Mx. Phoebe

I really enjoyed this enemies-to-lovers fake-relationship rom-com. I laughed. I got a little heated and laughed again. There's a happy ending that gave me visions of a famous movie and I was chuckling getting ready for the ending. Enjoy this read in bed, on the beach, or in the backyard.

I received a free copy of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.

I love the premise of returning home to face who you are when you really don't want to. It's an opportunity for humor, especially among siblings as Castro deftly illustrates. It is also an excuse to look back and forward which with a character like Toma it is worth the trip.

If all rodeos have Toma in the wheelbarrow and Eva glittering on her horse, then sign me up. I will follow them down their happy trails.

I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.

To read more of my review, go to Phoebe's Randoms - link is in bio.

This is not a Faux Pas - cute romance

Paige is a unique character and I like her.

Lily Seabrooke has created a complicated mess to position Paige where she is needed. Then makes the most of it in the most delightful ways. I like the town and its people. They are just as important to Paige's story as she is. Seabrooke creates a memorable and unique addition to the Sapphic Pride Collection.

Lily X gives us steam and a cute romance. Stay with Me is a grumpy-sunshine romance with a damsel in the distress thrown in. Plus you have some paranormal/sci-fi in the genetics and it makes for some titillating scenes.

I received a free copy of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.

I'm going to miss Honey and Sadie. I wish them luck in the Honeybloods universe. I hope I see Sadie again. I loved the journey.

Thank you to the Author for putting this book in #KindleUnlimited otherwise I could not have afford to read it. Thanks again!

Basics of Magical Bonds is all about communication or should I say miscommunication (laugh). L.C. Mawson shows us how important it is to communicate or someone is bound to get hurt.

I don't want to give anything away so I am going to speak in code (laugh).

Whether Skye is talking to just Lorelei or to the guys when you are involved in a polyamorous relationship everyone needs the same information. The issue can become bigger if one of them is lying to themself. Mawson creates a lot of complications for this new relationship that has not even begun yet.

All of the action that takes place in Basics is emotional. Mawson takes us on a rollercoaster of emotions while everyone navigates their place in Skye's life. There is also the issue of all of the betrayals that Skye has experienced. Skye makes adjustments to continue to train which may or may not bite her later.

Even though Basics is an emotion driven story rather than a battle one, it is still excellent. Mawson continues to diversify characters and I love it. I actually had to clarify something because someone's words triggered a thought in my head. Mawson was quick to write me back...and I'm not telling (laugh).

If you have not started this series you should. The next book is due at the end of the month and I cannot wait.

I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.

M. Rose Flores writes an exciting and fast-paced LGBTQ+ horror book. I actually cried during the book because Flores writes characters that you root and care for. Mind you let's remember I did not read the other books. I know! Freaking awesome.

Now you are probably thinking, “Phoebe has been on a zombie kick lately....” Very true, BUT I did not know this was a zombie book because once again I did not read the synopsis or blurb (laugh). Flores knocked me on my ass with a fantastic horror book.

The horrors are not only as a result of zombies as we have learned throughout history: humans suck. So we have humans versus zombies versus humans.

The Beginning starts off with a single point-of-view of younger sister Cate. Cate gathers a team to rescue her ex-girlfriend (just broke up) across the water in San Francisco. We then watch everything implode. Flores writes gruesome battle scenes with axes, knives, and someone actually brought a gun(?). Apparently he does not watch zombie movies!

Flores has created a world of diverse characters not only in the rainbow category, but in race and physical ability. I'm trying to think if I had just one favorite character and I have to say that I love Mel and Cate equally. Everyone else can go fly a kite except for maybe Delilah. This is not to say that the characters are not likeable (laugh). I don't want to give anything away, BUT don't fall in love with everybody...just saying.

I started The Beginning at about 10:30 p.m., needless to say I read the story straight through because Flores owned me. I cannot believe that this is the last book, because I think Cate could be another Alice. I did not want this story to end.

I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.

Rage To Live is a young adult novel that deals directly with the aftereffects of rape on not just the survivor, but on everyone around them.

