Last year, the only part of my book lists that were somewhat popular were the queer releases, so I decided to dedicate an entire post to LGBTQ book releases. This post focuses more on traditionally published books (though a few indie titles definitely snuck in, and I didn’t feel like moving them). However, if you’re looking for steamier releases, check out Freaky Friday, where I feature the omegaverse and hockey romances lol.
Check out my other release posts:
- book releases
- bl monthly paperback releases
- yuri monthly paperback releases
- shojo/josei monthly paperback releases
- manhwa monthly paperback releases
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Jump to: MM & Gay Romance | Sapphic & Lesbian Romance | Queer & YA
MM & Gay Romance
Jan 7th, 2025: Boystown Heartbreakers by KC Carmichael
A steamy, friends-to-lovers gay romance set in Chicago, perfect for fans of Timothy Janovsky and Sidney Karger.
Chicago hairstylist Bastian Russo has only three things to his name: a pair of $1,200 shears, a Boystown studio apartment, and a list of men’s names written on his closet wall. His constant worry that he’s not good enough and his chronic inability to trust are what leaves him heartbroken time and again.
After he adds the latest name, he turns to his best friend, Andres Wood, for solace. But instead of treating Bastian to dinner, drinks, and the usual effortless banter, Andres makes an interesting suggestion: that Bastian should get over the breakup by dating … Andres.
Sure, Andres is successful and attractive, but he also knows everything there is to know about Bastian—including what an insecure pain in the ass he is. Meanwhile, everyone in Bastian’s life, from his mother to his co-workers, thinks he’s an idiot for not having dated Andres already. So, what could go wrong?
Everything.
Now Bastian has to sort out his inadequacy and trust issues to prove he’s worthy of transitioning from Andres’ best friend to his lover. Otherwise, it’s a matter of time before one or both of them end up on Bastian’s list of Boystown Heartbreakers.
Amazon | Bookshop.org
Jan 7th, 2025: Goaltender Interference by Ari Baran
Will two struggling hockey players grab their second chance at love, or will it slide right through their grasp?
Newly retired hockey star Aiden Campbell should be a man with no regrets. Instead he is consumed by them. When he runs into his ex in New York City ten years after they broke up, he’ll have to confront his biggest regret of them all.
Montreal hockey captain Matt Safaryan never expected to see his old flame again. Now that he has, he can’t forget what they had, no matter how badly Aiden hurt him. Which is why Matt finds himself on Aiden’s doorstep late at night with only a deep want driving him.
One passionate night has them hooked all over again, but great sex was never the problem. Life after hockey has left Aiden adrift. Watching Matt push himself through chronic injuries isn’t helping, but this time around they’re determined to make this thing between them last. If only they can rebuild the trust they destroyed a decade ago.
Giving their relationship a second chance might cut sharper than a blade, but it may also end up being their best play ever.
Jan. 13th, 2025: From Best To Bested by Mn Bennet
Roman Grayson has turned his prison stint into an opportunity of fame by becoming the reigning champion in an underground fight club. But when he’s dethroned by a new inmate, Roman quickly loses everything that made his incarceration bearable. From the extra perks of being champion, to the authority of keeping fellow inmates in line, all the way to his best friend being forced to room with the man who stole everything from Roman.
In a desperate attempt to win back his title and respect, Roman challenges the new reigning champion to a rematch, but Ezra Delgado only wants one thing from Roman. His pride. Roman has more enemies than he can count in the form of hostile inmates, angry guards, and a corrupt warden who’d gladly see Roman dead so long as it made a profit. If he wants to survive, Roman will have to decide how much of himself he’s willing to sacrifice for Ezra’s entertainment.
Jan. 21st, 2025: A Happy Beginning by B.A. Richards
Step into the heart of New Orleans, where legends of vampires, witches, spells, and curses are as alive as the city itself. But what if there’s a nugget of truth to the stories?
Alard Fairchild isn’t your average man—he’s a fairy prince from the Kingdoms of Earth and Sky, hiding in plain sight as a poverty lawyer in the French Quarter. All he wants is a normal, human life. That is, until he meets Razi Miller, a hot tourist with a wild side who’s looking for a little adventure—and ends up entangled in something far more dangerous than he ever expected.
