2017 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: P.S. I Spook You S.E. Harmon

1) First book by this author. I saw this when it first was released and went by it because I thought it was about a ghost in love, no I did not read the blurb. That will teach me to judge a book by the title. I really enjoyed the characters and the story line. Will definitely have to read more by this author.
2) This book was too much fun. I loved the main characters, and I loved them together. The mystery was well thought-out and well-executed. The wry, self-deprecating narrative voice worked so well and gave the entire book a charming humor. Loved it, loved it, loved it.
3) The mystery in this novel is carefully plotted, and the paranormal elements are skillfully woven in. The banter between the two lead characters is an absolute delight.
4) Whether intentional - or not - I like that this story was a nod to the 1980s-style 'ghosts are tedious'. I enjoyed the tension between Rain and Danny. Love + crime solving + ghosts... what is there not to like?

P.S. I Spook You S.E. Harmon
Gay - Paranormal Romance
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (June 12, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1635336902
ISBN-13: 978-1635336900
Amazon: P.S. I Spook You S.E. Harmon

SSA Rain Christiansen used to be the agency’s golden boy. It just takes one moment of weakness, one slight, tiny, itty-bitty paranormal sighting, and all of a sudden he’s the agency’s embarrassment. His boss gives him one last chance to redeem himself—go down to Brickell Bay, play nice with the local police, and leave the ghost sightings behind. Rain is determined to do exactly that, even if it kills him.

Cold-case detective Daniel McKenna’s latest investigation is going nowhere fast. Five years earlier, high school student Amy Greene went missing after leaving her part-time job and was never seen again. Daniel is glad to finally have the FBI help that his department requested, even if it does come in the form of his ex.

It doesn’t help that Rain is pretty sure he’s falling in love with Danny all over again—if he ever stopped. Add to that the frustration of seeing ghosts at every turn while he works a case that’s stalled in its tracks, and Rain is starting to wonder if second chances and happy endings are just for fairy tales.

2017 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Trans Liberty Riot Brigade L.M. Pierce

1) I loved the voice of our protagonist and looking at the world through her eyes. The stark and colorful language characterized the entire piece beautifully.
2) Brutal and gritty, the story is very well written. It grabs you from the start and holds you until the end.

Trans Liberty Riot Brigade L.M. Pierce
Transgender - Sci-Fi / Futuristic
Series: Trans Liberty Riot Brigade (Book 1)
Paperback
Publisher: Ninestar Press, LLC (July 17, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1947139347
ISBN-13: 978-1947139343
Amazon: Trans Liberty Riot Brigade L.M. Pierce

How do you fight for who you are, when the government controls what you are?
Trans Liberty Riot Brigade features a unique cast of intersex and LGBTQ+ characters in a dystopian future that extrapolates upon current trends of political subterfuge, body control, and social and legislative violence against those who exist outside the accepted mainstream. Adult science fiction.

Content warning: gore, drug use, and language.

2017 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: A.L. Brooks Miles Apart

1) Awesome story.  Extremely well written characters.  Liked them all except Terri. Loved the supporting casts of both woman.  I liked how the authors writing style went back and forth between each character.  Hated to see this one end.
2) A.L. Brooks tackles the thorny subject of infidelity with an elegant finesse and brings us an intelligent story of valuable introspection and profound love between well-rounded characters. A worthy read.

A.L. Brooks Miles Apart
Lesbian - Contemporary Romance
Paperback: 260 pages
Publisher: Ylva Publishing; 1 edition (August 14, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 3955338665
ISBN-13: 978-3955338664
Amazon: A.L. Brooks Miles Apart

Which mistakes are irredeemable? Would you fight to save a five-year relationship after your lover’s had a drunken one-night stand? Alex is torn by this question. The past twelve months have seen her and her girlfriend Terri slowly drift apart, and the revelation of Terri’s betrayal shows her just how far apart they are. The longer they fight, the less she wants to try. On a business trip to Canada, Alex meets Justine and, over the course of one evening, a connection is formed that shatters everything Alex thought she knew about herself. Returning to London, she’s faced with choices that will irrevocably change her life. A lesbian romance that asks the interesting questions, not the easy ones.