books

novels

Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo (2021)
14+ Historical Fiction, LGBTQ, Young Adult

Seventeen-year-old Lily Hu can’t remember exactly when the question took root, but the answer was in full bloom the moment she and Kathleen Miller walked under the flashing neon sign of a lesbian bar called the Telegraph Club.

America in 1954 is not a safe place for two girls to fall in love, especially not in Chinatown. Red-Scare paranoia threatens everyone, including Chinese Americans like Lily. With deportation looming over her father—despite his hard-won citizenship—Lily and Kath risk everything to let their love see the light of day.

Why I love it:

this book was really well written. lily (the protagonist) was such a brave, inspiring character that you couldn't help but read on in hope that things would work out okay for her. i enjoyed it very much.

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston (2019)
18+ Romance, LGBTQ, Contemporary

First Son Alex Claremont-Diaz is the closest thing to a prince this side of the Atlantic. With his intrepid sister and the Veep’s genius granddaughter, they’re the White House Trio, a beautiful millennial marketing strategy for his mother, President Ellen Claremont. International socialite duties do have downsides—namely, when photos of a confrontation with his longtime nemesis Prince Henry at a royal wedding leak to the tabloids and threaten American/British relations. The plan for damage control: staging a fake friendship between the First Son and the Prince.

As President Claremont kicks off her reelection bid, Alex finds himself hurtling into a secret relationship with Henry that could derail the campaign and upend two nations. What is worth the sacrifice? How do you do all the good you can do? And, most importantly, how will history remember you?

Why I love it:

ah, a certified classic! i enjoyed how fun and tropey this one was. i don't have a lot of specific comments since it's been many years since i read it, but i just remember it giving me lots of good feelings.

Cemetery Boys (2013)
13+ Fantasy, Young Adult, LGBTQ

When his traditional Latinx family has problems accepting his gender, Yadriel becomes determined to prove himself a real brujo. With the help of his cousin and best friend Maritza, he performs the ritual himself, and then sets out to find the ghost of his murdered cousin and set it free.

However, the ghost he summons is actually Julian Diaz, the school’s resident bad boy, and Julian is not about to go quietly into death. He’s determined to find out what happened and tie up some loose ends before he leaves. Left with no choice, Yadriel agrees to help Julian, so that they can both get what they want. But the longer Yadriel spends with Julian, the less he wants to let him leave.

Why I love it:

this book dealt with some serious stuff yet was still so much fun. i absolutely adored julian! such a chaotic and funny guy. his love to his found family was so endearing! he and yadriel were so cute by the end. they left me wanting more!

The Darkness Outside Us by Eliot Schrefer (2021)
The Darkness Outside Us #1
14+ Science Fiction, LGBTQ

After the first settler on Titan trips her distress signal, neither remaining country on Earth can afford to scramble a rescue of its own, and so two sworn enemies are installed in the same spaceship.

Ambrose wakes up on the Coordinated Endeavor, with no memory of a launch. There’s more that doesn’t add up: Evidence indicates strangers have been on board, the ship’s operating system is voiced by his mother, and his handsome, brooding shipmate has barricaded himself away. But nothing will stop Ambrose from making his mission succeed—not when he’s rescuing his own sister.

In order to survive the ship’s secrets, Ambrose and Kodiak will need to work together and learn to trust one another… especially once they discover what they are truly up against. Love might be the only way to survive.

Why I love it:

this book kept me on the edge of my seat, turning page after page. i was so intrigued by the setup and the mystery of it all; it was such a wild ride and delivered in such a fantastic way. one of my favourite reads for 2025.

The Wicked Bargain by Gabe Cole Novoa (2023)
13+ Fantasy, Young Adult, LGBTQ

Mar is a transmasculine nonbinary teen pirate hiding a magical ability to manipulate fire and ice. But their magic isn't enough to reverse a wicked bargain made by their father and now el Diablo has come to collect his payment: the soul of Mar's father and the entire crew of their ship.

