The Lambda Literary Awards are a juried competition allowing self-submission by anyone, though Lambda Literary operates for the benefit of queer writers. That is to say, even someone who identifies as cisgender and heterosexual, like me, can submit work for consideration.
Which I have done! This year I submitted, into the ‘gay romance’ category, my two 2023 novels from JMS Books. While I didn’t make the finals, I’m pleased to talk about the books that did.
First up, my bona fides to talk about these.
I own all of the books currently in print by these five authors. I’m a fan, in other words: happy to see them recognized and hoping the awards publicity helps them sell lots and lots of books. For your convenience, click the highlighted names below to reach the authors’ own websites:
Now for my comments.
KJ Charles is a great plotter. Her books are about a lot. Things happen. Threads are interwoven, character storylines may arc over several books, and the internal logic of her worldbuilding is exceptionally good. All of her books to date have historical settings, the latest being the 1920s setting of the Will Darling Adventures. Some of them feature magic. Most also contain a mystery subplot, if not primary plot. The nominated book is definitely a romance, but a strong mystery plot drives most of the action and directs most of the interaction between the main characters.
E.H. Lupton has done something very fresh with the gods & demons mythology underlying her nominated book and its sequel. The nominated book is, again, definitely a romance; in this case the supernatural element drives most of the action and directs most of the interaction between the main characters. We get a satisfying happy-for-now conclusion; while the main conflict is resolved, there are many unanswered questions about the main characters and how their relationship could continue.
Cat Sebastian’s book…well, I’ll come right out and say it: I’d vote for this one to win. (edited to add: it did!) It is the most purely romantic of the five, with every single plot event essential to the development of the main characters and the central love story. I love Cat’s books set in the 20th century. This one was a joy to re-read as I prepared to write this post. The way the main characters adapt and negotiate to build a future together is dreamy.
M.A. Wardell moderated a panel last summer at Steamy Lit Con and was so much fun, I tracked him down in the signing room. ‘Mistletoe & Mishigas’ has a lot going on that is not the love story, and one significant obstacle is gotten over a bit more lightly than I expected, but it’s a sweet, funny book touching on important issues. I’m thrilled to see a gay romance written by a gay man in the finals and will be pleased if he wins.
Jay Hogan has a distinctive, muscular writing voice. She has a background in healthcare, knows her sports, and does plentiful research for the modern-day professions of her Australian and New Zealander characters. Her nominated book contains several of my own recurring tropes and themes: an age gap; loss and recovery; career change. It’s a very solid romance, and as a previous Lammy finalist, Jay may have the edge here.
These are all great books; if you haven’t read them, you should! The winners will be announced June 11, 2024.
I encourage readers who are interested in adding to their experience of queer writing, in many genres, to check out all of the Lammy finalist categories.