Tag Archives: LGBTQI

A Cup of Water Under My Bed by Daisy Hernandez

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: A Cup of Water Under My Bed: A Memoir
Author: Daisy Hernandez
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Immigrant, LGBTQI, Memoirs
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2014

Thoughts

This was such an amazing biography and memoir – there was something about the lyricality and non-linear story that I just absolutely devoured. Not only was Hernandez able to share her story and experiences, but she managed to do so in a way that was entirely unforgettable. I mean, there was just… something about her writing style that hit my deep in the soul, worming it’s way into my daily thoughts and dreams.

A Cup of Water Under My Bed was one of those memoirs that really made me stop and think. It just wormed my way into my mind and wouldn’t let go. I can’t say that many author’s actually have the talent to do this so thoroughly. And the part that stuck with me the most was how Hernandez talked about language and how she felt, as a child, that she had to hate Spanish to be able to move along to English. It’s a stark reminder of the intensity and confusion that comes along with a total upheaval of your life and culture. One that I still can’t understand, but definitely have Big Feelings around.

Not only does Hernandez unapologetically talk about her experiences as the child of immigrants, but she also talks about her bisexuality as a Latino women, and the unique challenges that this comes with. Rather than being a big deal, this part of her story is seamlessly woven in amongst the rest of her tale. She discusses how differently her aunts dealt with her sexuality and, that, ultimately, it was something that was kind of just… ignored. Hernandez is honest about how her sexuality sits in amongst her daily life, then and now.

The first read through of this was wonderful, and this felt like one of those layered tales that I would love to read again. Gaining something new in the lyrical prose that I wasn’t expecting, learning something and seeing the moments that I’ve missed. It might be a little while, but I can almost guarantee that this will be one that I will actually read again in the future (not something I frequently do with memoirs).

<- BlackoutThe Not So Subtle Art of Being a Fat Girl ->

Image source: Gulf Stream Lit Mag

Love for the Holidays by Arizona Tape

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Love for the Holidays
Author: Arizona Tape
Series: Rainbow Central #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary romance, LGBTQI
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

This was such a great, beautiful and seriously cute sapphic romance. It was that gorgeous roommates to friends to lovers storyline. And I love how Ivy and Frances spend the entirety of this story getting to truly know one another and support each other. Honestly, for me, the romance took a step back from the relationship building. I absolutely adored this couple and how they manage to chase away the hurts of the past around Christmas time. As with everything I’ve read by Arizona Tape, this story was fun, light and made me fall more and more deeply in love with every passage.

Although Ivy starts this story consistently stating that she’s straight, this story isn’t really about her “coming out”. Honestly, it’s such a non-issue that you almost miss the moment. Rather, this story is very much about two women falling in love with each other through support and mutual desires. Honestly, the entirety of this romance is so refreshingly drama free. The only angst for both Ivy and Frances is that they aren’t sure how to show their roommate that they want more. And they don’t quite know how to make a move.

Where Ivy is all bright light and intensity, Frances is a little more subdued. I actually really enjoyed reading about her falling for Ivy. It’s such a gentle falling based on mutual support and kindness. These two girls are honestly total relationship goals. They are supportive and kind. And their entire friendship turned relationship ends up being based on mutual respect and non-judgement for each other. Plus, I thought that Ivy’s best friend, Jenna, would kick up a bit of a fuss at their relationship. But, like everyone in this story, she is all support and love. Honestly, I wish all social circles were capable of this kind of support and kindness.

Both Ivy and Frances have difficulties with family that is seriously triggered by the holidays and Christmas. They might be on different ends of the spectrum of family closeness in this, but I love how Love for the Holidays drives home that this time of year, whilst enjoyable, can also be difficult. Even in the moments that we are enjoying time with our family, it can still be tough to figure out how to negotiate the whole myriad of feelings. Ivy and Frances both did this beautifully, and it came as a welcome breath of fresh air and joy for a holiday season that I’m going to find difficult myself.

