queerafictionado's reviews
365 reviews

Magdalene Nox by Milena McKay

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

5.0

 Have you ever loved a story so much that you wish you could go back in time and read it for the first time again? That is how I felt after reading The Headmistress by Milena McKay. I was completely enraptured by that story. I found myself daydreaming about it while at work. So…imagine my delight when I saw that Milena was releasing book 2 in the series giving us Magdalene’s POV!! Friends….OH MY GOD!! It was like reliving it all over for the first time. Experiencing each moment anew and getting even more parts of the story I didn’t before. It was INCREDIBLE!!

Magdalene [f*cking] Nox is also like one of my ultimate book crushes (so maybe it was partly her I was daydreaming about lol), which made me extra excited to get her side of the story. And Abby Craden’s flawless narration, as always, makes this story even better. Every character has a distinct voice and they were exactly the same as I remembered them from book 1. Just phenomenal narrating.

I love Magdalene and Sam and the incredible, unexplainable connection they have. Getting to hear Magdalene’s POV, we get to experience more fully the profound impact Sam has on her, the way Sam has her wanting to let down her walls, to trust, to leap, to love. We get to see how all these seemingly inconsequential moments and events claw their way inside Magdalene’s broken heart and wounded soul and begin to heal a 30 year old wound.

I loved watching the Ice Queen that IS Magdalene Nox slowly melt through her relationships with both Sam and, of course, Sir Wiloughby - the best knight in shining orange fur anyone could ask for. But I also love how, even through the melting, she doesn’t lose that fierceness. She just finally feels safe enough to not let those icy walls dictate every facet of her life because she learns, for the first time in her life, what it feels like to be truly known to the depths of her soul.

I am completely captivated by this story. It will live in my heart rent free for all eternity and I will relisten to both books many many times. Thank you thank you thank, Milena, for giving your readers a chance to experience this incredible story again as if for the first time! It is a gift and a blessing!

🏳️‍🌈Rep: Bisexual FMC, Lesbian LI

📝Tropes/Themes: Ice Queen, Age Gap, Mature 40+ MC, Femme/Femme, Academia, Hot for Boss, Workplace Romance, Opposites attract, One Night Stand to Rivals to Lovers, Coming Out, Revenge, Alternate POV, Adorable Cat
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Chrysalis and Requiem by Quinton Li

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challenging dark mysterious tense medium-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? Yes

3.5

This book was a wild and bizarre ride! And it is probably not going to be what you expect it to be going in. It is filled with all kinds of morally gray (at best) characters, murder & mayhem, secret underground occult dealings, paranormal mischief, complicated (and often obsessive, codependent, and manipulative) relationships, dark academia and the underpinnings of elitism, teen angst and drama! It is utter chaos at times and exactly as the author has stated, “reads like a fever dream.”

The story is told from Veaer’s point of view, and while she might not be an unreliable narrator, the inner workings of her mind will take you to some interesting places and sometimes it’s hard to know what’s real and what’s not. Elise…well she’s a bit of a loose cannon too, but she is also cunning and manipulative. And let’s just say…there was not a single point in the story where I actually trusted her. Tychon is a ghost for most of the story and he’s probably my favorite - a trans tarot reader studying religion and mythology. He remains somewhat a mystery through the book, being dead and all, but he was a fascinating character and I loved watching his paranormal interactions. Haiwrin seemed to be the most level headed of all of them. And while I really liked Adair…I still have some mixed feelings on that one. Harq intrigued me and I both liked and didn’t like him. Izot I mostly didn’t like, but he may have slightly redeemed himself. He’s still an entitled rich boy though. Long story short - there were no characters that I absolutely LOVED and none that I fully trusted either.

I liked the way that Li shifted between the past and present, filling in pieces of the backstory that led to the sheer madness that the story begins with. I also loved the religious (and maybe somewhat antireligious) themes in the book - angels, idol worship, rebirth, transformation, and ascension. 

Whatever you expect this book to be…throw it out! There were times I was utterly confused while reading and, not gonna lie, did feel like I was in some kind of fever dream. At the end of the book I was still trying to untangle the complicated web of relationships and figure out exactly what went down and who did what and why. There were so many twists and turns and secrets revealed that it was hard to keep track of it all!

Was this book everything I hoped it would be? Not quite. The writing style was not my favorite and was confusing at times. It’s hard to tell, though, whether the writing itself wasn’t great or if the writing was intentional to give it that “fever dream” quality. I think those vibes could have been achieved other ways, but we were inside Veaer’s mind… All that being said, bizarre and tangled and chaotic as this story was, I did still enjoy reading it. 

