Spinning by Tillie Walden

Spinning by Tillie Walden 

Review by Lauren

source: copy from publisher; all opinions are my own

Official Summary (add on Goodreads): It was the same every morning. Wake up, grab the ice skates, and head to the rink while the world was still dark.
Weekends were spent in glitter and tights at competitions. Perform. Smile. And do it again.
She was good. She won. And she hated it.

For ten years, figure skating was Tillie Walden's life. She woke before dawn for morning lessons, went straight to group practice after school, and spent weekends competing at ice rinks across the state. It was a central piece of her identity, her safe haven from the stress of school, bullies, and family. But over time, as she switched schools, got into art, and fell in love with her first girlfriend, she began to question how the close-minded world of figure skating fit in with the rest of her life, and whether all the work was worth it given the reality: that she, and her friends on the figure skating team, were nowhere close to Olympic hopefuls. It all led to one question: What was the point? The more Tillie thought about it, the more Tillie realized she'd outgrown her passion--and she finally needed to find her own voice.

Review: I love graphic memoirs; it's such an interesting way to learn about a person. Spinning is about the time in Tillie Walden's life when she was a figure skater. She wasn't aiming for the Olympics, but she did practice before and after school and took part in competitions. After awhile though, she started to realize that figure skating wasn't necessarily her lifelong dream. She was falling more in love with art. She was also falling for girls, something that she didn't let anyone in her figure skating life know about.

Spinning is a thick novel, but it reads quick. The artwork is done in black and white, with some strategic yellow here and there. It's easy to read and I think a lot of teens could relate to Tillie. You don't have to like someone of the same sex, or even be involved in something so intense as figure skating. Spinning, at its heart, is about learning who you are and growing into the person you want to be.

Necessary Medicine by M.K. York

Necessary Medicine by M.K. York 

Review by Lauren

source: copy from Netgalley; all opinions are my own

Official Summary: In the high-intensity world of hospital residency programs, there's no room for romance. So it's a good thing for first-year surgical resident Neil Carmona that his crush on the gorgeous cardiologist Eli Newcombe is sheer fantasy. Not only is the sexy doctor Neil's superior, he's also recently divorced. 

As Neil's skill as a surgeon grows, so does his friendship with Eli, and his silent, hopeless longing for more. It isn't until Neil's final year that Eli at last admits his own deepest desires. But Neil's joy is short-lived: Eli has no intention of pursuing a relationship. Their positions in the hospital would make it unethical, even if he was emotionally ready for someone new. 

Wounded and furious, Neil is determined to forget about Eli once and for all. But when a near-tragedy strikes, a new question arises: Is a life without love—without Neil—a greater risk than laying his heart on the line?

Review: When the book starts, Neil is a medical student and then he's an intern, and then a fellow. The book moves through the years a bit, but I found it easy enough to follow so I was never confused as to where Neil was in his journey to becoming an attending doctor. As for Eli, he's a cardiologist who Neil first sees in medical school, when Eli is there to give a speech. Once Neil is working at the hospital, he's path crosses with Eli more and more often. While Neil has been harboring a crush on Eli for years, he doesn't think the feeling is at mutual since Eli has an ex wife and has never once mentioned being bisexual. As such, Neil tries to enjoy their budding friendship without getting too attached, and it works for awhile. 

Obviously Eli has feelings for Neil too. I don't think that's a spoiler as it's in the summary, and that's just how these stories go, right? At the same time, Eli isn't willing to risk either of their jobs or reputations by acting on those feelings and it definitely upsets Neil. This makes sense though; Neil has had these feelings for years and when he finally realizes that they are reciprocated, he's pushed away. Despite this, things do end up okay for the two, but I don't want to go into too many details and spoil the whole story. The details are the story after all.

One thing that I will note though is that the book felt a bit too long, as the author focuses a lot on the medical aspect of the story. While I understood most of the details, it did feel like a bit much in parts. Granted, the author is a medical student so it does make sense. While some of the descriptions could have been left out, having some does make the hospital and its inhabitants feel that much more realistic. What tends to suffer from these details is that the actual romance doesn't really appear until maybe halfway through the book. I was never bored reading the book, but I was definitely more interested in the relationship aspect of the book. 

Necessary Medicine is York's debut, but hopefully she'll write more! 

At Attention by Annabeth Albert

At Attention by Annabeth Albert

Review by Lauren

source: copy from Netgalley; all opinions are my own

Official Summary: It's a bit long, so check it out on Goodreads! 

