Queerantine Reads

Social Isolation.
Social Distancing.
Both of these are anything but social, especially if you are stuck at home with nothing to do. So what better way to pass the time than with a good book?

I have seen many lists floating around of “What your fave authors are reading.” or “Hot reads for quarantine.”, but what about books with LGBT+ characters and rep? What about the self-published authors who get very little reach when it comes to marketing?

Right now we are facing tough times. Many authors have been stood down from their day jobs, and many more have been forced to close their small businesses due to ‘The Bug’. Indie authors rely on book signing events, visiting sellers in person to see if they will stock our work, and on events where we can have a stall to try and sell some copies. For many of us, our book sales fund the publishing of our next book, and without sales, we can’t publish more.

I have taken the time to compile a list of my fave Queerantine Reads for your perusal. When I put a call out on Twitter for LGBT Authors, I have been overwhelmed with the amazing response from fellow authors. Therefore I have started out with those whose work I have read and am familiar with, and then I will post links and Twitter handles for those who are in my TBR pile.

Each of these authors have recommended each other (we are a fabulous community, after all!) so rest assured you will find a great read to help you to escape this world and into the pages of a literary masterpiece.

Also, please remember to leave us a review! Either on Amazon or GoodReads, these really help us!

Enjoy!

1. Amy-Alex Campbell

2. Clyde Andrews

3. Chase Connor

4. Mario Dell’Olio

	5. Rob Browatzke Gay romantic comedy and drag queens Rob has written a number of titles which follow the lives of those in the gayborhood of a big city. The Wonderland 2 part series is highly recommended by Amy-Alex Campbell. Be sure to check out A Fluid State, which features a gender fluid character, and of course a drag queen. Buy on Amazon Follow on GoodReads Twitter @robbrowatzke
	6. Ash Knight Stay “Stay tells the emotional story of two men in their twenties meeting and falling deeply in love. Joe is the youngest and has challenges, a traumatic past as well as being on the autistic spectrum. Madden is older, and seemingly living a contented life, but when he meets Joe you see a latent desire to love and protect someone. It’s a touching setup for a romantic drama that is handled thoughtfully by Knight. Joe and Madden’s relationship is as romantic as it is intense, and it’s hard not to fall in love with these two beautiful characters.” – Review by Dean Cole Buy on Amazon Follow on GoodReads Twitter @ForgottenAstro2
	7. Cameron D James Gay erotica Cameron D James writes gay erotica. In his short story Gaymer, Carter attempts to seduce Zack while playing retro video games. This is a hot read. Also check out his YA pen name, Dylan James here. View titles on Amazon Follow on GoodReads Twitter @Cameron_D_James
	8. Rory McFarlan Contemporary fiction McFarlan’s debut novel “tells the story of Nephi Willard, a gay Mormon trying to find where he fits in the world. He runs into opposition both inside and outside of the church on his journey to understand his identity. This story of loss, love, and identity is both heartbreaking and redeeming”. – McFarlan’s GoodReads page. The author is a strong ally and advocate of the LGBT+ community. Buy on Amazon Follow on GoodReads Twitter @McfarlanRory
	9. T.T. Banks Murder, mystery and lesbians The Sapphic Sphere Collection is a series of 3 books. “On the edge of my seat with the twists, turns, and drama. Down home personalities suck you in to Alex, Brett and the rest of the characters leaving you suspensfully invested in every plot twist. An epic mystery wrapped in a love story or vice versa, it’s well written and entertaining all the way through.” – review by Andrea Raquel. Buy on Amazon Follow on GoodReads Twitter @TTBanks5
	10. Travis Beaudoin Gay erotica “BRYCE CAN PLAY is a series of hot gay erotic shorts. Each story features Bryce, a sexy submissive slut with permission to play around while his husband’s out of town. In order to make Mat proud–and to make sure he deserves discipline upon Mat’s return–Bryce plans to cram his week alone as full of different men as he can.” – Travis Beaudoin’s GoodReads. Sign up to his newsletter on his website for a free smut read! View series on Amazon Follow on GoodReads Twitter @beaudoin_travis
	11. Dean Cole Gay romantic comedy Dean is not only a writer, but also an editor and designer for book covers. He has designed the covers of several books on this list. “…Yes, this is a romantic comedy, but it’s also so much more than that. It’s a journey of self discovery, of self reflection, and, as Nathan puts it, an awakening…” – review by Elaine White. Buy on Amazon Follow on GoodReads Twitter @DeanColeWriter
