Currently reading from my TBR list! What are my favorites? What’s giving me bi-feels? Do I have a mechanic kink or a competence kink? (Both, both is good.)
It’s time for an update on my current reads, what shiny new titles have caught my eye and made me re-shuffle my TBR list, and what my recent favorites are!
I’ve bounced back and forth between reading voraciously and only managing one book a week (or over several weeks) because the writing process is a finicky thing, and sometimes when I’m deep in it I find myself unable to connect to a book as much.
Thankfully, I’m on the opposite swing of that pendulum at the moment, because I’d be beside myself if I had to wait another minute to experience the beauty of Casey McQuiston’s debut, Red, White & Royal Blue. So here we go!
Currently Reading, TBR, Upcoming Release Anticipation:
1. Red, White & Royal Blue – Currently Reading
This book. This book. I have read passages aloud to Mr. T, sent screenshots and snapchats to my friends to flail over, and shared it with my fellow LGBTQ+ pals. Alex’s bisexual awakening and his journey into self-discovery while falling in love with charming, sweet Prince Henry is such a gift. As a fan of romance and comedy, this book has had me laughing and squealing in delight more than once in every chapter. As someone who is bisexual, I feel so touched by the characters in Red, White & Royal Blue. The topic of discovering yourself, especially at a time where you think you’ve learned everything there is to know about yourself, resonates so deeply for me. I didn’t even realize I was bisexual until about 4 years ago, despite many signs that pointed to duh. I didn’t come out to my husband and my closest friends until 2 years ago. There are still people in my life I’m not out to. So thank you, Casey McQuiston! Thank you for this beautiful love story and this diverse representation of sexuality and growing up. I fell in love with Alex Claremont-Diaz on page 3 of the book and he will live in my heart forever. I can’t wait to read the last quarter of the book and find out what happens!
2. Heartstopper, Volume 1
I read Heartstopper on Tumblr, but for a long time I’ve wanted to have the paperback volume for my shelf! Again, another touching story of discovering bisexuality! I love this tender, heartwarming love story and I adore Alice Oseman’s charming art style! This story has never failed to bring a smile to my face and brighten my day! I love re-reading it from the beginning. The paperback volume is amazing, too, for the bonus content! Alice recently shared a sneak peek at Volume 2 and it’s beautiful and I can’t wait to add it to my collection!
3. Speak No Evil – Currently Reading
I’ve always loved a little magic in my romance reads, and Speak No Evil by J.R. Gray delivers! Not only is there cool magic happening, but I adore Eli and Weston and the high stakes action that they face together. I’ve put this one on pause while I finish RWRB, but I’m looking forward to getting back to it and finding out how the game changes for Eli + Weston now that they have a better idea of what’s plaguing Weston after a bad fall out with his ex-wife.
4. The New Paranormal – Next up on TBR
A haunted hotel? A grifter and a ghost hunting enthusiast employee? Fake-dating? Yeah, everything about this book sounds like it’s my brand of catnip, so I’m really looking forward to reading The New Paranormal by Jackson Tyler!
5. Screwed – Next up on TBR
I found Screwed by Van Barrett through a Pillow Talk Books newsletter and I had to add it to my list! A mechanic with a heart of gold? Undercover journalism? From the sample read, my heart goes out to Paul and his struggle and I’m looking forward to reading his and Liam’s story. It sounds like a really fun romp! I also have to admit to myself after clocking this and writing Paxton Santos, hot, competent handyman, that I may have a strong competence kink that I enjoy filtered through people that are good with their hands and good at their craft hahaha!
6. These Witches Don’t Burn – Anticipating Release!
I was reading through the LGBTQ+ YA upcoming releases newsletter and immediately zeroed in on These Witches Don’t Burn by Isabel Sterling! You might be able to tell by reading my Telltale Ghosts series, but I love Salem and I love witches and putting the two together on top of a wlw story is my catnip. I promptly pre-ordered a copy for myself. It also releases on the same day as my debut, so high-five for a book birthday twin! I really can’t wait to get my hands on this magical tale! Is this on anyone’s list?
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