Review: At Attention is the second in the Out of Uniform series and just as good as the first. In this book we have Apollo who lost his husband a couple years ago and is now raising their twin daughters on his own. He never saw himself as the settling down type until he met his husband, so he's not exactly looking for someone else to fill the role of companion or lover. However, when his best friend pushes his younger brother, Dylan, on him for the summer, things begin to change. Dylan is in town to help Apollo with the girls and to work at a summer camp. While Dylan has always had a crush on Apollo, he tries to get a handle on his feelings and just be the helpful person that Apollo obviously needs. Of course...this doesn't last that long.

Eventually, the two do start up a relationship of sorts, though it's not really defined as such and kept a secret from anyone. Dylan is only here for the summer, so Apollo can rationalize getting involved when he knows it's just physical and there's an end date. This is before feelings enter the equation and they definitely do! For one thing, Dylan has feelings from the start, even if he tells himself he's okay with just the summer. As for Apollo, he starts to realize how much he truly likes Dylan and it's obvious that Dylan fits well in the family, since the girls also adore him. 

This is another great read by Annabeth Albert, and I highly recommend the whole series. The characters were realistic and well done, and I thought the evolving relationship between Apollo and Dylan was done very well. I can't wait for the third book, whose main characters appear in At Attention! Get to know them now! 

The Otto Digmore Difference: Want to Read/Review?

Happy Friday, everyone!

I'm currently working on a blog tour of sorts for Brent Hartinger. There aren't set dates you have to post, but we are looking for people to read/review Brent's next LGBT+ novel, The Otto Digmore Difference. If you've read his Russel Middlebrook series, then you will recognize Otto's name. Don't worry, you don't have to have read the other books to read this one. It's the start of a new series. We do have previous books available if you feel the need to check any of them out.

Brent has various e-copies of the book available, so if you are interested, please let me know and what format you would need the book in! While there aren't set dates for posting, we'd love to have things go up in March since the book comes out next week.

I have a list of emails already of bloggers who would like to know about future blog tours for LGBT+ novels. If you want to be added, please let me know! You are never obligated to help with any book. I just want a list of people who I know are interested in at least LGBT+ novels.

For more on the book, the official summary is below:

“Road trip!” 

Otto Digmore is a 26-year-old gay guy with dreams of being a successful actor, and he’s finally getting some attention as a result of his supporting role on a struggling sitcom. But he’s also a burn survivor with scars on half his face, and all indications are that he’s just too different to ever find real Hollywood success. 

Now he’s up for an amazing new role that could change everything. Problem is, he and his best friend Russel Middlebrook have to drive all the way across the country in order to get to the audition on time. 

It’s hard to say which is worse: the fact that so many things go wrong, or that Russel, an aspiring screenwriter, keeps comparing their experiences to some kind of road trip movie. 

There’s also the fact that Otto and Russel were once boyfriends, and Otto is starting to realize that he still might have romantic feelings for his best friend. 

Just how far will Otto go to get the role, and maybe the guy, of his dreams? 

Rainbow Roundup: LGBT+ Around the Web

Hey Everyone! I'm back with some more LGBT+ blog posts and book reviews from other blogs/websites. I finally landed on a name for these and it's Rainbow Roundup! I hope you enjoy it and every time you see the title, you'll know what to expect.

An Odyssey Across the Shelves has a Rec' Em Thursday feature and one of them is about the m/m novel Collide by Riley Hart

No Bent Spines created a list of YA books with bisexual main characters. Know a book she didn't list? Let her know!

Rainy Day Ramblings reviewed The Cursed Queen by Sarah Fine (features an f/f romance)

Midnight Book Girl reviewed We Are Okay by Nina Lecour

Christy's Love of Books reviewed Bad Boy by Elliot Wake

In Tori Lex reviewed even this page is white by Vivek Shraya

Joyous Reads reviewed When We Rise by Cleve Jones

Novel Ink reviewed 10 Things I Can See From Here by Carrie Mac

Whiteout by Elyse Springer

Whiteout by Elyse Springer

Review by Lauren

source: copy from Netgalley; all opinions are my own

Official Summary: Noah Landers wakes up one day with a headache and no memory of where—or who—he is. Jason, the man taking care of him, tries to fill in some of the blanks: they’re in a cabin in Colorado on vacation, and Noah slipped on ice and hit his head. But even with amnesia, Noah knows Jason is leaving out something important.

Jason O’Reilly is sexy as hell, treats Noah like he’s precious, and seems determined to make this the romantic getaway they’d apparently dreamed of together. But Noah’s more concerned that he’s trapped alone with Jason in the middle of a blizzard while his slowly-returning memories bring hints of secrets and betrayal.

Noah’s not sure what’s the truth and what’s a lie. But as he learns who he is—and who Jason is to him—he’s forced to reevaluate everything he believes about himself, about loyalty . . . and about love. 

