thisgayreads's reviews
540 reviews

The Best Gift by Eli Easton

emotional hopeful lighthearted sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

4 ⭐️'ˢ

“The Best Gift” By Eli Easton

📕 Edition: Physical Book

This was a heartwarming Christmas novella full of holiday cheer. 🎄 

Greg Cabot, grieving the loss of his son, finds unexpected solace when he picks up Sergeant Robbie Sparks on a snowy night. 🛻 The story captures the magic of Cabot's Christmas Wonderland with its charming atmosphere and festive spirit.

The characters, Greg and Robbie, share a touching connection that goes beyond the surface, and as they navigate their pain, a Christmas miracle unfolds.

Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood

adventurous funny informative lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

4 ⭐️'ˢ 

 

“Check & Mate” By Ali Hazelwood 

 

📕 Edition: Audiobook 

 

Okay, let me start off by saying that the name “Koch” DOES NOT translate well (or at least not by this narrator) in audio at all. Lots of reviews complained about this narrator, which I thought was fine, except for her saying this name... Which honestly just resulted in me having giggling fits every time she said it. 

 

Despite my lack of interest or knowledge in chess, this kept me engaged from start to finish. 

 

Mallory Greenleaf's aversion to chess after its impact on her family is palpable, yet her journey back into the world of chess through a charity tournament adds layers of complexity. The unexpected win against the notorious "Kingkiller" Nolan Sawyer sets the stage for a delightful chess match between two unlikely opponents. ♟️🏆 

 

The chemistry between Mallory and Nolan is as strategic as a well-played endgame. Hazelwood effortlessly combines the tension of the chessboard with the blossoming romance, making it a page-turner. 😍💔

Never Been Kissed by Timothy Janovsky

adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

5 ⭐️'ˢ 

 

“Never Been Kissed” By Timothy Janovsky 

 

📕 Edition: Audiobook 

 

This was a feel good heartwarming journey through love, self-discovery, and the magic of second chances. 

 

As Wren accidentally reaches out to his past crushes in a series of emails, the narrative is filled with humor, vulnerability, and a touch of youthful innocence. 

 

The summer setting and the drive-in theater backdrop add a nostalgic charm, creating a perfect atmosphere for love to bloom. 

 

As the summer unfolds with a special project to save the struggling drive-in, Wren and Derick's connection intensifies. The anticipation builds, and Janovsky keeps you guessing until the very end. The book's resolution was satisfying, providing the much-awaited perfect-kiss-before-the-credits moment.

The Ballad of Never After by Stephanie Garber

adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

4 ⭐️'ˢ 

 

“The Ballad of Never After” By Stephanie Garber 

 

📕 Edition: Audiobook 

 

An enchanting sequel to the series. 💫 Evangeline Fox's journey takes a thrilling turn as she grapples with betrayal, newfound magic, and the complexities of trust. 

 

The narrative dances between romance and danger. 😱 

 

Evangeline's defiance and resilience shine through as she faces a murderous spell, forming an uneasy alliance with the charismatic but enigmatic Prince of Hearts, Jacks. The dynamics between them are as unpredictable as the magic that surrounds them. 💔🤝 

 

The climax had me emoting like 🫢 as unexpected twists and turns unfolded. 

 

Can’t wait to read the next book! 📚✨

The Queer Musings of a One-Time Boy Skater by Joe Bainbridge

emotional funny informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

5.0

5 ⭐️'ˢ 

 

“The Queer Musings of a One-Time Boy Skater” By Joe Bainbridge @jbainbr 

 

📕 Edition: eBook 

 

🌈⛸️  As someone with limited knowledge of ice skating, this book brought back a flood of memories from my childhood, where many of my summers were spent at Lloyd Center mall gliding around on the same rink where Tonya Harding once honed her skills and I often saw her skating there. ⛸️ 

 

