Hearing Red: A Sapphic Apocalypse That Slays

Hearing Red – Nicole Maser

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Book Details

A Sapphic Apocalypse That Slays

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Description

In a world overrun by an unprecedented outbreak, two young women find themselves on opposite sides of the struggle for survival.

Saff, a determined new doctor in the first year of her internship, had clawed her way out of a tumultuous past, only to be dragged back into it when the zombie outbreak hits. Forced to join her estranged father and his band of raiders, she’s confronted with the harsh reality that desperation can make monsters out of anyone—even her.

Maddie, on the other hand, lived a surprisingly easy life after the zombies first appeared, safe behind the walls of the community at her parent’s lake house. That is, until they’re attacked, and she’s ripped away from everything she’s known. Now, she’ll do anything to make it back to her family.

And when Saff’s father dies, she finally has the chance she’s been waiting for. The chance to escape. But only if she can steal the medication she desperately needs and survive long enough to get to safety.

With both girls fighting their way to stay alive day by day, in a world where every circumstance is against them, they realize that maybe travelling together can help them both get what they need.

But Maddie doesn’t know Saff’s secret. She doesn’t know where she came from—what she was. And Saff will do anything, especially lie, to get the medication she needs.

The absolute last thing she needs is to fall for some smart ass rich girl who will get in the way of that.

The outbreak forced us all to do things at times we probably wish we hadn’t

Thoughts

Hearing Red by Nicole Maser is a thrilling, heart-pounding, and refreshingly unique take on the zombie apocalypse genre. From the start, it delivers an emotionally charged, fast-paced adventure led by two compelling and complex main characters: Saff, a new doctor forced to survive in a raider group, and Maddie, a girl determined to reunite with her family.

What sets Hearing Red apart is Maser’s masterful storytelling and the nuanced character development that drives the plot. Saff and Maddie’s relationship is a slow burn filled with tension, charm, and vulnerability. Their dynamic plays off the “grumpy/sunshine” trope perfectly; with Saff’s tough exterior and Maddie’s resilient optimism creating a deeply engaging opposites-attract romance. The chemistry between them builds naturally, growing from reluctant cooperation into a strong emotional connection, without feeling rushed.

Though I’m not a fan of including spoilers outside of our Deep Dive, one of the most impressive aspects of the novel is how one character’s visual impairment is written. Their point of view is sensory-rich, focusing on their other senses and reactions to emotional cues based on the tone of those around them in a way that feels authentic and immersive. Maser portrays the impairment not as a limitation, but as an aspect of their character that enhances the story, giving readers a refreshing take on disability representation in a genre that typically shies away from it.

The world Maser builds is vivid and relentless, with a strong balance between zombie-driven action and character-focused moments. The tension is palpable as Saff and Maddie struggle to survive in a harsh, unforgiving landscape where trust is rare, and danger is ever-present. Others may dwell on the romantic side of this book, but it was not lacking action in the least. Heart-hammering scenes kept me glued to my device, hoping beyond hope that our leading ladies would make it out of each scuffle. And rather than contradict or confuse readers with it’s change of pace, the tender romance scenes ground the story and make the stakes feel all the more personal.

I found myself attached to both of the MCs in different ways, so much so that I wrote this review outside of my normal schedule. I wanted to make sure I remembered what I thought about them and about what they went through. This book was inherently different than other WLW stories in this genre and it showed in the best of ways. The lack of homophobia (hella refreshing, btw), the excellently paced feelings, and the perfectly timed pet names all mingle together in what I would have to deem a 5-star romance.

A romance that also earns 3 chilis from me. It’s sweet and tender scenes get a little steamy, but what secures the 3rd chili is how long we had to ride out their romantic tension—thanks, in part, to the excessive teasing throughout the book.

Readers with a keen eye may find some spelling and grammatical errors, like those often found in independently published books, but the story was gripping enough where I was unbothered by it. Where I normally may have scoffed and complained to my wife, I hungrily read more—nervous for the outcome of the story and the direction the characters were going in. Though I had to take it into account when rating the book, I don’t think it’s worth getting my briefs in a bunch over it.

Hearing Red excels as both a gripping action-packed adventure and a deeply emotional romance. It’s a book that delivers in every way—richly developed characters, high-stakes survival, and a relationship you can’t help but root for. Maser has created a standout in the sapphic zombie apocalypse genre, and it’s one that you won’t be able to put down.

This is a great read that will leave you hungry for more, so when you’re finished, be sure to check back and see what else you have to munch on in our Deep Dive 👇

Deep Dive: Spoilers Ahead

*Slow clapping ensues*..

This 👏is👏 how 👏you👏 write👏 lesbians👏 in 👏apocalypses. The moment I finished this book I turned to Renny to talk about it. I had feelings and I needed help to put a name to them, and who better to ask but my wife? Only problem was that I had trouble articulating what made this story so great. So here’s a rundown.

Non-existent homophobia ✔️
Palpable tension between characters ✔️
Showcasing a disability in an unexpected genre ✔️
Opposites attract/Grumpy-gills and Sunshine love story✔️
Who, truly, is the lost puppy here? ✔️
‘Stronger than you think’ trope ✔️
Healing each other, but like, in a healthy-ish way✔️
Believable violence/action ✔️
A character who stops trying to “rebuild” society and uses their head when measuring how “safe something truly can be ✔️✔️✔️ (cannot emphasize this enough. Like, JFC, why is this not more prevalent in this genre)

Were there some issues with spelling and grammar? Sure, but I was invested enough in the characters and their story that, for once, I didn’t mind them and it didn’t effect my opinion of the book. Some reviewers critique that there aren’t enough physical descriptors for the MCs, but again, I disagree—to me the focus was on the story and how the characters evolved with one another, not what they looked like. And frankly, it could have been on purpose since Maddie is blind! Forcing us to focus on the people and not their looks.

Now, about those people..

Saff gives off Catra vibes for me—well, not quite Catra, but close. They’re grumpy, sure, but that’s just the outward appearance they give to those who don’t pay attention. They’re both complicated women with a complicated past, unable to forgive themselves for what they’ve had to do to survive, and desperate for emotional support (and therapy) that they don’t even know they need. Saff is her own separate character, of course, and Maser makes that clear in many unique ways, but immediately associating their shared characteristics quickly endeared me to her.

And Maddie is just a ray of sunshine and a ball of fire! The way her chapters are written is another reason why this book stands out to me. The detail and, at times, the purposeful lack of them immersed me in the story so deeply that my brain kicked into overdrive to keep up. Imagining being in a world where those with all their senses still get surprised (and eaten) on the daily—and I do not have all my senses? Wild, to say the least.

When we first meet our leading ladies they aren’t exactly friends, but knowing this had some romance in it gave me hope that they’d be able to find some common ground early on—and I was not disappointed. Oh, not because they quickly broke each other out of their shells, no, I was ecstatic to find that they didn’t get along for some time. The anticipation of what was to come and how it would come about made every step of the way oh so satisfying.

The delightful feeling that would emanate from me every time Maddie would tease Saff, smirking quietly to herself for getting a rise out of her. The smirk I would have when Maddie saw through Saff’s tough exterior to see how thoughtful she was really being. I would roll my eyes and giggle each time Saff would find herself doing things that “Dad-brain” would scream at her for doing just because she had an unacknowledgeable need to care and watch out for Maddie without imposing on her individuality.

Saff and Maddie had a pull and push that drew me in close, waiting to ‘Eeep’ at the earliest signs of affection. I longed for Maddie’s small smiles when she got the upper hand, and I died any time Saff would gruffly say something to the effect of “I’m not doing this because I like you”—sure, girl. Sure. We definitely believed you.

Coupling this not-couple (that act like a couple) with the thrilling scenes of determinate survival was such a great move for Maser. Most books in this genre fall too hard to one side, focusing too much on the people and their relationships and not enough on the struggling-to-live side of things. It’s a pet peeve of mine when writers or directors present a story based in zombie-land and characters seemingly look for ways to get themselves killed. They try to justify their downright awful decisions in stupid ways or they ignore good advice in favor of pretending everything is okay.

Take the scene in Chapter 1, for example. Trapped in the pharmacy with Tyler and Maddie, Saff is busy holding the side door they entered through shut against a horde of zombies when Tyler starts unblocking the door leading out of the backroom they find themselves in. This door is barred closed by a filing cabinet that had been knocked over with several boxes stacked on top—so safe to say whoever knocked it over was likely trying to keep several somethings out of the backroom.

While Tyler is so dead-set on getting out of there that he’s chaotically throwing boxes to the floor and tugging on the file cabinet with all his might, Saff is the sole-thinker between the two and brings up the extremely good point that they “don’t know what’s behind that door.”—but does he stop? Naw, my guy is still manically trying to escape. He doesn’t even notice Saff’s fight with the zombies at the side door.

And later, when they make it to the new settlement—the one that’s been attacked by raiders but doesn’t allow anyone to carry weapons inside—and patrol the fence/wall. Freshly turned earth found fairly regularly on the side of the settlement someone was recently attacked? Ooooh no, don’t worry, that’s not weird at all. Nothing to worry about, silly Saff!

Unfortunately for us, both are realistic examples of people panicking or choosing to ignore a good point. In a real world situation, I’m sure many people would die in those and many other scenarios due to someone’s inability to calm down and listen to reason. Though frustrating to see, these scenes and many others give the book a sense of realism that was much appreciated.

Another realistic quality Hearing Red provided was how long it took our hardened MC, Saff, to finally acknowledge and give into her feelings for Maddie. Time and again Saff would convince herself that the choices she was making were smart choices meant to keep herself alive, but we knew better. Saff didn’t want to let go of Maddie, and with Maddie’s stuttering inability to hide her feelings from readers, it was only a matter of time before they sealed the deal. And oh boy, was it sealed.

When I realized we were getting a two-for-one deal on an intimate scene I was thrilled. I had been dragged along for this teasing ride for 407 pages. I had been taunted by an almost-scene 85 pages prior and there were only 125 pages left, so if there was going to be a scene then it had to happen soon. Tensions were high thanks to the reveal of Saff’s prior company (i.e. raiders) and Maddie was pissed (and injured). I was not expecting them to pick up so soon, but damn if it was satisfying to see Maddie play Saff like a fiddle. Luring her in close, spitting sweet words laced in venom, and finally, finally getting Saff to cave.

