Books and Reading

Queer Paranormal Books to Binge When You’re Craving Something Dark & Magical

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Sometimes you just want a book that gives you vibes. You know what I mean? Something that’s a little eerie, a little sexy, maybe has some spells flying or ghosts whispering in the attic—and unapologetically queer. Because while I love a good haunted house or vampire romance, I want my monsters and magic served with a side of queer yearning, thank you very much.

So, I made a list. A lovingly curated stack of queer paranormal books to binge when your soul’s feeling all shadowy and sparkly at the same time. Light some candles, maybe brew a questionable herbal tea (it’s called ambiance), and let’s dive in.

1. The Dead and the Dark by Courtney Gould

Ghosts. Murder. Closeted TV ghost-hunter dads. This one had me hooked from chapter one. It’s set in a creepy small town where teens are going missing, and the vibe is deliciously unnerving. Oh—and the sapphic slow burn? Absolute chef’s—wait, no, not saying it. It’s perfect.

2. Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

If you haven’t read this one yet, I’m both jealous of you and a little bit suspicious. It’s like warm pan dulce and cold night air wrapped in one book. Yadriel is a trans brujo trying to prove himself, and he ends up summoning a ghost with unfinished business (who is also ridiculously cute and annoying). It’s spooky, sweet, and steeped in Latinx culture and heart.

3. The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas

Okay yes, another Aiden Thomas book, but hear me out—this one is like if The Hunger Games went to queer magical summer camp. It’s not as horror-heavy, but it has gods, monsters, trials, and a rainbow of identities. Trans rep, demi rep, gay rep—it’s basically a Pride parade with knives.

4. White Is for Witching by Helen Oyeyemi

This one is… odd. Beautifully odd. It’s literary horror, with a haunted house that may or may not be alive and xenophobia that literally creeps in through the walls. There’s a queer love story, but the whole book is like reading a dream that might smother you in your sleep. A+ for unsettling vibes.

5. The Devouring Gray by Christine Lynn Herman

Creepy forests. Moody teens. Mysterious deaths. And bisexual representation! Honestly, it scratches that Stranger Things meets The Raven Cycle itch. Small-town secrets and paranormal curses are my literary catnip.

6. A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson

This is Dracula’s bride reimagined as a queer, polyamorous Gothic goddess reclaiming her power. It’s dark and decadent and written in this poetic prose that makes you want to underline every other sentence. (Also, toxic vampire relationships? We love unpacking those.)

7. Monstrilio by Gerardo Sámano Córdova

This one’s newer and… wow. Just wow. It’s weird, it’s tender, it’s monstrous. A grieving mother raises her dead son into a creature—yes, it goes there—and there’s this undercurrent of queerness and identity and transformation. It’s tender horror, if that makes sense?

8. Sawkill Girls by Claire Legrand

This one hit me in the face like a thunderclap. Girls are going missing. There’s a supernatural predator. And our sapphic heroines? So good. The atmosphere is sticky and strange, and the horror element is very much there without being overbearing. It’s empowering and haunting all at once.

9. Wilder Girls by Rory Power

Imagine Lord of the Flies but with queer girls and body horror and mysterious island quarantines. Yeah. That. The prose is lush and brutal and there’s this sense of decay and transformation throughout that I kind of loved. It’s not a romance-y book, but the queerness is there and it’s messy and real.

10. Silver Under Nightfall by Rin Chupeco

Okay. Vampires. Monster hunting. Found family. Queer romance. Polyamory. I devoured this one with the same glee I have when I find discount Halloween candy in November. It’s action-packed and a little gory, but also swoony and funny. Don’t sleep on this one.

11. The Honeys by Ryan La Sala

A queer boy infiltrates a mysterious all-girls retreat after his sister dies under suspicious circumstances. The bees. The weirdness. The unsettling perfection of it all. It’s like Midsommar but with queerness and grief and a big helping of WTF. I was enthralled.

12. Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant

Lesbian marine biologists + killer mermaids. That’s it. That’s the pitch. Also: the mermaids are horrifying, and I loved every squishy, scream-inducing second of it.

Bonus Round: If You’re Into Queer Witchy Vibes…

  • Mooncakes by Wendy Xu & Suzanne Walker – sweet, queer, witchy graphic novel.
  • The Witch King by H.E. Edgmon – trans boy raised in the fae realm returns to his magical roots (and his ex).
  • Her Majesty’s Royal Coven by Juno Dawson – adult witches, old friends, betrayal, and trans representation.

I don’t know about you, but I kind of want to curl up in a haunted mansion with these now. (Ideally with ghost-proof snacks and some enchanted tea. Maybe a cat who talks. Not required, but would be nice.)

If you’ve got favorites I missed, please send them my way. I’m always down to add a few more queer ghosts, witches, and vampires to my shelf.

Until then—read dark, stay magical, and never trust a mysterious bookshop that wasn’t there yesterday.

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Why I Ditched Audible and Fell in Love with Libro.fm (And Why You Might Too)

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Handsome clean-shaven young man 18-22 wearing headphones

So here’s a little confession: I used to be that guy. You know the one—I had a recurring Audible subscription and a library of audiobooks narrated by overly peppy voices that I kept meaning to finish. It was convenient. It was easy. But somewhere along the way, I realized I was quietly funneling money into the great, sprawling Amazonian beast. And the more I thought about it, the more it bothered me.

Then I found Libro.fm, and suddenly, I felt like I’d just discovered some magical little indie coffee shop in a world full of Starbucks. You know that feeling when you walk into a used bookstore and the air smells like paper, dust, and endless possibility? That’s what Libro.fm feels like, but for audiobooks.

Not Just Another Audiobook App

At first glance, Libro.fm works pretty much like Audible. You pay a monthly fee (currently $14.99), and in return, you get one audiobook credit per month plus access to a bunch of great deals and curated playlists. But here’s the kicker: instead of handing over your money to Amazon, you’re supporting a local independent bookstore of your choice. Every. Single. Time.

Yes, seriously.

You get your audiobook, and your chosen indie bookstore gets a cut. It’s like the ultimate bookish win-win. I chose Boswell Books in Milwaukee, which is one of my favorite real-world bookstores—friendly staff, great events, and that dreamy smell of old wood floors and new pages. But there are tons of bookstores you can pick from, depending on where you live or just who you want to support. No gatekeeping.

Why I’m Smitten With Libro.fm

Let’s talk pros. Because there are many. Grab a snack.

1. It Feels Good to Shop Here
There’s something deeply satisfying about knowing my audiobook habit is actually helping keep indie bookstores afloat. Every time I hit “Buy,” I don’t feel that little pang of regret like I used to with Amazon. I feel… kinda noble? Like a literary Robin Hood, but less arrows and more earbuds.

2. You Actually Own Your Audiobooks
This is a big one. With Audible, you’re kinda renting your books—if you ever cancel your membership, you can keep what you’ve downloaded but you’re still locked into Amazon’s ecosystem. With Libro.fm, you’re buying DRM-free audio files. That means you can download them, back them up, play them on any device. It’s yours. Forever. Like in the Before Times.

3. The App is Pretty Dang Good
I was skeptical. I mean, could they really rival Audible’s slick interface? But yeah, they totally can. The Libro.fm app has all the good stuff: sleep timer, variable speed playback (hello, 1.25x, my old friend), bookmarks, and an intuitive layout that doesn’t require a PhD in “why won’t this play on my phone.” I’ve used it on both iOS and Android with no hiccups.

4. The Staff Picks and Playlists Are Actually Cool
They’ve got these themed playlists curated by real bookstore employees—people who actually read and care. Not weird algorithm-generated “You might also like this 27-hour lecture on 18th-century plowing techniques.” I’ve found some absolute gems this way. It’s like having your favorite bookseller whispering in your ear.

