TomeFoolery
🏳️⚧️They?He?Wha? ☆ M2Genderqueer/questioning ☆ Easy, wholesome, happy sapphic ☆ Every time I see a butch I wish I was a lesbian ☆ Such a fucking Mood Reader ☆ ADHD ☆ Anti-Bigotry Killjoy
12878 points
September 2026
4.26 average · 58 reviews
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TLDR: Great story, characters, world building, narration, BDSM, depicts world's depravities without overwhelming.
The story is good, drawing you in immediately with the 'what next?' factor and thrilling scenes balanced with quieter moments of expression and reflection without exposition. The story chugs along steadily, events happen due to sensible reasons in a sensible order, there are no plot holes, no unnecessary drama, no dubious decision making, and no third-act breakup.
The story also exhibits bursts of very enjoyable and surprising cleverness, using them to further flesh out characters, their capabilities, and mental fortitude. All characters are well-realized and distinct, in personalities and appearance. I really felt each of them being different but very believably real people. There are no pushovers.
The world-building is intriguing, detailed, and great. There are a variety of supernatural beings; there are vampires and werewolves, but also mentions of sirens, and faery, but the emphasis is on fiends (demons), and they immediately piqued my interest and did not disappoint. The rules of the universe make sense and everything is well explained when it comes up. Small lingering but-what-about-isms are answered in subsequent books.
Scenes depicting the depravity of our world are very well-written and finely balanced. I truly felt everything, just enough to be enraged, heartbroken and horrified, but eases off so that I would not breakdown into tears, overwhelmed with crippling sadness. I can be easily and heavily triggered by the slightest of misconduct and abuse, incapacitating me for hours, sometimes days, and this is the single biggest criterion for me when choosing a book, series, or movie.
Allie Shae's narration is hands down INCREDIBLE. On par with or maybe even better than Angela Dawe, Lori Prince, Abby Craden, at least in these stories! She brings the situations, characters, and emotions ALIVE!
AND THE SEX SCENES. OH GOD THE SEX SCENES!!! It's fully consensual, and BDSM so well-written, I could see, feel, and understand how and why these can be so much fun!! The romance is healthy and sweet.
The only thing I disliked was the somewhat slower progress of the story because the sex scenes, once they start, are somewhat clumped together. Eventually they space out again.
I have relistened to it several times within a few months.
This is now one of my favorite series and I have read all other books including the cis-het ones which are also great!
In Kiss Of Seduction, the story is premised around themes of sex-trafficking, with flashes of slavery, effectively communicating their horrors and detestability.
I cried out for Eve, Amanda, Natalya, and felt anger, pain, and disgust for everyone turned from people into property by human greed and depravity.
Natalya and Eve's love for each other is so powerful, so pure, so all in, and so well written!!! I was shook!! Natalya's patience and compassion, and Eve's courage and determination shine through at every opportunity!
One of the sweetest stories. The love and friendships feel real. The estrangement is not some stupid roll your eyes plot device; the reasons behind them are maddenning, frustrating, infuriating and really gives the feel for the kind of minefields queer people are forced to naviagte in ordinary situations. All the characters are lovely; Poppy's mom is a hilarious standout and the story is well-supported by friends and families. The angst, the yearning, the pain are all real and deep but they are kept light with humour and banter. A standout is that forgiveness comes after real labor to make amends.
Usually I really don't look forward to flashbacks. They my least favorite story-telling device; I like things to happen in the present, with the past conveyed via thoughts and dialogues.
I especially dread flashbacks in romances - they inevitably leads to the heartbreak and I hate heartbreaks.
The ONLY time I have ever eagerly awaited flashbacks are in 'On The Same Page by Haley Cass'. However, Poppy Jenkins' flashbacks were quite nice.
Easily, one of my all time favorites. This was my first Clare Ashton and I am looking forward to her other works. I really hope they come out with an excellent audiobook soon; the story, characters, and banter will all gain another dimension of immersion with the right narrator.
You are driving your new convertible with the top down on a two week vacation in gorgeous scenery and weather. You pick up a few hitch hikers along the way. They are all awesome. The conversations are amazing. You are friends for life. The car gets a flat tire. The car has a spare. Your new friends change it and you all are on your way again. You and one hitch hiker are perfect for each other and fall in love. There is great coffee at hand.
Most of the people I regularly chat with and have some camaraderie with are here. I found them here, so I kinda need to post this here, so I am, nervously.
I am realizing I may not be as male as I always thought I am.
This is not directly related to books, but it seems they have played a not insignificant role in this.
I have been asking other queers, and apparently,
"never read a single romance all my life but now for the past 3.5 years have read nothing except sapphic romances" , "couldn't bear to read anything with primarily cis-het relationships" , "the more sapphic romances I read the more I wish I was a lesbian" ,
are big flags that things may not be as straight as I thought they are.
The more I read those romances, the more I ached for the company of lesbians, and eventually, by happenstance an opportunity landed in my lap and I wasn't expecting anything but for several days I was among queer people and I had never felt so relaxed and accepted and comfortable in my life and I have rarely befriended people this easily.
