Jason June Archives | The Nerd Daily https://thenerddaily.com/tag/jason-june/ All Things Nerdy Sun, 12 Jan 2025 04:40:37 +0000 en-AU hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.1 https://i0.wp.com/thenerddaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/cropped-Nerd-Daily-Logo-Favicon.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Jason June Archives | The Nerd Daily https://thenerddaily.com/tag/jason-june/ 32 32 122026701 The Book Whisperer’s Annotated Recommended Reading (AKA Bobby Ashton’s Brief List of Romances You Don’t Want to Miss) https://thenerddaily.com/paul-coccia-author-guest-post/ https://thenerddaily.com/paul-coccia-author-guest-post/#respond Mon, 27 Jan 2025 08:00:00 +0000 https://thenerddaily.com/?p=55130 Guest post by Recommended Reading author Paul CocciaPaul Coccia is the award-winning author of several acclaimed titles for young readers. Paul has a specialist in English Literature from the University of Toronto and a master of fine arts in creative writing from the University of British Columbia. He lives in Toronto with his nephew, three dogs, and a small grey parrot. When not writing glitterature, he’s often found cooking but prefers baking. You can find out more at paulcoccia.com or on Instagram and Twitter: @pauljcoccia. About Recommended […]

The post The Book Whisperer’s Annotated Recommended Reading (AKA Bobby Ashton’s Brief List of Romances You Don’t Want to Miss) appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

]]> Guest post by Recommended Reading author Paul Coccia
Paul Coccia is the award-winning author of several acclaimed titles for young readers. Paul has a specialist in English Literature from the University of Toronto and a master of fine arts in creative writing from the University of British Columbia. He lives in Toronto with his nephew, three dogs, and a small grey parrot. When not writing glitterature, he’s often found cooking but prefers baking. You can find out more at paulcoccia.com or on Instagram and Twitter: @pauljcoccia.

About Recommended Reading: 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 . . .

Hi, I’m Bobby Ashton, main character of the young adult rom-com Recommended Reading. I’m known around my town as the Book Whisperer, i.e. the fat, nice, gay boy who can matchmake anyone with their next perfect read and partner. Here are ten romances ranging from the classics to up-and-coming legendary novels that you will match with… and maybe a few extra credit bonus picks thrown in for good measure because you can never make just one (or ten) book suggestions(s).

Emma by Jane Austen

I’ve always felt a certain affinity for Emma Woodhouse. She’s smart, blessed, driven, and accomplished. She gives back to her community and has a knack for matchmaking. We’re very similar. But she’s got a touch of superiority and a few blindspots that make her her own worst enemy and nearly cost her her chance at true love. Maybe we’re too similar.

Speaking of, if you loved the original or the movie Clueless, L.C. Rosen wrote a queer YA contemporary version called Emmett.

A Girl Like That by Tanaz Bhathena

It takes guts and skill to start your debut YA novel with the death of the lovers and still draw the readers in. Bhathena’s got both in spades! You’ll love Zarin, labeled as a bad girl when she is displaced to Saudi Arabia, and Porus, who only has eyes for her despite everyone’s warnings. The talent and depth of thought the author poured into the characters and story is clear from the first page to the last.

Bonus! Bhathena’s sophomore YA is a sweet, cozy rom-com, and her latest novels are fierce, girl power fantasies inspired by medieval Indian mythology with great banter.

Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

Emily Brontë’s (of the famous Brontë  siblings) only published this one novel. The intensity! The passion! The devotion that defies death! The songs by Kate Bush and Céline via Meatloaf! Heathcliff is one of the original brooding bad boys, stomping around the Yorkshire moors as he and Catherine pine for one another. True love has never been so deliciously sadomasochistic. Read the OG classic that inspired both the Twilight and Fifty Shades franchises which, in turn, helped legitimize fanfic.

Autobiography of Red: A Novel in Verse by Anne Carson

Anne Carson reimagines an ancient Greek myth into a contemporary coming-of-age love story. Geryon uncovers the potential of his art when Herakles, the object of Geryon’s affection, leaves at the height of infatuation and reappears years later. Told in verse, Geryon’s monstrosity and journey through heartbreak is gut-wrenching and uplifting at the same time. Readers will ache with Geryon in this romance where maybe the lovers shouldn’t end up together.    

Out of the Blue by Jason June

You can’t go wrong with a Jason June rom-com. I dare you. Double dog dare you. You can’t! Every single one is an absolute delight. OOTB has a familiar Little Mermaid feel with Crest, the merperson, on their mer version of Rumspringa, as they must aid a human before time runs out and they remain stuck on land forever. Enter dual narrator, plus-size swimmer, Sean, who has just been publicly dumped by his boyfriend and is devastated by the unforeseen breakup. Seems like Crest found his human to help and what better way than to pretend to be a couple. Fake lovers to true love trope? Hello! Yes!

Bonus points if you check out the rest of Jason June’s titles. Extra credit super duper bonus points if you also check out the audiobooks because Jason June is a superb voice actor and hearing the author read their work as intended is pretty special.

All My Friends are Superheroes by Andrew Kauffman

Tom is just a normal guy stuck in a world where everyone is a superhero, including his wife, the Perfectionist. When his wife’s ex uses his powers to make the Perfectionist no longer see or hear Tom, he must somehow get her to before she moves on perfectly, as per her name, and forgets him forever. This one is a short novel and makes a perfect gift even for non-readers who don’t have a lot of time to commit. Prepare for your nails to dig into the cover of the book as you flip those pages and hope Tom manages to save his relationship.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Two magicians challenge one another to a magical duel to prove who can raise the best successor, in a battle that will result in death. The venue, a midnight circus that arrives filled with spectacles unlike anyone has ever seen. But it all disappears by the morning. The contenders, Celia and Marco, who fall in love with one another’s spells and then each other even when they know they must win the competition or perish. High stakes much? Lavish descriptions of settings create an unforgettable story of seemingly doomed love.

A Merry Little Meet Cute by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone

What do you get when two writing best friends, one known for her revolutionary body-positive writing and one known for her no-holds-barred romance. A series of Christmas adult romances following former boyband members and unforgettable female leads that are like spicy Hallmark holiday movies in book form. AMLMC is the first book in the series that follows bad boy boyband member, Nolan, who needs to redeem his image through good behaviour and a wholesome holiday film, and Bee, a curvaceous adult film star who accidentally gets cast opposite Nolan, her teen crush and the guy who subscribes to her content. Sex positive and body positive, you will fall in love with the main characters and all the side characters. There are three Christmas Notch Series novels, two novellas, and three bonus chapters to keep you busy from January through December.

Extra credit if you want to delve into either author’s awesome other books that range from warm-your-heart to set-your-loins-on-fire.

Saga by Brian K. Vaughan and illustrated by Fiona Staples

Imagine if Romeo and Juliet were from two warring, intergalactic species instead of families and not only survived, but had a daughter who decided to tell their story in graphic novel space opera form. The result would be Saga. Better yet, the parent lovers bond over their shared adoration of a romance novel! Books really do bring couples together! A broad spectrum of diversities coupled with positive messaging about acceptance and tolerance provides the perfect balance of heart-melting and kickass moments.

The post The Book Whisperer’s Annotated Recommended Reading (AKA Bobby Ashton’s Brief List of Romances You Don’t Want to Miss) appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

]]> https://thenerddaily.com/paul-coccia-author-guest-post/feed/ 0 55130 66 YA Books Hitting Bookshelves Between July and December 2024 https://thenerddaily.com/young-adult-book-releases-july-to-december-2024/ https://thenerddaily.com/young-adult-book-releases-july-to-december-2024/#respond Tue, 09 Jul 2024 17:00:00 +0000 https://thenerddaily.com/?p=51278 The Nerd Daily may obtain commissions for qualifying purchases from the links included in this article, but it’s so important to remember to shop local and indie! Any commissions received go back into funding giveaways on The Nerd Daily. Your TBR better watch out because there are so many spectacular YA books hitting shelves over the next few months! With new releases from Amie Kaufman, Lexi Ryan, Karen M. McManus, Maureen Johnson, Sarah Henning, Lynn Painter, Danielle Paige, Kalyn Josephson, […]

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]]> The Nerd Daily may obtain commissions for qualifying purchases from the links included in this article, but it’s so important to remember to shop local and indie! Any commissions received go back into funding giveaways on The Nerd Daily.

Your TBR better watch out because there are so many spectacular YA books hitting shelves over the next few months! With new releases from Amie Kaufman, Lexi Ryan, Karen M. McManus, Maureen Johnson, Sarah Henning, Lynn Painter, Danielle Paige, Kalyn Josephson, and Courtney Gould, along with a few debut novels, there’s something for every reader to pick up and enjoy between July and December!

Read on to discover just a few of our picks and also be sure to check out our Most Anticipated and Swoonworthy Romance lists for more releases!

JULY 2024

The Heart of the World by Amie Kaufman

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Magic and sacrifice will collide as lovers and gods, enemies and allies vie for the fate of the world in this heart-pounding sequel to THE ISLES OF THE GODS, which Stephanie Garber called “deliciously diabolical and full of heart.” (Now publishes in September 2024)

Our Wicked Histories by Amy Goldsmith

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A teen girl’s attempt to make amends with her former friend group takes a sinister turn during a weekend getaway at an ancestral Irish estate in this atmospheric, literary horror from the author of Those We Drown.

Cursed Boys and Broken Hearts by Adam Sass

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A swoony contemporary romance from Adam Sass following a boy who is cursed to doom any romantic relationship—and the summer that changes everything.

A Darker Mischief by Derek Milman

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The Honeys meets The Secret History in a work of dark academia like no other — a boarding school thriller about a queer teen from Mississippi who finds himself swept into a world of old money, privilege, and the secret society at the heart of it all.

