Pride Prose Reviews ~ June 2025

Hello everyone!

Here's where you'll be logging your pages and posting your reviews for Queer themed books. If you log 500 pages of Queer themed fiction, you are eligible for the Pride Prose Challenge Badge!

Only books read from June 1, 2025 to June 30, 2025 will count.

Post your reviews following this template:

• Book (or FF) Title and Author
  
• Page Count (Use Amazon page counts and for FFs use word count divided by 300)
  
• Review (can be short but it has to highlight how the book/ FF related to the LGBTQAI+ theme.
• Quotes from the book (a minimum of 2 quotes)

You can include a star rating, format, additional information about the book etc if you wish to but it's not mandatory. For online fiction and FFs, please provide a link (do not post the link here, you can PM me or your team's captain or add it to the excel sheet)

Everyone is welcome to participate, even if you are not part of June's Reading Challenge.

For those who are participating in the Reading Challenge, note that these page counts will count towards your totals and also your team totals so make sure you include the log in both.

Please NO CHATTING on this thread. If you wish to discuss a book or a review, please do so in your team thread or in the main Reading Challenge thread. Keep this thread clutter-free so it's easy for us to verify badge eligibility.

Make ONLY ONE post and keep editing your post to add more reviews/ pages.

Please update your Pride Prose Challenge logs in the excel sheet below (make sure you choose the appropriate sheet)

DNF pages are allowed provided you complete at least 60 pages in the book or 25% of the book, whichever is more. You will still need to write an LGBTQ+ themed review and include 2 quotes.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1z8Y_73276JpdrHM7p0MfukA5Xu_LyQ3Hlsj6rh2rYIU/edit?usp=sharing

If you have any questions please ask on the main June 2025 Reading Challenge thread! Thank you!

minakrish’s page logs:

1) Book (or FF) Title and Author: Animarum Auream by Slytheremm

Page Count: 733 pages [219,816 divided by 300]

Review:
I just finished reading this for the second time and honestly? I still can’t get over how good it is. The pureblood Hermione twist paired with a Dramione soulmate bond had me hooked all over again. But the real surprise star? Theodore Nott. Flamboyant, sassy, and an absolute scene-stealer. Pairing him with Harry Potter was a stroke of genius. Their dynamic was adorable, electric, and surprisingly heartfelt. Another special mention to Sirius Black & Charlie Weasley pairing. Very unique and unexpected. Even on a reread, it felt fresh and left me grinning like an idiot. This fic is definitely one of those rare gems I’ll keep coming back to.

Quotes from the book:

“In my defense, you didn’t see how quickly Hermione got mad...I don’t even know why she’s mad, but she was pacing, and her face was turning that special color of red it gets when Ron does something extraordinarily stupid.”

“I’ll duel you, Theo.” Harry smiled.
“Oh, Sweetheart, Darling, Baby, Light of my life…respectfully, no.”

2) Book (or FF) Title and Author: And They Were Roommates - Page Powars

Page Count: 321 pages

Review:
This was a fun, easy read. The chemistry, the tension, the slow-burn angst… it all just worked. The dynamic between Charlie and Jasper is awkward and tender in all the best ways. A really solid queer romance that hits all the right notes.

Quotes from the book:

"I had many expectations for my second year at Valentine. Win the Critical Junior Poet's Award. Model for Poetic Fortune Digest's Sexiest Poet of the Year. Remain Rank One. But being attracted to my roommate at an all-boys academy was not one of them."

3) Book (or FF) Title and Author: One Last Stop - Casey McQuiston

Page Count: 402 pages

Review:
I didn’t expect this story to hit me the way it did. The blend of romance, time-travel, and figuring life out in your twenties felt oddly real. August and Jane’s story is strange, tender, and full of heart in a way that stays with you.

Quotes from the book:

"The hot water takes twenty minutes to get going, but ten if you're nice."

“Of course I love you. I could go back in time and have a whole life and get old and never see you again, and you would still be it. You were— you are the love of my life.”

“Sometimes the point is to be sad, August. Sometimes you just have to feel it because it deserves to be felt.”

4) Book (or FF) Title and Author: In the Winter Woods - Isabelle Adler

Page Count: 220 pages

Review:
I picked this up expecting a cozy holiday mystery, and it absolutely delivered—with a slow‑burn romance that felt genuine amidst the suspense. Declan’s writer‑block and Curtis’s steady investigation made their chemistry feel real, and Maplewood’s snowy charm pulled me in completely. It’s the perfect blend of mystery and romance.

Quotes from the book:

“A magic as new as a spring blossom and as old as the hills.”

“Oh, you’ve done plenty. But I don’t believe in earning affection. You either inspire it by being the way you are, or you don’t.”

Total Page Count: 1676 pages

June has been a good month for reading!

HB's Pride Log and Reviews

1. Book (or FF) Title and Author

Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba jaigirdar

Page Count (Use Amazon page counts and for FFs use word count divided by 300)

278

Review (can be short but it has to highlight how the book/ FF related to the LGBTQAI+ theme.

I didnt get a chance to finish the book because I got busy this month, but from what I managed to read so far I give this book 3 stars. At the start, I couldnt imagine Hani and Ishu as a couple because they were so different. But they did manage to create an amazing bond and chemistry, and the way Ishu was the more dominant one and always stood up for Hani was amazing, and Hani's loyalty to Ishu as well as her friends, her dilemma was so real! It's hard to decide who I liked more from the 2 of these girls.

Quotes from the book (a minimum of 2 quotes)

I can’t even remember the last time I’ve been into a guy like that. Right now, all men seem overwhelmingly unattractive—except the ones on the Netflix shows I watch. Sometimes I think that maybe I like guys more as a concept than a reality. And girls more as a reality than a concept.

“I mean, like … I don’t want to be too … Muslim. I don’t know where the line is that you cross over to be too much. Once you cross it people start acting like you’re different and weird, and then you’re the outsider.”

“My point, dear sister, is that we all have people who we bend ourselves for the approval of. For you and me, it’s Ammu and Abbu. For Hani, it’s her friends. We all need to fit in, or need to be loved, or need approval. You and Hani aren’t that different, if you think about it.”

2. Book (or FF) Title and Author

God of Fury by Rina Kent

Page Count (Use Amazon page counts and for FFs use word count divided by 300)

522

Review (can be short but it has to highlight how the book/ FF related to the LGBTQAI+ theme.

3 stars - I feel the story took too long to pick up, Nikolai was attracted to Bran since the beginning (he was the more dom one), but it was all physical for like half of the book. Only in the second half did we see what happened with Bran and why he was so insexure. Poor Bran! He had such a terrible life! But by the end, I liked the equation and comfort between the two men. I also liked how they incorporated a chapter with Bran's father Levi's PoV. And even though Lan was an arse, I like the way he protected Bran and helped Niko get justice for his twin.

Quotes from the book (a minimum of 2 quotes)

“I actually found you a perfect nickname. Lotus flower. You know, because you managed to bloom so beautifully while surrounded by the muddy swamp that is Landon. Isn’t that so fcking poetic?”

“I forgive you for pretending not to remember my unforgettable presence.”

“He’s just so elegant.

So fcking beautiful.

The definition of second-best male beauty. The first is me.”

“Even if you hate yourself, I’ll love you for the both of us.”

“What Bran and I do with our relationship has nothing to do with you. Pick up whatever dignity you have left and walk away.”

“His body wasn’t the only thing that hit the ground. My sanity did, too, and it’s still there, floundering in the middle of his blood, choking and unable to come up for air.”

