thisgayreads's Reviews (566)

5 ⭐️'ˢ 

 

“The Queer Musings of a One-Time Boy Skater” By Joe Bainbridge @jbainbr 

 

📕 Edition: eBook 

 

🌈⛸️  As someone with limited knowledge of ice skating, this book brought back a flood of memories from my childhood, where many of my summers were spent at Lloyd Center mall gliding around on the same rink where Tonya Harding once honed her skills and I often saw her skating there. ⛸️ 

 

Bainbridge's essays are a candid reflection of his own life, offering a unique blend of humor and honesty. The narrative is not solely about figure skating; rather, it extends beyond, serving as an exploration of the challenges faced by a young gay man coming of age. The author doesn't shy away from sharing both the triumphs and traumas of his experiences, creating a relatable and touching narrative with some humor. 🏳️‍🌈💔 

 

For those who may not be familiar with the intricacies of figure skating, fear not—Bainbridge weaves a story that transcends the ice rink, making it accessible and engaging for readers from all walks of life. Whether you're a fan of the sport or simply enjoy heartfelt memoirs, give this one a read. 📖✨ 

 

Thank you @jbainbr for providing me with this copy (though I did also buy a copy on kindle) in exchange for my honest review.

Just not my style of book. I lost interest.

3 ⭐️'ˢ

“Only If You’re Lucky” By Stacy Willingham

📕 Edition: Audiobook

The story follows Margot, a shy college student, and her larger-than-life roommate, Lucy. The dynamics among Lucy and her housemates—Sloane and Nicole—create a captivating backdrop for the tale.

Willingham weaves a narrative that explores the complexities of friendship, grief, and the blurred lines between right and wrong. The characters are richly developed, each with their quirks and flaws, making them feel incredibly real.

While the book kept my attention with its magnetic characters and a suspenseful plot, I couldn't help but feel that some parts were a tad dragged out, elongating the story more than necessary.

The mysterious disappearance of Lucy and the murder of a fraternity boy add layers of suspense, keeping my interest perked. The narrative is intense, and the twists keep you guessing until the very end.

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

5 ⭐️'ˢ

Goblin Monday” By R.L. Stine

📕 Edition: eBook ARC

Stine's latest addition to the Goosebumps series introduces readers to Mario Galagos, who innocently brings a small statue of a peculiar creature into his life during a holiday visit to snowy Vermont. Little does he know that this seemingly harmless act unleashes a pandemonium of monstrous goblins on his world. 😱👹

True to Stine's signature style, the story is filled with unexpected twists and turns.

Stine effortlessly captures the essence of childhood curiosity and the consequences that follow when boundaries are crossed. 🤔👫

Thank you @NetGalley , @RL_Stine1 and @scholastic for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

5 ⭐️'ˢ

“12 Days of UPS” By Eli Easton

📕 Edition: eBook

🎄 A delightful Christmas novella that brought warmth to my holiday season. In the midst of a COVID-19 lockdown, Paul's lonely Christmas takes a surprising turn with daily packages from a Secret Santa. The gifts are not only fun but also delivered by a charming UPS driver who adds a spark to the festive tale. With heartwarming moments and a touch of cheekiness, Easton crafts a short and sweet story of unexpected joy. 📦🎅

4 ⭐️'ˢ

“The Missing Piece” By Kiersten Modglin

📕 Edition: Audiobook

This quick audiobook had me guessing at every turn, and I couldn't stop listening.

Jaicey Thomas, the protagonist, is far from your average seventeen-year-old. The unanswered questions surrounding her life create an atmosphere of mystery and suspense. Why have all the mirrors disappeared? Why won't her family read newspapers? The sense of foreboding deepens as Jaicey's nightmares persist, and an overwhelming fear of those around her takes hold.

The introduction of a mysterious stranger adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. He becomes Jaicey's potential ally in uncovering the truth, but the question of trust looms large. As Jaicey unravels the clues, she delves into her own memories, unearthing darkness she never expected.

Full of suspense, keeping readers hooked with each revelation. The urgency intensifies as Jaicey fights for her life, compelled to relive a traumatic night. Secrets emerge, deeper and darker than imagined, and time ticks away, ratcheting up the tension.

5 ⭐️'ˢ 

 

“Wait For Dark” By Kiersten Modglin 

 

📕 Edition: Audiobook 

 

A quick yet gripping listen. 

 

The Ashleys, seemingly leading perfect lives, are faced with an unexpected opportunity that turns their world upside down. A tale of mystery, suspense, and moral dilemmas that had me hooked from start to finish. 

 

The pacing of the story is excellent, and the audiobook format only enhances the experience. The tension builds steadily, and just when you think you have it all figured out, as always Modglin throws in a twist that leaves you gasping. 👀

Just not into it. While I think people will love it, it's not my style. Not even sure why I requested the ARC... Maybe because it said vampires...

5 ⭐️'ˢ 

 

“We Burn Beautiful” By Lance Lansdale @lancetastik 

 

📕 Edition: eBook ARC 

 

This is a fiery debut that lit up my reading world! 🔥 This story swiftly secured its place at the pinnacle of my favorites for the year. Humor, romance, family dynamics, and the complexities of religious trauma are all in this captivating narrative. 

 

The protagonist, Kent Fox, is a delightful mess—38, jobless, and living with his mom after a selfie debacle turns him into a professional pariah. The narrative takes an unexpected turn when Kent's new boss at the grocery store turns out to be his ex-gay ex-boyfriend, Gray Collins. The tension and humor that ensue are brilliantly written. 

 

The character dynamics are a standout feature. Kent's escapades, especially in the bar with the "nameless waitress," had me in stitches. The unveiling of Gray and Sarah's secret left me utterly gobsmacked, adding a layer to the story that I didn't see coming. 

 

Lansdale skillfully delves into the themes of trauma and unresolved feelings as Kent and Gray are forced to confront their past. The journey is emotional and the resolution is heartwarmingly sweet. 

 

If there's ever more to this story, count me in! And for another completely different story, count me in for that too! 📚❤️ 

 

Out 12/15! Get a copy here: https://amzn.to/41dtv5G 

 

Thank you @gay.romance.reviews for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

3 ⭐️'ˢ 

 

“An Unfortunate Christmas Murder” By Hannah Hendy 

 

📕 Edition: Audiobook 

 

A festive whodunit.🕵️‍♀️❄️ 

 

I jumped into the second book of the series because this was for a group read and was told it could be read as a standalone but feel like I may have missed some details and couldn't help but wonder if delving into the first book would have provided a richer context. Nevertheless, the narrative flowed seamlessly, making it an engaging and swift Christmas read. 

 

The story unfolds as tragedy strikes during the Christmas concert planning – a stage light collapse leading to the demise of Mrs. Large, the music teacher. Caught in the middle of the festive chaos, Margery and Clementine become inadvertent detectives, determined to unravel the mystery. As the Dinner Lady Detectives, they are enlisted by Mrs. Smith, the Head of Drama, to clear her name. The plot thickens with suspicions, rivalries, and a sprinkle of holiday intrigue. 

 

Hendy weaves a tale where trust is as fragile as a snowflake, and the kitchen heats up with more than just culinary tension. The characters are well-crafted, and the festive setting adds a delightful backdrop to the unfolding drama.