Tag Archives: lgbtq

New Romantic Reads: Ship Happens and I Kissed Her First

27 Aug

Ship Happens
by Mason Deaver
Ship Happens is a funny second chance romance story about two transmen, one a tattoo artist and aspiring business owner, the other a marine biologist who studies squids. Owen’s best friend and her partner surprise him with a cruise to Alaska as a Christmas gift, but Owen is less then thrilled since along with some of their other friends they have also invited his bestie’s brother, who is also Owen’s ex. I liked that the story included representation of a nuanced character with a disability/chronic pain; Owen suffers from chronic arthritis. Some of the cruise details seemed a bit unrealistic, but the romance elements were strong and I thoroughly enjoyed the story. If you love grumpy/sunshine pairings then this is one you will want to pick up. Fans of Ship Happens may also want to check out some of Deaver’s other works including their adult novel debut, The Build-a-Boyfriend Project.

I Kissed Her First
by Betty Cayouette
I Kissed Her First is the charming new adult sapphic romance by Betty Cayouette. The story is written from alternating perspectives of personal chef, Riley, and an aspiring pop star, Luna, who fall for each other during Luna’s European tour. Added drama comes from the fact that Riley’s fathers, who own a lobster shack, don’t want her to become a chef even though she has become known on social media for her cooking. Luna has been having a staged romance with a fellow singer/songwriter in order to get positive publicity, but she has been frustrated with his cold behavior towards her and would like to break up with him. This sweet story would make a fun beach read. If you like fiction about cooks or pop stars this one is a definite pick. Cayoutte also has two other romances to check out Tell Me How You Really Feel and One Last Shot.

Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager

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Celebrate Pride with LGBTQ Reads: The Unmagical Life of Briar Jones and Father Material

9 Jun

The Unmagical Life of Briar Jones
by Lex Croucher
The Unmagical Life Life of Briar Jones is the latest by Lex Croucher. Briar and Seb were inseparable as children, but when wealthy, privileged Seb gets picked to attend an elite private school rumored to teach magic, Briar is heartbroken and their friendship crumbles. They don’t reunite till Briar gets a summer job at the school, cleaning out an old attic that has been used as a dumping ground for unwanted items. Briar discovers that the rumors are true about the magic, but the school is filled with brutal hazing and cruel students including Seb, now called Bastian, who is feared by his classmates. Briar befriends a group of students who are struggling against the Status Quo. Briar must come to terms with not only their feelings for Bastian, but also their own past in this riveting tale. Croucher themselves is non-binary and though Briar’s gender is not a main focal point of the story, their journey and perspective are an integral part of their identity. This was a page turner that I did not want to put down. If you love Dark Academia stories then this is one you will want to check out.

Father Material
by Alexis Hall
Father Material is the third in Alexis Hall’s terrific London Calling series. Luc and Oliver’s friends have all begun settling down and starting family’s of their own. At the novel’s opening, they themselves take the next big step of becoming dog dads to a frisky puppy named Spud. There is a lot of humor in their adapting to their new adorable pet, but there is also a lot of heart in Luc taking on a new responsible role and further exploring his feelings about his own absentee father. Oliver also must come to terms with his own experience with his childhood and his understanding of what defines good parenting. Their exploration of options for being parents, brings more serious themes into the work. The book is filled with complex characters and quippy banter that has made Hall one of my favorite authors. Hall’s books will appeal to those looking for well crafted and nuanced LGBTQ characters. Fans of British Rom-Coms will especially be charmed by the London Calling series.

Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager

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