Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Stephanie Lee

@smmut-hut.bsky.social

November was ARCs, angst, and cowboys.💑#MMRomance #MMRomanceReads #MMBooksky

Graphic featuring a canopy of bright orange and yellow autumn leaves framing a clear blue sky. In the center, bold green text reads ‘November READS.’ A small handle at the bottom left reads ‘@smmuthut.bsky.social.

Graphic with an orange autumn-themed background displaying a 4×4 grid of book covers. Titles shown include: Snapping the Ice by Christie Gordon; Hearts on Ice by Denver Shaw; Secrets of Dawn by April Kelley; Scoring the Player by Kit Grey; Off Base and At Attention by Annabeth Albert (with pink headphone icons indicating audiobooks); The Postie by Casey Morales; Tempting the Teammate by Hayden Hall; His Gift Omega Auction by MM Farmer; The Bright Side by S. Bolanos; A Siren Song for Christmas by Gigi Rivers; The Fixer by Kaje Harper; Ginger Snapped by Sarah Honey; Beyond Protection by Declan Rhodes; Blind Ride by BA Tortuga; and Wishing Hearts by Emmy Sanders. Handle at the bottom reads ‘@smmut-hut.bsky.social.

Autumn-themed graphic with warm orange and yellow leaves in the background. A grid of six book covers is displayed: Bear Creek Thanksgiving by Alexander Elliott; Choose Me by Bek Grey (with pink headphone icons indicating audiobook); John Wilder Gets Schooled by Lisa Henry & Sarah Honey; Mighty the Fallen by Dianna Roman; Protecting Jonah by Fel Fern; and His Prodigal Alpha by Anna Sparrows (also marked with pink headphone icons). The handle ‘@smmut-hut.bsky.social’ appears at the bottom.

December 1, 2025 at 5:58 PM

Stephanie Lee

@smmut-hut.bsky.social

OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG

November 19, 2025 at 9:42 PM

Stephanie Lee

@smmut-hut.bsky.social

Dear lord, @kitgrey.bsky.social I cannot BREATH! This book destroyed me in the absolute best way. I was ugly crying and rooting for Arnaz and Salem to get through it. Do yourself a favor and read this immediately. #mmromance #mmromancereads #mmbooksky app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/20d7...

A review graphic for the book Scoring the Player by Kit Grey, part of the "Chasing Rings" series (Book Two). The book cover shows a basketball court with two jerseys labeled “Cade 05” and “Jones 07.” Text and emojis around the cover summarize the review:

At the top, under “How I felt,” there are emojis showing a range of emotions — heart eyes, angry, devil, flushed, teary-eyed, and crying.

On the left, “Spice” is rated with four chili pepper emojis.

Below that, “Angst Level” is labeled “High” with a weary face emoji.

On the right, “Tropes” are listed: Hurt/comfort, Mental health rep, Basketball.

At the bottom, there are six red heart emojis indicating a strong positive rating.

The background is a gradient of gray tones.

November 8, 2025 at 12:33 AM

Stephanie Lee

@smmut-hut.bsky.social

Had another great month of reading about boys kissing. #mmromance #mmromancereads #mmbooksky

A Halloween-themed image featuring a person dressed as a ghost holding a black cat with bright orange eyes. The background shows a softly blurred, spooky house glowing with warm orange light. The text reads “October Reads” in creepy, dripping red-and-white letters for “October” and bone-shaped letters for “Reads.” At the bottom, green text reads “@smmut-hut.bsky.social.”

A collage of sixteen romance book covers displayed in four rows against a dark gray and orange background. Titles include:
Top row — Keep You Safe by Annabeth Albert, Hunted Mate by Sue Brown, Marry Me Maybe by Sage Abbott, and Code Name: Skotos by Casey Morales.
Second row — Cinder by D.N. Bryn, The Frog Prince by A.M. Rose, Rumpelstilzchen by Sam Northman, and Snow White and the Seven Little Misters by Kit Barrie.
Third row — Naiad’s Kiss by Gigi Rivers, Because You Rejected Me by Blake R. Wolfe, Quarterback Drill by Christie Gordon, and Skating to Him by Christie Gordon.
Bottom row — Hexmate by Blake R. Wolfe, Our Accidental Christmas Waiting by Jena Wade and Lorelei M. Hart, The Nook for Brooks by Robin Knight, and Idol Prize by K.T. Salvo.
At the bottom, green text reads “@smmut-hut.bsky.social.”