After one unforgettable night together, Raz wakes up to find himself magically bonded to Alard by an ancient marriage tattoo. Neither of them knows how it happened or why, but one thing’s for sure: the consequences are far-reaching—and deadly….
Packed with sizzling romance, high-stakes adventure, and dark magic, A Happy Beginning will keep you hooked until the very last page.
Jan. 22nd, 2025: Valuing Only Us by Cory Desmond Wolfe
In a high-stakes game of wealth and power, ambition can be a dangerous game. When two young men find themselves entangled in a web of manipulation, will their dreams of success lead to triumph or heartbreak?
Ted Sullivan, a former farm boy turned top wealth advisor, and Alec Young, a privileged heir seeking his own identity, find themselves entangled in a high-stakes game at Kauffman Schwartz. As they rise through the ranks at the investment bank, their secret romance fuels their ambition to create a revolutionary new company. But when Ted is snubbed for an Innovator Award and Alec’s manipulative relationship with the daughter of a wealthy investor threatens their bond, both their relationship and moral integrity are at stake.
Haunted by their past traumas, Ted must confront his fears and learn to assert himself against toxic colleagues, while Alec grapples with the weight of his father’s expectations. As they exploit connections and manipulate their way to success, they risk losing everything: their company, their relationship, and their very souls.
In a world where loyalty is tested and ambition can lead to ruin, will their love be enough to save them, or will their dreams turn into nightmares?
Jan. 27th, 2025: Bare Your Teeth: Wicked Ones (The Wicked Ones Duology Book 1) by Twoony
A century ago, fae and mortal worlds collided and brought about a terrifying question; what if there are more worlds waiting to be found?
When a cursed fae seeks to cause another collision with a dark plane, mortals and fae battle together to stop the destruction of their realms. A draft begins and William Vandervult, at the young age of sixteen, goes to war. Now a combat medic hiding a plethora of wicked secrets, William has learned to survive in a grim world of maggots, bloodshed, and death.
Nicholas Darkmoon, a fae with an affinity for fearsome magic, does not find this war rattled reality so grim, but an adventure to celebrate. He is as keen to end the war on behalf of his controlling father as he is to enjoy it.
So, when the arrogant Nicholas causes trouble, William doesn’t hesitate to call him out. Garnering the attention of fae never bodes well and Nicholas is not one to turn a blind eye towards those he dislikes. However, through threats of disembowelment and survival on the run, Nicholas’ anger towards William shifts from deadly to voracious and obsessive. And William learns that tasting a little forbidden fruit in the twilight hours eases the slow decay of war from his rattled mind.
The hunger these men have for each other may keep them warm at night, but in the cold trenches of war, affection blossoms, evil stirs, and a shadow looms ever closer.
Bare Your Teeth follows enemies with benefits navigating a violent world of war and trickery. This dark romantasy is perfect for fans loving dagger to the throat and I hate you, but it’s a strange hate dynamics.
Jan. 27th, 2025: Sunshine: Illustrated Cover Edition by Kiki Clark
There’s a fine line between hate and fated mates…
Jeremiah has better things to do than babysit the bratty crown prince of the Sirens. His personal protection agency is the best though and the king and queen won’t settle for less.
Being a practically invulnerable Hellhound doesn’t hurt either.
Remi’s selfish and uncaring attitude drives him crazy and confirms his suspicions about the prince being nothing more than a spoiled man-child. He doesn’t care that the more time they spend together, the more possessive his Hellhound becomes of the little princeling.
Or that it turns out first impressions might be misleading…
Falling for a client is the last thing he can let happen. His name and his company’s reputation are on the line. He won’t be led around by his… instincts.
When things begin to heat up between them though, he can’t deny their connection might just be destiny. One thing he knows for sure?
Fire and water will always make steam.
Jan. 28th, 2025: I Think They Love You: A Novel by Julian Winters
With his funny, big-hearted adult rom com debut, bestselling, award-winning YA author Julian Winters shows sometimes fake dating your ex can turn into a second chance.
When Denzel “Denz” Carter’s workaholic father and CEO of 24 Carter Gold unexpectedly announces his retirement, the competition is on for who will become his successor. To convince his family members that he’s capable of commitment, Denz impulsively lies about being in a serious relationship.
