Chip Pons' mainstream MM romance debut, WINGING IT WITH YOU, is a total blast from beginning to end. I didn't read the author's debut, but if this booChip Pons' mainstream MM romance debut, WINGING IT WITH YOU, is a total blast from beginning to end. I didn't read the author's debut, but if this book is any indication of his talent as a romance author, reading anything he has for readers is a must.
The story is centered around Asher Bennet's journey on the reality show, The Epic Trek (think Amazing Race). Asher thinks his relationship is solid—until he’s dumped at the Boston airport just before filming The Epic Trek. Down a teammate and stuck with nothing but a ticket and a bruised ego, he drowns his sorrows in mozzarella sticks at an airport TGI Fridays, where he meets Theo Fernandez—a pilot forced into taking his first vacation. When Asher needs a last-minute teammate, Theo steps in, and the two agree to fake date for the cameras. But as sparks start to fly mid-flight, they’re forced to ask: could this unexpected layover lead to something real?
This book is funny and oh so steamy. There's two chapters that literally had me ...more
Archer Read, a 27-year-old accountant from Ohio, moves to Manhattan with dreams of Broadway stardom but ends up with nothing but rejection. Desperate Archer Read, a 27-year-old accountant from Ohio, moves to Manhattan with dreams of Broadway stardom but ends up with nothing but rejection. Desperate for a shot, he takes a job dancing at Shady Queens, a queer-friendly resort, where he’s shocked to find himself working with his former celebrity crush, fallen Broadway star Mateo Dixon. As Archer navigates Mateo’s icy demeanor, a fling with his bunkmate Caleb, and the chaotic drama of the dance crew, he discovers that chasing your dreams means confronting heartbreak—both on and off the stage.
I am more and more getting into MM romance and this one is a very cute romance and queer family story. I loved Shady Queens and their staff and would love to go to a resort like this in real life. There were a lot of slow moving parts, but there’s a lot of vulnerability and accountability with their characters (specifically one main character) which I loved. The ending was a bit abrupt, but I did enjoy this book. It’s definitely more cutesy than sexy, and the romance plays a much much much lower end on the plot point than you’d expect. I would definitely read more from this author. ...more
When college student, awkward and shy Ryan, is assigned a new dorm roommate, he did not expect it to be Miller MacAvoy. Miller is gorgeous, athletic, When college student, awkward and shy Ryan, is assigned a new dorm roommate, he did not expect it to be Miller MacAvoy. Miller is gorgeous, athletic, confident, and wealthy. Miller is the only person Ryan knows that doesn’t get any ...more
Craig Willse's dark academia gay thriller, PROVIDENCE, was a total blast—infusing The Talented Mr. Ripley, Saltburn, and Micah Nemerever's These VioleCraig Willse's dark academia gay thriller, PROVIDENCE, was a total blast—infusing The Talented Mr. Ripley, Saltburn, and Micah Nemerever's These Violent Delights into one wildly entertaining experience.
The story is centered around Mark Lausson—an English professor at an elite liberal arts school in the middle of Ohio, who becomes infatuated with a sophomore soccer player, charismatic and handsome Tyler Cunningham. Tyler draws Mark in with his personality and looks in ways that Mark can't describe. Mark starts centering his life around Tyler's every move, becoming more and more ingrained into Tyler's world. Knowing that this relationship is unprofessional, Mark tries to fight back, but can't seem to let Tyler go. As the two forge a sexual relationship, Mark starts seeing that Tyler can't be trusted. However, once Mark is locked into Tyler's world, it's hard to escape.
This book was so much fun and I read it in two sittings. I normally don't prioritize dark academia books, but the cover and synopsis drew me in immediately. This book will turn in ways you won't expect and its steamy in all the right ways without going over the top. At its core, PROVIDENCE is a mystery/thriller, but there's moments in which we get social commentary on LGBTQ+ culture as well. I absolutely loved how the story ended and was surprised to see it go that direction (in a good way). I can't wait to see what Craig Willse has in store for readers next. ...more
Timothy Janovsky has been such a huge presence in the MM romance world and his latest novel, THE (FAKE) DATING GAME has further cemented himself as anTimothy Janovsky has been such a huge presence in the MM romance world and his latest novel, THE (FAKE) DATING GAME has further cemented himself as an auto read for MM romance fans. This novel will be released in January 2024 and it should be at the top of your TBR.
