Felix's nieces, and thought the quirky comments, personalities, and worries were very realistic. I loved the open and honest discussions between Calder and Felix, in and out of the bedroom,  and that the amount of care and concern for each other and the bigger picture with the girls was always considered and often reevaluated to stay on top of issues and concerns. As always, I loved the secondary characters and how the author makes the support systems of friends and family an important part of the story. I would love to see more from many of the secondary characters and get a kick out of them in every book from Albert. I really enjoyed this read and think other fans of the author will as well. 

Sink or Swim is an emotional and rewarding romance. 

Book Review: Love & Other Disasters by Anita Kelly

Love & Other Disasters by Anita Kelly is a romance with intense feels and humor. Recently divorced and on the verge of bankruptcy, Dahlia Woodson is ready to reinvent herself on the popular reality competition show Chef’s Special. Too bad the first memorable move she makes is falling flat on her face, sending fish tacos flying—not quite the fresh start she was hoping for. Still, she's focused on winning, until she meets someone she might want a future with more than she needs the prize money.  After announcing their pronouns on national television, London Parker has enough on their mind without worrying about the klutzy competitor stationed in front of them. They’re there to prove the trolls—including a fellow contestant and their dad—wrong, and falling in love was never part of the plan. As London and Dahlia get closer, reality starts to fall away. Goodbye, guilt about divorce, anxiety about uncertain futures, and stress from transphobia. Hello, hilarious shenanigans on set, wedding crashing, and spontaneous dips into the Pacific. But as the finale draws near, Dahlia and London’s steamy relationship starts to feel the heat both in and outside the kitchen—and they must figure out if they have the right ingredients for a happily ever after.

Love & Other Disasters had my attention from the very first page. The characters and their personal challenges and emotions were complex and multifaceted even before the romance came into play. Dahlia is still reeling from divorce and trying to figure out what she wants from life. London is still trying to figure out how to handle, well everything, as they work to figure out who they are and what they want. Friendship and more develops, and I enjoyed going along for the ride. I like that they had open communication about consent and intimacy. I love that their connection was slow growing and built mostly on friendship, respect, and trust. I also like that they each had a support system, and the story did tackle the intolerance of some but focused more of the relationship and growth of the main characters rather than focusing on hardships from outside their connection. I really enjoyed the read and felt for London and Dahlia as they got in their own way more often than not. 

Love & Other Disasters is a funny and emotional romance. 

Book Review: Something Fabulous (Something Fabulous) by Alexis Hall

Something Fabulous is the first book in the Something Fabulous series by Alexis Hall.  Valentine Layton, the Duke of Malvern, has twin problems: literally. It was always his father’s hope that Valentine would marry Miss Arabella Tarleton. But, unfortunately, too many novels at an impressionable age have caused her to grow up…romantic. So romantic that a marriage of convenience will not do and after Valentine’s proposal she flees into the night determined never to set eyes on him again. Arabella’s twin brother, Mr. Bonaventure “Bonny” Tarleton, has also grown up…romantic. And fully expects Valentine to ride out after Arabella and prove to her that he’s not the cold-hearted cad he seems to be. Despite copious misgivings, Valentine finds himself on a pell-mell chase to Dover with Bonny by his side. Bonny is unreasonable, overdramatic, annoying, and beautiful? And being with him makes Valentine question everything he thought he knew. About himself. About love. Even about which Tarleton he should be pursuing.

Something Fabulous is a book that had some great moments, and some that just did not work for me. The story starts in mid proposal between Valentine and Arabella, and I felt like I might have missed some of the story leading up to that. Thankfully the information gaps were filled as the story continued, but it just felt a little disconnected at the start. I thought the complete obliviousness of Valentine was very well done, and led to some great moments of humor for readers, even as it often brought greater problems and frustration to the character. I loved Bonny's character, and found that the interactions Bonny had with just about every other character were highly entertaining and engaging. I have to say though that while I similarly loved most of the secondary characters  I did not enjoy Arabella's character in the slightest. In general I thought there were a great many high points, mostly when Bonny was on the page or Valentine was figuring things out, there were also some lulls that frustrated me or slowed down the pacing for me. I loved some of the character work and interaction so much that the issues I had diminished my love for the read a little, I do fully intend to continue reading the series because so much more when right than wrong.