A Magic Fierce and Bright by Hemant Nayak

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A young technomancer teams up with a handsome thief to save her sister in this propulsive, magic-filled young adult fantasy that is perfect for fans of Gearbreakers and Iron Widow.

The Blonde Dies First by Joelle Wellington

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A group of friends fight to choose their own fates in this trope-savvy, self-referential young adult thriller from the acclaimed author of Their Vicious Games, about a demonic force that acts according to horror movie rules in the spirit of the Scream movies.

Beneath These Cursed Stars by Lexi Ryan

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From #1 New York Times bestselling author Lexi Ryan comes a romantic fantasy in which a human princess armed with death’s kiss and a fae shifter on the run become unlikely allies when a mission to assassinate an evil king collides with a fatal prophecy.

Ready or Not by Andi Porretta

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An anxious teen hopes that a summer of adventure and offbeat dares will keep her friend group together after graduation in this luminous coming-of-age graphic novel with the feel-good vibes of Booksmart and Morgan Matson’s Since You’ve Been Gone.

Such Charming Liars by Karen M. McManus

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The newest mystery from the author One of Us Is Lying, the Queen of thrillers, Karen M. McManus! When mother-daughter grifters set out on their final job, the heist gets deadly and dangerously personal.

Break to You by Neal Shusterman, Debra Young and Michelle Knowlden

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Bestselling author of Scythe and Challenger Deep Neal Shusterman, here with coauthors Debra Young and Michelle Knowlden, tells an intense yet tender story of two teens, trapped in impossible circumstances and unjust systems, willing to risk everything for love—no matter the consequences.

So Witches We Became by Jill Baguchinsky

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A queer, feminist spin on Stephen King’s The Mist, this ode to female-rage is a perfect pick for fans of She Is a Haunting, and a reminder that if “boys will be boys”, girls will fight back.

Hearts Overboard by Becky Dean

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Set sail with this banter-filled rivals-to-lovers romance between a STEM-loving girl and a jock guy that will fill you with wanderlust…and have you rooting for love in the great outdoors!

AUGUST 2024

Ami by S. Jae-Jones

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Filled with adventure, romance and a race against time, Guardians of Dawn: Ami is the next book in the richly imagined Guardians of Dawn series.

The Dark We Know by Wen-yi Lee

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From Gillian Flynn Books, a lyrical young adult horror by debut author Wen-yi Lee that’s perfect for fans of She Is a Haunting, Stephen King’s IT, and The Haunting of Hill House.

Death at Morning House by Maureen Johnson

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From the bestselling author of the Truly Devious books, Maureen Johnson, comes a new stand-alone YA about a teen who uncovers a mystery while working as a tour guide on an island and must solve it before history repeats itself.

This Ravenous Fate by Hayley Dennings

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The first book in a decadent fantasy duology set in Jazz Age Harlem, where at night the dance halls come to life―and death waits in the dark.

A Banh Mi for Two by Trinity Nguyen

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In this sweet sapphic romance about two foodies in love, Vivi meets Lan while studying abroad in Vietnam and they spend the semester unraveling their families’ histories―and eating all the street food in Sài Gòn.

Everything We Never Had by Randy Ribay

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From the author of the National Book Award finalist Patron Saints of Nothing comes an emotionally charged, moving novel about four generations of Filipino American boys grappling with identity, masculinity, and their fraught father-son relationships.

The Empire Wars by Akana Phenix

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The Empire Wars is a powerful new YA fantasy in which magic may be a young woman’s only hope for survival.

Wisteria by Adalyn Grace

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#1 New York Times bestselling author Adalyn Grace delivers a sensational conclusion to the deathly and decadent Belladonna trilogy, with dramatic twists and a seductive new romance that will set readers’ hearts ablaze.

Come Out, Come Out by Natalie C. Parker

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A spine-tingling LGBTQIA+ YA horror about queer teens who accidentally invoke a twisted spirit who promises help but delivers something sinister.

Silent Sister by Megan Davidhizar

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The must-read suspense novel of the summer about a mysterious sister’s disappearance, her biggest betrayal and a deadly truth screaming to come out.  

Practical Rules for Cursed Witches by Kayla Cottingham

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From the New York Times bestselling author of My Dearest Darkest comes a sapphic fantasy adventure about a teen witch who must complete her magical training by breaking a powerful family’s curse. But her own affliction—to never find true love—gets in the way when she falls for the girl she’s trying to save.

Under The Surface by Diana Urban

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An epic survival-thriller about four teens who get lost in the Paris catacombs for days—a gripping and propulsive story of love, danger, betrayal, and hope… even when all seems lost.

SEPTEMBER 2024

Payal Mehta’s Romance Revenge Plot by Preeti Chhibber

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This laugh-out-loud debut romance introduces perfectly imperfect Payal Mehta, whose plan to get her long-time crush to finally notice her is destined for success, but only if she ignores her budding feelings for her archnemesis…

Compound Fracture by Andrew Joseph White

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A queer Appalachian thriller that pulls no punches—following a trans autistic teen who’s drawn into the generational struggle between the rural poor and those who exploit them.

The Lies We Conjure by Sarah Henning

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Knives Out meets The Inheritance Games with magic in this standalone supernatural thriller by Sarah Henning: thirteen witches, a locked-room murder, and two non-magical sisters trapped in a deadly whodunit.

The Thirteenth Child by Erin A. Craig

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From the astonishing mind of Erin A. Craig comes the breathtaking fairy tale retelling readers have been waiting for— what does a life well-lived mean, and how do we justify the impossible choices we make for the ones we love?

Everything Glittered by Robin Talley

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In this queer historical thriller from a New York Times bestselling author, society girls try to find a murderer in a city filled with secrets and stunted by shame. Perfect for fans of Last Night at the Telegraph Club.

When Haru Was Here by Dustin Thao

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From the New York Times bestselling author Dustin Thao, We Are Okay meets Wandavision in this novel about loss, and learning to let go.

The Monstrous Kind by Lydia Gregovic

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An atmospheric, haunting, romantasy inspired by Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, set in a Regency England about two sisters fighting to hold on to their manor while deadly monsters prowl along its perimeters—perfect for fans of House of Salt and Sorrows and Anatomy: A Love Story.

The Hysterical Girls of St. Bernadette’s by Hanna Alkaf

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An all-girls school is struck with mysterious cases of screaming hysteria in this chilling dark academia thriller haunted by a deeply buried history clawing to the light.

Nothing Like the Movies by Lynn Painter

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In this highly anticipated sequel to the New York Times bestselling Better than the Movies, Wes and Liz struggle to balance their feelings for each other with the growing pains of being a college student.

To The Bone by Alena Bruzas

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This moving and tragic love story is also a starkly honest look at Colonial America, set during the “Starving Time” in Jamestown.

Spells To Forget Us by Aislinn Brophy

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A witch and a non-magical girl get stuck in an endless cycle of meet-cutes and breakups in this heart-stopping romantic young adult fantasy.

Faeries Never Lie, Edited by Zoraida Córdova and Natalie C. Parker

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Faeries Never Lie, the next young adult collection in the Untold Legends series edited by Zoraida Córdova and Natalie C. Parker, is filled with fourteen short stories to revel in, that center faeries of varying genders and cultures!

OCTOBER 2024

Tangleroot by Kalela Williams

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In this debut novel, chosen by booksellers as an Indies Introduce selection, a girl must face hard truths about blood and family, history and mystery.

Inheritance of Scars by Crystal Seitz

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House of Roots and Ruin meets The Darkest Part of the Forest in this gorgeous dark fantasy debut steeped in Norse mythology that follows a teen who accidentally awakens an imprisoned draugr and must follow him into a deadly magical forest to rescue her grandmother.

Spell of the Sinister by Danielle Paige

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In New York Times bestselling author Danielle Paige’s wickedly fresh take on beloved tales, the fairy godmothers make the rules. Be careful what you wish for . . .

Make My Wish Come True by Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick

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‘Tis the season for holiday hijinks in the newest sapphic rom-com about a rising star and a small town girl going on twelve fake holidates from the New York Times bestselling authors of She Gets the Girl, Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick!

The Wild Huntress by Emily Lloyd-Jones

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Dive into a lush, standalone fantasy, set in the same world as The Drowned Woods and The Bone Houses, about a deadly competition—perfect for fans of Holly Black and Erin A. Craig.

Twenty-Four Seconds from Now by Jason Reynolds

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#1 New York Times bestselling author Jason Reynolds tackles it—you know…it—from the guy’s perspective in this unfiltered and undeniably sweet stream of consciousness story of a teen boy about to experience a huge first.

Eleven Houses by Colleen Oakes

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Midnight Mass meets The Vampire Diaries in this epic romantic tale of a mysterious island and the houses who have stood for centuries to guard against the dreaded nightmare of beings waiting to strike from the ocean’s depths.

For She Is Wrath by Emily Varga

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A sweeping, Pakistani romantic fantasy retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo, where one girl seeks revenge against those who betrayed her—including the boy she used to love.

The Dividing Sky by Jill Tew

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Serpent & Dove meets Arcane in this dystopian romance debut that follows a cunning memory merchant who deals a little extra happiness on the side and the handsome rookie officer on her tail!

Fledgling: The Keeper’s Records of Revolution by S. K. Ali

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The first book in a gripping duology from acclaimed author S.K. Ali introduces a fractured world on the brink of either enlightenment or war.

Inferno’s Heir by Tiffany Wang

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Fearing for her life, an outcast princess joins the rebellion against her own kingdom and family. . . but when playing with fire, someone always gets burned. 

The Debutantes by Olivia Worley

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Jessica Goodman meets The Agathas in this taut, twisty YA thriller set in the glittering world of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, where secrets–and bodies–never stay buried.

NOVEMBER 2024

Heist Royale by Kayvion Lewis

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The new Gambit takes Ross and her crew into the intoxicating casinos of Monte Carlo and across treacherous snow-covered slopes in Antarctica as Ross competes against Devroe in a fight for her life. Loyalties will be tested, backs stabbed, hearts broken. May the best thief win.