When Holden James gets the opportunity to join reality television competition, Madcap Market, he faces a breakup and painful demise of his long-term boyfriend. Without a partner for the show, Holden is possibly disqualified for the new season. That is, until he meets Leo Min, the concierge at the hotel he is residing at while filming. Leo is the perfect candidate for the show and the chemistry between the two is undeniable. Leo can be the replacement partner for Holden's chance at winning this competition, but when emotions run high, things may not be as easily forged as you may think.
THE (FAKE) DATING GAME is steamy AF (seriously, it might be the steamiest book I've read this year) and unequivocally gay—GAYME ON (ok, I'm corny). If you like steamy gay romance, reality competition shows, or just fun escapist reads, this is your book! This book is the perfect combination of Alexis Hall meets C. Travis Rice (Christopher Rice)'s Sapphire Cove series. I cannot wait to see what Timothy Janovsky has for readers next. ...more
THE BOYFRIEND SUBSCRIPTION is my first read by Steven Salvatore, but it certainly won't be my last! This book is the perfect MM romance novel that youTHE BOYFRIEND SUBSCRIPTION is my first read by Steven Salvatore, but it certainly won't be my last! This book is the perfect MM romance novel that you're going to need to prioritize for 2024.
Having endured the loss of both his marriage and his retail plant business, Plant Daddy, Teddy Hughes finds himself at the lowest point in his life so far. Faced with financial constraints, he decides to abandon his aspirations and bid farewell to New York and move in with his mother. However, that all changes when he meets Cole Vivien. Cole enters the bar that Teddy is commiserating at with confidence and beauty that Teddy breathless. Cole is a successful entrepreneur of the VERSTL app, an app that links connections between consumers looking to meet and purchase time with sex workers. After meeting Teddy, Cole definitely feels an attraction that is reciprocated. To present a more conventional image for a potential investor, Cole asks Teddy if he could use him as a fake boyfriend in exchange for compensation and Teddy accepts. The terms are clear: no kissing and no falling in love. In exchange for one week of playing the role, Teddy will receive the financial boost he needs, with the assurance that emotions won't complicate the arrangement. But when emotions run high, who knows what will happen.
THE BOYFRIEND SUBSCRIPTION is steamy AF everyone! This book is the perfect queer romance and will leave readers hot and heavy, while also pulling on your heartstrings. I loved the dynamics between Teddy and Cole and the story unfolded in an unexpected way that I didn't see evolving. The book is the p-e-r-f-e-c-t Harlequin romance that fans of the genre must read. Living in New York, I can easily see similarities with this story and the trajectories many queer men face in the City. I can't wait to see what's next with this author and will prioritize anything Steven Salvatore releases. ...more
MM romance novels have had a resurgence and deviation from the MM rom-com BS that Red White & Royal Blue created and I'm loving it. Even though RWRB wMM romance novels have had a resurgence and deviation from the MM rom-com BS that Red White & Royal Blue created and I'm loving it. Even though RWRB wasn't my favorite novel ever, I appreciated it bringing MM Romance to mainstream fiction. That being said, it watered down a lot of the MM romance novels that I've been wanting to read (fade to black, ridiculous heteronormative dating styles, etc.). Jordan Clayden-Lewis' new novel, WHEN THINGS HAPPEN TOGETHER breaks away from that mold and I'm so happy to see it doing its own thing. I don't want to dive into specifics about the synopsis because its a romance novel, figure it out. However, this book dives into depression, violence, drugs, and provides the explicit graphic steam I expect coming from MM romance novels. This fast-paced book can be read in one sitting, trust me I did it myself! Jordan Clayden-Lewis has now gotten my attention and I can't wait until his next novel.
Books like When Things Happen Together remind me of real gay relationships. My relationship with my husband is not reflected in this book, but our journey has followed a path I wouldn't see in the MM romance rom-coms I've read in this past. I want more stories like When Things Happen Together moving forward.