<- More Arizona TapePlease Be My Love ->

Image source: I Heart Sapphfic

How to Get a Girlfriend (When You’re a Terrifying Monster) by Marie Cardno

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: How to Get a Girlfriend (When You’re a Terrifying Monster)
Author: Marie Cardno
Series: Monster Girlfriend #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Humour, LGBTQI, Science fiction
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

Weirdly enough, I spent the entirety of this story trying to figure out if I liked this story or not. It wasn’t quite what I expected, and thus, I didn’t necessarily feel like I was confident in my feelings. And, even when writing this and reflecting on How to Get a Girlfriend (When You’re a Terrifying Monster), I have odd feelings. Overall, I really enjoyed this story and I will read more by Cardno. But, honestly, it was nothing like what I had anticipated.

How to Get a Girlfriend (When You’re a Terrifying Monster) was a very cute and sweet sapphic romance at it’s core. Even if it’s a romance between a witch and a monster. Who is not really humanoid in shape at all. Not normally the kind of romance that I get into. But the satire throughout this kind of made it, less, cringey I suppose. Honestly, the whole idea of wanting to “fuck her research” was kind of hilarious. And I love how blunt that approach is.

The description of different worlds in this novella was great. We have one world which is loosely based on earth, just with an urban fantasy / paranormal fantasy bent. And then there’s the Endless. That’s just a world filled with pure insanity and a moving world. It’s incredibly easy to picture these different worlds with different rule sets. The fact that Sina and Trillian find themselves transversing both realities to head towards their happily ever after… priceless.

How to Get a Girlfriend (When You’re a Terrifying Monster) is a bizarre, unique and fun little novella. It was nothing like what I was anticipating, but I actually kind of loved that. I may not have found this impossible to put down, but I did find it impossible to forget.

<- More Marie CardnoHow to Get a ate with the Evil Queen ->

Image source: Goodreads

Apex Jump by David J. Schwartz

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Apex Jump
Author: David J. Schwartz
In: Glitter and Mayhem (Amber Benson)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: LGBTQI, Science fiction, Space
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2013

Thoughts

Roller Derby, whilst something I’ve never seen (or tried), is something that I am completely intrigued by. Which means that the idea of Roller Derby in space just makes me all that much more intrigued. Honestly, Roller Derby in space is a fantastic idea that I absolutely loved, and the way that Schwartz executed this, completely brilliant!

This would have been an amazing story regardless of who the narrator was, but the fact that they are a trans woman and keep alluding to a painful past? Somehow that just made it all that much better. Plus, the narrator was brilliantly able to explain the dynamics of her team and how much they all love each other, even if they’re not perfect. I also love how there are multiple (in the double digits) gender groupings for the aliens. It just serves as a great reminder of how narrow-minded our culture is about gender.

This short story felt like a snippet in time and just a beautiful moment in somebody else’s life. And I really like that I got to visit this. It had such a positive and joyful feeling to it. One that involved Roller Derby and a fun trip to space. I absolutely loved this story and found it a joyful journey into an unimaginably creative world.

<- Sister TwelveWith Her Hundred Miles to Hell ->

Image source: Amazon

The Dragon Lantern by Arizona Tape

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: The Dragon Lantern
Author: Arizona Tape
Series: The Griffin Sanctuary #4
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, LGBTQI, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I love that as this series unfolds, the slow-burn romance between Charlotte and Felicity slowly becomes more and more serious. They are testing the waters and finding their way. And honestly, it is all just too cute and sweet. Plus, then there’s the fact that they are both animal obsessed and working for the same sanctuary. With every story, I fall more and more in love with this couple and the world that they inhabit.

World building is always an bit of a sticking point with me for a great series. And I loved that Tape expanded on the world of Griffin Sanctuary with Charlotte’s visit to another sanctuary. The differences were brilliant, and, honestly, I love the idea of a network of paranormal sanctuaries and the different animals that they specialize in. Plus, it showed entirely different interpersonal dynamics between those who choose to work at such places.

As someone who studied environmental biology, I particularly appreciated the work and studies that go into finding out the reasons for different appendages and practices in animals. I love that, in The Dragon Lantern, it is the ‘lanterns’ on dragons which are focused upon, and their use. I love that there are a number of different theories given and provided. I spent a lot of this story focusing on the why and the how, and trying to figure out potential answers along with Charlotte and her colleagues.