Review: Whiteout is the first book in the Seasons of Love series. It wasn't until late in the book that I realized the series title comes from the musical RENT, which is a favorite of mine, so that was exciting to figure out! As for the actual book, I LOVED this one and I would highly recommend it. While Noah does lose most of his memories after an accident, it doesn't take terribly long for most of them to come back. When they do, the book is really just beginning, so readers will definitely be on for an interesting ride.

There isn't much I can say without giving away spoilers, but I will say that while Noah is trying to remember who he used to be, he's getting memories back that make him unsure about Jason and whether he's really telling him the truth. Despite this, Noah has this feeling - intuition if you will - that he really does love Jason, so he tries to go with that since he's stuck in a Colorado cabin with nowhere to go. As for Jason, it's easy to tell that he really does love Noah. He's obviously keeping some things back, but he was also told by a doctor not to reveal too much to Noah so that his memories have a chance to come back on their own.

Like I said, this is just one part of the overall story, but I can't go on for fear that I'll ruin some twists and turns! Definitely read it!

You can check it out on Amazon here. I'm an associate, so I get a small percent of any sale. Thanks!

Can't Wait Wednesday: 10 Things I Can See From Here

Tressa from Wishful Endings has created her own version of Waiting on Wednesday, since the host hasn't posted a link-up in months.

10 Things I Can See From Here by Carrie Mac

Due Out: February 28

Add on Goodreads

Official Summary: Maeve has heard it all before. She’s been struggling with severe anxiety for a long time, and as much as she wishes it was something she could just talk herself out of, it’s not. She constantly imagines the worst, composes obituaries in her head, and is always ready for things to fall apart. To add to her troubles, her mom—the only one who really gets what Maeve goes through—is leaving for six months, so Maeve will be sent to live with her dad in Vancouver.

Vancouver brings a slew of new worries, but Maeve finds brief moments of calm (as well as even more worries) with Salix, a local girl who doesn’t seem to worry about anything. Between her dad’s wavering sobriety, her very pregnant stepmom insisting on a home birth, and her bumbling courtship with Salix, this summer brings more catastrophes than even Maeve could have foreseen. Will she be able to navigate through all the chaos to be there for the people she loves?

I haven't heard much about this one but it sounds really interesting. I love books that deal with anxiety and other mental illness because it's important topic. Plus, I suffer from my own anxiety so I can usually relate on some level to these characters. 

What do you think? Do you want to read? 

Dreadnought by April Daniels

Dreadnought by April Daniels

Review by Lauren

source: copy from Netgalley; all opinions are my own

Official Summary: Danny Tozer has a problem: she just inherited the powers of the world's greatest superhero. Until Dreadnought fell out of the sky and died right in front of her, she was trying to keep people from finding out she's transgender. But then her second-hand superpowers transformed her body into what she's always thought it should be. Now there's no hiding that she's a girl. 

It should be the happiest time of her life, but between her father's dangerous obsession with curing her girlhood, her best friend suddenly acting like he's entitled to date her, and the classmate who is secretly a masked vigilante, Danny's first weeks living in a body that fits her are more difficult and complicated than she could have imagined. 

She doesn't have much time to adjust. Dreadnought's murderer, a cyborg named Utopia, still haunts the streets of New Port City. If Danny can't sort through the confusion of coming out, master her powers, and stop Utopia in time, humanity faces extinction.

Review: In simple terms, this YA novel is about a transgender superhero. Doesn't that sound fantastic? It was that premise that immediately had me agreeing to review Dreadnought. This is just the first book in the Nemesis series and I can't wait to see where Daniels goes next.

Danny Tozer has always known she was a girl, even if everyone else thinks she needs to "man up", especially her overbearing, verbally abusive father. When the current superhero, Dreadnought, dies in front of Danny, she is given his mantle. Not only does Danny have superpowers, but she is also turned into the girl she always knew she was, and that's how Danielle Tozer comes to be.

It's not easy being Danny and you definitely appreciate the character as she's hit with challenge after challenge. Her dad is determined to turn her back into a boy, and while her mom seems to slowly accept the change, she's afraid to go up against her husband. During this time, Danny meets the other Legion superheros who worked with the previous Dreadnought. Danny is given throwaway colors to wear so she can practice her powers, instead of wearing Dreadnought's colors. While Danny loves her powers and wants to keep her new body, she's not sure she could ever live up to the original Dreadnought. I think most of us would feel the same way as a teenager, even if we weren't transgender like Danny.

One of the more prominent secondary characters is Calamity. She doesn't have superpowers, but she's a teenager like Danny, and she goes caping at night. Caping is essentially looking out for bad things to happen - like a robbery - and stopping them. She enlists Danny to help, and she loves it, but she's not really sure why Calamity hates the Legion so much.

