Hi, Kat and Rosiee! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourselves?

We’re a co-author duo who live on opposite sides of the US and love opposite parts of the writing process, but we share a love of puns, jokes, and shenanigans.

When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?

Kat: I’ve loved stories all my life, and I first started writing novels when I was 12. I got hooked and never kicked the habit, so here I am.

Rosiee: Basically same here. I’ve always been an avid reader and enjoyed making up stories to tell anyone who would listen. I first put (sparkly gel) pen to paper in fifth grade to write my first longform story and never really stopped.

Quick lightning round! Tell us:

• The first book you ever remember reading:
  • Kat: I remember reading Hop on Pop by Dr. Seuss, which is one of the easier to read, so I was probably pretty young.
  • Rosiee: I think mine was Blueberries for Sal. I don’t remember much about it, but it clearly had a lasting impression since my favorite food now is blueberries.
• The one that made you want to become an author:
  • Kat: Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton. My dad read it to me after I became obsessed with the movie at age 4.
  • Rosiee: I really imprinted on Tamora Pierce’s Tortall series in middle school. It was the first time I was compelled to write fanfiction, and I realized writing was a real career people could have.
• The one that you can’t stop thinking about:
  • Kat: There are so many over the years, but my latest favorite is The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells
  • Rosiee: I’ll never shut up about Running Close to the Wind by Alexandra Rowland. Never has a book made me laugh so hard and feel so much.

Your latest novel, Summer Coven, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?

Punny, paranormal, whimsical, mysterious, fun

What can readers expect?

More of Arthur and Sal solving a murder, with familiar townsfolk and new friends–and suspects. Lots of puns.

Where did the inspiration for Summer Coven come from?

We wanted to explore the world of witchcraft in the paranormal setting—how would witches interact with today’s culture of hustling? A summer solstice festival crawling with suspects was the perfect backdrop for our vampire husband sleuths to take on their next case!

Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?

Writing Sal is always such a delight, because he gets to be silly and unserious most of the time. His antics in Summer Coven were consistently our favorite bits to write. We also have a lot of affection for some of the new faces in town like the totally normal human librarian, Paige Turner, as well as some of the returning cast like Lore, the elven coroner, and the always reliable and never confusing family of raccoons who frequent the trash bins in Trident Falls.

Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?

Because we co-write, we don’t have a lot of the problems that come with getting stuck in your own head about a project. Writing a book is never easy, but with a partner, the work goes faster and it’s so much more fun! It helps so much to have another brain to bounce ideas around with when we run into plot problems.

What’s next for you?

• Rosiee: Next up, I have a tie-in novel for the Life is Strange video game franchise coming out! It’s about a queer punk band in Seattle and a supernatural mystery.
• Kat: I’ve got a fantasy romcom coming out February 2nd, 2027, called Necromancy and the Art of Hero Killing, about an immortal necromancer and the hero determined to defeat him accidentally falling for each other.

Lastly, what books are you looking forward to picking up? Any you’ve read so far this year that you’ve enjoyed?

Kat: I loved Immortal Game by Allison Saft, and I’m looking forward to diving into A Trade of Blood by Robert Jackson Bennett

Rosiee: I can’t wait to get my hands on K. Ancrum’s next book, Adam Mine. Her style is so unique and I’ll read anything she writes forever. And recently I’ve enjoyed Homeward for a Spell by Jamie Pacton and Rebecca Podos.

Will you be picking up Summer Coven? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Q&A: Kat Hillis and Rosiee Thor, Co-Authors of ‘Summer Coven’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Sadly, this century’s 20s have so far failed to provide us with the glamor and sultry decadence we associate with the original Roaring 20s. I know I’m not the only one who moped her way through lockdown while fantasizing about the excessive and perhaps even destructive 1920s-style parties that would hopefully emerge on the other side of the pandemic. Sadly, two years into our own 20s and still no mysterious self-made billionaire is inviting us to parties huge and lavish enough to draw his long-lost love along with the crowds of free-loaders. And so, as it so often does, it falls to books to make up for the deficiencies of reality. Here are six fabulous new and upcoming books set in the 1920s with all the glitz and adventure we’ve been missing.

RISE OF THE SNAKE GODDESS by Jenny Elder Moke
(June 7th, 2022)

Samantha Knox is back for another adventure in this 1920s female-driven mystery-adventure series!

Sam Knox’s second adventure takes her to the island of Crete, just off the coast of Greece, where she discovers the ancient Snake Goddess’s golden girdle in the depths of a cave shrine that has been buried for decades. After having been belittled by her archaeology professor throughout her first college semester, Sam knows this triumph will prove her worth in the field, but before she can take credit for the find, the girdle is stolen and the island is hit with a series of earthquakes that don’t feel quite geological.

Soon Sam, Bennett and Jo are embroiled in a wild hunt―one that takes them to tiny island shops, a glamorous auction party and a near fiery death―to find the girdle before someone can use it to raise an ancient goddess from her slumber. The final battle features gryphons, a labyrinth, the minotaur of legend and lots of snakes. Lots.

OUR VIOLENT ENDS by Chloe Gong
(November 16th, 2021)

The year is 1927, and Shanghai teeters on the edge of revolution.

After sacrificing her relationship with Roma to protect him from the blood feud, Juliette has been a girl on the warpath. One wrong move, and her cousin will step in to usurp her place as the Scarlet Gang’s heir. The only way to save the boy she loves from the wrath of the Scarlets is to have him want her dead for murdering his best friend in cold blood. If Juliette were actually guilty of the crime Roma believes she committed, his rejection might sting less.

Roma is still reeling from Marshall’s death, and his cousin Benedikt will barely speak to him. Roma knows it’s his fault for letting the ruthless Juliette back into his life, and he’s determined to set things right—even if that means killing the girl he hates and loves with equal measure.

Then a new monstrous danger emerges in the city, and though secrets keep them apart, Juliette must secure Roma’s cooperation if they are to end this threat once and for all. Shanghai is already at a boiling point: The Nationalists are marching in, whispers of civil war brew louder every day, and gangster rule faces complete annihilation. Roma and Juliette must put aside their differences to combat monsters and politics, but they aren’t prepared for the biggest threat of all: protecting their hearts from each other.

