Before I really start in on this review, I have to say that I cannot wait for the next book in the series. The epilogue of this book has me so on edge and worried that I need to know what happens next. I NEED to know, Rita. Like. Medically need to know. I am worried and I have feelings and I have questions! I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS!
Have you ever gone into reading a book expecting one thing but then the book is nothing like your expectations but in the best possible way? Silver-Lined Secrets, by Aleksander Petit was exactly that for me. From reading the synopsis I thought it was going to be an action packed young adult book about learning to be a spy; what the reader gets from this beautiful story is more of a comfort spy young adult novel. Oh, and did I mention it is queer AF?
Have you ever read a book where you’re about a quarter of the way through and you’ve already determined that it is now one of your all-time favorite books and that you’re going to recommend it to absolutely every single one of your friends and anyone who is looking for book recommendations? Well, if you haven’t had that experience then I cannot wait until you read Bloody Spade!
For all my nerdery that I ascribe to, the X-Men franchise has never been one that I’ve ever considered myself at all interested in. Until now. But they’re not really x-men, are they? No. They’re better. Who am I referring to? The new formed vigilante superheroes of Cute Mutants, Vol 1: Mutant Pride, by SJ Whitby, that’s who! Cause they’re not just new, quite literally new to their powers, they’re definitely cute, and queer, and diverse af.
The Queen of Ieflaria, by Effie Calvin, first in the Tales of Inthya series, is a quick and satisfying fantasy read. There is magic, LGBTQ+ inclusive world building, dragons, and court intrigue. And if that isn’t enough to pull you in, the amazing cast of female characters sure as hell will win your heart.
The Step Sister Scheme, by Jim C. Hines, is everything I want from a book – it is a fantasy story with a rich world, it’s a unique retelling of established Grimm Brother fairy tales, and it’s main cast are all strong, fiercly independant and capable women who couldn’t be more different.
Softball. It’s been a stereotypical lesbian staple for as long as I can remember. Playing for Keeps, by Carla Kincaid, is a book that addresses how softball plays a role in bringing two women together when only one of them is actually a softball player.
Life Minus Me was far deeper than I anticipated for a novellette, with a multitude of depth in each character, including secondary characters. It took me into a world I wanted to slip into, with mind reading half angels, premonitions, candy obsessed pixies, and demons. Plus dogs. Can’t forget the doggos.
I can confidently say that If You Only Knew, by Jea Hawkins, did not live up to my expectations. Perhaps my expectations were far too high going into to reading this short Kindle exclusive. I read the back of the book and was immediately intrigued as to how the premise of this story could be anything other than problematic and how Hawkins was able to pull it off.
The Queerblr 