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374 reviews by:
queerafictionado
This was a quick and delightfully disturbing read! Until the Blood Runs Dry is a dark, twisted, sapphic vampire novella inspired by the Bride of Frankenstein and Dracula. I didn’t know going into the story that it was a tragic tale…so I was not expecting the ending! I won’t share any spoilers though - you’ll have to read to find out! But just know it is not an HEA. The story also leaves you with more questions than answers…MC clearly knows how to hook her readers!
Mar is on the run, trying to hide out and drown her sorrows. Vic is grieving the loss of her longtime companion. When their eyes meet across the pub there’s an instant connection they both feel. But Vic flees, needing to figure out if it’s blood lust or something more. Mystery woman gone, Mar settles into the room above the pub for the night to get some rest, but ends up receiving an unexpected and strange proposition from a messenger her mystery woman sent. Vic is prepared to make Mar her new long term companion, but the process takes time. And her assistant Igor has plans of his own.
There are some VERY spicy scenes, and the consent is a bit questionable because you know…vampire, thrall. Mar basically becomes Vic’s plaything and it’s not always easy to tell whether Mar is 100% aware and choosing to be so (without outside influence). But there are times where she also seems very eager and willing. Be sure to check the CW/TW below though.
There was so much manipulation and toxicity in this story that at times it was hard to tell who the real villain was. Maybe they all were… I was very intrigued by Vic and Mar’s story and want to know more about them - who they are, their backstories. I have a feeling there is a lot more to each of them then we got to see in this story. I’m glad that there is more to come!
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
CW/TW: graphic scenes of sex and violence, feelings of hopelessness, and mentions of suicide; on-page descriptions of BDSM, bondage, fisting, knife play, blood play, revoking consent, and a toxic relationship.
Mar is on the run, trying to hide out and drown her sorrows. Vic is grieving the loss of her longtime companion. When their eyes meet across the pub there’s an instant connection they both feel. But Vic flees, needing to figure out if it’s blood lust or something more. Mystery woman gone, Mar settles into the room above the pub for the night to get some rest, but ends up receiving an unexpected and strange proposition from a messenger her mystery woman sent. Vic is prepared to make Mar her new long term companion, but the process takes time. And her assistant Igor has plans of his own.
There are some VERY spicy scenes, and the consent is a bit questionable because you know…vampire, thrall. Mar basically becomes Vic’s plaything and it’s not always easy to tell whether Mar is 100% aware and choosing to be so (without outside influence). But there are times where she also seems very eager and willing. Be sure to check the CW/TW below though.
There was so much manipulation and toxicity in this story that at times it was hard to tell who the real villain was. Maybe they all were… I was very intrigued by Vic and Mar’s story and want to know more about them - who they are, their backstories. I have a feeling there is a lot more to each of them then we got to see in this story. I’m glad that there is more to come!
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
CW/TW: graphic scenes of sex and violence, feelings of hopelessness, and mentions of suicide; on-page descriptions of BDSM, bondage, fisting, knife play, blood play, revoking consent, and a toxic relationship.
It’s a Wonderful Life…but make it sapphic and queer AF with cute dogs, too? Yes please!
This was a fun and festive story filled with magical drag queen angels, adorable rescue dogs, mistletoe kisses, and second chances. The story is told primarily through the point of view of Bailey George, whose only goal this Christmas is to get as far away from Lanford Falls and Winter Wonderfest as possible. But once again, her plans for a vacation are derailed and Bailey reluctantly agrees to stay and help.
Maria Hatcher, Bailey’s childhood crush who broke her heart, just moved back and her new dog Rosie befriends Bailey’s dog Lulu at the local dog park. The two begin to reconnect as Maria helps Bailey save Wonderfest. And with Maria by her side, staying suddenly doesn’t seem so bad. Bailey is finally starting to see that maybe there is more to Lanford Falls. But when the disasters begin to pile up, it becomes hard to hold onto the happiness and joy she had begun to rediscover.
Cue Clara Angel. Throughout the story we get snippets of Clara’s point of view as she and the Angels (her drag queen angel family) attempt to transform Bailey’s heart. Clara is still learning how to use her powers and things don’t always go according to plan. But eventually the time comes for Clara to truly intervene and she shows Bailey exactly what Lanford Falls would be like without her.
I truly adored this story. I was laughing and smiling non-stop while listening. I loved the different narrators for Clara and Bailey and getting little snippets into the life of the Angels in their RV. They truly were fabulous and I wish I could go hang out with them! I was deeply invested in Bailey’s story and rooting for her and Maria from the start. Bailey’s group of friends was diverse and also just amazing - the best friends you could ask for. And then there was Lulu and Rosie!! Rescue dogs will always capture my heart! There is so much to love about this story and it was a perfect way to kick off my holiday reading!