A collage of eight romance book covers displayed in two rows against a dark gray and orange background. Titles include:
Top row — Dryad Try Again by C.D. Rachels, Kellan & Emmett by Denver Shaw, No Contest by Declan Rhodes, and A Phoenix Reborn at Christmas by Gigi Rivers.
Bottom row — Voyageurs by Keira Andrews, Marble & Bronze by Emmaline Strange, Guys Like Him by Aimee Nicole Walker, and Alpha Awakened by Christie Tomlinson.
At the bottom, green text reads “@smmut-hut.bsky.social.”

November 1, 2025 at 4:46 PM

Stephanie Lee

@smmut-hut.bsky.social

@blakerwolfe.bsky.social why is this the most beautiful book cover I’ve ever seen??!! 😍😍

The cover of the book Hexmate by Blake R. Wolfe. A drawing of a large werewolf holding a smaller blond man with white roses in the background.

October 7, 2025 at 12:51 AM

Stephanie Lee

@smmut-hut.bsky.social

Sweet gentle Jesus, these cowboys had me swooning and crying and sweating. Get this book IMMEDIATELY when it comes out. #mmromance #mmromancereads #mmbooksky app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/4b8e...

Graphic book review of Marry Me, Maybe? by Sage Abbott, part of the Bristlecone Springs series. The book cover features a cowboy in an open shirt against a dramatic purple sunset sky, holding a rope. Around the cover are review notes: “Spice” with four chili pepper emojis, “Angst Level High” with a pained face emoji, and “How I felt” with heart eyes, teary eyes, anguished face, and crying emojis. Listed tropes include: BFFs-Enemies-Lovers, Single dad, Age gap, Hurt/comfort, and Cowboys. At the bottom are five red heart emojis indicating a five-star rating.

October 3, 2025 at 11:30 PM

Stephanie Lee

@smmut-hut.bsky.social

OMG @theaverdone.bsky.social has done it again!! A fantastic gothic romance perfect for spooky season. #mmromance #mmromancereads #mmbooksky app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/8834...

A colorful graphic review of the book What Death Forgets by Thea Verdone. The cover art shows two men kissing under a gothic, moonlit sky. Around the cover are review elements: At the top, emojis show “How I felt” — heart eyes, crying face, flushed sweating face, and teary-eyed smile. On the left, chili pepper icons indicate high spice, and a grimacing face icon notes “Angst Level High.” On the right, text lists tropes: “Hurt comfort, Age gap, Gothic tale.” At the bottom, a row of five red hearts suggests a five-star rating.

September 30, 2025 at 6:22 PM

Stephanie Lee

@smmut-hut.bsky.social

September was all ARCs all the time. I regret nothing. 🤣 #mmromance #mmromancereads #mmbooksky

September 30, 2025 at 6:18 PM

Stephanie Lee

@smmut-hut.bsky.social

POV: reading one of your favorite authors from Portland, ME while vacationing in Portland, ME @mawardell.bsky.social

September 10, 2025 at 12:48 AM

Stephanie Lee

@smmut-hut.bsky.social

Summer reading is over and it finished really well. A lot of ARCs this month. #mmromance #mmromancereads #mmbooksky

Bright graphic with large bold text reading “AUGUST READS” in aqua blue letters outlined in orange and yellow. The background is a close-up photo of pink flowers against a soft blue sky. In the bottom left corner is the text “@smmut-hut.bsky.social” in small aqua blue font.

