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Searching for Sarah
Phillip Vega
2021 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - LGBTQ
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.
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.
Recommend this book:
Flowers by Night
Lucy May Lennox
2021 Finalist
300 Pages
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Fiction - LGBTQ
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Flowers by Night is an LGBTQ romance novel by Lucy May Lennox set in mid-19th century Japan. Uchida Tomonosuke, a Japanese samurai, finds himself deeply enamored with his masseur Ichi, a member of Todoza, the guild of blind men. Much to the dismay of his wife Okyo, Tomonosuke finds women sexually unattractive and is therefore unable to consummate his marriage and produce an heir. Meanwhile, Okyo herself is in a passionate relationship with her maid Rin. To avoid a scandal, she tries to persuade Ichi into providing her with an heir, but her world turns upside down when Tomonosuke gets arrested on false embezzlement charges. However, fate intervenes, and Okyo manages to free Tomonosuke from prison. They must now travel north to try to build a life with their respective lovers.
Author Lucy May Lennox's riveting tale of forbidden love captivates you from start to finish, providing an authentic portrayal of 19th-century Japan. Flowers by Night is an intoxicating love story that keeps your eyes glued to the pages without a single dull moment. The pacing suits the plot, and the narrative sails smoothly. All the characters felt three-dimensional, containing depth and complexity that make them pop out of the page. I thoroughly enjoyed the dynamic between Tomonosuke, Ichi, Okyo, and Rin. Okyo was my favorite character of the bunch, and her scenes with Tomonosuke and Ichi provide plenty of entertaining moments. The lovemaking scenes felt intimate, encapsulating the emotions of the characters seamlessly. I highly recommend Flowers by Night.
Flowers by Night is an LGBTQ romance novel by Lucy May Lennox set in mid-19th century Japan. Uchida Tomonosuke, a Japanese samurai, finds himself deeply enamored with his masseur Ichi, a member of Todoza, the guild of blind men. Much to the dismay of his wife Okyo, Tomonosuke finds women sexually unattractive and is therefore unable to consummate his marriage and produce an heir. Meanwhile, Okyo herself is in a passionate relationship with her maid Rin. To avoid a scandal, she tries to persuade Ichi into providing her with an heir, but her world turns upside down when Tomonosuke gets arrested on false embezzlement charges. However, fate intervenes, and Okyo manages to free Tomonosuke from prison. They must now travel north to try to build a life with their respective lovers.
Author Lucy May Lennox's riveting tale of forbidden love captivates you from start to finish, providing an authentic portrayal of 19th-century Japan. Flowers by Night is an intoxicating love story that keeps your eyes glued to the pages without a single dull moment. The pacing suits the plot, and the narrative sails smoothly. All the characters felt three-dimensional, containing depth and complexity that make them pop out of the page. I thoroughly enjoyed the dynamic between Tomonosuke, Ichi, Okyo, and Rin. Okyo was my favorite character of the bunch, and her scenes with Tomonosuke and Ichi provide plenty of entertaining moments. The lovemaking scenes felt intimate, encapsulating the emotions of the characters seamlessly. I highly recommend Flowers by Night.
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Invisible, as Music
Caren J. Werlinger
2020 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - LGBTQ
Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite
Invisible, as Music by Caren J. Werlinger is an engaging, character-driven narrative with hints of romance. At almost forty, Henrietta Cochran is a loner, a woman who still suffers the effects of polio contracted in 1945. Physically limited, she pursues her artistic passion, and that is the only world where she connects intimately with herself and experiences inner freedom. Then Meryn Fleming, an opinionated and adventurous young woman, comes into her life. Ryn is starting her first job as a history professor at the local college and she is the type of person who challenges the status quo. She has literally crashed the defenses and the walls that Henrietta has built around her, opening doors to possibilities. Can she resist this dynamic young woman?
Invisible, as Music by Caren J. Werlinger is a beautifully written story with strong LGBTQ themes and sophisticated characters. The prose is delightful, with phraseology that is carefully constructed to build the tension and the drama. I loved the way the author explores Henrietta’s art. She is a great painter and the theme of art comes out as an extension of the protagonist’s personality. But is her art a means of escape from stark reality and her excruciating sense of loneliness or does it really fulfill her? The novel enjoys psychological and emotional depth and the characters are real and believable. Caren J. Werlinger has the unique gift of exploring emotions that are real and giving a human face to the characters that readers can easily recognize. Invisible, as Music is a gripping romance with great potential to entertain fans of LGBTQ novels.