Now Denz needs to find a fake boyfriend to seal the deal on the CEO position. Denz is forced to turn to the last person he wants to be in a pretend (or any) relationship with: Braylon, the man who broke his heart.
Braylon’s sudden reappearance in Denz’s life turns everything upside down. But, apparently, he needs Denz’s connections to the mayor to win his own promotion. So, they strike a deal. It’s all business until the funny texts and the confusing kisses leave Denz struggling to separate this temporary arrangement from the affairs of his heart.
Jan. 30th, 2025: The Two Hungers of Prince Fierre by Darcy Ash
Prince Fierre has three big problems. He’s suffering from a mystery illness. He’s surrounded by lords who expect personal favours. And worst of all, he’s in love with his best friend, Aiven, a former farm boy and studious enforcer of rules, now right-hand to the prince.
Can Fierre heal himself, deal with the noblemen snapping about his ankles, and confront his desire for a man who has no noble blood… but a very noble heart?
Set in a Scottish-inspired world, The Two Hungers of Prince Fierre combines a happily-ever-after romance with a story of disordered eating and healing. Blending queer joy with glittering aesthetics, this fantasy explores what it means to learn to love yourself amidst the harshest strictures of diet culture. Perfect for fans of Freya Marske’s A Marvellous Light and Foz Meadows’ A Strange and Stubborn Endurance, this book will have queer romance fans feverishly page-turning all the way to its triumphant and heated finale.
Sapphic & Lesbian Romance
Jan. 7th, 2025: Secret Spark (Vector City Supers) by Kelly Farmer
A hero? A villain? Maybe a little of both in this sapphic mistaken identity romance.
Sadie Eagan lives a fairly humdrum life in Vector City. Working at a coffeehouse is much safer than opening her own café. If only the local Superheroes and Villains would stop crashing through windows and driving up insurance rates. Then she meets her hot new neighbor: a fit woman with amber eyes, a disarming smile, and an air of mystery. Obviously, this means she’s one of the city’s Superheroes. And dating a literal hero would break the cycle of being with partners who take advantage of her.
Joan Malone does have a secret identity-only she’s Spark, a notorious Supervillain. Shooting fire has always made people afraid of her. She’s been trying to get out of villainy to open a food truck with her twin brother. When her cute and bubbly neighbor assumes Joan’s a Superhero, well, Joan doesn’t correct her. Sadie is the nice girl Joan has dreamt of being with. Though she hates hiding things from someone who understands wanting a better life.
Joan has to keep some rather inept Villains at bay while getting the Supers off her back. And oh yeah, while proving to Sadie not all bad guys are bad and not all heroes are heroic. Not that Sadie’s paying attention-it’s too exciting hanging out with a Superhero.
Only she’s fallen for the bad girl. Again.
A rift with the other Villains forces Joan to choose what she truly wants. Can she be the goodhearted person Sadie thinks she is?
Jan. 14th, 2025: Gaze by Kris Bryant
When Lucinda “Lucky” Chance lands the client of a lifetime, she promises to give it her all. Little does Lucky know that the woman she’s been flirting with from her window all summer long is the client, Brianna Jameson. Not only does Lucky have to prove she can do the job, but she’s desperate to impress the gorgeous woman who has occupied her thoughts.
Brianna Jameson is bored with her stagnant life. Her friends are busy raising kids and walking away from promising careers. Not Bri. She’s worked too hard to throw it away on something as fleeting as love. But work and romance collide as Lucky stirs up feelings Bri would rather avoid. When Lucky gets fired for all the wrong reasons, Bri reaches out to support her for all the right ones.
Love at first sight is for dreamers, but the more time they spend together, the more they realize the chemistry of a gaze can make anything possible.
Jan 14th, 2025: Seducing the Widow by Jane Walsh
Miss Cassandra Belvedere and Miss Louise Sheffield were once debutantes vying for the same gentleman’s attentions. Bitter rivalry turned to passion—but at the end of the Season, Louise chose the earl instead of the girl.
Fifteen years later, Cass strides back into London Society to demand Louise’s help. After all, it’s the least she can do after destroying Cass’s life. Her family’s glove making business is in peril, and the elegant Louise, now the widowed Countess of Atwater, wields enough power to bring Cass’s gloves into fashion.
