pagesandpothos

[pagesandpothos]

My Reading List → The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

“I don’t want to be at the mercy of my emotions. I want to use them, to enjoy them, and to dominate them.”

[pagesandpothos]

The Shadows Beyond (Book One), T J Rose

An action-packed MM urban fantasy duology featuring magic, mayhem, and two broken boys finding love.

Cinnamon 'Cinn' Saunders thought he'd learnt to control his little ghost problem.

That is, until the moment he brings back a malevolent spirit from the shadowrealm, and quickly finds himself unjustly arrested for the murder of four people.

After breaking free of foster care and a stint in juvie, all Cinn wanted to do was keep his head down and work his way up to become a professional chef. Now he's forced to make a choice: life in jail, or allow a stranger to whisk him away to a mysterious institute in rural Switzerland with the promise of learning how to control his terrifying supernatural abilities.

Julien, the French charismatic charmer who is charged with warding over Cinn, also has a problem: the murder of his sister is still unsolved.

He needs help. Help that only Cinn can provide. He'll do anything to get it, including making Cinn an offer that he can't refuse. What Julien doesn't expect out of the bargain is their undeniable connection, which only serves to complicate matters as they navigate uncharted territories together.

Between battling an uprising of deadly creatures that not only threaten the moteblessed community, but the entire planet, and fighting their ever-growing attraction, can this opposites-attract pair overcome their demons to save the world, and each other?

[pagesandpothos]

The Sun and the Moon by Rebekah Faubion

Official Summary:

Cadence Connolly grew up in the cosmic shadow of her mother, the renowned psychic Madame Moira. Now, as a park ranger in Maine, she’s carved out her own life far away from her mother’s many premonitions and tarot cards . . . until she receives an invitation to Moira’s engagement party. Cadence doesn’t know what led to the thawing of her mother’s heart, but she’ll have to return home to discover the truth. Sydney Sinclair’s schedule as a pilot makes long-term relationships difficult, but at least she can fly anywhere in the world for free with only her emotional baggage as a carry-on. After her mom passed, it’s always been Sydney and her dad against the world, so it’s no wonder she doesn’t trust the enigmatic Madame Moira—his newly minted fiancée. When Cadence meets Sydney, they realize they share similar suspicions about their parents’ impending nuptials. As they begin scheming to break up their parents’ engagement—they can’t possibly be in love after such a short time together—Sydney and Cadence discover an irresistible chemistry with each other instead. Despite not believing in fate, Cadence might just have found her soulmate in Sydney.

My Thoughts:

The Sun and the Moon is a Sapphic romance about two women who are total opposites. Cadence is a "lone wolf" who gets along better with animals than people and who was raised by her now estranged mother. Sydney is a straight-laced "people person" who was raised by and is very close to her father.

Both women meet each other when they are invited to their parents' engagement party. Both Cadence and Sydney are very suspicious of the fast pace of their parents' new relationship, but as they spend time together trying to sleuth out what is really going on, they find themselves falling for each other.

This is a rom-com with an interesting concept. It's also very readable and mostly lighthearted. Cadence and Sydney are a likable pair, and I enjoyed their flirty banter a lot. They made such a funny pair during their "detective" moments, and they have great chemistry in the steamier scenes. Their romance is kind of a whirlwind, with the entire book taking place over just a few days. Though I'm more of a fan of slow-burn romances, I still ended up enjoying them together.

Cadence's mom, Moira, is a psychic, and her Tarot readings add an entertaining layer to the story. Cadence sees Moira as manipulative and is very distrustful and angry with her. Rick and Sydney have a sweet and trusting relationship, and Sydney feels protective of her dad since he raised her alone after her mom died.

There were points where I thought that Cadence and Sydney's plotting against their parents came across as mean, but the book delves into the reasons why they are both struggling with this big change, and the girls eventually start questioning themselves. I still thought their reactions to some reveals were over the top and unfair to their parents (both of whom I really liked).