I received an ARC through NetGalley and Dreamscape Media. This is my honest review.
This was a fun and festive story filled with magical drag queen angels, adorable rescue dogs, mistletoe kisses, and second chances. The story is told primarily through the point of view of Bailey George, whose only goal this Christmas is to get as far away from Lanford Falls and Winter Wonderfest as possible. But once again, her plans for a vacation are derailed and Bailey reluctantly agrees to stay and help.
Maria Hatcher, Bailey’s childhood crush who broke her heart, just moved back and her new dog Rosie befriends Bailey’s dog Lulu at the local dog park. The two begin to reconnect as Maria helps Bailey save Wonderfest. And with Maria by her side, staying suddenly doesn’t seem so bad. Bailey is finally starting to see that maybe there is more to Lanford Falls. But when the disasters begin to pile up, it becomes hard to hold onto the happiness and joy she had begun to rediscover.
Cue Clara Angel. Throughout the story we get snippets of Clara’s point of view as she and the Angels (her drag queen angel family) attempt to transform Bailey’s heart. Clara is still learning how to use her powers and things don’t always go according to plan. But eventually the time comes for Clara to truly intervene and she shows Bailey exactly what Lanford Falls would be like without her.
I truly adored this story. I was laughing and smiling non-stop while listening. I loved the different narrators for Clara and Bailey and getting little snippets into the life of the Angels in their RV. They truly were fabulous and I wish I could go hang out with them! I was deeply invested in Bailey’s story and rooting for her and Maria from the start. Bailey’s group of friends was diverse and also just amazing - the best friends you could ask for. And then there was Lulu and Rosie!! Rescue dogs will always capture my heart! There is so much to love about this story and it was a perfect way to kick off my holiday reading!
I received an ARC through NetGalley and Dreamscape Media. This is my honest review.
SO MANY FEELS!! Just phenomenal! Another incredible book by Ashley Herring Blake!
Another beautiful, heartwarming story from Abigail Taylor, with deep and real characters. Even if Christmas stories aren’t your jam, still check out this book. While it takes place during the holidays and centers partly around a holiday dating show, those themes are loosely woven through the book and not a primary focus.
The story follows Evie and Sabrina. The saying “misery loves company” pretty much sums up how these two first met and connected. Both women were ghosted by their partners the previous Christmas and neither are feeling very jolly. While Sabrina is drinking away her sorrows at the bar, she meets Evie, who is trying to get a break from a horrible and unwanted blind date. The two can sense almost instantly that they are kindred spirits and quickly form a beautiful friendship that helps bring joy to both of their lives.
Sabrina is a well known matchmaker preparing for a big holiday TV special, but is working with someone determined to ruin people’s Christmases in the name of good TV. Which makes Sabrina’s job a bit more complicated. Because she might be done with romance for herself, but she still loves helping other people find their HEAs.
Evie runs a little ice cream shop and her best friend is constantly roping her into dates. She even convinces Evie to fill out an application for this TV matchmaking special. Evie reluctantly agrees to do so, but fakes her way through it assuming she won’t get picked. You can see where this is going right? Well…I’ll leave it there for now to avoid spoilers and let you know find out how it all plays out yourself!
This was a beautiful story about love finding you when you least expect it, and what can happen when you let down your walls a little and learn to let someone in. It’s relatively low angst, but there is some drama! And the ending will warm your heart! If you are looking for a fun, easy-to-read, not-so-Christmasy holiday romance, you should check it out!
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
The story follows Evie and Sabrina. The saying “misery loves company” pretty much sums up how these two first met and connected. Both women were ghosted by their partners the previous Christmas and neither are feeling very jolly. While Sabrina is drinking away her sorrows at the bar, she meets Evie, who is trying to get a break from a horrible and unwanted blind date. The two can sense almost instantly that they are kindred spirits and quickly form a beautiful friendship that helps bring joy to both of their lives.
Sabrina is a well known matchmaker preparing for a big holiday TV special, but is working with someone determined to ruin people’s Christmases in the name of good TV. Which makes Sabrina’s job a bit more complicated. Because she might be done with romance for herself, but she still loves helping other people find their HEAs.
Evie runs a little ice cream shop and her best friend is constantly roping her into dates. She even convinces Evie to fill out an application for this TV matchmaking special. Evie reluctantly agrees to do so, but fakes her way through it assuming she won’t get picked. You can see where this is going right? Well…I’ll leave it there for now to avoid spoilers and let you know find out how it all plays out yourself!
