Queer Literary Loft

An engaging memoir with a compelling narrative; reading What a Girl Wants felt like sitting down to put the world to rights with a good friend. Bourdillon's style of writing is easy to enjoy, flowing from one personal point to the next whilst also linking those experiences with key cultural and political moments, such as the release of The L Word and Section 28.

I think LGBTQ+ millennials are likely to find at least one aspect of this book with which they can identify. In reality most will find more than just one aspect that resonates; I know I certainly did. From coming out to finding the Leeds gay scene, there is a plethora of aspects to explore in this book.

I was initially drawn to picking up What a Girl Wants for review due to the author's role as editor in chief of Diva magazine: as a subscriber I recognised the name immediately. Within the first few chapters I was hooked as it became apparent that we're not too far apart in age, home location, or indeed upbringing, which always makes a memoir that more interesting as a reader. I love the memoir genre for this exact reason: its books often have the ability to be both fascinating and validating - What a Girl Wants is no different.

At one stage in her story Bourdillon reflects on the word ‘lesbian' - how it became weaponised by the patriarchy (amongst others), and the impact this had on her use of the word; these reuminations deeply resonated within me. To this day it is a word I dislike, and I completely  recognise that comes as a direct result of my own lived experiences such as those Bourdillon shares with her audience.

What a Girl Wants is a nostalgia filled, personable, and deeply relatable book... which will without doubt stand the test of time, as every inspirational LGBTQ+ memoir should - our stories are more important now than ever. 

Escape in Time is a poignant reminder of the past, our collective present and hope for the future.

I had the privilege of reading the original version of this story, and whilst undoubtedly improved and polished in places this new version continues to cement my adoration of this series. In its original form Escape in Time was one of the very first Sapphic books I read; 7 years later and it still highlights to me how much I wished I'd had the chance to access books such as this one as a young adult. A story that is full of grit, and the reality and rawness of life rather than a sweet romance, but where the characters on the pages are still proudly LGBTQ+.

If I were to sum up Escape in Time in two words, darkness and light would be my picks. It's a heavy hitting book with some graphic scenes and perhaps not for the faint of heart; there are however clear content warnings for those readers who would prefer to avoid those segments. But, in all honesty the value in reading this story is worth far more than simply words on paper, for reasons I'll explain below.

There is an enormous depth of character to the main protagonists - Landry Donovan and Jacqulyn Foster - both of whom work for Pulsus as an extractor and operative respectively. The comprehensiveness of each of their characters deepens a reader's connection to Donovan and Foster's angst, inner turmoil, and sexual desire. These qualities build and maintain the physical and psychological momentum of the story, creating the perfect pacing for a book that has a lot to give from beginning to end.

The mission of the Pulsus organisation to travel back in time to rescue very specific individuals, thus affecting the course of history (and the present day) is an authentic concept, generating both ethical, moral, and timeline questions. Questions that readers see Donovan and Foster explore: as a reader these aspects are massively thought-provoking and really add another layer to the base plot.

There's a strong supporting cast, some who I loved getting to know like Cait and Beth, and others (Simson) not so much. Each additional character fits well into the overall storyline, coaxing a different dynamic from the character and personalities of Donovan and Foster. This is particularly true of Landry's love interest: basketball player Jade Carter. Jade brings out a distinct side to Landry that you don't see when she's on a ‘mission', Jade's banter and ability to keep Landry on her toes is sweetly amusing in a flirtatious teasing way.

It would be remiss of me not to mention that the Pulsus' mission focuses on Hitler's reign and the atrocities carried out at a concentration camp. However, the depiction of Nazi Germany even in all its brutality is not gratuitous and is wholly relevant to the plot.
Given current happenings in real life, I personally find it tremendously important that we don't forget nor diminish history for the sake of palatability. If those few chapters make you uncomfortable, they should; let them serve as a reminder to not allow history to repeat itself.
By setting part of the story in Nazi Germany and exploring the impact that existing in that time period had on Donovan and her team, there is a real sense of their struggles with such pervasive darkness. But there are also resounding reminders in every square inch of this book that traces of light can still prosper: people need other people, love is powerful, hope exists, there is no light without darkness. Whether it's a soulful look of compassion, a shared understanding across a squalid bunkroom, or the comforting arms of a lover post nightmare, we all in our own ways need other people to be our glimmers in the dark.

