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 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 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.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

We Don't Matter by Juliet Rose is a coming-of-age story of a young man who discovered himself in the strangest of ways. Aidan was just 22 years old and was on his way to graduating from college. However, Aiden wasn’t so sure what he wanted in life, who he was, and where he was headed. Meeting Zeke in a chance encounter was the best thing that could happen to Aiden. Zeke opened new avenues for Aiden, and before they knew it, their friendship turned into something much more. Getting closer and falling in love was as easy as breathing. However, things changed when they witnessed police brutality. Before they knew it, Aiden and Zeke were fleeing from the police, hoping to get away before it was too late. Hiding in North Carolina, the lovers had no idea they would be running from the present and getting caught up in their pasts. What would happen next?

Nothing could have prepared me for the intensity of We Don't Matter. Aiden’s past left a huge mark on his present and future, and the kicker was that Aiden had no idea how much the death of his brother affected him. Zeke was the breath of fresh air he needed, but Zeke was also a sign for Aiden to wake up and finally live. Zeke was calmer, more centered, and more courageous than Aiden (even though his teens were no less traumatizing). While Aiden was spiraling, Zeke was keeping him grounded. Author Juliet Rose did a fantastic job of creating a powerful subplot to support Zeke and Aiden’s relationship and their journey to discovering themselves. The dialogues revealed a lot about the characters and their mentality at any given point in the story. Mind you, this is not just an LGBTQ romance. It is a much more powerful, reality-based narrative that will wow readers! A fantastic approach to a coming out and coming of age story.

Reviewed by Emma Megan for Readers' Favorite

Chemistry Lessons by Jae is a light lesbian contemporary romance novel about two women who can't decide what they truly are: best friends or lovers. Regan Romano, an amazing chemistry teacher, and Kylie Wells, a great cafeteria worker, have been best friends since kindergarten; therefore, they know everything about each other, except one little thing. Everyone who knows them thinks they're a couple. But Regan and Ky insist they're not. One day, one of their friends gives them the idea to go on a date to see if there's something more between them. Thus, they conduct a little experiment that hopefully will prove that there's no chemistry between them. But, do they agree with this chemistry experiment to prove something to their friends or themselves? What's keeping them from taking their relationship to the next level?

Chemistry Lessons by Jae is a charming and sexy friends-to-lovers lesbian romance. Jae built her characters and the romance between them quite well. You can't help but fall in love with this book and also roll your eyes quite frequently at Regan and Ky's unwillingness to admit what they truly feel for one another. Jae is a skillful writer who crafted an electrifying story with lovable characters, smooth dialog, and a love for good food and t-shirts with clever jokes that capture the beauty of true love. Chemistry Lessons by Jae is a dose of hope for those who are afraid to take risks in their relationship, to express their feelings. This slow-burn romance is quite funny and sexy, and it's a perfect combination of the most-wanted ingredients in a relationship: friendship, romance, love, and sex.

Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite

The Straight Crimes by Matt Juhl is a brilliant romantic suspense novel that follows the relationship of teenagers Harper Jones and Nik Roberts. Harper is trying to start over. When she becomes the new kid in town and meets Nik, sparks fly and they fall in love. This sounds like your typical girl meets boy premise, but the thought-provoking twist is its man versus society conflict. Their heterosexual relationship is forbidden to blossom in a society where homosexual relationships have become the norm. This is alternate America where straight relationships are perceived as taboo and have become the new target of prejudice. Throughout her life, Harper had longed for stability, a place to belong, and someone to love her. Despite an uncertain future that their relationship faces, Harper and Nik will fight for each other.

The Straight Crimes not only delivers an entertaining read but also a powerful social message. Matt Juhl boldly writes about a sensitive hypothesis that will challenge your perception of gender bias. It is a heart-piercing tale that invites you to exercise empathy, by placing yourself in someone's shoes and gaining an insight into their experience. The narrative is fast-paced without making you feel rushed as it delicately balances how Harper settles into the rhythms of an alienating place in which she has found herself. In a world where Harper and Nik’s relationship does not fit societal patterns, you cannot help but feel happy and protective over them when you come to grips with the thought that they live in a world that could possibly come true. The Straight Crimes is a highly-recommended read for the challenge that it poses to society to make a stand not only on its position about gender bias, but about drug addiction, bullying, mental abuse, and other contemporary social problems.

Reviewed by Soumya Sreehari for Readers' Favorite

Denny is shy and introverted, qualities that do not fare well in the dating scene. She is also hard-working, kind-hearted, and fun to be with. She lives a contented life, with a steady job and a cozy family. Out of the blue, a text message from a wrong number sparks a series of life-changing events for her. Eliza is an extroverted and bubbly woman. She is looking for a deep and fulfilling relationship and struggling to find it through dating. A text message she meant to send her friend asking for outfit advice lands in Denny’s phone and there begins an unusual story. Could she find the deep connection she is looking for with a woman? That is the crux of Jae’s story in Wrong Number, Right Woman.

Wrong Number, Right Woman by Jae is a heart-warming love story of two women. Denny and Eliza struggle with dating for different reasons. When fate brings them together, they find that they make a perfect match. What does that mean to each of them? Eliza has never dated women before. How does she reconcile her feelings for Denny? Denny knows what she feels is real but must also empathize with Eliza’s conflicting feelings. Their journey of discovery is a story of warmth and acceptance. I greatly liked the premise, the setting, and the whole cast of characters. In addition to Denny and Eliza, all the other characters are also relatable. The book left me with a warm feeling in the end. Pick it up for a relaxing read over a weekend.

Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite

Searching for Sarah by Phillip Vega is a novel for readers who enjoy well-crafted and emotionally moving stories with LGBTQ themes. Still grieving over the death of Nina, his sister, Tom Ruiz sets out to fulfill her dying wish; a journey to unravel the mystery of a woman named Sarah. The only thing he has is Nina’s personal journal. As he begins to look for clues through his sister’s diary, he is startled by the fact that he never even knew her at all, because she had a life partner that Tom did not know. Finding Sarah becomes an adventure that reveals a lot about family dynamics, prejudices, and a love so pure it is inspiring. Will he be able to find Sarah and discover who she is?

Phillip Vega is a great storyteller and an author who writes from the heart. This heartwarming tale will bring tears to the eyes of readers, warm their hearts, and have them reflecting on themes of love, family, and commitment. It is a suspenseful story filled with well-drawn and sophisticated characters. The author writes about family dynamics in a powerful way, using emotions and feelings to enrich the characters and creating situations that enable readers to appreciate the humanity of these characters. Searching for Sarah is a profoundly emotional story that will touch readers at deep and personal levels; it is a story of the triumph of love and its beauty, and fans of LGBTQ will find it irresistible. I found myself rooting for the characters, wanting to discover what will happen at the end of the road as I watched the frustrations in Tom. It is both inspiring and entertaining, one of those rare books that capture honest emotions and strong sentiments of love and loyalty.