5. You Can Gift Credits or Start a Membership for Someone
Perfect for that friend who says they don’t have time to read (but you know they’re stuck in traffic for 40 minutes every morning). Or just for someone who could use a pick-me-up that isn’t socks or a scented candle. Audiobooks = serotonin.

6. They’re Transparent AF
I love that they’re super open about where the money goes. You can see how much your bookstore earns, what the revenue split is, and they’re big on community and ethics. It’s refreshing. There’s no sleazy corporate fog hanging over them.

The (Very Tiny) Cons

Okay, I promised to be honest, so here are a couple of minor nitpicks:

  • They don’t have every single book Audible does. Some publishers are still being weird about distribution. But I’ve only run into this a handful of times, and it’s getting better.
  • No fancy “free Audible Originals” or whatever. But honestly, I never listened to those anyway, so… no real loss?

So yeah…

Libro.fm just feels better. Like, spiritually. It aligns with my “support small, skip the Bezos empire” values, and it doesn’t ask me to compromise on quality or convenience to do it. If anything, it makes me feel more connected to the book world—and more excited to hit “play” on the next story.

So if you’ve ever felt a little icky sending your audiobook money into the Bezos void, give Libro.fm a try. You might just fall for it like I did. And hey, if you do sign up, pick your favorite indie bookstore to support. Or copy me and go with Boswell Books—those folks are the real deal.

Currently listening to: “The House in the Cerulean Sea” and crying in public like it’s a lifestyle.

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Books That Made Me Cry in Public (And I Regret Nothing)

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man reading a book and crying at a cafe

Yes, I was That Guy sobbing in the corner of the coffee shop. No, I’m not sorry.

Look, I didn’t plan on turning into a human puddle on a park bench while reading a paperback with a cracked spine. It just… happened. You know that moment when you’re so deep into a book that the world kind of melts away—and then the author wrecks you with a single sentence? Yeah. That.

Books have a dangerous power, and apparently, I like to flirt with emotional destruction in public spaces. Here’s a short, shame-free list of the books that made me cry in full view of strangers—and why I’d 100% do it again.

1. A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

Oh boy. I started this one thinking I was emotionally stable enough for a 700+ page literary drama about four friends in New York. I was so wrong. This book broke me in quiet, sneaky ways—little things at first. And then, somewhere around page 400, I was full-on sobbing into a napkin at a local café while trying to discreetly blow my nose like I wasn’t unraveling on a Thursday afternoon.

The writing is haunting. The trauma is relentless. And Jude? Don’t talk to me about Jude unless you want me to spiral again.

2. They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera

Yes, the title kind of spoils it, but no amount of mental prep saved me from the gut punch this book delivers. I read it in one sitting on a long train ride. Picture me: headphones in, hoodie up, trying to look cool while weeping silently as Rufus and Mateo live out their last day. Strangers absolutely noticed. One lady offered me a tissue. It was a moment.

It’s sad, yes—but also weirdly life-affirming. Which is such a Silvera move.

3. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

This one hits different if you know your Greek mythology—and by “hits,” I mean it launches a spear through your heart and twists it. I read most of it on my porch, but I made the very bad decision to finish it at the park. Let’s just say I looked like I was going through a breakup with someone named Patroclus, and I absolutely whispered “no” out loud like five times.

The prose is lyrical. The love is tender. The ending? Cruel. Beautiful. Unforgettable.

4. The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

Okay, this one is less “devastation” and more “crying because something is so pure it makes your heart ache.” I was on a plane, minding my own business, when Lucy (the Antichrist, by the way) said something heartbreakingly sweet and I just… lost it. Quiet tears. Very sniffly. I think the guy next to me thought I was terrified of flying. I wasn’t. I was just overwhelmed by wholesome queer found-family joy.

This book is basically a gentle hug that sneaks up and karate-chops your tear ducts.

5. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

Existential crisis, party of one! I picked this up at the library and ended up reading half of it at a quiet diner during breakfast. Nora’s journey through all the lives she could have lived had me wiping my eyes between bites of French toast. The woman pouring coffee didn’t say anything, but she did keep refilling my mug like she understood the assignment.

