My Book Reviews

Category: LGBTQ

  • Reflections on the Boulevard by L.J. Ambrosio

    Reflections on the Boulevard by L.J. Ambrosio

    Reflections on the Boulevard

    Reflections on the Boulevard by L.J. Ambrosio

    Release: April 27, 2023
    Format: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
    Publisher: Film Valor
    Source: Rockstar Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, 

    __

    __

    Michael’s story continues from “A Reservoir Man” (2022) where we find him teaching at a university ready to retire. He unexpectedly meets a young man named Ron who becomes his protege and journeys in a haphazard adventure with him throughout America and Europe in Michael’s final journey in life, each twist and turn of the road bringing unexpected adventures. The journey taken is one of joy, friendship and discovery.

    About the Author:

    Louis J. Ambrosio ran one of the most nurturing bi-coastal talent agencies in Los Angeles and New York. He started his career as a theatrical producer, running two major regional theaters for eight seasons. Ambrosio taught at 7 Universities. Ambrosio also distinguished himself as an award-winning film producer and novelist over the course of his impressive career.

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Tumblr | YouTube | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

    Reflections on the Boulevard Review:

    Click to view on Instagram

    In this heartwarming and poignant tale, we follow the journey of Michael, a 65-year-old man, and Ron, a young man who meets by chance on a ferry. As their unexpected bond deepens, they embark on a transformative road trip filled with friendship, healing, and self-discovery. The story is a very simple one, with hardly any.

    I adored Michael in the tale, and my heart went out to him. From reading Michael’s story, I had a profound reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. The chapters evoke emotions, from joy and laughter to sorrow and reflection, drawing me into the characters’ world and shared experiences. I admit Ron sometimes got on my nerves, especially when he learned about Michael, but I grew to love him in the second half.

    Moreover, I loved the travel log the two follow throughout the tale. The story takes us through various cities and landmarks, like Paris, Dublin, London, and even multiple parts of the US, as Michael and Ron explore the beauty of nature and share meaningful conversations about life, love, and mortality. Throughout their journey, they face challenges that test their friendship, but their connection grows stronger with each experience.

    The author artfully weaves themes of compassion, human connection, and the significance of life’s fleeting moments. It beautifully captures genuine relationships’ profound impact on our lives, allowing us to find solace and meaning amidst the complexities of existence. Even the supporting characters, like Carol, were memorable, and I adored Rhonda. You will get teary-eyed when you finish reading this book.

    Overall, “Reflections On The Boulevard” is a touching and soul-stirring narrative that reminds us of the inherent value of shared experiences and our impact on each other’s lives.

    Giveaway Details:

    1 winner will receive a 20 Amazon Gift Card, International.

    1 winner will receive a finished copy of REFLECTIONS ON THE BOULEVARD, US Only.

    Ends August 8th, midnight EST.

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    Reflections on the Boulevard

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Reflections on the Boulevard by L.J. Ambrosio Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

    Book Tour Schedule
    Week Two:

    Rockstar Book Tours-Excerpt/IG Post-7-24-2023
    Jaime’s Book World-Excerpt/IG Post-7-24-2023
    Two Chicks on Books-Excerpt/IG Post-7-25-2023
    The Book Junkie Reads . . .-Excerpt/IG Post-7-25-2023
    Sadie’s Spotlight-Excerpt/IG Post-7-26-2023
    A Dream Within A Dream-Excerpt/IG Post-7-26-2023
    Cara North-Excerpt -7-27-2023
    Rajiv’s Reviews-Review/IG Post-7-27-2023
    @secretrhs05 -IG Review-7-28-2023
    The Momma Spot-Review-7-28-2023

    Week Two
    Nerdophiles-Review -7-31-2023
    Fire and Ice-Review/IG Post-7-31-2023
    @enjoyingbooksagain-IG Review-8-1-2023
    OneMoreExclamation-Review/IG Post-8-1-2023
    @allyluvsbooksalatte -IG Review-8-2-2023
    Review Thick And Thin-Review/IG Post-8-2-2023
    Country Mamas With Kids-Review/IG Post-8-3-2023
    A Blue Box Full of Books-IG Review/LFL Drop Pic/TikTok Post-8-3-2023
    @froggyreadteach-IG Review-8-4-2023
    Brandi Danielle Davis -IG Review/TikTok Post-8-4-2023

  • The Distance Between Us by A.C. Burch

    The Distance Between Us by A.C. Burch

    The Distance Between Us by A.C. Burch

    Release: May 16, 2023
    Format: Paperback 
    Publisher: HomePortPress
    Source: Suzyapproved Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle

    __

    __

    The suspicious death of an elderly widow on the grounds of the HomePort Estate sends shock waves through the seaside resort of Provincetown.

    Wrongly accused of the murder, beloved entertainer Helena Handbasket forsakes her oceanside mansion and goes undercover to track down those responsible. Aided by her chosen family, she uses her comic genius and extraordinary talent for impersonation to navigate a maze of deception and greed that includes a museum break-in, thefts of iconic artwork, and some shady liaisons. As the investigation gains momentum, the past increasingly influences the present, exposing hidden secrets and imperiling Helena’s well-heeled existence.