Shirley Ann Edwards gives us a journey towards the light. Charlie has been brutally raped and then due to the downward spiral that the event takes her on ends up hurting herself. The attack leaves Charlie with severe anxiety, panic attacks, scars, and a darkness that she doesn't think she will ever get out of. Edwards takes us on Charlie's journey in Rage To Live.

This book is not for those who have triggers as I said it deals with rape, but it also deals with suicide. Charlie's pain is raw and honest. It lashes out and wounds others. It crawls through her body in a never-ending cycle of guilt, pain, shame, anger, and distrust.

Edwards offers no quick solutions. Instead Edwards writes a story about the residue of rape and how Charlie deals with it along with her friends, family, and the rapist and their family. In the midst of Charlie's hell, Edwards introduces a romantic love interest. Arielle is very different from Charlie's personality today and ends up being part of the light that Charlie needs.

I love Edwards' interpretation of Charlie. Charlie has no clue who she is in the beginning of the story because as life has it her troubles did not begin with the rape. We then get to go on Charlie's journey and see who she becomes, which is a survivor. I don't know if I would say that Charlie is my favorite character of the book as I have a fondness for Tris, Charlie's older cousin. I also love how Edwards shows us a couple who have survived the unthinkable and can be romantic and loving with Uncle Abe and Aunt Eloise. Then there is the amazing friendship of Matilda and Charlie.

There is so much to love about Rage To Live that I hope the trigger warnings do not scare you off. Shirley Anne Edwards writes a captivating story of survival, love, and heading out of the darkness.

I got this book from my library. I love my local library and you should check out yours too. Request LGBTQ+ books and they will stock them! #ebooksforall

The Q is filled with lost and lonely people. Reed fills it with a rainbow of diversity and surprisingly most of them are over fifty-years-old. There are heterosexuals, homosexuals, asexuals, and jerks. I will admit to being overwhelmed with the number of characters and who everyone is in Part One. What I remember the most after reading Part One straight through is the feelings that echoed inside me.

“Would someone even look twice at him these days?” Nelson, Loc. 212

I can remember this bar in Boston that everyone seemed to go to and the first time I went there it was filled with people in their twenties. Dancing, drinking, and having a good time. Then among the crowd I spotted a woman with all white hair and showing some age. No one wanted to dance with her and I thought, “OMG how sad. Will that be me in the future?” Well meet Reed's version in Nelson. I relate to almost everything he thought with the exception that I don't actually believe that love is coming. You look in the mirror and think, is that really me?

Reed hits on a lot of the emotions that older people feel who aren't partnered or are living an untruth. I was nodding my head and thinking this is just going to be a sad book...but, who owns the pickup?

I need not have worried though as Reed blends stories so that you always know who you are with and how they connect. There are sad stories, “awww I'm bummed stories”, and “woohoo” stories. Everyone doesn't get a “happily ever after”, but that is life too. Reed keeps it real and doesn't sugarcoat their realities. There are no easy answers and some people just end up “lucky”.

I loved all of the interconnecting stories, even the unhappy ones. I have some favorites, but that would be giving away some of the endings (laugh). I recommend stopping by The Q and meeting the “gang” and let me know who your favorites are.

I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.

Thomas A. Burns Jr. makes us dizzy with all of the twists and turns as if we had just kept spinning on a pole in Spinner! (2018). I want to ride this pole again. (laugh)

Natalie McMasters is feisty and a risk-taker sometimes to her own detriment and our entertainment. Burns has created a heroine to root for. Some of the side characters are very disagreeable, but maybe they are supposed to be (laugh).

The mysteries are good and yes, I wrote mysteries as there is more than one. Burns keeps us entertained and the story moving fast. I do not want to give anything away other than you need to start this series. Nattie is a hoot and watching her will make you want to take a spin on the pole too.

I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.

The Rewound Night by Jewel Cassidy
Imagine being 40-years-old, single, and tired. You get home from work and bam(!) your attacked. You start fighting for your life, but it's no good because he is faster. Then you disappear....