A SISTERHOOD OF SECRET AMBITIONS by Sheena Boekweg
(June 1, 2021)

Behind every powerful man is a trained woman, and behind every trained woman is the Society. It started with tea parties and matchmaking, but is now a countrywide secret. Gossips pass messages in recipes, Spinsters train to fight, and women work together to grant safety to abused women and children. The Society is more than oaths—it is sisterhood and purpose.

In 1926, seventeen-year-old Elsie is dropped off in a new city with four other teenage girls. All of them have trained together since childhood to become the Wife of a powerful man. But when they learn that their next target is earmarked to become President, their mission becomes more than just an assignment; this is a chance at the most powerful position in the Society. All they have to do is make one man fall in love with them first.

FIRE BECOMES HER by Rosiee Thor
(February 1st, 2022)

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.

Flare is power.

With only a drop of flare, one can light the night sky with fireworks . . . or burn a building to the ground — and seventeen-year-old Ingrid Ellis wants her fair share.

Ingrid doesn’t have a family fortune, monetary or magical, but at least she has a plan: Rise to the top on the arm of Linden Holt, heir to a hefty political legacy and the largest fortune of flare in all of Candesce. Her only obstacle is Linden’s father who refuses to acknowledge her.

So when Senator Holt announces his run for president, Ingrid uses the situation to her advantage. She strikes a deal to spy on the senator’s opposition in exchange for his approval and the status she so desperately craves. But the longer Ingrid wears two masks, the more she questions where her true allegiances lie.

Will she stand with the Holts, or will she forge her own path?

DEAD DEAD GIRLS by Nekesa Afia
(June 1st, 2021)

Harlem, 1926. Young black girls like Louise Lloyd are ending up dead.

Following a harrowing kidnapping ordeal when she was in her teens, Louise is doing everything she can to maintain a normal life. She’s succeeding, too. She spends her days working at Maggie’s Café and her nights at the Zodiac, Manhattan’s hottest speakeasy. Louise’s friends might say she’s running from her past and the notoriety that still stalks her, but don’t tell her that.

When a girl turns up dead in front of the café, Louise is forced to confront something she’s been trying to ignore–several local black girls have been murdered over the past few weeks. After an altercation with a local police officer gets her arrested, Louise is given an ultimatum: She can either help solve the case or let a judge make an example of her.

Louise has no choice but to take the case and soon finds herself toe-to-toe with a murderous mastermind. She’ll have to tackle her own fears and the prejudices of New York City society if she wants to catch a killer and save her own life in the process.

THE CHOSEN AND THE BEAUTIFUL by Nghi Vo
(June 1st, 2021)

Immigrant. Socialite. Magician.

Jordan Baker grows up in the most rarefied circles of 1920s American society―she has money, education, a killer golf handicap, and invitations to some of the most exclusive parties of the Jazz Age. She’s also queer, Asian, adopted, and treated as an exotic attraction by her peers, while the most important doors remain closed to her.

But the world is full of wonders: infernal pacts and dazzling illusions, lost ghosts and elemental mysteries. In all paper is fire, and Jordan can burn the cut paper heart out of a man. She just has to learn how.

Nghi Vo’s debut novel reinvents this classic of the American canon as a coming-of-age story full of magic, mystery, and glittering excess, and introduces a major new literary voice.

The post 6 Glitzy 1920s-Set Novels with All the Adventure We’ve Been Missing appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

• 1920s vibes
• Queer platonic friendships
• A magic you can drink

Fire Becomes Her is a lavish fantasy novel that follows young teen Ingrid in a world where a drop of flare—magic you can drink—can light up the whole sky with fireworks or burn everything down to the ground. Ingrid doesn’t have a family fortune and even less magic, but what she has is a plan: rise to the top by marrying Linden Holt, heir to a grand political legacy and the largest fortune of magic in the country. Her only obstacle? Linden’s father who is determined to ignore her attempts at ensnaring his son with love. So when Senator Holt runs for president, Ingrid uses the situation to her advantage. Striking a deal with the Senator, she offers to spy on the opposition in exchange for his approval of her relationship and the approval she craves. Yet the longer Ingrid wears two masks, the more she questions whether she isn’t working for the wrong candidate. Suddenly, Ingrid finds herself caught between the desire to keep climbing the social ladder and the fight against the corruption in a world where magic buys all the votes.

Fire Becomes Her is quite the atmospheric read. Opening in a speakeasy, I was immediately drawn in by the lush descriptions and the exploration of wealth and what it can do to people who think they’ll never lose it. Putting the focus on Ingrid’s relationship with Linden early on, you really get a feel for where Ingrid came from and where she intends to end up, thanks to her relationship with one of the world’s most powerful heirs. Linden is at times adorable and at others insufferable the way he wants to get away from his father’s obligations and expectations, yet too deeply part of the system that makes Ingrid question whether her plans will ever work out the way she wants them to.

The plot is also very straightforward. Though there are twists and turns, you know where everything is headed and if you’re anything like me, you can’t wait to get to the moment when everything blows up. While at times a bit predictable because the reader is reminded of a certain potential plot point (that comes to fruition) every other chapter, the political intrigues and schemes that happen on the campaign trail are quite entrancing. I found myself caught up in the political fight and the back and forth in debates between the contestants definitely reminded me of a certain presidential election we lived through a few years ago. There are many discussions around corrupt governments and people in power making sure that more power is only distributed to those who already have it (imagine making the rich richer but with magic) and I was as captivated as I was enraged by watching some of the less than fair actions politicians take in their plight to come out on top. That’s credited in huge parts to Thor’s engaging writing style that sweeps you off your feet and makes you feel like you have a stake in this election, as if it was your own life (and magic use) up for debate.

Further, Ingrid was a great character to follow. She’s resourceful and extremely smart, but she’s also been boggled down by self-doubt and her father’s criminal history. Determined not to end up in prison like him, every action she takes is premeditated for ultimate success—and social climbing. However, as Ingrid finds herself surrounded with new faces on the campaign trail, she comes to realise that being at the top of society may not be all it’s chalked up to be.