Total = 800 pages

Shirsha's reviews of LGBTQIA+ themed books:

1) A fanfiction of SOTUS about hazing and finding soulmates

• Book (or FF) Title and Author: My Reluctant Soulmate by MimiLuna
• Page Count (Use Amazon page counts and for FFs use word count divided by 300): 19,194/300=64 pages
  
• Review (can be short but it has to highlight how the book/ FF related to the LGBTQAI+ theme

This is a fanfiction of a Thai BL drama named SOTUS. In that show, Arthit and Kongpob were the main characters, and they used to love each other. This fanfiction focuses on the hazing system of an Engineering institute and Kongpob’s rebellion against Arthit. But the writer added new elements such as soulmates, soulmarks, Arthit’s family problems, and Kongpob's obsessive lover. When I read, the memories of SOTUS came back to my mind. I like that show very much. In Thai language, Arthit means sun. So, I liked the reference to sun in the fanfiction. I also liked the reference to pink milk. I liked it when Arthit asked if Kongpob’s parents had a problem with the fact that his soulmate was a guy; he replied, “Soulmates are genderless.” I liked the fact that the author created a world in the story where homosexuality was not considered something strange. I think Kongpob was pansexual in this show, SOTUS. I believe the author of this fanfiction wanted to show him as pansexual too, because he said, "Soulmates are genderless." Arthit was bisexual in the show. The author showed him as a bisexual guy in the story as well. Even though the story is good, the proofreading could have been much better. There are many spelling mistakes and typos throughout the fanfiction.

• Quotes from the book (a minimum of 2 quotes):

"Nice to meet you, P'Arthit... I finally found you... my sun!"

"Dude... no way... your soulmate is the head hazer?"

"Mai and Aim told me that you ran out of there crying. Did I make such a big impression on you?"

"I've been waiting my whole life to find my soulmate... and now that I have him in front of me, I'm not letting go without a fight. So, since you've decided to reject the soulmate system, I have decided to do the same with the SOTUS system. I'm sorry if my methods are upsetting you, P'Arthit... but I'm a man on a mission."

"Pink milk? Asked Kong, once the waitress was gone. That's cute!"

2) A murder mystery novel

• Book (or FF) Title and Author: Murder in Mahim by Jerry Pinto
  
• Page Count (Use Amazon page counts and for FFs use word count divided by 300): 152 (paperback) - DNF
  
• Review (can be short but it has to highlight how the book/ FF related to the LGBTQAI+ theme

I’m very disappointed with the book! I really struggled to finish the book, and finally had to DNF it. I consider it a mediocre book. The story is interesting, but it could have been written and executed in a much better manner. There’s no intriguing twist in the book. There’s no thrill in the book, even though it’s a murder mystery. The book is not fast-paced. A voluntarily retired journalist, Peter, and his friend, a police officer investigate the murder of a young gay guy. It is also shown in the book that some corrupt policemen blackmail gay men to give them money. This book shows how some people exploit gay men because of their sexual orientation. The book also focuses on the emotional turmoil of a man who has found that his son is gay. I never thought I would have to DNF this book. This is the first book that I DNFed in the reading challenge. This one isn’t my type of book. If this book were written in a better manner, it could have become a very good book.

• Quotes from the book (a minimum of 2 quotes):

"Gay activist Sunil Fernandes leads protests at Maheshwari Udyan against the Supreme Court's verdict yesterday which the Delhi High Court's judgement reading down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code..."

"My son is gay. My wife is sad about it. I am sad too. Am I sad because my wife is sad? Or am I sad because I don't want to have a gay son?"

"They were people and they came in all stripes and colours and political persuasions. He had liked some and disliked some and he had thought that this meant he was not homophobic even if he himself was not interested."

"What if he were gay and had been interested in this young man? How was that different from the old men who walked around with their young wives? Why should they be mocked? Was this all the civilization amounted to? That we were all so stuck in a certain way of looking at sex and age and class that anything outside it may be reviled openly?"

"He supported the idea of gay rights in general but what they must endure on a daily basis had never concerned him."

3) A romantic novel

• Book (or FF) Title and Author: The Henna Wars by Abida Jaigirdar
  
• Page Count (Use Amazon page counts and for FFs use word count divided by 300): 224 pages (paperback) - incomplete
  
• Review (can be short but it has to highlight how the book/ FF related to the LGBTQAI+ theme.

The Henna Wars deals with the themes of homophobia and racism. I think the writing style of the author is good, but the story is ordinary. So, I didn’t feel interested in knowing what would happen next. The protagonist, Nishat, is a lesbian, and she decided to tell her parents at the very beginning of the book. I like the inner monologues of Nishat when she decides to reveal her sexual orientation to her parents. But I thought it was strange that she was searching the Bengali translation of the word, lesbianbefore the revelation. They live in Ireland, and Nishat’s parents most of the time in English. So, it seemed unbelievable to me that they might not know this English word, lesbian. Nishat had a crush on a Brazilian girl named Flavia. Flavia seemed to be a nice and friendly girl. I liked the names, Nishat and Flavia. Both of the names are beautiful. I like the relationship between Nishat and her sister, Priti. Priti always provided Nishat with emotional support and never judged her for her sexual orientation. Chyna is a really mean girl! I didn’t like what she said about Indian food. I also absolutely disliked that she spread rumours about Nishat and her family. I liked the use of Bengali words in the book because I’m a Bengali myself. The book gave me the vibe Bollywood movie. I’ve nothing against Bollywood movies. I think many Bollywood movies are good. It’s just that this book seemed similar to a Bollywood movie to me.

• Quotes from the book (a minimum of 2 quotes)

"I've never thought of my parents as traditionalists before this. I'd seen them as pioneers, people who made things happen even when those things might seem impossible."

"I try to think back to every movie, TV show, and book that I've ever seen or read with gay protagonists. Even gay side characters. Each coming out was tragically painful. And there were all white!"

"After all, it's not just Bengali relationships that are complicated, is it? It's this weird, suffocating culture that tells us exactly who or what we should be. That leaves no room to be anything else."

"I would laugh if this weren't such a ridiculous claim. Because of course Muslims can be gay. How can anyone even think otherwise? The two aren't mutually exclusive. I am living, breathing proof."

"Nishat can be anything she wants to be, except herself."

4) A children's horror novel

• Book (or FF) Title and Author: Too Bright to See by Kyle Lukoff
  
• Page Count (Use Amazon page counts and for FFs use word count divided by 300): 192 pages (ebook)
  
• Review (can be short but it has to highlight how the book/ FF related to the LGBTQAI+ theme.

Too Bright to See is an interesting novel. I liked this book very much. Even though it’s a ghost story, it’s not scary at all. The book revolves around the theme of gender dysphoria. The protagonist, Bug was a transgender boy, and his uncle’s ghost helped him understand his gender identity. Bug was born as a girl, and he never felt like one. His uncle was gay when he was alive, so his ghost understood Bug well in the story. I liked the fact that Bug’s mother is very supportive and starts calling him ‘boy’. I also liked how the principal of the school and Bug’s kids accept him and make him feel comfortable. I liked how the author captured Bug’s emotions beautifully in the book.

• Quotes from the book (a minimum of 2 quotes)

"What do I think, I ask myself. I breathe in deep and blow it out, trying to calm the swirly feeling in my gut. I look good. I look like not me."

"I know I'm a girl and all, but I've never thought of myself like that."

"Trying to picture myself as a teenage girl is like staring at the sun, too bright to see, and it hurts."

"I look like a real girl. But my head still feels the same. like myself."

