tristatereader's reviews
87 reviews

The Falcon and the Foe by A.J. Truman

adventurous funny hopeful inspiring 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? It's complicated

4.5

The Falcon and the Foe by A.J. Truman was everything I never knew I needed in my life. For enthusiasts of enemies to lovers, the most caring, single dads, and the ultimate found family, this one is for you. I read this book in two days because I did not want to put it down. I absolutely adored this story and watching our MCs Cal and Russ build something beautiful. 

Cal is an actual golden retriever who would stop an oncoming train for his son, Josh. He proudly works two jobs (one at a grocery store), which is mocked by all the uppity parents at his son’s affluent school. Cal and Josh have a close relationship, but due to Cal’s hectic work schedules, he’s unable to provide the 1:1 attention Josh needs to thrive with his academics.

Russ, a widower, seems to be the golden parent at school. He proudly wears his PTA hat and relishes being a scout leader of the Falcons. But his relationship with his son Quentin is rocky due to his overbearing tendencies.

Oh… and Cal and Russ hate each other. 

Ever since Russ cut Cal from the PTA carnival, there’s been nothing but tension between the two. And then Cal decides to volunteer as a co-leader for the Falcons in order to be more present for Josh. The outcome of this partnership will definitely be smooth sailing, right?

Low angst, truly the best found family, no third act breakup!!! (everyone cheered), and two amazing adults / parents finding their way to love and happiness. I can’t wait to read the rest of the books in this series 😍

For a boost of serotonin, pick this one up asap! 

How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang

challenging emotional hopeful sad tense fast-paced

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

3.5

Grief. Grief is a bastard. It can truly destroy a person. And grief was eating my girl Helen aliveee. She was smack dab in the middle of struggle city with no way out. Her poor heart was so closed up… seemingly non-functional as a result of generational trauma, the traumatic loss of her younger sister, and intentional isolation. 

And then Grant fucking Shepard waltzes back into her life. Handsome, popular, former high school homecoming king, and the person behind the wheel when Helen’s sister tragically died by suicide. The last thing Helen wants is to work side by side with this man. And even less of an interest is how kind, considerate, and “human” he is. And she certainly could never fall for this man, right?

This was an impressive debut, writing wise. I really enjoyed the writing style and the epistolary parts. I liked Helen and Grant, but didn’t love them. And I didn’t really connect with any of the side characters. All in all, I think there was just too much going on in this book. I’ll definitely be on the lookout for the author’s next release though. 

Late Bloomer by Mazey Eddings

challenging funny hopeful reflective tense medium-paced

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

4.0

This was my first read by Mazey Eddings and what a fun and sweet, sapphic romance 🥰 Opal and Pepper had the best banter and I found myself laughing so many times throughout this book. I absolutely adored Opal’s family (her sisters can do no wrong) and Pepper’s found family. 

Opal, a mega people pleaser, found herself constantly being hurt by others. Grumpy yet lovable Pepper never had the chance of being hurt by anyone because she built her walls sky high, and made sure she was always alone. It was incredibly beautiful watching these women grow (no pun intended) from these defense mechanisms and blossom (ok that one was intentional) into such strong and confident characters. 

I do think this book could have been a bit shorter, but I will definitely be recommending it to friends and I can’t wait to see what Mazey’s next project will be!

Teenage Dirtbags by James Acker

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful reflective tense medium-paced

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

5.0

Ok, I need y’all to hear me out on this one. I know everyone’s vibing with the currently trending covers that have illustrated characters on them. I really like them too. But you’d be doing yourself such a disservice if you sleep on Teenage Dirtbags. The unconventional and raw cover perfectly encapsulates this incredible sophomore novel from author James Acker. 

Teenage Dirtbags is a dual POV, queer, YA story featuring Jackson and Phil. It’s set in the same universe as The Long Run, but during junior year (the year prior to Bash and Dro’s story). 

Jackson is perfection personified. President of Student Council and multiple school clubs, Ivy League bound, and #1 teacher’s pet. Phil is a fuck up. A loner with absent parents and school detention on the regular. These two couldn’t be more opposite, and yet they used to be best friends. That is, until their differences got in the way and they stopped speaking. 

But when Phil gets outed and gaslit into a relationship with the pathologically charming Cameron, the wall he built around his heart begins to crumble. He thinks he’s finally found the connection and love he’s been craving. And then Cameron shows his true, narcissistic colors. In a state of post-break up sadness, Phil comes face-to-face with Cam’s ex, Veronica (Ronny). The two form an unlikely friendship, and start to formulate a Mean Girls-esque plan to get back at Cam. But they’ll need Jackson’s help.

If there’s one thing you should know about me and YA, it’s that I love YA that tackles real issues. Yes, teenagers are young. But that doesn’t mean they’re not experiencing real world shit. And this author always uses his writing to expertly explore that. This book tackled tough topics like homophobia and parental neglect while also highlighting things like queer love and compassion. 