There’s so much personal growth for Ingrid as she wades through the dangerous territory of political schemes and as she learns more about her ambitions to be part of the 1% and just how much that’s shaped by her fear of ending up like her father. I loved how Thor interweaved this growth so naturally into the narrative that it almost felt seamless. In a world that is so boggled down by injustice—and mirroring our own world on more than one occasion—it was great to see Ingrid come into her own and fight against the injustices while also wondering where her own loyalty lies.

Of course, one of my favourite parts of this novel was the queer representation we got. Beyond a lesbian in a power suit (we want more of this, please), there are aroace, trans-nonbinary, and sapphic characters that enrichen the story with their engaging dynamic in a group. Ingrid is also on the asexuality spectrum and I loved the way that was explored. One small complaint I have, though, is that most of the discussions surrounding queerplatonic friendships (which, by the way, is one of the reasons you need to pick this book up!) and demisexuality were held back until the last quarter of the book. Concerning a certain queerplatonic relationship, I would have wished things had developed earlier on instead of being condensed into one conversation toward the very end. That being said, as part of the ace community, that narrative choice didn’t take away from my enjoyment and happiness seeing myself represented in a vibrant fantasy novel such as Fire Becomes Her. I think fellow readers will adore the queerplatonic friendship (and the banter, oh gosh, the banter!) just as much.

A heady mix of luscious fantasy, political scheming and a sweet exploration of queer friendships, Thor’s sophomore novel Fire Becomes Her is a Jazz-Age-inspired story that will burn bright for years to come!

Fire Becomes Her is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of February 1st 2022.

Will you be picking up Fire Becomes Her? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

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.

Flare is power.

With only a drop of flare, one can light the night sky with fireworks . . . or burn a building to the ground — and seventeen-year-old Ingrid Ellis wants her fair share.

Ingrid doesn’t have a family fortune, monetary or magical, but at least she has a plan: Rise to the top on the arm of Linden Holt, heir to a hefty political legacy and the largest fortune of flare in all of Candesce. Her only obstacle is Linden’s father who refuses to acknowledge her.

So when Senator Holt announces his run for president, Ingrid uses the situation to her advantage. She strikes a deal to spy on the senator’s opposition in exchange for his approval and the status she so desperately craves. But the longer Ingrid wears two masks, the more she questions where her true allegiances lie.

Will she stand with the Holts, or will she forge her own path?

The post #ReadWithPride: Fire Becomes Her by Rosiee Thor appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

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!

The post Must-Have 2022 Queer Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

We’re sure you all know the feeling. You read a book, you love it even, but there is that part of you that wishes that these characters were queer. So, our contributors Mimi and Simone asked their Instagram followers for their favourite straight reads that they wish were a little… not so straight. 

Now, we would like to present to you: “If you liked… then you’ll like… “ QUEER EDITION. 

We have paired each straight book with a queer book we think you will really enjoy if you’ve liked the original. Our picks vary from all-time classics, to sweet teenage romances, and to fabulous fantasy adventures. We are sure that there is one pick for everyone here!

CLASSICS

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen → Gay Pride and Prejudice by Kate Christie

Pride and Prejudice:

Since its immediate success in 1813, Pride and Prejudice has remained one of the most popular novels in the English language. Jane Austen called this brilliant work “her own darling child” and its vivacious heroine, Elizabeth Bennet, “as delightful a creature as ever appeared in print.” The romantic clash between the opinionated Elizabeth and her proud beau, Mr. Darcy, is a splendid performance of civilized sparring. And Jane Austen’s radiant wit sparkles as her characters dance a delicate quadrille of flirtation and intrigue, making this book the most superb comedy of manners of Regency England.

Gay Pride and Prejudice:

Like other variations on Jane Austen’s classic romance novel, Gay Pride & Prejudice poses a question: What if some among Austen’s characters preferred the company of their own sex? In this queer revision of the classic original, Kate Christie offers an alternate version of love, friendship, and marriage for Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy, and others among their circle of friends. But even as the path to love veers from the straight and narrow, the destination remains much the same.

Dracula by Bram Stoker → The Deathless Girls by Kiran Millwood Hargrave

Dracula:

When Jonathan Harker visits Transylvania to help Count Dracula purchase a London house, he makes horrifying discoveries in his client’s castle. Soon afterwards, disturbing incidents unfold in England: an unmanned ship is wrecked; strange puncture marks appear on a young woman’s neck; and a lunatic asylum inmate raves about the imminent arrival of his ‘Master’. In the ensuing battle of wits between the sinister Count and a determined group of adversaries, Bram Stoker created a masterpiece of the horror genre, probing into questions of identity, sanity and the dark corners of Victorian sexuality and desire.

The Deathless Girls:

They say the thirst of blood is like a madness – they must sate it. Even with their own kin. On the eve of her divining, the day she’ll discover her fate, seventeen-year-old Lil and her twin sister Kizzy are captured and enslaved by the cruel Boyar Valcar, taken far away from their beloved traveller community.

Forced to work in the harsh and unwelcoming castle kitchens, Lil is comforted when she meets Mira, a fellow slave who she feels drawn to in a way she doesn’t understand. But she also learns about the Dragon, a mysterious and terrifying figure of myth and legend who takes girls as gifts. They may not have had their divining day, but the girls will still discover their fate… 

ROMANCE

Josh and Hazel’s Guide To Not Dating by Christina Lauren → Tell Me It’s Real by TJ Klune

Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating:

Hazel Camille Bradford knows she’s a lot to take—and frankly, most men aren’t up to the challenge. If her army of pets and thrill for the absurd don’t send them running, her lack of filter means she’ll say exactly the wrong thing in a delicate moment. Their loss. She’s a good soul in search of honest fun.

Josh Im has known Hazel since college, where her zany playfulness proved completely incompatible with his mellow restraint. From the first night they met—when she gracelessly threw up on his shoes—to when she sent him an unintelligible email while in a post-surgical haze, Josh has always thought of Hazel more as a spectacle than a peer. But now, ten years later, after a cheating girlfriend has turned his life upside down, going out with Hazel is a breath of fresh air. Not that Josh and Hazel date. At least, not each other. Because setting each other up on progressively terrible double blind dates means there’s nothing between them…right?

