The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer

 

The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer  352 pages

As boys, best friends Jeremy Cox and Rafe Howell went missing in a vast West Virginia state forest, only to mysteriously reappear six months later with no explanation for where they’d gone or how they’d survived.

Fifteen years after their miraculous homecoming, Rafe is a reclusive artist who still bears scars inside and out but has no memory of what happened during those months. Meanwhile, Jeremy has become a famed missing persons’ investigator. With his uncanny abilities, he is the one person who can help vet tech Emilie Wendell find her sister, who vanished in the very same forest as Rafe and Jeremy.

Jeremy alone knows the fantastical truth about the disappearances, for while the rest of the world was searching for them, the two missing boys were in a magical realm filled with impossible beauty and terrible danger. He believes it is there that they will find Emilie’s sister. However, Jeremy has kept Rafe in the dark since their return for his own inscrutable reasons. But the time for burying secrets comes to an end as the quest for Emilie’s sister begins. The former lost boys must confront their shared past, no matter how traumatic the memories.

Alongside the headstrong Emilie, Rafe and Jeremy must return to the enchanted world they called home for six months—for only then can they get back everything and everyone they’ve lost.

I was entertained. There was a lot of 'telling' vs 'showing' but it didn't really take away from the enjoyment.

The Deepest Breath

 

The Deepest Breath by Meg Grehan  180 pages

Stevie is eleven and loves reading and sea-creatures. She lives with her mum, and she's been best friends with Andrew since forever. Stevie's mum teases her that someday they'll get married, but Stevie knows that won't ever happen. There's a girl at school that she likes more. A lot more. Actually, she's a bit confused about how much she likes her. It's nothing like the way she likes Andrew. It makes her fizz inside. That's a new feeling, one she doesn't understand. Stevie needs to find out if girls can like girls - love them, even - but it's hard to get any information, and she's too shy to ask out loud about it. But maybe she can find an answer in a book. With the help of a librarian, Stevie finds stories of girls loving girls, and builds up her courage to share the truth with her mum. Written in accessible verse `chapters' and in a warm and reassuring style, The Deepest Breath will be of special relevance to young girls who are starting to realise that they are attracted to other girls, but it is also a story for any young reader with an open mind who wants to understand how people's emotions affect their lives.

This is such a sweet story about innocence and confusion. After reading this, I can't see how anyone would think homosexuality is unnatural or wrong.   

A Shadow Crown by Melissa Blair

A Shadow Crown (The Hafling Saga #2) by Melissa Blair

"To the kingdom, Keera is the king’s Blade, his most feared and trusted spy and assassin. But in the shadows, she works with Prince Killian and his Shadow—the dark, brooding Fae, Riven, who sets her blood on fire. Together, they plot to topple the crown that sits upon the king’s head.

A secret can only survive as long as its conspirators, and when nothing is as it seems, all are in danger. Keera swore she would never open her heart again after a loss she barely survived. But she will soon find she has more to lose than she ever imagined . . ."--Goodreads blurb

This series is a wonderful illustration of what social media can do for books and authors. I never would have heard of this author and series if not for TikTok, and that would have been a shame! As a huge fan of fantasy, a with a kick-ass female lead, this series was a great find. The world-building continued into this second book, and we learn the history of other peoples in the world and our characters' places in them. Blair's writing, and Garcia's narrations, brought the story to life. I can't wait to continue on with this series.

 

A Broken Blade by Melissa Blair

A Broken Blade (The Halfling Saga #1) by Melissa Blair, 427 p.

"Keera is a killer. As the King’s Blade, she is the most talented spy in the kingdom. And the King’s favored assassin. When a mysterious figure called the Shadow starts making moves against the Crown, Keera is forced to hunt the masked menace down.

She crosses into the magical lands of the Fae, trying to discern if her enemy is Mortal, Elf, or a Halfling like her. But the Faeland is not what it seems, and neither is the Shadow. Keera is shocked by what she discovers and can’t help but wonder who her enemy truly is…

The King that destroyed her people? The Prince that tortures them? Or the Shadow that threatens her place at court?As she searches for answers, Keera is haunted by a promise she made long ago. A promise not only to save herself but an entire kingdom."--Goodreads blurb

With the second book in this series set to release soon, I moved this up my TBR in anticipation. I've heard great things about this book and writer on social media, and the hype was deserved IMO. Great writing, great plot with emotion, twists, and intrigue. Looking forward to continuing the series.

 

The Secret Lives of County Gentlemen by K.J. Charles

The Secret Lives of County Gentlemen (The Doomsday Books #1) by K.J. Charles, 352 p. 

