Reviewed by Miche Arendse for Readers' Favorite

On a remote island off the coast of Maine, we see the lives of various people unfold in The New Shore by Caren J. Werlinger. Life on Little Sister Island seems ideal, only nothing in life is perfect. Meredith and her family moved to Little Sister because she was to assume the role of the island's first teacher. This seemed to be the catalyst for change, setting in motion a chain of events that would affect the lives of many of the island's inhabitants. Rebecca, the island's keeper, finds herself falling into a new and sweet love relationship while Kathleen must face the bane of her existence when her mother falls ill and has to live with her.

The New Shore by Caren J. Werlinger was a new reading experience for me. Although this book is the third in a series I had no trouble reading it as a stand-alone and I found it to be extremely well-written. Werlinger is an amazing writer, especially when it comes to character-building. Each one in this book was so authentic that it felt as if you were reading about the lives of real people who you could go out and meet. The story touched on issues that many people face in life which made it that much more realistic and immersive. I don’t think there was a single thing I didn’t enjoy about this book and it has made me want to read the series from start to finish.

Reviewed by Kim Anisi for Readers' Favorite

Jensy Willett, the protagonist of The Touch of Her Voice by Sara Scott, is haunted by a memory from her past. Her seemingly unrequited love for her high school basketball coach had already ruined two relationships because she simply could not keep her mouth shut. Her ex-partners always felt as if there was a third person in the relationship. Everything seems to change when Sophie appears in Jensy's life. A chance encounter in a café turns the world of both women upside down. After initial hesitation, Jensy opens herself up to another relationship and promises to keep her first crush out of it. She would not ruin this special relationship, and apart from one or the other hiccup, everything seems to go very well for Jensy and Sophie. They both work toward their dreams, turning dreams into goals, and goals into their reality. One day their whole world breaks apart because of one mistake that is followed by another mistake. Will this be the end of yet another relationship in Jensy's life?

I generally do not read books that, on the surface, seem like just another love story with the usual issues mixed in, but there was something that made me pick this up. Maybe it was the bridge on the cover, maybe it was the connection I felt to the secret from the past that still messes up someone's present. No matter what it was, I didn't regret spending a couple of evenings and morning hours with The Touch of Her Voice. It's more than just a love story even though the love story between Jensy and Sophie takes the center stage. The relationship and its development were realistic, but I was a bit surprised that these characters experienced virtually no homophobia apart from certain family members in Sophie's family. I would have expected more issues to turn up in their environment because the world isn't that open-minded yet, even if it claims to be. Apart from that, it was a wonderful read with a great variety of minor characters, locations, and little adventures that all keep the main plot moving. Sara Scott did a good job of making all the characters come to life in front of the reader's mental eye, and while I have no clue what else could happen in Jensy's life after all that drama, I'd read more about her.

Reviewed by Bernadette Longu for Readers' Favorite

The Batter’s Box by Casey Morales is a delightful and heart-warming read. The author has written a romance that warms the reader right down to their toes. You are drawn into the story from the very beginning with two main characters who are so real that you feel you actually know them. From the first chapter to the last chapter, you will find yourself sometimes laughing with delight, other times crying with the characters, and at other times being angry for the characters who get dealt a raw deal just because they are two men who love each other like anyone else. Each main character has their own strengths; one plays baseball because he loves the game and the other is into martial arts and is extremely good at it. The mold of how gay men should be has been broken with this beautiful story.

Casey Morales uses his characters, especially his main characters, expertly and weaves the story around them with many minor characters, bringing them and the story to life. The author turns the tables on those that refuse to accept people who are different in the way they think, act, and are, by letting them succeed and come out on top. I found that I could relate to the characters in this book as I have always been pushed to one side due to the fact that I think differently from the average person. I really enjoyed this book and had many a good laugh and many a good cry. I feel that everyone should read The Batter’s Box as it is so well written that any reader can relate to the characters and their situations. Thank you for a beautiful book, Casey!

Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite

Just a Touch Away by Jae affirms the power of touch as a primal need and as a gift of love. You’ve heard about unusual jobs before, and Hannah Martin has one. She works as a professional cuddler, occupying a weird spot in her clients’ lives to fill a void stemming from grief or other negative feelings. Part of her job involves a code of conduct which includes not getting emotionally involved with clients. Winter Sullivan, on the other hand, is an aloof workaholic - a hardcore ice queen who values her personal space. When her father passes away, he leaves a trust that stipulates that the right, title, and interest in the real estate shall be given to her and Hannah in equal shares, provided that they live there, rent-free, for ninety-two consecutive days. During this period, neither can spend the night under a different roof. Will Winter survive living with someone who is her complete opposite?