The two of them shared moments of love and softness once the initial high was over, and thankfully, Saff didn’t doddle for much longer before caving in completely and becoming the puppy we always knew she could be. Dutifully staying by Maddie’s side and helping design the escape plan to the island settlement, she was ready to let Maddie lock her down.

So imagine my surprise when she gets fucking shot. WHAT? I was the opposite of prepared for a ‘bury your gays’ moment, and I could not believe that in the midst of all this drama I forgot that they could die!

The twisting knife of Maddie’s first use of “baby” brought me to tears. Seemingly losing Saff, surrounded by danger, and so close to their goal, Maddie literally begged her to get up—and I lost it. My wife knows I’m a big baby, they know I cry easily, but being that it was past 11 at night and it was previously silent in our room, they did not expect a gasping sob to leave me as Maddie brokenly asked Saff not to leave her.

Even now, I find myself choking up a bit. I’m the idiot who’s brain immediately imagines my wife and I in the situation and I could not handle the idea of losing them—or worse, forcing them to survive without me (Note: my wife has repeatedly asked me to take them out if zombies are ever a thing, but I have convinced them to go along with my fictional survival plans because I am confident I could keep us safe.. So yeah, me dying and leaving them to fend for themselves would definitely be on my list of reasons why “If I wasn’t already dead, I would XX myself”.)

Thankfully, Maddie hangs in there, and eventually is found by her father and brother, who escort them safely to the pick-up point before they all escape to the island settlement. As soon as Chapter 49 started from Saff’s point of view I knew they had made it in time to save her. What impressed me the most though, was Maser’s very realistic interpretation of grieving—not grieving death, no, the grief you feel even after someone is “okay”.

Maddie is unable to process her feelings on what happened and is physically unable to keep herself from reacting when James and Josh offer future opportunities for Saff to leave Maddie’s side. Her pain is evident in the way she flinches and clings to Saff’s hand, and it broke my heart time and again—but I forgot Maddie is the more emotionally mature of the two, and they eventually talked it over. Even better, they eventually went on that date Maddie planned, and it was perfect.

Hearing Red was a joy to read. It was heartfelt, thrilling, and relatable in a way I had not experienced in a long time. Independently published books get a bad rep, but this one fixed that for me in many ways. The characters weren’t infallible, the setting was believable, and it gave light to a unique character that normally wouldn’t be featured in a book like this—or at least one that let them live. Nicole Maser did an excellent job and deserves incredible praise for Hearing Red, and I personally cannot wait to see what she does next.

If you enjoyed it half as much as I did, let us know down below. Did you find that Maser balanced the action and/or violence with the psychological and emotional aspects of the story as well as I did? What did you think of Maddie’s chapters, where limited senses kept me on edge?

Until next time!

Why Our Age Ratings Are “Lower” Than You Might Expect

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The real question is “Why are we more comfortable exposing our youth to violence than sex and sexuality?”

It’s a question that has been debated for years, yet it seems to boil down to one key factor: cultural conditioning. From the media we consume to societal norms passed down through generations, the way we view violence and sex, especially when it comes to young people, is shaped by a deep-rooted set of values that can sometimes feel contradictory. In this article, we’ll dive into why this imbalance exists and explore what it says about our collective mindset—and how this affects 2Q2F’s Age Ratings.

Violence is “Entertainment”

Let’s start with violence. In Western culture, particularly in the United States, violence has become an expected element in media. From cartoons where characters survive comically brutal beatings to blockbuster superhero movies where saving the world involves a high body count, violence is everywhere. Superheroes and video game characters alike get away with all sorts of “fantasy violence,” and it doesn’t faze most adults to allow kids to watch it. Part of this comes down to desensitization. We’re so used to seeing it that it rarely registers as shocking.

What’s more, violence in storytelling often serves as a narrative tool. It’s a way to drive the plot forward, to give characters a tangible way to interact with their world and each other. A fight scene, a war, or even an action-packed chase can immediately heighten the stakes and make the audience feel like something is happening. This impact makes violence a quick and dirty way to convey conflict. It’s practically baked into our entertainment from the start, normalized and easy to consume.

Sex is Taboo

Sex, on the other hand, is a different story. The idea of showing even a kiss in a family movie can make parents squirm in their seats. Full-on nudity or explicit sex scenes are even more uncomfortable—not that those scenes are in family movies, they get a whole other category for this stuff.

Why is that? Well, in much of Western culture, particularly in the U.S., sex is still treated as taboo. Despite its prominence in advertising and pop culture, sex education lags behind, and we’re taught that sexual content is something to be hidden or whispered about, not openly discussed. This sets up a stark contrast with the relatively open portrayal of violence.

Part of this stems from historical factors. In the early days of cinema, the Hays Code—a set of moral guidelines applied to American films—restricted depictions of sex, homosexuality, and even interracial relationships, while violence was allowed with fewer restraints. These restrictions were largely shaped by religious figures who sought to enforce traditional values. Although the Hays Code is no longer in use, its influence lingers, particularly when it comes to what is deemed “appropriate” for children and teens to watch. While violent scenes are shrugged off as just part of the story, sex is kept under wraps.

The Fear of “Real” Consequences

One reason for this might be that violence, for many, remains more abstract. It’s a part of the fantasy. Most people will never have to wield a sword, fight an enemy, or deal with gunfire in their everyday lives (Don’t get us started on in-school violence in the US. It’s an epidemic, it’s appalling, and we do not condone it). As long as the violence remains at arm’s length, it’s not seen as a real threat. A lot of parents believe they can talk to their kids about it, provide context, and trust that their children will understand that what happens on screen isn’t real.

Sex, on the other hand, feels much more real and immediate. It’s an inevitable part of growing up, something most people will experience, and for some, it’s a lot harder to explain. Parents can avoid conversations about sword fights and wars, but the reality of sex is harder to dodge. In fact, some research has shown that sexual content in media can lead to an increased interest in sex among adolescents, which raises the stakes for many parents. Unlike violence, which can feel like an out-of-reach fantasy, sex hits close to home, and parents might worry about their children being influenced to make decisions they’re not ready for.

Cultural Differences

Interestingly, this perspective isn’t universal. In many European countries, sexual education starts earlier, and there’s a greater comfort with discussing sex and sexuality openly. In places like the Netherlands or Sweden, nudity on television isn’t a big deal, and sex is seen as a natural part of life. Violence, on the other hand, is treated more seriously, and films or television shows featuring violent content are often rated for older audiences.

So why the difference? Some argue that it comes down to cultural values. In the U.S., the military holds a place of national pride, and the idea of the “good guys” using force to save the day is a common narrative, which helps normalize the use of violence in media. Sex, however, is wrapped up in Puritanical values that linger from the country’s founding, making it something to be dealt with in hushed tones or avoided altogether.

The Double Standard

Ultimately, the disparity between how we view violence and sex in media says a lot about cultural priorities. As a society, the US has become desensitized to violence because it’s easier to separate it from real life. It’s framed as something that happens to others, in far-off places, in stories we tell to entertain ourselves. But sex is personal. It’s something we’ll all encounter in one way or another, which makes it scarier to depict and harder to talk about.

But should it be? Violence is far more harmful in the real world, with devastating consequences. Sex, while complicated, is a natural part of being human. If we can be comfortable showing people hurting each other, why can’t we be just as comfortable showing them loving each other? Maybe it’s time to reevaluate what we consider appropriate, and why we’re so afraid of conversations about sex when we’re perfectly fine with teens watching explosions and gunfights.

As adults, it’s worth reflecting on the stories we tell and the way we introduce young people to the world. Maybe we should be just as careful about what kind of violence we normalize as we are about what kind of sex we hide. After all, both shape how the next generation sees the world—and themselves.

Our Opinion, Our Ratings

We at 2Q2F wholeheartedly disagree that the addition of sex to a story should force the Age Rating to that of the legal requirement of the US (18 years of age). Our site caters to LGBTQ+ individuals around the world, and we personally believe that the average 16 year old has likely already been exposed to some form of sexual content prior to reading the novels we review.

Though we do not condone breaking any laws in order to read explicit or age-inappropriate materials, we do believe that reading a love-scene is likely to provide a healthier outlook on sex than the pornography that is likely already being watched by our youth. Because of this, we apply a 16+ Age Rating to most books with some form of an intimate scene. If more clarification is needed, we have provided a table below explaining some of our decisions.

Age Rating	Reasons
13+	Acceptable for all Young Adults and Teens. Likely only has referenced intimacy or romantic scenes and/or minimal “violence”.
16+	Acceptable for most Young Adults. May include some violence and/or intimate encounters between characters.
18+	Recommended for “Adults” – based on the US Age of Majority. Includes graphic or excessive violence and/or graphic or kink-related intimate scenes.

This table is subject to change

Boring disclaimer to cover our asses: This post and website represent the opinions of 2Queer2Fiction and its authors. The ratings and content posted here are purely opinions and may not adhere to your local laws. Please consult your local laws to ensure compliance with your country’s media regulations.

If you have any questions regarding our Age Ratings, please contact us.

Take Her On: Fierce Rivals, Fiercer Chemistry

Take Her On – Emily Wright

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Book Details

Fierce Rivals, Fiercer Chemistry

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Maya’s final year at university is off to a rocky start.
Between pining for her childhood best friend, trying to revitalize her football team after another year of defeat, and dealing with her own family problems, she’s already overwhelmed.
Enter Jamie. As if dealing with her arch rival wasn’t enough, Maya must now find a way to play alongside this annoying loudmouth without losing her mind every five minutes.

Jamie just wanted a fresh start after all the drama at her last university. Love is the last thing on her mind; she just wants to focus on football and listen to her eighties music. But she has to admit, riling up her new and incredibly attractive captain is seriously entertaining. There’s just something about Maya that Jamie can’t keep away from.

As the championship draws near, tensions rise and secrets threaten to unravel. Are the games strictly on the field? Or have the two rivals finally met their match?

“She’d never had anybody look at her that way. Like she was something worth taking time over.”

Thoughts

Take Her On by Emily Wright is an engaging new adult romance that expertly combines themes of rivalry, friendship, and love against the backdrop of university football. The novel follows Maya, a team captain struggling to balance her final year at university, a football(soccer) team on the cusp of something great, and a complicated family life. Things become even more complicated with the arrival of Jamie, her outspoken and infuriatingly confident rival. What unfolds is a witty and heartwarming enemies-to-lovers romance that keeps readers hooked.

