There are few things more satisfying than watching a plan unfold with no hiccups—or with a few hiccups that get resolved in the most epic of ways. Heist plots are perfect for creating that irresistible balance of intrigue, action, and suspense that makes me keep on turning the page. Hammajang Luck by Makana Yamamoto is aRead More
Heart & Heist in Hammajang Luck by Makana Yamamoto
The cover of Makana Yamamoto’s (they/she/he) Hammajang Luck boldly proclaims its niche as “Sci-fi Heist.” Yamamoto further delineates their novel as a “cyberpunk lesbian space heist,” so it’s safe to say that I was all the way intrigued. The first page yanked me in with the phrase, “Mother just grounded me for war crimes.” One unexpected snort-laughRead More
A Cyberpunk Heist: Hammajang Luck by Makana Yamamoto Review
I picked up Hammajang Luck by Makana Yamamoto during the Trans Rights Readathon, as the dramatic setup for this cyberpunk heist novel compelled me. It ended up being one of the most memorable stories I read for the event. Edie’s last heist ended with them being sold out by their childhood friend, Angel, and spending eight yearsRead More
Queer Smuggler-Duggery: Rough Trade by Katrina Carrasco
Buy this from Bookshop.org to support local bookstores and the Lesbrary! (Note: This book is a sequel but can be enjoyed without reading the previous one) Fans of historical fiction with high-stakes hijinks and well-developed human characters with strong internal compasses can rejoice! Rough Trade by Katrina Carrasco opens on the early days of organized labor and careens headlongRead More
A High-Heat Heist: Double Exposure by Rien Gray
Note: While I’ve avoided major plot spoilers, this review is relatively detailed regarding the character arcs and themes. Fittingly enough, I’ve been exposed to Double Exposure by Rien Gray twice. The first time was through the Happily Ever After Collective, which releases monthly romance novellas from a variety of authors. Last year, Double Exposure released to patrons along withRead More
Queer Adventure, Romance and Revenge in the Wild West: Lucky Red by Claudia Cravens
Bookshop.org Affiliate Link This queer Western did not disappoint. I tore through this tale that is equal parts cowgirl adventure, gritty coming of age, steamy F/F romance, and revenge heist. This was a ride that only ramped up as I kept reading. If you’re looking for a getaway in these last weeks of summer, thisRead More
Danika reviews A Million to One by Adiba Jaigirdar
Amazon Affiliate Link | Bookshop.org Affiliate Link This is a YA sapphic heist story set on the Titanic. I’m sure most of you have already stopped reading to go add it to your wishlist, but just in case, I’ll keep going. This is from the author of The Henna Wars and Hani and Ishu’s GuideRead More
Danika reviews The Drowned Woods by Emily Lloyd-Jones
Amazon Affiliate Link | Bookshop.org Affiliate Link “She had never been brave–but she’d always been angry. It would have to be enough. I picked up this Welsh dark fantasy heist novel because I was promised two things: a corgi and bisexuality. I’m happy to say that it delivered on both. And now I need moreRead More
Danika reviews The All-Consuming World by Cassandra Khaw
Amazon Affiliate Link | Bookshop.org Affiliate Link Fun fact: the first Cassandra Khaw book I read was a paranormal romance called Bearly a Lady, about a bisexual werebear fatshionista. I really enjoyed it! But I found out later that this is very much not Khaw’s usual genre. They usually write horror and sci fi, andRead More
Danika reviews The Girls I’ve Been by Tess Sharpe
Nora was raised by her con artist mother to be many girls: whoever their mark needed her to be. When her mother falls for the criminal, abusive man she was supposed to be conning, though, Nora made a risky escape. Now, she’s been trying to live a normal life. Unfortunately, she doesn’t have that optionRead More