My favorite scenes in the book were often those between each woman and her parent. The biggest flaw of the book, in my opinion, is that we didn't get more resolution with each parent/child relationship. There is some resolution, of course, but I found those dynamics so interesting that I wanted more focus on them.

I liked The Sun and The Moon. It's a unique story with a lot of humor, and I liked the focus on complicated familial relationships. The romance is sweet, if a little rushed, and I never knew exactly where this story was going.

My Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌖🌑 (3.75/5 stars).

Pages: 364 (Kindle Edition)

Tropes/Tags: Romance, Sapphic, Bisexual Main Character, Opposites Attract, There's Only One Bed, Soulmates

Contains or Mentions Depictions Of: Estranged Mother/Daughter Dynamic

Links: Storygraph | GoodReads | RebekahFaubion.com

The Sun and the Moon will be released on August 12, 2025, and is available for pre-order!

I received an advanced copy of this book for free, thanks to NetGalley, Penguin, and Berkley. The above are my honest feelings about the book provided. I don’t have any affiliate links in this post, and I do not make any money from my reviews. I review books simply because I love to read.

[ See Everything I’ve Read in 2025 ]

[pagesandpothos]

Got my hands on an advance copy of @pangur-and-grim 's upcoming book! Can't wait to dive in, it looks so fun!! :)

[pagesandpothos]

cards on the table, it is not possible for me to pay my bills writing trans books. last year was a really bad one for me financially. if you ever wanted to throw me a couple bucks here is a way to do that. FRIEND10 gets you half off your first couple months.

my paid newsletter goes out once a month and I try to make it worthwhile. I talk about books I have coming out, stuff I'm working on, industry gossip, plus I give you things like bookplates and fanart prints at regular intervals. basically all the stuff I don't share anywhere else.

for example, later this month (may 2025) i go on a long rant about sex scenes in queer romance novels and then show you a good picture of my cats. soon I'll have some snippets to share, or maybe I'll (try) to explain why A Gentleman's Gentleman is called The Earl Meets His Match in the UK. thanks for supporting queer art however you can

[pagesandpothos]

July Book Reviews: To Sketch a Scandal by Jess Everlee

Book 4 of a loosely linked historical romance series. In To Sketch a Scandal, Warren Bakshi moonlights as the flirty and unreliable barkeep of a gay club by night while desperately working to support his disabled mother by day. When his brother unexpectedly returns home with a fortune, Warren is cast adrift and signs up for art lessons, setting him on a collision path with the unsuitable Detective Inspector Matthew Shaw who's in the same class undercover.

A Victorian romance between the Anglo-Indian guy who runs a gay bar and a detective whose career is based on entrapping men for gross indecency is an intriguingly KJ Charles sort of premise, one of my particular favorite romance writers. While To Sketch a Scandal didn't have quite that level of sparkle, it was still charming. Everlee has a good eye for depicting the edges of Victorian society, whether it be Warren's drag queen friends or his community of South Asian immigrants, rather than sticking to the well trodden (and very white) grounds of aristocratic ballrooms. Many readers will also be relieved to know that Matthew Shaw is on a becoming disillusioned with the police force arc. However, I was a little disappointed that this is solidly a romcom with no mystery or thriller elements--the investigation is mostly narrative pretext to fling the two men together.

A solid queer historical romance on a level with Jordan Hawk or Allie Therin.

[pagesandpothos]

Books are so weird because on the outside they’re just like really heavy blocks that are only good for smacking things and then on the inside they’re entire worlds

[pagesandpothos]

If you want to pre-order the book, several indie bookstores are offering various art prints, stickers, and bookplates with each book! You can see participating stores and what goodies they have available here! The book will be released in hardcover and paperback on release day, so paperback fans won't have to wait months to get a copy!

Add on: Storygraph | Goodreads

[pagesandpothos]

Mr Warren's Profession is a Victorian cross-class queer romance featuring hurt/comfort and a happily-ever-after.

Lindsey Althorp, the only son of a wealthy baronet, has never worked a day in his life.

