Nobody's Hero by J. Leigh Bailey

Following two years in a harsh military school, Brad Greene moves cross-country to start a new life, with no money and no help from his rich parents. He is on the run from his family after they catch him involved with another man and take violent action to end it. Danny Ortega knows who he is and what he wants. He definitely does not want to hook up with Rob in the truck stop parking lot, but Rob isn't giving Danny much of a choice. Brad witnesses this assault on Danny and quickly steps in to end the abuse. Neither Brad nor Danny expects to see each other again, but Brad lands a job with the Ortegas' construction company. Over the next serveral weeks, Danny's steady friendship helps pull Brad out of his self-imposed isolation, until the two start dating. Despite support from Danny's family and friends, Brad is reluctant to come out publicly, fearing retaliation such as he received from his own family and at school. Danny ends up frustrated, and Brad must decide if this love is worth the fight.

Verdict Bailey (Midnight in the Maze) hits all the sweet spots of first love while highlighting the difficulties that can arise in a budding relationship. Danny's charming and persistent attempts at overcoming Brad's barriers endear readers to these reluctant heroes. The consummation of their relationship begins with laugh-out-loud awkwardness that quickly moves to fantastic, authentic sex. Bailey gets everything right, with a great sense of humor that balances the serious topic of gay prejudice without undermining it. All in all, a stellar romance.

This review was originally published in Library Journal Xpress Reviews: E-Originals, February 19, 2015.

Aquarium by David Vann

Caitlin, a twelve-year-old, visits the Seattle aquarium each day after school. Spellbound by the fish and other marine creatures there, she is transported away from the rough neighborhood where she and her single mother, a dock worker, live. One day, Caitlin meets an elderly man at the aquarium, and they begin an unlikely friendship, discussing the incredible fish they see and eventually sharing more about their personal lives. Several weeks later, Caitlin's mother hears about the old man at the aquarium and realizes her small family of two is threatened. She then goes to extreme lengths to keep Caitlin from seeing him.

Caitlin's safe and trusting relationship with her normally loving mother is jeopardized by her mother's nearly uncontrollable fury at the old man, a long-lost family member. Fearing her mother's unpredictable rages, Caitlin nevertheless keeps her heart open and forgiving, reuniting the broken family that surrounds her. Though not for the faint of heart, this story will resonate with readers long after it's finished. The author, David Vann, has won numerous awards for his other books, including best foreign novel in France and Spain for Legend of a Suicide.

The Magician's Lie by Greer Macallister

The Amazing Arden, a magician at the turn of the twentieth century, has just finished chopping a man in half with an ax, a new twist on her most spectacular illusion. Shortly after, the man in the illusion, Arden's husband, is found murdered below stage, and Arden is nowhere to be found. By pure luck, a local policeman, Virgil Holt, apprehends the magician later that night at a rural diner and takes her into custody.

Virgil accuses the magician of murder, but Arden vehemently denies it. For the remainder of the night, Virgil questions the mysterious Arden hoping she will eventually confess. Instead, Arden relays the mesmerizing and incredulous story of how she became a famous illusionist. Before morning arrives, Virgil must sift through her story to determine lie from truth and decide whether she is a cunning murderess or a tortured victim that should be set free. But even handcuffed, Arden is no ordinary helpless woman.

Can a woman who lives a life of deception ever be truly innocent? Or is she a clever killer? What exactly is the magician's lie? Arden's bewitching tale draws you in, while answers to whom the murderer is remain elusive until the very end. The Magician's Lie is a combination of Water for Elephants and The Night Circus, and consequently, readers who enjoy historical fiction combined with healthy doses of mystery, suspense, and romance will relish this book.

The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley

Harry has always been a bit headstrong for society’s approval, so her brother, a soldier stationed at a remote garrison in a dry and distant land, sends for her. She comes to love desert life.  When the king of the native hill folk seeks aid to fend off an impending invasion, he is rejected; however, his magical sense insists Harry is important.  He abducts her and has her trained in battle, at which she excels.  Harry almost immediately feels at home with the hill people and finds that she has a mysterious connection to a revered warrior queen from their past.  It becomes apparent that her destiny lies in the coming battle with their ancient enemy.

This young adult fantasy is a great adventure story featuring a brave and intelligent heroine, who, unsuited to her own society, finds her rightful place in an exotic setting tinged with magic.  It was a Newbery Honor Book in 1983 and its prequel, The Hero and theCrown, won the award in 1985.  Both books are highly recommended for those seeking strong female leads in action-filled fantasy stories, with just a touch of romance.

Saga: Volumes 1-4 by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples

Two soldiers, Alana and Marko, are from opposite sides of an interstellar war. They fall in love, decide to abandon their positions, and take off to protect their newborn daughter. These deserters are hunted from both political sides of the war, and the newfound family has to flee from world to world to keep from being caught. A much hated, tyrannical monarchy dictates the strict class structure, encourages rampant racial prejudice while ruthlessly conducting genocide, but this royal caste is subverted by a select few, like Alana and Marko, who choose to live life by their own rules, and by others who hope to incite a rebellion.

The pursuit builds suspense throughout the volumes with royalty and hired assassins coming ever closer to the fleeing group. But the chase is only one small aspect to the series. Vaughan brings out the nuances of each individual character, showcasing their strengths and vulnerabilities. Additionally, Vaughan emphasizes the challenges of a multicultural family with diverse beliefs and traditions as well as the innately human desire to be surrounded by friends and family, chosen or not, no matter how unconventional.

This series cannot be recommended highly enough for adults who enjoy science-fiction, fantasy, or just a phenomenal story with artwork that is literally out of this world.

Tell the Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt

It's 1987, and June Elbus is like every other fourteen-year-old girl. Her parents don't understand her, and her older sister has become distant, angry, and unapproachable. The only person who accepts and knows June is her best friend, Uncle Finn, a world renowned painter. Until he is no longer there, taken by a disease June's mother can't bear to mention. Watching her uncle fade before her eyes, June struggles to deal with the loss while also trying to cope with remote parents and a rapidly maturing older sister. Then a stranger comes into June's life, a man who knew her uncle and misses him too. This stranger helps June accept what happened and challenges her and her family to come together once again.

A heartrending account of a family torn apart by grief, the stigma of AIDS in the 1980's, and the slow healing process every person must go through to recover from bereavement. An important story conveying genuine emotion and realistically flawed but forgivable characters. Although a great read for adults, June's coming-of-age story will also resonate with teens.

The Boston Girl by Anita Diamant

At the age of 85, Addie Baum relates her life story to her granddaughter. The tale begins in 1915 at the pivotal point when Addie, just 15 years old, joins a weekly library group, and her narrow, conservative world is opened up to different cultures and social classes with help from her newfound group of friends. Addie recounts her vacations to a nearby seaside town, her troubling first love, tragedies and celebrations with her family and friends, and her varying array of jobs until she finds her true calling. After numerous excursions and experiences throughout the city, Addie can finally consider herself a true "Boston Girl."

The humorous anecdotes, embarrassing naïveté, and little pearls of wisdom pull you in, making you believe grandma Addie is real and that she is right in front of you telling her story. Those who enjoyed Anita Diamant's, The Red Tent, will not be disappointed by this engaging and historically rich novel.