Merged review:
MM romance novels have had a resurgence and deviation from the MM rom-com BS that Red White & Royal Blue created and I'm loving it. Even though RWRB wasn't my favorite novel ever, I appreciated it bringing MM Romance to mainstream fiction. That being said, it watered down a lot of the MM romance novels that I've been wanting to read (fade to black, ridiculous heteronormative dating styles, etc.). Jordan Clayden-Lewis' new novel, WHEN THINGS HAPPEN TOGETHER breaks away from that mold and I'm so happy to see it doing its own thing. I don't want to dive into specifics about the synopsis because its a romance novel, figure it out. However, this book dives into depression, violence, drugs, and provides the explicit graphic steam I expect coming from MM romance novels. This fast-paced book can be read in one sitting, trust me I did it myself! Jordan Clayden-Lewis has now gotten my attention and I can't wait until his next novel.
Books like When Things Happen Together remind me of real gay relationships. My relationship with my husband is not reflected in this book, but our journey has followed a path I wouldn't see in the MM romance rom-coms I've read in this past. I want more stories like When Things Happen Together moving forward....more
This book is a difficult one for me to review, because I enjoyed it, but it wasn't anything like I expected. Spanning the late 19-century Lon3.5 stars
This book is a difficult one for me to review, because I enjoyed it, but it wasn't anything like I expected. Spanning the late 19-century London, this novel encompasses the two protagonists, John Addington and Henry Ellis. Both men are married to their wives, but their marriages are very different to say the least. When both men decide that they want to write a book about homosexuality and talk about how natural it is when it comes to human sexuality. However, this is during a time when London criminalized homosexuality and Oscar Wilde has been arrested. What could go wrong?
This book is very densely written at times, but the times I enjoyed it were steamy, provocative, and downright immersive. This book is a bit too smart for me, there I said it. So if you like books that have a detailed and atmsopheric prose highlighting Victorian Englad, with some massive amounts of steam, this book could be for you. I'm not sure how to recommend this one, because it wasn't my favorite, but I also enjoyed reading it too. I'm curious to see what others feel about this one!...more
After reading Alexis Hall's GLITTERLAND (the re-release via Sourcebooks Casablanca), I just knew that I wanted to dive more into Hall's Spires series.After reading Alexis Hall's GLITTERLAND (the re-release via Sourcebooks Casablanca), I just knew that I wanted to dive more into Hall's Spires series. After reading Hall's second installment, Waiting for the FLood, I was a bit disappointed, but I heard from @leighkramer that her favorite installment s book 3, FOR REAL, and I can totally see why. Sorry Leigh that I waited five years!
As with Hall's other books in the Spires series, FOR REAL is a standalone MM romance that veers into BDSM territory and woo boy was this book steamy. This book has a major age gap, with the main characters Laurence (Laurie) 37 and Toby at 19 years old. When the two meet at a BDSM party, Laurie is pleasantly surprised that Toby is a Dom and can fulfill his Submissive needs. I don't think I've ever read a book about BDSM in a positive light, so FOR REAL really was intriguing in that regard. As the two venture into uncharted relationship territory, I really enjoyed how they handled grief, past relationship affairs, and socio-economic discrimination. Laurie and Toby are authentic to who they are and that's why I loved them so much. The book is a bit too long for my liking, but overall I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys realistic MM romance, but with a little bit more flair. Right now, you can purchase this book directly from Alexis Hall or any online shops, but who knows, maybe Sourcebooks Casablanca will re-release this one as well. ...more
Alexis Hall can do no wrong in my eyes, but I miss his older MM romance novels because I feel that he now caters to heterosexual women audien3.5 stars
Alexis Hall can do no wrong in my eyes, but I miss his older MM romance novels because I feel that he now caters to heterosexual women audiences more than queer readers. That being said, I was really excited to read 10 THINGS THAT NEVER HAPPENED. Note: I will read any Alexis Hall novel that comes my way so thank you @sourcebookscasa for this advanced copy. Releasing this October, 10 THINGS THAT NEVER HAPPENED will be a great holiday read for romance readers, and is very reminiscent of a Hallmark movie vibe.