Aubrey Warren was born in a workhouse and hasn’t stopped working since.

Buoyed by Lindsey's optimism and fuelled by Aubrey's industry, the two men strive to overcome the class divide between them. But a horrific accident reveals a betrayal that threatens to tear them apart forever.

[pagesandpothos]

We are rounding off our Sapphic Summer with Even Though I Knew The End by C.L. Polk as our August read for Queer Book Club 🙌

A magical detective dives into the affairs of Chicago's divine monsters to secure a future with the love of her life. This sapphic period piece will dazzle anyone looking for mystery, intrigue, romance, magic, or all of the above.

An exiled augur who sold her soul to save her brother's life is offered one last job before serving an eternity in hell. When she turns it down, her client sweetens the pot by offering up the one payment she can't resist—the chance to have a future where she grows old with the woman she loves.

Come join us on our month-long read & discussion on discord!

[pagesandpothos]

The Build-a-Boyfriend Project by Mason Deaver

Official Summary:

Eli Francis is stuck. Stuck in an assistant position at the online magazine Vent when he should be a writer. Stuck with a boss who dangles a promotion but would rather he just fetch the coffee. Stuck working alongside the ex who has had no trouble moving up at work…or moving on. When Eli’s roommates push him to date so he can get over his ex once and for all, they set him up with Peter Park. Tall, handsome, and unbelievably awkward. The date is a complete disaster, and further proof to Eli that love isn’t for him. But when his boss overhears Eli recounting the catastrophic night, he suggests teaching Peter to be a better boyfriend through a series of simulated dates so he can write an article about it. But Eli has other ideas…Eli plays along, pretending to write the article, while secretly interviewing Peter about growing up queer in the South and coming-of-age dating wise in adulthood. Eli hopes writing this sort of piece will finally get him the promotion he deserves. And in exchange, he will teach Peter how to be a better boyfriend. But the more time Eli spends with Peter, the closer they become, and the lines between what’s real and what’s fake begin to blur. Before long Eli is forced to face his greatest fears to become the writer he wants to be and secure the love he’s always needed.

My Thoughts:

The Build-a-Boyfriend Project is a new queer fake-dating romance with a twist. The book is about Eli and Peter, who are set up on a blind date by friends. Their date is so terrible that the two decide that Eli should teach Peter how to be a better date. Eli will use the dating lessons to make content for the website he works for, Vent, in hopes of getting a promotion. Meanwhile, Peter will get the dating experience that he missed out on while growing up in rural Georgia. 

At the beginning of the book, Eli is still mourning a breakup with a long-term boyfriend. He doesn't want to go on a date with Peter, but his friends encourage him to take steps to start moving on. Peter is sweet, but his awkwardness can easily come across as rudeness, and he doesn't really have many friends or a life outside his work. Their romance is a slow-burn, with them remaining strictly friends who go on fake dates for much of the book. Feelings do develop, of course, but it takes time, and complications arise. 

While this is a lovely romance, it delves into serious topics that add depth. Eli is trans and discusses the difficulties that trans men face when dating, as well as other aspects of being trans. Peter is Asian American and mentions the racism he faces, and how growing up queer and Asian in the deep South affected him.  Overall, this is an introspective and thoughtful romance with many earnest conversations about real issues. Along with being topics that many readers will identify with, these conversations also show how deeply Eli and Peter are becoming. These two have such a wonderful, open dialogue with each other! 

While it tackles those topics (and others), the book never gets too heavy. It's still mostly lighthearted and fun with a few emotional moments mixed in. 

One fun aspect of the book is that Eli is a big movie buff. There's some fun movie trivia mentioned as he fact-checks Vents's listicles, and he has strong opinions on films. He also watches many movies and references them often throughout the book. Each chapter is also named after a movie! It was fun to check off which of the films mentioned I've seen, and I'm sure bigger movie fans than me will have even more fun with all these moments. 

