Blog Archives
Back to the Beach
Back to the Beach by Alistair Sutton is a queer historical coming-of-age novel about Tim, a young gay man who leaves Queensland’s Sunshine Coast for Sydney in 1981, while the story also looks back at the childhood, family tensions, friendships, and betrayals that shaped him. The book moves between Lorikeet Beach in the 1970s and Sydney’s gay scene in the early 1980s, building a portrait of someone trying to understand desire, shame, freedom, and belonging. It is as much about place as it is about people, with the beach, the city, and the body all becoming parts of Tim’s search for himself.
What I liked most was the way Sutton lets the past and present talk to each other. Tim’s adult life in Sydney feels brighter, louder, and more open, but the childhood chapters give that freedom weight. We see the bullying, the awkward friendships, the longing for Saxon, and the complicated pull of family before we see Tim trying to make a life on Oxford Street. That structure works. It reminds us that becoming yourself is rarely clean. You do not just arrive in a new city and shed the old skin in one piece. Some of it sticks. Some of it has to be scraped off slowly.
The writing is rich in period detail, sometimes almost crowded with it, but I found that part of the book’s charm. The restaurants, bars, surf clubs, clothes, music, and social rituals make the world feel lived in rather than staged. Sutton is also candid about sex, and that frankness will not suit every reader, but it does fit the novel’s larger interest in bodies, power, discovery, and risk. I was especially drawn to the author’s choice to give space to characters beyond Tim, including Olivia and Sylvia. Their chapters widen the story and keep it from becoming a simple escape narrative. Still, I did feel the novel occasionally lingers longer than it needs to, especially when a scene has already made its emotional point. Even then, the excess often feels tied to the book’s appetite for life.
I would recommend Back to the Beach to readers who enjoy LGBTQ+ historical fiction, character-driven coming-of-age stories, and novels that explore gay identity with warmth, humor, and a clear sense of social context. It will especially appeal to readers interested in Australia in the 1970s and 1980s, the pull of chosen family, and the messy courage it takes to leave home without fully knowing what waits on the other side.
Pages: 339 | ASIN: B0GR8PC61J
Brighter Than The Sun
Brighter Than the Sun by Kit Erikson is a steamy, big-hearted MM romance about Blake Larsen, a performer with a lifelong dream of being seen as more than a body, and Ethan, a business student and diner server who’s still figuring out how to trust his own wants. Blake’s childhood declaration, “I’m going to be a star!” sets the emotional tone for the book. This is a story about ambition, sex work, queer community, and the messy process of building something real with someone who scares you in all the right ways.
Blake is the book’s brightest presence, but he’s written with enough insecurity and weariness to keep him from feeling untouchable. He dances, cams, takes adult work seriously, sews costumes, cares for his friends, and dreams of opening a club where performance can be art, celebration, and livelihood all at once. His dyslexia is also woven into the story with care, especially in how it shapes his relationship with reading, texting, and business ownership without making it his whole personality.
Ethan brings a different kind of tension to the romance. He’s drawn to Blake from the start, but his comfort zone is much smaller than Blake’s world. Watching him move from curiosity to desire to fear to something steadier gives the relationship a satisfying push and pull. The book doesn’t rush past the discomfort that comes from shame, family expectations, and assumptions about sex work. Instead, it lets Ethan stumble, learn, and choose Blake with more honesty each time.
The club storyline gives the romance a strong backbone. The transformation from The Firehouse into Siren makes the book feel like it’s about a whole community, not just one couple. Friends, dancers, performers, bartenders, and chosen family all help create the sense that Blake’s dream is bigger than one spotlight. By the time the group cheers “Siren!” together, the word feels earned, like a promise they’ve all decided to keep.
This is an explicit, affectionate romance with plenty of heat, humor, and backstage chaos, but what lingers most is its belief in being seen clearly. Blake wants applause for his talent, Ethan wants a life that actually fits him, and together they build a space where desire and dignity can exist in the same room. Brighter Than the Sun is tender and full of people trying their best to become braver than they were yesterday.