One of the standout aspects of Take Her On is the character development. Both Maya and Jamie are well-rounded, flawed characters who feel incredibly real. Maya’s struggle to deal with family issues while trying to keep her team afloat is deeply relatable, and Jamie’s laid-back yet mischievous personality brings a refreshing dynamic to the story. Their chemistry is electric from the get-go, and Wright masterfully builds tension through their playful banter and rivalry. The romance between them is believable and satisfying, with plenty of humorous and tender moments that make the progression of their relationship feel natural.

Wright also excels in portraying the complexities of adulthood. It doesn’t take much reflection on my part to wholeheartedly ache for Maya’s struggles. Her internal conflicts about her future and her evolving relationships with family and friends reflect the uncertainty that many face in their early twenties. The novel touches on deeper topics like grief, family obligations, and friendship in a way that adds weight to the romance without overshadowing it. Maya’s close bond with her grandparents and her tight-knit friend group are particularly heartwarming and provide a strong sense of community.

As an avid Football/Soccer fan and former player, I am always excited to read a book involving the sport, and while present in the novel, I found myself wanting more. However, by making this book accessible to readers who aren’t sports enthusiasts, the focus remains on Maya and Jamie’s growing relationship. Treating the ‘sports’ aspect like a layer of context to the rivalry and competitive edge between them.

Take Her On also includes some blush worthy intimacy scenes, so for those underage, beware. Emily Wright excels at writing steamy scenes that emanate so much love. And while it earned 2.5 chilis from me, that’s not to say I wasn’t swooning at the affection falling off the pages.

Although the novel does slow down in places, particularly around the halfway mark, it remains a low-stress, feel-good story that will leave readers smiling. The moments of humor, tension, and emotional depth are well-balanced, and the final payoff is worth the wait. For anyone looking for a queer romance that offers both sweetness and substance, Take Her On is a delightful read.

Finished Emily Wright’s newest work? Ready to kick it up a notch? Check out the full Deep Dive below—it’s bound to score some extra points!

Deep Dive: Spoilers Ahead

“Horrendous renditions of Beyoncé” aside..

“Horrendous renditions of Beyoncé” aside—no, scratch that—included, Take Her On was a super fun read. I love soccer, I love Enemies-to-Lovers, and I love books about lesbians, so I had absolutely no chance of not liking this book. That’s not to say I don’t have my critiques, but what I definitely didn’t have was a low libido at the end. Embarrassingly honest of me, I know.

Emily Wright is a guilty pleasure of mine. She writes simple and familiar themes in new ways, and she always has a surprise up her sleeve in terms of the intimacy scenes, so I had to give it a quick shout out. While some of the story could use some ironing out or added bulk, I finished the book in a day and had a great time, so I would count this as another win for Wright.

Maya Thomas is desperate for control in her life, and who could blame her? Fighting with her mom, struggling to cope with her Grandpa’s illness, closing in on the final year of university without a plan for what comes after—not to mention the thorn in her side named Jamie. This stressed out, fastidious, little lesbian is already struggling to cope with her responsibilities and relationships when her rival literally moves in next door.

Queue the walking ray of smug-sunshine.

Jamie Mellor was a pleasantly surprising addition to this story. When I hear “enemies to lovers” my mind conjures up an asshole with a secret heart of gold. And though Jamie definitely took a little too much pleasure in torturing poor Maya when invited over for tea, I was immediately intrigued by the depth of character shown during dinner. In most novels the author forces us to wait patiently before showing us the “mean” one’s cracks, but it is made clear very quickly that Jamie had some depth to her.

Their banter was by far the best part of this book, made better by Maya’s almost childish reactions to Jamie’s egging. They say the line between feelings of love and hate are thin, but boy are they paper-thin here. Maya is virtually obsessed with how much she “hates” Jamie, and Jamie is having the time of her god damn life annoying the hell out of Maya. It’s giving Adora and Catra vibes, it’s giving Harrowhark from Gideon the Ninth, it’s just giving.

As satisfying as their progression was, it was clear from the first moment we knew something was up with Jaime and her dad that it was going to be an ugly dip for our two leading ladies when the truth came out, but I had a hard time getting upset with Jaime for not bringing it up sooner. Though she should have broached the subject before their game against the Harriers, parental infidelity—with her teammates, no less—is not an easy subject to broach. I unfortunately have some experience in that category, and though it was revealed until over 30 years later, it affected my family dynamic deeply. I feel for Jaime in many ways, and I wish we were able to see more of her healing journey.

Though some of the chapters felt unfinished and some of the time skips were jarring, I understood why some scenes or details were misted over—the focus was always on Maya and Jamie. If it wasn’t about their progression, both as individuals and as a couple(of goofs in love) then it wasn’t included. Would I have liked a little more from Jaime? Yes. Could I have used some of those extra scenes to round out the book? Absolutely. But in the end, I was satisfied nonetheless.

Speaking of satisfied.. I was pleasantly surprised to find Maya taking the more dominant role in their sexual relationship. I find the heteronormativity of the “short-haired one takes control” played out so often that I apparently expected it? (Something I will be working on adjusting about myself)

Not only was it incredibly steamy, but Jamie was having the time of her life. And steam aside, it made for a great emotional climax (pun not intended) when Maya finally let Jaime take the reins. Maya’s control issues aren’t the worst I’ve seen, but as a fellow control freak I understood how much it meant for her to truly let go like that. The journey to that point was long enough to make it extra sweet and soft.

Take Her On by Emily Wright was a fun, joyful, and spicy twist on the enemies—ehrm—rivals to lovers trope that I enjoyed immensely, and though some feedback was required, I hope you felt the same! Start a discussion down below whether or not you agree and we’ll keep this ball rollin’.

‘Till next time!

Of Ice and Shadows: A Frosty Follow-up That Left Me Cold

Of Ice and Shadows – Audrey Coulthurst

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A Frosty Follow-up That Left Me Cold

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Princesses Denna and Mare are in love and together at last—only to face a new set of dangers.

Mare wants to settle down with the girl she loves, which would be easier if Denna weren’t gifted with forbidden and volatile fire magic. Denna must learn to control her powers, which means traveling in secret to the kingdom of Zumorda, where she can seek training without fear of persecution. Determined to help, Mare has agreed to serve as an ambassador as a cover for their journey.

But just as Mare and Denna arrive in Zumorda, an attack on a border town in Mynaria changes everything. Mare’s diplomatic mission is now urgent: she must quickly broker an alliance with the queen of Zumorda to protect her homeland.

As Denna’s powers grow stronger, Mare struggles to be the ambassador her kingdom needs. By making unconventional friends, her knowledge of Zumorda and its people grow, and so too do her suspicions about who is truly behind the attacks on Zumorda and her homeland.

As rising tensions and unexpected betrayals put Mare and Denna in jeopardy and dangerous enemies emerge on all sides, can they protect their love and save their kingdoms?

In some ways, that night had broken us both forever. In others, it had made us both whole for the first time.

Thoughts

Of Ice and Shadows is the sequel to Of Fire and Stars and picks up where the first book left off, following Princess Denna and Mare as they travel to Zumorda to get Denna some training. While the first installment thrived on the blossoming romance and political intrigue in Mynaria, this second book attempts to take a different turn, diving deeper into magic, politics, and, unfortunately, stereotypes. This shift in focus introduces new challenges, but it doesn’t quite capture the same magic as its predecessor.

I am sad to say that from the get-go the plot feels a bit meandering. The tension in Of Ice and Shadows relies heavily on the two leads following their own journeys while trying to stay together, which serves to develop them individually but sacrifices the chemistry that made Of Fire and Stars so engaging. Denna heads north to Corovja, the frigid capital of Zumorda, to hone her magical powers under the guidance of Queen Invasya, a character who promises complexity but delivers only the bare minimum of depth. Meanwhile, Mare stays behind to juggle her ambassadorial duties and uncover the threat posed by the Sonnenbornes, which unfortunately plays into a troubling narrative of xenophobia.

While Denna’s journey offers some excitement as she explores her Affinity for fire, her character growth often feels sidelined by rushed plot points and underdeveloped relationships. Mare, on the other hand, is stuck in the southern city of Duvey, grappling with her own insecurities and a misguided sense of duty that sometimes borders on outright prejudice. Her storyline feels weighed down by her distrust of the Sonnenbornes and magic users alike, which account for literally everyone around her.

Despite these missteps, Of Ice and Shadows isn’t without its merits. Coulthurst expands on the world-building, giving readers a taste of the magic system and the cultural lore surrounding the gods. These moments shine, offering glimpses into a world that could be so much more if given the chance. The novel’s pacing, however, falters, especially towards the climax. The final confrontation, which should be the most gripping part of the book, is over almost as soon as it begins, leaving readers wondering why there was so much build-up for such a brief payoff.

In the end, Of Ice and Shadows feels more like a stepping stone, building up to something greater that, at present, we know will not come. Without a sequel, readers are left in a frustrating limbo, with plot threads dangling and character arcs incomplete. If you’re a fan of Denna and Mare’s love story, you might find enough here to keep you turning the pages. But for those looking for a tale that matches the excitement and heartfelt connection of the first book, this sequel might leave you wanting more.

I have even more thoughts about the ending—that’s all I’ll say for now— but I’m curious if you share those thoughts, so once you’ve finished make sure to pop back over and check our our Deep Dive below.

Deep Dive: Spoilers Ahead

When I decided to..

When I decided to reread Of Fire and Stars I was excited, because I had a foggy recollection of the book and it’s twists and turns. But when I picked up Of Ice and Shadows for a second go-round I couldn’t remember much about it. Even while I was reading it and predicting plot points, I never had a sense of deja vu. And now I know why.

I had fun reading OIaS, but what I didn’t have was literally any other kind of emotion. I didn’t giggle when Denna and Mare were cute, I didn’t gasp when something unexpected happened.. HECK! Nothing unexpected happened! Except how unex-fucking-pectedly we skipped right over the only interesting plot points in the book.

Denna going to Corovja was a turning point where we could finally see what she had become without Mare by her side. She was going to learn about her Affinity and learn how to maybe not accidentally injure people all the time. Instead, Denna and Mare (separately) open these awesome looking doors marked “There are more than 6 gods” and “Zumorda used to worship them” and “The queen is a bajillion years old” and the list goes on and on.

