queerafictionado's Reviews (374)

🏳️‍🌈Rep: Lesbian MC, Asian Bi/Pan LI, Nonbinary & Queer SCs

This was a quick and fairly lighthearted read considering some of the more intense themes underlying the story. Chrissie and Nisha used to be best friends. More than friends. But then everything went south and they never spoke again. But a couple decades later Chrissie still has no idea why. Nisha is also the last person she expected to see standing in the classroom as the new teacher she would be assisting that year. Chrissie has been trying to start over after she went through a very traumatic experience that completely changed her life. Now she lives by three rules: Don’t Fall in Love, Question Everything, Give Back. But can she stick to rules with her old flame back in her life? 

There was a lot of backstory packed into this relatively quick read and the author did a great job of slowly filling in more details and gaps along the way. I enjoyed the relationship and connection between Chrissie and Nisha. Chrissie was a bit chaotic and messy - but with everything she’d been through it was easy to understand why. I was definitely rooting for them to work through their past and find a new path forward together. They could not deny the bond they shared even if they tried. They were just drawn to one other and their chemistry was undeniable from the moment they reconnected. It may have taken them a long time to find their way back to each other, but together is where they truly belong. I also really loved seeing Chrissie grow and learn to trust again. She was not the same person at the end of the story as she was in the beginning. She was finally ready to start living again, not just survive. 

There were a few aspects of the story that I just couldn’t get on board with. I’m not sure if things are different in the UK than in America, but as someone who knows a lot of teachers and has worked with children and youth in a lot of different capacities - the bits about the school trip were just not jiving for me. I know it’s fiction, but it was way too unrealistic for me. The trip came together way too fast. They got drunk at night while out of the country with 25 children and were more focused on hooking up than on chaperoning. If not for the school trip part of the story I probably would have rated this a bit higher. It just made it harder for me to connect and get pulled into the story when I kept cringing about their behavior on that trip.

I did not realize the second book in a series when I signed up to be an ARC reader, but while characters from book one make an appearance in this story, it can very much be read as a standalone. There are definitely some ties between the books (the MC in book one being the ex of the MC in book two) and I’m not sure how much of Chrissie’s backstory was included as part of book one, but I didn’t feel like I was missing anything while reading this book. 

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

📝Tropes/Themes: Forced Proximity, Second Chance, Only One Bed, Friends to Lovers, Return to Hometown, Workplace Romance, Starting Over, Setting: UK/Paris

Oh my gosh! This was such a fun read! Secret Spark is not your typical story about superheroes and villains. This story is a more of a satirical take on this common theme filled with lots of humor and snark and plenty of action! It also takes what you think you know about heroes and villains and scrambles it all up. The heroes in this story aren’t your typical heroes, and neither are the villains. Especially Spark, aka Joan. Joan wants to get out of the business and open a food truck with her twin brother and fellow Supervillain, Mark. I absolutely love the relationship between these two and their Supervillain father figure, Perry. A truly beautiful (even if a bit villainous) found family. Joan and Mark’s backstory is pretty powerful too and definitely makes my heart go out to them. 

Meanwhile, Sadie is loving her job as a barista and dreaming about opening her own cafe one day. If only the Supers would stop destroying things all the time so insurance costs weren’t so outrageous! Sadie is obsessed with the Supers though. So when she suspects her new neighbor with the unreal amber eyes isn’t a norm like her, she assumes this very attractive woman must be none other than her Superhero crush, leading to a case of very mistaken identity. And Sadie is so used to falling for not good people, that she gets a little obsessed at times with her new paramour being one of the ultimate “good guys.” And Joan doesn’t correct her assumptions. She also doesn’t confirm her suspicions exactly either. She never flat out lies, and she even shares real parts of herself with Sadie, but she also withholds the full truth. Joan has to be careful about revealing too much for her own safety and Sadie’s. But she’s also rather smitten with her new neighbor and scared of what will happen when she learns the truth. Especially knowing how she feels about Superheroes and Villains. But keeping the flames from igniting (literally and figuratively) is harder than she imagined. 

I absolutely adored the connection between Sadie and Joan. They have so much chemistry it literally SPARKS! 🔥There is definitely some miscommunication around Joan’s identity - but it’s all very low angst. I love that Sadie even does some self reflection to realize the miscommunication was partly her own fault. These two definitely have an opposites attract and a bit of a grumpy/sunshine vibe going on, but their connection is truly palpable and their romance is incredibly adorable. Plus it heats up really nicely too! 🥵

This was a super quick and fun read and I am really looking forward to book two in the series and finding out what shenanigans happen next!

