James A Lyons

If anyone is writing MM romance and needs a sensitivity reader for a scene/idea/character background, feel free to hit me up.

On the right is the front cover of the book Half the World Away, with the characters of Alex and Theo. Alex is dressed in a blue school blazer, whereas Theo is in a green jacket, sat cross legged. ON the left is the text Heartstopper x Boy Like Me When Theo joins Year 9 at his local state school, he reluctantly agrees to take part in a new national pen pal project. After losing hope of a reply, an unexpected letter arrives from Alex, a confident private school boarder, sparking a connection that could change everything.

Have had some lovely feedback for Half the World Away.
The book is set during the Section 28 era, and writing it was a type of release having been schooled under the legislation. So much of how I felt during my school days are in those pages.

Available from £3.99 at www.linktree.com/jamesalyons

There are two books which I have been recommended as good MM romance and all they seem to be is characters meet, characters bang, characters get angry at each other for no reason on repeat and it just seems a bit shallow. Pretty sure I am not the audience for these books though.

Also, for something to be a gay romance novel, this does not mean that you just bang on about sex all the time. We do have many more layers y'know. I know these books aren't written for me, but c'mon.

I've seen it quite a lot, but often it is often sold as meet-cute or spicy, when as someone from that community, it reads as stalkerish, or sometimes worse (including borderline SA)

I get that anyone can write diverse books, as we always need more, but please, please make sure you get sensitivity readers.

If there is something you wouldn't write for a straight based romance novel because it crosses the boundaries of acceptability, please do not think it is ok to include them in books with same sex MC's and call it 'spicy'.

A Pop Art style graphic with the title of the book in bubble writing in the centre, with the text Coming Spring 2026.

Synopsis: Adopted 23yo Harri senses a chance to escape from his dilapidated hometown after hearing of the death of his secret and estranged Uncle Eric. Upon meeting Eric’s flatmate Gloria in her Soho home, Harri discovers Eric was the opposite of his homophobic adoptive mother—he was Wilma Cockburn, the iconic lead star of famous 80's act The Dragnificent Seven, and prominent gay rights activist. Learning Uncle Eric’s dying wish was to reconnect with his drag friends, Harri sets off on a road trip with Gloria’s attractive friend Jack. Together they have one goal: find the missing queens. As each queen reveals their part in historical LGBTQ+ activism, Harri uncovers a dark truth about his adoptive mother’s past that will now impact his own future. When Harri attempts to organise a reunion show for the queens, he battles to keep his relationship with Jack alive. But when Jack goes missing, Harri’s mother arrives to demand Harri returns to his hometown. Caught in a showdown between his mother, Jack, and the drag queens, Harri must choose to honour the legacy of his uncle and fight to build a future with Jack, or keep ties with the woman who raised him.

👑EAST END BOYS AND WEST END GIRLS 👑

An Adult LGBTQ+ RomCom. Arriving Spring 2026 through Spectrum Books.

The novel follows Harri as he undertakes a road trip to reunite members of his late uncle's iconic 1980's drag troupe, The Dragnificent Seven.

The front cover of the book, with the characters of Alex and Theo nearby. The text reads: Available now. Half the World Away. When Theo joins Year 9 at his local state school, he reluctantly agrees to take part in a new national pen pal project. After losing hope of a reply, an unexpected letter arrives from Alex, a confident private school boarder, sparking a connection that could change everything. www.linktree.com/jamesalyons

Reviews - “Would fully recommend. It was such an easy read, and I absolutely loved it. The flow of the writing between Alex's letters and Theo's day were really well done and made it seamless to the point that you knew exactly what was going on.” ~ ARC review “A gorgeous, heartwarming, fuzzy book. I adored this from start to finish. I would have loved to have read more books like this growing up - so much about this book was wholesome and at the same time thought provoking. I would highly recommend this book! Absolutely gorgeous” ~ ARC review “Half the World Away explores love, distance, and identity in such a heartfelt way that I found myself smiling one minute and tearing up the next. It was tender, funnny, and quietly powerful. The themes of belonging, queer identity, and self-discovery shine through with warmth and emotion.” ~ ARC review “Half the World Away is a gorgeous, heartwarming story and I know you’ll just FALL IN LOVE with it! If you liked Heartstopper, you’ll love this! Sweet, wholesome and everything you need in a book.” ~ ARC review

