Staff Review: Mistakes Were Made

Title/Author: Mistakes Were Made - Meryl Wilsner

Genre(s): Literary Fiction, Rom-Com, LGBTQ+, Spicy

This is, hands down, the spiciest all the queer romances/rom-coms I've come across, at least outside of books actively marketed as erotica. It is not going to be for everyone just how much sex is in this book, essentially from the very start. That caveat out of the way, this is also one of my favourite reads of 2022. 

Looking for a simple one night stand, university senior Cassie meets and hooks-up with a mysterious, gorgeous older woman one night, not realizing that the woman is Erin, the mother of her new best friend, freshman Parker. Cassie and Erin have all the reasons in the world to pretend the affair never happened, just let it be a pleasant memory, but the two keep getting pulled back together, and may need to acknowledge there’s something there besides simple attraction.

This book does a fantastic job exploring an age-gap relationship, both the highs and and lows. It examines the worries about power imbalances, goals in life and work, concerns about body image, and mental illness/trauma. And it does so with heart, caring, and no small amount of humour. You easily fall in love with Cassie and Erin, and can’t help but turn the page to find out what will happen next until before you know it, you’re finished and want to turn around and read it all over again. 

Reviewed by: Alex

Staff Review: Camp Spirit

Title/Author: Camp Spirit - Axelle Lenoir

Genre(s): Graphic Novels, Coming of Age, LGBTQ+, Mythology

Perfect for fans of Heartstopper!

Summer 1994, Elodie has just graduated from high school and now dreams of her future in college. But first, city girl Elodie is being forced by her mother to spend the summer as a camp counselor in northern Quebec, much to her chagrin. And yet, an odd collection of near-feral redheaded girls, a weirdly enthusiastic Camp Chief, not to mention fellow counselor Catherine, might just win her over!

Quebec writer-artist Lenoir infuses this story with an expressive art style that jumps off the page, delightfully quirky characters you can’t get enough of, and a hint of mystery and the supernatural, all culminating in a fantastic summer read. Or any other time of year, for that matter!

Reviewed by: Alex

Staff Review: Delilah Green Doesn't Care

Title/Author: Delilah Green Doesn’t Care - Ashley Herring Blake

Genre(s): Literary Fiction, Romantic Comedy, LGBTQ+

Ashley Herring Blake is an almost preternaturally readable author. I first discovered her through her writing for younger readers, and it never mattered whether she was writing middle grade or YA, you cared for her characters, and felt their intensely human joys and follys. And even when her focus was on kids, the adults were still three dimensional. Now, she’s taken a step into writing adult queer romance, and everything I’ve always loved about her writing is there, as well as cute romance and fun spice. 

Delilah Green is back in her home town of Bright Falls, Oregon, for the first time in years to photograph her step-sister Astrid’s wedding. What she doesn’t expect is to begin a forbidden relationship with Claire Sutherland, part of Astrid’s ‘coven’ of best friends who’s known Delilah since childhood. At first, the flirting starts out as a way to annoy Astrid, with whom Delilah shares a rocky relationship, but before long, and without really meaning to, real feelings enter the relationship for both of them.

The first in what will end up being a trilogy about this group of friends, Delilah Green Doesn’t Care is my favourite of the many (many) queer rom-coms I’ve devoured in the last few years, and I can’t wait for book 3 (I may have already gotten to read an ARC for book 2, coming in November, Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail).

Reviewed by: Alex

Staff Review: Payback's a Witch

Title/Author: Payback’s a Witch - Lana Harper

Genre(s): Fantasy, Magic & Witches, Rom-Com, LGBTQ+

Emmy Harlow, the prodigal daughter of one of four witch families returns to her small midwestern magical town after nearly a decade to take part in a once-in-a-generation magical tournament to finally put her past behind her and move on with her non-magical life. However, upon returning she makes a pact with her best friend, and the beautifully enticing Talia Avramov, all of whom had their hearts trampled on by Gareth, heir of the Blackmoore family & presumed frontrunner to win the tournament. As they work to prevent their rival’s victory, however, Emmy and Talia begin to grow close, and Emmy’s forced to question the magical-free life she’s built in Chicago. A wonderful rom-com, and the perfect Halloween read!

Reviewed by: Alex

Staff Review: The Charm Offensive

Title/Author: The Charm Offensive - Alison Cochrun

Genre(s): Literary Fiction, Romantic Comedy, LGBTQ+

For everyone who loves to hate reality TV. This story is located on the travelling TV set of a show reminiscent of ‘The Bachelor’. Providing a hilarious inside scoop on the staged drama of reality TV, the twist is that behind the scenes a gay romance is blossoming with the show’s lead Prince Charming. With witty dialogue and characters that will have you rooting for them from beginning to end, this book is also a meaningful exploration of the fears of intimacy, anxiety, OCD, and depression. A delightful queer love story that defies the inflated ego of heteronormativity.

Reviewed by: Rosemary