Darkly by Marisha Pessl

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A seemingly ordinary high school student. A mysterious summer internship. And a legendary game designer, now dead, leaving a dark legacy. The New York Times bestselling author of Night Film spins a twisted web in this masterful YA psychological thriller.

I Am the Dark That Answers When You Call by Jamison Shea

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Jamison Shea’s sharp and unflinching voice will bring readers to terrifying new heights in this vicious sequel to the “relentlessly gory and almost euphoric in its embrace of the horrific” (NPR) I Feed Her to the Beast and the Beast is Me.

The Whispering Night by Susan Dennard

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The forest is more dangerous than ever in this highly-anticipated, pulse-pounding, and swoon-worthy conclusion to the bestselling Luminaries trilogy.

Rani Choudhury Must Die by Adiba Jaigirdar

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In this sapphic dual POV Young Adult romance by Adiba Jaigirdar, Meghna and Rani (ex-best-friends-turned-rivals) realize they’re dating the same guy, so they team up to beat and expose him at a big science competition!

When Mimi Went Missing by Suja Sukumar

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The splintered relationship between two Indian American cousins is at the center of this dark, twisty YA mystery—perfect for fans of Tiffany D. Jackson, Karen McManus, and Angeline Boulley.

Midnights With You by Clare Osongco

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Fans of Susan Lee and Dustin Thao will be enchanted by this soulful YA romance about how we love, how we heal, and how we find the strength to go on.

Our Deadly Designs by Kalyn Josephson

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The Shadows Between Us meets The Scorpio Races in the epic conclusion to NYT bestselling Kalyn Josephson’s This Dark Descent, called “a fierce and darkly magical thrill ride” by acclaimed author Ava Reid.

Perfect Girl by Tracy Banghart

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Jessa has been raised to be the “perfect girl”, but things go south. A killer looking for the perfect girl has targeted Jessa, and she’ll have to reject everything she’s been taught if she wants to keep herself―and her friends―alive until sunrise.

If You Can Hear This by Faith Gardner

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The twisty, intricate mystery of I Killed Zoe Spanos meets the whip-smart sleuthing of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder in the newest novel from acclaimed author Faith Gardner, in which a club of misfits must come together to solve a dangerous mystery—and learn to lean on each other all the while.

Dead Girls Don’t Dream by Nino Cipri

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There are rules for Voynich Woods: Always carry a whistle. Never go alone. Always come home before dark. And if anyone calls your name, don’t answer. Because everyone who wanders from the path is never seen again.

Flopping in a Winter Wonderland by Jason June

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Sparks are flying in Winter Wonderland this Christmas in this LGBTQ+ young adult rom-com from Jason June, New York Times bestselling author of Out of the Blue, Jay’s Gay Agenda, and Riley Weaver Needs a Date to the Gaybutante Ball!

DECEMBER 2024

A Cruel Thirst by Angela Montoya

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A fledgling vampire and a headstrong vampire huntress must work together–against their better judgment–to rid the world of monsters in this irresistible romantic fantasy.

Dust by Alison Stine

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In this haunting, speculative coming-of-age novel about finding your place in an unforgiving environment, a partially deaf teen questions everything she knows about family, love, and her future.

Keep It in the Dark by Justin Arnold

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In this unashamedly queer, supernatural romance, Justin Arnold, author of Wicked Little Things, challenges the institutions that have sidelined queer love to the shadows, and brings it into the light.

We Are the Beasts by Gigi Griffis

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Deaths and disappearances pile up as a mysterious beast stalks the French countryside and two girls seize an unlikely opportunity that just might save them all—or serve them up on a platter.

What the Woods Took by Courtney Gould

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Yellowjackets meets Girl, Interrupted when a group of troubled teens in a wilderness therapy program find themselves stranded in a forest full of monsters eager to take their place.

You’re Dead to Me by Amy Christine Parker

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Gossip Girl meets Happy Death Day in this YA horror novel following high school outcast and anonymous social media gossip Ruby, who comes face-to-face with her own ghost dressed in a blood-splattered prom dress. With less than a week until the dance, Ruby must unmask her killer—or die trying.

What YA books are you looking forward to hitting shelves between July and December? Tell us in the comments below!

The post 66 YA Books Hitting Bookshelves Between July and December 2024 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

]]> https://thenerddaily.com/young-adult-book-releases-july-to-december-2024/feed/ 0 51278 May 2023 YA Book Releases https://thenerddaily.com/may-2023-young-adult-book-releases/ https://thenerddaily.com/may-2023-young-adult-book-releases/#respond Thu, 04 May 2023 22:00:36 +0000 https://thenerddaily.com/?p=44003 From stories of fake dating and werewolves, to an aspiring chef and horrifying murders, there’s something for every YA fan to devour within our May YA book round up! With new releases from Amie Kaufman, Abdi Nazemian, Jason June, and more, to those with delightful debuts, read on to discover our picks and let us know which ones you will be adding to your TBR! Something Like Possible by Miel MorelandGoodreads | Amazon | Barnes & NobleIn this compelling YA […]

The post May 2023 YA Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

]]> From stories of fake dating and werewolves, to an aspiring chef and horrifying murders, there’s something for every YA fan to devour within our May YA book round up!

With new releases from Amie Kaufman, Abdi Nazemian, Jason June, and more, to those with delightful debuts, read on to discover our picks and let us know which ones you will be adding to your TBR!

Something Like Possible by Miel Moreland
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
In this compelling YA contemporary, a bisexual teen’s path to political staffer stardom is in jeopardy, until she convinces a cute new candidate to team up with her on the campaign trail.

They Hate Each Other by Amanda Woody
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Jonah and Dylan get along like oil and water. Until a fake dating ploy gives them new perspective, and they realize that “falling for your enemy” isn’t as impossible as it seems.

All the Dead Lie Down by Kyrie McCauley
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
The Haunting of Bly Manor meets House of Salt and Sorrows in award-winning author Kyrie McCauley’s contemporary YA gothic romance about a dark family lineage, the ghosts of grief, and the lines we’ll cross for love.

If You Still Recognize Me by Cynthia So
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This heartfelt, poignant YA debut is a second-chance summer romance that will steal your heart—perfect for fans of Heartstopper, Some Girls Do, and It’s Not Like it’s a Secret.

Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
#1 New York Times bestselling author of Firekeeper’s Daughter Angeline Boulley takes us back to Sugar Island in this high-stakes thriller about the power of discovering your stolen history.

Lose You to Find Me by Erik J. Brown
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
A romantic, heartfelt, and hilarious queer coming-of-age story from All That’s Left in the World author Erik J. Brown, perfect for fans of What If It’s Us and If This Gets Out.

The Alchemy of Moonlight by David Ferraro
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
The Alchemy of Moonlight by David Ferraro is a seductive YA paranormal romance following a runaway queer teen’s deepening and dangerous ties to a mysterious family of werewolves.

Only This Beautiful Moment by Abdi Nazemian
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
From the Stonewall Honor–winning author of Like a Love Story comes a sweeping story of three generations of boys in the same Iranian family. Perfect for fans of Last Night at the Telegraph Club and Darius the Great Is Not Okay.

The Isles of the Gods by Amie Kaufman
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Magic, romance, and slumbering gods clash in the start of a riveting fantasy series that spans gangsters’ dens, forgotten temples, and the high seas from the New York Times bestselling author of the Aurora Cycle and the Illuminae Files.

If Tomorrow Doesn’t Come by Jen St. Jude
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
We Are Okay meets They Both Die at the End in this YA debut about queer first love and mental health at the end of the world-and the importance of saving yourself, no matter what tomorrow may hold.

I’m Not Supposed to Be in the Dark by Riss Neilson
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
From the author of Deep in Providence comes a paranormal young adult romance that follows a teen convinced that her best friend–turned-enemy is possessed by a ghost, perfect for fans of White Smoke and Twilight.

Venom & Vow by Anna-Marie McLemore and Elliott McLemore
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
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.

Lion’s Legacy by L. C. Rosen
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Against the backdrop of a sunlit Greek landscape, author L. C. Rosen masterfully weaves together adventure, romance, and magic in a celebration of the power of claiming your queer legacy.

Painted Devils (Little Thieves #2) by Margaret Owen
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
A scrappy former maid and jewel thief must outwit gods, injustice, and her own past in this sequel to the Indie Next Pick, Little Thieves by Margaret Owen.

The Last One to Fall by Gabriella Lepore
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
A horrifying murder occurs in the middle of the night when a mysterious figure is pushed out from the fourth floor of a warehouse. Six teens were there that night, and five of them are now potential suspects.

To Shape a Dragon’s Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
A young Indigenous woman enters a colonizer-run dragon academy—and quickly finds herself at odds with the “approved” way of doing things—in the first book of this brilliant new fantasy series.

Riley Weaver Needs a Date to the Gaybutante Ball by Jason June
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
The next LGBTQ+ young adult rom-com from New York Times bestselling author Jason June (author of Jay’s Gay Agenda and Out of the Blue) explores how labels can limit and liberate us, and shows just what can happen when you bet on yourself.

Rubi Ramos’s Recipe for Success by Jessica Parra
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
A joyful novel of first romance, new possibilities, and the chance to define yourself, Rubi Ramos’s Recipe for Success will find its way into your heart.

We’ll Never Tell by Wendy Heard
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
An ambitious and juicy whodunit doused in Hollywood lore, perfect for readers of sexy summer thrillers like The Twin by Natasha Preston and The Agathas by Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson.

Ander & Santi Were Here by Jonny Garza Villa
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe meets The Sun is Also a Star in this YA contemporary love story from Jonny Garza Villa, Ander & Santi Were Here, about a nonbinary Mexican American teen falling for the shy new waiter at their family’s taqueria.

