Since Punxsutawney Phil went and ruined all our plans for an early spring, we’ve got a couple more weeks of winter to endure. That makes this the perfect time to stay indoors, curl up on the couch, and whisk yourself away to Fantasy Land with these fresh LGBT literary finds.

Does coming out in Hollywood hurt your career? Some stars say yes (Rupert Everett will talk your ear off about it), while others have gracefully transitioned from working actor in the closet to still-working actor (with even better roles) out of it. That’s just one of the facets of "Illusions," a story about television star Skylar Murphy who’s poised to make it big – but not without a few complications along the way. Skylar’s life is turned upside down when he meets Aiden Moore, an openly gay firefighter, at a launch party for his new show. But while Aiden initially rejects Skylar (something he’s not used to), fate keeps their paths crossing when Skylar is the victim of an arson that sets of a threatening chain of events.

‘Beau, Lee, the Bomb, & Me’ by Mary McKinley

Snow day have your teen stuck inside? Hand them a copy of "Beau, Lee, The Bomb, & Me," author Mary McKinley’s debut young adult novel that confronts several topical issues like obesity, bullying and being gay. When the going gets tough, Rusty Winters – a sarcastic but vulnerable girl with a wicked wit – finds solace in her friends, including new kid Beau Gales, whose welcome to town isn’t so warm, as they set off on a road trip to escape the harsh realities at home.

Consider "The Conscious Sexual Self Workbook" an anti-"Kama Sutra." Because rather than focus on the sexual relationship between you and your partner, this handy guide encourages you to explore your own sexual history, values and desires. Are you truly in tune with what you want from the intimacy you experience? Are you missing out on erotic situations because you’re embarrassed or hesitant to explore? Let your guard down and pursue a better sex life that starts with you.

Susan is like any other new graduate who jets off to Southeast Asia to "find herself" – naïve. Initially she fills her downtime while volunteering in Thailand with typical American recreation – drinking; trying to find a tall, dark and handsome Western man in a sea of shorties – but when she crosses paths with transgender Thai prostitute Christine, her world gets a whole lot bigger as the two embark on adventures with a cast of quirky characters and life-changing events.

Much is made about romantic relationships between partners with a noticeable generational gap – can we stop calling the older guy "daddy" already, please? – and Stephen Greco’s new novel explores the modern nuances of these gay partnerships and what it takes for them to succeed. The reader hears both sides of the fictional love story of 28-year-old literary hopeful Will and the getting-up-there Peter within the backdrop of New York City past and present.

‘The Rebellion of Miss Lucy Ann Lobdell’ by William Klaber

How do you make it in a man’s world if you’re a woman? When it’s 1855 and women’s rights are all but nonexistent, you dress like a dude and take what’s yours. That’s what the real-life Lucy Lobdell did on the frontier just as the Gold Rush was coming to an end. But her decision to leave her young daughter and family behind in search of a better life has bitter consequences – like public scorn, physical violence and answering to the law. This fictional take on Lobdell’s life includes newspapers articles and sources from the true life of this courageous woman who was way ahead of her time.

You can pick up the new YA novel-nomenon du jour about a not-so-distant dystopian future – seriously, is society doomed to a life of depression? – or you can pick up this murder-mystery series starring Allie Lindell, stay-at-home lesbian mom turned detective, which kicks off with "Roadkill." There are three existing books in this serial whodunit with two more additions scheduled for release this summer and fall, respectively.

Celebrated New York Times reporter Jack Winthrop is in trouble. After agreeing to collaborate on controversial talk show host Abraham Lincoln Jones’ "Emancipation Tour," he’s found himself in the crosshairs of a crazed stalker who’s putting everybody’s life in danger. Even Jones’ unconventional family – including Rita Harvey, the transgender ex-priest and LGBT activist; Slow Mo, the larger-than-life vegetarian bouncer; Donna the stripper; and Jones’ lover, media expert Danielle Jackson – are targets of the madman. Can Winthrop uncover the truth before it’s too late? Put on your investigative specs and get lost in this fast-paced and gritty thriller by Joe Wenke.

While all your sexually deprived and desperate friends are lining up in the cold for the film version of "50 Shades of Grey," you can stay cozy in the comfort of your own home with "The Manservant," a modern-day comedy of manners based on the audacious experiences of Michael Hardwood, personal chef to Britain’s aristocracy. For this fictionalized tale, dive into the down-and-dirty world of a dashing butler who discreetly carries out his master’s requests – and, yes, it includes a paddle.

Russell Middlebrook – who you may remember as the protagonist of Brent Hartinger’s 2003 novel "Geography Club" (there’s now a film adaptation, too; great pick for LGBT movie night with your friends) – returns in "The Thing I Didn’t Know I Didn’t Know," the first in a new series for adults. At age 23, Russell’s living in trendy Seattle but lacks the direction and drive that seems to come easy to his friends. Enter blast-from-the-past Kevin, his high school boyfriend; eccentric screenwriter Vernie Rose, who’s vying for Russell’s attention; and Gunner, Russell’s BFF ready to set out on a search for Bigfoot. Each give Russell a lot to think about.