Reviewed by Shrabastee Chakraborty for Readers' Favorite

Never in his wildest dreams did Mat imagine inheriting a manor. Yet, he was now the owner of a vast and ornate, if a little peculiar, mansion. The entire business was somewhat bizarre, including the lawyer’s office that seemed to materialize out of nowhere and the entrance to the locality that kept eluding newcomers. The stipulation that he had to bring two friends with him sounded odd, too. However, these were minor issues compared to the nosy chairperson and the outlandish rules of the homeowner’s association. How will Mat, Frankie, and August fare in their new residence? What happens when they come across a magical tome? To find out, read Mandrake Manor, the first book of the Henbane Hollow series by J. P. Rindfleisch.

This novel, bursting with magic and mayhem, transports readers to an extraordinary world. In this place where magic lurks in every nook and cranny, nothing is as it seems, and every day brings a memorable adventure. Alongside the unsuspecting trio, we come across mind-blowing surprises and participate in complicated rituals. The ingenious chapter titles and introductory verses further add to the charm. The soulful and quirky characters filled me with joy. Their continuous banter and double entendre enlivened the story. I loved how J. P. Rindfleisch gave each friend a satisfying romantic subplot. Despite having some formidably dark characters and unforeseen twists, the book exudes a feel-good vibe. With tales of friendship, love, and betrayal, Mandrake Manor is a whimsical and delightful read. I recommend it to anyone who appreciates a magical LGBTQ+ book.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

In The Significant by Kyra Anderson, a precarious living situation has Kailynn experiencing the aftermath of a night of heavy drinking with her roommate, Raphael. Despite her challenging circumstances, she prefers this life over illicit activities in a wealthier district. Her brother, Theo, proposes a risky plan involving a stolen Elite's ID card to shut down the planet's central control system, Venus. Kailynn cautiously agrees. They infiltrate a warehouse to execute the mission, facing uncertain outcomes. After escaping the Ninth Circle, she hides in Raphael's apartment, narrating her evasion of the guards. Desperate to save Theo, Kailynn adopts a new identity and works as a Significant, offering companionship to the wealthy. Her connection with Elite Isa deepens as she accepts an unusual job opportunity. However, their relationship faces scrutiny, and events take a dangerous turn when Isa falls victim to a Pulse Virus attack and Kailynn must decide where her loyalties really lie.

I did not know what to expect going into The Significant by Kyra Anderson, but boy, am I glad I took a chance on Anderson and her protagonist, Kailynn. I love stories where the lines between what a character thinks they want and what they end up desperate to get are blurred. I also enjoy storylines where women are able to fully explore their sexuality, and Anderson gives us a little bit of everything in Kailynn's arc. Isa is something of an enigma when we first meet, but as Anderson slowly unfurls the plot, we are able to find out where the Elite stand and where Kailynn falls into all of it. The world-building is spectacular, as is the social structure. Kailynn's status is eerily reminiscent of real-world scenarios and the lengths a person is willing to go to for the security of their family. Kailynn's evolution is believable, and in a genre-bending dystopian, that is a testament to Anderson's skill as a writer. The sizzle is pitch-perfect, and there is plenty of room for the journey to go, including prequels. I hope to find more of Anderson's work in the future. Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

Falkirk: Of Shadows & Secrets Book 2 by Casey Morales delivers a riveting blend of espionage, romance, and wartime tension that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Set against the backdrop of occupied France during World War II, the novel follows the journey of Will and Thomas, newly recruited agents of America’s Office of Strategic Services (OSS). Tasked with aiding the French Resistance and disrupting enemy operations, Will and Thomas are thrust into a dangerous world where every step could mean discovery by the Nazi regime. Their bond deepens amid the chaos and danger, navigating the complexities of love and the horrors of war. The author explores the characters’ challenges, questioning whether love can endure in such dire circumstances.