"He tells me I look handsome. And I remember a glow deep inside my chest, like he was right, like he saw who I was going to be."

"A lot of trans people telling their stories talked more about a general feeling of not-rightness. Like people looking at you through a frosted glass window, guessing at what they were seeing."

"I see a boy in the mirror. I see myself in the mirror. Every other time I've looked in the mirror, I've seen a girl and not seen myself. I've always thought it was a ghost. Or a trick. But there he is. There I am."

"No matter what her response is, just saying it makes me feel powerful. Awake. Like everything before this has been a dream that I'm just waking up from."

Total number of pages = 632 pages

ssttuuttii Page Log for June 2025 - Pride theme - 559 pages

• Book (or FF) Title and Author : Jabberwocky - applepride 💚💚💚💚
  
• Page Count : 78
  
• Review : A Parkner angst fest with secret identity reveals. The story is wonderfully interwoven with flashbacks that lets us understand the current predicament even better. I admit to having shed a few tears with the way Peter's feelings are laid out. The only reason this is not a five star is because of the ending (the author had clearly tagged "ambiguous/open ending" so it's not their fault). Still, if there is ever a part two, I'll be waiting for it.
• Pride theme - The two main characters (Peter Parker / Harley Keener) are in a gay relationship. But what I find the most beautiful aspect is that none of the characters in the entire story ever questions or derides it... it is seen as naturally as any other hetero relationship. While fics that highlight the struggles of LGBTQIA+ community are good eye-openers, sometimes just reading something fluffy (or angsty) and "normal" is equally fun.
• Quotes from the book : The sheer heartbreak that these two quotes show in juxtaposition to each other

But the dinner is nice, May talks about her day and Harley comments on a few different aspects. They work together like a well oiled clock, despite having only met a handful of times, and warmth floods Peter’s chest.

His heart is full, and it's the first truly good day he’s had in a while.

All the way, he was thinking of owning impossible pets with Harley, the bandersnatch and jabberwocky, a fox or a serval.

When he felt vibrations in the ground, hearing the sound of a screeching growl, his mind was somehow still among the clouds when he first caught sight of the creature.

All he could think of as a title was Jabberwocky , and somehow his sweet syrupy thoughts fell through the floor as the battle progressed. It turned into the first really bad day in a while, and he no longer could think of harboring such a thing.

• Book (or FF) Title and Author :

Who Needs Peter Parker Anyway? - mauvera ❤️❤️❤️❤️
One Hell Of A Distraction - mauvera 🤎🤎1/2
An Unconventional Holiday Romance - mauvera 🧡🧡🧡1/2

• Page Count : 96
  
• Review :

"Who Needs Peter Parker Anyway?" - A Parkner meet-cute that further explores their budding frienship and romance between having secret identities and superhero mentors.
"One Hell Of A Distraction" - Just a short one where Parkner realize each other's feelings after having acted upon them first.
"An Unconventional Holiday Romance" - A slow burn that tempts and tantalizes you while delivering on what it promises - a christmas flavored romance.

Pride theme - All 3 stories are fluffy and cute rom-coms between a gay couple - Peter Parker / Harley Keener.

• Quotes from the book : Taking one quote each from two of the three mentioned FFs.

Out? On a date? Did Tony Stark just set him up on a date? Did that just happen?!

“Oh yeah!” Peter chirped, looking earnestly at Harley, “I’d love to hang out.”

Oh… right. Friends are a thing.

- Who Needs Peter Parker Anyway?

“Aw, don't look at me like that Princess. You were out and I needed something else to do.”

“So does that mean you were planning to do me?”

- An Unconventional Holiday Romance

• Book (or FF) Title and Author : the wide smile, the low-down glow - miniature_pineapples 💜💜1/2
  
• Page Count : 80
  
• Review : SpideyTorch FF with too much smut and too little story. While the setting of the fic during the period where Johnny is depressed meant that it would be a slow burn (emotionally), the overall progress was still not satisfactory for me.
  Pride theme - A mature gay love story that explores the themes of grief, loss and learning to let people in again.
• Quotes from the book :

Johnny sighs. “I can take care of myself just fine.”

Peter takes Johnny’s hand. “Maybe I need this,” he says, getting up. “Ever thought about that?”

“No,” Johnny says honestly.

Johnny smiles at him helplessly. “My family is what made it worth living,” he says. “Without them… being a superhero, all of the parties and the glamor, even this building — it’s all meaningless.”

• Book (or FF) Title and Author :

the spider-man she was interested in wasn't a man at all - miniature_pineapples ❤️❤️❤️1/2
why does spider-man call uncle johnny babygirl? and other pressing questions - miniature_pineapples 🩷🩷🩷1/2
peter parker's many, many issues - miniature_pineapples 💖💖1/2

• Page Count : 66
  
• Review :

"the spider-man she was interested in wasn't a man at all" - A change of pace for me since I don't usually read genderbent characters but having read the author's other works, I decided to give it a try and wasn't disappointed. The lesbian love story between SpideyTorch borrows heavily from comic moments but twists them to fit the narrative. Overall fun and enjoyable.
"why does spider-man call uncle johnny babygirl? and other pressing questions" - A short and funny SpideyTorch OS that had a surpringly emotional moment near the end. The so called scientific approach by Peter and his list about Johnny from comic canon added a special touch to this one.
"peter parker's many, many issues" - A short and funny one that could have been better if it wasn't so hurried or disjointed.

Pride theme - All 3 stories are rom-coms between a between a lesbian/gay couple - Spider-man / Human Torch.

• Quotes from the book : Taking one quote each from two of the three mentioned FFs.

...And you could add artificial gravity to any environment.”

“What if I wanted to make someone more attracted to me?” Johnnie joked.

Petra grinned at her. “That would depend on how dense you really are.”

“Actually,” Reed said, “with this process, density isn’t a factor — nevermind.”

- the spider-man she was interested in wasn't a man at all

“It’s this,” Johnny says, shaking the bundle of red fabric at him. “Your name is special, okay?”

“Uh,” Peter says. “It’s a pretty common name, actua — ”

“But I didn’t know what it was!” Johnny exclaims. “For the longest time, I didn’t know. It could have been anything — you could have been anyone! — but then it was you, because of course it had to be you.”

- why does spider-man call uncle johnny babygirl? and other pressing questions

• Book (or FF) Title and Author :

'Wonderful Tonight' is their wedding song - misanopia 💙💙💙
With one condition - misanopia 💚💚💚 1/2
What's with these homies who be dissin' my boy - misanopia 💛💛

• Page Count : 66
  
• Review :

"'Wonderful Tonight' is their wedding song"... A story told through the setting of weddings, where Peter and Johnny keep meeting each other and eventually start going as plus one to the point where... of course, it is their own wedding! The premise was fairly interesting but the execution could have been a little better. Warning - smut
"With one condition" - A really funny psychological experiment that turns SpideyTorch into an official couple. The slightly serious talk in the end caught me by surprise but quickly turned into humor again, as is expected from both the guys in question. The idea behind the fic deserves a shoutout! Warning - smut
"What's with these homies who be dissin' my boy"... A short OS about Human Torch getting some public support, but Peter's outburst felt too OOC for me to digest.
Pride theme - All 3 are love stories between a gay couple - Spider-man / Human Torch.

• Quotes from the book : Taking one quote each from two of the three mentioned FFs.

“Don’t look at me like that.”

“How am I looking at you?” Peter asked, his voice suddenly soft, reverent.

Johnny didn’t lift his head. He didn’t need to. “Like I look at you.”

