queerafictionado's Reviews (374)

 🏳️‍🌈Rep: Lesbian MC w/ADHD & Anxiety, Bisexual LI, Queer & Nonbinary SCs

📝Tropes/Themes: Fake Engagement, Messy Queers, Found Family, Friends w/Benefits, Mental Health/Trauma, Friends-Enemies-Lovers, S3x T0ys, Dual Timeline

If you love messy chaotic queer stories, with characters that are equally messy, then this book is for you! There were so many times I found myself yelling at these characters to get their stuff together and just communicate with each other. But I found myself truly relating to them at times as well. There is A LOT of angst in this story and these characters make A LOT of mistakes along the way. But wrapped up in all that chaos is a beautiful story, not just about finding love, but about learning to believe you deserve love when you’ve spent your whole life convincing yourself that you don’t. If ever there was a theme I could connect to….it’s that one. 

Mara has built up walls around her heart her whole life. It’s easier that way. There’s less risk for heartache and abandonment and rejection. Or at least it seems that way. What Mara doesn’t realize is that these methods she has used for protecting herself are actually hurting her. She has her reasons (and there are many), but she also ends up causing herself more pain in a lot of ways too. It’s beautiful watching her slowly learn to be vulnerable and open up and let people in who care about her. She is real and raw and goes through a tremendous journey of self discovery. I LOVED the relationship between her and Nita and Vik - you can tell how much they truly care for each other and they are like the parents she never had but always needed.

Fayth is quite messy herself. This story was only told through Mara’s POV, so we don’t get a lot of insight into Fayth and her reasons for her behaviors - but that is coming in book two! The only thing for certain is that it takes two to tango and both these girls played a role in creating the chaos throughout this story. I won’t give any spoilers - but I loved the way Kellan brought this story to a close and the increased communication they started having. I also love when the book title appears in the story. Plus, Fayth’s gesture with the shell! 🥹

There were some parts of the story I didn’t vibe with as much and it took me a little longer to get into the story because I was not a big fan of either character in the beginning. But Mara and Fayth grew on me throughout the book and this was an overall enjoyable read. I also loved the neurodivergence rep in the story and the way Kellan handled some pretty intense topics with grace and a healthy dose of humor.   And as always, Abby’s narration was just phenomenal. She did an incredible job capturing Mara and Fayth and bringing them to life. 

 🏳️‍🌈Rep: Greysexual Lesbian Mexican American MC, Curvy Bisexual Mexican-American LI, other LGBTQ+ and POC SCs

📝Tropes/Themes: Influencer Culture, First Kiss, Sexuality Exploration, Messy Queer People, Found Family, Friends to Lovers, Bartender & Librarian, Friendships & Family

Kiss Me, Maybe delves into conversations on ace spec identity with openness and curiosity, reminding readers that there are many ways to be ace. Angela, after years of trying to cram herself into boxes other people wanted her to fit in, has come out as an asexual lesbian. Her journey of self discovery is one of the most beautiful parts of this story. Angela doesn’t have it all figured out. She knows she is not sex averse, but she struggles to find the micro label that best describes her specific kind of sexual identity, especially because there are only two women who have made her feel any kind of sexual attraction (and one is a famous actress). The other is her long time crush - the curvy, bisexual bartender at her favorite bar, Krystal, who is going through a process of her own in learning how to not force herself into boxes others created for her. 

The chemistry between Angela and Krystal is obvious from their first on-page interaction, but they seem to spend more time running from it than embracing it. Even though it’s sizzling every time they decide to explore it. Most of their interactions revolve around this scavenger idea Angela cooked up as a way to use her newly (and accidentally) acquired influencer status to maybe get her first kiss, when it is clear as day that the only person Angela really wants to kiss is Krystal. 