Ultimately, Teenage Dirtbags is a story about two people finding their way back to one another. At times, that journey is raw, messy, and lonely. But the journey also leads to bigger feelings of comfort and self-acceptance.

In conclusion: Ronny for President. 

A Bluestocking's Guide to Decadence by Jess Everlee

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring 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? It's complicated

4.5

Ok, I absolutely adored this book. This sapphic historical romance was equal parts witty, charming, and spicy. I will definitely be going back to read the first two books in this series (but Bluestockings can definitely be read as a standalone!) 

The year is 1885… but don’t tell Dr. Emily Clarke or Jo Smith! These two MCs were fierce, thriving women decades ahead of their time. Jo is in a lavender marriage with the lovely Paul Smith. But then Paul’s paramour, Vanessa, becomes pregnant. Emily’s twin, Noah, is a friend of the Smith’s and requests his sister take Vanessa on as a patient. And if Noah’s partner, David, thinks that Emily and Jo would make a great couple, that’s just a bonus.

There was so much I loved about this book. Starting with a woman doctor being represented in the year 1885. I also adored the dynamic relationship between Emily and Jo, which was extremely rocky in the beginning. It was almost an enemies to lovers type trope, but in a very low angst and endearing way. Other things I loved was the amount of queer rep, how open and accepting the MCs friends and family were, and learning that Noah does drag 🔥 Also, the found family built in this world and the epistolary writing in this book is perfection.

Thank you so much to Harlequin for the gifted copy of this book!

Icarus by K. Ancrum

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful sad tense fast-paced

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

4.0

Icarus by K. Ancrum was probably the most unique book I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. From the poetic writing style to the one page chapters, this book was unlike anything I’ve ever read.

Icarus Gallagher is a 17-year-old high school student and part time art thief. Trained by his dad, his thievery skills are unmatched. That is, until he gets caught by the son of the person he’s stealing from. 

Helios Black is also a teenager, but has essentially been imprisoned in his home by his father, Mr. Black, due to past struggles with substance abuse. Mr. Black is a cruel and abusive man who has a cynical history with Icarus’ family. As Icarus and Helios spend more time together, it becomes clear that Helios’ life is in danger. And Icarus will do everything in his power to save him. 

This book is about letting your guard down and allowing yourself to be vulnerable. It’s about forgetting everything you’ve been trained to feel. It’s about chipping away at your Suit of Armor and trusting others. It’s about not only feeling, but embracing human emotions. I loved watched Icarus’ journey unfold and the author’s incredible rep, which included a character with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome as well as an intersex character.

Also, if you’re not someone who regularly reads the author notes in books, you’ll want to with Icarus 🥹

Thank you so much to Colored Pages Book Tours and Epic Read for a gifted copy of this book 💙

The Boyfriend Subscription by Steven Salvatore

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful tense 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? No

4.5

The Boyfriend Subscription made me realize that my favorite type of romance books are those in which I adore all of the MCs right from the start. And I was absolutely head over heels for both of the MCs in this book, Teddy and Cole. These two sweet baby angels have never done anything wrong in their entire lives and I will die on this hill. Their genuine, messy, hearts of gold made this book so enjoyable.

Teddy has lost everything at the hands of his POS ex-husband. He’s lost his marriage, his home, and now his business. On his last night in NYC before moving back to Louisiana, he and his bestie Kit decide the only place to mourn the end of this era is at the bar. Teddy wants to let loose for his last night in the city and if that means going home with someone, that’s no one’s business. But as the bar scene starts to stale, in walks the incredibly sexy and wealthy entrepreneur, Cole Vivien, who flips Teddy’s world upside down.

The thing I enjoyed most about this book was the author’s spin on the movie Pretty Woman. For the record, Pretty Woman is a top 5 best romcom in cinematic history and you can go argue with a wall if you disagree. And what the author does in this book is create such a fun and unique twist on the classic. In The Boyfriend Subscription, the sex worker (Cole) also happens to be the successful and wealthy businessman. He’s built a thriving and safe company centered around sex work. I loved this dynamic so much and I adored how down to earth Cole was, despite the money. Teddy, the actual loml, was out here trying his damndest! The guy was one of the most resilient characters I’ve read in a long time and I loved that about him. I also need to shoutout Kit, Teddy’s sassy childhood bestie who is in a very sweet and supportive polyamorous relationship (we love to see it). And finallyyy… the women 😮‍💨😍 All of the women in this book were exceptionally badass 🔥

The Boyfriend Subscription is out TODAY so make sure you pick up your copy! 🥳🎉🍾

Thank you to Harlequin for the gifted copy of this book ❤️

The Prospects by KT Hoffman

adventurous hopeful informative reflective tense medium-paced

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

4.0

The Prospects is the debut novel for KT Hoffman and it centers around Gene, the first openly trans baseball player in the Minors. Gene plays for the Beaverton Beavers (Portland’s triple A team) and truly loves it. He loves his coach, his teammates, and his routine. But then his old college teammate, Luis, gets traded to the Beavers. After Luis was scouted in college, he left without a word to Gene. Although Gene is super annoyed by the trade, his forever optimistic disposition wins out as he attempts to make amends with Luis. But Luis seems quiet, guarded, and much more reserved than Gene remembers and he begins to wonder if there was more to Luis’ sudden departure back in college than Gene thought. 