Pages: 402 | ASIN: B0GXYNK3C7
A Magical and Vast Universe
Beast of Phe’lak follows a woman trapped on an alien planet, under the control of a powerful beast who spots a delegation on the beach that triggers century-old memories, and a chance to regain her freedom. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration began in Queen of Highwings, the first book in my Chronicles of Phe’lak Trilogy—of which Beast is the third book. Phe’laki General George muses about the beast with regard to the palace’s understructure, which once served as another dragon’s lair. He thinks that the underpass was sealed to prevent attracting the Beast of Phe’lak to such a luxurious dwelling because, unlike the original resident, the Dragon of Yand, the beast is not benevolent. I received many questions, including: ‘What happened to the beast?’ and ‘Is it related to the beloved Yandar dragon?’ The character Hele’ne lived in my head for a long time. I always knew who she was and how she ended up on the alien planet. I naturally wove her in.
Hele’ne is a fascinating character. What scene was the most interesting to write for that character?
I must say, I love all her scenes. My top favorites include her introduction scene, her interaction with the beast and then with Wolfpack at the beginning of the story. I also love her exchanges with Rel and Drace, as well as her final scene in the last chapter. This last scene is very powerful.
For readers who have not yet read the rest of the Worldmaker® series, what do you want them to know about the world you have created?
It is a magical and vast universe, spanning galaxies and constellations. Each new world—whether a star system, planet, or moon—comes to life in vivid detail. The people who populate these worlds, whether they are queens and kings, scientists, military archers, or regular people, are just as authentic and lifelike. There are four humanoid species introduced so far: the empathic, winged Yandar; their slightly smaller telepathic cousins, the non-winged Yendai; the benevolent, non-meta giants known as the Phe’laki; and the malevolent K’tul. The main characters are complex and richly developed, and their extensive dialogues throughout the stories enhances the immersive quality. The illustrations are glorious. If you purchase the PDF, please read in full-screen, two-page format to get the full benefit of the artwork.
The primary genre is Sci-Fi/Fantasy, but with elements of the paranormal, a touch of horror, and unconventional romance, always with a hint of humor. LGBTQ+ and polyamorous marriages are part of the norm alongside exclusive and binary ones.
The storylines follow the saga of Worldmaker Yanara’s family, whose children have evocative names: Snowfox, Hawklord, Asimia, Dragonlord, Wolfpack, Sunstorm. Can you guess the kings among them? The Worldmaker and Dragoon? The Pathfinder?
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
I received requests to write more about the Dragon of Yand and his wife, Yira, and also of Drace and his husband, Rel. I can’t stop writing about these two. I could serialize their adventures. However, I meant to write the third trilogy in my series, the one that brings the war to the K’tul homeworld. We’ll see. For the next couple of months, I’ll be taking a breather and focusing on earning a few accolades for Beast to adorn its cover, just like my other books. It has already received a few awards, the most prominent among them being the No. 1 Book/Manuscript on Coverfly’s Red List this month (out of 57,000 scripts).
Author Links: Website | X | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | TikTok
Beast of Phe’lak
This book throws you headfirst into a world of magic, pain, and tangled emotions. Hele’ne has spent centuries trapped on an alien planet, isolated and broken, under the control of a powerful beast who both saved her life and stole her freedom. When a group of new arrivals shows up on the beach near her prison, something stirs—faint memories, a flicker of purpose, a chance at freedom. What follows is a story that twists through identity, power, and survival, where every choice carries a cost, and every shadow hides something sharp.
What I loved most was how deeply personal it all felt. Beneath the dragons and battles and cosmic stakes, this is a story about trauma, real, raw, and relentless. Hele’ne’s connection to the beast is terrifying in how familiar it feels. It’s a portrait of control disguised as care, and it chilled me. And yet, there are soft moments too, brief flickers of tenderness, humor, even love, that make the heavy parts hit even harder. Elia dives into the darker emotions, showing what it means to fight for your own mind, your own body, your own name.
The writing is lush and dreamlike. The lore runs deep, the world is massive, and if you haven’t read the other books, you’ll probably spend a few pages catching up. But there’s something wild and beautiful about that, too. It feels alive. The characters are vivid, passionate, and impossible to ignore. Some are haunted, some are healing, all are trying to hold onto something in the chaos.
In the end, Beast of Phe’lak is for readers who want their fantasy to cut deep. It’s messy and magical, yes, but it’s also full of heart. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt lost, controlled, or broken and dared to imagine something more. If you want to be shaken, moved, and maybe even changed a little, give this one a shot.