I haven't read any of Mason Deaver's YA romances, but after reading The Build-a-Boyfriend Project, I definitely will be. All of their books are going on my TBR, and I'm adding them to my list of must-read authors! I've read a lot of queer romances this year and this is one of the best. 

My Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗 (4.5/5 stars).

Pages: 384 (Kindle Edition)

Tropes/Tags: Contemporary Romance, Achillean, Queer, Trans Main Character, Fake Dating

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5. There is one spicy scene that is descriptive.

Content Warnings: Transphobia (mentioned), Racism (mentioned), Death of a Parent, Conversion Therapy (mentioned), Homophobia (mentioned)

Links: Storygraph | GoodReads | instagram.com/mason_deaver

The Build-a-Boyfriend Project will be released on August 5, 2025, and is available for pre-order!

I received an advanced copy of this book for free, thanks to NetGalley, HarperCollins, and Avon. The above are my honest feelings about the book provided. I don’t have any affiliate links in this post, and I do not make any money from my reviews. I review books simply because I love to read.

[ See Everything I’ve Read in 2025 ]

[pagesandpothos]

Cozy fantasy lovers!! Check out this giveaway there are so many really cute things and books to win!!

[pagesandpothos]

The Haunting of William Thorn by Ben Alderson

Official Summary:

William Thorn had his life all planned out… until he discovered his long-term boyfriend Archie in bed with another man. Distraught, William kicks him out of their home, where tragedy strikes when Archie is killed instantly in a car accident. Riddled with guilt, William is shocked to learn that he’s inherited a manor in the quaint village of Stonewall, left to him in Archie’s will. He leaves the city with plans to make a new start for himself, but is surprised by the rundown state of the manor, and the unwelcoming villagers who want him gone. His only ally is Edward, a seemingly friendly local with secrets of his own… However, it’s not only the villagers who are adverse to his presence. A malevolent spirit roams the manor, one that seeks to drive William out for good. But when he uncovers the heartbreaking tale of two men in love in the 1920’s, William strives to find peace for the spirit, ending the haunting once and for all. But what dark secrets lie hidden in the manor walls? And will William be able to put aside his own grief to save his new home…and his life? An evocative tale from #1 bestselling author Ben Alderson, exploring grief, trauma and the bones of the past, The Haunting of William Thorn is the perfect read for fans of the gothic.

My Thoughts:

After I read and loved an early copy of All of Us Murderers by KJ Charles last month, I was eager to dive into another queer gothic. The Haunting of William Thorn is another of my most anticipated books of the year, so I was very pleased to get a chance to read this one in advance, too!

The Haunting of William Thorn is a split-timeline gothic horror about the occupants of Hanbury Manor. Our main timeline is set in the present and follows William Thorn as he moves into Hanbury. He inherited the manor after the death of his long-term partner, and he's eager to get out of the city and start his life over. He soon meets Edward, who introduces himself as the landscaper for the manor's sprawling grounds.

The secondary timeline is set in 1939. Much of this storyline is told through the journal entries of Robert Thomas, who was deeply in love with a young man named Teddy. Robert and Teddy's story is ultimately tragic, but these chapters are so beautiful. Robert is such a sweet young man trapped in an era where it was a danger to be himself. His journal entries are so tender, and seep with the naive innocence and hope of first love. We know how his story ends from the Prologue, and that adds a layer of heartbreak over the entire story. These chapters, and Robert and Teddy's story, were my favorite parts of the book.

The horror elements are exactly what I want from a ghost story, with an eerie gothic atmosphere and some seriously creepy scenes. This is being pitched as similar to The Haunting of Hill House, and I think Mike Flanagan's television adaptation is a very accurate comparison.

I've read a couple of books by Ben Alderson, and this is, hands down, my favorite book of his. It isn't perfect; there are some parts, especially in the modern-day chapters, that get repetitive and are over-explained. William is also frustratingly slow at picking up on clues at times. Still, the good far outweighs the bad, and the last few chapters, in particular, are excellent.