🏳️‍🌈Rep: Pan MC, Lesbian MC, Gay & Nonbinary SCs

📝Tropes/Themes: Superheroes/villians, Mistaken Identity, Humor/Snark, Found Family, Low Angst, Opposites Attract, Adventure/Action, Be Gay Do Crime

 I was really excited for this graphic novel, but it unfortunately just didn’t hit the mark. There was so much amazing rep in this story, including several LGBTQ+ and POC characters as well as a cane user. And the artwork was amazing. I truly loved the graphics. But the story itself left a lot to be desired. There was so much going on in this story, but about 95% was just straight up drama. The characters were all very immature - they felt more like freshman in high school than juniors and seniors in college. There was also a character who I thought was nonbinary but their pronouns shifted midway and there was never any discussion around their identity - so I really have no idea. All the characters felt very shallow with little depth to who they were, even around some very big topics like identity that could have been explored in this story. This story was basically one big dumpster fire of drama and poor choices. Nothing got settled or resolved, and it basically just ended with a giant shoulder shrug. 

🏳️‍🌈Rep: Lesbian, Bi/Pan, POC, Nonbinary (maybe?), Trans (possibly - implied not stated)

 The Loch and Key series by Alyson Root are quick, enjoyable books that put a new twist on vampires and vampiric lore that I absolutely gulped down! It’s important to read Risking Immortality first because Waiting for Eternity is a continuation of the story in book one and, while it could be read on its own, just won’t have the same impact. (Warning - spoilers ahead if you haven’t read book one yet.)

Erin is a human. Or at least she was born as one. But her whole life and world turned upside when she met Amelia Loch - a vampire. Amelia and Erin are fated mates - destined for one another and now bound together for eternity. Or so they hope. But no one is certain what is going to happen once Erin turns 30. Will she transform into a vampire and become immortal? Or remain human? Before they have a chance to find out, changes begin happening to Erin that are even more unexplainable, creating more questions than answers. 

The more these changes begin to take place, the more terrified Erin gets of who she is becoming. No one is certain what these changes mean or if they are good or bad. But as other events begin to happen, it seems there may be more to these changes. And the more Erin learns, the more secrets she uncovers. Erin doesn’t want to be a savior. She just wants to enjoy life with Amelia. But Erin doesn’t realize Amelia has begun to change too. And together is the only way they will get through whatever lies ahead.

I really enjoyed book one, but book two was even better! I love the world building Alyson has done with this series - the different backstory to who vampires are, the stories of fated mates and fallen vampires and ancient prophecies. It was a unique and fascinating story line that kept me hooked from the start. I stayed up late finishing because I couldn’t put it down and needed to know what happened! I also love the bond between Erin and Amelia and watching the ways in which that bond evolves and strengthens throughout this book. The love and desire they feel for each other is palpable any time they are in the same room, and even when they aren’t thanks to some new found abilities! They are the perfect mixture of sweet and spicy and there are plenty of both deliciously steamy scenes as well as tender heartfelt moments.

Risking Immortality was told from Amelia’s POV, so I really enjoyed getting to hear Erin’s POV in this book. It gave me an opportunity to get to know and understand Erin better, especially as she began to go through all these changes. And without giving any spoilers - let me just say that this book will help you understand the title of the series and choice of color for the covers! And I cannot wait for book three to come out - I know it’s going to be thrilling! 

🏳️‍🌈Rep: Lesbian

📝Tropes/Themes: Human/Vampire, Paranormal Romance, Established Couple, Adventure/Survival, Fated Mates, Femme/Femme, Family Relationships, Spicy, S3x Toys

 🏳️‍🌈Rep: Black Bisexual MC, Filipino Lesbian MC, Nonbinary SC, Queer & POC SCs

📝Tropes/Themes: Witches/Magic, Adorable Dog, Small Town, Meet Ugly, Interracial Couple, Fall Festivities, Paranormal, Family Secrets, Grumpy/Sunshine, Femme/Femme, Canada

This was such a wonderfully witchy, sweet and spicy sapphic romance! I loved the world building and the backstory that Jimenez created for Moonstruck. It was a unique and interesting plot line that kept me hooked from the start.

Maya is a journalist working for one of those paranormal magazines writing stories about things like zombies and alien sightings that she doesn’t even believe in biding time until she can catch her big break. Then her boss finally gives her a story that seems like he might actually be something - thus begins her deep dive into the witches of Ravensglen. Ramona works in marketing. She also happens to be a witch. Her magic has been acting up lately and her new boss is a jerk, so she hasn’t been in the most stellar mood. And well…let’s just say that her and Maya do NOT get off to a great start. More like a meet ugly than a meet cute! But for some reason their paths keep crossing. And while Maya is very interested in getting to know the gorgeous grumpy woman, Ramona is a bit more reluctant. Especially when she finds out that this quirky, bubbly woman who has peaked her interest is a journalist investigating witches.

