Backlist Book of the Month: Willful Machines by Tim Floreen

Fun and cute shippy sci-fi, even for people who don’t usually love sci-fi! (Like me. I do not usually like sci-fi. I liked this book.) And as a bonus, if you love it, Floreen’s got a whole new book out you can buy next!

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The closeted son of an ultra-conservative president must keep a budding romance secret from his father while protecting himself from a sentient computer program that’s terrorizing the United States—and has zeroed in on him as its next target—in this “socially conscious sci-fi thriller to shelve between The Terminator and Romeo and Juliet” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review).

In the near future, scientists create what may be a new form of life: an artificial human named Charlotte. All goes well until Charlotte escapes, transfers her consciousness to the Internet, and begins terrorizing the American public.

Charlotte’s attacks have everyone on high alert—everyone except Lee Fisher, the closeted son of the US president. Lee has other things to worry about, like keeping his Secret Service detail from finding out about his crush on Nico, the eccentric, Shakespeare-obsessed new boy at school. And keeping Nico from finding out about his recent suicide attempt. And keeping himself from freaking out about all his secrets.

But when attacks start happening at his school, Lee realizes he’s Charlotte’s next target. Even worse, Nico may be part of Charlotte’s plan too.

As Lee races to save himself, uncover Charlotte’s plan, and figure out if he can trust Nico, he comes to a whole new understanding of what it means to be alive…and what makes life worth living.

Buy it: Amazon * B&N * Indiebound

Fave Five: LGBTQ Fandom Books

How to Repair a Mechanical Heart by J.C. Lillis

Defying Convention by Cecil Wilde

Gena/Finn by Hannah Moskowitz and Kat Helgeson

Queens of Geek by Jen Wilde

Radio Silence by Alice Oseman

(Bonus: All the Feels by Danika Stone is a fandom YA with a bi LI)

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New Release Spotlight: Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst

Oh hi, this is a book about princesses in love, and yes, it is super happy. Do you need to know anything else? Yeah, I didn’t think so. If you’ve been waiting for a book that finally pairs with Malinda Lo’s Ash and/or Sara Gaines’ Noble Falling and Noble Persuasion, ta da!

25164304Betrothed since childhood to the prince of Mynaria, Princess Dennaleia has always known what her future holds. Her marriage will seal the alliance between Mynaria and her homeland, protecting her people from other hostile lands. But Denna has a secret. She possesses an Affinity for fire—a dangerous gift for the future queen of a kingdom where magic is forbidden.

Now, Denna must learn the ways of her new home while trying to hide her growing magic. To make matters worse, she must learn to ride Mynaria’s formidable warhorses before her coronation—and her teacher is the person who intimidates her most, the prickly and unconventional Princess Amaranthine (called Mare), sister of her betrothed.

When a shocking assassination leaves the kingdom reeling, Mare and Denna reluctantly join forces to search for the culprit. As the two work together, each discovers there’s more to the other than she thought. Mare is surprised by Denna’s intelligence and bravery, while Denna is drawn to Mare’s independent streak. Soon their friendship is threatening to blossom into something more.

But with dangerous conflict brewing that makes the alliance more important than ever, acting on their feelings could be deadly. Forced to choose between their duty and their hearts, Mare and Denna must find a way to save their kingdoms—and each other.

Buy it: IndieBound * Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Book Depository