When Mar is miraculously rescued by the sole remaining pirate crew in the Caribbean, el Diablo returns to give them a choice: give up your soul to save your father by the Harvest Moon or never see him again. The task is impossible--Mar refuses to make a bargain and there's no way their magic is any match for el Diablo. Then, Mar finds the most unlikely allies: Bas, an infuriatingly arrogant and handsome pirate -- and the captain's son; and Dami, a genderfluid demonio whose motives are never quite clear. For the first time in their life, Mar may have the courage to use their magic. It could be their only redemption -- or it could mean certain death.

Why I love it:

good action, captivating world, and great characters who you really get invested in

The Diablo's Curse by Gabe Cole Novoa (2024)
13+ Fantasy, Young Adult, LGBTQ

Dami is a demon determined to cancel every deal they've ever made in order to tether their soul to earth and become human again. There's just one person standing in their way: Silas. An irresistibly (and stubborn) cute boy cursed to die young, except for the deal with Dami that is keeping him alive. If they cancel the deal, Silas is dead. Unless... they can destroy the curse that has plagued Silas's family for generations. But to do so, Dami and Silas are going to have to work together. That is, if the curse doesn't kill them first.

Why I love it:

this one was set in the same universe as the wicked bargain (^one just above, though i don't think it's listed as a sequel or anything) featuring some familiar characters. i really loved dami and the dynamics between them and the other characters.

One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston (2021)
18+ Romance, LGBTQ, Contemporary

For cynical twenty-three-year-old August, moving to New York City is supposed to prove her right: that things like magic and cinematic love stories don’t exist, and the only smart way to go through life is alone. She can’t imagine how waiting tables at a 24-hour pancake diner and moving in with too many weird roommates could possibly change that. And there’s certainly no chance of her subway commute being anything more than a daily trudge through boredom and electrical failures.

But then, there’s this gorgeous girl on the train.

Jane. Dazzling, charming, mysterious, impossible Jane. Jane with her rough edges and swoopy hair and soft smile, showing up in a leather jacket to save August’s day when she needed it most. August’s subway crush becomes the best part of her day, but pretty soon, she discovers there’s one big problem: Jane doesn’t just look like an old school punk rocker. She’s literally displaced in time from the 1970s, and August is going to have to use everything she tried to leave in her own past to help her. Maybe it’s time to start believing in some things, after all.

Why I love it:

this book easily held my interest. while i wasn't super absorbed by the protagonist like i usually am, i loved the found family she made with all her new friends and how they came together to help her reach her goal to bring jane forward in time.

A Taste of Gold and Iron by Alexandra Rowland (2022)
Mahisti Dynasty #1
18+ Fantasy, Romance, LGBTQ

Kadou, the shy prince of Arasht, finds himself at odds with one of the most powerful ambassadors at court—the body-father of the queen's new child—in an altercation which results in his humiliation.

To prove his loyalty to the queen, his sister, Kadou takes responsibility for the investigation of a break-in at one of their guilds, with the help of his newly appointed bodyguard, the coldly handsome Evemer, who seems to tolerate him at best. In Arasht, where princes can touch-taste precious metals with their fingers and myth runs side by side with history, counterfeiting is heresy, and the conspiracy they discover could cripple the kingdom’s financial standing and bring about its ruin.

Why I love it:

the fantasy world in this book was so interesting and the plot got really intense at parts. i loved reading the relationship between kadou and evemer develop.

The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas (2022)
The Sunbearer Duology #1
13+ Fantasy, Young Adult, LGBTQ

As each new decade begins, the Sun’s power must be replenished so that Sol can keep traveling along the sky and keep the evil Obsidian gods at bay. Ten semidioses between the ages of thirteen and eighteen are selected by Sol himself as the most worthy to compete in The Sunbearer Trials. The winner carries light and life to all the temples of Reino del Sol, but the loser has the greatest honor of all―they will be sacrificed to Sol, their body used to fuel the Sun Stones that will protect the people of Reino del Sol for the next ten years.