    Set amid Cape Cod’s natural beauty and vibrant summer season, this captivating sequel to The HomePort Journals unfolds against the backdrop of a small town struggling to balance its newfound celebrity with a cherished way of life.

    About the Author:

    A. C. Burch’s debut novel was the award-winning The HomePort Journals. He is also the author of a short story collection entitled A Book of Revelations.

    His first decade as a Provincetown resident was spent living in a condominium where drama reigned supreme (see the short story, Even in Death in A Book of Revelations). In 1997, he bought an 1881 Cape in dire need of renovation and has been working on it ever since. The prior owner, whose family owned the property for 92 years, described it as haunted by the ghost of her grandmother, who was born, lived, and died in the house. Any odd occurrence is always attributed to “Bridey,” who was said to have regularly chased painter Charles Hawthorne and his students off her dune-top property. No doubt, the spectral denizens of HomePort owe their presence to her example.

    An avid sailor, photographer, and gardener, A.C. seldom goes anywhere without his adorable—if demanding—Golden Retriever, Dori, known to her devoted fanbase as #DoritheWonderDog. https://acburch.com/

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    The Distance Between Us Review:

    I didn’t know this book was part of a series, but I want to read the others! This book transported me back to the days of “Murder, She Wrote,” with its captivating protagonist, Helena, who solves crimes just like Jessica Fletcher in Cabot Cove. The author’s writing style and the diverse cast of characters make this cozy murder mystery novel truly stand out.

    Moreover, I was particularly impressed by the book’s representation of the LGBTQIA+ community. It was refreshing to see such diversity and inclusion in a murder mystery, with gay couples and transgender characters like Helena working together to solve a mystery. Helena is a fantastic character, not only because of her quick wit but also her ability to connect with anyone. I particularly enjoyed her interactions with Melody, Mavis, Quincy, and especially Butch. The author skillfully develops the romance between Butch and Helena in the book’s second half, which adds an extra sparkle to the story.

    Regarding the murder mystery, I constantly guessed who could be behind C.J.’s death and the museum vandalism and thefts. The author introduces several potential suspects, leaving readers wondering about their motives. I was on the edge of my seat during scenes like Helena falling overboard or Mavis encountering a helicopter targeting her for harm. The author also adds excitement by eliminating some of the suspects and incorporating red herrings, which makes the book even more entertaining.
    On a side note, the author’s writing style is beautiful and unique.

    Also, the author writes the tale like a painting, where you appreciate each sentence. Instead of traditional chapter numbers, the book uses headings and subheadings, adding a fun touch to the reading experience.

    Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading “The Distance Between Us,” and now I’m eager to explore other books by this author.

    Book Tour Schedule

     

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on The Distance Between Us by A.C. Burch Blog Tour hosted by Suzyapproved Book Tours.

     

     

  • A Reservoir Man by L.J. Ambrosio

    A Reservoir Man by L.J. Ambrosio

    A Reservoir Man

    A Reservoir Man by L.J. Ambrosio

    Release: May 3, 2022
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Film Valor
    Source: Rockstar Book Tours
    Find it at:     Goodreads, Kindle

    __

    __

    Everywhere Michael turns he sees a Reservoir Man.

    Born with a birth defect leaving a scar on his lip, Michael’s endless trials of survival include sexual assault, The Vietnam War, an arrest in Spain, Hollywood scandal, the AIDS outbreak, 9/11 and beyond.

    If only Michael could find the one thing he values most, his freedom. Michael’s coming-of-age is tarnished by many but the courage to live his truth may just keep Michael one step ahead…or will he succumb to the embraces of a Reservoir Man?

    A Reservoir Man, critics have hailed this explosive and timely work as

    “a must-read coming-of-age story of 2022.”

    Twists and turns further pull the reader in to Michael’s action-packed tale, with powerful themes, from betrayal and family to secrets and identity.

    “Be sure not to blink because you just might miss a pivotal moment in Michael’s rousing, larger-than-life story.” — R.C. Gibson, Indiestoday(dot)com.

    “This book is a dream, a gamble, a utopia, even.” — Kalyan Panja, Bookmarkks.

    About the Author:

    Louis J. Ambrosio ran one of the most nurturing bi-coastal talent agencies in Los Angeles and New York. He started his career as a theatrical producer, running two major regional theaters for eight seasons. Ambrosio taught at 7 Universities. Ambrosio also distinguished himself as an award-winning film producer and novelist over the course of his impressive career.
    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Tumblr | YouTube | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

    A Reservoir Man Review:

    “Reservoir Man” was a beautiful biography-like tale of a man who deals with his sexuality and tries to find a bigger purpose in life as he grows up in the 60 and 70s.

    I enjoyed reading about Michael’s life and how the author portrayed the details of his life. Even though this is a fiction tale, I felt I read the biography of someone I would know in reality. Michael is a complex character who tries to find something more meaningful. He always has a helpful nature but gets disappointed when people see him as an object of desire. I also felt the author portrayed the gay culture of the 60s and 70s realistically, where we see the ‘Reservoir’ men trying to date each other while also living dual lives. There are many exciting subplots, and I particularly enjoyed the corporate feud with Gail. Some moments also had me glued to the pages, like the shocking incident of what happens to Michael in Spain and how he needs Nick’s help to get him out of the predicament.

