It’s summer, it’s Pride, and I was in the mood to do something a bit different (well, different for me.) So I decided to participate in @BeautifullyBookishBethany’s fucking awesome Queer Romance Readathon, which officially runs from today through June 20th. As you might be able to tell from the photo above, I…might have gotten a bit carried away. (The phrase ‘eyes bigger than your stomach’ is probably apt here.)
Basically, I got way too excited about reading queer romance, which is no bad thing at all! So consider this my TBR for the rest of June, since I’m not one to follow rules or guidelines anyway. (Hell, I’ve already cheated and read a few of them already.) Below you’ll find a bit more info about each book, along with which prompts they satisfy.
Drag Me Up-R. M. Virtues
“They say he’s a myth… And Hades prefers it that way. He may do all the work, and Zeus may get all the credit, but at least it allows Hades to preserve the one thing he truly cares to have: his solitude. The mere mention of the Wraith of Khaos Falls is enough to keep order, and he is rarely forced to leave the shadows of Casino Asphodel. She belongs in the spotlight… And Persephone clawed her way out of Demeter’s shadow to reach it. Now she’s lead in Calliope’s Cirque production but not without great cost, and there is not enough money in the world to pay off the debt accrued for the simple mistake of trusting Zeus. Though it’s easier to ignore the bars when she still has room to fly. Landing a residency at the legendary Casino Asphodel is everything she trained for. Meeting a man she’d been convinced didn’t exist? She could never be prepared for that. Hades isn’t prepared for her either, but it’s soon evident they’re a force when together. He gives her a soft place to land, and she makes him want to reach for the stars. But when Zeus ups the stakes, they must be willing to go all in, even if it means coming down from the sky. Or stepping into the light.”
My take: So it’s contemporary Hades/Persephone erotica, which means I’m kinda fucking terrified of this book. I don’t usually like fantasy/supernatural romance, and I don’t love the newish Hades/Persephone retelling microgenre, BUT…I’ve heard amazing things about R. M. Virtues’ work, and he’s an amazing presence on Twitter and in the indie publishing sphere in general, so I’m definitely keen to give this a try. (In sum: I’d never have picked this up on my own, but it’s the readathon group book, so I’m happy to have the excuse 🙂 .)
Prompts satisfied: Group Book; Erotic Romance; Indigenous Author; Latinx Author
You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty-Akwaeke Emezi
“Feyi Adekola wants to learn how to be alive again. It’s been five years since the accident that killed the love of her life and she’s almost a new person now—an artist with her own studio, and sharing a brownstone apartment with her ride-or-die best friend, Joy, who insists it’s time for Feyi to ease back into the dating scene. Feyi isn’t ready for anything serious, but a steamy encounter at a rooftop party cascades into a whirlwind summer she could have never imagined: a luxury trip to a tropical island, decadent meals in the glamorous home of a celebrity chef, and a major curator who wants to launch her art career. She’s even started dating the perfect guy, but their new relationship might be sabotaged before it has a chance by the dangerous thrill Feyi feels every time she locks eyes with the one person in the house who is most definitely off-limits. This new life she asked for just got a lot more complicated, and Feyi must begin her search for real answers. Who is she ready to become? Can she release her past and honor her grief while still embracing her future? And, of course, there’s the biggest question of all—how far is she willing to go for a second chance at love?”
My take: You can’t go wrong w/ Akwaeke Emezi, so this one was a no-brainer for me. The cover is nothing but sun-soaked gorgeousness, so it seems perfect to read in the summer, too.
Prompts satisfied: Queer Black Love; Bi Rep
Xeni-Rebekah Weatherspoon
“Xeni Everly-Wilkins has ten days to clean out her recently departed aunt’s massive colonial in Upstate New York. With the feud between her mom and her sisters still raging even in death, she knows this will be no easy task, but when the will is read Xeni quickly discovers the decades old drama between the former R&B singers is just the tip of the iceberg. The Secrets, lies, and a crap ton of cash spilled on her lawyer’s conference room table all come with terms and conditions. Xeni must marry before she can claim the estate that will set her up for life and her aunt has just the groom in mind. The ruggedly handsome and deliciously thicc Scotsman who showed up at her aunt’s memorial, bagpipes at the ready. When his dear friend and mentor Sable Everly passed away, Mason McInroy knew she would leave a sizable hole in his heart. He never imagined she’d leave him more than enough money to settle the debt that’s keeping him from returning home to Scotland. He also never imagined that Sable would use her dying breaths to play match-maker, trapping Mason and her beautiful niece in a marriage scheme that comes with more complications than either of them need.”
