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To kick off the month, Jeff has news about a discussion he's moderating with authors Penny Aimes and Verity Lowell in association with Carina Adores and Buffalo Street Books for Bookstore Romance Day coming on August 21. The guys talk about some great programming they've been watching recently, including the documentary "Summer of Soul," the crafting shows "Making It" and "All That Glitters," musical comedies "Central Park" and "Schmigadoon!" They also look at the teen dramas "Gossip Girl" and "Young Royals" plus the horror trilogy "Fear Street." For the August book preview, Jeff and Will look at upcoming books by K.M. Neuhold, Macy Blake, Lauren Blakely, Annabeth Albert, Haven Hadley, Dahlia Donovan, Frederick Smith & Chaz Lamar Cruz, and Rachel Reid. Jeff also reviews "Out of Character" by Annabeth Albert and "Flash Fire" by TJ Klune. Complete shownotes for episode 325 along with a transcript of the show are at BigGayFictionPodcast.com. Big Gay Fiction Podcast is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. Find many more outstanding podcasts at frolic.media/podcasts!

To open the show, Jeff & Will discuss a recent post on "Oprah Daily" featuring queer owned book stores across the U.S, and how you can support queer owned book stores by buying audiobooks from Libro.fm. Author Steven Salvatore and Bookstagrammer/Booktoker Jacob Demlow join us to talk about the inaugural Pride Book Fest, which took place during Pride Month 2021. They talk about how they went from idea to festival in just three months. Steven and Jacob discuss some of the programming highlights and offer advice for anyone wanting to take on a similar project. We also find out about Steven's young adult novel "Can't Take That Away," which is about a genderqueer teen finding the confidence to speak up for equality while trying out for their high school production of "Wicked." Jacob shares what lead him to starting A Very Queer Book Club on Instagram and TikTok to promote queer fiction. Complete shownotes for episode 324 along with a transcript of the show are at BigGayFictionPodcast.com. Big Gay Fiction Podcast is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. Find many more outstanding podcasts at frolic.media/podcasts!

After opening the show with a review of "Slippery Creatures" by KJ Charles, Jeff interviews the author about the "Will Darling Adventures," which recently concluded with the June release of "Subtle Blood." KJ discusses the pulp influences in the trilogy, and how the characters of Will and Kim evolved for her over the course of the series. KJ also talks about how she started writing, the benefits of having been an editor for a publishing house, and what she's working on next. Of course there are book recommendations as well. Complete shownotes for episode 323 along with a transcript of the show are at BigGayFictionPodcast.com. Big Gay Fiction Podcast is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. Find many more outstanding podcasts at frolic.media/podcasts!

Authors Kat and Agnes, the duo who are known as K.A. Merikan, have been together more than 15 years and produced many fan favorite books. We talked with them about the upcoming 11th and final book in their "Guns n' Boys" saga, as well as about their trip into the Old West earlier this year with the "Dig Two Graves" duology. Kat and Agnes also talk about the "Curse Bound" series, how they met and got started writing, plus we get details on several books that are coming up next for them. Of course, we cap off the conversation with some book recommendations. Complete shownotes for episode 322 along with a transcript of the show are at BigGayFictionPodcast.com. Big Gay Fiction Podcast is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. Find many more outstanding podcasts at frolic.media/podcasts!

Author E.J. Russell joins us this week to talk about the interactive game that's being made based on her novel "Cutie and the Beast." We also discuss the stories she's released this year that are part of shared universes, "Playhouse Purgatory" in "The Magic Emporium" and "King's Ex" in "Royal Powers II." We take a look at the historical Jeff & Will have fallen for, "Silent Sin." E.J. has increased her audiobook production this year, working with narrators Joel Leslie and Greg Boudreaux, and she gives us the scoop on the audio coming our way. Of course we also get into how E.J. started writing and get a book recommendation. Complete shownotes for episode 321 along with a transcript of the show are at BigGayFictionPodcast.com. Big Gay Fiction Podcast is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. Find many more outstanding podcasts at frolic.media/podcasts!

Jeff & Will kick off the show talking about what they've been watching, with a mix of classic toys, incredible comedies, documentaries, 1970s variety specials, and musicals Next it's a look at books they're looking forward to this month, including titles from Annabeth Albert, Lauren Blakely, Jocelynn Drake, Charlie Novak, Mia Monroe, Lane Hayes, Geoffrey Knight, Jackie North, RJ Scott and TJ Klune. The show wraps up with reviews. Jeff looks at "One Last Stop" by Casey McQuiston, "Heart Ripper" by K.A. Merikan, and "Punch Me Up to the Gods" by Brian Broome. Will discusses "Meet Cute Diary" by Emery Lee, "May the Best Man Win" by ZR Ellor, and "Sunset Springs" by Kacen Callender. Complete shownotes for episode 320 along with a transcript of the show are at BigGayFictionPodcast.com. Big Gay Fiction Podcast is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. Find many more outstanding podcasts at frolic.media/podcasts!