This is the premise for The Rewound Night. Jewel Cassidy takes us on a time-travel adventure. Dia ends up back in her college dorm room where apparently the thought of her death began.

Britt is her time-traveling savior. She might be holding back some secrets, but she is always up for a good time. As the pair try to stop the butterfly that started it all they get to now each other.

As the events unfold so does their love in an almost fated mates kind of way. Cassidy keeps you hooked right up until the end.

I really liked this story. Dia and Britt take each other's loneliness away. So that when morning does come you want the HEA ending for them.

The Goddess and the Crane by Cailee Francis

The Goddess and the Crane has a good premise. Naji and Lirya are strong characters with an interesting backstory. I think where Cailee Francis' falls short is in the chemistry between Naji and Lirya. For the storyline's ending to work for me, I needed more chemistry. I am not saying sex, but an obvious attraction and connection.

I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.

Two friends find each other again at the Beach House written by K.C. Luck. Thirty years may have gone by that has not stopped the feelings left over from summer crushes that were never spoken of. Luck brings the sparks to Abby and Toni, proving that love can come later in life and that we do get second chances.

TB Markinson counts on the Tropical Heat to bring a couple back together. Jamie books a much needed romantic vacation for her wife and her and at the last minute her wife chooses to handle a work emergency versus going. Jamie has had enough and ends their relationship via text message. Then goes on the vacation alone. Alex goes to Honduras looking to seduce the woman she loves and convince her that nothing means more to her than their relationship. When these two see each other across the bar, they cannot keep their hands off each other. Now can they each remember why they originally went there? (laugh) I ended up writing a synopsis versus a real review, but Markinson does bring the heat. I loved this story.

#MissedOpportunities is all about secret crushes and the times when we could have said something and we didn't. Erin Zak brings longing to another level. Remember those aching stomachs, banging heads, and how many “ughs!” have been said when those moments passed by when our crushes were right there and the moment hangs with potential. Zak wrings these moments out and some with comedic timing. This is a very cute rom-com where you might be nodding your head in remembrance and remembered empathy.

Authors include: Lise Gold, Claire Highton-Stevenson, K.C. Luck, Cara Malone, T.B. Markinson, Amanda Radley, Aurora Rey, Erin Zak, and Emma Sterner-Radley.

I think this is the first time I have ever started an anthology with the first story and it was love at first read with Chloe Smith and Happy New Year. Smith writes a cute romance about two girls who end up actually playing “7 minutes in Heaven”, but do not know it (laugh). I have to confess it only just occurred to me as I was writing this review. The area they get locked in to together is bigger than a closet, but they get stuck together all the same. Two opposites who end up polarized by fate and time. I hope to see more from Smith in the future if Smith continues to write sweet romances like this.

Jordan Ori makes putting on makeup sound like a symphony. Ori takes something ordinary and mundane to a born female and makes it sound like I am looking at a work done by Picasso or Georgia O'Keefe. Ori's use of description is amazing in Blond Dahlia. Ori has given me such a unique glimpse into a mindset I thought I “knew” and made my knowledge amateurish. I loved it!

I want to live in Rhiannon Lee's world. Everyone in At the Party is accepting of LGBTQ+ people - it is totally awesome. Then there is the sweet fumbling romance of Julian and Ethan and you cannot resist wanting more. Lee drew me in and had me imagining another coupling (laugh). I cannot wait to see more of Lee and hopefully a later version of Julian and Ethan (oops spoiler alert) in someone else's story. Lee makes you think love will last forever in their world.

Harmonious Hearts contains stories from: Ryan Almroth, M. Caldeira, M.K. Elford, Abigail FitzGibbon, Alexis K. Henley, Rhiannon Lee, Alec S. Lefeber, Oliver X. Li, Noel Moore, Daniel Okuluv, Jordan Ori, Chloe Smith, and Gabrielle Taylor.