I recommend The Haunting of William Thorn most to queer romance and gothic horror fans, but please be sure to read the content warnings; this deals with subjects that could be very upsetting for some people!

This book is dark, scary, achingly romantic, surprising, and gut-wrenching. I especially loved the historical timeline with Robert and Teddy, but the present-day timeline has an intriguing mystery and some great horror scenes. Both timelines have some big, emotional moments, so be sure to have tissues nearby when you read this.

My Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑 (4/5 stars).

Pages: 400 (Kindle Edition)

Tropes/Tags: Gothic, Achillean, Queer, Paranormal, Horror

Contains or Mentions Depictions Of: Suicide, Suicidal Ideation, Suicide Attempt, Death, Grief, Homophobia, and Blood. Please note that the suicide depiction is fairly graphic and includes the method. Suicide is a pretty big theme of this book, and I wouldn't recommend it for anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts or feelings.

Links: Storygraph | GoodReads | BenAlderson.com

The Haunting of William Thorn will be released on September 9, 2025, and is available for pre-order!

I received an advanced copy of this book for free, thanks to NetGalley and Angry Robot. The above are my honest feelings about the book provided. I don’t have any affiliate links in this post, and I do not make any money from my reviews. I review books simply because I love to read.

[ See Everything I’ve Read in 2025 ]

[pagesandpothos]

starter pack bundle of 10 of my best and gayest eBooks:

[pagesandpothos]

The complete series! 💚🍄🌼☘️✨

[pagesandpothos]

July 2025 Reading Recap

It probably looks like I read a lot more than usual, but I just read more novellas, short stories, and graphic novels in July. I actually ended up reading the same number of pages as usual!

Where the Dark Stands Still by A.B. Poranek 🌈 

A gothic fairytale about a young woman who makes a deal with a magical being who guards a spirit-filled forest. This is beautifully written and emotional!

🌕🌕🌕🌕🌘 | Read as: hardcover (borrowed from library)

Northranger by Rey Terciero & Bre Indigo 🌈 

This is a YA graphic novel that is a retelling of Northanger Abbey. It's a sweet romance with a gothic mystery, and a focus on being openly queer in a conservative area. It's creepy, fun, and very moving!

🌕🌕🌕🌕 🌑 | Read as: ebook (borrowed from KU) 

Ascension by S.T. Gibson 🌈 🆕 

The second book in The Summoner's Circle follows Rhys, Moira, and David as their relationships are put to the test. Rhys and his new role as High Priest get a lot of focus but David and Moira also have some great moments. 

🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗  | Read as: ebook (ARC from NetGalley)

A Spindle Splintered by Alix E. Harrow 🌈 

I've loved everything I've read by Alix E. Harrow, and this was no exception. It's a creative twist on Sleeping Beauty with a great friendship and a Sapphic relationship.

🌕🌕🌕🌕 🌗  | Read as: ebook (borrowed from KU) 

The Build-a-Boyfriend Project by Mason Deaver 🌈 🆕 

A sweet and emotional romantic comedy with a trans main character. The book is about Eli and Peter, who are set up on a blind date by friends. Their date is so terrible that the two decide that Eli should teach Peter how to be a better date. Eli will use the dating lessons to make content for the website he works for, and Peter will get dating experience. It's a unique take on the fake-dating trope.

 🌕🌕🌕🌕 🌗  | Read as: ebook (ARC from NetGalley)

Rapport: Friendship, Solidarity, Communion, Empathy by Martha Wells 🌈 🆕 

A quick short story in The Murderbot Diaries that is essentially about Perihelion's family realizing it has met someone. It's set just after Artificial Condition and is delightful.

🌕🌕🌕🌕 🌗 | Read for free on Reactor.com

Yield Under Great Persuasion by Alexandra Rowland 🌈 🤍

A lovely, cozy, and spicy romantasy about two men who've been sleeping together for the last ten years but are sworn enemies (kind of). This is so funny, but it also has a lot of depth and character growth. This is one of my favorite reads of the year!

🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕 | Read as: paperback (Owned)

Aquacorn Cove by Kay O'Neill 🌈

This is a gentle and lovely middle-grade graphic novel about a young girl, Lana, who returns to her seaside hometown to help her auntie make repairs after a big storm. Lana is grieving a loss, but soon meets fascinating creatures who help guide her toward healing her heart and the seaside town she formerly called home. It is full of O'Neill’s trademark cozy and heartfelt vibes, with beautiful artwork.

🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑 | Read as: ebook (Borrowed via Libby)

The Corruption of Hollis Brown by K. Ancrum 🌈 🆕 

An incredibly unique love story that is as beautifully written as all the books by this author are. This is about Hollis, a young man who is floundering and self-destructive until he unintentionally makes a deal and is possessed by the spirit of Walt, another young man from an earlier era. Hollis and Walt slowly fall in love as they learn how to share the same body, but complications and the past cause issues.

🌕🌕🌕🌕🌘 | Read as: hardcover (Borrowed from Library)

The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar 🌈 🆕 

The River Has Roots is a beautifully written novella about two sisters, Esther and Ysabel, who live in a town on the border of the land of the Fae. In just 100 pages, Amal El-Mohtar creates a fantasy world that is more complex than some worlds in full-length novels. The magic system and world-building are truly expertly done! My favorite part of this book, though, is the relationships. The romantic relationship is great, but the real focus of the book is on the unconditional love between Esther and Ysabel.

🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗 | Read as: hardcover (Borrowed from Library)

All of Us Murderers by KJ Charles 🌈 🆕 ⏳🤍

I’ve read and loved a lot of queer mysteries and gothic novels this year, and this is my favorite of the bunch. It balances the mystery with the romance masterfully, with neither aspect suffering from too little or too much focus. It’s wonderfully romantic and delightfully dark and even a little spooky at times. This is my new favorite KJ Charles novel! Put this one on your Fall TBR!

🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕 | Read as: paperback ARC (Given by Publisher)

The Dramatic Life of Jonah Penrose by Robyn Green 🌈 🆕 ⏳🤍

This was one of my favorite queer romances of the year, and one that I can’t wait to get a physical copy of. I got so absorbed in this relationship, and I loved all the characters, musical references, and drama! It's funny, emotional, and such a charming debut!

🌕🌕🌕🌕🌖 | Read as: ebook (ARC from NetGalley)

Favorite Book this month? 

All of Us Murderers and Yield Under Great Persuasion are two new all-time favorites that I can't choose between.

The Dramatic Life of Jonah Penrose ranks 2nd behind them!

Stats:

- I tried something new with my reading this month and sprinkled a lot more novellas, graphic novels, and short stories in my reading. This increased how many books I finished, but I'm not sure if I'll continue this every month. It's a great way to push through a reading slump, though!

- I read 12 books and 3000 pages this month. That's more books than normal, but the page count was the same as usual.

- I read mostly ebooks this month. 5 were in print and 7 were ebooks.

- I read every day, for an average of 94 pages per day.

- My top genres this month were LGBTQIA+, Romance, and Fantasy, as (almost) always.

Key: ⏳Books that are not out yet (I read an ARC). 🆕 Notes books that will be or have already been released this year. 🌈 Books that include major LGBTQ+ characters, relationships, or themes. 🤍 A book that I now consider a new favorite!

[pagesandpothos]

Kicking off Kickstarter Day with this beautiful illustration of Cornelius and Watt by @gagakumadraws !

I am so grateful and appreciative of everyone who has been sharing their love for this story, liking and sharing posts, and/or backing the Kickstarter. Readers, Patreon folks, and fellow authors, you are all what keeps it going for indie creatives like myself, and others.

I especially want to thank @nothwell @tesscarletta for their Kickstarter expertise, @bencalico @gagakumadraws for their lovely artworks, Luna Daye for inspiring me, and @/IG nerdydreamer107 for helping me.

Stay tuned for more artwork throughout the month, updates on the campaign, and lots of sappy feelings.