Freak Show by James St. James

 

To continue with my Pride Month Reads, which showcases LGBTQ books and themes. I just wanted to bring some attention to some young adult books that I read. So this will dictated to those teens and young adults, who even in such an open world still feels rejection, unloved ,and unseen. I want you to know that you are seen, you are loved, and most of all you are accepted.

Synopsis:

Billy Bloom is gay, but it's mostly theoretical, as he hasn't had much experience. When he has to move to Florida, he can't believe his bad luck. His new school is a mix of bible belles, amber zombies, and football heroes -- none of which are exactly his type.

Billy's efforts to fit in and stand out at the same time are both hilarious and heart warming. In this novel from adult author and media personality James St. James, readers are in for a wild ride as he tells Billy's fascinating story of bravado, pain, and unexpected love, inspired by his own experiences.

Love it!!! I definitely loved every moment of this. Freak show reminded me of my friends and I in high school living our blessed POC cis and queer lives. There were moments when I was like " Oh! I did the same thing!" Ha!. And being in drama did not help because everything and everywhere is a stage. This book brought me so much joy and laughter.

And as always Happy Reading!!!

HAPPY JUNETEENTH

 

Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”) marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth honors the end to slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday. And is consider the African American Independence Day. We celebrate in remembrance of those who did not get to see this day. 

Second-Story Man by Robert P. Rowe

      A really good read. Funny, heart warming, heart breaking, and amazingly heartfelt story. That just worms itself into your soul and doesn't let go. I loved Carlos!! He was just everything!!*sighs* And Michael was a sweet guy. He seemed the strong quiet type but also emotionally damaged; in some ways, they both were.

Synopsis: Offering a would-be thief a second chance is risky—especially when he could steal your heart.

Carlos had it all: a good-paying construction job, a truck, a rental house and his girl. Then he lost his job and everything else along with it. Desperate, he turns to crime—only to fail in his first attempt when he accidentally climbs into the wrong window. Carlos has to rethink his life when his victim becomes his only friend.

Michael has lost too many times in love. Prince Charming won’t be knocking at his door, with its do-not-disturb sign permanently in place, when fate finds Carlos climbing into his window. Michael’s compassion for this down-and-out lost soul turns to friendship. But Michael can’t allow things to go any further and still feel safe from heartbreak.

There are no accidents, and the second-story man discovers that in life and love there can be a second story.

It was an amazing story to read.

Hope you enjoy it, too.

And as always Happy Reading!!

Acrobat by Mary Calmes

Synopsis: Forty-five-year-old English professor Nathan Qells is very good at making people feel important. What he’s not very good at is sticking around afterward. He’s a nice guy; he just doesn’t feel things the way other people do. So even after all the time he’s spent taking care of Michael, the kid across the hall, he doesn’t realize that Michael’s mob muscle uncle and guardian, Andreo Fiore, has slowly been falling in love with him.

Dreo has bigger problems than getting Nate to see him as a potential partner. He’s raising his nephew, trying to leave his unsavory job, and starting his own business, a process made infinitely more difficult when a series of hits takes out some key underworld players. Still, Dreo is determined to build a life he can be proud of—a life with Nate as a cornerstone. A life that is starting to look like exactly what Nate has been looking for. Unfortunately for Dreo—and for Nate—the last hits were just part of a major reorganization, and Dreo’s obvious love for Nate has made him a target too. 

Ugh!!!!!! Why did it have to end!! I know why, but why?! It was so good!!!! It's funny and witty. So sweet and filled with amazing depth. I loved Nate, he was everything. His character made the story. It's like, without him, the story would have fell flat. 

Thanks Mary Calmes for another great read.

And as always Happy Reading!!😎

Second Chances (Second Chances #1) by T.A. Webb

    

“He softened and looked at me. “Oh, yeah, I met the right man, all right. A fucking miracle. An angel here on earth.” His voice was soft as cotton and his eyes shone like diamonds. What could I say to that?”

       I fell in love with this one. Omg I loved every main, supporting, and minor characters. I wish Mark was my bestfriend. He is so amazingly amazing in his simplicity that's it's down right beautiful. I cried, laughed, smiled, and simply wished I could live in this book's amazing world.

“My love. My life. My husband. It’s been my great honor to love you and I only hope I was worthy of it.”

I think what I loved the most( And there's a lot about this book,i loved.) is how realistic every character , every emotion, and every triumph felt. I lived when I read this. And even now just writing this review.  I'm still in awe. And the ending, oh my God, the ending was one the best I read. Just a perfect ending. I just wish there was more. I didn't want it to end.

“Don’t fucking leave me. Don’t break my heart.”

And that Ladies and Gents, that was Second Chances....Simply Beautiful.

And as always, Happy Reading!!

HAPPY PRIDE MONTH

 

    

Its pride month where we celebrate those who are unapologetically themselves. A time to show appreciation, love, and support. So this month, ive decided to show my appreciated and pride through my favorite lgbt reads. 

And as always Happy Reading!!!

Lone Wolf by Diana Palmer; Rebecca Zanetti; Kate Pearce

   

   The entire reason I wanted this book was to read Diana Palmer’s story. She is one of my favorite authors and there really isn’t anything I have read by her or feel she can't write. But the other two authors surprised me. Kate Pearce and Rebecca Zanetti their stories was able to pull and keep in. My first book by both of them. 

 Description from book:

Loyal as a wolf--and just as strong and untamed--three solitary heroes are about to meet their perfect partners, in this thrilling collection from a trio of New York Times bestselling authors...

COLORADO COWBOY by DIANA PALMER

Fleeing her mother's killer, Esther Marist ends up at a rugged stranger's cabin. A wildlife rehabilitator with a menagerie that includes an elderly wolf, Matthews isn't the type to turn any creature away. As Esther heals, she realizes how much danger she's brought to his door--and how far he'll go to protect her.

THE WOLF ON HER DOORSTEP by KATE PEARCE

Beth Baker senses her grumpy summer tenant must be in trouble when his pet wolf shows up at her door, demanding she follow. Conner O'Neil, solitary and stubborn, doesn't want Beth's help--but only he can show her how to trust again.

RESCUE: COWBOY STYLE by REBECCA ZANETTI

Trent Logan has his ranch, his friends, and his wolf, and that's more than enough--until a shivering city girl runs into the Cattle Club to escape a Wyoming storm. Her eyes hold a world of secrets, and he'll have to face the demons of his own past in order to save them both.

 

The stories in this anthology feature animal wolves, males who are wounded warriors, and women who just need a safe to place to heal. They are wonderful stories. I adore how the love that develops are a perfect contrast to the danger and fascinating men.

 

 

And as always Happy Reading!!!

Ghost Mountain Wolf Shifters Series

                                        

Last March, at the beginning of all this CoVid situation, when the world felt so small and scary, I discovered Ms. Audrey Faye's Ghost Mountain Wolf Shifters Series. I read Alpha and discovered a writer who made the world seem a little bigger than our problems. I will admit it made me cry but it also made me laugh, smile, and be. Through out 2020, I read her series over and over. It was one of the few books I just kept gravitating to. And every time, it gave me the same feelings, I've had from the very beginning. 7 books from the series, watching/reading as these characters grow and build and create a sense of community has in stilled a bit of happiness in my life. It one of those books that just take you through the human experience while also being a paranormal one, too.

I hope you get to enjoy it as much as I have.

And as always Happy Reading!!

Dee