SEPTEMBER 1995 According to Nan, I’m four times more likely to be eaten by a shark than I am to win the National Lottery. Well, the joke is on her. I have never paddled deeper than my shins in the sea, and in front of me sits a winning lottery ticket. It may only be three matching numbers and worth a tenner, but I will take any positivity I can get. Life has been one kickback after another recently. Ten pounds won’t change that, and I often wonder if I’ll ever get a real lucky day. Today is my second ever first day of school. With the way Mum has been making a fuss, I should have an adventurous excitement flowing through my veins with each ripple from my heartbeat. The truth is my stomach is knotted as I stare down at three soggy Weetabix. They swim around my bowl, turning to mush, whilst Take That remind me from the radio to never forget where I came here from.

Heartstopper meets Boy Like Me. Theo has been home schooled for three years, but his mother’s terminal illness forces him into Year Nine at his local school. Struggling to adapt, he’s persuaded to join a national pen pal project. His letter lands on the desk of Alex—a confident, private school boarder, and aspiring county rower—everything Theo is not. Despite their differences, the two begin to secretly confide, sharing struggles with grief, loneliness, and the pressures of a society demanding conformity. As their correspondence intensifies, Theo realises he has fallen for the boy in the letters. Concerned the outside world remains unwelcoming, and with Alex set to move to France, Theo must express his true feelings before they miss their chance to meet.

Half the World Away is now yours.

HEARTSTOPPER meets BOY LIKE ME

Set in the midst of Section 28, the BBC launch an inter-school pen pal project. Theo writes. Alex replies. This is what happens next.

Thanks to those who have written such wonderful reviews.

I really hope you all love it ✉️🌎

A fake one star amazon review. Posted under the name Noel Tinsel. It has one star from five and the headline Christmas ruined. The reason for the review is: DO NOT BUY!! At no point did it mention that Bob Cratchit was a frog! Would have given no stars, but assumed there was cheeses for them meeces, although unconfirmed.

Just posted my review of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens on Amazon.
One star. Waste of money.

An agent's guide to THE HEART DEVOURER'S SONG, an adult asian-inspired romantic fantasy. Selected for the 2025 SmoochPit mentorship program.

Devious sunshine fox demon bard x Soft-hearted grump demon hunter. 🌈Asexual spec MC 🌦️reluctant alliance 🌱Found Family ❤️Slow burn romance 🪕Inspired by Chinese music and mythology 🌖Morally gray yet kind MC 🏔️Chinese demons, immortals, and magic

Pitch: THE HUNGER GAMES meets DAUGHTER OF THE MOON GODDESS where a fox demon bard seeking to become human so she no longer has to devour hearts joins the deadly race up a wish-granting mountain but falls for a soft-hearted grump demon hunter—and with only one wish at the mountain’s peak, love is a weakness she can’t afford.

COMPS: Immortal, The Scorpion and the Night Blossom, The Serpent and the Wings of Night

An #agentsguide to THE HEART DEVOURER’S SONG, an adult, Asian-inspired romantic fantasy that was selected for the 2025 #smoochpit mentorship program.

All the art used in my agent's guide was illustrated by me.
.
#querying #fantasy #grumpysunshine #queryingwriter #romanticfantasy #amquerying

I am SO EXCITED for this, Spring 2026 can't come soon enough!!

Thank you so much as always 🥹

A Pop Art style graphic with the title of the book in bubble writing in the centre, with the text Coming Spring 2026.

