43 Most-anticipated new Queer books 2025

1. The Devourer by Alison Ames – January 7

When Adra Dantes’ half-brother Cameron attacks their father and robs him of a priceless treasure map, he leaves him a shell of the pirate captain he once was. Now Adra’s only aim in life is to kill Cameron, retrieve her father’s map, and claim the treasure herself.

2. The Broposal by Sonora Reyes – January 21

In this Latinx adult romance debut from National Book Award Finalist Sonora Reyes, two friends enter into a marriage of convenience to save one from deportation—but everything changes when they unexpectedly fall in love.

3. It’s a Love/Skate Relationship – January 28

Fans of Rachael Lippincott, Elise Bryant, and Dahlia Adler will love this joyful debut novel, a sapphic enemies-to-lovers romance between a hotheaded hockey player and the ice princess at the figure skating rink next door.

Charlie Porter is a force to be reckoned with, both on and off the hockey rink. When she accidentally starts a brawl after a game, she’s suspended from school, meaning no hockey this season–and no chance to play in front of college scouts.

4. Runnin’ No More by G.T. Dípè – February 14

Love shouldn’t be a crime, but for twenty-three-year-old Teniade Adeowo, it is. After fleeing Nigeria to escape both the law and his trauma, he arrives in England determined to leave everything behind.

But when his path collides with Stefan Wickström’s at Heathrow, Ade learns that sometimes the things you run from have a way of chasing you down.

5. The Girl You Know by Elle Gonzalez Rose – February 14

They Wish They Were Us meets All That’s Left to Say in this dark academia thriller about who is allowed to break the rules—and who suffers the consequences.

The week before Luna’s twin sister Solina was supposed to return for her final semester at Kingswood Academy, an elite boarding school in the Washington mountains, she told Luna she was dropping out. When Luna refused to let her throw away her future, Solina disappeared.

6. Say a Little Prayer by Jenna Voris – March 4

A wry, heartfelt tale of a teen who’s taking her church camp by storm—one deadly sin at a time.

Riley quietly left church a year ago when she realized there was no place for a bi girl in her congregation. But it wasn’t until the pastor shunned her older sister for getting an abortion that she really wanted to burn it all down.

7. The Shots you Take by Rachel Reid- March 4

A sweet and sexy hockey romance about two ex-teammates and former best friends with benefits who are about to discover whether you can ever really have a second chance, from the USA TODAY bestselling author of Heated Rivalry and The Long Game.

After moving back to his hometown ten years ago, Riley Tuck thought he had left his major league hockey career—and his broken heart—far behind. But when an unexpected tragedy strikes, it brings ex-teammate and former best friend with benefits Adam Sheppard back into his life.

8. Fable for the End of the World by Ava Reid – March 4

The Last of Us meets The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes in this standalone dystopian romance about survival, sacrifice, and love that risks everything.

By encouraging massive accumulations of debt from its underclass, a single corporation, Caerus, controls all aspects of society.

Inesa lives with her brother in a half-sunken town where they scrape by running a taxidermy shop. Unbeknownst to Inesa, their cruel and indolent mother has accrued an enormous debt—enough to qualify one of her children for Caerus’s livestreamed assassination spectacle: the Lamb’s Gauntlet.

9. Homegrown Magic by Jamie Pacton and Rebecca Podos – March 11

A delightful queer romantic fantasy full of friends-to-lovers chemistry, found family, rival family drama, and cozy garden magic.

Yael Clauneck is the only scion of an obscenely wealthy banking family with its fingers in every pie in the realm. They’re on the precipice of a predetermined life when they flee their own graduation party, galloping away in search of…well, they’re not sure, but maybe the chance to feel like life can still be a grand adventure.

10. Idolfire by Grace Curtis – March 11

An epic sapphic fantasy roadtrip inspired by the fall of Rome, from the Sunday Times bestselling author of Frontier and Floating Hotel

On one side of the world, Aleya Ana-Ulai is desperate for a chance. Her family have written her off as a mistake, but she’s determined to prove every last one of them wrong.

11. Lovely Dark and Deep by Elisa A. Bonnin – March 25

From author Elisa A. Bonnin comes Lovely Dark and Deep, a YA dark academia novel exploring magic, loneliness, and the power of found family.

Hidden off the coast of Washington, veiled in mist, there is an island that does not appear on any map. And on that island is Ellery West.

Ellery West has always been home for Faith. After an international move and a childhood spent adjusting to a new culture and a new language, the acclaimed school for magic feels like the only place she can be herself. That is, until Faith and another student walk into the forest, and only Faith walks out.