- 'Wonderful Tonight' is their wedding song

Peter grabbed his head like the realization physically hurt. “I can’t believe I’ve been psychologically trained by Johnny Storm. I have degrees, Johnny. I read books.”

“And yet here we are,” Johnny said, smug and fond as hell, tossing Peter a Reese's from the nightstand.

- With one condition

• Book (or FF) Title and Author : The Sassy Intern and Spider-Man: Far From Peace (With Great Power Comes Great Sarcasm) - ClosetParleyScorbuss ❤️❤️ 1/2
  
• Page Count : 111
  
• Review :

A Parkner slow burn that is reaaallly slow in the beginning (you could easily skip the first couple of chapters without missing anything) and the humor gets boring and repetituve very quickly. The later chapters compensate a bit as they are better written and show some plot advancement. The author is planning to re-write the earlier chapters so I might read it again after the edits and see if the rating needs to change.
Pride theme - It's a gay love story between Peter Parker and Harley Keener using some cliche romantic tropes (Opposites attract, Enemies to Lovers, etc) and it's fun to read these tropes with the flavor of Pride.

• Quotes from the book :

Harley couldn’t shake the feeling that Peter was trying too hard to be the nice guy. It was almost like he was playing a part—a character designed to win everyone over. On the other hand, Harley preferred to be straightforward and honest, even if it made him come off as blunt or arrogant.

The banter continued, with Harley’s sarcastic jabs and Peter’s earnest replies creating a strange, almost comedic dynamic.

“Right,” Harley muttered, turning his attention back to his work. “Bet Stark loves having a little puppy following him around.”

Peter felt the sting of the jab but forced a smile. “I’m more of a cat person, actually. But, hey, if you ever need a hand, I’m around.”

• Book (or FF) Title and Author :
  

A Not So Quiet Christmas - wensbat 💙💙
No hay nada mejor que casa [chp 1] - misanopia 💜💜💜💜
Teenagers Scare The Living Sh*t Out of Me - reluctantlyryn 🩷🩷🩷1/2
Ankles [chp 7] - reluctantlyryn 💖💖1/2
day drunk into the night, wanna keep you here - evaiswritingg ❤️❤️

• Page Count : 62
  
• Review :

"A Not So Quiet Christmas" - A small SpideyTorch shot about them getting together over Christmas. Didn't like the way the story was handled especially the portrayal of an autistic person.
"No hay nada mejor que casa" - A wonderful start to a SpideyTorch love story with time travel elements. The characterizations are pretty good and make me eager to see what follows. [page count for chp 1]
"Teenagers Scare The Living Sh*t Out of Me" - A hilarious story that picks up from an even funnier moment in comics. Can you blame the fandom for their love of SpideyTorch when the comic writers can't resist it themselves?!
"Ankles" - The initial chapters of this SpideyTorch romance weren't particularly good but the last chp (read this month) improves the story (and rating) slightly [pg count for chp 7]
"day drunk into the night, wanna keep you here" - A Parkner story. The premise seemed a lot different from what the actual fic turned out to be. Seems like a recurring problem with this author and makes me wary of reading their fics in the future.

Pride theme - All 5 are gay love stories.

• Quotes from the book : Taking one quote each from two of the five mentioned FFs.

But the thought crept in anyway, uninvited and unwelcome. If this kid was really a combination of them, then somewhere, some version of himself and Johnny had actually raised her. Had done the whole terrifying, exhausting, infuriating parenting thing together and made it work.

- No hay nada mejor que casa

“Jack, I graded your essay on super-hero team-ups.” Peter started, voice wary.

“Oh sick.” Jack replied. Maybe, Peter thought for a fleeting moment, he’d just turned in the wrong papers.

“It seems to just be a crude fanfic about me and The Human Torch?”

“Yes that’s correct.” Oh okay.

“With illustrative diagrams?” Maybe he hadn’t meant to send those too.

“That’s right.” Cool, cool.

“...Please see me after class.”

- Teenagers Scare The Living Sh*t Out of Me

The fact that the above dialogs are actually from the comics (with the fanfic author adding Peter's thoughts on the conversation) is hysterical

Lizzie ka Pyar bhara panna

#1

• Book (or FF) Title and Author: We could be so good - Cat Sebastian
  
• Page Count : 383 pages (Libby)
  
• Review: Nick is 100% gay, Andy is Bi (and maybe Demi?). They are BFFs and coworkers in a newspaper that Andy's dad owns. And this is set in the late 50s in New York. So you do the math - 50s = McCarthy = a whole lot of homophobia & homosexuality being a crime. Gosh, the setting is what hooked me in - gave Fellow Travelers vibes though this book isn't angsty - thank god for that! Andy's Bi-awakening was interesting to read, but mostly it was about how well and how organically these two fall into a relationship (which isn't all about sex!). Nick seems like the strong alpha one but Andy can hold his own and the way he cares for Nick is so sweet. Overall, a good read, mostly made intriguing because of the setting, however I could have done with more dialogues and banter and less of being in their heads all the time. But I do appreciate the intent behind the writing. It was honestly so scary being queer then in the US and to live like that with constant threat of doom hanging over your heads must have been terrible! It also gives an sad insight on how things are still like for many queers in many countries.
• Quotes from the book: Some of these quotes are quite eye-opening and exactly tell the story of how life was like for queers in the 50s and 60s (Keeping this limited to 2 quotes so the page doesn't become too heavy, rest of the quotes are here

If every queer person starts out feeling defective and ashamed, how many ever find a way to stop?

Yeah being queer isn't exactly easy. Hiding is hard. Knowing what his family thinks of him is hard. But then there's Andy - loving him, and letting Andy love him back, are the easiest things he's ever done.

------------------ ******* --------------------

# 2

• Book (or FF) Title and Author: The Girl in the Glass Case - Devashish Sardana
  
• Page Count : 310 pages (Libby)
  
• Review: I can't say much about this book without giving away the plot, but the books is heavily focused on transgenders. It started out promisingly, with the two serial killers The Dollmaker and The Clipper seemingly pitted against each other but the end, although surprising, did feel like a copout/ deus ex machina - call it what you will. The very end could have been made twistier, but I'm glad the author did not go there. Also, the writing did leave much to be desired. The animal similes were cringe. (walked faster than a snail and slower than a tortoise? ). And the word 'suddenly' was use 70+ times. (I counted ). Overall it felt more like a screenplay for a Bollywood movie or TV show than a book (perhaps they should make it into one). Be warned of fat phobia/ fat shaming and transphobia plus deadnaming. It did have a good build-up though and it kept me engaged throughout.
• Quotes from the book: Again can't put in too many quotes without giving away key plot lines

"What do you mean made him eat the apple? He had a mind of his own, didn't he?"

He had stopped being afraid of the monster under the bed when he realized that there was a very real monster above ground.

In that moment pain felt like an understanding and empathic friend who hugs you and holds you tight even when the people around stare and judge and snicker at your plight.

My chivalrous killer in shining armour (Idk why this made me laugh so much)

-------------------- ******* --------------------

#3

• Book (or FF) Title and Author: A Nobleman's Guide to Seducing a Scoundrel - K.J. Charles
  
• Page Count : 333 pages (Libby)
  
• Review: This was such an odd book. I almost DNFed at 30%, then trudged on because I'd never read an MM historical romance and wanted to see how it ended. It was a mixed bag for sure. The side characters were all terribly boring and some were plain awful. There were too many details and God, these characters talk like they're in a Shakespearan play - they go on long soliloquies that run into pages! But Rufus and Luke were adorable - especially Rufus. And I'm glad the author did not delve into the illegality and forbiddenness of gay romances in those times. It was just accepted all around and no one questioned it. The book was more about other things - Luke learning to let himself be loved and Rufus learning to not give trust where it's not deserved. They complemented each other so well. And the way Luke accommodated Rufus' learning disability is so endearing and thoughtful. Also, what was with those names - Odo, Fulk and Berengaria? No wonder the Conrads were the villains - who would give their kids such names?
• Quotes (For more quotes go here)

"You've done your best by so many people, and you ought not always be thinking what people want who never give a damn what you want."

