Trailer Thursday: Infinity Son by Adam Silvera

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INFINITY SON

Author: Adam Silvera

Release Date: January 14, 2020

Publisher: Quill Tree Books

Balancing epic and intensely personal stakes, bestselling author Adam Silvera’s Infinity Son is a gritty, fast-paced adventure about two brothers caught up in a magical war, generations in the making. Growing up in New York, brothers Emil and Brighton always idolized the Spell Walkers—a vigilante group sworn to rid the world of specters. While the Spell Walkers and other celestials are born with powers, specters take them, violently stealing the essence of endangered magical creatures. Brighton wishes he had a power so he could join the fray. Emil just wants the fighting to stop. The cycle of violence has taken a toll, making it harder for anyone with a power to live peacefully and openly. In this climate of fear, a gang of specters has been growing bolder by the day. Then, in a brawl after a protest, Emil manifests a power of his own—one that puts him right at the heart of the conflict and sets him up to be the heroic Spell Walker Brighton always wanted to be. Brotherhood, love, and loyalty will be put to the test, and no one will escape the fight unscathed.

Book Review: This is Kind of an Epic Love Story by Kheryn Callender

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This is Kind of an Epic Love Story
Author: Kheryn Callender
Reading Level:
Genres: Contemporary Romance | LGBT
Released: October 30th 2018
Review Source: Balzer + Bray (HarperCollins)

A fresh, charming rom-com perfect for fans of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda and Boy Meets Boy about Nathan Bird, who has sworn off happy endings but is sorely tested when his former best friend, Ollie, moves back to town.

Nathan Bird doesn’t believe in happy endings. Although he’s the ultimate film buff and an aspiring screenwriter, Nate’s seen the demise of too many relationships to believe that happy endings exist in real life.

Playing it safe to avoid a broken heart has been his MO ever since his father died and left his mom to unravel—but this strategy is not without fault. His best-friend-turned-girlfriend-turned-best-friend-again, Florence, is set on making sure Nate finds someone else. And in a twist that is rom-com-worthy, someone does come along: Oliver James Hernández, his childhood best friend.

After a painful mix-up when they were little, Nate finally has the chance to tell Ollie the truth about his feelings. But can Nate find the courage to pursue his own happily ever after?

 

This is Kind of an Epic Love Story is the cutest story. It's also a story you can knock out in 1-3 days of reading. It is a LGBT, but don't let that stop you from reading it, if you haven't read this type of genre before. The book is heavily based on its characters and their lives. At times you will get frustrated with them, but then you wanna hug them too. You do get sucked in to the story and that's the art of writing a good book by an author.

The story behind This is Kind of an Epic Love Story is not your typical easy romance, things are complicated. Nate, the main guy here, makes sure of that. He is done believing in "happy Ever After". That's BS for him. Of course, things never stay the same as one predicts. Nate will be tested and tried, but in the end, I think the outcome he earned. Sometimes, the best things in life are not easy to come by. This is why in life, you need a really strong support system to have on your side.

If your looking for a fun, romantic quick read, try This is Kind of an Epic Love Story!

Book Review: Down By Contact by Santino Hassell

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Down By Contact
The Barons #2
Author: Santino Hassell
Reading Level: Mature Adult
Genres: M/M Romance | Sports | LGBTQ Romance
Released: January 16th 2018
Review Source: InterMix

Two rival football players begin a game with higher stakes than the Super Bowl in this steamy romance from the author of Illegal Contact.

Simeon Boudreaux, the New York Barons’ golden-armed quarterback, is blessed with irresistible New Orleans charm and a face to melt your mama’s heart. He’s universally adored by fans and the media. Coming out as gay in solidarity with his teammate hasn’t harmed his reputation in the least—except for some social media taunting from rival linebacker Adrián Bravo.

Though they were once teammates, Adrián views Simeon as a traitor and the number-one name on the New Jersey Predators’ shit list. When animosity between the two NFL players reaches a boiling point on the field, culminating in a dirty fist fight, they’re both benched for six games and sentenced to joint community service teaching sullen, Brooklyn teens how to play ball.

At first, they can barely stand to be in the same room, but running the camp forces them to shape up. With no choice but to work together, Simeon realizes Adrián is more than his alpha-jerk persona, and Adrián begins to question why he’s always had such strong feelings for the gorgeous QB…

Down by Contact is the sequel to Illegal Contact which I was able to read both books, back to back. I'm not sure which of the two books, I like more. This is a great thing, usually the sophomore book in a series, always comes up short. Not in the case of Down by Contact. So not only did I walk away with 2 great reads, but I was introduced to Santino Hassell's writing. This is an author to have on your radar.