All in all, this was a really enjoyable read. It could feel a bit long at times, but in general, I didn't want to stop reading. I was curious to see what obstacles Danny would have to face and how she worked through them. The ending is especially suspenseful and exciting!

Want to read Dreadnought? Check it out on amazon (I'm an affiliate- I get a small percent of any sales).

History Is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera

History Is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera

Review by Lauren

source: copy from BEA16; all opinions are my own

Official Summary: When Griffin’s first love and ex-boyfriend, Theo, dies in a drowning accident, his universe implodes. Even though Theo had moved to California for college and started seeing Jackson, Griffin never doubted Theo would come back to him when the time was right. But now, the future he’s been imagining for himself has gone far off course.

To make things worse, the only person who truly understands his heartache is Jackson. But no matter how much they open up to each other, Griffin’s downward spiral continues. He’s losing himself in his obsessive compulsions and destructive choices, and the secrets he’s been keeping are tearing him apart.

If Griffin is ever to rebuild his future, he must first confront his history, every last heartbreaking piece in the puzzle of his life.

Review: When I read Adam Silvera's debut novel, More Happy Than Not, I knew I'd found a new favorite author. After checking out his sophomore effort, I am happy to say that I wasn't wrong. Adam is still very much one of my favorite authors. I love that he shares stories that may follow under the LGBT+ umbrella, but they are always so much more than that.

In History is All You Left Me, the book is told in Griffin's point of view. There are chapters marked Today and chapters marked History. Today takes place in 2016 and follows Griff's life after learning that his ex-boyfriend, Theo, has died. He might have been broken up with Theo, but he always imagined them getting back together in the long run. For Griff, him and Theo were end game. The History chapters chronicle various moments before Theo's death, starting with the two of them admitting they like one another as more than just best friends.

This book is why I love contemporary fiction. There are tough issues dealt with, like watching your first love get a new boyfriend, death and learning to go on, but it's also a story of empathy and friendship. Trying to move on from Theo's death, Griff finds himself getting closer to Theo's boyfriend, Jackson. Griff lives in New York and Jackson is in town from California. It makes sense that they would end up in each other's lives, though they fought it when Theo was alive. These are the only two people that loved Theo in the same way and while one was a current boyfriend and the other was an ex, they are still hurting in much the same way. While I liked how they were able to help each other, I also knew it couldn't last. Griff needed to get help beyond Jackson and he couldn't keep pushing away people, especially his and Theo's other friend, Wade, who was left to grieve on his own.

Another aspect of this book was Griff's OCD and it was handled really well. I liked that it showed that not all people who have OCD end up doing or obsessing over the same things. Griff calls it his quirks, as he's not entirely sure in the beginning what it means. He feels like he's going crazy, always wanting even numbers, unless it's an odd number he can handle. He has to walk on the certain side of someone and he won't sit shotgun in a car.

I always appreciate when there are more to contemporary novels than just a romance or just this or just that. I think Silvera handled all of the topics and characters in this novel really well. Throughout the book, I thought that I really got to know the characters well. Everyone felt fully-formed, even the secondary characters, and I appreciated that. It all felt real and brought the story together.

I can't wait for more from Silvera, and I highly recommend History Is All You Left Me!

History Is All You Left Me comes out tomorrow and you can check it out on Amazon now (I'm an amazon associate, I get a small percent if you buy from my link).

LGBT+ Book Reviews Around the Blogosphere

Happy Monday everyone! Today, I have some LGBT+ reviews that I found around the blogosphere these past couple weeks. Please send me your links if you read/review any LGBT+ books and I will share them in my future round up!

-Lauren


Hotline by Quinn Anderson - Review by Rebel Mommy Book Blog

Black Snow by EAB - Review by Metaphors and Moonlight

As I Descended by Robin Talley - Review by Bookwyrming Thoughts

Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out by Susan Kuklin - Review by The Nocturnal Library

It Looks Like This by Rafi Mittlefehldt- Review by Diva Book Nerd

Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst - Review by Lisa Loves Literature

October LGBT+ Releases

I can't believe that September is almost over. I'm ready, though, as I'm excited for October. It's my favorite month of the year, plus it includes Halloween which is my favorite holiday! I thought I'd share a few LGBT+ books that are coming out in October so you can prepare to purchase these when they come out!

Any other LGBT+ titles I should know about?

Look Past by Eric Devine

Book Out: October 4th

Goodreads link: Someone brutally murdered Mary Mathison, daughter of a prominent and very conservative local pastor. Whoever it was is now taunting Avery, a transgender boy, with disturbing messages, claiming that Mary’s murder was revenge for her relationship with Avery. The killer’s demands are simple and horrific: Avery must repent for changing his gender identity, or he will be the next one killed.