This book is unapologetically messy. Both Angela and Krystal have so many things they are working through from their pasts that have prevented them from being able to embrace their fullest and truest selves and feel worthy of love and affection. And while it is incredibly frustrating at times during the story when they keep fighting it and pushing each other away…I get it. Because I’ve been that messy queer person, too burdened by my past to see what’s right in front of me and believe I’m worthy of it. (I still am some days!)

I will say that, while this is an adult book with very (sexy!) adult content, it reads a lot more like a YA book. But part of me also wonders if that was intentional because throughout most of the book, both Angela and Krystal are very much defined by these younger versions of themselves and seem trapped by their pasts.

There is so much to unpack with this book and Gabrielle delved into A LOT in this story - sexual identity exploration, the toxic side of influencer culture, family relationship dynamics, asexuality and micro labels, trauma and healing, breaking out of the boxes others put you in, forgiveness, friendship.This story is about discovering who you are as a person and claiming that, no matter what other people might say or do to try to belittle you, erase you, or redefine you on their terms. And then finding the people who embrace the person you know yourself to be, messy parts and all, who you want beside you on this wild journey we call life.

I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley and Forever. 

 🏳️‍🌈Rep: Lesbian FMCs, Gay SCs

📝Tropes/Themes: Danger/In Peril, Femme/Femme, Enemies to Lovers, Ice Queen, Humor/Comedy, Opposites Attract, Family Secrets, Easter Eggs!

Another truly delightful story from Alyson Root! Mob’s Seduction is a mafia romance of a different caliber. First of all, it’s sapphic AF which just makes everything better in my book! 😉Second, a lot of mafia romances tend to be dark romances, and while this story does have darker elements and violence at times it’s a more light-hearted, low angst take on mafia romance. 

Bonnie Moorside is content as can be managing a bookstore and spending her free time curled up with a good book. She has two supportive dads and two best friends and wants for nothing. Then suddenly she finds herself thrust into what feels like the plot of her latest read. Mafia “queen” Allegra Malgeri enters into Bonnie’s life like a wrecking ball and both women have everything they thought they knew flipped upside down. 

Bonnie and Allegra do not get along. Allegra is used to everyone following her orders. Bonnie is a spitfire who will not go silently and demands answers. But underneath all the animosity, there is strong force pulling them toward each other. When they finally find a way to set aside those differences and lean in to what they are feeling - be prepared to feel the heat! ❤️‍🔥The sexual chemistry between these two is absolutely delicious! Allegra is a boss in the streets and the sheets! 

Everything about their situation tells them pursuing anything other than a one-time thing is fruitless. They live completely different lives, in different countries. But the pull is so strong they can’t keep themselves apart. As the stakes rise and the danger presses in, putting everything on the line, both women have to answer for themselves what they truly want in life and how far they are willing to go to get it. 

Alyson writes these beautifully real characters who have complex pasts and emotions that are an integral part of their story. These characters have depth to them. They have struggles they face and process right on the page. It makes it so easy to feel connected to and invested in these characters and their lives. This story is filled with heart and humor and plenty of spice. It will have you laughing out loud one moment, needing a cold shower another, and then on the edge of your seat fraught with emotion the next. If you love a sexy sapphic romance with a dash of darkness and a side of humor, look no further!

I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review. 

 🏳️‍🌈Rep: Gay Trans Masc, T4T, Queer SCs

📝Tropes/Themes: Regency Romance, Secrets, London Season, Bridgerton Vibes, Slow Burn, Starting Over, Eccentric Characters, Witty & Charming

TJ Alexander is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Every book I’ve read by them so far has been different, but all equally wonderful. A Gentleman’s Gentleman was no exception to that. I love queer regency romances and the fact that this was a T4T (trans for trans) romance made it even better. I loved that Christopher’s transness, while central to the story line, was just one small piece of what made him who he was - the “man of unusual make.” This story explored what it meant to be both trans and queer in that era in a way that felt authentic to the time with a touch of fictional liberties mixed in for the sake of the story. Alexander transports the reader to early 19th century London, while also infusing the time with an unexpected sense of trans joy, acceptance, and celebration.