It’s a hopeful book about regret, choices, and finding meaning in your current mess of a life—which is exactly what I needed that week.

6. If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio

I brought this to the beach, thinking I was getting dark academia vibes and maybe some light murder. I was not emotionally prepared for the ending. Sand stuck to my tears. I looked like a character from a tragic coastal romance. But the writing? Absolutely stunning. Shakespearean without being pretentious. Dramatic in all the best ways.

Would I cry in public again for it? Yes. Even knowing what’s coming.

Crying in Public Is My New Superpower

There’s something weirdly cathartic about losing your composure over fictional people while surrounded by real ones. It’s like your soul just can’t contain itself, so it leaks out your eyeballs, and all the people in the coffee shop get front-row seats to your literary breakdown. But honestly? I kind of love it.

These books cracked me open in ways I didn’t expect, and if that means occasionally embarrassing myself at Panera Bread, so be it. I’d rather feel too much than not at all.

So yeah, I’ve been that guy crying on the train, at the airport, in the corner of a bookstore. And if you spot someone doing the same? Don’t judge—maybe just slide them a tissue and ask what they’re reading.

Because odds are… it’s worth it.

P.S. Got a book that emotionally destroyed you in public? Tell me. I probably want it.

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Hidden Gems – Underrated Urban Fantasy Novels You Should Absolutely Read (Because Magic Deserves Better PR)

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handsome young man 18-24 reading a book book

Let me tell you something kind of embarrassing.

Years ago, I went on a total urban fantasy binge. We’re talking full-on hermit mode: blackout curtains, microwave burritos, and me mumbling spells under my breath like I was preparing for battle at the local Walgreens. It started innocently with The Dresden Files, then Mercy Thompson, then Kate Daniels, and before I knew it, I’d devoured all the Big Names™ and hit the dreaded “recommendation fatigue” wall.

You know that wall. You’ve read the heavy hitters. You’ve seen the same five series recommended in every single listicle. And then suddenly you’re wandering the genre wilderness, thinking, Where is all the weird, niche, juicy stuff hiding?

So I started digging. Hard. And oh boy—there’s gold in those shadows.

1. The Rook by Daniel O’Malley

Okay, so this one did get a Starz adaptation (that absolutely butchered the source material—don’t get me started), but somehow people still overlook the book itself, and I will not stand for that.

The Rook is what you get if you dropped Jason Bourne into a supernatural MI6 and gave him a dry British sense of humor. The story kicks off with Myfanwy Thomas waking up in a park surrounded by dead bodies and no memory of who she is—except for a note in her pocket… from herself. From there, it spirals into a secret government agency, sentient mold, psychic ducks (seriously), and body-hopping villains.

It’s witty, weird, clever as hell, and criminally underrated.

2. Midnight Riot (aka Rivers of London) by Ben Aaronovitch

This one technically has a cult following in the UK, but in the States, it barely gets mentioned in urban fantasy convos, and that’s a crime. It’s basically Harry Potter grew up, joined the London police force, and started dealing with magical crimes involving jazz vampires, river gods, and supernatural graffiti.

The dry wit is sharp, the world-building is layered and historically rich, and Peter Grant—the biracial, magic-apprentice-cop protagonist—is one of the most relatable leads I’ve ever read. Also, there are ghosts. And they’re _not_friendly.

3. Borderline by Mishell Baker

Now this one messed me up in the best way.

Borderline follows Millie, a young woman with borderline personality disorder (yep, that’s where the title comes from), who’s recruited into a secret organization that polices interactions between Hollywood and a parallel realm of fairies. Think The Magicians meets The Devil Wears Prada, with a heavy dose of mental health realism and some brutally honest commentary on the disability community.

What I love is that the story doesn’t flinch. Millie is raw, flawed, angry—and also brilliant, funny, and unapologetically herself. The blend of mental health and urban fantasy isn’t something I’ve seen done this well elsewhere.