I guess I should have started with that this book(s), will not be for everyone. The series is male/male romance, so definitely not your typical read. So if you can swoon over two sexy males, getting hot with each other, and I mean HOT then you don't want to miss out on reading this series. Hassell does not hold back and paints a real clear picture of what is happening in his books.

In this installment, we are gifted with Simeon Boudreaux story. We got pieces of him in Illegal Contact, but nothing like being the center of your story. Simeon is the sexy QB that is on every one's radar. We find out in Illegal Contact, that he was finally outed as being gay when he made the mistake one night out at a club to trust the people he was having way to much fun with. So in this book, Simeon has been accepted by his teammates, just not the case with the rival team. There is one specific player from rival team, that has made it very public, his distaste in Simeon. That would be Adrian, the linebacker for the Predators. Funny thing is, they both used to be teammates before Simeon was traded to Barons. So game day arrives, it ends up in a fight and those two have been suspended and must not worked together at a youth center coaching some kids.

What's great about this book is that it isn't all about football, you'd be shocked to read how sweet some parts can be. Just cause they are meat heads on a football field, doesn't mean they can't be teddy bears off. How will working together for several weeks impact the relationship between Simeon and Adrian while on suspension? Will it end up turning into something worse, that not even their agents can save them from? Or will this be something great for both of them and no kid will go unharmed? Only way to find out, is grabbing your copies today. I highly suggest to read in order, just so you know who Simeon's friends are and plus, you want to read Gavin's story. That's another sexy beast right there.

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Catch Illegal Contact, the first book in the Barons series and meet Gavin (swoon-worthy) Brawley!

Book Review: Hold Me Closer by David Levithan

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Hold Me Closer
The Tiny Cooper Story
Will Grayson, Will Grayson Companion novel
Author: David Levithan
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genres: Contemporary | LGBT | Music
Released: March 17th 2015
Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers

Watch out, ex-boyfriends, and get out of the way, homophobic coaches. Tiny Cooper has something to say—and he’s going to say it in song.
Filled with honesty, humor, and “big, lively, belty” musical numbers, Hold Me Closer is the no-holds-barred (and many-bars-held) entirety of the beloved musical first introduced in Will Grayson, Will Grayson, the award-winning bestseller by John Green and David Levithan.

Tiny Cooper is finally taking center stage . . . and the world will never be the same again.

This book follows the story of Tiny Cooper - who was first introduced to the world in the book "Will Grayson, Will Grayson" written by Levithan and John Green (I believe I wrote a review on this one too). However, reading that is not necessarily a prerequisite to this one. It may give you some clarity on certain characters or context towards the end, but totally not necessary. 

My rating on this story is completely subjective. Let me explain; this book was written as if it were a script for a musical play, a topic I'm not very informed in. With that being said, the story, at its core, was still very enjoyable because it had some personal anecdotes. 

Tiny is a big person with an even bigger personality. This musical is written in his point of view and covers everything from early childhood, to friendships, to relationships, to self-discovery, to finally coming to being O.K. with who he is. If you are an avid YA reader and are a musical theater buff, this book may just be right up your alley. The stories are heartfelt and the humor is relatable.

Book Review: Blood Divine by Greg Howard

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Blood Divine
Author: Greg Howard
Reading Level: Adult Fiction
Genres: Paranormal | Horror | LGBTQIA
Released: September 17th 2016
Review Source: NetGalley | Wilde City Press

Cooper Causey spent a lifetime eluding the demons of his youth and suppressing the destructive power inside him. But a disconcerting voicemail lures Cooper back home to the coast of South Carolina and to Warfield—the deserted plantation where his darkness first awakened.

While searching for his missing grandmother, Cooper uncovers the truth about his peculiar ancestry and becomes a pawn in an ancient war between two supernatural races. In order to protect the only man he’s ever loved, Cooper must embrace the dark power threatening to consume him and choose sides in a deadly war between the righteous and the fallen.

Blood Divine is a good paranormal read. It entertained me enough to want to finish the book. Was I blown away? No, but that's OK. Sometimes you don't always need that effect, to enjoy something. Paranormal fans, will like reading it. If you look online, you'll see the book has gotten great feedback. 

Basically you are getting a whole lot of supernatural beings and some romance here and there. The story is based in South Carolina, so you have a nice background scenery to go along with the story.  Story is based around Cooper and how he ends back in his hometown after an alarming call from his grandmother. Once he arrives, he gets a lot of supernatural stuff dumped on him and he needs to figure it out asap. This begins a series of situations and even an old crush comes back into the picture. 

Will Cooper find his grandmother? Will he deal with his new fate? And what he truly is? You'll have to read to find out what happens. 