    Speaking of Nick, some of the supporting cast are also memorable. I particularly liked Michael’s relationship with Nick and Wade, as the author made them a staple for quite a few chapters. Michael also shares a lovely bond with Frances. However, his bond with Susan was my favorite, and I loved how she was by his side.

    My only criticism is how there are quite a few unnecessary side casts and details. For instance, we would read about some characters who Michael encounters briefly, only to see them disappear a few paragraphs later.

    Nevertheless, “A Reservoir Man” is a lovely coming-of-age story where we, a man, endure emotional hardships in his search for solace, and I liked it a lot!

      Giveaway Details:

    1 winner will receive a finished copy of A RESERVOIR MAN, US Only. Ends January 24th, midnight EST.

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    A Reservoir Man

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on A Reservoir Man by L.J. Ambrosio Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

    Book Tour Schedule

    Week One:

    Mythical Books-Guest Post or Excerpt/IG Post-1-9-2023
    Lady Hawkeye-Guest Post or Excerpt /IG Post-1-9-2023
    #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog-Excerpt /IG Post-1-10-2023
    Writer of Wrongs-Guest Post or Excerpt /IG Post-1-10-2023
    Two Chicks on Books-Guest Post orExcerpt-1-11-2023
    A Dream Within A Dream-Guest Post or Excerpt -1-11-2023
    Review Thick And Thin-Review/IG Post-1-12-2023
    Rajiv’s Reviews-Review/IG Post-1-12-2023
    @flying_through_books-IG Review-1-13-2023
    Quirky Night Owl-Review -1-13-2023

    Week Two:
    Jeff_of_allmedia-IG Post-1-16-2023
    Lifestyle of Me-Review-1-16-2023
    the book near me-Review/IG Post-1-17-2023
    @froggyreadteach-IG Review-1-17-2023
    Pick a good book-Review/IG Post-1-18-2023
    @carlysunshinebooks-IG Review/LFL Drop Pic-1-18-2023
    @secretrhs05 -IG Review-1-19-2023
    Books and Zebras -IG Review-1-19-2023
    The Momma Spot-Review/IG Post-1-20-2023
    OneMoreExclamation-Review/IG Post-1-20-2023

  • Ellen Outside the Lines by A.J. Sass

    Ellen Outside the Lines by A.J. Sass

    Ellen Outside the Lines

    Ellen Outside the Lines by A.J. Sass

    Release: March 22nd, 2022
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher:  Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
    Source: TBR and Beyond Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indigo | IndieBound

    __

    __

    Rain Reign meets Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World in this heartfelt novel about a neurodivergent thirteen-year-old navigating changing friendships, a school trip, and expanding horizons.

    Thirteen-year-old Ellen Katz feels most comfortable when her life is well planned out and people fit neatly into her predefined categories. She attends temple with Abba and Mom every Friday and Saturday. Ellen only gets crushes on girls, never boys, and she knows she can always rely on her best-and-only friend, Laurel, to help navigate social situations at their private Georgia middle school.

    Laurel has always made Ellen feel like being autistic is no big deal. But lately, Laurel has started making more friends and canceling more weekend plans with Ellen than she keeps. A school trip to Barcelona seems like the perfect place for Ellen to get their friendship back on track.  Except it doesn’t. Toss in a new nonbinary classmate whose identity has Ellen questioning her very binary way of seeing the world, homesickness, a scavenger hunt-style team project that takes the students through Barcelona to learn about Spanish culture and this trip is anything but what Ellen planned.

    Making new friends and letting go of old ones is never easy, but Ellen might just find a comfortable new place for herself if she can learn to embrace the fact that life doesn’t always stick to a planned itinerary.

    About the Author:

    A. J. Sass (he/they) is an author, editor, and competitive figure skater who is interested in how intersections of identity, neurodiversity, and allyship can impact story narratives. He is the author of Ana on the Edge, a Booklist Editors’ Choice 2020 and ALA 2021 Rainbow Book List Top 10 for Young Readers selection, and Ellen Outside the Lines (Little, Brown, 2022), the co-author of Camp QUILTBAG* with Nicole Melleby (Algonquin, 2023), as well as a contributor to the This Is Our Rainbow: 16 Stories of Her, Him, Them, and Us (Knopf) and Allies: Real Talk about Showing Up, Screwing Up, and Trying Again (DK US & UK) anthologies. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his boyfriend and two cats who act like dogs.

    Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Facebook

    Ellen Outside the Lines Review:

    Click to view on Instagram

    Firstly, I loved the various representations the author includes in the story. Ellen shines in the lead as the autistic girl trying to set things right on her trip to Barcelona. I loved how the author represented autism and the queer and non-binary characters in the book. It’s refreshing to see how contemporary middle-grade fiction is becoming with such dynamic characters. Ellen shares a beautiful bond with Isa, and I adored the scenes where they talk about destiny and patterns. Similarly, I also enjoyed the supporting characters like Andy and Gibbs and found they also brought a fresh perspective.