12. If I Dig You by Colby Wilkens – March 25

An f/f adventure romance where the only thing trickier than finding gold is understanding what’s in your best friend’s heart.

Archaeologists Isadora Ross and Louise Morgenstern have been best friends for sixteen years. But ever since Lou went back on a promise, broke off her toxic engagement and took a once-in-a-lifetime job on a dig in Turkey, leaving Isi behind – their relationship has been teetering on a precipice.

13. Of Wolves and Stags by Ria Parisi- March 25

Dalia Arrowood is a Crystalline. A living weapon created by brutal elven experiments. For ten years now, she has kept a promise to her sister: to stay hidden and to never use her powers, in order to stay safe. But safety has a way of feeling like a cage, and when she finds a human resistance fighter dying on the shores of her village, she makes the choice to break her promise. This choice not only exposes her to the world but allows her to join his ragtag group in their fight to find the only hope the humans have of winning their freedom—the last cache of magical crystals. The race to this goal will not be easy, as a shadowy figure from Dalia’s past hunts them and she must learn to navigate a world set to see her as either one of two things: a weapon to be used or a monster to be feared.

14. Roll for Love by M.K England – April 8

Ashley Poston meets Becky Albertalli in this Sapphic, second-chance romance about a teen returning to her grandfather’s farm and how joining her childhood best friend’s Dungeons & Dragons game gives her the confidence to follow her dreams and get a second-chance at love with her first crush.

15. Pride or Die by CL Montblanc – April 15

In this delightful dark comedy debut, when the members of an LGBTQ+ club find themselves accidentally framed for attempted murder, it’s up to them to clear their names before it’s too late.

It’s kind of hard to graduate high school when you’re the prime suspect in an attempted murder.

16. Anywhere You Go by Bridget Morrissey- April 22

Author of THAT SUMMER FEELING Bridget Morrissey’s ANYWHERE YOU GO, pitched as a queer take on The Holiday meets The Switch, in which a small town waitress and big city press agent swap homes to escape their personal lives only to complicate their situations further when they each find love away from home.

17. If We Were a Movie by Zakiya N. Jamal – April 22

Rochelle “The Shell” Coleman is laser focused on only three things: becoming valedictorian, getting into Wharton, and, of course, taking down her annoyingly charismatic nemesis and only academic competition, Amira Rodriguez. However, despite her stellar grades, Rochelle’s college application is missing that extra special something: a job.

18. When the Tides Held the Moon by Venessa Vida Kelley – April 29

In Coney Island, true love rises to the surface. With lush illustrations and buoyant prose, Venessa Vida Kelley forges an unforgettable New York fairytale.

Benigno “Benny” Caldera knows an orphaned Boricua blacksmith in 1910s New York City can’t call himself an artist. But the ironwork tank he creates for famed Coney Island playground, Luna Park, astounds the eccentric sideshow proprietor who commissioned it. He invites Benny to join the show’s eclectic cast and share in their shocking secret: the tank will cage their newest exhibit, a live merman stolen from the salty banks of the East River.

19. The Lilac People by Milo Todd – April 29

For readers of All the Light We Cannot See and In Memoriam, a moving and deeply humane story about a trans man who must relinquish the freedoms of prewar Berlin to survive first the Nazis then the Allies while protecting the ones he loves

In 1932 Berlin, Bertie, a trans man, and his friends spend carefree nights at the Eldorado Club, the epicenter of Berlin’s thriving queer community. An employee of the renowned Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld at the Institute of Sexual Science, Bertie works to improve queer rights in Germany and beyond, but everything changes when Hitler rises to power. The institute is raided, the Eldorado is shuttered, and queer people are rounded up. Bertie barely escapes with his girlfriend, Sofie, to a nearby farm. There they take on the identities of an elderly couple and live for more than a decade in isolation.

20. The Unlikely Pursuit of Mary Bennet by Lindz McLeod – April 29

“After procuring several fervent assurances that his wife would apologize sincerely and deeply for his absence from Rosings that evening, Mr Collins reluctantly died.”

Thus begins THE UNLIKELY PURSUIT OF MARY BENNET, a sapphic romance between recently widowed Charlotte Lucas and grown-up scientist Mary Bennet. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll wonder at the sheer sturdiness of a well-built pianoforte.

21. Love at Second Sight by F.T. Lukens – April 29

Fifteen-year-old Cam Reynolds wants to spend his sophomore year flying under the radar. That shouldn’t be too hard, considering he’s a human going to school with kids who have paranormal powers, like his best friend and witch, Al, and his longtime werewolf crush, Mateo.