Bainbridge's essays are a candid reflection of his own life, offering a unique blend of humor and honesty. The narrative is not solely about figure skating; rather, it extends beyond, serving as an exploration of the challenges faced by a young gay man coming of age. The author doesn't shy away from sharing both the triumphs and traumas of his experiences, creating a relatable and touching narrative with some humor. 🏳️‍🌈💔 

 

For those who may not be familiar with the intricacies of figure skating, fear not—Bainbridge weaves a story that transcends the ice rink, making it accessible and engaging for readers from all walks of life. Whether you're a fan of the sport or simply enjoy heartfelt memoirs, give this one a read. 📖✨ 

 

Thank you @jbainbr for providing me with this copy (though I did also buy a copy on kindle) in exchange for my honest review.

The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri
Did not finish book. Stopped at 16%.

Just not my style of book. I lost interest.

Only If You're Lucky by Stacy Willingham

mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

3 ⭐️'ˢ

“Only If You’re Lucky” By Stacy Willingham

📕 Edition: Audiobook

The story follows Margot, a shy college student, and her larger-than-life roommate, Lucy. The dynamics among Lucy and her housemates—Sloane and Nicole—create a captivating backdrop for the tale.

Willingham weaves a narrative that explores the complexities of friendship, grief, and the blurred lines between right and wrong. The characters are richly developed, each with their quirks and flaws, making them feel incredibly real.

While the book kept my attention with its magnetic characters and a suspenseful plot, I couldn't help but feel that some parts were a tad dragged out, elongating the story more than necessary.

The mysterious disappearance of Lucy and the murder of a fraternity boy add layers of suspense, keeping my interest perked. The narrative is intense, and the twists keep you guessing until the very end.

Thank you @NetGalley , @macmillan.audio for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Goblin Monday by R.L. Stine

adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

5 ⭐️'ˢ

Goblin Monday” By R.L. Stine

📕 Edition: eBook ARC

Stine's latest addition to the Goosebumps series introduces readers to Mario Galagos, who innocently brings a small statue of a peculiar creature into his life during a holiday visit to snowy Vermont. Little does he know that this seemingly harmless act unleashes a pandemonium of monstrous goblins on his world. 😱👹

True to Stine's signature style, the story is filled with unexpected twists and turns.

Stine effortlessly captures the essence of childhood curiosity and the consequences that follow when boundaries are crossed. 🤔👫

Thank you @NetGalley , @RL_Stine1 and @scholastic for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

12 Days of UPS by Eli Easton

funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

5 ⭐️'ˢ

“12 Days of UPS” By Eli Easton

📕 Edition: eBook

🎄 A delightful Christmas novella that brought warmth to my holiday season. In the midst of a COVID-19 lockdown, Paul's lonely Christmas takes a surprising turn with daily packages from a Secret Santa. The gifts are not only fun but also delivered by a charming UPS driver who adds a spark to the festive tale. With heartwarming moments and a touch of cheekiness, Easton crafts a short and sweet story of unexpected joy. 📦🎅

The Missing Piece by Kiersten Modglin

dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

4 ⭐️'ˢ

“The Missing Piece” By Kiersten Modglin

📕 Edition: Audiobook

This quick audiobook had me guessing at every turn, and I couldn't stop listening.

Jaicey Thomas, the protagonist, is far from your average seventeen-year-old. The unanswered questions surrounding her life create an atmosphere of mystery and suspense. Why have all the mirrors disappeared? Why won't her family read newspapers? The sense of foreboding deepens as Jaicey's nightmares persist, and an overwhelming fear of those around her takes hold.

The introduction of a mysterious stranger adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. He becomes Jaicey's potential ally in uncovering the truth, but the question of trust looms large. As Jaicey unravels the clues, she delves into her own memories, unearthing darkness she never expected.

Full of suspense, keeping readers hooked with each revelation. The urgency intensifies as Jaicey fights for her life, compelled to relive a traumatic night. Secrets emerge, deeper and darker than imagined, and time ticks away, ratcheting up the tension.