I blurted out all this to some of them at a party and they said, "Yeah, we were picking up on your queer vibes". And I was dumbfounded, like, I have queer vibes??? Apparently the more I interacted with them over several days, the stronger my 'queer vibes' became.
I am suddenly feeling so relaxed all the time, and the constant undercurrent of unwarranted fear that has constantly played in my mind's background has suddenly ameliorated.
Somehow, over 3.5 years, the books precipitated all this, and the safe space in this community where I could unreservedly like and discuss all the queer erotica and raunchy stuff and realizing how much more I enjoyed that over discussing cis-het erotica played a big role in helping me express myself.
I am confused but mostly excited and what the hell is going on...
Oldest Queer Circulating Library in USA!
Takes them a few months to process the card but they are great!
Update: One can use Google Maps and enter a legitimate residential address in USA (North America?)
Update : apparently one can just enter n/a for address
Who would make your list of best girlfriends?
Book list from all the replies
Galvanized by the recent Lesbian Visibility Week, I wanted to express my love for my favorite Sapphics in fiction and wax poetic about why they are the best sapphic partner ever! I read sapphic romances almost exclusively, and I want to know the favorites of other perusers of sapphic romances.
Of course, they don't have to be lesbians or cis. Anyone who qualifies for the sapphic romance label is eligible!
It doesn't have to be a pure romance either! Romance + {Sci-fi, Fantasy, whatever} works just as well.
Just so long as you are willing to write WHY they are amazing!
This may necessitate mild spoilers, but please refrain from giving up the golden egg in your response!
And please, Book Name + Author Name so others can find the books without ambiguity!
Feel free to gush over in up to 15 entries!
I will start (OH MY GOD I WILL BE HERE ALL DAY!!!)
Caroline Parker
When You Least Expect It by Haley Cass
She was the first character ever, among all the sapphic romances I have listened to (which I began in Oct 2022) that left me in awe.
She is so caring, compassionate, considerate, competent, generous and loving - if someone sat down to design the best person, they couldn't do much better than Caroline!! She supports her family selflessly. She supports Hannah in every way possible: as a lawyer, a woman, a friend, turning every difficult day of Hannah's into something good and memorable. Despite her thinking Hannah is straight and she will not get anything more than friendship.
I was floating, and I have listened to this book soooo many times! All so I can feel Caroline's love for Hannah.
Stephanie Renshaw and Rae Coleman
The Roommate Arrangement By Jae
DO you know how many times I have re-listened to this book! Rhetorical question; I will NEVER stop re-listening to this book!
Steph and Rae care so much for each other, not because of any deep attraction, but simply because they are such good people who care deeply about others. The way Steph helps Rae -- invisibly when in public; helping Rae get out of her shell and the way Rae makes all Steph's bad days good. It is like watching a ping-pong of caring.
Regan Gallagher
The Snowball Effect by Haley Cass
Haley Cass herself wrote the glowing praise for the miracle that is Regan at the end of the book; and I feel exactly the same! Paraphrasing some of it because redundant.
Regan is someone who tries and tries and tries and never let anyone or anything stop her from caring and supporting the people she cares about, and the people they care about! She seemingly effortlessly brings people together despite their history and hurt, puts people at ease and makes them feel safe to be themselves and finds the good in everyone. And she does it all in a light-hearted manner and seamlessly, naturally, never letting anyone feel like she did anything special for them at all. Yet no one can mistreat her or take her affections for granted. She is strong and courageous and speaks up in the face of wrong and did not let the world's opinions break her. Regan is often loud, and she uses her loudness to help people.
Samantha Thompson
Who'd Have Thought by G Benson
Sam! Oh Sam! Sam is honest, clear, direct, non-manipulative, and despite the poker face and flat tone, wears her heart on her sleeve, and expresses her feelings without reservation. She is compassionate and conscientious. Generous of heart and spirit!
Shelby Sutton
Chasing a Brighter Blue by Gerri Hill
Shelby! Shelby is soft and warm and kind and sweet and has steel in her spine. She listened to Regan so patiently and lovingly, and alternative perspective of such wisdom. She makes re-listening to this book again and again so rewarding...!!!
Daria Fitzgerald
Just As You Are by Camille Kellog
Daria cares. That's who she is. She is honest and straight-forward. She helps not just people important to her, but everyone around who ought to be helped. Whether it is recommending deserving people to help further their careers, taking steps on behalf of those who are too unsure of themselves to do it for themselves, fighting tooth and nail to save a magazine, forgiving people for the mistakes they make, visiting and helping injured near-strangers at their home, without being showy or flashy. Daria is quiet, and helps people quietly.
Riley Foster
Love Next Door by Rachael Sommers
Riley naturally slips into the role of a friend to both Kim and her son. She is so easy-going and reassuring in an understated way. She is not shy of taking digs at problematic parents, upended her whole life to look after her sister, and has shaped a happy life despite all the struggles. She appreciates the same in Kim.