Throughout this series thus far, there has been the overwhelming threat of the end of the internships and continuation of employment. Even though it is a given from fairly early on that Charlotte has a more long-term placement (due to being an apprentice vet), it was still a concern as to who would be able to come back. I love that not everyone that features in Charlotte’s life is due to return (because that would be unrealistic), but some are. It’s a nice testament to the continuation of and reality of this series. One I can’t wait to continue reading.

<- The Kitsune GiggleThe Sphinx Pride ->

Image source: Goodreads

Side Work by Sara Farizan

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Side Work
Author: Sara Farizan
In: Hungry Hearts (Caroline Tung Richmond & Elsie Chapman)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Family, Food, LGBTQI
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Year: 2019

Thoughts

One of my favourite things to experience in short stories is the suspense of knowledge. I love spending an entire story trying to figure out what happened to have the characters end up where they are. In the case of Side Work, I spent the entirety of the story wondering what it was that the narrator actually did to warrant her exile and silence from her family.

There were so many tangled threads throughout this short story. Honestly, a surprising number considering the length of the actual story. I love that the drama from the past is all twisted up with self-confidence, discovering who you are and sexuality. You know, the dramas and themes that we all have to come to terms with in our teens and figure out as we grow. This was just a bit of a harsher learning curve than some.

Although there is much pain and silent suffering throughout this story, I love that it all, ultimately ends with the beginnings of a happily ever after. I mean, the protagonist is still young, so there’s probably going to be more suffering in the future. But, there is so much hope and optimism for becoming someone you want to be. Plus, she is able to find forgiveness for her past, and find a way to reconcile with her father. A happy ending if I ever did read one.

<- A Bountiful FilmPanaderia ~ Pasteleria ->

Image source: Goodreads

Panaderia ~ Pasteleria by Anna-Marie McLemore

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Panaderia ~ Pasteleria
Author: Anna-Marie McLemore
In: Hungry Hearts (Caroline Tung Richmond & Elsie Chapman)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Food, LGBTQI
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Year: 2019

Thoughts

This was a fantastic way to finish out the Hungry Hearts collection. Mostly because Lila is a secondary character who pops up in many of the stories throughout this anthology. Gifting needed pastries and helping people to take a step forwards in their lives. So it was really nice that she got her own story.

I love how calm and accepting of Gael is and how they begin to form a relationship built on the present, not the past. I loved reading about Lila’s acceptance of Gael’s identity and reality, and that she honestly doesn’t even blink at that fact. I always love reading stories about building friendships and being true to oneself. Plus, Lila is so quiet, that it’s nice that she’s finding her own friendships.

Lila’s ability to communicate through her food and cooking is kind of adorable. And that, even if she’s not able to actually articulate her feelings, she is able to show her love through food. Ultimately, it’s this communication through food that really lets her and Gael connect. This was such a cute short story of acceptance and caring. One that was just filled with hope for a close relationship and a bright future.

<- Side WorkHungry Hearts ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Kitsune Giggle by Arizona Tape

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: The Kitsune Giggle
Author: Arizona Tape
Series: The Griffin Sanctuary #3
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, LGBTQI, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

There is something so cute about the idea of kitsune – I seem to be finding them a little bit in the stories that I’ve been reading lately. And, I honestly just love them. Which, of course, meant that I was incredibly keen to dive into a book that was about kitsune and their habits. Or at least, kitsune in the world of Tape. The fact that the kitsune in this is really lonely and needs to find a companion was even better. Plus, then there’s Charlotte, Felicity and all of their friends as they negotiate life working in a sanctuary.

As with all of the books in the Griffin Sanctuary series, I love the amount of detail that Tape uses to create the paranormal creatures which Charlotte takes care of. Taking a kitsune, which is recognisable in folklore, and creating a totally relatable canine that you just want to hug is very cleverly done. I love that this little fox pulls at your heart strings from the very beginning. And, along with Charlotte, you constantly want her to find her happily ever after and companion that she truly needs.