 I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op. 

🏳️‍🌈Rep: Lesbian MC & LI; Gay, Bi/Pan, Trans & Nonbinary SCs; Cane User (SC)

📝Genre/Tropes/Themes: New Adult, Dark Academia, Fantasy, Thriller, Purple Gothic Prose, Morally Gray Characters, Trans Angels, Murder Lesbians, Occult and Rituals, Idol Worship, Paranormal, Secret Societies, Tragedy, Obsessive Relationships 
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Cinder Ella by S.T. Lynn

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fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • 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

I absolutely love the idea of a trans Cinderella! It just seems like a perfect way to retell this rather problematic fairy tale. I was really hoping to see this story transformed and filled with trans joy, but that isn’t quite what I got. I knew going into this that it was obviously not going to be all sunshine and rainbows. I mean…it’s Cinderella. Evil stepmother and stepsisters are kind of part of the deal. But I felt like more of the focus was on the transphobia from her step family than on her trans joy which is what I was wanting. And then in the midst of all the hardship and turmoil, some parts felt a little too easy and at times even contradicting. The other issue was that I couldn’t tell what time period the story was taking place in. At times it felt like it was supposed to be more historical and at other times contemporary, which made it difficult to fully immerse myself in the world. I did enjoy the story. It was a quick read with a unique twist on the Cinderella story. It just didn’t wow me and fell a little short of what I was hoping for from a trans Cinderella retelling.

🏳️‍🌈Rep: Black Trans FMC, Sapphic LI (note: author is not black)

📝Tropes/Themes: Young Adult, Fantasy, Sapphic Romance, Fairy Tale Retelling 
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Too Bright to See by Kyle Lukoff

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emotional hopeful mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

 Most people tend to have a moment, a person, an experience…something that helped them on their journey of discovering their identity as a queer/trans* person. Sometimes it’s lots of individual pieces that eventually come together and reveal something to you that you hadn’t seen before. Sometimes it’s more of a light bulb moment when everything just suddenly makes sense in a way it hadn’t before. In Bug’s case, that help came in the most unexpected of ways - through the paranormal. 

Bug’s house had always been haunted. But suddenly, following the death of Bug’s beloved uncle, new things begin happening. And they all seem focused on Bug. And while Bug’s best friend Moira is focused on preparing for middle school, make-up, shopping, boys, and other things that Bug has no interest in…Bug is focused on figuring out what message Uncle Roderick is trying to send. I don’t want to say a lot about the story details because it’s hard not to do it without spoilers. I want other readers to be able to experience the journey alongside Bug, so I’ll keep my review to general thoughts and my reaction/feelings.

There are two main themes woven through this story - grief and identity. The loss of Roderick hit hard on their family. Especially Bug’s mom, but also on Bug. Throughout the story you get little snippets of the past and you learn more about Roderick and Bug’s relationship. And as Bug begins to put together all the pieces of the past with all the coded messages from Roderick’s ghost, new questions arise that send Bug on two distinct yet connected journeys: to find out what Roderick is trying to tell them and to figure out who the real Bug is. It’s a story about friendship, growing up, and finding yourself with a fun cozy mystery/paranormal twist that ultimately leads to a beautiful story about trans* joy. And it’s a reminder that even when you grow up in a supportive and progressive family, it can still be hard to find the answers you need and share your truth. Because being vulnerable like that is always a little scary, even when there aren’t ghosts involved.

🏳️‍🌈Rep: Trans MC, Gay uncle (SC)

📝Genre/Themes: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Paranormal, Coming of Age, Coming Out, Small Town Vermont, Single Parent, Friendship
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The Tea Dragon Tapestry by K. O'Neill

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inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Throat by Ellen van Neerven

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emotional reflective fast-paced

3.5

Cover Story by Rachel Lacey

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emotional hopeful 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

5.0

A fake dating celebrity/bodyguard romance written by one of my favorite authors - what’s not to love?! After reading Stars Collide, which was absolutely wonderful, I was very excited to find out Taylor the bodyguard would be getting her own spinoff. And Rachel Lacey did not disappoint with this one! I loved the organic and palpable chemistry between these two. The desire and attraction was there from the beginning, but it was far from romantic. In fact, it was a bit clumsy and awkward which made it even better! Cause seriously…imagine walking the red carpet with someone you just met and pretending to be dating. 😳 But the sapphic pining. The “should we, shouldn’t we”. The growing emotional connection. The building sexual tension. And once that fire heats up…oh damn! THE CLOSET SCENE!!! 🥵🫠 ::swoon:: IYKYK! Natalie and Taylor, along with the adorable boxers, Luna and Orion, and rescue kitty Cassie, stole my heart! And if you love grand gestures…just you wait! 