Synopsis: Adopted 23yo Harri senses a chance to escape from his dilapidated hometown after hearing of the death of his secret and estranged Uncle Eric. Upon meeting Eric’s flatmate Gloria in her Soho home, Harri discovers Eric was the opposite of his homophobic adoptive mother—he was Wilma Cockburn, the iconic lead star of famous 80's act The Dragnificent Seven, and prominent gay rights activist. Learning Uncle Eric’s dying wish was to reconnect with his drag friends, Harri sets off on a road trip with Gloria’s attractive friend Jack. Together they have one goal: find the missing queens. As each queen reveals their part in historical LGBTQ+ activism, Harri uncovers a dark truth about his adoptive mother’s past that will now impact his own future. When Harri attempts to organise a reunion show for the queens, he battles to keep his relationship with Jack alive. But when Jack goes missing, Harri’s mother arrives to demand Harri returns to his hometown. Caught in a showdown between his mother, Jack, and the drag queens, Harri must choose to honour the legacy of his uncle and fight to build a future with Jack, or keep ties with the woman who raised him.

👑EAST END BOYS AND WEST END GIRLS 👑

An Adult LGBTQ+ RomCom. Arriving Spring 2026 through Spectrum Books.

The novel follows Harri as he undertakes a road trip to reunite members of his late uncle's iconic 1980's drag troupe, The Dragnificent Seven.

All links to purchase can be found here: www.linktree.com/jamesalyons

A picture of the Amazon Best Sellers in Gay Fiction for Young Adults. #1 The Sun and the Stars by Rick Riordan #2 and #3 Heartstopper Volumes by Alice Oseman, and #4 Half the World Away by James A Lyons

Half the World Away is number 4 in in the Gay YA chart today!

Thank you anyone who has bought a copy, or shared one of my many posts about it!

Just got this! Can’t wait to read!

Thank you! ❤️

Happy book birthday! 🥳

Get your copy for as little as £3.99 at:

www.linktree.com/jamesalyons

Get your copy for as little as £3.99 at:

www.linktree.com/jamesalyons

The front cover of the book, with the characters of Alex and Theo nearby. The text reads: Available now. Half the World Away. When Theo joins Year 9 at his local state school, he reluctantly agrees to take part in a new national pen pal project. After losing hope of a reply, an unexpected letter arrives from Alex, a confident private school boarder, sparking a connection that could change everything. www.linktree.com/jamesalyons

Reviews - “Would fully recommend. It was such an easy read, and I absolutely loved it. The flow of the writing between Alex's letters and Theo's day were really well done and made it seamless to the point that you knew exactly what was going on.” ~ ARC review “A gorgeous, heartwarming, fuzzy book. I adored this from start to finish. I would have loved to have read more books like this growing up - so much about this book was wholesome and at the same time thought provoking. I would highly recommend this book! Absolutely gorgeous” ~ ARC review “Half the World Away explores love, distance, and identity in such a heartfelt way that I found myself smiling one minute and tearing up the next. It was tender, funnny, and quietly powerful. The themes of belonging, queer identity, and self-discovery shine through with warmth and emotion.” ~ ARC review “Half the World Away is a gorgeous, heartwarming story and I know you’ll just FALL IN LOVE with it! If you liked Heartstopper, you’ll love this! Sweet, wholesome and everything you need in a book.” ~ ARC review

SEPTEMBER 1995 According to Nan, I’m four times more likely to be eaten by a shark than I am to win the National Lottery. Well, the joke is on her. I have never paddled deeper than my shins in the sea, and in front of me sits a winning lottery ticket. It may only be three matching numbers and worth a tenner, but I will take any positivity I can get. Life has been one kickback after another recently. Ten pounds won’t change that, and I often wonder if I’ll ever get a real lucky day. Today is my second ever first day of school. With the way Mum has been making a fuss, I should have an adventurous excitement flowing through my veins with each ripple from my heartbeat. The truth is my stomach is knotted as I stare down at three soggy Weetabix. They swim around my bowl, turning to mush, whilst Take That remind me from the radio to never forget where I came here from.