4. The Arcadia Project Series (Just read all three)

Following Borderline, do yourself a favor and read the rest of the series. It escalates in ways that are bananas in the best way. No spoilers, but the Fae politics go deep, and there’s a scene in the final book involving a film set, a tear in the fabric of reality, and a flying fish that I still think about way too often.

5. City of Stairs by Robert Jackson Bennett

Okay okay, this one leans a little more “weird magical spy thriller” than traditional urban fantasy, but it feels urban. There’s a dead god, a city where reality bends around buried divine laws, and a cranky, badass bureaucrat named Shara Thivani who investigates a murder that might unravel, well, everything.

There’s something deeply satisfying about how grounded this book feels despite the epicness. Plus, it asks big philosophical questions—about faith, memory, and colonialism—without ever getting preachy. Also: knife fights. Glorious, grimy knife fights.

Why This Matters (To Me, Anyway)

I think urban fantasy sometimes gets pigeonholed. People expect broody vampires and sarcastic detectives (don’t get me wrong—I love both), but there’s so much more lurking in the shadows. Mental health. Queer identities. Neurodivergent protagonists. Diverse mythology. Weird sidekicks with questionable hygiene.

Finding these books felt like cracking open secret doors in a genre I thought I’d already explored. They reminded me that urban fantasy doesn’t have to be formulaic. It can be sharp, unpolished, hilarious, raw—just like the cities it’s meant to reflect.

So if you’re like me and you’ve hit that genre wall, these are the books I’d shove into your hands. Some are funny, some are sad, some are just straight-up bizarre—but all of them deserve more love than they’ve gotten.

Go find your next favorite obsession. Just, uh, maybe clear your weekend first. You’re not gonna want to put them down.

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Sunscreen & Sand – Queer Books to Devour at the Beach (Or Your Couch with a Margarita)

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Okay, so there is nothing quite like stretching out on a beach towel that’s slowly being colonized by sand, your sunglasses slipping down your sweaty nose, and losing yourself in a queer book that makes you laugh-snort into your iced latte or quietly sob into your watermelon chunks. If you’re anything like me, beach reads should be a little salty, a little sweet, maybe slightly chaotic, and full of feelings. Preferably gay ones.

So, I’ve gathered a delightful stack of queer reads that are perfect for poolside lounging, ocean breeze daydreaming, or even hiding in the shade pretending you don’t hate the sun. (You’re not alone, I see you.) Let’s go:

1. One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
Okay, if you’ve been anywhere near queer BookTok, you’ve heard of this one. But it deserves the hype. Imagine meeting a mysterious, gorgeous girl on the subway only to find out… she’s displaced in time from the 1970s and can’t leave the train. August, our sarcastic, somewhat cynical protagonist, sets out to solve the mystery and gets a big ol’ dose of queer community and found family along the way. Bonus: pancakes, drag queens, and a lot of longing looks in fluorescent subway lighting.

2. Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo
Historical lesbian drama? Say no more. This is set in 1950s San Francisco (cue smoky jazz and neon lights) and follows Lily Hu, a Chinese-American teen who stumbles upon a lesbian bar and, well, kind of stumbles into herself. It’s gorgeously written, layered with identity, politics, and culture—and yes, it might break your heart a little. In a good, cathartic way. Like that one time you cried into your snorkel.

3. Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
Yeah, I know McQuiston is on this list twice, but this book is basically a queer romcom smoothie and I’m not gonna apologize. The First Son of the United States falls in love with Prince Henry of England. It’s charming, ridiculous, full of political banter, spicy texts, and fake friendships-turned-real-love (and the movie is just as good!). Take this one to the beach and prepare to grin like a fool. Just watch out for seagulls. They judge.

4. She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan
If you like your beach reads with a dash of dynasty takeovers and gender rebellion, this one’s for you. It’s a reimagining of the rise of the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty—except in this version, the “he” is actually a girl who assumes her dead brother’s identity to escape famine and become something… greater. It’s sweeping, brutal, tender, and very queer. A perfect blend of historical fantasy and existential thirst.