"Abandoned by his father as a small child, Sir Gareth Inglis has grown up prickly, cold, and well-used to disappointment. Even so, he longs for a connection, falling headfirst into a passionate anonymous affair that's over almost as quickly as it began. Bitter at the sudden rejection, Gareth has little time to lick his wounds: his father has died, leaving him the family title, a rambling manor on the remote Romney Marsh...and the den of cutthroats and thieves that make its intricate waterways their home.

Joss Doomsday has run the Doomsday smuggling clan since he was a boy. His family is his life...which is why when the all-too-familiar new baronet testifies against Joss's sister for a hanging offense, Joss acts fast, blackmailing Gareth with the secret of their relationship to force him to recant. Their reunion is anything but happy and the path forward everything but smooth, yet after the dust settles, neither can stay away. It's a long road from there—full of danger and mysteries to be solved—yet somehow, along the way, this well-mannered gentleman may at last find true love with the least likely of scoundrels." --Goodreads blurb

This started slowly, but the story settled into itself and became really enjoyable. Gareth and Joss's relationship, while young and hard to manage, was really fun to follow. Charles's writing style was very approachable and enjoyable. A regency romance in every aspect, even if Gareth doesn't necessarily want his family title and all that comes with it. There are many characters you can't figure out why you're rooting for, and others that you should like more, but their personality just isn't there. The dialogue stood out to me in this story, and I look forward to more from this series.

Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune

Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune, 373 p.

"When a reaper comes to collect Wallace from his own funeral, Wallace begins to suspect he might be dead. And when Hugo, the owner of a peculiar tea shop, promises to help him cross over, Wallace decides he’s definitely dead. But even in death he’s not ready to abandon the life he barely lived, so when Wallace is given one week to cross over, he sets about living a lifetime in seven days.

Hilarious, haunting, and kind, Under the Whispering Door is an uplifting story about a life spent at the office and a death spent building a home."--Goodreads blurb

I enjoyed Klune's book "The House in the Cerulean Sea" so much and was really looking forward to reading this when it came out. Then I think I chickened out, because I was so afraid that I wasn't going to like this one after loving Cerulean so much. But I shouldn't have waited! What a charming, funny, and emotional book. My only thing that I really didn't like was having to believe that Wallace does such a complete turnaround in his personality. Because it wasn't just an attitude problem he had, his whole personality was horrible. However, I really did love and enjoy this book and it certainly didn't disappoint. Klune did it again, in my book.

 

Things Have Gotten Worse Since Last We Spoke by Eric LaRocca

Things Have Gotten Worse Since Last We Spoke by Eric LaRocca, 112 pages

From the MARC: "Sadomasochism. Obsession. Death. A whirlpool of darkness churns at the heart of a macabre ballet between two lonely young women in an internet chat room in the early 2000s -- a darkness that threatens to forever transform them once they finally succumb to their most horrific desires. What have you done today to deserve your eyes?"

This novella was a weird journey; I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since I completed it. Usually that's a good indicator of an interesting read, but in this case, it's more a combination of confusion and revulsion. I can appreciate ambiguity in an ending, but I came away supremely unsatisfied. I will not be revisiting this book.  

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid, 389 p.

"Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job, no one is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now?
Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband has left her, and her professional life is going nowhere. Regardless of why Evelyn has selected her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career.
Summoned to Evelyn’s luxurious apartment, Monique listens in fascination as the actress tells her story. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the ‘80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way, Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love. Monique begins to feel a very real connection to the legendary star, but as Evelyn’s story near its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways."--Goodreads blurb

 This book has been on my radar for many years now and boy do I wish I'd read it sooner. I loved this book. So well-written, emotional, and engrossing. This was my first book by Reid, though I see her name everywhere. I will definitely be trying some more of her books, as she is phenomenal. 

One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston

 One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston, 422 p.

"For cynical twenty-three-year-old August, moving to New York City is supposed to prove her right: that things like magic and cinematic love stories don’t exist, and the only smart way to go through life is alone. She can’t imagine how waiting tables at a 24-hour pancake diner and moving in with too many weird roommates could possibly change that. And there’s certainly no chance of her subway commute being anything more than a daily trudge through boredom and electrical failures.

But then, there’s this gorgeous girl on the train.