Can Avery deny who he is to catch Mary’s killer? Or will sacrificing himself be the ultimate betrayal?

Turn the World Upside Down by Nyrae Dawn

Book Out: October 20th

Goodreads link: Hunter Donovan’s temper never used to be a problem. He lived the perfect life with the perfect family before the dark truth came spilling out. Now his dad’s in prison, and after Hunter explodes at school, accidentally hitting a teacher, his mom has him committed. 

Hunter doesn’t belong at Better Days. He needs to be stronger, not sent to a well-dressed loony bin. If he’d been better, less selfish, he would have realized something was going on under his own roof. No amount of psychoanalyzing and group therapy can change the past.

But among the bullies, fights, and bad cafeteria food, Hunter meets a group of friends: anxiety-ridden Casey, wild and exciting Rosie, recovering bulimic Bethany, and Stray, a self-harmer who doesn’t think he belongs anywhere. Around this group of misfits, Hunter doesn’t feel so alone and angry anymore.

Still, as he’s making friends and falling in love with Stray, the guilt is always there. If Hunter can’t open up and find a way to deal with what happened, he might fall victim to his mental illness—and he won’t be the only casualty.

All Hallows' Eve by Annabelle Jacobs

Book Out: October 7th

Goodreads link: Dominic Ashworth is descended from a long line of witches, although the family practice of witchcraft died out generations ago. Forever connected to a dark history, the house he grew up in remained in the Ashworth family for generations until his estranged father sold it. 

On a mission to check out the new owners, Dominic runs into Caleb Jones and gives the gorgeous man his phone number—but getting a date should be the last thing on Dominic’s agenda.

Caleb and his best friend, Zach Briceworth, are oblivious to the heartache and magic tied to the foundations of their new home. When strange things start to happen, the truth emerges and surprises them both, especially as everything revolves around Caleb’s new love interest.

After a shaky start, Caleb and Dominic settle into an easy relationship, falling faster than either of them expected. But with Halloween approaching, the possibility of danger increases. The past is not always as it seems, and the ripples of a tragic event threaten to put an end to everything between them.

Tell Me Again How a Crush Should Feel by Sara Farizan

Tell Me Again How a Crush Should Feel by Sara Farizan

Review by Lauren

source: personal copy; all opinions are my own

Official Summary: High-school junior Leila has made it most of the way through Armstead Academy without having a crush on anyone, which is something of a relief. Her Persian heritage already makes her different from her classmates; if word got out that she liked girls, life would be twice as hard. But when a sophisticated, beautiful new girl, Saskia, shows up, Leila starts to take risks she never thought she would, especially when it looks as if the attraction between them is mutual. Struggling to sort out her growing feelings and Saskia's confusing signals, Leila confides in her old friend, Lisa, and grows closer to her fellow drama tech-crew members, especially Tomas, whose comments about his own sexuality are frank, funny, wise, and sometimes painful. Gradually, Leila begins to see that almost all her classmates are more complicated than they first appear to be, and many are keeping fascinating secrets of their own.

Review:

Leila knows she likes girls, but she's not sure how to tell anyone else. She's Iranian American and she knows other families like hers have shunned their out children. Would her family do the same? It doesn't help that she feels wholly inadequate next to her sister, in whatever she does. Instead, she tries to enjoy school as much as she can. All of this changes when new student Saskia takes a liking to Leila. She has an immediate crush and she begins to think that Saskia just might like her back, even though Saskia is pretty and interesting and could easily be the popular girl if she wanted to be. Tell Me Again How a Crush Should Feel is an honest portrayal of growing up and growing into your own skin. Leila might know she likes girls, but that doesn't mean she's 100% come to terms with it. This book clearly shows the questions she faces when it comes to coming out, especially to her family. People being to learn Leila's secret but is it enough to make her more comfortable? I loved that, regardless if you are gay or straight, that you could relate to Leila. She has a loving family that she doesn't always agree with, friends that have their own "issues" and "problems" away from Leila, and Leila doesn't just dwell on her sexuality. That is a big part, but a lot of it is just being a teen - falling in love, finding new hobbies and interests, learning to let friends grow around you, and more. I'd definitely read more by this author!

Difficulties Writing Authentic Autistic People + Book Giveaway

A Bouquet for Adam: Difficulties Writing Authentic Autistic People

By K.T. Spence

In "A Bouquet for Adam," my co-author, A. J. Marcus and I dove into the deep end when it came to writing a person with autism. For me, this had both simple and complex attributes.

My nine-year old daughter, N, was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder when she was 5. For two years prior to that, she spent time in occupational and speech therapy including hippotherapy (therapy on horseback) and a play-based therapy called Floortime. 

I felt well-versed in autism. At least, enough to write this character, Adam.