This is my first time reading a work by Jae, and she certainly sets the bar high when it comes to writing LGBTQ fiction. Her gift lies not so much in the fact that she writes a story about same-sex romance, but more in telling it in what many would consider a study of two differing personalities. The open-heartedness of Jae’s narrative dishes up a meaty girl-meets-girl story where every page will make you forget the time. Jae effectively throws you into two opposite worlds according to the respective lifestyles of the protagonists that suddenly meet and produce friction, yet manage to find their bearings. What started as an expression of individuality through a doormat war evolves into discovering each other’s sensuality. In any case, the charming and witty effect of Just a Touch Away is what sets it apart as a must-read and a story that will stimulate book club discussions.

Reviewed by Melanie Kennedy for Readers' Favorite

Red Clay Suzie: A Novel Inspired by True Events by Jeffrey Dale Lofton is a captivating story of an LGBTQ boy growing up in Georgia, USA. Growing up as “different” in the South, Philbet regales us with stories of his youth and family. He entertains us with his family’s strange dynamic and the games and shenanigans he used to get up to as a child. His love for his grandfather is evident as his memories and experiences with his grandfather mold him into the man he becomes. Philbet evokes great emotion in his stories as he reminisces on growing up in the 1960s in Southern USA. Despite having to hide part of himself for most of his life, Philbet is hopeful and, above all, loving. His story is one of triumph over adversity and a reminder to love yourself above all else.

Jeffrey Dale Lofton has written an incredibly compassionate tale of growing up in a time and place where it might have been difficult to be yourself. Red Clay Suzie is an exceptionally well-written story and I enjoyed every second of reading it. Some moments had me laughing out loud and one particular loss had me crying silent tears. It’s difficult for a story to evoke such strong emotions from people, but Lofton has written an extremely inspiring and thought-provoking book. I will cherish and always remember the tater rule from now on. As a novel inspired by true events, I would like to commend the author on writing a story based on his experiences growing up that might have been painful but certainly will help any LGBTQ youth feel that they aren’t alone.

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

The Maenad's God by Karen Michalson is an occult mystery novel that revolves around a disillusioned FBI agent named Pete Morrow set in the 1990s. Pete is caustic in his view of the world and, despite his best attempts to do as little as possible, things have a tendency to lead him where he needs to be. Getting a job at the FBI was unexpected, he is volatile toward others and has a general disdain for everyone. When Pete is transferred from one investigative unit to a military base to investigate a drug-dealing operation, the job he applied for as a joke gets very, very real. Between Mafioso, a soldier gone missing, a band that seems to have its drumsticks in everything, a second murder, a false identity, and a horrible find in the desert that makes whatever Jimmy Hoffa went through look amateurish, Pete must navigate a path littered with all things metaphysical and corrupt against the tide of public and media perception.

If there is one slice of discourse by a character that Pete would actually agree with in The Maenad's God by Karen Michalson, it's when a dubious preacher utters, “We are dirt. We are nothing. We are putrid flesh, Lord. We are worms and less than worms.” Pete's snark-o-meter is off the charts and this is what makes him brilliant as a character. Michalson as a writer has a style reminiscent of Nell Zink's Nicotine, and Pete's blurry escapism into literature is on a par with that of Catherine Morland in Northanger Abbey. I loved the mystical elements of Pete's journey and I especially liked when he begins to emulate what it is he might be up against in his own way. The story has intrigue and even though Pete's soliloquies sometimes wander off into the weeds, Michalson keeps the suspense moving with characters who are so lifelike that they feel real and landscape descriptions that border on cinematic. And who doesn't love it when a band is in the mix? This is a fantastic story with a lot to offer and I can see its potential for incredible spin-offs.

Reviewed by Maria Victoria Beltran for Readers' Favorite

Chasing Liberty by Isabella is an engaging novel where the main characters identify as LGBTQ. Liberty “Libby” Chase, an uncompromising cop, witnesses a car accident and goes to the aid of the victim, Morgan Pierce, an attractive and successful corporate lawyer. Further investigation reveals that the almost fatal crash was caused by tampering with the brakes of Morgan’s car, making it clear that someone wants her dead and that her life is in danger. Libby is a lesbian and is attracted to Morgan who is unhappily married to David. Not yet completely out as a lesbian, Morgan also has feelings for Libby. As they explore their relationship, they also have to work together to figure out who wants Morgan dead. Can they solve the case before it’s too late?

Isabella’s Chasing Liberty has all the elements of a romance novel. Two people meet, they fall in love, and something prevents them from getting together. What makes this story fascinating is its compelling cast and the things they have to overcome to be united in the end. The novel is fast-paced and well-written. The author’s vivid description of the blossoming romance between Morgan and Liberty is sensual. The narrative does not dwell on the stresses and social issues of gay people, their lives, and their struggles. Liberty and Morgan fall in love with each other as if it’s the most natural thing to do. Unlike most LGBTQ novels, the book does not deal with the need for validation and understanding, which is surprisingly refreshing.

