2020-2021 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Healing Hearts (Stealing Hearts #2)

Healing Hearts (Stealing Hearts #2) by K. Evan Coles

A sweet age-gap story of second chances and near misses that is feel-good and heartwarming. Perfect to curl up in bed with.

https://amzn.to/3GMBfRy

2020-2021 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Decision (Diversion #8)

Decision (Diversion #8) by Eden Winters

This series' biggest strength is the characters. It's amazing the growth and maturing those two men go through while still always staying true to themselves. And it's not only the main characters who are multifaceted and lifelike, each side character has a personaliy of their own. The writing style is fast-paced, in depth and compelling. Overall, this was a joy to read, as is the series as a whole.

https://amzn.to/3mHEEsE

2020-2021 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: On Top of Glass: My Stories as a Queer Girl in Figure Sk

On Top of Glass: My Stories as a Queer Girl in Figure Skating by Karina Manta

A heartfelt memoir of teenage angst. The author is engaging and well aware of her faults. The reader comes to trust her because of her ability to unflinchingly stare down her defects and demons. Although the themes include body image, eating disorders, and internalized homophobia, its message and appeal are universal because, as Manta points out, it's the rare teenager who isn't swaddled in a cocoon of insecurity. A life-affirming message for everyone.

https://amzn.to/3BEtkBR

2020-2021 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Duking It Out

Duking It Out by E.J. Russell

Duking It Out was a great joy to read. I found it to be a laugh-out-loud funny, light easy read. The interesting "alternative universe" in which some people have superpowers was smoothly introduced to the reader. One of the characters was introduced as a demisexual and yet the story proceeded with a big dollop of insta-lust, which I usually like but it seemed not right for this character. However, we discover a lot more about the characters as the story progresses which may explain that instant attraction. I would happily recommend all of the books by E.J. Russell in this series, they were all fun and enjoyable to read.

https://amzn.to/2Yh5cb6