This book made my little baseball-loving heart explode. It’s fair to say that hockey tends to dominate the sports romance market. So when I see a baseball romance, I immediately gobble it up. I also went into this book pretty blindly (other than knowing it was a baseball setting with a trans MC) and holy spice 🔥 Was not expecting it and definitely was not mad about it 😏 

I did have to take a star off my rating because I didn’t love the head coach character 😢 Having a queer, female, head coach in the minors is groundbreaking and could have been incredible. Especially because she scouted the first trans player. But I was really underwhelmed by her character. She felt a little bit like a bully in my opinion. 

Thank you to The Dial Press, Colored Pages Book Tour, and NetGalley for a gifted copy of this book!

Otherworldly by F.T. Lukens

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring tense medium-paced

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

4.5

I think after Otherworldly, I can officially add fantasy to one of my favorite genres. I’ve never considered myself a fantasy girly but every fantasy book I’ve read has slapped.

Now I know this is going to be hard to believe, but this was my first FT Lukens book! I have several of their books on my shelves / tbr and I’ve been dying to read their work. And let me tell you: they did not disappoint.

Otherworldly is a fantasy action / adventure / romance book set in modern day, in a region where most people are believers of the supernatural. Well… most people except Ellery. Ellery is a 17-year-old non-believer whose home has been stuck in a winter that has lasted 5 years. Ellery’s family’s farm is suffering as a result and Ellery moves to the city to live and work with their cousin in order to send money home. It’s at work that Ellery is captivated by “hot weird guy”, who has mesmerizing gold eyes, always seems happy, and never appears affected by the harsh elements outside.

Otherworldly was a grump / sunshine masterpiece and even though Ellery was the grump, you couldn’t help but adore them. I really loved how this enby character was written in such a strong and courageous way. Knox was a sweet little cinnamon roll and I was a puddle watching him embrace his found family. Ellery and Knox beautifully complimented one another and made such a great team. I was also beyond obsessed with Ellery’s snarky and fiercely loyal cousin, Charley, and her girlfriend, Zada. Charlada endgame and you can’t convince me otherwise. Other things I loved about this book include the worldbuilding, the magic, and the badass mythical characters.

Don’t forget to pre-ordered Otherworldly, out April 2nd.

Thank you so much to Colored Pages book tour, Simon Teen, and NetGalley for a gifted copy of this book.

The Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge by Matthew Hubbard

challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring tense 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? No

5.0

You know when Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda first came out in 2015 and the book community (especially the queer book community) was like, “Stop everything you’re doing and read this book right now”? I had the same reaction while reading TLBRFR. This book made me feel like a new wave of queer defiance is being ushered in, and I am here 👏🏼 for 👏🏼 it 👏🏼. I think it’s more than serendipitous that Becky Albertalli blurbed for this book.  

The Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge tells the story of Ezra, Finley, and Lucas. These three Alabama-living besties are in relationships with the shittiest guys. I mean, their boyfriends are just the WORST. And as each of these toxic relationships begins to crash and burn, EF&L take solace in the fact that they're all "last boyfriends". At the same time, their school attempts to stifle their queerness under the guise of a "Watch What You Say" initiative, and the boys are not having it. They decide to fight back. 

There were so many things about this book that I loved and the amount of diversity and representation was just the tip of the iceberg. The characters in this book were all so uniquely and unapologetically themselves, which is something I adore. I also loved the unwavering courage shown by all of the characters in the face of adversity. I adored Ezra, Fin, and Lucas’ friendship and the unshakable loyalty shown to one another throughout this story. And on top of all of that, there was romance 😍, a Zaddy named Kevin, a “Carrie moment”, and a plethora of Sour Patch Kids. 

TL;DR- Reading TLBRFR has made me feel like I’m part of a movement. This book has lit a fire, fueled by queer-defiance. And we, as the readers, are helping to feed the flames. I am bursting with pride by that sentiment and I can’t wait to watch my community create an inferno 🔥

BONUS: Please enjoy the following Kevinisms:
- "Don't be afraid of a fight" 
- "Being brave is doing what's right when you know the consequences" 
- "The best revenge is believing in yourself"
- "And wear a rubber if you're gonna have sex"

*The The Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge is out April 30th, but you can pre-order now and submit your receipt to www.lastboyfriends.com for some fun swag 💃*

Thank you so much to Underlined and Delacorte Press for an ARC of this book ❤️