Christopher was a man who loved to wear pastel colors and lived a mostly solitary life on his estate with the only two staff he deemed necessary, but who were more like family than anything else. But life, aka his father’s will, threw a huge wrench in his plans and popped the idyllic bubble he had built his world in. He needed to marry by his next birthday or lose his title, the estate…everything. Already turned off to the idea of love and romance this was not something he was thrilled to learn. But add into that the hidden part of his identity, and finding a wife becomes a bit trickier. 

Cue James Harding, the handsome valet that Christopher must hire and take with to London so that he appears a bit more “normal” to the other high society folk. The two could not be more opposite and things are a bit rocky at times, but in the midst of it all you can begin to see little glimpses of something brewing between them - subtle but sure. Charged moments, unspoken words, stolen glances. And when Christopher’s search for a wife takes an unexpected turn, those discreet moments no longer feel like enough. But for either of them to pursue anything beyond the relationship of Lord and valet means life will forever change in big ways for one or both of them. I don’t want to say much more than though because I don’t want to share any spoilers - you’ll just have to read it to find out more! 🥰

We need more historical romances with trans leads and I’m grateful to Vintage Books for inviting me to be an early reader of this story!  

 🏳️‍🌈Rep: Pansexual FMC, Lesbian FMC, Queer/Trans & POC SCs

📝Tropes/Themes: Friends to Lovers, Slow Burn, Mutual Pining, Ice Queen Melting, Age Gap, 40+ MC, Small Town Australia, Found Family, Dangerous Past

This book had my heart (and libido) in a death grip!! Oh my word. The pining and s3xual tension in this story were OFF THE CHARTS! I was literally begging for these two to finally stop fighting it. And though I was very impatiently waiting for it to happen…the wait was beyond worth it! SO HOT!! The chemistry between these two was palpable and the burn was so good I’m surprised my tablet didn’t catch fire. 

Alison was deliciously icy - and she had good reason to be. She was guarded and secretive. But who wouldn’t be after having all the worst parts of your life turned into a TV show that embellishes and sensationalizes everything? Not to mention the very real danger that her past brings with it. And then there is Hope - the sweet, bold, flirtatious veterinarian who loves her small town and the community she has found there, and would stop at nothing to save a complete and total stranger. Hope was exactly what Alison needed to melt that icy exterior. These two are the definition of kismet. They bring out the best in each other and simply belong together. I adore them, as well as their whole entire friend group - Prisha, Camille, Flynn, Magnus, and Harry. Such beautiful queer and trans rep in this messy found family!

Ruby is an absolutely phenomenal writer. She writes these characters that are so real and raw. They are multi-layered, messy, and complex in all the best ways. I feel connected to them on this soul deep level. Each one has their own personality that is clear and consistent and has a purpose in the story. And ugh! The emotional rollercoaster she creates. Let me just say - prepare yourself for the last 25% of this book because you will feel pretty much every emotion imaginable! 😏🥵😱😡🥺😖🫣Seriously… Don’t say I didn’t warn you. 

I am just in awe of her writing. This book killed me and healed me all the same time and I absolutely loved every second of it. Definitely one of my top reads this year! 

 🏳️‍🌈Rep: Lesbian MCs

📝Tropes/Themes: Romantic Suspense, Witness Protection, Small Town, Femme/Femme, Crime/Murder, First Time, Opposites Attract, Touch Her and Die

I love a good bodyguard romance, and this story definitely had a lot of those same vibes. I mean…a sheriff and the witness she is protecting is pretty dang close. These two were so stinking adorable though. Ava is witty and open and a bit more on the bubbly side. Lou, on the other hand, is a bit of a grump who just wants life to remain the way it is. So when she finds herself in the position of providing protection to this woman who could not be more her opposite, things get off to a bit of a rocky start. But despite the circumstances that brought them together, they begin to develop a friendship - while still very much giving each other a hard time! The banter between these two...so good! And as these women get better acquainted, and Lou starts letting down some of those walls,  sparks start to fly. It takes a while for either of them to do anything about those sparks though. And while this is not by any means the slowest burn I’ve ever read, it’s definitely more of a slow burn.