My take: Ok, so I’m cheating a bit, because I actually read this a few days prior to the readathon’s official start date. I couldn’t help it–it’s just that good!!! Between the cozy, idyllically inclusive small-town vibes, the funny-and-kind characters, and the deep dives into grief, mental health, and mutual care, this book is pretty much perfect. Stay tuned for a full(er) review soon.
Prompts satisfied: Bi Rep; Black Author
Kings of B’More-R. Eric Thomas
“With junior year starting in the fall, Harrison feels like he’s on the precipice of, well, everything. Standardized testing, college, and the terrifying unknowns and looming pressures of adulthood after that–it’s like the future wants to eat him alive. Which is why Harrison is grateful that he and his best friend Linus will face these things together. But at the end of a shift at their summer job, Linus invites Harrison to their special spot overlooking the city to deliver devastating news: he’s moving out of state at the end of the week. To keep from completely losing it–and partially inspired by a cheesy movie-night pick by his Dad–Harrison plans a send-off a la Ferris Bueller’s Day Off that’s worthy of his favorite person. If they won’t be having all the life-expanding experiences they thought they would, Harrison will squeeze them all into their last day. They end up on a mini road trip, their first Pride, and a rooftop dance party, all while keeping their respective parents, who track them on a family location app, off their trail. Harrison and Linus make a pact to do all the things–big and small–they’ve been too scared to do. But nothing feels scarier than saying goodbye to someone you love.”
My take: This seems so sweet and fun, though I hear from Goodreads that there’s some racism and police presence that mightily disrupts the breezier tone.
Prompts satisfied: 2022 Release; New-to-you Author; MM Gay Author
Iron Widow-Xiran Jay Zhao
“The boys of Huaxia dream of pairing up with girls to pilot Chrysalises, giant transforming robots that can battle the mecha aliens that lurk beyond the Great Wall. It doesn’t matter that the girls often die from the mental strain. When 18-year-old Zetian offers herself up as a concubine-pilot, it’s to assassinate the ace male pilot responsible for her sister’s death. But she gets her vengeance in a way nobody expected—she kills him through the psychic link between pilots and emerges from the cockpit unscathed. She is labeled an Iron Widow, a much-feared and much-silenced kind of female pilot who can sacrifice boys to power up Chrysalises instead. To tame her unnerving yet invaluable mental strength, she is paired up with Li Shimin, the strongest and most controversial male pilot in Huaxia. But now that Zetian has had a taste of power, she will not cower so easily. She will miss no opportunity to leverage their combined might and infamy to survive attempt after attempt on her life, until she can figure out exactly why the pilot system works in its misogynist way—and stop more girls from being sacrificed.”
My take: I’ve had this book since it was released, so this is an excellent excuse to finally get with it and read the damn thing. I’m super excited about this one, particularly the love-triangle-solved-via-polyamory I’ve been hearing so much about!
Prompts satisfied: SFF romance; YA romance; Disabled Rep; Asian Author; Polyam Rep
The Romantic Agenda-Claire Kann
“
Thirty, flirty, and asexual Joy is secretly in love with her best friend Malcolm, but she’s never been brave enough to say so. When he unexpectedly announces that he’s met the love of his life—and no, it’s not Joy—she’s heartbroken. Malcolm invites her on a weekend getaway, and Joy decides it’s her last chance to show him exactly what he’s overlooking. But maybe Joy is the one missing something…or someone…and his name is Fox. Fox sees a kindred spirit in Joy—and decides to help her. He proposes they pretend to fall for each other on the weekend trip to make Malcolm jealous. But spending time with Fox shows Joy what it’s like to not be the third wheel, and there’s no mistaking the way he makes her feel. Could Fox be the romantic partner she’s always deserved?”
