Chris

Before anything else, WE MUST PROTECT ALOYSIUS AT ALL COSTS! Okay moving on...I LOVED THIS! It was so genuinely perfect for what I expected! I was captivated from the start. I hated when I had to put it down to actually work or sleep.

The whole Mean Girls meets The Heathers meets serial killer? chefs kiss Give me more of it! I really do hope that a sequel or series is started from this one because it could be so amazing!

Thank you so much to Justin Arnold and Tiny Ghost Press for allowing me to read an eARC of this!

Wicked Little Things by Justin Arnold releases November 15, 2022!

Did this take a couple weeks to read? Yes. Did I hate it? ABSOLUTELY NOT!

When I read the first book in this series, I was hooked and have been ever since. Odyssey was no different. Actually, that's a lie. Odyssey is definitely my favorite in the series, which is weird because I don't normally read books over 350 pages.

I love what Alethea did in this epic and I'm thrilled to see where it goes from here!

What a phenomenal deep dive in the next chapter of the Skinny Dipping series! I was blessed with having the author reach out for my honest opinion and I'm so thankful for that!

Dead in the Water continues to build on the mystery of Lan and his fellow swimmers. I was constantly on the edge of seat trying to figure out what was going to happen next.

The guttural scream I let out when I reached the end of this one could probably be heard for miles. I would love to see more people read this series. In my opinion, it is unlike anything I have read and unlike anything out there currently.

Thank Aiden Lovely for reaching out and allowing me to read this and giving me a new series to auto-buy!!!

I. Need. More!

What a fantastic debut and opening to a trilogy! I cannot fully articulate the joy this brought to my life.

I have so many questions that I hope are answered in the next books. I could never fully explain to anyone why they should read this book. JUST READ IT! PREORDER IT! COMMIT YOUR LIFE TO ALL THINGS FAERIE AND THE WORLD OF VVELLION!

I have high hopes and expectations for this trilogy. It is certainly in my top books of all time! It gave me the same feelings that Wolfsong did and I don't say that lightly!

Watch out world here comes Kalob Dàniel and their faeries!

Thank you Kalob for sending me an eARC for an honest review. I truly cannot wait to see what the future holds for you and Vvellion!

The Dunkin' cold brew being thanked in the Acknowledgments is its own star.

Is this a bit cringe and uncomfortable? Totally. However looking past the uncomfortable, the author does a great job at weaving a story together. My biggest complaint (again looking past the uncomfortable) is that the ending was just so flat compared to the rest of the book.

I'm so excited for to see this released into the world! Phrique really has something amazing here and it is perfect for Pride Ooky Spooky Month! I have had the pleasure of watching this masterpiece become a murderous lil beauty. Honestly, seriously, if you aren't getting slayed by this then there is something to be said about you. I won't get into a full review but know that this fills a hole that needed filling. Go pre-order this NOW!

Also thank you Phrique for letting me be a beta reader for this and letting me constantly, consistently give my honest opinions. I can't wait for it to be out in the wild!

This was just...wow! I was very hesitant about reading this book because I saw reviews saying some of the language was uncomfortable. I do agree that sometimes the language and descriptions used for certain age ranges of Alex and Brandon was cringe and uncomfortable, but it also provided a new set of eyes to being gay in that era.

I think of all the people who could have benefited from this book sooner. If you can look past the uncomfortable moments, you'll find a marvelous coming-of-age story about love and friendship.

Thank you NetGalley and Atmosphere Press for giving me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

The You I See by Danny Freeman releases July 12, 2022!

I'm even more excited to read Nexus of Destiny now that I've read this! Please please please read this!

There really is a first time for everything as this is my first read on my Kindle. Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine Books for this ARC ebook!

First Time for Everything by Henry Fry is a story of truest finding yourself and where you belong. Danny is fresh from a break up, getting evicted, and generally just lost after his world has been flipped.

I thoroughly enjoyed this ebook ARC. It was well thought out and had lots of really enjoyable moments. It is a must read for anyone who feels lost, especially in the queer community.

First Time for Everything is out on May 10, 2022!

This was simply marvelous. Each entry had such power and emotion behind the words. There were moments were I felt as if we were talking face to face and I was listening to you speak. As the collection progressed, I could feel that metamorphosis that was occurring. There was growth between each entry culminating in an ending that brought hope and light for the future despite the past.

Thank you and Alien Buddha Press so much for allowing me to read this early in exchange for an honest review!

How far would you go to bury secrets and protect your loved ones?

This book was definitely outside my normal book type. I am so happy I read it though!

I was simply captivated by the writing style. The character development of the Lena, Jonah, and Luke is so delightful to read.

My biggest gripe about this novel though comes from the side characters. I felt that some of them were almost unnecessary outside of a scene or two. They were characters that just as easily could have been written out with minor changes, but I digress.

Please please give this book a read! I think it was beautifully done and shows the depth of what one would do to bury secrets and protect their loved ones.

Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for giving me a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Dark Rivers to Cross by Lynne Reeves is out November 8, 2022!

What a wild ride! I went into this book completely open-minded and unsure of what I was going to find. I found myself completely enthralled in this story. If you want a quick and utterly chaotic (in a good way) read, this is the one!

Actual rating: 4.5

I just want to preface this by saying I loved the novel! The only thing I didn't like was that the main character would get kind of whiny at some points. Otherwise, the writing was perfect for the age and POV. I long to have a friend like Matti. I have harsh words for a certain character. Overall though? Wonderful debut from Scott!

What a heartfelt story! This story really touches on so much about being in the LGBT+ community ESPECIALLY in a small town in Montana!!!