I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this story - how much of it would be about the murder Ava witnessed mostly. While both the romance and suspense elements are there throughout the story, this is definitely more of a “romance with a side of suspense” kind of story as opposed to a suspense story with the added element of romance. That being said - buckle up for the end of this story, because that’s when the suspense really starts to take hold. But I’ll leave it there to avoid spoilers. 

I also just love the quaint little town of Cedar Falls and its residents, especially Lou’s mom and the book club ladies. Those women had me cracking up more than once! And the epilogue…just such a unique and perfectly Cedar Falls way to wrap up this story. This was Elle’s debut novel and I’m excited to see what she does next! 

 🏳️‍🌈Rep: Questioning MC, Asian/Black Nonbinary SC, POC & Queer SCs

THIS BOOK NEEDS TO BE AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE!! I am beyond grateful to Matteo L Cerilli for the early copy of this book because this story was hauntingly beautiful and these characters were uniquely special and captured my heart. I truly enjoyed reading this book and going on a paranormal adventure with Nero, Flick, and Emily as they fought to save Arlo. 

Nero was so excited to start at her new school and hopeful that she wouldn’t end up just being the weird kid again. That’s especially difficult when you are 12 years old and your lifelong best friend is a ghost. It gets even harder when your best friend starts changing from a friendly ghost more like a poltergeist and you don’t know why. It also makes it very difficult to make new friends, even if you might want them. But somehow, even though Nero didn’t want to be Emily Le’s friend, and kept pushing Flick away to keep them safe - the three still end up creating an amazing friendship. 

One of the things I love most about this story is that it is a reminder to embrace and cherish our weirdness. Nero and Flick were both so desperate to not be seen as the weird kid anymore. Nero was trying to “normal” and make new friends. Flick was trying to avoid having anxiety attacks in front of his classmates. And Emily was trying so hard to fit in that she felt she had to perfect all the time and wanted to control everything she could. Together they all started to embrace those parts of themselves they were afraid of their classmates and the world rejecting. And they started to learn that maybe being weird was actually pretty cool. They were learning that the goal is not to try to fit in, but to find the people you fit WITH. 

I also want to talk about how much I love the way Matteo handled the multiple pronoun usage for Flick. He, she, and they were used for Flick throughout the entire story and it was done so incredibly well. I absolutely LOVE seeing this kind of nonbinary rep in books - especially in middle grade books. 

I also love horror books and the paranormal elements and the whole backstory to who Arlo was and why he was there and then changing - just so many incredible layers of this mystery being peeled back one at a time and I was here for it! I truly loved this story. It was spooky and sweet and hit me in all the feels! 

 This book! Oh my goodness. So many emotions while reading this story. First of all - I absolutely LOVE Hannah and Vanessa together. The florist and the jeweler. The two of them were so good together, far better than either of them ever was with Bren (who I liked less and less the farther I got into the story). I did get very frustrated with them at times because I wanted them to just get it together and communicate and BE together. But I also love how they navigated some rather turbulent times together. That even when one tried to push the other away, they tried to find a balance. To give space without giving up. To respect boundaries while not just letting the other run away because things got hard or messy. It was actually really beautiful to see. Yes, there was some miscommunication and things didn’t have to get quite as messy as they did. BUT they could have been a heck of a lot worse too! 

Aside from Bren and Vanessa’s mom, the side characters were truly wonderful and added a lot to the story - like Zara and Sonja and all the youth from the garden. I just love all the parts of the story around the garden especially. So much that I wish I could be a part of it with them, working with those kids and making a difference. Such a wholesome and beautiful part of the story.