No Perfect Places by Steven Salvatore
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
From lauded author Steven Salvatore comes a moving YA novel about twins whose incarcerated father dies and leaves behind a life-changing secret, perfect for fans of I’ll Give You the Sun and Euphoria.

Fake Dates and Mooncakes by Sher Lee
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Heartstopper meets Crazy Rich Asians in this heartfelt, joyful paperback original rom-com that follows an aspiring chef who discovers the recipe for love is more complicated than it seems when he starts fake-dating a handsome new customer.

Where You See Yourself by Claire Forrest
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Where You See Yourself combines an unforgettable coming-of-age tale, a swoon-worthy romance, and much-needed disability representation in this story about a girl who’s determined to follow her dreams.

Transmogrify!: 14 Fantastical Tales of Trans Magic edited by G. Haron Davis
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Perfect for fans of All Out and Cemetery Boys, this anthology claims a seat at the table of fantasy literature for trans and gender nonconforming stories.

What YA book releases are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post May 2023 YA Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

]]> https://thenerddaily.com/may-2023-young-adult-book-releases/feed/ 0 44003 #ReadWithPride: Out of the Blue by Jason June https://thenerddaily.com/readwithpride-out-of-the-blue-by-jason-june/ https://thenerddaily.com/readwithpride-out-of-the-blue-by-jason-june/#respond Fri, 25 Mar 2022 22:00:04 +0000 https://thenerddaily.com/?p=39585 Out of the Blue follows two people who couldn’t be more different. Crest is about to be on their Journey, a month-long stint on land that all teen merfolk must undergo—in order to become an Elder in their underwater community, they have to truly help a human within one moon cycle or be stuck on land forever. Crest is eager to get it over with and return to their true home, the wild waters. Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, a very […]

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]]> Out of the Blue follows two people who couldn’t be more different. Crest is about to be on their Journey, a month-long stint on land that all teen merfolk must undergo—in order to become an Elder in their underwater community, they have to truly help a human within one moon cycle or be stuck on land forever. Crest is eager to get it over with and return to their true home, the wild waters.

Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, a very human lifeguard named Sean has just been dumped by his boyfriend and is determined to get him back. When these two meet, Crest agrees to help Sean by pretending to be Sean’s new beau and showing his ex what he’s missing out on. As two worlds collide and feelings well up, Crest is soon torn between wanting to stay on land to spend more time with Sean and returning to their merfolk peers—but how do you choose your true home within a single month?

The premise of Out of the Blue makes for a truly rambunctious reading experience. From a funny meet cute to clueless moments on Ross/Crest’s part to ridiculous “finding out your true identity” moments, this book really aims for all the queer feel-good vibes and I was here for it!

A highlight in Out of the Blue is of course the mythology June introduces about merpeople. Getting to learn about all these differences that exist for merpeople not to mention learning about the preconceived notions about humans merpeople grow up with was so interesting because it did in large parts mirror how humans are brought up to believe certain things only to have them dispelled if they meet people from other countries and cultures. It added a lot of depth to have two so seemingly different people find ways to appreciate and even envy the other’s upbringing and environment. Sean, for example, can’t imagine what it must be like to live underwater while Crest struggles with mannerisms and social cues humans have, yet they both learn from the other in ways neither expects.

Crest/Ross and Sean’s budding friendship also made for some excellent representation in the broader sense. For one, it was super refreshing to see a larger main character not only on the cover but actively described as large within the novel. Sean is very aware that he doesn’t have the body type that everyone associates with professional swimmers and I loved that he showed people that you don’t have to fit a certain body shape to kick ass in any given sport. In similar fashion, we have Crest who wears tight bodysuits and high heels once they’ve got their human legs and there’s never any fuss about it from other characters which was super validating and honestly, the kind of representation teens need to learn it’s okay to figure out what you like and dislike.

I also loved that we see this juxtaposition (which also worked as great social commentary) of Crest who’s been brought up under the sea where the gender binary doesn’t really exist and the human world that seems overwhelmingly preoccupied with it. The casual use of they/them pronouns for not only Crest but all merpeople (and no one making a fuss about it on land, either) was lovely to witness.

Now, beyond the lovely representation of queer joy, we also have some tried-and-true tropes in Out of the Blue that get a fun twist—Sean, after all, is trying hard to get his ex-boyfriend back by turning his whole life into a movie script so he has control over the narrative. I loved how the fake dating trope was used and how Sean really grows throughout the story—while he tries to make everything work according to his script, he soon realises that feelings can’t be scripted and it was super heart-warming to have him fall slowly for Crest.

And to follow a pairing where one side is quite literally out of their element is always fun! I admit, though, that some “switches” so to speak, were quite jarring—there are moments where Crest seems completely acclimated to human life only to then fall back to not understanding what a boner is which obviously makes for funny moments but made me question the linearity of their growth considering how often they do talk about scaling (basically the mer-equivalent of sex). But if you can look beyond those jarring moments and appreciate the heightened drama (I’m not kidding, this book goes from casual to dramatic explosion that can cause whiplash about half a dozen times), then Out of the Blue will keep you entertained for hours! Will you have to suspend your disbelief? Yes. Is it worth it? Double yes. Honestly, we could all do with some levity and June delivers that, no doubt about it.

Showing that home is truly where the heart is, Jason June’s sophomore novel Out of the Blue combines an extravagant take on The Little Mermaid with the ineffable feeling of falling in love during summer, making it the perfect beach read!

Out of the Blue is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of May 31st 2022.

Will you be picking up Out of the Blue? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

Crest is not excited to be on their Journey: the monthlong sojourn on land all teen merfolk must undergo. The rules are simple: Help a human within one moon cycle and return to Pacifica to become an Elder–or fail and remain stuck on land forever. Crest is eager to get their Journey over and done with: after all, humans are disgusting. They’ve pollluted the planet so much that there’s a floating island of trash that’s literally the size of a country.

In Los Angeles with a human body and a new name, Crest meets Sean, a human lifeguard whose boyfriend has recently dumped him. Crest agrees to help Sean make his ex jealous and win him back. But as the two spend more time together and Crest’s pespective on humans begins to change, they’ll soon be torn between two worlds. And fake dating just might lead to real feelings…

This sophomore novel from Jason June dives into the many definitions of the world home and shows how love can help us find the truest versions of ourselves.

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]]> https://thenerddaily.com/readwithpride-out-of-the-blue-by-jason-june/feed/ 0 39585 Must-Have 2022 Queer Book Releases https://thenerddaily.com/queer-january-june-2022-book-releases/ https://thenerddaily.com/queer-january-june-2022-book-releases/#comments Mon, 03 Jan 2022 17:00:00 +0000 https://thenerddaily.com/?p=38482 The Nerd Daily may obtain commissions for qualifying purchases from the links included in this article, but it’s so important to remember to shop local and indie! 2022 is promising to bring some truly delightful and thematically unheard of queer releases our way and we’re excited to dive right in once it’s January! From a thrilling fairytale retelling that’s pitched as Sleeping Thorns meets Indiana Jones, a 1920s-inspired story in which magic can be consumed like a drink, all the […]

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]]> The Nerd Daily may obtain commissions for qualifying purchases from the links included in this article, but it’s so important to remember to shop local and indie!

2022 is promising to bring some truly delightful and thematically unheard of queer releases our way and we’re excited to dive right in once it’s January! From a thrilling fairytale retelling that’s pitched as Sleeping Thorns meets Indiana Jones, a 1920s-inspired story in which magic can be consumed like a drink, all the way to countless queer debuts and Casey McQuiston’s highly anticipated YA debut, we’ve compiled all the releases with LGBTQIAP+ representation you won’t want to miss out on in 2022!

Looking for more releases? Check out our Most Anticipated 2022 Releases and our 2022 YA Book Releases lists!

JANUARY

Icebreaker by A.L. Graziadei
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Icebreaker is an irresistible YA debut about two hockey players fighting to be the best—and the romance that catches them by surprise along the way. This is a story about falling in love, finding your team (on and off the ice), and choosing your own path.

The Bone Spindle by Leslie Vedder
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Sleeping Beauty meets Indiana Jones in this thrilling fairytale retelling for fans of Sorcery of Thorns and All the Stars and Teeth. Set in a lush world inspired by beloved fairytales, The Bone Spindle is a fast-paced young adult fantasy full of adventure, romance, found family, and snark.

To Paradise by Hanya Yanagihara
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the author of the classic A Little Life, a bold, brilliant novel spanning three centuries and three different versions of the American experiment, about lovers, family, loss and the elusive promise of utopia.

The Temperature of Me and You by Brian Zepka
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Sixteen-year-old Dylan Highmark thought his winter was going to be full of boring shifts at the Dairy Queen, until he finds himself in love with a boy who’s literally too hot to handle.

Love Somebody by Rachel Roasek
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A sparkling YA debut rom-com about a popular high-school girl, her ex-boyfriend-turned-best-friend, and the girl they both fall for—perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli or Casey McQuiston.

Love and Other Disasters by Anita Kelly
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The first openly nonbinary contestant on America’s favorite cooking show falls for their clumsy competitor in this delicious romantic comedy debut “that is both fantastically fun and crack your heart wide open vulnerable.” (Rosie Danan, author of The Roommate)

FEBRUARY

Ophelia After All by Racquel Marie
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A teen girl navigates friendship drama, the end of high school, and discovering her queerness in Ophelia After All.

Forward March by Skye Quinlan
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

What’s worse? Someone using your face for catfishing or realizing you actually do have a crush on the catfished girl? Forward March is a love letter to band geeks and figuring out your identity.

Fire Becomes Her by Rosiee Thor
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In Rosiee Thor’s lavish fantasy novel with a Jazz Age spark, a politically savvy teen must weigh her desire to climb the social ladder against her heart in a world where magic buys votes.

