cjmagus's reviews
40 reviews

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

5.0

More than lives up to its reputation as a modern YA gay classic. Completely nails the fear and triumph of coming out and opening oneself to first love. Even if you've seen the move Love, Simon, you should read the book. It tells a slightly different story, and the two complement each other beautifully!

Like a Love Story by Abdi Nazemian

5.0

A truly lovely book. Covers so many topics--friendship; internalized, familial, and cultural homophobia; the lingering aftereffects of the AIDS crisis; and more--with honesty and grace. Gay romance fans of all ages should read this striking, heartfelt work.

Here's to Us by Adam Silvera, Becky Albertalli

5.0

After getting us to fall in love with Arthur and Ben in What If It's Us, this sequel keeps the story going with engaging new (and old) characters and a twisty plot that keeps us guessing: Will they finally be able to act on their feelings for one another and stay together? Another winner from Becky Albertalli!

The Rock Star's Guide to Getting Your Man by Ashlyn Kane

5.0

A high-energy mashup of romance and rock 'n roll. "The Rock Star's Guide" tells a classic "will they/won't they," "famous city guy/down home country guy" story with an engaging, twisty plot and three-dimensional, memorable characters. A great read!

Wonders of the Invisible World by Christopher Barzak

5.0

A compelling blend of romance, mystery, and ghost tale, Wonders of the Invisible World offers a wildly imaginative page-turner of a plot and a deeper story that dives into issues of family, love, and loss. A definite "just one more chapter" addictive read!

The Holiday Trap by Roan Parrish

5.0

"Home swap" romances are always fun, and The Holiday Trap doesn't disappoint. With warmth and humor, it takes us into the adventures of two friends exploring life and love in their adopted New England and New Orleans homes, with plenty of local color to draw the reader in.

We Could Be So Good by Cat Sebastian

5.0

With its 1950s setting, We Could Be So Good weaves an engaging love story through a look at the challenges facing gay men of that era. You'll be rooting for our heroes to come together while soaking in the period details and quirky, memorable characters. A cut above the standard gay romance!

Nearlywed by Nicolas DiDomizio

5.0

Pure fun. The twisty plot achieves a rare feat for a romance, as we're not sure until the very end whether our heroes end up together or go their separate ways. Combines familiar genre conventions--opposites attracting, missed communications, reappearing exes, etc.--in fresh and clever ways.

What If It's Us by Adam Silvera, Becky Albertalli

5.0

Told with Albertalli's and Silvera's trademark warmth and positive, realistic depictions of adolescent/young adult love and longing, What If It's Us is a winner. Likeable, relatable characters and a twisty "will they, won't they" plot make this an enjoyable read for gay romance fans of all ages.

New Adult by Timothy Janovsky

5.0

A fun yet heartfelt twist on the "career vs. love" romance storyline, complete with some mystical time travel and a classic love/hate tug-of-war between the two leads. Told with Janovsky's trademark humor and wit, New Adult is another winner from this profilic author.