Invisible, as Music by Caren J. Werlinger is an engaging, character-driven narrative with hints of romance. At almost forty, Henrietta Cochran is a loner, a woman who still suffers the effects of polio contracted in 1945. Physically limited, she pursues her artistic passion, and that is the only world where she connects intimately with herself and experiences inner freedom. Then Meryn Fleming, an opinionated and adventurous young woman, comes into her life. Ryn is starting her first job as a history professor at the local college and she is the type of person who challenges the status quo. She has literally crashed the defenses and the walls that Henrietta has built around her, opening doors to possibilities. Can she resist this dynamic young woman?
Invisible, as Music by Caren J. Werlinger is a beautifully written story with strong LGBTQ themes and sophisticated characters. The prose is delightful, with phraseology that is carefully constructed to build the tension and the drama. I loved the way the author explores Henrietta’s art. She is a great painter and the theme of art comes out as an extension of the protagonist’s personality. But is her art a means of escape from stark reality and her excruciating sense of loneliness or does it really fulfill her? The novel enjoys psychological and emotional depth and the characters are real and believable. Caren J. Werlinger has the unique gift of exploring emotions that are real and giving a human face to the characters that readers can easily recognize. Invisible, as Music is a gripping romance with great potential to entertain fans of LGBTQ novels.
Recommend this book:
Barren
Carnaval des Ténèbres Book 1
Yolanda Olson
2020 Silver Medal
171 Pages
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Fiction - LGBTQ
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Barren is a work of fiction in the character-driven, LGBTQ+, adventure, and romantic fiction sub-genres, and was penned by author Yolanda Olson. As a novel that forms the first part of the Carnaval des Ténèbres series, the work does contain material suitable for more mature readers. Our central protagonist Yager is a young man who cannot feel, either physically or mentally, but this loss brings him turmoil and a sense of never fitting in. In his group of traveling performers, Yager finds comfort amongst other unusual people, but further heartache ensues when he encounters the mysterious Indigo. Can a man without feelings learn to feel, or will he tear himself apart in the process?
Author Yolanda Olson has created a sensory feast in this short but very effective novel, which sparks off an intriguing and immersive series. As a huge fan of the carnivalesque setting and atmosphere, I adored the introduction of a stylish, emotive, and larger than life ensemble cast. With such promise for the rest of the series, we then concentrate on Yager with some truly effective psychological development, and a speech and thought presentation that puts a deep, emotive focus on, perhaps ironically, someone who cannot feel, yet yearns to. The dialogue of the work was also engaging, developing plot and character relationships, but also providing wit and personality to the surrounding ‘family’ of the players. Overall, I would highly recommend Barren as a lavish and poignant emotional adventure, and a promising start to a very exciting series indeed.
Barren is a work of fiction in the character-driven, LGBTQ+, adventure, and romantic fiction sub-genres, and was penned by author Yolanda Olson. As a novel that forms the first part of the Carnaval des Ténèbres series, the work does contain material suitable for more mature readers. Our central protagonist Yager is a young man who cannot feel, either physically or mentally, but this loss brings him turmoil and a sense of never fitting in. In his group of traveling performers, Yager finds comfort amongst other unusual people, but further heartache ensues when he encounters the mysterious Indigo. Can a man without feelings learn to feel, or will he tear himself apart in the process?
Author Yolanda Olson has created a sensory feast in this short but very effective novel, which sparks off an intriguing and immersive series. As a huge fan of the carnivalesque setting and atmosphere, I adored the introduction of a stylish, emotive, and larger than life ensemble cast. With such promise for the rest of the series, we then concentrate on Yager with some truly effective psychological development, and a speech and thought presentation that puts a deep, emotive focus on, perhaps ironically, someone who cannot feel, yet yearns to. The dialogue of the work was also engaging, developing plot and character relationships, but also providing wit and personality to the surrounding ‘family’ of the players. Overall, I would highly recommend Barren as a lavish and poignant emotional adventure, and a promising start to a very exciting series indeed.