No Filter and Other Lies by Crystal Maldonado
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Twenty one-year-old Max Monroe has it all: beauty, friends, and a glittering life filled with adventure. With tons of followers on Instagram, her picture-perfect existence seems eminently enviable. Except it’s all fake. When one of Max’s posts goes ultra-viral and gets back to the very person she’s been stealing photos from, her entire world – real and fake — comes crashing down around her.

The Alpha’s Son by Penny Jessup
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Max Remus couldn’t care less about finding his mate—unlike the rest of his fate-obsessed pack. Netflix’s Young Royals meets Teen Wolf meets Twilight––the first instalment in a thrilling new series, The Alpha’s Son is a heart-wrenching wolf shifter romance; full of yearning, comedy, and adventure.

Golden Boys by Phil Stamper
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

National bestselling author Phil Stamper crafts the perfect summer friendship story, starring four queer boys with big hearts and even bigger dreams. Following four friends who’ve been by each other’s side for most of their lives, the question is whether their summer apart will bring new experiences – or a stop to their seemingly unbreakable bond.

MARCH

This Is Why They Hate Us by Aaron H. Aceves
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

This fun, irreverent summer romp is Netflix’s Never Have I Ever meets What If It’s Us about a high school senior determined to get over his unrequited feelings for his best friend by getting under someone else.

All That’s Left in the World by Erik J. Brown
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

What If It’s Us meets Life as We Knew It in this postapocalyptic, queer YA adventure romance from debut author Erik J. Brown. Perfect for fans of Adam Silvera and Alex London. When Andrew stumbles upon Jamie’s house, he’s injured, starved, and has nothing left to lose. A deadly pathogen has killed off most of the world’s population, including everyone both boys have ever loved. And if this new world has taught them anything, it’s to be scared of what other desperate people will do . .. so why does it seem so easy for them to trust each other?

One for All by Lillie Lainoff
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

An OwnVoices, gender-bent retelling of The Three Musketeers, in which a girl with a chronic illness trains as a Musketeer and uncovers secrets, sisterhood, and self-love.

Kiss & Tell by Adib Khorram
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A smart, sexy YA novel about a boy band star, his first breakup, his first rebound, and what it means to be queer in the public eye.

Right Where I Left You by Julian Winters
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Kacen Callender meets Becky Albertalli in a deliciously geeky best friends-to lovers romance from award-winning author Julian Winters! Following two best friends who are about to leave for separate colleges and want to get the most out of the limited time they have left together, a crush threatens to shake up their unbreakable relationship.

Wild and Wicked Things by Francesca May
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In the aftermath of World War I, a naive woman is swept into a glittering world filled with dark magic, romance, and murder in this lush and decadent debut.

So This Is Ever After by F.T. Lukens
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Carry On meets Arthurian legend in this funny, subversive young adult fantasy about what happens after the chosen one wins the kingdom and has to get married to keep it…and to stay alive.

The Circus Infinite by Khan Wong
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Hunted by those who want to study his gravity powers, Jes makes his way to the best place for a mixed-species fugitive to blend in: the pleasure moon where everyone just wants to be lost in the party. It doesn’t take long for him to catch the attention of the crime boss who owns the resort-casino where he lands a circus job, and when the boss gets wind of the bounty on Jes’ head, he makes an offer: do anything and everything asked of him or face vivisection.

A Million Quiet Revolutions by Robin Gow
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A modern love story told in verse, this contemporary YA novel is about two trans boys who write each other letters, inspired by trans soldiers who were in love during the Revolutionary War—perfect for fans of The Poet X, Darius the Great is Not Okay, and Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe.

And they Lived… by Steven Salvatore
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the author of Can’t Take That Away comes a sex-positive, fairytale-inspired YA novel that celebrates first love and self-acceptance, perfect for fans of What If It’s Us.

The City of Dusk by Tara Sim
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Set in a gorgeous world of bone and shadow magic, of vengeful gods and defiant chosen ones, The City of Dusk is the first in a dark epic fantasy trilogy that follows the four heirs of four noble houses—each gifted with a divine power—as they form a tenuous alliance to keep their kingdom from descending into a realm-shattering war.

Lakelore by Anna-Marie McLemore
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this young adult novel by award-winning author Anna-Marie McLemore, two non-binary teens are pulled into a magical world under a lake – but can they keep their worlds above water intact?

APRIL

Blaine for the Win by Robbie Couch
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

After being dumped so his boyfriend can pursue more “serious” guys, a teen boy decides to prove he can be serious, too, by running for senior class president in this joyful romp from the author of The Sky Blues.

The Drowning Summer by Christine Lynn Herman
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A gorgeously atmospheric contemporary fantasy by the author of The Devouring Gray and The Deck of Omens. Beautifully written and just the right amount witchy, The Drowning Summer is a deliciously eerie story perfect for reading under a full moon.

She Gets the Girl by Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

She’s All That meets What If It’s Us in this swoon-worthy hate-to-love YA romantic comedy from #1 New York Times bestselling coauthor of Five Feet Apart Rachael Lippincott and debut writer Alyson Derrick.

In the Key of Us by Mariama J. Lockington
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the author of For Black Girls Like Me, which received five starred reviews and multiple accolades, comes a middle-grade novel about first love, loss, and letting go. In Grand Rapids, Michigan, Andi is grappling with grief following the death of her mother. Zora is exhausted by trying to please her success-oriented parents. Both feel very much alone. Until a summer music camp brings them together.

Nothing Burns as Bright as You by Ashley Woodfolk
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Two girls. One wild and reckless day. Years of a tumultuous history unspooling like thin, fraying string in the hours after they set a fire. It starts with a fire. How will it end? From acclaimed author Ashley Woodfolk comes an impassioned story about queer love, loss, and the complexity of female friendship.

Sofi and the Bone Song by Adrienne Tooley
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this gorgeous, queer standalone fantasy, a young musician sets out to expose her rival for illegal use of magic only to discover the deception goes deeper than she could have imagined—perfect for fans of An Enchantment of Ravens!

MAY

A Little Bit Country by Brian D. Kennedy
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Dumplin’ meets Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda in this heartfelt and funny LGBTQ+ contemporary romance about two teen boys who fall in love against the backdrop of a fictional Dollywood-esque amusement park. A pitch perfect next read for fans of Phil Stamper, Julie Murphy, and David Levithan.

Out of the Blue by Jason June
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

This sophomore novel from Jason June dives into the many definitions of the world home and shows how love can help us find the truest versions of ourselves. Following dual POVs, his romcom asks if romantic love is enough to conquer your way of life and questions everything you’ve grown up believing in.

Milo and Marcos at the End of the World by Kevin Christopher Snipes
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From debut author Kevin Christopher Snipes, Milo and Marcos at the End of the World is a new coming-of-age novel about finding the courage not only to love others but also to love ourselves.

Café con Lychee by Emery Lee
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this delectable enemies-to-lovers YA rom-com from the author of Meet Cute Diary, the sons of two families with rival shops find themselves working together to compete with the new café that opened in town. A perfect fit for fans of Julian Winters and Casey McQuiston.

I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the New York Times bestselling author of One Last Stop and Red, White & Royal Blue comes a debut YA romantic comedy about chasing down what you want, only to find what you need…Fierce, funny, and frank, Casey McQuiston’s I Kissed Shara Wheeler is about breaking the rules, getting messy, and finding love in unexpected places.

Flip the Script by Lyla Lee
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The first rule of watching K-dramas: Never fall in love with the second lead. I’ll Be the One author Lyla Lee delivers a simmering, joyous novel that flips the script on K-drama love triangles. When a Korean American actress is asked by producers to fake date her male costar, the last thing she expects is to fall in love with her female romantic competitor on the show.

If You Change Your Mind by Robby Weber
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

For fans of Adam Silvera and Becky Albertalli, this heartfelt m/m rom-com by bookstagrammer Robby Weber stars a jaded aspiring screenwriter who resists love only to find himself surrounded by suspiciously happy couples, his ex-boyfriend, and an intriguing new boy. In this hilarious debut novel, an aspiring screenwriter learns sometimes love has its own script.

Just Your Local Bisexual Disaster by Andrea Mosqueda
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this voice-driven young adult debut by Andrea Mosqueda, Maggie Gonzalez needs a date to her sister’s quinceañera – and fast.

The Fae Keeper by H.E. Edgmon
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In the heart-stopping sequel to The Witch King, Wyatt and Emyr attempt to rebuild Asalin despite unexpected new enemies within their kingdom. As Wyatt struggles to learn control of his magic and balance his own needs with the needs of a kingdom, he must finally decide on the future he wants—before he loses the future he and Emyr are building…

The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Told in a captivating voice that is by turns hilarious, vulnerable, and searingly honest, The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School explores the joys and heartaches of living your full truth out loud.

The Many Half-Lived Lives of Sam Sylvester by Maya MacGregor
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this queer contemporary YA mystery, a nonbinary teen with autism realizes they must not only solve a 30-year-old mystery but also face the demons lurking in their past in order to live a satisfying life.

Melt With You by Jennifer Dugan
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the author of Hot Dog Girl comes a sweet and salty queer YA rom-com about two girls on a summer road trip in an ice cream truck.

JUNE

Epically Earnest by Molly Horan
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this delightfully romantic LGBTQ+ comedy-of-errors inspired by Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, a high school senior works up the courage to ask her long-time crush to prom all while deciding if she should look for her bio family.

This Wicked Fate by Kalynn Bayron
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

How much would you risk to save the ones you love? Would you tempt even the most dangerous fate? Bestselling author Kalynn Bayron continues the story of Briseis and her family’s deadly magic in the sequel to This Poison Heart with more heartache, more death and more magic.

The Loophole by Naz Kutub
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Your wish is granted! This YA debut is equal parts broken-hearted love story, epic myth retelling, and a world-journey romp to find home. A queer Indian-Muslim boy named Syyed travels the world for a second chance at love after a possibly magical heiress grants him three wishes.

