Kira (she/her) has been working in bookstores for the better part of the last fifteen years. A lover of fantasy, sci-fi, and romance, Kira is passionate about the transformative potential of imaginary worlds and the power of collaboration and collectivity in fact and fiction. She will likely remain perpetually All-But-Dissertated - her research in comparative studies focused on belonging and found family in speculative audio fiction (podcasts) and fan communities. Kira has a chapter in Roleplaying Games in the Digital Age: Essays on Transmedia Storytelling, Tabletop RPGs, and Fandom from McFarland. Her piece looks at collaborative storytelling, worldbuilding, and audience participation in the actual-play Dungeons & Dragons comedy podcast The Adventure Zone. She loves playing RPGs and video games, crocheting, volunteering at PAWS Atlanta, reading and watching sci-fi and fantasy, and wrangling her cats: Ichabod Crane, Magrathea, and Hazelnut.
Recommended Booklists:
Fantasy and Science Fiction for the Queer Romantic | Unconventional Historical Romance | For the Cat Lover in Your Life - Children | For the Cat Lover in Your Life - Teens & Adults | Cozy Queer Reads - A Holiday Gift-Giving Guide by Kira
Instant National Bestseller and International Bestseller!
A thrillingly told queer space opera about the wreckage of war, the family you find, and who you must become when every choice is stripped from you, Some Desperate Glory is Astounding Award Winner Emily Tesh’s explosive debut novel.
Equal parts witty and steamy, this debut rom-com brings a healthy dose of queerness and a whole lot of spirit to a Pride and Prejudice-inspired enemies-to-lovers romance.
“Brims with heart, spice, and humor.”—Ashley Herring Blake, author of Delilah Green Doesn’t Care
STARRED REVIEW] "Sparks fly in Tsai's refreshing and enchanting paranormal debut.... With brilliantly developed, multifaceted characters; a clever magic system; and witty prose, the pages of this fantasy fly. This marks Tsai as a writer to watch."
--Publishers Weekly
"The most delightfully snarky romance I've read this year." --New York Times bestselling author Ashley Poston
This charming YA rom-com follows Margo, who suddenly realizes that she's gay but has no clue how to express her identity, so she enlists out-and-proud Abbie to act as her tutor on everything "Queer 101"...and first love.
In this swoony and spooky teen summer romance graphic novel set on a Texas ranch, sixteen-year-old Cade Muñoz finds himself falling for the ranch owner’s mysterious and handsome son, only to discover that he may be harboring a dangerous secret.
An instant New York Times bestseller!
An unputdownable queer coming-of-age rom-com about life and love in Hollywood. • "Both an irresistible love story and a riveting exploration of Hollywood dynamics.” —Rachel Lynn Solomon, New York Times bestselling author of The Ex Talk
Nothing about this book went the way I expected - and it is all the better for it! Meek, long-suffering Eliza gets a new lease on life when she is unexpectedly bequeathed a fortune. As she begins to come out of her shell, she finds joy and inspiration in new places and begins to question the rigid expectations of society -- all while finding herself the object of desire of two very different men.
A murder has Seattle on edge, and it falls to a pacifist empath--and a notorious empath hunter--to find the killer before it's too late
Now an Indie Next pick! A Most Anticipated Pick for BookRiot | FanFi Addict | The Nerd Daily | io9 | We Are Bookish | Buzzfeed
Book of the Year for Kirkus Reviews, Book of the Year for Gizmodo
For fans of The Expanse and the anti-imperialist messaging of Andor, and those who like their sci-fi queer.
A ne'er-do-well socialite with the power to read minds and a by-the-book soldier with the ability to re-write them must fake a "soul-bonded" mental connection in order to contend with military corruption and the dangers of chaotic space.
A PASTE MUST-READ ROMANCE BOOK OF 2023
"Readers will want to savor every word of Everlee's splendid debut, the launch of her Lucky Lovers of London series, like a fine vintage wine."
--Booklist, on The Gentleman's Book of Vices
An immersive, intricate Edwardian fantasy world filled with magic, danger, and romance. Hard to put down, especially with the engaging conceit of the alternating viewpoint chapters of the two leads who are both stubborn, passionate, loyal, and brilliant in their own ways. -Kira @ Charis
A whirlwind romance between an eccentric archivist and a grieving widow explores what it means to be at home in your own body in this clever, humorous, and heartfelt novel.
Since time immemorial the warriors of the Paladin Order have harnessed arcane powers to protect their rulers. For Balen, who has given up his chance at love and fought his way to the top of the Paladin Order, there can be no greater honor than to serve his king. But when assassins annihilate the royal family, Balen suddenly finds himself sworn to serve the very man he abandoned.
"The Queer Principles of Kit Webb kept me up all night! I simply couldn’t put it down."— Tessa Dare, New York Times bestselling author
“Jam-packed with weird aliens, mysterious artifacts, and lovable characters... a tremendous good time and an impressive debut.” -- Kirkus Reviews (starred)
Did you LOVE Our Flag Means Death? Then you will absolutely adore Peter Darling by Austin Chant. It has everything you could want: trans Peter, enemies-to-lovers, swordfighting, ~tension~, and a truly moving look at a grown-up Peter trying to navigate worlds both magical and real.
Sir Philip Rookwood is the disgrace of the county. He's a rake and an atheist, and the rumours about his hellfire club, the Murder, can only be spoken in whispers. (Orgies. It's orgies.)
Gothic scandal meets Bridgerton intrigue in this swashbuckling Regency romance from celebrated author KJ Charles.
Bridgerton goes Gothic in this sweeping Regency romance by celebrated author KJ Charles.
Major Rufus d'Aumesty has unexpectedly become the Earl of Oxney, master of a remote Norman manor on the edge of the infamous Romney Marsh. There he's beset on all sides, his position contested both by his greedy uncle and by Luke Doomsday, son of a notorious smuggling clan.
Starling House: Alix E. Harrow in conversation with Kira Apple
This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Please register HERE. This event takes place at the Decatur Library Auditorium, 215 Sycamore St., Decatur, GA 30030.
Charis and the Georgia Center for the Book welcome Alix E. Harrow in conversation with Kira Apple for a celebration of Starling House, a gorgeously modern gothic fantasy from the New York Times bestselling author of TEN THOUSAND DOORS OF JANUARY.
The culminating book of one of my FAVORITE fantasy romance trilogies. This book has palpable tension and longing, a compelling adventure, and beautifully queer found family. The magic of the Last Binding world is so fascinating and so tenderly and consciously constructed - I want everyone to read these books!