This was a beautiful story about love finding you when you least expect it, and what can happen when you let down your walls a little and learn to let someone in. It’s relatively low angst, but there is some drama! And the ending will warm your heart! If you are looking for a fun, easy-to-read, not-so-Christmasy holiday romance, you should check it out!
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
Oh how I adored this book! Two young women trapped by their circumstances, scared to try or hope for “more,” who are thrust together by the universe or magic or whatever you might want to call it so that they both might discover what it means to truly live, and to truly love - not just another, but oneself.
Rachael did an excellent job writing Lucy and Audrey with their unique characterizations and language fitting for each of their times. She captured both of their personalities wonderfully and while they are both so different from the outside looking in, the more those layers get peeled back, the more alike they seem to be.
AND OH THE PINING!! This book is filled with good old fashioned sapphic pining, and so many “will they won’t they” scenes that I found myself shouting, “Just kiss her!!” numerous times throughout. Good thing I wasn’t reading this in public!
Rachael did an excellent job writing Lucy and Audrey with their unique characterizations and language fitting for each of their times. She captured both of their personalities wonderfully and while they are both so different from the outside looking in, the more those layers get peeled back, the more alike they seem to be.
AND OH THE PINING!! This book is filled with good old fashioned sapphic pining, and so many “will they won’t they” scenes that I found myself shouting, “Just kiss her!!” numerous times throughout. Good thing I wasn’t reading this in public!
I enjoyed the first book of the series a lot, but Sugarsnap took it to a whole new level! I literally couldn’t put this down. It starts with this element of mystery and suspense - you know something has happened/is happening, but you don’t know what exactly and you have to read between the lines. In Bulldeen, nothing is ever quite as it seems and dark things lurk around every corner. The town is dying, people are leaving, and everything has changed. Bulldeen is basically a ghost town, holding on for dear life…for new life…for resurrection.
Sugarsnap takes us on more dark and terrifying adventures with Frankie and Ivy and is filled with countless wholesome and adorable moments of young sweet sapphic love! Frankie and Ivy don’t hide their unlikely friendship in town or at school, but the real nature of their relationship remains a secret for only them.
But their relationship isn’t the only secret…. Ivy has a secret she’s never told Frankie and Frankie’s dead-ish sister wants Frankie to know. Frankie did something…something she should not have done. And now bad things are happening. Again. And everyone is about to get a Homecoming Dance they will never forget.
I loved Kate and KJ so much and their roles in this story. More queer rep and just amazing wholesome people who I would definitely want on my side during a zombie apocalypse!
This is a story about grief and love and hope. It’s about the decisions we make and the consequences we have to face. It’s a story about friendship and relationships and identity, about being queer in a small town in the early 2000s. It has dark magic, resurrection, zombies, and jealous ex boyfriends who get what they deserve.
Sugarsnap takes place after Zombabe, and I feel like it would have been beneficial to read that first, but enough is explained that I didn’t feel lost or confused. And oh my god! There was so much happening and this story got super intense at times. I swear my stomach was in knots for pretty much the whole second half of the novel. I felt like I was there with them, watching it all happen.
Such a great book and great series! I highly recommend them!
Sugarsnap takes us on more dark and terrifying adventures with Frankie and Ivy and is filled with countless wholesome and adorable moments of young sweet sapphic love! Frankie and Ivy don’t hide their unlikely friendship in town or at school, but the real nature of their relationship remains a secret for only them.
But their relationship isn’t the only secret…. Ivy has a secret she’s never told Frankie and Frankie’s dead-ish sister wants Frankie to know. Frankie did something…something she should not have done. And now bad things are happening. Again. And everyone is about to get a Homecoming Dance they will never forget.
I loved Kate and KJ so much and their roles in this story. More queer rep and just amazing wholesome people who I would definitely want on my side during a zombie apocalypse!
This is a story about grief and love and hope. It’s about the decisions we make and the consequences we have to face. It’s a story about friendship and relationships and identity, about being queer in a small town in the early 2000s. It has dark magic, resurrection, zombies, and jealous ex boyfriends who get what they deserve.
Sugarsnap takes place after Zombabe, and I feel like it would have been beneficial to read that first, but enough is explained that I didn’t feel lost or confused. And oh my god! There was so much happening and this story got super intense at times. I swear my stomach was in knots for pretty much the whole second half of the novel. I felt like I was there with them, watching it all happen.