However, the longer A. J. and I wrote, the more I began to question the authenticity of the character. After all, I only have a nine-year old and I was trying to expand what I knew about autism from her behaviors into a thirty-year old male. 

We knew that if we didn't get the character right, the book wouldn't work. Adam had to know what he was doing -- Trent couldn't just "come on" to Adam; he had to know that Adam was gay. We wanted to completely avoid anything that would give the impression that Trent was taking advantage of Adam's innocence, yet we still wanted to show that Adam was awkward in social situations, that he was still on some type of a schedule (as in the beginning when he was driving home from work), that he was mostly dependent upon his mother (who was his rock, or, to use another apt phrase, his port in the storm). 

Our beta readers included some of A.J's normal betas, but I added one more. During the time we were writing the story, I had been introduced to another writer in our local writing group who happened to not only be a psychology professor but who also happened to be autistic as well. We asked him to read the first draft with an eye towards authenticity -- did Adam sound realistic? More importantly, did Adam sound his age? His notes were invaluable to us in getting Adam to sound right.

I hope readers enjoy the book -- on top of that, I hope they learn something from it. Yes, people with autism are "different" in some ways from neurotypical people, but they're not all that different. I know that my daughter has been the greatest joy in my life and I can't imagine what she would be like without the autism. It's not something you can simply separate out and say, "Oh, that's the autism speaking." It's simply an aspect of who they are. 

Now, let's give away a book! For one of the commenters below in the next week, I'll give away one book from A.J. Marcus's back list on Dreamspinner Press!

I'd love to hear any comments you might have, regarding writing, autism, or anything else you'd like to discuss.

#ReadProud Reading Challenge for Pride Month

In honor of Pride Month (the month of June), author Julia Ember is hosting a really awesome LGBT+ reading challenge! I'm going to do what I can to take part in this throughout the month, so I thought I'd share it here and see if any of you wanted to join in! It might be a good way to find some LGBT+ books. You can go to the blog page to introduce yourself and learn all the rules! I'll share some of the details below:

This is a 4-week challenge. Each week will have 2 categories. You can participate on two levels:

(1) GOLD:  Read two books per week, one from each category, totalling 8. 

(2) SILVER: Read one book from one category a week, totalling 4. 

Successful completers of the challenge will be entered in a prize draw: 

GOLD: $100 Amazon Gift Card (or B&N/Waterstones if preferred!) 

SILVER: $50 Amazon Gift Card (or B&N/Waterstones if preferred!)

Rules:

1) You must read in the weekly categories to be eligible. However, you do not have to read the suggested books. You may find your own reads in the relevant categories. 

2) You must post your reviews on GoodReads and at least one retailer website. You shoud link these in the comments on the relevant week's post (on this blog). These reviews can be negative or positive. 

3) These reads must be new reviews. This means you can't recycle old reviews or old Arc reviews. You need to post the review in the relevant week. 

4) Post in the comments to introduce yourself and your blog/twitter handle! 

Week 1: May 29-June 5

Category A:  TRANS YA  ** fiction or non-fictional 

CATEGORY B: GAY CONTEMPORARY, NA or ADULT.

Week 2: June 5-12

Category A:  LESBIAN SPECULATIVE

Category B:  LGBTQ Middle Grade or Younger

Week 3: June 12-19

Category A:  AUTHORS OF COLOUR

Category B:  LESBIAN CONTEMPORARY 

Week 4: June 19-26

Category A:  GAY YA

Category B: WILDCARD 

Again, please visit Julia's blog for more details. She gives you the book she'll be reading under each week/category as well as other suggestions in case you need help finding something to read for say "Lesbian Speculative" or "Authors of Colour." If you read two books a week - one from each category- you are entered to win $100 gift card, and you are entered to win a $50 gift card if you read one book a week from ONE of the two week's categories. I'm going to try and do both categories a week, but we'll see!

Remember, if you write on Twitter, use the #ReadProud to see all the other posts/updates! 

Book Review: Better by Jaime Samms

Better by Jaime Samms

Review by Lauren

source: personal copy; all opinions are my own

Official Summary: After filing charges that put his abusive ex-Dom behind bars, Jesse Turbul relocates halfway across the country, hoping to escape his past—but, of course, it's never that easy. When Jesse meets third-year law student Aadon at the library where he works, their mutual attraction is instant and obvious. Despite the sparks, they just can't seem to make it work. Aadon is mired in guilt over his inability to help his older brother, damaged by events far too similar to Jesse’s past. Jesse is stuck in his own desperate wish to forget the painful shadow that continues to threaten him and any hope of a happy future.The only way to move forward is for Jesse to acknowledge he’s broken and for Aadon to accept he can’t make him better. 

