thisgayreads's Reviews (566)

5 / 5 ⭐️'ˢ 

 

“The Bell in the Fog” By Lev A.C. Rosen 

 

📕 Edition: Audiobook & eBook 

 

I absolutely adored this! 🌟 

 

This book seamlessly continues the story of Andy Mills, and I was thrilled to dive back into his world. 📚 Set in 1952 San Francisco, the novel masterfully navigates a web of mysteries and emotions, all while avoiding clichés. 

 

Andy's character development is truly remarkable. From his struggles with a tarnished reputation to his complex relationships, I found myself rooting for him every step of the way. 💪❤️ 

 

Rosen paints a vivid picture of the era, immersing readers in the secretive and captivating world of post-war San Francisco. 🕵️‍♂️🏳️‍🌈 

 

The plot is full of emotions and surprises, and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. The pacing is spot-on, and I couldn't put the book down! 

 

I appreciated the way Rosen delved into the LGBTQ+ community's struggles and triumphs during that time, shedding light on an important part of history. 🏳️‍🌈🕰️ 

 

Thank you @NetGalley, Lev A.C. Rosen for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review. 

📚 

📚 

📚 

Tags 🏷️: #guyswhoread #guysthatread #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #booklover #booksta #bookaddict #books #bookish #bookreview #bookrecommendations #bookworm  #reader #readersofinstagram #igreads #readinggoal #tbr #thisgayreads #thisgayreviews 

4 / 5 ⭐️'ˢ 

 

“The Christmas Cafe” By Eliza Evans 

 

📕 Edition: Audiobook & eBook 

 

This book was like stepping into a warm, fuzzy Hallmark movie, complete with all the heartwarming Christmas vibes. From the quaint Silver Bells setting to the charming characters, I felt like I was right there in the Christmas Cafe, savoring the festive spirit. 🎅📽️ 

 

Sylvie, the clumsy but lovable baker, tugged at my heartstrings as she embarked on her mission to save the cafe and put it on the map. Her interactions with Royce, the film's charming lead actor, added a sprinkle of romance to the story, and I couldn't help but root for them. 💑🎬 

 

The pact Sylvie made with her Gramps to be brave this Christmas gave the story an extra layer of warmth and courage. And let's not forget Crumpet, the yappy chihuahua-pug, whose antics added a dash of humor to the tale. 🐶😂 

 

If you're looking for a heartwarming Christmas read, give this one a try. It's the perfect recipe for a cozy holiday season. 📚❤️🎁 

 

Thank you @NetGalley, Eliza Evans for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

3 / 5 ⭐️'ˢ 

 

“Nestlings” By Nat Cassidy 

 

📕 Edition: Audiobook & eBook 

 

While I enjoyed the overall narrative, I was not a fan of the ending. The baby 💩 scene though… omg you go from 😂 to 😱! 

 

My main gripe, other than the ending, was with the audiobook format. The chapter structure was confusing, with numbered sections that the narrator referenced. I often found myself lost, thinking these were chapter titles. It forced me to switch to the ebook to understand the layout. 

 

Despite these issues, Cassidy's ability to weave a tale of unease and paranoia is impressive. The subtle, needle-like bite marks on the baby added a chilling element to the plot, leaving me with a sense of lingering dread. 

 

In the end, "Nestlings" is a captivating read, albeit with some structural challenges in the audiobook format. The storytelling is unique, and if you can overlook the minor hiccups, you'll be in for a mysterious and unsettling journey. 

 

Thank you @NetGalley, Nat Cassidy and @Macmillan.audio for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review. 

 

5 / 5 ⭐️'ˢ 

 

“The Fell of Dark” By Caleb Roehrig 

 

📕 Edition: Audiobook 

 

This book was fangtastic! 🦇📚 It was fun and fast-paced story that combined all the elements of a classic vampire tale with a modern, LGBTQ+ twist. 🏳️‍🌈 

 

August Pfeiffer is a relatable protagonist with a strong aversion to algebra and an even stronger aversion to living in a vampire-infested town. 

 

I was all about the throuple, though very short lived. It added a unique layer to the typical vampire narrative. 🧛‍♂️🧑🏻🧛‍♂️ Auggie's interactions with the mysterious and alluring vampire boy and his unexpected involvement in a battle against an ancient, malevolent power kept me engaged from start to finish. 

 

Caleb Roehrig's writing style is fun and filled with witty banter, making it impossible to put the book down. The pacing is superb, and the plot twists keep you guessing.