And yay for the All Things Beautiful Easter egg! 😁

I love how well fleshed out the characters are - you can tell that Alaina puts a lot of time and research into these characters and their professions. Her writing is beautiful and she is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors and I will read anything she puts out there! Her stories are filled with heart and humor and complex, messy, flawed characters that will stick with you. 

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books. This is my honest review.

🏳️‍🌈Rep: Lesbian FMCs, LGBTQ+ SCs

📝Tropes/Themes: Road Trip, Strangers to Friends to Lovers, Grief/Loss, Starting Over, Family Relationships, Betrayal/Cheating, Femme/Femme, One Night to Forever, Gardening, 40+ leads

 🏳️‍🌈Rep: Sapphic MCs

📝Tropes/Themes: Swords & Sapphics, Adventure, Mutual Pining, Ancient Gods, Strangers to Friends to Lovers, Magic, Fated Mates

Oh my goodness! This was my first book by Jaydell but it most certainly will not be my last! The Fox and the Bladesworn was a quick and delightful read about a Foxkin (fox shifter) with no memory of who she is and a grieving warrior with a mission who end up on an adventure together after their paths mysteriously cross. There’s magic and mischief and ancient gods plus a delectable sapphic romance mixed in. This novella will pull you in with its lyrical writing that makes even the landscape come to life. It invokes all your senses as you read and will leave you wanting more. It's a story filled with adventure and romance and has plot twists and turns you won't see coming. I was truly impressed with the amount of world building and storyline Jaydell managed to pack into this novella and I am beyond excited to find out what happens next in the story!

I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review. 

🏳️‍🌈Rep: 40+ Lesbian MC, 50+ Unlabeled Queer FMC (it’s complicated lol)

📝Tropes/Themes: Celebrity Romance, Small Town, Coming Out, Slow Burn, Age Gap, Wealth Gap, Forced Proximity, Grief/Loss, Crafty Cat, Adorable Horse 

Beyond Her Manner is a contemporary romance novel with a historical feel to it given the setting in a quaint English village that centers around the Kingsford Manor - which also happens to be the center of Gillian Carmichael’s existence. Gillian had a marriage of convenience that lasted 35 years until her husband’s death. It wasn’t her marriage that created her sense of identity - it was the manor itself. So when her husband dies and she finds out he squandered so much money that she has to sell her beloved home, it also means she will lose the only thing that has truly given her a sense of identity in her whole adult life. 

I wouldn’t really call Gillian an Ice Queen. She was more salty than icy in my opinion. Her grief and anger over losing her home created a lot of animosity between her and the new owner for sure. But that animosity quickly turns into understanding as Gillian and Viola bond over their grief, Viola having just lost her mother whom she bought this home for. 

It took awhile for Gillian to grow on me, but Viola I loved from the start. She was just looking for some peace and quiet in the country and had no idea that buying this home was akin to starting a new job. Ironically enough, it turns out the only time she ever seems to find that peace is with the prickly (but gorgeous) woman who is the only person in the village not excited to have her there.

I loved watching Viola and Gillian connect and bond. They got off to a rocky start but once they find common ground their connection is truly beautiful. Expect a very slow burn though in this story. Lots of pining from Viola’s side, but Gillian has spent too long repressing that part of her to easily let it back out again. Gillian’s backstory made my heart ache for her. This book was both a story about Gillian rediscovering herself again in her 50s and a story about two women finding love in the midst of grief.

I loved that both MCs were over 40 - as I’m almost 40 now myself I love seeing more stories with characters that are older in age. And I also love the play on words with the title! Very clever. Two of the real stars of the story though are Dudley, the horse, and Agatha, the conniving and crafty cat - who I’m pretty sure was trying to get these two together from the start! This was a very enjoyable and quick read filled with witty banter, interesting characters, plenty of drama, cute animals, and moments that capture your heart. 

I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.