Alexandra Almond

@alexandraalmond

Writer, designer, would-be footballer. she/her. On Bunurong land, voted YES. Debut novel THOROUGHLY DISENCHANTED won the Aurealis Award for Best Fantasy Novel 2024.

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Alexandra Almond@alexandraalmond· 15d

Post the best picture you have ever taken of your pet. (it's actually my brother's dog)

A majestic golden retriever standing knee deep in snow that is untouched other than her footsteps to get to that point. You can see ski runs on the mountains in the background, there are glimpses of blue sky and sun trying to blast through the clouds, and an alpine village and fir trees in the closer distance.

Alexandra Almond@alexandraalmond· 26d

FFS. The AFL have scheduled Collingwood men's R23 game to clash with the first game of the Collingwood AFLW season. #fail #afl #couldn't-organise-a-pissup-in-a-brewery #oldwhitemen #ffs

A screenshot of a fixture showing Hawthorn v Collingwood to play each other at 7.40pm at the MCG. (This is the men's team)

A snapshot of a fixture showing Richmond v Collingwood at 5.05pm at IKON park. (this is the women's team)

Alexandra Almond@alexandraalmond· Jul 24

BOOKSHOP MAGIC; where you'll find the book you need. It’s always raining outside but cozy inside, your favourite armchair will be free, and the bookshop dog will curl up with you to read. Best of all; on your birthday you can read your favourite book for the first time again. #questpit #Q #P #RF #S

A magical-looking floorplan of a bookshop. The rooms are named (Pooh Corner, The Scriptorium, Gurgler, Yellow, Possibility, Exeunt Omnes, Taboo, The Fishbowl). The bookshop animals are in the margins: Willow the golden retriever, Spike and Angel the cats, and Drusilla the huntsman spider.

Alexandra Almond@alexandraalmond· Jul 23

I blame Collingwood. #AFLCrowsPies #AFL #gopies (Not that I mind. Great game.)

A blurry photo of a smart watch alert saying "High Heart Rate. Your heart rate rose above 120 BPM while you seemed to be inactive for 10 minutes from 9:57pm."

Alexandra Almond@alexandraalmond· Jul 14

I read and loved A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangdu Mandanna. It's absolutely glorious and heartwarming and lovely with found family and people accepting each other and animals and a great house. I wish I’d written it ❤️

The illustrated cover of A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna. It's all shades of green down the bottom (grass fence flowers house) and pink up top (sky and trees). The house is three storeys with pointy bits and lots of windows with warm lighting, it looks enchanting. There is a woman with a book, a fox, a skeleton of a chicken and a man with a cup of tea.

Alexandra Almond@alexandraalmond· Jul 10

Captain's tips for longevity in honour of his 15th birthday today: 1. STAY ACTIVE. Insist on a walk morning and night, no matter if it's raining or how tired your human is. 2. BE AN OPTIMIST. Something exciting is bound to be around that corner. 3. EAT MORE POO. I know. Apparently it's a thing.

A handsome golden labrador stands on the frosty grass, sunrise in the background. You can't see it, but his tail is wagging.

Alexandra Almond@alexandraalmond· Jun 30

A mix of romance, fantasy and literary this month and all of them excellent.

The covers of 8 books:
FOSTER
LADY'S KNIGHT
WE WHO HUNT THE HOLLOW
SHROUD
SMALL THINGS LIKE THESE
HOW TO FIND A GUY IN 5 WEDDINGS
FATHER MATERIAL
YELLOWFACE

Alexandra Almond@alexandraalmond· Jun 29

Two books in June's parcel, I guess because they're both quite small (next time I really need Karina to leave me a note about her rationale for why she chose each book). The Unseen by Roy Jacobsen and Foster by Claire Keegan.

A stack of brown-paper wrapped books labelled July (top) through to December (bottom). In front of the stack are two newly-unwrapped books: The Unseen by Roy Jacobsen which has a vaguely unsettling black and pale purple illustrated cover of maybe a boat on the ocean, and Foster by Claire Keegan which is a picture of a simple looking house.

Alexandra Almond@alexandraalmond· Jun 11

Things are a bit esoteric in Yarraville today.

A lifesize yellow cardboard human silhouette is stuck in a leafless tree, pointing at the sky, with the words LOOK UP AND LIVE written on its torso. It's dawn, with the sky lightening and a crescent moon just visible in the top left corner. A golden labrador trots away from the camera, ignoring the advice with his nose firmly fixed to the ground.

Alexandra Almond@alexandraalmond· Jun 11

It's so good when they do that! Circular Quay station in Sydney is one of my favourites for the same reason.

A wide, undercover station platform looking away from the trains towards a water view, with the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House visible in the distance.