    Moreover, I enjoyed the drama between the characters. My heart went out to Ellen as she found her friendship with Laurel shaky. What was supposed to bring them together turns out to put them apart, as Laurel joins another team and hangs out with Sophie-Anne. At times, I felt like I saw a piece of myself in the tale. It is never easy to realize your best friend is maturing and moving away from you. The author depicts their emotions perfectly.

    Also, the author made the story enjoyable with the characters’ adventure when they go on the scavenger hunt. The scavenger hunt is exciting as you see if the team is going in the right direction or not. You see Ellen grow as a person as she makes mistakes and learns from them. The author narrates the entire tale so beautifully that you will feel your heart swell towards the end.

    Overall, “Ellen Outside the Lines” is a beautiful contemporary middle-grade fiction that had a lot going on, and the author delivered it perfectly!

     

    Ellen Outside the Lines

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Ellen Outside the Lines by A.J. Sass Blog Tour hosted by TBR and Beyond Tours. 

    Book Tour Schedule

    March 21st
    unconventional Quirky Bibliophile – Review & Mood Board
    Kait Plus Books – Review & Mood Board

    March 22nd
    Sadie’s Spotlight – Promotional Post
    Melancholic Blithe-Review, Mood Board
    Rajiv’s Reviews-Review

    March 23rd
    Nine Bookish Lives – Promotional Post
    The Bookwyrm’s Den – Review

    March 24th
    Djreadsbooks-Promotional Post
    Not In Jersey-Review
    Paiges of Novels-15 Reactions While Reading Ellen Outside the Lines

    March 25th
    Twirling Book Princess-Promotional Post
    Jen Jen Reviews-Review

    March 26th
    Rampant Reading Reviews-Promotional Post
    Boys’ Mom Reads!-Review
    LellieReads-Review

    March 27th
    Stuck in Fiction-Promotional Post
    the nutty bookworm reads alot-Review

  • Take Her Down by Lauren Emily Whalen

    Take Her Down by Lauren Emily Whalen

    Take Her Down

    Take Her Down by Lauren Emily Whalen

    Release: March 15, 2022
    Format: Paperback, eBook
    Publisher: Independant
    Source: Suzy approved Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle

    __

    __

    In this queer YA retelling of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, stakes at Augustus Magnet School are cutthroat, scheming is creative, and loyalty is ever-changing.

    Overnight, Bronwyn St. James goes from junior class queen to daughter of an imprisoned felon, and she lands in the care of her aunt and younger cousin Cass, a competitive cheerleader who Bronwyn barely knows. Life gets worse when her ex-best friend, the always-cool Jude Cuthbert, ostracizes Bronwyn from the queer social elite for dating a boy, Porter Kendrick.

    Bronwyn and Jude are both running for student body president, and that means war. But after Bronwyn, Porter, and Cass share a video of Jude in a compromising position, Jude suddenly goes missing. No one has seen her for weeks and it might be all Bronwyn’s fault.

    Will Jude ever be found? Or will Bronwyn finally have to reckon with what she’s won―and what she’s lost?

    Content Advisory: Depictions of sexual assault

    About the Author:Take Her Down

    Lauren Emily Whalen is the author of two books for young adults: the novel Satellite (2017) and the nonfiction book Dealing with Drama (2021). Her queer YA short story “I Saw Her Again” appears in the holiday ghost anthology Link by Link (2020). Lauren is a freelance writer, professional performer, and very amateur aerialist who graduated from Catholic school and is an unabashed devotee of the Bard. She lives in Chicago with her cat, Versace, and an apartment full of books.

    Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon 

    Take her Down Review:

    Click to view on Instagram

    “Take Her Down” turned out to be an entertaining retelling of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, and I enjoyed it a lot.

    The book is very different from what I usually read because of the subject. While I have read a few of Shakespeare’s works, Julius Caesar was not one of them. Yet, I feel tempted to read the play after reading this book because the storyline was just so juicy. It has all the teen drama elements with a touch of mystery.

    Firstly, I enjoyed the LGBTQ representation and how fluid many characters are in their preferences. The author also nicely writes the characters’ dynamics, and I enjoyed Bronwyn, Cass, Jude, and Porter a lot. Even the character growth is admirable, and moments that stood out were when Bronwyn rationalizes over her guilt or

    Secondly, I liked how the author wrote the story, in the form of acts, as if we were reading Shakespeare’s plays. Moreover, we get snippets from Porter’s diary and other inserts that gave the book a personal touch. Some moments also made me laugh, like how the incidents take a toll between Bronwyn and Porter.

    Perhaps the only criticism of the story is how it took time to set off. Nothing much happens in the first act except the introduction of the characters, and the story only got exciting when Jude came into the picture in the second half. Nevertheless, some moments shocked me, like when Antonia comes back to school or Cass films at the party. There were even moments that made me laugh, like Bronwyn’s representation of Little House on the Prairie.