I absolutely loved the banter and the pining between these two. They were so adorable together and their connection was palpable. They truly belong together. Plus the way that Maya affected Ramona’s magic… So wholesome. I was beyond excited when they finally kissed. The tension building up between them was explosive in all the best ways! 🥵

I also loved Ramona’s relationship with her sister, Stevie, and all of Stevie’s sass! And Stevie and Amarie’s relationship was definitely goals. Plus YAY for nonbinary rep! I think I might have to steal the term “auncle” now! And I can’t forget adorable little Tisha. I’m a sucker for a story with a cute dog.🥹

I knew at some point things were going to go down and Maya would be caught between her job and her feelings for Ramona. I was not wrong about that…but the way everything happened was also nothing like what I expected. And there was a plot twist I never saw coming! This was my first book by Eija Jimenez but it certainly will not be my last!

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

🏳️‍🌈Rep: Lesbian MC/LI, Queer SCs, SC w/brain injury

Alyson Root is one of those authors where I know that no matter what the story is about and what the overall atmosphere of the story is - I’m going to enjoy it! Sleigh Bells Ring was a truly delightful and fun story that has me pumped and ready for Christmas! This story has so many good things all packed into a fast and festive read. It’s got a sexy calendar photoshoot, ice skating, a Christmas market, family togetherness, sibling shenanigans, an adorable dog (and pet beaver too), plus sapphic pining, very athletic s3x, and a beautiful friends to lovers romance all set in a quaint small town in the UK. 

I adored the whole Robinson clan, but especially loved the dynamics between Nic and her siblings, Beth and Liam, as well as her friendship with Tammy. I also loved the inclusion of a prominent side character (Liam) with an anoxic brain injury (and yes, I looked up the term for it). After an accident that deprived his brain of oxygen, he has permanent brain damage. “Operation Sleigh Bells” started the year following Liam’s accident. And the Robinsons’ siblings have spent nearly a decade trying to figure out the mystery of the sleigh bells. This tradition is part of Nic’s yearly holiday plans to spend the entire month of December back home with her family. 

But it’s also the Robinson family Christmas traditions that have led to countless break ups for Nic. Now at number 17, Nic is not sure she will ever find someone who’s okay with her family traditions. But she also never planned for Niamh (pronounced Neev), or Nim as her best friend Liam calls her. Nic hasn’t seen her in a decade. And between her Irish accent, captivating looks, and flirtatious personality, Nic knows sleigh bells will be the least of her worries.

The attraction Nic feels for Nim is apparently not one-sided either. But Niamh is only looking to have fun after a bad relationship, no strings. And since Nic is done with crappy relationships and only in town for a month…why not have a little fun while she’s there, right? 😏And it turns out the magic in the air might be bigger than just sleigh bells.

Sleigh Bells Ring has all the cheesy Hallmark Christmas vibes I love, plus a cast full of characters that endeared themselves to me from page one. Add into that Alyson Root’s humor and a sweet and spicy sapphic romance and you’ve got a perfect holiday season read to warm you up and ring your bell! 🔔😜

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

📝Tropes/Themes: Femme/Femme, Return to Hometown, Sibling Relationships, Christmas Fun, Friends to Lovers, Small Town (UK), Sexy Firefighter, Low Angst, Humor

 I loved Doughnuts and Doom so I was very excited to get an eARC of this graphic novel through NetGalley. This was a super fun read and I really enjoyed it. I mean…it’s about a paranormal girl band competing in a battle of the bands AND it has an enemies-to-lovers sapphic subplot. I loved Izzy and Delilah and Geraldine. I also loved getting to see how their friendship, as well as their music, evolved and grew throughout the course of the story. The graphics and the coloring were also wonderful and this story just brought me a ton of joy. Plus it has amazing rep - queer, POC, and disability. I’m looking forward to seeing what Balazs Lorinczi puts out next! 

HOLY FREAKING SPOOKY CUTENESS!! I was super excited for this book and worried it was not going to live up to the hype or my expectations. But I absolutely adored this book and am SO GLAD it’s the first in a series - because I need more books with these characters in this adorable paranormal town!

Halloweentown is one of my all time favorite movies and I watch the whole series at least once a year. So imagine my delight to find a queer book set in a town just like that! If I could go visit Maple Hollow I would be there this instant. Harlow, Jordyn, and Lou all had my heart from page one. I adored them all so much. Not because they were perfect, but because they were far from it! 

Harlow is this chaotic, wonderful mess of a human being who I relate to so freaking much. She just wants to be seen and understood and loved. And when she finds out the town her sister’s cafe is located in is full of paranormal beings and that monsters and vampires and witches are real…she just rolls with the punches. Maybe a little too freely at times lol. 