Alexandra Almond@alexandraalmond· Jun 11

I read and loved How to Find a Guy in Five Weddings by @cynthiatimoti.bsky.social

Cartoon-style cover of a clearly romance book, How to Find a Guy in Five Weddings by Cynthia Timoti. It has a pale blue background, a stylish woman with long black hair wearing a swanky red dress, her arms are folded and she's looking over her shoulder at a taller brown-haired man in a suit holding a glass of champagne. There are four other guys in the background sitting on the kind of white chairs you might find at an outdoor wedding.

Alexandra Almond@alexandraalmond· Jun 6

I read and loved Father Material by Alexis Hall. It's the third in a series so don't start here. Luc and Oliver are still messed up but figuring it out together, and taking on real grown up responsibilities like a puppy and a foster kid. A really beautiful close out to their arc.

Cover of Father Material by Alexis Hall. It has a blue and red and white background in boxy shapes with white illustrations off british stuff, with a very tall and skinny illustrated version of Luc holding the leash of a happy puppy, and with his other arm around Oliver.

Alexandra Almond@alexandraalmond· Jun 5

Best. Month. Ever. thanks mainly to terrific new releases from @kjcharleswriter.com @quicunquevult.bsky.social and @marthawells.com May saw the start of our family Hugo Readalong (the Incandescent and the Everlasting), and all other books also entertaining and good value. Keep 'em coming 😊

The covers of 10 books with the title May reads, May 2026
- Platform Decay by Martha Wells
- Never After by Alexis Hall
- How to Fake it in Society by KJ Charles
- The Incadescent by Emily Tesh
- The Duke by Anna Cowan
- The Entanglement of Rival Wizards
- Moriarty and Moran's North Yorkshire Crime Spree by Kit Walker
- The Everlasting by Alix E Harrow
- When the Moon Hits Your Eye by John Scalzi
- The Paris Match by Kate Clayborn

Alexandra Almond@alexandraalmond· May 31

May is Yellowface, which is extremely good timing because I went to see RF Kuang at the Melbourne Writers’ Festival a couple of weeks ago (sold out town hall) and she was TERRIFIC.

The book Yellowface by RF Kuang—a bright yellow cover with eyes looking quizzically out of it—leaning against a stack of brown-paper wrapped books with the spines labelled June (top) July August September October November December (bottom).

Alexandra Almond@alexandraalmond· May 4

I read and loved How To Fake It In Society by @kjcharleswriter.com A delicious queer historical romance where quiet colourman (person who makes and sells paints) Titus unexpectedly comes into a fortune that outlandish scoundrel Nico thinks should be his.

Cover of the book How to Fake it in Society by KJ Charles with the tagline "Step 1: Don't fall in love". It has a pale green background that looks like wallpaper maybe? And two handsomely dressed regency gentleman back-to-back. The shorter, facing us, wears a green coat and is clearly full of confidence. The taller is looking over his shoulder towards us with a hint of shyness, he is wearing a rich blue coat. They are holding hands.

Alexandra Almond@alexandraalmond· Apr 23

Celebrating the 85th birthday of this amazing woman, my mum, with high tea at Parliament House. Highly recommended the experience.

A very sprightly and well dressed looking older woman holding up a birthday cheesecake with Happy Birthday written on the plate in chocolate icing. The sun is shining through the window and she is smiling as if all is well with the world.

Alexandra Almond@alexandraalmond· Apr 19

April is The Not So Chosen One by Kate Emery. I have absolutely no recollection of this book, but it must have got on my TBR shelf from somewhere. It's YA magic school set in Perth (Australia); I think I'm gonna like it.

A pile of brown-paper wrapped books labelled December (bottom) through to May (top) with an unwrapped book in front, The Not So Chosen One. This has a dark blue cover and stars and looks kind of magical.

Alexandra Almond@alexandraalmond· Apr 7

"Yes I know you're hungry, but dinner's at least an hour away. It's not my fault, blame the government." A daily conversation with Captain every time daylight savings ends (it takes him about 3 months to acclimatise).

A old (but very handsome) golden labrador glaring at the camera. Dinner is late and no excuses will be acknowledged, much less accepted.

Alexandra Almond@alexandraalmond· Apr 1

Favourites this month were my two #transrightsreadathon books The Casefile of Jay Moriarty and Running Close to the Wind. I also thoroughly enjoyed the new Cat Sebastian and T Kingfisher novels.

Eleven book covers with the heading March reads and March 2026 at the foot.
Gravity Let Me Go by Trent Dalton
Tadek and the Princess by Alexandra Rowland
A Taste of Gold and Iron by Alexandra Rowland
Running Close to the Wind by Alexandra Rowland
Reputation by Lex Croucher
Swerve by Phillip Gwynne
Star Shipped by Cat Sebastian
Hemlock Y Silver by T. Kingfisher
Jay Moriarty Violates the Official Secrets Act by Kit Walker
Return of the Thief by Megan Whalen Turner
Thick as Thieves by Megan Whalen Turner

Alexandra Almond@alexandraalmond· Mar 30

March is On A Barbarous Coast by Craig Cormick and Harold Ludwick. I picked this up at Conflux last year where I heard Craig talk; can't wait to get into it.