A collage of sixteen book covers arranged in four rows of four on a gradient yellow-to-pink background. Titles and authors include:
Top row — The Laws of Nature by Jem Blackwing, Mr. Collins in Love by Lee Welch, Underhill by Harper Fox, Once Upon a Western Shore by Harper Fox.
Second row — For the Love of a Ghost by Jackie North, Perfectly Imperfect Pixie by MJ May, His Pirate by Stephanie Lake, Puck Wild by Declan Rhodes.
Third row — The Christmas Leap by Keira Andrews, The Christmas Veto by Keira Andrews, Let Your Hearts Be Light by Fae Quin, Pippin & Nacho by Courtney W. Dixon.
Bottom row — The Handyman’s Brother by Shae Michaels, Little Red Riding Hood by T.J. Rose, Claimed by the Bookstore Alpha by Raven Crane, Prince of the Northwest Forest by Leslie McAdam.
At the bottom is the text “@smmut-hut.bsky.social” in muted purple.

A collage of seven book covers displayed in two rows on a gradient yellow-to-pink background. Titles and authors include:
Top row — Fated Mates and How to Seduce Them by AJ Sherwood, Powder & Pavlova by Jay Hogan, Free Fall by Leta Blake, Free Heart by Leta Blake.
Bottom row — Spinning to the Goal by Christie Gordon, Alpha’s Claim by Aspen Grey, Bunny Hop Beau by Soren Summers.
At the bottom left is the text “@smmut-hut.bsky.social” in muted purple.

September 2, 2025 at 4:33 PM

Stephanie Lee

@smmut-hut.bsky.social

If you haven't read any Harper Fox, do yourself a favor and dive in right away. Always emotional and enough spice to keep you turning those pages. I just finished the 9th book in the Tyack & Frayne mysteries series and I love her even more. #mmromance #mmromancereads #mmbooksky

A collage of nine book covers from the "Tyack & Frayne Mysteries" series by Harper Fox, displayed against a backdrop of rolling green hills. The covers are:

Once Upon a Haunted Moor – A silhouette of a person walking beside a barbed wire fence in a misty field.

Tinsel Fish – A lone figure walking on a snowy path.

Don't Let Go – Two hands clasped together in a monochrome close-up.

Kitto – A grayscale portrait of a man with curly hair.

Guardians of the Haunted Moor – Black and white image of leaves and a partial face.

Preacher, Prophet, Beast – Two men’s faces overlayed with a burning building.

Third Solstice – A person gazing at a starry night sky.

Underhill (A Halloween Story) – A green-tinted spooky hill with a crooked house under a full moon.

Once Upon a Western Shore – A person walking down a path bordered by colorful foliage.

Text at the bottom left corner reads: "@smmut-hut.bsky.social"

August 5, 2025 at 9:13 PM

Stephanie Lee

@smmut-hut.bsky.social

I didn't read so much in July, but the quality was good. #mmromance #mmromancereads #mmbooksky

3D illustration featuring a fun summer scene with bold pink text that reads "JULY READS" at the top left. In the foreground, a pineapple with green leaves, wearing yellow sunglasses, relaxes inside a pink flamingo pool float on calm blue water. The background includes soft pastel skies, abstract yellow clouds, and a minimal desert-like landscape. At the bottom, the handle "@smmut-hut.bsky.social" is written in white text.

A digital collage titled “July Reads” featuring 20 romance book covers arranged in a 5x4 grid over a light blue water background. The covers showcase a variety of shirtless or romantically posed men, hinting at themes of LGBTQ+ romance and passion. Titles include:

Camping with the Boss by D.K. Sutton

The Bend in the River by Robin Knight

The Ex in Xmas by Robin Knight

The Heart Strings of Harry by Robin Knight

Heroes for Ghosts by Jackie North

Honey from the Lion by Jackie North

Wild with the West Texas Wind by Jackie North

Ride the Whirlwind by Jackie North

Depths of Desire by Hayden Hall

Buried Past by Declan Rhodes

Hemingway’s Notebook by Jackie North

Bloody Temptations by Ali Woods

Coach by Casey Morales

The First Turn by Ryan Reed

Brothersong by T.J. Klune

At the bottom is the handle "@smmut-hut.bsky.social" in bold purple text.

A digital collage over a shimmering pool water background featuring 8 LGBTQ+ romance book covers arranged in two rows. The titles, authors, and cover styles vary in tone from whimsical to fantasy and sports-themed. The books are:

Top row (left to right):

Danny Hall Gets a Lawyer by Lisa Henry & Sarah Honey – cartoon-style cover with two men standing side by side.