Natalie’s story was told with such care and compassion. Her trauma from being stalked and abducted by a fan and the sense of safety that experience stole from her, leaving her in a constant state of alertness, always looking over her shoulder and being overcome with fear nearly 24/7. Plus the loss of her mom at a young age and being raised by an inattentive aunt and uncle who never seemed to truly care for her, let alone love her. Failed relationships. Layers of life experiences that make it nearly impossible for her to let anyone into her world, let alone her heart. Rachel captured her journey through trauma and toward healing beautifully in these pages. I could feel her fear, her sadness. Her healing, much like the embers of desire between her and Taylor, took awhile to really ignite - but it was so worth it! And so powerful to witness.

Taylor also had her own struggles. After a fall and injury to her back she is finally ready to go back to active duty. Even though (secretly) her back isn’t quite ready yet. But between her career in the army and her career as a bodyguard, it’s all she knows. And watching her battle all this on her own was heartbreaking. I know what it’s like when so much of your identity is wrapped in your career and then you lose that part of you. It feels like losing yourself. Which is why Taylor minimizes her pain and fights through. She doesn’t know who she would be without this part of her. 

I love a good “I never felt safe until I met you” kind of story. And if you love them like I do then you will love Cover Story. This element of the story is part of why I found Nat and Taylor’s relationship to be so authentic and their connection real. Nat had top of the line security and a bodyguard already. It wasn’t just having a bodyguard that had her suddenly finding a sense of safety she never thought she would. It was Taylor’s specific kind of care, attentiveness, and protection. It was simply Taylor.

I also love how Rachel wove elements of suspense and mystery into the novel. It took the celebrity, fake dating tropes and elevated them into something new and different. It was intriguing and kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish! I also love Rachel’s intentionality in creating a diverse cast of characters with her books. There were so many amazing and lovable side characters - Jeremy, Ali, Tommy, Taylor’s parents! There was truly not a single character I didn’t like (well except for the stalker of course). Add to all that the astronomy pieces and aptly named pets, a backyard observatory, and stolen moments under the stars…this book contained a whole galaxy!

Basically….I love Rachel Lacey. I love this book. And I highly recommend it! Go read it and then check out her backlist titles too! 

🏳️‍🌈Rep: Lesbian MCs, Veteran MC; Gay, Chinese, Black, & Latine SCs, Disabled SC

📝Tropes/Themes: Fake Relationship, Celebrity Romance,  Star Gazing, Bodyguard/Actress, Forced Proximity, Slow Burn, California, Movie Set, Trauma & Healing, Adorable Dogs/Kitten
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A Fractured & Luminous Soul: A Poetry Collection by Lauren Eve, Lauren Eve

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emotional reflective fast-paced

5.0

Zara Hossain Is Here by Sabina Khan

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challenging emotional hopeful inspiring tense 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? No

4.0

 This was an amazing story that covers some pretty heavy and intense topics in a (for the most part) delicate way, without too much sugar coating or downplaying - racism, xenophobia, immigration, and gun violence to name the big ones. It’s the story of Zara, a bisexual, Muslim, Pakistani immigrant in Texas, as she navigates being a teen and growing up while being othered and dehumanized, all while she and her family deal with immigration red tape bureaucracy and the fate of their ability to stay in the country hangs in the balance. 

With all the intense topics that this story touches on, including homophobia, I love that Zara’s parents are not one of the sources. They are supportive and love and defend her and it made my heart so happy to see that. Zara has a close relationship with her parents as well as her two best friends and with all the bad things that were happening to Zara and her family, it was great to have so much love and support and goodness written into the story through these relationships. And I of course have to mention the adorable rescue dog, Zoro! 

At times it felt like Khan tried to pack too much into the book, and some parts felt rushed and too easily resolved. But overall it was an enjoyable story and I recommend checking it out. The narrator, Richa Moorjani, did a great job bringing this story to life! 

While this story did have a sapphic romance subplot, it is not a romance. This story is a coming of age novel about family and friendship, standing strong and remaining hopeful in the face of hatred.

🏳️‍🌈Rep: MC is a Bisexual, Muslim, Pakistani immigrant; LI is a white lesbian; several POC and queer SCs

📝Tropes/Themes: Young Adult, High School, Friendship, Family Relationships, Catholic School, Immigration, Coming of Age, Racism, Social Justice, Cute Rescue Dog
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Miss Meteor by Anna-Marie McLemore, Tehlor Kay Mejia

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emotional funny 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

5.0