A hilarious but also deeply moving novel with an ensemble cast of quirky, memorable characters who are all drawn to a private island for a billionaireA hilarious but also deeply moving novel with an ensemble cast of quirky, memorable characters who are all drawn to a private island for a billionaire's upcoming wedding. This had a surprisingly GREAT disability rep aspect (one of the MCs is the caretaker for his partner who dies from ALS), there was also a good diverse cast of straight and queer characters and it was excellent on audio too narrated by Erin Mallon who pulls off voicing the many characters superbly! Highly recommended for fans of authors like Steven Rowley or Georgia Clark. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!...more
This was a cozy roadtrip, opposites attract romantasy debut that has two strangers traveling together and bonding as they try to escape the grasp of nThis was a cozy roadtrip, opposites attract romantasy debut that has two strangers traveling together and bonding as they try to escape the grasp of nefarious bounty hunters.
I loved that this book featured two very relatable and well written queer main characters. Elikki is a fat, short elf with anger and alcohol addiction issues whose magic gets out of control when she loses her temper and Barra is more of a gentle (literal) giant who struggles with anxiety and falling too hard too fast for romantic partners.
Both are somewhat lost and lonely souls and they come together in a beautiful way trying to help each other face their internal demons. Great on audio narrated by Evan Elliot & Sarah McEwan and perfect for fans of books like Tusk love, Behooved or The enchanted greenhouse.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio and digital copy in exchange for my honest review!...more
This was my first book by Canadian author Paul Coccia and I LOVED it!! A loose Jane Austen Emma retelling that features a fat soon to be college freshThis was my first book by Canadian author Paul Coccia and I LOVED it!! A loose Jane Austen Emma retelling that features a fat soon to be college freshman who makes a grand romantic gesture that goes horribly wrong and ends up spending his summer at a run-down used bookstore run by a family friend. I loved the diverse cast of quirky queer characters, the indie bookstore setting and that there was so much focus on romance and matchmaking even though the main character was a bit clueless when it came to his own love life. Highly recommended for fans of authors like Julie Murphy and Jason June and books like Meet me on Love Street by Farah Heron or Emmett by LC Rosen. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review. ...more
A beautiful small town, dual POV, opposites attract, second chance summer romance between two queer FMCs who are reunited when a movie film comes to RA beautiful small town, dual POV, opposites attract, second chance summer romance between two queer FMCs who are reunited when a movie film comes to Ramona's town bringing the actress she had a memorable summer with as a young tween. There's great found family/queer female friendship rep, messy family drama and fun Bright Falls Easter eggs (ie a cameo by Iris Kelley, the romance author whose book is being turned into a film). It was also good on audio narrated by Gail Shalan and perfect for fans of Alexandria Bellefleur and books like Holly jolly July by Lindsay Maple. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!...more
Another emotionally deep YA coming of age story featuring a South Asian American teen singer who has recently cut ties with her controlling parents onAnother emotionally deep YA coming of age story featuring a South Asian American teen singer who has recently cut ties with her controlling parents only to find herself fake dating an actor. I loved the T. Swift similiarities in this story, how well the author writes about mental health and accepting that it's okay to remove emotionally abusive people from your life. There's also a relatable coming out as pansexual storyline made more challenging by living in the limelight and having homophobic parents. I adored the friends to lovers fake dating romance, it was sweet and swoony all at the same time with no unnecessary drama or miscommunications. Great on audio too narrated by a fav, Soneela Nankani. Highly recommended! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!...more
This was a super fun coming of age summer road trip between three estranged queer friends who agree to take a road trip together in order to attend a This was a super fun coming of age summer road trip between three estranged queer friends who agree to take a road trip together in order to attend a reunion show of one of their fav boy bands in Vegas. I loved the female friendship in this book, the ADHD rep, the diverse characters, the humor and heart, the bucket list, the Whit Rivera references and of course the swoony Sapphic romance between Chloe and her former crush Ramona. Great on audio and perfect for fans of books like Sisterhood of the travelling pants and Once upon a Quinceañera by Monica Gomez-Hira. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review....more
It took me a bit to warm up to Eva, with her strong black cat personality but all the bite masks a vulnerable woman who's never felt like she was enouIt took me a bit to warm up to Eva, with her strong black cat personality but all the bite masks a vulnerable woman who's never felt like she was enough to be loved for who she was, making her DEEPLY relatable.
When a video she posts lambasting her semi-famous podcaster ex, Riley, goes viral, her boss practically forces her to capitalize on her ten minutes of fame for clicks to drive traffic to the online site she works for.
What follows is a fun, emotional, second chance romance that has Eva and Riley going on six dates and rehashing them on his podcast but things get messy when the two give in to the very real chemistry that still lingers between them.
I loved that Riley wouldn't let Eva run away from her feelings!! One of their dates even involves seeing a therapist together and unpacking the unresolved feelings from their breakup when Riley ghosted her in college.
This was also full of spicy open door scenes, had two fully dimensional queer MCs (Eva's pan, Riley's bi), included a fun cameo where Eva does an interview with Lizzie from a past book and saw Eva standing up for herself against workplace bullying and harassment.