Pages: 309 | ASIN : B0F7FD49NL
Affliction
Affliction is far from a light or escapist read. It is emotionally intense, relentlessly brutal, and intricately woven with themes of politics, power, and suffering. The novel immerses the reader in a grim world where magic functions not only as a force of nature but also as a symbol of privilege, oppression, and weaponization. At its core is Nicolas, a reluctant prince turned captive, whose story begins with the violent fall of his father and evolves into a harrowing exploration of identity, guilt, and endurance under the control of a ruthless new Alpha. Blending the grit of war-torn fantasy with the depth of psychological introspection, this book is as emotionally draining as it is compelling.
What struck me most from the outset was the narrative voice; Nicolas’s tone is unmistakable. He is bitter, wounded, and acutely self-aware, with a restrained sarcasm that serves to temper the bleakness of his reality. His early reflections are laced with dread and resentment, yet beneath them lies a quiet yearning for something more. The prose is unflinching; it confronts the reader directly and unapologetically. One particularly harrowing example is Nicolas’s account of the lycan curse, how his father stripped werewolves of their identities and rendered them sterile to create a slave class. The depiction is visceral and deeply disturbing. There is no attempt to soften the horror, nor should there be. Jarnigan deliberately ensures the full weight of this world is felt, and in doing so, she succeeds with devastating clarity.
I appreciated how unflinching this book was about trauma and survival. Nicolas is no noble hero; he’s shattered, haunted, and, honestly, kind of a mess, and that makes him feel real. One moment that stuck with me was when he’s forced to bathe the Alpha who killed his family. The tension is unbearable. Not just because of the power dynamic, but because of what it reveals about Nicolas’s psyche, how much he’s endured, how much he’s internalized. It’s raw and uncomfortable, but that’s what made it brilliant. You want him to break free, but you also see why he can’t. The magic system and training he went through were so abusive that it redefined what “strength” even looks like for him.
At times, the emotional depth of the narrative becomes profoundly immersive, drawing the reader into Nicolas’s internal world with unrelenting intensity. The pacing in the middle of the book shifts to allow for extended introspection, offering a deeper understanding of the protagonist’s psychological landscape. These reflective passages provide a thoughtful pause amid the turmoil, enriching the character development and adding complexity to the unfolding drama. The novel is punctuated with arresting scenes, such as the haunting moment when Nicolas witnesses the burning of his father’s spellbooks, that reignite the story’s intensity. The character of the Alpha, Nicolas’s captor, emerges as a compelling figure: not merely a force of violence, but a layered antagonist whose motives and history unfold with careful precision. While he is far from likable, there is a magnetic, unsettling fascination in following his role in the narrative, testament to Jarnigan’s skill in crafting complex, morally ambiguous characters.
Affliction is not a story about redemption; it’s about reckoning. It’s about surviving the worst parts of yourself and others, and still daring to hope there’s more. I’d recommend this to fans of dark fantasy who don’t mind sitting with discomfort. If you’re into morally gray characters, messy emotions, and plots that don’t flinch from cruelty or complexity, you’ll find a lot to admire here.
Pages: 590 | ASIN: B0F3DPNJ19
The Photograph
Eve M. Riley’s The Photograph, the fourth installment in The TechBoys Series, is an emotionally charged, character-driven romance that explores love, identity, and personal growth in the bustling world of tech startups and New York nightlife. At its heart, the book follows Des Collins, a confident, fast-living CTO of a security firm, and Alex Blackman, a reserved financial analyst wrestling with his bisexuality and family expectations. Their romance begins with a Grindr message and unfolds in an unexpected push-and-pull dynamic, where Des’s no-strings-attached lifestyle clashes with Alex’s cautious, commitment-oriented approach.
The writing is electric, full of sharp dialogue and vividly drawn scenes. Riley’s talent for capturing the raw energy of New York’s queer dating scene shines, particularly in moments like Des’s night out at Crush, where the thumping music, sweat-slicked bodies, and casual hookups feel so real. The tension between Des and Alex is well crafted, from their flirty initial texts to their complex, emotionally charged interactions. One of my favorite scenes is their first meeting at the bar, where Des’s natural charm is met with Alex’s unexpected emotional depth, and his guarded yet undeniably intrigued reactions give the scene a delicious slow-burn quality.
What sets The Photograph apart is its authenticity in portraying queer relationships, particularly in the way it doesn’t shy away from emotional baggage. Des, for all his confidence, struggles with past heartbreaks and a deep-seated yearning for something real, even if he doesn’t admit it. Alex, on the other hand, wrestles with societal and familial expectations his Jewish upbringing adding another layer of complexity to his identity crisis. His hesitant but deliberate steps toward self-acceptance feel incredibly genuine. There’s a particularly poignant moment when Alex reflects on his past relationships with women and his gradual realization that his attraction to men is more than just a passing phase. It’s messy, it’s personal, and it’s heartbreakingly real.