The Silver Dragon Prince by M.M. Farmer – a sparkly purple fantasy-themed cover.

The Emerald Dragon Prince by M.M. Farmer – green fantasy cover in the same series.

Wrong Number, Right Bear by Colette Davison and Lorelei M. Hart – shirtless man and bear shifter imagery.

Bottom row (left to right):
5. Finn’s Fake Boyfriend by Shae Michaels – illustrated man holding a dog with a lake and trees behind.
6. The Trouble with Nerds by April Kelley – a man in glasses with glowing green text and magical vibes.
7. Changes / On Ice by Kaje Harper – a split cover featuring a football player and a hockey player, labeled as “Changes Book 3.”

At the bottom is the handle "@smmut-hut.bsky.social" in bold purple text.

August 2, 2025 at 12:16 AM

Stephanie Lee

@smmut-hut.bsky.social

After reading Mia West's Sons of Britain series earlier this year, I went back and read the Into the Fire prequel series and whoo boy is it fantastic. #mmromance #mmromancereads #mmboosky app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/1432...

A colorful review graphic for the book Into the Fire by Mia West features a serious-looking man in medieval armor at the center, surrounded by various emojis and notes. At the top, under the heading "How I felt," are emojis expressing love, shock, stress, and teary joy. On the left, the spice level is shown with four chili pepper emojis, and the angst level is marked as "low" with a weary face emoji. On the right, listed tropes include “Friends to lovers” and “Period piece.” At the bottom, the reviewer gives the book six red hearts, indicating a strong positive rating. The background is a gradient of soft green to blue.

July 11, 2025 at 8:54 PM

Stephanie Lee

@smmut-hut.bsky.social

A great #pride month of reading. Keep up the good fight all. #mmromance #mmromancereads #mmbooksky

Illustration with a vibrant rainbow gradient background and the words “JUNE READS” in bold, multicolored striped text. At the center, two hands—one dark-skinned and one light-skinned—form a heart shape, each wearing rainbow-striped wristbands. Below, a row of raised hands hold various LGBTQ+ pride flags, including lesbian, pansexual, asexual, rainbow, aromantic, transgender, and nonbinary flags, celebrating Pride Month and inclusive reading.

A colorful collage of fifteen LGBTQ+ romance book covers arranged in a 5x3 grid against a rainbow gradient background. Titles and authors include:

Tameron by Nora Phoenix & E.M. Lindsey

Husky Love by Gabbi Grey (with pink headphones icon)

Duty and Desire by K.C. Wells

Tales of an Enticed Earl by Merry Farmer

Icing the Play by Christie Gordon

The Malevolent Sea by Ellis Colton

Tempest by Kiki Clark

Omega’s Unexpected by Tammy Knight

Ravensong by TJ Klune (with pink headphones icon)

Puppy Pride by Gabbi Grey

Hometown Harbor by Declan Rhodes

Alpha’s Two Omegas by Hope Bennett

My Demon Rebound by Ashlynn Mills

Whispers of Home by April Kelley

Ice Rivals by Christie Gordon (with pink headphones icon)

A Star to Sail By by Joy Lynn Fielding

At the bottom is the handle "@smmut-hut.bsky.social" in white text, indicating the source or curator of the book list. The image celebrates diverse queer romance stories for Pride Month.

A second colorful collage of LGBTQ+ romance book covers set against a rainbow gradient background. This collection features ten titles arranged in two rows. From left to right, top to bottom, the covers and authors are:

Hot Doggin’ by Raquel Riley

Undone by Leslie McAdam

Between the Pipes by V.L. Locey

Road to Cowboy by Amy Aislin

The Sapphire Dragon Prince by M. Farmer

Heartsong by TJ Klune (with pink headphones icon)

Omega Rescue by R.T. Scott

Stirring Spurs by M.A. Wardell

Midnight Rules by April Kelley

The bottom of the image features the handle “@smmut-hut.bsky.social” in white text. This Pride-themed collection highlights queer romance stories across diverse genres including fantasy, sports, westerns, and paranormal.