This enemies to lovers story focuses on Sam Becker, a mattress store manager and his boss Jonathan Forest and the development of their relationship. When Jonathan has Sam report to London for a work conversation, specifically about Sam's store's inefficient work practices, Sam ends up getting hurt and getting a concussion. Sam realizes that if he milks this concussion further and pretends to have amnesia (corny romance alert!), he could bide his store some time and manipulate Jonathan to help with Sam's stores woes. What's the worst that could happen?!
This book is a total cornball fest, but it was so much fun. I did roll my eyes at times, but that's because I'm not typically a mainstream romance reader. This book is MAINSTREAM ROMANCE to a T. I am objectively reviewing this book, because I did find it too gimmicky for my particular taste (see above with audience), but I know this will be a hit for romance readers. This book is heavy on the family drama, which I really appreciated because it opened up a second storyline arc that I wasn't expecting, but overall this is your bingeworthy Alexis Hall MM romance novel that you've come to expect. Very little steam, but definitely more steam than Paris Daillencourt is About to Crumble (my last recent read by the author), so gays can rejoice about that. I do hope the author goes back to his old style of MM romance storytelling, but I will also binge this author's books and 10 THINGS THAT NEVER HAPPENED is a total bingeworthy read....more
Glitterland was originally self published years ago by Alexis Hall, but thankfully @sourcebookscasa is rereleasing it January 2023. The story has multGlitterland was originally self published years ago by Alexis Hall, but thankfully @sourcebookscasa is rereleasing it January 2023. The story has multiple triggers (swipe to the next page if you'd like to know) and it is NOT a romantic comedy. I love when MM romance is dark and NOT funny, sorry I just do. The story focuses on author, Ash Winters and his journey through bipolar disorder and depression while trying to live his life and have a sex life. Ash is haunted by his traumatic past, specifically a breakdown that has led him into utter despair. However, things change immediately once he meets Darian Taylor at a bachelor party for his friend Max. Darian is from Essex (so prepare for the writing in Darian's voice to be exactly that—while reading, I was hearing it exactly as an Essex accent, but can be difficult to understand at first), spray tanned, a model, and nothing like Ash. After the two have a one-night stand, the complexities between the two lead to begin to grow. Ash has a lot of baggage and Darian is the complete opposite of him in every way, but can the two actually be more than just friends with benefits?
THIS BOOK WAS INCREDIBLE. I actually teared at one point! Coming from someone who struggles with mental health and always felt that I wasn't worthy of love prior to meeting my husband, this book was meant for me. I read this book in two sittings because I just couldn't put it down. No wonder why Sourcebooks Casablanca is rereleasing this book because GLITTERLAND is the best Alexis Hall book I've ever read. This book will be my auto-recommendation to any readers who want a serious MM romance without the comedy and with explicit and graphic STEAM ...more
One thing about Christopher Rice is that his books ALWAYS delivers when it comes to his novels. Earlier this year, Rice took readers on a journey withOne thing about Christopher Rice is that his books ALWAYS delivers when it comes to his novels. Earlier this year, Rice took readers on a journey with the first installment of his MM romance series Sapphire Cove—aptly titled Sapphire Sunset. It was easily a 5-star read for me as it was the first authentic MM romance that I’ve really enjoyed. In his newest release, SAPPHIRE SPRING, readers are still in the same universe as its predecessor, but we have two new protagonists that share their journey with us. Disclaimer, this book dives a lot deeper and deals with very sensitive topics, such as alcoholism, homophobia, bullying, and sexual assault. It was very emotionally charged with many sensitive yet important to discuss topics.
I don’t want to go too into the story’s synopsis (just read it on Goodreads!) because the best thing about this story is how it develops. I don’t think I’ve gotten so emotionally invested into a storyline in a book before as I did with this book. The steam was a lot…steamier (if that’s a word) and you’ll be in for a major surprise! I still am like ...more
We all know I'm a stickler when it comes to romance novels and I can really be very critical, but I absolutely loved Sidney Karger's 2023 romantic comWe all know I'm a stickler when it comes to romance novels and I can really be very critical, but I absolutely loved Sidney Karger's 2023 romantic comedy novel BEST MEN. One thing about romantic comedy novels that bugs me is that I feel like it can be hard to differentiate between them (but I read thrillers like legit everyday so I am a hypocrite saying this), but Karger's debut really is a complete stand out. It will be a go-to recommendation for me when it comes to MM romantic comedies.