    Overall, “Take Her Down” is a unique and entertaining Young Adult book that is worth checking out, especially if you love Shakespeare’s works.

    Book Tour Schedule

    Take Her Down

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on theTake Her Down by Lauren Emily Whalen Blog Tour hosted by Suzy approved Book Tours. Check out my post!


    Rajivs Reviews-Post-3-6-2022
    Bookish Heidi-Post-3-7-2022
    CMT Loves Wine and Books-Post-3-9-2022
    Read A Lot Write A Lot-Post-3-9-2022
    Bookoholic Cafe-Post-3-10-2022

  • The Quest For Psyche by Beth C. Greenberg

    The Quest For Psyche by Beth C. Greenberg

    The Quest For Psyche

    The Quest For Psyche by Beth C. Greenberg

    Release: February 8, 2022
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Isotopia Publishing
    Source: Suzyapproved Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N

    __

    __

    The God of Love is a mess.

    Heartbroken and unmoored after losing Pan to his Right Love, Cupid knows the only cure is the next all-consuming love the gods will inflict on him. When Aphrodite refuses to hasten Cupid’s next torment, he resorts to a very human approach to relieving his misery – therapy.

    His online sessions seem to be working until Dr. Mariposa Rey mysteriously cuts him off. Sensing she needs his help, Cupid sets out on a cross-country adventure to Lake Tahoe, where his heart will be inflamed for one last Worthy. What Cupid doesn’t know is that this fourth test will be his one and only chance at Right Love.

    With the ancient myth of Cupid and Psyche as his guide, Cupid attempts the impossible – a happily eternally after with his reluctant soul mate.

    About the Author:

    Beth C. Greenberg is a former CPA who stepped through the portal of flash (1000-word) fiction into the magical world of creative writing and never looked back. Raised in the Midwest, Beth now lives in a quiet suburb of Boston, where she and her husband are occasionally visited by their daughter and grand-dog Slim. Into the Quiet is book two of the Cupid’s Fall series.

     

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    The Quest For Psyche Review:

    I have followed the series from the first book, and I adore this. I thought the series would get over in the second book, but we needed a fourth to complete Q’s storyline.

    Reading this series is like being comforted by a cozy blanket; it just makes you feel warm and good. The author touches all the correct elements, and we revisit the drama between Pan and Cupid. Cupid shines in the role again as he tries to settle down and find love. Similarly, Posey is also adorable as the newbie who feels for Q. I loved the connection between Cupid and Posey and thought the author did an excellent job bringing them together. We also revisit the supporting cast like Aphrodite, and I enjoyed her storyline with Ares and Hephaestus.

    Some of my favorite parts of the story were when Q and Posey have their first professional chat or when he meets her and hears her heartbeat and learns she is his following Worthy. What’s nice is how protective Q gets with Posey and how he is close with Reed and Pan to help him with his journey.

    Perhaps the only downside to the tale was Pan hardly had anything going on. I adore Pan, and it felt as though all we got was his domestic life with Reed. While I also enjoyed the cute scenes Pan and Reed share, I wished there was more for Pan. Even Reed’s storyline with Mercury had more going than Pan’s.

    Overall, I enjoyed reading “The Quest For Psyche” and thought it was a charming addition to the series.

     

    The Quest For Psyche

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on The Quest For Psyche by Beth C. Greenberg Blog Tour hosted by Suzyapproved Book Tours. 

    Book Tour Schedule

    Dani Reads-Feb. 2nd
    Lindas Book Obsession-Feb. 3rd
    Nurse Bookie-Feb. 7th
    The Mary Reader-Feb. 7th
    Joannas Bookshelf-Feb. 8th
    Jayme Reads-Feb. 9th
    Noor The Bookworm-Feb. 11th
    Bookworm Struggles -Feb. 11th
    Bookish Heidi-Feb. 14th
    Books Love And Understanding-Feb. 14th
    Subakka Bookstuff-Feb. 14th
    Geaux Get Lit-Feb. 14th
    Bookoholic Cafe-Feb. 14th
    Rozier Reads and Wine-Feb. 17th
    Rajivs Reviews-Feb. 20th

  • Let’s Get Back to the Party by Zak Salih

    Let’s Get Back to the Party by Zak Salih

    Let's Get Back to the Party

    Let’s Get Back to the Party by Zak Salih

    Release: February 16, 2021
    Format: Paperback
    Publisher: Algonquin Books 
    Source: Algonquin Books
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, Indiebound, Bookshop.org

    __

    __

    What Does It Mean to Be a Gay Man Today?

    It’s just weeks after the historic Supreme Court marriage equality ruling, and all Sebastian Mote wants is to settle down. He is an high school art history teacher, newly single and desperately lonely. And he envies his queer students their freedom to live openly the youth he lost to fear and shame.  

    So when he runs into his childhood friend Oscar Burnham at a wedding in Washington, D.C., he can’t help but see it as a second chance. Now thirty-five, the men haven’t seen each other in a decade. But Oscar has no interest in their shared history. Instead, he’s angry by what he sees as the death of gay culture. Bars overrun with bachelorette parties; friends getting married, having babies.