Tell Me It’s Real:

Do you believe in love at first sight? Paul Auster doesn’t. Paul doesn’t believe in much at all. He’s thirty, slightly overweight, and his best features are his acerbic wit and the color commentary he provides as life passes him by. His closest friends are a two-legged dog named Wheels and a quasibipolar drag queen named Helena Handbasket. He works a dead-end job in a soul-sucking cubicle, and if his grandmother’s homophobic parrot insults him one more time, Paul is going to wring its stupid neck.

Enter Vince Taylor. Vince is everything Paul isn’t: Sexy, confident, and dumber than the proverbial box of rocks. And for some reason, Vince pursues Paul relentlessly. Vince must be messing with him, because there is no way Vince could want someone like Paul.

But when Paul hits Vince with his car – in a completely unintentional if-he-died-it’d-only-be-manslaughter kind of way – he’s forced to see Vince in a whole new light. The only thing stopping Paul from believing in Vince is himself – and that is one obstacle Paul can’t quite seem to overcome. But when tragedy strikes Vince’s family, Paul must put aside any notions he has about himself and stand next to the man who thinks he’s perfect the way he is.

Don’t You Forget About Me by Mhairi McFarlane → Almost Like Being In Love by Steve Kluger

Don’t You Forget About Me:

If there’s one thing worse than being fired from the grottiest restaurant in town, it’s coming home early to find your boyfriend in bed with someone else.

Reeling from the indignity of a double dumping on the same day, Georgina snatches at the next job that she’s offered – barmaid in a newly opened pub, which just so happens to run by the boy she fell in love with at school: Lucas McCarthy. And whereas Georgina (voted Most Likely to Succeed in her school yearbook) has done nothing but dead-end jobs in the last twelve years, Lucas has not only grown into a broodingly handsome man, but also has turned into an actual grown-up with a business and a dog along the way.

Meeting Lucas again not only throws Georgina’s rackety present into sharp relief, but also brings a dark secret from her past bubbling to the surface. Only she knows the truth about what happened on the last day of school, and why she’s allowed it to chase her all these years… 

Almost Like Being In Love:

A high school jock and nerd fall in love senior year, only to part after an amazing summer of discovery to attend their respective colleges. They keep in touch at first, but then slowly drift apart.

Flash forward twenty years. Travis and Craig both have great lives, careers, and loves. But something is missing …. Travis is the first to figure it out. He’s still in love with Craig, and come what may, he’s going after the boy who captured his heart, even if it means forsaking his job, making a fool of himself, and entering the great unknown.

Told in narrative, letters, checklists, and more, this is the must-read novel for anyone who’s wondered what ever happened to that first great love.

FANTASY

Cinder by Marissa Meyer → Tarnished Are The Stars by Rosiee Thor

Cinder:

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

Tarnished Are The Stars:

A secret beats inside Anna Thatcher’s chest: an illegal clockwork heart. Anna works cog by cog — donning the moniker Technician — to supply black market medical technology to the sick and injured, against the Commissioner’s tyrannical laws.

Nathaniel Fremont, the Commissioner’s son, has never had to fear the law. Determined to earn his father’s respect, Nathaniel sets out to capture the Technician. But the more he learns about the outlaw, the more he questions whether his father’s elusive affection is worth chasing at all.

Their game of cat and mouse takes an abrupt turn when Eliza, a skilled assassin and spy, arrives. Her mission is to learn the Commissioner’s secrets at any cost — even if it means betraying her own heart.

When these uneasy allies discover the most dangerous secret of all, they must work together despite their differences and put an end to a deadly epidemic — before the Commissioner ends them first.

Vicious by VE Schwab → The Extraordinaries by TJ Klune

Vicious:

Victor and Eli started out as college roommates—brilliant, arrogant, lonely boys who recognized the same sharpness and ambition in each other. In their senior year, a shared research interest in adrenaline, near-death experiences, and seemingly supernatural events reveals an intriguing possibility: that under the right conditions, someone could develop extraordinary abilities. But when their thesis moves from the academic to the experimental, things go horribly wrong.

Ten years later, Victor breaks out of prison, determined to catch up to his old friend (now foe), aided by a young girl whose reserved nature obscures a stunning ability. Meanwhile, Eli is on a mission to eradicate every other super-powered person that he can find—aside from his sidekick, an enigmatic woman with an unbreakable will. Armed with terrible power on both sides, driven by the memory of betrayal and loss, the archnemeses have set a course for revenge—but who will be left alive at the end?

The Extraordinaries:

Nick Bell? Not extraordinary. But being the most popular fanfiction writer in the Extraordinaries fandom is a superpower, right? After a chance encounter with Shadow Star, Nova City’s mightiest hero (and Nick’s biggest crush), Nick sets out to make himself extraordinary. And he’ll do it with or without the reluctant help of Seth Gray, Nick’s best friend (and maybe the love of his life).

YOUNG ADULT

Geekerella by Ashley Poston → Ship It by Britta Lundin

Geekerella:

Geek girl Elle Wittimer lives and breathes Starfield, the classic sci-fi series she grew up watching with her late father. So when she sees a cosplay contest for a new Starfield movie, she has to enter. The prize? An invitation to the ExcelsiCon Cosplay Ball, and a meet-and-greet with the actor slated to play Federation Prince Carmindor in the reboot. With savings from her gig at the Magic Pumpkin food truck (and her dad’s old costume), Elle’s determined to win…unless her stepsisters get there first.

Teen actor Darien Freeman used to live for cons—before he was famous. Now they’re nothing but autographs and awkward meet-and-greets. Playing Carmindor is all he’s ever wanted, but the Starfield fandom has written him off as just another dumb heartthrob. As ExcelsiCon draws near, Darien feels more and more like a fake—until he meets a girl who shows him otherwise.

Ship It:

CLAIRE is a sixteen-year-old fangirl obsessed with the show Demon Heart. FOREST is an actor on Demon Heart who dreams of bigger roles. When the two meet at a local Comic-Con panel, it’s a dream come true for Claire. Until the Q&A, that is, when Forest laughs off Claire’s assertion that his character is gay.