July 1, 2025 at 4:21 PM

Stephanie Lee

@smmut-hut.bsky.social

Look, the world is awful but we can still enjoy videos of Lando Norris giving hot men the up down 👀👀

June 26, 2025 at 1:11 AM

Stephanie Lee

@smmut-hut.bsky.social

I read the Green Creek series last summer, and this summer I listened to it and HOLY HELL! TJ Klune writes a hell of a book and Kirt Graves' narration had me bawling. Go out and read these books immediately. #mmromance #mmromancereads #mmbooksky

A quote set against a mystical, forested night sky with stars, a full moon, and howling wolves reads: “We’re here now because we chose each other. In the end, it’s always been about choice.” — Ravensong. Below the quote, four book covers from TJ Klune’s Green Creek series are displayed in a row: Wolfsong, Ravensong, Heartsong, and Brothersong. Each cover features illustrated wolves in vibrant, color-themed landscapes. A black raven flies near the quote. The handle @smmut-hut.bsky.social appears at the bottom.

June 25, 2025 at 8:53 PM

Stephanie Lee

@smmut-hut.bsky.social

What if Pirates of the Caribbean but more gay? I 👏 am 👏 here 👏 for 👏 it 👏. #mmromance #mmromancereads #mmbooksky

A graphic featuring the cover of the romance novel A Star to Sail By by Joy Lynn Fielding. The cover shows a man with curly brown hair wearing an open white shirt, standing in front of a backdrop with tall sailing ships at sea. Around the cover are illustrated emojis and text describing the book. At the top, under the heading "How I felt," there are three emojis: heart eyes, overwhelmed face, and teary-eyed happy face. To the left, a “Spice” label with two chili pepper emojis, and below that, “Angst Level: Low” with a pained face emoji. To the right, a “Tropes” list includes: Period piece, Opposites attract, Hurt/comfort, First time, and Pirates. At the bottom is a rating of 4 out of 5 red hearts. The background gradient shifts from light green to blue.

June 18, 2025 at 11:40 PM

Stephanie Lee

@smmut-hut.bsky.social

Gimmie @christiegordon.bsky.social books all day, every day💑

June 3, 2025 at 9:49 PM

Stephanie Lee

@smmut-hut.bsky.social

A couple of re-reads, a few ARCs, a bit of mystery, with a splash of shifter this month. A lot of good ones. #mmromance #mmromancereads #mmbooksky

Illustration featuring the text "May Reads" in bold green letters on a soft leafy background. Below the text is a stack of vintage books with green and brown covers, adorned with leafy branches. Birds are flying near a tree branch in the top right corner, adding a springtime, nature-inspired feel.

A collage of 18 LGBTQ+ romance and mystery book covers arranged in a 4x5 grid on a pastel green leafy background. The covers include titles like "Cost of Redemption" by Hayden Hall, "Ginger & Jetta" by Kaydee Robins, "Omega's Scent" and "Omega Hunted" by Colbie Dunbar, "Far From Camelot" by Rylee Hale, "Breach Point" by Declan Rhodes, "Unlocked and Unlost" by Gabbi Grey, "Protecting the Nerd" by Nora Phoenix, "Joint Penetration" by Katherine McIntyre, "The Rest of the Story" by Tal Bauer, "The House in the Cerulean Sea" by TJ Klune, "Trick or Treat" by Ariel Dawn & AJ Mullican, "Glitter" by Kaya Halleur, and four books from the Daniel Owen Welsh Mystery series by Ripley Hayes titled "Dark Water," "Leavings," and "A Man." Some covers feature shirtless men, romantic or fantasy themes, and two audiobooks are marked with pink headphone icons. Text at the bottom reads "@smut-hut.bsky.social"

A collection of 10 LGBTQ+ romance and fantasy book covers displayed on a light green background with a leaf pattern. Titles include "Seduced by the Scoundrel" by Merry Farmer, "Taming the Wolf" by C.J. Ravenna, "Dean" by Colbie Kay, "Dad's Omega Best Friend" by Anna Wineheart, "Wolfsong" by TJ Klune (marked as an audiobook with pink headphones), "Shadowfox" by Casey Morales, "Ryder" by Jacki James, "Tango" by Sammi Cee, and "The Seascape Between Us" by Caleb Marks. Covers feature a variety of styles, from illustrated fantasy landscapes to shirtless men and romantic poses. Text at the bottom reads "@smnut-hut.bsky.social".

