As a female in a same-sex relationship, people often ask why my favorite books focus on gay males. The answer is really pretty simple – I grew up with readily available female protagonists in my books. In fact, I can count on one hand the male pov books I had read (Harry Potter, Eragon, Percy Jackson). I was never lacking when it came to finding female leads, and I read constantly. By the time I hit my twenties I was worn out on books about girls. And I didn’t find heterosexual relationships relatable, despite being bisexual myself. So – I started looking for the only thing left. Non-straight, male lead books. It’s simply what I find entertaining at this point in my life.
As a Texas native, the setting of Aristotle and Dante really resonated with me. I don’t read much YA these days, but I found myself in Ari and I think many others can too. I fell in love with Dante through him. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the slow burn of a first love, coming out without being a typical ‘coming out’ book, where they both live at the end. The audiobook is also fantastic, and narrated by Lin Manuel Miranda. Bonus points for POC main characters.
This Printz Honor Book is a "tender, honest exploration of identity" (Publishers Weekly) that distills lyrical truths about family and friendship.
Aristotle is an angry teen with a brother in prison. Dante is a know-it-all who has an unusual way of looking at the world. When they meet at the swimming pool, they seem to have nothing in common. But as the two loners start spending time together, they discover that they share a special kind of friendship--the kind of friendship that changes lives and lasts a lifetime. And it is through their friendship that Ari and Dante will learn…
The Foxhole Court was a book I picked up when I was desperate for books where – surprise, surprise – no one dies at the end. I didn’t expect to like it much, given that I don’t understand sports in the least. I absolutely fell in love with it. College, sports, mafia, found family, and psycho midget mom friends. It’s my favorite series in the world, I even have a tattoo from it. I recommend it to everyone I talk to. Look up the trigger warnings if you’re prone to those.
Neil Josten is the newest addition to the Palmetto State University Exy team. He's short, he's fast, he's got a ton of potential — and he's the runaway son of the murderous crime lord known as The Butcher. Signing a contract with the PSU Foxes is the last thing a guy like Neil should do. The team is high profile and he doesn't need sports crews broadcasting pictures of his face around the nation. His lies will hold up only so long under this kind of scrutiny and the truth will get him killed. But Neil's not the only one…
I nearly put down this book right after I started it because I wasn’t sure I was smart enough to get through it. McQuiston’s vocabulary is beautiful, but I am notoriously simple-minded. I’m forever thankful that I didn’t. A love story between the President’s son and the Prince of England isn’t something you think you need, but you do – you very much do. Mild SA (not main character) trigger for this one.
* Instant NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY bestseller * * GOODREADS CHOICE AWARD WINNER for BEST DEBUT and BEST ROMANCE of 2019 * * BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR* for VOGUE, NPR, VANITY FAIR, and more! *
What happens when America's First Son falls in love with the Prince of Wales?
When his mother became President, Alex Claremont-Diaz was promptly cast as the American equivalent of a young royal. Handsome, charismatic, genius--his image is pure millennial-marketing gold for the White House. There's only one problem: Alex has a beef with the actual prince, Henry, across the pond. And when…
A British rom-com between a chaotic mess and a lawful good (D&D joke there). A fake relationship that develops real feelings and completely stole my heart. Laugh out loud funny, all-around feel good, even when things get dicey. Really great read when you need a break from high school. Which, given that I’m pushing 30 now, is much needed.
"It's a fun, frothy quintessentially British romcom about a certified chaos demon and a stern brunch daddy with a heart of gold faking a relationship."-New York Times bestselling author Talia Hibbert AMAZON BEST BOOK OF THE MONTH Named a best book of the year by Oprah Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, Goodreads, The Washington Post, and more! WANTED: One (fake) boyfriend Practically perfect in every way Luc O'Donnell is tangentially-and reluctantly-famous. His rock star parents split when he was young, and the father he's never met spent the next twenty years cruising in and out of rehab. Now that his dad's making…
They Both Die at the End does exactly what the title promises. They both die. At the very end. Despite that, it’s a really beautiful novel. Rufus and Mateo both have a lot to teach the reader on their last day on earth, and plenty of time to fall in love before it’s over. It’s heartbreaking that they don’t get longer. You can read my other recommendations to mend your soul.
From the author of the INTERNATIONAL NO. 1 BESTSELLER THEY BOTH DIE AT THE END comes an explosive examination of grief, mental illness, and the devastating consequences of refusing to let go of the past.
Please note that covers may vary.
You're still alive in alternate universes, Theo, but I live in the real world where this morning you're having an open casket funeral. I know you're out there, listening. And you should know I'm really pissed because you swore you would never die and yet here we are. It hurts even more because this isn't the first promise you've…
Lakyn James is sixteen years old and hating every second of it. He was supposed to be done. End of story. Suicide "attempt", they said. His intentions had no "attempt" in them. Re-entering normal life after ‘trying’ to take his own is weird. Especially when the world keeps going like it never happened. He still has to eat breakfast, go to school, and somehow convince a cute boy that he’s too damaged to date.
Scott White comes with his own problems, namely a habit of drinking too much and being indecisive about whether he wants in the closet, or out of it. Lakyn can’t stand him; he also can’t help smiling when Scott’s around. Unfortunately - or fortunately - for Lakyn, life has decided to give him a second chance.
"a fresh narrative whose scale, ambition, and pathos elevate" -Pacific Book Review
"The December Issue warms up the soul from its first chapter to the last." -Chanticleer Book Reviews, 5 Stars
The joys of retirement feel imminent to columnist Paul Scrivensby, a native of the Great Lakes' very own St. Catherine's Cove, but when his penultimate column stirs controversy, the writer soon finds easing into carefree days of leisure a luxury growing more elusive. Embroiled in the unexpected pursuits presented before him while on the verge of retirement, Paul discovers what he and others are capable of and searches for…
The joys of retirement feel imminent to columnist Paul Scrivensby, a native of the Great Lakes' very own St. Catherine's Cove, but when his penultimate column stirs controversy, the writer soon finds easing into carefree days of leisure a luxury growing more elusive. Embroiled in the unexpected pursuits presented before him while on the verge of retirement, Paul discovers what he and others are capable of and searches for understanding of what is truly expected of him at this pivotal point in his life.
A story of discernment amid the challenges and blessings of work, retirement, family, community, and past…