Recommend this book:
Living On Air
Susan Mac Nicol
2020 Bronze Medal
238 Pages
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Fiction - LGBTQ
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
Living on Air by Susan Mac Nicol is an engaging romance with a strong appeal to fans of LGBTQ themes. The only thing that keeps Cary Stilwell going is his highly paid job as an aerialist in a popular traveling circus, and apart from the applause and the accolades he receives, there is little that makes his life enjoyable. That is until he meets Rhys McIntyre, a man who has had his share of pain and tragedy. Once he was a passionate war photojournalist until his body was riddled by bullets and he left the front. Now on a new assignment, he finds himself in the circus to capture its inner workings. When he meets Cary Stilwell, he is irresistibly drawn to him. The only problem is that Cary is emotionally cold and distant, an individual who seems to carry darkness within him. Can he break down the walls Cary has created to guard his heart and win him over?
A compelling novel with sophisticated and well-developed characters. Susan Mac Nicol creates characters that are deeply flawed and convincing. They are real. Cary Stilwell looks like someone who has lived without living and is a man broken inside. Rhys has also suffered and thoughts of his tragedy are at the forefront, haunting him. It isn't easy to break through Cary's walls, but Rhys is relentless and his persistence determines what happens between the two of them. Living on Air is a beautiful story told from the heart and filled with unpredictable moments. The prose is strong and it features descriptions that capture details of the story and the plot elements without becoming a distraction from the events. A richly plotted story equally balanced with different elements of style. It is fast-paced and well-crafted to a satisfying conclusion.
Living on Air by Susan Mac Nicol is an engaging romance with a strong appeal to fans of LGBTQ themes. The only thing that keeps Cary Stilwell going is his highly paid job as an aerialist in a popular traveling circus, and apart from the applause and the accolades he receives, there is little that makes his life enjoyable. That is until he meets Rhys McIntyre, a man who has had his share of pain and tragedy. Once he was a passionate war photojournalist until his body was riddled by bullets and he left the front. Now on a new assignment, he finds himself in the circus to capture its inner workings. When he meets Cary Stilwell, he is irresistibly drawn to him. The only problem is that Cary is emotionally cold and distant, an individual who seems to carry darkness within him. Can he break down the walls Cary has created to guard his heart and win him over?
A compelling novel with sophisticated and well-developed characters. Susan Mac Nicol creates characters that are deeply flawed and convincing. They are real. Cary Stilwell looks like someone who has lived without living and is a man broken inside. Rhys has also suffered and thoughts of his tragedy are at the forefront, haunting him. It isn't easy to break through Cary's walls, but Rhys is relentless and his persistence determines what happens between the two of them. Living on Air is a beautiful story told from the heart and filled with unpredictable moments. The prose is strong and it features descriptions that capture details of the story and the plot elements without becoming a distraction from the events. A richly plotted story equally balanced with different elements of style. It is fast-paced and well-crafted to a satisfying conclusion.
Recommend this book:
Thirst Trap
Zachary Ryan
2020 Honorable Mention
212 Pages
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Fiction - LGBTQ
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Thirst Trap is a work of romance fiction and interpersonal drama that was penned by author Zachary Ryan. Written from an LGBTQ+ perspective, this highly engaging and eye-opening work is best read by mature teens and adults due to the nature of sexual themes and substance abuse references. A coming of age drama with the emphasis fully on drama, our protagonists are four friends who each have their own deep personal issues to deal with. As Dillon and Jesse both deal with grief and loss, Ivan and Leo try to cover up their individual relationship problems with denial and deflection. So begins an important journey of accepting tragedy and moving forward into a brighter future.
Author Zachary Ryan has crafted a contemporary romantic drama that hits all the right buttons for modern readers. One of the particular strengths of the work is in its characters and the development of their dynamics. The plot is firmly character-led, and Ryan allows us close narrative and strong thought and speech presentation so that we can really get to know the four young leads of the tale. Their issues are represented with emotive scenes that really show their tragedy through thought and deed, rather than just telling us about it. The work is cinematic in its interpersonal scene description, and truly at its best when the characters come together to learn from one another, be that through triumph or tragedy. Overall, I would highly recommend Thirst Trap for romance fans who also want an inspiring dramatic narrative in their reading.