But Louise didn’t expect the attraction between them to burn stronger than ever, or that society would turn on her for associating with Cass. Bold, brash Cass has the real power—to unravel Louise’s strait-laced life and show her that their passion is worth fighting for.
Nothing could prepare them for the Season of a lifetime—or a second chance to fall in love.
Jan. 21st, 2025: French Pressed Love by M.C. Hutson
A Slow Drip with a Latte Drama
Jordan Alexander is in a rut. Her life is not what she envisioned for herself, and she’s barely able to scrape by on the salary she makes as a coffee shop manager. Suddenly facing the daunting prospect of either finding a new roommate or a more affordable place to live, Jordan’s stress levels reach a boiling point.
Noémie St. Pierre is a customer from hell. Every weekday morning, Noémie struts into the coffee shop like she owns the place and often makes a fuss. Jordan can’t stand the woman.
But Noémie’s life isn’t as perfect as it seems, and when her father-founder of the globally expanding Poutine Heaven franchise-cuts off her financial support, Noémie’s world is turned upside down. Desperate, Noémie gets a job at the coffee shop, and upon learning of Jordan’s housing woes, proposes they move in together. Reluctantly, Jordan agrees.
As they navigate their new living arrangement, Jordan uncovers surprising depth to Noémie that challenges her previous assumptions, and she develops feelings she never expected. But Noémie dates men, and Jordan doesn’t do relationships. So, all Jordan can hope is that her feelings won’t brew complications.
Jan. 21st, 2025: Keep This Off the Record (1) (Much Ado About Love) by Arden Joy
Abigail Meyer and Freya Jonsson can’t stand one another.
But could their severe hatred be masking something else entirely?
From the moment they locked eyes in high school, Abby and Freya have been at each other’s throats. Fifteen years later, when Abby and Freya cross paths again, their old rivalry doesn’t take more than a few minutes to begin anew.
And now Naomi, Abby’s best friend, is falling for Freya’s producer and close pal, Will. Both women are thrilled to see their friends in a happy relationship – except they are now only a few degrees of separation from the person they claim to despise… and they can’t seem to avoid seeing one another.
After their encounters repeatedly devolve into warfare, Abby and Freya’s friends decide their age-old rivalry can only mean one thing: true love. Will their friends bring them together? Or will Freya’s refusal to admit who she is keep them from discovering their underlying passion?
Keep This Off The Record is a fun and fresh LGBTQ+ story about the freedom to be who you are, even if that means falling for the person you hate.
Jan. 21st, 2025: The Relationship Mechanic A Spicy Small Town Black Sapphic Rom Com by Karmen Lee
There’s more than one way to love and more than one place to call home in this rousing small-town romantic comedy that’s sure to charm fans of Hannah Bonam-Young’s Next to You and Ashley Herring Blake’s Iris Kelly Doesn’t Date
There’s no fix for a lonely heart like a little TLC…
Jessica Jae-un Miller came to Peach Blossom, Georgia, for a visit, not a breakdown. But when her rental car dies on the outskirts of town, mechanic Lavenia “Vini” Williams provides a tow—and a very welcome jump start to Jessica’s heart. It’s been a minute since Jessica’s last fling—her relationship specialty—and Vini checks all the right boxes. If only the sexy car whisperer seemed interested…
Vini knows herself and what she wants. She loves her job, her family, her hometown—but she’d love to fall in love. Jessica stirs up all the right feelings, but the city girl has no intention of staying in Peach Blossom. Why sign up for a broken heart?…
Jan. 21st, 2025: Those Fatal Flowers: A Novel by Shannon Ives
Greco-Roman mythology and the mystery of the vanished Roanoke colony collide in this epic adventure filled with sapphic longing and female rage—a debut novel for fans of Madeline Miller, Jennifer Saint, and Natalie Haynes.
Before, Scopuli. It has been centuries since Thelia made the mistake that cost her the woman she loved—Proserpina, the goddess of spring. As the handmaidens charged with protecting Proserpina when she was kidnapped, Thelia and her sisters are banished to the island of Scopuli and cursed to live as sirens—winged half-woman, half-bird creatures. In luring sailors to their deaths with an irresistible song, the sisters hope to gain favor from the gods who could free them. But then ships stop coming, and Thelia fears a fate worse than the Underworld. Just as time begins to run out, a voice emerges, Proserpina’s voice, and what she asks of Thelia will spark a dangerous quest for their freedom….