I got this book from my library. I love my local library and you should check out yours too. Request LGBTQ+ books and they will stock them! #ebooksforall

The Slayers are at the Academy, but they will have to wait their turn for an attack on Amelia as another mysterious enemy has attacked the residents at the Academy. This is what makes this series sooooo good. L.C. Mawson just keeps the surprises coming. To me, Mawson is right up there with Joss Whedon, who I adore because he gave me Buffy. As I am writing this review all I can think about is how this is just like another episode of Buffy. You think this book is going to be all about how Amelia battles the Slayers now (not Buffy), when wham! Mawson sidetracks the whole battle with another enemy - every Whedon type enemy.

I love this series. I have said this before and will probably say it again. If you have not started this series, you need to. You could actually start with this one and go back and read the rest because this book can be read as a standalone. It is like an episode outside of the series, but part of. Very cool of Mawson to write it like this.

Mawson stated in a recent newsletter that this series is at the halfway point and I cannot see how as I have not had enough of Amelia. Amelia is feisty, self-sacrificing, and still trying to figure things out. Amelia is in the lead and pretty much solitary in this fight as the secondary cast is occupied in this book. We meet a new character who I have to say is quite intriguing. I cannot wait to see more!

There is nothing to not like about this book or series. I love it. Simple as that.

I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.

L.C. Mawson concentrates on Skye's personal development while the mystery builds in the background. Skye has never had magic before and therefore is already an oddity in the world she lives in when Mawson adds a twist to her physical being. She not only has to struggle with those issues, but her family has been keeping secrets that end up coming to light and not in a good way for Skye.

Mawson tries to help Skye along by sending her to the Ember Academy. The Academy used to be only open to witches, but now is open to all Magical Beings. Unfortunately, Skye feels just as lonely and confused there.

Mawson fills the story with diversity from cultures, gender, and sexual identities. One of the reasons that Mawson is one of my favorite authors. The secondary cast has people who have struggled much like Skye has. They deal with autism, assasination attempts, the pressure of getting good grades, family dynamics, and fighting against a future they do not want.

Mawson includes issues that everyone faces today, or has faced, bullying, break-ups, lust, unrequited love, ostracism, and just trying to figure out who you want to be. This is done while Skye is trying to figure out all of the new changes in her body while not falling down in front of anyone. Easier said than done.

Mawson has a couple of teaser mysteries and then the big one which this story ends with. There are yet more secrets, betrayals, and lots of emotional pain. I cannot wait to read the next book in the “Ember Academy for Magical Beings”. Mawson keeps a reader on their toes or maybe that is Skye practicing her fire control. (laugh)

I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.

A magic pill to make a girl fall in love with you goes slightly array when a straight girl has to use it on a girl.

Undercover Agent Information Retriever, Cara Hemlock, uses her sexual wiles on men to retrieve information and to ensure their cooperation she slips them The Love Pill so that they fall in love with her and readily comply. Then after three men fail with ad executive Lexi, Cara is sent to retrieve the information Lexi's father left her. Their initial meeting sparks an attraction that neither can deny, nor do they want to. Cara may insist that she is “straight”, but Lexi has her thinking about kissing more than her lips. Cara is stuck between feelings she has never felt before, but more than willing to drown in and her mission. Unfortunately for her, the boss weighs in and love does not matter where national security is questioned. What will happen when Lexi finds out or will Cara keep it from her and just disappear after she retrieves the information?

Cara fully embraces her feelings for Lexi, even though she insists the entire time that she is straight. She studies up on how to romance her from holding the door to taking her panties off. Lexi, on the other hand, looks at Cara and is already imagining the panty dropping. The chemistry between these two is great and the story takes place over the time as Arizona Tape does not rush their relationship or the sex. You are rooting for them even though you know Cara is going to betray Lexi because Tape tells their story from both sides so you can see how they are both invested in the relationship. The sex is more about the foreplay of kissing and nibbling than the actual event, but it is all very romantic and hot at the same time. They did not need the love pill and neither will you to fall in love with Lexi and Cara.