Hell Followed With Us by Andrew Joseph White
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A furious, queer debut novel about embracing the monster within and unleashing its power against your oppressors. Perfect for fans of Gideon the Ninth and Annihilation. Sixteen-year-old trans boy Benji is on the run from the cult that raised him—the fundamentalist sect that unleashed Armageddon and decimated the world’s population. Desperately, he searches for a place where the cult can’t get their hands on him, or more importantly, on the bioweapon they infected him with.

Home Field Advantage by Dahlia Adler
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this sweet and funny new f/f romance from the author of Cool for the Summer, a cheerleader and the school’s newest quarterback are playing to win, but might lose their hearts in the process.

We All Fall Down by Rose Szabo
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The first book in a dark fantasy YA duology by the author of What Big Teeth, about the power and danger of stories and the untold costs of keeping magic alive, perfect for fans of Aiden Thomas and Marie Rutkoski.

Stay tuned for our July to December round up which will be released around mid-2022!

What queer releases are you looking forward to picking up in 2022? Tell us in the comments below!

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]]> https://thenerddaily.com/queer-january-june-2022-book-releases/feed/ 1 38482 June 2021 YA Book Releases https://thenerddaily.com/june-2021-ya-book-releases/ https://thenerddaily.com/june-2021-ya-book-releases/#comments Fri, 04 Jun 2021 18:00:39 +0000 https://thenerddaily.com/?p=35220 June 2021 is jam-packed with fantastic young adult book releases, especially so many new books to tie in with Pride month! This month sees the release of debuts from H.E. Edgmon, Zoe Hana Mikuta, Jason June, and Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, as well as new releases from some incredibly talented authors! The Witch King by H.E. EdgmonGoodreads | Amazon | Book Depository To save a fae kingdom, a trans witch must face his traumatic past and the royal fiancé he left behind. […]

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]]> June 2021 is jam-packed with fantastic young adult book releases, especially so many new books to tie in with Pride month! This month sees the release of debuts from H.E. Edgmon, Zoe Hana Mikuta, Jason June, and Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, as well as new releases from some incredibly talented authors!

The Witch King by H.E. Edgmon
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

To save a fae kingdom, a trans witch must face his traumatic past and the royal fiancé he left behind. This debut YA fantasy will leave you spellbound.

The Sea is Salt and So Am I by Cassandra Hartt
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

I’ll Give You the Sun meets Normal People in Cassandra Hartt’s The Sea Is Salt and So Am I, a stunning YA contemporary debut that asks if the secrets we keep and the people we love can change who we are.

Eat Your Heart Out by Kelly deVos
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Shaun of the Dead meets Dumplin’ in this bitingly funny YA thriller about a kickass group of teens battling a ravenous group of zombies.

The Lucky List by Rachael Lippincott
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the #1 New York Times bestselling co-author of Five Feet Apart comes a gripping new romance, perfect for fans of The Perks of Being a Wallflower and Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda. 

Sisters of the Snake by Sasha Nanua and Sarena Nanua
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Deadly magic, hidden temples, and dark prophecies: Sisters of the Snake is an action-packed, immersive fantasy that will thrill fans of The Crown’s Game and The Tiger at Midnight. 

Gearbreakers by Zoe Hana Mikuta
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Two girls on opposite sides of a war discover they’re fighting for a common purpose–and falling for each other–in Zoe Hana Mikuta’s high-octane debut Gearbreakers, perfect for fans of Pacific Rim, Pierce Brown’s Red Rising Saga, and Marie Lu’s Legend series.

Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Gossip Girl meets Get Out in Ace of Spades, a YA contemporary thriller by debut author Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé about two students, Devon & Chiamaka, and their struggles against an anonymous bully. 

The Ghosts We Keep by Mason Deaver
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Perfect for fans of Adam Silvera and Becky Albertalli, this book will rip your heart out before showing you how to heal from tragedy and celebrate life in the process.

Simone Breaks All the Rules by Debbie Rigaud
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Late bloomers unite! This fresh and funny #ownvoices novel from rising star Debbie Rigaud is perfect for fans of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and Booksmart.

Jay’s Gay Agenda by Jason June
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From debut novelist Jason June comes a moving and hilarious sex-positive story about the complexities of first loves, first hookups, and first heartbreaks—and how to stay true to yourself while embracing what you never saw coming.

Trouble Girls by Julia Lynn Rubin
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A queer YA #MeToo reimagining of Thelma & Louise with the aesthetic of Riverdale, for fans of Mindy McGinnis, Courtney Summers, and Rory Power.

This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Darkness blooms in bestselling author Kalynn Bayron’s new contemporary fantasy about a girl with a unique and deadly power.

What June young adult book releases are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

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]]> https://thenerddaily.com/june-2021-ya-book-releases/feed/ 1 35220 Q&A: Jason June, Author of ‘Jay’s Gay Agenda’ https://thenerddaily.com/jason-june-author-interview/ https://thenerddaily.com/jason-june-author-interview/#respond Fri, 28 May 2021 04:00:35 +0000 https://thenerddaily.com/?p=34396 The Nerd Daily contributor Mimi recently had the pleasure of interviewing Jason June, debut author of the upcoming YA contemporary Jay’s Gay Agenda that encompasses a moving and complex story of first loves and first heartbreaks, paired with loads of laugh-out-loud moments. We talked to Jason June about facepalm moments, the gay agenda and future projects! Hi, Jason June! Thanks so much for chatting with us! Why don’t you tell our readers a bit about yourself? Thank you so much […]

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]]> The Nerd Daily contributor Mimi recently had the pleasure of interviewing Jason June, debut author of the upcoming YA contemporary Jay’s Gay Agenda that encompasses a moving and complex story of first loves and first heartbreaks, paired with loads of laugh-out-loud moments. We talked to Jason June about facepalm moments, the gay agenda and future projects!

Hi, Jason June! Thanks so much for chatting with us! Why don’t you tell our readers a bit about yourself?

Thank you so much for having me! I’m Jason June (it’s a two-name first name, like Mary-Kate but without the hyphen or the Olsen twin), and I’m a self-described genderqueer writer mermaid. I love writing queer YA full of love and lust and shenanigans. When not writing, I’m either canoodling my Pomeranian, Pom Brokaw, or pouring over Laura Dern’s Instagram for style inspiration.

Now tell us about Jay’s Gay Agenda! What can readers expect?

Jay’s Gay Agenda is very loosely inspired by my time as the only out queer student at my rural eastern Washington high school. Like me, that’s the situation Jay finds himself in, so all these years he’s had to watch while his heterosexual classmates have all their big relationship milestones. Being the Type-A Virgo list-maker that he is, Jay makes a list (his Gay Agenda) of all the things he hopes to one day do when he eventually meets another boy-who-likes-boys. It’s got first kisses, first dates, first time having sex, all of that. Then just before his senior year, his family moves to Seattle and he finally gets to start crossing items off the Gay Agenda. Expect a lot of inner dialogue about feeling uncool around cute guys, a lot of inner dialogue about what Jay wants to do with said cute guys, and a lot of exploration of the amazing and complicated layers that get added to your life when you’re finally seen as a romantic and sexual being for the first time.

This is your debut novel. What was the most challenging and most rewarding aspect of the writing and querying process for you?

The most challenging part of querying is how the ball is just totally not in your court (that’s the only sports metaphor I know) once you hit send and wait to find out if your words connect with your agent-hopefuls. The most rewarding is definitely when you find that agent who does connect with your work. I’m so, so grateful to work with Brent Taylor at Triada US. When he called to talk about JGA, he just instantly got it and what I was trying to do and celebrated with me that JGA so openly and unashamedly talks about gay sex. That aspect of the book was the most challenging and rewarding part about writing it. When I was a teen, admitting that your post-pubescent desires were all same-sex was a big no-no, and created a whole shame spiral that many gays in my generation and others had to deal with. I’m so honored to be a part of this generation of queer writers telling teens today that their sexuality is a beautiful thing, that as long as everything is safe and consensual, wanting to connect through your body with any human is something to be excited about!

You mention the coronavirus in your book which was so surreal in terms of that this will now be part of our history and pop up in books. How did you cope or are still coping with the pandemic? How have you stayed motivated to write – any tips for fellow writers out there?

Part of my coping mechanism was actually making passive references to the coronavirus in JGA, showing a near future where the virus is behind us and we are able to have gatherings again. I needed to envision that world where we could be back to crowded physical spaces and feed off the energy of those around us. But in the end, we actually took those brief mentions of Covid out because I realized what was a coping mechanism for me triggered some early readers, and I definitely don’t want to be the cause of distress for anyone reading Jay’s story. As for staying motivated to write, I was so thankful when my heart and brain synced up and were like, “Let’s distract ourselves from the pandemic by writing about LOVE!” It was definitely a struggle some days when the world has been going through so much. But when I came back to writing flirty and messy and layered queer relationships, it gave me hope that we’d see the end of the pandemic soon and love would be back in full swing.

You hinted in the author’s note that parts of Jay’s story are autobiographical. If you were to write a new Gay Agenda for yourself at your current age, what would be on that list? And what would be the one thing of your old agenda that you were the happiest crossing off?

Wow wow wow I’m ROBSESSED with this question. Okay, so some current Gay Agenda items would be:

  1. Be the first genderqueer host on The View or The Talk (I’m so excited for the days when genitals are not a requirement for inclusion in daytime panel talk shows)
  2. Have an epic collection of heels (This is dumb and materialistic, but when society tells you over and over that you’re not supposed to wear something you desperately want to wear and finally realize that, um, the world doesn’t blow up when you slip on clothes “for women”, you can go a bit overboard in the best way making up for lost time)
  3. Celebrate big anniversaries with my husband (10 years, 25 years, etc. etc.)
  4. Continue to write books with queer protagonists forever and ever and ever

I’d say there’s a tie for happiest item to cross off my old agenda between “Marry the love of my life” and “publish a sex-positive queer rom-com”. I honestly used to think that being able to legally get married would never happen in my lifetime. So when same-sex marriage was finally legalized and my hubby and I got hitched two years later, it was like, “Holy wow this is actually happening!” And the exact same sentence pops out of my mouth nearly every day now when I realize that my first YA is published, and it’s all about those very real emotions and hormones of being a gay teen.