Teo, a 17-year-old Jade semidiós and the trans son of Quetzal, goddess of birds, has never worried about the Trials…or rather, he’s only worried for others. His best friend Niya―daughter of Tierra, the god of earth―is one of the strongest heroes of their generation and is much too likely to be chosen this year. He also can’t help but worry (reluctantly, and under protest) for Aurelio, a powerful Gold semidiós and Teo’s friend-turned-rival who is a shoo-in for the Trials. Teo wouldn’t mind taking Aurelio down a notch or two, but a one-in-ten chance of death is a bit too close for Teo’s taste.

But then, for the first time in over a century, Sol chooses a semidiós who isn’t a Gold. In fact, he chooses two: Xio, the 13-year-old child of Mala Suerte, god of bad luck, and…Teo. Now they must compete in five mysterious trials, against opponents who are both more powerful and better trained, for fame, glory, and their own survival.’ love expert, he hasn’t quite realized…he’s in one himself. Which means it’s up to Sasaki to make sure their story has a happily ever after…!

Why I love it:

this was one of those YA books you can just envision getting made into a movie. it was very exciting and had excellent world building.

The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun (2021)
16+ Romance, LGBTQ, Contemporary

Dev Deshpande has always believed in fairy tales. So it’s no wonder then that he’s spent his career crafting them on the long-running reality dating show Ever After. As the most successful producer in the franchise’s history, Dev always scripts the perfect love story for his contestants, even as his own love life crashes and burns. But then the show casts disgraced tech wunderkind Charlie Winshaw as its star.

Charlie is far from the romantic Prince Charming Ever After expects. He doesn’t believe in true love, and only agreed to the show as a last-ditch effort to rehabilitate his image. In front of the cameras, he’s a stiff, anxious mess with no idea how to date twenty women on national television. Behind the scenes, he’s cold, awkward, and emotionally closed-off.

As Dev fights to get Charlie to connect with the contestants on a whirlwind, worldwide tour, they begin to open up to each other, and Charlie realizes he has better chemistry with Dev than with any of his female co-stars. But even reality TV has a script, and in order to find to happily ever after, they’ll have to reconsider whose love story gets told.

Why I love it:

i cannot watch most reality dating shows, but i sure can read them, especially if they're anything like this book! this was a very sweet and indulgent read. i enjoyed it very much!

Ocean's Echo by Everina Maxwell (2022)
Winter's Orbit #2
18+ Science Fiction, Romance, LGBTQ

When Tennal - a rich socialite, inveterate flirt, and walking disaster - is caught using his telepathic powers for illegal activities, the military decides to bind his mind to someone whose coercive powers are strong enough to control him.

Enter Lieutenant Surit, the child of a disgraced general. Out of a desperate need to restore a pension to his other parent, Lieutenant Surit agrees to be bound to Tennal and keep him conscripted in the army, a task that seems impossible even for someone with Surit's ability to control minds.

Tennal just wants to escape, but Surit isn't all that he seems. And their bond may just be the key to their freedom.

Why I love it:

this book had some really fantastic world building; i was completely immersed in it. the roles of the telepathic powers and rejection of said roles made for a very intriguing story and very interesting dynamics between characters, especially tennal and surit!

Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree (2022)
Legends & Lattes #1
12+ Fantasy, LGBTQ

After a lifetime of bounties and bloodshed, Viv is hanging up her sword for the last time.

The battle-weary orc aims to start fresh, opening the first ever coffee shop in the city of Thune. But old and new rivals stand in the way of success — not to mention the fact that no one has the faintest idea what coffee actually is.

If Viv wants to put the blade behind her and make her plans a reality, she won't be able to go it alone.

But the true rewards of the uncharted path are the travelers you meet along the way. And whether drawn together by ancient magic, flaky pastry, or a freshly brewed cup, they may become partners, family, and something deeper than she ever could have dreamed.

