cjmagus's reviews
40 reviews

Wayward Son by Rainbow Rowell

5.0

(Review is for the full trilogy) These books take contemporary YA elements like wizards and vampires and weave them into something fresh and new. The stories contain some of the most honest, emotionally resonant descriptions of opening oneself to, and struggling with, sexuality and relationship. Read them all!

Any Way the Wind Blows by Rainbow Rowell

5.0

(Review is for the full trilogy) These books take contemporary YA elements like wizards and vampires and weave them into something fresh and new. The stories contain some of the most honest, emotionally resonant descriptions of opening oneself to, and struggling with, sexuality and relationship. Read them all!

A Dash of Salt and Pepper by Kosoko Jackson

5.0

Take your favorite streaming romcom, transfer it to the written page, add a pinch of spice...and you get A Dash of Salt and Pepper! A sweet, breezy entry into the LGBTQ+ romance genre, this book is as enjoyable as a well-cooked meal.

Yesterday Is History by Kosoko Jackson

5.0

A dash of Octavia Butler time travel combined with James Baldwin social commentary makes this YA gay romance a one-of-a-kind. A compelling read from start to finish.

Stars in Your Eyes by Kacen Callender

5.0

Goes deeper than your typical romance into "adult" themes, while staying true to the genre's focus on hopefulness and possibilities. True-to-life characters and dialog make "Stars in Your Eyes" a winner.

Excellent Sons: A Love Story in Three Acts by Larry Benjamin

5.0

A marvel. The three-part structure takes you on a journey that sets it apart from the standard romance. The way the various threads come together is thrilling and heartwarming. Highly recommended!

Best Men by Sidney Karger

5.0

Super fun, with snappy dialog, colorful characters, and a classic "will they won't they" storyline. A perfect beach (or backyard) read for the end of summer!

Crashing Upwards: MM Romance by S.C. Wynne

5.0

A fun read sprinkled with observations about family ties and social standing. Crashing Upwards is one of those great romances where you have a good guess about where things are going to end up, but it's an enjoyable ride (with a few surprises!) along the way.

The Foghorn Echoes by Danny Ramadan

5.0

Just a lovely book. Tackles a wide variety of subjects--personal, cultural, societal--with graceful writing and honest emotion. Had me alternately cheering and tearing up, multiple times. A must-read.

Playing the Palace by Paul Rudnick

5.0

A fun and funny entry in the "gay romance with royals" subgenre. With witty dialog and laugh-out-loud scenes, "Playing the Palace" is pure escapism at its best.