Such a great book and great series! I highly recommend them!
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
What do you get when a MILF loving lesbian goes home with her closeted gay BFF/roommate as his fake girlfriend for Christmas and the mom is a MILF who is also in the closet? You get one chaotic, merry mess and I loved every minute of it!
This was my first book by Erin Zak, and suffice it to say..I will definitely be reading more! Home for the Holidays was full of humor, drama, and an incredible cast of characters who are equally beautiful and flawed. It was a hot mess express, but it was also a heartwarming story about family and friendship, speaking your truth, and finding love in unexpected places. Plus the chemistry between Iris and Heidi was off the charts - and not just in the bedroom. But seriously…the sexual tension between these two is 🥵🥵! And did I mention there is an adorable dog named Maddie?
Zac isn’t ready to come out to his mom and he convinces Iris to come home with him to Indiana for Christmas. Iris initially agreed to go only as his friend/roommate, but ends up playing the role of his fake girlfriend. Which is fine. No big deal. That is...until she wanders down to the bakery her first morning there and becomes tongue-tied stupid over the gorgeous older woman behind the counter. Thinking she can have her cake and eat it too, Iris decides to have a side of MILF with her morning pastries. Which again…would have been fine. If not for the fact that the next time Iris saw this stunning woman was in her best friend’s house, finding out she’s his mom.
Heidi is in the closet. Zac is in the closet. Zac has no clue about his mom. But Heidi, along with pretty much Zac’s whole family, seem to suspect Zac isn’t as straight as he pretends to be. There are so many secrets, and hidden/forbidden relationships throughout this book. And when all those secrets finally come tumbling out…it is EPIC! I wish I could have been a fly on the wall to witness that moment. Chaos erupts. Secrets are exposed. Relationships are revealed. And everyone is in varying levels of shock.
There were times I was so aggravated with Zac and how he was behaving. I even messaged Erin about it while reading! Lol. But she told me to give him a chance, and I’m glad I did. Because he does grow and redeem himself by the end.
This is officially one of my favorite holiday romance novels and I can’t wait to read more of Erin Zak’s books!
🏳️🌈Rep: Lesbian MCs, gay and bi SCs
📝Tropes/Themes: Coming Out, Fake Dating, MILF, Best Friend’s Mom, Holiday, Age Gap, Instalust, Forbidden Love, Adorable Dog, Small Town, Mature 40+ Lead
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
This was my first book by Erin Zak, and suffice it to say..I will definitely be reading more! Home for the Holidays was full of humor, drama, and an incredible cast of characters who are equally beautiful and flawed. It was a hot mess express, but it was also a heartwarming story about family and friendship, speaking your truth, and finding love in unexpected places. Plus the chemistry between Iris and Heidi was off the charts - and not just in the bedroom. But seriously…the sexual tension between these two is 🥵🥵! And did I mention there is an adorable dog named Maddie?
Zac isn’t ready to come out to his mom and he convinces Iris to come home with him to Indiana for Christmas. Iris initially agreed to go only as his friend/roommate, but ends up playing the role of his fake girlfriend. Which is fine. No big deal. That is...until she wanders down to the bakery her first morning there and becomes tongue-tied stupid over the gorgeous older woman behind the counter. Thinking she can have her cake and eat it too, Iris decides to have a side of MILF with her morning pastries. Which again…would have been fine. If not for the fact that the next time Iris saw this stunning woman was in her best friend’s house, finding out she’s his mom.
Heidi is in the closet. Zac is in the closet. Zac has no clue about his mom. But Heidi, along with pretty much Zac’s whole family, seem to suspect Zac isn’t as straight as he pretends to be. There are so many secrets, and hidden/forbidden relationships throughout this book. And when all those secrets finally come tumbling out…it is EPIC! I wish I could have been a fly on the wall to witness that moment. Chaos erupts. Secrets are exposed. Relationships are revealed. And everyone is in varying levels of shock.
There were times I was so aggravated with Zac and how he was behaving. I even messaged Erin about it while reading! Lol. But she told me to give him a chance, and I’m glad I did. Because he does grow and redeem himself by the end.
This is officially one of my favorite holiday romance novels and I can’t wait to read more of Erin Zak’s books!
🏳️🌈Rep: Lesbian MCs, gay and bi SCs
📝Tropes/Themes: Coming Out, Fake Dating, MILF, Best Friend’s Mom, Holiday, Age Gap, Instalust, Forbidden Love, Adorable Dog, Small Town, Mature 40+ Lead
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
Content Warnings
Minor: Toxic relationship, Car accident