Luke. Luke, his apocalypse. Half of Rufus wanted to shake him till his teeth rattled; the other half to hold him close and tell him it was all right, he was forgiven, he was wanted, he belonged. Rufus had no idea which course of action would be better. Maybe he should do both.

-------------------- ******* --------------------

#4

• Book (or FF) Title and Author: God of Fury - Rina Kent
• Page Count : 522 pages (ebook)
  
• Review: Another book that evokes mixed reactions. I wanted to like it since the Bi/ Ace/ Demi representation is actually well done and you don't get enough Ace representation in books. However, the plot was half-baked and in a bid to spice it up (with too many unnecessary smut scenes), the author gave up on character development which is a crying shame because both Niko and Brandon are interesting characters, especially Brandon. Also, Bran's self-loathing and self-harm could have used more build-up. Not minimizing his trauma, but just saying. Niko being morally gray was again not that much of a shock. It did have its moments, the chemistry in the initial moments was quite well-written and the author does a good job of getting into these characters' heads. I especially enjoyed the chapters in Levi's (Bran's dad) PoV, he's hilarious and also such a good dad!
  

• Quotes: (More quotes)

“Society’s perception of normal is a learned concept. It’s an opinion that was passed down through generations until it eventually became a tradition. It’s rooted in people’s minds because it’s been taught for a long time, but fundamentally, it’s just an opinion. It means nothing just because people conform to it. You being different is f**king fantastic, son. You’ve risen above their sheep mentality and you can choose to be proud of your difference instead of hating it."

“Even if you hate yourself, I’ll love you for the both of us”

-------------------- ******* --------------------

# 5

• Book (or FF) Title and Author: To catch a firefly - Emmy Sanders
• Page Count : 313 pages (ebook)
  
• Review: Ellis and Lucky - two friends who fall in love at different times and take a while to admit their feelings. This book was so sweet. Ellis was everything even if the eponymous firefly is meant to be Lucky. It's comforting to know one person is always there for you. To be your sun - the center of your universe. Calling you back from wherever you are. Ellis is Lucky's (although he's the moon). Nothing much happened in the story by way of conflict which was, surprisingly, okay. It was still a good read. And people who are different (& gay) also need to have normal, conflict free, sweet love stories without unnecessary drama.
  

• Quotes: (More quotes)

But words, for me, have never been easy. They don’t always come out right, as if having to wade through a bog from my brain to my mouth, and it’s exhausting having to constantly make that journey. People don’t often like to wait for me to get it right, and I’ve learned it’s easier to stay quiet. Besides, the important people understand me anyway.

“But we’re not done,” he says vehemently, stepping into my space. “We’ll never be done. Me and you, we don’t have an ending.”

-------------------- ******* --------------------

#6

• Book (or FF) Title and Author: My calamity Jane - Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, Jodi Meadows
• Page Count : 447 pages (Libby) - continued from May
  
• Review: Continued from May. Idk how i felt about this book - I was bored. I wanted more of Frank and Annie but I also found Annie irritating. Jane was fine, but then there wasn't enough of her romance with Winnie which felt kinda token. I'm not a fan of the cowboy/ western genre so that maybe why I didn't enjoy this much but also the pop culture references went over my head. Also the entire garou (werewolf) hunting sub-plot was boring (it was actually the main plot). I'm glad they addressed the wrongs done to the native American people though.
  

• Quotes:

"Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it. That's my motto."

"Well. I figure if a girl wants to be legend, she should just go ahead and be one."

Jane had never given much thought to changing the world. She'd been too busy surviving it.

It was easier, in almost every situation, she'd found, to be a man.

"Open your eyes, Annie Oakley. Wolves can be good and bad, like anyone else. Most people are both. The world is complicated."

Bill sighed, and he and Frank reluctantly turned over their guns. "What are we supposed to use to save Jane?" Frank hissed. "Harsh language?"

"I do like the part about defying the pantry-arch."

"I know you did the hard work. But we're going to follow the letter of the law."

'Which letter is that?" Jane asked. "I only know a few of them."

-------------------- ******* --------------------

#7

• Book (or FF) Title and Author: Delilah Green doesn't care - Ashley Herring Blake
  
• Page Count : 400 pages (Paperback)
  
• Review: I really wanted to like this book, but it fell kinda flat for me. I could not feel the connection between Claire and Delilah. And they were both (esp Delilah) not very likeable characters. Also for all their harping on about how their relationship wasn't all about sex, it pretty much was. I preferred Iris and even Astrid over these two. Also the fact that Ruby loved Delilah from the get-go was very sus - I mean this woman is rude and kinda a dick to everyone she meets! How does a 11 year old child instantly love her?
• Quotes from the book

If eyes were the window into the soul, Delilah’s had long been shuttered.

But then she moved her arms around Ruby, pressed her cheek to the top of her hair. She exhaled what felt like a decade’s worth of anxiety, and accepted the girl’s love.

“Okay, I’ll give you that Wuthering Heights is the least romantic book in the history of Victorian romances, but Jane Eyre?”

“Is that the one where the douchebag hid his wife away in the attic and then lied about it to the girl he wanted to bang who was, like, half his age?”

Claire winced. “Well, when you put it like that.”

-------------------- ******* --------------------

#8

• Book (or FF) Title and Author: Boyfriend Material - Alexis Hall
  
• Page Count : 431 pages (Libby)
  
• Review: OMG Squeee! I loved this book so so much! Oliver and Luc were everything and it was so heart warming to see how much they stepped up for each other! And the banter is just top tier - it's my romance book kryptonite good banter and this book was spot on on that. Their text messages - omg! And plus it's so so quotable! Luc's friends were hilarious especially the James Royce-Royces and Alex and Rhys - especially Alex and his nitwititude! . The writing is clever and witty and dry like good British humour is and I enjoyed every bit of it. Also Luc's and Oliver's families suck (except Luc's mom - she's Gold!). Easily the best LGBTQ+ themed book I read this month! I'm definitely reading the sequel - Husband material next.
• Quotes from the book: There are so many, I posted them here

Just posting a couple here (Gosh it's so hard to pick!)

I couldn't quite resist checking out the tuxedo-wrapped piece of manhunkery who'd just come in and was asking the receptionist for directions to the CRAPP fundraiser. And then immediately felt guilty because I had a possibly-actually-real boyfriend now. And the confused opposite of guilty when I realised the tuxedo-wrapped piece of manhunkery was my possibly-actually-real boyfriend.

"I'm not going to sit here and argue with you about whether I suck or not. You just keep believing I don't."

"I'll never believe you're anything less than remarkable."

-------------------- ******* --------------------

#9

• Book (or FF) Title and Author: Husband Material - Alexis Hall
  
• Page Count : 423 pages (Libby)
  
• Review: I cannot believe what a let down this book was - I almost began to dislike the characters I loved in Boyfriend material (sidenote: this is why I don't do continuing series, I find the quality of writing & story both dip if you stay with the same characters for too long). Luc was a petty judgmental PoS in this one and Oliver was a whiny, self-indulgent baby and I almost could not stand both of them. And the story is a total rip off of FWAAF right upto the failed wedding so yeah. Even the side characters weren't as funny (but we needed more Alex!) What was funny and endearing in Book now just felt stupid and overdone. There's only so much 'quirky' you can take from a person! Now idk if I want to read Book # 3 at all!
• Quotes from the book: More Quotes go here.

