Welcome to this week’s edition of Stacks & Spoons, a weekly newsletter for bookish girls, gays and theys, written by author Jen Wilde. If you enjoy it, make sure to subscribe here.
With February being Black History Month and today being Valentine’s Day, what better time to share some books about Black, queer, love?
I’m opening comments on this post so I invite you to share some of your favourite books by Black, queer authors! Fic or nonfic, share the love!
How To Find A Princess by Alyssa Cole
Alyssa Cole is known for her swoon-worthy adult romances, and this one is no different. This is a queer retelling of Anastasia, the romance between a long-lost princess and the investigator hired to find her. Tropes include fake engagements and There’s Only One Bed.
I’m So Not Over You by Kosoko Jackson
What would you do if an ex asked you to pretend to still be together while their parents were in town? That’s the dilemma Kian faces in this Lambda Literary Award Winner. If fake dating is your trope of choice, move this to the top of your TBR now.
The Secret Summer Promise by Keah Brown
After spending last summer recovering from her latest surgery for her cerebral palsy, Andrea is determined to make this summer the best one ever. All she has to do first is fall out of love with her best friend.
As You Walk On By by Julian Winters
The Breakfast Club meets Can’t Hardly Wait. What else do you need to know?
Friday I’m In Love by Camryn Garret
If the cover doesn’t give you an idea of how gorgeously queer this book is, just know that it’s about a Black teen throwing herself a coming-out party. Mahalia works extra shifts and dedicates everything she has to come out on her own terms.
Can’t Resist Her By Kianna Alexander
Second chance love, anyone? A teacher trying to save the school her grandmother founded discovers that the girl she kissed at their senior-year dance is now on the architectural team trying to ‘revitalize’ the neighbourhood.
D'Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding by Chencia C. Higgins
D’Vaughn and Kris enter a reality competition show to plan their wedding and get the chance to win $100,000. All they have to do is convince everybody that their relationship is real.
You Should See Me In A Crown by Leah Johnson
Liz doesn’t usually like the spotlight, but winning Prom Queen would grant her a scholarship and a way out of her midwestern town. But with the cute new girl running for the same crown, Liz wonders if more than one dream could come true.
Take A Hint Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert
The second in the Brown Sisters series by Talia Hibbert, this bisexual romance has charm, steam, and sweetness.
Outdrawn by Deanna Grey
Noah and Sage have been rivals in the comic industry since college. When a huge project comes along, they must put their competitiveness aside. But working together leads to feelings on a whole new level.
“An empowering kids-versus-corporation quest packed full of disability pride.”
– KIRKUS starred review
IT’S BEEN 4 MONTHS.
Contact your reps to demand a ceasefire:
Find a protest to attend wherever you are in the world.
And remember to keep sharing and amplifying Palestinian voices. Don’t stop talking about Gaza.
None of us are free until all of us are free.
ICYMI…
Previously, on Stacks & Spoons:
Disabled people don't exist to inspire you.
Who's In My Burn Book This Week? Justin Timberlake.
The Lesbian Feminist Noir Comedy Getting Me Through Covid
Thank you so much for sharing TSSP, friend!!