We are given so many doors that lead to so many questions. And other doors that pump us up for later chapters (i.e. the Midwinter Revel) only to be glossed over like they’re One Punch Man (Guy who wins with one punch, but oh no a bigger baddie, what will he do. Punch > Them = yay) or the Flash (Guy who runs fast. Oh man, there is a big baddie who is also fast/strong, what will he do? Must. Run. Faster. Oh wow, that did the trick! = yay!).

Animations aside, Denna’s bond with Invasya, which should have been pivotal, is glossed over, making the queen’s influence on Denna seem superficial. What should have been a compelling mentorship feels like a missed opportunity to add richness to Denna’s storyline. The Revel is skippable, plainly due to how overpowered Denna is, but also because the flicker of “Oh gosh, is she being mind controlled by the queen” is quickly shut down when Denna tells her to fuck off and leaves.

I struggle for words to describe how it makes me feel. Maybe we missed something, let’s see: write an all powerful queen, one who is literally thousands of years old and can absorb other people’s powers against their will. One who is not only fascinated, but related to our main character, and quite literally in her head. And this same all powerful queen is just like, “Mmk, see ya later sweetie!” before waiting around for Denna to come back to her?

If written differently, that could have been SUCH a power move, but instead I’m left questioning what the heck I’m reading. I get so caught up waiting for something of value to happen that I’m left deeply disappointed because it’s just another let-down in a pile of let-downs. I get signs that it’s coming, and then it’s over before I know it.

The final example of this was when I was waiting for the reveal of the true villain.

I can admit that what I was really waiting for was a return of the flaming falling stars that Denna threw down at the end of book 1. Once Zhari was revealed as a demi-god though? OOF, I was more than a little concerned. So imagine my surprise when we finally get an all-out battle! Ahh! It’s happening! A fallen friend, a powerful foe, a—sword in the back? WHAT.

I know it’s a callback to the time Denna throat-punched that bitchy magician in chapter 14. I know it’s supposed to be an “aha” moment for readers, that even the most powerful among us can forget the simplest of things. But, seriously? All this hype, all the possibilities, and we went with “Mare slowly sneaks around behind the big-baddie and stabs her. The end”. At least give me a dope line!

I’m screaming for an Eowyn style “I am no man“, or a “Winter came for House Frey” from Mare—who would have deserved a revenge line for the death of not one, but TWO of her family members. Instead, within 2 paragraphs of chapter 29 we get a single stab and it’s over. It happened so quickly, I went back and read it again, thinking I had skipped a chapter, or a page at least. I had some criticism for the book, but once I read Zhari’s downfall I knew that the book had been virtually ruined for me.

Prior to this, I may have given the book a 3—perfectly neutral, had a good time, but likely wouldn’t read it again—but now I’m left feeling almost angry that I have to drop the score another half-star.

With my mood ruined, and the rest of the ending feeling rushed, I hardly remember having any thoughts about the last few chapters. When the Queen offers to team up with Denna, who begins to glow (we just passed right over that too, eh?). When Mare and Denna finally share a kiss after being separated for so long. Even when Mare gets in contact with Thandi and let’s him know Denna is alive, I had almost no opinions on what was said.

I’m having a hard time even thinking of things to say now, if I’m being honest. I know the reviews range wildly for some YA books, and I never thought I’d be on the “party-pooper” side of things, but here I am. Thanks Of Ice and Shadows!

If you’re a fan of finishing series, this book hopefully did you more justice than it did me. I’m never one to turn down debates on books though, so no matter if you agree with our assessment or not, we’d love to hear what you thought in the comments below.

Now off we go, to the next adventure!

The Z Word: Great Concept, Scattered Execution

The Z Word – Lindsay King-Miller

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Great Concept, Scattered Execution

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Chaotic bisexual Wendy is trying to find her place in the queer community of San Lazaro, Arizona, after a bad breakup—which is particularly difficult because her ex is hooking up with some of her friends. And when the people around them start turning into violent, terrifying mindless husks, well, that makes things harder. Especially since the infection seems to be spreading.

Now, Wendy and her friends and frenemies—drag queen Logan, silver fox Beau, sword lesbian Aurelia and her wife Sam, mysterious pizza delivery stoner Sunshine, and, oh yeah, Wendy’s ex-girlfriend Leah—have to team up to stay alive, save Pride, and track the zombie outbreak to its shocking source. Hopefully without killing each other first.

Whenever people are hungry, Pizzapocalypse there to answer the call

Thoughts

The Z Word by Lindsay King-Miller serves up a mix of dark comedy, LGBTQ+ representation, and zombies set against the backdrop of Pride month. The novel kicks off with a strong premise—a queer-themed bioweapon disaster. Chaos ensues as Wendy, our protagonist, navigates a zombie apocalypse with her ragtag group of friends. However, despite its promising setup, the execution often feels scattered and uneven, leaving readers wanting more substance.

The story undeniably has its moments of fun. The idea of combining a Pride celebration with a zombie outbreak is as entertaining as it is absurd, reminiscent of a summer blockbuster that doesn’t take itself too seriously. King-Miller’s talent for mixing humor with horror keeps the story lighthearted, even as characters dodge undead attacks.

The classic campy charm of a horror comedy, with queers! What more could we ask for? (Shade. Arizona needs more shade. Shout out to my fellow Arizonans, we know the description of the weather was the realest part of this fictional book.)

However, while the concept remains engaging, the narrative struggles with pacing and depth. In a society where we all fan-girled over The Walking Dead and made our own plans for survival, we need a bit more oomph to our main characters.

The book also grapples with its themes of queer identity and representation. At times, the portrayal feels over the top, bordering on being a caricature—making me want to grapple with the author. I can admit that while the intention to showcase a diverse array of LGBTQ+ characters is appreciated, the execution lacks authenticity IMO, making it feel forced rather than naturally inclusive. It felt as though every character had a vague physical description, but, oh! Don’t worry! We definitely know their complete sexual history 👍

I’m ragging on it a bit because I feel privileged. At this day in age media is thankfully littered with representation compared to what most Millennials experienced in the early 2000’s—which is leagues ahead of what any older generation had. So again, I say “privileged”, because I still had fun. I can be picky about the Edward Cullen-esq characterization of Wendy, but I can also say that it was a fun ride. Two things can be true at the same time.

All in all, The Z Word is a quirky and enjoyable read, perfect for fans of dark humor and apocalyptic chaos. While it doesn’t quite hit the mark in terms of character depth and plot coherence, it still offers a unique twist on the zombie genre, blending horror with the vibrant, chaotic energy of Pride.

Deep Dive: Spoilers Ahead

We open up on a party..

We open up on a party, alcohol everywhere and sweating bodies bumpin’. (For real though, the heat here in Arizona is insane. Everyone makes fun of us for it here in the States, but I literally stepped outside the other day and thought, “Oh wow, it’s so nice out! Must be cooling down, finally” before looking at my Weather App and realizing it was 101° Fahrenheit outside. – Just throwin’ it out there..)

Wendy immediately let’s us know her opinions on the party being thrown. And that opinion is that it sucks. Shitty seltzer, shitty exes, shitty weather, and a shitty-ass bug—one that admittedly does a pretty good job at foreshadowing TBH.

We are introduced to Beau and Sunshine, two of my favorite characters, which ceases my eye-rolling and gets me interested in what everyone’s story is. Soon thereafter, an introduction to Leah, Sam, and Aurelia (another favorite of mine) is given alongside some necessary context for the icy conversations they had regarding the LGBTQ+ Heath Center that is opening up. But before we can move along, Wendy has a breakdown in a bathroom—the first of many throughout this book.

She admits that her relationship with Leah has been over for 6 months. Not only has it been over for 6 months, but the use of the word “nuked” was used, which immediately set off my red flag alarm. No one moans over a breakup after that long unless they are guilty of something, and that certainly seemed to be the case there. Wendy’s inner monologue and general portrayal often feels like a stereotype of a lovesick, indecisive bisexual, detracting from what could have been a more nuanced and relatable character. While her development by the end of the book is commendable, the journey there is littered with eye-roll-worthy moments that test the reader’s patience.

For example: Wendy’s character is, unfortunately and without a fucking doubt, the weakest link. Her constant obsession with her ex and her inability to focus on the more pressing issue of, oh I don’t know, surviving a zombie apocalypse, quickly became frustrating and repeatedly pulled me out of the story. On more than one occasion I found myself groaning aloud before complaining to my wife about the truly idiotic choices she made.

On the other hand, side characters like Sunshine and Aurelia shine bright. They add much-needed color and personality to the story—not to mention some extremely useful survival skills. It’s these characters that give The Z Word its heart, transforming the narrative into more than just a zombie tale.

The skills they bring to the table are invaluable to the groups survival. Though Sunshine isn’t fully involved until the latter half of the book, Aurelia is in the deep-end with Wendy as soon as the drag show at Hellrazers starts popping off. Her ability to compartmentalize emotions to further her chances of survival is not only commendable, but familiar, without coming off as robotic. She may be shaking and on the verge of tears at times, but she will be damned if she lets herself get killed.

Ever the double-edged sword though, other side characters end up being part of the problem with The Z Word. Characters, like Leah and Logan felt underdeveloped, leaving me wanting more interaction and deeper relationships. Leah was a stone-cold bitch from my perspective. Just the biggest fucking red-flag you’ve ever seen. Maybe it’s due to my experience with people like Leah, but I saw her BS from a mile away, so I couldn’t bring myself to care when she started softening up. (Though I will say Wendy did stop whining as much when she and Leah were on more friendly terms)

Logan, on the other hand, was a delight. I truly felt it was a shame that he wasn’t given a bit more to work with in The Z Word. It’s true he did get to perform for us, and took out a number of zombies, but I wanted more from him and more for him. The combination of these characters and their quirky antics means the “found family” theme is present but lacks the emotional punch needed to fully invest in these connections. I had strong favorites fairly quickly, and it showed.

However, characters were not the shining star for this book. There were two unique choices that I found incredibly compelling—the semi-coherent awareness the recently turned had in the presence of their loved ones and the chapters written from the perspective of the recently deceased.