One of the book’s strengths is its vibrant cast of side characters, who bring so much energy and personality to the story. Des’s ex, George, is a whirlwind of drama and chaos, adding flair and unpredictability to Des’s life. The office politics at Williams Security create a dynamic backdrop that makes the world feel authentic and lived-in. While these elements occasionally shift the focus from Des and Alex’s romance, they also enrich the story, reminding us that love doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Riley weaves these layers together, making the book feel as real and complex as life itself.
The Photograph is a fantastic read for fans of MM romance, particularly those who love character-driven stories with emotional depth and sizzling chemistry. If you enjoy slow-burn romance with plenty of angst, witty banter, and a genuine exploration of queer identity, this one’s for you. It’s steamy, heartfelt, and full of moments that make you want to both scream at the characters and hug them.
Pages: 328 | ASIN: B0D986Q4PP
An Exciting True Crime Spree
Flew Too High: A Gay Drug Smuggler’s Transcendent Odyssey invites readers into your life and visits the turbulence of your youth, transporting them to the late 1970s, a time of self-discovery, rebellion, and excess. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Initially, I wanted to share my story as an exciting true crime spree. I thought “No one will believe this happened…”.
The more I dug into it, I uncovered years of fear and resentment, as well as the difficult journey I shared with my immigrant father.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Even though decades have passed, the world feels the same in so many ways. How difficult it must be for someone who feels or looks different to be accepted by their peers and society.
Believe in yourself and your abilities in times of crisis. Everyone faces challenges, and just when you think there’s no answer, no way out of an impossible situation, moments of grace and perhaps providence can sweep in and save you. I’m not religious, but I do believe in Spirit. My story is proof of something greater watching over me. I believe it watches over you, too.
What was the most challenging part of writing your memoir, and what was the most rewarding?
Getting honest about my past actions, how I hurt so many people as a result of my drug addiction and reckless behavior. It was the most thorough inventory I have ever conducted.
On the flipside, I was able to reweave and reevaluate my relationship with my father, who I resented for so many years. I was finally able to see how much he did for me in spite of my blinders.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
We all make poor decisions at some point in our lives. Forgive yourself and others and let go of the past. Everyday is a new beginning.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
The Third Act
Kathleen Brehony’s The Third Act is a heartfelt novel that chronicles the emotional journey of Shannon O’Connell, a woman navigating love, loss, and self-discovery in her sixties. Shannon faces a series of seismic shifts—her partner of thirty years has left her, her mother is fading into dementia, and her best friend Linda has succumbed to cancer. Despite the darkness, a reunion with her late friend’s close-knit group and a rekindled connection with an old flame, Elizabeth Matthews, sets the stage for Shannon to embrace the possibility of renewal and love.
The writing is deeply evocative. Brehony brings the reader right into Shannon’s grief with vivid details. The opening scene, where Shannon witnesses her friend Linda’s final moments, is wrenching. You feel the weight of Shannon’s sorrow as she observes the “brutal knowledge” of Linda’s death. Brehony captures the painful minutiae of loss—like the absence of the familiar sound of medical equipment—and uses them to craft an intimate portrait of her protagonist’s suffering. This attention to emotional and sensory detail made me feel like I was standing beside Shannon as she grappled with her pain.
The dynamics between characters, particularly among Shannon, Elizabeth, and their shared “Tribe,” are a standout feature. I loved how Brehony weaves humor into the grief, like the playful teasing about lavender sweatpants when Elizabeth’s luggage gets lost. The chemistry between Shannon and Elizabeth is electric, especially when their shared past and unresolved feelings bubble to the surface. Elizabeth’s reflection on their 30-year friendship, tinged with longing, brings an obvious tension to their story. The text makes you root for them, not just as lovers but as two people rediscovering hope.
The Third Act is a novel about second chances and the courage to embrace them. It’s a story for anyone who has felt lost and wondered if it’s too late to start again. With its lush writing, complex characters, and honest exploration of aging, love, and grief, I recommend it to readers of women’s fiction and fans of deeply emotional storytelling. Shannon and Elizabeth’s journey reminds us that life’s third act might just be the most beautiful.
Pages: 239 | ASIN: B0DHNV83SH