     Oscar and Sebastian struggle to find their place in a rapidly changing world. However, each is drawn into a cross-generational friendship that treads the line between envy and obsession. Sebastian with one of his students and Oscar with an older icon of the AIDS era. And as they collide again and again, both men must come reckon not just with one another, but with themselves.

    Rich with sharply drawn characters and contemporary detail, provocative, and emotionally profound, Let’s Get Back to the Party is sure to appeal to readers of Garth Greenwell, Alan Hollinghurst, Claire Messud, and Rebecca Makkai.

    About the Author:

    Zak Salih earned his BA in English and Journalism from James Madison University, and his MA in English from the University of Virginia. His fiction and nonfiction have appeared in numerous magazines. He lives in Washington, D.C.

    His writing has appeared in Crazyhorse, the Chattahoochee Review, the Millions, the Rumpus, and other publications. This is his first novel.

    Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

    Let’s Get Back to the Party Review:

    Click to view on Instagram

    “Let’s Get Back to the Party” is a raw, contemporary tale with solid characters that make you think about life and fitting in, and I found it profound.

    What struck me about the story is how the author realistically captured the tone and theme of the LGBTQ community in the present world and how you can still feel alone even with all the progress that’s happened. This book is raw and emotional and will make you connect with the characters and how they struggle with progressing in life and relationships.

    Both the leads also shine in the tale. I thought the author portrayed Oscar and Sebastian accurately, and the author immersed me in their lives. I could empathize with Oscar’s nervousness and found his scenes with Patrick and the explosion memorable. Similarly, Sebastian’s scenes revolving around school life and reconnecting with Oscar were notable. One of the best moments in the story revolved around their reaction to Sean and made the story stand out.

    However, I did face quite a few challenges with the book. I am not a fan of books with very few chapters, and each chapter spans 40+ pages. Secondly, while I enjoy a story with an open-ended climax that leaves you the rest of your imagination, I felt this was an instance where it did not work. In my opinion, the story finished abruptly and had me yearning for more.

    Nevertheless, “Let’s Get Back to the Party” is an impressive debut by the author that stands out because of its realistic depiction of the community and what it is like for a middle-aged person to fit into the world.

     

    Book Tour Schedule

    Let's Get Back to the Party

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Let’s Get Back to the Party by Zak Salih Blog Tour hosted by Algonquin Books. 

     

     

  • Sidelined by Kara Bietz

    Sidelined by Kara Bietz

    Sidelined

    Sidelined by Kara Bietz

    Release: September 21st 2021
    Format: Paperback
    Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
    Source: TBR and Beyond Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads ,Amazon , Barnes & Noble , Book Depository , IndieBound , Indigo

    __

    __

    An emotional YA romance about small town secrets, high school football, and broken hearts.

    Julian Jackson has a short to-do list for his senior year at Crenshaw County High School in Meridian, Texas: football, football, and more football. He knows he’s only got one chance to earn a college scholarship and make it out of his small town, and keeping his head down, his grades up, and his cleats on the field is that one chance. And then Elijah Vance walks back into his life, throwing all of his carefully-laid plans into a tailspin.

    Elijah and Julian used to be best friends, maybe even on their way to something more than just friends. But three years ago, Elijah broke into the school to steal money from the coach’s office, and Julian was the one who turned him in. After that, Elijah and his family disappeared without a trace. And now he’s back, sitting at Julian’s grandmother’s kitchen table.

    But time and distance haven’t erased all of their feelings, and Elijah knows that he finally has a chance to prove to Julian that he’s not the same person he was three years ago. But with secrets still growing between them and an uncertain future barreling towards them, it may be harder to lean on each other than they thought.

    About the Author:

    Kara Bietz was born in New England but currently resides just outside of Atlanta, Georgia with her family. Her first novel, Until I Break, was a Texas Library Association Spirit of Texas Reading Program selection. Her newest release, Sidelined, is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection.

    When she’s not writing, you can find Kara hanging out with her family, singing show tunes to her dogs, and adding to her impressive pen collection. 

     

    Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Facebook

    Sidelined Review:

    Click to view on Instagram

    What happens when your best friend from long back comes back to your life and shakes it up? The author wrote a beautiful YA contemporary romance in Sidelined.

    What I loved about the story were the two main characters. The author depicted Elijah and Julian perfectly as they reunited with each other. Many moments just warmed my heart, like how they reminisce over the good times of the past and how they talk about the people they miss. The author also portrays their feeling and relationship nicely. Julian is the star everyone loves, while Elijah is the troubled boy with the colored past who comes back to town. Elijah tries to ignore what people tell about his father and how his friendship with Julian strengthens him.

    Moreover, the author portrayed their emotions realistically. Both Julian and Elijah carry their baggage of how people perceive them and how they need to behave differently. Elijah was my favorite more than Julian, as I thought he was more emotionally inclined than Julian, considering his backstory. The two of them share their ups and downs and try to work towards meeting each other midway. Moreover, even the side characters like Camille, Nate, and Birdie add nicely to the plot. I loved Julian’s relationship with Birdie and thought they were adorable.