It was startling at first, since Sam was our first true exposure to this interesting twist in writing (Mike was kind of number 1, but he wasn’t truly dead/infected yet). Sam was bleeding out, and like any other human bleeding out, she was not all-there in the head. So when Aurelia is found on the sidewalk instead of in the car watching over Sam, Wendy rightfully checks through the window to see if Sam really had turned. And let me say, she was a little convincing at first. Obviously, I won’t fall for that shit since I know what this book is about, but I can see why Wendy was immediately questioning why Aurelia was so upset. Sam was talking. Sam was making sense-ish. Sam was concerned about Aurelia.. For a second. And then, a switch flips, and there’s the monster we’ve been waiting for. Manic, wide-eyed, and violent.

I don’t blame Wendy for calling 9-1-1 to try and get her some help. I know better, but I don’t blame her. I do, however, blame the shitty fucking cops who shot Sam. Rationally, I know they can’t do anything about Sam. All they can do is put her down so she doesn’t hurt anyone else. Call it a necessary evil if you want, I don’t care. What I do care about is that Aurelia, her wife, had to witness it. I do care about their attitude and inability to de-escalate the situation when Aurelia is rightfully distraught over it. “Cruel apathy” was the phrase Wendy used to describe how the female police officer spoke to Aurelia, and she was right. Fuck. Them.

Eventually, readers are given the truth about what’s happening via Leah. And when I say via Leah, I mean she says the words that every other zombie-horror character wishes they could say, “..I just gave myself the antidote”. She gave herself.. The antidote? Holy shit. Somehow her red flag is not large enough, somehow she needs one 10-times bigger, because this bitch has the antidote. She knew what caused the zombification of her community, she knew who caused it, and worse, she had the antidote because she was in on it.

This was a twist I did not expect. I pegged Seabrook as the culprit, for sure, but Leah? Leah fucking the lady in charge of the Seabrook sponsorship? Naw, that was unexpected for sure. And I’ll hand it to Seabrook, it was a good plan. Incite violence, make themselves out to be the savior of the gays when they swoop in with the Health Center, give the Homophobic politicians ammo to shut down Pride parades everywhere, AND they still make a profit? Shitty, but solid plan.

But by the time we get to the big fight, the fireworks, the flaming bodies, and the death of Leah via an explosion at the brewery, it’s all old news. I want to know how we’re wrapping this up. How are we getting back at Seabrook? Well, we don’t. We get a time-skip, and absolutely no repercussions for the company that pushed a small town in Arizona into an overbaked apocalyptic wasteland (a wasteland that still has pizza thanks to Sunshine). And worse, we get a casual “Let’s do this” as our parting words from Wendy, as the remaining group heads off to kill another zombie lurking outside Beau’s house, their new base.

But I am a forgiving reader, and I still had a lot of fun reading this book, although that ending was atrocious. To me, it felt like Lindsay King-Miller had some other chores to do around the house so she left us with what I’m sure was supposed to be an intriguing “See they have it together, because they are together!”—but that just doesn’t cut it for me. Had it been more well rounded, it may have deserved that extra half-star, but as is, it was a fun ride that I will not likely read again.

Nonetheless, I do recommend this book for readers interested in seeing the chaotic, queer side of the apocalypse! Tell us what you thought about The Z Word by Lindsay King-Miller down below in the comments! Was Wendy as annoying as I thought she was? Did you peg Leah’s red flag as quickly as I did? We want to know! See you all next time 💖

Of Fire and Stars: A Royal Romance with a Fiery Twist

Of Fire and Stars – Audrey Coulthurst

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A Royal Romance with a Fiery Twist

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As previously stated, I am a sucker for romance, so when I found Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst back in 2021 I was pretty excited to get started. Imagine my surprise when the classic “pretty princess” was more than she appeared. Intelligent, strong, and passionate, Princess Dennaleia of Havemont (Denna) was a pleasant change to some of the dreary princesses I had read of earlier that month.

Promised to the Prince of Mynaria at the age of six, she’s been stuck in a role she never asked for. She spent her youth preparing to rule at his side, so by all outward appearances she is docile and ready to serve the crown, but a power lurks beneath her skin. She possesses an Affinity for fire—a dangerous trait to have in a world where all but one Kingdom forbids the use of magic. (To no one’s surprise, that singular kingdom is deemed the “evil” one—always has to be one, right?)

The Prince’s older sister, Princess Amaranthine—Mare for short—is the rebel princess of Mynaria. Short tempered and uninterested in her royal “duties”, she prefers wearing pants and chilling with her horse, Flicker. Snarky and strong, she shows Denna that everything is a choice and that choosing yourself can be the hardest, most fulfilling choice you can make.

“An Affinity, much like a heart, cannot be changed.”

Thoughts

The story starts with Denna’s arrival in Mynaria, meeting her betrothed (respect to him, ’cause even though this isn’t her choice, she still compliments his appearance. At least we know he’s not ugly), his Kingly father, peoples of the court, and an uninterested Mare. Nervous on the inside and calm and collected on the outside, Denna is seemingly prepared for anything this new Kingdom may throw at her—except riding horses. Kinda hard to ride horses when you’re from a Kingdom located on a snowy mountain.

So with the help of the King’s brother and steward to the crown, Casmiel (Cas) dubs the two princesses as teacher and student. Mare’s reluctance to teach Denna how to ride the famed warhorses of Mynaria is comical, but she has no choice in the matter, so the young women are forced to spend every afternoon together. (Oh noooo, the horror)

No sooner than they start does trouble brew, an assassination occurs and the kingdom is on high alert. Our lovely leading ladies begin to unravel secrets, both political and personal, and through it all they begin to admire one another for their differing traits. With further conflict brewing, and the wedding on the horizon, Denna and Mare lead readers down a path of discovery—the same path that will force them to choose between their hearts and their duty to their Kingdoms.

Sub-ratings _{^{(tiny-spoiler ahead)}}

While Of Fire and Stars shines in its portrayal of romance and identity, there are areas where it could use a bit more firepower. Fans of detailed world-building may feel the story lacks the punch they are looking for, but I find that the book took time to explore the characters and their surroundings sufficiently enough where I wasn’t taken out of the story. The pacing might feel slow to some readers, but I appreciated the careful crafting of each scene. And the magic system may feel a bit underdeveloped, but we get glimpses of its potential, and we know there is more to be explored in the sequel (probably/hopefully).

Though some reviewers give Of Fire and Stars a hard time for it’s world-building, I found the amount of information in the book sufficient enough to immerse myself in the story. I do agree that the author leaves some things to be desired, but I don’t think it ruins the book in any way. For these reasons, we’ve given OFaS a mid-level rating for it’s world-building. It’s no Lord of the Rings, but it’s descriptions didn’t truly affect what we thought of the story.

Audrey Coulthurst shapes the story around Denna’s journey more so than Mare’s, though each chapter bounces between the two perspectives. Denna has been training to sit in the throne beside Prince Thandilimon (Thandi) for the majority of her life, but practicing something and actually performing those duties are two different things. (TLDR; she’s a little clumsy, but she’s hella-smart, so we love her. A real Bella Swan)

She has a role to play while she attempts to show how capable she truly is, so she’s constantly fluctuating between a demure servant of the crown and an intellectually cunning queen-to-be. In classic misogynistic-fashion, the two princesses are ignored fairly often in favor of a louder voice in the room, but readers are given more than enough reason to favor their smarts over others—and not just because the ideas are more sound (AND CORRECT).

Our Age Rating rings true both in regard to the uncouth language Mare uses and when Denna and Mare begin to acknowledge their feelings for one another—particularly near the end of the book *cough cough. However, it should be noted that any intimate details used are loose descriptions and do not require an 18+ rating. I think a little common sense and reflection on our own youths leads us to remember that we likely did not wait until adulthood to read (or watch) physical expressions of love other than kissing, so we give this a 2 on the spice scale.

Coulthurst creates a setting where homophobia is virtually non-existent, though expectations for an heir and wanting to further bloodlines—royalty or not—mean heterosexual couplings are still the norm. It’s a refreshing take that feels both revolutionary and natural, especially in the fantasy genre, which often clings to our non-fantastical roots of reality.

Overall, Of Fire and Stars is a gem in the YA fantasy landscape, offering a beautiful tale of love, duty, and self-discovery. It’s a story that’ll make you believe in magic, not just the kind with spells and enchantments, but the kind that comes from accepting who you are and finding someone who loves every part of you. So grab a cozy spot, some snacks, and settle in for a story that’s equal parts heartwarming and heart-stopping. You won’t regret it.

Let us know what snacks you brought and don’t forget to come back to read our Deep Dive for spoiler filled fun and piping hot-takes on our girls!

Deep Dive: Spoilers Ahead

This novel isn’t just a fairy tale..

This novel isn’t just a fairy tale—it’s a story that unapologetically centers queer love, magic, and the tough choices that define us. From the first page, it’s easy to see why this book has been reviewed time and again by WLW romance and fantasy lovers alike.

Yes, technically the plot revolves around the betrothal of Denna and Thandi, a political move meant to strengthen alliances between their two kingdoms. But Denna’s (forbidden) magic affinity for fire almost immediately (and then repeatedly) threatens that promise. Speaking of immediately, Mare enters the story fairly quickly (more like she Spartan kicks the door down), as a bratty good-for-nothing who’s as skilled with horses as she is with breaking the rules *finger guns*. From the first moment they lock eyes, we know this is no insta-love situation, for which I am extremely thankful. Mare is a bit of a dick TBH, but it lends some character to the story that is juuuust right for my tastes. Their romance blossoms organically, with the kind of slow-burn tension that will have you screaming, “Just kiss already!”.

The absence of societal prejudice (Shoutout #2, Coulthurst, for the righteously absent bigotry we could have been given) allows the focus to be on the emotional and political stakes of Denna and Mare’s relationship—after all, it’s complicated enough that Denna is engaged to Mare’s brother and his sweaty-ass lips *gag*. The representation here feels authentic and thoughtful, providing readers with a narrative that validates queer love without the baggage of external judgment. The result? A universe where anyone could imagine themselves as a hero, loved for who they are. The cost? Priceless..-err, I mean, whatever the book costs. Or whatever a library card costs. IDK.

If I’m being honest with myself, I’m not reading the book for the world-building, pacing, or magic system. I’m here for the lesbians! (Note: the characters are not defined as lesbians, I just shout “lesbians” when two ladies do something gay, like say, fall in love for example.)