Highly recommended for fans of books like Truly madly deeply by Alexandra Bellefleur or You, again by Kate Goldbeck. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!...more
This was such a cute and heartfelt YA romance set in a small Toronto neighborhood that had tons of Emma and Pride and Prejudice vibes and sees two SouThis was such a cute and heartfelt YA romance set in a small Toronto neighborhood that had tons of Emma and Pride and Prejudice vibes and sees two South Asian Canadian teens getting off to a bad start but having to work together to plan a summer festival in an attempt to save the businesses on their beloved Love Street. Full of opposites attract, forced proximity goodness, matchmatching shenanigans, parental drama, lots of great found family and a cast of diverse, queer characters. I really loved all the nods to the different parts of Toronto, the spotlight on city planning and teen activism plus all the Canadian romance book Easter eggs (I saw that Accidentally engaged nod Farah!). Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digtial copy in exchange for my honest review! This is perfect for fans of authors like Jenny Han and Jackie Khalilieh....more
I really, REALLY, loved this Canadian author's debut last year and was nervous how their interconnected standalone/sequel would measure up. Let me reaI really, REALLY, loved this Canadian author's debut last year and was nervous how their interconnected standalone/sequel would measure up. Let me reassure you that it does and while it's a bit less steamy than Rules for second chances, it still has lots of heart, emotional depth and a great cast of secondary characters.
Be prepared to get angry on Stellar's behalf as she grapples with post-pandemic burnout and an unceremonious release from her ER physician job. I love how Lyle (McHuge) is a quietly, loving presence, who patiently waits for her to come back to him in this second chance, slow burn romance. Highly recommended for fans of books like Two for the road by Chantel Guertin.
All this to say, you're going to want to pre-order and mark your calendars for this latest Canadian romance coming in June 2025!! Maggie North is definitely an author to watch and I can't wait to read what she writes next! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!...more
This was a super SPICY friends to lovers romance that sees Ginny, a nonbinary Butch lesbian going on her recently single pansexual Jewish bestie ElsieThis was a super SPICY friends to lovers romance that sees Ginny, a nonbinary Butch lesbian going on her recently single pansexual Jewish bestie Elsie's Caribbean honeymoon where the two acknowledge they've always had more than platonic feelings for each other and they decide to go for it - HARD!
Things get HEATED fast but cool off just as quickly once the two return home. I wasn't a fan of the mid-plot break up but I did think there was a lot of great character growth and fantastic queer rep. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!...more
A great debut graphic novel set in London about a famous biracial, pansexual celebrity chef and the nerdy gay freelance foodie reporter who is assigneA great debut graphic novel set in London about a famous biracial, pansexual celebrity chef and the nerdy gay freelance foodie reporter who is assigned to write a series of articles about him. This story focuses on some heavy topics, from fame, sexuality, anxiety, eating disorders and more plus features a great cast of found family secondary characters. The illustrations were fun and bright but some of the more anime style parts were a bit too cartoony for my personal tastes. Still a great read, perfect for fans of books like Chef's kiss by Jarrett Melendez. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review. I hope there are more volumes to come in the future! ...more
An incredible YA must read about two Muslim girls fighting for abortion access and rights in a near future Texas in which Roe v Wade is still overturnAn incredible YA must read about two Muslim girls fighting for abortion access and rights in a near future Texas in which Roe v Wade is still overturned! Great on audio and such an important read. I absolutely devoured this important book about women's rights, access and body autonomy told from the perspective of the Muslim American community! I cannot recommend this book enough!...more
I really, really enjoyed this opposites attract, forced proximity, small town romance that sees Lex, a former ghosterhunting Vermont vlogger turned waI really, really enjoyed this opposites attract, forced proximity, small town romance that sees Lex, a former ghosterhunting Vermont vlogger turned want to be bookstore owner pairing up new to town, James, who is working on a paranormal ghost documentary. Sparks fly between the two as the film different haunted places around town and James travels home with Lex for Christmas.
This was great on audio narrated by Mara Wilson and perfect for fans of books like Love and other conspiracies by Mallory Marlowe. There is also great queer rep (he's bi, she's pan) and great mental health rep (Lex drops out of college because of mounting depression). Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
I loved this forced proximity, fake dating for the holidays, dual POV romance novella featuring a fat, pansexual FMC wFake fiancée for Christmas oh my
I loved this forced proximity, fake dating for the holidays, dual POV romance novella featuring a fat, pansexual FMC with PCOS and a British former pro footballer with anxiety rep. I’m always a sucker for a dirty talking hot athlete and a he falls first situation. A slow burn that was full of festive fun and family drama. I gobbled this one up and enjoyed it soo much!! I can’t wait to read more from this author ASAP!!
**spoiler alert** This was the SPICY AF MMF queer holiday romance novella I didn't know I needed! Fantastic plus-size rep and queer rep (pan and bi). **spoiler alert** This was the SPICY AF MMF queer holiday romance novella I didn't know I needed! Fantastic plus-size rep and queer rep (pan and bi). If you're in the mood for a seriously sexy holiday treat this is one not to miss. Poly relationships aren't usually my jam but this one was done really well with a great balance of smut with emotional depth too. I mean with lines like this one you just can't go wrong:
"There's a Christmas ornament in my pussy and a buzzing butt plug in my ass. Oh, and did I mention there's one hottie eating me out while the other one sucks my face off? Best. Christmas. Ever."