5. Nevada by Imogen Binnie
This one hits differently. A trans woman named Maria, living in New York, goes on a very not-so-typical road trip after breaking up with her girlfriend and, basically, spirals a bit. It’s messy. It’s raw. It’s super smart and darkly funny and kind of like having a conversation with that one brutally honest friend who doesn’t sugarcoat anything but still hugs you after. If you like your beach reads with bite, this one’s a winner.

6. The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by KJ Charles
Regency romance, but gay. And with smugglers! This one has a sunshine/grump pairing, a moody marshland setting (very aesthetic), secret identities, and illicit midnight meetings. There’s real emotional depth here, alongside the dashing escapades and slow-burning desire. Warning: you will end up swooning, and possibly googling “how to run away with a smuggler.”

7. You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi
Is it queer? Yes. Is it messy? Extremely. Is it sexy, heartbreaking, lush, and chaotic in all the best summer read ways? Also yes. Feyi is an artist who’s grieving and trying to figure out who she is, and the story explores love, healing, bisexuality, and complicated relationships in a totally addictive way. Like emotional sunscreen: necessary and a little stinging.

8. Pet by Akwaeke Emezi
Another Emezi gem, but this one’s different—dreamier, stranger. It’s technically YA, but don’t let that fool you. It’s about a trans girl named Jam who lives in a supposedly utopian world where monsters no longer exist… until one shows up. It’s short but haunting, and there’s something beautiful about reading this one under a bright blue sky, feet buried in the sand, while contemplating justice and truth.

9. Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall

If you’re in the mood for a hilarious and heartwarming rom-com, look no further than Boyfriend Material. The book follows Luc, a very awkward, very single man who’s forced to pretend to be in a relationship with the grumpy, enigmatic Oliver to improve his reputation. It’s filled with witty dialogue, funny moments, and, of course, some adorable romance. It’s a perfect read for when you need a light, yet satisfying story with a bit of emotional depth. Trust me, you’ll root for these two from start to finish.

10. Annie on My Mind by Nancy Garden

This one is a bit of a classic in the queer literature world. Though it’s a bit older, it still holds up as a sweet and heartfelt coming-of-age story. The book follows Liza and Annie, two teenage girls who fall in love while navigating the complexities of friendship, family, and self-identity. It’s one of the first mainstream YA novels to feature a positive portrayal of a lesbian relationship, and its tenderness and innocence still resonate today. While it focuses on a female-male romance, it’s still a great pick for anyone looking for representation of love in all its forms.

11. Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

Okay, Simon might be a little bit YA, but it’s too good to leave off this list. Simon Spier is a high school junior who’s secretly gay—until his secret is almost exposed when his flirtatious emails to another closeted boy, Blue, are discovered. The book is funny, witty, and relatable, with a romance that’ll make you feel all the butterflies. If you haven’t seen the movie adaptation, definitely add that to your list too, but trust me, the book is where all the magic happens.

12. A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

If you want something that’ll make you cry for days, A Little Life is your book. This is an incredibly intense and heartbreaking novel that follows four friends, focusing particularly on Jude, a man with a traumatic past who struggles with self-worth and identity. It’s a powerful exploration of friendship, trauma, love, and healing, but be prepared for an emotional journey. While it’s deeply heavy, it’s also beautifully written, with intricate relationships and characters you won’t easily forget. Just keep the tissues nearby.

13. The Lover’s Dictionary by David Levithan

Levithan is no stranger to queer love stories, and this novel is one of his most charming. Told through the format of a dictionary, it explores a relationship between two men through a series of definitions—each word shedding light on their evolving love story. It’s quirky, sweet, and introspective, and each page feels like it has a little nugget of wisdom or emotion packed into it. It’s short enough to read in one sitting (you know, if you’re on a beach and don’t want to get distracted by the waves).