For a YA fantasy, this book does an excellent job balancing action with emotional depth. Sure, some plot points are predictable (I mean, who didn’t see that villain coming?.. I mean, I definitely didn’t incorrectly tag the incredibly sweet and thoughtful Uncle Cas before he got-GOT by that arrow.. Okay I did, but then I IMMEDIATELY pegged Kriantz), but the genuine chemistry between Denna and Mare makes up for any narrative clichés, IMO. And when it comes to the intimacy scenes? Let’s just say Coulthurst strikes a perfect balance between tasteful and tantalizing, proving that YA can handle queer romance with nuance and respect.

Speaking of intimacy, may I just say that the intimate scene between Denna and Mare was chef’s-kiss? I clutch my goddamn pearls when WLW scenes use the “reached between my legs” line, UGH! Somehow so subtle and so suggestive, it has me giggling.

The climax of Of Fire and Stars (pun intended) brings tension to a boiling point when Denna and Mare are discovered in bed together by Thandi. Thandi’s reaction is surprisingly restrained, likely due to the King banging on Death’s door, but the atmosphere is thick with unspoken emotions. IMO, I felt that Denna was too overwhelmed with shame to truly do anything while Mare and Thandi argued. Whether it was because she was finally feeling the weight of the lifelong expectations that had been thrusted upon her or from feeling true genuine happiness for the first time in her life at the expense of her familial duties.

“Did you ever stop to think that Denna isn’t a piece of property, Thandi?.. Because if you did, you might have noticed that she’s twice as smart as either of us.”

Mare, seething with bitterness, is quick to leave (with the help of the guards hauling her out) when Thandi finally loses his temper. The scene is raw, and emotionally charged to say the least. Highlighted by Thandi breaking down in Denna’s lap, unable to find the words to express his hurt and confusion. Denna is wracked with guilt as the horns bellow the news that the King passed from his injuries.

While he doesn’t directly forbid their relationship to Denna’s face, Thandi’s silent punishment comes in the form of filling Denna’s schedule with meaningless duties and straight-up confining Mare to her room, definitively keeping the two princesses apart.

This heart-wrenching moment coupled with the loss of the King (pretty fucked up that Mare didn’t even get to see him thanks to Thandi) marks a turning point, forcing Denna and Mare to confront the reality of their situation and the sacrifices they may have to make for their love. Though Denna still debates what actions she can take, it all comes crashing down when Thandi has the Directorate vote to push up the wedding to the upcoming praise day.

As the wedding grows closer, Evil guy has his eyes set on Mare and Denna’s mom finally makes an appearance (too little too late). When tempers rise between Mare and Thandi, Mare storms out of a fancy dinner and attempts to suck the soul out of Denna via her mouth. I’ll be damned if I didn’t squeak a little when I read it.

But it was one hell of a kiss and Denna runs after Mare—who runs right into Kriantz. Queue the death of Nils, who should have had more ‘screentime’ IMO, and the chase is on! Denna knows the fastest way to save Mare is to get Thandi, but much to NO ONE’S surprise he is a little bitch about it, which means we finally finally get to see Denna lose her cool. She sets a chair on fire, (essentially) tells Thandi to “fuck off”, and takes Flicker and a gaggle of imprisoned magic users and gallops after the carriage holding her love.

The goosebumps that ensued when Denna stepped into the light of the carriage was everything to me. The best line of the whole book, “I’ve come for her.” brought a smile to my face. Knowing Kriantz was gonna get-got left me feeling soooo satisfied.

Although the ending felt a bit rushed, I still give credit to Audrey for this scene. As a reader, it gave me smug satisfaction that the last thing Kriantz did was underestimate our girl because she was a girl, a princess, and what could a princess really do in a situation like this?

Murder. That’s what she did. Sweet, sweet revenge murder. And I am here for it!

When our ladies are finally reunited a plan is made to fake Denna’s death so they can ride off into Zumorda to get her training (and so they can get some more lovin’). Thandi is put in his place one last time, and he owns up to all that he did. Thankfully, in his last moments of the book he gives the choice of what should be done to Mare. And she chooses become an ambassador to Zumorda in order to get help reigning in the Sonnenbornes and quelling any future coups they may have planned.

Denna and Mare ride off into the sunset (sunrise) together, departing for Zumorda and whatever else their hearts desire. I had a fun time reading this, and though it could have used some edits IMO I can’t begrudge it. Combine a sappy Sapphic star-crossed lovers story with some stereotype breaking and I’m a satisfied customer!

Let us know what you thought of Denna and Mare’s journey in the comments below.

Annie on My Mind: A Second Adventure with My First

Annie on My Mind – Nancy Garden

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Book Details

Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)

13+

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A Second Adventure with My First

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🔻Skip to our Deep Dive 🌊

In late August of 2012 I was cresting adulthood. At almost 19, I felt invincible. I had a dog, a girlfriend, and my first apartment. I had lugged my many books, CDs, and my extensive DVD collection 20 miles from my parent’s house, and finally I had some lovely built-in shelving to proudly display them. Located in my meager living room next to my porch door, my books were bathed in the hazy heat of the sun, golden light shining on them for a few hours a day. I was so proud of my display, I put my TV stand just below it so I could catch glimpses of it while chilling with my lady on the couch.

Alas, all good things must come to an end, or so said some guy somewhere, because just 2 short months later my building would go up in flames. Though a wild tale for another time, I finally found the answer to the question “What would you grab if your house was o n fire?”. And no, the answer is not poetic.

I didn’t grab my mini-library of books, I didn’t save my CDs, and I did not rescue any of my DVDs – over 200 of them. I grabbed my shoes, my keys, my wallet, and my dog (R.I.P Reba, but not till years later) while my girlfriend grabbed air, and we both fled down the stairs unharmed. Later, when the flames had died, the crowds left, and we were allowed back in our apartment I cast a forlorn glance at my built-ins, hoping one day I could recreate the magic.

A week later we had packed up what meager amounts of salvageable items we could. An odd box from deep in a closet, tainted with the smell of singed spider webs and plastic, some discount pots and pans that were apparently fire-proof, and a few trinkets hidden in drawers. What surprised me most though, was Annie on My Mind.

Somehow, the first Lesbian book I had ever read, the one I sneakily convinced my mom to buy from Half Price Books – somehow avoiding the subject of what it was about – had survived what almost all my other worldly possessions had not. She (yes, I dub AoMM a “she”) hid amongst her brethren next to the flaming maw that was once my porch door after it had exploded from heat, stuck a mighty middle finger in the air and shouted, “Not today!”.

A paperback released in 2007, mid-sized, stuck bang-center in the middle of my built-in next to an inferno that took out the shelf itself, lived on where others had not. When I look at her today, her pages have yellowed and she’s soft to the touch, but no mortal wounds were left that eerie October morning.

When Renny and I decided to start 2Queer2Fiction, I knew Annie on My Mind would be the first book I wrote about. I mean, how many books can say they survived a fire? I mean.. Ok, probably more than I think, but still! For my first Lesbian book to survive that nightmare feels like Sappho’s indominable will, and who am I to deny the queen of the Gal Pals? So I recently sat down and opened up Ol’ Annie to see how the story held up. Read what went down.

Annie on My Mind was my first look at first love

Thoughts

Liza Winthrop and Annie Kenyon are 17 and they. have. feelings. Although they have different backgrounds and ambitions, Liza living in a Brownstone and (hopefully) headed to MIT and Annie in the Heights bound for California, the two girls share a close friendship that soon blossoms into love.

They experience many challenges, and as their relationship deepens the girls begin to explore their feelings for each other. However, something threatens to out them. Surrounded by a thick cloud of fear, Liza must confront the consequences, including tension with her family and her school, while trying to keep Annie by her side.

A quick search will tell you what Annie on My Mind has been through since then. Praise, criticism, and.. a book burning? Yes. A book burning. Though never outright stated, we can assume their story begins in New York, USA in the 1980’s, seeing that this book was originally published in 1982. For those not native to the US, things were pretty homophobic until the late 2000’s.

Whether it was because the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr., Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009 was enacted or because Lady Gaga was quoted, saying “[she wanted to] inject gay culture into the mainstream” most Millennial Queers are unable to recall how exactly the tides turned. All that is remembered is that it suddenly felt less scary.

The fear didn’t go away all together, but when glaring eyes guffawed in our direction there was a smug air about us as we gripped our S.O.’s hand tighter. A silent sense of rebellion. Simply being queer was now a positive adrenaline rush. Almost hoping someone would say something just so we could righteously berate them for their bigotry.

In Liza and Annie’s case, discovering who they were in the 80’s, is almost impossible to comprehend for most Queer Americans in big cities. Yet their story still rings true. People all over the world, even in those big American cities, fear the rejection and the vitriol that others are capable of spewing. What they hear in the news keeps them from experiencing honest love. Love for themselves, and love for others, stifled by the fear of judgment and the weight of societal expectations – much like Liza and Annie.

The feelings felt by our main characters are slowly delt with, and later accepted, readers are enveloped in the warmth and innocence of a wholesome love. We follow them as they experiment with sneaking physical expressions of their love in semi-public areas. A quick glance around, then a kiss. We trot along as they navigate first fights and learning how to take other people’s emotions and experiences into account, even when upset. And we see them come to terms with the instinct to want more.

More. For any parents that may find this, you can refer to our Age Rating to determine what we think about more. Much like the first kiss, there are no scandalous details or raunchy descriptors. Nancy Garden might as well be reporting the news as she describes the kiss and more. Simple, refined, demure. Simply two people, being people in love. Letting us all know what happened without letting us know what happened.

Liza and Annie experience quite a bit in Annie on My Mind. From First’s to privilege, suspensions and betrayal, loss and, of course, love. Their journey was a hallmark of my adolescence 20-odd years after it was first published, and 16 years later I can confidently say the story holds up.

With pride and awe, I recommend reading Annie on My Mind to anyone looking to experience a shred of what Sapphic love was like in the 1980’s. The warmth radiating from it’s pages will leave you eager and wanting more, and the cold bite of bigotry will simmer and spout until finally, you know how the true beginning began.

Come back when you’ve finished the book to read our Deep Dive below 👇

Deep Dive: Spoilers Ahead

As I opened Annie on My Mind…

As I opened Annie on My Mind I was immediately transported back to Eight grade. Walking past a nook in Half Price Books comprised mostly of ‘Self Help’ garbage, I used my peripherals to ensure my mom was nowhere near before casually, casually perusing the wares. My mom had always been a fan of those Chicken Soup for the Soul books, every birthday and Christmas brought a new one, so I had an excellent cover story.