This was such a rare gem for me. I had not seen it anywhere on Booksta or BookTok. I stumbled across it on NetGalley and I cannot stop singing my praise now!

Please please please go read this one!

I received an eARC of Grayality by Carey PW through NetGalley and Pride Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

Grayality is out July 12, 2022!

Where do I begin with this story? I was drawn to this because the cover art was wild and the title to go with it was insane. It had me from that point.

I really enjoyed this book. The main character really irked me sometimes and Andrew deserved better. That part shattered me, but I understand it was needed so that Ian could actually grow up.

Overall, solid story! Thanks BookSirens for letting me read an eARC for my honest review!

The Age of a Lobster by Stephen Mathews releases June 7, 2023!

Actual rating: 4.5

I'm so excited for y'all to meet Thomas and Bruce and everyone else in this story. I actually started reading this in the midst of Hurricane Ian. I lost power and didn't want to waste my flashlight reading traditional hardcovers or paperbacks.

I. DEVOURED. IT! I had to know what was happening next. I needed for my boys to make it and give me the HEA I felt the deserved! Learning why THOSE numbers were significant was gold. There was so much that was so special about this book.

I don't want to post spoilers on accident so I'll conclude with this:

BUY. THIS. BOOK. READ. THIS. BOOK. CHECK OUT. THIS. BOOK. (Get my point here?)

Thank you BookSirens and Deep Desires Press for giving me an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

When Things Happen Together by Jordan Clayden-Lewis releases October 11, 2022!

What a cute way to start holiday reading! A warm, feel good holiday gay boy romcom!

Finding My Elf is really about just finding who are through the holiday spirit and I mean who are we to deny ourselves?

So if you want a cute, PG, gay, Christmas romcom, then check this one out!

Thank you David Valdes, HarperCollins, and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!

Finding My Elf by David Valdes releases November 7, 2023!

Okay I originally was going to place this on the back burner. Then I started it in July before putting it back down, but something told me to pick it up again. I am so glad I did! It was such a lovely story and it was so much fun to read. I received an advance review copy for free through BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I don't normally write reviews that are negative, but I'm making the exception here. What the hell did I read? I felt this had more shaming in it than anything else. Bareback? Shame. Cruising? Shame. Gay? Shame. Also sex with animals? Yeah sure that's okay. This book seemed less of manual to gay sex and more like internalized homophobia piece. The ONLY redeeming quality were the drawings because they were gorgeous and well done.

What in the actual fck did I just read and WHY did I like so damn much? I picked this up because a friend reviewed it and his review made me curious. Listen friends...I WAS NOT READY. I stopped reading at some points to wash my hands or take a shower or just giggle at the sheer absurdity. I don't think I've ever been on a wild as a ride as this. This is very far from something your “average reader” will read. Take care of your mental health. Long live Bloodbag and Fck Douglas

Tom Hudson's Mantopia presents a fascinating thought experiment: a city inhabited solely by biological males. While the premise may initially seem jarring, the novel quickly reveals its potential for profound social commentary.

Hudson's writing is engaging and thought-provoking, drawing readers into a world where traditional gender roles are completely upended. Maletopia is depicted as a utopian society where men are encouraged to embrace their emotions, respect others, and prioritize consent. The novel's exploration of themes such as gender and sexual fluidity, justice reform, and mental health care offers a compelling critique of our own world's shortcomings.

However, the novel's portrayal of transgender individuals raises some concerns. While Maletopia's focus on inclusivity and respect is admirable, the lack of explicit representation of transgender characters leaves a noticeable gap. This raises questions about the novel's ability to fully address the complexities of gender identity and expression.

Despite this minor criticism, Mantopia is a thought-provoking and timely work that challenges readers to consider alternative societal structures. Hudson's exploration of gender, power, and justice offers a valuable contribution to contemporary discourse.

This groundbreaking guide is a must-read for anyone looking to redefine their understanding of relationships, love, and intimacy. Beyond its primary focus on aromantic and asexual individuals, the book offers a revolutionary perspective on what constitutes a fulfilling connection.

By challenging societal norms, it encourages us to explore the full spectrum of human relationships, free from the constraints of traditional expectations. Whether you're aromantic, asexual, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of love, this book is a transformative resource.

Thank you NetGalley, Cody Daigle-Orians, and Jessica Kingsley Publishers for an eARC in exchange for my honest review!

The Aro and Ace Relationship Guide by Cody Daigle-Orians releases October 21, 2024!

I'm having a hard time deciding what I want to say about this book. The book itself was okay. The cover is killer! The concept was really cool and had so much potential. It just fell flat for me. Erin was such a baddie, but Max? Max really made me contemplate putting this into a DNF pile. Erin and the story really kept me reading. Max chapters had me rolling my eyes. The big bads were flat and not very convincing. The cryptid? Ugh it could have been so fun! It had so much potential, but I fear it wasn't utilized properly. There was so much potential here and it just missed the mark. It wasn't horrible, but like Erin's aim...it wasn't perfect enough.

Thank you NetGalley, Logan-Ashley Kisner, and Random House Children's for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Old Wounds by Logan-Ashley Kisner will be released September 10, 2024!

Having read all of Robby Weber's, this is probably his best yet! His growth as a writer really shows in this novel. I love that it is still set in the same universe as his first two novels so we get a sense of familiarity without a complete new setting. There are some plot devices that fall a little short for me, but they helped the main character grow and I guess that's what really matters.

Well done Robby!

Thank you NetGalley, Robby Weber, and HarperCollins Children's Books for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!

What is This Feeling? by Robby Weber releases September 17, 2024!