Then Cam has a psychic glimpse of the future in front of most of the student body, seeing a gruesomely murdered teen girl from the point of view of the killer. When Cam comes to, he knows two someone he goes to school with is a future murderer, and his life is about to change.

22. Once Upon You and Me by Timothy Janovsky – April 29

Charming fairy tale meets spicy bedtime story in this deliciously enchanting age-gap LGBTQIA+ romance

When Taylor Frost’s boss, Amy, flies him across the country to prep for her daughter’s sweet sixteen at the Storybook Endings Resort in the Catskills, the solo mission is well within his wheelhouse. Taylor is excellent at his job—except, he’s probably not supposed to flirt with the resort’s mountain man of a manager, Ethan Golding. Because the rugged older man is also the birthday girl’s father, aka Amy’s ex-husband. Oops.

23. Nav’s Foolproof Guide to Falling in Love by Jessica Lewis – April 29

Giving the new girl lessons in romance so she can woo your best friend couldn’t possibly go wrong…right?

Nav knows how to flirt, but she also knows love is a messy, losing proposition. She doesn’t need her best friend, Hallie, the serial monogamist, to demonstrate it to her over and over. So when shy new girl Gia asks Nav for help getting Hallie’s attention, Nav makes sure she seems genuine—she doesn’t want to add another heartbreak to Hallie’s never-ending list. They strike a bargain, and Nav agrees to give Gia lessons in romance. If it works, maybe Hallie can date someone decent for a change.

24. Awakened by A.E. Osworth – April 29

A coven of trans witches battles an evil AI in the magical coming-of-middle-age romp about love, loss, drag shows, and late capitalism. ​

On a morning much like any other, 30-something queer Brooklynite Wilder makes the miraculous discovery: suddenly, as if by magic, they can understand every language in the world. Dazed and disconnected, Wilder is found and taken in by a small coven of trans witches who have all become Awakened with mystical powers of their own.

25. Disco Witches of Fire Island by Blair Fell – May 6

In the late 1980s, a coven of queer witches on New York’s Fire Island strives to protect a young man facing a devastating tragedy.

A gripping novel of magic, romance, and hope—perfect for fans of The House in the Cerulean Sea, the Tales of the City series, and Red, White, and Royal Blue.

26. When Love Gives you Lemons by Steven Salvatore – May 13

In this exuberant and gorgeous YA romance from the critically acclaimed author of And They Lived…, a budding social media influencer sets out to win back his first love at a family wedding in an Italian lemon grove.

27. The Incandescent by Emily Tesh- May 13

Naomi Novik’s Scholomance series meets Plain Bad Heroines in this sapphic dark academia fantasy by instant national and international bestselling author Emily Tesh, winner of the Hugo and World Fantasy Awards.

28. Bears & Bakeries by Dylan Drakes- May 25

Locky Sorenson would bake every day if he could. There was just something magical about it. In the sight of the tidy copper measuring spoons. In the soft swish of flour through a silver sieve. In the alluring scent of freshly whipped buttercream or gooey chocolate chip cookies.

Of course, he’d never be a real baker. That was just a dream. And 30-something accountants didn’t get to live their dreams. Or so he thought.

29. Flirty Dancing by Jennifer Moffatt – May 27

Archer Read is 27 and desperate to find his place in life. Five months ago, he quit his soul-destroying accounting job in Ohio and moved to Manhattan with dreams of making it on Broadway. And now he has nothing to show for it but a string of rejections. Even for a ray-of-sunshine like Archer, hope can only go so far. A musical revue at Shady Queens, a queer-friendly resort in the Catskills, is his last chance to break into show biz—otherwise, it’s back to Ohio, broke and hopeless. He arrives ready to dance his heart out, only to find he’ll be working with his teenage celebrity crush, the Broadway star Mateo Dixon.

30. Love in Focus by Lyla Lee – May 27

When her seven-year long relationship suddenly falls apart, relationship advice columnist Gemma Cho is convinced that real love doesn’t exist. As a bisexual woman who’s had zero luck with both men and women, she’s ready to give up on her own romantic prospects when she gets paired up with Celeste Min, a world-renowned photographer, on a highly visual, potentially career-saving piece on modern love.

31. These Vengeful Gods by Gabe Cole Novoa – May 27

ALL GODS MUST DIE in this searingly relevant YA from award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of The Wicked Bargain and Most Ardently. In a world bound by violence, a teen descended from the god of Death must keep their true identity a secret as they fight their way through a gladiator-style competition towards victory and rebellion against the gods who murdered their family.

32. And They Were Roommates by Page Powars – May 29

Two roommates. One secret. A lot of love letters.