Jan. 21st, 2025: Zoe Brennan, First Crush by Laura Piper Lee
A struggling vineyard owner gets a second taste of her first crush in this romantic comedy that sparkles with humor and heat.
Zoe Brennan may be the loneliest lesbian in Blue Ridge, but at least she has her family vineyard to keep her busy.
When a prestigious wine festival announces it’s coming to town, it kicks off a battle royale among local vineyards vying for the opportunity to host it. Zoe’s in it to win it—being chosen would put Bluebell Vineyards on the map, and she could stick it to the vineyard next door, run by her ex–best friend (now enemy), Rachel. But when Zoe’s father is called home to Italy to care for his sick mother, Bluebell is left without a vintner.
Dejected, Zoe impulsively agrees to a blindfolded threesome with a friend, and excitingly, a stranger. But once the blindfolds come off, Zoe realizes the hot butch that rocked her world isn’t a stranger at all. It’s Laine Woods—Zoe’s first crush, Rachel’s big sister, and, Zoe is horrified to discover, the Napa-trained vintner Zoe’s dad just hired as his replacement….
Jan. 27th, 2025: Raven’s Masquerade by Theodore Belcastro
Raven’s Masquerade is a romance set against the vibrant backdrop of the 16th Century Renaissance. It follows Lucia Calderone, a capable but reserved Sicilian lady-in-waiting, who finds herself imprisoned in Florence’s most feared reformatory: Isola delle Stinche. Her crime? Loving the alluring and promiscuous Anna de’ Medici. princess, childhood friend, and niece to the Grand Duke of Tuscany.
In a daring bid for freedom, Lucia devises a plan that’ll punish her betrayers and reunite her with the woman she loves.
Sinful liaisons, daring heroics, and intricate plots, rivalling the infamous Pazzi Conspiracy in their audacity and stakes, ensue…
Jan. 28th, 2025: The Captain’s Claim by Katie Trapp
Revenge never tasted so sweet until Honey was in the mix.
Captain Hellebore rules with an iron fist. It is the key to her survival. When she finds an intruder aboard her ship, Hellebore is left with one choice. Throw Honey overboard or turn her over to the King’s guard. Only Hellebore never anticipated the wisp of a woman to be the mate she was convinced would never come.
Determined to save her family from certain death, Honey Stark stows away on the only ship bound for Vulture Island. She finds more on board than she bargained for and must navigate a world and a bond she never knew existed.
As Hellebore and Honey’s connection deepens, the reality of their situation intensifies. With love on the line and the world in her hands, Hellebore sets out to claim what is rightfully hers and to save Honey and her people from ultimate death.
An against all odds sapphic romantic fantasy featuring a possessive fairy pirate captain determined to protect her human mate and birthright. Will Captain Hellebore defeat the impossible?
Jan. 31st, 2025: Bite Marks: A Sapphic Vampire Romance (Neon Immortals) by Bex Deveau
From Bex Deveau comes a spicy sapphic vampire romance between a coven that owns an adult club and their new bartender.
At O Nightclub, it’s love at first bite.
Someone should’ve told Vi that. And reminded her that she knew better than to get swept up by four vampires. Especially four vampires that hit all four of her secret relationship wish list: sexy, stylish, sapphic and stupid rich.
But resisting is easier said than done.
With her mom’s medical bills piling up and no job prospects she’s forced to fill in as a bartender at O, an exclusive vampire-only adult club and finds herself entangled with the captivating coven that runs it.
Sparks fly, and lust turns to more. But old secrets threaten to tear apart their tenuous bond, and the stakes may be too high for happily ever after.
The party won’t stop until mourning.
CW and additional tags for all books are on the author’s website
Queer & YA
Jan. 7th, 2025: Okay, Cupid by Mason Deaver
As a cupid, Jude thinks they understand love a little bit more than the average human. It makes sense — Jude’s been studying love their whole teen life. And, yes, there have been some bumps in the road, and they’re currently on probation for doing something that they absolutely, definitely shouldn’t have done… but they’re ready to prove they can make matches without ever getting involved.
Only… Jude’s next assignment isn’t about setting up two adults. No, this time Jude has to go to high school, with kids their own age. And the assignment is a tough one: two best friends who are meant to be more than just best friends… but who aren’t currently speaking to each other after a huge falling out.