14. Surrender Your Sons by Adam Sass

For a little bit of suspense, a bit of danger, and some serious character growth, Surrender Your Sons is a high-stakes, thrilling read. The story follows Connor, a gay teenager who’s sent to a “conversion therapy” camp in a remote, tropical setting. What follows is a suspense-filled journey of escape, rebellion, and uncovering dark secrets. It’s not your typical romance story, but it’s compelling, fast-paced, and incredibly relevant in today’s world. If you’re looking for something a little more action-packed, this one’s for you.

15. The City of Devi by Manil Suri

This one’s got a bit of everything: romance, intrigue, and a backdrop of the chaotic city of Mumbai. The book centers on Sarita, a woman who is on a mission to find her husband amid the ruins of a war-torn city. But what makes it even more interesting is the relationship that forms between Sarita and a fellow traveler, a man named Karim, who is trying to understand his own feelings and identity amidst the chaos. It’s a unique exploration of love, identity, and survival—and it’ll definitely keep you thinking long after you’ve finished reading.

16. Tales of the City by Armistead Maupin

If you love classic queer fiction with a good dose of humor and heartfelt moments, Tales of the City is a must-read. Set in 1970s San Francisco, this novel follows a group of quirky characters living in a boarding house, exploring their personal dramas, romantic entanglements, and identity struggles. It’s a great introduction to Maupin’s work, filled with humor, sharp wit, and a whole lot of charm. Think of it like the queer Friends, with a lot more heart (and, you know, a little less coffee shop). This one is my all time favorite gay book series.

17. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

Schwab’s exploration of love, time, and identity is incredibly relevant in this book. Addie is a woman who makes a deal with the devil to live forever, only to be cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets. She has a brief but powerful encounter with Henry, a man who remembers her, and their connection is electric. While Addie herself is the star of the show, Henry’s story is deeply emotional and explores queer identity, love, and the idea of being seen in a world where you might feel invisible. It’s a stunning and poignant novel, with romance, magic, and heartbreak galore.

So, there you go! A round of queer books that should definitely make their way into your beach bag. Whether you’re into light-hearted rom-coms, emotional rollercoasters, or something a little more action-packed, there’s something here for everyone. Let me know which ones you’re planning to dive into next.

Got a fave queer beach read I didn’t mention? Please tell me. I’m one sand-dusted tote bag away from adding five more books to my ever-growing TBR pile.

🌈📚 Happy reading and don’t forget sunscreen—skin is important, friends.

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Urban Fantasy Madness

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Man sittingnext to a fox wearing a business suit and tie

Okay, so I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how urban fantasy does this amazing thing where it sneaks important conversations into our brains through the backdoor of supernatural storytelling. You know what I mean? Like, you’re reading about vampires and werewolves, but suddenly you’re also contemplating systemic racism and environmental destruction. Pretty sneaky, right?

I gotta tell you about this fascinating thing I came across – according to Barnes & Noble’s literary blog, fantasy writers use supernatural beings as metaphors to tackle controversial issues in ways that might be too intense to discuss directly. It’s like putting on magical glasses that help us see our own world more clearly.

Take N.K. Jemisin’s work, for instance. This amazing author creates these incredible urban landscapes where magic users face discrimination that mirrors real-world prejudices. It’s wild how reading about magical beings fighting for their rights makes us think about our own society’s struggles with equality.

And then there’s this thing that’s been happening in newer urban fantasy – addressing climate change through magical catastrophes. Like, imagine a world where nature spirits are dying because of pollution, or where magical ley lines are getting messed up because of urban development. It hits different when you see environmental destruction through a magical lens, doesn’t it?

Here’s something that blew my mind – urban fantasy actually started getting super popular during times of major social upheaval. It’s like we needed these supernatural metaphors to process all the crazy stuff happening in the real world. It wouldn’t surprise me if urban fantasy surges in popularity in the coming days, seeing how crazy things are in the world right now.