When Charlie joins Valentine Academy for Boys, love is the last thing on his mind. His only plan is to survive the school year with perfect grades and no one discovering that he’s trans. Especially his roommate, Jasper; a famous poet and Charlie’s ex-camp romance who doesn’t seem to recognise him. Yet.

32. Nobody in Particular by Sophie Gonzales – June 3

Young Royals meets The Prince and Me when a disgraced princess falls for a new student at their all-girls boarding school, but the two must hide their forbidden love at all costs.

Princess Rosemary of Henland can’t afford distractions. She’s working tirelessly to repair her image following a scandal that lost the trust of both her country and her best friend. Unfortunately, when a beautiful and funny new student joins her boarding school, Rose finds herself quite distracted indeed.

33. Vesuvius by Cass Biehn – June 5

Felix is a cunning thief. Loren is a temple attendant. Thrown together, the boys have to piece together their fates to make it out of a burning city. A stunning queer YA fantasy debut set in ancient Pompeii.
Give him your heart. Grasp your destiny. Get out alive.

34. Love, Misha by Askel Aden – June 10

In this stunning YA adventure, debut author Jam Aden weaves a story of family schism and reconciliation that effortlessly enriches the complex dynamics of mother and child.

35. Winging It with You by Chip Pons – June 10

Asher Bennet thought his relationship was just fine. Until he’s unceremoniously dumped at the Boston airport ahead of the world-wide travel competition reality show, The Epic Trek. Armed with only a ticket and righteous indignation, Asher finds the closest solace he can: a mimosa and mozzarella sticks combo at an airport TGI Fridays. Still, Asher is determined to find a new partner and luckily, right in front of him is a smooth-talking airline pilot ready for takeoff. 

36. SoulMatch by rebecca Danzenbaker – July 29

Two-hundred years after World War III, the world is at peace, all thanks to the soul-identification system. Every 18-year-old must report to the government to learn about their past lives, a terrifying process known as kirling. Good souls leave the institute with their inheritance, a career path, and if they’re lucky, a soulmate. Bad souls leave in handcuffs.

37. The Memory Hunters by Mia Tsai – July 29

Inception meets Indiana Jones in this propulsive fungal science fantasy following a headstrong academic and her equally stubborn bodyguard as they unearth an ancient secret that rocks the foundations of their society—and challenges their unspoken love for one another.

Kiana Strade can dive deeper into blood memories than anyone alive. But instead of devoting her talents to the temple she’s meant to lead, Key wants to do research for the Museum of Human Memory. . . and to avoid the public eye.

38. The Build-A-Boyfriend Project by Mason Deaver – August 5

Author of I WISH YOU ALL THE BEST Mason Deaver’s THE BUILD-A-BOYFRIEND PROJECT, in which a wannabe journalist gets the professional break he’s been looking for in the form of a sweet but inept young man who desperately needs to learn how to date, until real feelings threaten to derail both his career prospects and the relationship he didn’t know he wanted.

39. Marisol Acts the Part by Elle Gonzalez Rose – August 10

A teen actress lands a role on the same high-profile show as her ex-boyfriend—only for things to get messy when she falls for his cute scene partner—in a dazzling sapphic rom-com from the author of Caught in a Bad Fauxmance.

40. The Good Vampire’s Guide to Blood and Boyfriends by Jamie D’Amato – August 26

Heartstopper meets Buffy in this queer paranormal rom-com where a college freshman must navigate suddenly becoming a vampire, the underground society he’s now part of, and the cute boy who discovers his secret.

The Maiden and Her 41. Monster – Maddie Martinez – September 9

A gorgeous, atmospheric debut fantasy that reimagines the Jewish myth of golem in a tale rooted in history, folklore, and sapphic romance—perfect for fans of Katherine Arden, Ava Reid, Hannah Whitten, and Naomi Novik.

42. Witchlore by Emma Hinds – October 14

Holly Black meets Lex Croucher in this contemporary fantasy about a love story to raise the dead.

At Demdike College of Witchcraft, Orlando is an outcast. Not just for being the only shapeshifter in a college of witches. Not just for being a really bad shapeshifter, with no control over their magic or when their body switches between male and female forms. But because their girlfriend Elizabeth died – and it was Lando’s fault.

43. The Isle in the Silver Sea by Tasha Suri – October 30

World Fantasy Award-winning author Tasha Suri’s next standalone novel about a knight and a witch who must change the fate of magic and the world by altering the end of their story, pitched as Green Knight meets THE STARLESS SEA with reincarnation, to Priyanka Krishnan while at Orbit, with Tiana Coven editing, in a two-book deal, for publication in fall 2025, by Laura Crockett at TriadaUS Literary Agency (world).