Something Fabulous is a historical romance with some great moments.

Early Book Review: Cinder the Fireplace Boy; And Other Gayly Grimm Tales by Ana Mardoll

Cinder the Fireplace Boy; And Other Gayly Grimm Tales by Ana Mardoll is currently scheduled for release on Jan 4 2022.  This collection of inclusive fairy tale retellings also features eight original illustrations by artist Alex Dingley.

Once upon a time there lived a beautiful prince who kissed a frog, a cinder-smudged child who hid a secret, a princess who climbed a long braid of golden hair for love, a thumb-sized boy with the courage of a giant, and a valiant little tailor whose wit was as sharp as her needle. These stories and many more await you in this collection of classic fairy tales, lovingly retold and featuring characters who receive wonderfully queer happily-ever-afters! Let these new takes on the Brothers Grimm warm your heart and nurture your yearning to see yourself reflected in beloved favorites.

Cinder the Fireplace Boy; And Other Gayly Grimm Tales is a wonderful collection of fairy tale retellings missing the various forms of prejudice that can be seen in the originals. The spirit of each story holds true, with some tweaks that make them more inclusive and engaging for all readers. I like that there were some very well known stories included, like Rapunzel and Hansel and Gretel, as well as lesser known stories- some of which I do not remember ever having encountered before. All of them captured my attention and had me fully engaged. The story length of each story helped me break out of a reading slum, that had made it hard for me to become invested in what I had been reading lately.  I dove into this book, and will be revisiting some of the stories again in the near future. I think readers that have always enjoyed reading fairy tales, and enjoy seeing them evolve, will definitely want to pick this up. Readers that have been put off by the prejudices and attitudes found in many of the originals might want to give collection a try to see a new take on the old tales. 

Book Review: Acoustics (Portland Symphony) by London Price

Acoustics is the first book in the Portland Symphony series by London Price. My sister told me to stay away from her roommate. I promised I would. But I didn’t. I didn’t mean for this to happen. I mean, yeah, maybe it was predictable when I started asking about his AI research and finding reasons to hang out, even when my sister wasn’t home. Looking back, we never should've slow danced alone like that. But with Chance, goofing around melted into messing around easier than butter on hot bread. It’s not fair to keep our relationship a secret, but how can I tell my sister I betrayed her trust? And when the truth comes out, how can I keep both the people I care about most?

Acoustics is a trans romance series set in Oregon. It contains robot talk, found family, and a happily ever after. It’s not intended for readers who don’t want to read explicit LGBTQ sex scenes. CW for the death of a fish. I really loved the characters in this book, including the main and secondary characters. Colby knows better than to date his sister's roommate. He does not want to hurt her, but cannot seem to stop himself. Chance is a fantastic character, and I love the balance of shy tech guy and dominant nature in the bedroom. My favorite part of the book is the frank and honest discussions Chance and Colby have. They  talk about everything I think most people should before getting intimate- covering what they are comfortable with, hard limits, and so on- even holding themselves to that when other choices could have been made. I loved the caring and thoughtful nature of their relationship, even when they were trying to 'just be friends'. The support and honest caring between all of the characters made me want to be part of this circle of friends and family. I cannot wait to see what comes next in the series so I can see them all again. My only big complaint was that it ended too soon.

Acoustics is a wonderful romance with well written characters, I look forward to the next book in the series. 

Book Review: The Life Revamp (Love Study) by Kris Ripper

The Life Revamp is the third book in the Love Study series by Kris Ripper. It can be read on its own, but returning readers will have more knowledge of Mason and most secondary characters. 

All Mason wants to do is fall in love, get married and live happily ever after. The hunt is beginning to wear him down…until he meets (slightly) famous fashion designer Diego. Everything sparks between them—the banter, the sex, the fiery eye contact across a crowded room. There's just one thing: Diego is already married and living his happily-ever-after, which luckily (or not) for Mason includes outside courtships. But not quite in the way he'd always imagined. Mason thought he knew what would make him happy, but it turns out the traditional life he'd expected has some surprises in store.

