thisgayreads's Reviews (566)

3 / 5 ⭐️‘s 

 

“Seing Sean" by Patrick Doyle 

 

This is a story of love at first sight, where the complexities of reality and secrets threaten to tear apart the budding romance between Wyatt and Sean. From the start, Wyatt’s attraction to Sean is electric, with their Zoom encounters sparking an unusual electronic reaction that piques Wyatt's interest. 

 

When they finally meet in person, Sean proves to be even more captivating than Wyatt had anticipated, and the attraction between them is mutual. However, Sean's reluctance to open up about himself and the strange occurrences that seem to follow him leave Wyatt questioning whether the relationship is worth pursuing. 

 

With Wyatt's disillusionment and Sean's reluctance to share his past creating a palpable tension that builds throughout the story. As Sean's secrets are slowly revealed, the story takes on a fantastical element that adds a layer of intrigue to the already engaging plot. 

 

The love story between Sean and Wyatt seemed to be a bit fast-paced, which might not be to everyone's liking but then again it is a story of love at first sight… 

 

The ending left some unanswered questions, especially regarding Sean's secrets, which might leave some readers unsatisfied. 

 

PUB Date: 4/21/23 

 

5 / 5 ⭐️'ˢ 

 

“If I See You Again Tomorrow" by Robbie Couch 

 

I loved this one so much! It’s such a fun romance story that adds a unique twist to the genre with the element of being stuck in a time loop. It follows the story of Clark, who wakes up and relives the same monotonous Monday 309 times, until Day 310 brings an unexpected change to his repetitive existence. 

 

I think one of the standout aspects of this story is the concept of being stuck in a time loop. The sense of monotony and repetition is palpable, and you find yourself empathizing with Clark's frustration and longing for change. The author's attention to detail in describing the subtle differences between each repeated day is impeccable. 

 

The chemistry between Clark & Beau is electric, and their budding romance is sweet and heartwarming. 

 

As the story unfolds, Couch weaves in themes of self-discovery, taking risks, and living in the moment. The pacing of the story is well-paced, with a perfect balance of heartwarming moments and emotional depth. 

 

In the end all I can say is I REALLY hope we get more of Clark & Beau’s story in the future!

4 / 5 ⭐️'ˢ 

 

“Dig” by A.S. King 

 

Okay this was a hauntingly beautiful and thought-provoking story that delved into the complexities of family dynamics, privilege, race, and mental health. It had a unique writing style and multi-perspective narrative. 

 

The story follows the lives of teenagers from the eccentric and dysfunctional Hemmings family, each grappling with their own personal struggles. As their stories intertwine, secrets are revealed, and the truths about their family and themselves slowly come to light. 

 

The themes explored in this are profound and timely. King delves into issues of privilege and inequality, shedding light on the systemic racism and classism that exist in society. She also tackles mental health and the effects of trauma on individuals and families, as well as the search for identity and self-acceptance. 

 

The Hemmings family is complex and dysfunctional, but their love for each other shines through even in the midst of their struggles, adding depth and authenticity to their relationships. 

 

The only minor drawback is that the plot felt fragmented at times, with the narrative jumping between perspectives and timelines. Overall though, it does add to the sense of mystery and intrigue in the story, keeping you engaged and invested in uncovering the truth behind the Hemmings family's secrets. 

 

I read this one because is was a recommended read in my ALA reading journal.

3 / 5 ⭐️'ˢ

“She Gets the Girl” by Rachael Lippincott

The story follows two very different young women, Alex Blackwood and Molly Parker, who find themselves drawn to each other despite their contrasting personalities and interests.

Alex is confident and outgoing, with a reputation for being a flirt. She knows how to get the girl, but struggles with maintaining meaningful relationships. On the other hand, Molly is introverted and socially awkward, especially when it comes to expressing her feelings for her crush, Cora Myers. When Alex discovers Molly's secret crush, she offers to help Molly win over Cora in an attempt to prove that she is capable of a committed relationship after a recent breakup.

The chemistry between Alex and Molly is palpable from the start, and their interactions are filled with witty banter and undeniable attraction. As they embark on a five-step plan to win over their respective crushes, they also begin to unravel their own feelings for each other. 

The pacing of the story was well-done, with a good balance of humor, drama, and romance.

Overall, a delightful and heartfelt romance story.

I read this one this month because it was the April pick for the "YA LGBT" Goodreads group.

3 / 5 ⭐️'ˢ 

 

"In Deeper Waters" by F.T. Lukens 

 

This story delivers a delightful blend of adventure, romance, and magic. 

