November Reviews

I genuinely didn't think I'd read this many books this month, but then Tavia Lark entered with a steel chair and now I'm reading books in a day like I'm twelve again.

NaNoWriMo was a success, but in addition to writing a novel, traveling across the country, hosting Thanksgiving, and doing extra stuff at work, I am so burnt out it's a wonder I can read anything at all. But I did, and now you have to hear about it.

Godspeed.

Teach the Torches to Burn by Caleb Roehrig

This was another remix classic, like My Dear Henry and Self-Made Boys, and it's been very funny to see how these stories retold as queer happy endings are such a relief in contrast to the original tragedies.

Romeo Montague is trapped in a life he has no desire to be a part of; set to inherit a business he could care less about, supposed to marry someone he could never love, and running from a feud he didn't start. And when he meets Valentine, the brother of a dear friend newly returned to Verona, his whole world is flipped. He didn't know a love like this was possible, but just as soon as it's started it's in peril. The city, and Tybolt Capulet, can't seem to let him be happy, and Romeo is forced to determine, with some unexpected assistance, if his happiness is really possible.

This was a very sweet retelling, and I really liked the new character introduced, Valentine. I love a queer love story, and this one was a really creative new look at a classic story. I appreciated that Roehrig didn't just make Juliet another guy, and instead kept her as her own person, even upping her anger at her place in life as the daughter of a rich merchant. She and Romeo's friendship was such a delight to read, and the schemes they made were great.

I also really liked the decision to make Friar Laurence and Juliet both asexual. Their expressions of their sexuality felt very close to my own experiences, so that was delightful.

The events of Romeo and Juliet are generally unfair, and Roehrig did a great job keeping the unfairness of it all, especially for young people with no desire to be in their families' feud. But his rendition gives hope and a happy ending, serving as a queer kid victory rather than a warning to how adults treat their children.

Overall, this was a sweet romance.

I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jeanette McCurdy

I've been meaning to read this book forever and now finally felt like the right now. And man am I glad I read it.

I don't read a lot of memoirs. Nonfiction is not my poison of choice, I am much more likely to enjoy a fictional story. But there are some memoirs I'm willing to take a chance on, and this one was brilliantly written. McCurdy's story is horrific and hilarious at the same time, and her writing is so compelling. She tells this story without pulling punches, forcing you to confront the things her mom did to her, the things she did to herself, the things the industry condoned and forced her into.

I felt bad for her for the bulk of the book, but by the end there was such an empowerment in her as she gained control of her life. It's clear that she loved her mom, but it's also clear that dying is maybe the best thing her mom ever did for her.  It's a complicated relationship and a really messy dynamic, and I don't know that I would be as forgiving if I were in her shoes. But this book is a condemnation, so maybe she's not as forgiving either.

This is just a quick review because it's hard to talk about something like this without spoiling it. McCurdy is a talented writer and I'm so glad that she gets to pursue something that she truly loves, happier and healthier than ever.

Prince and Assassin by Tavia Lark

Okay, this was such a quick read that I consumed most of it on an airplane (when I wasn't writing), which was maybe not the best idea, but I had the whole row to myself so no one could judge me for reading erotica on a plane.

Whisper was raised in the Kennel, a training ground for highly sought after assassins, and he's about to embark on his sixth mission. If he succeeds, he receives a boon, which he's going to use to free his little sister. But this mission is complicated, and not just because the target is a prince. Prince Julien is stubborn and cock and flirtatious; he's also unbearably kind and can't seem to stop giving Whisper everything he could ever want. Stuck between his heart and his sister, Whisper must find a way to keep the boy he loves alive-- or a way to live with himself if he can't.

Political intrigue and flirty princes and giant talking cats, this book has it all. I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did, but the plot, the backstories, and even the shut were entertaining. I actually just ordered the next two books in the series-- my prejudice against romance novels is being lifted one good book at a time. I don't think I can even say I don't really read romance novels anymore, because clearly I do.

Whisper and Julien are both so sweet. I love a royal falling for someone they shouldn't, and an assassin sent to kill them is so high up on that list it's not even funny. It was both heartbreaking and so sweet to watch them fall for each other while knowing how their story was supposed to end. Not to worry though-- happy ending guaranteed with this book and series.

I also really liked the hereditary magic present in the book and the polticial world building that's really setting the scene for the series. Do I really care about border skirmishes and wars? Not as much as I do about Whisper and Julien falling in love, but it was still a compelling backdrop that added to the intrigue and drama.

Overall, I had a lot of fun with this and can't wait to read the next books!

