Books

Book 944: The Kingdom of Sand – Andrew Holleran

Book cover of "The Kingdom of Sand" with Amazon Affiliate linkI wanted to like this book so much like really wanted to, because Holleran is one of those early LGBT authors whose work has stood the test of time for decades. And that’s why I requested a copy from NetGalley.*

What I didn’t expect was how similar to Mrs. Dalloway and A Single Man this would be. I think that bodes well for the longevity of the novel, but unfortunately, for me, it wasn’t the time or place to read it to truly appreciate or enjoy it. While there were some incredibly beautiful passages throughout, I struggled to get into the book and (for the most part) identify with the nameless narrator.

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Books

Book 887: If This Gets Out – Sophie Gonzales & Cale Dietrich

Book cover of "If This Gets Out" with Amazon Affiliate linkMy little closeted teenage heart would’ve died to read something like this in the late-90s/early-00s. So, when I saw it on NetGalley I requested it IMMEDIATELY, the publisher approved, and I have been sitting on it for months.*

I know I’ve said it before and I’ll keep on saying it—I am SO jealous of all the teens today getting to see themselves in books like this. I mean hell I enjoy them and I am WELL outside the target demographic for these.

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Books

Book 868: Sailor Proof (Shore Leave #1) – Annabeth Albert

Book cover of "Sailor Proof" with Amazon Affiliate linkThis is the very first Annabeth Albert ARC that I’ve read!* (I think, there may have been one more in her True Colors series, but who cares I got one!) Generally I’m bogged down in other stuff and I don’t realize when Albert’s releasing new works, but after joining her Facebook group and signing up for her newsletter I’m much more on the ball than I have been in the past!

The only downside of reading this as an ARC is that I have to wait for the next book FOREVER!!!! I’m so used to blazing through her series, that I actually forewent reading the teaser for book two, Sink or Swim, because the publication date is SO FAR AWAY!!!!!!!

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ARC, Books

Book 837: Fifty Words for Rain – Asha Lemmie

Book cover of "Fifty Words for Rain" with Amazon Affiliate linkI feel hollow after finishing this book—I’m not sure emotionally drained is the right word because I feel like I have so many emotions going on that they’ve just forced each other out and there’s just nothing.  And when you take in that this is a debut novel, damn.

I’m not sure what I was expecting, but it’s been on my radar since the publisher reached out last year when it was first published but I didn’t get to it until the paperback was recently released.* I really should’ve prioritized it from back then because I feel like Dutton never steers me wrong looking at the books I’ve read from them.

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Books

Book 823: All Note Long (Perfect Harmony #3) – Annabeth Albert

Book cover of "All Note Long" with Amazon Affiliate linkWhat a nice end to this trilogy and you could really tell how much Albert improved as an author just across these three books! I really liked the reality TV/musician angle of the books and am glad I finally read them.

All Note Long takes a character we’re familiar with, Michelin, the producer/mentor of both groups from Treble Maker and Love Me Tenor, and gives him the microphone. But what few people know outside of his immediate friends and staff that need to know is that Michelin is closeted and wants to come out. The story really kicks off when he meets Lucky, a go-go dancer  of Argentine descent at a gay night club and is immediately drawn to him. They kiss, someone films it, and shit hits the fan.

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