	12. Claire Castle Gay romance Claire has a good collection of books to choose from – 13 titles as of this publication. She has good reviews on Amazon and GoodReads, so definitely check out her books. Buy on Amazon Follow on GoodReads Twitter @CCastleAuthor
	13. Sandy Gilchrist Lesbian romance “Finding Me is a touching coming-of-age story that explores self-identity, sexual awakening, and the ups and downs that love brings. In her novel, Sandy Gilchrist explores the often-challenging experience of coming out to family and friends. As well as illustrating the difficulties that can arise, she also celebrates the joy that comes from being your true self.” – Sandy’s GoodReads. Buy on Amazon Follow on GoodReads Twitter @SandyGilchrist_
	14. J. D. Simmons Lesbian bio/autobiography “Lately Lesbian is Jenna’s story and I know it well because it is my true story. I lived the minutes, days and years of her life. For 33 years I wore the mask of a happily married woman, and in doing so, nearly sacrificed myself. My story is a love story like so many others and unlike so many others.” – J.D. Simmons’ website. Based on the author’s real life experiences. Buy on Amazon Follow on BookBaby Twitter @JDSimmons8
	15. Chase Taylor Hackett Gay romance/comedy “This book was an excellent gay romantic comedy, with the stunning charming ne’er-do-well and the adorable fastidious lawyer with the heart of a musician. The story is an endorsement of people loving each other for who they are and growing stronger to be together. Not changing who they are, but stepping up to take the risk of love.” – WMDreader review, Amazon. There are two books in this series. Buy on Amazon Follow on GoodReads Twitter @CTHackett
	16. AJ Stiles Gay romance “THE DANCING TURTLE is a novel that is hard to categorize or stick in one genre, in my opinion. This first novel by A.J. Stiles is how any author wants to debut. Part travelogue, part love letter to food and Brazil, the past and the present collide under the heart-wrenching specter of war, lost love, grief, and finding oneself…all while romance and hope blooms. This book tore my heart out of my chest, ripped it up, pasted it back together, made me swoon. It was like a feast of words, every single one I could taste and smell. I will be watching for more from this author and will buy each new offering without a second thought. This is, simply put, a masterpiece.” – Chase Connor, Goodreads. Buy on Amazon Follow on GoodReads Twitter @AJStiles12
	17. A. C. Merkel Trans / urban fantasy “Merkel has created a fascinating mythology of magic in our current world, and weaves his storytelling with interesting, multi-faceted characters you will love. With lots of pop-culture references and a creative use of history, you’ll find yourself sucked into Murders intriguing life, and rooting for her happy ending.” – Amy on GoodReads. Buy on Amazon Follow on GoodReads Twitter @Blink_Drive
	18. Tammy Bird Lesbian thriller “The author bares the most heinous ulcers of the soul of those walking amongst us. She tells the story that she wanted to tell so go in if you’re ready for a tale of humans at their worst. This is one of those books that you can’t reveal too many details because it would all be spoilerish. I do want to mention triggers: child sexual abuse, explicit violence against women, death over and over again, the pov of a killer. Even the few happy moments seem like an overcast sky.” – badDog4, Amazon. Buy on Amazon Follow on GoodReads Twitter @tammy_bird
	19. Halo Scot Science fiction “I love post-apocalyptic and dystopian literature, especially when the broken world offers something unique. The world in Edge of the Breach is one after nuclear destruction and continental shift, yet the nuclear fallout has given people magical powers instead of mutating them into what we normally see in post-nuke fiction. Add in the gods, and this world becomes something not quite beautiful but something haunting. I don’t know quite how to describe it. The descriptions and world building in this novel are solid.” – Lavendar Lily, Amazon. Buy on Amazon Follow on GoodReads Twitter @halo_scot
	20. Melissa Tereze Lesbian romance “I loved this story. All the fantasy in one story. This was fine with me. The chemistry between Summer and Prue and the initial go around kept the story going. When there is a pull towards someone it is such a rush when you finally realize they are all you want and need. I felt the frustration of Prue and the tears of Summer. I felt this story.” – Gina L, GoodReads. Buy on Amazon Follow on GoodReads Twitter @MelissaTereze