A copy of the book On A Barbarous Coast leaning against a stack of books that are wrapped in brown paper and labelled one for every month of the year (January, February and March are missing from the top)

Alexandra Almond@alexandraalmond· Mar 30

Stop scrolling and post two characters who bring you happiness.

The cover of Subtle Blood by KJ Charles, showing Will Darling (tan suit, bow tie, knife in his hand) and Kim Secretan (blue suit and matching bow tie, sideburns, and a bottle of wine) toasting each other.

Alexandra Almond@alexandraalmond· Mar 21

I read Running Close to the Wind by Alexandra Rowland for #transrightsreadathon It's actually a reread; I love this madcap, hilarious romp. Avra (chaotic ex-spy) and Teveri (Pirate captain) and Julian (hot monk vowed to celibacy) are the trio I didn’t know I needed.

The cover art for Running Close to the Wind by Alexandra Rowland. It has a swirly teal background with white writing, a silhouette of a pirate ship in purple, and three yellow figures (a monk, a pirate and a guy lounging on the word wind, looking cheeky)

Alexandra Almond@alexandraalmond· Mar 18

I read and loved Jay Moriarty Violates the Official Secrets Act by Kit Walker for #transrightsreadathon It's the first in a terrific series of long short stories featuring Sebastian Moran (tough guy who's good with a lock pick) & Jay Moriarty (super hacker). www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

Book cover for Jay Moriarty Violates the Official Secrets Act by Kit Walker, with an image of a hand opening a clasp knife.

Alexandra Almond@alexandraalmond· Mar 3

Fairly light on reading month for me, and would have looked even lighter if I hadn't devoured the Queen's Thief series at the rate of a book a day towards the end. Highlight for the month was Prince of Fortune by @lisatirrenoauthor.bsky.social

The covers of 9 books:
A closed and common orbit by Becky Chambers
Three days in June by Anne Tyler
Great big beautiful life by Emily Henry
Prince of Fortune by Lisa Tirreno
Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy
The first four books in the Queen's Thief series by Megan Whalen Turner

Alexandra Almond@alexandraalmond· Feb 17

Two books in February! Both quite slim, i guess that’s why.

Two books (Three Days in June and Swerve) rest on a coffee table in front of a stack of brown paper wrapped books labelled one for each month starting with March on top through to December on the bottom.

Alexandra Almond@alexandraalmond· Feb 14

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE Boyfriend Material: Luc & Oliver remind us that messed up looks different for everyone. Ghosted: The perfect blend of spooky & romantic. Salty, Spiced & a Little Bit Nice: Pacy, warm and funny, with delicious baking. The Long Game: The sequel to Heated Rivalry (it's better).

Four book covers:
Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall
Ghosted by Amy Hutton
Salty, Spiced and a Little Bit Nice by Cynthia Timoti
The Long Game by Rachel Reid

Alexandra Almond@alexandraalmond· Feb 14

HISTORICAL ROMANCE Mr Collins in Love: You'll never see Pride & Prejudice the same way again. After Hours at Dooryard Books: Set inside a bookshop in New York 1968 What Will People Think? A terrific 1970s Indian retelling of Pride & Prejudice. Lord of Scoundrels: Swoon-worthy historical romance.

Four book covers:
Mr Collins in Love by Lee Welch
After Hours at Dooyard Books by Cat Sebastian
What Will People Think? by Vedashree Khambete-Sharma
Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase

Alexandra Almond@alexandraalmond· Feb 14

AUSSIE ROMANCE In Spite of You: hilarious queer revenge romance. After the Siren: queer footy romance with an absolutely terrific ending full of joy and hope and future possibilities. An Academic Affair: rival academics falling in love. It Sounded Better In My Head: coming of age in Melbourne.

Four book covers:
In Spite of You by Patrick Lenton
After the Siren by Darcy Green
An Academic Affair by Jodi McAlister
It Sounded Better In My Head by Nina Kenwood

Alexandra Almond@alexandraalmond· Feb 14

FANTASY ROMANCE Prince of Fortune: Heartwarming coming of age fantasy romance. Swordheart: Unlikely pairing of a middle-aged housekeeper & a snarky swordsman trapped in a blade. Spectred Isle: Gorgeous 1920s paranormal romance. Swordcrossed: Workaholic family man meets sword-wielding con-artist.

The covers of four books:
Prince of Fortune by Lisa Tirreno
Swordheart by T Kingfisher
Spectred Isle by KJ Charles
Swordcrossed by Freya Marske

Alexandra Almond@alexandraalmond· Feb 14

In response to all the very annoying lists of valentine's day books that aren't actually romances, threaded here are some recommended romance reads from me.