I’m a big lover of pets and loving anything furry that will let me. However, I’ve never been okay with the exotic pet trade. And this story is a bit of a reminder why – the kitsune featured in this was a pet, and therefore unable to thrive in the wild. So, when her two fellow kitsune were released, she was left alone and started to self harm. I mean, this is a really sweet and good read – so it meant that there was a happily ever after for the kitsune. But, it was still a reminder of the damage that the exotic pet trade can have on an individual animal – some animals just aren’t meant to be caged.

As with everything set in this world, I absolutely adored The Kitsune Giggle. Not only did I love getting to know the kitsune’s and the process for finding a companion animal. But I also loved how Charlotte and Felicity took a further step in their relationship. How Charlotte is trying to make inroads to forming a relationship with her fellow apprentices – and the obstacles to that. And just, generally the entirety of this story. A very pleasant read after a difficult day.

<- The Phoenix NestThe Dragon Lantern ->

Image source: Kobo

The Phoenix Nest by Arizona Tape

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: The Phoenix Nest
Author: Arizona Tape
Series: The Griffin Sanctuary #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, LGBTQI, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

Charlotte has been an amazing character from her very first appearance in The Unicorn Herd. It was fun to see how she begins to get on in her apprenticeship and learn more about the many paranormal animals that she gets to take care of. Plus, there’s also her relationship that she gets to try and figure out and negotiate – something I’m seriously enjoying alongside all of the fun animals.

I might not be someone who is completely in love with chickens – but I did love the phoenixes! They are incredibly derpy and silly. I mean, who wouldn’t love a pair of large, flammable dopes running around? I spent a lot of this story just laughing, at the two phoenixes. To the point that my family and dogs edged away from me – I mean, they were completely hilarious.

I love that the story of the phoenixes and their breeding program is constantly questioning where the line is with sanctuaries and breeding. I mean, it’s a hard one – yes, breeding programs can save a species. But, by breeding in captivity and not being able to release the individuals, are we really doing something positive? There are no straight answers to this question, but it was a good way to provide an example of all of the grey areas.

I did feel really bad for the male phoenix in this. Although there were so many wonderful and thoughtful moments throughout this, there was a bit of a sad ending. But, it did end with babies and some joy, so it wasn’t all bad. Now I can’t wait to find out more about the kitsunes in The Kitsune Giggle.

<- The Unicorn HerdThe Kitsune Giggle ->

Image source: Kobo

The Unicorn Herd by Arizona Tape

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: The Unicorn Herd
Author: Arizona Tape
Series: The Griffin Sanctuary #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, LGBTQI, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I honestly just read this because I’m going through the alphabet when I’m picking books at the moment (I have no idea why). So, of the “U” books, this one looked like the most fun (and I’ve enjoyed my forays into Tape’s writing before). And wow, am I glad that I picked this story. It was a great read, and the premise of being a keeper at a paranormal zoo – I seriously need more! I honestly couldn’t put this down, not just for the joy of meeting the different characters, but I loved the day to day reality of being an apprentice zookeeper.

As I was reading this, I was really worried that this was going to be a series that follows a different couple each book – I hadn’t really read much about the series overall. And, I’m glad to say that that’s not the case. Rather, at the conclusion of this, Charlotte is poised to continue her awesome work and continuing to make the relationships that I really enjoyed throughout. Plus, there are more animals to discover and fall in love with.

Although I primarily fixated on the animals in this story, because I’m animal obsessed, I also loved the development of the characters. I love that when Charlotte’s love interest reveals that she is interested, she reminds Charlotte to not just make assumptions. We’re all guilty of it, and I loved that gentle way that Charlotte is reminded to stop and think about what she is assuming. And how both the women are able to build themselves up together, even if they have a bit of a rougher start to their relationship.

The Unicorn Herd was a beautiful story and one that left me feeling content and happy after I finished the final page. It was a fairly quick and easy read, but that’s sometimes all that you need. And I’m glad that I had the privilege of diving into this world. Being swept away in the fantastic world building of Tape and just finding yet another enjoyable series to leave on my TBR.

<- The Fairy FestivalThe Phoenix Nest ->

Image source: Amazon