You see, tucked away in those stacks of 2000’s diet books, buried in the far bottom corner was the ‘LGBT’ section. At most, it held 30 books. Mostly thin novellas, some artsy pieces that were beyond my understanding I’m sure. But among those underrated gems, sat AoMM. With a nervous glance down the aisle and sweat on my brow I glanced at the cover, feeling warmth in my chest and ice in my belly.

You would think for all the sweat I perspired that my second attempt to come out a year later would have gone horribly, but no, I was one of the lucky ones. Nonetheless, I was pre-closetfreedom and STRESSED, but with my amazing acting skills (or rather, a busy mom lugging 15-odd books for her children with loving exhaustion in her eyes) I was able to purchase this holy relic and bring it back to my cave.

Annie on My Mind was my first look at first love. I was closer in age to both the titular and main character back then, but I can assure you that those same frantic, fuzzy feelings came back 16 years later. The book begins with Liza “present day” thinking back on her time with Annie a year prior.

Though I admit, the first chapter had me cringing at the pure adolescent freedom both characters displayed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, I soon realized I needed to reset my mind to that of my pubescent self. The careless, thoughtless, truly free self that loudly laughed in quiet museums. The self that wore outfits all the rage – one’s that definitely did not go out of fashion, yes yes.

Me trying not to cry thinking about how tight my pants used to be

The moment that tripped me was the play fight in the Hall of Arms and Armor. As an adult, I felt embarrassed for a moment, before quickly remembering how immature I became the last time I met up with old school friends. A wave of mortification rolled over me, and I quickly righted my judgements and consciously forced myself to fall back into my 17 year-old thoughts.

Liza Winthrop and Annie Kenyon are 17 and they. have. feelings. Like, right away! As a seasoned-gay, I could see the signs from a mile out, but what really sealed it was the first time they looked, really looked at one another in the Hall of Arms and Armor.

“.. for a moment or two I don’t think I could have told anyone my name, let alone where I was”
-Liza

The shock she experienced is something I’m familiar with. The stunned awe you feel, your heart dropping in your chest before loudly booming at an accelerated rate as your eyes meet. Ahh, first love… amiright?

When Liza attended a disciplinary hearing with her friend Sally for failing to report Sally for piercing student’s ears, I felt the inherent need to rebel bubbling up in my chest. Reading what went down and having to even be aware of Mrs. Poindexter’s presence in the story was hard work. IMO it doesn’t matter if you’re older, or if you’re the headmistress, you earn my respect. And Poindexter? Nah. She didn’t move my respect meter at all.

For example, the literal second thing we learn about her is that she is known for thinking of “sardonically icy things to say” while dramatically pinching the bridge of her nose, as if in pain, at students she’s disciplining. What a friggin’ drama queen. High and mighty, hoity toity, whatever you want to call it, it doesn’t fly with me. Kids have feelings too. Though off-topic it had to be said.

Back to Liza! She gets suspended for failing to tattle – obviously – but lo and behold, this leads to another meetup with Annie because her 3 day suspension aligned ever-so perfectly with Thanksgiving break (for our international friends, T-giving is on the 4th Thursday in November each year, so most students get the Friday after off as well). During this time, the two share their first kiss, and though panic ensues for Liza, Annie reveals she has already processed most of these feelings of discovery because she previously had a romantic experience with another girl. Note: Annie has not fully processed these feelings.

Over time we get to know the characters as individuals and as a “couple”, hiding their feelings in fleeting touches and romantic paraphrases from Plato. Though they are supportive of one another’s journey, they also experience some tension. The inherent need to make a physical connection with each other never reaching the same pinnacle for themselves as it is for the other. Reaching out one minute, and drawing back the next.

We watch as they fail to take each other’s feelings into consideration, before promptly realizing their mistake and apologizing. And eventually, we are given a light at the end of the tunnel. A location of true security where the two can meet, and kiss, and hold one another without scrutiny.

Enter: The Definitely-Not-Lesbians

Ms. Isabelle Stevenson (Grey’s Anatomy, who?), or Iza, and Ms. Katherine Widmer, or Kah, are definitely not Lesbians who live together as grown-ass women. Now one could say they live together because they are close friends and fellow teachers at Liza’s private school, Foster Academy. Perhaps they don’t make enough to own their own homes. Mmm, yes, all plausible in the eyes of a youth in the 1980’s, but to 13-year-old me? In 2005? Hell nah.

I may never have kissed a girl (back then) and I may have never lived with a girl (back then), but I could certainly sniff out lesbos in hiding any time, any place (still can). Ms. Stevenson religiously wears a pageboy for god-sakes! That’s more of a sign than any of the 2000’s fedoras or the beanies and snapbacks that haunted the 2010’s. These hats scream homosexuality given the right circumstances, and with Iza standing tall, blonde, and intimidating, it only adds to her lesbian aura.

Ms. Widmer on the other hand, is only described as prematurely grey. What with Ms. Stevenson being introduced to us first, and me pegging her for a fellow homo, the second I found out they lived together I pictured Ms. Widmer sharing similar features with Stacy London.

The teachers share a rowhouse (yes, an actual house) in Cobble Hill, New York City with two cats, who I’m sure are blissfully unaware of their mothers’ inclinations. Those two cats ended up being the key to Annie and Liza’s freedom though, because Ms. Stevenson and Ms. Widmer were going out of town, so we thank them for their service.

As soon as our two leads entered the house to begin their cat-sitting duties I just knew we would finally see Annie and Liza thoroughly explore their feelings with one another. Though stunted at first by the casual domesticity they could finally envelope themselves in, and then next by their inability to communicate what they both wanted, the girls finally cave and explore one another’s… caves? (UGH, I know, I kind of regret writing it, too.)

Nancy does an amazing job at alluding, because that’s all we get! Rightfully so, since this is a YA novel, and it was published in 1982, but still. Re-reading this as an adult made me want more. And yet, there was a simple beauty about it.

“I remember so much about that first time with Annie that I am numb with it, and breathless.”
Liza, “present” day

The Beginning ends

After finding out that Ms. Stevenson and Ms. Widmer ARE in fact lesbians (gasp, who could have predicted this), the girls get distracted and take the risk of getting intimate one more time not too long before the adults are due home. Like all classic stories of closeted lesbians, their carefully guarded secret is exposed when (fucking) Sally and Ms. Baxter, a Foster Academy administrator high off her Bible quotes and bigotry, barge into the home.

Though Sally doesn’t stray far from the front door, fully shook at her now ex-friend’s state of undress and choice of company, Ms. Baxter is on a witch-hunt of epic proportions when she runs up the stairs to snoop through Ms. Stevenson and Ms. Widmer’s bedroom. In the midst of that chaos, our favorite not-lesbians-oh-wait-lesbians arrive home and immediately figure out what happened.

Over the course of the end of the book Liza is forcibly outed to her family and put on trial in front of the school’s board thanks to Ms. Dexter’s testimony. Though she escapes punishment, Ms. Stevenson and Ms. Widmer aren’t as lucky. The two are fired from their jobs and are forced to move.

Any adult would be rightfully upset at the two teens for not only outing their relationship, but also getting them fired. And yet, the two teachers are very supportive and go out of their way to reassure Liza that they would be fine. Even going as far to encourage her to not lose Annie. However, those encouragements don’t make it very far, as we see the girls go their separate ways to colleges on different coasts.

The book picks up, “present day” where Liza has been attending MIT for almost a full semester. She attempts to write Annie a letter, but instead decides to call her. The serendipitous call comes right when Annie is offered a plane ticket to Boston for the next day. We’re parted from the book, at last, when they freely offer “I love you’s” to one another, expressing excitement at the prospect of finally reuniting.

The relief I felt when they finally truly accepted their love for one another was euphoric. I’ve been free from my closet for over 17 years, but I still remember the joy of openly loving someone for the first time. My heart was once again filled with excitement for them as I closed the cover and took a deep breath.

Annie on My Mind is still a work of art. Re-reading this, and experiencing Annie and Liza’s story again even inspired Renny to read it for the first time. And I am happy to report that they love the book just as much, even going as far as to say they wish they had been able to read it when they were as young as I was the first time. I sincerely hope you found this story as fulfilling as we did, and we would love to hear what you have to say.

Let us know down in the comments what you rated Annie on My Mind.

A Look Back at Steven Universe: Season 1

I watch the most television in Renny and I’s relationship, but due to our hatred of eating at a kitchen table, we find ourselves re-watching our favorite shows whenever we’re in need of something simple and comforting to occupy our dinnertime. We have a rotation of about 8 shows that we watch, beginning to end, throughout the year—among the many new releases we find ourselves transfixed by. Each one providing it’s own kind of comfort alongside the hearty and wholesome meals I prepare us. (That’s right, I’m the cook. I not only enjoy it, I’m damn good at it. More on that later)

Steven Universe is on the shortlist of shows we cherish and watch every year, and we recently began our newest playthrough.

The show was a revelation in the world of animated television when it was released in 2013. Rebecca Sugar developed Steven Universe for Cartoon Network while she was a writer and storyboard artist on Adventure Time (another favorite of ours). What starts as a seemingly simple cartoon quickly unfolds into a deeply complex and emotionally resonant series that captivates audiences of all ages.

As someone who is a fan of cartoons, I found myself completely hooked during my first run-through, and by the time I finished Season 1, I couldn’t believe I hadn’t watched it sooner. What truly sets Steven Universe apart is its masterful blend of humor, heart, and life lessons. The writing is top-notch, often balancing subtle, intelligent humor with meaningful themes that resonate on a deeper level. While it’s a kids’ show on the surface, it never talks down to its audience, making it a perfect choice for family viewing. The short episode length also makes it incredibly bingeable—a feature that we certainly take advantage of, regularly.

(left to right) Amethyst, Garnet, and Pearl. Owned by Cartoon Network

One of the show’s standout elements is its character development. Over the course of Season 1, you watch as Steven, the titular character, grows from a naive and curious boy into someone who begins to understand the weight of his responsibilities. The supporting cast, including the Crystal Gems (Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl), also benefit from significant development, each bringing their own unique personalities and struggles to the forefront. Their backstories are gradually revealed, adding depth and nuance to what initially appears to be a straightforward premise.