Falkirk has many characters; however, the author provides a character glossary to help readers track who’s who. Each character is well-developed, with Will and Thomas standing out as multifaceted protagonists whose vulnerabilities and strengths are equally explored. Each chapter is told from a different POV, with most in the voice of Thomas and Will but also Strumbannfuhrer Jyrgen Vogt, a Nazi SS officer. Casey Morales doesn’t disappoint, using tension and urgency throughout the narrative. The action sequences vividly depict each scene, immersing readers in the protagonists’ dangers. At the same time, the story’s emotional core stays strong, focusing on the resilience of love and the sacrifices demanded by war and duty. For fans of LGBTQ fiction, espionage thrillers, and gripping wartime dramas, this novel is a must-read.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

The Sound of Her Smile: A Jensy Willett Novel by Sara Scott is the second novel in the series where Jensy grows through the highs and lows of life. Jensy made a huge mistake, and Sophie was devastated. The mistake was enough to break them apart, but somehow, they persevered. Neither Sophie nor Jensy was perfect, but they were ready to look past their mistakes and try to rebuild their lives once again. It wasn’t easy for Sophie to forgive Jensy, but she did, and the couple was working toward happiness once more. However, their world came crashing down when something terrible happened and threatened to tear them apart again. When tragedy struck at Jensy’s school, and everything seemed lost, the couple was reminded why they loved each other so much. When the going got tough, Jensy and Sophie understood what was most important for them.

I adored this novel. The Sound of Her Smile was everything I loved and wanted from an entertaining story. It had action, emotions, strong characters, a good plot, plenty of twists, and fantastic descriptions to keep me hooked until the end. I loved the name of the story; it felt very beautiful and poetic to me. I picked it up solely for that reason. However, once I'd finished the prologue, I was very glad I chose this book. Jensy was a strong woman, but it was Sophie who gave her the strength to be better. Sophie was the light of the story, and I fell in love with her immediately. Jensy was complex, while Sophie was an open book. They complemented each other incredibly well. Their relationship was soothing, it felt real, and I was enthralled by their story. The pace was fast, and author Sara Scott made sure her readers were settled in nicely with the characters before she let the chaos begin (I loved that!). I highly recommend this series.

Reviewed by Emily Maynard for Readers' Favorite

Ellie Fisher is a nurse in the Emergency Department of Kansas City Hospital. She is bubbly, friendly, and a true romantic. In contrast, Dr Regina Novak is sarcastic, standoffish, and cynical; she even has the nickname Dr McIcy. It's not exactly a match made in heaven. When another doctor persuades Regina to become “Bachelorette Number Twelve” at a charity auction, and Ellie fortuitously becomes the highest bidder, the pair are thrown together for four contractual pre-agreed dates. Their eventful first date brings them back to the Emergency Department where they work, which could definitely be seen as a bad omen. Still, under fraught circumstances, they each see a different, more vulnerable side of the other, sharing things about their personal lives that change their perceptions of one another and bring them together in unexpected empathy. Bachelorette Number Twelve by Jae follows Ellie and Regina at work and on their dates and the progression of their unlikely connection.

Bachelorette Number Twelve is a highly compelling, easy-to-read romance. Ellie and Regina have strikingly different personalities but are both relatable and likable in their own ways. They undergo significant character development throughout the story, individually and together, and the reader shares their journey as they navigate their thoughts and feelings toward each other. The story progresses at a leisurely pace, allowing the reader to relish each chapter, with some focusing on a date or event, and others relaying a conversation or interaction. There are some difficult themes, including grief and loss, misplaced guilt, and drug use. Jae has woven these beautifully into the story so that the reader is aware of them, and the emotional responses they cause, but not so intensely that it detracts from the story itself. I found Bachelorette Number Twelve to be irresistible, a book I couldn’t help but read just one more chapter (again and again). It’s humorous and heartwarming, but also at times raw and heartbreaking. It is a great read from start to finish, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I look forward to the next installment! I’d highly recommend this book to any fans of romance or LGBTQ+ fiction, or anyone interested in exploring these genres. I would advise caution for younger audiences as there are a couple of spicy scenes.

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 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 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 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 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!