	21. C. M. Slick Gay erotica / BDSM C. M. Slick writes XXX hot MM erotica. Series include: Falling in Love with his Dom, The Royal Series, A Shifter Series, The University Series, and the Vampire Coven series. There are lots of titles to explore, so check out Slick’s Amazon profile to see which ones are available. Buy on Amazon Follow on GoodReads Twitter @CMSlick
	22. Duane Simolke Science fiction “While I mainly read and review romance novels, it is important to point out that this is not romance, but there is love. The love is between couples and between a mother and her sons. It is not a sexual book, nor is it meant to be. It is purely science fiction and one that leaves the reader thinking about where we may be heading in the distant future.” – Susan65, GoodReads. Buy on Amazon Follow on GoodReads Twitter @DuaneSimolke
	23. D. G. Alan Gay romance “This was a good book. Although it had quite a bit of graphic violence in it, it was still a good read. Roman and Ezra have a lot of chemistry that really helps move the story along. If you are looking for a good M/M apocalyptic romance, I recommend you read this book.” – Marie Tayse, Amazon. Buy on Amazon Follow on GoodReads Twitter @Desireemymymy
	24. Isaac Grisham Gay romance “Because TKS does so many things so well, it’s a bit hard to classify, but I’d call it an adventure story, with lots of elements of high fantasy, a bit of science fiction, and a sweet M/M romance at its heart. There’s also family drama, court intrigue, lots of fighting, and a dense mythology that I’m eager to learn more about.The writing is gorgeous, the pacing is good, and once I’d gotten into the heart of the story, I had a hard time putting the book down.” – TBwrites, Amazon. Buy on Amazon Follow on GoodReads Twitter @isaacgrisham
	25. Marcus Herzig Sci Fi / Adventure “I had the chance at the start of the month to read this wonderful adventure book. It is something not accustomed very often in the LGBT bracket as most books deal with drama on the spot. Mr. Herzig has given us a memorable sci-fi addition to LGBT adventure. What I liked about this book was its compelling premise to keep you wanting to read in such a confined space.” – Amazon user review. Buy on Amazon Follow on GoodReads Twitter @Marcus_Herzig
	26. Shawn Wesley Ballenger Gay Young Adult “Brandon is middle-aged, closeted, and can’t stand his life, until a friend gives him a youth potion, reverting him back to being 14. Once you get past that premise, it’s actually a good book with interesting characters and plot lines. Yoiu actually start to like what Brandon has become, and he finds the maturity being a 14-year old which he lacked when he was a 50 year-old. Certainly worth a read. Not too explicit, easily PG level” – Alex, Amazon. Buy on Amazon Follow on GoodReads Twitter @revolvertwo
	27. Jake Martinez Gay Young Adult “The Mixtape to My Life by Jake Martinez has some important messages in it. Justin Ortega is 16 at the beginning of the novel. He’s a sweet young man… who already knows that he’s gay but hasn’t told anyone. At home, he worries that his Mexican father will let the binds of machismo influence the way in which he thinks of his son if he comes out…” – Char, Amazon. Buy on Amazon Follow on GoodReads Twitter @jakeg956
	28. Johnny Miles Bi fiction “…The story is very sensual, regards to both the sexuality and awakening the senses. The setting of Puerto Rico feels real, tangible and concrete. The bisexual aspect was handled rather nicely, but the unsafe sex threw me a bit. Beyond those few nitpicks, this one was surprisingly good. Certainly left me thinking about disaster areas and the very real problems people there face.” – Elisa, Amazon. Buy on Amazon Follow on GoodReads Twitter @JohnnyMiles62
	29. Amelia C Wilson Gay romance “An excellent debut – though I suspect this may not be Amelia C Wilson’s first work judging by the skillful writing.” – Dean Cole, GoodReads. Buy on Amazon Follow on GoodReads Twitter @ameliacwilson
Q	30. Evan Knapp Queer Memoir “Beautifully written! definitely related to the bullying in the early part of the book. I dont usually do memoirs. But this one is right on the mark for people in entertainment fields. Will be an even better read for people specifically in dance and theatre!: – A. C. Merkel, GoodReads. Buy on Amazon Follow on GoodReads Twitter @MovementWhere

	Basic Butch – Epic Blogger! “Join me on my journey of be-coming out and being queer” Twitter: @BasicButchDotCa
	Highly recommended podcaster, poet and blogger, R. K. Stuart-Tilley. Twitter: @rstealeaf

Thanks for reading! Remember, stay safe xox
– Amy-Alex Campbell <3