Claire is devastated. After all, every last word of her super-popular fanfic revolves around the romance between Forest’s character and his male frenemy. She can’t believe her hero turned out to be a closed-minded jerk. Forest is mostly confused that anyone would think his character is gay. Because he’s not. Definitely not.

Unfortunately for Demon Heart, when the video of the disastrous Q&A goes viral, the producers have a PR nightmare on their hands. In order to help bolster their image within the LGBTQ+ community-as well as with their fans-they hire Claire to join the cast for the rest of their publicity tour. What ensues is a series of colorful Comic-Con clashes between the fans and the show that lead Forest to question his assumptions about sexuality and help Claire come out of her shell. But how far will Claire go to make her ship canon? To what lengths will Forest go to stop her and protect his career? And will Claire ever get the guts to make a move on Tess, the very cute, extremely cool fanartist she keeps running into?

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins → This is Kind of an Epic Love Story by Kheryn Callender

Lola and the Boy Next Door:

Lola Nolan is a budding costume designer, and for her, the more outrageous, sparkly, and fun the outfit, the better. And everything is pretty perfect in her life (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood. When Cricket, a gifted inventor, steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.

This is Kind of an Epic Love Story:

Nathan Bird doesn’t believe in happy endings. Although he’s the ultimate film buff and an aspiring screenwriter, Nate’s seen the demise of too many relationships to believe that happy endings exist in real life.

Playing it safe to avoid a broken heart has been his MO ever since his father died and left his mom to unravel—but this strategy is not without fault. His best-friend-turned-girlfriend-turned-best-friend-again, Florence, is set on making sure Nate finds someone else. And in a twist that is rom-com-worthy, someone does come along: Oliver James Hernández, his childhood best friend.

After a painful mix-up when they were little, Nate finally has the chance to tell Ollie the truth about his feelings. But can Nate find the courage to pursue his own happily ever after?

Do you have any other recommendations? Tell us in the comments below!

The post If You Liked, You’ll Like: Queer Edition appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Guys, gals, and non-binary pals, we cannot believe that we’re already at the end of the acronym (since P for Pansexual was combined with B for Bisexual because a lot of books don’t explicitly state whether the characters identify with one or the other), but it’s been a fun ride! We hope you guys have found some new books to put onto your probably already too huge TBRs, and that you had the best time celebrating Pride! We know it’s a tough year to celebrate anything, but you know what? We deserve it because love is love. And in uncertain times, treating people with kindness will always be something worth celebrating!

Without further ado, let’s get into our recommendations for asexual fiction – these books cover everything from demisexuality to aromantic and asexual representation! Hopefully there’s a new favourite for you within this article!

Personal Favourite

Rick by Alex Gino
Rick’s never questioned much. He’s gone along with his best friend Jeff even when Jeff’s acted like a bully and a jerk. He’s let his father joke with him about which hot girls he might want to date even though that kind of talk always makes him uncomfortable. And he hasn’t given his own identity much thought, because everyone else around him seemed to have figured it out. But now Rick’s gotten to middle school, and new doors are opening. One of them leads to the school’s Rainbow Spectrum club, where kids of many genders and identities congregate, including Melissa, the girl who sits in front of Rick in class and seems to have her life together. Rick wants his own life to be that … understood. Even if it means breaking some old friendships and making some new ones.

Fantasy & Sci-Fi

Tarnished Are the Stars by Rosiee Thor
A secret beats inside Anna Thatcher’s chest: an illegal clockwork heart. Anna works cog by cog — donning the moniker Technician — to supply black market medical technology to the sick and injured, against the Commissioner’s tyrannical laws. Nathaniel Fremont, the Commissioner’s son, has never had to fear the law. Determined to earn his father’s respect, Nathaniel sets out to capture the Technician. But the more he learns about the outlaw, the more he questions whether his father’s elusive affection is worth chasing at all. Their game of cat and mouse takes an abrupt turn when Eliza, a skilled assassin and spy, arrives. Her mission is to learn the Commissioner’s secrets at any cost — even if it means betraying her own heart.

Vicious by V.E. Schwab
Victor and Eli started out as college roommates—brilliant, arrogant, lonely boys who recognized the same sharpness and ambition in each other. In their senior year, a shared research interest in adrenaline, near-death experiences, and seemingly supernatural events reveals an intriguing possibility: that under the right conditions, someone could develop extraordinary abilities. But when their thesis moves from the academic to the experimental, things go horribly wrong.

Ten years later, Victor breaks out of prison, determined to catch up to his old friend (now foe), aided by a young girl whose reserved nature obscures a stunning ability. Meanwhile, Eli is on a mission to eradicate every other super-powered person that he can find—aside from his sidekick, an enigmatic woman with an unbreakable will. Armed with terrible power on both sides, driven by the memory of betrayal and loss, the archnemeses have set a course for revenge—but who will be left alive at the end?

Beyond the Black Door by A.M. Strickland 
Kamai was warned never to open the black door, but she didn’t listen … Everyone has a soul. Some are beautiful gardens, others are frightening dungeons. Soulwalkers―like Kamai and her mother―can journey into other people’s souls while they sleep. But no matter where Kamai visits, she sees the black door. It follows her into every soul, and her mother has told her to never, ever open it. When Kamai touches the door, it is warm and beating, like it has a pulse. When she puts her ear to it, she hears her own name whispered from the other side. And when tragedy strikes, Kamai does the unthinkable: she opens the door.

Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
Children have always disappeared under the right conditions; slipping through the shadows under a bed or at the back of a wardrobe, tumbling down rabbit holes and into old wells, and emerging somewhere… else. But magical lands have little need for used-up miracle children. Nancy tumbled once, but now she’s back. The things she’s experienced… they change a person. The children under Miss West’s care understand all too well. And each of them is seeking a way back to their own fantasy world.