Reviewed by Anelynde Smit for Readers' Favorite

The Unlit Candle by Caren J. Werlinger is a deep and touching novel about three women who struggle with not only their faith but their sexuality. We are introduced to Pip (or Patricia) and her family. Her father and brother both work in the family business in the mill but Pip has bigger plans. She sees them running a bakery and controlling the market with Mr. Wasserman, the hotel chain owner, who sees the brilliance of her plan. There she meets Toni Andretti, a wild female who also visits clubs for women at night. She is the first to help Pip build the bakery and bring her own sexuality to life. The 1950s was not such an accepting time. She befriends a nun called Ruth who takes her and her little sister to St. Bridget’s and it changes her life forever. We later skip in time to Mother Theodora who is almost near retirement and is questioning her decisions and her stay at the abbey. We also meet Lauren who has lost Mickey (Michele) in an accident and still deals with the pain of loneliness and loss herself. What they all have in common is their stay at St. Bridget’s and their journeys overlap in the most incredible way. This is not an easy read but one worth doing. These three tales will change your life.

The Unlit Candle by Caren J. Werlinger is a breath of air after all the sexual tension you might find in other LGBT books. This is a story from the heart about making decisions and staying with them even if it costs you everything. This was a deep look into people and who they are versus who they think they are. Pip’s story surprised me as she made the change from a bakery owner to a nun in a couple of chapters but she had her reasons and the story unfolds so nicely. Lauren’s story was one of tragedy and the power to move forward even if you don’t have it all figured out. The fact that she had such a great support system was touching and kind. You welcome the characters into your world and you hold them close as only a friend can because that was so touching about this story. You do not see them as far-off characters being portrayed in a book; you find them close to your heart. A must-read for someone looking for direction in their own lives.

Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite

In Daniel Weisbeck's sci-fi biopunk thriller Moon Rising (The Upsilon Series, Book 1), a young girl is held captive in a basement and forced to live the life of someone she has never met by her captor. Her everyday existence is a nightmare until an unexpected savior gives her a chance at freedom. Now identified as Silon, she and Doctor Bobby Houndstooth, together with Charlie, the eccentric but brilliant bio-robotics engineer, and his dance-loving android, Nutt, have to face enemies who have agendas of their own. As she begins to understand more about herself and what she is capable of, Silon must find a way to protect her new family and be someone of her own choosing.

In a future where technology has greatly advanced, life-like, biological androids are widely developed and can be bought. Human morality is up against corporate greed, power, ambitions, and sinister intentions. The world-building is filled with details tied to the characters' individuation and motivations as the engaging narrative alternates between the first-person point of view of young Silon, the brilliant Bobby Houndstooth, and Charlie's android, Nutt. The first few chapters are not an easy read. A survivor who becomes a fighter and protector, Silon powers through a traumatic experience; her true capabilities start to take shape as Bobby and Nutt provide her with a sense of belonging and camaraderie. The characters' personal conflicts are coupled with controversial ethical sense when it comes to the subject of sentience. Bobby, better known as 'Teacher,' is worth rooting for in her determination to do right versus her responsibility toward her powerful employer. Moon Rising is an immersive story of morality and survival in a captivating but corrupt futuristic world, an excellent start to Daniel Weisbeck's Upsilon Series with a fast-paced plot and high-octane action.

Reviewed by Emma Megan for Readers' Favorite

Looks Are Deceiving: A Will Christian Mystery by Bill VanPatten is a brilliant mystery novel about hate crimes. A forty-nine-year-old Latino gay man, Will Christian, discovers a dead body during a routine bike ride in late June. Will recently moved to Mañana to start a new career in writing and live near his sister. But instead of focusing on writing, he thinks of the dead boy he found. He can't help but learn more about the crime due to his insatiable curiosity and inability to let go of unsolved problems. After learning that the dead boy was Latino and gay, too, Will starts to wonder if it was a hate crime. However, right after finding the dead body, Will meets a potential boyfriend, then learns about another crime. Is Mañana a home to racists and are the crimes indeed hate crimes?

In Looks Are Deceiving, Bill VanPatten gives readers a little insight into the lives of racists to make them understand where the hatred might come from. This mystery novel with a side of romance is thoroughly absorbing and exhilaratingly well-written. The ending caught me off guard even though I tried guessing who the murderer was. Looks Are Deceiving is suspenseful and wildly creative with realistic characters that get under your skin. It delves into bullying and its lifelong impact, into racism, family dysfunctionality, dating apps, and LGBTQ stigma. It also delves into sibling bonds, friendship, love, and justice. Bill VanPatten delivers a compelling and simply unexpected story that reveals how psychopathic minds work. Fans of mystery crime novels will definitely love it.