June 1, 2025 at 1:26 AM

Stephanie Lee

@smmut-hut.bsky.social

#mmromance #mmromancereads #mmbooksky

Currently reading thanks to Gay Romance Reviews: Trick or Treat by Ariel Dawn and AK Mulligan. Weird shifters, small town, Halloween theme.

May 15, 2025 at 3:33 AM

Stephanie Lee

@smmut-hut.bsky.social

I'm on an Arthur kick lately and this one by Rylee Hale is really good. It was a little out of my comfort zone, but I'm glad I stuck it out. #mmromance #mmromancereads #mmbooksky app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/d580...

A graphic featuring the book cover of Far From Camelot by Rylee Hale, which shows a sword embedded in rock under a starry purple sky. Around the book are various annotations:

Top center: “How I felt” with emojis indicating emotions—in love, sad, shocked, touched

Left side: “Spice” with 4 chili pepper emojis, suggesting a high level of romantic/sexual content.

Bottom left: “Angst Level Medium” with a distressed face emoji.

Bottom center: A row of 5 red hearts indicating a strong positive rating.

Right side: “Tropes” listed as:

Fantasy

Enemies to lovers

Hurt comfort

Background is a soft gradient of green to blue

May 7, 2025 at 8:11 PM

Stephanie Lee

@smmut-hut.bsky.social

What a great month of reading. There are some solid 4 star bangers in here. #mmromance #mmromancereads #mmbooksky

The words "April Reads" in colorful letters over a background of pastel flowers

A collage of 20 gay romance novel covers arranged in a 5x4 grid on a floral background. The top row includes:

Fallen Angel by Evie McGlynn (shirtless man with tattoos),

The Blooming Bud by Robin Knight (man in a pink shirt with flowers),

Alpha & Omega by Courtney W. Dixon (two men embracing),

Cowboy Wheelman by Jackie North (cowboy with light brown hair).

Second row: 5. Heath by R.M. Neill (smiling blonde man in white shirt), 6. Omega’s Sweet Omega, 7. Omega’s Study Partner, and 8. Alpha’s Brave Omega — all by Hope Bennett (young men against pastel backgrounds).

Third row: 9–12: Fantasy warrior-style illustrated men with titles including Marked by Fire, Bound by Blood, Driven by Duty, Tempted by Power.

Bottom row: 13–16: More illustrated fantasy warriors with titles Charmed by Mischief, Bound by Fate, Obsessed by Desire, and one titled Undisputed by Aimee Nicole Walker & Nicholas Bella featuring two shirtless men in a boxing pose.

@smnut-hut.bsky.social is written at the bottom in purple.

Another collage of 20 gay romance novel covers arranged in a 5x4 grid on a floral background.

Top row:

His Second Chance by Stephanie Lake (two men in period clothing),

Married to My Best Friend by Riley Hart (two men with pastel background),

Bond Strength by Katherine McIntyre (man with glasses),

Eight Seconds to Ride by Ashley James (cowboy with a bull).

Second row: 5. The Need of the Ex-Con by Sage Abbott (man with tattoos), 6. The Gold Dragon Prince, 7. The Diamond Dragon Prince — both by M.M. Farmer (fantasy dragon covers), 8. Crossing Lines by Christie Gordon (muscular man in water).

Bottom two rows: 9. Yoshi by Casey Morales (samurai figure with sword), 10. The Lineman by Casey Morales (man with serious expression), 11. Blood Bound by Kayla Brooks (shirtless couple), 12. Magic in My Bones by Pepper Oakley (man in dark coat with glowing green background).

@smnut-hut.bsky.social is written at the bottom in purple.

April 30, 2025 at 4:10 PM

Stephanie Lee

@smmut-hut.bsky.social

Oh. My. GAWD!!!!!! Mia West's Sons of Britain series is so amazing. An alternative telling of the King Arthur myth with romance and adventure and representation. I read the first 7 in about 10 days because I couldn't put them down. Cannot recommend these enough. #mmromance #mmromancereads #mmbooksky