"Naff thing: Your pain matters, even if other people have it worse."

"It's not your job to make being with you convenient for me. Just like it's not my job to make being with me convenient for you."

-------------------- ******* --------------------

Book: The love hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood

Page Count: 372

Review: I suck at writing reviews of books.

This book has been on the to be read list since it went viral on Instagram, but I usually avoid popular books, don't know why! But one day this happened to be there in the store I went, and I just couldn't ignore the beautiful cover of this one, (I did ignore it till last April though).

Adam and Olive are just amazing. Have read multiple books of this trope of fake dating but still it was a refreshing read. Took me five days to finish it but there wasn't even a moment of boredom, it was gripping, beautiful and spicy. I stayed awake to read a book after a long time and that says a lot.

The best friends of the main characters are gay, Malcolm and Holden. They both were funny and cute in their own way, their presence didn't much to the book, but it did a lot to the lives of the main characters. I like the queer characters who are so open about them without any shame. Well, there is nothing to be shameful about.

Quotes from the book:

"If only there were someone in this room who recently started dating Adam's closest friend of nearly three decades," Malcolm near-yelled.

...

"He who laughs at himself never runs out of things to laugh at." Holden popped a bit of fortune cookie in his mouth, blinking at the message inside. "Is that shade?" He looked around, indignant. "Did this fortune cookie just throw shade at me?"

"Sounds like it," Malcolm answered. "Mine says ' Why not treat yourself to a good time instead of waiting for somebody else to do it?' I think my cookie just shaded you, too, babe."

...

missFiesty_69's pride log, June 2025

• Book (or FF) Title and Author
  
• Page Count (Use Amazon page counts and for FFs use word count divided by 300)
  
• Review (can be short but it has to highlight how the book/ FF related to the LGBTQAI+ theme.
• Quotes from the book (a minimum of 2 quotes)

Book title : Only Love for Garrett Leigh

Page Count : 358

Review : Both the MCs are gay. It’s a gay romance between an army veteran and a small-town guy. The story follows them as they navigate life after Jed suffers a serious injury and Max deals with epilepsy. This isn’t a classic love story—it’s the story of two people learning to depend on someone they love. Both are fiercely independent, so it makes sense why it’s so difficult for them. The supporting characters are just as good. A nice read overall! Flo was the star though —absolutely loved the cutie!

Quotes from the book :

“My mum always used to say you couldn't see where you were going until you'd come to terms with where you'd been.”

“There’s no past tense when you lose someone, Jed. You just keep on loving them.”

“The sign of a true friendship is one you can pick up after decades and nothing’s changed.”

-------- ***** --------

Book #2

Book title : Everyday History by Alice Archer

Page Count : 332 pages

Review : A forbidden trope—between a shy, cautious teacher and a happy-go-lucky extrovert student—but the romance is absolutely worth the time invested in reading. The author’s writing is fantastic, nothing short of poetry in prose. (I’m not quite sure how to express it, but it left a mark.) Some books leave an impression that lingers in your mind long after you’ve finished them. Everyday History is one of those books.

Quotes from the book :

“Yes, it was love, I finally admit as I walk away, my body heavy with sadness and the relief of truth. It was love that wrecked me even as it saved me.”

I am nothing more than his safe way to begin. I am Ruben’s starter kit. A short preface that will soon pale when his real story begins. An overture to the symphony he will discover beyond me, after me, without me.

He’ll fly. It’s in his nature to fly. It’s in my nature to germinate.

-------- ***** --------

Book #3

Book title: Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Page Count: 377 pages

Review : I already loved the movie (watched it twice) because the actors bringing the script to life were chef's kiss—but bro, the book ?? On a whole different level. Like, no comparison. Ahh, the experience of reading both of these feisty, chaotic MCs in the book was fantastic. Reading it was a full-on experience. LOVED it! 💙❤️👑

Quotes from the Book :

“History, huh? Bet we could make some.”

“But the truth is, also, simply this: love is indomitable.”

“Someone else’s choice doesn’t change who you are.”

“He called Henry the North Star once. That wasn’t bright enough.”

“Dear Thisbe,

I wish there weren’t a wall.

Love, Pyramus”

“Give yourself away sometimes, sweetheart, There's so much of you.”

“You are the thistle in the tender and sensitive arse crack of my life.”

“Love is a strange thing that could fall apart no matter how badly you wanted it, a choice you make anyway.”

-------- ***** --------

Book #4

Book title : Better Than People by Roan Parrish

Page Count : 256 pages

Review : A beautiful story. It's a slow burn romance where one MC learns to accept care and one MC finding a person who wouldn't judge him. Jack might get on your nerves a bit, given his trust issues but it doesn't matter much in the long run. The animals just enhanced the beauty of the story! It’s a deeply emotional, healing, and it has both my favourite tropes, grumpy/sunshine, found family in it.

Quotes from the Book :

“Don’t make the mistake of letting fear convince you that you already know the end of the story. Don’t cheat yourself out of something wonderful because you’re too scared to take a risk.

When you plan something together, you get to enjoy the whole thing with them.”

-------- ***** --------

Book #5

Book Title : Of Sunlight and Stardust by Riley Hart & Christina Lee

Page Count : 364 pages

Review : A soft, slow-burn M/M romance about healing from trauma and finding comfort in love. It’s emotional and beautifully written, but the pacing is pretty slow and not a lot happens plot-wise. But where the book falters, it picks up in the writing. The writing is gentle and poetic without overdoing it, and the emotional intimacy feels real and earned. There’s a lot of focus on consent, communication, and simply being there for each other, which is something I love.

Quotes from the Book :

We’re all connected, all made of the sun and stars. Always will be.”

The sound of the trumpeter swans on the lake." I turned my head toward him. "Did you know they mate for life? Charlie’s eyes softened before his lips briefly met mine. "Then I guess we’re just a couple of swans looking for a safer pond to wade in.”

“we’re all made of sunlight and stardust. So maybe, whenever you look at the sky, from morning till nightfall, you’re connecting with them in some small way.”

-------- ***** --------

Book #6

Book Title : Ever After by Riley Hart and Christina Lee

Page Count : 268 pages

Review :

A quiet, emotional M/M romance about grief, healing, and second chances. It’s mostly character-driven, with not much action. This one leans heavily into emotional safety, vulnerability, and the slow process of rebuilding after loss. More of a gentle, steady love story than an explosive one.

Quotes from the Book :

I’d forgotten what it felt like to be wanted just for being me.”

“I don’t need perfect. I just need honest.”

“Sometimes love doesn’t come in like a storm. Sometimes it arrives quietly, and you don’t even know it’s happening until it’s already taken root.”

----

Book #7

Book title : The Charm Offensive by Alice Cochrun

Pages : 361 pages

Review: Reading this book was an experience. Loved it! The characters aren’t just falling in love; they’re navigating shame, identity, and self-worth under the public eye. The banter and the way the story was written is so good!

Quotes from the book:

There’s nothing wrong with you, Charlie. You’re just not who the world wants you to be. But you’re exactly who you’re supposed to be.

I want to be the person you let your walls down for.

Maybe fairy tales don’t always look the way we expect them to. Maybe they’re quieter. Softer. A little messy.

Lizzy's Page log for pride theme.