The Life Revamp is a wonderful addition to the Love Study series, and a charming romance as a stand alone. I loved Mason's character, but while the author does a good job of describing his backstory and friend group, I think returning readers will not be as invested or understand all the history and connections Mason has. I liked the way non traditional relationships were discussed and shown, helping those that have never known anyone in a poly relationship understand at least one way it can all happen and work, since like any kind of relationship each can be different. I loved the emphasis on communication and understanding what you really want versus what we have pictured for ourselves since the two do not always match up. The secondary characters were very well done, and as usual I want more of them. I loved the support systems, family, and found family here. I wish everyone had the kind of support these characters did. The only thing I wanted but did not get from this book is multiple points of view. I really wanted to see the story from the eyes of Diego or even Claris at certain points of the story to get a bigger picture view of what people were thinking and feeling.  However, I know not all readers like the switching viewpoints so I get why they might not be used. 

The Life Revamp is a wonderful romance with complex characters. 

Book Review: Whatever He Needs by Mia Kerick

Whatever He Needs by Mia Kerick is a contemporary romance. Trigger warning, Whatever He Needs includes instances of physical and emotional abuse, sexual assault, and kidnapping.

Heir to the McAllister Construction fortune, Liam is focused on maintaining the myth that he is exactly the son his father wants. When he falls for Dimmy, a heavily inked go-go dancer, he fears revealing the romance, certain it won't go over well with his upper-crust family—especially his father, who seems obsessed with building a family legacy. Dimmy’s father, Gregory, is bent on making Dimmy earn his keep by any means, no matter how unsavory. He puts his barely legal son to work dancing provocatively at the seedy bar he runs and finds Dimmy work on the side providing masseuse services—and more—to club clientele. Gregory has Dimmy twisted into believing he can do no better, and Dimmy does it all in hopes of a pat on the back from his dad. Though Liam is but a few years older, Dimmy sees him as a man who might take care of him as his callous father never has, and reluctantly lets his guard down. But Liam, though he’s falling hard and fast for Dimmy, still hides his blossoming relationship from his family. A crisis ensues when a clash between the two fathers’ business interests puts Dimmy at serious risk. When the right side of the tracks meets the oh-so-very wrong side, will Liam set his priorities straight in time to keep Dimmy from harm, or will fear shatter their lives?

Whatever He Needs is a tough read emotionally. Dimmy  is in a very though situation, and has never had it easy in the best of days. The abuse from his father and everything he goes through is hard to read, but his character is extremely well written. Liam has his own issues, and dos not handle everything as well as readers might hope- past and present. The relationship is a journey, and not always healthy, but I was fully engaged and invested as they each figured out their worth and how to move forward. There were moments of the book that reminded me how fully awful people can be and moments that pointed out that people can carry just as much kindness and grace- and those qualities are not dependent on circumstances. I loved the supportive secondary characters, and viscerally hated some of the characters that made life so hard. They were all well written, and invoked very strong responses from me. In fact, I plan on reading more from the author in hopes of catching some of the characters I loved one more time. 

Whatever He Needs is a hard be very worthwhile read. 

Book Review: Sailor Proof by Annabeth Albert

Sailor Proof by Annabeth Albert is a contemporary romance, and the start of a new series. It’s petty, but Naval Chief Derrick Fox wishes he could exact a little revenge on his ex by showing off a rebound fling. His submarine is due to return to its Bremerton, Washington, home base soon and Derrick knows all too well there won't be anyone waiting with a big, showy welcome. Enter one ill-advised plan. Arthur Euler is the guy you go to in a pinch—he's excellent at out-of-the-box solutions. It's what the genius music-slash-computer nerd is known for. So when he finds out Derrick needs a favor, he’s happy to help. He can muster the sort of welcome a Naval Chief deserves, no problem at all. Except it is a problem. A very big problem. When Arthur’s homecoming welcome is a little too convincing, when a video of their gangplank smooch goes enormously viral, they're caught between a dock and a hard place. Neither of them ever expected a temporary fake relationship to look—or feel—so real. And Arthur certainly never considered he'd be fighting for a very much not-fake forever with a military man.