Max Moody, our protagonist, lives in New York City and works in HR. When he's not working, he spends his time eating at Waverly diner with his best friend Paige and trying to restart the spark with his ex-boyfriend Greg. Paige and Max grew up in Chicago together and have been inseparable since childhood. When Paige tells Max that she's engaged to her handsome and wealthy boyfriend Austin, Max's dreams of marital bliss comes crashing down into his mind. He always wanted that, but with Greg wanting NSA fun (no-strings attached) after many years of being monogamous, Max's wish becomes a pipe dream. However, things become a bit more complicated after Max is introduced to Austin's younger brother, Chasten, who looks so familiar. As the group plans the wedding, Max realizes that dealing with Chasten will be harder than he thought.
This book is so funny! I actually want to call it a comedy-romance because Karger's wit shines through the pages. No surprise to find out that the author is a writer/director/producer and has worked for Saturday Night Live and Comedy Central. The book is laugh out loud funny, with both a romantic edge that I haven't seen in a romance novel yet. BEST MEN also does an impeccable job highlighting New York City as its own character. The author got every single hotspot, location, and atmospheric element to this city I call home perfectly. If you are a hopeless romantic, want a hilarious MM romantic comedy, love NYC or always wanted to feel the energy of it, BEST MEN is the book for you! ...more
I don't normally read romance, but when I do it needs to be MM romance! Christopher Rice's Sapphire Sunset is steamy and fun, but ultimately the pI don't normally read romance, but when I do it needs to be MM romance! Christopher Rice's Sapphire Sunset is steamy and fun, but ultimately the perfect romance novel for those who want to read honest depictions in gay relationships. Literally, this book is White Lotus with a MM romance spin. I read this book in two sittings and I am so happy that Christopher Rice is creating a series in this genre. I will be first in line for each of them....more
GOLDEN Thank you @bloomsburyya for this gifted copy of Golden Boys, releasing February 2022! This coming of age story features four overachieving gayGOLDEN Thank you @bloomsburyya for this gifted copy of Golden Boys, releasing February 2022! This coming of age story features four overachieving gay sixteen year olds—all taking a summer to explore opportunities for their future—while also coming to terms with who they are. I don’t normally read YA books, but when I do, they are usually this genre. I definitely think Golden Boys should be a book in high school libraries and on their summer reading lists—it’s safe and not explicit so educators and parents can relax, while it also doesn’t pretend that sex doesn’t exist. Books like Golden Boys would’ve been so important for me to read as a kid—I wish we had them in my library growing up. This book would be perfect for any teenager, especially one who doesn’t identify as straight. ...more
Before I get started. To Paradise is not, and will never be, A Little Life. Do not even think to compare the two books before jumping into Hanya YBefore I get started. To Paradise is not, and will never be, A Little Life. Do not even think to compare the two books before jumping into Hanya Yanagihara's 2022 novel or you will be disappointed.
There's a new trend that I'm seeing lately—first with Anthony Doerr's Cloud Cuckoo Land and now with Hanya Yanagihara's To Paradise, where the story is an epic tale told across multiple timelines and characters, separate from each other, but providing major themes and takeaways for the reader. With To Paradise, we are given three stories, separate from each other, but provided in alternative universes from each other.
Book 1 takes place in 1893 and is ultimately my favorite section. In a world where the United States is broken into the "Free States" of the Northeast and "The Colonies" of the South, the story focuses in the North where gay and queer people are celebrated and able to marry whomever they want. We follow David Bingham and his family's legacy in the Free States. David is the only unwed Bingham out of his siblings, with his grandfather aggressively pushing for David to marry. David's dilemma in a world where marriage and love may feel free, he ultimately is given choices that say otherwise.
Book 2 takes place during the HIV crisis between a couple with a major age discrepancy. The younger partner, with a heritage and life that his partner and friends can't relate. I don't want to give up anything with this section, but I will say that this section felt most like the world in which we live in, but during the 1980s.