Speaking of agendas, I loved how you reclaimed the Gay Agenda – that has been used as a slogan against the queer community – and made it such a powerful notion in Jay’s life. What do you want readers to take away from Jay’s story?

I want readers to know that it’s okay to make mistakes. That we can have all these hopes and dreams, but if we get too narrowly-focused on accomplishing those things, it can make it where we don’t enjoy the ride, and sometimes disregard other people’s feelings as we go about meeting our goals. But if that happens, there’s absolutely a road to redemption, but it’s key that you own up to your mistakes and show those you’ve hurt how you won’t hurt them again.

Jay’s Gay Agenda has so many facepalm moments (as in Jay is adorably awkward and often facepalms). What was your favorite facepalm moment to write?

OHMIGAWD PRINTERBOT! Without going into too much spoiler-y detail, I just absolutely adore how Jay and Albert first meet!

Jay’s best friend Lu has been dealt a tough hand by life and I love how you explored this idea of friendship as support but also sometimes as incredibly hard to balance when one of the two friends is doing “better” in terms of life achievements – where do you imagine Jay and Lu ending up ten years into the future?

Lu is going to be living her field reporter TV journalist fantasy! And she’ll be on the go *a lot* but Jay and Lu will be those friends that it doesn’t matter how much time passes, they always pick up right where they left off. Jay will be more stationary, probably still in Seattle, and whenever he sees Lu on TV he’ll try to text her gifs (if gifs still exist in the 2030s) that will make her laugh and it’ll be this fun little inside thing between them.

There are tons of amazing characters in Jay’s Gay Agenda – from Lu to Max and Damon and Cami…any chance you’d ever revisit some of their stories in the future?

Yes yes YES! I have a story following the adventures of Max and Cami in mind, and I super duper duper hope it can be a reality. I should be pitching this idea very soon, so keep everything crossed! (And business reality time, snagging a copy of JGA or requesting it at your local library will help on this front a ton! The better a book sells, the more likely a companion novel could become a reality!)

With Jay’s Gay Agenda releasing soon, are you already working on another project? If so, can you share a sneak peek with us?

Yes! I’m currently finishing up edits on my second young adult novel, which is a queer reimagining of Splash. A queer mer has to spend a month on land and help a human (and is super not looking forward to it), and meets a recently dumped rom-com-loving lifeguard who could use a bit of a boost. It’s dual POV, and it was so much fun writing this snarky, sarcastic mer and this lovable, hopeful human.

Last but not least, do you have any book recommendations for our readers?

One of my absolute favorite parts of being a debut novelist in 2021 is getting to read other debut books coming out or that have already come out this year that I completely fell in love with. Here are a few that I loved:

  • Jonny Garza Villa’s FIFTEEN HUNDRED MILES FROM THE SUN. It follows Julián, a Latinx gay senior, as he gets drunk and accidentally comes out online, unleashing a whole storm of excitement (a Cutie McCuterson DMs him after coming out) and anxiety (having to still stay in the closet when it comes to his dad). Jonny has so perfectly found that balance of jubilation at being yourself after you come out that can come hand in hand with fear when we’re still in an environment that’s not safe. It’s so beautifully done, with both laugh-out-loud and heart-clutching moments.
  • Ashley Shuttleworth’s A DARK AND HOLLOW STAR. I just finished this one and it is an epic high fantasy told from four POVs, and they’re all queer! It was so amazing to get all this magical action and high stakes and be surrounded by queerness!
  • Emery Lee’s MEET CUTE DIARY. In this we follow Noah, a transgender teen, who runs a blog full of trans happily ever afters. But, all the stories are fiction. And when a troll calls Noah out for making up stories, Noah starts a whole fake-dating escapade to get real-life material that teaches him so much about relationships and what makes a good partner. I especially loved how Emery explores pronouns and gender here and everyone should read it!

Will you be picking up Jay’s Gay Agenda? Tell us in the comments below!

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]]> https://thenerddaily.com/jason-june-author-interview/feed/ 0 34396 #ReadWithPride: Jay’s Gay Agenda by Jason June https://thenerddaily.com/readwithpride-jays-gay-agenda-by-jason-june/ https://thenerddaily.com/readwithpride-jays-gay-agenda-by-jason-june/#respond Sun, 09 May 2021 23:00:42 +0000 https://thenerddaily.com/?p=34258 “We all make mistakes as we develop into the person we’re meant to be. It’s how you make up for those mistakes that matters.” Let me preface this review with pointing out one overarching theme in this book: Jay is a disaster gay. No, he is the epitome of a disaster gay. If you were to look up the term “disaster gay” in a dictionary, I am one hundred percent sure that you would find a picture of Jay there. […]

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]]> “We all make mistakes as we develop into the person we’re meant to be. It’s how you make up for those mistakes that matters.”

Let me preface this review with pointing out one overarching theme in this book: Jay is a disaster gay. No, he is the epitome of a disaster gay. If you were to look up the term “disaster gay” in a dictionary, I am one hundred percent sure that you would find a picture of Jay there.

And that fact alone might or might not be the reason this book is so addictive because I guarantee you at least once every chapter, you’ll flinch thinking of how you yourself did the same disaster-gay-energy like thing Jay did.

In Jay’s Gay Agenda, we follow young Jay as he is taken out of his small town where he was the only out gay person in his school and gets plopped down in Seattle, where the gays are thriving. Not one to be unprepared, Jay already has a list down of all the things he wants to do—his fabulous Gay Agenda—now that he is finally, finally not the only gay dude. But some of those bullet points—meet another queer person, have a first kiss in the rain while slow dancing to a Shawn Mendes song—might be easier than others to cross off. Like, say, lose your virginity.

Honestly, this book was just all kinds of fun. Any person on the LGBTQIAP+ spectrum probably knows what it’s like to watch all your straight friends have grand romances, first loves, and heartbreaks while you’re sitting in the corner, dreaming of what it will be like for you to experience all of that once you are finally surrounded by people like yourself. And in this book, that’s exactly what Jay does. He daydreams and then he finally gets the opportunity to have all of the teen experiences—having your first kiss, making some very, very questionable decisions and finding a guy who’s really something, not just the idea of something. Add to that a heap of drama, new friendships, and a design class teacher who is the incarnation of a walking dad pun, and you have all the ingredients for one hell of a young adult novel.

While there are some things in this book that will make readers cringe, such as there being some cheating and in true fashion, Jay does not deal with it in a mature way, but come on he’s a teenager and that’s when you make these kinds of bad calls—I think that overall, this is the kind of feel-good, uplifting queer YA story that will take readers’ hearts by storm. Jay isn’t perfect by any means and sometimes I really, really wanted to scream “what are you doing?!” at this dude, but that’s also what makes this story so great. There is so much room for growth and becoming the person you know you can be in here and I loved that aspect. Quite like the quote above, it takes getting things wrong for you to realise what is right sometimes and I loved how that stayed true throughout the story.

While I could mention the adorable love interest and the incredible friend dynamics, not to mention the really hard-hitting, honest, and relatable commentary on friendship this story has to offer, I really want readers to pick this up without knowing too much of the story, because I feel like that will give you the best reading experience. Just know that you’re in for a great, fun time. June has an addictive writing style and the dialogue flows really well—you’ll be finished with the book before you know it!

Jay’s Gay Agenda is a heartfelt, hilarious, and honest debut novel about the mistakes we make on the way to finding our way and the people who help us stay true to ourselves. Perfect for fans of Jonny Garza Villa and Lev A.C. Rosen, Jason June’s debut moves right into the ranks of feelgood and upbeat YA romcoms!

Jay’s Gay Agenda is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of June 1st 2021.

Will you be picking up Jay’s Gay Agenda? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

There’s one thing Jay Collier knows for sure—he’s a statistical anomaly as the only out gay kid in his small rural Washington town. While all this friends can’t stop talking about their heterosexual hookups and relationships, Jay can only dream of his own firsts, compiling a romance to-do list of all the things he hopes to one day experience—his Gay Agenda.

Then, against all odds, Jay’s family moves to Seattle and he starts his senior year at a new high school with a thriving LGBTQIA+ community. For the first time ever, Jay feels like he’s found where he truly belongs, where he can flirt with Very Sexy Boys and search for love. But as Jay begins crossing items off his list, he’ll soon be torn between his heart and his hormones, his old friends and his new ones…because after all, life and love don’t always go according to plan.

From debut novelist Jason June comes a moving and hilarious sex-positive story about the complexities of first loves, first hookups, and first heartbreaks—and how to stay true to yourself while embracing what you never saw coming.

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]]> https://thenerddaily.com/readwithpride-jays-gay-agenda-by-jason-june/feed/ 0 34258 Anticipated Queer Book Releases You Can’t Miss In 2021 https://thenerddaily.com/anticipated-queer-book-releases-you-cant-miss-in-2021/ https://thenerddaily.com/anticipated-queer-book-releases-you-cant-miss-in-2021/#respond Thu, 14 Jan 2021 17:00:49 +0000 https://www.thenerddaily.com/?p=30640 The Nerd Daily may obtain commissions for qualifying purchases from the links included in this article, but it’s so important to remember to shop local and indie! If you thought 2020 was a year of breathtaking and riveting queer releases, you ain’t seen nothing yet. With highly anticipated new stories from authors such as Casey McQuiston, Ciara Smyth, and Kelly Quindlen as well as promising debut authors like Morgan Rogers and Robbie Couch, 2021 is shaping up to be the […]

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]]> The Nerd Daily may obtain commissions for qualifying purchases from the links included in this article, but it’s so important to remember to shop local and indie!

