Quick note before we get into it: It was brought to my attention that one of the authors I mentioned last week is problematic. I usually try to be better about that and apologize for my oversight and will endeavor to do better in the future in that as well as trying to make sure representation is more balanced and applicable.
It’s Monday again, which means it’s the beginning of another work week. I know it’s cliched to say it, but if I had known how tedious the life cycle of a human adult was, I really would have appreciated my time off more as a child.
At least I have something to look forward to since it’s my birthday later this week! Hence my trip over the weekend to buy books with my birthday coupon. Since I’m writing to you from the past though, I won’t be able to tell you what books I got until Thursday’s edition. But I know what I want so I’m still excited!
Romance Reader Tarot Card by anwdigital
I love, love, LOVE, this shirt. I have always been fascinated with Tarot cards and the art on the various versions. And this shirt combines two of my life-long loves, so you know it’s a winner in my book. It also comes in two other colors if gray isn’t your bag. $25+
New Releases
Takeoff by Evelyn Sola
Determined to keep her life exactly the way it is, Vickie has sworn off men. Despite this promise to herself, she finds herself drawn to rising NBA star Christian, and the feeling is mutual. He is certain that Vickie is exactly what he and his son need in their lives to help complete their family and sets to work to show her this any way he can.
The Life Coach by Sienna Waters
Alice is the life coach hired by a friend of Vivien’s to help get her life back on track. Vivien is perfectly happy being curmudgeonly though, and so the battle between the grumpy and sunshine begins. But, as they spend more time together, they find an undeniable attraction building between them which may be doomed before it really starts when it comes out that Alice isn’t actually a life coach.
For even more new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
Another almost still completely marginalized group in romance are trans people. Again, a lot of that has to do with intolerance, closedmindedness, and other words to describe unpleasant individuals who want the world to be monochromatic and heterosexual, even though it’s never been either. That said, it’s only in recent years that trans people weren’t used as some sort of horrible plot device and I am happy to see them being represented in a more positive light. With that said, here are the recommendations I have for you today.
For the Love of April French by Penny Aimes
While I initially had some reservations about this book— the BDSM tends to be outside my comfort zone— I ended up loving it and consider it an underrated gem of 2021. I found that the relationship developed at a believable pace, as we were able to read about the months as they went by. Plus, both April and Dennis knew that they were both broken on some levels and willing to accept each other and help to repair one another. Utterly amazing.
Drag Me Up by R.M Virtues
I’m a sucker for a good Hades and Persephone retelling and always will be. I also love all the representation here, with a Black demisexual Hades and a Black trans Persephone. What’s not to love about it?
Here is a round-up of some of the best LGBTQ+ romance novels this year. Please note that not all of these have been released just yet.
Here are 72 romances that have either already been released or are on their way to us this summer.
I had way too much fun with this Disney Love Triangle Quiz. Friendly tip— if you see a movie option that has been remade, go for the newer version. *wink*
Thanks again to author Jackie Lau for compiling this list of LGBTQ+ romances by Asian authors.
A new digital book box subscription is headed our way soon and I can’t wait!
That’s all for today friends. I’ll be back on Thursday with more updates, bookish swap, releases, and recommendations. In the meantime you can give me a follow over on Twitter under @PScribe801. Happy reading until then!