Book Review: Off Base by Annabeth Albert

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Off Base
Out of Uniform #1
Author: Annabeth Albert
Reading Level: New Adult | Adult Fiction
Genres: Military | M M Romance | LGBT
Release Date: January 9th 2017
Review Source: Carina Press

After trading the barracks for a fixer-upper rental, navy SEAL Zack Nelson wants peace, not a roommate—especially not Pike, who sees things about Zack he most wants to hide. Pike's flirting puts virgin Zack on edge. And the questions Pike's arrival would spark from Zack's teammates about his own sexuality? Nope. Not going there. But Zack can't refuse.

Pike Reynolds knows there won't be a warm welcome in his new home. What can he say? He's an acquired taste. But he needs this chance to get his life together. Also, teasing the uptight SEAL will be hella fun. Still, Pike has to tread carefully; he's had his fill of tourists in the past, and he can't risk his heart on another, not even one as hot, as built—and, okay, yeah, as adorable—as Zack.

Living with Pike crumbles Zack's restraint and fuels his curiosity. He discovers how well they fit together in bed…in the shower…in the hallway… He needs Pike more than he could have imagined, yet he doesn't know how to be the man Pike deserves.

Off Base was a surprise great romance, not your typical romance at that, but still great. If you have not read an M/M romance before, I think this would be a great starting point. And I say starting point, because it will not be your last. The author does a great job giving us everything we love about a romance that has to fight to stay together. And if you are thinking about the scenes that make you blush, they are written tastefully and will make your heart skip a beat. Nothing that will make you cringe or quit reading the book. I can only say great things about Off Base!

Off Base is the story of Zack, he is a Navy Seal and all full of sexy muscles. Zack has lived many years in doubt and sadness. He hasn't quite figured out his sexuality, he has tried but just can't grasp at it. Plus his family's very religious background scares him in his choices. He has a lot to live up too since his older brother is the black sheep in the family. He knows his mom and dad expect only greatness from him. So when Zack begins to realize that he has always known what he was really into, it freaks him out. He decides living off base will help with his mind. Getting bullied by another Seal is already a lot for his plate with all his training. And he is ready to move on and concentrate on his training.

So when he hits the jack pot and acquires a fixer-upper at no cost, he knows he is way in over his head. This brings on Pike, a friend of Zack's. Pike is the perfect roommate since he is very familiar with flipping homes, the thing is though, Pike is gay. And this is what scares Zack. Zack you can say is still fighting the doubts. But we are human and when your heart is involved, it will crumble any fence you might have up. Zack final accepts that he is gay and begins to fall for Pike. But this is all kept hidden from everyone. Zack is afraid of the repercussion since he is a Seal. 

So now the romance has blossomed and everything is perfect when they are inside their home, but anything outside is the complete opposite. Pike isn't OK with it anymore. Zack and Pike have a lot to figure out and many important choices to make in both their futures. I won't give more away, you'll just have to read Off Base to know what happens of course. 

So again I mentioned, this is a great love story. I recommend it and hope everyone reads it. Now comes the waiting game for the next book in the series. 

Book Review: Guyliner by J. Leigh Bailey

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Guyliner
Author: J. Leigh Bailey
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genres: Gay Fiction | Coming of Age
Released: October 17th 2016
Review Source: Corvisiero Literary Agency

Seventeen-year-old Connor works his butt off to maintain the golden-boy persona he’s created. He has the grades, the extracurriculars, the athletics, and a part-time job at his dad’s shop… every detail specifically chosen to ensure the college scholarships he needs to get the hell out of the Podunk town where he lives. The last thing he needs is an unexpected attraction to Graham, an eyeliner-wearing soccer phenom from St. Louis, who makes him question his goals and his sexuality. Sure, he’s noticed good-looking boys before—that doesn’t have to mean anything, right?—but he’s got a girlfriend. There’s no room on the agenda for hooking up with Graham, but the heart doesn’t always follow the rules.

As he and Graham grow close, other aspects of Connor’s life fall apart. Family pressure, bad luck, and rumors threaten to derail his carefully laid plans. Suddenly the future he’s fighting for doesn’t seem quite as alluring, especially if he has to deny who he really is to achieve it.

The first thing I was drawn to about this book was that amazing cover. It's perfect for the title and the story it contains inside its pages and super sexy. If those blue eyes don't draw you in, then I don't know what will. Then I was drawn in even more with the title, Guyliner. Then when you read the synopsis and see that there is a soccer eye-liner wearing soccer player, I was sold. 

The author did a really great job with Guyliner. I had never read anything that was just centered around M/M Romance only. I've read books, like J. R. Ward's Lover at Last, that had a M/M romance alongside M/F ones too. It was a nice treat to read something new and like I mentioned, great. I will definitely be checking out more titles that are in this same genre. 