Jane. Dazzling, charming, mysterious, impossible Jane. Jane with her rough edges and swoopy hair and soft smile, showing up in a leather jacket to save August’s day when she needed it most. August’s subway crush becomes the best part of her day, but pretty soon, she discovers there’s one big problem: Jane doesn’t just look like an old school punk rocker. She’s literally displaced in time from the 1970s, and August is going to have to use everything she tried to leave in her own past to help her. Maybe it’s time to start believing in some things, after all."--Goodreads blurb

I generally try to stay away from books that are really hot on social media, but I'll be honest, I loved the cover on this book. I'm so glad I tried it, because it was worth the hype. What a fun, emotional, and crazy ride this story was. Love and time travel and drag queens making pancakes...enough said!

Given, Volume 2 by Natsuki Kizu

 Given, Volume 2 by Natsuki Kizu - 186 pages

Love of music unites the four members of the band Given: hotheaded guitarist Uenoyama, playboy drummer Akihiko, gentle bassist Haruki, and Mafuyu, a singer gifted with great talent and burdened by past tragedy. Their struggles and conflicts may drive them apart, but their bond to the music—and to each other—always brings them back together again.

As the band races toward their first live concert, Mafuyu struggles to write lyrics for their new song but can’t find the words to express the emotions burning within him. Meanwhile, Uenoyama hears rumors about Mafuyu’s past and is bewildered by his own feelings. The tension builds until the night of the show, when the band explodes into a raging, life-changing performance.

Given, Volume 1 by Natsuki Kizu

 Given, Volume 1 by Natsuki Kizu - 202 pages

Love of music unites the four members of the band Given: hotheaded guitarist Uenoyama, playboy drummer Akihiko, gentle bassist Haruki, and Mafuyu, a singer gifted with great talent and burdened by past tragedy. Their struggles and conflicts may drive them apart, but their bond to the music—and to each other—always brings them back together again.

Ritsuka Uenoyama is bored with it all—with school, with his basketball club, and even with his one true passion: playing guitar. That is, until the day he finds his favorite hidden napping spot occupied by a strange boy cradling a broken-stringed guitar. At first, Uenoyama is nonplussed by Mafuyu Sato and his slightly odd behavior, but when, on a whim, he asks Mafuyu to sing, the power of that song pierces him to the core.

The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters

564 pp. In an old run-down house in 1920's London, Frances and her mother reluctantly open their home to the Leonard and Lilian Barber, a young middle-class couple. Frances unexpectedly falls in love with Lilian and begins an affair with her, which leads to a shocking crime that changes all of their lives forever. An absolutely wonderful novel.

Annie on My Mind by Nancy Garden

Annie on My Mind by Nancy Garden- 233 pp.

Annie and Liza meet by chance in the museum, and over the school year become close friends who eventually fall in love, facing prejudice from their peers and school administrators.

Blue is the Warmest Color, by Julie Maroh

 Blue is the Warmest Color, by Julie Maroh, 160 pages
This French graphic novel is a young woman's coming of age and coming out story.  Clementine can't stop thinking about the blue-haired girl she saw on the street, and when their paths cross, they begin an adventure that lasts a lifetime.  This one is a bit of a tearjerker, and the characters give you reasons to get mad at them.  Also, there is nudity of a graphic nature, so it's definitely for older readers.  But it was still a beautiful story.  Also, it has been made into a movie.

Two Boys Kissing, by David Levithan

Two Boys Kissing, by David Levithan 208 pages

This is such an important book to have in the teen LGBT canon.  I found it very powerful and emotional.  The book is narrated by the ghosts of men who died from AIDS, who watch the struggles and triumphs of present-day gay young men, and compare how some things are radically different while others are exactly the same.
The terror experienced by a community of men in the 1980s and 90s who learned to celebrate their sexual identity, only to have it serve as a focal point for a horrible epidemic, as well as the awful reality of the early AIDS deaths, is something that so many young people don't even think about twice.  They forget about the generation of gay men who came before them and how much they sacrificed.  I guess this was too close to home for me- I ended up sobbing at multiple points in this short work of powerful fiction and had to put it down.  It wasn't the greatest book I've ever read, but it is an important book, and one that I'm really glad exists.

Love in the Time of Global Warming, Francesca Lia Block, 240 pages

Love in the Time of Global Warming, Francesca Lia Block, 240 pages

The title would make you think that this is some sort of reference to Love in the Time of Cholera, but it's actually a post-apocalyptic retelling of The Odyssey.  Penelope (Pen) is searching for her brother after the ocean seems to swallow California whole. Along the way she meets scary giants, bewitching sirens, and the love of her life. As usual of FLB, the writing is gorgeous and she is LGBTQ-friendly (no spoilers here).  I would recommend this to fans of the Weetzie Bat series and other FLB works.  Not to read if you're a fan of Homer's original, as it takes significant liberties.