Read Queerly 2026 - February Update

Happy Tuesday everyone!  Today I'm sharing my second update for my February progress for the year long Read Queerly 2026 which is hosted by Alexx @ Enthralled Bookworm.  In February, I completed 3 books for a total of 5 read so far out of 16 total books on my tbr.  You can see my original tbr here.  Keep reading to see the sixteen books on my tbr for this challenge:

16. Start Game Button icon: A queer book featuring video games/gamers or even tabletop RPGs

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I absolutely loved the art of The Last Session Vol. 1: Roll for Initiative (The Last Session #1-5) by Jasmine Walls, but for the most part the only character I actually liked was Cassandra and maybe Jay. Everyone else is pretty self-absorbed and they're jerks to Cassandra. I wish we got to know Jay a little more though since the character never got much of a POV part at all. Honestly, when the group apologized to Cassandra, I was really wishing Cassandra would tell them to pound sand and finish the game on their own after which their characters would all get absolutely slaughtered. But, I guess that's not the hopeful ending/ power of friendship thing the story was going for. Finally, I wanted to mention that it was good to see that bit of ace representation.

My review is also on Goodreads and The StoryGraph. 

8. Disability/Neurodiversity rep: A queer book featuring disabled MCs or neurodivergent MCs

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Hazelthorn by CG Drews is probably my favorite novel from this author so far.  I particularly love her characters and her blend of horror and fantasy with gothic sensibilities.  I also appreciate the  representation as well.  The rich descriptions of the setting combined with the atmosphere made this one standout above the rest of her works that I've read thus far.  That said, I can't wait for her upcoming YA horror, Scorpion Deep, and adult horror, You Did Nothing Wrong, novels.

My review is also on Goodreads and The StoryGraph. 

12. API Author: A queer book written by an API (Asian/Pacific Islander) Author

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From what little I've read of Nghi Vo so far, I think she's going to become a favorite author. I don't know why I've been putting off The Empress of Salt and Fortune (The Singing Hills Cycle #1) by Nghi Vo. I can't wait to read book two in this novella series.  The world-building and character development here are outstanding.  It's a little slower paced, but I enjoyed savoring it all.

My review is also on Goodreads and The StoryGraph. 

Are you participating in this challenge?  Have you read these books?  As always, thanks for visiting my blog and perhaps even commenting down below!