Escape in Time is a fast paced, bold, and complex time travel story. It's also littered with empathy and passion; for lovers, for unrequited love, for the fate of the world and the human race. Those interlapping aspects weave many thought-provoking pathways giving rise to a fulfilling, and interesting book that surpasses all the hallmarks of quality literature.

Stories like Escape in Time must continue to be told, now more than ever. My heartfelt thankfulness goes to the author for courageously bringing the darkness into the light; gracefully and engagingly exploring everything it means to be human.

3.5*

Secrets of Her Heart is a low angst, age gap romance that is a quick and easy read.

Thea Fotini has been burned before; having learnt a harsh lesson the hard way, she's in no rush for a repeat performance. Closed off and with safety and security her top priorities, Thea has no intention of stepping out of her bubble, that is until Emma Bright lands on literal bended knee in her driveway. Thea's temporary transition to rescuer and taxi driver results in a budding connection that neither her nor Emma could ever have forseen. Despite the growing attraction doubts remain, can Emma move forward with her life after loss? Does Thea have it in her to learn to trust again?

The insecurities that Emma has regards a nineteen year age gap, plus moving on from the death of a spouse, alongside Thea's extreme distrust, are authentic issues that I think many readers will appreciate for their valid portrayal of real life concerns. I did however struggle to truly believe in Emma's decision making regarding Thea's children. Personally, I'm not sure a change of heart, or even adapting to the situation, would be realistic for someone who never saw children as part of the equation. But then love does funny things!

There's a decent depth to both characters, and their individual backgrounds are nicely fleshed out. I would have welcomed more exploration into Thea's situation with Riva - I felt like I really got to know Emma's life with Brid and what happened there in quite some detail. Where as with Thea and Riva I felt the plot lacked something beyond a surface level description of events, which in turn made it harder to see and feel Thea's perspective and internal thought process to the same extent as Emma's.

I loved the part of the story that was set on the Greek island of Zakynthos; the author did a great job of depicting the island and Greek family life. It was so easy to imagine being sat at Thea's parents taverna on the seafront, enjoying great food and drinks.

I also enjoyed Margot Templeton-Smythe's character, mainly because by describing her as a Hyacinth Bouquet personality, I knew instantly what she'd be like and could picture the scenes perfectly in my head. And I thought the conclusion of Margot's role in the plot was in keeping with that original image.

Secrets of Her Heart is a lovely return to the book world for Karen Klyne, and will make a great book to pick up if you're looking for something low angst with an interesting plot.

I received an arc of this book from Butterworth Books in exchange for an honest review.

Romantasy, steampunk, adventure, epic world building? I am here for it all, and more besides!

It isn't just the title of Willows' latest novel that is dreamy, the entirety of Ship of Dreams is a veritable dreamscape of words; imbuing enchanting visions that even Morpheus, the Greek God of Dreams would be envious of.

Set in a steampunk version of Victorian Great Britain in 1898, Ship of Dreams invites readers to join fearless raider, Captain Alexis Minty, as she dishes out her own brand of justice from the helm of the Devil's Urchin.
Hell bent on addressing the extensive wealth gap between the land and sky cities, Captain Minty can't turn down a chance to covertly board the elusive silver dragon that also sails the skies.
When the raid doesn't go to plan, Temp Strud, captain of the discreet yet lavish dragon pleasure ship, suddenly finds herself the custodian of a pirate. But, as fate would have it, Captain Minty might be the one person that Strud needs to progress her quest to locate the legendary Golden Apple.
If tenuously partnering with a pirate wasn't headache enough, Captain Strud isn't the only one searching for the Apple, making her mission one of danger and deception. Not to mention deliciously complicated by her growing desire, for non other than a pirate!