    The author also spices up the story with specific events, like the Taylor flag/prank incident and the event from twenty years ago. Moreover, the author brings the football field to life, as she describes the games and the backstage drama in an exciting manner.

    Overall, I thought “Sidelined” was a beautiful young adult, contemporary romance with likable characters, and I enjoyed reading it a lot.

     

    Book Tour Schedule:

    Sidelined

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Sidelined by Kara Bietz Blog Tour hosted by TBR and Beyond Tours.  Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

  • City of Shattered Light by Claire Winn

    City of Shattered Light by Claire Winn

    City of Shattered Light

    City of Shattered Light by Claire Winn

    Release: October 19th, 2021
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: North Star Editions
    Source: TBR and Beyond Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads , Amazon , Barnes & Noble , Book Depository , IndieBound

    __

    __

    As darkness closes in on the city, an heiress and an outlaw must decide whether to fend for themselves or fight for each other.

    As heiress to a powerful tech empire, seventeen-year-old Asa Almeida strives to prove she’s more than her manipulative father’s shadow. But when he uploads her rebellious sister’s mind to an experimental brain, Asa will do anything to save her sister from reprogramming—including fleeing her predetermined future with her sister’s digitized mind in tow. With a bounty on her head and a rogue A.I. hunting her, Asa’s getaway ship crash-lands in the worst possible place: the neon-drenched outlaw paradise, Requiem.

    Gun-slinging smuggler Riven Hawthorne is determined to claw her way up Requiem’s underworld hierarchy. A runaway rich girl is exactly the bounty Riven needs—until a nasty computer virus spreads in Asa’s wake, causing a citywide blackout and tech quarantine. To get the payout for Asa and save Requiem from the monster in its circuits, Riven must team up with her captive.

    Riven breaks skulls the way Asa breaks circuits, but their opponent is unlike anything they’ve ever seen. The A.I. exploits the girls’ darkest memories and deepest secrets, threatening to shatter the fragile alliance they’re both depending on. As one of Requiem’s 154-hour nights grows darker, the girls must decide whether to fend for themselves or fight for each other before Riven’s city and Asa’s sister are snuffed out forever. 

    About the Author:

    Claire Winn spends her time immersed in other worlds—through LARP, video games, books, nerd conventions, and her own stories. Since graduating from Northwestern University, she’s worked as a legal writer and freelance editor. Aside from writing, she builds cosplay props and armor, tears up dance floors, and battles with boffer swords. 

    Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Facebook | Tik Tok

    City of Shattered Light Review:

    “City of Shattered Light” is a gripping young adult, science fiction fantasy novel that was simply out of this world!

    Firstly, kudos to the author for such a remarkable debut! Usually, when I read science fiction books, it takes a while to understand world-building. The first thing that struck me was how smoothly the author described world-building. I had no trouble following the story where we encountered “scavs,” bruisers, matriarchs, and organ pirates. The author fills the story with surprising twists and turns, with science fiction action and adventure, that made the book hard to put down. Some of the moments that stood out for me was when Asa realizes there is no turning back, or when she witnesses what happens to Kaya.

    Moreover, I enjoyed Asa and Riven as the two leads. They are striking characters with contrasting personalities, and I liked how the author toggled the chapters between their perspectives. Asa was my favorite, and I was intrigued by how her world changed because of what happened to Kaya. The author also introduces us to other memorable characters like Diego, Banshee, and Morphett as the story progresses. I also enjoyed the scenes between Ty and Asa. It was also interesting to see how Riven would plan her next move knowing she was running out of time. Both Riven and Asa have reasons to go ahead with their mission, but it was nice to see how they got together. The author paces the story wonderfully, which leads to a thrilling climax.

    The story also ends in a cliffhanger, where you want to pick up the next book and immediately start reading. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed “City of Shattered Light” and can’t wait to read the continuation.

    Book Tour Schedule

    City of Shattered Light

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the City of Shattered Light by Claire Winn Blog Tour hosted by TBR and Beyond Tours.

     

    October 4th
    Melancholic Blithe-Interview
    Sometimes Leelynn Reads-Review & 15 Reactions While Reading City of Shattered Light
    Stuck in Fiction-Promo Post
    The Broke Book Blog – Top 5 Reasons to Read City of Shattered Light & 15 Reactions While Reading City of Shattered Light & Tik Tok

    October 5th
    Bibliosini-Review
    Bookz Forever-Review

    October 6th
    We Write at Dawn-Review
    Beneath A Thousand Skies-Review

    October 7th
    A Court of Coffee and Books-Interview & Top 5 Reasons to Read City of Shattered Light
    Djreadsbooks-Playlist & Favorite Quotes
    astralbooks-Review & Playlist
    Read With Serena-Review

    October 8th
    Book Lover’s Book Reviews-Review
    Dipped in Ink-Top 5 Reasons to Read City of Shattered Light & 15 Reactions While Reading City of Shattered Light
    Nine Bookish Lives-Promo Post

    October 9th
    Pei Reads-Review
    Justice For Readers-Review & Top 5 Reasons to Read City of Shattered Light
    popthebutterfly reads-Review

    October 10th
    Kait Plus Books-Interview
    Rajiv’s Reviews-Review
    Rampant Reading Reviews-Promo Post
    heylittlesiren-Review

  • Frankie & Bug by Gayle Forman

    Frankie & Bug by Gayle Forman

    Frankie & Bug

    Frankie & Bug by Gayle Forman

    Release: October 12, 2021
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Aladdin
    Source: Rockstar Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

    __

    __

    In the debut middle grade novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Gayle Forman comes a poignant and powerful coming-of-age story that follows a young girl and her new friend as they learn about family, friendship, allyship, and finding your way in a complicated world.