Review: I came across this book while perusing the publisher's website (Dreamspinner Press by the way) and I was immediately hooked by the summary. For those that might be wary by the term Dom in the title, don't be! This is probably more of an introduction to the idea of a Dom/sub than anything too explicit. It's really that Jesse likes to give up control in certain situations and Aadon is very much a protector type, though definitely not controlling.

Anyway, I really loved the characters in this one. Beyond Jesse and Aadon, you get some great secondary characters that are dealing with their own lives and issues. In particular, I would love to see a book from Aadon's brother's point of view, as he's been dealing with a lot in his still young life. Aadon is the only family member that visits him and tries to help him. His situation is similar to Jesse's in some ways, so Aadon has to deal with having these two men in his life who are broken and who he cannot fix. He just has to be there and show love.

Despite my saying "broken" and the official summary doing so as well, this does not mean neither Jesse nor Aadon's brother (sorry, blanking on the name!) can't move forward and find happiness. But they will never forget what they went through either and it will be an issue they have to deal with.

Regardless, this was a great story of strength and overcoming odds. It's emotional, yes, but it's one I highly enjoyed reading. I gave it 4 stars on Goodreads too - so hopefully one of you will read this and go check it out! I'd love to know what you thought.

LGBT+ Giveaways on Goodreads: Nonfiction and Fiction!

It's time to announce some more LGBT+ books that are currently up for giveaway on Goodreads. This time around I have a nice mix of LGBT+ books - even a couple nonfiction titles - so hopefully you'll find something you like. If you can't enter (meaning the giveaway isn't for your country, etc.) then still think about adding some of these to your to-read list if they sound interesting!

Saving Delaney by Keston Ott-Dahl and Andrea Ott-Dahl

Check out the book on Goodreads

-you have about 3 more days to enter!

Polar Reaction by Claire Thompson

Check the book out on Goodreads

-you have about 6 more days to enter!

You Know Me Well by David Levithan and Nina LaCour

Check the book out on Goodreads

-you have about 11 more days to enter!

Fair Play: How LGBT Athletes Are Claiming Their Rightful Place in Sports by Cyd Zeigler Jr.

Check out the book on Goodreads

-you have about 26 more days to enter!

True Letters from a Fictional Life by Kenneth Logan

Check out the book on Goodreads

-you have about 37 more days to enter!

Torque by Charley Descoteaux + What Are You Reading?

Well, I've been a bit MIA haven't I? I'm so sorry about that! Sometimes it's difficult to run two blogs and keep up with new posts. I have a lot of news stories and whatnot saved that I hope to share with you all soon though.

However, I didn't want to leave you hanging any longer...so I thought I'd send you along to ShootingStarsMag today where my review for Torque by Charley Descoteaux has just gone live. It's an LGBT novel from Samhain. I love tons of books from this publishing house, but this one?

Well...go read the review!

If you wish to comment here - what have you been reading lately? Any LGBT+ books? Share either way!

-Lauren

Pre-Order Giveaway for South of Sunshine by Dana Elmendorf

South of Sunshine by Dana Elmendorf is being released soon and in honor of that, the author is hosting a fun pre-order giveaway. Details from her website below:

If you pre-order SOUTH OF SUNSHINE by March 31st I'll send you this swag pack.
(Sorry guys, US only.)

This pre-order special swag pack includes:
*A SOUTH OF SUNSHINE postcard with a little personalized note to you from me
*A SOUTH OF SUNSHINE bookmark - signed
*A signed "Love who you love!" bookplate for your book
*Pre-order exclusive “Words of Inspiration” 4-Sticker Pack
*A raffle ticket for the “Rainbow Prize Pack." when you sign up for the newsletter. Which includes: a mug, watch and OPI nail polish set. (All related to the book. You’ll just have to read the book to see how.)

Here's how to get your pre-order swag pack:

STEP 1: Pre-order SOUTH OF SUNSHINE by midnight on March 31st, 2016 - hardcover or ebook
(Note: ebook isn't up yet for pre-order, but it will be soon)
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million | Indie Bound

STEP 2: Fill out the pre-order form below.  (I promise I won't use or share your information in any way.)

***
All of the above information was taken from the author's website, so any "I" is in reference to her! If you would like to submit your pre-order receipt, then you will need to visit the website. 

I will admit that I am just now learning about this book, but I'm excited. It sounds really good and I'm curious to see how two girls in a relationship is taken by this small Southern town. I don't have the money right now to pre-order, but I'll have to check back in once I get paid!