Book 3 is the biggest portion of the book, about half of the entire book takes place during this time. This world is in the future—their current day is 2093, with flashbacks from 50 years ago and so on. This section is a destitute place of totalitarian rule. A world in which climate change, pandemics, hunger, and the lack of freedoms have run rampant. This world is a dark perception of what may possibly come in our world's progression in time.
Without giving anything away, To Paradise is a book in which characters are hypothesized to be parts of different "universes" and in different versions of themselves with the worlds they are given. The book at times may seem like a work of fiction, but the topics in this book are very relatable (race, sexuality, family, financial security). I still am unsure quite honestly about what I read, but I read over 700 pages so I definitely think this book was ultimately a winner from me. You will not cry like you did in A Little Life, nor will you ever feel personally connected to the characters, but you will be hypnotized by Yanagihara's compelling storytelling. I did not expect this book to turn out the way it did, which is definitely a gripping way for anything I like to read. This book will have a lot of lovers and haters, and I can't wait for the conversations. ...more
I just spent my whole day reading Freya Marske's upcoming fantasy novel A Marvellous Light, and it was, just marvelous! I usually don't read fantaI just spent my whole day reading Freya Marske's upcoming fantasy novel A Marvellous Light, and it was, just marvelous! I usually don't read fantasy novels, but I do enjoy magic and gay sex, and this book has BOTH! This book reminds me of The Magicians meets Downton Abbey and I had all the feels while reading this story.
A Marvellous Light takes place in the early 1900s England and focuses on two men, Edwin Courcey and his newly appointed civil service liaison, Robert (Robin) Blythe. Robin was appointed to replace Edwin's previous civil service liaison that has gone missing, but unbeknownst to Robin, Edwin procures magic. Not only does Edwin practice magic, but there's an entire world of magic and powers that Robin has never experienced. As Robin's predecessor continues to be missing, Edwin and Robin decide to embark on a mission to try and figure out the bottom of his disappearance. Little do Edwin and Robin know, this mystery is a lot bigger than they ever expected and it's only a matter of time until it begins to rattle their worlds.
I was not expecting to enjoy A Marvellous Light as much as I did. See everyone, I can read fantasy novels! This book has it all—love and sex, mystery and suspense, magic and deception. I could not turn the pages faster. The story starts a bit slower than I expected, but that's because this book has a powerful world building element to get you started. The author does a fabulous job explaining this world of magic and spells so by the time the mystery begins to unfold, you are already glued to the action. I loved the romance in this book, and full disclaimer, the sex scenes are definitely explicit. I AM NOT MAD ABOUT IT! I can't wait to see more of this world and more of Edwin and Robin and their journey with magic and love. I'm hearing that this book will be a series and I can't wait to see how the world Freya Marske developed continues to grow. ...more
HUSBAND MATERIAL was one of my most anticipated reads for 2022. If you know anything about me, you'd know that Alexis Hall's previous installment, BOYHUSBAND MATERIAL was one of my most anticipated reads for 2022. If you know anything about me, you'd know that Alexis Hall's previous installment, BOYFRIEND MATERIAL, was one of my favorite books for 2020. I rarely read romcoms, but Luc and Oliver stole my heart and I knew that I wasn't ready to give up on their story. HUSBAND MATERIAL takes place in (I think) roughly two years after its predecessor and Luc and Oliver's relationship has never been stronger. With everyone in Luc's life getting married, he feels the pressure to propose to Oliver, but knows that Oliver does not have strong feelings about marriage. Their relationship seems solid, but what happens when marriage becomes the top of their disputes?
It's really hard to review this book, because I absolutely loved Luc and Oliver yet again, but I also felt that the story really didn't have much to really dive into. Without getting into spoilers, Luc and Oliver spend their time at multiple weddings back-to-back and it felt like we didn't really get a lot of new story as the wedding drama just kept repeating. There was also literally ZERO steam. Like at all. But again, I loved this couple and I also felt like it resembled my husband and me. I think HUSBAND MATERIAL is going to be a transitional book for the next installment, which is always the hardest book to write. Will it be in my top reads for 2022? Absolutely not. Did I enjoy Luc and Oliver's journey and will I continue to read about it? YES. This sounds more negative than you think, because overall I really enjoyed this book. Just know, its a very different style than book 1....more