5 / 5 ⭐️'ˢ 

 

“Keynan Masters and the Peerless Magic Crew” By DaVaun Sanders 

 

📕 Edition: Physical copy 

 

In this enchanting adventure, Keynan Masters embarks on a quest to unlock his freestyling magic and uncover the mysteries of Peerless Academy. As readers, we're instantly drawn into Keynan's world, where he underestimates the Academy's potential, thinking it's just an art school. Little does he know that it holds the key to his abilities and the salvation of his home and family from impending storms. 

 

The story is filled with whimsy, friendship, and the magic of self-discovery, making it a perfect read for young minds eager to explore the realms of fantasy. 🌈 

 

What I truly appreciated was the camaraderie that developed between Keynan and his newfound friends. Their synergy in tackling the magical challenges and saving the school and the world is heartwarming. 🧙‍♂️📚 

 

For parents and educators of middle-grade readers, this is a magical delight and a must read for kids who adore magical adventures. It's a captivating, well-crafted tale that keeps the imagination alive and sparks a sense of wonder. 🪄 

 

Thank you @Bookishfirst, @DaVaunSanders and @Inkyardpress for providing me with a copy of this in exchange for my honest review.

3 / 5 ⭐️'ˢ

“Your Lonely Nights Are Over” By Adam Sass

📕 Edition: Audiobook

 This one left me torn 🤷🏻‍♂️. It was good and definitely had its moments, but it didn't quite hit the mark for me. 

It introduces us to Dearie and Cole, two openly gay friends navigating the perils of high school life, which takes a sinister turn when a serial killer resurfaces, targeting their school's Queer Club. The concept was intriguing and definitely gave off some Scream vibes, and there are certainly high-stakes moments.

However, I found the pacing a bit uneven. At times, the story seemed to drag on, and I wished for more tight-knit suspense. That said, the friendship dynamics and the dark truth behind Dearie's past kept me invested enough until the end.

Overall, I liked it, I just didn’t love it. 

5 / 5 ⭐️'ˢ

“Frendo Lives” By Adam Cesare

📕 Edition: Audiobook

Taking place one year after the first installment, it explores how the surviving characters are coping with their newfound fame and infamy. As a fresh menace emerges, donning the chilling old clown mask, the suspense is electric.

I was completely engrossed in this audiobook. Oh man, poor Quinn… Conspiracy theorists and their devoted believers frame her and her friends, survivors of the Kettle Springs Massacre, as the true culprits behind the gruesome tragedy that unfolded only a year ago. The fear and gore in this book, like the first, are unrelenting. 🤡🎈

Adam Cesare's writing is utterly addictive, pulling you in immediately. Brace yourself for unexpected twists and heart-pounding moments that'll leave you shocked. 😱

As stated, #FrendoLives leaves no one unscathed! The ending is 🔥!

For horror aficionados, this is a must-read for sure. It's a relentless, spine-chilling, and absolutely gory tale. 🌽🔪

4 / 5 ⭐️'ˢ

“Only You” By Leta Blake

📕 Edition: eBook & Audiobook

What an emotional rollercoaster 🎢 of a conclusion to the '90s Coming of Age series. As an audiobook experience, it was truly immersive. The story had me torn between heartbreak and happiness. The amount of spice in this final story was 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️!

Minty's story left me deeply saddened but on the flip side, Peter and Daniel's journey to love and self-acceptance was incredibly satisfying. Their connection amidst the chaos of Daniel's life felt authentic and heartwarming.

The return of Adam added a layer of complexity, forcing Peter to confront his past and his conflicting emotions.

I’m excited to read more about Minty’s story in “My Skin Begs You Please” coming May 2024?!

Thank you @Gay.Romance.Reviews , @LetaBlake for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

3.5 / 5 ⭐️'ˢ

“Saint Juniper’s Folly” By Alex Crespo

📕 Edition: Audiobook

This was an engaging and haunting tale 📚👻. I opted for the audiobook, and the atmosphere was so well-crafted, I felt like I was right there in Saint Juniper. While not a full-blown horror novel, it had its fair share of spooky moments.

The characters were intriguing, and I particularly enjoyed the tender moments and the adorable romance that blossomed 🏳️‍🌈💕. However, at times, it was a bit challenging to distinguish between the characters' perspectives in different chapters.

The mystery in the haunted house, the bond among the characters, and the elements of found family made it a fun read. 🏡✨

Jaime, Theo, and Taylor's individual struggles and the supernatural mysteries of Saint Juniper's Folly made for a compelling read. If you enjoy queer haunted house mysteries with a side of romance and paranormal elements, this book is definitely worth your time! 👍📖💫

Was bored, did not draw me in.