    It’s the summer of 1987, and all ten-year-old Bug wants to do is go to the beach with her older brother and hang out with the locals on the boardwalk. But Danny wants to be with his own friends, and Bug’s mom is too busy, so Bug is stuck with their neighbor Philip’s nephew, Frankie.

    Bug’s not too excited about hanging out with a kid she’s never met, but they soon find some common ground. And as the summer unfolds, they find themselves learning some important lessons about each other, and the world.

    Like what it means to be your true self and how to be a good ally for others. That family can be the people you’re related to, but also the people you choose to have around you. And that even though life isn’t always fair, we can all do our part to make it more just.

    About the Author:

    Gayle Forman is an award-winning author and journalist whose articles have appeared in numerous publications, including Seventeen, Cosmopolitan, and Elle in the US. Gayle Forman’s novel, If I Stay, was released as a blockbuster movie starring Chloë Grace Moretz in 2014.

    Her most recent YA novel is We Are Inevitable. Gayle lives in Brooklyn, New York with her family.

    Website | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

    Frankie & Bug Review:

    “Frankie & Bug” was super cute! It’s the perfect blend of middle-grade elements, mystery, and family dynamics.

    The highlight of the story is in the main characters, Bug, Frankie, and even Danny. Our main character, Bug, is adorable in the lead. The author wrote Bug wonderfully and realistically, and you immediately feel like you understand her feelings. Similarly, the author portrayed the sibling relationship between Bug and Danny so well. As Danny grows up, he spends time away from Bug, and Bug hates him for distancing himself from her. It was interesting to see if and how they would patch up.

    At the same time, I liked how Bug got paired with Frankie and thought they made a perfect team. Similarly, I adored Frankie and his determination to find who the Midnight Marauder is. Frankie also has flaws, but as the story progresses, you see how Bug also helps him in ways. Speaking of which, the author also wrote the mystery of the Midnight Marauder creatively. Even I wondered who it could be as I continued to read the story when Frankie and Bug target the Hermit.

    What’s charming about the story is also the small stories that we get on the side. For instance, the author glued me to the pages during Phillip’s incident and how Bug finds out more about her family. There are also moments where the author makes the side characters like Hedvig’s story of Disneyland stand out. The author paces the story lovely and adds a touch of humor in Bug’s dialogues, like how her output of the lemonade stand was busy. In general, there are many reasons to appreciate this book.

    Overall, I enjoyed reading “Frankie & Bug” and found it a charming middle-grade novel.

    Giveaway Details:

    3 winners will receive a finished copy of FRANKIE & BUG, US Only.

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    Frankie & Bug

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Frankie & Bug by Gayle Forman Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

    Book Tour Schedule

    Week One:
    Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers -Review-10-1/-2021
    Feed Your Fiction Addiction-Review-10-2-2021

    Week Two:
    Nonbinary Knight Reads-Review-10-3-2021
    YA Books Central-Excerpt-10-4-2021
    notinjersey-Review-10-5-2021
    Nerdophiles -Review-10-6-2021
    Emelie’s Books-Review-10-7-2021
    Simply Daniel Radcliffe-Review-10-8-2021
    Phannie the Ginger Bookworm-Review-10-9-2021

    Week Three:
    BookHounds YA-Review-10-10-2021
    Kait Plus Books-Review-10-11-2021
    Rajiv’s Reviews-Review-10-12-2021
    Lifestyle of Me-Review-10-13-2021
    coffeebooksandmascara-Review-10-14-2021
    My Fictional Oasis-Review-10-15-2021
    Perusewithcoffee-Review-10-16-2021

    Week Four:
    GivernyReads-Review-10-17-2021
    Pagesofyellow -Review-10-18-2021
    Locks, Hooks and Books-Review-10-19-2021
    Little Red Reads-Review-10-20-2021
    @curlygrannylovestoread -Review-10-21-2021
    FyreKatz Blog-Review-10-22-2021
    two points of interest-Review-10-23-2021

    Week Five:
    cindysloveofbooks-Review-10-24-2021
    amandainpa -Review-10-25-2021
    Books Are Magic Too-Review-10-26-2021
    Lily Luchesi’s Blog-Excerpt-10-27-2021
    @drewsim12-Review-10-28-2021
    What A Nerd Girl Says-Excerpt-10-29-2021
    onemused-IG Post-10-30-2021

    Week Six:
    @pickagoodbook-Excerpt-10-31-2021