You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Scan barcode
kharlan3's reviews
180 reviews
Ravensong by TJ Klune
(m/m, werewolves, romance). Kirt Graves' narration makes this book. Gordo feels so lived in. (spoilers to follow in thread)
Things I like about Ravensong: a kinda flawed mom (it seems like otherwise, every mom in the series is perfect and every father either SUPER sucks or significantly sucks). I also really like meeting Rico, Tanner, & Chris as children. The characterization of the hunters is compelling, and the set up of Caswell folks working with them does a really good job slowly building the creeping dread. Overall, it's a great setup for the next books.
Things I like less: the word "lowly" as in "growled lowly". IDK why I hate it. Robert Livingstone doesn't seem to have a single redeeming quality. Parts of the sex scene really don't work for me. And I'm not 100% convinced about the WHY of Mark and Gordo. Also- where in the Ravensong narrative does the moment that Ox recounts in Wolfsong happen where he sees Gordo and Mark go to the movies?
Things I like about Ravensong:
Things I like less: the word "lowly" as in "growled lowly". IDK why I hate it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Religious bigotry, Car accident, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
Minor: Drug use, Pregnancy, and War
The Gentle Art of Fortune Hunting by KJ Charles
(m/m, regency). I have yet to find a KJ Charles book I didn’t like. Good dramatics, I liked the character building & the intro pulled me in quickly. Great sex scenes, I wished there’d been one more. Clever ending.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
What If It's Us by Adam Silvera, Becky Albertalli
(m/m, YA, contemporary). I was bummed for these characters that they didn’t have other queer friends. The premise was very cute and the voices (author and audio) were delightfully distinct.
the ending being slightly not-HEA was unexpected but also cute and in some ways felt extra queer.
Down Comes the Night by Allison Saft
(bi f/m, YA, fantasy). Strong bisexual representation! I wanted 10% more worldbuilding re:magic, and 5% less resolution at the end. Excellent use of simile, especially medical ones (apt as MC is a healer).
The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee
(m/m, friends to lovers, YA, fantasy, regency). I really really enjoyed this one. Endearing characters with excellent character development, and great twists and turns. I liked the balance of suspense and surprise with eye rolls at the characters being exactly, sometimes predictably, themselves. Also the novella (The Gentleman’s Guide to Getting Lucky) is cute and endearing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Homophobia, and Racism
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Acephobia/Arophobia
The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee
(ace, adventure, fantasy, YA, regency). This book made me laugh aloud multiple times, which is rare. I was so scared Felicity was gonna fall in love and not be ace, she didn’t (thank goodness). I liked her self discovery journey a lot, and her “even feminine girls are cool and strong and amazing” arc even more. There was a smidge more gender essentialist language (women can handle blood because periods) than I would have liked, but it felt era-realistic.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism and Acephobia/Arophobia
Minor: Blood and Medical content
It Takes Two to Tumble by Cat Sebastian
(m/m, regency, basically gay Sound of Music). I just really like this book. I like the children, I like how much Ben likes baby animals, I like watching Philip thaw. I like the world setting for the other Sedgwicks. The strong environment of subtle queer acceptance, most people around who catch on accepting the relationship with simple gestures and no fuss, but without the book pretending gay love in the time period is low stakes, feels warm but also realistic.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Sexual content, and Grief
Two Rogues Make a Right by Cat Sebastian
(m/m, regency). These are indeed “the two stupidest boys you’ve ever seen”. I still love how this book ties to the other Sedgwick books, like, you can have a little Hartley/Sam, as a treat. The treatment of the trauma experienced by both MCs is excellent, framing it through the present without flashbacks/dwelling while allowing it to shape their lived realities. The embodiment of treating mental health with as much care and seriousness as physical is also ideal.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Torture and Medical content
Perfect on Paper by Sophie Gonzales
(bi f/m, YA, contemporary). This book is super cute! Definitely felt like high school (if amped up for drama). Very bi-affirming. I wanted more about Ainsley! I also liked the emphasis on the importance of friendship.
The Deviant's War: The Homosexual vs. the United States of America by Eric Cervini
(history/biography). This book is extremely readable, especially given how much material it covers. It’s a little dry in tone but a super interesting read about gay history in the US before Stonewall.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Homophobia, Transphobia, and Lesbophobia
Moderate: Police brutality