DESERT ISLAND CASTAWAYS: Oliver Takely

Our favorite  MM authors a.k.a. castaways are asked, what books, songs and luxury item would they take to a desert island?

This is a monthly series inspired by LezReviewBooks.com’s ‘Desert Island Books’, which in turn is based on BBC’s ‘Desert Island Discs’.

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Let’s welcome our June castaway, Oliver Takely!

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DESERT ISLAND BOOKS:

Davidson King – Snow Falling

This one will always be special because it’s the first MM romance book I ever read. I was going into hospital for a minor procedure, and was easily persuaded to play some interactive game which was a gay romance to kill the time. Once I got to the end, I discovered it was based on a real book, so I had to read it. It was the first book in a series, which sent me down a rabbit hole, and here we are three years later, having read over 700 MM romance books, and writing my own.

Nicky James – Long Way Home

If I had to pick my favourite MM romance book of all time, it would be this one. I’ve read hundreds since this one and it still stands out as something extra special, There’s a lot of angst and it’s a hard fought HEA for these two amazing guys. I was up until three o’clock in the morning to finish this one, which made the next day at work interesting. Prepare to be shouting at the book for the author to just give these guys a break. If you are easy to tears, I would not read this one in a public place.

Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwood – Nice Catching You

Nick Johnson is the ultimate book boyfriend. When I first came out, this was the man I would fantasise about sweeping me off my feet. Drop dead gorgeous, with a big… heart! I love all of Ryan and Josh’s books, which is some achievement, as I am not a sports person, and I have the attention span of a gnat, but they always draw me in. This book is such a wonderful story and one I will revisit if I need a lift.

NR Walker – Tic Tac Mistletoe

I haven’t read a bad book by Nic, and she’s written about a million of them! My guilty pleasure is a Christmas romance, and this series is my favourite of the genre. It was hard to pick one, but I had to give it to the book which started it all. I would recommend this whole series, especially if you are getting summer blues. It’s a great lift for any time of year.

Lane Hayes – Following The Rules

I do love a nerd and jock trope, and this is my favourite of that genre. It is also hilarious. The scene when the TV accidentally goes on had the husband threatening me with sleeping in the spare room if I didn’t stop laughing. This is another start to a great series.

Rhys Everly – Storm Bound

I love this family of brothers, but there is something special about Charlie. These guys have not had it easy when they find each other, and it’s a bumpy road for their journey, but with the help of a meddling grandmother they get their HEA. The whole series is great, but this is a standout for me.

Jaclyn Quinn – Flustering Ford

These boys are my favourite found family of any book series. It was a huge wrench when the series ended and felt like I was losing them from my life. This book is the standout for me because of the humour. They are all funny, but this one also had a second chance romance which I love. It’s not uncommon for the middle book in a series to not be as strong, but that doesn’t happen here. The whole series is a winner.

Harper Robson – When The Walls Come Down

Being neurodivergent myself, I often find books can portray is a bit of one-dimensional stereotype – it’s called a spectrum for a reason. The neurodivergent rep in this book is authentic and excellent. This is clearly written by someone who understands just how complex and wonderful our brains can be. The whole series is great, but this one holds a special place in my heart.

Casey Cox – Heart Unbroken

I love the entire Escape series, but Leo’s story is the one we were all waiting for. Leo is the best friend we all want in our lives. Such a caring and compassionate man, who has lived through some crap. Throughout the series, he helps so many people get their HEA that when he gets his own, it’s a wonderful moment.

Spencer Spears – My Irresistible Enemy

Enemies to lovers is my absolute favourite trope, and this one is a blinder (which means excellent in British!) I love all of Spencer’s books, but when I was deciding out of all the enemies to lovers books I’ve read, it had to be this one. It’s hilarious and hot – what more do you need!

DESERT ISLAND PLAYLIST:

This is a mix of songs throughout my life. “Don’t stop me now” and “Seven Wonders” remind me of both my parents, who are no longer with us. The music from the 70s and 80s is timeless. “Free” was my coming out song in the 90s. The others are songs which stay with you forever. I do love my female artists and girl bands – shocker!

LUXURY ITEM

My teddy bear, who was bought for me over 20 years ago by a good friend when I was going through a difficult time. He has been with me for longer than my husband! Is probably more well-travelled than most people having visited five continents with me. If I can’t have my husband as my luxury item, then I need something to cuddle at night.

ABOUT OLIVER TAKELY

Oliver Takely is a passionate MM romance author who revels in dark, edgy stories featuring complex, flawed characters. With years of writing experience and a creative day job, Oliver Takely is also an avid reader of MM romance, consuming 300 books in 2023. His favourite trope is enemies to lovers, but is also a sucker for a feel-good Christmas romance.

Originally from the north, Oliver now resides in the south of England with his husband and their beloved fur baby, who is treated like a princess, living their own happily-ever-after straight out of a romance novel. When not writing or reading, he enjoys holidays and indulging in lots of good food, because who doesn’t love a delicious combination?

​Website | Goodreads | Instagram | Facebook 

A big thank you to Oliver Takely for joining us on this month’s Desert Island Castaways!

Check out our other Castaways:
Natalina Reis
V.L. Locey
 J.P. Jackson
A.E. Wasp
Elle Keaton.
Elouise East
J.K. Jones
Colette Davison
B.A. Tortuga
Casey Cox
Amanda Meuwissen
A.M. Johnson
Becca Seymour
Alexa Piper
Rick R. Reed
C.P. Harris
K.L. Hiers
A.E. Lister
S. Rodman
Kaje Harper
M.A. Church
Karenna Colcroft
Aiden Ainslie
J. Hali Steele
Kristian Parker
H.L. Day
D.K. Girl
Jackie Keswick
Crea Reitan
Beth Bolden
Chloe Archer
Paulina Ian-Kane
Sam Burns
David Lawrence
Lance Lansdale
Marshall Thornton
Joy Lynn Fielding
Ellie Thomas
Megaera C. Lorenz
Kit Barrie
Dann Hazel
Ashlyn Kane
D.G. Carothers
Mychael Black

Hope you enjoyed this post. Don’t forget to check out next month’s Castaway.

What books would you take with you to a desert island?
What’s on your desert island playlist?
Who would you like to be the next Castaway?

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