The guys welcome back Jay from Joyfully Jay and Lisa from The Novel Approach to talk about what they've been reading recently. They discuss books by Paul Rudnick, Maria Ingrande Mora, Kate Hawthorne, Jason June, Joanna Chambers and M.A. Grant. Plus, they each share a book they're looking forward to in the coming months, including titles by Annabeth Albert and David R. Slayton. Complete shownotes for episode 319 along with a transcript of the show are at BigGayFictionPodcast.com. Big Gay Fiction Podcast is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. Find many more outstanding podcasts at frolic.media/podcasts!

Jeff & Will dive into the third book in the "Walker Boys" series from Ari McKay as they talk about "Seeking Solace," a sweet and sexy vacation romance. As always, in our book club discussions there are spoilers ahead so keep that in mind if you haven't read the book yet. Complete shownotes and transcript for episode 318 are at BigGayFictionPodcast.com. Big Gay Fiction Podcast is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. Find many more outstanding podcasts at frolic.media/podcasts!

Jeff & Will congratulate Roan Parrish on the cover reveal of her upcoming holiday story "The Lights on Knockbridge Lane," which is also the first gay romance to appear in a Harlequin series line. Jeff also discusses season 2 of Hulu's "Love, Victor." In a conversation from a recent Big Gay Fiction Live, authors from the "Love is All" anthology talk about this year's edition, which benefits the National Center for Transgender Equality. Anthology creator Xio Axelrod shares why she created the anthology four years ago. During the conversation Xio, along with contributors Rachel Lacey, Chantal Mer & Susan Scott Shelley, Connor Peterson and R.L. Merrill tell what their stories are about and what pride means to them. Plus we hear from two authors who couldn't be part of the live show, Meg Bonney and Sophia Soames, about their contributions. Complete shownotes for episode 317 along with a transcript of the show are at BigGayFictionPodcast.com. Big Gay Fiction Podcast is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. Find many more outstanding podcasts at frolic.media/podcasts!

Jeff & Will talk about the final season of FX's "Pose" and the film adaptation of "In the Heights." The guys discuss author Steven Rowley's Audible Original "The Dogs of Venice" and his delightful new novel, "The Guncle." Jeff then talks with Steven about "The Guncle," its "Auntie Mame" influences, and how Steven struck the balance between humor, grief and a little bit of romance. Steven also shares his experience recording the audiobook, offers some book recommendations, and shares what Pride means to him. Complete shownotes for episode 316 along with a transcript of the show are at BigGayFictionPodcast.com. Big Gay Fiction Podcast is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. Find many more outstanding podcasts at frolic.media/podcasts!

Jeff & Will shout out a Carina Adores online Pride event coming up on June 14 featuring authors Adriana Herrera, Roan Parrish, Hudson Lin and Penny Aimes. Jeff talks with Kirt Graves about narrating the "Codename: Winger" young adult series. They discuss why Kirt wanted to take on the series, and his desire to voice more YA books. Kirt gets into the differences in voicing YA versus romance, as well as why he's live streaming some of his recording sessions on Discord. Kirt also asks Jeff questions about the "Winger" series, and they talk about some of the experiments they're doing with the way the "Winger" audiobooks are being released (including being available for purchase directly from Jeff's website). At the end of the episode, listeners can sample the prologue and first chapter of "Tracker Hacker" as read by Kirt. Complete shownotes for episode 315 along with a transcript of the show are at BigGayFictionPodcast.com. Big Gay Fiction Podcast is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. Find many more outstanding podcasts at frolic.media/podcasts!

Jeff & Will announce the Big Gay Fiction Book Club selection for June: "Seeking Solace," the third book in the "Walker Boys" series by Ari McKay. Jeff reviews "Jay's Gay Agenda" by Jason June and "Meet Cute Diary" by Emery Lee before he interviews the authors about their debut YA novels. Jason June and Emery discuss the inspiration for their stories, both drawn from their own lives. They also talk about their desire to bring an authentic teen experience to the page, exploring themes like first times, finding pronouns that fit, and telling stories where queer teens get a happy ending. They also share what Pride means to them, and offer book recommendations. Complete shownotes for episode 314 along with a transcript of the show are at BigGayFictionPodcast.com. Big Gay Fiction Podcast is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. Find many more outstanding podcasts at frolic.media/podcasts!

Jeff & Will kick off Pride month with a few announcements. They talk about their new article on the Frolic website with nine queer YA stories that need to be on your TBR. They also share info on two events. First is the Big Gay Fiction Live on June 8 at 8pm ET celebrating the release of this year's "Love Is All" charity anthology. Second is Pride Book Fest 2021, which runs June 11-13 featuring over 100 queer creators. Jeff reviews Paul Rudnick's "Playing the Palace" before interviewing the author / playwright / screenwriter / essayist. Paul talks about the new book, including why he wanted to write a royal romance, what inspired event planner Carter and Prince Edgar, and the fun in writing a big, gay royal wedding. Paul also has details on a couple of his upcoming projects, offers book recommendations and shares what Pride means to him. Complete shownotes for episode 313 along with a transcript of the show are at BigGayFictionPodcast.com. Big Gay Fiction Podcast is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. Find many more outstanding podcasts at frolic.media/podcasts!