Thirst Trap is a work of romance fiction and interpersonal drama that was penned by author Zachary Ryan. Written from an LGBTQ+ perspective, this highly engaging and eye-opening work is best read by mature teens and adults due to the nature of sexual themes and substance abuse references. A coming of age drama with the emphasis fully on drama, our protagonists are four friends who each have their own deep personal issues to deal with. As Dillon and Jesse both deal with grief and loss, Ivan and Leo try to cover up their individual relationship problems with denial and deflection. So begins an important journey of accepting tragedy and moving forward into a brighter future.
Author Zachary Ryan has crafted a contemporary romantic drama that hits all the right buttons for modern readers. One of the particular strengths of the work is in its characters and the development of their dynamics. The plot is firmly character-led, and Ryan allows us close narrative and strong thought and speech presentation so that we can really get to know the four young leads of the tale. Their issues are represented with emotive scenes that really show their tragedy through thought and deed, rather than just telling us about it. The work is cinematic in its interpersonal scene description, and truly at its best when the characters come together to learn from one another, be that through triumph or tragedy. Overall, I would highly recommend Thirst Trap for romance fans who also want an inspiring dramatic narrative in their reading.
Recommend this book:
A Prison In The Sun
Canary Islands Mysteries Book 3
Isobel Blackthorn
2020 Finalist
254 Pages
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Fiction - LGBTQ
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
A Prison In The Sun is a work of mystery fiction with plenty of intrigue and was penned by author Isobel Blackthorn. Forming the third book of the Canary Islands Mysteries series, this installment focuses on the difficulties facing ghostwriter Trevor Moore. Desperate to find his muse, the young writer takes up in a farmhouse in Fuerteventura, but no sooner than he’s landed there, trouble rears its head. After uncovering a huge sack of cash that seems to have no owner, Trevor is sent down the rabbit hole of a story that goes back to the fifties and sixties, where he discovers the ugly truth about the Franco regime, and how the island was used to persecute gay men for nothing other than being themselves.
Author Isobel Blackthorn explores many intelligent themes throughout this fascinating work, which gives a true literary quality to the cozy island mystery genre. As one might expect from a literary title, the story starts slowly and establishes Trevor’s character well, outlining the reasons why he is suddenly on his own and down in the dumps as he seeks solace in a Canary Islands break. Having been to Fuerteventura many times, I loved the description of the island itself and the history surrounding it, and the uncovering of both the prison and mystery elements of the plot was really well constructed and poignant in its presentation. Overall, A Prison In The Sun is an excellent work of mystery fiction for those who want to devour a literary sensation over a longer period.
A Prison In The Sun is a work of mystery fiction with plenty of intrigue and was penned by author Isobel Blackthorn. Forming the third book of the Canary Islands Mysteries series, this installment focuses on the difficulties facing ghostwriter Trevor Moore. Desperate to find his muse, the young writer takes up in a farmhouse in Fuerteventura, but no sooner than he’s landed there, trouble rears its head. After uncovering a huge sack of cash that seems to have no owner, Trevor is sent down the rabbit hole of a story that goes back to the fifties and sixties, where he discovers the ugly truth about the Franco regime, and how the island was used to persecute gay men for nothing other than being themselves.
Author Isobel Blackthorn explores many intelligent themes throughout this fascinating work, which gives a true literary quality to the cozy island mystery genre. As one might expect from a literary title, the story starts slowly and establishes Trevor’s character well, outlining the reasons why he is suddenly on his own and down in the dumps as he seeks solace in a Canary Islands break. Having been to Fuerteventura many times, I loved the description of the island itself and the history surrounding it, and the uncovering of both the prison and mystery elements of the plot was really well constructed and poignant in its presentation. Overall, A Prison In The Sun is an excellent work of mystery fiction for those who want to devour a literary sensation over a longer period.
Recommend this book:
Building Us
Rick Bettencourt
2019 Gold Medal
418 Pages
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Fiction - LGBTQ
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
Building Us by Rick Bettencourt is a compelling romance with an irresistible appeal for LGBTQ fans. Evan and Dillon have been married for five years and their marketing business has been doing well until they find themselves in crisis with marketing proposals not bringing in clients. When a movie company offers to feature their dog Detritus in a film, they welcome the offer, hoping to make some extra money, plus there might be a small part for handsome Dillon, who seems to have the attention of the film’s leading man. With their conflicting personalities, can Evan and Dillon save a marriage that is already threatened with financial constraints when someone famous has his eyes on Dillon?