Jude thinks they’ve got this one all under control, and that they won’t get involved whatsoever.
Which proves that maybe Jude hasn’t learned the first lesson of humans and love … It’s complicated.
Jan. 7th, 2025: Single Player: A Novel by Tara Tai
Two video game creators go head-to-head in this delightful, queer enemies-to-lovers workplace romance debut, perfect for fans of TJ Alexander and Helen Hoang.
Cat Li cares about two things: video games and swoony romances. The former means there hasn’t been much of the latter in her (real) life, but when she lands her dream job writing the love storylines for Compass Hollow—the next big thing in games—she knows it’s all been worth it. Then she meets her boss: the infamous Andi Zhang, who’s not only an arrogant hater of happily-ever-afters determined to keep Cat from doing her job but also impossibly, annoyingly hot.
As Compass Hollow’s narrative director, Andi couldn’t care less about love—in-game or out. After getting doxxed by internet trolls three years ago, Andi’s been trying to prove to the gaming world that they’re a serious gamedev. Their plan includes writing the best game possible, with zero lovey-dovey stuff. That is, until the man funding the game’s development insists Andi add romance in order to make the story “more appealing to female gamers.”
Forced to give Cat a chance, Andi begrudgingly realizes there’s more to Cat than romantic idealism and, okay, a cute smile. But admitting that would mean giving up the single-player life that has kept their heart safe for years. And when Cat uncovers a behind-the-scenes plot to destroy Andi’s career, the two will have to put their differences aside and find a way to work together before it’s game over.
Jan. 14th, 2025: Brewed with Love by Shelly Page
A cozy sapphic romantasy about a teen witch trying to keep her family’s apothecary up and running, with a little help from her ex-best friend—and first crush.
Plant witch Sage Bishop intends to run her family’s apothecary one day. The doors just have to stay open until she can take over from her nana. That’s why she spends all her time perfecting a tonic that’ll put Bishop Brews on the map.
She certainly doesn’t need their latest hire—and her ex–best friend—Ximena Reyes causing any distractions. Alas, at the first sight of Ximena’s cheeky smile, Sage flees the shop, allowing someone to break into Bishop Brews and steal the tonic she’s been tinkering with, one that wipes their high school cheer captain’s memory.
With Bishop Brews now at risk of being shut down, Sage reluctantly partners with Ximena to find the culprit. As the mystery deepens, so do pesky old feelings. Their first kiss and Ximena’s subsequent ghosting keep replaying in Sage’s mind. Will she be able to resist Ximena’s charm, or will she let it work its magic for a second chance at love?
Jan. 14th, 2025: Skater Boy by Anthony Nerada
In this YA pop punk debut about queer romance and destroying labels, a teen risks everything to write his own story. Perfect for fans of Sonora Reyes and Adib Khorram.
Stonebridge High’s resident bad boy, Wesley “Big Mac” Mackenzie, is failing senior year—thanks to his unchecked anger, rowdy friends, and a tendency to ditch his homework for skateboarding and a secret photography obsession. So when his mom drags him to a production of The Nutcracker, Wes isn’t interested at all . . . until he sees Tristan Monroe. Mr. Nutcracker himself.
Wes knows he shouldn’t like Tristan; after all, he’s a ballet dancer, and Wes is as closeted as they come. But when they start spending time together, Wes can’t seem to get Tristan out of his head. Driven by a new sense of purpose, Wes begins to think that maybe he can change for the better and graduate on time.
As a falling-out with his friends becomes inevitable, Wes realizes that being himself means taking a stand—and blowing up the bad-boy reputation he never wanted in the first place.
From a debut author to watch, Skater Boy delivers a heart-wrenching, validating, and honest story about what it means to be gay in a world where you don’t fit in.
Jan. 14th, 2025: The In-Between Bookstore by Edward Underhill
A poignant and enchanting novel about a magical bookstore that transports a trans man through time and brings him face-to-face with his teenage self, offering him the chance of a lifetime to examine his life and identity to find a new beginning.
When Darby finds himself unemployed and in need of a fresh start, he moves back to the small Illinois town he left behind. But Oak Falls has changed almost as much as he has since he left.