The Fate of Stars by SD Simper

I'm on a roll with explicit fantasy queer romance.

In the same moment that mermaid Tallora saves drowning princess Dauriel, she us taken captive. Tortured and imprisoned far from her home, Tallgrass is granted a boon from her goddess: legs, to help her escape. But her legs only bring more threats and uncertainty, until the only one she can rely on is the same woman who put her in chains. But as Tallora and Dauriel grow closer, they not only begin to see the humanity in one another, but the chance of something more. But enemies on all sides seek to possess a mermaid, and their love story might be doomed before they are given a chance to let it grow.

I will say I was pretty terrified the whole time I was reading this that Tallora was going to be sexually assaulted. Thankfully the book had trigger warnings up front that said she was threatened but able to escape, but even that was A Lot. Nothing like a new vagina to remind you of the precarious existence you have in a world full of people looking to do harm.

But there was good in this too-- the kindness of other women, the growth in forgiveness, the charming wit and sparkling tongue of a mermaid afraid but speaking her mind anyways. It's a slow burn enemies to tentative allies to lovers, and boy did it burn. Dauriel can do fire magic, so that's a fun little pun as well as a full opposite sides fire and water mix.

This book was darker than I expected a mermaid story to be, but that's on me for setting those expectations. It's got politics, justice wielding gods,  abusive mothers, and some spicy bathtub scenes. It is the start of  series, and while I found the story and characters compelling, I don't know that I'll continue the series. I feel like where it ended was positive enough for me, even if it was a very bittersweet ending.

Prince in Disguise by Tavia Lark

Alright, I did it, I got books two and three and then read this one in two days. I'm a queer romance bitch, just don't tell my coworkers, they all think I'm a very serious reader and have crafted a reputation that does not match me at all. But, you, there is joy in being unknown. Which is actually a great transition into what this book was about.

Bellamy Sandry, youngest prince of Silaise, has found himself alone behind enemy borders after his ship went off course. He has only his magic, his blinkmink, and the reluctant help of an apparently disgraced Farmer. Now, Rakos Tem isn't a farmer, he's actually the most famous dragon rider in Draskoran, but Bell is pretending to be a minstrel instead of a prince, so alls fair in subterfuge and avoiding the cops. They have to work together to escape their imprisonment, each of them hiding their identities and trying to find a way to fix their individual issues-- all while falling head over heels for one another. Despite their false identities, neither Bellamy nor Rakos have ever felt more seen. But the closer they get to the border, the more likely Rakos' protection might be the very thing that gets them both in trouble.

I will say, the more I read in this series the more I'm like...actually the political intrigue is fascinating. Maybe I don't just care about them falling in love. I mean, obviously I do care about them falling in love, it's a fantasy romance, but the world building is getting cooler the further I get into it. And the magic and the politics and all that. Plus it was fun to see Whisper and Julien again.

Overall I'm having a great time and am so looking forward to reading the next book.

Prince and Pawn by Tavia Lark

I read this one in 24 hours, rip my sleep schedule.

Eldest Silaisan Prince Audric is set to get married soon, a loveless political marriage he doesn't want. The night before his betrothal is finalized, he spends an evening with an unforgettable man, only to find the next morning that he's the younger brother of his betrothed. Corin is unlike anyone Audric has ever met before, but they can't be together, not with the political importance of Audric's planned union. But the more time they spend together, the more Audric can tell something is wrong-- with the betrothal and the politics behind it, and with Audric's heart--and that he's meant to be with Corin.

I am fully invested in this world now. All three prince brothers have found their happy ending and it's been so fun to read their adventures and get little glimpses of their futures as the story progresses.

And honestly, just when I think the next brother falling in love can't be more scandalous than the previous, Lark shows me I'm wrong. This one not only brought in a traitor from inside the border, but also wrapped up the mystery from the previous books. With two more books in the series already out and a third set for next year, I was surprised to find an ending to that plot in this story. But I suppose the next book moves across the border, so it makes sense to wrap up the Sandry brothers' love stories with their happiness and safety.

While this one moved a little fast in places, the pacing is decent overall. I mean, from the rate I'm consuming this series, it's gotta be well enough writing with a compelling story, characters, and setting.

I did already order the next two books but they won't be here until Monday RIP, don't @ me.

I truly read exclusively queer romance and a single memoir this month. What a grouping.

That's it for me!

Literary recommendation: Foolish Hearts by Emma Mills

Media recommendation: I have been absolutely tearing my way through Dimension 20's Burrow's End and cannot recommend Dropout highly enough for folks who like Dungeons and Dragons