The prose is gorgeous, just like the characters, and Rick Bettencourt’s gift for plot and character makes this narrative a hard-to-put-down kind of book. The characters have depth and the singularity in their personalities comes out through the narrative. Themes of love, family, and financial success are explored with skill and intelligence. The novel begins with a general, realistic statement that grabs the reader’s attention immediately: “In the truest sense of the word gay, our marriage doesn’t smack of happily ever after. Life reaches forward and slaps you upside the head with what’s important — health, love, friends — and alters your course.” This statement introduces the themes and one of the key characters, Evan. The story is told in the first person narrative and alternating between the key characters, hence allowing readers to enter into dialogue with the characters. The conflict in Building Us is highly emotional and the psychological depth of the story deepens the sense of humanity infused in it. Loved every piece of the story as it moved from one challenging moment to the next.
Building Us by Rick Bettencourt is a compelling romance with an irresistible appeal for LGBTQ fans. Evan and Dillon have been married for five years and their marketing business has been doing well until they find themselves in crisis with marketing proposals not bringing in clients. When a movie company offers to feature their dog Detritus in a film, they welcome the offer, hoping to make some extra money, plus there might be a small part for handsome Dillon, who seems to have the attention of the film’s leading man. With their conflicting personalities, can Evan and Dillon save a marriage that is already threatened with financial constraints when someone famous has his eyes on Dillon?
The prose is gorgeous, just like the characters, and Rick Bettencourt’s gift for plot and character makes this narrative a hard-to-put-down kind of book. The characters have depth and the singularity in their personalities comes out through the narrative. Themes of love, family, and financial success are explored with skill and intelligence. The novel begins with a general, realistic statement that grabs the reader’s attention immediately: “In the truest sense of the word gay, our marriage doesn’t smack of happily ever after. Life reaches forward and slaps you upside the head with what’s important — health, love, friends — and alters your course.” This statement introduces the themes and one of the key characters, Evan. The story is told in the first person narrative and alternating between the key characters, hence allowing readers to enter into dialogue with the characters. The conflict in Building Us is highly emotional and the psychological depth of the story deepens the sense of humanity infused in it. Loved every piece of the story as it moved from one challenging moment to the next.
Recommend this book:
Killing With Kings
Georgia Coast Cozy Mystery Book 4
Lois Lavrisa
2019 Silver Medal
176 Pages
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Fiction - LGBTQ
Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite
Killing with Kings by Lois Lavrisa is the fourth book in the Georgia Coast Cozy Mysteries and, as with previous books, this can be read as a standalone. Jose thought he had his hands full with the new rookie on the bomb squad, but then a fellow officer dies during a poker game. When his friend is the leading suspect, Jose takes up the investigation for himself to find the truth. With the rookie determined to help and his closest friends eager to lend a hand, Jose knows it's just a matter of time before he finds the killer or before the killer finds him.
The other books don't have to be read in order to be able to understand the plot and you can easily immerse yourself in the mystery. Those who have read previous installments will have fun seeing their favorite characters again and will take note of a few references to previous mysteries. Jose feels like he's leading two lives: one with his closest friends who know everything about him and one as a cop where he constantly keeps a secret. Having only come out to his friends and sisters, Jose is torn between the two sides of himself. Lois Lavrisa weaves Jose's fear of coming out to his fellow officers into his journey as he works through the fear that telling them will change how they view and respect him. His investigation pits him against his fellow officers but he never wavers in his mission to find the truth.
Assisting him along the way are his closest friends who can be recognized as the main sleuths of the previous books: Bezu, Annie Mae, and Cat. They're three supportive and encouraging friends who stick by him through every moment and every part of his life. They also factor into the mystery throughout with each playing a part in some way or another. The dynamic between Jose and the rookie Nowak provides humor as Jose is a more experienced cop and is driven while she's brash and tends to jump the gun. The differences in their personalities tend to create a fun banter between them but Jose takes the place of a role model for her. Killing with Kings is a mystery with charming characters, an endearing voice, plenty of humor, and a journey of self.
