Have a staycation by opening a book.

 

Prophet – Helene MacDonald & Sin Blache

It’s great to still come across unique books. Prophet was so incredibly clever, new, and thought provoking that I just loved it. It’s one of those you want to be optioned to see what they do with it!

Rao, a troubled enigma, sourced to work in the intelligence forces for his unique skills of knowing when ‘something is not,’ be that physically or verbally, makes him an asset in demand. Regardless of how much work his antics and unique personality are to manage. His often ‘handler,’ Adam, is the opposite, a straight down the line, automaton officer that even machines could get jealous of. But when a situation within the murky trenches of the ‘higher up’ facilities where a synthetic drug has been administered to subjects displaying worrying results, where their nostalgia ignites physical manifestations that cause horrific consequences. Rao looks like their best chance at recovering from annihilation by teddy bear.

 

There's Nothing Wrong with Her – Kate Weinberg

Vita Woods is not well. She has a successful and interesting career, a doctor boyfriend and a goldfish called Whitney Houston, but she cannot leave the house and the slightest exertion in her life can leave her debilitated for hours, if not days. She is not speaking to her sister, Gracie, a complicated but close sistership rooted in a very dysfunctional upbringing and due to her inability to engage with the public, is very isolated and not looking like recovery is anywhere in the distance. Then one day she has a chance encounter with her neighbour that starts a series of events that test her way of engaging with her inexplainable illness.

I love that this book was written. Highlighting how the power of having a connection can make or break us. A fantastically written fictional narrative about how the body and mind responds to trauma, reminded us that we can’t explain everything away with science and fix it with drugs.

 

EVOCATION - S.T. Gibson 

“Evocation,” the first instalment in The Summoner’s Circle series, marks a vibrant entry into the urban fantasy genre by S.T. Gibson. This novel intertwines elements of fantasy, romance, and LGBTQ+ themes into a narrative that is both spellbinding and grounded in emotional complexity.

The story follows David Aristarkhov, a former psychic prodigy and now a high-powered Boston attorney, who also serves as a medium for a secret society. As David approaches his thirtieth birthday, he finds himself haunted by a familial curse and the looming threat of the Devil coming to claim what’s due. In a desperate move, David reconnects with his ex-boyfriend and rival, Rhys, through Rhys’s wife, Moira, setting the stage for a thrilling and intricate tale of magic, mysticism, ego power struggles and unresolved pasts.

Evocation has compelling polyamorous romance, richly drawn characters, and Gibson’s strong and enthralling prose. Evocation is a promising start to a new series that offers a unique blend of modern urban fantasy and queer romance.

 

One Summer by Taylor Cole

“One Summer” by Taylor Cole is a delightful and heart-warming rom-com that perfectly captures the essence of an enemies-to-lovers romance. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Loor Island, the story follows Caleb, a former professional surfer recovering from a career-ending accident, and Lindy, a newcomer to the island who creates jewellery from sea glass. Their initial encounters are anything but friendly, but as they spend the summer as neighbours, their animosity slowly transforms into friendship and eventually, something more. Exploring themes of healing, forgiveness, and the power of love to overcome past traumas but also a deliciously witty and animal filled romance, set in an idyllic setting. Total beach read vibes!

 

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