#FridayReads #LesbianBookReview #ArizonaTape #TheLoveTape #BookReview #PhoebesRainbowWorld #LesbianFiction #LesFic #LesbianRomance #Lesbian #3Stars #PGSex #FlippingRainbows

I have a tendency to not read the blurb of a book before I read it, therefore I had no clue where Phoebe Alexander was going in The Explorer (Mountains Wanted Publishing, 2020). I was exactly where Abby was in the story (laugh).

Alexander takes us through Abby and Gavin's first year at college. Both of the main characters had completely different upbringings yet are very similar in personality. They both start off in the same place emotionally at the beginning of the book and Alexander takes us through their changes during their first year on their own.

We get to experience first times, heart break, the stress of tests and papers, and death. There might be some triggers for readers, but I did not issue the usual warning as Alexander just lightly touches the subject. There is some emotional abuse which one again borders on the trigger warning and me writing one. It was not a trigger for me, but it might be for others.

Alexander explores sexuality and gender in The Explorer and does it with sensitivity and sensuality. Alexander also utilizes humor which y'all know I love. I highly recommend you explore Phoebe Alexander's latest in the “Mountain Series”.

I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.

The relationships between who takes care of your life while you are hustling is critical. Smith mixes this up with the chemistry and respect that burns between Kim and Becca. A supportive friendship develops between the two women that is just as important as the love. They build each other up and we get to see them grow from their friendship.

This is not to say that Smith doesn't bring heat to Love Burns. Oh, once these ladies relax a little it is hot.

I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.

Check out more of my review on Phoebe's Randoms - link in bio.

Bebe Lix gives us a quick spooky romance in Undead Girlfriend. Lix answers the question of what happens when the girl you bullied in high school comes back from the dead. (laugh) Damn, Ingrid has some anger issues - not that I blame her.

Check out the rest of my review at Phoebe's Randoms. Link in bio.

For me, Elle and the hospital made About Time an enjoyable story. I loved her first date story even though I knew what was going on in the background. Her excitement was palpable. Her movementment forward in life was joyful to read. Adrian J. Smith has written another story I like but not for the romance it was intended to be, but for the butterfly it created with Elle.

I received a free copy of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.

Check out the rest of my review at Phoebe's Randoms. Link in bio.

Sally Bend gives us another holiday quickie for our stocking in Snow Globes and Candy Canes, the second book in the “Christmas Tales” series. This is all about the fun in swapping and I am mainly talking about what happens afterwards (laugh).

I will admit to thinking “damn” when Sandra does a split to look at things better. What happens afterwards, I have seen in real-life and Bend writes the scene with all of the hotness witnessing it entails.

Snow Globes is just what it intends to be: a quickie. I enjoyed it for just that and you will too.

I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.

I had no clue where this story was taking me and don't you just love when that happens? Tom Caval writes a cute and suspenseful Halloween short story with Escape Date. I have to confess that Caval has ensured that I will never go on one of these events or dates (laugh). Just saying that I will not be Bertie.

I can't say much because after all this is a short story. Caval writes a quick and fun read for the holiday. Take a moment while you are waiting in line to vote and go on Lee and Alistair's first date...and last?

Whew. Endpapers is a book I had to read in silence and without interruptions. I tried to read a couple of times before I figured out that this is a dedicated read. Once I shut-out the outside noise, Dawn's story hooked me.

Endpapers is complicated, but so is this life we are trying to live. Kelly showcases these swings, hypocrisies, messages, and stories beautifully.

Check out the rest of my review at Phoebe's Randoms.


I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.

A Cat-tastrophy feels more like it is a setup book for the next book. Katerina Degratte lays all kinds of easter eggs among the spider's lunch. There are no additional bad guys unless you want to look at Cat's employers as a villain too. (I do.)

Check out the rest of my review at Phoebe's Randoms. Link in bio.

Susie Dumond brings lots of humor to Queerly Beloved. There are many funny wedding incidents. Dumond brings historical significance to this story through the fight for marriage equality. This is one story that made me want to eat cake.

I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.

Check out the rest of my review at Phoebe's Randoms. Link in bio.