Killing with Kings by Lois Lavrisa is the fourth book in the Georgia Coast Cozy Mysteries and, as with previous books, this can be read as a standalone. Jose thought he had his hands full with the new rookie on the bomb squad, but then a fellow officer dies during a poker game. When his friend is the leading suspect, Jose takes up the investigation for himself to find the truth. With the rookie determined to help and his closest friends eager to lend a hand, Jose knows it's just a matter of time before he finds the killer or before the killer finds him.
The other books don't have to be read in order to be able to understand the plot and you can easily immerse yourself in the mystery. Those who have read previous installments will have fun seeing their favorite characters again and will take note of a few references to previous mysteries. Jose feels like he's leading two lives: one with his closest friends who know everything about him and one as a cop where he constantly keeps a secret. Having only come out to his friends and sisters, Jose is torn between the two sides of himself. Lois Lavrisa weaves Jose's fear of coming out to his fellow officers into his journey as he works through the fear that telling them will change how they view and respect him. His investigation pits him against his fellow officers but he never wavers in his mission to find the truth.
Assisting him along the way are his closest friends who can be recognized as the main sleuths of the previous books: Bezu, Annie Mae, and Cat. They're three supportive and encouraging friends who stick by him through every moment and every part of his life. They also factor into the mystery throughout with each playing a part in some way or another. The dynamic between Jose and the rookie Nowak provides humor as Jose is a more experienced cop and is driven while she's brash and tends to jump the gun. The differences in their personalities tend to create a fun banter between them but Jose takes the place of a role model for her. Killing with Kings is a mystery with charming characters, an endearing voice, plenty of humor, and a journey of self.
Recommend this book:
 by M. Tasia is a mesmerizing contemporary romance and a breezy read. Travis Boone has finally found a home in Brighton, Texas. Focused on his work as a cook now, he is quickly forgetting what it felt like to live on the streets and in his car. Now he can afford the things he really wants. But one thing is about to c...){kind=link}
Travis
Boys of Brighton Book 6
M. Tasia
2019 Bronze Medal
134 Pages
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Fiction - LGBTQ
Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite
Travis (Boys of Brighton Book 6) by M. Tasia is a mesmerizing contemporary romance and a breezy read. Travis Boone has finally found a home in Brighton, Texas. Focused on his work as a cook now, he is quickly forgetting what it felt like to live on the streets and in his car. Now he can afford the things he really wants. But one thing is about to change the life he wants to build for himself and it's the gorgeous cop, Bo Mason, who seems interested in him. Travis isn't sure what to do for deep down he knows that Bo won't want to pursue him if his secrets become known. But Bo isn't a fool and he sees far beyond what Travis thinks.
I haven't read any previous books in the Boys of Brighton series but this entry - that reads so well for a standalone - convinced me of the author's gift for character and plot. The narrative begins with a pacing that is deceptively slow, but the speed increases as the key characters are revealed. I loved the way the characters evolve through the narrative. From the start, Travis seems timid, a character who tends to keep to himself. Bo is intelligent and can read more into Travis's small smiles. The author knows how to explore the hearts of the characters, developing emotions and thoughts that readers can easily relate to. The setting is well developed and the plot, though seemingly simple, is enriched by the author's ability to keep the story real and the emotions intense. The story is told in a compelling tone and in gorgeous prose.
Travis (Boys of Brighton Book 6) by M. Tasia is a mesmerizing contemporary romance and a breezy read. Travis Boone has finally found a home in Brighton, Texas. Focused on his work as a cook now, he is quickly forgetting what it felt like to live on the streets and in his car. Now he can afford the things he really wants. But one thing is about to change the life he wants to build for himself and it's the gorgeous cop, Bo Mason, who seems interested in him. Travis isn't sure what to do for deep down he knows that Bo won't want to pursue him if his secrets become known. But Bo isn't a fool and he sees far beyond what Travis thinks.
I haven't read any previous books in the Boys of Brighton series but this entry - that reads so well for a standalone - convinced me of the author's gift for character and plot. The narrative begins with a pacing that is deceptively slow, but the speed increases as the key characters are revealed. I loved the way the characters evolve through the narrative. From the start, Travis seems timid, a character who tends to keep to himself. Bo is intelligent and can read more into Travis's small smiles. The author knows how to explore the hearts of the characters, developing emotions and thoughts that readers can easily relate to. The setting is well developed and the plot, though seemingly simple, is enriched by the author's ability to keep the story real and the emotions intense. The story is told in a compelling tone and in gorgeous prose.
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