Of all Brey Willows' books, I think Ship of Dreams might be my new favourite. In amongst this scintillating sapphic steampunk romantasy, is not only a monumental quest for an ancient artefact, but all the other qualities of a Willows' story that I delight in. Both Strud and Minty have forged themselves found families within their respective crews; a version of platonic care and devotion that I love to see. There's also a variety of mythology and mythological creatures on display during the quest: elements that Willows' always excels at. And if you're paying attention, you might also spot a few of the eras literary greats on the passenger list, as they too explore their own pleasures of the flesh on board Captain Strud's elusive airship.

At approx. 360 pages Ship of Dreams is a slightly lengthier sapphic novel than most, but oh boy, does it pack a timely punch. Fans of opposites attract, or forced proximity tropes featuring strong female leads are sure to love this story. With a treasure trove of diverse and entertaining supporting characters, there are a tonne of themes from gender norms to wealth disparities to explore throughout the narrative. Thus, whilst I enjoyed navigating the points of the quest probably as much as the characters did, the overall storyline is also really interesting. I particularly liked the fun of Wade and his gizmos and gadgets, but also uncovering the secrets harboured by both Temp and Minty, was at times as high stakes as the quest itself!

I picked up Ship of Dreams after a long stretch of reading mainly pure romances so much so, that I'd forgotten the thrill of leaning into a new world. The rush that comes from discovering and traversing original landscapes and concepts. This story reminded me of that joy in the most beautifully rich and fulfilling way.

And, the best part? You don't need to have previously read a steampunk novel, to reap the wonders within the Ship of Dreams, because the charm of a Brey Willows' story, the allure of her writing, is her innate ability to world build in a manner that is as complex, as it is simple. She is an expert at show, don't tell, ensuring that readers can completely engage with the story, and thus will always recognise a Brey Willows' book by the fantastical escapade they've just participated in.

Ship of Dreams was a literal dream of a story to read, and for romantasy lovers a gorgeous book not to be missed!

I received an arc from Butterworth Books in exchange for an honest review.

Firecamp is a second chance, opposites attract romance told in two halves across a 10 year gap.

In the beginning we meet Fallon Monroe and Nora Palmer, as they both arrive at firecamp for the summer. Each of them have very different reasons for attending - Fallon hopes to find her inner confidence and forge a career path for herself. Whilst Nora has an agreement with her father - make it to the end of firecamp and he'll fund her last two years of college where Nora intends to study photojournalism.

I enjoyed the first half of the story, there is a decent amount of character development for both Fallon and Nora. During their time in the Colorado national forest, we get to understand their backgrounds and childhood in some detail, illuminating who they are now as twenty somethings. Plus there's an interesting cast of supporting characters also enrolled in firecamp. Some like Gwen and Tina lend themselves to loathing, others such as Kennedy add other personal journeys to the narrative. Although Kennedy's own path to coming out as non-binary would have benefitted from greater detail and progression.
By the end of firecamp there are more than just embers burning between Fallon and Nora but, with uncertain paths ahead, a firestorm soon threatens their Colorado paradise.

In the second part of the book, Fallon and Nora's stories jump forward 10 years; both now successfully embedded in their respective careers. A chance assignment to report on a forest fire sees Nora return to her old firecamp stomping ground where Fallon is now in charge.
Unfortunately, it's this stage of the story that I found unsatisfying. There's so much detail and growth in the first half of Fallon and Nora's story, yet when we meet back up with them 10 years later it's as if the issues of the past are no big deal; the romance felt like it progressed too quickly for the time that had elapsed. I was also fairly disappointed in the last two chapters and epilogue - there are some big transitions and decisions being made, but much of the story telling felt rushed with a lot of content left unexplored, a direct juxaposition to the first half of the book. We also don't see any of the supporting characters in the second half, which is a missed opportunity in my opinion given how much of a part they all play in the first half.

Ultimately, what saved this book for me, is the first half of Fallon and Nora's journey. The firecamp, fire fighting and fire mitigation aspects of the novel were also exceptionally depicted and interesting. The downside is that I found those aspects more entertaining than the plot and the romance at times.

Worth a read if you like the story theme and are aware of the pitfalls when it comes to the romance aspects.