One thing is familiar: In Between Books, Darby’s refuge growing up and eventual high school job. When he walks into the bookstore now, Darby feels an eerie sense of déjà vu—everything is exactly the same. Even the newspapers are dated 2009. And behind the register is a teen who looks a lot like Darby did at sixteen. . . who just might give Darby the opportunity to change his own present for the better—if he can figure out how before his connection to the past vanishes forever.
The In-Between Bookstore is a stunning novel of love, self-discovery, and the choices that come with both, for anyone who has ever wondered what their life might be like if they had the chance to go back and take a bigger, braver risk.
Jan. 21st, 2025: Motheater by Linda H. Codega
In this nuanced queer fantasy set amid the Appalachian Mountains in Virginia, the last witch of the Ridge must choose sides in a clash between industry and nature.
After her best friend dies in a coal mine, Benethea “Bennie” Mattox sacrifices her job, her relationship, and her reputation to uncover what’s killing miners on Kire Mountain. When she finds a half-drowned white woman in a dirty mine slough, Bennie takes her in because it’s right—but also because she hopes this odd, magnetic stranger can lead her to the proof she needs.
Instead, she brings more questions. The woman called Motheater can’t remember her true name, or how she ended up inside the mountain. She knows only that she’s a witch of Appalachia, bound to tor and holler, possum and snake, with power in her hands and Scripture on her tongue. But the mystery of her fate, her doomed quest to keep industry off Kire Mountain, and the promises she bent and broke have followed her a century and half into the future. And now, the choices Motheater and Bennie make together could change the face of the town itself.
Jan. 28th, 2025: It’s a Love/Skate Relationship by Carli J. Corson
Fans of Rachael Lippincott, Elise Bryant, and Dahlia Adler will love this joyful debut novel, a sapphic enemies-to-lovers romance between a hotheaded hockey player and the ice princess at the figure skating rink next door.
Charlie Porter is a force to be reckoned with, both on and off the hockey rink. When she accidentally starts a brawl after a game, she’s suspended from school, meaning no hockey this season—and no chance to play in front of college scouts.
Alexa Goldstein’s pairs skating partner was hurt in the fight, and with only four months until their next competition, pickings for a replacement are slim. So she strikes a deal with Charlie—skate with her at the competition well enough to place, and her Olympian mother will use her formidable connections to get Charlie in front of scouts at D-1 schools, even without her team.
It seems impossible, and not just because Charlie has never figure skated before. Where Charlie is powerful, Alexa is elegant; where Charlie is quick to blow up, Alexa is cold as ice. But as the frostiness between them starts to thaw, they begin to wonder if they’ve found a partner for more than just skating.
Jan. 28th, 2025: Recommended Reading by Paul Coccia
In this opposites-attract YA rom-com inspired by Emma, a failed romantic gesture puts a damper on a queer teen bookseller’s summer of book matching and matchmaking until a handsome lifeguard and romance skeptic waltzes into his bookstore. Sometimes you get a second chance at happily ever after when you least expect it . . .
Curvaceous, clever, and an avid reader, seventeen-year-old Bobby Ashton never misses a main character moment. So when it comes to asking out his crush, he plans a romantic gesture grand enough to go down in local history. Unfortunately, though, his extensive knowledge of every rom-com trope ever doesn’t prepare him for how tragically he misreads the situation. Suddenly Bobby’s very public romantic gesture turns into an ordeal so embarrassing it could be a villain origin story….
Jan. 28th, 2025: Venom & Vow by Anna-Marie McLemore & Elliott McLemore
Two enemy kingdoms are forced to work together to break a curse in this lush YA fantasy, featuring a transgender prince and a bigender dama/assassin in the lead roles.
Keep your enemy closer.
Cade McKenna is a transgender prince who’s doubling for his brother.
Valencia Palafox is a young dama attending the future queen of Eliana.
Gael Palma is the infamous boy assassin Cade has vowed to protect.
Patrick McKenna is the reluctant heir to a kingdom, and the prince Gael has vowed to destroy.
Cade doesn’t know that Gael and Valencia are the same person.
Valencia doesn’t know that every time she thinks she’s fighting Patrick, she’s fighting Cade.
And when Cade and Valencia blame each other for a devastating enchantment that takes both their families, neither of them realizes that they have far more dangerous enemies.
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