Jeff & Will dive into the second book in the Walker Boys series from Ari McKay as they talk about "Breaking Bonds" a charming, food-filled romance set at a rustic resort. As always, in our book club discussions there are spoilers ahead so keep that in mind if you haven't read the book yet. Complete shownotes for episode 312 along with a transcript of the show are at BigGayFictionPodcast.com. Big Gay Fiction Podcast is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. Find many more outstanding podcasts at frolic.media/podcasts!

The guys shout out the upcoming charity anthology "Love Is All" which features several m/m authors (including Jeff) and benefits the National Center for Transgender Equality. Jeff discusses his experience of listening live as audiobook narrator Kirt Graves records the "Codename: Winger" series for its release the summer. Will talks about Hudson Lin's new book "Hard Sell" and then Jeff interviews Lin, who gives us the scoop on the new book, and her plans for continuing the "Jade Harbour Capital" series. She also shares how she got started writing, her love of scenes involving food and why romance is the best genre. We also learn about her "World of Stories" podcast and the Queers of Colour website. Complete shownotes for episode 311 along with a transcript of the show are at BigGayFictionPodcast.com. Big Gay Fiction Podcast is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. Find many more outstanding podcasts at frolic.media/podcasts!

Jeff & Will shout out the new FX documentary series "Pride." After Jeff reviews "Coaching the Nerd," the second book in Eli Easton and Tara Lain's "Nerds vs. Jocks" series, he chats with Eli and Tara. This is the first time either author has collaborated, and they talk about how they came together, figured out what the "Nerds vs. Jocks" series would be, and the stories each of the three couples would have. They also discuss what's coming up next, including more co-written books, and some of the difficulties working solo again. Plus, they share a book recommendations. Complete shownotes for episode 310 along with a transcript of the show are at BigGayFictionPodcast.com. Big Gay Fiction Podcast is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. Find many more outstanding podcasts at frolic.media/podcasts!

Jeff & Will announce the availability of this year's Pride cards for members of the podcast Patreon community. They also discuss the TV projects being developed based on Adam Silvera novels. Layla Reyne and Jeff talk about the conclusion of the “Fog City” series, including a deep dive on the final books, “Queen's Ransom” and “Silent Knight.” Layla talks about how she got back into writing in 2020 by writing these books, the fun she had bringing in so many cameos from the Whiskeyverse, and the books she's got planned next. Layla's got a few book recs too. Complete shownotes for episode 309 along with a transcript of the show are at BigGayFictionPodcast.com. Big Gay Fiction Podcast is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. Find many more outstanding podcasts at frolic.media/podcasts!

Jeff & Will discuss the televised return to the ballrooms of “Pose” on FX and “Legendary” on HBO Max. They also look at the Pride issue of “The Knot” magazine featuring Jonathan Bennett and Jaymes Vaughn. Author / Screenwriter / Director JC Calciano talks about “Revenge of the Brobot,” his latest book which continues his “Steam Room Stories” universe. He also discusses how “Steam Room Stories” got started a dozen years ago, the new “Steamy Stories Podcast” and what got him started telling stories across multiple mediums. Complete shownotes for episode 308 along with a transcript of the show are at BigGayFictionPodcast.com. Big Gay Fiction Podcast is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. Find many more outstanding podcasts at frolic.media/podcasts!

Jeff & Will talk about how happy they are to find m/m romance and LGBTQ+ YA books at their local Barnes & Noble and Target stores. They also discuss some comfort television, including HGTV's “Bargain Block” and Nick's “The Barbarian and the Troll.” The guys highlight books they are looking forward to in May: “A Husband for Hartwell” by J.A. Rock and Lisa Henry, “May the Best Man Win” by ZR Ellor, “The Guncle” by Steven Rowley, “Playing the Palace” by Paul Rudnick, “Hard Sell” by Hudson Lin, and “Just A Little Mischief” by Merry Farmer. Reviews wrap up the show as Jeff talks about “Silent Knight”  by Layla Reyne and “Cinnamon Roll” by Anna Zabo. Will takes a look at “Temple” by Avril Ashton. Complete shownotes for episode 307 along with a transcript of the show are at BigGayFictionPodcast.com. Big Gay Fiction Podcast is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. Find many more outstanding podcasts at frolic.media/podcasts!

Jeff & Will are pleased to announce that the May Big Gay Fiction Book Club Selection is “Breaking Bonds” by Ari McKay. Gregory Ashe and C.S. Poe talk about their “Auden & O'Callaghan Mystery” series, including the latest in the series “A Friend in the Fire.” Greg and Carroll talk about how their collaboration began, the inspirations for Sam and Rufus, and what their writing process looks like. We also find out about the romance convention crossover between the “Snow & Winter” and “Borealis” books, as well as what's coming next for both of them. Of course, we also get book recs, and Carroll recommends a very unexpected title. Complete shownotes for episode 306 along with a transcript of the show are at BigGayFictionPodcast.com. Big Gay Fiction Podcast is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. Find many more outstanding podcasts at frolic.media/podcasts!