If you thought 2020 was a year of breathtaking and riveting queer releases, you ain’t seen nothing yet. With highly anticipated new stories from authors such as Casey McQuiston, Ciara Smyth, and Kelly Quindlen as well as promising debut authors like Morgan Rogers and Robbie Couch, 2021 is shaping up to be the most inclusive and LGBTQIAP+ friendly year yet (and we couldn’t be happier to see it)!

Now, our focus was mainly YA and middle-grade releases, but we’ve also thrown in a couple of queer fantasy, mystery, and romance releases too!  Want even more 2021 releases? Check out our list of Most Anticipated releases, Fantasy and Sci-Fi releases, Young Adult releases, Romance releases, and Queer SFF releases.

Read on to get a glimpse at some of the January to June 2021 #LGBTQIAP+ novels we cannot wait to get our hands on! And as always, tell us what other queer releases you’re looking forward to in the comments below!

JANUARY

Lava Red Feather Blue by Molly Ringle
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

On a magically hidden North Pacific island, when a man awakens a sleeping beauty of a prince, it’s only the beginning of the fairy tale, as breaking the spell unleashes a dangerous force among the fae too.

Be Dazzled by Ryan La Sala
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Project Runway goes to Comic Con in an epic, queer love story about creativity, creation, and finding the courage to be your most authentic self.

Wench by Maxine Kaplan
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A funny, fiercely feminist YA epic fantasy—following the adventures of a tavern wench.

When Tara Met Farah by Tara Pammi
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

“Sunshine Girl needs math lessons” in this sapphic grumpy meets sunshine new adult romance.

Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Acclaimed author of Ash, Malinda Lo returns with her most personal and ambitious novel yet, a gripping story of love and duty set in San Francisco’s Chinatown during the 1950s.

Not Quite Out by Louise Willingham
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

William Anson is done with relationships, thanks. He’s starting the second year of his medicine degree single, focused, and ready to mingle with purely platonic intentions. Until he meets Daniel, a barely recovered drug addict that turns his world upside down.

The Heiress by Molly Greeley
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this gorgeously written and spellbinding historical novel based on Pride and Prejudice, the author of The Clergyman’s Wife combines the knowing eye of Jane Austen with the eroticism and Gothic intrigue of Sarah Waters to reimagine the life of the mysterious Anne de Bourgh.

FEBRUARY

Honey Girl by Morgan Rogers
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A refreshingly timely and relatable debut novel about a young woman whose life plans fall apart when she meets her wife.

100 Boyfriends by Brontez Purnell
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

An irreverent, sensitive, and inimitable look at gay dysfunction through the eyes of a cult hero

A Dark and Hollow Star by Ashley Shuttleworth
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The Cruel Prince meets City of Bones in this thrilling urban fantasy set in the magical underworld of Toronto that follows a queer cast of characters racing to stop a serial killer whose crimes could expose the hidden world of faeries to humans.

Love is for Losers by Wibke Brueggemann
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this wry and hilarious queer romantic comedy, fifteen-year-old Phoebe realizes that falling in love is maybe not just for losers.

As Far as You’ll Take Me by Phil Stamper
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The author of The Gravity of Us crafts another heartfelt coming-of-age story about finding the people who become your home – perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli.

Let’s Get Back to the Party by Zak Salih
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Rich with sharply drawn characters and contemporary detail, provocative, and emotionally profound, Let’s Get Back to the Party is sure to appeal to readers of Garth Greenwell, Alan Hollinghurst, Claire Messud, and Rebecca Makkai.

The Boy from the Mish by Gary Lonesborough
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A funny and heart-warming queer Indigenous YA novel, set in a rural Australian community, about seventeen-year-old Jackson finding the courage to explore who he is, even if it scares him.

MARCH

Perfect on Paper by Sophie Gonzales
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In Sophie Gonzales’ Perfect on Paper, Leah on the Offbeat meets To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before: a bisexual girl who gives anonymous love advice to her classmates is hired by the hot guy to help him get his ex back.

Sweet & Bitter Magic by Adrienne Tooley
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this charming debut fantasy perfect for fans of Sorcery of Thorns and Girls of Paper and Fire, a witch cursed to never love meets a girl hiding her own dangerous magic, and the two strike a dangerous bargain to save their queendom.

Bruised by Tanya Boteju
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Whip It meets We Are Okay in this vibrant coming-of-age story, about a teen girl navigates first love, identity, and grief when she immerses herself in the colorful, brutal, beautiful world of roller derby. From the acclaimed author of Kings, Queens, and In-Betweens.

The Mirror Season by Anna-Marie McLemore
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

When two teens discover that they were both sexually assaulted at the same party, they develop a cautious friendship through her family’s possibly magical pastelería, his secret forest of otherworldly trees, and the swallows returning to their hometown.

She’s Too Pretty to Burn by Wendy Heard
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Inspired by The Picture of Dorian Gray comes an electric romance set against a rebel art scene that sparks lethal danger for two girls in this expertly plotted YA thriller. For fans of E. Lockhart, Lauren Oliver and Kara Thomas.

I Think I Love You by Auriane Desombre
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A YA contemporary rom com about two girls who start as rivals but after a twist of events, end up falling for one another–at least they think so.

Follow Your Arrow by Jessica Verdi
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

For fans of Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera, this is a riveting and irresistible take on love, life, and identity – both online and off.

APRIL

The Sky Blues by Robbie Couch
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Sky’s small town turns absolutely claustrophobic when his secret promposal plans get leaked to the entire school in this witty, heartfelt, and ultimately hopeful debut novel for fans of What if it’s Us? and I Wish You All the Best.

Between Perfect and Real by Ray Stoeve
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A moving #ownvoices YA debut about a trans boy finding his voice—and himself.

These Feathered Flames by Alexandra Overy
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Three Dark Crowns meets Wicked Saints in this queer #ownvoices retelling of The Firebird, a Russian folktale, by debut author Alexandra Overy.

Zara Hossain Is Here by Sabina Khan
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the author of the “heart-wrenching yet hopeful” (Samira Ahmed) novel The Love and Lies of Rukhsana Ali, comes a timely, intimate look at what it means to be an immigrant in America today, and the endurance of hope and faith in the face of hate.

Malice by Heather Walter
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A princess isn’t supposed to fall for an evil sorceress. But in this darkly magical retelling of “Sleeping Beauty,” true love is more than a simple fairy tale.

She Drives Me Crazy by Kelly Quindlen
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

High school nemeses fall in love in this queer YA rom com perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli and Casey McQuisten

The Key to You and Me by Jaye Robin Brown
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A sweet and funny #ownvoices LGBTQ+ romance perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli and Julie Murphy, from the critically acclaimed author of Georgia Peaches and Other Forbidden Fruit!

MAY

Meet Cute Diary by Emery Lee
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Felix Ever After meets Becky Albertalli in this swoon-worthy, heartfelt rom-com about how a transgender teen’s first love challenges his ideas about perfect relationships.

It Goes Like This by Miel Moreland
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In Miel Moreland’s heartfelt young adult debut, four queer teens realize that sometimes you have to risk hitting repeat on heartbreak.

How to Become a Planet by Nicole Melleby
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

11-year-old Pluto struggles with her depression and anxiety diagnosis, which feels like a big black hole sitting on her chest making it too hard to do anything. She makes efforts to find balance with an assist from the friendly voice on the Hayden Planetarium’s Astronomy Question and Answer Hotline.

Not My Problem by Ciara Smyth
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the author of The Falling in Love Montage, this queer coming-of-age story about a slacker who inadvertently becomes her school’s underground problem-solver is wry, multilayered, and unflinchingly honest—perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli and Nina LaCour.

Cool for the Summer by Dahlia Adler
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Cool for the Summer is a story of self-discovery and new love. It’s about the things we want and the things we need. And it’s about the people who will let us be who we are. 

Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

To All the Boys I Loved Before meets LGBT romance in this funny, heart-warming rom-com about first love and identity.

May the Best Man Win by ZR Ellor
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A trans boy enters a throw-down battle for the title of Homecoming King with the boy he dumped last summer in ZR Ellor’s contemporary YA debut.

JUNE

The (Un)Popular Vote by Jasper Sanchez
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Red, White and Royal Blue meets The West Wing in Sanchez’s electric and insightful #ownvoices YA debut, chronicling a transmasculine student’s foray into a no-holds-barred student body president election against the wishes of his politician father.

Jay’s Gay Agenda by Jason June
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From debut novelist Jason June comes a moving and hilarious sex-positive teen rom-com about the complexities of first loves, first hookups, and first heartbreaks—and how to stay true to yourself while embracing what you never saw coming.

The Darkness Outside Us by Eliot Schrefer
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

They Both Die at the End meets The Loneliest Girl in the Universe in this mind-bending sci-fi mystery and tender love story about two boys aboard a spaceship sent on a rescue mission.

The Witch King by H.E. Edgmon
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

To save a fae kingdom, a trans witch must face his traumatic past and the royal fiancé he left behind. This debut YA fantasy will leave you spellbound.

Yes, Daddy by Jonathan Parks-Ramage
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A propulsive, scorching modern gothic, Yes, Daddy follows an ambitious young man who is lured by an older, successful playwright into a dizzying world of wealth and an idyllic Hamptons home where things take a nightmarish turn.

Trouble Girls by Julia Lynn Rubin
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A queer YA reimagining of Thelma & Louise with the aesthetic of Riverdale.

One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the New York Times bestselling author of Red, White & Royal Blue comes a new romantic comedy that puts a queer spin on Kate & Leopold.

What queer 2021 book releases are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Anticipated Queer Book Releases You Can’t Miss In 2021 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

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