My take: I’m super stoked about this one, and its perfect-summer-vibes cover doesn’t hurt. I’ve read most of Claire Kann’s earlier YA stuff, and I love her focus on ace characters (YAY for ace rep!!), so I can hardly wait to read her adult debut.
Prompts satisfied: Ace Rep
Delilah Green Doesn’t Care-Ashley Herring Blake
“Delilah Green swore she would never go back to Bright Falls—nothing is there for her but memories of a lonely childhood where she was little more than a burden to her cold and distant stepfamily. Her life is in New York, with her photography career finally gaining steam and her bed never empty. Sure, it’s a different woman every night, but that’s just fine with her. When Delilah’s estranged stepsister, Astrid, pressures her into photographing her wedding with a guilt trip and a five-figure check, Delilah finds herself back in the godforsaken town that she used to call home. She plans to breeze in and out, but then she sees Claire Sutherland, one of Astrid’s stuck-up besties, and decides that maybe there’s some fun (and a little retribution) to be had in Bright Falls, after all. Having raised her eleven-year-old daughter mostly on her own while dealing with her unreliable ex and running a bookstore, Claire Sutherland depends upon a life without surprises. And Delilah Green is an unwelcome surprise…at first. Though they’ve known each other for years, they don’t really know each other—so Claire is unsettled when Delilah figures out exactly what buttons to push. When they’re forced together during a gauntlet of wedding preparations—including a plot to save Astrid from her horrible fiancé—Claire isn’t sure she has the strength to resist Delilah’s charms. Even worse, she’s starting to think she doesn’t want to…”
My take: Again, that freaking cover. More than that, this book sounds so much up my alley. (I’m a MASSIVE sucker for small town romance where the small town is unrealistically inclusive/accepting, and generally non-bigoted.)
Prompts satisfied: F/F Romance
Tommy Cabot Was Here & Peter Cabot Gets Lost-Cat Sebastian
Tommy Cabot: “Massachusetts, 1959: Some people might accuse mathematician Everett Sloane of being stuffy, but really he just prefers things a certain way: predictable, quiet, and far away from Tommy Cabot—his former best friend, chaos incarnate, and the man who broke his heart. The youngest son of a prominent political family, Tommy threw away his future by coming out to his powerful brothers. When he runs into Everett, who fifteen years ago walked away from Tommy without an explanation or a backward glance, his old friend’s chilliness is just another reminder of what a thoroughgoing mess Tommy has made of his life. When Everett realizes that his polite formality is hurting Tommy, he needs to decide whether he can unbend enough to let Tommy get close but without letting himself get hurt the way he was all those years ago.”
Peter Cabot: “After years of scraping by, Caleb Murphy has graduated from college and is finally getting to start a new life. Except he suddenly has no way to get from Boston to LA. Then, to add to his misery, there’s perfect, privileged Peter Cabot offering to drive him. Caleb can’t refuse, even though the idea of spending a week in the car with a man whose luggage probably costs more than everything Caleb owns makes him want to scream. Peter Cabot would do pretty much anything to skip out on his father’s presidential campaign, including driving across the country with a classmate who can’t stand him. After all, he’s had plenty of practice with people not liking him much—his own family, for example. The farther Peter gets from his family’s expectations, the more he starts to think about what he really wants, and the more certain he becomes that what he wants is more time with prickly, grumpy Caleb Murphy. As they put more miles between themselves and their pasts, they both start to imagine a future where they can have things they never thought possible.”
My take: I cheated again and have already read Tommy Cabot Was Here–stay tuned tomorrow for my full review (spoiler: I adored it!). Because of that, I can’t wait to read Peter Cabot Gets Lost, which is kind-of a shocker given that it’s a period piece (which I normally avoid like the plague.)
Prompts satisfied: Novella[s]
Better Than People-Roan Parrish
“Simon Burke has always preferred animals to people. When the countdown to adopting his own dog is unexpectedly put on hold, Simon turns to the PetShare app to find the fluffy TLC he’s been missing. Meeting a grumpy children’s book illustrator who needs a dog walker isn’t easy for the man whose persistent anxiety has colored his whole life, but Jack Matheson’s menagerie is just what Simon needs. Four dogs, three cats and counting. Jack’s pack of rescue pets is the only company he needs. But when a bad fall leaves him with a broken leg, Jack is forced to admit he needs help. That the help comes in the form of the most beautiful man he’s ever seen is a complicated, glorious surprise. Being with Jack—talking, waking, making out—is a game changer for Simon. And Simon’s company certainly…eases the pain of recovery for Jack. But making a real relationship work once Jack’s cast comes off will mean compromise, understanding and lots of love.”
