June is Pride Month, where we celebrate the many amazing books written by LGBTQIA+ people. Sheaf & Ink read some of our favorite queer stories and would like to share two of their favorite reads of June so far. Add these to your library request list or your online independent bookstore cart now!
Remember, celebrate Queer stories not just in the month of June, but all year long.
The Guncle
Steven Rowley
Take A Hint, Dani Brown
Talia Hibbert
Take A Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert
TAKE A HINT, DANI BROWN by Talia Hibbert
Danika Brown knows what she wants: professional success, academic renown, and an occasional roll in the hay to relieve all that career-driven tension. But romance? Been there, done that, burned the T-shirt. Romantic partners, whatever their gender, are a distraction at best and a drain at worst. So Dani asks the universe for the perfect friend-with-benefits—someone who knows the score and knows their way around the bedroom.
When brooding security guard Zafir Ansari rescues Dani from a workplace fire drill gone wrong, it’s an obvious sign: PhD student Dani and ex-rugby player Zaf are destined to sleep together. But before she can explain that fact, a video of the heroic rescue goes viral. Now half the internet is shipping #DrRugbae—and Zaf is begging Dani to play along. Turns out, his sports charity for kids could really use the publicity. Lying to help children? Who on earth would refuse?
Dani’s plan is simple: fake a relationship in public, seduce Zaf behind the scenes. The trouble is, grumpy Zaf’s secretly a hopeless romantic—and he’s determined to corrupt Dani’s stone-cold realism. Before long, he’s tackling her fears into the dirt. But the former sports star has issues of his own, and the walls around his heart are as thick as his… um, thighs.
Take a Hint, Dani Brown, is hilarious, thought provoking, and incredibly romantic. Hibbert’s Dani is a fierce and wonder to behold as she navigates the possibilities of a lasting relationship. Zafir too must tread carefully in his relationship with Dani, not wanting to become utterly attached, if she ends up not wanting to commit. Hibbert’s ability to write two characters with complexities who deal with anxiety, depression, and fear of rejection, is why she’s so brilliant at her craft. If you haven’t already picked up this series, go do that now!
Happy Reading ~ Cece
RATING: 
– Exceptionally Inked
The Guncle by Steven Rowley
THE GUNCLE by Steven Rowley
Patrick, or Gay Uncle Patrick (GUP, for short), has always loved his niece, Maisie, and nephew, Grant. That is, he loves spending time with them when they come out to Palm Springs for weeklong visits, or when he heads home to Connecticut for the holidays. But in terms of caretaking and relating to two children, no matter how adorable, Patrick is honestly a bit out of his league.
So when tragedy strikes and Maisie and Grant lose their mother and Patrick’s brother has a health crisis of his own, Patrick finds himself suddenly taking on the role of primary guardian. Despite having a set of “Guncle Rules” ready to go, Patrick has no idea what to expect, having spent years barely holding on after the loss of his great love, a somewhat-stalled career, and a lifestyle not-so-suited to a six- and a nine-year-old. Quickly realizing that parenting—even if temporary—isn’t solved with treats and jokes, Patrick’s eyes are opened to a new sense of responsibility, and the realization that, sometimes, even being larger than life means you’re unfailingly human.
It really is about timing when you pick up a book that can change everything for you. A book that can show you what loss looks like. What if feels like. And how a family can come together in such a profound and deeply emotional way. Where Rowley writes about a “retired” famous gay uncle who takes custody of his niece and nephew over a summer, creating this heartwarming and belly laugh (yes, I’m crying from laughter) story of the deep bonds of family and love.
This one is a must read.
Happy Reading ~ Cece
RATING: – Exceptionally Inked
Need More Pride Month Recommendations?
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Welcome Reader!
I’m Cecelia and I’m so glad you’re here! You’ll find honest reviews, book recommendations, along with other bookish essentials. So happy you stopped by!
– C