So, Guyliner follows Connor, he is your typical high school athlete that everyone loves and admires. He is the school's all-star catcher for the baseball team and has the perfect girlfriend. Home life is a little hectic but he deals and works with his dad. Connor has his whole future planned out, the one thing he knows is he wants out of his little town when he graduates and he plans to do that via baseball. Then one rainy day in the weight room, Connor meets Guyliner. At first he wonders why this guy is wearing eyeliner but then his thoughts begin to wonder into unknown territory that freaks him out. Why was he just checking out the new transfer student? Needless to say, this freaks him out and he tries to avoid Graham (Guyliner) by all means necessary. But sometimes what you wish, isn't always what happens. Seems that Connor's life plans might be changing very soon. Will Connor maintain on the life plan he has mapped out? Or will Guyliner deviate him? 

I connected with all the characters in Guyliner, especially with Connor and Graham. They were fun to read about. I recommend this book, if you love a good romance and something quick and easy to read. Great book to sit by a fireplace and drink hot cocoa with while wrapped in your warmest blanket. Make sure to check out Guyliner today.

If you are curious or wondering how heavy the M/M gets, It won't make you uncomfortable or squeamish. It's written very tastefully, the author did a great job about that. 

Upcoming LGBTQIA Book Releases!

Below you can check out these LGBTQIA upcoming releases:

GUYLINER

Written by: J. Leigh Bailey

Released: October 17, 2016

Seventeen-year-old Connor works his butt off to maintain the golden-boy persona he’s created. He has the grades, the extracurriculars, the athletics, and a part-time job at his dad’s shop… every detail specifically chosen to ensure the college scholarships he needs to get the hell out of the Podunk town where he lives. The last thing he needs is an unexpected attraction to Graham, an eyeliner-wearing soccer phenom from St. Louis, who makes him question his goals and his sexuality. Sure, he’s noticed good-looking boys before—that doesn’t have to mean anything, right?—but he’s got a girlfriend. There’s no room on the agenda for hooking up with Graham, but the heart doesn’t always follow the rules.

As he and Graham grow close, other aspects of Connor’s life fall apart. Family pressure, bad luck, and rumors threaten to derail his carefully laid plans. Suddenly the future he’s fighting for doesn’t seem quite as alluring, especially if he has to deny who he really is to achieve it.

GRAVITY

Written by: Juliann Rich

Releases: November 15, 2016

A shot at Olympic gold in ski jumping. It’s a dream that has been the exclusive property of male athletes. Until now.

For seventeen-year-old Ellie Engebretsen, the 2011 decision to include women’s ski jumping in the Olympics is a game changer. She’d love to bring home the gold for her father, a former Olympic competitor whose dreams were blown along with his knees on an ill-timed landing. But can she defy the pull of gravity that draws her to Kate Moreau, her biggest competition and the girl of her dreams?

How can Ellie soar through the air when all she feels like doing is falling hard?

OFF BASE

Written by: Annabeth Albert

Releases: January 9, 2017

After trading the barracks for a fixer-upper rental, navy SEAL Zack Nelson wants peace, not a roommate—especially not Pike, who sees things about Zack he most wants to hide. Pike's flirting puts virgin Zack on edge. And the questions Pike's arrival would spark from Zack's teammates about his own sexuality? Nope. Not going there. But Zack can't refuse.

Pike Reynolds knows there won't be a warm welcome in his new home. What can he say? He's an acquired taste. But he needs this chance to get his life together. Also, teasing the uptight SEAL will be hella fun. Still, Pike has to tread carefully; he's had his fill of tourists in the past, and he can't risk his heart on another, not even one as hot, as built—and, okay, yeah, as adorable—as Zack.

Living with Pike crumbles Zack's restraint and fuels his curiosity. He discovers how well they fit together in bed…in the shower…in the hallway… He needs Pike more than he could have imagined, yet he doesn't know how to be the man Pike deserves.

DREADNOUGHT

Written by: April Daniels

Releases: January 24, 2017

Danny Tozer has a problem: she just inherited the powers of the world's greatest superhero. Until Dreadnought fell out of the sky and died right in front of her, she was trying to keep people from finding out she's transgender. But then her second-hand superpowers transformed her body into what she's always thought it should be. Now there's no hiding that she's a girl.

It should be the happiest time of her life, but between her father's dangerous obsession with curing her girlhood, her best friend suddenly acting like he's entitled to date her, and the classmate who is secretly a masked vigilante, Danny's first weeks living in a body that fits her are more difficult and complicated than she could have imagined.

She doesn't have much time to adjust. Dreadnought's murderer, a cyborg named Utopia, still haunts the streets of New Port City. If Danny can't sort through the confusion of coming out, master her powers, and stop Utopia in time, humanity faces extinction.