-Lauren

Repost Review: The Danish Girl by David Ebershoff

For those that may be new to the blog, Repost Reviews are reviews that I originally posted on Shooting Stars Mag, and that I want to share here! With The Danish Girl now in theaters (movie poster above on the right, book cover the left) and the two main actors being nominated for Oscars, I thought it was important that I share my review for the book The Danish Girl, which I originally read and reviewed in 2010. I mention a movie being in the works then and now it's finally out! I'll have a review of the film later in the week.

Repost Review of The Danish Girl by David Ebershoff 

Review by Lauren

copy for review; all opinions are my own

Summary from Author Site: Inspired by the true story of Danish painter Einar Wegener and his California-born wife, this tender portrait of a marriage asks: What do you do when someone you love wants to change? It starts with a question, a simple favor asked of a husband by his wife on an afternoon chilled by the Baltic wind while both are painting in their studio. Her portrait model has canceled, and would he mind slipping into a pair of women's shoes and stockings for a few moments so she can finish the painting on time. Of course, he answers. Anything at all. With that, one of the most passionate and unusual love stories of the twentieth century begins.

My Review: The Danish Girl is a beautifully written story about the love between two people, one of which just happens to have been born a girl named Lili stuck inside a boy named Einar. Einar's wife, Greta, gives up her own needs to make sure that Lili can grow and become who she was meant to be. It's a brave idea, especially in the 1930's when many are telling Greta that her husband is not well and could be a harm to himself or society...Greta, however, believes otherwise.

Ebershoff, just like the painters' story he weaves, has painted a world that is both wonderful and awful all at the same time. The settings and world around these characters is carefully constructed so that the reader can fall into their lives, as if reading about a pair of friends who live away.

Overall, The Danish Girl was a fast read and leaves you with many thoughts. What is the true meaning of love, inside and out of marriage? Could you give up the man you love, knowing that once the girl in him is nurtered, there is no turning back and you have to move on alone?

I'm grateful that I was allowed to take part in the TLC tour. I think this is a wonderful book for many to read and is surely something that you would find discussed in Oprah's bookclub. I just realized from the author's site that film plans are in the works and I really hope it works out. This is one story that is sure to come alive on screen and deals with a topic that should be discussed with grace and understanding...just like the book did. 

If you click the link before the summary, it will bring you to the Danish Girl page on Ebershoff's site, where you can find links to an excerpt, information on the film, and quotes from others about the novel.

What We Left Behind by Robin Talley

What We Left Behind by Robin Talley

Review by Lauren

Source: copy for review; all opinions are my own

Official Summary: Toni and Gretchen are the couple everyone envied in high school. They've been together forever. They never fight. They're deeply, hopelessly in love. When they separate for their first year at college—Toni to Harvard and Gretchen to NYU—they're sure they'll be fine. Where other long-distance relationships have fallen apart, theirs is bound to stay rock-solid. 

The reality of being apart, though, is very different than they expected. Toni, who identifies as genderqueer, meets a group of transgender upperclassmen and immediately finds a sense of belonging that has always been missing, but Gretchen struggles to remember who she is outside their relationship. 

While Toni worries that Gretchen won't understand Toni's new world, Gretchen begins to wonder where she fits in this puzzle. As distance and Toni's shifting gender identity begin to wear on their relationship, the couple must decide—have they grown apart for good, or is love enough to keep them together?

Review: I read Talley's debut, Lies We Tell Ourselves, and really loved it, so I was excited to see what else she had in store. While I did enjoy What We Left Behind and I think it talks about a lot of important issues, it's not one I would tell people to run out and buy. Instead, check it out from your local library and see what you think!

Toni starts to identify as genderqueer, where before she told people she was a lesbian and she had a great girlfriend in Gretchen, who also identified as lesbian. Genderqueer is a term that can be difficult to understand, so I'd suggest checking out the term here or doing your own search online. I'm not an expert on the word and what it means for different people. For Toni, it seems to be that she doesn't want to relate to just one gender. She's not transgender at the moment because she's fine being a girl and not having surgery or doing anything to really change that. However, she doesn't really like being called a girl.

Confusing? Yeah, a bit...but I do think Talley did a good job. I know I read another review for this book where they thought genderqueer was being lumped into transgender and they didn't like that, but I didn't really think that was the case. I think they have some similarities at times, and it's important to talk about both of these terms and how they relate to real live people.

Beyond all of this, the book is mostly about two girls growing up and going to two different colleges and trying to make that work. Toni is so focused on figuring out who she is and/or wants to be, and Gretchen is worried she's being left behind and has sort of forgotten what it's like to be one whole person instead of one half of a couple. These are all important topics and the two main characters do their best to figure life out. They didn't always act in the way I wish they would, but then again, not everyone does. People make mistakes; people are sometimes a bit blind. It's all about figuring it out.

In the end, I'd say this was more of a 3/5 for me if I were to rate it. Good, but not great.