I voluntarily read and reviewed an early copy of this book and all opinions are my own.
No sophomore slump for Erin as she bangs it out of the park with this latest in her Hollywood series that features Sophie, a struggling4.5 rounded up.
No sophomore slump for Erin as she bangs it out of the park with this latest in her Hollywood series that features Sophie, a struggling romance writer who's never been in love herself and Dash, Sophie's best friend's brother who also happens to be her neighbor and a recovering alcoholic former childhood star with a secret IG account.
While Dash isn't looking for a serious relationship he can't resist helping Sophie try to discover what it is about her past relationships that's prevented her from being able to say 'I love you.' Eventually they can't resist the undeniable chemistry and try to be friends with benefits with mixed results.
I loved how messy, flawed and relatable both the MCs were! They each had personal stuff to deal with before they were ready to be in a relationship and the book had such emotional depth along with the sizzling sexual connection.
Added to this there was great found family, a cameo from Nina (Sophie's sister), only one bed action, great pan rep and disability rep and relatable mental health rep related to toxic family relationships. Great on audio read by Mela Lee (the author's cousin) who is a talented narrator in her own right and a fav I didn't even realize I'd listened to a lot before.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and Librofm for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review! I enjoyed this one so much and highly recommend for fans of authors like Sarah Smith and Elissa Sussman.
Steam level: open door, some graphic scenes
Merged review:
4.5 rounded up.
No sophomore slump for Erin as she bangs it out of the park with this latest in her Hollywood series that features Sophie, a struggling romance writer who's never been in love herself and Dash, Sophie's best friend's brother who also happens to be her neighbor and a recovering alcoholic former childhood star with a secret IG account.
While Dash isn't looking for a serious relationship he can't resist helping Sophie try to discover what it is about her past relationships that's prevented her from being able to say 'I love you.' Eventually they can't resist the undeniable chemistry and try to be friends with benefits with mixed results.
I loved how messy, flawed and relatable both the MCs were! They each had personal stuff to deal with before they were ready to be in a relationship and the book had such emotional depth along with the sizzling sexual connection.
Added to this there was great found family, a cameo from Nina (Sophie's sister), only one bed action, great pan rep and disability rep and relatable mental health rep related to toxic family relationships. Great on audio read by Mela Lee (the author's cousin) who is a talented narrator in her own right and a fav I didn't even realize I'd listened to a lot before.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and Librofm for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review! I enjoyed this one so much and highly recommend for fans of authors like Sarah Smith and Elissa Sussman.
Steam level: open door, some graphic scenes...more
I really enjoyed this small town, second chance, queer romcom featuring both actual cinnamon rolls and one of the best fictional ones!!
Lots of summerI really enjoyed this small town, second chance, queer romcom featuring both actual cinnamon rolls and one of the best fictional ones!!
Lots of summer vibes, heavy on the family drama but FULL of swoony moments between a baker trying to save his family's cafe and an aspiring rock star slash mechanic!! The queer rep was fantastic and treated so naturally - which was lovely to see! We don't learn until more than midway through that Ben is bisexual and Adam is pansexual.
Highly recommended if you want a feel-good story full of a great cast of queer secondary characters, supportive (mostly) family, reality tv x Rockstar romances, California sunshine and open door spice.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review. Perfect for fans of authors like Roan Parrish and Timothy Janovsky....more
An almost 35 year old pansexual lawyer decides to self inseminate only to end up falling for the sister of her baby’s sperm donor.
I picked this book An almost 35 year old pansexual lawyer decides to self inseminate only to end up falling for the sister of her baby’s sperm donor.
I picked this book up on a whim based on the description alone and was pleasantly surprised that this #SapphicSeptember choice was equally funny, fresh and deep!!
If you like found family, great queer romcoms and stories about unconventional HEAs this is the perfect choice. It was also really good on audio narrated by Karla Serrato.
Highly recommended for fans of authors like Anita Kelly, Alison Cochrun and Rachel Lacey.
Many thanks to @homecookedbookspromos for the opportunity to listen to an early copy. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book and all opinions are my own.
My heart went out to 13 year old Shai in this latest middle grade novel from one of my fav authors! They are starting at a new school after being homeMy heart went out to 13 year old Shai in this latest middle grade novel from one of my fav authors! They are starting at a new school after being homeschooled and getting advanced a grade, trying to fit in, make friends and come out as nonbinary.
They also have extreme anxiety which manifests through skin picking (excoriation disorder) - something they are hiding from both their best friend and mom. Add in a new romantic friendship possibility and difficulties with a school project they chose to do on their Jewish heritage and life is tough!!
Full of heart and sprinkled with humor, this is such a relatable #ownvoices story that I hope lots of kids find themselves in! Recommended for fans of books like Jamie Sumner's Summer of June or Ronnie Riley's Asking for a friend or Jude saves the world....more