We’re taking the opportunity this October to celebrate LGBTQ+ history month with TJ Alexander! TJ is the author of many Queer novels, including Chef’s Kiss, Chef’s Choice, Second Chances in Newport Stephen, and last but not least, their latest novel, Triple Sec. In this week’s Author’s Bookshelf, we get to unveil a little more about what TJ loves to read and what their bookish life is like.
Tell Us About Your Library!
“I live in a New York City apartment, so I don’t have a ton of space, but these are the books that I really want to keep for the long term…I have to be really strategic with what I decide to keep because I have so little space, but each one of these books means a lot to me in some way, and I love keeping them around. They’re arranged in my rainbow aesthetic that drives my wife nuts!”
We can completely understand that sentiment, TJ, and applaud you for being able to part ways with books you adore to help save space. There are a few of us here at Bookstr who live amid the stacks we’re hoarding.
What’s your favorite thing to read?
“I read a lot of romance, obviously for work, because that’s what I write, and you gotta keep up with it. But, when I’m not reading for work, I’m just really reading anything! Mystery, literary fiction, sci-fi, graphic novels, YA’s…lots of stuff, mostly gay—lots of gay, LGBTQ+ writers!”
TJ’s shelf is full of some favorite diverse reads of theirs, ranging from Queer Historical Fiction to LGBTQ+ Horror stories, all arranged, of course, in their lovely rainbow aesthetic!
What’s next on your TBR?
“Currently, these are the ones on the top of my to-read list…K.T. Hoffman’s The Prospects, which is a queer, trans-romance about minor league baseball; Here We Go Again by Alison Cochrun, which I heard is gonna make me cry — I love that; and Don’t Want You Like A Best Friend by Emma R. Alban, a sapphic historical, can’t wait for that. These are all things that I am looking forward to but haven’t quite gotten to yet!”
New Book for TJ on the Horizon
Well, you saw it here first! Thank you for tuning into this week’s Author’s Bookshelf with TJ Alexander, where we got to discover more popular Queer stories. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for TJ’s new book, A Gentleman’s Gentleman, coming out March 11th, 2025! Also, don’t forget to follow TJ’s Instagram to keep up with their latest reads and work!
Find all of TJ Alexander’s book recommendations along with more LGBTQ+ stories on our bookshelf, Hooray For Representation–LGBTQ+ voices.
Find more contemporary romance here on our bookshelf: Love Is In The Air: Contemporary Romance.