And you know what’s really cool? The way different authors handle prejudice in their magical worlds. Some books have vampires dealing with “coming out of the coffin” to society, which totally parallels LGBTQ+ rights movements. Others show magical beings facing housing discrimination or workplace prejudice – stuff that’s painfully real for many people today.

I recently read this incredible series where faeries were being forced out of their traditional lands by urban development – it’s basically gentrification with pointy ears, but it made me think about real communities facing similar issues. The author threw in these incredibly detailed descriptions of magical protection spells that felt as real as any neighborhood watch program.

Let me share this random but true fact I found: According to a study published in the Critical Studies in Media Communication journal, supernatural fiction experienced a significant surge in popularity during periods of social unrest, particularly in the 1960s and early 2000s. It’s like we collectively turn to these stories when we need to process complicated social issues.

Some of my favorite examples are the subtle ways authors weave in commentary about power dynamics. You’ve got these powerful magical councils that are totally stand-ins for corrupt governments, and rebel mages fighting against unfair systems. Sound familiar? It should!

The thing I love most about urban fantasy is how it makes us question our own prejudices. When you find yourself sympathizing with a werewolf who can’t get a job because of discrimination, it really makes you think about real-world bias, doesn’t it?

Until next time, keep reading and questioning everything!

P.S. Drop a comment below with your favorite urban fantasy books that tackle social issues – I’m always looking for new reads!

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Why I’m Low-Key Obsessed with the Aardvark Book Club

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Okay, so here’s the deal: I’ve recently fallen down the rabbit hole of the Aardvark Book Club, and I’m low-key obsessed. Like, I’ve already started carving out specific “me time” just to dive into these books (don’t judge me, it’s self-care). It’s funny because I wasn’t even specifically looking for a book club; I was just scrolling through a random Reddit forum (as one does at 11 PM on a Thursday) when people started raving about this new book subscription. And naturally, as the nosy book lover that I am, I had to check it out.

Let me just tell you… so far, 10 out of 10, no regrets. They’ve been dropping some gems. You know how some book clubs kind of miss the mark with their selections? Like, either too meh or too literary (FYI, I love a good deep read, but sometimes, I just want juicy writing that doesn’t require 27 degrees to get through). Well, Aardvark seems to strike the perfect balance. It’s got this nice mix of thought-provoking books and those stories that completely draw you in without needing to consult a dictionary every other page. The kind of stuff that makes you actually excited to get home, curl up, and make some tea. (Okay, I said “curl up,” but realistically, I’m probably sprawled across the couch in a position that makes my spine cry out for help.)

The craziest thing is that I didn’t even hesitate to sign up. Reddit folks have opinions – sometimes brutally honest ones that make you rethink your life choices for a minute – but this thread was full of such genuine enthusiasm that I figured, why not? It was like this silent book whisperer guiding me to hit “Join.” And oh boy, I’m glad I listened to the collective bookish voices of Reddit this time. (Shoutout to the internet for occasionally being helpful and not just full of weird memes. Occasionally.)

Another cool thing about Aardvark? You actually get to pick from a few fresh titles each month, which is awesome. I’m all for surprises, but sometimes I like steering the ship, you know? So far, their picks have been on point. It’s like they somehow hacked into my Goodreads account and curated suggestions just for my very particular moods. One of the books I grabbed last month had me on an emotional journey from fresh intrigue all the way to “do not disturb, we are having a MOMENT with this book” territory.

Oh, fun fact: According to some random stats I found on the internet (because I’m a professional procrastinator), people who join book clubs tend to read 1.5 times more than those who don’t. Crazy, right? So technically, I’m not just enjoying a bunch of amazing books; I’m raising my reading game like a pro! I’ll take it.

Anyway, if you’ve been in a reading rut, or if you just secretly love getting thoughtful, handpicked books without obsessively scrolling through a million reviews first — Aardvark might be your answer. Who knows? Maybe you’ll catch me in another forum, ranting about the next great novel I found in their selection.

Until then, if you need me, I’ll be over here, probably finishing yet another book, ignoring my laundry – because priorities.

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