Luna
Witching Moon by Poppy Woods
Despite being a celestial, Luna gets the humanity in Alandra and stands up to Alandra's parents for her. She is kind, and senses Alandra's power when no one else does. She is ready to die for Alandra. Also, her attempts to adjust in the modern world are funny.
Leslie Raymond
A Wish Upon a Star By Jeannie Levig
I could feel how caring Leslie was as I listened to the book. It also highlighted to me that the un-thanked job of cooking and cleaning is a vital and straight-forward way to taking care of people. Leslie intuitively recognizes and addresses the needs of the other MCs autistic child, looks after the other MC when the latter is ill, and does it all like it is no big deal. She is rock solid support, good company. calm, and collected, and not afraid of acknowledging and addressing her mistakes.
Sydney MacKenzie
Broken Beyond Repair By Emily Banting
Sydney takes care of Beatrice in every way, befriends Beatrice's child, helping both of them feel seen and cared for, and helping cement their bond. She protects Beatrice against her asshole ex-husband. She is also not afraid of getting physical to protect Beatrice! I love her ability to physically confront and defeat a threat by using their over-confidence against them.
Winter Sullivan
Just a Touch Away by Jae
Winter shows up uninvited but needed. There's an assertiveness to her care—she doesn't wait to be asked, she goes. Winter was willing to give up a multi-million dollar inheritance to protect Hannah's interest. When Hannah leaves to attend to her mother's injury, Winter tracks Hannah down to the hospital and offers her some much needed support, cleans the blood in the house so Hannah's family doesn't come back to a blood soaked house, and consciously moves past the hurt of bad parenting to build a healthy relationship with Hannah.
Rosalyn Thorn
Poppy Jenkins by Clare Ashton
Rosalyn made a huge mistake. She recognized and acknowledged it. She apologized and begged forgiveness. Then she made amends. Lots of amends. Silently, quietly, without letting anyone know. As much as humanly possible it is to make amends, Rosalyn made amends. As much as anyone can earn forgiveness, Rosalyn earned forgiveness. She did the work. Rosalyn helped Poppy without anyone knowing. Rosalyn fought to help the town that ostracized and mistreated her, simply because the town was important to Poppy. Rosalyn stood up to bullies and criminals hurting Poppy, hurting Poppy's beloved town, found the problems plaguing them and used her brains and gumption to correct them. In return, she continued getting scorn and brickbats, even from Poppy. Rosalyn did not let that stop her. Rosalyn persevered. Roslyn made amends.
Angela Norwood
Green Eyed Monster by Rawnie Sabor
Angela! Impatient, blunt, irritable, kind, smart, clever, brave, caring, irreverent, iconoclastic, EFFICIENT Angela! Who can think on her feet, under intense pressure, and has no qualms about facing danger head-on!
TomeFoolery commented...
I am always flummoxed that consuming media portraying violence including murder is far more acceptable (it's an action movie!) than consuming media portraying non-sexual romance.
I was raised in a conservative country, and the blanket restriction to materials about romantic relationships only made me completely unprepared for the real world when I turned 18. I made many egregious mistakes in my relationships because I never had any perspective on anything romantic, or seemingly romantic. All I had access to was misogynistic movies that portrayed stalking and harassment of a woman by a man as the epitome of romance where the man would then win the woman over. Access to healthy romance materials when I was 12 would have helped tremendously.
It is far more effective to educate parents about how they can teach their children to protect themselves. But that depends on the kind of childhood and adulthood parents are going through. It is difficult for parents to prioritize teaching their kids caution on the internet if the parent is struggling to make ends meet, or dealing with medical problems without social support. All that ties into the current socioeconomic systems.
Any technological tool implemented to purportedly thwart these challenges are invariably used for far more nefarious purposes, like collecting data and profiling individuals who may (rightly) challenge the government and the industrial complexes they serve.
A systemic change in the socioeconomic systems and culture is the only stable and effective solution in minimizing such transgressions. It is completely undoable for any platform.
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TomeFoolery commented...
This society is so shitty. It has convinced us all that everything is a competition.
nerve, this isn't. The person who has read more books in the quest or gets higher badges first is not 'better' than anyone else in the quest.
Have you read the book? Do you remember any salient point at all about it? That is more then enough. You have read the book.
I know I read the Princess Diaries as a kid but it somehow feels sneaky to mark it as read, especially because it’ll be my 20th book for this quest!
Anyone have any throwback books that you’ve marked for a little boost?
(edit: I think the way I worded this brought us into the eternal “does it count??” discussion. everyone reads and logs books in their own way and for their own reasons, I’m just curious about old reads you’ve dredged up/a quest brought back into your consciousness!)
Do you have a book that you’ve been eyeing, but haven’t followed through on reading?
Drop a book you’re considering reading and let others reply with a gif that matches that book’s vibes/mood/theme - spoiler free though!
Maybe you’ll get some extra motivation to read it, or maybe you’ll get that sign that it’s not for you!
Happy reading, Boundlings! Wishing everyone a lovely upcoming weekend 🩷☀️🌿