Young Adult Contemporary

Radio Silence by Alice Oseman
Frances has been a study machine with one goal. Nothing will stand in her way; not friends, not a guilty secret – not even the person she is on the inside. Then Frances meets Aled, and for the first time she’s unafraid to be herself. So when the fragile trust between them is broken, Frances is caught between who she was and who she longs to be. Now Frances knows that she has to confront her past. To confess why Carys disappeared…Frances is going to need every bit of courage she has.

Let’s Talk About Love by Claire Kann
Alice had her whole summer planned. Non-stop all-you-can-eat buffets while marathoning her favorite TV shows (best friends totally included) with the smallest dash of adulting–working at the library to pay her share of the rent. The only thing missing from her perfect plan? Her girlfriend (who ended things when Alice confessed she’s asexual). Alice is done with dating–no thank you, do not pass go, stick a fork in her, done. But then Alice meets Takumi and she can’t stop thinking about him or the rom com-grade romance feels she did not ask for (uncertainty, butterflies, and swoons, oh my!).

Tash Hearts Tolstoy by Kathryn Ormsbee
After a shout-out from one of the Internet’s superstar vloggers, Natasha “Tash” Zelenka finds herself and her obscure, amateur web series, Unhappy Families, thrust into the limelight: She’s gone viral. And when Unhappy Families is nominated for a Golden Tuba award, Tash’s cyber-flirtation with Thom Causer, a fellow award nominee, suddenly has the potential to become something IRL—if she can figure out how to tell said crush that she’s romantic asexual.

Summer Bird Blue by Akemi Dawn Bowman
Rumi Seto spends a lot of time worrying she doesn’t have the answers to everything. What to eat, where to go, whom to love. But there is one thing she is absolutely sure of—she wants to spend the rest of her life writing music with her younger sister, Lea. Then Lea dies in a car accident, and her mother sends her away to live with her aunt in Hawaii while she deals with her own grief. Now thousands of miles from home, Rumi struggles to navigate the loss of her sister, being abandoned by her mother, and the absence of music in her life.

Adult Fiction

How to Be a Normal Person by TJ Klune
Gustavo Tiberius is not normal. He knows this. Everyone in his small town of Abby, Oregon, knows this. He reads encyclopedias every night before bed. He has a pet ferret called Harry S. Truman. He owns a video rental store that no one goes to. Gus is not normal. And he’s fine with that. All he wants is to be left alone. Until Casey, an asexual stoner hipster and the newest employee at Lottie’s Lattes, enters his life. For some reason, Casey thinks Gus is the greatest thing ever. But Gus isn’t normal and Casey deserves someone who can be. Suddenly wanting to be that someone, Gus steps out of his comfort zone and plans to become the most normal person ever.

Upside Down by N.R. Walker
Jordan O’Neill isn’t a fan of labels, considering he has a few. Gay, geek, a librarian, socially awkward, a nervous rambler, an introvert, an outsider. The last thing he needs is one more. But when he realizes adding the label ‘asexual’ might explain a lot, it turns his world upside down.

Do you have any other recommendations? Tell us in the comments below!

The post LGBTQ+ Alphabet Recommendations: A for Asexual Fiction appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

We’re excited to bring you the list of our most anticipated debut releases for this month! First thing first, there are a lot of debut releases this month, so you can imagine how hard it is to narrow it down into these 16 titles! Regardless, we hope you find something to be added from this list to your overflowing TBR.

I Hope You Get This Message by Farah Naz Rishi
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

When the news about Earth that might end in seven days spread, the paths of three high-schoolers crossed each other. Struggling with each of their own problems, getting to know one another while trying to survive the end of the world might not what they were expected to do during their last week on Earth.

Tarnished Are the Stars by Rosiee Thor
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Three strangers must overcome their differences in the game of lies and twists and work together to put an end to a deadly epidemic in this queer #OwnVoices science-fantasy novel from debut author, Rosiee Thor.

The Light at the Bottom of the World by London Shah
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

At the end of the twenty-first century, life continues one thousand feet below the ocean’s surface after an asteroid hit the Earth. When her father captured by the authority with vague reasoning, Leyla McQueen realized that she will risk everything to bring her father back, including joining a deadly sub-race or getting out of London illegally and explore the wild ocean for the very first time.

Shadow Frost by Coco Ma
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Going on a demon hunt to protect her kingdom, Asterin never imagined that she will unearth a plot to assassinate herself, The Princess, instead. Asterin and her companions begin to wonder how much of their lives have been lies, especially when they realize that the center of the web of deceit might very well be themselves.

A River of Royal Blood by Amanda Joy
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A River of Royal Blood is an enthralling debut set in a lush North African inspired fantasy world that subtly but powerfully challenges our notions of power, history, and identity.

Crier’s War by Nina Varela
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

An impossible love between two girls—one human, one Made—whose romance could be the beginning of a revolution in this epic fantasy duology from debut author, Nina Varela.

The Good Luck Girls by Charlotte Nicole Davis
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Following the escape trip of five enslaved girls in their journey of finding freedom in the vicious land of Arketta, where people divided into ones with shadow and ones without one and demonic creatures and spirits wandered around.

The Memory Thief by Lauren Mansy
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In the city of Craewick, memories are the currency, citizens are divided by ability, and Gifted individuals can take memories from others through touch as they please. Trying to save her threatened mother, Etta will do whatever it takes, even if it means rejoining the rebel group she swore off in the wake of the accident years earlier and steal a map of prison created by the bloodthirsty ruler of a neighboring Realm.

Fireborne by Rosaria Munda
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

When two childhood friends grow up together and the war is just over the edge, they must choose between the families they were born into or the one that they founded in each other.

Gravemaidens by Kelly Coon
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Gravemaidens is the start of a fierce fantasy duology about three maidens who are chosen for their land’s greatest honor…and one girl determined to save her sister from the grave.

The Last True Poets of the Sea by Julia Drake
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Epic, funny, and sweepingly romantic, The Last True Poets of the Sea is an astonishing debut about a missing piece of family history,  weathering the storms of life, and the strength it takes to swim up from a wreck.

The Library Of The Unwritten by A.J. Hackwith
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In the first book in a brilliant new fantasy series, books that aren’t finished by their authors reside in the Library of the Unwritten in Hell, and it is up to the Librarian to track down any restless characters who emerge from those unfinished stories.