Hello, I was out on sudden almost a month long vacation and thus unable to update this at all. I hope everyone is okay with the update. Apologies for not updating this on time because I had no access to laptop to edit the post.

1. An Antithesis of the Main Character Syndrome by melodyoficeandfire page count - 614.5
2. Review: The book explores certain scenarios of the BL world, where the protagonist goes out of his way to avoid the BL tropes because apparently, just because he is in the BL world, there is no need for him to fall in love with a handsome guy! Convincing himself otherwise, the protagonist experiences hilarious encounters with people around him!
3. Stray Right Into My Heart by Unnieunnie page count - 624 Review: The story is about a human and a stray hybrid, where the human rescues the hybrid after the latter goes missing for more than a month. Found in a dire condition, the hybrid learns to rely on the people, waiting to help him, while the human learns to overcome his fears and brave for the things he wants. This is mostly written in soft tone to accommodate cute kittens.
4. My Secretary by Penguinberryfest, Unconqu3red page count - 784 Review: A M/M relationship between a sex addict and an employee caught up in the mess thanks to misscommunication, dealing with heavy themes of consent and how it defines the relationship between the two men as employee and employer, as well as two men in love seeking a normal relationship.
5. Muzzled Wolves by depozyt page count - 783 Review: A nice M/M story where the male hybrid meets a purebreed male werewolf and finds a place for himself.
6. The Art of Giving by SleeplessNxghtsHold me by SparklepoxRestraint by Overbeforeitbegan Click and Preview by GeomeunNabi page count - 654 Review: Set in an alternative world where you are either a Dom or a Sub, there are two characters that try to navigate it, while trying to lean onto each other; 2. Magic sex - literally about sex and telekinesis; 3. This is about an interesting interaction between a waitstaff and the diners who had met in extremely unusual circumstances. Supposed to be anonymous interaction actually ends up being non-anonymous [m/m with some really problematic and questionable events], This is on a darker side, but well-written with a nice climax; 4. It is a PWP story that talks about a male photographer and his male muse. I found it interesting because the muse is usually assigned to feminine gender and energy and this provides a refreshing perspective. A story, which has a gentle and comforting tone even though it is a PWP.
7. Trifles and Trinkets by FlexIcon page count - 4, 3.81. Review: It deals with D/S relations, a subdrop, and a silent crush between two homosexual characters.Trifles and Trinket by FlexIcon
8. Engraved in Your Heart by Unconqu3r3d page count - 94 Review: A sweet story that deals with the gang member bullying a visually impaired boy. The gang member is bisexual, who tries to woo a supposedly straight boy. The story felt more emotionally connected because there are instances when one can feel the pettiness of the characters and how genuinely confusing social cues can be most of the times.
9. Eye of a Behoarder by XiuChen4Ever page count - 95 Review: This is one of my favourite stories so far because another comic character comes to life. A dragon shifter, who is a grown up yet behaves in the most innocent and childlike manner that leaves the reader amused. It is mostly about the character that unknowningly shows the world to his favourite treasure in his hoard.
10. Did You Really Save Me byDw4ekk1ya page count -110 Review: An Underdeveloped story, with too much happening but not being dealt with properly. Reading it felt like I was meeting a "me-too" person, who is always a victim in every story no matter whatever happens. It is supposed to be a M/M but out of 62 chapters so far, nothing remotely happens to even categorise it as such.
11. With Uncertain Wings by XiuChen4Ever page count -207 Review: Written in the quest-style in an alternate post-apocalyptic world, where the protagonist has to find his adopted brother to save the world while trying to protect his species from the dominant species of mal'akkhim, who like a scubbus harvest humans for their energy. The style of writing is easy-going and suits the adventure theme while constantly addressing the questions of humanity and its purpose in th world. Obviously, this is an all male world with m/m relations.
12. Switched by Xiutty page count -251 Review: This is a story about body swap that happens between the guy and the person whom he believes to be his enemy. The two people have extremely opinion of each other and thus, when they are stuck in other person's body and try to live each other's life, their perspective expands and helps them resolve their issues and fall in love. A light-hearted story about two teenagers that focuses on the emotional side of the relationship rather than the physical side.
13. Rebirth page count -1017 Review: The story actually a rewriting of a Chinese novel with the EXO and BTS characters, so it touches on the themes of homosexuality and the taboos in a manner which is specific to Chinese context. The author has done minor edits to accommodate the feels part to the story, with a concept of carrier male parent. With an exception of 4 straight relations - two of which go ashtray, all are heavily same gender relations.
14. Bite by Unconqu3r3d page count - 1179 Review: A M/M werewolf and witch fanfic, which tries to redefine the elements of werewolf and witch stories. For instance, alpha is a not a typical alpha figure, but the most dominant one in a particular species. And their dominance is not a physical trait but a manifestation of personality and magical abilities. Reading this was interesting because it deals with two male characters, who are not homosexuals but straight men honouring marriage promise between the families. The story made me wonder about the times, when sexuality was a label and was dealt with as a fluid entity seperate from your gender and biological sex - this story maintains this distinction. Also, it is fairly more realistic than usual Homosexual stories in the fandom because not everyone is gay or going through the gay realisations. It also lacks MPreg, which is another plus point for the story.
15. The Knot Box® by fanserviced page count - 124 Review: Set in an alternate world of werewolves, this crack fiction deals with the guy trying to find his mate in the modern world, who he accidentally encounters in the form of a delivery guy. The delivery guy soothes him unknowingly. Their next encounter ends up with them inspiring each other to become better selves before they finally meet in the Wolf Pack, an a/b/o care package start-up as colleagues. The delivery guy is now the HR guy responsible for dishing out memos and upholding company standards, where the other guy is hired as a Researcher and Writer. Chaos ensues, which is fun to read as they try to avoid their colleagues and hide the fact that they are dating.
16. Bound by Trust by Yourlittlegoddesswrap myself inside your arms by vmonkThat’s What Makes Me The Best by SuperBaekTrash page count - 105. Review: 1. Simple story of d/s relationship where the sub endures his punishment but also uses a safeword when it gets too much. PS if anyone is judging my reading list, I am reading all this for research purposes - I am going to write desi ff on these concepts by the end of this year; 2. Not D/S but mostly a scenario based on a werewolf and human interaction; 3. A story about an assassin, who does not really look like an assassin.
17. The Adventures of Junmyeon's Litte Shit by Chuuyaks page count -128 Review: I don't know why I am reading this, this is part of my questionable readings.
18. Unfair by CX99 page count - 96. Review: m/m Tsundere werewolf and a soft werebunny trying out a relationship.
19. Danger Line by 185cmbaekhyun A Penchant for Peacocking by Kainnuendo page count - 90 Review: Both are crackfics. The first one is more interesting.

Book #1

• Book (or FF) Title and Author: Rewrite the Stars ----- Ruereii
  

• Page Count: 101424/300=338
  

• Review:

It's a time travelling FF about a man going back to his teenage years in time to play cupid between two men. The story is fun, love the way the characters are written. The story has a good pace, a must read for 457 fans in Squid game fandom.

• Quotes from the book:

"Hyung, you should be in love with Seong Gihun."

"We'll do the grieving together, and I'll be by your side."

______________________________________________________________________________________

Book #2

• Book (or FF) Title and Author: Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating ---- Adiba Jaigirdar
  

• Page Count: 320
  

• Review:

Though a teen romance, I love how it explores queerphobia, Islamophobia and xenophobia experienced by Asians who move out of their countries, through teens' POVs. It's a cute story and may get a little dramatic, ITVish, but still, a fun read on a lazy Sunday.