And Jordyn is this seemingly standoffish witch who owns an apothecary with her best friend, but just really hasn’t been the same since her ex died not long after she broke up with her. Then one night she stupidly decides to summon the spirit of her ex girlfriend to get closure, but then her ex’s ghost gets stuck there and she can’t pass on. I mean…talk about messy lesbian drama! 😜 Lou was full of snark and sass and literally died in the epitome of lesbian attire and had me cracking up numerous times throughout the story. She had so many great one liners and was just always up to shenanigans. 

And Harlow and Jordyn’s connection was off the charts. And I loved how at times they were both kind of hesitant and shy and uncertain and then other times just couldn’t contain themselves. It was adorable and also sexy AF. 

I also love the way the narration was done for the audiobook. There were three different narrators - one for Jordyn’s parts, one for Harlow’s, and one for all the male characters in the story. It was amazing and felt almost like a full cast narration at times. 

The vibes alone in this book were top notch, but add into that the sweet and spicy sapphic romance, the snarky ghost ex girlfriend, the murder mystery sub plot, and all the various paranormal inhabitants of the town with all their unique personalities - I AM OBSESSED! I absolutely can’t wait for the next Maple Hollow book! 🎃👻

🏳️‍🌈Rep: Lesbian FMC, Bisexual FMC, Sapphic, Queer SCs

📝Tropes/Themes: Rom Com, Cozy Paranormal, Ghosts, Witches, Small Paranormal Town, Murder Mystery, Cute & Spooky, Sapphic Romance, Halloweentown Vibes 

This story was a bit different from Anna’s previous novels, but just as amazing! And like with all her other books, I didn’t want to put this one down! Anna has a way of writing these beautifully flawed, messy human beings that are easy to connect and relate to, even though I have no idea what it is like to live or be queer in the 1950s. She does a phenomenal job of pulling you into the context and time period of the story. You can picture yourself there, sitting with the characters having a drink.

I absolutely loved Madelyn. She was so just uniquely her and as the story progresses we learn more and more about her and her husband’s relationship, including their special arrangement. And as the layers get peeled back on her marriage, we also learn more about her family, her past, about what makes her who she is. It is clear from the start that she is a sexual being, but as she observes the new neighbors next door, new desires and needs get awakened inside her. 

The new neighbors are eccentric and different, free in their affections toward other people. They are intriguing and attractive and Madelyn gets pulled into their orbit in ways she can’t explain or understand. And the farther she gets pulled in the more she realizes about herself, and harder it becomes to go back to who she was before.

I don’t want to say too much, because I don’t want to share spoilers, but there are so many different people and points of awakening on Madelyn’s journey to discovering her queerness. There is also so much in this story about family relationships and there are parts that will just crack your heart open. 

If you love queer historical fiction stories with flawed and messy characters and plenty of spice - you should definitely read Anna’s books! 

🏳️‍🌈Rep: Bisexual FMC

📝Tropes/Themes: Queer Awakening, Historical Romance, Threesome, Open Relationships, Age Gap, Friends to Lovers, Strangers to Lovers 

OMG! I absolutely devoured this book! It was the perfect way to start out my October reading! 

Come Out, Come Out is about three best friends who go into the woods one night, the same woods they had found safety in so many times before. But on that night everything changed. Only two left, but neither can remember why they were there, or anything about the friendship they all shared. 

The story was told in a dual timeline with three POVs (two present, one past) and I love the way Parker wove the story together through the alternating POVs and timelines.

This story is so much more than your typical horror story. Yes there is some blood and gore, a twisted spirit and strange paranormal activity. But there’s a different horror in this story too. A horror that too many queer people face far too often. Jaq, Fern, and Mallory found each other when they were young for a reason. They were different, with secrets about who they were that they were too afraid to share. The danger in being exposed was real. Being outed would come with serious consequences. Then they found a place where they could be themselves. Where they could be free. But the spirit that lurked in the woods was not quite the spirit the stories described.

Come Out, Come Out is so many powerful stories all wrapped up in one. It’s a story about gender and sexuality exploration and trying to figure out who you are while dealing with parental, societal, and religious expectations. It’s a story about coming out and coming into yourself at the same time. It’s a story about crushes and young love and first kisses. It’s a story about the risk it takes to be yourself in a world that says who you are is wrong and needs to be “fixed.” It’s about the power of friendship and the importance of queer community and found family. It’s a story about the fear and terror that often come with being a queer person in this world, but also about the joy and hope that is just as much a part of queer existence and resistance. It’s a story that will grab you by the heart and not let go until the final sentence. The emotional aspects of this story mixed with the paranormal and horror elements magnified the impact for me and made it hard to put down. This book was everything I hoped for and more!

I received an advance copy of this book through NetGalley and Penguin. 

🏳️‍🌈Rep: Lesbian, Genderfluid, Bi/Pan

📝Tropes/Themes: YA Horror, Three POVs, Dual Timeline, Erased Memories, First Kiss, Queer Re-Awakening, Young Love, Gender/Sexuality Exploration, Paranormal, Theater