My take: A pet-centered queer romance from Roan Parrish?? Yes please! I LOVE Roan Parrish, from The Remaking of Corbin Wale (a fantastic holiday hug of a book) to her most recent The Lights on Knockbridge Lane. And her focus on queer, neurodivergent, super-kind characters is a massive added bonus.
Prompts satisfied: Indie Author; Carina Adores Imprint
Olivia Waite’s Feminine Pursuits Series
The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics: “As Lucy Muchelney watches her ex-lover’s sham of a wedding, she wishes herself anywhere else. It isn’t until she finds a letter from the Countess of Moth, looking for someone to translate a groundbreaking French astronomy text, that she knows where to go. Showing up at the Countess’ London home, she hoped to find a challenge, not a woman who takes her breath away. Catherine St Day looks forward to a quiet widowhood once her late husband’s scientific legacy is fulfilled. She expected to hand off the translation and wash her hands of the project—instead, she is intrigued by the young woman who turns up at her door, begging to be allowed to do the work, and she agrees to let Lucy stay. But as Catherine finds herself longing for Lucy, everything she believes about herself and her life is tested. While Lucy spends her days interpreting the complicated French text, she spends her nights falling in love with the alluring Catherine. But sabotage and old wounds threaten to sever the threads that bind them. Can Lucy and Catherine find the strength to stay together or are they doomed to be star-crossed lovers?”
The Care and Feeding of Waspish Widows: “When Agatha Griffin finds a colony of bees in her warehouse, it’s the not-so-perfect ending to a not-so-perfect week. Busy trying to keep her printing business afloat amidst rising taxes and the suppression of radical printers like her son, the last thing the widow wants is to be the victim of a thousand bees. But when a beautiful beekeeper arrives to take care of the pests, Agatha may be in danger of being stung by something far more dangerous… Penelope Flood exists between two worlds in her small seaside town, the society of rich landowners and the tradesfolk. Soon, tensions boil over when the formerly exiled Queen arrives on England’s shores—and when Penelope’s long-absent husband returns to Melliton, she once again finds herself torn, between her burgeoning love for Agatha and her loyalty to the man who once gave her refuge. As Penelope finally discovers her true place, Agatha must learn to accept the changing world in front of her.”
The Hellion’s Waltz: “Sophie Roseingrave hates nothing more than a swindler. After her family lost their piano shop to a con man in London, they’re trying to start fresh in a new town. Her father is convinced Carrisford is an upright and honest place, but Sophie is not so sure. She has grave suspicions about silk-weaver Madeline Crewe, whose stunning beauty doesn’t hide the fact that she’s up to something. All Maddie Crewe needs is one big score, one grand heist to properly fund the weavers’ union forever. She has found her mark in Mr. Giles, a greedy draper, and the entire association of weavers and tailors and clothing merchants has agreed to help her. The very last thing she needs is a small but determined piano-teacher and composer sticking her nose in other people’s business. If Sophie won’t be put off, the only thing to do is to seduce her to the cause. Will Sophie’s scruples force her to confess the plot before Maddie gets her money? Or will Maddie lose her nerve along with her heart?”
My take: Again, I’m slightly scared, because I don’t usually like historical romance–or historical fiction at all. (One of the risks of getting a PhD in Victorian literature is, apparently, that you might have an intense and irrational antipathy for all things 19th century afterwards.) But I’ve heard phenomenal things, and what better time to try them? (Also, why are the titles so good?! WASPISH WIDOWS? HELLION’S WALZ?! Come on!)