Full Disclosure by Camryn Garrett
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In a community that isn’t always understanding, an HIV-positive teen must navigate fear, disclosure, and radical self-acceptance when she falls in love–and lust–for the first time.

Michigan vs. the Boys by Carrie S. Allen
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Michigan Manning lives and breathes hockey and her future depends on it, but when the girl’s team dismissed due to the budget cut, she was determined to find a way to keep playing, even if it means joining the boy’s team. Facing a culture of toxic masculinity, Michigan must weigh the consequences of speaking up – even if it means putting her future on the line.

Scars Like Wings by Erin Stewart
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Relatable, heartbreaking, and real, this is a story of Ava Lee who has lost everything there is to lose: Her parents. Her best friend. Her home. Even her face. But when Ava meets a fellow survivor named Piper, she begins to feel like maybe she doesn’t have to face the nightmare alone.

The Library of Lost Things by Laura Taylor Namey
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Darcy Wells has spent most of her time living in the worlds of her books. But when her only home suddenly hangs in the balance and her mother’s compulsive shopping habit pressure her even more, Asher Fleet, a former teen pilot with an unexpectedly shattered future, walks into the bookstore where she works… and straight into her heart.

Will you be checking out any of these debut authors? Tell us in the comments below!

The post 16 Debut Authors To Check Out In October 2019 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

October also sees many authors releasing their debut novel including Rosaria Munda’s dragon-filled Fireborne, Farah Naz Rishi’s YA contemporary I Hope You Get This Message, and Amanda Joy’s A River of Royal Blood, which is set in a North African-inspired fantasy world. But that’s not all! Kelly Coon, Camryn Garrett, Coco Ma, London Shah, and Rosiee Thor will also be releasing their debut novels!

Read on to discover our picks and tell us in the comments below if you will be picking up one (or several) of these YA releases!

Fireborne by Rosaria Munda
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Seraphina meets Red Rising in a debut young adult fantasy that’s full of rivalry, romance… and dragons.

Gravemaidens by Kelly Coon
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The start of a fierce fantasy duology about three maidens who are chosen for their land’s greatest honor…and one girl determined to save her sister from the grave.

The Never Tilting World by Rin Chupeco
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Frozen meets Mad Max in this epic teen fantasy duology bursting with star-crossed romance, immortal heroines, and elemental magic, perfect for fans of Furyborn.

Full Disclosure by Camryn Garrett
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In a community that isn’t always understanding, an HIV-positive teen must navigate fear, disclosure, and radical self-acceptance when she falls in love–and lust–for the first time. Powerful and uplifting, Full Disclosure will speak to fans of Angie Thomas and Nicola Yoon.

Shadow Frost by Coco Ma
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From young author Coco Ma comes a dazzling new tale of adventure, power, and betrayal, weaving together a stunning world of magic with a killer cast in an explosive, unforgettable debut.

Tarnished Are the Stars by Rosiee Thor
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The Lunar Chronicles meets Rook in this queer #OwnVoices science-fantasy novel, perfect for fans of Marissa Meyer and Sharon Cameron.

A River of Royal Blood by Amanda Joy
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

An enthralling debut perfect for fans of Children of Blood and Bone set in a North African-inspired fantasy world where two sisters must fight to the death to win the crown.

10 Blind Dates by Ashley Elston
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A light-hearted and romantic contemporary novel set during the holiday season and full of humor, heart and heartbreak.

The Burning Shadow by Jennifer L. Armentrout
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#1 New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout returns to the world of the Lux with The Burning Shadow, the steamy, shocking second installment of the Origin series that will leave readers reeling.

The Light at the Bottom of the World by London Shah
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In the last days of the twenty-first century, sea creatures swim through the ruins of London. Trapped in the abyss, humankind wavers between fear and hope–fear of what lurks in the depths around them, and hope that they might one day find a way back to the surface.

I Hope You Get This Message by Farah Naz Rishi
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In this high concept YA novel debut that’s We All Looked Up meets The Sun Is Also a Star, three teens must face down the mistakes of their past after they learn that life on Earth might end in less than a week.

The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys
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From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Salt to the Sea and Between Shades of Gray comes a gripping, unforgettable portrait of love, silence, and secrets amidst a Spanish dictatorship.

Will you be picking up any of these young adult releases? Tell us in the comments below!

The post October 2019 Book Releases: YA appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Read on to discover the authors who will be releasing their debut novels and tell us in the comments below what you’re looking forward to!

JULY

Wilder Girls by Rory Power
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A feminist Lord of the Flies about three best friends living in quarantine at their island boarding school, and the lengths they go to uncover the truth of their confinement when one disappears. This fresh, new debut is a mind-bending novel unlike anything you’ve read before.

The Other Mrs. Miller by Allison Dickson
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In this unputdownable domestic suspense debut, a lonely suburban housewife finds her life entangled with the family that moves in across the street at the same time that she becomes convinced someone is watching her–perfect for fans of The Couple Next Door and The Last Mrs. Parrish.

Spin The Dawn by Elizabeth Lim
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Project Runway meets Mulan in this sweeping YA fantasy about a young girl who poses as a boy to compete for the role of imperial tailor and embarks on an impossible journey to sew three magic dresses, from the sun, the moon, and the stars.

Tell Me Everything by Cambria Brockman
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A murder at an elite New England college tears apart a group of friends – and one of them is playing a dangerous game – in this electrifying debut in the tradition of In a Dark, Dark Wood and The Couple Next Door.

The Last Book Party by Karen Dukess
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A page-turning, coming-of-age story, written with a lyrical sense of place and a profound appreciation for the sustaining power of books, The Last Book Party shows what happens when youth and experience collide and what it takes to find your own voice.

The Expectations by Alexander Tilney
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In the tradition of Prep and Old School, a sharp and evocative portrait of insiders–and outsiders–at an elite boarding school who must face a reality very different from the one they imagined.