Rebecca Sugar, the creator of Steven Universe, deserves immense credit for the way she blends music, art, and emotion into a seamless narrative. The soundtrack is nothing short of beautiful, with each song perfectly complementing the story and adding an extra layer of emotional depth. The animation style is sturdy yet vibrant, with colors that pop off the screen and create a visually stunning world. Every detail, from the character designs to the setting, feels intentional and thoughtfully crafted.

The themes of the show are also worth noting. Steven Universe Season 1 is groundbreaking in that it explores both queer and family themes with remarkable depth and nuance. At its core, it is redefining traditional concepts of family, showcasing a diverse array of familial structures beyond the nuclear model. Through the dynamic between Steven, the Crystal Gems, and his father Greg, we see a blended family filled with love and support. However, the show goes even further by portraying other unique families in Beach City, both “conventional” and “unconventional”, highlighting different ways that families can exist and function.

Slight Spoilers Ahead

The show tackles complex issues like identity, relationships, and acceptance, often using the concept of Gem fusion as a metaphor for these themes. For example, Garnet, a fusion of two female-presenting Gems in love, represents a powerful metaphor for queer relationships. The fusion of Steven and Connie into Stevonnie, an intersex, non-binary character whose gender is described as “an experience“, further pushes boundaries around gender and identity. The idea of different Gems coming together to form something new and powerful speaks to the importance of collaboration and understanding in relationships, whether they be romantic, platonic, or familial. While it’s true that the show never explains why there are no male Gems besides Steven, this minor frustration is easily overshadowed by the show’s many strengths.

In addition to its exploration of family, Steven Universe is celebrated for its LGBTQ+ representation. The Crystal Gems, who are gender-fluid beings, challenge conventional ideas of gender. By normalizing these diverse representations of gender and sexuality, Steven Universe provides a safe space for queer narratives, making them just as integral and ordinary as any other family dynamic. Through its inclusive storytelling, the show opens up important conversations about identity, love, and acceptance, making it a vital piece of media for all audiences.

In conclusion, Steven Universe Season 1 is an addictive, entertaining, and emotionally enriching experience. It’s a show that transcends its status as a “kids’ cartoon” to become something much more—a story about love, identity, and the power of connection. Whether you’re a longtime fan of animation or just looking for something new to watch, Steven Universe is absolutely worth your time. Don’t wait any longer—warp in, and you’ll be glad you did.

Get Your Bookish Glow-Up with 2Queer2Fiction

Looking to dive into the world of books? Well, you’ve come to the right place! 2Queer2Fiction’s blog is your ultimate guide to exploring diverse and exciting LGBTQ+ books and media. Our blog is packed with curated reviews, unique recommendations, and deep dives into queer literature and media, ensuring you find your next great obsession and get the most out of every page.

Hold onto your glitter, besties—we’re about to take you on an unforgettable journey through LGBTQ+ books and entertainment!

Let’s talk about finding your perfect read.

Whether you’re a die-hard fiction fan, a non-fiction junkie, or someone who dabbles in a little bit of everything, our blog has you covered. From the latest must-read thrillers that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat to thought-provoking memoirs that will have you reflecting on life, we’re here to help you discover hidden gems that’ll have you turning pages faster than a hummingbird on caffeine.

Seriously, no matter your vibe—whether it’s a heart-pounding mystery that keeps you up until 3 AM or a deep, introspective journey through someone’s life experiences—we’ve got recommendations to satisfy every bookish craving. And hey, if you’re stuck in a reading rut, don’t worry! We’ve got some unconventional book picks that are guaranteed to shake up your TBR list. We’re talking outside-the-box stories you didn’t even know you needed in your life—until now.

But wait, it’s not just about the books, my friends. Oh no, we’re bringing you all the juicy behind-the-scenes scoop, too. Ever wonder what it’s really like to be a published author in today’s world? Or how to navigate the rollercoaster that is the publishing industry, especially when you’re trying to get a queer story into the spotlight?

Buckle up bitch, because we’re about to dish.

We’re talking exclusive interviews with LGBTQ+ authors, candid chats about the challenges of getting queer narratives published, and deep dives into the creative process that brings those powerful stories to life. From the first spark of an idea to the moment a book hits the shelves, we’ll give you a front-row seat to it all.

And while you’re here, why not explore some tips on writing your own stories? Whether you’re an aspiring writer or just curious about the magic behind crafting a compelling narrative, we’ll be dropping knowledge that might just inspire you to start penning your own tale.

We’re here to cheer you on, provide resources, and help you navigate the ups and downs of writing—because let’s face it, we all need a little encouragement sometimes. And who knows? Maybe one day, we’ll be reviewing your book right here on 2Queer2Fiction.

But it doesn’t stop there! We’re also delving into the wider world of queer media. From TV shows and movies that feature LGBTQ+ characters and themes. To the latest trends in queer pop culture, we’ve got our finger on the pulse. If it’s making waves in the queer community, you’ll hear about it from us. We’re here to celebrate, critique, and explore it all—because representation matters, and we’re passionate about amplifying those voices.

Wendy Williams "She's an icon, she's a legend, and she IS the moment"

Trust us, 2Queer2Fiction IS the moment.

Grab a cup of your favorite beverage (whether that’s iced coffee, tea, or something a little stronger—no judgment here), get cozy, and get ready to dive into the wonderful, vibrant, and ever-evolving world of LGBTQ+ books and media with 2Queer2Fiction.

And remember, this journey isn’t just about discovering new reads or binge-worthy shows—it’s about connecting with stories that resonate on a deeply personal level. It’s about celebrating the diversity and richness of queer experiences. So come vibe with us, and let’s make some book magic together!

The Tropes We Love, Hate, and Love to Hate

Whether you’re a bookworm, a casual reader, or just someone who loves a good story, the team at 2Queer2Fiction has got your literary needs covered. Some tropes can vibe, but do they all? In this edition, we’re diving headfirst into the world of literary tropes in queer fiction.

I don’t know about you, but as a self-proclaimed bookworm who’s devoured more queer fiction than I can count, tropes are a bit of a double-edged sword. They can be like that ex you just can’t seem to quit—sometimes they’re comforting, familiar, and just what you need, but other times, they make you wonder why you ever fell for them in the first place🙄

Characters shown are the properties of The CW, DreamWorks, and DC Comics respectively

Let’s start with a classic: the brooding bad boy/girl with a heart of gold. You know the type—leather jacket, a tragic backstory, and a smolder that could melt an iceberg. We’ve all been there, rooting for them to drop the tough act and show us their softer side. But let’s be real—how many times do we need to see the same angst-ridden arc before it loses its charm? (Low-key think we could all use a break from the perpetual emotional rollercoaster. But maybe I’m a goddamn masochist, cause I keep. reading. them.)

Then there’s the quirky, yet lovable sidekick. Ah, the comic relief that somehow never gets their own storyline. They’re always there with a witty comeback or a shoulder to cry on, but does anyone ever ask how they’re doing? (Side note: where’s the book where the sidekick gets their happily-ever-after, huh?) (jk, we have that covered too.)

What about the “Haley”s of the world? The “Good Luck, Babe” babes? Why must they babe so hard? Why do we love to hate to love that they’re a little mean at first? So many questions. (That I will address with my therapist at a later date)

But, like any good relationship, tropes aren’t all bad. Take the found family trope, for instance. As a queer woman, this one hits close to home. There’s something deeply resonant about characters finding their people, creating a family out of friends and lovers when the world doesn’t always give them one. It’s a reminder that we can build our own support systems, and it’s one of those tropes that never gets old for me.

Of course, we can’t forget the tropes that make us want to roll our eyes so hard we risk losing a contact lens. I’m looking at you, “Bury Your Gays.” Honestly, is there a more frustrating, overused, and downright harmful trope out there? It’s 2024, and we deserve better. (Lookin’ at you Clexa fans.) Queer characters deserve to thrive, not just survive (and definitely not just exist to serve as plot devices for straight characters).

So, what do you say, queers? Tropes, like most things in life, come in all shapes and sizes—some we love, some we hate, and some we love to hate. But no matter how you feel about them, they’re here to stay. The key is to find the ones that resonate with you and support the authors who put a fresh spin on them.

Now, go grab that cup of tea, curl up with your current read, and think about what tropes you can’t live without—or maybe the ones you could do without. Thanks for stopping by, fellow book enthusiasts! Be sure to check back soon for more literary musings from the fabulous team at 2Queer2Fiction. And, as always, share your thoughts with us in the comments! Which tropes do you stan, and which ones need to be retired faster than that old pair of jeans in the back of your closet?

Until next time,

Sam
Co-Captain of the Queer Fiction Lifeboat 🏳️‍🌈

Hearing Red – Nicole Maser

Book Details

A Sapphic Apocalypse That Slays

Description

Thoughts

Deep Dive: Spoilers Ahead

The real question is “Why are we more comfortable exposing our youth to violence than sex and sexuality?”

Violence is “Entertainment”

Sex is Taboo

The Fear of “Real” Consequences

Cultural Differences

The Double Standard

Our Opinion, Our Ratings

Take Her On – Emily Wright

Book Details

Fierce Rivals, Fiercer Chemistry

Thoughts

Deep Dive: Spoilers Ahead

Of Ice and Shadows – Audrey Coulthurst

Book Details

A Frosty Follow-up That Left Me Cold

Thoughts

Deep Dive: Spoilers Ahead

The Z Word – Lindsay King-Miller

Book Details

Great Concept, Scattered Execution

Thoughts

Deep Dive: Spoilers Ahead

Of Fire and Stars – Audrey Coulthurst

Book Details

A Royal Romance with a Fiery Twist

Thoughts

Sub-ratings (tiny-spoiler ahead)

Deep Dive: Spoilers Ahead

Annie on My Mind – Nancy Garden

Book Details

A Second Adventure with My First

Thoughts

Deep Dive: Spoilers Ahead

Enter: The Definitely-Not-Lesbians

The Beginning ends

Steven Universe is on the shortlist of shows we cherish and watch every year, and we recently began our newest playthrough.

Hold onto your glitter, besties—we’re about to take you on an unforgettable journey through LGBTQ+ books and entertainment!

Let’s talk about finding your perfect read.

Buckle up bitch, because we’re about to dish.

Trust us, 2Queer2Fiction IS the moment.

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Sub-ratings _{^{(tiny-spoiler ahead)}}