Sailor Proof is a contemporary romance that uses some of my favorite tropes to great effect. The friend's sibling romance, the kind of friends to lovers, fake romance turned real, and my favorite twist- there's only one bed! Derrick and Arthur were each great characters with their own personal issues to work out. I empathized with Arthur as he struggled with family dynamics and his perceptions of the past and his place in the present. I felt for Derrick as he noticed Arthur's discomfort and his gifts even as he had to come understand some of those dynamics and what he wanted from life at the same time. Seeing them both struggle and then find their way hit just the spot I needed it to.  I absolutely love Arthur and Derrick together, they hit the perfect blend of communication, chemistry, and charm that had me rooting for them right from the beginning. 

Sailor Proof is another great read from this author. I cannot wait to see what they write next.

Book Review: The Price of Silence (Winterfell Academy) by Elle Mae

The Price of Silence is the first book in the Winterfell Academy series by Elle Mae. I am Rosie Miller and at the age of ten, I was cursed. Because of my parents' debt, I was forced into silence and now every word, every laugh, was a weapon used against me. By nineteen I had come to understand that I would have no choice but to follow in my parents' footsteps. Get a soul-sucking job reserved for low-levels like me, keep my head down, and die alone. That was until I got a letter one day welcoming me to the most prestigious demon academy in the entire country. I knew that when I opened that letter, it was too good to be true. There was no way after thousands of years of separation between high-levels and low-levels that I would ever be given such a golden opportunity. Meeting them only proved my suspicions to be correct. A bloodthirsty gangster. A child of a high-ranking demon official with a penance for blackmail. And last but not least a witch who seems to be called by the power my curse exudes. Becoming tangled with them will probably be the most reckless thing that I have ever done in my life, but will it be worth finally breaking my curse after nine years? 

The Price of Silence is a reverse harem paranormal romance adventure. Fair warning, if you do not like that idea, then this book is not for you. This book contains graphic descriptions of violence, sexual situations, and dubious consent elements. Again, if none of that is your cup of tea then I recommend finding a different series to read.

The Price of Silence is a book that ran hot and cold for me. I liked all the individual elements, but am not sure I liked them together. Rosie is dealing with a lot, a curse that has made her life hell for years and getting sent to a elite college out of the blue surrounded by the rich and powerful is just the starting point. I liked her character development and the way the the school and group dynamics are handled. The added level of sexual tension and action was an interesting addition, and while well done and unique on a few levels I think it was unnecessary but entertaining. The levels of deceit, secrets, and mystery surrounding the curse and everyone's plans was complex, and at times a little frustrating. I saw some of it coming a mile away, and never really got resolution for other bits. Then the author leaves readers on a cliffhanger. I am intrigued by some of the connections and world building, and like the work on characters and their connections. However, I felt like the author was trying to do too many things all at once.  

The Price of Silence is a book with many great aspects and potential.

Book Review: Weekend Girl by Alex Powell

Weekend Girl by Alex Powell is a contemporary romance. Ashley Kingston is a gender fluid university student with a major crush on attractive and charming Nolan. He seems just too perfect to be true. What happens when Ash meets Nolan while dressed as both a man, and a woman? And even more confusing, what happens when Nolan seems enamored of both versions of Ash? A twisty-turny romance filled with fun and shenanigans.

Weekend Girl is a book that entertained, while also leaving me wanting more from the whole friend group. I really enjoyed getting to know Ash, and going along with them on their journey of self discovery and realization. I could relate to their anxiety and avoidance, and it was great to get a personal understanding of how one person experienced being genderfluid- since like most everything each individual's path is unique. I thought t was very well written, giving me a better understanding of how some individuals feel and what they experience without ever feeling performative- which sometimes happens. I liked the group of friends here, and the amount of support they offer each other, even when they are not necessarily getting along. There were so many times that I thought something big and bad was about to happen, but was thrilled with the reality and the solutions that Ash and Nolan discuss and work out together.  The only thing that I wanted but did not get from this book was some of the story from Nolan's perceptive. There were several moments when how he felt was pivotal, and I thought I knew but would have loved confirmation. 

Weekend Girl is an engaging read that had me rooting for Ash, and feeling some significant sympathy anxiety. 