Heartstopper meets Boy Like Me. Theo has been home schooled for three years, but his mother’s terminal illness forces him into Year Nine at his local school. Struggling to adapt, he’s persuaded to join a national pen pal project. His letter lands on the desk of Alex—a confident, private school boarder, and aspiring county rower—everything Theo is not. Despite their differences, the two begin to secretly confide, sharing struggles with grief, loneliness, and the pressures of a society demanding conformity. As their correspondence intensifies, Theo realises he has fallen for the boy in the letters. Concerned the outside world remains unwelcoming, and with Alex set to move to France, Theo must express his true feelings before they miss their chance to meet.

Half the World Away is now yours.

HEARTSTOPPER meets BOY LIKE ME

Set in the midst of Section 28, the BBC launch an inter-school pen pal project. Theo writes. Alex replies. This is what happens next.

Thanks to those who have written such wonderful reviews.

I really hope you all love it ✉️🌎

OUT TOMORROW!!!!

On the right is the front cover of the book Half the World Away, with the characters of Alex and Theo. Alex is dressed in a blue school blazer, whereas Theo is in a green jacket, sat cross legged. ON the left is the text Heartstopper x Boy Like Me When Theo joins Year 9 at his local state school, he reluctantly agrees to take part in a new national pen pal project. After losing hope of a reply, an unexpected letter arrives from Alex, a confident private school boarder, sparking a connection that could change everything.

My new novel HALF THE WORLD AWAY is out early next week!

If you are looking for a new LGBTQ+ young adult read, see the below tweet for places to get your copy! Also available from most booksellers worldwide.

A picture of a drag queen with a glitch filter. At the top in bold yellow are the words: Wake up. Wear heels. Kick arse. At the bottom in shadow text is the name The Dragnficent seven

I have some more book news coming at the end of this month 👀

Get your copy from the below, or your local bookseller!

www.linktree.com/jamesalyons

On the right is the front cover of the book Half the World Away, with the characters of Alex and Theo. Alex is dressed in a blue school blazer, whereas Theo is in a green jacket, sat cross legged. ON the left is the text Heartstopper x Boy Like Me When Theo joins Year 9 at his local state school, he reluctantly agrees to take part in a new national pen pal project. After losing hope of a reply, an unexpected letter arrives from Alex, a confident private school boarder, sparking a connection that could change everything.

My new novel HALF THE WORLD AWAY is out early next week!

If you are looking for a new LGBTQ+ young adult read, see the below tweet for places to get your copy! Also available from most booksellers worldwide.

a picture of two teenage monster hunters - a white boy with white hair and an Asian girl with black and blonde hair - by artist iLiibra, next to the title "An Agent's Guide to The Tithe That Binds by Arlen Ren"

YA. Paranormal. 78k. When an inept teen monster hunter is sent undercover to a prestigious college, he's horrified to discover that he's the only thing standing between its students and certain death. Failing to find his power, he instead finds a girl with powers she shouldn't have...who he shouldn't be falling for. Longlisted in the 2024 Times Chicken House competition.

It was crouched on the edge of the building, instantly recognisable by its ashen skin and lipless mouth, eyeless sockets and gleaming fangs. Vampire.

For fans of Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy, The Witcher by Andrzej Sapkowski, and First Kill by V.E. Schwab. Shared themes are monsters drawn to hunters, forbidden feelings, action-packed fight sequences and a secret monster-hunting society.

He's the only thing standing between college students and certain death. Unfortunately, teen monster hunter Daniel is responsible for more civilian deaths than monster kills, and unless he can find the key to a power he doesn't believe in, his new friends will pay the price...

#QuestPit #YA #Q #UF

Title "Critical positions" with subtitle "a horror novel (with romance)" over a background of a filled dinner table

On the left is a brown and red moodboard and on the right is a pitch for the novel critical positions

A Certain Hunger X Diavola

Critical Position's first #Agentguide

🫀Why choose love triangle
🫀Misogyny in chess
🫀Eat the rich like that one Dutch minister
🫀Too many beds and using none of them

#H #R #A #W #Questpit