• Quotes from the book:

"Sometimes I think that maybe I like guys more as a concept than a reality. And girls more as a reality than a concept."

"People aren’t always who they seem to be."

______________________________________________________________________________________

Book #3

• Book (or FF) Title and Author: Cut Like a Wound ----- Anita Nair
  

• Page Count: 368
  

• Review:

The books shows struggles of transgenders and the Indian society's brutality towards them. It's a gripping tale with some unnecessary subplot, but still a good read.

• Quotes from the book:

"For those of us who have nothing, anger is our only blessing."

"How easy it was to be loved if only one could learn to show love."

______________________________________________________________________________________

Book #4

• Book (or FF) Title and Author: Rani Choudhury must die ---- Adiba Jaigirdar
  

• Page Count: 320
  

• Review:

Probably one of the best approaches to enemies to lovers. The author's experiences with being a Bangladeshi in a European country show up and feel relatable enough, and not forced in. The bond repair and then growing into between the two teenage girls is natural and not rushed. Though the science part of it can be boring (even if it's your own stream) but it's not overpowering

• Quotes from the book:

"Suddenly I have a story to tell."

"There’s no way I have a crush on Rani Choudhury."

______________________________________________________________________________________

Book #5

• Book (or FF) Title and Author: Murder Land ---- Carlyn Greenwald
  

• Page Count: 336
  

• Review:

The book with a queer teen lead takes time to drag you in. The story doesn't revolve much around Billie being from LGBTQ+ but about her adventure in the Murder Land that has a lot of victims. It doesn't deliver on the edge of the seat part that thrillers rely on

• Quotes from the book:

"I can’t imagine the devastation of loving someone who didn’t feel the same."

"You know me at my worst. So let me show you my best."

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Book #6

• Book (or FF) Title and Author: They Never Learn ---- Layne Fargo

• Page Count: 352
  

• Review:

Scarlett is bisexual, and other than her attraction to ex-wife of one of her victims, her being from the community isn't that important to the plotline. Meanwhile Carly being in love with her female roomate has major consequences to her arc.

Overall, the book is a good one time read and seems like a faster read because it's kinda predictable, so you aren't really missing anything if you skip this one.

• Quotes from the book:

“All the cutest girls are bi, didn’t you get the memo?”

"It’s exhausting, being in my head. I wish I could stop thinking. I wish I could be like everyone else."

"Even in his final moments, I doubt he learned his lesson. But I didn’t kill him to teach him a lesson; I killed him to carve him out of this world like a tumor. And I’d do it again."

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Book #7

• Book (or FF) Title and Author: When the Moon Was Ours ---- Anna-Marie McLemore

• Page Count: 273
  

• Review:

Sam is a trans boy and there are some more characters in the story who belongs to the LGBTQAI+ community. The story is beautiful and is written with nuance. The fantasy elements just making it better.

• Quotes from the book:

"Her feeling that the moon had slipped from her grasp seemed locked in a place so far inside her that to reach it would be to break her open. But this was why Sam painted shadows and lunar seas on paper and metal and glass, copying the shadows of mare imbrium and oceanus procellarum—to give her back the moon."

"That was his problem. Sam was sure of it. He couldn’t be a girl."

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Book #8

• Book (or FF) Title and Author: The Past and Other Things That Should Stay Buried ---- Shaun David Hutchinson

• Page Count: 304
  

• Review:

Dino being gay and his relationship with a trans person plays a huge reason in why July and Dino think their friendship broke off. The book has a dark sense of humour but at the same time talks about love, loss, death and pain.

• Quotes from the book:

"If I ask a guy out, it’s not because I think he’s into guys, it’s because I think he’s cute and hope he’s into me."

"He says jokes that rely on demeaning a marginalized group, even if they’re made by a person from within that group, show a lack of respect."

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Book #9

• Book (or FF) Title and Author: The Love and Lies of Rukhsana Ali ---- Sabina Khan

• Page Count: 326
  

• Review:

This book deals with homophobia and misogyny a little hardcore, and a little Asian, hence a little scary. I kinda feel the FL was a bit stupid though, like she wasn't careful enough at times which would end up messing her plans, and the book could be a little fast paced, but other than that, it's a good book. This is actually what Love Victor meeting Ms. Marvel with scary homophobia and misogyny background would have looked like.

• Quotes from the book:

"I’m gay. I’m sorry that I didn’t tell you, but I can’t change who I am."

"You must never let anyone take your happiness from you."

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Book #10

• Book (or FF) Title and Author: The Henna Wars ---- Adiba Jaigirdar
  

• Page Count: 400
  

• Review:

It's a cute book and like her other books, has the FL (and her love interest) deal with racism and culture appropriation making it relatable. I feel the vocabulary in this one could have been better, also, the focus should have been on the business, but it was like 1/4 of the whole plot, which I get it, since it's a GL, but that was the main conflict between the couple. Was hyped about this one, but didn't match my expectations.

• Quotes from the book:

"So maybe—just maybe—they can accept this other form of love that blooms in my chest sometimes when I see Deepika Padukone in a Bollywood movie, and not when I see her male love interest"

"There are more sexualities than gay and straight"

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Book #11

• Book (or FF) Title and Author: Hot Dog Girl ---- Jennifer Dugan
  

• Page Count: 320
  

• Review:

The lead is bi and friends with a lesbian. And is a choas defined. It's a cute, fast paced book with a stupid teenager doing stupid things with stupid endgoals, the kind of coming of age books with funny onliners.

• Quotes from the book:

"Cool about the fact that I told you I was in love with Seeley, who is a girl. And I’m a girl. So I’m a girl that likes girls. Sort of."

"And it took me a long time, but I figured it out. The difference between liking and loving, the difference between make-believe and what’s real, the difference between right now and please, please, let this last forever."

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Book #12

• Book (or FF) Title and Author: Don’t Die Alone, Lucas Cook! ---- George Lester
  

• Page Count: 429
  

• Review:

The book was solid for the first 75%, it was funny, cute, and the the typical love traingle scene hit the story and it went a little blah. But still, it was really fun read about a gay teen trying to get together with his long time crush with his (dead) mother's best selling dating tip book.

• Quotes from the book:

"We buy tickets and head into the cinema to see a film called Chasing Love because, of course, let’s hammer the point home that I’m not chasing a damn thing here."

"I’m like Gaymes Bond when I get to school the following morning. There is danger around every corner, the potential for Grayson at every turn"

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Book #13

• Book (or FF) Title and Author: The Payback Girls ---- Alex Travis

• Page Count: 368
  

• Review:

It's a decent book with a bi character falling for her (cheating) boyfriend's ex. Though it could have had a better pacing, I liked it for its recent politics wrt race and feminism although the mystery part of it was slightly predictable.

• Quotes from the book:

"That’s why I’ve never told him that his gender never mattered to me, that I love him for who he is on the inside and that the outside doesn’t determine who I’m attracted to."

"The evil lesbians theory is really gaining traction, because God forbid that girls like girls without there being some secret devilish deal to take down a man."

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Book #14

• Book (or FF) Title and Author: Killer Potential ---- Hannah Deitch

• Page Count: 316
  

• Review:

Dino being gay and his relationship with a trans person plays a huge reason in why July and Dino think their friendship broke off. The book has a dark sense of humour but at the same time talks about love, loss, death and pain.

• Quotes from the book:

"A woman’s face is never just a thing in itself. It is always slippery with metaphor. A lake of meaning to stare into, a surface to observe your fears, jealousies, and desires."

"Power is a part of every romance."

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