gay · romance · Young adult

Whiteout – Array of authors ★★★★★

Blurb; Atlanta is blanketed with snow just before Christmas, but the warmth of young love just might melt the ice in this novel of Black joy, and cozy, sparkling romance—by the same unbeatable team of authors who wrote the New York Times bestseller Blackout!

As the city grinds to a halt, twelve teens band together to help a friend pull off the most epic apology of her life. But will they be able to make it happen, in spite of the storm?

No one is prepared for this whiteout. But then, we can’t always prepare for the magical moments that change everything.

From the bestselling, award-winning, all-star authors who brought us Blackout—Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, and Nicola Yoon—comes another novel of Black teen love, each relationship within as unique and sparkling as Southern snowflakes.

My Review; This was such a perfect read. Absolutely adorable, I devoured it. One I won’t forget for a long time. It’s a story that’s going into my top reads of the year. Written by many different brilliant authors. It’s all round perfect. From the characters, the relationships, and the storyline. A story full of diversity, gay pride, and represents everyone. A beautiful ending. I will shout and rave about this book. Romantic. Young adult. Friendships. Heart warming. Five out of five stars. Highly recommend. A must read.

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Bestsellers · gay · romance

Young Mungo – Douglas Stuart ★★★★

Blurb; Growing up in a housing estate in Glasgow, Mungo and James are born under different stars–Mungo a Protestant and James a Catholic–and they should be sworn enemies if they’re to be seen as men at all. Yet against all odds, they become best friends as they find a sanctuary in the pigeon dovecote that James has built for his prize racing birds. As they fall in love, they dream of finding somewhere they belong, while Mungo works hard to hide his true self from all those around him, especially from his big brother Hamish, a local gang leader with a brutal reputation to uphold. And when several months later Mungo’s mother sends him on a fishing trip to a loch in Western Scotland with two strange men whose drunken banter belies murky pasts, he will need to summon all his inner strength and courage to try to get back to a place of safety, a place where he and James might still have a future.

Imbuing the everyday world of its characters with rich lyricism and giving full voice to people rarely acknowledged in the literary world, Young Mungo is a gripping and revealing story about the bounds of masculinity, the divisions of sectarianism, the violence faced by many queer people, and the dangers of loving someone too much.

My Review; OMG. This was just beautiful, emotional, heartbreaking and amazing. What a rollercoaster of a read. It’s a long read at just over 600 pages but so worth it. My first book read by this author and I’m in love. I fell in love with Mungo I just wanted to give him a huge cuddle and take him away from everything. This wasn’t an easy read for me it does contain alot of violence, child neglect, fighting, abuse and non consensual sex. But the ending finished it all perfectly for me. Love is love no matter what kind or with who. Mungo won in the end bless him. Brilliant. Amazing. Outstanding read. One I won’t forget for a long time. Highly recommend. A well deserved four stars from me.

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gay · romance · Young adult

Only on the Weekends – Dean Atta ★★★★

Blurb; Fifteen-year-old Mack is a hopeless romantic–likely a hazard of growing up on film sets thanks to his father’s job. Mack has had a crush on Karim for as long as he can remember and he can’t believe it when gorgeous, popular Karim seems into him too.

But when Mack’s father takes on a new directing project in Scotland, Mack has to move away, and soon discovers how painful long-distance relationships can be. It’s awful to be so far away from Karim, and it’s made worse by the fact that Karim can be so hard to read.

Then Mack meets actor Finlay on set, and the world turns upside down again. Fin seems fearless–and his confidence could just be infectious.

Award-winning author Dean Atta crafts a beautifully nuanced and revelatory story in verse about the exquisite highs and lows of first love and self-discovery.

My Review; This is my first book by this author. It is a long read at just under 600 pages, but an easy read as the story is told through poetry format. Main character Mack is just adorable and has always had a crush on K but with K not wanting to come out as gay can their secret relationship really last? Will K come out? Will they remain together or will Mack find someone who isn’t ashamed to be gay and out with him? When he moves away for a while will their love still remain? A beautiful story that many young people can probably relate too. Gorgeous cover. A 21st century gay love story. I loved Macks character. Really enjoyed reading this. A well deserved four stars. Highly recommend.

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