Why I love it:

ahhh this was such a cozy comfort read. it was so wholesome and just really refreshing as i hadn't read anything quite like it before. but it definitely made me appreciate that writing doesn't always have to be high stakes and high drama to keep a reader invested. defintiely recommend if you want something less intense with solid friendships/relationships that keeps your attention.

The Unlikely Pair by Jax Calder (2024)
Unlikely Dilemmas #2
18+ Romance, LGBTQ, Contemporary

Two political rivals end up stranded in the freezing wilderness together and have to overcome their differences to survive.

Why I love it:

i read this because i enjoyed the first book of the series and jax calder's writing. however, i never expected this to surpass my expectations in the way it did. while obviously an unlikely dilemma (hence the series name), the romance progressed so believably despite how unlikely it was and it really kept me hooked.

Now, Conjurers by Freddie Kolsch (2024)
16+ Horror, Young Adult, LGBTQ

Nesbit Nuñez discovers the partially devoured body of Bastion Attia: star quarterback, secret witch, and Nesbit’s even-more-secret boyfriend. No one knew why brilliant, gentle Bastion lived his life by a seemingly arcane set of rules, including a strange manner of speech and an inability to say his own name.

Now the remaining members of North Coven—Nesbit, Dove, Drea, and Brandy—vow to get answers. Nothing can prepare them for what they uncover: Bastion had been locked in a terrifying battle of wits and wills with something living deep beneath an ancient mausoleum in the local cemetery.

North Coven must confront the red-gloved monster that took piece after piece of Bastion, that he fought until his last breath. Not knowing that Bastion left behind the key to its destruction

Why I love it:

this is another 2025 favourite. absolutely had me like *eyes emoji* the whole time as the fascinating story unravelled before me. i absolutely loved so much about this novel. the magic, the horror elements, and bastion!! honestly more people need to read this.

Dark Rise by C.S. Pacat (2021)
Dark Rise #1
16+ Fantasy, Young Adult, LGBTQ

It all started like a typical old-school boys’ love plotline-bad-boy senior meets adorably awkward underclassman, one of them falls in love, and so on and so forth. But although Miyano is a self-proclaimed boys’ love expert, he hasn’t quite realized…he’s in one himself. Which means it’s up to Sasaki to make sure their story has a happily ever after…!

Why I love it:

pacat really knows how to keep their readers hooked and i was definitely hooked through out this book. however, that ending!! had me shooketh. no spoilers here though :)

Like Real People Do by E.L. Massey (2022)
Breakaway #1
16+ Romance, LGBTQ, Sports

Nineteen-year-old hockey phenom Alexander Price is the youngest-ever captain in the NHL. With a polarizing social media presence and a predilection for dirty play, he typifies the stereotype of young, out-of-control athlete. But away from the cameras, Alex is a kid with an anxiety disorder and the expectations of an expansion franchise on his shoulders. And maybe he tries too hard to fit the part of asshole playboy, but it’s better than the alternative; in his line of work, gay is the punchline of an insult, not something he can be.

Eighteen-year-old vlogger Elijah Rodriguez is a freshman in college recovering from an injury that derailed his Olympic figure-skating dreams. Mixed-race, disabled, and out of the closet since he was fourteen, Eli is unapologetically himself. He has no qualms about voicing his disapproval of celebrity jocks who make homophobic jokes on Twitter and park their flashy cars in the handicapped spaces outside of ice rinks.

After an antagonistic introduction, Alex and Eli’s inexplicable friendship both baffles and charms the internet. But navigating relationships is hard enough for normal teenagers. It’s a lot harder when the world—much of it disapproving—is watching you fall in love with your best friend.

Why I love it:

i was quickly invested in the characters and appreciated how it handled real issues. i would recommend this book to those looking for an uplifting and open read that subverts the miscommunication trope.