 

Lukens created a rich and immersive fantasy world filled with mythical creatures, mysterious islands, and a complex magical system. 

 

I found myself invested in Tal and Athlen, and their journey together. Tal, a prince with a forbidden magical gift, is a relatable and likable protagonist who undergoes significant character growth throughout the story. Athlen, a mysterious sailor with secrets of his own, is a charming and complex character who provides a perfect foil for Tal. Their slow-burn romance is beautifully developed and adds an extra layer of emotion to the story. 

 

The pacing of the plot was well-balanced, with a good mix of action, intrigue, and romance. The writing style was engaging and flowed smoothly, making it a pleasure to read. 

 

I read this one because it was the April pick for the "LGBTQ/GSM Fantasy & Science Fiction" Goodreads group.

4 / 5 ⭐️‘s 

 

"Cam Fan" by Dani Lakely 

 

This was a scorching hot and emotional romance story that explored the world of live gay cam shows and the unexpected connections that can form in the digital realm. Tyler Denning, a college student, initially logs on to a cam website out of curiosity, but he quickly becomes captivated by the charismatic and alluring Sebastian, who’s real name is Justin Blanchet. 

 

Tyler finds himself becoming Sebastian's biggest fan, eagerly watching his shows and indulging in his fantasies. What starts as a professional interaction soon becomes something deeper as Tyler and Sebastian begin to form a genuine connection, both on and off the camera. Tyler, who is inexperienced in matters of intimacy, finds himself drawn to Sebastian in ways he never anticipated, and Sebastian, who is used to adoring fans but has never felt a connection like this before, is equally taken by Tyler's innocence and curiosity. 

 

The overall story is engaging and evocative, with Lakely's descriptive prose bringing the story to life. The pacing is well-done, with a perfect balance of steamy moments, emotional depth, and plot development. The story is filled with raw emotions, heartwarming moments, and unexpected twists that keep you wanting to read more. 

 

I look forward to reading the next book in this series! 

 

PUB Date: 4/24/23 

 

This ARC was provided to me by @Booksirens and @gay.romance.reviews for free in exchange for an honest review. 

4 / 5 ⭐️‘s 

 

"In the Lives of Puppets" by TJ Klune 

 

"𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘩𝘢𝘴𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥," 𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥, 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴𝘈𝘕𝘖𝘛𝘏𝘌𝘙𝘚𝘜𝘊𝘊𝘌𝘚𝘚𝘍𝘜𝘓𝘗𝘈𝘛𝘐𝘌𝘕𝘛𝘐𝘕𝘛𝘌𝘙𝘈𝘊𝘛𝘐𝘖𝘕.” 

 

Set in a unique world where robots and humans coexist, this book tells the story of Vic, a human, and his unconventional family of robots. 

 

The story introduces us to a peculiar home nestled in the branches of trees, where three robots reside: Giovanni, an inventor android who serves as a father figure; Nurse Ratched a machine with a pleasantly sadistic personality; and Rambo a small vacuum robot longing for love and attention. Vic, a human, also lives with them, and they form a tight-knit family, hidden and safe from the outside world. 

 

Nurse Ratched makes this book, fight me. I was DYING at the squirrel incident! 

 

Klune's writing as always is masterful, drawing you into a richly imagined world filled with vivid descriptions and well-drawn characters. He seamlessly weaves together moments of heartwarming tenderness, hysterical laughter, and gut-wrenching emotions. 

 

Overall, this was a beautifully written story that captivated me from start to finish. 

 

PUB Date: 4/25/23 

 

This ARC was provided by @netgalley for free in exchange for an honest review.

5 / 5 ⭐️‘s 

 

“How To Love Thine Enemy" by Eli Easton 

 

I LOVE LOVE this series and was so excited to see that Easton wrote a 6th story in it! 

 

This story weaves a captivating tale of forbidden love set against the backdrop of the rugged Alaskan wilderness. Drawing on legend and lore, Easton creates a unique world where sled dogs and humans, known as the Qimmig and the People, were once deeply bonded, until betrayal severed their ties. 

 

The story follows Taq, a young Inuit, who witnesses a remarkable event - two men surviving a polar bear attack by shifting into dogs. This encounter challenges Taq's beliefs and forces him to question everything he thought he knew about the Qimmig, a mythical group of dog-men. When Taq is reunited with Cupun, a golden-eyed boy from his childhood, he realizes that their bond runs deeper than he ever imagined. However, their love is forbidden, as the Qimmig and the Inuit are not allowed to have any contact. 