Early Book Review: Playing It Safe by Amy Andrews

Playing It Safe by Amy Andrews is currently scheduled for release on September 6 2021. Donovan Bane loves playing rugby for the Sydney Smoke. And if that means he has to keep his sexuality a secret, that’s a sacrifice he’s prepared to make. At least until after he retires, anyway. He doesn’t want to be the first pro rugby player in Australia to officially come out while still playing. The team doesn’t need the media shit storm and he’d rather be known for his footy skills. Which means no dating, no relationships, no sex. Nothing but playing ball. Until one man suddenly changes everything. Beckett Stanton is out and proud, and not looking for a guy who isn’t. Been there, done that, complete disaster. Unfortunately, on the first day of his new job working for the Sydney Smoke, he locks eyes with Donovan Bane and he’s a goner. Big, gruff, and athletic isn’t usually Beck’s type, but for some reason this man is ticking all his boxes. And it’s clear the feeling is mutual. It’s also clear that Donovan is not out, and doesn’t plan to be anytime soon. Still, Beck can’t resist being the man to show Donovan everything he’s been missing. For the first time, Donovan doesn’t play it safe and allows himself to indulge in things with Beck he knows he can’t have. But when their relationship gets serious, he knows he has to choose between the career he loves and the man he loves, because how can he possibly have both?

Playing It Safe is a book that had some great moments and some that just did not work for me. I think the set up was great, and the characters were interesting. I have to admit that I almost did not make it past the first page when one of the main characters waxes poetic about how great women are, and that his lack of attraction to us has nothing to do with how absolutely fabulous we all are.  For some reason that just hit me wrong, and every now and then through the rest of the book there would be moments of introspection that just seemed too much. There were conversation I wanted to be in the room for, but instead got basic 'this happened'.  However, other people really enjoy that in their reading, so this is more a matter of personal preference rather than it being a flaw in the work. I did like the story arch of the romance, and the secondary characters. I enjoyed the team and friend group interactions, and could have stood for more of that, and the actually bonding time between Donovan and Beck. I still enjoyed the read, and think others will enjoy it. I can think of a few fellow readers that will absolutely love it, and whom I will be recommending it to.   

Playing It Safe is an engaging read with good characters.

Book Review: An Unexpected Kind of Love by Hayden Stone

An Unexpected Kind of Love by Hayden Stone is currently scheduled for release on August 9 2021. Bookstore owner Aubrey Barnes likes his quiet, orderly London life, thank you very much. His shop may be struggling, his only employee is a menace, and his plumbing is one creaky pipe away from disaster, but he can handle it. Maybe. He cannot, however, handle the film company that’s thrown his Soho street into chaos. And he definitely can’t handle the charismatic American actor Blake Sinclair. Which is why he’s extremely reluctant to lease out his shop as a set for Blake's film, but it’s his one opportunity to save his business. Now he can’t get away from the distractingly hot actor. Then Aubrey finds himself alone with Blake in a trailer, and what happens next turns London’s heat wave into an inferno that leaves him breathless. Aubrey is not cut out for the high-profile life of dating a celebrity, especially an American actor who’s not even out yet. Good thing their tryst is absolutely not going anywhere. Of course, when you expect nothing, that’s exactly when it starts to mean everything.

An Unexpected Kind of Love is a romance with well developed characters and a solid setting I could understand and empathize with Aubrey. He is awkward and more loved by his friends than he realizes, and just trying to be the best person he can under a lot of stress. I understood every moment of his worries and self doubt. Blake is well written as well, but since we do not get his point of view I connected much more with Audrey. I thought the set up, the secondary characters, and the problems everyone faces are all realistic and well written. I was intrigued by some of the secondary characters, and while some are definitely not my favorite (looking at you Eli) I would love to see more about Ryan, Gemma, and Lily. I think they were all well developed past the role they needed to play in this story.

An Unexpected Kind of Love is a sweet contemporary romance with plenty of heat and feels.

Early Book Review: Hot Days, Heated Nights by Renee Roman

Hot Days, Heated Nights by Renee Roman is currently scheduled for release on August 10 2021. Cole Jackson’s promise to her dying father has left her destined for a solitary life in the small town of Inlet, NY. After Lee Walker's employer goes bankrupt, her world crumbles, and she’s forced to move in with her uncle. When Cole and Lee meet, instant attraction quickly flares into uncontrollable passion, but their connection might be short-lived. Lee’s identity is tied to her life in the city, and she’s worked hard to make it on her own terms. Inlet, NY, is just a way station on her trip back to the world where she belongs. It will be up to Cole, and the heated nights they share, to give her a reason to stay.

