2020-2021 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Take Me With You When You Go

Take Me With You When You Go by David Levithan and Jennifer Niven

First, let me say that this story was written in an epistolary style via emails between brother and sister. The MM part of it I feel was a secondary 'thought'. The story concentrates between the abuse the two siblings endured from their stepfather and a mother who didn't give a damn. It's heartbreaking at times and hopeful at others. To me, it's rare to read a story written in this format. Did I like it? I'm still not sure. The plot was good, I must confess. I liked the MCs, which I consider to be the brother and sister. They endured a lot, and in the end found the solace they'd been seeking. Good story all around.

https://amzn.to/3xyhIjy

2020-2021 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Forsaken Fae (The Complete Series, Books 1-3)

Forsaken Fae (The Complete Series, Books 1-3) by R.A. Steffan

Action packed. Drama packed. Great plot. Awesome world building. This story has a lot to like. I'm glad the author sent out the entire series, though, because the first two books end on a cliffhanger and that's something I really despise. This is an enjoyable read that'll keep you hooked all the way to the end. So, if you like fantasy, drama, action, demons, vampires, Oh, My! This book is definitely worth reading.

https://amzn.to/3rhSpkF

2020-2021 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: The Midnight Man

The Midnight Man by Kevin Klehr

At times, especially the beginning of this story, it's a bit hard to know who I was 'listening' to. It was quite confusing. As I started reading, I thought that Stanley, one of the couple MCs, was going to give in and slip into eternal sleep at the insistence of Asher, the midnight man, who is a spirit (?) that invades his dreams nightly and wants Stanley to join him in the afterlife. Frank, Stanley's partner, is one lucky guy considering that in the end, Stanley decides to stay with him even though Frank has hurt him by cheating on him. Once I'd read a few chapters, I got hooked on the story. I only wish the first half of the book was as easy to read. At times, it felt as if I was reading something similar to Ebenizer Scrooge's A Christmas Carol.

https://amzn.to/3FXxWpu

2020-2021 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Luca (Gentlemen of the Emerald City #1)

Luca (Gentlemen of the Emerald City #1) by L.A. Witt

This is a sweet (even if a bit long) romance story. The escort and the closeted hockey player make a pretty good couple. Both characters are likable even if Ethan's pocket is hard to believe at times with the enormous amounts of money he pays Luca to spend the night with him.

https://amzn.to/3nYR3t4

2020-2021 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Manners & Mannerisms

Manners & Mannerisms by Tanya Chris

A very well mannered love story for fans of Jane Austen, with excellent period details and engaging characters.

https://amzn.to/3leIhoP

2020-2021 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Drifter

Drifter by Eden Winters

This story pulled me in right from the beginning. Loved the growth of the two main characters as they navigated their life obstacles with each other and their music. Couldn’t put it down.

https://amzn.to/312YeYJ

2020-2021 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Hitman vs Hitman

Hitman vs Hitman by L.A. Witt & Cari Z.

I really enjoyed the action, snarky humour, the slow-burn to fast-ride, and the intelligence of both men! I have a feeling Ricardo & August are just getting started! I hope more of Ricardo's character comes to the fore in any upcoming novels.

https://amzn.to/3CYpzYF

2020-2021 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Invisible, as Music

Invisible, as Music by Caren J. Werlinger

I am glad I got to judge this amazing book! One of the most beautiful books I have read in recent memory. Set in the 80s it perfectly catches the mood and mores of this time. A master storyteller shows us how women had to struggle and survived – I so loved the merry band of strong women! Seeing the two main characters Henrietta and Ryn come into their own was a joy. A must read if there ever was one.

https://amzn.to/3D4lN0b