 

The setting becomes a character in its own right, adding depth and complexity to the story. The pacing is well-balanced, with moments of heart-pounding action and tender intimacy. 

 

The romance between Taq and Cupun is the heart of the story, and Easton deftly portrays their journey from friends to lovers. 

 

The themes of acceptance, loyalty, and the power of love are woven throughout the story, adding emotional depth and resonance. The Romeo and Juliet trope adds an element of forbidden love and tension, heightening the stakes for Taq and Cupun. The inclusion of doggie shifters adds a unique and enchanting element to the story, blending fantasy and romance seamlessly. 

 

PUB Date: 4/17/23 

 

This ARC was provided by @gayromancereviews for free in exchange for an honest review.

4 / 5 ⭐️‘s 

 

“Against The Stars” by Christopher Hartland 

 

Wow, there was so much packed into this book. It delves into bi, trans, mental illness, suicide, poverty, substance abuse, class, love, fate, and others I'm sure I'm missing, all packaged into a YA queer science fiction book! 

 

The story follows Elliot Dove, a teenager grappling with his confusion surrounding his sexuality after a disastrous prom night incident with his best friend. Seeking clarity, Elliot turns to GlimpseTech, a company that offers glimpses of the future to those over the age of sixteen. However, instead of finding answers, Elliot's glimpse only adds to his confusion as he sees himself in an intimate moment with Sebastian Glass, the only openly gay kid in his school. 

 

Sebastian, on the other hand, despises Glimpses, blaming the technology for his father's absence. As he deals with his mother's depression and a looming financial crisis, Sebastian unexpectedly crosses paths with Elliot repeatedly, and it seems as though the universe is pushing them together. Despite their different backgrounds and struggles, Elliot and Sebastian find solace and understanding in each other, and their friendship soon blossoms into something deeper. 

One of the strengths of this story is its exploration of class differences and how they impact the characters' lives. The divide between the haves and have-nots is palpable, with GlimpseTech representing the privileged upper class who can afford the technology, while others protest against it. 

 

The romance between Elliot and Sebastian is beautifully portrayed, capturing the joys and challenges of first love. Their relationship is portrayed with sensitivity and authenticity, as they navigate their feelings for each other while dealing with the uncertainties of the future. The chemistry between them is palpable, and I was definitely rooting for their love to triumph against all odds. 

 

The speculative element of the novel, the concept of glimpsing the future, adds an intriguing layer to the story. The mystery surrounding the "Last Day" and the consequences of knowing or not knowing what lies ahead creates tension and suspense, driving the plot forward. Hartland raises thought-provoking questions about destiny, choice, and the unpredictability of life, leaving readers pondering whether they would choose to glimpse ahead if given the chance. 

 

This is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant story that is sure to captivate you from start to finish. Hartland's prose is engaging and evocative, drawing you into the lives of Elliot and Sebastian, and their struggles and triumphs feel real and relatable. The diverse representation of queer characters and their experiences adds depth and authenticity to the story. 

 

This ARC was provided by @tinyghostpress in exchange for an honest review.

2 / 5 ⭐️‘s 

 

"A Case of Madness" by Yvonne Knop 

 

This one wasn't for me. While the book's synopsis promised an intriguing plot with elements of mystery and romance, I found myself struggling to connect with the story due to the heavy reliance on the hallucination of Sherlock Holmes. 

 

As a self-proclaimed Sherlock Holmes scholar, Andrew Thomas, the protagonist, is depicted as a complex character with a slew of challenges including being unemployed, battling cancer, and struggling with his sexual orientation. However, when Holmes appears in Andrew's life as a hallucination, claiming to be in love with a man he just met, the story takes a bizarre turn. 

 

The concept of chasing a fictional character through London with his own Watson could have been an interesting twist on the classic Sherlock Holmes narrative, but it didn't resonate with ME. The constant blurring of reality and hallucination left me feeling disconnected from the story, and I found it difficult to fully immerse myself in Andrew's journey. 

 

The book's writing style was well-crafted, and the author's creativity in weaving together elements of mystery and romance was commendable. However, the overarching theme of Andrew's obsession with a hallucinatory version of Sherlock Holmes didn't resonate with my personal reading preferences. 

 

While this may appeal to readers who enjoy unconventional narratives and are fans of the Sherlock Holmes idea, it ultimately wasn't a book that I vibed with. 

 

This ARC audiobook was provided by @Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.