Hot Days, Heated Nights took me on quite the ride. Cole and Lee are independent women that struggle with balancing who they are and what they want with the fear of being rejected, left behind, or humiliated. The story is as much about them coming together are it is about them resolving their individual issues and communicating. I enjoyed seeing the pair come to trust themselves, ad each other, as the story went on. I also liked that they issues they faced in the past were addressed, but did not overtake the other aspects of the story. The past events set the stage, but the damage was not the point, the growth made to foster love, communication, and trust is the point. I felt like the character development was very realistic, and I liked the secondary characters as much as the main characters. So much so that I would not mind getting more of the whole cast of characters at some point.

Hot Days, Heated Nights is a steamy and emotional romance with all the feels.

Early Book Review: Role Model (Game Changers) by Rachel Reid

Role Model is the fifth book in the Game Changers series by Rachel Reid and is currently scheduled for release on August 10 2021. Each book in the series can stand up fine on its own, but some subtext and inside jokes will be missed if you have not read the previous books. 

The hits just keep coming for Troy Barrett. Traded to the worst team in the league would be bad enough, but coming on the heels of a messy breakup and a recent scandal… Troy just wants to play hockey and be left alone. He doesn’t want to be in the news anymore, and he definitely doesn’t want to “work on his online presence” with the team’s peppy social media manager. Harris Drover can tell standoffish Troy isn’t happy about the trade—anyone could tell, frankly, as he doesn’t exactly hide it well—but Harris doesn’t give up on people easily. Even when he’s developing a crush he’s sure is one-sided. And when he sees Troy’s smile finally crack through his grumpy exterior, well… That’s a man Harris couldn’t turn his back on if he wanted to. Suddenly, Troy’s move to the new team feels like an opportunity—for Troy to embrace his true self, and for both men to surrender to their growing attraction. But indulging in each other behind closed doors is one thing, and for Troy, being in a public relationship with Harris will mean facing off with his fears, once and for all.

Role Model is a read that tackles some of the same big issues as previous books in this series (homophobia and all the trauma that comes with it) and adds in the rape culture that seems to be all to common. Even with all that going on the character development and growth of the characters is not lost or diminished. I hurt for Troy as he comes to terms with the things he lost and tries to become a better person. I found his journey to be realistic and very well written. Seeing returning characters get some page time and play a solid role in Troy's story made me very happy. I have to say that I love Harris. He is sweet and understanding but does not come off like a doormat, rather just someone that can wait for the right moment and doing what he can to make everyone's life better. I loved the honesty and direct handling of the varied elements of the story and cannot wait for more from the author.

Role Model is another great read from Reid. It is a definite must read for fans and a simply great read for everyone else. 

Early Book Review: Glass Syndrome by Eiko Ariki

Glass Syndrome by Eiko Ariki is a graphic novel currently scheduled for release on August 10 2021. Class president Nijou is a talented athlete, popular honor student... and a total people-pleaser who can't stop living up to others' smothering expectations of him. When his teacher asks him to check on Toomi, a classmate who's stopped coming to school, that chance meeting leads to an unexpected connection that neither young man expects. Toomi sees right through his diligent facade, and Nijou can't forget the cool comfort of Toomi's undemanding touch. But when Nijou discovers the reason behind Toomi's frequent absences — that he's been working as an online cam "girl" — he doesn't know how to react. How can he bring up what he knows? And how will it change their relationship?

Glass Syndrome is a nice romance, with a second story included in the volume. I thought it was well done in terms of story, text, and art. I felt for Nijou and Toomi as they face their individual struggles. I kind of wanted a bit more oft hem actually figuring the relationship thing out- it felt more like they just decided that they would be together without ever saying anything. Then the switch to the second romance confused me for a bit- I knew they were different people from the first couple but could not figure out how everyone related only to decide that it was a completely unrelated story. It was also good in its way, but was short. I think I would have liked it more if I could have connected the two stories and the main story was expanded on a bit more. However, I did enjoy the read and think it is a quick, fun read.