Prompts satisfied: Historical Fiction
Chef’s Kiss-TJ Alexander
“Simone Larkspur is a perfectionist pastry expert with a dream job at The Discerning Chef, a venerable cookbook publisher in New York City. All she wants to do is create the perfect loaf of sourdough and develop recipes, but when The Discerning Chef decides to bring their brand into the 21st century by pivoting to video, Simone is thrust into the spotlight and finds herself failing at something for the first time in her life. To make matters worse, Simone has to deal with Ray Lyton, the new test kitchen manager, whose obnoxious cheer and outgoing personality are like oil to Simone’s water. When Ray accidentally becomes a viral YouTube sensation with a series of homebrewing videos, their eccentric editor in chief forces Simone to work alongside the chipper upstart or else risk her beloved job. But the more they work together, the more Simone realizes her heart may be softening like butter for Ray. Things get even more complicated when Ray comes out at work as nonbinary to mixed reactions—and Simone must choose between the career she fought so hard for and the person who just might take the cake (and her heart).”
My take: I can be hesitant about food/baking romances, because they sometimes do TOO good a job of food descriptions, thus making me cranky and hangry that I can’t access all the deliciousness. But this one sounds utterly delightful, and I can’t wait to read the nonbinary rep!
Prompts satisfied: Trans Author; Nonbinary Author
Legends and Lattes-Travis Baldree
“A hot cup of fantasy slice-of-life with a dollop of romantic froth. Worn out after decades of packing steel and raising hell, Viv the orc barbarian cashes out of the warrior’s life with one final score. A forgotten legend, a fabled artifact, and an unreasonable amount of hope lead her to the streets of Thune, where she plans to open the first coffee shop the city has ever seen. However, her dreams of a fresh start pulling shots instead of swinging swords are hardly a sure bet. Old frenemies and Thune’s shady underbelly may just upset her plans. To finally build something that will last, Viv will need some new partners and a different kind of resolve.”
My take: I’m excited. I’m a little leery, because high-orc-fantasy is NOT my jam, like at all, but COZY is basically always my jam, so this is more likely to work than any other high-fantasy-set novel out there. Also, the cover is a damn delight, so I had to buy it. (Protip: since this indie book exploded, Tor’s picked it up for re-release in the Fall. It’s been pulled from hard copy for the meantime, so you can read it on Kindle or wait for the tradpub version in a few months.)
Prompts satisfied: SFF Novel; F/F Romance
Two Rogues Make a Right-Cat Sebastian
“Will Sedgwick can’t believe that after months of searching for his oldest friend, Martin Easterbrook is found hiding in an attic like a gothic nightmare. Intent on nursing Martin back to health, Will kindly kidnaps him and takes him to the countryside to recover, well away from the world. Martin doesn’t much care where he is or even how he got there. He’s much more concerned that the man he’s loved his entire life is currently waiting on him hand and foot, feeding him soup and making him tea. Martin knows he’s a lost cause, one he doesn’t want Will to waste his life on. As a lifetime of love transforms into a tender passion both men always desired but neither expected, can they envision a life free from the restrictions of the past, a life with each other?”
My take: Again with the historical fiction. I blame this one on working in a bookstore–we had a copy of this, and it was so cheap and cute I had to snatch it up! (The fact that I just read Sebastian’s Tommy Cabot novella and ADORED that made it even harder to turn this one down.)
Prompts satisfied: Historical Fiction
The Girl Next Door-Chelsea Cameron
“Iris Turner hightailed it out of Salty Cove, Maine, without so much as a backward glance. Which is why finding herself back in her hometown—in her childhood bedroom, no less—has the normally upbeat Iris feeling a bit down and out. Her spirits get a much-needed lift, though, at the sight of the sexy girl next door. No one knows why Jude Wicks is back in Salty Cove, and that’s just how she likes it. Jude never imagined she’d be once again living in her parents’ house, never mind hauling lobster like a local. But the solitude is just what she needs—until Iris tempts her to open up. A no-strings summer fling seems like the perfect distraction for both women. Jude rides a motorcycle, kisses hard and gives Iris the perfect distraction from her tangled mess of a life. But come September, Iris is still determined to get out of this zero-stoplight town. That is, unless Jude can give her a reason to stay…”
My take: I love Chelsea Cameron (stay tuned for my review of their friends-to-wives-to-lovers gem Didn’t Stay in Vegas on Friday). So of course I had to include one of their books in my TBR, even if I only have a digital copy right now. Also, small towns!!
Prompts satisfied: Nonbinary Author; Lesbian Author