AUGUST

Beasts of the Frozen Sun by Jill Criswell
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Every child of Glasnith learns the last words of Aillira, the god-gifted mortal whose doomed love affair sparked a war of gods and men, and Lira of clan Stone knows the story better than most. As a descendant of Aillira and god-gifted in her own right, she has the power to read people’s souls, to see someone’s true essence with only a touch of her hand.

Nottingham by Nathan Makaryk
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Both a gripping historical epic and fascinating deconstruction of the Robin Hood legend, Nathan Makaryk’s Nottingham mixes history and myth into a complex study of power–one that twists and turns far beyond the traditional tale of Sherwood Forest’s iconic thief.

A Dress for the Wicked by Autumn Krause
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The high-stakes fashion scene of a reimagined nineteenth century Europe takes center stage in this YA debut perfect for fans of The Belles and The Luxe.

Hollow Kingdom by Kira Jane Buxton
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One pet crow fights to save humanity from an apocalypse in this uniquely hilarious debut from a genre-bending literary author.

Campusland by Scott Johnston
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A tumultuous and often hilarious first novel about one year of insanity at the Ivy-like Devon University, a blissful bubble of elite students and the adults at their mercy.

Color Me In by Natasha Diaz
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Debut YA author Natasha Díaz pulls from her personal experience to inform this powerful coming-of-age novel about the meaning of friendship, the joyful beginnings of romance, and the racism and religious intolerance that can both strain a family to the breaking point and strengthen its bonds.

SEPTEMBER

Frankly in Love by David Yoon
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In this moving novel, debut author David Yoon takes on the question of who am I? with a result that is humorous, heartfelt, and ultimately unforgettable.

Cold Storage by David Koepp
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For readers of Andy Weir and Noah Hawley comes an astonishing debut by the screenwriter of Jurassic Park: a wild and terrifying adventure about three strangers who must work together to contain a highly contagious, deadly organism

Tinfoil Butterfly by Rachel Eve Moulton
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The Shining meets About a Boy in this electrifying debut about a troubled young woman and a lonely boy facing their demons in the frozen Black Hills.

The Tenth Girl by Sara Faring
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Simmering in Patagonian myth, The Tenth Girl is a gothic psychological thriller with a haunting twist.

Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
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Set in a world of powerful women, dark magic, and off-the-charts romance, book one of this stunning fantasy duology will leave readers burning for more.

A Cosmology of Monsters by Shaun Hamill
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A tender and terrifying literary horror novel–the author’s debut–that tells the story of a family (creators of a haunted house attraction called the Wandering Dark) and the hereditary monsters–both metaphorical and all-too-real–that haunt them.

OCTOBER

A River of Royal Blood by Amanda Joy
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

An enthralling debut perfect for fans of Children of Blood and Bone set in a North African-inspired fantasy world where two sisters must fight to the death to win the crown.

Fireborne by Rosaria Munda
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Seraphina meets Red Rising in a debut young adult fantasy that’s full of rivalry, romance… and dragons.

Gravemaidens by Kelly Coon
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The start of a fierce fantasy duology about three maidens who are chosen for their land’s greatest honor…and one girl determined to save her sister from the grave. 

How Fires End by Marco Rafala
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A dark secret born out of World War II lies at the heart of a Sicilian American family in this emotional and sweeping saga of guilt, revenge, and, ultimately, redemption.

Shadow Frost by Coco Ma
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From young author Coco Ma comes a dazzling new tale of adventure, power, and betrayal, weaving together a stunning world of magic with a killer cast in an explosive, unforgettable debut.

Tarnished Are the Stars by Rosiee Thor
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The Lunar Chronicles meets Rook in this queer #OwnVoices science-fantasy novel, perfect for fans of Marissa Meyer and Sharon Cameron.

NOVEMBER

Her Crown of Fire by Renee April
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In the dull, everyday world, seventeen-year-old Rose Evermore struggles to plan beyond her final year of high school. But when fire suddenly obeys her every command and her dreams predict the future, she becomes hungry for more of this strange power.

A Thousand Fires by Shannon Price
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Shannon Price’s A Thousand Fires is a breakout contemporary debut―think The Outsiders meets The Iliad―that’s perfect for fans of Courtney Summers and Veronica Roth.

On Swift Horses by Shannon Pufahl
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A lonely newlywed and her wayward brother-in-law follow divergent and dangerous paths through the postwar American West.

Songs from the Deep by Kelly Powell
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A girl searches for a killer on an island where deadly sirens lurk just beneath the waves in this gripping, atmospheric debut novel.

When The Stars Lead To You by Ronni Davis
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Nicola Yoon meets Jenny Han in a heated first-love romance about two teens who are torn apart one summer by prejudice and mental illness, and find each other once again.

My Sister Is Missing by Julia Barrett
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Stephanie Henderson gazes at her newborn daughter and wonders if husband Adam will notice the lack of resemblance. But when her lover demands a paternity test, Stephanie tells Adam a string of lies—lies that lead the two men to a dramatic confrontation.

DECEMBER

Dangerous Alliance by Jennieke Cohen
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The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue meets Jane Austen in this witty, winking historical romance with a dash of mystery!

Would Like To Meet by Rachel Winters
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A cynical assistant at a screenwriting agency must reenact the meet-cute scenes from classic romantic comedy movies in order to help her #1 client get his scriptwriting mojo back–but can a real-life meet-cute be in store for someone who doesn’t believe in happily ever after?

All That’s Bright and Gone by Eliza Nellums
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Fans of Jodi Picoult and Fredrik Backman will fall for this tenderhearted debut mystery following a young girl on a quest to save her family.

The Network by L.C. Shaw
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A pulse-pounding, page-turning thriller involving corruption, secrets, and lies at the very deepest levels of government and media.

The Dating Charade by Melissa Ferguson
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Melissa Ferguson’s hilarious and warmhearted debut reminds us that love can come in very small packages—and that sometimes our best-laid plans aren’t nearly as rewarding and fun as the surprises that come our way.

Holly Banks Full of Angst by Julie Valerie
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A laugh-out-loud debut novel for anyone who’s tried to live the perfect life—and learned the hard way there’s no such thing.

Will you be reading any of these debuts? Tell us in the comments below!

The post 36 Authors Making Their Debut Between July & December 2019 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.